Council Meeting 12/21/09

[admin]

Tonight's meeting was a fairly heavy one with town business. Mayor Wilson was absent and in his place Council President Marc Le Vine ran the meeting.

First up was the public comment section. Some of the audience came out to speak about the bike ordinance and issues in town.

Frank Argote Freyre of the LLA did not say anything in the negative about the bike rack ordinances, but did state that the LLA was willing to aid the town and donate more bike racks.

Tom Baldwin did get up and express reservations about the bike ordinance, specifically the aspect where bikes may be confiscated and stored for a fee. Baldwin expressed concern about malicious use of the ordinances toward certain segments of the town population.

I also got up and spoke about the bike issues. I commended the council for their efforts and mentioned my belief that bike issues should be viewed from a recreational standpoint which in turn would address quality of life and safety issues. I mentioned an initiative under way in Red Bank that we should also consider in this town. The basis of what I said can be found i this thread....

freeholdvoice.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=fbrecreationcommisiontwo&action=display&thread=4286

Resident Maureen Haley also got up and expressed concerns about bike rack placement and the need to have plenty of racks on Main Street.

During this portion of the meeting, and again at other times due to late arrivals, Attorney Kerry Higgins explained that the ordinance would not go into effect until April 1st 2010. Between now and then, ten more racks will be put out and there will be a marketing effort. (Frank Argote Freyre again offered assistance in reaching segments of our community.) Kerry made clear that there were no fines, just fees, associated with the confiscation and enforcement aspect of the ordinances. She also mentioned that there will be a warning system in place to give people time to get used to the new ordinances.

After Kerry had repeated herself a couple of times, I was going to ask her to repeat it all again to see if she would throw something at me, but I decided to be on good behavior. ( She really did do a good job of explaining)

The last person to speak during the public portion was Rich Gatto from the FCP. Rich was very complimentary to the police department and Sgt. Colaner for their efforts with the Santa Train event. Rich reported that the event was a tremendous success and had its highest attendance ever. Rich was very impressed with the PBA and PD.

During the public portion, no person mentioned a word about the taxi ordinances. Both the taxi and bike ordinances were on the agenda.


On the agenda were some interesting topics besides the bikes and taxis. The council added two slots for alternates to the planning board, though it is expected to fill one for now. The alternates will be class D's who will be used when a regular member has to abstain from hearing an application. George Shnurr mentioned that this will ensure a fair process for applicants.

The council also had a second reading of an ordinance waiving some municipal fees for construction permit fees for non profits in town. The first 500 dollars will be waived at the municipal level. All state and county fees remain in tact.

There were also second readings of ordinances that establish parking and other fees. This is done so that recipients of summonses can plead guilty and not have to go to court. Without the establishment of fees, defendants have to go to court because the judge has to determine the fines.

During the reading of the ordinances, resident Ted Miller expressed questions about the ordinances and how the meeting progresses. When there is a second reading, each topic is opened to public comment. This has been done without explanation of the ordinance being read often making it difficult for people to comment. From that point forward during the meeting, there was an explanation of each ordinance before it was opened to the public. This made for a better meeting and would make a good practice for the future.

The council comments were fairly light. Several councilman thanked various people for efforts in town. Shnurr brought up the taxi issues and the fact that he is still hearing complaints. All council members also thanked Marc Le vine for his service because this meeting was his last regular meeting before he steps down for the new Councilman Elect, John Newman.

Le Vine spoke last and read from a long prepared farewell statement.

[lisas84]

Brian, from an editor's standpoint, your reporting skills are commendable.

[Mike Rosseel]

Brian, no recap on marcs speech? You broke down the meeting very nicely but left out everything from Marc LeVine

[admin]

Lisa, Thank you for the compliment. I always worry about these early morning write ups and what I may accidentally do.

Mike, Marc's speech was what could be expected. In the past he has sent things to me to post and if he sends it to me, I will post it for all to read. Marc talked about his pleasure of serving the borough and listed what he considered his accomplishments.

He also mentioned and thanked all the people he worked with over the years. The very first name he mentioned with fondness was your father, John Rosseel. I should have mentioned that knowing you are a site participant and I am sure you would want to know that.

Brian

[richardkelsey]

Dec 22, 2009 10:02:59 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Brian, no recap on marcs speech? You broke down the meeting very nicely but left out everything from Marc LeVine

I agree -- the Marc reference left me wanting.

I know I wrote this many moons ago on another thread -- but I think it would be great if Freehold would leap into the 21st century and carry its meetings online via streaming video.

With some organization -- they could put the agenda online prior to a meeting. Post meeting they could update with minutes and actions taken -- then -- they could post video of the the meeting, allowing people who want to see what is happening to see and hear and read it all in one place -- if they cannot get to these meetings.

Many sophisticated towns and counties use such systems. I would refer Borough officials to Arlington County Virginia as an example of an excellent job in doing this. (Arlington County is an all-democrat County Government -- so it is nice for me to use them as an example of a successful effort to bring participatory government to its citizens.)

[Mike Rosseel]

FYI- heres is Marcs speech, he was nice enough to send it to me to post here, please be respectful!


Good Evening and Happy Holidays to all. Thank you for all coming out this evening. This is my last regular public meeting as a Freehold Borough Councilman and I wish to take this opportunity to give thanks to all and share some thoughts about our town, my Council colleagues and my past service as a member of this governing body.

Let me begin by thanking the residents of Freehold Borough for giving me the opportunity to serve our town for ten years spread out over the past two decades. Throughout these years I have had the opportunity and privilege to be involved in many important projects involving the hard work and unwavering support of many terrific Borough people; some who are still very much among us, and others, who have since passed. I have been fortunate to have known and worked with many of them in their prime and at the height of their effectiveness. Some of those I wish to pay my respects to include: John Rosseel, Jeff Jones, Fred Sanders, John Rupner, George Maury, Jerry Hammer, Don DeSanto, Jimmy McRae, Lou O’Brien, Bob Coutts and Joe Copeland. I am sure I have missed many others and just want to apologize for that. Each of these individuals, in some way, helped make our town great and all have also helped me become a good Councilman and, more importantly, a better person.


In the fall of 2005, while still recuperating from my Cancer surgery, I received a call from Mayor Wilson. The Mayor asked me if I would be interested in returning to the Council and be physically able to complete the balance of former Councilman Mike Toubin’s term - as he was soon retiring. The Mayor really wanted to appoint someone already experienced on the Council and familiar with many of the complex issues the town was currently dealing with. He said he appreciated and respected my former bipartisan spirit in the 1990’s and thought my appointment would create a seamless transition from Councilman Toubin, eliminating the need for someone else’s freshman learning curve.

I thanked the Mayor and offered him my service to our town. A vote was taken and the Council unanimously approved my appointment that October, on the eve of Rosh Hashanna. The appointment, provided me with something much stronger than even the most potent dose of Chemotherapy can offer a Cancer patient – a greater sense of purpose and the powerful emotions that come with feeling needed and appreciated.

Next month, I will celebrate my fifth anniversary of being Cancer free. Those who reach this benchmark are considered cured. I have to believe that my survival is due - to some degree – to the opportunity offered to me to serve my beloved hometown during the past four years. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Thank you, my fellow Council members. And, thank you to all the residents of Freehold Borough, who supported me! Ours is a terrific little town and we are fortunate enough to have such a wonderful Mayor and an excellent team of Council members, professionals, employees and volunteers. I deeply respect and am very proud of everyone.

Looking back over my 3 and1/3 terms on this Council, I can point to so many things that I am very proud to have been a part of. From the redevelopment of Mechanic Street to the rebirth of the American Hotel and the new lease on life recently granted to Richmond House, there is much to feel good about. During my most recent term, we cracked down on bad landlords and inconsiderate tenants. We created job fairs for the unemployed and educated landlords and tenants to be responsible in their actions. On a previously vacant lot, an award winning Community Garden now bears fruit and nearby it homes have been repaired by World Changers and others. And friendships have been fostered among neighbors, who may have only met for the first time during neighborhood cleanups as well as at the block parties that celebrated public works and volunteeer improvements on their streets and to their homes, respectively.

During the past three years, the Community Information Committee has improved communications throughout our town creating new resident’s information packets and a soon to be launched sophisticated town web site. The Rental Property Committee introduced 14 significant recommendations that were lauded by the Asbury Park Press. These recommendations are now in effect and are already working to improve our code enforcement operations throughout the town. And, the Neighborhood Pride Committee helped a total of 600 unemployed people meet over 60 hiring employers at two very successful job fairs. We were among the first local towns, during this recession, to help residents get jobs and pay their bills. None of these committees existed prior to my return to the governing body. More importantly, they will remain viable long after I step down from this table. I am proud of them all and the work they have done.

In addition to bringing new and successful committees to the table, Councilman Schnurr and I lead a charge to crack down on the unsafe and the often unscrupulous operation of local taxi cabs. Fittingly, we passed this ordinance this evening.

Working with the Police and with others, I also began and helped continue efforts to improve bicycle safety in Freehold Borough by recommending several ordinance changes, pushing for more bilingual educational opportunities and through the provision of more than 200 reflective vests, all donated by area businesses.

Through my recommendation, we also passed a No-Knock Ordinance, in our town, to protect the security and the privacy of our residents, especially from blockbusting slumlords and unauthorized salespeople seeking to annoy and sometimes even intimidate our residents. And, prior to turning my Planning Board liasonry over to Council Schnurr – who has done a terrific job – my suggestion to combine the Planning and Zoning Boards was approved and has since helped streamline several application processes, while saving Freehold Borough taxpayer dollars, by way of improved efficiencies. This was no small accomplishment.

As a result of some more recent suggestions that I brought to our workshops, we have added extra recycling days to the garbage collection schedule, while still saving our town $6000 per month in overall costs. And, we have also changed or modified our electrical fixtures and bulbs, which has saved the town 1/3 of its annual utility bills.

What is often most personally rewarding is being able to help individual resident with problems they are struggling with. Those who ever reached out to me with their problems, were most often responded to within 24 hours. They were always kept informed about the status of their complaint through the entire life cycle of that problem.

In my ten years, seated at this table, I have so many things to be proud of and only a single regrettable moment, which I have had to ask forgiveness for. I hope that most will agree that my ratio for successful accomplishment and good deeds far outweigh any human errors I take personal responsibility for.

On a positive note, I want to congratulate the two victors in this year’s November election, Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer and Councilman-elect, John Newman. I wish both of them well over the next three years. How they go, so goes the Borough of Freehold. The role of Councilperson is one of the most responsible roles anyone can assume in their town. The Mayor and Council are fully responsible for the success of the town and the safety and quality of life of all its residents. This is a part time job with full time hours. It is a job we all take very seriously. I know that both Sharon and John understand what comes along with this job and they also realize that neither of them will ever be more self-important than the needs of the people they pledge to serve. Freehold Borough always comes first.

I am heartbroken to have to step down from a job I enjoy even more than my own professional career. What better job can one have than helping to improve his or her community? Being able to step outside the door every morning and to see improvements, first hand, is a real thrill. To say, “I had a hand in this,” is so rewarding.

I haven’t even left yet and I miss it all, already. This is why, I plan to remain actively involved in our town and have decided to accept the Mayor’s appointment to many of the committees I introduced and once was the liaison to. The work that these committees began must continue on. I will make sure this happens. I look forward to volunteering with the same energy and zeal that has always been expected from me. So, I will be around, active. I will not go quietly into the night.

John Newman…I wish you well as a Freehold Borough Councilman. I implore you to work very hard and to produce the results you believe you are capable of. I know you will enjoy your time at this table, as much as I have. At the same time, though, I must remind you to keep your eyes in the rearview mirror and know that “objects may be closer than they actually appear.” It will be me you will see in that rearview mirror. In fact, I’m serving notice that I expect to return to this governing body in the not too distant future. My passion for this job and my desire to be a continuing part of the progress of Freehold Borough has not been quelled by a slim loss in an unfavorable election year. My return to the Council is not a hope, it’s a promise. So, John – as in all other endeavors - the threat of worthy competition has always been a great motivator to those in similar endeavors. Let it serve as such in this case, too. Mine is a healthy challenge and it only acts to inspire you and us all to do a better job. I am sure you will agree that Freehold can only benefit when we all seek to raise the bar on our own performance,as well as the expectations others have of us.

To everyone here this evening, I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Year. Let us all hope that 2010 brings everyone one of us better economic times than we have been experiencing these past two years of recession. May all wars come to an end and may peace come to us all. Let us say a prayer for our President, for our nation, for our State, for our town and for all of our families and friends. In fact, this is the appropriate time of the year to repeat the words of “Tiny Tim,” from Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol. “God Bless us, Every One.” Thank you for coming out and good night.

[admin]

Dec 23, 2009 10:57:59 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

FYI- heres is Marcs speech, he was nice enough to send it to me to post here, please be respectful!


Good Evening and Happy Holidays to all. Thank you for all coming out this evening. This is my last regular public meeting as a Freehold Borough Councilman and I wish to take this opportunity to give thanks to all and share some thoughts about our town, my Council colleagues and my past service as a member of this governing body.

Let me begin by thanking the residents of Freehold Borough for giving me the opportunity to serve our town for ten years spread out over the past two decades. Throughout these years I have had the opportunity and privilege to be involved in many important projects involving the hard work and unwavering support of many terrific Borough people; some who are still very much among us, and others, who have since passed. I have been fortunate to have known and worked with many of them in their prime and at the height of their effectiveness. Some of those I wish to pay my respects to include: John Rosseel, Jeff Jones, Fred Sanders, John Rupner, George Maury, Jerry Hammer, Don DeSanto, Jimmy McRae, Lou O’Brien, Bob Coutts and Joe Copeland. I am sure I have missed many others and just want to apologize for that. Each of these individuals, in some way, helped make our town great and all have also helped me become a good Councilman and, more importantly, a better person.


In the fall of 2005, while still recuperating from my Cancer surgery, I received a call from Mayor Wilson. The Mayor asked me if I would be interested in returning to the Council and be physically able to complete the balance of former Councilman Mike Toubin’s term - as he was soon retiring. The Mayor really wanted to appoint someone already experienced on the Council and familiar with many of the complex issues the town was currently dealing with. He said he appreciated and respected my former bipartisan spirit in the 1990’s and thought my appointment would create a seamless transition from Councilman Toubin, eliminating the need for someone else’s freshman learning curve.

I thanked the Mayor and offered him my service to our town. A vote was taken and the Council unanimously approved my appointment that October, on the eve of Rosh Hashanna. The appointment, provided me with something much stronger than even the most potent dose of Chemotherapy can offer a Cancer patient – a greater sense of purpose and the powerful emotions that come with feeling needed and appreciated.

Next month, I will celebrate my fifth anniversary of being Cancer free. Those who reach this benchmark are considered cured. I have to believe that my survival is due - to some degree – to the opportunity offered to me to serve my beloved hometown during the past four years. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Thank you, my fellow Council members. And, thank you to all the residents of Freehold Borough, who supported me! Ours is a terrific little town and we are fortunate enough to have such a wonderful Mayor and an excellent team of Council members, professionals, employees and volunteers. I deeply respect and am very proud of everyone.

Looking back over my 3 and1/3 terms on this Council, I can point to so many things that I am very proud to have been a part of. From the redevelopment of Mechanic Street to the rebirth of the American Hotel and the new lease on life recently granted to Richmond House, there is much to feel good about. During my most recent term, we cracked down on bad landlords and inconsiderate tenants. We created job fairs for the unemployed and educated landlords and tenants to be responsible in their actions. On a previously vacant lot, an award winning Community Garden now bears fruit and nearby it homes have been repaired by World Changers and others. And friendships have been fostered among neighbors, who may have only met for the first time during neighborhood cleanups as well as at the block parties that celebrated public works and volunteeer improvements on their streets and to their homes, respectively.

During the past three years, the Community Information Committee has improved communications throughout our town creating new resident’s information packets and a soon to be launched sophisticated town web site. The Rental Property Committee introduced 14 significant recommendations that were lauded by the Asbury Park Press. These recommendations are now in effect and are already working to improve our code enforcement operations throughout the town. And, the Neighborhood Pride Committee helped a total of 600 unemployed people meet over 60 hiring employers at two very successful job fairs. We were among the first local towns, during this recession, to help residents get jobs and pay their bills. None of these committees existed prior to my return to the governing body. More importantly, they will remain viable long after I step down from this table. I am proud of them all and the work they have done.

In addition to bringing new and successful committees to the table, Councilman Schnurr and I lead a charge to crack down on the unsafe and the often unscrupulous operation of local taxi cabs. Fittingly, we passed this ordinance this evening.

Working with the Police and with others, I also began and helped continue efforts to improve bicycle safety in Freehold Borough by recommending several ordinance changes, pushing for more bilingual educational opportunities and through the provision of more than 200 reflective vests, all donated by area businesses.

Through my recommendation, we also passed a No-Knock Ordinance, in our town, to protect the security and the privacy of our residents, especially from blockbusting slumlords and unauthorized salespeople seeking to annoy and sometimes even intimidate our residents. And, prior to turning my Planning Board liasonry over to Council Schnurr – who has done a terrific job – my suggestion to combine the Planning and Zoning Boards was approved and has since helped streamline several application processes, while saving Freehold Borough taxpayer dollars, by way of improved efficiencies. This was no small accomplishment.

As a result of some more recent suggestions that I brought to our workshops, we have added extra recycling days to the garbage collection schedule, while still saving our town $6000 per month in overall costs. And, we have also changed or modified our electrical fixtures and bulbs, which has saved the town 1/3 of its annual utility bills.

What is often most personally rewarding is being able to help individual resident with problems they are struggling with. Those who ever reached out to me with their problems, were most often responded to within 24 hours. They were always kept informed about the status of their complaint through the entire life cycle of that problem.

In my ten years, seated at this table, I have so many things to be proud of and only a single regrettable moment, which I have had to ask forgiveness for. I hope that most will agree that my ratio for successful accomplishment and good deeds far outweigh any human errors I take personal responsibility for.

On a positive note, I want to congratulate the two victors in this year’s November election, Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer and Councilman-elect, John Newman. I wish both of them well over the next three years. How they go, so goes the Borough of Freehold. The role of Councilperson is one of the most responsible roles anyone can assume in their town. The Mayor and Council are fully responsible for the success of the town and the safety and quality of life of all its residents. This is a part time job with full time hours. It is a job we all take very seriously. I know that both Sharon and John understand what comes along with this job and they also realize that neither of them will ever be more self-important than the needs of the people they pledge to serve. Freehold Borough always comes first.

I am heartbroken to have to step down from a job I enjoy even more than my own professional career. What better job can one have than helping to improve his or her community? Being able to step outside the door every morning and to see improvements, first hand, is a real thrill. To say, “I had a hand in this,” is so rewarding.

I haven’t even left yet and I miss it all, already. This is why, I plan to remain actively involved in our town and have decided to accept the Mayor’s appointment to many of the committees I introduced and once was the liaison to. The work that these committees began must continue on. I will make sure this happens. I look forward to volunteering with the same energy and zeal that has always been expected from me. So, I will be around, active. I will not go quietly into the night.

John Newman…I wish you well as a Freehold Borough Councilman. I implore you to work very hard and to produce the results you believe you are capable of. I know you will enjoy your time at this table, as much as I have. At the same time, though, I must remind you to keep your eyes in the rearview mirror and know that “objects may be closer than they actually appear.” It will be me you will see in that rearview mirror. In fact, I’m serving notice that I expect to return to this governing body in the not too distant future. My passion for this job and my desire to be a continuing part of the progress of Freehold Borough has not been quelled by a slim loss in an unfavorable election year. My return to the Council is not a hope, it’s a promise. So, John – as in all other endeavors - the threat of worthy competition has always been a great motivator to those in similar endeavors. Let it serve as such in this case, too. Mine is a healthy challenge and it only acts to inspire you and us all to do a better job. I am sure you will agree that Freehold can only benefit when we all seek to raise the bar on our own performance,as well as the expectations others have of us.

To everyone here this evening, I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Year. Let us all hope that 2010 brings everyone one of us better economic times than we have been experiencing these past two years of recession. May all wars come to an end and may peace come to us all. Let us say a prayer for our President, for our nation, for our State, for our town and for all of our families and friends. In fact, this is the appropriate time of the year to repeat the words of “Tiny Tim,” from Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol. “God Bless us, Every One.” Thank you for coming out and good night.

Mike, thank you for posting and

Thank you Marc for sending it to Mike.

[richardkelsey]

Dec 23, 2009 10:57:59 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

FYI- heres is Marcs speech, he was nice enough to send it to me to post here, please be respectful!


Good Evening and Happy Holidays to all. Thank you for all coming out this evening. This is my last regular public meeting as a Freehold Borough Councilman and I wish to take this opportunity to give thanks to all and share some thoughts about our town, my Council colleagues and my past service as a member of this governing body.

Let me begin by thanking the residents of Freehold Borough for giving me the opportunity to serve our town for ten years spread out over the past two decades. Throughout these years I have had the opportunity and privilege to be involved in many important projects involving the hard work and unwavering support of many terrific Borough people; some who are still very much among us, and others, who have since passed. I have been fortunate to have known and worked with many of them in their prime and at the height of their effectiveness. Some of those I wish to pay my respects to include: John Rosseel, Jeff Jones, Fred Sanders, John Rupner, George Maury, Jerry Hammer, Don DeSanto, Jimmy McRae, Lou O’Brien, Bob Coutts and Joe Copeland. I am sure I have missed many others and just want to apologize for that. Each of these individuals, in some way, helped make our town great and all have also helped me become a good Councilman and, more importantly, a better person.


In the fall of 2005, while still recuperating from my Cancer surgery, I received a call from Mayor Wilson. The Mayor asked me if I would be interested in returning to the Council and be physically able to complete the balance of former Councilman Mike Toubin’s term - as he was soon retiring. The Mayor really wanted to appoint someone already experienced on the Council and familiar with many of the complex issues the town was currently dealing with. He said he appreciated and respected my former bipartisan spirit in the 1990’s and thought my appointment would create a seamless transition from Councilman Toubin, eliminating the need for someone else’s freshman learning curve.

I thanked the Mayor and offered him my service to our town. A vote was taken and the Council unanimously approved my appointment that October, on the eve of Rosh Hashanna. The appointment, provided me with something much stronger than even the most potent dose of Chemotherapy can offer a Cancer patient – a greater sense of purpose and the powerful emotions that come with feeling needed and appreciated.

Next month, I will celebrate my fifth anniversary of being Cancer free. Those who reach this benchmark are considered cured. I have to believe that my survival is due - to some degree – to the opportunity offered to me to serve my beloved hometown during the past four years. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Thank you, my fellow Council members. And, thank you to all the residents of Freehold Borough, who supported me! Ours is a terrific little town and we are fortunate enough to have such a wonderful Mayor and an excellent team of Council members, professionals, employees and volunteers. I deeply respect and am very proud of everyone.

Looking back over my 3 and1/3 terms on this Council, I can point to so many things that I am very proud to have been a part of. From the redevelopment of Mechanic Street to the rebirth of the American Hotel and the new lease on life recently granted to Richmond House, there is much to feel good about. During my most recent term, we cracked down on bad landlords and inconsiderate tenants. We created job fairs for the unemployed and educated landlords and tenants to be responsible in their actions. On a previously vacant lot, an award winning Community Garden now bears fruit and nearby it homes have been repaired by World Changers and others. And friendships have been fostered among neighbors, who may have only met for the first time during neighborhood cleanups as well as at the block parties that celebrated public works and volunteeer improvements on their streets and to their homes, respectively.

During the past three years, the Community Information Committee has improved communications throughout our town creating new resident’s information packets and a soon to be launched sophisticated town web site. The Rental Property Committee introduced 14 significant recommendations that were lauded by the Asbury Park Press. These recommendations are now in effect and are already working to improve our code enforcement operations throughout the town. And, the Neighborhood Pride Committee helped a total of 600 unemployed people meet over 60 hiring employers at two very successful job fairs. We were among the first local towns, during this recession, to help residents get jobs and pay their bills. None of these committees existed prior to my return to the governing body. More importantly, they will remain viable long after I step down from this table. I am proud of them all and the work they have done.

In addition to bringing new and successful committees to the table, Councilman Schnurr and I lead a charge to crack down on the unsafe and the often unscrupulous operation of local taxi cabs. Fittingly, we passed this ordinance this evening.

Working with the Police and with others, I also began and helped continue efforts to improve bicycle safety in Freehold Borough by recommending several ordinance changes, pushing for more bilingual educational opportunities and through the provision of more than 200 reflective vests, all donated by area businesses.

Through my recommendation, we also passed a No-Knock Ordinance, in our town, to protect the security and the privacy of our residents, especially from blockbusting slumlords and unauthorized salespeople seeking to annoy and sometimes even intimidate our residents. And, prior to turning my Planning Board liasonry over to Council Schnurr – who has done a terrific job – my suggestion to combine the Planning and Zoning Boards was approved and has since helped streamline several application processes, while saving Freehold Borough taxpayer dollars, by way of improved efficiencies. This was no small accomplishment.

As a result of some more recent suggestions that I brought to our workshops, we have added extra recycling days to the garbage collection schedule, while still saving our town $6000 per month in overall costs. And, we have also changed or modified our electrical fixtures and bulbs, which has saved the town 1/3 of its annual utility bills.

What is often most personally rewarding is being able to help individual resident with problems they are struggling with. Those who ever reached out to me with their problems, were most often responded to within 24 hours. They were always kept informed about the status of their complaint through the entire life cycle of that problem.

In my ten years, seated at this table, I have so many things to be proud of and only a single regrettable moment, which I have had to ask forgiveness for. I hope that most will agree that my ratio for successful accomplishment and good deeds far outweigh any human errors I take personal responsibility for.

On a positive note, I want to congratulate the two victors in this year’s November election, Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer and Councilman-elect, John Newman. I wish both of them well over the next three years. How they go, so goes the Borough of Freehold. The role of Councilperson is one of the most responsible roles anyone can assume in their town. The Mayor and Council are fully responsible for the success of the town and the safety and quality of life of all its residents. This is a part time job with full time hours. It is a job we all take very seriously. I know that both Sharon and John understand what comes along with this job and they also realize that neither of them will ever be more self-important than the needs of the people they pledge to serve. Freehold Borough always comes first.

I am heartbroken to have to step down from a job I enjoy even more than my own professional career. What better job can one have than helping to improve his or her community? Being able to step outside the door every morning and to see improvements, first hand, is a real thrill. To say, “I had a hand in this,” is so rewarding.

I haven’t even left yet and I miss it all, already. This is why, I plan to remain actively involved in our town and have decided to accept the Mayor’s appointment to many of the committees I introduced and once was the liaison to. The work that these committees began must continue on. I will make sure this happens. I look forward to volunteering with the same energy and zeal that has always been expected from me. So, I will be around, active. I will not go quietly into the night.

John Newman…I wish you well as a Freehold Borough Councilman. I implore you to work very hard and to produce the results you believe you are capable of. I know you will enjoy your time at this table, as much as I have. At the same time, though, I must remind you to keep your eyes in the rearview mirror and know that “objects may be closer than they actually appear.” It will be me you will see in that rearview mirror. In fact, I’m serving notice that I expect to return to this governing body in the not too distant future. My passion for this job and my desire to be a continuing part of the progress of Freehold Borough has not been quelled by a slim loss in an unfavorable election year. My return to the Council is not a hope, it’s a promise. So, John – as in all other endeavors - the threat of worthy competition has always been a great motivator to those in similar endeavors. Let it serve as such in this case, too. Mine is a healthy challenge and it only acts to inspire you and us all to do a better job. I am sure you will agree that Freehold can only benefit when we all seek to raise the bar on our own performance,as well as the expectations others have of us.

To everyone here this evening, I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Year. Let us all hope that 2010 brings everyone one of us better economic times than we have been experiencing these past two years of recession. May all wars come to an end and may peace come to us all. Let us say a prayer for our President, for our nation, for our State, for our town and for all of our families and friends. In fact, this is the appropriate time of the year to repeat the words of “Tiny Tim,” from Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol. “God Bless us, Every One.” Thank you for coming out and good night.

God Speed Marc. Maybe you will come back and post these types of things yourself now.

Looks like we will be seeing Marc run again. This time -- since Party doesn't matter -- perhaps he will come back and run as a true independent. I'd love to see that.

[Mike Rosseel]

"Looks like we will be seeing Marc run again. This time -- since Party doesn't matter -- perhaps he will come back and run as a true independent. I'd love to see that."

i would love to see marc go against miller in a year that the govenors race doesnt help Miller

[lisas84]

I will miss Marc's passion and exquisite dialog, and I will bet many people will as well. Nothing against Mr. Newman, who I really do like; I feel his graciousness and a purity about him. To me, it is not a case here of "either/or" -- but two different folks.

It would be glorious to see Marc at the Long Table once again. But in the meantime, God bless all 7 with perfect health as well as the joy begotten from elected leadership. I really feel that Freehold Borough is in such good, capable hands (minds). And this extends to so many volunteers; the town is blessed with great people!

[admin]

Rich wrote:

God Speed Marc. Maybe you will come back and post these types of things yourself now.

That would be interesting to see Marc back here on the site. I doubt it very much, he don't like us very much these days. But we could be surprised, he did send his speech here to be posted, which was a surprise.

[admin]

Dec 23, 2009 20:57:03 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

I will miss Marc's passion and exquisite dialog, and I will bet many people will as well. Nothing against Mr. Newman, who I really do like; I feel his graciousness and a purity about him. To me, it is not a case here of "either/or" -- but two different folks.

It would be glorious to see Marc at the Long Table once again. But in the meantime, God bless all 7 with perfect health as well as the joy begotten from elected leadership. I really feel that Freehold Borough is in such good, capable hands (minds). And this extends to so many volunteers; the town is blessed with great people!

Spoken like a true lady and in the right borough spirit. you really are our adopted resident and part of the borough family.

[Mike Rosseel]

Lisa S. well said, Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Brian, lets call a spade a spade, Marc sent his speech because i asked him for it because i felt it was an important part of your post which was left out. If Marc doesnt like this site its because of the events that took place this election. Werent certain people from this site at the meeting when the speech took place and didnt stand or clap? Thats isnt right, weither you like him personally or not so some respect. Hats of to Newman for showing Marc his due respect, thats just CLASSY!

[admin]

Dec 24, 2009 10:28:37 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Lisa S. well said, Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Brian, lets call a spade a spade, Marc sent his speech because i asked him for it because i felt it was an important part of your post which was left out. If Marc doesnt like this site its because of the events that took place this election. Werent certain people from this site at the meeting when the speech took place and didnt stand or clap? Thats isnt right, weither you like him personally or not so some respect. Hats of to Newman for showing Marc his due respect, thats just CLASSY!

Mike, all I have to say is good job to you! Quite often this site gets better and more information than what is found in the papers. By taking the time to get Marc's speech and adding something that you consider of value, you have made the thread that much better. That is good initiative on your part and makes for more complete reading for site readers. I know people appreciate that.

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

[admin]

We hvae three seperate threads about the bike issues right now. I am posting this here becasue it is in reference to the council meeting and the people who got up and spoke.

newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2010-01-06/front_page

Law places a premium on proper bike parking

BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
FREEHOLD — An ordinance that address the parking of bicycles in Freehold Borough was unanimously adopted by the Borough Council Dec. 21.

The ordinance states that “the uncontrolled placement and tethering or securing of bicycles in public rights-of-way and semipublic rights-of-way on public property presents an inconvenience and a danger to the safety and welfare of persons using such rights-of-way, including pedestrians and persons entering and leaving vehicles and buildings.”

The ordinance states that these factors “constitute an unreasonable interference with and construction of the use of public rightsof way, are injurious to health, offensive to the senses, and constitutes such obstruction of the free use of property and interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property by the entire community.”

Officials want people who use bicycles to park them in bicycle racks that will be placed around Freehold.




According to Dan Megill, the borough’s engineering aide, bicycle racks have been installed during the past year at the following locations:

• Two bicycle racks at the bus station on Throckmorton Street;

• Two bicycle racks in the Market Yard parking lot between Main and Mechanic streets;

• One bicycle rack in the pocket park known as Gere Park on Throckmorton Street across from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church;

• One bicycle rack in front of the CVS Pharmacy on West Main Street.

Officials said those bicycle racks were placed where bicycles have historically been parked.

The new ordinance recognizes that many borough residents use a bicycle as their primary means of transportation and that adequate facilities need to be in place for the safe and secure parking storage of the bicycles.

During the public hearing on the ordinance, Frank Argote-Freyre spoke on behalf of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey, Monmouth County chapter. He said members of the alliance agree with the ordinance in principle, but he offered some suggestions with regard to its implementation.

“For some members of the community bicycles are a primary means of transportation,” Argote-Freyre explained. “For them a bicycle makes the difference between employment and unemployment and between human dignity and misery. Before the ordinance is enforced we ask that the borough ensure that sufficient bicycle racks are in place so that bike riders can reasonably comply with the ordinance. A failure to provide sufficient bicycle racks would be to set up the bicycle-riding community for failure.”

Argote-Freyre said the alliance conducted a survey of the number of bicycles parked in the downtown area on a given day and found that in the spring there will be a need for between 80 and 100 parking spots for bicycles.

“At the current time there are inadequate bicycle racks at numerous locations throughout the borough. The number of bicycle racks at the Freehold bus station is insufficient to serve the bike riding public. We suggest that bike racks at the station accommodate up to 40 bicycles,” he said.

He asked for the installation of additional bicycle racks at Musgrave Park on Avenue C, and a bicycle rack at the pocket park adjacent to a Monmouth County parking lot off Lafayette Street.

“We also believe every major park in the borough should have a bicycle rack so that children riding there will have a safe and secure space to park their bicycles,” Argote- Freyre added. “We are willing to partner with the borough to purchase one or two bicycle racks and place them at several private locations.

“We believe the bicycle ordinance, if properly implemented, can serve to make the town safer and more attractive, while at the same time provide adequate space for the bike-riding community, those who rely on bicycles for a livelihood and those who bike for recreational purposes,” he said.

Resident Tom Baldwin said he believes adopting the bicycle ordinance will be a throwback to 2003-04 when borough officials closed an area on Throckmorton Street at which individuals who sought work on a daily basis gathered to link up with prospective employers.

“It’s too harsh and it will be harassing a large percentage of the Latino population who may travel by bicycle all over,” Baldwin said, adding that a summons would be an appropriate punishment for a violation, rather than impounding a bicycle that was illegally parked. “Please don’t use a punish mode with this. You will be denying (people) their mode of transportation and that’s not right.”

Borough Attorney Kerry Higgins said the bicycle parking ordinance will not take effect until April 2010.

“We are placing 10 additional bicycle racks that combined with what we have will allow for space for 90 bicycles,” Higgins said. “This gives Freehold Borough and the police department time to reach out and educate the community on this ordinance, in conjunction with Frank (Argote-Freyre) and others who will also get the word out. It will also give us time to monitor the downtown to evaluate how the bicycles are being parked now. We think this is more than fair and it gives us time to see if the bicycle racks are in the best location.”

In regard to issuing summonses, Higgins said she thought that would be overkill.

The cost to reclaim a bicycle that has been impounded because it was found to have been parked illegally will be $20 plus a $1 per day storage fee.

“We feel this is a better option for our bicycles in town,” Higgins said.

Council President Marc Le Vine told Baldwin the goal of the ordinance is to make the downtown more attractive and to keep it safe. He thanked Argote-Freyre for his efforts and for working with officials.

“It’s just like a car which must be parked in a certain place,” Le Vine said. “We feel it is a win-win for everyone.”

Resident Maureen Haley asked where the new bicycle racks would be placed. She said she bought a house in the borough so she would be able to walk downtown or ride a bicycle downtown. Haley said she was glad to learn that officials are planning to add more bicycle racks.