There was a celebration of athletic excellence to begin the Gloucester City Council meeting on July 28, as Mayor Dayl Baile and City Council proclaimed June 13 as “Gloucester High Lions Softball Champions Day.”
The mayor presented the official proclamation to players and coaches on the Gloucester City High School girls’ softball team, which has won two consecutive NJSIAA Group Two state championships.
Representing the Lady Lions were Head Coach Megan Mason, assistant coaches Jill Darrow, Sue Dybus and Dave Light, and players Bailey Schoenfeldt, Emma Dick and Lauren Parry.
In other business, Mayor Baile announced two major environmental clean-ups. The City has received a $1.9 million grant to address problems at the former Gloucester Titanium property, which he called “the most polluted site in Gloucester City.”
Also, an additional $1.1 million grant will go to clean up hazardous waste on a Brick Street site, close to the current Public Works headquarters, the mayor said.
City Council approved a series of 21 resolutions by consent agenda, including amending the appointment of Sean O’Sullivan to the position of Tax Assessor and authorizing submitting a grant application to the NJ Department of Transportation for improvements to Division Street.
Council members also approved an ordinance on second reading confirming and authorizing the sales of lands, including 2 Klemm Avenue, 222 Morris Street, 822, 826 and 830 Essex Street, and 126 and 120-A North King Street.
During the public forum, resident Rocky Kormann said that “it is outrageous” the way motorists are speeding down Nicholson Road, which is a country road with a 25 mph speed limit.
Police Chief Brian Morrell agreed. “I will ask the supervisor to put police out there for a week” to monitor the traffic and give tickets if necessary.
Resident Jason Fanning said that the one-way sign at Burlington and Essex streets has gone missing.
“We will replace the sign,” said Morrell, adding that the original sign is probably in someone’s attic or basement.
Resident John Jones asked why Proprietor’s Park is closed after dark, as he and others were unable to watch Philadelphia fireworks on July Fourth from the Delaware River waterfront.
“There has been some unsavory activity there late at night,” said Mayor Baile, adding that the hours the park will be open to the public will remain “sunup to sundown.”
Morrell then gave an update about the gunshots fired from the street on the morning of July 27 on the 300 block of Morris Street.
“The vehicle used in the shooting was found on fire in Camden City. No one was injured and the victims have been uncooperative,” he said, adding that anyone with information should call the Detective Bureau at (856) 456-7797.
The next City Council meeting will be on Monday, August 25, at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 313 Monmouth St.
