ALLENTOWN — The Borough Council has appointed an acting municipal clerk to fill a vacancy in town hall.
Julie Martin resigned as Allentown’s clerk in August to accept the position of municipal clerk in Eatontown. Martin had served as Allentown’s clerk for nine years.
On Oct. 20, council members named Allentown resident Laurie Gavin to serve as the borough’s acting municipal clerk. Coincidentally, she is a former municipal employee in Eatontown.
“We are excited that (Gavin) is coming to work (here),” council President William Borkowski said. “I think she brings a lot of experience from a larger town to a town of our size.”
Laurie Gavin is not related to Allentown Councilwoman Madeline Gavin.
A municipal clerk works with the governing body, handles agendas, resolutions and meeting minutes, issues certain permits and licenses, and ensures that elections run smoothly.
Gavin is listed as an acting municipal clerk because she is not fully certified to serve as a municipal clerk, according to borough officials.
According to state law, municipalities have a 90-day window to appoint an individual to the municipal clerk’s position, regardless of whether that individual holds a certification. That person’s term may not exceed one year, after which they are afforded two additional one-year terms.
As Allentown’s acting municipal clerk, Gavin will receive a salary of $50,000, with potential annual increases at $5,000 intervals.
Gavin will also serve as the borough’s assessment search officer, safety coordinator, joint insurance fund and health insurance fund commissioner, water and sewer liaison, and Community Development Block Grant coordinator.
Borkowski said Gavin will post information on Allentown’s website and on social media platforms.
“She is going to be key in helping us get information out to our residents,” he said.
— Andrew Martins