Water quality for some residents in New Hanover developments has caused much concern. The New Hanover Board of Supervisors discussed the possibility of holding a public meeting with Aqua Water representatives to find solutions to the ongoing problems with water at their Thursday, May 4 meeting.

            Supervisor Kurt Zebrowski commented that Aqua should not be serving more customers in proposed developments when they cannot serve their current customers.

            As a follow-up to the discussion on the Gilbertsville Ambulance Service in April, Chief of Operations John Doucette attended the meeting to report on his company's activities.

            Manager Jamie Gwynn said there was a difference in how the five ambulance companies served the township during the period when four bridges were shut down in New Hanover and detours were in place.

            Gwynn is conducting a review of data on how all the ambulances are serving the township. 

            Additionally, investigations into prior financial mismanagement at the Gilbertsville Ambulance in 2022, prior to Doucette's appointment, also impact decisions about the future.

            "It can get super political in fire and ambulance," Gwynn said.

            In police news, Chief Jay Ciarlello reported that calls were up 66 percent and arrests were up 350 percent in his department.  "The officers are being more proactive," Ciarlello said.

            In parks news, the supervisors approved a motion to submit a Greenways, Trails, and Recreation program grant application to the state Department of Community and Economic Development "for improvements at Hickory Park." This is the second attempt at this application, which was previously denied.  The grant specifically would cover the removal of underground storage tanks and clean-up at the former Hickory Park restaurant site.

            Following a public hearing, the supervisors authorized the addition of 6.1 total acres on Colonial Road and 77.04 total acres of the Freed Partnership to the township's Agricultural Security Area.

            At the beginning of the meeting, Chair Marie Livelsberger reviewed some of the recent accomplishments of the board and the staff and then mentioned how individuals on social media were stating that the board "lacked transparency" and were making claims of "idiocy" and saying that New Hanover had to get back on track.

            Solicitor Andrew Bellwoar reported that the board had met in an executive session on April 20 to discuss potential litigation; prior to the May 4 meeting to discuss personnel; and would meet after the meeting to discuss real estate and potential litigation.