Hill, Boyer are sworn in
By:Michael Maugeri
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP More than 100 residents packed the township’s municipal building to hear the sound of bagpipes and watch George Chidley become the township’s new mayor during the committee’s Jan. 1 reorganization meeting.
The crowd also saw new committee members Bruce Hill and Jerry Boyer get sworn in by former Township Committeeman Dick Lettiere.
The all-Republican committee is comprised of Mr. Hill, Mr. Boyer, Mr. Chidley, Mark Roselli and William Nine, a sight that caused one woman in the audience to enthusiastically say to her husband, "It’s nice to see all men up there."
Outgoing mayor Mr. Roselli nominated Mr. Chidley for the mayoral position, which received a second from Mr. Nine. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Roselli was named deputy mayor, again a unanimous decision.
Mr. Chidley thanked his wife, daughter and son and became emotional when thanking his late mother, Mary.
"Thanks, mom, you made me a better person," he said, pausing a few times to compose himself. "You will always be with me, in spirit, in all my endeavors. Your sage advice still rings true today."
As a tribute to deceased former members of the Township Committee and late township workers, William Willis, wearing a kilt, played "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes. Mr. Chidley asked Mr. Willis to come because he played the song on the bagpipes at Mr. Chidley’s mother’s funeral.
Mr. Chidley said he was proud of the township’s many accomplishments of 2002, including a successful year for the open space and veterans advisory committees; the township’s 150th anniversary celebration; the training provided to all committee members on land use law and planning; and the securing of more than $1.5 million in state and county funds for open space in the township.
Some of the goals for 2003, Mr. Chidley said, include:
Practicing "smart growth" by "balancing growth in communities, reducing congestion, preserving open space and sharing services."
Inviting the mayors of Bordentown City, Fieldsboro Borough, Chesterfield Township and Mansfield Township to attend an informal meeting to "discuss regional opportunities for mutual cooperation, shared services and grants."
Reaching out to residents as the township plans to develop open space parcels for active and passive recreation. "In early 2003, Bordentown Township will acquire over 300 acres of open space," Mayor Chidley said.
Beginning the process with the Planning Board, Township Committee and the Environmental Commission to "develop a new Master Plan that balances growth, relieves congestion, attracts developers that share our vision for professional and commercial development benefiting our residents and protecting our quality of life."
Continuing to balance budgets responsibly, "but never on the backs of the hard-working people in this community."
Each member of the committee was named as a liaison to a specific township department for 2003.
Mayor Chidley was named liaison to the offices of the township administrator and clerk; professional staff; administrative staff of the offices of financial officer and treasurer, tax collector, tax assessor and municipal court; and the Community Education/Recreation Department.
Deputy Mayor Roselli was named liaison to the Planning Board; Township Police Department; volunteer fire companies first aid/ambulance organization; and senior citizen affairs.
Mr. Nine was named liaison to the Veterans Advisory Committee, animal control, water and sewer utilities and code enforcement.
Mr. Boyer was named liaison to the Open Space Ad Hoc Committee; the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Environmental Commission.
Mr. Hill was named liaison to the Division of Public Property; Division of Streets and Roads; garbage, trash and waste collection and emergency medical service.
Sid Morginstin was named to the Township Environmental Commission for a two-year term.
Residents appointed to the Township Planning Board were: Sid Morginstin (Class II, three-year term); Kenneth Hartz (Class IV, four-year term); Christine Caruso (Class IV, four-year term); Barbara Forkel (Class IV, Alternate #1, two-year term) and Giovanni Antinoro (Class IV, Alternate #2, two-year unexpired term). Deputy Mayor Roselli was appointed to the board as a Class III member with a one-year term.
Residents appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment were: William Morelli (four-year unexpired term); David Szenczi (four-year term); Jarrod Grasso (four-year-term) and Kevin Hirshfeld (two-year term, alternate #1).
Residents appointed to the Open Space Advisory Committee were: James R. Johnson (three-year term); Lisa Jones (three-year term) and Michael McSloy (three-year unexpired term).
Residents appointed to the Veterans Advisory Committee were: Richard Pinter, Madeline Amico and Richard Carson. Each person will serve for a three-year term.
Professional appointments for 2003 included Gregory J. Sullivan (Township Attorney); John J. Maley (Township Accountant/Auditor); Fred Turek (Township Engineer); Richard J. Hammerschlag (Alternate Township Engineer) and Joseph M. Petrongolo (Township Planner).
A temporary budget also was approved in the amount of $1.824 million.
Each member, before the meeting ended, had words to say about the upcoming year.
"It was an unforgettable year for me," said Mr. Nine, citing his mother being diagnosed with colon cancer, the sickness of a beloved pet, a severe car accident he had in April and his bout with pneumonia. "I want to thank all the residents who came to see how I was doing this year.
"This is a great town and we have a lot of work to do. I just want everyone to know that my door and (phone lines) are open to anyone out there."
Mr. Boyer, who received a laugh when he said he was the oldest member of the committee, thanked everyone for the support he and running mate Mr. Hill received during campaign time last year.
"I think all the men on this committee are men of character who are serving on the committee for all the right reasons," he said.
Mr. Hill thanked Bordentown City Police Chief Phil Castagna, a friend who he said he considers a brother and who gave him support during his campaign.
"I am filled with pride and I hope to exceed all of your expectations," he told the audience.
Mr. Roselli noted that as Americans, all should appreciate the process of democracy.
"I’m proud to see the Democratic process take hold and thank God we are here to see the transition of government. Places such as the Middle East cannot see the seamless transition of government that we’re experiencing today. We must remain hopeful and optimistic about the future."
Meetings of the committee will continue to be the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the municipal building at 1 Municipal Drive.

