Link: Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/31/2008.

By Bill Cleary

A four year legal battle between the City of Gloucester City and former Mayor Robert Gorman has concluded. Mayor and City Council were informed at the July 17^th caucus meeting that a decision ruling against Gorman was decided by the NJ Government Records Council (GRC) at their June meeting.

The documents involve with the case number 100 pages or more. As for the cost to taxpayers in legal fees over the four year period it is not known. Frank Robertson, Gloucester City Financial Officer said on Monday (July 28^th ), \”it would take a long time to research all the bills for the past 48 months to find how much was spent by the City on this particular legal case\”.

Normally the City would have been represented by Paul Kain, City Administrator, who is the custodian of public records. However, because he is related to Gorman, his sister is married to Kain; the City was represented by former Solicitor James Maley, of the Parker McCay Law Firm.

In 2004 Gorman was stopped by Officer William Johnson for a traffic violation. His tag light was out. Gorman felt he was being harassed by the police department. At the time the Chief of Police was William Johnson, father of Officer Johnson, and the Deputy Chief was William James. The fine on the ticket was $42 with no points which Gorman paid. The same year Gorman, who is the son of the late Assemblyman Gorman, resigned as Mayor and moved to Morristown.

Wednesday, July 30th Gorman via Email wrote,

• Bill, The request for the tape related to my attempts to get emergency response vehicles in non-emergent cases to slow down and also to clarify the city\’s pursuit policies. While Mayor numerous citizens complained about their speed and numerous articles were written in the Gloucester City News. At the time, I figured the easiest way to make a point about their speed was to get a copy of a video tape from one of the vehicles. Thus, I requested a copy of such both as a Mayor and as a private citizen. I was denied such in both roles and decided to put in an OPRA request similar to the Gloucester City News recent actions relating to a specific e-mail.

• As I said then and I will say again, police officers and firefighters risk their lives every day for the citizens and this is in no way an attempt to put into question their heroic actions.

After reading the transcript several times this reporter was unable to find any reference by Gorman to obtain a copy of the video tape for the reasons he stated above. Gorman was asked to provide that page or pages in the transcript that refer to that issue. As of this writing nothing has been submitted by the former mayor.

To continue reading click link.

Link: – NJ.com.

RENSHAW

Louis G.

On July 27, 2008. Age 70. Of Millville. Formerly of Gloucester City. Loving and devoted husband of 49 years to Ethel Renshaw (nee Mears). Beloved father of Jason and Jeff Renshaw. Loving grandfather of 10. Dear brother of Chalie and Abraham Renshaw. Devoted uncle of Kevin Renshaw. Louis was born and raised in Gloucester City. Louis proudly served our country in the United States Navy.

Following his military service, Louis was self-employed as a contractor. He was an avid outdoorsmen who enjoyed wildlife. Known as \”Buckshot\” aka \”Worldwide\”, Louis enjoyed the time he spent conversing on his CB radio.

At the request of the family, funeral services will be help privately. Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through our funeral home website www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of Louis G. Renshaw. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Phone: 856-456-1142. www.mccannhealey.com

Link: CourierPostOnline.com | Courier-Post.

WENICK

Dale

On July 23, 2008. Age 56. Of Gloucester City. Formerly of Haddon Heights and Philadelphia, PA. Loving and devoted husband of Christine Wenick. Beloved friend of Steven Wentzel of Gloucester City. Dale was born in Philadelphia, PA and lived in Philadelphia before moving to Haddon Heights. He moved to Gloucester City recently. Dale had a real passion for Computers. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend his graveside service on Friday 12:30 pm at Crescent Burial Park, Pennsauken. There will be no services at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through our funeral home website www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of Dale Wenick. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Phone: 856-456-1142

By John P. Schmidt

NEWS Correspondent

 The Gloucester City Planning and Zoning Board denied a request from the Knights of Columbus Epiphany Council #3485 for a D and Use Variance for 1610 Market St. during last week\’s meeting.

Epiphany Council #3485 is currently located in an old convent at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in the Fairview section of Camden.

Epiphany Grand Knight Joseph Viggiano explained to the Board that as a result of parishes merging in the Diocese of Camden, the Council had to find a new meeting place.

The property which the Council is buying from an estate was formerly a delicatessen, has been vacant for years, and is in bad condition.

Many Board members and residents expressed concern about parking, as well as the fact that the area is all residential.

The Council has 95 members, of which about 15 show up to meetings on a regular basis.

Resident Eileen Koontz mentioned that many residents in the area would like to see the property used for residential use.

\”We would really like to see that building knocked down and have a residential zone instead of commercial zoned,\” Keentz said. \”We would like to see a house built on that property.\”

Also, Ed Walton, Grand Knight of Council #674, in Gloucester City, spoke before the board.

Walton said there has been some confusion about the proposed moved and wanted to clarify that the KOC Council #674, is Gloucester City\’s council.

They received their charter in 1902 and have been serving the community of Gloucester City for 106 years, he said.

The Board denied the request by a vote of 0-7-1, with member Jess Torres abstaining.

The Board also unanimously passed a recommendation from the historical society for a sign for the new Irish Tavern which is being built on Burlington Street, where Billy\’s Place formerly was located.

The name of the restaurant will be Auld Dubliner.

The Board also passed two other motions.

The first authorizes the Board to conduct a preliminary investigation to establish redevelopment areas in what is presently the Gloucester Catholic complex.

Also, Chairman Daniel Spencer asked the Board to send a resolution to mayor and council to ask for a replacement Board member for Jack Brandt.

Spencer noted that Brandt has been absent from meetings and he would like mayor and council to appoint a new member.

The Board unanimously approved the request.

Finally, Board Member Bob Bevan mentioned that Holt has agreed to build a barricade between their facilities and the neighborhood on King Street, and recommended the Board appoint a sub-committee to meet with Holt.

The committee will consist of board members Ralph Randolph, Ryan Murphy and Jess Torres.

Torres will serve as chair of the committee.

The next meeting of the Gloucester City Planning Board will be August 21 at 313 Monmouth St.