Emergency Meeting Set For Tonight To Discuss Flood Issues

As residents continue the in the wake of Hurricane Irene, the Township Committee will meet at 7 p.m. tonight to approve a number of resolutions aimed at making the process a little easier for flood victims.

During the emergency session, officials will discuss flood relief efforts, and declare a state of emergency which will allow the town to procure goods and services required to help with the recovery efforts and "mitigate extensive damage" throughout the town.

In addition, the Township Committee will authorize an emergency budget appropriation of $1 million to help pay for flood-related expenses. The governing body is also planning to make it easier for homeowners to begin making repairs to their flood-damaged homes. They are planning to approve a resolution that will waive the fees for building, electrical, plumbing, fire, mechanical and zoning permits.

As the township continues to contend with approximately $1 million building caused by the hurricane, officials will also enter a mutual aid agreement with the county for
"services required to assist with recovery efforts." The Township Committee will also enter an interlocal service agreement with Westfield to allow the neighboring township to handle municipal court operations while repars are made to town hall.