BAYONNE, NJ — Mayor Jimmy Davis is announcing that the City of Bayonne will undergo a reorganization this year with the departure of Tommy Cotter as First Ward Council Member and the request by Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Gary Chmielewski to take on a new role within the city. “I am sorry to see Tommy step down as a Council Member.  He has been a great representative for the First Ward and an outstanding advocate for the entire City. I am glad that he has agreed to take the position as the DPW Director. I am confident that he will serve the needs of the residents and will make sure that we continue to focus on the needed upgrades to our open space,” said Mayor Davis. Council Member Cotterâ€s resignation will take effect November 12. 

“It has been my pleasure to serve as a Council Member under Mayor Davis. I have been lucky to be part of a great Council team that has been able to kickstart development at MOTBY and invest in our parks,” exclaimed Cotter.  “I also feel honored that the Mayor has asked me to step in and head the DPW. For me, there is nothing I like better then serving my community.  I look forward to working with all of the dedicated employees and being part of the next stage of progress in this City.” Council Member Cotter was first elected in May of 2014 and has focused on the park and bridge improvements in the First Ward and throughout the City.

The current DPW Director, Gary Chmielewski, has requested to step down and take a reduced role with the City. Chmielewski will oversee resident complaints related to garbage and property maintenance, and will also manage playing fields and public facilities. Chmielewski stated, “It has been my pleasure to serve as a Director for the City. I have been lucky to work with a dedicated group of employees who show up every day wanting to make Bayonne better. Unfortunately, due to reoccurring health problems, I am unable to fully meet the daily challenges that the director position requires.” Chmielewski was appointed Director in 2007 and has served under three separate Mayors.

In addition to the naming of a new DPW director, the reorganization will also include the appointments of Tim Boyle as Director of Municipal Services, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Terrence Malloy as the Cityâ€s Business Administrator. Malloy has also indicated that he plans to retire in the next 24 months. Malloy has served in various financial and administrative posts with the City of Bayonne since 1980. The City expects to begin the search for a new CFO this year.

According to Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski, she will accept resumes or written statements of interest from qualified First Ward residents to fill the vacancy left by Cotterâ€s resignation. She said, “I am sad to see Tommy leave the Council, but I am confident that he will be a great Director and will work hard for the residents of the City.” Submissions are due by close of business, 4:30 p.m., on Friday November 9. They can be emailed to snadrowski@baynj.org or dropped off in the City Council Office in Room 8 at City Hall. After reviewing the submissions, the Council will schedule a special meeting in November to vote on the appointment for the First Ward council position.

The post Mayor Davis Reorganizes Bayonne for Second Term first appeared on River View Observer.

            Before an audience of more than 250 people in the City Council Chambers on Sunday, July 1, Mayor Jimmy Davis and Bayonneâ€s five City Council Members took their oaths of office for new terms in municipal government.  The event featured remarks by Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, Hudson County Freeholder Kenneth Kopacz, and former City Council President Joseph Makowski.  There were also prayers and reflections by Coptic Orthodox Vice Pope and Bishop David, Pastor Dorothy Patterson of the Wallace Temple AME Zion Church, and Father John Fencik of St. Maryâ€s Orthodox Church. The Cityâ€s Chief Financial Officer and former Mayor Terrence Malloy served as master of ceremonies.

            Originally scheduled to be held outdoors, the inaugural ceremony was moved to the Council chambers, due to the severe heat.

            Senator Menendez administered the oath of office to Mayor Davis.  In his inaugural remarks, Mayor Davis cited his teamâ€s “collective commitment to make Bayonne the best it can be.”  Mayor Davis said his task was reinforcing “Bayonneâ€s standing as the jewel” of Hudson County. He stressed various changes and improvements in the community, notably the “real estate boom,” the coming ferry service, and the reconstruction of both the Bayonne Bridge and the Turnpikeâ€s 14A toll plaza.   â€œNo doubt,” he said, “we are moving forward.” During his second term, Mayor Davis pledged to “capitalize on the unique opportunities available to us.”

            Mr. Malloy described First Ward Council Member Thomas Cotter as someone who “works tirelessly” on the park issue and on bringing art and music to Broadway. City Clerk Robert F. Sloan administered the oath of office to Council Member Cotter.  In his remarks, Mr. Cotter thanked the people of Bayonne, his wife, and family.  He said that “just one voice” at a meeting can become “the voice of many.”   Council Member Cotter said that the 2016 election was “a win for you,” the people of Bayonne.”

            In introducing Second Ward Council Member Salvatore Gullace, Mr. Malloy recalled Mr. Gullaceâ€s successful efforts at bringing a ferris wheel free of charge to a recent Bayonne Hometown Fair.  Furthermore, the wheel operator made a donation to the Hometown Fair. County Executive DeGise administered the oath of office to Council Member Gullace.  In his remarks, Mr. Gullace cited the Councilâ€s willingness “to work hard to solve a lot of issues.”  He offered a commitment “to work as hard as I did the last four years.”  

            Mr. Malloy recalled Third Ward Council Member Gary LaPelusaâ€s efforts during an earlier term in office to keep Bayonne Medical Center open, “because he knew we needed the hospital.”  City Clerk Sloan administered the oath to Council Member LaPelusa.  In his remarks, Mr. LaPelusa cited Bayonneâ€s new development and tax ratables, and the reconstruction of municipal parks as important accomplishments.  He thanked his family, the campaign volunteers, and City Council Secretary Beth Polera.  Council Member LaPelusa called his elected position “the toughest job Iâ€ll ever love.”

            In introducing Council Member At-Large Juan Perez, Bayonne Law Director Jay Coffey said of him, “You canâ€t meet a nicer gentleman.”  Director Coffey said that Mr. Perez “always has many questions.”  County Executive DeGise administered the oath to Council Member Perez.   In his address, Mr. Perez said, “I look forward to continuing collaboration with organizations that provide services to Bayonne residents.”  He said that he would “pursue programs” to provide “a better quality of life for Bayonne residents.”  Council Member Perez called upon residents to “get involved.” 

            Director Coffey described Council Member At-Large Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski as someone who “learned very well and very quickly” how to be City Council  President.  City Clerk Sloan administered the oath to Council Member Ash-Nadrowski.  In her comments, Council Member Ashe-Nadrowski observed that the Council Members “worked together as a team” during the last four years.  She said that she was “very happy with the process.”  As a result of the elected officials†efforts, she said, we have
“a much greater city.”  

            During the City Council reorganization at the ceremony, the Council Members re-elected Ashe-Nadrowski Council President unanimously.  

            Governor Murphy thanked Mayor Davis for their “shared values.”  The stateâ€s chief executive cited Bayonneâ€s “vibrant diversity” and “business community optimism.”  Calling Bayonne “a gateway to our state,” Governor Murphy pledged that “Bayonne will not be a forgotten city.”

            Senator Menendez said that Bayonne “exemplified what America is all about.”  Menendez recalled the funding he has obtained for Bayonne during his years in both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.   He cited funding for reinforcing the bulkhead around the former Military Ocean Terminal, parts of which were sinking into the harbor.  Menendez also mentioned grants for the Bayonne Police Department and Fire Department that he obtained from the federal government. 

            County Executive DeGise called Mayor Davis “a great leader.”  Addressing City Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski, County Executive DeGise, a former Jersey City Council President, called being Council President “the best job I ever had.”  DeGise said that Mayor Davis “will have your back.”  He called for continuing cooperation between the County of Hudson and the City of Bayonne. 

            In his remarks, Freeholder Kopacz recognized the many current and former officials who were in the audience at the event.

            Former City Council President Makowski expressed his approval of new construction in Bayonne.  He also praised the recent additions of art and flower pots on Broadway, and cited Bayonneâ€s “great recreational and cultural events.”  Rejecting outsiders†criticism of Bayonneâ€s homes, Makowski said that he was proud to live in what they have called “a Bayonne box.” 

            At the ceremony, Mike Wilson of Post 19 led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Ana Petrillo sang the National Anthem.  Rosemary Madera led the singing of God Bless America. Dave “Doc” Watson performed an instrumental version of America the Beautiful.  The Friendship Baptist Church Choir sang Every Praise. 

            Before the ceremony at City Hall, there was an inaugural Mass at St. Henryâ€s Church.  Clergy members from various denominations took part in the church service.  The Bayonne Police and Fire Pipes and Drums led the congregation from the church to City Hall.

            Mayor Davis said, “We are very honored that Bishop David, the Coptic Orthodox Vice Pope, came all the way from Buffalo to be with us at both the inaugural Mass and at the ceremony at City Hall.  His presence was a sign of the important role that the Coptic Christian community plays in our community.”

In the evening, a celebration featuring music, food, beverages, and fireworks took place at DiDomenico-16^th Street Park.

The post Bayonne’s Mayor Davis and City Council Sworn in for Second Terms first appeared on River View Observer.