Check out More Monmouth Musings Blog

Want to know what Councilman "Buddy" Mullaney is up to lately? Check out Art Gallagher's, More Monmouth Musings Blog. Once again Vic Scudiery and Mullaney are coupled in Matawan. Vic, Vic, Vic, Matawan is not for sale, not to you, not today, not tomorrow, not any day for any price! Wonder how much Vic tried to buy Matawan for this time?

On the upside, if there is one, it was held it at a Matawan Restaurant/Bar on Main St., Bart's.

We're Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Sorry folks, but with the school year ending and the apparent virus that has been going around, we have been negligent in keeping you informed on what's happening in Matawan. Well, you will be happy to hear that we are back. Our caustic tongues can't wait to let you in on what is going on at the Matawan Borough Council's next meeting on July 7th. One of our pet peeves, putting it mildly, is the Ordinance to prevent elected officials from doing work for the Borough while they are sitting members of the Council. Either you represent the good people of Matawan, or you represent your own self (financial) interests. Call us dreamers, idealists, lovers of good, clean government, but we want our elected officials to have the taxpayers best interests in mind.



Recalling a Borough Council meetings some time back, Boy Scouts were in attendance. It was impressive to see these young men witness our government at work. Food for thought, we should all take our children to a Borough Council meeting once in a while. Kinda of like, the "take your child to work day" that was started a while back. Not the little ones, but the older kids. Check the Agendas, find a meeting that you think the kids would find interesting and attend a meeting together. Even better, speak at the same meeting, let your child see you participating. What a great example you would set for your child. It could be a Social Studies project. No, we are not teachers, just parents.

Don't forget Fourth of July Fireworks, July 5th. Get there early to get a good spot. Fireworks begin at nightfall around 9pm. Grab a bite to eat at one of Matawan's fine restaurants, stroll down Main Street, check out our Memorial Park, some of our beautiful historic homes and end up on Ravine Drive by the Lake.


Hope to see you at the Fourth of July Fireworks......

Memorial Day Parade at 2pm Main Street

Memorial Day Parade down Main Street begins at St. Clements Church and proceeds down Main St. to Memorial Park. Come to Main St to honor to our fallen heroes and to show your support to our Service Men and Women currently protecting our Country.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

With our Deepest Sympathy

It is with deep regret that we were informed of Juwan Brown's passing this morning. Our sympathy and prayers goes out to his family and friends. Mr. Brown was a graduate of Matawan-Aberdeen Regional High School Class of 2005.

May God watch over him and his family during this difficult time.

Matawan Borough "Responsible Contractor"

Good article in this week's Independent written by reporter, Erin Stattel. If you are interesting in reading a more in depth story about Mayor Buccellato's veto of the "Responsible Contractors Ordinance" check out this article.

One of the statements made by Councilman Mullaney was misleading. He stated he wanted the Mayor reconsider his veto. All Mullaney had to do was respond to each item in the Mayor's veto. Obviously, Mullaney could not provide data. It is a sad day for Matawan when a Councilman thinks he knows more than Matawan's paid Attorneys. It is disconcerting when an elected official would place the Borough in jeopardy by asking our Mayor to go against professional, legal advice.

Matawan Borough Council Mtg 12/16 @ 7:30pm

Tonight is the last Borough Council meeting of the year. It will be interesting to see just how the majority Council pulls the final card trick on Matawan. How will they be remembered.....as the Democratic majority that had an increasing deficit two years in a row, having Councilmen defy the legal opinion of the Borough Attorney or bonding additional funds for the Road Program in lieu of utilizing leftover monies from previous years?

A story in a local publication reported Matawan only had to bond for $700,000 for the Road Program per Councilman Michael Cannon. If bonding is necessary why didn't the Council bond to improve the Heating/AC at 150 Main St. Why wasn't the health and welfare of our employees at 150 Main St considered before adding on to the Road Program. It cannot be denied they were aware of the problems, they chose what they thought would get votes. We could have bonded to make repairs at 150 Main St with that $700,000. and still continued with the original 2008 Road Program. But that wasn't grand enough. Now we residents will pay the price in taxation. They are certainly leaving Matawan Borough much poorer than when they came into office. The 2009 Borough Council will have a difficult time in getting Matawan back on track. Our hope is they will stand strong and utilize the expertise of our paid Professionals prior to making any decisions. We wish them luck, the way we see it they are going to need it.

On the Agenda:

Ordinance 08-27 - An Ordinance Adopting a Responsible Contractor Policy in the Borough of Matawan.

Comment: This states that only Contractors who participate in the Apprenticeship Program can bid on Borough projects. It is offensive to all taxpayers as it limits the amount of Contractors who may bid. It is offensive to the good Contractors who have years of experience along with excellent work ethic, BUT do not participate in an Apprenticeship Program. Being a skeptic, we must ask ourselves, why would Councilman Will Malley, on one of his last days in office insist that this Ordinance be passed? Taken from the Elec Reports, Councilmen Malley & Bunyon (both Union members) received a total of $7,500. in campaign contributions from Local Union 400 Pac Fund, Iron Workers Local 66 Pac Fund and last but not least Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union No. 9. Both Councilmen refused to step down from the dais at the last meeting. In essence they are not fulfilling their responsibility to the residents of Matawan by opposing the advice of the Borough Attorney. What is more important "paying back" the Unions or placing Matawan Borough in jeopardy?

Adieu Councilman Malley and Councilman Bunyon....thanks for the memories...(sic)

More Good Deeds in Matawan Borough

The Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library, Main Street, Matawan is accepting food donations for fines this Holiday Season. You can bring any of the following items to the Library which will be donated to the Matawan Aberdeen Food Pantry:

Canned Vegetables, canned fruit, pasta sauce, boxed macaroni & cheese, cereal, canned tuna or salmon, pancake mix & syrup, soup, canned stew, ramen noodles, peanut butter.

Please make sure the items are not past their expiration date.
If we all donate 1 item think of the families we will help feed this Holiday Season.

Please don't forget the other locations you can donate are the Matawan Police Dept., Matawan Fire & First Aid. The Fire Dept. & First Aid are also selling live Christmas trees and wreaths, proceeds to go to families in need.

This is what Matawan is all about folks, people helping people.

Borough Council Meeting @ 7:30pm Tonight

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2008

Matawan Borough Council Mtg 11/6/08 @ 7:30pm

Borough Council meeting tonight at 7:30pm. A rather lengthy Agenda this evening.

Some, not all of the Resolutions for the Council are:

Old Business:

Resolution 08-09-42: Approving Funds for Emergency Gravelly Brook Park.

New Business:

Resolution 08-11-10: Borough of Matawan Office Hours

Resolution 08-11-13: Authorizing the Refund of Vendor Fees for the Matawan Day Celebration

Resolution 08-11-14: Resolution Authorizing the Chief Financial Officer to pay $4,750. to Signs by J.K. for the fabrication and installation of Signs for Terhune Park, Freneau Park, Clinton Street Park, Gravelly Brook Park, and Ravine Drive Park. Pursuant to the Terms and Conditions of Proposal #317, dated August 28, 2008.

Comment: As the Budget permits want to see Matawan Parks accessible to the handicapped. Perhaps Matawan could seek out Grants.

Resolution 08-11-16: Authorizing Police Chief to Undertake Preliminary Interviews for Staffing of Police Department.

Resolution 08-11-17: Authorizing the Borough of Matawan to Enter into a Professional Services Contract with Maser Consulting, P.A. for the Mill Road Sanitary Sewer Extension.

Resolution 08-11-18: Authorizing Borough Engineer to Advertise to Accept Bids - Mill Road Sanitary Sewer Installation.

Resolution 08-11-20: Authorizing the Retention of Joseph D. Yussouf, Esq. as Counsel for and on Behalf of the Board of Fire Officers for the Borough of Matawan.

Ordinance 08-17: An Ordinance to Fix and Determine the Salaries and Wages of Officers, Management, Supervisory Personnel and General Employees not Represented by an Organized Bargaining Unit and Employed by the Borough of Matawan, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Consent Agenda: New businesses seeking Approval of Business Licenses in Matawan are:

Invitations A La Carte, Jackson Hewitt, Philippine Island.

Hope to see you there.......

Election Day Polls Open 6am - 8pm

Do not forget to VOTE! Every day we are thankful to be an American. On Election Day we are proud to exercise our right to vote. One of the things we are proud of is we have instill the importance of voting to our children. Oh, we have heard the naysayers, who claim their vote doesn't count. As you all may recall, we in Matawan had a Special Election because EVERY VOTE DOES COUNT!

Don't be complacent, get out and vote!

We would not endorse any Presidential candidate as we want to keep this blog strictly for Matawan. Based on our observations at Matawan Borough Council meetings, we support TOM FITZSIMMONS AND JOE URBANO for Matawan Borough Council. We need people who will cut the Budget and eliminate unnecessary spending. We don't believe it will be easy, but we need a strong Council who can make the tough decisions and will bring Matawan forward. Adding these two men to the Council will help get Matawan back on track and out of the red.

Hope to see you at the polls.....we will be the one waving the flag..................................................

God Bless America!

Update on the Big Blue House on Main Street

Good news on the Big Blue House. Residents interested in this home of historical significance hired an Attorney who brought any decision on this property to a halt for the time being. The current business owner wishes to change the zoning to Commercial Use and rent out as office space.

We encourage all who wish to see this beautiful home restored to its former glory, please support these residents in their blight. All too often historical locations are torn down or rezoned for business purposes. Once they are gone, you cannot bring back history. We would love to see this home restored to its former beauty by someone who is interested in the preservation of historical landmarks.

We encourage all who wish to maintain Matawan's historical sites to attend the Planning & Zoning Board meetings. Please help preserve Matawan's history.

Another building of historical significance is the Matawan Train Station. You may have noticed the porch has been taken down in the interest of public safety. The structural pieces have been saved for restoration purposes. The station will be receiving a fresh coat of paint utilizing the colors from the time period it was built. This is NJ Transit property and we appreciate them finally doing something to preserve Matawan's history. Can't wait to see it restored. Just think we will no longer be embarrassed when visitors to Matawan are greeted by the "blighted" appearance of the area. It will stop being an eyesore and give one of the entrances to Matawan a sorely needed face lift.

More to follow as it progresses.

Matawan Borough Council Workshop 5/15 @ 7pm

Tonight there will be a Borough Council Workshop meeting at 7pm(better known as the "Clash of the Titans." ) The Agenda hasn't been posted. However, we believe discussions may include the School Board Budget, outcome of attorney review, progress on agreement for new Police Chief, relocation of Borough Court to name a few.

At each meeting Councilman Mendes and/or Councilman Mullaney attempts to place items on the upcoming Council Agenda without researching all the details. We trust that they have learned their lesson so as to prevent the outbursts of the last meeting. We suggest discussions with the Mayor prior to possibly placing the Borough in jeopardy. OOOOOOOOOOOOOh no, did we say discuss with the Mayor? In order to save time and money, the Council must communicate with each other, not just the Dems trying to add Resolutions during a Council meeting, but all the Council working in unison. Mayor Buccellato needs to stand strong to prevent the novice Council people from endangering the Borough. All of this is prohibiting the Borough from moving forward. The Democratic majority needs to communicate with the Mayor and not try to "slam dunk" last minute Resolutions. We all know they have the majority, thus the power, so let's keep in mind, is this the legacy they want to be remembered for in Matawan.

We have witnessed the Democratic majority attempting their electioneering at Council meetings. They present an ambitious program of moving the Court, the Police, Road Program, Gravelly Brook Park and so on. The only question is "WHERE ARE THEY GETTING THE MONEY?" Don't believe there is a taxpayer in Matawan (Republican, Democrat, Independent) who wants to see their taxes increased. How are they preparing us for next year's Budget? Did Councilman Cannon learn from the problems he inherited from his predecessor when the 2007 Expenses had to be paid from the 2008 Budget? Will Matawan be prepared to avoid this from happening in 2009?

We apologize for going on a tangent, however, it is disheartening to witness the Council's banging heads and preventing progress being made. Matawan needs a Council that works together regardless of what political party they belong....what they must remember is "they work for us, the residents of Matawan."

To those who believe we are bashing the Democratic majority, we are, at this time they are the ones who are delaying progress in the Borough and costing us money. If the Republicans were pulling these antics we would criticize them. We do try to be fair.

Follow up Workshop Meeting

Thanks to an anonymous source who reported on last night's Workshop meeting we can advise you of what transpired.

Finalization of Recreation Committee Ordinance - Councilman Bunyon stated he gave another copy of the Ordinance to the Rec Committee for their review and comment.

Residential Sewer Backup - Mayor Buccellato stated this matter was resolved.

July 4 Fireworks - Approximate cost $8,000. Fred Carr to prepare a Spreadsheet so Council can decide whether to move ahead with plans.

P/T Assistant Summer Director - Council voted on whether to keep this position or remove. The vote was Bunyon yes, Clifton yes, Mendes yes, Mullaney no. Councilmen Cannon and Malley were absent from the Workshop. Yes was to keep the position. No was to remove the position. Needless to say we are keeping the position.

Memorial Day Parade - As was reported to us, Councilman Mullaney said the Matawan Fire Departments requested to include their memorial services with Matawan Memorial Day services. He also said the Fire Department requested the change in direction of the parade and to change the date, instead of Sunday to Monday.

Recreation Director - Per Councilman Bunyon, two candidates were interviewed and a decision should be forthcoming.

Our source reported that the meeting was poorly attended. The usual supporters of Mayor Buccellato and one of the democrat supporters were present. Hey, we didn't make it but neither did two of our Council members!

We welcome comments from anyone that attended. As always, we welcome your comments regarding any of these issues.

Mary, Mary, quite contrary - Aufseeser

According to the Resolution to Request RFQ's for Professional Services, i.e. Borough Attorney, the majority Council members didn't have time and blamed it on the Special Election. Hellooooooooooooooooooooo, after current Mayor Paul Buccellato was elected (so everyone, including Aufseeser knew she was voted out) former Mary Aufseeser without the Council's consent, and without the first RFQ's being rejected by the Borough Council decided to order RFQ's to be published. Now here is an interesting point, Mayor Paul Buccellato was NOT mentioned in this Resolution. It reads that it be resolved by the Council of Matawan. Mayor Buccellato's name is not mentioned even once on this Resolution.

The question we have, Is an investigation going to be conducted to determine why former Mayor Aufseeser acted in such a way to subject the Borough to litigation? What do her supporters say now? There has been no comment on this Resolution and the consequences. Who acted in consert with Aufseeser? The press will be calling her for a comment and questions? Now we noticed at the previous Council meeting, the majority, were all attacking the Boro Administrator and the Boro Clerk. It comes together now as we see it they were trying to blame the Administrator and Boro Clerk for Aufseeser's actions. Did other members of the Council participate in reviewing the Quotes with Mary Aufseeser? Did other members of the Council participate in interviewing Attorneys for the position of Borough Attorney? WHY? If this was on the up and up, why wasn't Mayor elect Buccellato asked to attend? Were they concerned he would tell them it was wrong to act as they did?

Who will reimburse the taxpayers for the time spent by the Borough Administrator and the Borough Clerk for this fiasco? Who will reimburse the taxpayers for the use of Matawan's Community Center, or any other municipal building, if it was used to hold these interviews? Someone should be held accountable. Our Borough is in financial trouble, we believe we are facing a double digit increase on top of the re-evaluation, we cannot afford unauthorized taxpayer dollars being spent. Don't get what there was to gain by all this slithering around. We must have TRANSPARENCY in Matawan's government. Just for reasons like this one. What happens if litigation is entered into by one of the attorneys who sent a quote and was interviewed?

Doesn't this open up a whole can of worms, what else don't the taxpayers know?

Borough Council Meeting Tonight 7:30pm

This will be the first Council meeting when the public has access to the list of bills to be paid. Although not on the Municipal website, it is available at the Community Center on the Bulletin Board. Thanks to our vigilant residents who requested that we have the right to review the expenditures of the Borough Council. See that's what happens when you get involved.

Hope to see you at the meeting.

Borough Council Meeting Tonight 7:30pm

Matawan Borough Council Meeting Tues., Oct. 2,2007 at The Matawan Community Center, 201 Broad St.

Dictatorship in Matawan

When one politician decides that they know what is best for you, whether you agree or not, we become a dictatorship, not a Borough. I'm tired of listening to certain politicians in this Borough making decisions, whether ethical, whether questionable or most importantly whether legal. Under the guise of "knowing what is best. " Actions like having a local contractor do the concrete at the Jackson St. Park. Did this contractor actually donate this to the Borough? Or is this going to be another situation under the category of "payment of bills" they cover up the purchase of a $2,000. laptop for the Mayor to access her emails? We have no transparency in this administration and one can't help but wonder what has gone on that we haven't found out yet. Is this administration and Mayor Aufseeser headed down a road we taxpayers will pay for in the end? What do you expect from the politicians in Matawan? What are the real reasons for their actions? Is it to better themselves, relatives, friends financially or is it really for the betterment of Matawan and its residents. Are there actions for the "common good" or motivated by personal gain? How many items are being kept from the citizens of Matawan?
Why isn't a listing of bills being paid available to the public at the Council meetings?

These are just some things to think about now that election time is here.

Matawan Borough Council Meeting Tonight 7:30pm

Matawan Borough Council Meeting tonight at 7:30pm at 201 Broad St. Perhaps we will get answers to the Jackson St Park mystery, perhaps we will find out what happened to the Recreation Dept. grant, which appears to have been lost, perhaps we will hear about some progress being made for the Redevelopment Plan, perhaps we will hear about the progress on the dams, perhaps we will hear nothing but rhetoric and political posturing.

The photo on the left is of a closed business by the Railroad Station. This is what our Borough looks like without Redevelopment.

I'm a believer...perhaps a dreamer....I always hope that at one of these meetings progress will be made by our Borough Council. Only time will tell. See you at the Council Meeting.