The union representing the firemen/EMT’s in contract negotiations broke off talks with the City in October. As such 8 firemen will be laid off. The last day of work for the firemen will be December 22. 

Kearney said, \”This is perhaps one of the 30 or 40 ideas the Mayor has various folks looking at and this one is very much at the beginning stages. Right now its more of an educational process to understand how this type of operation works and the economics of it. There has been no formal action by Council, nor any public discussion. I expect that this is a fairly long way from conclusion and right now no-one has any idea as to what that conclusion might be. The union lawyer (David Wolf) had tried to get the arbitrator down (to Gloucester City) early to get this worked out but the first date we got was in February. It is a real shame that this has to happen.\”

 Municipal Clerk Kathy Jentsch was asked whether or not the City has advertised for proposals to provide ambulance service and she said no.

 Gloucester City joins a long list of communities across the state that are laying off police and firemen because of budget restraints and the recession. 

Nearby Camden City is proceeding with its plans to lay off 180 uniformed positions in the police department out of 373 position. The city\’s layoff plan also calls for the reduction of an additional 33 nonuniform positions. The Fire Department could lose about a third of their work force or 67 positions out of 220.

Camden, a violent city, has seen 37 homicides this year. A national survey recently named Camden the second-most dangerous in the United States, although police officials have pointed to some recent reductions in crime.

This past week the City of Newark laid off 167 of its 1,034 police officers after negotiations broke down between their union and the city. Cities and towns around New Jersey are struggling this year following cuts in state aid, with layoffs in public safety increasingly common.

\”The answer is no, we are not.

\”Recent newspaper articles and television reports have made it clear that the only alternative to steadily increasing property taxes is cuts in services. With budgetary spending caps, prohibited by law, the past practice of handing out generous pay raises and health benefit packages to public employees is gone, municipalities across the state are being forced to tighten their belts and do more with less and in Gloucester City it is no different.\”

Following the breakdown in negotiations in October Jerry Hubbs, a spokesperson for the local FMBA issued a prepared statement which reads in part, 

 \” Comparisons show FMBA Locals 51 and 251 have offered the steepest concessions of any union in New Jersey. We have also received accolades from various writers and editors regarding our attempt to retain current staffing in lieu of concessions.

\”Through these concessions progress was achieved and a tentative agreement between the firefighters and city officials was reached June 30th. This agreement was short-lived, as the mayor and members of city council reneged on the agreement. The Mayor and Council refused to agree to a clause that guarantees no layoffs in the fire department for one year.

\”The mayor and city council now say that they will not only refuse to sign the contract, but will layoff 12 firefighter/EMTS instead of the earlier proposed eight. The Firefighters and Fire Officers will now take the same stand as all the other negotiating unions of the City and have a professional mediator/arbitrator decide the conclusion of the contract.\”

Kearney said today (Thursday December 2, 2010 ), \” City Council absolutely agreed to the no layoff provision in light of the concessions. The savings from those concessions were what paid for the to be laid off employees. What Council never agreed to, and will not agree to, is the Union demand to include minimal staffing requirements. That is the issue which broke this deal. Part of the future planned savings in the deapartment is shrinkage by attrition and the clause sought by the Union would forbid that from happening. Simply put there would have to be layoffs. The City is agreeable to guarantee no layoffs for the contract term but will not agree to minimal staffing.\” 

 Municipal employees are not the only profession effected by the recession. The Press of Atlantic City reported today (Thursday) that Trump casinos laid off 250 employees on Wednesday and Shore Memorial Hospital is planning to eliminate 90 positions or 6 percent of its 1600 employee work force.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate remained at 9.6 percent and has been essentially unchanged since May. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men (9.7 percent), adult women (8.1 percent), teenagers (27.1 percent),whites (8.8 percent), blacks (15.7 percent), and Hispanics (12.6 percent).

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BY BILL CLEARY

CHEER to the Gloucester City School District Department of Special Services (that’s Special Ed) who work tirelessly to help the children and their families. They are trying to build up a \”Parents Helping Parents\” group with regular meetings for parents to get together to hear pertinent information. Unfortunately, time and again, very few parents come out to these meetings, and their time and energies are for naught. signed a Parent

JEER to the many who don’t seem to know rules of the road. I frequently find that drivers stopped at intersections such as Monmouth and Broadway do not seem to know that those going straight have the right of way before left-turners. Also, at three- and four-way stops, drivers don’t remember that the person on the right goes first and then counterclockwise around the intersection. This holds true at the intersection of Johnson and Hudson/Nicholson. Those on Johnson should take turns, even when one is turning left. signed Anonymous

 Speaking on Fox News, where he is a contributor, Williams said, \”I mean, look, Bill, I\’m not a bigot. You know the kind of books I\’ve written about the civil rights movement in this country. But when I get on a plane, I got to tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they\’re identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous.\”

Reporters, columnists and the general public are finding it harder to write or discuss certain issues without some group taking offense.

 For a further example just look at the contract negotiations between the unions representing the paid firemen and the City of Gloucester City. Ask a resident or a business owner to comment openly about this controversy and they will gladly tell you their thoughts with reservations. \”Don’t use my name I don’t want the union or City Fathers after me\”.

Presently those talks between the City and the union have broken off and the matter is going to arbitration. The City has started the process of laying off firemen because of the lack of funding for the fire department.

In a new Rasmussen Reports survey, 57 percent of adults say that America has become too politically correct, while 23 percent say the nation is not politically correct enough. Seventy-four percent regard political correctness as a problem in the United States today. Why? Simply put, in the effort to be \”PC\” our rights to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press are slowly being diminished.

A Busy Agenda-Gloucester City Council approved a resolution at the Oct. 21 caucus meeting to enter into an Inter-local-services agreement with the County of Camden wherein the City provides for snow removal from designated County roads in exchange for pro rata allotments of road salt or calcium from the County.

A resolution awarding a contract for a 20 yard rear load refuse packer, costing $122,976 was passed. The low bidder was Robert H. Hoover & Sons of Flanders NJ. Remington & Vernick City Engineers were paid an additional $12,267, at no cost to the city, for reconstruction of the Joy and Barnaby Street projects. Krisanna Construction of Hammonton was awarded the job to reconstruct Atlantic Street at the low bid of $124,387. Council endorsed the Phase III UEZ Matching Facade Grant in the amount of $150,000. The project will include the original facade program in addition to expanding the program to permit replacement of roofs, walkways and parking lots.i Also passed was Phase IV of the Matching Facade Grant program also for $150,000 that will include original facade program along with the replacement of HVAC systems, fire detection/suppressions systems, equipment and security/video systems of up to a $20,000 matching program. The business can receive up to $20,000 for $40,000 worth of matching upgrades with this program.

An ordinance changing the penalties charged for unpaid sewer and water rents was passed. Unpaid water/sewer accounts will receive a penalty charge of 8 percent per annum on the first $1500 and 18 percent per annum on any amount above $1500. Twenty days after the due date a delinquent fee of $65 per bill will be applied. 

JEER-A burglar broke into the honor box located at Charlie’s Ice, Daly Street, Gloucester City, in September stealing some change and a few dollar bills. Mr. Charlie said, \”I have been in the ice business here in Gloucester City for about 25 years, 10 years at Broadway and Ridgeway Street and the last 15 years on Daly Street. There wasn’t much money in the box. I use an honor system and it bothers me that someone would violate that arrangement\”.

CHEER-It is nice to see the formation of the Gloucester City Republican Club. Wil Levins the organizer says, \”The City GOP is going to be actively involved in helping our community, county, state and country bring about the oversight and fiscal restraint needed to conduct the people’s business responsibly. As you well know, our city, county, state and congressional district have all been dominated by one party over the past 20 years. More precisely, we believe our region has been controlled by a small group of individuals, less interested in the good of their party or the people they serve, seeking only to enhance their own power and influence.\”

JEER-In yet another unbelievable act of arrogance, the board of the Delaware River Port Authority in September rescinded a reform that had been pushed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The board’s action once again permitted free bridge trips for DRPA employees commuting to work. Not unexpectedly, Christie vetoed that action.

JEER- The Press of Atlantic City reported last month that a quarter of the South Jersey Transportation Authority’s full-time workforce has collected nearly half of the agency’s raises since 2007, averaging more than 10 percent in annual pay increases, while private-sector raises nationally averaged less than 3 percent. Two overriding factors — a lucrative labor contract and political connections — have provided the group of 78 authority employees with dramatic pay increases, with many receiving $15,000 to $37,500 in raises and promotions since 2007. Employees receiving the high raises include staff members and officials connected with Camden County Democrats.

CHEER-Michael Battersby, a 16-year old Gloucester City resident and GHS student was seriously injured when he was hit by a freight train at George Street and the railroad. No doubt Michael\’s life was saved because of the expertise of the Gloucester City EMT\’s, City firefighters and doctors/nurses at Cooper Hospital. He suffered serious multiple injuries and will be in the hospital for sometime recuperating.

JEER-To the Judge who sentenced a 66-year- old to prison for defending himself against a Hells Angel gang member. Keith Degroof has been jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to causing grievious bodily harm to a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang. Degroot became embroiled in an altercation with the gang member in the Duck and Drake pub, in which the pensioner\’s glasses were knocked from his face by the burly biker.

CHEER to those who use their signals in the Brooklawn circles. When you\’re sitting by Verchio\’s waiting to move, it\’s so nice to know where someone is going, instead of having to wait. It was also taught in Driver\’s Education to use your signals in a circle. A Jeer to those who don\’t use them!

JEER-The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), spent $823,200 of economic stimulus funds in 2009 on a study by a UCLA research team to teach uncircumcised African American men how to wash their genitals after having sex. The genitalia-washing program is part of a larger $12-million UCLA study examining how to better encourage African Americans to undergo voluntary HIV testing and counseling – however, only the penis-washing study received money from the 2009 economic stimulus law.

CHEER-I have tremendous respect and appreciation for our Police Dept. We are blessed to have so many intelligent, devoted, and compassionate individuals serving our city. May God bless and protect all of you each and every day ! ~Bernadette Gorman

JEER-Gloucester City Mayor Bill James appointed an advisory committee to study a change in our government. Gloucester City continues to operate under the out-dated-ward system. The committee met for months and submitted a report in time for a referendum to be place on this year\’s ballot so the public could vote yes or no for the change. Because the mayor and council did not act on the report residents will have to wait another year. One of the promises made four years ago by this administration as candidates was to change the ward system. Enough delay! Under our present form of government residents can petition to put a question on the ballot without the consent or decree of mayor and council.

CHEER for the Shamrock Festival it gets better each year.

JEER-A resident writes, \”The new $9 million Gloucester City Water Plant has not solved anything. The water still has a bad taste, like medicine. Come on you guys less chlorine . We don\’t need water that tastes like bleach.\”

CHEER to neighbors and friends of Eric Fedderolf who are helping Monica cope with her tragic loss. 

JEER- To the management of the city who can get rid of an employee (ie FIREFIGHTER/EMT laid off June 28th) saying that it doesnt have money and contnue to enjoy spending our tax payer money on frivolus things while refusing to pay the employee for the benefits he was promised and worked so hard for isnt that called stealing? Thanks mayor and councel for the kick in the teeth. ~Cody Bank

Contributors, Connie Lynn Woods, Joe Sloan, Pat Maiden, William John, Cody Banks, Dave Townsend, Paula Conroy, Bernadette Gorman, Dawn Watson.

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We need your Cheers and Jeers for the month of September. Deadline September 30th.

No matter where you live… New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Japan, anywhere in the world.

Our CNB friend writes, \”Some of the properties are listed as parks, playgrounds, parking lots, etc. There were 2 on Kings Highway I deleted and probably should have left on – they\’re the 2 big lots just outside the development over there. I ran a search on my MLS service\’s tax records. I pulled all properties owned by the city. The list is not perfect but it\’s a start. It took about 15 minutes to compile.\”

In recent years contractors and developers in Wildwood Crest and other communities have been taking small lots and building townhouses with a garage on the bottom and two floors on top.

Could something similar work here on these vacant properties?

And as I mentioned a few days ago Gloucester City has been talking about a similar program for over a year. In an article dated May 9, 2009 posted on CNB Mayor James stated –

\”We have identified all of the City owned vacant lots and in an effort to increase the value of these parcels and to create new tax ratable we are having conversations with residential developers to generate an interest in an in-fill housing program in the west side of town. These properties have sat for years and years and right now collect nothing but trash, overgrown weeds and abandoned vehicles. This can not continue to be the norm and we feel as though this initiative shows promise\”.

As the mayor stated some of these lots have been sitting vacant since 1972. Think of all the money in taxes the City has lost over that 40 year period; monies that could have been used to reduce our taxes and or fund needed services.

Hopefully Mayor James will soon be releasing the plan he spoke of in May 2009.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 -A utility pole was broken in half on Salem Road next to Westbrook Bowling Alley, Brooklawn/Bellmawr border. The road was blocked, and police were still at the site at the time this photo was taken at 7 PM. The cause of the accident is not known at this time.

~Mark Matthews

CHEER-It is nice to see a new community sign has been erected in front of the Gloucester City Municipal Building. Anytime local government reaches out to improve communications with the people they serve is a good thing.

JEER-(No Flashing Neon Signs Allowed) However, the Municipal Building is located inside the City’s Historic District. It isn’t right that the City of Gloucester City is allowed to bypass rules governing that area just because they are the government. If residents living in that area have to abide by the law so should the City.

CHEER-Brooklawn American Legion Post 72 beat Gibbsboro last month to win their 24th state title. That win took them to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament in Westlawn PA. Fighting out of the looser bracket they were one win away from going to the World Series but loss to Chesapeake, VA. A big thumbs up too Gibbsboro also. They ended their season with a 31-13 record.

JEER-A contributor writes, \”With all of the talk lately of community pride, I would like to state a jeer for those who feel it necessary to throw all manner of refuse onto Cold Springs School Avenue. I\’ve taken to picking up the trash on my walk to work because I just can\’t stand walking past it every day. Come on folks, the easiest thing to do is not litter.\”

CHEER-Brooklawn Councilman Tom MacAdams retired in August after serving the residents for 17 years. Hats off to you Tom! And thank you for your dedication.

CHEER-Richie Bonczak, of Mount Ephraim, took first place for the second year consecutively at the Regional Finals of the Phillies Home Run Derby Competition August 6, at his home field in Mount Ephraim. Richie put on a stellar hitting performance earning 35 of 50 possible points. Richie plays for both Mount Ephraim Little League and Audubon Avalanche of the Tri State Elite League Baseball Teams.

 JEER–The residents of Swathmore Avenue have been waiting for days for work crews from Public Service Gas and Electric to come and repair a utility pole that was hit and knocked into the street. This is not a third world country; why does it always take the utilities companies so long to repair a pole or down wire. Because they are a monopoly they can get away with poor service.

CHEER-Employees of the Bellmawr Highway Department laid new asphalt on St. Mary’s Street last month as part of a reciprocal work agreement the Borough has with the City of Gloucester City. In return the City lends highway department equipment, such as backhoes, street sweeper, front end loader, along with the operator to Bellmawr when needed. Kudos to both towns for finding ways to save taxpayers money.

JEER-Nothing is more ignorant then a person talking on the telephone telling the girl at the deli counter to wait why she finishes her phone call. This was happening on a busy day at Shop Rite, Brooklawn with others waiting in line to have their orders filled. Rudeness is becoming the norm because of society’s cell phone fixation.

CHEER-In August citizens joined together to form the new Gloucester City Gardening & Beautification Association. Approximately 45 people came out to discuss the Corner Curb Appeal Project and to ask for volunteers to keep the project alive. Joyce Calzonetti, Mickie Glassman and John Schmidt are just some of the people who were instrumental in getting this project started.

JEER- Cashiers who wait on customer\’s while talking on their cell phones, and talking to other customer\’s when ringing up their purchases and making mistakes. Such as ringing items up twice, and or over charging sales.

CHEER-This year the Mount Ephraim Senior League All-Stars accomplished something that no other team has ever done in District 14 history, winning four titles in a row. Team highlights for the year: 45 doubles in 24 games; 21 home runs by eight players; seven players with batting averages over .400; team average of .368.

JEER-A Camden City Police Detective writes, \”The Camden PD has investigated 137 shootings, 457 robberies, 23 homicides and 100 gun arrests as of August 27. Yet the Mayor and Council are going to lay off as many as 140 police officers, plus the City plans to demote 40 officers and not replace 12 officers who are retiring. God Bless remaining men in Blue and the residents of Camden.\”

THIS MONTHS CONTRIBUTORS in no particular order, Michael Kazmar, Mildred Stubbs, Connie Cleary, Eric Black, Dawn Watson, Joe Sloan and several anonymous people.