Bloomfield High School Students Honored By Township Council – TAPinto.net
BLOOMFIELD, NJ – Proclamations were issued to four outstanding Bloomfield High School students during Monday night’s Township Council Regular Meeting, recognizing the achievers for their efforts both in and out of the classroom.
The honors went to Bloomfield High School senior David Odekunle for academic accomplishments; and three Bengals wrestlers, including freshman Ahlexa Montalvo, junior Gianna Faura and sophomore Kira Pipkins.
“We want to thank you for recognizing these three girls – coaching them is easy, and they are outstanding in the classroom as well,” said Bloomfield High School Wrestling Coach Ryan Smircich. “They are trailblazers as high school girls wrestling was only sanctioned three years ago.”
Another Proclamation was issued to recognize the memory of Honorable Gary A. Iacobacci, who passed away on February 16, 2021.
“Gary graduated from Bloomfield High School and then graduated from R.E.T.S. Institute and Phoenix University, then began a career in the medical field as a medical equipment technician fixing blood and cancer detection equipment for Abbott Laboratory,” said Councilman Nicholas Joanow. “Gary served two terms as Third-Ward Councilman in Bloomfield from 1990-1996, always having the best interest of the residents in mind and was on-call and present 24/7. Gary Iacobacci wasn’t just an elected official, he was a public servant and took pride in his office and went out of his way to help any resident, Third-Ward or not.”
During his years in office, Gary valued the citizens; taxes were stable, and police issues were on the forefront. An advocate for public safety, Councilman Iacobacci traveled on patrols with the police. He witnessed first-hand the dangers encountered and fought for top-of-the-line equipment to protect police and residents.
“He was a champion for senior issues and an advocate for children,” Joanow added. “Gary served Bloomfield and Essex County in other capacities such as Mayoral candidate, Friends of the Bloomfield Public Library, Municipal Youth Guidance Council, and Essex County Planning Board.”
A Proclamation was also by the office of Senator Ronald Rice to memorialize Iacobacci.
An overview of the Morris Canal Greenway project was provided by Essex County Commissioner Carlos Pomares, who stated, “the Greenway is situated in the middle of (Bloomfield), and this is a project that’s been in the works for well over 20 years. In each town where the canal goes, we want to preserve those areas. If the Essex Hudson Greenway line comes to fruition, it would intersect with the Morris Canal Greenway near JFK Drive.”
Proposed Ordinances on second reading were approved creating the Bloomfield Cultural Preservation Utility and establishing operating and management regulations for the Utility. This includes a transition of the Oakeside property to the township. Township Attorney Michael Parlavecchio stated that the township took control of the property last Thursday.
A Resolution was introduced to award professional services for the 2021 Transportation Infrastructure Bank Roadway Program. Mayor Michael Venezia wants this project to pick up speed, stating, “we need them to get moving on the roads, and if they are slow, the township will find someone else as we want the roads done by August 1 or September 1, because our roads are in horrible condition.“
In other business at the meeting, all proposed Ordinances on first reading, and all other proposed Ordinances on second reading were approved.
All 19 consent resolutions were unanimously approved.
Monday’s proceedings were held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, and live-streamed on the township’s Facebook page and WBMA-TV.
Bloomfield Council holds a Conference Meeting on Monday, May 10, 7:00 pm, followed by a Regular Meeting on Monday, May 24, 7:00 pm. Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers and live-streamed to the community.