Gypsy moths, mosquitoes in township's crosshairs
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO - Insect problems were addressed at the Township Council meeting on Feb. 21 when council members adopted resolutions supporting the 2008 gypsy moth spraying program and authorizing the 2008 mosquito spraying program.

The gypsy moth resolution states that a gypsy moth control program should be instituted with Monmouth County and with the state Department of Agriculture. It also allows the application for any county, federal or state funds that may be available.

The protection of vegetation and plant life is deemed to be a subject of public welfare, the resolution states, and all measures deemed necessary that comply with Monmouth County and the state's recommendations are authorized to suppress the infestation of gypsy moths.

No member of the public offered comments when given the chance to do so.

According to a map of the 2008 gypsy moth spray program, 70 acres inMarlboro will be in the spray zone. The area goes along Texas Road and stretches from Spring Valley Road to Wooleytown Road.

Under the 2008 mosquito spraying program the areas being treated are only those that have been found to have a significantly high mosquito population that may present either a public health nuisance or disease factor.

A letter to Marlboro from the Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission states that the commission anticipates resuming its treatment program on or about March 15 and continuing through Nov. 30.

In other business, a resolution was passed to apply for and obtain a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Smart Future Planning program in the amount of $50,000. This grant would be used to carry out a project to engage in a community-wide comprehensive planning process, according to the resolution.

Three ordinances were supposed to have a second reading, public hearing and vote for adoption at the Feb. 21 meeting, but due to what officials said was a clerical error on the part of a local daily newspaper the public hearings could not occur.

Township Attorney Ronald Gordon said the ordinances concerning escrow fees,Marlboro's cable television municipal access channel and a special emergency appropriation to pay for the revaluation of township properties all had to be tabled because public notices concerning those ordinances did not appear in the newspaper.

The ordinances are expected to be heard at the council's March 6 meeting.