Bellmawr to Partake in National Day of Prayer Vigil May 6

By Chris Concannon

NEWS Correspondent

In the absence of Connie Kucharski, a proclamation was read by Councilwoman Regina Piontkowski, citing the National Day of Prayer, at the April 22 Bellmawr Council Meeting.

With the help of Pastor Vincent Kovlak (Bellmawr Baptist Church), Piontkowski said this year’s vigil would take place in front of Borough Hall Thursday May 6, from 12:20 to 12:40 p.m. It is normally on the first Thursday every May.

Rev. Kovlak said if there was ever a time for prayer in this country, it was now.

Under reports, Councilman Peter Di Giambattista stated Mayor and Council spent a lot of time working on the new budget.

Councilman Lou Di Angelo said the Borough is getting ready for this year’s Summer Youth Program, which gives young people a chance to take part in many games and activities. For information, call Borough Hall at (856) 933-1313.

Di Angelo said that next month’s meeting will play host to Student Government Day, where local students \”take over\” for sitting Borough officials, such as the Mayor, Police Chief, and Borough Clerk.

The selected students are given a daylong tour of local and county facilities and operations.

In the public forum, Rode Avenue resident Frank Monahan asked if there were any permits, which allowed so many people to live in a home which burned on Monday morning (prior article and photos by Steve Skipton).

Although 11 people were injured in the blaze, it was suggested that between 16 to 20 people actually resided in the dwelling.

Mayor Frank Filipek Sr. said he would look into it, adding he would send a crew over to clean up debris, such as broken glass, mattresses, along with assorted other items.

All items on the evening’s agenda were approved unanimously, with the following of note:

Council okayed on first reading an ordinance for various reconstruction pro-jects on Second Avenue and Catherine Avenue, along with the purchase of high-visibility stop signs.

Some $300,000 will be appropriated, with $250,-000 being issued for financing the appropriation.

A portion of the funding will come from a recent Community Development Block Grant, thereby saving Borough tax dollars.

Ordinance #04:02-10 was also introduced, in which the Borough is asking to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits to establish a \”cap bank.\”

Resolution #04:87-10 was read, which introduced the 2010 municipal budget by title only.