Details Of Separation Agreement Between Moorestown, Scott Carew Released

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown paid former Township Manager Scott Carew a total of $62,569.77 when Carew and the township parted ways earlier this year, according to documents provided by the township.

The township paid Carew five months’ salary, which came to $54,848.75, and $7,721.02 in earned and accumulated vacation time, according to the separation agreement.

Carew’s salary was $131,637 at the time of his separation from the township, which became effective Jan. 17, 2017, the township said on Tuesday.

As part of the agreement, Carew agrees not to seek employment or re-employment with the township, and the township is not obligated to consider him for employment or re-employment.

The agreement doesn’t elaborate as to why Carew left the township, only saying that the sides agreed to end Carew’s employment with the township, and that his employment ended in good standing.

When council held a special meeting to accept Carew’s resignation at town hall on Jan. 17, the reason given was so he could pursue other opportunities.

Chief Financial Officer Tom Merchel was subsequently named Township Manager on Jan. 23. Merchel makes $42,000 as Township Manager, and continues to work as the township’s Chief Financial Officer, an office he receives separate compensation for.

As is standard, the agreement also says neither side will make disparaging comments about the other, and that no lawsuits will be filed related to this action now or in the future. It also states there is no admission of liability, or violation of any local, state or federal statute or regulation.

In Moorestown's form of government, council members are elected directly by the people, and council elects the mayor at its annual reorganization meeting. It is the Township Manager, who is appointed by council, who is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the township.

A Moorestown resident, Carew was first named Township Manager in 2011. Prior to that, Carew served as the Township Manager in Eastampton.

He served as Township Manager alongside six mayors, including John Button, Stacey Jordan, Chris Chiacchio, Victoria Napolitano, Phil Garwood and Manny Delgado, who was sworn in as mayor during Moorestown's reorganization meeting on Jan. 3.

Patch file photo