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Woolwich Committee installs Vernon Marino as mayor, Natalie Matthias as deputy; approves slate of appointments and local projects
Summary
At its Jan. 6 reorganization meeting, the Woolwich Township Committee appointed Vernon Marino mayor (R‑2020‑01) and Natalie Matthias deputy mayor (R‑2020‑02), swore in Michael Nocentino, approved a consent agenda of professional appointments and outlined infrastructure and shared‑services priorities for 2020.
The Woolwich Township Committee met Jan. 6, 2020, for its annual reorganization. Vernon Marino was appointed mayor and took the oath of office; Natalie Matthias was appointed deputy mayor and was also sworn in. Committeeman‑elect Michael Nocentino was administered the oath of office earlier in the ceremony.
The committee approved the mayoral appointment by resolution R‑2020‑01. The roll call for that vote was Frederick YES, Matthias YES, Marino ABSTAIN, Nocentino YES and Santore YES. The committee then approved the deputy‑mayor appointment by resolution R‑2020‑02 with a unanimous roll call. Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli administered the oath to Nocentino and to Mayor Marino; Gloucester County Freeholder Dr. James J. Lavender administered the oath to Deputy Mayor Matthias.
The committee also approved a consent agenda of routine administrative and professional‑services resolutions (R‑2020‑03 through R‑2020‑34). That slate included appointments and contracts for municipal solicitor (John A. Alice, Esq.), municipal auditors (Bowman and Company), municipal engineer (Remington & Vernick, Timothy Staszewski, PE, CME, CPWM), public defender (DiNicola & DiNicola), bond counsel (Parker McCay), financial advisor (Phoenix Advisors, LLC) and other board, committee and administrative designations; the motion to approve the consent agenda passed with committee members voting in favor.
Committee members used the ceremony to outline near‑term priorities. Committeewoman Santore said the Committee will continue efforts to extend water and sewer service to the Kings Landing redevelopment corridor to attract commercial tax ratables. The committee also described several ongoing or planned local projects: completion of a walking path on High Hill Road to connect neighborhood trails and parks; planned enhancements at Locke Avenue Park; the recently improved Route 322 intersection, now reopened; two projects proposed in front of the municipal building (an assisted‑living facility and an Inspira urgent care/imaging center); and shared‑services agreements the township entered into in 2019 and plans to continue, including trash services with Logan Township and police services with South Harrison Township.
Newly sworn Committeeman Michael Nocentino thanked residents, colleagues and supporters and said he looks forward to serving on the Committee. Mayor Marino thanked township staff and residents for their support and said he looks forward to continuing the work of the Committee in 2020. With no further business, Deputy Mayor Matthias moved to adjourn; Committeeman Frederick seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m. The next regular public Committee meeting was noted as scheduled for Jan. 21 at 6:00 p.m.
