**CHEER**-Congratulations to Brooklawn Police Chief Shamus Ellis, who has announced his retirement. Ellis began his career as a Class 11 officer in 1998. He thanked the governing body, past and present, for their help. “Together, we hired additional officers, introduced new programs such as the Resiliency Officer and Employee Assistance Program, improved our community outreach efforts, and secured state-of-the-art equipment to better serve our residents.” And, thanked residents and business owners for their support.

**CHEER**—At the Gloucester City Council caucus meeting on June 16, 2025,  the mayor and council convened in a closed executive session to address a troubling bond default by Think Pavers Hardscaping LLC (Think Pavers). This contractor, entrusted with the crucial Hudson Street Sewer Rehabilitation Re-Bid project valued at $565,500, has fallen woefully short of the expectations outlined in their contract, leading to a default on the performance bond. Just a week later, during the council meeting on June 23, the council took decisive action, authorizing the city solicitor to file a claim for the defaulted maintenance bond. Think Pavers has completed other contractors such as installing fresh asphalt on Johnson Blvd. Jogging Park and executed various projects throughout the city.