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Belmar council honors Mayor Gerald A. “Jerry” Buckles as he concludes term
Summary
At its June meeting the Belmar Borough Council read a proclamation recognizing Mayor Gerald A. “Jerry” Buckles’ service and heard his review of three years of projects including affordable-housing work, infrastructure upgrades and grant-funded improvements.
Belmar Borough Council presented a proclamation recognizing Mayor Gerald A. “Jerry” Buckles for his service through June 30, 2026, and heard his summary of the administration’s three-year record.
The proclamation, read aloud by a council member, cited Buckles’ efforts on affordable-housing compliance, infrastructure repairs, grant fundraising and cultural partnerships. Buckles thanked municipal employees, department heads and volunteers, and singled out borough staff including the municipal clerk, April Clauddio, borough engineer Jim Morris and business administrator Kevin Kaine for their roles in delivering projects and grants. “These results are the work of many individuals working together to improve our community,” Buckles said.
Nut graf: The ceremony capped a meeting in which the council also took routine business — approving minutes and consent resolutions — and heard extended reports on affordable housing, infrastructure planning and permit negotiations that the mayor said were completed or underway during his term.
In his remarks, Buckles reviewed accomplishments and ongoing efforts: securing grant funding, resolving redevelopment and PILOT (payment-in-lieu) issues, upgrading marina and park infrastructure and negotiating a permit modification with state regulators that affects boardwalk bathroom trailers. He noted the borough’s affordable-housing trust fund rose from near zero to about $1.3 million during the administration and said the borough had negotiated developer contributions that will be phased as projects proceed.
Several residents and community groups offered public thanks. Maria Roninaro, speaking as Belmar Democratic chair, presented a plaque of appreciation; library trustees also commended the mayor for support of outdoor concerts and library improvements. The council and audience repeatedly applauded Buckles’ remarks.
The meeting closed after routine votes, a public-comment period and a recorded motion to enter executive session on attorney-client matters, contract negotiations and pending litigation. Buckles announced he would not attend the executive session and left the chambers.
Ending: The council recessed into executive session and later returned briefly to adjourn; the public portion of the meeting concluded after about two-and-a-half hours of business and remarks.
