CNBNews

In other matters Council approved two bond ordinances on first reading providing funds to buy new vehicles needed for maintenance of City property during last week’s meeting.

  Council wants to purchase a $67,000 front end loader for snow removal, and a $78,000 utility vehicle to remove debris from storm sewer screens.

  The screens were installed under a state mandate to prevent debris from entering the Delaware River.

  Problems occur after major storms if the screens are clogged up, as raw sewage combines with the rain runoff and pollutes the river.

  There will be a public hearing and second reading of the ordinances during the Caucus meeting Thursday, October 21, at 7 p.m. in City Hall.

   Following the okay of an amendment to the 2009 municipal budget, City Council adopted the 2010 budget in the amount of $18,547,200.38.

  If a municipality’s budget exceeds the 2.5 percent spending cap recently mandated by the state, a special election would be required for voter’s approval to allow the budget amount that exceed the cap amount.

  Mayor William James received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Gloucester City Amateur Radio Club for his assistance by helping to erect an antenna used for the Emergency Readiness Test.

  “After serving as a police officer for many years, nobody knows more than I do about the importance of communications especially in emergencies. We appreciate the club’s service and help to the community,” the mayor said.

  Council tabled an ordinance that would have created the position of a municipal housing liaison administrator to administer Gloucester City’s affordable housing program and regional contributions agreements pursuant to the Fair Housing Act.

  These duties had been administered by Eric Fetterolf, a City employee for more than 12 years who was the Community Development Coordinator. He had been laid off this past June, and died suddenly on August 28 at his home.

  City Solicitor John Kearney said the new position would be an unpaid one, and he and the Council committee will look further into the situation.

  City Council approved a resolution amending the Gloucester City Zoning Map to correct the zoning of 17 properties located mainly along Broadway.

  Some of the properties are zoned commercial in the front of the lot, and residential in the rear.

  In order for a business to open up on those properties, owners would have to apply for a variance. 

  The change in the zoning will make it easier for future business ventures once the areas are zoned properly, Council members said.