The Alternative Press

VERNON TOWNSHIP, NJ --- Several topics were discussed among the Vernon Township Council on Monday night.

Citizen Jean Murphy addressed the council to talk about a meeting which was held on Saturday, July 21 regarding the possibility of reopening Camp Sussex.

“Why would Vernon take $595,000 out of the trust fund at this time?” asked Murphy, “Do we need all of these other complications? It is not up to the Vernon taxpayers.”

Mayor Victor Marotta addressed the public during his Mayor’s report by stating, “Saturday’s meeting was wonderful, everyone had the chance to speak, the residents who participated were great and I want to underline again that our council is not rushing into anything and no decisions have been made yet.”

Councilman Eddie Dunn stated, “I thought Saturday was a tremendous opportunity for citizens to talk.  Over 52 people had attended the event.”

Councilman Brian Lynch agreed and told the public, “No decision has been made until more questions get answered.”

In other business:

Mayor Marotta discussed with the council that when he was chosen for the Mayor position in 2011, it was “important to change Vernon Township to a friendly place to do business,” referring to the current business owners located in the township now.

“The next issue that I have is one that has been brought to my attention by several business people,” said Marotta, “In 2010, the township council under the leadership of manager Katherine Stinel adopted the ordinance 10-13 which allowed a set cost of liquor licenses in the town of Vernon.  In essence, what it has done it has set the cost of liquor licenses to a 20 percent increase every year between 2010 and 2017 until it reaches the maximum allowed in the state of New Jersey which is $2,500. I have been visited by five of our tavern owners and package good store owners. The business owners were not aware that it was put into effect last year and were hit with a 20 percent this year. The owners came to my office and asked for reconsideration of this ordinance. The fact of the matter is that while these increases will generate in 2012 an additional $3,000 in total revenues will be issued to Vernon Township. Gentleman, we have a $22.6 million budget, $3,000 is not going to make or break Vernon but these increases could easily make or break some our local restaurants and establishments. I asked our clerk to do some research, the law is very clear and allows the township to raise the increase by 20 percent but it also prevents us from doing that. I am going to ask you on behalf of the tavern owners of Vernon Township to reconsider this ordinance. In these economic times and the situation that we find ourselves in and I think action would be greatly appreciated and as I always say to you in our private sessions, actions always speak louder than words.”

All were in favor with the Mayor and Councilman Dick Wetzel said, “It is a tough business in this economy to be a tavern owner, I agree with you.”

Citizen Mary Bradley from the Board of Recreation addressed the council and said, “Vernon National Night Out will be held on August 7, last year we had 500-700 people attend so we double upped on hot dogs. We are also looking for grillers.”

“You can count on me to grill,” said Lynch.

What the town of Vernon wants citizens to be aware of:

“There has been a lot of break-ins in Highland Lakes,” said Dunn, “It has brought the community together and has neighbor talking to neighbor.  That is something I like to see in this community and the Police Department is doing the best they can.”