Proclamations Awarded to Parreott & Lewis

The Asbury Park City Council held its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. In attendance were Mayor John Moor, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, and Council members Angela Ahbez-Anderson, Yvonne Clayton, and Eileen Chapman, along with other city officials.

The meeting was run slightly differently than usual. Instead of beginning with announcements, the council opened with an invocation by the Rev. David J. Parreott, followed by the presentation of proclamations.

The first proclamation was awarded to Rev. Parreott. Council members shared remarks on behalf of the City of Asbury Park, while Clayton and Ahbez-Anderson also spoke on behalf of Legislative District 11. Clayton highlighted Parreott’s lifelong achievements, noting that he helped shape the legendary Springwood Avenue music scene alongside his brother, Dorian Parreott. She also shared that he served 26 years as a police officer, retiring as a detective.

Parreott’s service to the city also includes time spent on the Housing Authority, the Zoning Board, and the Springwood Avenue Advisory Committee. He currently serves as pastor of Good Samaritan Church. Ahbez-Anderson recognized him on behalf of the 11th Legislative District and its Atlantic County representatives for his dedication to the Asbury Park community.

Rev. Parreott thanked the council for the honor, saying that he has always just wanted to be of service to anyone and everyone, not only his family.

Police Director John Hayes also presented Parreott with a lapel pin on behalf of the Asbury Park Police Department in recognition of his service.

The final proclamation of the evening was given to Russell Lewis, who concluded his time on the Asbury Park Zoning Board at the end of 2025. Deputy Mayor Quinn spoke on behalf of the council, sharing that Lewis has long supported the community as a dedicated resident. His service includes roles on the Environmental Shade Tree Commission, the Business Commission, and other city boards. Quinn also noted that Lewis opened Watermark in 2008 after moving to Asbury Park, making it one of the city’s first and longest-established waterfront businesses.

Lewis said it was an honor to be recognized on the same evening as Rev. Parreott, noting that the two previously served together on the Zoning Board and that he learned a great deal from Parreott during his early years.
Recreation Director Leesha Floyd then addressed the council regarding a special event application for the Shamrock 5K. The council had no questions.

Next, the council moved on to the nomination of the deputy mayor. All members voted in favor of Quinn. She was sworn in by City Clerk Anthony Cucci and was joined by her wife and daughter. Quinn expressed her gratitude to her family for being her biggest supporters, to the council for their continued support, and to the residents of Asbury Park for their trust.

The meeting featured a lengthy agenda divided among consent agenda resolutions, professional services consent agenda resolutions, and individual resolutions. Resolution 2026-55 was removed from the agenda.

Following the votes, the mayor announced his appointments to various boards. Kerry Martin was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees. Moor also announced appointments to the Planning Board, naming himself as the temporary Class I member and James Bonanno as the Class II member.

Cucci then moved on to council announcements. Ahbez-Anderson congratulated Quinn on her reappointment as deputy mayor. Chapman shared that she looks forward to continuing to serve the residents of Asbury Park and expressed gratitude to everyone.

Clayton announced that free movie nights, Movies by the Sea, will continue. Ice Age will be shown at the ShowRoom Cinema on Friday, Jan. 16, at 5 p.m. For more information, residents can contact Deputy City Manager Cassandra Dickerson. Clayton also announced a Martin Luther King Jr. Day service event scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17. In partnership with the American Red Cross, the Asbury Park Fire Department, city organizations, and local nonprofits, volunteers will distribute smoke detectors and speak with residents about fire safety from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the area spanning Second Avenue to Sunset Avenue and Ridge Avenue to Memorial Drive. Volunteers are asked to arrive at Bradley Elementary School at 9 a.m. Residents outside the service area who need a smoke detector were encouraged to contact the city to arrange a special visit.

Deputy Mayor Quinn also acknowledged Police Director Hayes and the Asbury Park Police Department for a ceremony held earlier that day in which seven officers were promoted and nine new officers were sworn in.
The meeting concluded with a public comment session, during which no comments were made. The council then adjourned.