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Politics & Government

Rumson Borough Council Bans Smoking in Parks

Mayor Ekdahl says ban "sets a good example for kids".

At Tuesday’s Borough Council meeting, members unanimously approved an ordinance to prohibit smoking in Rumson parks.

Following New York Mayor Bloomberg’s motion last month, Mayor John E. Ekdahl stated fines would be established for violators. The ordinance was suggested by a Rumson student in a “well-written letter,” which Mayor Ekdahl took to heart. 

“We feel it sets a good example for kids that play in our parks,” said Ekdahl.

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Additional business discussed at the meeting included the tax collector’s annual statement of receipts and the 2011 municipal budget. In 2010, 98.5% of Rumson taxes were collected. This year’s municipal budget is anticipated to decrease by 1.6% based on a reduced surplus.

Appointments by the mayor incorporated members of the Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission. The Environmental Commission includes Chairman Doug Spencer and members Nancy Haaren, Diane Guidone, James Lizotte, Fred Andre, Mark Wellner and Gary Casazza. The Shade Tree Commission includes members Diane Guidone, James Lizotte and Stephen Barrett.

Find out what's happening in Rumson-Fair Havenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Rumson Borough Council meetings are open to the public and held at 7:30pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Charles S. Callman Hall Courtroom of the Memorial Borough Hall at 80 East River Road. The council includes Mayor John E. Ekdahl, President Shaun Broderick, Benjamin W. Day, Jr., Joan P. DeVoe, Joseph K. Hemphill, Mark E. Rubin and Frank Shanley.

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