By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Asbury Park City Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton reported that the city won an award at a state conference in Atlantic City by the New Jersey Parks and Recreation Department for the Springwood Avenue Park which was completed last spring.
Clayton also congratulated five debaters from Asbury Park High School who won their debates at a debate competition at Harvard.
During public comments Jerry Scarano urged the city to purchase more license plate readers for police in an effort to increase safety.
The devices allow police to scan a license plate and get a report about the owner of the vehicle in a short time.
Mayor John Moor agreed.
“They are the best things in the world. They give you everything you need in a second,” he said.
Council also voted to table, for the second time, the hiring of a planner for the new affordable housing mandates, at a cost of up to $40,000.
Moor said it seemed council members still had questions about the move and said it would be better to table it until the March 22meeting rather than have it go down to defeat.
Affordable housing guidelines have changed since the Council on Affordable Housing was suspended in 2010. The city also has $2 million available in RCA funds, from other municipalities which purchased COAH housing obligations from the city.
Council also agreed to hire a media technician on an hourly basis if needed for Asbury Park Television from funds already budgeted. The new hire will help alleviate technical issues. APTV committee is made up of volunteers.