Although the board took no action, the Jerome Township Trustees began the year by considering policies they may implement in 2023.
At the start of the meeting, Trustee Megan Sloat moved to add an item to the agenda regarding food trucks at the Township Hall.
She said township officials have been contacted by residents renting the township hall, inquiring whether they may have a food truck on the premises during their rental time.
Sloat said, in past instances, renters have been permitted to have food trucks during their rental time.
However, she said township employees have raised concerns that a food truck in the township parking lot – which is clearly visible from Industrial Parkway or Harry Wolfe Park – may create the appearance that the township is hosting a public event.
Trustee Barry Adler said he understands the concern but is unsure how to restrict the public from entering the parking lot. Sloat agreed.
Fiscal Officer Robert Caldwell said officials previously contacted the township’s insurance provider, who indicated they have “no issue” with the township having a food truck on its premises.
Caldwell noted that renters are responsible for providing food for their own events, so he does not see a food truck any differently than traditional catering.
He said preventing members of the public from ordering from the food truck during a private event would likely fall under the responsibility of the renter.
The board did not adopt a formal policy surrounding the matter, as Sloat indicated members will continue the discussion at an upcoming meeting when the full board is present. Trustee Wezlynn Davis was absent Tuesday.
Likewise, Sloat prompted the board to consider adopting a policy that will outline township practices in the case of inclement weather.
Especially in light of a recent Level 3 Snow Emergency in Union County around the holidays, Sloat said she feels it is important to formalize which employees are considered “essential personnel” and “who makes the call” as to whether staff is required to be in the office.
Generally, Sloat said a township administrator would be in charge of such decision making.
While the position is vacant, she said the board will likely need to determine an alternate.
Adler asked that the policy explicitly indicate that employees of the Division of Fire are considered essential staff and that decisions related to inclement weather fall under the jurisdiction of the chief.
Sloat said she sees the Division of Fire as a “separate entity” than the township employees governed by the proposed policy. Still, she said the board can consider Adler’s recommendation at a future meeting.
The board also did not move to adopt any such policy Tuesday night.
In other business:
– The board decided to wait to vote on the proposed 2023 budget until a future meeting when Davis is present.
Caldwell said the Division of Fire will see an 8% increase in revenue, while the general fund and road and bridge fund will both see a 35% increase.
He said the bump in revenue is largely due to property tax increases.
– The trustees are working with Zoning Inspector Eric Snowden to schedule a special meeting with consultants who responded to a request for proposals to lead the comprehensive plan update. The meeting will tentatively be during the week of Jan. 17.