$ Matawan Having Difficulty Staying in the Green $

It ain't easy staying in the green!

"The government deficit is the difference between the amount of money the government spends and the amount it has the nerve to collect"

-Sam Ewing

A story in today's Independent by Erin Stattel, reports on the outrage of the residents of Matawan following receipt of their revaluation tax notices. This revaluation was done by Monmouth County, not Matawan Borough. Need we remind you the Democrats held off mailing information out until after the election last year. Wonder what they have up their sleeves this year?

Mayor Buccellato stated he has been telling the Council, since he took office to cut the Budget only to be ignored by the Democratic majority. He requested about a month ago that all Department Heads consider a 10% cut in their Budgets. This would be in addition to previous cuts requested the beginning of the year.

Councilman Mike Cannon, Chairperson of Finance, reported the Council is waiting for the Road Program bids to come in to make a decision as to whether or not continue with the entire project. Helllllllllllllllllllllllo, over $300,000. has already been spent on engineering costs for this project. Now if the leftover amount from the previous Road Program was $700,000. and we have already spent $300,000. of that money, that leaves us with $400,000. Not being an Einstein when it comes to math, even we can figure that out. So what are we going to get done for $400,000. Well that is when Bonding comes in. Should they go forward with Bonding we can look forward to higher taxes next year from the Municipality. BUT, it sounds like the Council is reconsidering. Per Councilman Cannon, the borough is trying to "hang in there till Nov. l." Isn't that saying we have a problem. Call me crazy but if the heating budget has been depleted, the gasoline budget depleted, the medical, we all know, is a negative $400,000. What happens if there are no line items to cover all of these Budget items? Where do they get the money for their political moves (this is an election year) that begun in Jan. with politicking and spending like drunken pirates. No offense to pirates intended. OK let's be optimistic, did we say that? Let's say the Borough receives $200,000. in insurance money owed to the Borough, that's $200,000. from $400,000. that leaves us with $200,000. deficit, not counting the heating overage, gasoline overage. Just don't see how they can make up such a large deficit. So what we have to look forward to is starting 2009 with a deficit larger than last year. When will the Council learn? Will residents have to go to Borough Council meetings in outrage? This revaluation was no surprise, the surprise was when the majority party held off the mailing till after last year's election. The surprise was watching the Council give lip service to the residents, when this same Council was insisting on increasing the Road Program, spent unauthorized money for Gravelly Brook Park, spent money on attorneys, engineers, etc.

The Matawan Borough Council majority has done a disservice to the residents with their spending. Even with the obvious failings in the insurance and stock industries, they have not tried to curtail their spending until the 11th hour. Even at the 11th hour they are still attempting to spend money on non-essentials. Matawan, its residents, demand better, we deserve better.

More on the Reorganization Meeting

So many appointments...so little time. Forget to mention that Councilman Mike Cannon was appointed Borough Council President. Wonder why he wasn't sworn in at the meeting, another goof? The meeting didn't start on time.....why would we think the Reorganization Meeting would be coordinated properly, the regular Borough Council meetings don't start on time either. Well at least they are consistent.

Mary Mullaney and Pat Coleman were recognized as Citizens of the Year for Matawan. Congratulations to you both on a job well done. Mary is the wife of Councilman "Bud" Mullaney, Mother of Meghan Mullaney(recently resigned from Borough Council) and Michael Mullaney, 2007 Chairman of the Recreation Commission. Mary and Pat are both members of the Recreation Commission and participate in Matawan Alliance events.

Is Matawan Really Pinching Pennies?

Budget - Who's pinching pennies in Matawan, but spending dollars? At the December 18, 2007 Borough Council meeting, Resolution 07-12-30 for Emergency Appropriation Hospitalization in the amount of $125,000 was introduced and passed. After a resident questioned this resolution Councilman Cannon stated that the funding would be coming from the 2007 budget. Another Councilman questioned that statement and indicated that the money was to be provided in full from the 2008 Budget with the hope that monies from the 2007 budget could be applied to the appropriation.

This means to me, a layperson, that a $125,000 expense from the 2007 budget is being place on the shoulders of the 2008 budget. Why? It sounds to me like no one was minding the store? Where was the Borough Administrator (obviously writing his new contract)? Where was the Finance Committee? Where was Councilman Cannon, who constantly cries that we are pinching pennies? Where was Counclwoman Meghan Mullaney, the Finance Chairperson, until she resigned from the Council right after the election in November? I guess resigning was better than the alternative?

Borough Administrator - In another "financial faux paux" the Borough Administrator, Fred Carr, the same Administrator who lost the Beacon Survey Report of Main Street which cost the taxpayers money, the same Administrator who lost the Borough grant money and the same Administrator who has not filed for a current grant, was given a nice "fat" new contract? Yes, boys and girls screw up your job in Matawan and get rewarded. Only in Matawan! He was not only given an increase in salary, family health, dental and prescription coverage with premiums FULLY PAID FOR BY MATAWAN BOROUGH (for those that don't know...that is you and me), vision benefit for only himself(how considerate.) I would guess his family doesn't need glasses. Paid holidays same as other Borough employees. Fifteen (15) vacation days, five (5) personal days, the same number of sick days per year and sick leave, as enjoyed by other municipal workers. Wait it gets better, he will get time off and reimbursement for expenses for professional development and/or attendance at conferences. A maximum of 10 days off for attending ICMA, NJMMA etc. conferences with authorized reimbursement not to exceed $3,000. Now here is a break for you, he will not have a Borough vehicle but he will receive $200. per month paid on a quarterly basis. By the time he is finished we'd have to figure out how many days he will actually be working. No wonder we keep losing grants!!!!

All this based on a 35 hour week, Mon thru Fri. including evening Council meetings. He also must be available at all times and on call.

Objections - Could we not have a part time Borough Administrator, thereby providing a savings to the Borough. We have had part timers before without any problems so why not now. Why are we providing medical benefits for Mr. Carr when he has military health benefits, why are we paying him expenses for his vehicle, does he travel that much, if so, then shouldn't it be on an "as needed" basis with a capped amount? Now for the final objection, as we have not had anything going on regarding Redevelopment and trusting that next years Council will get moving on it, Does Mr. Carr have any experience with Redevelopment? Will Mr. Carr be learning all about Redevelopment at Matawan's expense?

All of this for a Borough Administrator who has misplaced valuable Reports, lost the Borough grants and has not gotten the Borough any new grants. Yeah, working for the Municipal government is a piece of cake! I'm just sick and tired of it being my cake! In the private sector this type of worker wouldn't last.......Only in Matawan....

The only NO vote for this contract came from Councilman Paul Buccellato.

Is anyone else outraged at the free spending attitude of the current Administration? Let's hear from you.

"Matty" The Ghost of Matawan Borough

Street & Parking Report Missing - Has anyone seen "Matty The Ghost of Matawan Borough?" Well, apparently in the Halloween spirit a Report regarding parking and streets in Matawan was never given to the Borough Council. Interestingly enough Councilman "Buddy" Mullaney stated he did receive the Report. However, his daughter, Councilwoman Mullaney, Councilwoman Deborah Buragina, Councilman Mike Cannon, Councilman Paul Buccellato did not. This was brought to the attention of the Borough by Councilman Buccellato who informed the Council, including the Mayor, that he may file a complaint with the Attorney General's office, etc. It seems the Report was received by Fred Carr, Borough Administrator, who claims he distributed it to each Councilpersons mail box in the beginning of 2007. That rascal, "Matty The Ghost of Matawan," must be up to his old tricks, he must be the one who took the Reports. Except for Councilman "Buddy" Mullaney's report. My, my, my, I don't know what you people think, but I don't believe good ole "Buddy" received the report either. This would raise the question of why did he say he received it or if he did receive it why didn't he discuss the report with the anyone else on the Council? Councilman Malley was absent so we don't know if he too received the Report. It all stinks, if you ask me. Oh Mullaney may come back and say he was mistaken, he was confused about which report it was, or that "tricky Matty The Ghost" was at it again. I say hogwash!

What is going on people? I truly encourage Councilman Buccellato to go forth with notifying the proper authorities. There should be transparency in government.


Borough Freezes Budget - There will be no more spending in Matawan. The Budget has been frozen as was revealed at the Council meeting. I guess the party is over! Hap-hazard spending for Matawan Police covering the Matawan Alliance events at no cost to the Alliance, but to the taxpayers is over, Municipal employees working on these events, paid for taxpayers is over. I admire what the Matawan Alliance is trying to do. However, not with the taxpayers money. Giving money to the Matawan Alliance to help defray their insurance costs prior to the Budget being adopted is over! Well folks, if Matawan should have some kind of emergency requiring emergency services where will the money come from. Good guess is our pockets. Afterall, the 2007 Budget shows an increase of $1.4 million dollars over the 2005, 2006 Budget.

DEP News - Savings to Matawan- Councilman Paul Buccellato reported he received an email, release date October 1, 2007. Speaking to Councilman Mike Cannon and the Council he advised the NJ DEP is refinancing the Matawan Bond for Major Sewer System Rehab, thus saving the Borough $43,462.95. Councilwoman Meghan Mullaney appeared not to know about this fact and did not mention it as a Report. No surprise here. A simple guess is that her head was in the same place it was when the present Administration was spending, spending, spending. In the opinion of MA, Councilwoman Mullaney should not be Chairperson to the Finance, Education & Personnel Committee. It is becoming very apparent that her interests lie elsewhere.

Court Renovation - Councilman Mike Cannon proclaimed he cannot go along with the estimate of $221,000. to renovate the Court. This amount far exceeded the original estimate. It is my opinion, whoever did the estimate should find another job. In a sincere statement Councilman Cannon explained that he is asking that other options be explored i.e., utilizing nearby towns Courts for the time being. It was so moved by the Council. Councilman Cannon was on his toes here and at least is thinking. With the Budget frozen, there is no money for this renovation. It must be done as mandated by the State, just not now. Councilman Cannon made it clear that he keeps a close eye on the finances of the Borough. Even though he is not the Chairperson of that committee, he continually touches base with the CFO. Once again, where was Councilwoman Mullaney??????

Note - Not to take away from Councilman Cannon, but Councilman Buccellato mentioned at a previous meeting, when Cannon was not present, that this project's estimate requires more work. Buccellato mentioned items that should have been included, that weren't, and the cost was way over the estimate. Just in case you thought we fell asleep at previous meetings.

Matawan - Borough in Conflict

“If an intelligent person is betrayed repeatedly, and humiliated publicly, yet chooses to remain in that situation, one must ask: what are the rewards?” Gail Sheehy Vanity Fair (February 1999)

This quote is reminiscent of the situation that Councilman Cannon faces with the Recreation Committee and the rumors of his resigning from that Committee.

The last few Borough Council meetings have been more like a World Wrestling Federation Show than a Municipal government working to better our Community. One of the problems at this meeting was the Recreation Committee and its members. Expressions like, out of control, the lunatics are running the asylum, and Peter's principle of let everyone rise to the level of their own incompetence come to mind. Councilman Michael Cannon who chairs the Recreation Committee has been undermined by his own Committee. Mary Mullaney, Delegate of the Recreation Committee, member of the Matawan Alliance, wife of Councilman "Bud" Mullaney Mother of Councilwoman Meghan Mullaney and Committee member Michael Mullaney, made a "supposed" statement after the meeting had been closed. That wasn't a misprint there are 2 Council Mullaneys and 2 Committee member Mullaneys. Mayor Aufseeser chose not to control the meeting (no surprise here) and let Mrs. Mullaney speak, speak, speak and speak more. This meetings target by Mrs. Mullaney was Councilman Cannon. Councilwoman Buragina responded passionately to Mrs. Mullaney's statements, saying the program was for the children and to reject children already enrolled would hurt the families. Councilman Cannon agreed that it would be a disservice to the children. The vote to keep the children in the program for this year was agreed to by Councilwoman Buragina, Councilman Cannon, Councilman Buccellato with Mayor Aufseeser casting the deciding vote. Councilwoman Mullaney voted with her father Councilman Mullaney and Councilman Malley against. Has anyone else noticed these three never vote independently. Councilwoman Mullaney abstains from voting when it comes to Police matters. However, she is the Chairperson of the Personnel, Finance and Education Committee. It appears that the Mullaneys think they run this Borough! No they think they own this Borough! WRONG! We the people, are the Borough.


The Borough Council voted to allow the children registered for the Summer program to remain in the program. However, the Council did vote to revise the rules for this program as they are outdated. This revision should be in place for next year's program. It is good to see that Matawan DID THE RIGHT THING! Thank you Councilwoman Buragina, Councilmen Buccellato and Cannon, and Mayor Aufseeser for standing by your convictions.

Council Meeting 5/15/07 Information

Correction: The Matawan Advocate on 5-14-07 incorrectly printed Borough Council meeting was for that night. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. FYI, the next meeting is scheduled for Thurs., June 7, at 7:30pm.

On to the last meeting. Mayor Aufseeser and Councilman Malley were not in attendance. Congratulations to Councilman and Mrs. Malley on the birth of their twins. As you can imagine, the twins must be keeping them quite busy. We look forward to his returning to his duties on the Council when possible.

Senior member of the Council, Councilwoman Debra Buragina, conducted the meeting in the Mayor’s absence. Highlights of the meeting were the swearing in of Probationary Patrolman Paul Ryba. Witnessed by his family, friends, fellow officers, and the Community and followed by a standing ovation. Congratulations to Patrolman Ryba and his family. Given to four young women from Girls Scouts Troop 476 was a Proclamation recognizing their commitment and achievements in the Community. Bravo!

Parking Issues: Resident Andy Lopez and neighbor, Suzie Ferrera of Union St., addressed Councilman Michael Cannon’s comments at the previous meeting. Mrs. Ferrera acknowledged that she was one of several residents of Union St. who contacted the Borough regarding parking problems. Councilman Cannon claimed he had no knowledge of the letters sent to the Borough re: parking problems, Per Cannon, parking solutions for the entire Borough is in processing and a solution will be forthcoming. Pat Menna, Esq. stated a resolution could be presented to the Council by the next meeting.

Donations to Non-Profit Organizations: Councilman Buccellato, was correct, the Matawan Alliance is not filed as a non-profit organization with the IRS. No political positioning, he presented a legitimate question for the benefit of Matawan Borough. According to reliable sources, proper procedures are being established for future charitable donations from the Borough. Kudos Councilman! Another questions re: Matawan Alliance, this is a duplication of services as Matawan has a Recreation Committee. Why give money to the Matawan Alliance that can be utilized by the Recreation Committee for summer programs for the children of Matawan? The Boy Scouts was another questionable donation. While a worthwhile group that contributes to the Community, the Boy Scouts discriminate. Not being an attorney, cannot state specifics. Doesn’t this prohibit them from accepting donations from Municipalities?

With a Budget increase of approximately $1,300,000 over last year; charitable donations are questionable and should be directed into existing Borough Committees for the good of all residents. This brings us to the FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS! Now here is a place for that money that certain members of the Council want to donate. Per Councilman Cannon, a final decision is pending. The bottom line is that we can have fireworks with some modifications. Doable, not impossible!

Councilwoman Buragina did an outstanding job in the Mayor's absence. She handled the position as only a seasoned Councilperson could!

Mullaneyville or Matawan? YOU decide!

You had to be there. That’s right you just had to be there to see the attitudes at the 5/1/07 Matawan Borough Council meeting! Resolution 07-05-09 Payment of Bills, raised questions from Councilman Paul Buccellato regarding donations and the procedures and criteria used in such determinations. Buccellato questioned the IRS status of one such charity, the Matawan Alliance stating to his knowledge there was no record of filing with the IRS of this group. Apparently, if there is a criterion, all Council Members and the public have not been made aware of it.
As a layperson, we must ask why is Matawan giving away money?
a) our Budget hasn’t been adopted yet
b) the voters didn’t pass the school budget, and
c) if Matawan has $4900. to donate, can we afford to be so magnanimous?

In a previous Council Meeting, Councilman Michael Cannon was heard saying, we have to count our pennies. While we are counting pennies, did we forget the dollars? We are currently looking at a Budget INCREASE of over $1.3 million dollars between the 2006 & 2007 municipal budget. Who is kidding whom here?

In a defiant move, Councilman “Bud” Mullaney and his daughter, Councilwoman Meghan Mullaney went against the advice of Borough Council Attorney; Pat Menna, Esq. to delay payment pending investigation and attempted to pass a resolution to donate monies to the Matawan Alliance and the Boy Scouts of America. Mary Mullaney, a founding member of the Matawan Alliance, took to the podium, in a failed attempt to display a file folder containing paperwork purported to be IRS filing. Well, it turns out that the Borough Attorney, Pat Menna, Esq., is investigating the Matawan Alliance’s IRS status. This raises questions regarding the legal ramifications of all donations made to this group. We trust Mr. Menna will have the answers and can resolve this issue. Councilman Mullaney and Councilwoman Mullaney would have placed the Borough in legal jeopardy had it not been for the advice of our Borough Attorney, Mr. Menna and the initial question asked by Councilman Buccellato. As to donations, past and present look to the next Council meeting and the findings of the Borough Attorney for guidance.

It is prudent as witnessed by present events that we establish and publicize guidelines for charitable donations given by the Borough. It is clear if we have such guidelines in place not everyone is aware.

Following the actions of certain Councilpersons, it is timely for a refresher course in “responsibilities, ethics, duties and obligations” of Council Members. No elected official should knowingly jeopardize the Borough for his or her own egos!

Follow Up on Council Meeting 5/1/07

Andrew Lopez, a resident of Matawan, stated "there is no leadership on the Council." Truer words were never spoken! Councilman Cannon became obviously annoyed at the residents disappointment with the Council for not acting on parking matters and lack of progress in other Borough matters. Councilman Cannon chastised the resident as being the only one to attend meetings and state the problems. Has Councilman Cannon forgotten he is a public servant and responsible to the residents of Matawan? Whether it is one resident or one hundred! What exactly is Cannon's agenda? He is a resident, not a homeowner. Therefore, is not impacted to the degree homeowners are to the increases in Matawan's 2007 Budget or the Matawan-Aberdeen School Board Budget. We know, the increase is reflected in the rent paid to the landlord, we've heard it all before. The reality is it is easier to pick up and move to, let's say Florida, for a renter than it is for someone who has their life savings tied to their home in Matawan. Obviously, the financial investment in the community doesn't compare. Councilman Cannon should address Mr. Lopez' concerns with the respect and dignity a resident deserves.

Union Street got the "shaft" in what is considered to be a politically motivated decision to replace Union St. Phase II program with Little Street and Orchard Street. Apparently, the notarized petition signed by approximately 90% of Union St, requesting the paving of Union Street in its entirety wasn't considered enough of a statement. Although supported by Councilman Buccellato, Councilwoman Buragina, former Councilman Mendelsohn and former Councilwoman Gould. The current majority of the Council in what is called "a dog and pony show" haven't moved forward on the Road project, thereby losing the grant from NJ State DOT. It's called, "you snooze...you loose." While they were busy with photo opts for their own egos, Matawan lost $$$$. So every time you drive down Matawan's hills and valleys (they no longer qualify as roads) thank the current Borough Council.