Casagrande & Co. Open New Office on Main Street

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande is moving on up, or, well, west. Casagrande opened her new office at 35 West Main Street in Freehold Borough, in the storefront formerly occupied by Freehold Jewelers.

Casagrande took a moment to chat with us about the move as she made her way home from Governor Christie's budget address earlier today.
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County Holding Budget Meetings

Members of the public can get a glimpse into the budget process this week, when the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders hold two budget sessions, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry

Budget hearings are scheduled for 1:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Friday in the conference room on the second floor of the Hall of Records, 1 E. Main St. in Freehold.

Department heads will review budget requests at the meetings. The public can attend, but participation may be limited.

Public budget hearings have also been scheduled for next month. The budget is set to be adopted on March 11.

Bowne Problems To Continue Into 2011

The Freehold Borough Council acknowledge problematic potholes dotting Bowne Avenue at last night's meeting, but were told by Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina there will be no relief until 2011.

A screen capture of our Fixer Upper Map, where residents have complained about Bowne Avenue's potholes.

The problematic road, which has received five complaints on our Fixer Upper Map and which the Public Works department told us "were taken care of," will be getting new gas lines beneath the road this coming summer. Bellina says it would be problematic to repave the street before this happens.
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Council Supports Citizen Service Act

The Freehold Borough Council vetted questions and concerns about Councilman John Newman's proposed Citizen Service Act before agreeing to move forward with it last night.

Council President Jaye Sims voiced concerns on behalf of Councilman George Schnurr, who was absent for the discussion on the proposed Citizens Service Act last night.

Newman, the newest member to council, introduced a draft of the ordinance last month that proposed changes to how the Borough fills open committee positions and disciplines committee members with chronic absences.
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Service Summit Proposal DOA

Freehold Township won't be holding a Call to Service summit any time soon, Committee members made clear last night.

The summit - suggested by resident Jennie Jeannette "J.J." Mistretta - would have educated residents on the opportunities in town to serve in non-elected positions.

But Freehold Township already has more residents eager to serve their town than positions to appoint them to, Committee member David Salkin said.

"We've had waiting lists as long as I've been here," said Salkin. "It's not like we have a problem filling boards."

The summit proposal was placed on the Committee's workshop agenda Tuesday after Mistretta asked members to consider it at their Jan. 26 meeting.

"It (the Committee's decision) is kind of what I expected...It (was) just posturing for the public and the press," Mistretta said Wednesday.

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Newman Pushes for Citizen Service Act

Freehold Borough Council newbie John Newman will make the case for his proposed Citizen Service Act at next Monday's Council meeting, after it failed to get any other Council member to second its introduction at last week's workshop.

The proposed ordinance would force the Borough to have a more transparent process for appointing citizens to committees and boards in town by implementing advertised position openings, mandatory applications to be held on record, and an absentee policy that could remove chronically-absent appointees from their positions.

A similar law was passed for state positions by the New Jersey Legislature last October.

"We're going to discuss it at the next workshop," said Council President Jaye Sims. "It wasn't partisan politics at all, this is just the normal procedure for how we do things."
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Twp Resident Wants More Citizen Involvement

Many citizens would like to help their town, but they just don't know how, Freehold Township resident - and former Committee candidate - Jennie Jeannette "J.J." Mistretta told the Township Committee last night.

To let residents know how they can get involved, Mistretta asked Committee members to consider hosting a Call to Service Summit.

"Not only would Freehold Township benefit, but your leadership would set an example for communities across the state," Mistretta said.

File photo of Jennie Jeanette "J.J." Mistretta

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Wasser-Inspired Bill Dies in Legislative Process, Awaits Next Session

The Freehold-inspired "Diploma Mill" bill proposed in the NJ state legislature died this week before it could get approved in the lame duck session, according to the APP.

The FRHSD Administrative Offices in Englishtown.

The bill, drafted in response to Freehold Regional High School District's Superintendent James Wasser being paid additional salary for an unaccredited, online doctoral degree, could be reintroduced in the beginning of the next legislative session, according to the article.
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Debate, Discussion at Busy Borough Meeting

At an unusually long (almost 1.5 hours!) and contentious Freehold Borough Council meeting Tuesday, discussion ranged widely from possible bike rack locations to a proposed cut-out into the Hall of Records parking lot.

Bike Racks

Several suggested locations for bike racks were put forth Tuesday, including the bus station, the promenade around the E. Main Street gazebo and "Restaurant Row" on Main Street.

The aesthetics of a proposed rack at the corner near the Zebu Forno bakery/cafe, which was described as a pole with hooks, were questioned by Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer.

Councilman John Newman added input as well, suggesting that the borough consider a study of the issue with help from the state Department of Transportation, and encourage input from the Freehold Center Partnership and groups with users who ride bikes.

Council members seemed receptive to Newman's ideas. At the tail end of the discussion, Councilman Kevin Kane suggested going forward with the 10 racks on order right now and looking into Newman's proposals.

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Busy agenda for Borough Council

The Freehold Borough Council will have plenty to discuss when they meet Tuesday, from their plan to install bike racks around town to the placement of taxi cab seals.

Council members will also consider a slew of temporary taxi driver licenses when they meet at 7 p.m. for their monthly workshop meeting. The meeting will be held as usual at Borough Hall, 51 W. Main Street.

The full agenda can be viewed here:
Jan 1910

Council meeting agendas can also now be found on the borough's Web site by clicking on the new E-Government button. A list of the meeting dates and the borough's municipal code have also been added to the site; ordinances and minutes appear to be coming as well.

Township Reflects on Difficult Year, Makes Professional and Volunteer Appointments for 2010

-Kim Predham-

While reflecting on the "very challenging year" that was 2009, Township Committee members moved forward Jan. 5 with a slew of professional and volunteer appointments and the election of new leaders.

Avallone in her previous term as mayor, 2008.

Committeewoman Dorothy Avallone was chosen as the township's mayor for 2010, her eighth time in that role. Committeeman Anthony Ammiano, who served as mayor for part of 2009, will be this year's deputy mayor.
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Avallone, Ammiano Sworn in at Township Reorg Meeting

New Freehold Township Mayor Dorothy Avallone and Deputy Mayor Anthony Ammiano wore sworn into their new roles at Tuesday's Reorganization Meeting.

Dorothy Avallone is sworn in as Mayor of Freehold Township (Patricia Hopkins)

Ammiano was the most recent Mayor of the Township, and Avallone last served as Mayor in 2007. Check out more photos from the meeting after the jump:
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Beck, State Senate to Vote on Gay Marriage Tomorrow

The New Jersey State Senate will vote to legalize gay marriage tomorrow in an eleventh-hour attempt to pass the legislation before Governor-elect Chris Christie, who said he will veto the bill, takes office next week.

Beck, center, with District Representatives Caroline Casagrande and Declan O'Scanlon.

Freehold-area senator Jennifer Beck (R-District 12) was a key player in the committee that approved the issue going to debate on the Senate floor. Many speculated the moderate Republican would vote in favor of the bill; she instead voted against it and the bill was narrowly approved by the Democratic majority.
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Freehold Reorganization Meeting

Sundays reorganization meeting was all that it was built up to be and more. All of Freeholds elected officials, families and many volunteers were in attendance.  The  cold January day couldn't keep the packed house away!

Lieutenant Governor-Elect Kim Guadagno came to Freehold to give the Oath of Office to councilwoman Sharon Shutzer and newly elected Councilmen Newman. Both officials families were present for the oath.

After the general business of the meeting was completed by Mayor Mike Wilson, Shutzer and Newman both addressed the crowd. Sharon gave a heart-felt speech about her many years dedicated to Freehold Boro, she spoke of her family and her  plan to continue to serve the town as she has for 19 years already. Councilmen Newman gave a very business like speech with thanks to his family and friends for supporting him. All in all, it was nice to hear both of them address the crowd.

Also, Mayor Wilson appointed Jay Sims as the new council president. Jay received the honor and accepted it graciously. Jay will make an excellent president and his dedication and work ethic will continue with his new role.

This was an excellent event to attend. The Mayor spoke with pride and devotion for Freehold and its people. Seeing the turnout and the many people volunteering their time made you realize what a special small town Freehold is. We have the right people in place to guide us and lead us into 2010. With many improvements coming, 2010 looks to be a great year in Freehold Boro.

Freehold Organizational Meeting Sunday

Councilman-elect John F. Newman and re-elected Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer will be sworn in this Sunday, when the Borough Council holds its annual organizational meeting.

Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Guadagno is expected to administer the oaths of office.

Council members are also slated to pick their president for 2010 and sign off on a host of professional and volunteer appointments.

The entire 6-page agenda can be seen here:

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