Clementon council approves budget cap bank, multiple contracts and appoints tax assessor

The Borough of Clementon Mayor and Council met March 24, 2026, and approved an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank, adopted several resolutions to award contracts and refunds, introduced a redevelopment-plan amendment for property at 152 Ohio Avenue, and appointed a new tax assessor.

Mayor Thomas Weaver opened the meeting at 6:04 p.m. and read the Open Public Meetings Act notice (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6). After roll call, the council moved quickly through agenda business. At second reading, the council approved Ordinance 2026-04, to exceed local budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank under N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14; Councilwoman Christine Nucera moved to approve and Councilman Christopher McKelvey seconded. The motion carried on a roll-call vote with Councilmembers Gwen Cantwell, Christopher McKelvey, Christine Nucera, Robert Dorsey and Greg D'Amato voting aye; Councilman Thomas Shaw was absent.

Also on the agenda, Mayor Weaver read by title Ordinance 2026-05, which would amend and supplement the redevelopment plan for the property identified on the Clementon tax map as Block 54, Lot 3.01 (152 Ohio Avenue). The council voted to introduce the ordinance at first reading; the measure was referred to the usual ordinance process, including review by the joint planning and zoning board per a separate resolution.

The council approved multiple resolutions by roll call. Among them: R26-59 (refund of a sewer tapping fee and street‑opening fee), R26-60 (refund of a property tax overpayment for Block 75.01, Lot 23), and R26-61 (award of a contract to Complete Control Services for the design, installation, maintenance and emergency response of SCADA and process-control systems). The body also approved R26-62, a contract for street‑sweeping services with Sweeping Corp of America; R26-64, which authorizes the borough engineer to apply for a Camden County Community Development Block Grant for Program Year 2026 and authorizes the mayor to execute any agreement; and R26-65, an extension of additional hours for certain employees through Aug. 31, 2026.

In personnel actions, the council approved R26-66 appointing Michael Bernardin to the office of tax assessor for a three‑year term beginning July 1, 2026. The council also authorized hiring two seasonal public‑works laborers for periods not to exceed 90 days (R26-67) and approved adjustments to certain water accounts (R26-68). The council approved R26-70 to allow use of Daniel Dougherty Field by Berlin Knights2016, Inc.

Under unfinished business, George Botcheos presented a proposed Comcast land‑lease renewal for the parcel associated with well No. 9. The minutes state Comcast has leased the land since 1993 and is seeking to add 336 square feet to its leased area. The presentation cited an annual increase of $8,873.76 and an additional 10% increase at renewal, with a stated total annual lease fee of $43,432.66; the minutes record that Resolution R26-69 will be prepared authorizing the mayor to execute the new lease.

During new business, council members discussed a request to waive inspection fees for National Night Out in August; the record notes fire‑safety fees may also be considered and staff will follow up. A request from Berlin U10 baseball to use borough fields was filed and the borough had no objections; public works will prepare the fields.

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, resident Rich Venuti of 2 Grove Avenue complained that trash remains on Sitley Avenue after collection days and alleged collection crews left debris and failed to clear the area. According to the minutes, council staff said code enforcement will speak with residents and recommended marking trash cans with addresses so citations can be issued if cans are left at the curb beyond permitted times.

The meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m. by motion of those in attendance. Minutes were signed and filed by Deputy Municipal Clerk Jean M. Yaniak.