New Township Chief to be Sworn In Thursday

Lt. Steven Hennelly of the Chatham Township Police Department will be formally sworn in Thursday for a position he has had for two weeks: that of Chief of Police in Chatham Township.

The committee unanimously voted Hennelly as the new chief at their Thursday, Jan. 31 meeting, and he took over the duties of chief the next day.

Hennelly replaces after 34 years with the Chatham Township Police Department, including four years as chief. 

Hennelly has been a member of the Chatham Township Police Department since 1987. As lieutenant he has also served as the Public Information Officer.

Budget Presentation

The township budget presentation is listed on the agenda for Thursday's meeting as a possible discussion item.

For the last two years, the township committee has approved a budget with no municipal tax increase for residents.

Shunpike Road Sidewalk

The committee will also vote on a final adoption of a law to put in a new sidewalk easement along Shunpike Road.

If approved, the sidewalk, when installed, will go from Green Village Road to Shunpike Field. Currently there is no sidewalk, and the committee hopes to increase user safety and pedestrian safety in installing the sidewalk.

Shunpike Road is a heavily trafficked road, by motor vehicles, pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists. Many of those to travel the road by foot or bicycle complain of speeding vehicles and unsafe driving on the road.

Liquor License Fees

The committee will also vote on the 2013 fees for liquor licenses in town.

Currently, consumption liquor licenses cost $1,915 and retail liquor licenses cost $630.

By state statute, the township is allowed to raise the annual cost of each liquor license by 20 percent, up to $2,500, according to Township Clerk Greg LaConte.

The Chatham Township Committee meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Chatham Township Municipal Building. A full copy of the agenda is in the Photos section of this article.