Councilman: Form Underage Drinking Committee Now

As the continues to discuss an ordinance set out to curb underage drinking in the borough two months , one councilman is urging the borough to form the committee to look into the measure and possibly take action before the holidays.

“I’m requesting of the council that when we do meet as a committee, we move as quickly as possible to have committee meetings,” Councilman Gary Moleta said at the council’s Nov. 17 meeting. “That we don’t delay it, particularly during holidays when there’s increased anxiety and depression and possibly more use of illegal drugs and alcohol. We want to be proactive.”

After months of debate, the council decided to , which would on those found in possession of alcohol on private property, until a committee could be formed to make recommendations to the council. The original ordinance included fines up to $250 that would be imposed and the possible suspension of an individual’s driver’s license. Currently, are only able to penalize underage drinkers or those who are underage and found to be in possession of alcohol on public property. Kinnelon Police Chief John Finkle has to the council and has stated that he thinks the ordinance would deter underage drinkers.

Several on both sides of the issue, some urging the council to move quickly in its enaction and others emphasizing that a fine will not serve to teach the underage drinkers and will instead become a burden to the parents.

At the council’s , Mayor Bob Collins said he does not see the borough council taking action on the ordinance this year due to the fact that the committee had not been fully formed yet.

On Wednesday, a representative of the borough clerk’s office said the borough is still seeking members for the committee.

The council had discussed possibly having a council representative and member from the borough’s municipal drug alliance, serve on the committee. Collins said on Nov. 17 that several have expressed interest in serving on the committee, but that he prefers community members make up the majority of the group.

“I prefer the committee to be citizen-based and not to have elected officials sitting on the committee,” he said. “I think we can present arguments and information that will help that group come back with a complete study.”

Moleta said he would like to see the council move quickly on the subject especially because of recent drug abuse incidents that have affected the community.

“I want to say, the best way to prevent addiction is to stop early use of alcohol,” he said.

If you are interested in serving on the committee, mail a letter of interest, including relevant experience, to Borough Clerk Elizabeth Sebrowski, Kinnelon Borough, 130 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon, NJ 07405.