by Robert Holt
SWEDESBORO — The Swedesboro Council heard a presentation from JIF Deputy Executive Director Paul Forlenza about their membership in the company’s fund at their meeting on July 21.
The Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland Counties Municipal Joint Insurance Fund allows municipalities to share their resources in an effort to lower costs of automobile, fire, liability, and workers’ compensation insurance.
JIF returned over $9,700 in dividends to Swedesboro in 2013. “Overall, the performance of the fund is phenomenal,” Forlenza stated. “It is one of the finest performing joint insurance funds in New Jersey.”
The borough renewed with the Joint Insurance Fund for three years earlier this month. “We really appreciate what you do,” commented Swedesboro Mayor Tom Fromm. “Your staff has been very responsive.”
JIF has a Safety Incentive Program, which is used by communities to create safer workplace environments and prevent injuries. Council approved a resolution that would establish a wellness program for Swedesboro. Deputy Municipal Clerk Lois Elder noted that Swedesboro has already held a successful Wellness-De-Stress event, and added that Municipal Clerk Tanya Goodwin hoped to hold such events on a weekly basis.
In other resolutions, Council approved a change order of $36,597 to Think Pavers Hardscaping Inc. for work being done on Allen Street. Fromm pointed out that the funding was coming from a grant provided by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Also, another resolution extended the deadline for paying third quarter taxes to August 25.
Elsewhere, speeding in the community continued to be part of the discussion. Woolwich Police Lieutenant Joseph Morgan reported that two “four-ton limit” signs and four “35 MPH” signs are being ordered. Councilmember Diane Hale suggested the use of radar signs that are attached to utility poles in certain parts of Swedesboro.
Morgan responded that research has already been done on those signs, and they are relatively inexpensive.
Councilmember Sam Casella added that he would like to see one of the radar signs employed on Locke Avenue. “There were motorcycles flying by at 85 miles per hour,” he said. “It was a drag race.”
The police department has been notified that U.S. Foods trucks have been seen on Lake Avenue, and the company has been contacted.
Fromm told Morgan that although the discussion occasionally gets heated about speeding in the community, he is pleased with the performance of the Woolwich Police Department. “I’m extremely happy with our relationship with the police department,” the mayor observed.
And the Council acknowledged the success of the second year of the community’s intern program. Fourteen students completed a two-week program in July in the borough offices learning about the operation of government. Goodwin said she was pleased with the students, and received very positive feedback from them.
Records Clerk Christine Maloney called it a great experience, saying, “We’re looking forward to it again next year.” Fromm mention, “There are a large number of talented and optimistic people in this program.”
In Economic Development, Hale reported that about 325 people attended the community’s kayaking event in July. “About 200 were from Swedesboro and Woolwich,” Hale commented.
The Councilmember added that a Mexican restaurant would hopefully open in the area sometime this summer.
Also, the Pet Census report from Councilmember Joanna Gahrs listed 73 cats and 260 dogs licensed in the community.
And new Swedesboro-Woolwich School District Interim Superintendent Terry Van Zoeren introduced himself to Council at the meeting. A Hopewell District Superintendent for 13 years who started his job July 1, Van Zoeren said he looked forward to working with Swedesboro and Woolwich.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Van Zoeren said. “I look to be a good steward with the taxpayers’ money.”
