CREST HAVEN – Freeholders had kind words for departing peer Kristine Gabor, who was absent from the July 26 caucus and regular meeting. She submitted her resignation effective Sept. 16 to take a position with a Florida-based firm.
“She has been a very solid member of the board,” said Director Gerald Thornton. “She has worked tirelessly on the drugs and homeless programs. She put her heart and soul into it.”
Thornton said he had always told members that family ranks first and that it becomes a struggle with the many demands on freeholders for departmental requirements and other engagements.
“Everyone has the idea that freeholders only meet twice a month. I can tell you, follow me around, see what we do on this job. I’m willing to have someone tag along any day, night or weekend, when I receive all the telephone calls,” Thornton said.
“She stood up for what she thought was right,” said Freeholder Will Morey.
“Kris came from the committee in Upper Township and hit the ground running as a freeholder. She was the voice of residents and voters and gave back to the citizens. She did an excellent job,” said Vice-Director Leonard Desiderio.
Freeholder E. Marie Hayes noted the family-first admonition, and added, “It’s real hard to balance sometimes. Things go on in your departments, and you might have family conflicts. You make those choices. It was tough for Kris. She struggled with work she had to do and family.”
In other action the board:
Reappointed Patricia Anne Salvatore and Mary E. Stewart as members of the Cape May County Cultural and Heritage Commission for five years “according to the date of their appointments.”
Reauthorized participation in the South Jersey Power Cooperative natural gas bid. Camden County serves as lead agency. Purchasing Agent Kevin Lare said the county had been a member since 2005. “The county has enjoyed good results from being part of that,” he told the board.
Approved a two-year memorandum of agreement with the state Department of Human Services for the use of Woodbine Developmental Center during declared emergency situations for sheltering.
Approved a $108,689 two-year with three one-year options contract with Accela, Inc. of San Ramon, Calif. for proprietary software, maintenance, and support for the Health Department.
Passed a resolution supporting Joint Base McGuire-Fort Dix-Lakehurst as the main operating base 4 for the new KC-46A aircraft.
Passed change order No. 5 for $35,827 to Aliano Brothers General Contractors Inc. for the Stone Harbor Branch Library to furnish and install bookcases and a block wall towards condensing units.
Accepted proposal of Gibson Associates for $137,468 for engineering services for the 55th Street (CR 619/CR619) spur project in Ocean City.
Accepted proposal of Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for $59,961 to perform a traffic study on New Jersey Avenue (CR 621) in North Wildwood.
Avalon – This economy is tough for everyone. Think I might have to sell my beach house! A good problem, but still forced.
