[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6040168,"mediaKeyId","3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6","parentId",3764564,"title","Residents press county on air quality: incinerator, EMR, and a county air quality committee","audioSeconds",536,"startMs",1963000,"endMs",2499000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6&start=1963&end=2499","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6/thumbnail_1963000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6040168/Camden-County/New-Jersey/Residents-press-county-on-air-quality-incinerator-EMR-and-a-county-air-quality-committee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040168-651d4c6071f2d1ff88b28ee259ce1de9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188487&Signature=mK5~kEmNr30xxFPuCpytDtQC-hLT6VrYn872QKhB2GfPW0r5bYKykjcVjJHuV7N8zP4QPfHspNzHuYDbdoTYNSlayxKd7YdoUwZy9BofhJfHcUIpyoLombJWxadY~auSJXQ1spo17C~1XHFXR~kwc2vqJnkNetvxJoMkkubxnN1TdAtxuh2A7xeyloOX~PhiieOJWR6e3UJeXBxCoL9t6xLyl~4zEHqRKONOv3ePEJWSp~auKBqbIgMEYJy6GNfx2nhDg-lYJrSmJcdhDKbvveyIC-oLUz9PvnjGvLyZvLPHAmMSn4DuQ4BbiuEknaX0SYIifbf4xBnzMWeTJ2kttw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Camden County, NJ","date","2025-05-15T00:00:00Z","article","Several residents urged Camden County commissioners to take stronger action on air quality problems they said are concentrated in Waterfront South and other communities in Camden.

Dorothy Foley of Merchantville cited long‑standing concerns about the incinerator (ReWorld, formerly Covanta) and asked what the county is doing about long‑term planning and the Solid Waste Council's work. Gary Frazier, a Camden community activist, and Kevin Barfield of Clean Air Camden amplified concerns about what they described as disproportionate pollution in Camden and called for accountability from corporations and elected officials.

Residents raised specific points: a) the incinerator is nearing the end of its useful life and remains the primary disposal option for the county's coop of municipalities; b) ReWorld has an application pending with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to install additional controls (baghouse) and to accept other wastes that its application indicates would finance emission controls; c) EMR recently reached an agreement with Camden City about funds and resident input on how those funds will be spent, and state legislation was introduced that would subject EMR to state licensing and regulation.

County officials said the county formed an air quality committee that meets monthly and includes DEP representatives, environmentalists and community members; subcommittees are working on solid waste alternatives and composting to reduce incinerated tonnage. Officials said DEP is still reviewing ReWorld's permit application and noted environmental-justice review requirements apply to new sources. County staff said they have tried to recruit alternative haulers and studied building transfer capacity, but providers declined.

Kevin Barfield also asked about a planned kayak/canoe launch at Gateway Park and said he photographed a warning sign for possible sewage overflow during wet weather near the launch area. County staff said they would follow up to review the sign and site cleanup history.

Residents asked for stronger public engagement, greater representation at air‑quality committee meetings, quicker action on permits and for county officials to press for emission controls at local facilities. Commissioners said they would continue work through the air quality committee and coordinate with DEP and municipalities.

What to watch: DEP action on ReWorld's permit application, the air quality committee's reports and any county or municipal moves to reduce reliance on incineration or to require modern controls at local facilities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Camden County Board of Commissioners May 15, 2025 Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents urged the commissioners to act on air quality concerns tied to ReWorld (formerly Covanta), EMR emissions, and cumulative pollution in Camden; commissioners described an air quality committee and ongoing DEP review of a permit application for new emissions controls.","taxTitle","Camden County, New Jersey","taxId",14427,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6040173,"Unions press county for clear information as employee health benefits switch goes into effect",280,977000,1257000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6&start=977&end=1257","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6/thumbnail_977000.jpg","/articles/6040173/Camden-County/New-Jersey/Unions-press-county-for-clear-information-as-employee-health-benefits-switch-goes-into-effect","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040173-3cf3503ed1d7643f6a937e8faa49f535/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188487&Signature=C94NRuTC8Aqma297YPGf5f~0FnBi55aYXHwjVGUsUXncpVXDjiyByNA1BbGGX82OVxLBstpBVVkBfiUh3XaQC~AsWzmWU-hfPnfSxv8X8iXcSl5HHgcjmeWplMr7u6eXYApS7B7Mppclzuk4leEkjAZAbfNklXvZHO8Rx2gcVtWtXP-~bfr20AxukTVIweDVTYij0mpoVPNYP35pMX2nziCtyKD6oC7RLoCqkxXoA9VWso3HA2qzWCet4H4xx2GuWEhQ3M7V1JR7syue8GeULKBWf-ciCbRJnnFcYm6UXeExAoHcn225YJJZv6NMDzC1mEQ~kxHU-WtMTF-VoRTehQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jaren Steiner, president of CWA Local 1014, told commissioners the county's decision to switch employee health coverage out of the State Health Benefits Program caused confusion and left members \"begging\" for full information about coverage, networks and premiums.

\"This transition has been a nightmare,\" Steiner said, adding that members reported losing access to in‑network doctors and that informational sessions had not allowed adequate Q&A. Steiner asked the county to provide complete plan and premium details before the June 1 effective date.

County administrators responded that plan documents have been posted online and provided to legal counsel, that the county will host additional webinars (a recorded session and another live session were arranged), and that benefit cards for medical and prescription coverage will be mailed next week. Administrators said they contracted with a retiree-focused vendor, Retiree First, to assist retirees who will be covered by UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans and that the new plans mirror or are equal to the State Health Benefits Program plans.

The board did not take formal action during the public comment segment but acknowledged the unions' requests for complete information and additional question-and-answer opportunities before the effective date.

What to watch: Union leaders requested full disclosure of premiums, network providers and comparison material; county staff said documents were posted and additional informational sessions scheduled.","Union leaders said county staff and members received piecemeal information about a move out of the State Health Benefits Program; county administrators said plan documents and webinars have been provided and cards will be mailed before the June 1 effective date.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6040178,"Library workers warn funding and salaries threaten Camden County Library services",210,523000,733000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6&start=523&end=733","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6/thumbnail_523000.jpg","/articles/6040178/Camden-County/New-Jersey/Library-workers-warn-funding-and-salaries-threaten-Camden-County-Library-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040178-20ac2ce43bf33105b3558e9387ae879c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188487&Signature=QZOca7LCxHV7HP7GMBHnEV7-fa62gM-EpDLU~ZguOB0LWONTHFExpCw7LRsrBIC5sy0iOOsXM-G6bNEGdzsk9fW9mm-mrts4t1L9mKb7kbjrN1P-BHbBjmuzRM6~quaB579lSc4o-N-20Bu8xqpairFmj5olLtENAx931oTYuFW3idPUn0cHzyioGFvB57iYa9W5uwbrTj4RcSvH8zwfr8lCp0J1VrOJfjnw74sL06bnAzeVZ-ITJGut9XLG10YR6iSiNkuwRXosJV2RsToViN1xQ7Uce~F0ZxBTKbM0jMWhjfvYQ7HN9XzzuSHiftCyk3b3gzWvy~1YojXE3ZIjeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sarah Junich, head of youth services and president of AFSCME Local 1454, told the board she and library colleagues are \"terrified\" about potential cuts and staffing shortages that she said would reduce services across the Camden County Library System.

Junich said the library's budget is indirectly at risk from potential federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding changes because the State Library of New Jersey receives IMLS funds and then allocates state support. She quoted Library Director Linda Devlin's comment to the county library commission that loss of IMLS funding would impact the library by $283,000.

Junich described a staffing crisis: she said the literacy volunteers served 491 students in 2024 and 440 so far in 2025; that librarian salaries at the county are low (she cited Librarian I at $46,438.76 and Librarian II at $48,759.44) and do not meet the 2017 New Jersey Library Association recommended minimum of $51,783 or the 2025 NJLA recommended salary of $64,022. Junich said low pay contributes to turnover; she offered examples of staff leaving for higher pay in Burlington County and Morristown public libraries. She said only two of the system's eight branches currently have staff-led story times, and the South County branch will close early on Thursdays indefinitely because of staffing shortages.

Junich urged commissioners to address salaries in contract negotiations with AFSCME 1454 and other unions and to support the library system's budget and recruiting efforts.

What the county heard: Junich asked the board to recognize the library's role in early literacy, tax-prep assistance and community programming, and said cuts would disproportionately affect marginalized communities and critical services such as literacy support.","Library staff and union leaders told commissioners that potential loss of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, low county salaries, and a staffing shortage are forcing service reductions and risk further branch closures.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6040183,"Commissioners approve block vote that included $921,310 county contract for police drones",136,277000,413000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6&start=277&end=413","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6/thumbnail_277000.jpg","/articles/6040183/Camden-County/New-Jersey/Commissioners-approve-block-vote-that-included-921310-county-contract-for-police-drones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040183-fab0c5bd4f5ef916de935a65b9a96cfc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188487&Signature=d6RYWzOnYHBsI-l6si5-hzi-BQegc2lT2cvgQ~oeih0~eOHMz-aQSKJDhC61E8ERRIG6sOi-V96Q5l1IY9h0F3tvYaSyQ59FX5sP3E7vMWVZ~GC31ueLTBtAy98axh8n0b2EGeB3B4Yll1gZLH0jSSsopG2qXr4shTrKP1v3MgDHxo7XBu4d0fr-Nvwj0jk59cRGELU-XhfD9rjPzh4UWqmyT-cD4BiO8MyV1idPOhKFBb3avP9tU5Lgy5j~-epQgZeWa63MVEWneysNmEL5YaVmVDZ8UiiOurd1~fd80iG6AHubp1c7DmvgjN6B-WFLe4V5tHRuP1pl5PYxG1JO4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Camden County Board of Commissioners placed a walk‑on resolution on the meeting agenda to authorize award of contract bid ESCNJ/AEPA22G between the county and CDW Government Inc. for purchase of drones and accessories in the amount of $921,310.86. The resolution was opened for public comment and later approved as part of a block vote covering resolutions 1 through 92 plus the walk‑on.

During the public question period, Cherry Hill resident Susan Druckenbrodt asked whether educational funds were being used to buy the drones. County officials clarified the purchase uses the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey cooperative pricing system as the procurement vehicle; the county said the drones are being purchased for the Camden County Metro Police Department, and that using the cooperative contract allowed the county to avoid a separate competitive bid because competitive bidding previously produced no acceptable offers and cooperative pricing was a lower cost option.

The board proceeded to vote on resolutions 1–92 and the walk‑on by roll call. The motion to approve the block passed; several commissioners recorded routine abstentions on specific numbered items in the package (detailed in actions). Resolution 93 received no motion and did not pass.

What the vote means: The drone contract was adopted as part of the unanimous‑consent block; procurement was handled via an ESCNJ cooperative pricing contract rather than a county competitive bid process in this instance.","The board included a walk-on resolution awarding a $921,310.86 cooperative‑purchase contract for drones and accessories to CDW Government Inc. in a block vote; a public question clarified procurement method and intended user.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6040188,"Camden County introduces open-space bond measures and holds hearing on college improvement bond",195,46000,241000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6&start=46&end=241","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764564-33b94a3d003629f22f56b878bf1a72e6/thumbnail_46000.jpg","/articles/6040188/Camden-County/New-Jersey/Camden-County-introduces-open-space-bond-measures-and-holds-hearing-on-college-improvement-bond","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040188-dd962475ff8fbcc6b8473db8245cd020/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188487&Signature=XYY~mxu6MLVlFxEk~iGzajwXPI-UiAVYER5d9a0zxhM-~qsCg2EIjA-TbU~83ugosu1BL0G4kWIN3pijOZ18BFc-1uNzHVAPD0YX3Hy-eNZSKWnv2xWCTj7j7Hk~VkZBW0yBoxspxDbS2Xor0U15EgVVZxVTTno47fJq1XQS92G2TrqV5nOsxqvICFCPK60wrpEvuijnEf-Lk7pUomJ~bqcm6Fg9c-3ACurKrBEY~puOBrwdlq8IwaSltJS-i~ZeOUc0b6kuZJBteEWWofLrm5kcQHOZtvnfJI~TgEBAhNZgpNa7MNBWzvQy-EbpnRF~49hruB-O31ycfA9nTf1usg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Camden County Board of Commissioners introduced two resolutions to guarantee and consent to Improvement Authority financing for open-space acquisitions and park improvements, and held a public hearing on a bond ordinance to pay for capital work at Camden County College.

The board announced public hearings on both open-space resolutions for June 19, 2025, at the Camden County Courthouse, 520 Market Street, sixth-floor meeting room, at 12 p.m. The second resolution would consent to issuance by the Camden County Improvement Authority of tax-exempt county‑guaranteed open-space trust fund revenue bonds and bond anticipation notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $27,000,000 to finance park improvements and related open-space infrastructure. The county cited NJSA 40:37A-56 in describing related matters.

During a public hearing the board opened comment on a bond ordinance appropriating $3,336,653 for various improvements at Camden County College and providing for the issuance of bonds or notes of the county to finance that appropriation. No members of the public offered comment during that hearing, and the board closed the public hearing and moved to adopt the ordinance by roll call.

The introductions were made by motion and adopted on roll call. The board scheduled the formal public hearings noted above and will proceed with required notice and adoption processes at the hearing date.

Background: Commissioners said the open-space financing supports the county's Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund referendum goals and will underwrite acquisition and improvements. The ordinance for Camden County College was presented as part of routine capital funding for the county's education facilities.

What happens next: Formal public hearings are set for June 19, 2025; adoption or further action will be decided after those hearings and after completion of statutorily required notice and roll-call votes.","The Camden County Board of Commissioners introduced two resolutions tied to county-guaranteed open-space bonds and held a public hearing on a $3.34 million bond ordinance for Camden County College; formal public hearings were scheduled and roll-call introductions passed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press county on air quality: incinerator, EMR, and a county air quality committee

Unions press county for clear information as employee health benefits switch goes into effect

Library workers warn funding and salaries threaten Camden County Library services

Commissioners approve block vote that included $921,310 county contract for police drones

Camden County introduces open-space bond measures and holds hearing on college improvement bond