We would like to preface our commentary on the Council meeting by saying we have seen a big change in the professionalism and dedication of this Council. Meetings are run relatively smoothly and there is a spirit of cooperation among its members. Nice to see them all buckle down and get down to business.
The Mayor and Council spoke about the poor economic conditions and the ways Matawan is considering meeting its financial obligations. Borough Departments will be asked to cut their Budgets by 5% and the possibility of a salary freeze on all Borough employees are two ways discussed. The damage done by the previous Council's spending, we hope can be repaired by fine tuning the Budget and major cutbacks.
Budget 2009 - Chairman of Finance committee, Tom Fitzsimmons, reported the Budget is being fine tuned. Fitzsimmons reiterated the economic conditions facing Matawan as previously stated by the Mayor. Councilman Fitzsimmons commended Councilman Cannon for his assistance to him with the Budget. Kudos Gentlemen, nice to see everyone pulling together for the betterment of Matawan.
Veto of Ordinance Adopting Responsible Contractor Policy - Veto stands
Pat Menna,Esq. Borough Attorney, gave explanations this Ordinance was not feasible. Councilman Mullaney, in a strictly partisan move requested the Mayor reconsider. Come on Councilman...reeeeally....we all know the Unions donated $7500. to the Democrats failed election. If in fact, you wanted the Ordinance reconsidered, you had ample time to respond to the Mayor's veto, item by item. You did not. Therefore, your posturing was political and not in the best interest of Matawan.
Borough Engineer's Report - As mentioned at the last Council meeting, the Borough Engineer discussed Economic Stimulus Packages which may be available to assist Matawan. Discussion commenced regarding the Water Treatment Plant. Councilman Michael Cannon , as Chairperson of the Water, Sewer Committee, will accompany Rob Keating, Borough Engineer to a preliminary fact finding meeting to determine Matawan's eligibility. Councilman Mullaney requested he attend this meeting. There was no objection.
A portion of the Economic Stimulus Package discussed was for the Road Program. Burrows Mansion maintenance was also discussed.
The Borough Engineering firm hit the ground running and we are impressed. More will follow on the outcome when info becomes available.
Borough Administrator Position - Mayor Buccellato and Councilman Fitzsimmons met with several candidates. More info to follow as it becomes available.
Privilege of the Floor - A resident of Clare Court asked for the Council's help. JCP&L cut down trees to the ground and exposed property owners to the ugly sight of a transformer. Decreasing property value was an issue and the unsightly transformer. Mayor Buccellato requested the Borough Clerk contact JCP&L in order for residents to discuss their issues with JCP&L.
Residents of Mill Road presented the Council with information and photos of damage done by water and mud slides. We were under the impression this was dealt with last year with the previous Borough Engineering Firm and Council. Obviously, someone dropped the ball to the detriment of the residents. Residents deserve answers, this situation is unacceptable.
Hope to see you at the next Council meeting.....
8 comments:
When will we start to hear about the transit village and their plans? Are the developers working on a proposal at this point?
Are we ever going to see any movement on the transit village or downtown redevelopment? Are the developers working on proposals that we're going to hear about soon? It doesn't seem like these topics are ever discussed at these meetings.
The Transit Village and Downtown Revitalization were mentioned at the first meeting, Jan. 1, 2009. The last meeting was the 2nd meeting with the newly elected Councilpersons.
Currently, the budget and economic conditions are of the utmost importance. Time is of the essence for applications for the Economic Stimulus Packages.
If we receive funding for the infrastructure this will be beneficial to moving on with the Transit Village. You may recall there was a faction who complained of the shortcomings of Matawan's infrastructure.
Thanks for your inquiry. We shall keep you posted on the progress. You might want to check out the Borough website for the infamous Beacon Study Report of the Revitalization of Downtown Matawan.
I realize we're in a tough time economically, but I would think that the Town would want to come up with a plan for the town/transit village and get the blessing of the community on the strategy now so that once the economy comes around, we can move forward. Rather than waiting for the economy to turn, then having to start from scratch.
I've seen the old study on the website which was great, but it doesn't go into specifics as to how Matawan wants to redevelop the town and train station.
To those posters who have expressed interest in the Transit Village here is your chance to be heard. Today's Asbury Park Press contained an item in which Mayor Buccellato is looking for volunteers for The Matawan Main Street Citizens Committee and The Transit Village Citizens Committee. Those interested in volunteering are instructed to contact Mayor Buccellato at buccellato@matawanborough.com
Thank you Anonymous for the information.
I guess the Transit village will take off now that the republicans are back at thier wheeling and dealing.
Wow, talk about sour grapes! Stick to facts, not false allegations. Had Silver Oaks(Aberdeen's Developer)done so, Matawan would already have a Transit Village. Maybe, just maybe we in Matawan would be enjoying less property taxes and more prosperity.
Note: you mispelled the word their. Don't worry we didn't expect anything more from someone with your limitations.
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