Mayor and Common Council of Gloucester City

Thursday, May 21, 2009 7:00 P.M.

313 Monmouth Street

AGENDA

1. Call to Order:

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

3. Roll Call:

4. Sunshine Law: This meeting is being held in conformance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, otherwise known as the \”Sunshine Law\”. It has been legally noticed in accordance with the law and copies have been given to those requesting the same.

5. Public Comment Period: The Governing Body, in accordance with P.L. 2002, c. 80, have adopted the following guidelines relative to the Public Comment Period (PCP) at Caucus, Worksession, Special and Emergency Meetings of the Mayor and Common Council of Gloucester City: The PCP shall occur at the beginning of each meeting; it shall be no longer than one half-hour in length; every person wishing to speak may do so once during the period for no longer than five minutes. No changes have been made for the PCP of the regular monthly meetings.

Their Press Release reads as follows,

I have lived in this town for 30 years and never met a person more dedicated to the citizens of Gloucester.

Nick and the entire Mayor Bill James team have been quick to help out whenever needed, with either the numerous committees on which Nick serves or on a one-on-one basis.

He and fellow First Ward Councilman Bruce Parry have labored to get a fountain in our lake, and to also have it named and recognized as one of the lakes in Gloucester City. Together they have worked tirelessly to turn Chatham Square apartments into the new Meadowbrook Run Town Homes. Now we have plans establish a new Meadowbrook Run community.

Nick has also given our community a voice and strong representation on the Beazer homes project to make sure every home owner is satisfied with their beautiful new home. So, this is why I am asking my new friends and neighbors to join me in supporting Nick Marchese and the entire Column 3 team on June 2.

Let’s have this team finish what they started!

Adam Baker, Gloucester City

What was he thinking? He subjected himself and his family – including his wife’s candidacy for public office – to public humiliation because of, in my opinion, his failure to perform official duties.

City Council members found unanimously that he failed to provide public information under provisions of the state’s Open Records Act (OPRA). This is serious business, because access to government documents is an essential part of our democracy.

I thought City Council treated Mr. Kain not only fairly, but gently, by issuing a written reprimand for what I consider a major infraction because of the disregard for the fundamental rights of all citizens of this community.

But, in my opinion, the worse punishment was inflicted on his own reputation, reflected on the reputation of his family. Mr. Kain deserved it for insisting on staging a public spectacle to bring attention to the fact that he failed to perform his official duties.

What could he have been thinking?

Jim Kelly, Gloucester City

First published in the Gloucester City News

Bruno launched a home run over the church behind the left-field fence at Joe Barth Field in Brooklawn that was estimated between 400 and 450 feet, and Cody Brown and Bill Mendek combined to allow just one hit in Gloucester Catholic\’s 13-0 five-inning win over Kingsway. It was also No. 400 for Barth in his 16th season leading the Rams.

On hand to welcome Governor Corzine to Woodbury last week were from left, Gloucester City Councilman Nick Marchese, Mayor William James, Congressman Rob Andrews and Councilman Jay Brophy.

At the gathering of business and community leaders, Governor Jon S. Corzine endorsed the extension of the light rail system from Camden City to Glassboro, as recommended by the DRPA.

Upon completion of the entire project, the rail will run from Camden through Woodbury and all the way to Glassboro, with stops in Sewell and Pitman as well.

Pictured: Councilman Marchese, Mayor James, Congressman Andrews, Councilwoman Kellie Ferry

SNIPPET–I propose to the new members of council to introduce a measure to stop part-time workers/volunteer council members from receiving health benefits. Likewise the measure should do away with reimbursing council members for not accepting the city\’s health plan.

My feelings haven’t change since 2006; mayor and council should not be receiving this perk.

Research reveals the health cost for the present seven member body is approximately $80,000. That includes those who opt out of the benefit package (medical, dental, and $2 co-pay prescriptions).

Council members who served under the Kilcourse and Gorman administrations also received this generous reward. If I had known then what I know now I would have spoken against it.

Digging deeper I have found the custom of giving health benefits to the governing body goes back 25 years or more. Former Mayor Gorman, who served in the 90\’s, said he never took health benefits nor did he take any money for opting out. Gorman said he believed the practice to give health benefits to council began back in the 70’s but wasn’t sure. As for the practice of allowing employees to opt out of health benefits that began in the 90\’s. Former Mayor Bob Bevan, who served two terms in the 80’s, said he was offered health benefits too.

It does give that appearance.

I know their position on Council requires members to spend a lot of time attending meetings and performing other duties each month. I admire them for volunteering to take on the position, it is a thankless job. However it is only part-time. If council feels they are entitled to more money (each council member receives a $1000 stipend, mayor $2500 stipend) then they should pass a referendum and place it on the ballot. Let the voters decide the issue.

But to the naysayers there is change on the way. I was told recently by one council member that plans to do away with council health benefits is on the agenda in the not too distance future. And a change in the City’s present form of government is also being discussed.

TIP-An amicable contract agreement between the City and CWA white collar bargaining unit has been reach. The CWA represents the 20 Gloucester City white collar employees whose contract expired on December 31, 2006. The details of the contract are not known at this time. Further information will be forthcoming.