The Borough Council meetings are getting more like a circus than a productive meeting. Mr. Aaron, Borough Attorney must explain to council members over and over again the legal ramifications of their proposed actions. The Council members are so busy politicking, they don't listen. Gentlemen the election is not until November! Do you think you could work on the problems at hand and save the politicking for outside the meeting?
Sharkfest - Guess what? Ms. Bonelli of the Matawan Alliance made an appearance at last night's meeting. She was requesting immediate action on the part of the Council to allow the Matawan Alliance to hold Sharkfest. While there have been many inquiries about Sharkfest, the Council cannot act immediately. There is an Ordinance in Matawan established by former Mayor Aufseeser and passed by the Council that formed a Special Events Committee. All outside groups must apply and be reviewed by this Committee who in turn make their recommendation to the Council. Councilman Mullaney kept trying to circumvent the ordinance and Ms. Bonelli kept insisting that she needed an immediate response. Finally the Mayor told Ms Bonelli and the Council that he would not allow a vote as it would violate the law in the Borough! While he was previously quick to interrupt a resident by claiming we had a lengthy agenda, he encouraged Ms. Bonelli to continue to make her point, time was no problem then. Amusingly enough, when it comes to an issue the Councilman is supporting he has all the time in the world. Well we saw right through it! This was a well planned, orchestrated move. Could it be the entire event has been planned, commitments have been made, and it would embarrass the Matawan Alliance if they didn't get approval for the Sharkfest? Why else did Ms. Bonelli show up demanding approval for Sharkfest? Why else would Councilman Mullaney cut short a resident speaking? Was it so Ms. Bonelli could make her demands and then leave? Why else did Councilmen Malley and Mullaney try to push for a vote? Do they really think the people of Matawan are stupid and can't see what they are doing? In the words of Judge Judy, "Don't pee on my leg and tell me its raining."
For the record the Matawan Alliance sponsored events are well received in Matawan. We support any event that brings people to our Community and encourages business. We do hope the Borough can afford this event and the Special Events Committee can work quickly to reach a decision on their recommendation. More to follow...
Ghost Sighting - Did anyone else notice former Mayor Aufseeser slither in and out of last night's ceremony? She was sighted speaking with the Borough Attorney. Needless to say she didn't stay for the meeting. Wow, two ghosts in one night. The Matawan Alliance and Mary Aufseeser....
Street Sweeper - Councilman Mullaney reported the new street sweeper is expected to arrive in mid-August. We regret the Council didn't have the foresight to come up with an alternative plan until the new sweeper arrives. Residents have reported grass, small trees, dirt and debris on the streets. It has been reported residents are shoveling and sweeping the dirt into piles. Keep in mind you can't throw the street debris in trash bins for collection. Poor planning.
Sale of Former Health Dept., Broad Street - This sale has been postponed. There was only one bidder and there are legal issues regarding easements that must be investigated.
Dog Licenses - Councilman Cannon reported that the deadline for obtaining Dog Licenses is August 1, 2008. If you have a dog, please stop by the Matawan Borough Community Center at 201 Broad St and fill out a license application. You must have proof of rabies shots.
The way we see it the Council is getting distracted by non-urgent issues, i.e. Sharkfest and not concentrating on important matters. Borough employees who are working without a signed contract for 2 years, an alternative plan for keeping the Streets of Matawan clean, the water treatment plant, the feasibility of the 2008 Road Program to name just a few. The Budget is still pending...waiting to hear if we will receive financial aid from Trenton.
Hope to see you at the next meeting....
Thanks to an article appearing in the Independent, written by Erin Stattel, we became aware of the Annual Softball Game and Barbecue picnic held by the Schoffel family in memory of Linda Schoeffel. It will be held at Gravelly Brook Park on July 26th at 11am. Raindate Aug. 2. Proceeds of this event will go to the American Lung Association. 
