By Robert Holt
SWEDESBORO — At their meeting on July 20, the Swedesboro Council spoke about the success of their recent free kayaking event on Lake Narraticon. The first of two dates was held on July 11.
Councilmember Diane Hale noted that the Economic Development Committee partnered with the Swedesboro Woolwich Environmental Commission for the event. Hale said that according to reports, 115 people turned out for the first hour. Overall attendance was believed to be 320.
The borough’s first free kayaking day lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The kayaking takes place at Swedesboro Lake Park.
Hale credited Swedesboro’s Public Works Department for having the park ready for the events. She also mentioned the popularity of the town’s Dancing in the Street Series.
The next concert in the series was scheduled for Aug. 19 with the Slick Rhodes Band performing at 8 p.m. Hale said the show would be held in the Clifford School in the event of inclement weather.
The Council also credited Public Works for their efforts in filling the community’s potholes.
Elsewhere, Councilmember Joanna Gahrs reported that Kristin O’Neil began her job as Superintendent of Schools on July 13. O’Neil had been appointed to the position by the Swedesboro/ Woolwich Board of Education in April.
Gahrs also mentioned that the Parks and Recreation Department would be showcasing local businesses at future events. The Department spotlighted the summer reading program at the Swedesboro Library in June, and offered free admission to the Bridgeport Speedway for residents with proper identification in July.
Gahrs commented that a lot of new ideas were still being considered for events.
In other news, Hale announced that Swedesboro had gotten a list of the town’s veterans for an upcoming Hero Banners project. And Councilmember Sam Casella said the next Historic Preservation Committee meeting would be in August.
Also, Swedesboro has filed for Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement for damage suffered from the storm of June 23.
In resolutions, Council approved the extension of the community’s due date for third quarter taxes to Aug. 24. They also authorized an agreement with New Jersey Transit for the installation and maintenance of a bus shelter.
Council also approved a shared services agreement with Jeffrey Surenian on behalf of the Municipal Group to retain Dr. Robert Burchell to prepare a report on affordable housing that Swedesboro has needed. Assistant Borough Clerk Lois Elder explained, “This man is an expert, and he’s going to help us.”
The Council tabled taking any action on a letter from the prosecutor’s office regarding the Gloucester County Minority Recruitment Initiative because Swedesboro Mayor Tom Fromm and Councilmembers George Weeks and Patrick Wilbraham were unable to attend the meeting.
