Talk … then talk some more

By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
   MANVILLE — Several residents applauded the Borough Council after a unanimous vote to include a second opportunity for public comment at its meetings, beginning Oct. 13, despite a concern by Councilwoman Kathy Quick that it could turn into a “bitch session.”
   Councilman Ted Petrock introduced the motion to include the second public portion to be held after the votes on the agenda’s ordinances and resolutions.
   ”We are appreciative of some of the comments, as long as they are constructive,” he said. “Some people might have come in late. They might have additional things to say.”
   The issue of the second public portion was first introduced by business owner Dean Shepard, who asked, at the Sept. 8 meeting, why there was no opportunity for residents to speak at the end of the meetings.
   As of the March 10 meeting, the public portion was placed on the agenda prior to ordinances and resolutions, where it has remained since. Those wishing to speak are encouraged to question any topic, both on and off the evening’s agenda.
   Prior to the March meeting, however, the public portion was held after the council had already voted on the evening’s ordinances and resolutions.
   Despite voting to include a second public portion, several council members expressed their desire to keep a time limit of five minutes for those wishing to speak.
   ”This extra public portion is not to give another five minutes for people to abuse the council,” Councilman Kenneth Otrimski said.
   Mr. Petrock emphasized that residents would be allowed to speak, so long as they discussed additional topics that had not been addressed during the meeting’s earlier public portion. He said it would be a chance for new comments, but residents would be cut off if they began to talk “in circles.”
   Mayor Lillian Zuza said she supports the second public portion, but also does not want to see the opportunity to speak used as a means for being sarcastic or rude to council members.
   ”I won’t sit by and watch this council get beat up at the end of the meeting because people want to hear themselves speak,” she said. “I hope everyone will choose the professional way.”