Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pennsauken public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in public safety
Police Chief Separation Agreement
A consent resolution would ratify the separation agreement for Chief of Police Phillip Olivo, marking a leadership change at the top of the township's police department.
Body-Worn Cameras for Police
The township planned to buy body-worn camera equipment for police through the state NJSTART cooperative contract with AXON Enterprise.
No-parking sign enforcement dispute on Froschhoffer/King Street alleyway
Old handicap parking restrictions on 45th and 44th Streets are being removed, and parking will be banned in the alley behind 3735–3725 King Avenue with new signs.
Police fleet vehicle upfit funding
Three new Ford Explorer police vehicles will be bought from Winner Ford for up to $140,000 under the state contract. Mayor Olivo abstained on this one.
School crossing guard staffing
Barbara Mount resigned as a crossing guard, and the township hired Linda R. Sweeney and Joan M. Mignano to keep school crossings covered.
Third-party billing for EMS and police extra duty
The township is outsourcing billing for ambulance services and police extra-duty jobs — EMS billing goes to Farnsworth & Semptimphelter for three years, and a competitive process will pick a vendor for police extra-duty billing.
Criminal activity and safety concerns at Cooper River Plaza
A resident described break-ins, trespassing through unsecured roof doors, and homeless youth at the Cooper River Plaza complex, saying seniors are afraid to come home after 9 p.m. Township officials promised follow-up, and the complex owners face a rent stabilization board hearing July 29.
Illegal dumping and neighborhood quality of life near 36th-43rd Streets
A resident flagged chronic trash dumping along Chestnut Street near the railroad tracks, clothes left at a corner trash can, speeding, and dirt bikes riding without helmets on weekends — and asked for a camera to catch dumpers.
Postponed police officer swearings-in
Pennsauken swore in five new officers, two sergeants, a lieutenant, and K-9 West, the department's first crisis response canine. The new hires will hit the streets after field training, and the canine team will support officer well-being and community policing.
New fire department ambulance
The township is borrowing up to $304,000 to buy a new ambulance for the Fire Department. Final approval comes after a May 7 public hearing.
Autism Awareness Month and child abuse prevention efforts
Committee members highlighted April's Autism Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention months, including the township's third annual autism expo on April 24 and a Pinwheels for Prevention event April 9 at the police station.
New fire ladder truck pre-payment
The township locked in production of a new $2.41 million ladder truck by pre-paying about $1.2 million through a cooperative purchasing contract. The truck replaces aging fire apparatus for the Pennsauken Fire Department.
Peddling and soliciting rules tightened
A first-reading ordinance would require anyone canvassing homeowners for fire-damage repair work to get an annual license through the Fire Marshal's Office, and bars public adjusters from cold-calling or contracting with victims in the 24 hours after a loss.
Sober living house oversight concerns
A resident living in a sober home told the Committee that operators demand undocumented rent payments, threaten quick removal, and claim recovery-housing protections without providing any licensed treatment. The Committee promised to contact the county health department and State Senator Nilsa Cruz the next day.
Retirement of K-9 Titan
Police K-9 Titan was officially retired from the Pennsauken K-9 unit after his service. A small but heartfelt recognition of a working dog's career.