As one of his election campaign promises, Margate Mayor Mike Collins pledged to bring greater transparency to Margate City. Is Collins fulfilling that pledge?
Listen to WPG Radio, Collins audio clips from MAY 2023.
Collins did move the 4p public meeting times to a more convenient time of 6p.
But for the majority of Margate residents who can’t attend public meetings in person, Collins allowed Margate City Hall to take a big step backwards once in office.
Following in footsteps of predecessor, Rich Deaney, Margate Business Admin Ken Mosca still prohibits Margate taxpayers from commenting during meetings via ZOOM.
Margate also blocks the ZOOM video feed, making it more difficult to ascertain who is speaking.
Former Margate Business Admin Deaney said if taxpayers are serious about a town issue, they must attend the public meetings, in person, to share a 3 minute comment.
Deaney is a resident of Ocean City and was well compensated by Margate taxpayers.
Listen to former Margate Business Admin, Rich Deaney, recommend shutting down ZOOM video of meetings.
At one time, audio recordings of Margate meetings were excellent. Most meeting audio clips were posted to YouTube within 24 hrs.
Ever since Margate’s new administration took over, audio quality has noticeably declined. Sound is muddled. Almost unlistenable. This is likely due to improper use of microphones and ZOOM online conference platform.
ZOOM’s best features are video and listener participation. Residents asking why Margate Mayor Collins and Business Admin Mosca continue to block both ZOOM features.
Let’s compare Margate Municipal Transparency to other shore towns.
Ventnor does great job with real-time video stream of Commission meetings. Remote public comment via Zoom is common. Watch on-demand at anytime.
Longport provides audio stream of Commission meetings. Audio is poor. Mayor Russo still blocks remote public comment from taxpayers. Most Longport residents are 2nd homeowners with no voting rights.
Atlantic City provides excellent, real-time video stream of Council meetings. Remote public comment via Zoom is common. Watch on-demand at anytime.
Brigantine finally installed new camera and now provides real-time, YOU TUBE video stream of their Council meetings. Brigantine still blocks remote public comment, but you can watch video on-demand at anytime.
Atlantic County provides real-time, YOU TUBE video stream of their Commission meetings. Atlantic County also allows remote public comment. You can watch meeting video on-demand, at anytime.
Note: Most shore towns lack ZOOM video access to Planning Board and School Board meetings.
Margate Blocks Public Meeting Access Via ZOOM
Commissioners instruct the BA on what and what not to do, so Mosca cannot be blamed. Mosca has been a BA in other communities, so he should know his role.
The previous administration were the overseers of the rx cream debacle that occurred a few years ago.
Margate taxpayers would be wise to keep their eyes on these elected and appointed officials.
Hmm. Much of this secrecy must involve national security.
These city council meetings and school board meetings across New Jersey are required by law.
At the end of the day, the council members and/or school board members are going to do what they want for the most part.
Most of the secessions are usually decided ahead in the closed session meetings.
Occasionally, there may be an issue that gets a local community really involved.
But for the most part, not many people show up to these meetings. They should but they do not because most are just busy.
And I find the 3 minute time limit interesting.
I do not know too many issues that are resolved in 3 minutes with only one side speaking.because the majority of the time, council members and school board members do not even respond to public comments.
This is usually at the solicitor’s recommendation not to comment.
Different cows same Bovine Scat! Disgusting!
Mosca was hired by Mayor to run Margate City. Time for Mosca and Collins to respect ALL taxpayers. Step up Kenny boy.
Mayor Collins not living up to campaign promises and still no public comment allowed from 2nd homeowners during commissioner meetings. Mosca is useless.
Mosca and Collins don’t want part-time residents to watch video of commissioner meetings. Maury was screwed by Collins too.
Margate run by Dumb & Dumber. Same old old-boys-bs! Without influx of second homeowners, most locals would be relatively penniless.
With a great percentage of homes being upgraded and new construction, tax rolls have significantly increased with Real Estate boom. Where’s the money going?
Municipal employees are generously compensated! Why no tax reductions?