"Captain's Log, Stardate 43125.8. We have entered a spectacular binary star system in the Kavis Alpha sector on a most critical mission of astrophysical research."
Whoops, wrong blog; sorry.
April 26 found me at our Environmental Commission meeting where the Commission discussed different ideas for an article for the May township newsletter, the draft solar energy ordinance, and assisting with implementing the recently enacted septic maintenance ordinance. Commission member Jennifer Fisher updated the Commission on the Land Use Board applications. I updated the Commission on Township Committee activities. Overall, a good meeting. Too bad no one from the public attends- the Commission meets the last Monday of each month, 7:30 PM in the municipal building.
Due to a work related commitment I was unable to attend the April 28 Land Use Board meeting. As soon as I am provided with a copy of the meeting minutes I will update my blog to include what happened at the Land Use Board.
April 29 was my father’s birthday, and it was also the night that the Township Committee met and after deliberation we unanimously decided to terminate Patrolman Tim Wahba from the police department. Here is a link to the news article:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/04/franklin_township_officials_fi.html
Someone in the audience was filming and I heard the meeting may wind up on YouTube.. if it does I will provide the link because I believe it is important that the public be afforded the opportunity to see their governing body in action. YouTube just isn’t for music videos and stupid pet tricks.
My comments from the meeting (not verbatim- going by my notes) are as follows:
“As opposed to Committeeman Tarshis who is beginning his third term, I just finished my fourth month on the Committee. On this matter I had a lot of catching up to do: I read the hearing transcripts, the decision, and transcript of the recommendations of the hearing officer, Tim’s personnel file, and the Township Ordinance addressing police policies and procedures. As everyone else in this room, I am not thrilled to be here either. Keeping in mind the sensitivity of this personnel matter and the possibility of an appeal, I am keeping my comments to a minimum. However, I do urge the public to learn from the public record should this matter become public. I am comfortable with my vote to dismiss Tim Wahba from the police force; it is the right decision to make.”
The public portion of the special meeting started at 8:00 PM, and we adjourned at 8:33 PM. Neither Mr. Wahba nor his attorney was present. Public comment was minimal. As your elected official I will field all of your questions, I just can’t guarantee I can give you a complete and thorough answer unless the matter becomes available for public consumption compliments of the Superior Court in Flemington.
This is the first time I have been in a position of firing someone- not fun; I took this task very seriously. It seems that Tim has supporters in town-I hope now that they, his friends, and family can help him out as he begins a new chapter in his life.
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