Murphy named Vernon council president

VERNON — Councilwoman Jean Murphy moved into the president's center seat and Mayor Harry Shortway set water as one of his top priorities for 2017 at the Vernon Township Council's reorganization meeting on Monday.
Nominated by outgoing Council President Dan Kadish, Murphy was elected in a 3-2 vote to lead council through the coming year. Her selection was opposed by Councilmen Patrick Rizztuo and Dick Wetzel, the latter of whom sought to nominate Rizzuto instead.
Councilwoman Sandra Ooms was unanimously approved as Council Vice President and as the council's representative on the Land Use Board.
Shortway used the meeting as an opportunity to lay out his agenda for the coming year, noting “water is the number one priority for 2017.”
“Development must occur where the sewer pipes are located to increase EDUs to stabilize rates and provide jobs and revenue,” Shortway said in his report. “Investment in the water infrastructure is needed in the sewer service area to attract additional businesses.”
According to Shortway, township officials are already investigating how best to complete the water infrastructure for the town center, but said a supermajority approval from the council will be necessary to secure funds to complete the project.
Additionally, Shortway said the township will look to secure a redevelopment designation for the “stagnant” town center area and five-year payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) deals will be negotiated for new businesses that make their home in the redevelopment area.
Shortway said he also plans use new legislation to take on so-called “zombie structures” like the Legends Hotel, which he called a “blight” on the township. He observed Legends in particular lies within the McAfee redevelopment area and indicated “all legal means will be used to unload this burden from our community.” Other structures that have been deemed a hazard will also be targeted, Shortway said.
The mayor revealed incoming U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer will have office space in the municipal building, where his staff will be present once per week. Shortway said the arrangement will give residents easy access to the new congressman.