LAKEHURST – Bernadette Dugan brought a box of tissues to the most recent Borough Council meeting where she would be sworn in as the newest member of the governing body. While happy to be part of the council, she recognized it was also a bittersweet occasion.
On New Year’s Day, Gary Lowe, who served on council for a decade, was sworn in for a new three year term in office. His son Carter held the Bible when the oath of office was administered. Sadly, later in the month, he passed away and now Dugan was selected to take his place.
Carter Lowe held the Bible this time for Dugan while she was sworn in by Mayor Harry Robbins. The mayor gave Dugan her 2022 committee appointments which included public safety and building and grounds (appointments Councilman Lowe had).
“I want to thank the governing body for choosing me. These are very big shoes to fill. Gary was a great councilman but he was an even better man,” Dugan said.
After the ceremony, the council set about to getting the business of the borough done.
Council President Steven Oglesby asked about the status of the cherry trees set to be planted in areas in the borough. The trees will be planted in areas of sidewalks and some sidewalk work is being planned prior to their installation. “I think it will be done before the Fourth of July,” the mayor answered.
Oglesby also asked about the borough’s water main project and the repaving of a borough road.
Mayor Robbins said that negotiations had reopened up with Manchester Township that involve water main work “and the interconnection with Manchester. I also met with the county’s engineering department. They are going to do Union Avenue from circle to circle.
“They are going to Central Avenue as well,” the mayor added. “Some concrete work will be done as well. What exactly it will be I don’t know as I haven’t seen the plans yet.”
The mayor said, “usually there is a three-year moratorium on reopening the roads after they have been paved but we worked out something where if the water main project should move forward that we will be able to dig it up as long as long as it gets paved halfway.
“Usually, it is repaved curb to curb and since the water main will be running from the plant it would involve the whole road again. With negotiations with Manchester – and I don’t want to talk prematurely – they will have to go through there,” he added.
Oglesby also expressed concerns regarding a request to use the fire company for children’s soccer practice. “I checked with the insurance company and they seem to be okay with it. I’m wondering why they aren’t using the field. It is almost March. I think before we can make a decision we need more answers,” he said.
Councilman Jim Davis reported “we have a police car that is in major need of repair. What started out as an electrical problem has been diagnosed with technology involving the steering and front suspension. It is going to be a pricey repair. We are looking at a thousand dollars in repairs.”
The councilman noted this was one of the newer model Explorers that the police department has.
Resolutions on the consent agenda included the appointment of Kori Brennan as Class II member of the Land Use Board and Jeff Emmons as alternate Land Use Board member. Sue A. Clark and Russell E. Clark were approved for membership in the Lakehurst Fire Department while Elizabeth Cadmus was approved for cadet membership in the Lakehurst First Aid Squad.
While a resolution urging Governor Phil Murphy and the State Legislature to reconsider the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s annual toll increase was passed, a resolution opposing the extension of the governor’s executive orders beyond the public health emergency was not.
Council President Steven Oglesby and Councilwoman Dugan voted against that resolution. Councilman Robert McCarthy was absent. Councilman Brian DiMeo, Councilwoman Patricia Hodges and Davis voted for it but the resolution required four votes to pass.
The mayor also announced that Lakehurst’s postponed Centennial celebration will be held on July 2 and it will feature a parade and car show at the Lakehurst Elementary School athletic field. The celebration will continue on to the next day, July 3 with other activities including food trucks and fireworks.
