CNBNews

By Chris Concannon

NEWS Correspondent

John Lewis was sworn in as a Bellmawr Police Department Class I Special Officer during the January Borough Council meeting.

Surrounded by his family, Lewis was sworn in by Public Safety Director John Bollinger, with Chief William Walsh watching.

All Council members and Mayor Frank Filipek Sr., congratulated Mr. Lewis.

Borough Clerk Chuck Sauter read “Thank You” notes from recent food basket recipients, along with a note from Bellmawr School Superintendent Annette Castiglione thanking the Borough for their assistance with snow removal, following the December 19, 2009, 23-inch blizzard.

Under committee reports, Bollinger thanked the Borough workers involved in the massive snow removal.

Council President Peter Di Giambattista stated the 2010 budget being worked on is austere, but fair.

Councilman Jim D’Angelo said all eight recent water main breaks have been repaired.

Councilman Steve Sauter said the Building and Lands Department is doing well.

Councilman Lou Di Angelo congratulated the Bellmawr Board of Educ-ation, on their award during School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey.

Also, he discussed the ongoing shared services with the Highway Depart-ment, and said there will be meeting soon to discuss the ball field assignments for the 2010 seasons.

Councilwoman Regina Pi-ontkowski congratulated John Lewis’ family.

Filipek told Lewis he would be an asset to the Police Department and the Borough.

As for this year’s budget, he said it would not be as bad as other towns. He also discussed the continuing redevelopment project.

During the public forum, School Board President Jody Mangus said the Board appreciated the assistance the Borough has rendered, adding they are thrilled with the help.

Pastor Vincent Kovlak of Bellmawr Baptist Church thanked the Borough for all of its services to residents.

All business on the evening’s agenda was unanimously approved, with the following of note:

Piontkowski read a proclamation declaring January 2010 as School Board Recognition Month, and presented the proclamation to Mangus and Board members Jeff Brickner, Carla Salas and Mike Williams.