Gloucester City Redevelopment Coordinator Ask Council to Save His Job
Thursday, July 08, 2010
By Sara Martino
NEWS Correspondent
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-Employee layoffs continued to be one of the main subjects discussed during the June 30 Gloucester City Council meeting.
First to speak during the public portion was Eric Fetterolf, project coordinator of Redevelopment in the Community Development Office.
He also administrates the Gloucester City Housing Rehab program.
Addressing the possible loss of his job, Fetterolf said, “I am one of the 15 people who have received a layoff notice that took me off guard.
“I worked for the City for 12½ years, gave up 1.5 percent health benefits and longevity, and my presentations didn’t seem to matter,” he said.
“I have been willing to negotiate to save my job. Over 200 homeowners have benefited through the rehab program, and $3 million were brought in to rehab homes of low to moderate property owners,” he said.
Monica Fetterolf spoke on her husband’s behalf.
She cited the fact that Eric has a Master’s Degree, and used his knowledge to help the City’s residents.
Louisa Llewellyn also spoke on Eric’s behalf, saying, “He put life into his job and helped the program grow.”
Mayor and Council acknowledged his remarks, and said they were still working on all the job situations.
Editor's Note: Mr. Fetterolf last day of work was June 30, 2010. He is no longer employed by the city of Gloucester City.
Mayor William James said as far as the firefighter layoffs, discussion was held with the union and fire fighters that may prevent some of the loss of jobs.
“Several proposals from the Fire Department may make it possible to save all the firemen jobs. Concessions will have to be made,” James said.
Bob Williams, vice president of Firefighters Union #251, spoke on behalf of the firemen and said the union is willing to put another proposal in and will be available to meet with City officials at anytime.
Bill Glassman, who is a retired fireman of 30 years involvement, also spoke up on the necessity of keeping the firefighters on the payroll.
Resident Cathy Cattel said she was glad to hear that there might be concessions that will keep the fire positions in the City.
“There have been a lot of mistakes and screw ups, and I am happy that this is not a done deal. Why did two retired police officers receive $100 grand? You’ve got to find the money to keep the City safe,” she said.
The City Tree and Beautification Committee received a proclamation from Councilman Nicholas Marchese Jr., on behalf of Mayor and Council, commending the committee.
John Schmidt and other members received the proclamation for their efforts working with residents and City clubs and organizations to improve the existing tree canopy – and for establishing the first community garden in Gloucester City.
Council members heard an amendment suggested by Solicitor John Kearney, which would expand the allowable uses in the
area known as the Southport Redevelopment.
Marchese questioned the use of the area, and wanted to make sure that the possibilities at Southport were not being limited to green energy projects and/or industrial and warehouses.
He suggested an amendment that was approved and passed that would incorporate other uses, leaving the door open for further development.
There will not be any residential use in the Southport area, which is along the Delaware River and the Brooklawn border.
SOURCE GLOUCESTER CITY NEWS
