During the July 27 virtual meeting, the governing body gave unanimous consent to the move, expected to keep Monaghan the township’s head law-enforcement officer into 2022.
Township Business Administrator Erin Patterson Gill revealed that Monaghan’s current contract was set to expire at the end of the calendar year. Per Township Director of Planning, Policy and Programs Chris Summerhayes, Monaghan’s new contract is a two-year extension, with year-one compensation set at $220,000 and year-two at $225,000.
“My highest priority is the safety and well-being of our families and residents,” said Mayor Susan Shin Angulo.
“As mayor, I have a responsibility to protect the public and ensure that our police department is highly effective and respectful of human dignity. Chief Monaghan cares deeply for Cherry Hill, exemplifies public service and is dedicated to the well-being of our community.”
Councilwoman Carole Roskoph concurred enthusiastically, saying that Monaghan rates highest in her estimation for community policing, and she called his retention “one of the best votes that we have taken.”
“It’s an honor to be entrusted by the mayor and council with the solemn responsibility to protect and serve our residents in Cherry Hill,” said Monaghan.
“I look forward to continuing our community policing program, building upon the public trust we’ve already established, and further strengthening our relationship with the public and community organizations here in Cherry Hill.”
Council also gave its consent to a resolution intended for continuing improvements to a property located at Croft Farm. The Kay-Evans House is in need of interior renovations, and the legislation will support an application for a Camden County Open Space, Farmland, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grant in an amount as high as $50,000.
“The house requires some plaster repairs and painting throughout due to roof leaks over the years,” said Megan Brown, township director of recreation. “Funding will also be used to address any leaks that are not water tight, though we currently believe that all active leaks are repaired. There is some interior window preservation work that needs to be done as well (painting, reglazing, sash repairs).”
“The basement requires some drainage work to eliminate dampness that is compromising the mortar,” Brown added. “Once repaired, the basement masonry work will require some repairs and repointing. Hopefully the $50,000 in funding will allow us to accomplish all these tasks.”
In other news:
- The seven-member council also gave unanimous consent to a resolution that authorizes adoption of the 2020-2024, five-year consolidated action plan and 2020 action plan, to receive community-development block grant funds from the state that benefit residents of low-to-moderate income. According to Gill, all funds from the grant are used to continue building barrier-free conditions in the township, such as programs to aid income-eligible seniors, a deferred-loan payment program for the township’s single-family rehab program and continuing operations of other income-assistance programs.
- Council President David Fleisher acknowledged the continuing effects of COVID-19, saying that township council has been forced to shift its mindset between a “bridge from a current crisis to what we thought would be ‘normal,” to one that sees a “road that might be a little bit longer than we anticipated.” He reiterated that council and the mayor will continue to tackle all issues and seek creative solutions to govern effectively and prioritize health and public safety.
