Posted on March 22, 2023
During Tuckerton borough’s March 6 council meeting, Councilman Brian Martin gave an update on Lanyard Lagoon.
According to Martin, the borough engineer submitted for the grant extension on December 1, 2022. “We just have not received that official extension back from the DEP.” Martin said the DEP reassured council that Tuckerton’s application is still in queue to be reviewed. Most importantly, aside from the extension, the county confirmed that the borough does qualify to receive the funding. Once the DEP confirms the grant extension, Tuckerton would be placed on the agenda to be voted on by the county commissioners. In the meantime, JCP granted another 60-day extension on the current bid to ensure the borough has enough time to secure funding for the Lanyard Lagoon project.
While on the topic of dredging, Paradise Cove resident Paul Solimani, who recently formed Paradise Cove and Uplander Association to address community issues, spoke during the public forum to give an update on his current mission to garner support for dredging in Thompson Creek.
First, he gave general thanks to everyone helping with the cause and providing him with useful information. “Almost everybody in town has been involved,” he said.
Solimani was advised by District 9 Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf to start a petition in order to gain support from both the state and federal government. Solimani started a petition via change.org that had garnered 678 signatures as of March 11. Rumpf told Solimani he would try to attend PCA’s April meeting, indicating some progress.
Solimani asked how much time was left on the current permit for Thompson Creek and if it could be extended, if necessary. Borough Clerk Jenny Gleghorn responded that the permit is valid until 2024, but can be extended.
“Well, it should be,” Solimani said. “I mean, we’re going to get this done.” Gesturing toward council, he added, “Although you guys don’t think we are … whatever it takes.”
Martin responded to the remark. “You understand I’m in constant contact with (Congressman Jeff) Van Drew’s office. … I take offense to that.”
Solimani backpedaled. “I understand why, because you guys almost had it done, and then the plug got pulled, so I can understand why you’re negative about it.”
“I’m not negative about it,” Martin replied. “I’m negative about … just the comment. I can assure you that I’m working extremely hard and looking at every angle I can to see how we can get something done.”
Solimani expressed gratitude for “all the people in this room” working to make it happen. “Whatever gets it done,” he said, adding that funding is the biggest part.
“While we’re speaking of money,” he added in closing, “cannabis could contribute a lot of money to this situation. It could build your veterans park, if you decide to do it.”
The topic of cannabis consumed public forum; see related story in this issue.
To follow up on news from last month, Mayor Sue Marshall read a statement emailed to council by Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter volunteer Val Cramer. Cramer was one of a group of advocates who attended last month’s council meeting to protest a proposed wildlife feeding ban that would have included cats. Due to the overwhelming community response, the ordinance was tabled until further notice.
“Since the last council meeting, three cats from Clay Street have been trapped, neutered and vaccinated,” Cramer wrote. Homeowners in the area were asked to set traps daily to keep up the progress. “It was just something positive came out,” said Marshall. “Three of these cats got fixed. So that’s a good thing.”
Councilman Ron Peterson introduced a resolution for the borough to enter into a shared services agreement with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department for traffic enforcement during fiscal year 2023.
Peterson also read the police department’s monthly activity report for January. There were 287 calls for service, nine arrests, 161 motor vehicle stops, 90 motor vehicle summonses, 11 motor vehicle accidents, 29 medical calls, and 28 suspicious persons and vehicle checks.
Environmental Commission Chair Kaylyn Ullman spoke to thank the Ocean County Recycling Center for sending out representatives to give a successful composting seminar. She also thanked the Tuckerton branch of the Ocean County Library for hosting the event, which saw 40 attendees. In fact, another event is planned to take place in six months (date to be determined) because there were over 70 people interested in attending. Of those who did attend, “Everybody got to take home a pretty composter,” she reported.
Looking forward, Peterson was glad to share the Tuckerton Pride and Celebration Committee is joining with the Economic Development Committee in planning Tuckerton Day, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Tip Seaman County Park. The object of Tuckerton Day is to involve all local businesses and give them a boost while bringing the community together. There will be food vendors, kids’ activities, a car show, and many other highlights to be arranged in the coming months.
“Mark the date down,” said Peterson. “It should be a good day for the town.”
The public works yard will reopen Sundays beginning April 2, and will be open on Easter Sunday. The public works yard will be closed, however, on Good Friday, April 7.
Council entered into executive session immediately following the public meeting to discuss contractual matters with regard to shared services, likely for fire and EMS.
