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Florence Township issued the following announcement on Jan. 21. 

Press Release For January 20, 2023

1. Florence Township Water and Sewer:

Florence Township Water and Sewer routinely monitors for the presence of federal and state regulated drinking water contaminants. New Jersey adopted a standard, or MCL, for PFOA in 2020 and monitoring began in 2021. The MCL for PFOA is 0.014 parts per billion (ppb) and is based on a running annual average (RAA), in which the four most recent quarters of monitoring data are averaged. On September 13, 2022, we received notice that the sample collected on August 24, 2022 showed that our system exceeds the PFOA levels. The RAA for PFOA based on samples collected over the last four quarters to be 0.015 ppb. After receiving notice, Florence Township immediately began testing our wells to locate the cause of the elevated PFOA results. We have identified the wells with the higher levels and will be taking them offline until corrective action is taken. Florence Township will consult with our water engineer to develop a corrective action plan. The wells that have been tested and are in compliance will continue to provide the main source of our drinking water. We will continue to test the wells to ensure the safety of our residents. We anticipate resolving the problem by October 2023. For more information, please contact David Lebak at (609)-499-2518.For frequently asked questions and answers regarding PFOA Levels, please go to the township web-site main page, under “Latest News in Florence” click on “See All News” and scroll down to October 28th and click on “Frequently Asked Questions Regarding High PFOA Levels”

2. Recycling Center:

The recycling center hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3. Township Activities:

Health & Wellness: Weekly Gentle Fitness classes are held every Thursday 11:00 a.m. to Noon at the Florence Twp. Community Center, 69 MainStreet, Roebling.Library Association: The crochet group meets every Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Shade Tree Commission: January 23, 2023 at 7:00PM.Florence Twp. Board of Education: January 23, 2023 at 7:00PM

4. Fire District:

The petitions for the Office of Fire Commissioner for one (1) three-year term and one (1) unexpired term for the Florence Twp. Fire District No. 1 are available from the office of the Fire District at 401 Firehouse Lane, Florence, N.J. 08518. Deadline for the filing of the petition with the Secretary of the Board of Fire Commissioners is 4:00 p.m., January 20, 2023.The Annual Election for the Office of Fire Commissioner for one (1) three-year term and one (1) one-year unexpired term, a Property Tax Cap Levy Referendum, and the adoption of the 2023 Fire District Budget on February 18, 2023, from the hours of 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Florence Fire Co. #1, 401 Firehouse Lane, Florence, NJ 08518.

5. Zoning & Planning Board Meetings:

For the safety of our board members, professionals and the public, residents are encouraged to attend the meeting virtually. Instructions for virtual attendance can be found on the Township’s Home Page website www.florence-nj.gov. Zoom recordings are made available on the website (www.florence-nj.gov) the next day.The Planning Board’s Reorganization meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.The Zoning Board’s Regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

6. Township Projects:

The below projects have started. We apologize for any inconvenience these projects may cause the residents and thank you for your patience.2022 Road Program:

West 2nd from Broad to Boulevard St.; West 5th from Spring to Church; Winter St. from West Front to West 2nd and 3rd to 6th Street; Summer St. from West Front to West 3rdStreet; Spring St. from West Front to West 2nd; Church St. from West Front to West 3rd;Zinc St. and Iron St. from West Front to West 3rd; Bike Path on 5th Street from Spruce to Eyre Street; and Main St. in Roebling from 2nd to 5th Avenues both sides.9th Street:

Some sidewalk work, curbing, milling and paving has begun. Please be aware there will be temporary no parking in these areas. Signs will be posted the day before work is scheduled.7. Police Department:

If you have an emergency, dial 911. If it is a non-emergency requiring police response, call (609) 267- 8300. The police lobby window will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you require police assistance, please use the yellow call box located by the Municipal Building Main Lobby doors. A police officer will subsequently be dispatched to handle your matter. Please see the Police Department website (https://florence-nj.gov/public-safety/police/) to obtain Police Reports, Handicap Placards or call (609) 499-3131.

8. Water Service Lines Letters:

In July 2021, P.L.2021, Ch.183 (Law) was enacted, requiring all community water systems to replace lead service lines in their service area within 10 years. Under the law, Florence Township is required to notify customers, non-paying consumers, and any off-site owner of a property (e.g., landlord) when it is known or unknown, if they are served by a lead service line. A letter was sent out on 9/1/22 to those residents this new law may affect. Note that per C.58:12A-41, section 2, the definition of a lead service line now includes lead connectors (lead gooseneck, lead pigtail, or other lead fitting) and galvanized service lines. Our service line inventory is available at www.florence-ni.gov. A service line is a portion of pipe that connects the water main to the building inlet. In Florence Township, the service line is owned entirely by the property owner. The service line materials are [lead/galvanized/unknown). Florence Township is developing a lead service line replacement program. If you are planning to replace your lead service line, contact us at (609) 499-2518 prior to replacement so that we can coordinate our efforts.

9. Municipal Offices:

For the safety of our employees and the public, we encourage individuals to wear a mask while inside the municipal building, especially if you are not feeling well. We encourage the public to continue to use the drop box located inside the front entrance to the Municipal Building for all payments, license renewals, construction permits, etc. Normal office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

10. Township Council Meetings:

The next Council meeting will be Wednesday, February 1, 2023 starting at 7:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting in-person. Instructions for virtual attendance can be found on the Township’s website (www.florence-nj.gov), on our Facebook page (Florence Township), or by calling the Township Clerk’s Office at 609-499-2525, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend the meeting in person or virtual, you can review the zoom recording of the meeting beginning the next day by going to the township website or the link posted on our Facebook page.There are several ways to view the zoom recording:

1. Click on “Documents” tab, then click on “Recorded Zoom Meetings”.2. Click on “Government” tab, then click on “Recorded Zoom Meetings”.3. Click on “Documents” tab, click on “Agenda & Minutes”, click on 2022 Township Council, and at the top of the page “Click Here to View Township Zoom Recordings”11. Tax Bills & Water/Sewer Bills:

Payments can be made online www.florence-nj.gov or use the Drop Box located next to the trophy case in our front lobby. The Drop Box will be checked multiple times daily for your convenience. Payments must be check or money orders, NO CASH. Please provide a phone number with your payment and we will call to confirm payment was received. Please allow 48 hours for your payment to be posted to our online account portal. Feel free to call the office with any questions, 609-499-2525. The office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Any documents left in the drop box will be processed and mailed back to residents as needed. The Drop Box is available 24/7 for resident’s convenience.

12. Construction Office:

The office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents and developers dropping off permits, plans, etc. are encouraged to use the drop box located inside the front entrance to the Municipal Building. Any questions, please call the Construction Office at (609) 499-2130.

13. Municipal Court:

We encourage individuals paying tickets and/or fines to continue to pay on-line or use the drop box located

inside the front entrance to the Municipal Building. Please contact the Court Office at (609) 499-2222 if you have any questions. The court office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.

14. COVID COMMUNITY IMPACT:

If you would like additional information on COVID-19, including county-wide totals for daily new cases from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), please visit https://covid19.nj.gov/ .TESTING:

Burlington County’s COVID-19 Test Site is now offering a COVID only test, or a combined COVID-19/Flu panel. This is not a rapid test. Results are generally available within 48 hours depending upon lab volume.Visit the Burlington County Health Department website for dates and times: co.burlington.nj.us/1927/COVID- 19-Testing.To make it easier for everyone to be able to get COVID-19 test kits, the federal government is letting people order free home tests again at https://www.covid.gov/tests . Each household can order 4 free at-home COVID test kits. Orders should begin shipping the week of 12/19/22. Order yours today so you can test and protect your family during holiday gatherings! The Health Department is administering both Monovalent and Bivalent vaccines. Monovalent Vaccine for the Primary Series protects against severe complications from the original strain of COVID-19. The Bivalent Booster protects against severe complications resulting from infection from the original strain, as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron strains of COVID-19. The Omicron strain is the predominant strain that is currently circulating. The best protection is achieved by completing your primary series and getting your booster shot as soon as you are eligible.VACCINES OFFERED:

Primary Series (Monovalent)Pfizer: 6 months – 4 years/5 – 11 years/12 years and older Moderna: 6 months – 5 years/6-11 years/12 years and older  Novavax: 12 years and olderBooster Shots (Bivalent) Pfizer: 6 months and older Moderna: 6 months and older

Vaccinations for homebound individuals can be scheduled by calling the Mobile Medics at 844-569-0390 If no one answers your phone call, leave a message with your name and best contact phone number, and someone from Mobile Medics will call you to schedule your in-home appointment.The CDC has  approved  the  administration of  bivalent  vaccine  for  children under 5. Burlington  County Health Department COVID clinics are now administering the “baby bivalent” vaccines per CDC and FDA guidelines. The bivalent vaccine protects against serious complications from the original and Omicron strains of COVID-19.Individuals wishing to book appointments elsewhere can visit NJ COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Finder to get an appointment at locations throughout New Jersey at https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/finder.MASK RECOMMENDATIONS:

KN95 or N95 or double layered well-fitting surgical and cloth are still recommended by the CDC in certain situations (immunocompromised, etc.).Websites for looking up approved KN95 and N95 masks are: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html and www.ProjectN95.org

Mayor Craig Wilkie

711 BROAD STREET • FLORENCE, NEW JERSEY

08518-2323

PHONE: (609) 499-2525 • WWW.FLORENCE-NJ.GOV

Any comments or questions or comments can be sent to:comments@florence-nj.gov

Original source can be found here.