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Bellmawr Council passed a Resolution at last week’s meeting establishing August 22nd as the due date for the third quarter taxes. To avoid interest charges, payment must be received before that date.
Regarding the tax bill, Councilman Ray Bider said during his report: “The increase was 7.2 cents – a little over 3 cents for combined school taxes, a little over 2 cents Borough and the remainder, a little over a penny [is] assorted.”
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Bider also said that the VFW 9563 is still selling bricks for the new monument at $40 each and if anyone is interested, to see Bill Murray at the VFW.
Speaking about the schools, Bider said that the CARE program is an activity based program that helps working parents. If anyone has an interest, please contact the schools. He also stated that the Bellmawr Branch of the Camden County Library is going to be holding a book clearance sale on August 12 and 13.
Bider also commented about the auditor’s report: “Finally, the audit report has been completed. Recommendations and corrective actions meeting did occur. It will be advertised and published for everyone. As the corrective action measures are acted upon, then I will report on those, but nothing significant was mentioned.”
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Committee Reports
Councilmen Paul Sandrock and Steven Sauter were absent from the meeting. Councilmen Hagerty, D’Angelo and Spector also gave reports. Following are excerpts:
Councilman Steve Hagerty:
“For the Police Department, we have our National Night out Tuesday, August 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm at the Recreation Center. Many family activities. Purple Eagles Registration [began] on August 1. Fire and EMS are extremely busy. EMS had 210 calls for the month of July.”
“[Girl Scout Troop Leader] Debbie Allen put on a luncheon for the police, fire, and EMS. It was a very nice event and I just want to give their names: Olivia Allen, Lauren Reckard, Paige Boldizar, Amberly Gable, Bella Edwards, Natalie Bell, Cailin Casey, Hailey Clapper, Caitlyn Schad, Alexis Blackson, Cara Forline,* Megan Gordon, Danielle Gordon, Paige Schmid, Ariana Scotto DiLuzio, Makayla Hawthorne and Melea Hawthorne.”
“The girls did a great job and put out all kinds of food and went around to the local businesses and got everything donated and put out a nice luncheon for the officers, fire department, and ambulance squad. We want to thank them from mayor and council for doing that for the men and women. They did have sponsors and we want to thank them.”
“We have a Resolution to put three Class II Special Officers in the Gloucester County Police Academy that will begin on August 15 for seven months.”
Councilman David Spector:
“We are planning our Beautification Committee/Town Wide Cleanup Meeting on Tuesday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m. So we can get the town involved and also other civic organizations and other volunteers. It would be a good thing for the town so we can make the town look presentable and do something for the community.”
“Last month, I attended the CPR training. I would like to thank Chuck Hannum and Jennifer Pawlowski, and Robert Fowler. It was nice to learn and get an education about the importance of CPR.”
“The Senior Center air conditioner has been repaired. That is a good thing for our Seniors who spend a lot of time there, especially in the Summer.”
Councilman Jim D’Angelo:
“Thanks to Mike Williams of Public Works who always goes above and beyond. The kids from the [Summer Rec] Program painted the fences black and they did a really good job. I want to give the kids credit and I want to give Mike Williams credit also.”
“The Rec Department is out cutting grass in all of the problem areas in the town and that number is at least in the high 40s. So they are out there trying to keep those properties clean.”
“Hockey registration is going on and it is online. The Rec Department put the inflatables up and the kids used that. For future reference, they are going to go to Bell Oaks for their Summer Camp program in August for their Fun Day.”
“Councilman Sandrock asked me to express his appreciation, as I do, for the Girl Scouts who put on the program for the Police, Fire and Ambulance personnel as an appreciation luncheon. It was amazing. The donations that they received were spectacular. Councilman Sandrock said he wanted to pass along his best wishes and thanks to the girls, as do I.”
“Last thing, our Summer program ended. Four people who went above and beyond, every year and do a phenomenal job: Dawn Gillis, Emily Gillis, Kelly Cook and Ilse Cook. It couldn’t have been done without those fine people and I want to thank them for everything they did for the kids this summer.”
Council Votes on Agenda Items
On the business side, Council approved all business on its agenda.
July, 2016 Council Agenda with Resolutions, Ordinances & Tax Appeal Adjustments
Among the approvals were:
Resolutions appointing Mark D. DeBerardinis, Tyler Hanna, and Colin Ryder as Class II Special Officers for the Bellmawr Police Department. All three Officers are Bellmawr residents and will attend the Gloucester County Police Academy for seven months beginning in mid-August. When those Resolutions were brought to a vote, all of the councilmen voted to pass them.
A Resolution granting adjustments in the amount of $2,869,000 due to appeals granted by the Camden County Board of Taxation. Regarding the tax appeals, Mayor Filipek asked how many tax appeals were filed and the Borough Solicitor, Robert Messick, responded “about 112.”
A Resolution authorizing the Borough of Bellmawr to place property maintenance liens.
A Resolution certifying that Mayor and Council have reviewed the sections of the annual audit entitled “Schedule of Finding and Recommendations.”
A Resolution Authorizing Home Grant Agreement for $200,000 for Fiscal Year 2014 funds by and among the County of Camden and administered through the Camden County Improvement Authority’s Community Development Program. This Resolution is for the rehabilitation of existing Borough houses that are rented to those with low to moderate income.
A Resolution accepting the new hires for the period of May 27, 2016-July 7, 2016. (*Note, this information has been requested and the article will be updated once it is received.)
A Resolution authorizing the payment of bills for July, 2016.
Communications
Under communications, Borough Clerk, Chuck Sauter, read a letter of appreciation from Zach Billingham, a 2016 Triton graduate, who was the recipient of the Mayor’s Award.
Finally, at council’s caucus meeting on July 21, the Borough engineer, Tom Cundey, of Remington & Vernick gave an update on the Morris & Salem Avenue road project. Cundey said that this work is a New Jersey DOT Municipal Aid project and is delayed because of the statewide stoppage of State funded projects.
Council will meet next on Thursday, August 18 for its caucus meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the conference room of Borough Hall. Council’s next regular meeting will be on Thursday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the courtroom of Borough Hall.
*Full Disclosure: Cara Forline is the daughter of Anne Forline, Editor/Publisher of SJO