The Alternative Press

SPARTA, N.J.- At the Feb. 26 Sparta Township Council meeting, a 20-year Sparta Township Police veteran, just retiring, and recently promoted officers, were honored.

“Whereas, Detective-Sergeant John Schanstra has served this community well for twenty years as a police officer for Sparta Township and whereas these years of service have been marked by exemplary dedication to the best interest of Sparta Township and whereas he has earned the admiration and high regard of those in the law enforcement community as well as his fellow employees and whereas the performance of his duties and responsibilities of his office has been characterized by excellent contributions to the Sparta Township Police Department and citizens of our Township. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Township Council of the Township of Sparta does hereby express our sincere appreciation and thanks to Detective-Sergeant John Schanstra for his distinguished service to Sparta Township and commend him for the high degree of professionalism in which he has carried out his duties and responsibilities. Be it further resolved that the Township Council and employees extends to him best wishes on his retirement and many years of happiness in the future,” said Mayor Gilbert Gibbs as he handed Schanstra his certificate.

 “Growing up in this community, going to Sparta High School, graduating here, being able to serve the public in this capacity has been a dream and something that I can’t even express. It was such a career of emotion being with people I know, helping the community, I just want to say that I’m part of the team of Sparta Police between the patrolmen, Sargent, lieutenants, the Chief, the clerks, that make this community safe and I was proud to be a part of that and I always will be. I think this is a great thing for the Mayor and Council to recognize people who have put their life on the line and served their community in this capacity. Our family is grateful for what we have from this community and whatever I can give back I will continue to do so. I am a proud member of the Sparta Police Department and I walk out of here always being that way” said now retired Sparta Police Detective-Sergeant John Schanstra in his acceptance speech.

Also honored were three newly promoted officers and each gave touching speeches after being pinned with their new badges.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this police department, always have been, and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a great bunch of officers throughout my career thus far. We have a group of officers that are dedicated to serving the township and serving the public and I know that will continue in the future. I would also like to thank my beautiful wife Lisa for her strength, her support and her motivation throughout the years, I love you,” said Lieutenant Neil J. Spidaletto.

Said Sgt. Joseph H. Pensado. “I will faithfully respect my position of sergeant. To my family, to my patrol division buddies and comrades thanks for everything you guys do every day. To my mother who has always taught that your goals are never too far and always attainable. To my fiancée Sasha, thank you for being the best friend I’ve had for the past five years and my strength and courage for the past year and a half. I appreciate that and I love you very much. To my children Ryan and Caitlin, you guys are my soul. To my future stepchildren I promise to take care of you guys the rest of my life too. Thanks to everyone for coming out it is an honor to be here, it is an honor to stand in front of my brothers in blue, I appreciate everything. Thank you for the opportunity.”

The last speech of the ceremony was given by Sgt. Terrance Mulligan.  “To the Mayor, the Town Council, to my fellow officers. Congratulations to John Schanstra, a great career, I’ve learned a lot from you over the past ten years; I still don’t know how you do it. I want to thank my in-laws, my parents Grace and Joel Mulligan and, of course, the rock: my wife and three children. Without you guys none of this would happen, I love you.”

The meeting then resumed to its normal agenda. The manager’s report included six items: the town’s budget is stabilized for 2013, the Shop Sparta Program is being debated, the council will go over reports on attainable goals to be green for the Sustainable NJ Program, anticipating a number of proposals to be received for the Grant Writing RFP, the DPW is trying to stay ahead of the storms and will be getting a new truck in March and hopefully another one in the summer and the Ungermann Field Lights were broken during Hurricane Sandy and need to be fixed for the sports season.

The following resolutions were approved: resolution consenting to the proposed water quality management plan amendment , resolution approving right-of-way use to Cross River Fiber, resolution opposing Senate Bill 2511 Amendments to Open Public Meetings Act, a resolution of Sparta, Sussex County and New Jersey demanding ten days credit to be awarded by Service Electric Cable TV and Communications to the Township of Sparta to loss of service during Hurricane Sandy, approved professional services resolution- engineer, resolution to accept bid and award a lease to Cellco Partnership D/B/A Verizon Wireless, resolution of Sparta regarding Perona Enterprises Inc.’s alcoholic beverage license fee and a resolution demanding Service Electric Cable TV and Communications continue to carry FM signal as a basic service to its customers.

In unfinished business leadership training will be discussed once the council goes over Schon’s document, Troast will look into getting a representative from SECTV to attend the next meeting and he recommends that the Recreation Committee look at the possibility of a skate park; he will also look into a prisoners working/ labor program.

In new business Margie Scott was accepted as a volunteer to the Municipal Alliance Committee and on March 12, the Girl Scouts will be in front of the town hall holding a candlelight ceremony for their anniversary.

Representatives from the group Fincredit Inc. held a presentation for the Shop Sparta program. The program breaks down as follows: after receiving a rewards-type card, homeowners shop at a local participating store, they present their card when they pay, the store processes a tax credit and funds are collected weekly and saved in a township account. The funds are then transferred to the township before the customers new tax bill is issued and finally the funds are applied to their tax bill, giving them a discount. The program is a way to reimburse people who shop local. The council is discussing this option.  

The next township council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m.

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