Lakehurst Council Picks Oglesby As President

Council president Steven Oglesby. (Photo by Jennifer Peacock)

LAKEHURST – A familiar face will again lead council in 2017.

Those present unanimously chose council president Steven Oglesby to again serve as president. In response, Oglesby said he “will humbly accept” another year as president.

Absent from the January 19 business meeting were Councilwoman Robin Busch and Mayor Harry Robbins. Councilman Gary Lowe called into the meeting via phone.

Dock Trim

Oglesby told council he heard from a concerned resident about the lack of any kind of railing at the dock on Lake Horicon. The resident requested that trim be placed around the perimeter of the dock to prevent accidental falls, especially for those who are wheelchair-bound.

He said the borough may not want railing, as children may be tempted to jump off that into the lake. Conversely, railing will likely prevent anyone from falling off the dock.

Oglesby suggested a 2×4 trim be put around the dock, but the borough would have to consult with its insurance carrier first.

Missed BRAC

Councilman James David breathed a sigh of relief that Joint Base Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst missed another round of Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Commission’s hearings.

The base was not only one of two bases chosen to house the active-duty-led KC-46A Pegasus bases, but is also the site of largest military solar energy project in the northeast.

“This secures our future at the joint base for some time,” Davis said.

Lakehurst Borough Hall (Photo by Catherine Galioto)

ADA Compliance

The borough will seek $33,000 in NJ Department of Transportation aid money for improvements on Willow and Pine streets.

The borough received aid last year to start making curbs and sidewalks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The law prohibits discrimination against disabled persons, in this case, in public accommodations and transportation.

A number of curbs and sidewalks were improved on those streets. Pine Street runs east-west behind the elementary school. Willow Street, on the north side of the borough, is three blocks long and runs perpendicular to Myrtle Street.

Those streets were chosen because they are high traffic areas and school walking routes.

The council will meet at 7:30 p.m. on February 2 at the community center, 207 Center St.