Robert E. Dickenson

The board granted a front yard setback variance for the construction of a single-family home at 3176 Dante Avenue. Additionally, it approved a use variance for a vehicle detailing business at 2871 S. Main Road, as well as minor subdivision approval and a use variance for the creation of new residential lots at 2354 Dante Avenue.

The City Council discussed multiple ordinances and resolutions, including the acquisition of property for a youth sports facility, the purchase of land on West Landis Avenue, and the establishment of weight limits for Rieck Terrace. Public hearings were held regarding PILOT agreements for tax exemptions, municipal budget appropriation limits, and salaries and compensation. The council also addressed professional service agreements, contract extensions for municipal services, and the certification of volunteer firefighter LOSAP benefits. Additionally, appointments to the Vineland Development Corporation and the Landis Sewerage Authority were ratified.

The council conducted public hearings and adopted several ordinances, including those granting consent to South Jersey Gas Company, amendments to the Center City Redevelopment Plan, and updates to the Fire Department code and firefighter compensation plans. First readings were conducted for various ordinances, including tax exemption agreements and personnel classification changes. Additionally, the council authorized several resolutions related to contract change orders, shared services agreements, economic development loans, FEMA hazard mitigation grants, municipal contracts for water treatment and video equipment, and tax refunds. The council also approved liquor license renewals, authorized special law enforcement and taxicab licenses, and discussed concerns regarding the use of city resources for non-sponsored events.

The City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Ordinance No. 2015-31 concerning school traffic guard classification and compensation. Recognitions were presented to safe food handling calendar artwork winners and the 2015 NJ State Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year, Jennifer Negron, as well as honorees of the Puerto Rican Festival. Key business included authorizing grant applications for the COPS Hiring Program, electric utility emission trading representatives, various Department of Transportation and environmental protection grants, and budget revisions. The Council approved professional legal services for the municipal electric utility and awarded various contracts for pressure piping, police pursuit vehicles, electrical equipment, and boiler installation. Additionally, the Council authorized the sale of surplus property, approved tax refunds, renewed various alcoholic beverage and taxicab licenses, and authorized advertisements for upcoming bids. Redevelopment matters included an amendment to an agreement with Hans Lampart and the execution of an agreement with Newcomb Medical Alliance LLC, alongside referrals to the Planning Board for zoning amendments.

The City Council conducted a public hearing for the FY 2015 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant/Home Program funding. Key actions included the adoption of several resolutions, such as an amendment to the 2015 calendar year budget, the approval of an economic development loan for the Landis Theater Foundation, the formal adoption of the FY 2015 Annual Action Plan, and the authorization of an executive session regarding pending or anticipated litigation. Additionally, the Council approved various administrative matters including highway safety and bulletproof vest grant applications, engineering services for a power plant, summer concert agreements, and multiple water utility service contracts. The Council also addressed property tax matters, personnel appointments, property demolition liens, and rejected a bid for city hall elevator repairs while authorizing a re-advertisement for the project.