Five Things You Need to Know ... Monday's Council Meeting

1. No one addressed the Township Council during the open public-comment period of Monday night's public-action meeting.

That hasn't happened since Gloucester Township Patch launched in December 2010.

It made for a very quick meeting. Council President Glen Bianchini called the session to order at around 7:33 p.m. It was all over by 8:15 p.m.

Gloucester City resident John Schmidt did question Council, and solicitor David Carlamere, about a land deal between the township and Gloucester Township Housing Authority. (More on that below.) But that came during the public-comment period for questions relating to only items on the meeting agenda.

2. As part of its consent agenda, which was unanimously approved, Council gave the green light for installation of traffic signals at Redbud Drive and Berlin-Cross Keys Road, in the township's Sicklerville section.

3. Council approved on second reading an ordinance that allows the township to purchase land behind Senior Campus I, in Lakeland, from Gloucester Township Housing Authority (GTHA) for the development of Senior Campus II and Senior Campus III.

The township will contract with a private developer to build the senior housing units. GTHA will manage the property once the new housing is added, according to officials.

Solicitor David Carlamere noted the township will use its available Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) funds to purchase the land.

4. Council approved on first reading an ordinance that would grant 2 percent raises to most non-union personnel. The ordinance covers both full- and part-time employees.

Business Administrator Tom Cardis noted last week that it would be the first raises for the employees in about four years.

5. Mayor David Mayer, Council President Glen Bianchini and Gloucester Township Police Chief W. Harry Earle and Lt. Brendan Barton recognized the graduates of the 2012 Citizens Police Academy. (Story and photos to come.)