June 9^th Council Meeting Recap

• Special Presentation: Citizens Police Academy Graduation
  • The 16-week program gives the public an inside look at the police department, covering various units like crime scene, special response team, traffic, detectives, and internal affairs.
• Closed Session
  • A motion is made and seconded to go into a closed session regarding a litigation matter for the township.
• First Public Comment Portion (Agenda Items Only)
  • No one speaks, and the first public comment portion is closed.
• Resolutions
  • Resolution to Amend the 2025 Budget: Details of amendments to the 2025 budget are read, affecting various revenue and appropriation line items. A motion is made and seconded.
  • Resolution 228: Adopting the 2025 calendar year budget as amended. A motion is made and seconded.
• GTE Gov Access Emails (Public Questions)
  • Dina Hendry (89 Land Post Lane): Asks for information about a settlement agreement between the Township of Gloucester and 1000 Williamstown New Jersey LLC CLIP 1
  • Sam Sweet (18 Elizabeth Place): Asks about the township’s policy regarding ICE, CLIP 2
  • Sam Sweet (18 Elizabeth): Asks for clarification on the ordinance regarding political signs, CLIP 3
• Second Public Comment Portion
  • Denise Coin (Choose Landing): Addresses the proposed redevelopment of the Nike base property by the Michael’s organization. CLIP 4
  • Asks how the benefits of the new solar program (R25-06-194) will differ from previous solar farms that were supposed to benefit residents, CLIP 5
• Dave Leader:
• Council Responses to Public Comments
  • Response to Denise Coin (Nike Base):
    • The Nike base (approx. 16 acres) has been underutilized. The township issued a request for expressed interest, and the Michael’s organization was the only submission.
    • The conditional approval for Michael’s as the lead developer was on the agenda for the second council meeting in March, providing public review time.
    • Michael’s still needs to go before the redevelopment entity and the planning board.
    • The township has not accepted scenario A or B of Michael’s proposal. It’s unlikely a police station will be built and leased back, or that there will be vertical farming or cannabis cultivation. Market-rate townhouses and commercial development are more likely.     CLIP 7
    • Mr. Carlamere states he intended to answer Ms. Coin’s questions at this meeting as he said he would at the previous meeting. CLIP 8
  • Response to Dave Leader:
    • Green Team: Mercado states he responded months ago that Mr. Leader needs to contact the mayor’s office. Mr. Marcado adds that the mayor’s office (Andrea McFersonson) assured him Mr. Leader was emailed.
    • Media Release: The council president will ask the mayor’s office how the public can receive prior notice of media events.
    • Acronyms: “LIG” stands for Local Recreation Improvement Grant. The council will try to explain acronyms better.
    • Blackwood Streetscape Funding: The CFO will need to confirm if the $116,000 is from the capital budget.
    • Bringhurst Avenue Vacation: This will be answered at the next meeting.
    • “Plenary” Liquor License: The clerk explains “plenary” means full, complete, or absolute, and it’s used for Plenary Retail Distribution licenses. Chief Harkins adds it means they can sell beer, wine, and liquor.
    • Solar Program: The township is going out to bid for BPU-qualified developers for community solar projects. This allows residents without roof space or funds for private solar to benefit from solar energy savings (guaranteed at least 20% savings for 20 years). It’s an opt-in program, and residents can cancel anytime. Further quantification details will be sought.
    • Response to Dave CLIP 9