Politics & Government

Oceanport Notebook: Mayor's Wellness Committee to Meet Feb. 28

Community garden opens March 17, rec coordinator position to be filled, ice rink plans coming together.

At Oceanport's on Jan. 19, Councilwoman Ellynn Kahle reported to council that the first meeting of the Mayor's Wellness Committee was recently held.

Kahle said the committee was formed to get the community moving and talking about health and wellness. She said they are planning walks with the mayor and nutritional classes, among other things.

Anyone interested in joining the Mayor's Wellness Committee may attend their next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at . Questions can be directed to Councilwoman Kahle at ekahle@vnacj.org.

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Community Garden to Re-open March 17

Kahle also announced that the Community Garden adjacent to borough hall will be re-opening on St. Patrick's Day -- Saturday, March 17.

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"That's the day to plant peas," said Kahle.

Refreshments will be served, along with planting demonstrations and a tour of the new shed which was recently built by Eagle Scout Mark Steinbrick.

Plots in the garden will be available for $20 per year. Residents interested in a plot can fill out an application (a 2012 version will be available on the borough website soon) and drop it off at borough hall or show up to the garden at 11 a.m. on March 17.

The next Community Garden meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at .

Ice Rink Coming?

Borough Engineer William White reported he heard a request from a resident wanting to flood Boy Scout Park to make an ice rink. White said a rink might keep kids from attempting to skate on the Shrewsbury River.

"The ice is forming. Once it gets below 28 degrees, it'll start freezing," said White. "The problem is you need a good amount of ice. Compared to fresh water ice, salt water ice has to be 4 to 6 inches to support a body, whereas freshwater ice is 2 or 3."

Kahle suggested Trinity Park might be a better location, as they could make use of the flat surface on the tennis or basketball courts there.

White referred the matter to the Parks and Recreation Committee.

School Board Elections

Borough Clerk Kim Jungfer informed the council about a new law signed by Gov. Christie last week which would allow school boards to move their elections to November.

"It is very cost-effective because elections are an expensive proposition," Jungfer explained.

Under the new law, if the school budget does not increase by more than 2 percent, it would not have to be voted on. Council President Jerry Bertekap said he would prefer to have a vote on the budget.

Rec Coordinator Position to be Filled

Bertekap reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee met with candidates to fill the recreation coordinator position that opened up . Bertekap said the council would discuss the candidates in executive session.


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