Monday, October 5, 2009

Matawan Borough Council Workshop/Meeting Oct. 6 at 7pm



Tomorrow night's Borough Council Workshop/Meeting Agenda has some interesting topics for discussion and vote.

1. Court Renovations - this is overdue but necessary. Just concerned about where the money is coming from for these renovations. The Budget is already cut pretty thin.

2. Sign Ordinance - Glad to see this one getting off the ground. It is in the forefront for improvements to Main St. and has been in review for some time.

3. Dams - Another one of the items that needs work asap. Last time we checked the State could come in and make Matawan drain the Lakes if we don't act. The way we see it, draining the Lakes is not an option. This may be a necessary expense that Matawan is forced to act on. Here's hoping for some grant money, as this is a very expensive item.
4. Budget Status - Now that we have received State Aid (such as it is) guess we will find out how much more or less the Budget must be cut. Residents are not looking forward to any further increase in property taxes that's for sure. This is not a win - win situation.
5. Park Avenue Sewer Repair - Under the Consent Agenda the Council will be voting to authorize Maser Consulting to Undertake any Necessary Steps for the Public Announcement and Accept Bids for Park Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation.
Consent Agenda
Mill Road Sanitary Sewer Extension - The Council will be voting to Authorize a Change Order No. 1 (Deduction.)
Last but not least, Payment of the Bills - has not been published as yet.
We are forever optimistic that the Election Shenanigan's will not continue and the Council will proceed with going forward with positive steps to improve Matawan.
Hope to see you at the meeting......

10 comments:

Champ said...

I'm skeptical about the budget being cut pretty thin. Consider this:
* In the '08/'09 budget there was a one-time non-recurring expense of $310K for a prior year utilities over run.
* the borough expects $350K of insurance savings.
* The borough received additional state aid of $100K.

The first two are year over year expense reductions/savings. All three total up to be a budget opportunity of $760K. Not to mention there must be other one-time expenses in last years' spend. If this years' total budget is flat versus last year, where did this money go?

Anonymous said...

How long does it take to develop a sign ordinance? I think it's a great idea and definitely needed on main street, but it seems like a pretty simple concept and something that should be done by now.

I'm sure every decent town in the state already has one. Can't they go ask Red Bank how they do it and get it going already?

Show me some progress in town already! Hell the poor guy trying to open the coffee shop said the town is dragging their feet with his approvals and what not. He thought he would be open in August and here we are in October and he's still not open. With the sorry state of affairs on main street I would have thought they would be bending over backwards to get a new business going.

matawan advocate said...

Champ, Strangely enough there were two other comments worded exactly like yours signed anonymous. Yours was the first so we opted to reply to it. We suggest you contact the Borough Administrator, Bill Garafolo or the Mayor for a competent detailed response. However, from our observations at Council meetings, it was not utilities, it was the Health Insurance.

Please keep us posted as to their response. Thanks for your comments and questions.

matawan advocate said...

Champ, FYI, Bill Garafolo,Borough Administrator's number is 732 566 3898 ext. 601. Mayor Paul Buccellatto's number is 732 566 3898 ext 605.

matawan advocate said...

Anonymous, Matawan does have a sign ordinance. From what we have observed the Mayor took the modification out of Committee in an effort to move it forward. The model used for uniformity and to conform with the historical significance of Matawan was Red Bank along with other surrounding municipalities. The Borough Council is attempting to fine tune it. We agree it should be moved along. The Council has to stop dragging its feet. The fact is they cannot please everyone and a decision has to be made.

From the meetings we have attended, haven't heard of any new Coffee Shop. Although, in the defense of the Planning & Zoning Board, if the rules and regulations have been met, we have not witnessed them dragging their feet. We have observed some, not all, applicants trying to take short cuts. That being said, we trust the alleged Coffee Shop owner is following and meeting all the requirements. In that case, we wish them much success in Matawan and we, as all residents, embrace new business to the area.

Hope we have clarified the sign ordinance amendment for you. Thanks for your comments.

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matawan advocate said...
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Champ said...
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Champ said...
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matawan advocate said...
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