Gloucester Township Council held its regular meeting on Aug. 26, and among issues discussed was a resolution authorizing a sidebar agreement between the township and Teamsters Local 500, the union that represents sewer-utility employees.
The sidebar agreement ensures continued employment for current employees in the event of a potential sale of the sewer utilities, an issue that will be subject to voter approval in the November 2024 referendum. Council agreed to place the resolution on the agenda for further discussion.
During the meeting’s public comment, resident Monica Hudson raised a significant safety concern regarding the crosswalk at East Railroad Avenue and West Church Street. She described multiple, near-miss incidents with speeding vehicles at the crosswalk, part of a local walking trail, and shared a disturbing incident where she was physically assaulted by a vehicle passenger after a near miss while walking with her spouse.
Council members assured Hudson the matter would be addressed. The township’s business administrator, police chief, and township engineer are investigating the situation to propose safety improvements at the intersection noted by Hudson.
Council also approved other resolutions and ordinances during the meeting, notably a grant to resurface the tennis and basketball courts at Timber Cove Park. Plans are to convert one tennis court into a combination tennis and pickleball court. Engineering services for the project, totaling $12,500, were also approved.
Council also introduced an ordinance that amends the township code regarding designated Do Not Block the Box locations to improve traffic flow and safety near fire department exits.
The meeting concluded with additional public commentary, during which resident Ray Paor of Erial raised concerns about the possible locking of recreational facilities when they are not in use. Council members assured him they would investigate, although it was noted that fields are generally not locked unless necessary to prevent damage.
The next township council meeting on Monday at 7:30 is expected to cover further updates, including safety improvements for pedestrian crosswalks and ongoing developments in township recreational facilities.
