Council Reports - November 8, 2021

Council Report 11-8-21
Councilwoman Vanessa E. James
Vanessa.James@Pitman.Org
2021 Liaison: Parks & Recreation, Public Events, Library Board, Great Pitman Chamber of Commerce
Parks & Recreation
All basketball programs are on, as of now, and they will begin the first week in December. Director Fox recently met with a construction company and is working to get quotes so that all options can be weighed in order to repair the Shertel Park Tennis Courts.
Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce
The Pitman Winter Village returns to Uptown Pitman for the Holiday season on Saturday December 4th from 11:00 a.m. -4 p.m. on Ballard Avenue and Ballard Park.
The Chamber will also be selling house flags and ornaments this holiday season, both showcasing the “Small Town With A Big Heart” logo.
The GPCC is currently looking into purchasing a cleaning station for Theatre Avenue.
The next meeting of the Chamber will be held on Tuesday, November 16th at 7 p.m. in Borough Hall.
McCowan Memorial Library
Thanks to all the local businesses who donated candy for the children’s Halloween Parade this year and thanks to the Mayor and Council for their assistance in handing out candy.
During the month of September 2021, 3,215 people visited McCowan Memorial Library and there were 110 internet users. There were 14 live children’s programs with a combined attendance of 158 people.
During the month of October 2021, 2,810 people visited McCowan Memorial Library and there were 115 internet users. There were 27 live children’s programs with a combined attendance of 271 people.
As always, I am available to answer any questions or concerns via email at vanessa.james@pitman.org or by phone at 336-407-8604.

Council Report November 8, 2021
Council President Paul Blass
paul.blass@pitman.org
I would first like to congratulate Courtney Milward and Vince Kelly on their election to Council last week. The votes have been counted. The election is done. The transition to a new Council will begin, and I wish them luck.
Sustainable Pitman
Sustainable Pitman met on October 28th. I am happy to report that they have once again achieved Bronze Certification. The group has now set its sites on silver certification and sees that as an achievable goal within the next couple of years.
Daughters of the American Revolution
On October 30th I was happy to help facilitate the dedication of two benches in Campbell War Memorial. The DAR donated these benches to commemorate the 90th anniversary of their Red Bank Chapter, which was established in Pitman. The original charter hangs in the Pitman Museum.
Public Works –
October Recycling Totals
19 Loads of Single Stream Recycling - 70.60 tons - at a profit of $2,190.72
There was a cost added of $700 for bag fees – please remember no plastic bags in recycling.
3 loads of Metal to Sims Metal – 2.12 tons – for which we received $429
258 cubic yards of mulch and brush hauled to various locations at a cost of $2,322
Solid Waste Totals
24 loads to Wheelabrator – 281.61 tons – at a cost of $21,641.75
5 loads to the Gloucester County landfill – 53.52 tons – at a cost of $4,130.13
Doing approx. 40 curbside inspections per week of recycling containers.
Dropped off Barricades for Food Truck Festival
On October 29th Water and Sewer fixed a break on Canterbury Avenue.

Amy E. Rudley, Council Report
November 8, 2021
Environmental Commission
​The EC met during its regular date and time on Thursday last week and will meet again on the first Thursday in December in Borough Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Senior Outreach
​The Senior Outreach Committee is holding an open house with the VFW on November 17 from 2-5 at the VFW. Come meet some fellow 55+ residents of Pitman and enjoy some games and snacks.
Memorabilia
​Thank you to Council President Blass for attending Memorabilia on Wednesday evening in my place, so I could spend a few days visiting with family.
Public Property
​A tree infested with Spotted Lantern Flies will be removed shortly from Fourth Avenue. It is on public property and is an invasive species of tree, in poor health. Thank you to Councilman Weng for bringing this tree to my attention.
Should you need to reach me, please feel free to contact me at amy.rudley@pitman.org or via my cell at 609-214-6342.

Council Report 11/08/2021
Councilman Adam Mazzola
Adam.Mazzola@pitman.org

Finance & Audit:
Tonight there are bonds on the agenda that ensure the Borough's ability to provide critical services to the residents of Pitman. Police services, trash collection, and clean water delivery are covered in this round of borrowing. There are two main reasons why this course of action makes sense. One, it takes 18 months or more from the time we initiate a heavy equipment purchase to the time we take delivery. We cannot wait for trucks to become inoperable or we risk impacting weekly trash pickup. Two, interest rates are low and our bond rating is high. Doing this now ensures that we do not pay more later. Paying cash for large equipment purchases in the past led to financial issues for the Borough such as a low bond rating, an inability to make obligated payments, and the need for the state to provide emergency aid. Bonding keeps Pitman from being in such a dire position again.
During budget conversations we solicited the opinion of CFO Considine to ensure that the Borough would not be impacted negatively. He repeatedly informed us that these bonds would NOT negatively impact our bond rating or the Borough in any way.
In addition, for the past two years that I have been on Council we have avoided raising taxes during a time when many residents and local businesses were hurting. In numerous discussions, the majority of Council felt strongly that we owed it to those we represent to not add to the burdens already on their plate.
Clean Communities:
On Saturday the Pitman Grove Community Garden came out and cleaned up the border of Alcyon Woods, Track Ave, and Holly Ave to the dam. When that was done they also walked through Alcyon Park and cleaned up along the walkway. This area of the Borough is often a first impression point for people visiting Pitman and to have this area cleaned makes an impact. They filled 10 bags over halfway with litter.
As a reminder if you have a non-profit and would like to set up a cleanup project, please reach out to me!