Nancy L. Boylan
- Committeewoman Burry called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
- On a motion by Mrs. Joline and seconded by Mrs. Trost, the minutes of the February 1, 2000 meeting were accepted as submitted.
- Our guests introduced themselves. Mrs. Rippa is a new resident on Heyers Mill Road and wants to be involved with the Colts Neck History Celebration. Mrs. Hnat is a repeat visitor.
- Mrs. Burry read a memorandum from John O. Bennett, III, Esq., regarding the function of advisory boards. When members of the public request that positions be taken by an advisory board, they should be notified in writing that the function of the board is set by statute or ordinance and does not empower the board to take independent action. The request must be referred to the Township Committee or Administrator.
- Mrs. Burry has been appointed as Township Historian. Mr. Kilbride and Mrs. Burry collaborated in writing a condensed history of Colts Neck, which Mrs. Burry submitted to Claire French for use by the County.
- Mrs. Burry, Mr. Piotrowski and Mrs. Trost met with Garrett Thompson, caretaker of the Reformed Church cemetery, and about 20 cub scouts. Mr. Piotrowski taught the scouts how to do grave stone rubbings. The highlight of the day for the scouts was to learn that an Indian chief was buried there. Thank you notes have been received from the scouts, and a thank you will be sent to Mr. Thompson.
- Maryann Kiernan of the Monmouth County Archives reported to Mrs. Burry that grave stones which belonged to the Logan/Bennett cemetery are at a home in the Navesink area. Mr. Piotrowski knows the location where they belong and will have them restored to their proper places. The Colts Neck Police Department also has two grave stones from a local cemetery.
- Twenty new historic property plaques for the 1800s will be presented on May 10 at the Township Committee meeting. Mrs. Boylan, Mrs. Furey and Mrs. McGowan will arrange a reception at Pam Carroll’s home on either May 7 or May 21. This reception is to honor the recipients, and have people of a common interest interact.
- The map probably will not be ready by May. There is considerable detail involved in determining historical accuracy, and there are 55 or more homes here from the 1800s. There are $500 in the budget for framing the original map, and for printing new ones to be sold.
- The Township Committee cut the budget for the Colts Neck History Celebration from $14,000 to $11,000. This amount is to be shared between the May activities and the September rig parade. The Colts Neck official flag will also be funded by this sum. Mrs. Burry had requested a number of individuals submit flag designs to the Committee. Mrs. McGowan, member, did submit an outstanding design. The entire Committee enthusiastically endorsed it. In January, Mrs. Burry introduced it to the Township Committee. There were no funds included in the 2000 budget for more welcome signs on the roads.
The Celebration Subcommittee will meet this Friday at 5:30 PM at Maryann’s. Publicity must begin immediately. They will work on allocation of the funds. Mrs. Burry suggested that the house tour needs more than four homes. Mrs. Piotrowski found a story teller who charges $200 per hour or $300 for the entire day. Mrs. Hnat put the subcommittee in touch with the Mott’s reenactment group. Mrs. Burry announced that anyone selling food must get in touch with Mr. McBride, Health Officer. The Huddy books and the T-shirts will be sold at the Celebration.
Mrs. Burry met with Jim Truncer and requested that the County Park System permit the use of Dorbrook Park for the antique carriages. They will arrive from all over the eastern U.S. on Saturday, September 23, and people can see them at Dorbrook. Sunday morning there will be breakfast, by invitation, in a tent. They will then parade, not more than 10 miles, around the Township and culminate at Township Hall, where there will be a viewing stand. Mrs. Burry, Mrs. Furey and Vince Cirillo are directing this. Publicity for this event should be statewide.
- Mrs. Burry met with Jim Stewart, Harold Nolan, Jim Mitchell and Andy Strauss (farmland planner). It is Mr. Strauss’ job to justify the state $630,000 matching grant. The idea of preserving Holly Bush Farm was well received. Mr. Nolan noted that there is a tennis court there, and room for another, and that it would also be a good place for picnics. This could be accomplished at the same time as historic preservation of the house.
- An Open Hearth Open House will be held at Covenhoven House on April 2. There will be an archeological dig at the Allen House on May 21 from 11AM to 4 PM.
- The next two meetings will be on Tuesday, April 4, and Tuesday, May 2.