The Alternative Press

CHATHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ - Last night, the Chatham Township Committee officially announced the resignation of Committee member Kevin Tubbs.

Mayor Nicole Hagner received Tubbs’ letter of resignation on May 8 and the Committee now has 30 days to replace him. Because his term expires Dec. 1, and there are more than three months remaining, the committee must fill the vacant slot.    

Thomas R. Basta, the chairman of the Chatham Township Republican Committee is accepting applications for the position. All residents are eligible, but Basta must select three candidates by May 21. All letters and resume regarding the position must be submitted by May 17.

The next township committee meeting on May 24 will begin with an executive session at 6:30 p.m. where the committee will interview the three candidates for the position. While they could decide on a candidate that night, the Committee has until June 7 to elect Tubbs’ replacement.  

In other business, the committee approved an ordinance that would add a third liquor license to the township. While Chatham is a town of only about 11,000 people, it is entitled to three liquor licenses.

The town currently only has two and under a state statue, a town is allowed one for every 3,000 people. Towns are only allowed to increase licensing fees each year by 20 percent, so in addition to adding a new license, the town also increased the licensing fee from $1,596 to $1,950.

Hagner said because no minimum bid has been decided on yet for liquor license vendors, it could be a long process in determining who the license goes to. But, ultimately this will be a big boost to the economy and businesses of Chatham, she said.