If the attendance at the swearing-in of the new chief of police for New Hanover is an indicator, the township will have a well-liked and respected leader for their law enforcement.

            John J. Ciarlello became the new chief prior to the New Hanover board of supervisors meeting on Thursday, March 2, to the delight of a jubilant group of colleagues, friends, family, and New Hanover residents.

            Ciarlello comes to New Hanover from Hatfield Township, Montgomery County, where he served for 22 years, rising in the ranks to operations lieutenant and supervising 28 officers. He holds a bachelor's degree from Cabrini College and a master's from St. Joseph's and has had extensive post-graduate training with the FBI and other agencies.  He also served as commander of the central Montgomery County SWAT.

            The supervisors also heard from another new addition, Maggie Dobbs, who was recently hired as the assistant township manager and director of planning. Dobbs was formerly a senior planner with Montgomery County.

            Dobbs discussed fee schedule changes they would be making with the township's new building code officials, Kraft Municipal Group. The township will be incorporating Kraft's fee schedule into its own, with the aim of becoming "revenue neutral," Dobbs said.

            In the township manager's report, Jamie Gwynn said that he, Supervisor Boone Flint, and the Met-Ed forester went out to look at dead trees in the northern section of the township. There will be a four-year plan for removal.

            In committee news, the supervisors appointed Kristin Krause to the parks and recreation committee for a term ending December 2024 and Matt Cornely to the planning commission for a term ending December 2025.

            In roads news, the board approved a chip seal and fog seal bid from Asphalt Maintenance Solutions for $189,780 for 2023 road improvements. The costs are up nine percent from last year.

            The supervisors also authorized a resolution to pay for emergency repairs to the Swamp Creek Pump Station force main. The township authority will be reimbursing the township.

            Township solicitor Andrew Bellwoar reported that the board had met in executive session prior to the meeting to discuss real estate and litigation.