Monroe Township Council members appointed an architect yesterday to study the location, cost and design for a new town hall.
Officials said last night they wanted to move into new quarters that would be larger and more accessible to the town's residents.
Municipal operations now operate out of five facilities, including the 58- year-old, three-story town hall on Main Street that houses the administrative offices and council chambers.
"I think it is becoming evident that the existing town hall does not efficiently provide services to the public," said Township Administrator James White.
The council appointed Gary Kanelstein of Kanelstein, Timber, Danton, Johns, a Cherry Hill architectural firm, to conduct a $10,000 feasibility study.
The primary site being considered for the new building is on Virginia Avenue between the Police Department and Williamstown Fire Company headquarters.
Council President Robert MacDonald says the council does not yet have a cost estimate for the new hall.
Kanelstein is expected to give his report in six weeks.
In other action, the council approved guidelines for the aerial spraying of pesticides by private firms. Under the ordinance, anyone spraying pesticides over land not used for farming must register at the township Board of Health 48 hours before application to provide assurance that the spraying will conform to several state and federal regulations.
Violators are subject to a fine of up to $1,000, or 90 days in prison, or both.
