Five Things to Know About Tuesday's Council Meeting

Galloway Council approved an amendment to its noise ordinance to hold landlords responsible for their tenants’ violations on Tuesday night. Here are five other things of interest that came out of Tuesday night’s meeting.

Reorganization: Galloway Council will hold its reorganization meeting on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Newly elected councilmen Frank Gargione, Robert Maldonado and Timothy C. Meadows Sr. will be sworn in at that time.

Mayor Don Purdy returns to council, and decisions will be made on the makeup of council, including mayor and deputy mayor, and the appointments of professionals and committees.

In addition to a reorganization, council will hold a full regular meeting. After that, council will next meet on Jan. 21.

Economic Redevelopment: Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno visited Galloway on Friday and met with officials at the Star Diner to discuss development in Galloway, including the area in need of redevelopment and the area in need of rehabilitation.

According to Mayor Don Purdy, the township is currently involved in discussions with two investors for the vacant Lenox China building. Lenox China produced ceramics in Galloway Township for about 53 years, from 1953-2006.

He added Burger King may be coming to the township in the future.

Police Department Approvals: Council approved the purchase of three Dodge Charger Police Vehicles at a cost of $69,270. According to Liston, the police department was looking into acquiring four new cars in the beginning of the year, and three have already been purchased.

“The police department did a good job managing their expenses,” Liston said, adding there is enough money in their budget to purchase three additional cars, for a total of six new patrol cars for the year.

Council also approved the appointment of a Hearing Officer for an unspecified disciplinary action related to the police department. The officer has a law enforcement background, according to Liston. It wasn’t clear if the cost for the officer, which is capped at $5,000, would come out of the township’s budget or that of the police department.

Renewal of Comcast Municipal Consent: The township will receive a $75,000 technological grant to improve communications, including the ability to live stream council meetings online and record meetings digitally.

Blue Star Marker: The township is in the process of procuring Blue Star Marker status for Veterans Memorial Park at Glenn by the Bay, and possibly Route 9. Blue Star began as highway memorials designed to pay tribute to the U.S. armed forces since 1945, following the conclusion of World War II. It has since been expanded to include parks and memorials.