Jackson The governing body appointed the business administrator and a council member to fill two significant vacancies.
Councilman Scott Sargent passed away last month following heart surgery, and former Councilman Ken Bressi was selected to take his place. Out of 21 applicants, he was chosen to take Sargent’s place.
Bressi has a wealth of experience, having served in the municipality for forty years in a variety of elected and appointed roles, including mayor and council president.
Council President Jennifer Kuhn’s move to nominate Bressi kicked off the nomination vote. Giuseppe Palmeri, a councilman, seconded the measure.
According to Councilman Nino Borrelli, he was not involved in any discussions regarding our nominee for the council position. Based on his reputation and experience, I would like to propose Steve Chisholm, my first pick and a former councilman.
Borrelli reiterated that he was making a motion to nominate Chisholm when Kuhn interrupted to ask Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin a question regarding process.
McGuckin stated that since there is already a motion and a second on the floor, the move would be out of order. He stated that the first vote would have to be taken if there was no second move to table the first.
“I have nothing against former councilman and mayor Bressi,” Borrelli continued. His experience spans several decades. I simply wanted to put it in writing that I wish I had been involved in the deliberations about who would be nominated for the job.
Although there has been some internal conflict among the party, all of the council members are Republicans.
According to Council Vice President Mordechai Burnstein, who participated in the interview process, speaking with some of the candidates that actually challenged my election was incredibly motivating and encouraging.
I learned a lot about them, and I must say that some of their ideas and zeal really impressed me. I hope that all twenty or so names that weren’t chosen continue to be active. When previous council members resigned, I entered my name three times before finally being added to this list, he continued. I urge everyone to continue being active and involved.
Kuhn claimed to have interviewed every applicant save one. Some excellent candidates were present. Mr. Bressi’s resume is included. Right now, that’s what we need.
Later in the meeting, Bressi said, “I’ve been on this dais, elected numerous times to be up here, appointed to numerous boards and committees, and it has always been a privilege to serve the township.” McGuckin swore her in.
A completely different vibe permeates tonight’s performances of Scott Sargent, who was a wonderful family man, friend, and person. When I first joined the Township Committee, I was acquainted with him from the Department of Public Works. “This is a temporary role,” Bressi continued.
His first action was to vote in favor of the unanimous appointment of Lavon Phillips as township business administrator, which was the second important position filled during that council meeting. Terence Wall had been out of the job for almost three months.
Phillips expressed his immense honor at being appointed Jackson Township’s new business administrator. He thanked the township council and Mayor Michael Reina, who was unable to attend the meeting, for giving me this important responsibility.
The town’s daily operations are managed by the business administrator.
I can’t wait to learn more about everyone of you—the department heads, the hardworking employees, and the people who contribute to Jackson Township’s unique character. My main goal is to make sure that our operations are as responsive, transparent, and efficient as possible. In order for us to cooperate and accomplish our common objectives, I think it’s important to create a collaborative and all-encompassing atmosphere,” Phillips continued.
This was Phillips’ first full-time position as a business administrator, according to his LinkedIn profile. From August 2023 to January of this year, he did hold the position of acting township manager in Evesham, Burlington County.
With a population of about 48,000, Evesham is one of the biggest communities in Burlington County. Phillips also held the positions as director of resident services and business.
Phillips returned to his role as director of business and resident services, and Evesham appointed a permanent township manager. His LinkedIn profile listed several abilities, including forging teamwork, gaining buy-in, establishing trust, and being calm. Creative placemaking and tectile urbanism were also mentioned.
Jennifer Kuhn, the president of the Township Council, stated that Sandra Martin, the town clerk, who was hired earlier this year, would be taking a few months off for maternity leave. Martin recently gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl. While she is abroad, Beth-Ellen Gencarelli, a deputy clerk who was hired in April, is filling in.
According to reports, Gencarelli was brought on to help with a backlog of OPRA (Open Public Record Act) requests. In order to guarantee that these requests won’t be postponed in the event that our usual legal staff, which examines the requests, is overworked, Burnstein earlier characterized the situation as dire and authorized the clerk’s office to engage a designated attorney with extensive OPRA experience.
