Bellmawr Council voted to approve an “independent investigator” for certain events involving an alleged dispute between a Borough employee and a public official, as per Resolution #05:132-17 on Council’s May 25, 2017 meeting agenda, from which Councilman Jamie Casey abstained.
Council also voted to approve environmental attorney, Craig Huber, Esquire, regarding the closure of the Creek Road landfill. Mayor Frank Filipek stated that this attorney is being paid for by the developer and is for “our protection.”
Resolution 05-134-17 states: “There is a need for the Borough of Bellmawr to retain the legal services of an experienced environmental attorney with extensive experience with matters involving the remediation and closure of previously contaminated landfills.”
It is in the “best interests of the citizens of Bellmawr that the Borough obtain the services of such a professional in connection with the ongoing remediation of a future residential and/or commercial redevelopment on the site of the former Borough landfill bordering Creek Road and the Big Timber Creek within the Borough,” the Resolution reads.
In other matters, students from Bell Oaks participated in the Student Government Day. The students gave reports as Councilmen and Councilwomen.
(All photos by SJO)
Assemblyman Arthur Barclay and Camden County Sheriff Gilbert “Whip” Wilson motivated the students.
Bellmawr Hockey Shows Appreciation
Representatives from Bellmawr Hockey presented several plaques in appreciation for supporting the recent Nationals Hockey Tournament.
Bellmawr’s Community Garden
Councilman Ray Bider and Bellmawr resident and Girl Scout Troup leader #30215, Debbie Allen, spoke about the Borough’s winning a $10,000 Sustainable Jersey Grant, which is funded by the PSEG Foundation.
Allen said announcements will be posted in the near future to invite the community to help with the garden. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” she said.
Public Portion
During the public portion, a Chester Avenue resident expressed concern over recent break-ins.
Another resident stated that he recently planted trees in the names of Mayor and Council.
Agenda, Resolutions & Bill List
All business on Council’s agenda was approved, including first reading of a $711,000 Bond Ordinance #05:10-17, which is for the acquisition of various capital equipment and the completion of capital improvements in the Borough:
Vaughn Avenue
Council voted to demolish “the collapsed and unsafe structure” at 23 Vaughn Avenue.
A contract in the amount of $177,000 was awarded to Asphalt Paving Systems for the reconstruction of Vaughn Avenue.
Click the image below to view the meeting agenda with all of the supporting Resolutions. This includes the new hire listing for the range period January 13-May 8, 2017.
Councilman Paul Sandrock abstained from the bill list and Councilman Steve Sauter abstained from bills as pertained to pest control.
Click below to view the bill list.
Council’s June Meetings
Council meets Thursday, June 15 at 5:00 p.m. for its Caucus session. The regular meeting will take place on Thursday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m.