Bellmawr Employees Receive Award
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
By Chris Concannon
Gloucester City News
Bellmawr received an annual Safety Award during the Borough Council’s recent meeting.
Borough Safety Coordinator Mike Williams (Highway Department) presented the plaque and thanked Mayor and Council for their support, as well as all Borough employees for their continued efforts in remaining safe in the workplace.
Council President Lou Di Angelo noted that the award reflects a reduction in injury claims, thereby saving precious dollars in insurance premiums.
Public Works Superintendent Joe Ciano was to receive the award from Williams, but was recovering at home following a short hospital visit.
A proclamation was then read by Di Angelo making Thursday, May 3, 2012, a Day of Prayer in Bellmawr, adding that services marking the National Day of Prayer were held in front of Borough Hall.
The proclamation was given to Rev. Vincent Kovlak, pastor of Bellmawr Baptist Church.
Rev. Kovlak reiterated the growing need for prayer throughout the United States.
Mayor Frank Filipek also read a proclamation making April 2012 Alcohol Awareness Month in the Borough.
A thank you letter was then read, thanking the Police Department, namely officers Josh Hannum and Keith Williams, for their assistance in locating a wayward elderly female.
The unidentified senior was found, having wandered from her home. She was returned safely, thanks to these two officers.
Public Safety Director John Bollinger, in his Committee remarks, also thanked the patrolmen for their efforts, adding that their actions speak to their level of professionalism.
Councilman Dave Duncan commented on an upcoming parade to honor veterans in Gloucester Township. It will be Saturday, June 23, and will begin at 9 a.m. at the Black Horse Pike and Station Avenue in the Glendora section of Gloucester Township.
The parade will finish at the Harry Williams Library in Runnemede, at the Black Horse Pike and Ninth Avenue. Both Bellmawr VFW Posts (7410 and 9563) are coordinating the efforts, along with the Runnemede VFW and area American Legion posts.
For information contacting either Bellmawr VFW (Post 7410 Commander Jack Newcomb, 931-8488, or Post 9563 Commander Joe Lee, 931-9724), or Bellmawr Borough Hall at 856- 933-1313.
Steve Sauter commented on the self-exam for the proposed Borough budget, noting the following:
Taxes will be going up approximately $4.4 cents per $100 of assessed value, meaning a home valued at $170,000 will see an increase in taxes of approximately $89.54.
Sauter added that although taxes will be raised, there will be no reduction in Borough services.
Mr. Di Angelo said that over the last six years, Bellmawr has received over $298,000 in CDBG (Community Block Development Grants) grants, enabling the Borough to make major improvements to several streets, thereby saving countless tax dollars.
All business on the evening’s agenda was unanimously approved, with the following of note:
As to Resolution #04:86-12, the Borough has authorized a contract with the Salem County Improvement Authority, for the disposal of solid waste.
Mayor Frank Filipek stated that the Borough will receive a cheaper rate in the long run with the deal.
As to Resolutions #04:87-12 and #04:88-12, the Borough resolved to read the 2012 budget in title only, as well as adopt said 2012 Municipal budget.
Special permits for social affairs and raffle licenses were granted, including:
St. Rita’s (Mary, Mother of the Church) Parish, for a Basket Auction on Saturday, May 19, in the Parish Hall on Braisington Avenue. The auction will be from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, for a fundraiser on Friday May 18, from 6 to 11 p.m., at the Bellmawr Park Fire Hall on Essex Avenue.
For information contact Borough Hall at 933-1313, or on the web at: bellmawr.com.