Opening and Initial Announcements:
- Councilwoman Winters’ Resignation: The Council President announced the resignation of Councilwoman Winters, effective June 30, 2025
- Resignation Letter and Acknowledgment: Her letter talked about her 12 + years of service and sited personal commitments as a reason for leaving.
- Closed Session: The council then entered a closed session to discuss the candidates for the vacancy.
Appointment of New Council Member:
- Reconvening and Appointment: After the closed session, the council reconvened. Siri Castro Jr. was nominated and appointed to fill the vacant council seat
Public Comment (Agenda Items Only):
- Dave Leader: Inquired about the total spending on the Blackbox building
- He also, expressing concerns about the lack of coordination with school boards regarding new housing developments
- Nancy Kelly: Expressed concerns about a potential rebid for batting cages, citing the previous high cost and the town’s existing debt
- She also questioned a $750,000 grant secured for the project secured by Super Man Dan Hutchison.
- You can guarantee GT will tell us we can’t pass up the opportunity to get a “free $750K”
- Why do we have so much “Free money” sitting around?
- She follows up later asking what the monthly cost to taxpayers will be.
- She also questioned a $750,000 grant secured for the project secured by Super Man Dan Hutchison.
- First Reading (Ordinance 0-25-19) – Minors and Parental Responsibility: This ordinance proposed creating Chapter 39 to establish parental accountability for children’s supervision and actions
E-Gov: No emails.
Second Public Comment Period:
- Denise Coin: Questioned whether all council members received the 181-page Michael’s Organization redevelopment proposal before voting. She emphasized the need for transparency regarding township-owned land and criticized the council’s perceived lack of accountability She also brought up the Gloucester Premium Outlets development and its tax abatement
- Brian Burns: Confirmed the upcoming closing on the Murray property. Brian went through the photos and explained what some of the species and features this land has and why we should protect it.
Director and Council Member Reports/Comments:
Joanne Carr wanted to let everyone know how old the township is.
Orlando talks about meeting Castro months ago so it makes me wonder if Winters was asked to “retire”
Closing Remarks by Councilman Castro:
- Councilman Castro expressed his honor in joining the council and thanked his family and mentors for their support, stating his commitment to serving the residents
