Santa Comes to the Borough

A big THANK YOU to Matawan First Aid and Matawan Fire Department for bringing Santa Claus to Matawan. The Tree Trimming and Santa were just delightful. The children were thrilled.

As a side note: Keep in mind that these wonderful volunteers picked up the ball when the Recreation Commission decided not to participate in the Tree Trimming and Santa Claus Events. Kudos to the Matawan First Aid and Matawan Fire Department for not allowing this Matawan Tradition to be terminated. We may not say it often enough but we residents do appreciate all you do for us. This prompts us to ask if the Recreation Commission gave some of their Budget money to help with the costs of these functions? Anyone know?

Mayor Buccellato was the only attendee from the Borough Council. Ironically, the Recreation Commission ran its 5K Turkey Trot Run/Walk was held the same day. Guess they were all busy.
Comment: We would be remiss if we didn't report on Councilman Mullaney's Police escort to TD Bank with the proceeds from the Turkey Trot. Really Councilman, don't you think Matawan Police Officers have more important things to do with their time, our taxpayer money? We residents carry money to the bank without an escort every day. Should we request an escort too? Maybe now some of the money can be used to make our parks handicapped accessible? Or isn't that showy enough?

The changes on Borough Council can make positive changes in Matawan. Instead of separatism, we want to see togetherness in Matawan. All parties working in unison to make Matawan the best it can be! Just think of the possibilities if all participated in the Tree Trimming, the Santa Run, the Menorah Lighting, etc.

Planning and Zoning Board Meeting 12/1/08 7:30

SAVE THE BIG BLUE HOUSE

Planning & Zoning Board meeting on Monday, December1, 2008, 7:30pm at 201 Broad St. Matawan Borough Community Center. One of the topics to be discussed is to be the Big Blue House on Main Street. It seems there are many residents who oppose changing the zoning on this property in order to allow commercial use. The present owner would like to create office space in this beautiful Matawan treasure.

Comment: We oppose the change in zoning. We think with the surrounding residential homes it would affect the quality of life. Without a clear plan to keep the integrity of the home, it seems ludicrous to allow the zoning change. We would like to see a family purchase this home and restore it to its original beauty. It is a one of a kind treasure that should be saved for future generations. Sadly the previous owners stripped the home of its marble mantles, Tiffany doors,

even the wall scones were taken or sold, but restoration would not be impossible.

The Borough website has NOT been updated pertaining to the Planning & Zoning Board Agendas/Minutes. Therefore, the Agenda is still unknown and the Meeting Minutes from previous meeting have not been published. Optimistically, this will change soon.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2008

Matawan Police Hold Toy & Food Drive

MATAWAN COPS ARE TOPS IN OUR BOOK!

Taken from the Independent,11-20-08, written by Erin Stattel, Reporter.

Matawan Borough Police Department PBA Local 179 is holding its annual Toy and Food Drive. The drive will support Matawan area families in need during the holiday season. Toys should be new, in the box and unwrapped. The department is accepting toys for all ages. Donated food should only be nonperishables such as canned goods or boxed food items.

Collection boxes for donated goods are set up at several area businesses.

In Matawan, boxes are located at the police department headquarters at 150 Main St. and at Quick Chek, 60 Main St.

In Aberdeen, items can be deposited at Panther Press, 37 Lower Main St., ShopRite supermarket, Route 34, and at Stop & Shop, Route 34.

Residents who know of a family in need in the Matawan area and/or would like to donate to the toy and food drive should contact Matawan Borough Police Department Patrolman Andrew Marsala at 732-290-2020, ext 318.

Thanks to the Matawan Police Department for not only protecting and serving Matawan, but for caring so much for its residents.

We urge everyone to contribute to help those in need. Afterall, isn't that what Christmas is all about.

Folow Up Borough Council Mtg 11-18-08

Fred Carr, Matawan Borough Administrator resigned. The vote to accept his resignation was as follows: Bunyon, Cannon, Clifton, Mullaney voted yes. Councilman Malley abstained and Councilman Mendes was not present. Contrary to other Blogger's reports, Councilman Malley abstained as Mr. Carr has a family member who works for Malley. We wish Mr. Carr the best in his future endeavors. Under the current financial constraints it would be a good idea to go back to hiring a part time Borough Administrator.

Finances - Resolution 08-11-35 - Emergency Temporary Appropriation - Allows the moving of funds from unused line items, i.e. Historic Sites etc., to pay down some of the health care debt. We do not believe this will eliminate the current deficit, but it will hopefully reduce it.

Invoices presented for August and September 2008 and approved for payment from Ansell, Zaro, Grimm, & Aaron, Borough Attorney totalled $16,049.38.

Dog & Cat licensing - Ordinance 08-25 - Chapter XII - Animal Control - This will make licensing for dogs & cats set at a rate of $10.00 per animal. The introduction of licensing cats will be required in 2009.

Leaf Collection - Councilman Mullaney reported that leaf collection workers are removing leaves every day, weather permitting. Any questions regarding leaf pick up should be directed to Councilman Mullaney.

Privilege of the Floor - Several residents spoke. Residents from Lakeside Drive who were advised to take attend the Planning & Zoning Board meetings to discuss their issues. A resident along with her Contractor stated the Building Dept. has been very helpful, however, due to Inspectors work load cannot get to their inspections for 3 months.

All in all the meeting went quickly. Two more to go prior to the new Council being sworn in. We hope the transition goes smoothly.

Hope to see you at the next meeting.....

Veterans Day-Thank a Veteran

Tuesday, November 11, 2008 is Veterans Day.

A day to remember all those who have served and those who continue to serve our great Country.

Recently we have taken the opportunity to thank a Veteran every opportunity we see. It will never make up for the Viet Nam Veterans who were treated injudiciously. It is our way of letting all our Veterans know how much we realize and appreciate the sacrifices made and continue to make on our behalf.

Let's remember tomorrow and every chance we get THANK A VET!

God Bless and keep all of them safe.

Freeholder Robert D. Clifton

Among those inducted into St John Vianney High School Hall of Honor and Athletic Hall of Fame was Matawan's own, Robert D. Clifton. Mr. Clifton was inducted into its Hall of Honor for Distinguished Alumni Service. An Awards Dinner was held November 8th, 2008, at the Reception Center in Matawan. The following page is taken from the Program.

ROBERT D. CLIFTON
Graduated 1987

Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Rob Clifton was born and raised in Matawan, where he attended local elementary schools and graduated from St. John Vianney High School in 1987. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science at Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ, and a master's degree in political science at the University of Richmond, VA.

Rob was the Mayor of Matawan Borough from 1996 until 2005. In addition, he served on the borough's unified Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Board of Health, and the Monmouth County Board of Drug & Alcohol Abuse Services. He also served as chairman of the Bayshore Conference of Mayors.

He has been employed by Comcast Cable Corp. as Director of Government and Community Affairs since 2001. Prior to that, he was Director of Industry Relations for the New Jersey Pavement and Asphalt Association, where he acted as liaison between the trade association and municipalities throughout the state regarding road improvement issues. He also served as Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and a legislative aide to former Assemblyman Michael P. Arnone.

Mr. Clifton was elected to the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2004. In his first term as a Freeholder, Rob oversaw the Department of Human Services, Health and Transportation, and as such served as liaison to the following county departments and agencies: County Board of Health, Tuberculosis Control Unit, County Adjuster, Health Care Facilities, County Historical Commission, Human Relations Commission, Department of Human Services, which includes the Division of Transportation and Senior Citizen and Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Social Services, Mental Health Board, Employment and Training, Workforce Investment Board, Office on Disabilities, Office on Aging, Human Services Advisory Council, Office of Veterans Interment Services, and Youth Services Commission.

Freeholder Clifton is serving his second three-year term on the Board of Chosen Freeholders, having been re-elected on November 6, 2007. Currently, Freeholder Clifton, is Deputy Director of the Board, oversees the Department of Finance and Administration. In this role he oversees a $475 million budget. He also sits on the Board of the United Way of Monmouth County.
Rob Clifton and his wife, Tracy, reside in Matawan with their two sons, R.J. and Jack.

Congratulations Rob for a notable achievement. Keep up the good work. You have made Matawan proud.