Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ordinance 2026 9 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges withdrawal of Ordinance 2026-9 establishing Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company No. 1; alleges procedural lapse and files ethics complaint
Summary
At the May 5 meeting a Barnegat resident said Ordinance 2026‑9 was introduced without notice, alleged guidance from the township attorney discouraged liaison contact, and asked the committee to withdraw the ordinance and hold further meetings; the ordinance was nonetheless introduced for a June 4 public hearing.
A Barnegat resident told the Township Committee on May 5 that Ordinance 2026‑9, introduced to establish Chapter 14 of the township code titled "Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company No. 1," was presented without prior notice and asked the committee to withdraw it and meet again to revise it before the next meeting.
Chris Velders, who identified himself as living at 6 Third Street, said he "feels disrespected by Ordinance 2026‑9" and told the committee the ordinance "was introduced without any prior noticed." He said volunteers who staff emergency calls sacrifice personal time and that the membership has tried to work professionally with township officials. Velders also said he would file an ethics complaint against township attorney Chris Dasti and asked the committee to postpone further action so members could meet with officials.
Township attorney Chris Dasti responded that, in his view, "the ordinance was discussed at a meeting that you were at" and that "all issues have been explained to you." Dasti said the ordinance "codifies what you have always done," and urged cooperation. Velders rebutted and renewed his request for an additional meeting prior to the June public hearing.
The committee proceeded to introduce Ordinance 2026‑9 on first reading by unanimous roll call; the ordinance was read by title only and scheduled for public hearing on June 4, 2026. Committeeman Al Cirulli moved to introduce the ordinance and Committeeman Joseph Marte seconded; the roll call vote was recorded as 'Yes' from Cirulli, Marte, Townsend, Deputy Mayor Rubenstein and Mayor Pipi.
The May 5 public comment and the ordinance introduction occurred within the same meeting sequence; the committee did not withdraw the ordinance on May 5 and left formal consideration for the scheduled June 4 hearing.
