CNBNews

Gloucester City (CNBNews)(Feb 12, 2025)--CNBNews has made several OPRA requests to unveil the details surrounding the actions taken by the Gloucester City Mayor and Council during their closed sessions on the dates marked below:

**August 26, 2024**

In this session, Councilman Cilurso proposed sending a formal letter from the Housing Office to all businesses in Gloucester City, urging them to maintain their properties' aesthetic and structural integrity.

Tom Quinn, the Director of Fire Services for Gloucester City, announced the promotion of three firemen to the rank of Fire Lieutenant: Chris Ryan, Phil Kormann, and Tom Quinn III. Alongside these commendations, he requested the appointment of a part-time fire inspector at a wage of $25 per hour for this crucial role.

Police Chief Brian Morrell, who also serves as a part-time city administrator, suggested that civilian staff manage essential tasks such as processing gun permits, overseeing laboratory runs, ensuring accreditation, and handling responsibilities for the Police Training Commission (PTC).

Solicitor Howard Long stated the city's purchase of PNC Bank, close on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Long highlighted that the transaction is fraught with various title issues that could complicate matters further.

**Editor’s Note:**

The city purchased the bank for $550,000 by floating a bond, a financial commitment that will bind taxpayers for the next 20 years. Despite this significant investment, the rationale behind the property acquisition remains a mystery.  Rumors suggest that this building might be used as the police administration facility at 313 Monmouth Street.

**October 21, 2024**

Bill Gallagher, Housing Officer, asked that Kristen Tetreault be hired as a keyboard clerk effective October 22.

Tom Quinn, director of fire services, stated that Charles Sanderson has declined to move forward with the deputy fire chief.

Morrell requested the appointment of Derron Cpooney from SLEO to full-time Police Officer, effective October 28.  Morrell stated he was using the alt. Route with Civil Service for this appointment.

Morrell said William Johnson Jr and Michael Morrell will start as Police Agents for $35 per hour and no more than 30 hours per week with no benefits.

Morrell said the Gloucester City Housing Authority requested to take over 34 N. King Street and asked the City to demolish the Essex and Brown Street properties. The Gloucester City Historicial Society occupied that building for many years. 

Howard Long requested the council to pass a resolution after the closed session for the expired bond on Pennon’s engineer report for the Sussex Street sewer rehab.

**October 28, 2024**

Tom Quinn, director of fire services, requested that four part-time positions be hired as fire inspectors for a total of 30 hours a week. The names submitted: Ian Muenzenberger, Harley Marks, Eric Glassman, $25 per hour, and Anthony Bramble, pre-planned at $20 per hour, all effective December 1. Acting city administrator Brian Morrell asked if they would stay in the union, and Quinn said yes

**November 18, 2024**

Solicitor Long met with the EPA regarding the former Welsbach site.

Morrell said the Pine Grove Civic Association reported that $20,000 or more was stolen.

Solicitor Long discussed the Bank Bar’s extension application, which included the parking lot as part of their licensed premise. Some council members had concerns over the parking and their were other complaints.

**November 25, 2024**

Councilman Johnson reported that the city will go into a Shared Services Agreement (SSA) with the Borough of Brooklawn for Housing Inspectors effective January 1, 2025

Edward Gorman submitted his retirement papers effective December 31, 2024

Mark Laggy and Michael DePalma will fill the position held by Gorman. Council members approved the change.

Solicitor Long reported on the Bank Bar Liquor License application for the extension of his license. Long said special restrictions will be added to the resolution for his application.

Dunn will need to provide a lease for additional parking spots, he will only receive ten permits per year. He must provide a 10-day notice to the city clerk and the police chief for all events.  The council favored the restrictions.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We would like to publically thank Vanessa Little, custodian of records, for her help and cooperation in obtaining the information.