Gloucester Township Observer Podcast – October 20th, 2025

Gloucester Township Council Meeting held on October 15, 2025

The full video of the meeting is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qSg6BKCNjE.

I. Opening and Swearing-In Ceremony

• Special Presentation: Swearing-in of Police Officers and K9
  • Chief Harkkins delivered opening remarks, thanking the administration and council for their support of the police department 
  • Promotions and Swearing-in:
    • Lieutenant Brian Bonowitz was sworn in
    • Sergeant Daniel Ritz was sworn in
    • Sergeant Joseph Sirone was sworn in
  • New Officers Sworn-in : Matthew Lord, Orlando Council, Derek Hagen, William Pera III, and Michael D Camilillo.
  • K9 Fria Sworn-in K9 Fria, a 2-year-old Belgian Malawa, was officially sworn in as the department’s first female patrol dog .
  • Chief Harkins Retirement Announcement: The Chief thanked the council and mayor, confirming his retirement at the end of the month, and expressing pride in the department.

• First Public Comment (Agenda Items Only)
  • Dave Leader
    • Searchable Agendas
      • Searchable:  https://glotwp19.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Council-Meeting_101525_Addendum.pdf
      • Not Searchable:https://glotwp19.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Council-Meeting-Agenda_101525.pdf
  • Denise Coin questioned why all bids for solid waste collection (R-359) were being rejected. Mr. Cardis (Director of Finance) explained that the low bid showed an increase of almost 31% over the previous contract, well above the 3.5% appropriation cap. Mr. Marcato added that the township will re-bid to potentially get a better price, possibly expanding the specs to allow separate bidders for residential pickup and dumpsters. 
  • Ms. Coin also asked about the $1.3 million DVRPC grant (R-361). Mr. McIll confirmed it is for the bike path and is fully funded by the state.

III. Second Public Comment and Council Closing Remarks

• Second Public Comment
  • Brian Burns congratulated the Chief on his retirement. He then urged the Council to use its redevelopment entity power to create an Environmental Residential zone for the Hickstown Road site, which is supported by the Master Plan, instead of allowing four warehouses. Mr. Mercado reiterated that the property is privately owned and no application has yet been filed.
  • Denise Coin revisited the 1000 Williamstown Road settlement, questioning the utility of a study that found a lot “does not independently satisfy the statutory criteria” but is being included anyway based on a “cohesion” loophole. She asked if a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) was promised to the developer.
    • She also asks if council reviewed the proposal.  
  • Dena Hendry criticized Councilwoman Grace’s remarks from a previous meeting, stating they were “divisive” and out of line. She requested a public correction in the minutes, full attentiveness (no phone distractions), and a demonstration of accountability.
  • Dave Leader asked if the meeting followed Robert’s Rules of Order. He then accused Council President Marcado of using “demeaning language” like “you and your little friends” toward the public and requested a public apology and admonishment from the township.
  • DAve also asks council members running for re-election if they approve of the nasty mailers that have gone out about their competitors. 
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  • October 24th is the trunk or treat.