September 9^th Council Meeting Recap

Before this meeting there was a workshop meeting.  The discussion in that meeting revolved around the batting cages that are being proposed. 

1^st Public Portion

• Dena Hendry asks why the proposed batting cages should be put on the tax payers rather than funded by donations.  Mercado gives his opinion. 
• Dena goes a bit further into what we should be thinking about before we get into bidding on this. 
• Dena comes back up to ask for clarification on the private meeting that was held with the sports associations. 

There were no objections to the Do Not Block The Box amendment

Amendments were made to the Villages Of Gloucester Redevelopment Plan.

• It appears they are just making some zoning map changes.  No real detail is given. 
• What is a Redevelopment Plan and how is it different than an Area In Need Of Rehabilitation?
• What is a Makerhood?
  • A Makerhood is designed to support micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses. It combines affordable living spaces with commercial areas for light manufacturing and business support services. This model aims to create a supportive community where residents can live, work, and grow their businesses all in one place. 
  • The idea is to bring back the traditional “living above the store” model, which historically supported families and fostered entrepreneurship.
  • Is this even possible in NJ?   Nothing is affordable and artists don’t make a lot of money. 

E-GOV

Valerie Jones Wants to know who the sewer system is being sold to. 

• Even with all the attention this is getting, we have to realize that it’s likely a majority of people have no idea.

2^nd Public Portion

Dena returns once again

• to ask about the private sports meeting and Orlando doesn’t seem to want to talk about it anymore. 
• She also asks his this meeting came about and being that they were caught, they admitted Cardis called everyone.  CLIP 7
• Mercado lets Dena know they are changing minds (and then he calls her slimy) 
• He also goes on to say they will be meeting with other special interest groups like the seniors and arts groups.  

Mr Brown

• He’s happy the flag is displayed properly now.   (They got a new stand for it)
• He also asks about revenue from some of the great things in the past that we were promised would take all of our pain away.  The solar panels, the outlets, marijuana dispensaries, etc.  If they made all the money that was claimed why are we selling the sewer?
• He also asks if the 4 day work week saves money. 

Ray Polidoro

• Asks how American Water can make all the claims in their mailer without it all going through the proper government channels. 
• Ray Also asks if the debt will be paid off at one time and the answer is basically yes, but it is put in escrow because they are bonds. 

Denise Coyne

• Asks why the public wasn’t included in the decision on how to spend the money. 
• In CLIP 12 we find yet another job Tom Cardis holds.   Ruler Of The Public Decision

Carol?

• Doesn’t like the way meetings are handled.  She wants to know if they are going to answer all of the questions that were asked this evening. 
• Neighborly Nash asks what she means about the “how council looks”