Vineland council terminates Housing Authority commissioner after administrative hearing

Vineland City Council on April 28 adopted a resolution terminating Elizabeth Vieira Serrano as a commissioner of the Vineland Housing Authority following an administrative hearing in which the respondent signaled agreement with the charges.

The council recessed for an executive session earlier in the meeting to discuss litigation and personnel matters under the attorney–client privilege. After reconvening, the record shows the respondent or the respondent’s representative stated, "We agree with the charge," multiple times as the council read each enumerated count. Council then moved to adopt a resolution to terminate Vieira Serrano’s appointment; roll-call responses recorded Doctor Arthur, Council member English, Council member Marcus and President Spinelli as voting "yes." The motion carried on a 4-0 vote, and the clerk was directed to submit the resolution to the mayor for approval or disapproval.

The action followed the council’s earlier vote to authorize exclusion of the public for matters relating to litigation and personal matters, which the council adopted before the recess. The record does not include additional details about the charges themselves beyond the hearing exchange in which the respondent agreed to each charge.

Because the termination resulted from a formal resolution, the matter will proceed to the mayor’s office for any required executive action. The council’s minutes will reflect the resolution and the vote; any further steps (appeals, reinstatement requests or mayoral action) were not recorded during the meeting.

The council also continued with its scheduled agenda after the personnel action, opening a public-comment period and taking up multiple ordinances later in the meeting.