Ventnor City PBA Local 97
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – The Board of Commissioners Thursday, July 22 approved a memorandum of agreement with Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 97 to execute a new four year collective bargaining agreement ending Dec. 31, 2024. The old contract expired Dec. 31, 2020.
The city and PBA began negotiations in April, reached an impasse but continued negotiating through a Public Employment Relations Commission appointed arbitrator. Mediation was held July 15 to establish terms for the new contract, which the PBA ratified on July 20.
The salary scheduled calls for across-the-board increases of 2% in 2021, 2.25% in 2022, 2.25% in 2023 and 2.5% in 2024. Overtime will be paid at $72.50 per hour, up from $65 in the prior contract. The contract also modifies compensation for K-9 officers and their handlers and includes an agreement to establish locker room facilities for female officers.
“This contract is a fair, reasonable contact as well as taxpayer sensitive,” Mayor Beth Holtzman said.
She thanked Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Kriebel, Administrator Maria Mento, Police Chief Doug Biagi, Auditor Leon Costello, Chief Financial Officer Al Stanley and the PBA negotiating team for their work developing the new contract.
PBA Local 97 President Mike Newell was not available for comment.
In other business, the board held a public hearing and adoption of an ordinance amending regulations at the Ventnor Fishing Pier to prohibit overnight sleeping or camping. Fishing is the only activity allowed.
The board also heard a presentation from former Mayor Tim Kreischer about opportunities available through the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP), which provides funding to implement shared services with other government entities. Kreischer, who replaced Atlantic County Commissioner Frank Formica as the LEAP Coordinator for Atlantic County, has been making the rounds to other municipalities, encouraging the governing bodies to consider sharing services, either with other municipalities or county entities, and applying for grant funds to them.
The board pulled an ordinance from the agenda that requires property owners to provide house or building numbers that are clearly visible on the front of their buildings. The commissioners requested more information before they introduce the ordinance at a subsequent meeting.
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