Female Driver and Juvenile Passenger Injured After Motor Vehicle Collision

According to Galloway Township Police, a vehicle driven by Sonal Kansagara, 30 from Egg Harbor Township, failed to yield while attempting a left hand turn and collided with a vehicle driven by Cristi Gopen, 42 of Galloway. The accident happened at 4:41 p.m. on March 21, 2013. 

Kansagara was attempting to make a left turn onto Moss Mill Road from New York Road and failed to yield to Cristi Gopen, who was traveling south on Moss Mill Road, said Police.

The impact forced Kansagara's vehicle into a traffic light. Gopen and her passenger both sustained minor injuries and were transported to AtlantiCare Mainland Division. Gopen's passenger was a 14-year old male also from Galloway. Both injuries were reported as Leg Injuries. 

The New Jersey Department of Transportation responded to repair the traffic light that was knocked over from the collision. The intersection was partially closed to southbound traffic on New York Road due to the downed traffic light. Galloway Police were at the scene alternating traffic.

Public Works Utility Division Petitions PERC for Separate Representation in Union

GallowayTwpNews.com has obtained a copy of a "Notice to Employees" sent to Public Works employees who are members of the Township's Public Works Union Local 676. The notice indicates a potential split of representation in the Local 676 union. 

The notice posted on March 4, 2013 and executed by Township Manager Arch Liston states, "This is to advise you that, on March 4, 2013, Galloway Township intends to grant exclusive recognition to Teamsters Local No. 676 as the representatives of a negotiations unit comprised of the Department of Utilities full-time and regular part-time employees, without an election, based upon a card check demonstrating the Local 676 represents a majority of that unit."

Township Manager Arch Liston did confirm that Members of the Utility Division of Public Works are petitioning PERC for separate representation. The separation of representation would presently include nine employees. Liston also confirmed the Township will not fight the Unions request to separate and negotiate for their own contract with the Township.

This requests comes after the Township has had multiple years of give backs and lay-offs that have affected all of the employees in the Township. Local 676 still represents other Public Works employees which include some of the other divisions of Grounds, Facilities and Roads. 

GallowayTwpNews.com was informed today, that members of the Public Works Department meet with Local 676 Business Agent Jim Bennett this morning in order to discuss this change. Members within the Union were told the change to segregate out the Utilities Division, will allow for those employees to be represented equally as those employees are required to maintain certain certifications and licenses in order to maintain their position. Employees within the Utilities Division also work although the same hours, but are also required to be on call when needed. 

This change will add another Collective Bargaining Unit to be negotiated this year as all of Union Contracts, excluding the Police Department, expired December 2012. 

L67601 by GallowayTwpNews

Galloway Township Looking for Sponsors for 2013 Movies in the Park Series

Galloway Township is looking for Sponsors for the 2013 Movies in the Park Series. According to Galloway Township Community Services Spring Bulletin, without sponsors, Galloway would be unable to provide most of the Community Events that are offered to the Residents.

Galloway offers a wide variety of opportunities for your business to get involved in your community and the people that patronize your establishment!

Your business can sponsor a Movie in the Park this summer by giving a tax deductible donation that enables Galloway Community Services to provide an opportunity for Galloway families to create lasting memories & spend much needed time together!

To get involved with this program or to find out about other programs, please call Galloway Township's Community Services at (609) 652-8657.

Schedule of Movies

*Times are approximate and based on sunset.

May 24th at 8:30 pm

June 21st at 9:00 pm

July 26th at 9:00 pm

September 20th at 7:30 pm

October 25th at 6:30

Pizza, Snacks, Water Ice, Drinks and Popcorn are sold to help offset series costs.

Grab your Family, Blankets & Chairs and enjoy a FREE Movie!

Information provided in the Community Services Spring 2013 Bulletin.

County Tax Administrator Warns Consumers Of Tax Appeal Scam

The Atlantic County Board of Taxation warns residents not to be scammed by companies charging a fee to provide Chapter 123 reports to help reduce their property tax assessments.

"Information on the reports they offer to provide for a fee is useless. Chapter 123 is explained on the Board of Taxation website and an explanation is provided with the instructions for filing a tax appeal. Not only is the information available for free but it will not help petitioners reduce their assessments as additional comparable sales must be submitted," according to Marge Schott, Atlantic County Tax Administrator. "This is another case of unscrupulous vendors trying to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers."

April 1 is the deadline for property owners to file tax appeals in all Atlantic County municipalities, excluding Absecon and Egg Harbor Township which have a May 1 deadline due to reassessment and revaluation, respectively.

To file an appeal, property owners must provide comparable salesinformation, such as date of sale, sale price, property location, and block and lot numbers. This information is often available online as well as from the municipal assessor's office or county at no charge.

"Please don't be fooled by false promises. The information you need to file a successful appeal is readily available and absolutely free," said Schott.

To learn more, visit the Atlantic County Board of Taxation at www.aclink.org/taxation to access tax appeal forms, information and instructions.

For tax appeal forms, information and instructions, click here.

Press Release provided by Atlantic County Government.

Galloway Man Pleads Not Guilty in Death of Wheelchair-Bound Atlantic City Man; Galloway Patch

An Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted Leo Strazzeri, 42, of Galloway Township for second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident in connection with a hit-and-run that left 45-year-old Daniel Tavarez dead, however Strazzeri pleads not guilty. 

Via Galloway Patch.