GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-Employee layoffs continued to be one of the main subjects discussed during the June 30 Gloucester City Council meeting.

First to speak during the public portion was Eric Fetterolf, project coordinator of Redevelopment in the Community Development Office.

He also administrates the Gloucester City Housing Rehab program.

Addressing the possible loss of his job, Fetterolf said, \”I am one of the 15 people who have received a layoff notice that took me off guard.

\”I worked for the City for 12½ years, gave up 1.5 percent health benefits and longevity, and my presentations didn’t seem to matter,\” he said.

\”I have been willing to negotiate to save my job. Over 200 homeowners have benefited through the rehab program, and $3 million were brought in to rehab homes of low to moderate property owners,\” he said.

Monica Fetterolf spoke on her husband’s behalf.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her viewing on Saturday morning from 9 to 11 AM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth St. Gloucester City.

A presentation was made to the Bell Oaks Boy’s Softball Team for winning the 2010 Suburban Division Championship during the June Bellmawr Board of Education (BOE) meeting.

The recognition was made by Board Member Carla Salas, along with Bell Oaks Principal Anthony Farinelli.

During the workshop prior to the regular meeting, Bellmawr Schools Custodian Glenn Cook presented a proposal to the BOE seeking a shared services agreement with Bellmawr Borough in order to service the District’s fleet.

A discussion followed. The issue was then tabled and sent back to the Building and Lands Committee.

During the regular meeting, Board Member Eric Hoban presented the June Board Award to Mr. Cook for achieving a recent safety accomplishment.

Superintendent Annette Castiglione presented the Staff Recognition Awards for June: Bell Oaks, Kurt Skibbe; Bellmawr Park, Alice Beckett; and Ethel M. Burke, Bill Drebes.

July 7, 2010

In this video press release, Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden) and Budget Committee members John J. Burzichelli (D-Gloucester), Gordon M. Johnson (D-Bergen) and Peter J. Barnes III (D-Middlesex) discuss plans to cap annual property tax increases at 2 percent.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Afternoon E-332 and Squad 51 ( Gloucester City) operated at a vehicle fire on Route 76 NorthBound at Market Street. The fire was a result of an MVA. No injuries were reported.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

This afternoon E-332 and Rescue 32 and BLS 318 extricated one victim from a three vehicle accident on the Black Horse Pike. Crews used hydraulic tools to do a side wall removal.

Chief Jim Burleigh credited the crews that did an outstanding job all while enduring the extreme temperatures. The dedication and training of the members make the difference when confronted with these types of incidents.

While units were responding to the incident on Saunders Avenue, County Communications received reports of an apartment fire on the other side of town. Gloucester City, Westville, Mt Ephraim and Haddon Heights Fire Departments secured an air conditioning unit that malfunctioned and filled the apartment with smoke.

The Bellmawr Fire Department is on pace for a record breaking year for calls. Last year the Department had 666 calls, as of today we have 475 calls for service. The Bellmawr Fire Department responded to 3 working structure fires in past month all that were in Bellmawr. The 100% Volunteer Department is doing its best to meet the demands that are being placed on our members. Like every other community, we are doing more with less.

The Bellmawr Fire Department wants to remind all residents to check their smoke detectors and batteries. If you need assistance with your detectors contact the Borough Hall at 856-933-1313 and someone from the fire department will gladly take the time to help.

Check Your Detector Today!