At the May 4 Pennington Borough Council meeting, Mayor James Davy announced several new staff appointments and discussed ongoing Borough projects and community initiatives.
Partway through the meeting, a Zoom intruder briefly disrupted the session by displaying a lewd image. The meeting host quickly removed the individual, restarted the session, and the meeting continued without further interruption.
New staff members appointed
As the Borough transitions following the retirement of longtime Borough Clerk Betty Sterling, Council approved an introductory ordinance creating the position of Deputy Clerk. Pending final adoption of the ordinance, Robin Tillou has been approved to fill the role. Tillou has served as Pennington’s Land Use Administrator and is nearing completion of the requirements to become a certified Registered Municipal Clerk.
Council also appointed Lubna Muneer as Chief Financial Officer. Muneer holds a Municipal Finance Officer certification from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, along with additional municipal certifications and experience.
Jacqueline Nagin will temporarily serve as Payroll Clerk. She brings experience in payroll, human resources and benefits administration. After June 15, payroll responsibilities will transition to Muneer as part of her CFO duties.
In another new role, Zoe Storck was appointed part-time Communications and Media Specialist. Storck will oversee the Borough’s social media platforms, website and internal communications. She currently works in community outreach services at the Pennington Public Library.
Council also welcomed Nancy Rubenstein to the Senior Advisory Board and Emily Nally to the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Master Plan adopted after more than two years of work
Councilwoman Amy Kassler-Taub discussed the Borough’s updated Master Plan, which was adopted by the Planning Board earlier this week following more than two years of work and public input.
Kassler-Taub noted that all 12 elements of the plan were completed, including the Land Use Plan and Mobility Plan, which addresses topics such as bridge repairs and transportation improvements.
An article posted on the Borough website thanked the many volunteers and residents who contributed to the process.
“Public participation has been key to the development of the plan,” the article states. “Guided by the Master Plan Committee and Borough Planner Jim Kyle, more than 70 volunteers from Borough Committees, Commissions, the Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Planning Board, along with Borough staff, have participated in the development of the plan elements.”
According to the Borough, 550 people responded to last summer’s survey, including 309 Borough residents.
Tree City recognition continues
Councilman Dan Rubenstein recognized the Shade Tree Committee and noted that Pennington has now maintained its designation as a Tree City USA community for 38 years.
To qualify, communities must meet standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and National Association of State Foresters, including maintaining a tree committee, public tree care ordinance, dedicated funding for tree care, and Arbor Day observances.
Rubenstein also praised Toll Gate Grammar School and the Shade Tree Committee for their Arbor Day tree planting ceremony held in April, calling it a “tremendous success.”
Borough launches new social media pages
Borough Administrator GP Caminiti announced the launch of Pennington Borough’s new social media pages on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter. The platforms will be used to share announcements, upcoming events and community news.
Older Americans Month recognized
In recognition of Older Americans Month, Mayor Davy issued a proclamation encouraging residents to “live vibrant and fulfilling lives.”
This year’s national theme, “Champion Your Health,” focuses on prevention, wellness and personal responsibility. The initiative is sponsored by the Administration for Community Living.
Upcoming community events
Council members encouraged residents to attend several upcoming community events, including Pennington Day on Saturday, May 16, which will feature entertainment, a kids zone, art show, 5K race, dog show, food vendors and more.
The annual Memorial Day Parade will take place Monday, May 25, rain or shine. Organized by the Parks and Recreation Committee, the event honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service. Residents are invited to march in or attend the parade.
In other business, Council approved an introductory ordinance that would allow residents to receive a reduction on sewer charges if a water leak did not enter the sewer system. Council also introduced an ordinance increasing several Borough fees to offset rising operational costs.
