Westville: New Plans for Library Discussed

By Sara Martino

NEWS Correspondent

  "If needed, the library books could be stored in church buildings," said Gwen Cartenuto, Librarian for the Westville Free Library, during a discussion of library renovations during the January 9 meeting of Borough Council.

  Library trustees attended to learn of the fate of the proposed expansion. A state grant had expired but an extension was given and now the $100,000 NJ State Legislative grant may be used for the renovations.

  Additional funds from grants and the municipal budget will also be used.

  Councilwoman Susan Rodgers, one of the trustees, made a recommendation to award the architecture work to Kim Medefindt of Medefindt Architects of Oaklyn. Council okayed the resolution.

  "I am working on a contract right now and the plans for the Library will be very standard and appropriate for the site," Medefindt said during a phone interview. A flat fee of $19,000 is slated for the architect's plans that will create the doubling of the current space.

  Previous architect plans amounting to $550,000 to almost $840,000 were dismissed because of the cost.

  Mayor Michael Galbraith was still recuperating and did not attend the meeting.

   On another matter, Councilman Russell Welsh apologized for his oversight at the re-org meeting.

  "I did not acknowledge former Westville mayors William Packer and Char-les Owens, who were present, and I do appreciate their contribution to the residents. Also, I missed introducing Police Chief Lederer and Public Works Manager Donna Domico. They all have done a good job," he said.

  A letter was received from Elaine Brunkel advising that Robert A. Jones, RMA, had passed away on December 26, 2007. He had been the Borough auditor for many years.

  Council approved Nick L. Petroni, Associates as the new auditing firm. The 2008 list of borough appointments includes:

  William J. Bittner Jr. as administrator, deputy tax collector, alternate fund commissioner, deputy finance officer, Gloucester County Economic Development Council, administrative officer for Downtown Preservation Commission and treasurer.

  Christine A. Helder as tax search officer, office manager Affirmative Action, officer public agency compliance, officer disabled employees coordinator and Registrar of Vital Statistics.

  Other appointments included Donna Domico as Deputy Borough Administrator., Timothy Chell as Borough Solicitor, and Charles Fiore as Borough Prosecutor, Timothy Scaffidi as Public Defender, Norman Rodgers as Engineer, Marc Shuster as Planner, Philip A. Norcross as Bond Counsel, Richard M. Burr as Fund Commissioner, Louis Rosner as Labor Attorney and Michael Zumpino and William Bittner as Grants Coordinators.