Support for Utility Fine Increases, Limits on Sex Shops Before Red Bank Council

Red Bank Borough Council likely will support the governor's efforts to increase fines on utility companies following storms at its regular meeting tonight.

The governing body will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal courtroom at Borough Hall, 90 Monmouth St.

The agenda, attached at right, includes a resolution in support of Gov. Chris Christie's “Reliability, Preparedness and Storm Response Act of 2012," which has been introduced in the state Senate. The act would "increase civil administrative penalties from $100 per day to $25,000 per violation, with a maximum of $2 million for any related series of events, which would also prohibit utilities from passing the cost of these penalties onto ratepayers," according to the resolution.

Also on the agenda:

• Public hearing and final adoption of an ordinance that further defines adult-oriented businesses and restricts their use to inside the Highway Business Zone District, which is located on a section of Newman Springs Road between New Jersey Transit's coast line and the westerly freight line, an area largely occupied by car dealerships and other assorted businesses. 
• Public hearing and final adoption of an ordinance that sets minimum side- and rear-lot setback requirements for the placement of standby generators.
• A resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation for the repair of public property damaged by superstorm Sandy.