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Bellmawr’s New Pickleball Courts Now Open

The new courts were made possible thanks to a $25,000 Camden County Recreation Enhancement Grant.

SJO Photo

The town’s two new pickleball courts are now open, Councilman Ray Bider announced at the November 28, 2022 monthly meeting of Mayor and Council. “Even though it’s a little chilly, we saw some people out there playing,” he said.


The courts were built thanks to a $25,000 Camden County Recreation Enhancement Grant.

Continuing with his report, Councilman Bider said that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJ-DOT) has officially completed the drainage issues on the Major Little League Field on Essex Avenue. “They paid 100 percent,” he said.

Councilman Bider congratulated the undefeated 65-pound Purple Eagles team and also the back-to-back champion 105-pound Purple Eagles. “We are really proud of those teams,” he said.

Under Finance, the Best Practice Inventory has been submitted to the State. “The Borough will receive 100 percent state funding for 2023, which is great,” Councilman Bider stated.

There are 31 core competency questions and 11 Best Practice questions. One question that is being worked on relates to a policy to be developed for considering the future purchase of electric vehicles.

The Budget Committee for Finance has started to meet for the budget.

A recommendation was made for year-round, mini-white lights to be installed on the trees and bushes at the Bellmawr War Memorial. Those should be up shortly, Councilman Bider said.

Councilman Jamie Casey

Councilman Casey extended his congratulations to Bellmawr Hockey U13 Future All-Star Champions. He also congratulated the Purple Eagles and said he was there to witness their dominance that day. “Congratulations to all,” he said.

Councilman Jim D’Angelo

With regard to the streetscape project on Browning Road, Councilman D’Angelo said that as far as the Borough is concerned, the project has been completed. “We are just waiting on PSE&G to energize the lines. Once that happens, the lights will go on. We have been in communication with them a few times, and we are still waiting,” he stated.

A plan is being developed to sell banners for these light poles, much like the banners that are on the other poles. An announcement relating to the sale of the banners will be made after the first of the year.

Throughout the month of December, leaves will continue to be picked up by Public Works as preparations are already underway for winter.

Councilman Bill Evans

The Bellmawr Business Alliance meeting that was scheduled for December has been pushed back until January 17.

Councilwoman Johann Fina

The registration link for the Holiday House Decorating Contest is live on the Borough’s website. Registration closes at 4:00 p.m. on December 16.

This year, judging will be conducted in person by guest judges. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Winners will be announced on Monday, December 19th.

Christmas in the Park will be December 9, 10, 16, and 17 from 6-9:00 p.m. “Stuff the Bus will also be there if anyone would like to donate a new unwrapped toy for Bellmawr Believes,” she said. “That will be greatly appreciated.”

Councilman Craig Wilhelm

The Leaf Avenue water tower refurbishment is complete. There were some questions about the scaffolding that is still up, but that needs to stay in place due to the cell phone carriers, Councilman Wilhelm explained. They will come down shortly.

Under Public Safety, the Fire Department had 115 total incidents for the month of October. To date, they are at 943 year-to-date.

The Fire Department also completed nine training sessions in October, bringing the total to 55 for the year.

EMS handled 282 calls in October, and they are at 2,339 calls to date.

As for the Bureau of Fire Safety, the fire inspectors conducted 11 life-hazard inspections and 16 non-life-hazard inspections.

The Police Department responded to 1,095 calls for service in October and conducted 58 investigations. Forty individuals were arrested in October. The police department handled 34 motor vehicle crashes and 353 traffic summonses were issued.

Mayor Chuck Sauter

On October 28th, Trunk or Treat was held. There were 38 cars that participated and over 700 attended the event.

The mayor extended thanks to Bellmawr BPA #375 for sponsoring the event, along with the Recreation Department. Mayor Sauter also acknowledged Frani Wright, Lisa Young, and all of the volunteers.

The mayor offered special thanks to the veterans from VFW Post 7410 who volunteered to handle the car judging.

Mayor Sauter said Bellmawr PBA #375 always makes a big donation to Bellmawr Believes. “We appreciate the police and what they do for that,” he said.

The Caucus meeting for December will be Tuesday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. The monthly council meeting will take place on Thursday, December 29 at 5:00 p.m. Re-Organization will be Friday, January 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

The Mayor wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Recognition

Corporal Kevin Stinger and Patrolman Nicholas Sarin were presented with Proclamations for Meritorious Service for taking a homicide suspect into custody at the Creek Road Wawa.

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Hockey Champs

Certificates were presented to Bellmawr Hockey Association – USA Ball Hockey U13 Future Stars Champions players Gavin Granese, Bradyn Skokowski, Aiden Stallard, and Jaxson Walsh.

Head Coach Steve Scian said this team was the first New Jersey team to ever win the Future Stars Tournament. “This tournament had players from all around South Jersey. I am from Marlton, so getting a few Bellmawr kids on the team was awesome. For those of you that are familiar with the hockey scene, Bellmawr and Marlton are quite the rivals. These kids were all great and the team was great. We went undefeated. I believe [we were] the only team there to go undefeated, and only gave up four or five goals the entire tournament.”

The yearly tournament usually takes place in July or August and this group of kids will get the chance to try out for the team again, Scian said. “They have a long career ahead of them in hockey and I am sure they are going to do great with it.”

Head Coach Steve Scian with four members of the team. Also pictured form left are: Sgt. John Marrone, and council Members, Ray Bider and Johann Fina. Not pictured are: player Chris Monaghan, General Manager Joe Tully, Assistant GM John Gallen, Assistant Coach Mike Malloy, and Assistant Coach Bryan Grant.


Agenda Items

All business on the meeting agenda was approved.

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