Four people were allowed to speak, but when the Freeholders did not like what we were saying, they stopped the meeting after 13 minutes! When the regular meeting started at 7 p.m., the next 34 minutes was filled with one politician patting the back of another and lots to pictures taken of lots of smiling politicians. So much for these people understanding what problems we taxpayers face.

I was allowed time to explain that one day I was driving down Town Center with $12,500 of medical bills in my hand and saw a sign being erected \”Your Tax Dollars at Work.\” Those tax dollars paved the street and put new curbs in front of the mayor’s house. Could these politicians understand why I am upset that my tax dollars are being spent to make the mayor’s house more valuable when I have no way of paying $12,500 in uninsured medical bills? The Freeholder’s answer: \”I don’t know where the mayor lives.\” That convinced me that yet another politician is oblivious to the problems they have created.

Another woman expressed her anger because her daughter was very seriously ill, could not afford her medical bills and could not get help from anyone. She was frustrated to say the least. Again, the Freeholder didn’t seem to understand what the problem was, or why the audience applauded me when I suggested the woman have her daughter claim to be illegal so she can have all the medical care she needs – free and with no questions asked.

A man vented frustration about a boathouse being built on the river. No one asked if the residents wanted a boat- house. We at the meeting wanted lower water bills instead. The Freeholder’s answer was that much of the money is coming from grants. Do the politicians think we are so stupid that we do not know where grant money comes from? The Federal Government taxes us $1,000, takes $250, and gives the state the rest. The State takes $250 and gives the County the rest. The County takes $250 and gives Brooklawn the rest. Local politicians double our water bills and then build an unwanted boat- house, and we are supposed to think that grants are free money and rain down from the clouds.

All we heard was: \”That’s not a county issue,\” and \”We don’t have anything to do with that.\” So, I suggested that the Freeholders call their party boss, George Norcross, who seems to know all about everything. That is when the meeting was stopped. In my opinion, the Freeholders are so afraid of George Norcross that they will stop a public meeting when his name is mentioned in vain.

What upset me most was not the ignorance of the Freeholders. Rather, it was that not one member of Brooklawn Council spoke up to defend the citizens they are supposed to represent. They did not request or even demand that the meeting continue. They were busy getting pretty for their upcoming photo-ops.

I have a solution, but I do not think local or county politicians want to hear it. How about allowing the voters more than 13 minutes to voice their concerns, even if those concerns are not what the politicians want to hear.

Dorothy Heade, Brooklawn

source Gloucester City News

The NJOA and a number of NJOACF council members attended the senate committee hearing in support of the bill. The NJOA and NJOACF have been aggressively advancing the bill on behalf of recreational anglers for two years with exceptional efforts by council members Reef Rescue and JCAA.

Director, Division of Fish and Wildlife, testified in favor of the bill. Both NJ DEP and NJ DFW have written to Pete Grimbilas, President, NJOACF and Anthony Mauro, Chair, NJOACF, stating that the commercial gear must be removed from the reefs in order to remain in compliance with Wallop Breaux objectives. Bill Figley made an excellent presentation of the facts that support removal of the \”Traps off the reefs.\”

Senator Smith referenced the compelling aspects of Mr. Figley\’s testimony and noted that recreational anglers range in number between 600,000 and 1,000,000 the higher number taking transients into consideration.

The reefs are intended for hook-and-line and spear fishing. According to Director Chanda, failure to adhere to the objectives of federal law

(Wallop-Breaux) exposes the state to financial penalties that may be imposed retroactively. These Sport Fish Restoration funds are funded by an excise tax on recreational fishing purchases and federal law mandates that these funds be used for the benefit recreational fisheries.

The NJOA will keep you apprised of future developments regarding \”Traps Off the Reefs.\”

Anthony P. Mauro, Sr Chair

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects

The state’s ruling prohibits club owners from serving alcohol, thereby changing the nature of the property’s use and leaving the adult entertainment business in question.

In the 1980s, Gloucester City Council had adopted an ordinance prohibiting adult entertainment establishments. Any such businesses that pre-dated the law were able to continue operating, but no new adult clubs could open.

Attorneys submitted copies of deeds showing that the property has been home to a go-go bar since 1976.

Testimony was given by individuals who have patronized the establishment, under different ownerships, from that time to the present, as to the kind of entertainment, food and drink that was offered.

In the end, the Planning Board voted to table the issue until next month, giving each member more time to review the ordinance and make an informed decision.

The Board approved an-other application for a two-story addition to be erected on a property in the unit block of Harvard Avenue.

The 24 by 23-feet addition will add living room and upstairs bedroom to the home.

Board members elected Frank Wunsch to preside as Chairman for the year. Pat Cerrone was chosen to serve as Vice Chair.

The Board reappointed the following professionals for the year ahead: Anthony Costa, Board Solicitor; Larry Waetzman of the Waetzman Planning Group, Board Planner; and Norm Rogers, Board Engineer.

The next Board meeting is Wednesday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall.

source Gloucester City News

Mayor Frank Filipek Sr. thanked the elected officials on hand, which included Assemblyman-elect Donald Norcross (D-5) and Angel Hernandez.

Under committee reports, all members of Council thanked everyone for coming out, including those elected officials present.

They also all wished everyone a happy and healthy new year.

Councilmen John Bollinger, along with Jim D’-Angelo, congratulated Di Giambattista and returning Councilmen Di Angelo and Sauter.

Sauter thanked his family and friends for all their support, along with Paige. He is looking forward to the next three years.

Di Angelo thanked his family, including his wife, daughter and father, and the Borough employees also.

Filipek closed the Committee Reports, and then told the Sauter and Di Angelo families that they do a fantastic job.

Filipek also congratulated Council President Di Giambattista, thanked the Borough employees, and wished everyone a happy and healthy new year.

All business on the evening’s agenda was unanimously approved, with the following exception:

As to Resolution #10:19-10, authorizing an agreement for professional engineering services by Remington & Vernick Engineers, Council President Di Giambattista requested it be tabled for another meeting, and Councilwoman Regina Piontkowski abstained from voting on the measure.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 pm, after which a reception was held at Crescent Park VFW 9563 on Essex Ave.

source Gloucester City News