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At the May 28, 2020, virtual meeting of Mayor and Council, Bellmawr Mayor Chuck Sauter thanked Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) “for their hard work and dedication that they provide to us and to the Borough of Bellmawr.”
Proclamations that were read included:
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- A Proclamation for Department of Public Works Week- May 17 – 23.
- A Proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week – May 17 -23
- A Proclamation for National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 5.
Excerpts from Council’s Committee Reports
Councilman Paul DeAngelis
Due to the coronavirus, there has been a drastic increase in trash and recycling because more people are home. The Department of Public Works has assigned additional manpower and equipment to accommodate this. “The guys are working very hard, doing a lot of work, and picking up a lot of trash because there are a lot of people home,” Councilman DeAngelis said.
Councilman DeAngelis asked residents to be mindful of the amount of trash that they are putting out due to spring clean-outs, etc. and if possible, to try and spread out what is put by the curb over several weeks. “This will make it easier for the guys to get their jobs done quickly,” he said.
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Concrete and asphalt crews are busy working on the east side of town performing concrete upgrades prior to the paving season. Paving schedules will be delivered to the residents prior to work being performed.
Be aware of additional construction sites in town as the construction crews have been working on the Missing Moves project on the west side. “Please slow down to help those crews out,” Councilman DeAngelis said.
Councilman Jamie Casey
The old water tower at Warren Avenue has been demolished. “The eye sore is now gone and now we have our new water tower,” Councilman Casey said. “All of that metal is going to be recycled and is on our 20/20 recycling tonnage report.”
Casey reminded residents and businesses to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. “We have been experiencing issues with pumps due to items, such as rubber gloves and wipes, in our sewers,” he said.
Councilman Jim D’Angelo
The tennis courts at the Rec Center have been repaved. In a few weeks, they will be painted.
The bids for the bathroom project have been rejected. “We are not abandoning the project. However, we need to discuss options before we move forward,” Councilman D’Angelo said.
The Rec Department continues to maintain vacated properties and are still working on getting the fields ready for if and when the teams return this year.
Two eyesores in town — the Pennant and the old water tower were both demolished recently.
Councilman Craig Wilhelm
Municipal Court began to hear cases virtually on May 18. As of late last month, there were 75 court sessions that were heard. “The prosecutor and the public defender are working behind the scenes with defendants through emails and these cases are being put on the record,” Councilman Wilhelm said.
The judiciary dropped in on them recently to see how they were doing and commended the court. We appreciate the efforts of our court administrator, Amanda Cubbler, and our Judge for getting things done, Councilman Wilhelm said.
Councilman Steve Hagerty
The Public Safety Departments are all working extremely hard during this time. “With the many different circumstances that have emerged, they have handled themselves very professionally,” Councilman Steve Hagerty said.
He also congratulated Sgt. John Mader who retired effective June 1 after 22 years.
Councilman Ray Bider
Regarding the adopted budget, the breakdown will be: local plus 1.8 cents, county minus 1.6 cents, school local plus 2.5 cents, Black Horse Pike Regional minus 1.2 cents for a total increase in the Borough of plus 1.5 cents.
Residents can expect to receive estimated tax bills for the third quarter. “This is the first time that Bellmawr has done this, but due to the delay in the State budget, it was necessary to send out the estimated report,” Councilman Bider said.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Borough has spent $27,451.” Hopefully, the majority, if not all , of that money will be given back to the Borough, through the applications of Emergency Management,” Councilman Bider said.
The Borough’s department heads have done a tremendous job, he said. “I would also like to thank all of the Bellmawr workers in every department for their dedication to keep things going.”
Only a portion of flags have been placed at St. Mary’s cemetery. The remaining part will be done in June.
Mayor Chuck Sauter
The Summer Youth Program, the Clean Communities Program, and the Borough’s Fourth of July festivities have been cancelled. “It was a tough decision, but it was made with the guidance from both State and County officials and we are disappointed. We are hoping that once the restrictions from the pandemic are lifted, we can all get together for a town-wide community event,” Mayor Sauter said.
The mayor also thanked the Office of Emergency Management, EMS, Police, Fire, Public Works, and their employees for their continued support, dedication, and hard work during this pandemic. “It is very much appreciated. We could not do it without all of those involved,” he said.
Police Promotions
- Arty G. Tessier was promoted to Sergeant for the Bellmawr Police Department
- Brian K. Ertl was promoted to Corporal for the Bellmawr Police Department
To view the meeting agenda with the supporting Resolutions, click the image below.
A Special Meeting of Bellmawr Mayor and Council has been scheduled for Tuesday June 9, 2020 at 5:00 pm conference call.
The purpose of the meeting is to open the meeting and thereafter rescind Resolutions #05:115-20 and #05:116-20 adopted on May 28, 2020, and to consider adoption of a Resolution for Local Examination in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:30-7.6 a & b, adopt the 2020 Municipal Budget and the Resolution Authorizing Amending the 2020 Capital Budget.
In addition, Mayor and Borough Council reserve the right to take any additional action, not anticipated at this time, that may be necessary, including items of a routine nature, which come before Mayor and Council. A public portion will be conducted.
The May 28, 2020 meeting can be viewed in its entirety on the Borough’s YouTube Channel: