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(Kerry Margaret Butch is a special correspondent to the Asbury Park Sun from the asburyparkreporter.com)

The mood in Council Chambers was one of anticipation and excitement as family members and supporters of Mayor John Moor, Amy Quinn, and newly elected Angela Ahbez-Anderson gathered to  witness their swearing in on January 1 during the City of Asbury Park Reorganization Meeting. 

Following the invocation by Reverend Marcia Grayson, Judge Ronald J. Troppoli, Councilwoman Ahbez-Anderson’s husband Calvin, Deputy Mayor Quinn’s son Jensen, and Mayor Moor’s wife Vid, assisted in the ceremony.

Ahbez-Anderson, longtime school board member and leader, ran against incumbent Jesse Kendle, Mayor Moor’s running mate, to earn her first term on the Council: “I am excited to be here to be working with the Mayor and Council, our City Manager and our Attorney. But I want to thank all of you. I wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for you.” She further promised “to do what is in the best interests of the residents.” 

(Ahbez-Anderson (middle) is sworn in by Judge Troppoli (left), her husband Calvin looks on)

Deputy Mayor Quinn thanked her wife and son for being her biggest cheerleaders and welcomed Ahbez-Anderson. “I can’t think of another Council in Monmouth County that has four women running the show,” remarked Quinn, with support from the audience.D

(Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn is sworn in flanked by her son Jensen and wife Heather)

Mayor Moor joined in welcoming Ahbez-Anderson. He also shared his hope that Asbury Park would experience a return to normalcy after the last few years of the pandemic. “Let’s hope we get back to something fairly close to 2019. Again, we have some hurdles…but let’s take one step at a time. Let’s try to do the best for all citizens of Asbury Park.”

(Mayor Moor is sworn in for his fourth term)

The Mayor and Council also authorized the selection of professional services individuals and companies during the Reorganizational Meeting. This year, there were no major changes in the appointments from last year. Asbury Park’s legal representation was authorized to be provided by City Attorney Fred Raffetto, as well as a host of other Law Firms, including Archer & Greiner P.C, Maraziti and Falcon, Law Offices of Parker McCay P.A., Law Offices of Genova Burns LLC, Surenian, Edwards & Nolan LLC, Gregory B. Pasquale, Esquire and Gene J. Anthony, Esquire.

T & M Associates was again appointed to serve as Municipal Engineer for the City. CDM Smith, Inc. and ARH, Inc. were authorized to perform special project engineering services. PFK O’Connor Davies will serve as Auditor.

In addition, Mayor and Council appointed 93 members to Boards and Commissions. Garrett Giberson, Jr. was appointed as Director of Office of Emergency Management (“OEM”). There were no appointments to the City Managers Budget Committee or to the ad hoc CCRB Exploratory Committee.

The City of Asbury Park is still accepting applications for membership on various Boards and Commissions. Applications can made online at https://asburyparknj.seamlessdocs.com/f/volunteerapplication. An application can also be picked up and submitted in person at the City Clerk’s office, located in the Municipal Building.

During the public participation portion of the meeting, Rita Marano addressed the Mayor and Council to remind them of their responsibility to be fiscally conservative and transparent about finances on behalf of “We the People.” She suggested that a copy of the bill resolution be posted in a public location, easily accessible to all, to ensure transparency.   Little League Coach Kevin Strickland welcomed in the new year and thanked the Council for the support they’ve shown for the youth sports program. Mayor Moor thanked Coach “Kringle” for being an outstanding Santa during this holiday season.

You can watch the January 1 meeting care of AP TV on YouTube.

The next Council Meeting will be held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 11 at 6PM located at One Municipal Plaza in Asbury Park.
Asbury Park Reporter will broadcast the meeting live. Subscribe to Asbury Park Reporter on YouTube to get notified when the meeting begins.

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