If the law is to be followed at tonight’s Council meeting it’s going to be a little complicated conducting the town’s business. At least the way I see it.
For starters both Mayor Doherty and Councilwoman Nicolay have conflicted themselves out of voting on the payment of bills list, the former for accepting unallowable campaign contributions and the latter for failing to report certain campaign contributions. That would leave only Brennan, Magovern and Blackburn as eligible to vote. If any of the three fail to show up tonight there wouldn’t be a quorum for the vote and the payment of bills can’t be passed. At least not legally.
Also on the agenda is the liquor license renewal for the Boathouse. That really needs to be handled by the state. I don’t even understand how that can be put before this Council. Doherty and Nicolay can’t legally vote for the same reasons they can’t vote on the payment of bills list and Brennan has already announced he is no longer going to vote on liquor licenses because his band plays at bars. So right away there’s no quorum. On top of that, four of the five members of the Council are being personally sued by the applicant over their refusal to transfer a license for the applicant’s other business. Brian Magovern is the only Council member not conflicted out of this.
The hearing and vote on redevelopment ordinance also needs to be tabled. According to the New Jersey Press Association there has been no public notice on this and I’ve never seen them get it wrong. If the Borough had given the proper notice and could legally have the vote, Doherty and Nicolay would still be conflicted out of it for the same reasons as the payment of bills and the liquor license votes.
In other Council business, if Doherty shows up tonight he can’t vote on approval of the minutes for the last meeting because he didn’t show up for the last meeting. Or the one before that, but who’s counting?
They can all vote to appoint Christopher Pujat as our new fire marshall if they want to. Our former fire marshall, John Rizzitello, seems to have departed under mysterious circumstances and there’s been all sorts of rumors circulating about it. I will report when I have anything verifiable.
That leaves us with the Pledge of Allegiance as the only agenda item that can be done free and clear with no conflict or controversy. Maybe we should just do that and go home.
14 Comments
The State’s investigation of the 2 fatalities will scrutinize Borough compliance with the requirements of the NJ Uniform Fire Code …. both technical and administrative ….
Any wrongful termination of the Fire Marshall/Official would, and should, be exposed.
Is councilwoman Blackburn eligible to vote on everything?
I would think being sued by the owners of the Boathouse would disqualify her from voting on their liquor license.
2-Eugene Creamer, can you explain yourself with more details please. What 2 fatalities and what NJ Uniform Fire Code was broken and/or not done?
Tonight’s meeting has the makings of a Seinfeld episode about a government meeting about nothing.
The Mayor may be out and about on foot, doing good in the community, visiting widows and orphans.
Jennifer may be at the school, as a caring parent.
Brennan may be earning some cash at some bar with his band.
The pilot may be out on Main Street directing traffic at busy intersections, waving at people talking on their cellphones and running red lights, saying, “Hi! vote for me. I care about you.”
Brian will be at the meeting, as he safely knows little about anything.
Does anyone really expect Mayor Matt to show ? I would also expect the members that are there turn off there cell phones and Ipads out of respect for the tax payers that are there. If they are using personal computers during a public meeting can they be subject to OPRA ? Its also just good manners.
#4 – thinking the 2 recent fatalities due to the house fire on 14th
It appears that there are three wooden potential fire hazards under construction at the moment, the two pavilions and the Chefs monstrosity at the marina. I hope someone is watching, officially, that is. Fire is anyone’s worst nightmare.
Not an inspector from any agency in sight
I’m going over now to take a look.
#10 Take your code book and make notes. An “old man” has gotta know a thing or three. Wear a disguise.
#10, don’t forget your bottle of aspirins. lol!
What a mess. To damn big for such a small area. Disaster …Place is better off in Miami Beach
The Town Council is in such shameful disarray, having been caught up in their own web of lies and scandal, they should resign en masse. They are each and all unfit and lack support of the a large part, if not majority, of the town. When each of you walks the streets of Belmar, keep your heads low. That is the posture of a shamed soul.
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