Resident’s Livestock Concerns Dominate Buena Vista Town Council Meeting
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
08/26/2024
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Recording Published:
08/31/2024
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Duration:
30 Minutes
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Towns:
Buena Vista
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County:
Atlantic County
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State:
New Jersey
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Buena Vista Town Council meeting on August 26, 2024, attention was given to ongoing issues involving a resident’s property and the presence of disruptive livestock. The council also discussed upcoming community events, the introduction and adoption of several ordinances, and recognized the efforts of volunteers and staff in organizing recent events.
A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns raised by Darthy Monera, who spoke on behalf of her mother, Rita Schaer, a resident on Main Avenue. Monera provided an exhaustive account of the disturbances caused by the livestock from a neighboring property identified as 901 Lot 109. She detailed how chickens had infiltrated her mother’s yard, damaging the garden and lawn, while a loose goat further contributed to the destruction. Monera expressed frustration over the deteriorating property value and the ongoing expansion of fencing by the livestock owner, despite intervention from code enforcement.
Monera highlighted serious safety and health concerns, pointing out that the animals were aggressive and posed a danger to local children. She described alarming practices by the livestock owner, including transporting sewage from a camper using an unregistered truck, which raised potential public health risks. Monera emphasized the disparity between her mother’s compliance with township regulations and the apparent neglect by the property owner, who she claimed had not paid taxes.
The council members expressed their concern and acknowledged the inconsistency in the handling of the situation by various agencies, including Child Protective Services and Animal Control. They assured Monera that they would continue to pursue the matter diligently and expressed solidarity with her family.
In addition to this issue, the council discussed several upcoming community events. The mayor highlighted a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on September 14 at the community center, a dinner and movie event on September 21 featuring the film “Wonka,” and the annual Shredder event on September 28, where residents could dispose of various items, including electronics and prescription drugs. The mayor clarified that the Shredder event would accept “anything with a cord,” such as microwaves, computers, and gaming consoles.
The council also addressed the successful execution of recent events. The mayor provided a glowing recap of National Night Out, describing it as a “tremendous success” and praised the efforts of various departments and volunteers. He noted the substantial effort required for organizing the event, involving “several dozen people and several hundred man hours.” Community Day at the MLK Center was also noted for its attendance and activities, including K9 and aviation demonstrations from the State Police.
Ordinances were a key part of the meeting’s agenda. The council introduced three ordinances for future public hearings. Ordinance 147-2023, concerning officers and employees, Ordinance 148-2024, which fixed wages and salary ranges, and Ordinance 149-2023, involving a land donation, were all passed unanimously and scheduled for public hearings on September 9, 2024. Additionally, the council adopted Ordinance 146-2024, authorizing a bond ordinance for $600,000 dedicated to municipal roadway improvements, following a public hearing.
Public comments were limited to current agenda items, with attendees allowed two minutes to speak. The council authorized the payment of bills amounting to over $2 million, which included a quarterly tax payment of $858,507. The consent agenda, which included various resolutions from budget amendments to personnel changes, was also approved unanimously.
The Township Administrator welcomed Kyle Roller, the newly appointed Deputy Finance Officer, and reiterated the success of National Night Out. The administrator acknowledged the collaborative effort among various agencies and thanked the residents for their participation despite questionable weather conditions. Upcoming events, such as a trunk or treat planned for October, were also highlighted.
Deputy Mayor Ellen Testa expressed appreciation for the special event staff’s work, particularly in organizing National Night Out. She highlighted the dedication of volunteers and staff who worked long hours to ensure the event’s success. Council member Aaron Krenzer provided updates on Public Works activities, mentioning ongoing maintenance tasks and reminding residents about increased traffic as the school year began. He also commended efforts related to a new community sign installation, noting that funding was sourced through grants to avoid costs to residents.
William Ruggieri
City Council Officials:
Ellen Testa, Aaron Krenzer, Kurt Renart, John Williams
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
08/26/2024
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Recording Published:
08/31/2024
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Duration:
30 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Atlantic County
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Towns:
Buena Vista
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