Mt. Ephraim Police Sgt. Brian Conte Honored by Commissioners

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Mt. Ephraim Police Sgt. Brian Conte Honored by Commissioners

Thursday, June 24, 2010

By Leigh Anne Hubbs

NEWS Correspondent

Mount Ephraim Police Sergeant Brian Conte was presented with a Certificate of Excellence by Commissioner Andrew Gilmore June 3.

Conte was honored at the start of last week’s Board of Commissioners meeting for his performance after an armed robbery of the PNC Bank on Black Horse Pike.

Sgt. Conte stood before the audience as Gilmore read a proclamation outlining the events that took place after the robbery.

Conte's brave and hard work resulted in the arrest of the suspect without incident, and the money was returned to the bank.

Mayor Joseph Wolk said that not only Mount Ephraim, but Camden County and the State of New Jersey are very proud of Conte.

In other news, Gilmore swore in Ken Robertson as Deputy EMC (Emergency Management Coordinator) and Jason Vilardo as an EMC, each for a three-year term.

Wolk said the Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing a Shared Service Agreement with Barrington, Bellmawr, and Runnemede Boroughs to build and maintain a truck wash facility.

Bond Ordinances were passed for the drainage and related improvements on Bell Road, along with streetscape improvements on Kings Highway.

Grants in the amounts of $755,000 and $290,540 respectively made these improvement possible.

Gilmore's report stated that the Fire Department received 28 calls in May and there were 15,074.69 volunteer hours to date.

The Police Department received a total of 409 calls, and made 31 arrests (27 adult and four juvenile).

The Public Works Department was very busy in May repairing pot holes around town and performing yard maintenance on various vacant properties throughout the Borough.

Commissioner Bruce Greenwald reported that in May the borough recycled almost 78,000 pounds.

“Total team effort” is how Greenwald described the recent Memorial Day services, and he commended the Celebration Committee, along with Public Works and Police and Fire Departments, for doing a wonderful job.

As for the 2010 Municipal Budget, Wolk said the tax increase will be $72.37 per year for the average home valued at $92,600.

The Mayor and Commissioners thanked all those who contributed to the budget by opening their contracts and givebacks from non contractual employees.

Wolk said he really appreciates employees' concern for fellow residents.

The, Mayor Wolk happily announced that the Mount Ephraim Fourth of July parade is on, thanks in part to contributions from local vendors.

Festivities will occur on July 3.