LAKEHURST – The Borough began its new year with thoughts of the challenges and projects ahead.
Mayor Harry Robbins held his right hand up high as his young grandson held the Bible for him. Borough Attorney Ian Goldman administered the oath of office for another term of office.
Goldman repeated that duty twice afterwards. Councilman Robert McCarthy and Councilwoman Patricia Hodges took their oath of office. The three incumbent Republicans won re-election during November’s general election over two write in candidates.
Councilman Steven Oglesby was once again nominated and approved to serve as council president for another year. This means he runs the meeting and sets the agenda.
“I truly consider it an honor to sit here at the table with all of you who have the same thought in mind that I do – to have best in mind for our community,” Mayor Robbins said.
“It truly is an honor to sit here for as long as I have sat here, especially as mayor but also as a councilman. There are no words to explain but I really do appreciate being here,” Mayor Robbins added.
The mayor announced this year’s committee appointments. He sits on each of the committees. The Finance/Administration Committee will be chaired by Councilwoman Bernadette Dugan. Councilman Brian DiMeo is the third member. Oglesby will chair the Personnel Committee. Councilman McCarthy is the third member. The Public Safety Committee is chaired by McCarthy. DiMeo is the third member. The Buildings and Grounds Committee will be chaired by Councilman James Davis. Hodges is the third member. DiMeo will continue to lead the Youth and Recreation Committee. Dugan is the third member. The Shade Tree Committee will be chaired by Oglesby.
Lakehurst Councilman Robert McCarthy, left, is sworn in by Borough Attorney Ian Goldman during this year’s Lakehurst reorganization meeting. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Dugan will serve as this year’s liaison to the Borough Board of Education and Davis will serve as liaison to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Mayor Robbins explained that the ordinance committee “started as an ordinance review committee. I am making this a permanent committee but it is not necessarily a review committee. Any ordinance that is going to be put through will be put through that committee before it comes before our table.”
The ordinance committee also worked on archiving the Borough’s ordinances on its website within the last two years. This committee will continue to be headed by Hodges. Oglesby will be the third member.
Mayor Robbins also announced the winners of the holiday home lighting contest during the meeting. First place was 507 Union Avenue. Second place was 409 Willow Avenue and third place was 500 Chestnut Street. The Boemio’s Market won best business with 5 Geneva winning best mobile home category.
“I thank you for your confidence in me as council president. I welcome the diverse opinions. Hopefully it helps us in making the right decisions and after we come to a discussion on things and I am very glad we have respect for each other and that courtesy,” Council President Oglesby said.
Lakehurst Councilwoman Patricia Hodges is sworn in by Borough Attorney Ian Goldman during this year’s Lakehurst reorganization meeting. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
“Happy new year to everyone. We are all here to serve the town that we love. Mayor you might be one of the longest serving mayors,” Councilwoman Dugan said.
Councilman Davis said, “I’m the oldest one at the table, probably the longest sitting here and we are coming into this year doing a little bit of soul searching about next year and where it takes us but I am looking forward to 2024.”
“I do appreciate that we work together and even when we disagree everybody comes out of here with a smile and that is the way it is supposed to be,” McCarthy said.
With no public comments in the offering the meeting came to a close in under 30 minutes. The next council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on January 18 at the Lakehurst Community Center at 207 Center Street.
The post 2024 Appointments Set In Lakehurst appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
