Council President Brian Dougherty listed a series off accomplishments he noted the Mayor and Council have achieved in the first six months since taking office in January.
Dougherty cited the accomplishment during the meeting in which the governing body adopted three new ordinances, postponed a public hearing on a fourth, and introduced a new ordinance, its 17th since January.
At the meeting, Council unanimously approved a $550,000 bond ordinance, an ordinance requiring background checks for volunteers in youth program and an ordinance to put a non-binding question on the ballot in November after there were no objections at public hearings. Council also postponed the public hearing on a proposed parking ordinance because of some legal questions and set the hearing for the next meeting on Aug. 8.
In listing a progress report on accomplishments since January, Dougherty noted the borough’s primary achievements have been in negotiating an agreement authorizing the Monmouth County Park system to negotiate the purchase of the Mother Teresa school property, a matter still in negotiation but anticipated to be completed shortly.
He also cited a number of changes the governing body has made including a rent control ordinance to protect borough renters from unreasonable rate hikes. That ordinance was introduced at the meeting and will be finalized after a public hearing on August 8.
Dougherty also cited amendments to the development regulations for the historic and central business districts, identifying them as “the first significant update to regulations in a generation.”
This Council has also updated the development checklist, he said, requiring geotechnical analysis in steep slope areas and both parking and traffic studies for development projects.
Dougherty praised the Environmental Commission for its significant contributions in aiding the council in enhancing stormwater management in the borough through a series of amendments to municipal codes.
Citing financial accomplishments in their first half year in office, Dougherty noted the current council negotiated a new higher interest rate with the borough’s bank, resulting in a significant return on borough funds, as well as unanimously passing its 2024 municipal budget with an overall reduction in the municipal tax rate.
Background checks and safety training for volunteers involved with all recreation programs, including for coaches, directors and other volunteers was approved at the meeting providing a higher degree of safety for the youth of the borough.
Council has also involved the public in more participation in municipal matters, with Dougherty citing the three charrette planning sessions to get ideas from residents for the future development of Helen Marchetti Park. Borough Engineer Doug Rohmeyer indicated in response to a question during the meeting, work is progressing on the park, bids were advertised and have been awarded and production should begin within a couple of months.
Council is still working on cannabis decisions after conducting an information session with experts in the industry discussing the benefits of allowing businesses in the borough., Mayor Lori Hohenleitner, in response to a question from the public, indicated there should be more information available in August or September.
Dougherty also said the Council has passed 15 new ordinances in the last six months. Still to come, he said, is completion of plans and implementation of profit-making EV charges at the borough marina and other locations.
Dougherty was elected to his first term on the governing body in January, 2022 after being elected in a tough fought election in November, 2021. He has served on the environmental commission and planning board as well as remaining active in local children’s sports activities. He is the council’s liaison to the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education as well as the planning board.
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