Amended T.F. budget seeds road program
$50K cut from department budgets allocated for roads
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The Borough Council amended the 2010 budget last week, allocating approximately $50,000 gleaned from department budgets to build a future road program.
The council voted 5-0 Sept. 7 to approve an amendment to fund roadwork and earmark over $50,000 in the capital fund for road improvements.
Borough Director of Finance Stephen Pfeffer explained where the $50,000 came from.
“We went through various appropriations within the budget with all the department heads at the recommendation of the council president,” he said. “We have come up with a list of reductions in these budget line items.
“The intent of the amendment was to come up with the seed money for a road program in the future to help offset bonding,” he added.
Pfeffer said that he expected the borough to build up the funds over multiple years before beginning to use the money.
“The $50,000 will be transferred to the capital fund and will be earmarked in the capital fund to be built on for future years,” he added. “The ultimate decision is the council’s. The administration can say, ‘Let’s put together a road program,’ and they can say, ‘Let’s use this money,’ but ultimately that’s the council’s decision.”
The $22 million 2010 budget was originally on the agenda to be approved in July, but a state review delay gave the administration and council a window to move the funds around for the road program.
The $22 million budget, up from last year’s $21.6 million spending plan, includes an $11.7 million tax levy and an increase in the tax rate of 1.26 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, bringing the tax rate to 39.26 cents per $100.
The budget also includes a 0.75-cent decrease in the borough’s open space tax rate and factors in a $383,000 decrease in state aid from last year.
The budget reflects over $70,000 anticipated in state aid, but in order to receive the funds, the budget must score high on the state’s Best Practices Worksheet.
“Recently we received the Best Practices Worksheet from the state and are in the process of completing it,” Pfeffer said. “How we score determines what our final state aid payment will be.
“The final state aid payment is scheduled as $70,986, and the worksheet is due back to the state on Oct. 1,” he added. “We need to score 80 percent or better to receive 100 percent of the aid.”
Pfeffer said the worksheet covers general management, operational management, public safety, public works, health, energy and utilities, and municipal and school relations.
As a supplement to the future road program, the council also introduced an ordinance that, if approved, would bond almost $2 million for road improvements.
The council voted 4-1 to introduce the ordinancewithCouncilmanAndrewMayer voting against the measure.
Pfeffer said that the ordinance is an exact replica of the one that the borough voted down in April, with just Councilmen Gary Baldwin and Scott Larkin supporting it.
The bond would be for slightly over $1.8 million, with more than $300,000 of the $2.1 million project to be funded by other sources.
The 17 roads that were scheduled to have work done are Hochockson Road, Riveredge Road, Heritage Drive, Mulberry Lane, Laurel Court, Meadow Drive, Stratford Avenue, Devon Court, Catebury Lane, Winchester Drive, Rutgers Drive, Water Street, Old Farm Road, Old Mill Road, Marland Lane, Colonial Drive and Squankum Road.
Much of the debate about allocating funding for the road program has revolved around whether funding should be placed in the budget on a yearly basis or whether road work should be funded by bond, which is what the ordinance calls for.
Pfeffer also said that whether or not the council approves the ordinance would have no impact on the money taken from the budget for the road project.
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
Saturday, February 19, 2011
New police chief named in Tinton Falls
New police chief named in Tinton Falls
PBA asked council to fill post vacant since April
BY KENNY WALKER Staff Writer
Just days after a group of Tinton Falls police officers urged the Borough Council to fill the vacant position of police chief, Mayor Michael Skudera made his call.
John Scrivanic John Scrivanic Skudera swore in Detective Sgt. John Scrivanic, a 16-year member of the force, as police chief on Sept. 10 at a ceremony at Borough Hall. The position had been vacant since April when former chief Gerald Turning Sr. retired.
Some 20 members of the borough’s police force showed up at the Sept. 7 meeting to express concern that a police chief had not been named in the six months since Turning’s retirement.
Officers in uniform and plainclothes entered the meeting en mass about 10 minutes after the start of the session. Their representatives requested that the administration move swiftly to replace Turning, who was appointed borough administrator in May.
“I would like to thank the mayor and council for their hard work and diligence establishing an ordinance for the position of chief. The Tinton Falls PBA feels it’s important to be led by a chief,” PBA Local 251 President John Talerico told the council.
“I’m here tonight in regard to the questions surrounding the chief’s position, and on behalf of the PBA we’d like to know how the vacancy will be filled and when can we expect it to be.”
The police chief position was eliminated by ordinance when Turning was promoted to chief, and after he retired, the council voted in July to re-establish the position.
Talerico thanked the council for re-establishing the position but requested that the administration move faster in promoting someone to the position and expressed his desire to work with the council and administration in naming a new chief.
“It’s our intention as a local to support the mayor and the town council in regard to this matter, and we’d like to offer our assistance,” he said.
Skudera replied that he wanted to wait until after the 2010 budget was approved before making a decision.
“I want to wait until after the council has approved the budget to proceed with this,” he said. “Any announcements I make will be at the appropriate time.”
In a press release announcing Scrivanic’s appointment, Turning, who is currently borough administrator, commended the new chief for his community service.
“John Scrivanic is highly respected in the community due to his commendable enthusiasm and commitment to numerous community organizations,” the release states.
Scrivanic, who has a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, joined the force in 1994. He is a member of Police Benevolent Association Local 251. Since his graduation from the Monmouth County Police Academy in 1994, Scrivanic has been promoted through the ranks of both the patrol division and the detective bureau. He was promoted to his previous position in 2004.
Turning cited Scrivanic’s participation in Tinton Falls CURE, Tinton Falls Little League, Tinton Falls Travel Mid-Monmouth Basketball League, Tinton Falls Recreation Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball and Tinton Falls Cub Scouts.
The appointment of chief is a direct appointment by Skudera, meaning that the council does not have the ability to block the appointment.
According to Turning, the appointment of a chief must be made from within the Tinton Falls Police Department, with captain being the position directly under chief.
Turning had stated that there is only one captain, David Trevena, and he was being considered for the promotion.
PBA state delegate Thomas Dennehy said at the Sept. 7 meeting that he was personally disappointed by the delay in announcing the chief.
“We do need a leader; it’s been six months and we’ve not had a clear defined leader,” he said.
Dennehy drew parallels between the police situation and the recently announced retirement of Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor.
“I would like to congratulate Mrs. Mount-Taylor for her retirement and Miss
Maureen] Murphy for your new position,” he said. “It is somewhat perplexing to see this transition go over so smoothly, and for the current one that we are standing here in front of you for, the only answer we get is, when the time is right.
“That’s the answer we’ll have to take and we will be respectful about this,” he added.
A PBA spokesperson could not be reached to comment on the appointment of Scrivanic.
Council President Gary Baldwin and Councilman Andrew Mayer both said at the Sept. 7 meeting that there would be an appointment in the near future.
“Bear with us and bear with the mayor, and we will do it as quick as we can,” Baldwin said.
“I think the council sent a very clear message when we made the approval of that position, so we hope the administration will take that seriously and move swiftly,” Mayer said.
The ordinance approved in July also establishes a cap on the number of officers who can hold certain positions in the police force.
According to the ordinance, there will be one chief, two captains, five lieutenants, seven sergeants and 26 patrol officers.
Turning said previously that the borough has had to update this ordinance to include
cap on those positions because the previous ordinance was written six years ago.
“There were no limitations on the number of people we could have in each position, and there is case law since that was originally written,” he said. “By putting a number on there, it tells the council exactly how much they need to budget for.”
Without a police chief, the department was being run by a civilian director of public safety, Doug Gotfredsen.
PBA asked council to fill post vacant since April
BY KENNY WALKER Staff Writer
Just days after a group of Tinton Falls police officers urged the Borough Council to fill the vacant position of police chief, Mayor Michael Skudera made his call.
John Scrivanic John Scrivanic Skudera swore in Detective Sgt. John Scrivanic, a 16-year member of the force, as police chief on Sept. 10 at a ceremony at Borough Hall. The position had been vacant since April when former chief Gerald Turning Sr. retired.
Some 20 members of the borough’s police force showed up at the Sept. 7 meeting to express concern that a police chief had not been named in the six months since Turning’s retirement.
Officers in uniform and plainclothes entered the meeting en mass about 10 minutes after the start of the session. Their representatives requested that the administration move swiftly to replace Turning, who was appointed borough administrator in May.
“I would like to thank the mayor and council for their hard work and diligence establishing an ordinance for the position of chief. The Tinton Falls PBA feels it’s important to be led by a chief,” PBA Local 251 President John Talerico told the council.
“I’m here tonight in regard to the questions surrounding the chief’s position, and on behalf of the PBA we’d like to know how the vacancy will be filled and when can we expect it to be.”
The police chief position was eliminated by ordinance when Turning was promoted to chief, and after he retired, the council voted in July to re-establish the position.
Talerico thanked the council for re-establishing the position but requested that the administration move faster in promoting someone to the position and expressed his desire to work with the council and administration in naming a new chief.
“It’s our intention as a local to support the mayor and the town council in regard to this matter, and we’d like to offer our assistance,” he said.
Skudera replied that he wanted to wait until after the 2010 budget was approved before making a decision.
“I want to wait until after the council has approved the budget to proceed with this,” he said. “Any announcements I make will be at the appropriate time.”
In a press release announcing Scrivanic’s appointment, Turning, who is currently borough administrator, commended the new chief for his community service.
“John Scrivanic is highly respected in the community due to his commendable enthusiasm and commitment to numerous community organizations,” the release states.
Scrivanic, who has a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, joined the force in 1994. He is a member of Police Benevolent Association Local 251. Since his graduation from the Monmouth County Police Academy in 1994, Scrivanic has been promoted through the ranks of both the patrol division and the detective bureau. He was promoted to his previous position in 2004.
Turning cited Scrivanic’s participation in Tinton Falls CURE, Tinton Falls Little League, Tinton Falls Travel Mid-Monmouth Basketball League, Tinton Falls Recreation Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball and Tinton Falls Cub Scouts.
The appointment of chief is a direct appointment by Skudera, meaning that the council does not have the ability to block the appointment.
According to Turning, the appointment of a chief must be made from within the Tinton Falls Police Department, with captain being the position directly under chief.
Turning had stated that there is only one captain, David Trevena, and he was being considered for the promotion.
PBA state delegate Thomas Dennehy said at the Sept. 7 meeting that he was personally disappointed by the delay in announcing the chief.
“We do need a leader; it’s been six months and we’ve not had a clear defined leader,” he said.
Dennehy drew parallels between the police situation and the recently announced retirement of Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor.
“I would like to congratulate Mrs. Mount-Taylor for her retirement and Miss
Maureen] Murphy for your new position,” he said. “It is somewhat perplexing to see this transition go over so smoothly, and for the current one that we are standing here in front of you for, the only answer we get is, when the time is right.
“That’s the answer we’ll have to take and we will be respectful about this,” he added.
A PBA spokesperson could not be reached to comment on the appointment of Scrivanic.
Council President Gary Baldwin and Councilman Andrew Mayer both said at the Sept. 7 meeting that there would be an appointment in the near future.
“Bear with us and bear with the mayor, and we will do it as quick as we can,” Baldwin said.
“I think the council sent a very clear message when we made the approval of that position, so we hope the administration will take that seriously and move swiftly,” Mayer said.
The ordinance approved in July also establishes a cap on the number of officers who can hold certain positions in the police force.
According to the ordinance, there will be one chief, two captains, five lieutenants, seven sergeants and 26 patrol officers.
Turning said previously that the borough has had to update this ordinance to include
cap on those positions because the previous ordinance was written six years ago.
“There were no limitations on the number of people we could have in each position, and there is case law since that was originally written,” he said. “By putting a number on there, it tells the council exactly how much they need to budget for.”
Without a police chief, the department was being run by a civilian director of public safety, Doug Gotfredsen.
Backpack drive provides school supplies to students
Backpack drive provides school supplies to students
Donations help Family & Children’s Service fill 600 backpacks
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Backpacks are ready to be filled with back-to-school supplies by volunteers for the Long Branch-based nonprofit Family and Children’s Service, which distributed more than 600 backpacks to local elementary school children throughout Monmouth County. Backpacks are ready to be filled with back-to-school supplies by volunteers for the Long Branch-based nonprofit Family and Children’s Service, which distributed more than 600 backpacks to local elementary school children throughout Monmouth County. LONG BRANCH — While not every student in Monmouth County arrived prepared for the first day of school, many went home that way thanks to a local nonprofit.
Long Branch-based Family & Children’s Service raised funds and donations to provide more than 600 backpacks filled with school supplies to students at 11 different elementary schools across the county.
Samantha White, Family & Children’s Service manager of volunteer services, explained what the backpacks contain.
“Each backpack we provide [has] notebook, folders, pencil cases filled with pens, pencils, glue sticks, scissors, erasers, rulers,” she said. “We kind of put everything in.”
The backpacks were distributed to students at elementary schools in West Long Branch, Red Bank, Keyport, Middletown, Keansburg, Highlands, Freehold, Bradley Beach and three different schools in Asbury Park.
White explained why each of the schools was selected as a beneficiary of the Reading Buddies Backpack Project.
“They are part of our Reading Buddies program, which is a yearlong program where we have senior volunteers go into schools in Monmouth County and read to the students, usually kindergarten, first or second grade, for an hour a week,” she said. “Those are schools that are part of that program, and that’s how we decide to give the backpacks out.”
The group started collecting backpacks and supplies in June, and White explained where the donations came from.
“We start in June, July and August collecting supplies, and we fill the backpacks during one week in August,” she said.
A young student totes a backpack filled with donated school supplies. A young student totes a backpack filled with donated school supplies. “A lot come from the businesses that will do drives for us, and a lot of individuals will bring in backpacks and supplies. Some people do make monetary donations, and then we will go out and purchase the supplies and backpacks,” she added.
The FCS estimated that nearly $12,000 worth of supplies were donated during the summer months, and some of the business partners include: Staples, Panera Bread, Old Navy, New Jersey Natural Gas, Wells Fargo, Brookdale Community College, Jersey Shore Woman’s Club, Women’s Club of Colts Neck, United Way of Monmouth County, Red Bank Rotary Foundation, Wayside United Methodist Church, All Saints’ Memorial Church, St. Anselm’s Church, and employees of Whole Foods and the Banana Republic Factory Store.
The agency praised volunteers who helped organize the supplies.
“Also vital to the program’s success are the volunteers from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and area schools, who for several days in August sorted through hundreds of new notebooks, scissors, paper, pencils and pens piled in the agency’s small conference room, insuring that each of the 600 backpacks received adequate and equal amounts of school supplies,” a release stated.
White said this drive was the third she has been involved with and the total number of backpacks has increased from 250 her first year to 500 her second year and 600 in 2010.
She also said the biggest challenge in organizing the drive is to make sure they have enough supplies to go around.
“This year we had a lot more people participate, and I guess our greatest challenge is you just want to make sure you get enough for all of the kids,” White said. “The need is greater than 600, so every year we are trying to add more to the total that we can give out.
“At the end of the year, we ask the principals how many they may need based on their school population,” she added. “We [generally] can’t give as many as they need, but we try.”
White said that Long Branch will be a part of the Reading Buddies program this year and will be a part of the backpack drive next year.
“Long Branch is part of our Reading Buddies schools; we are adding them for the first time in October,” she said.
“They didn’t get backpacks because we really haven’t started the program with them yet,” White added. “Next year they will be added to the schools that get backpacks.”
White said one of the reasons the drive has become so popular is that a lot of people start to remember what their first day of school was like.
“It is a great program and a lot of people get behind it,” she said. “I think everybody remembers going to school on the first day and wanting to have a great first day.
“I think that is why so many people are willing to participate and help us,” she added.
But with increased participation, White said, they are also seeing an increase in the need for the backpacks and supplies.
“The lists that we get from the schools are getting a little more detailed about the supplies that the kids need,” she said.
“I think there is a greater need. Schools that before weren’t asking for them are starting to ask for them now.”
The FCS has been a fixture in Long Branch since 1909 and according to the website, the nonprofit has been “dedicated to creating programs and opportunities that make life a little easier for many struggling through tough times and in need of help and guidance.”
For more information, call 732-222- 9111 or visit the website at www.fcsmonmouth. org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Donations help Family & Children’s Service fill 600 backpacks
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Backpacks are ready to be filled with back-to-school supplies by volunteers for the Long Branch-based nonprofit Family and Children’s Service, which distributed more than 600 backpacks to local elementary school children throughout Monmouth County. Backpacks are ready to be filled with back-to-school supplies by volunteers for the Long Branch-based nonprofit Family and Children’s Service, which distributed more than 600 backpacks to local elementary school children throughout Monmouth County. LONG BRANCH — While not every student in Monmouth County arrived prepared for the first day of school, many went home that way thanks to a local nonprofit.
Long Branch-based Family & Children’s Service raised funds and donations to provide more than 600 backpacks filled with school supplies to students at 11 different elementary schools across the county.
Samantha White, Family & Children’s Service manager of volunteer services, explained what the backpacks contain.
“Each backpack we provide [has] notebook, folders, pencil cases filled with pens, pencils, glue sticks, scissors, erasers, rulers,” she said. “We kind of put everything in.”
The backpacks were distributed to students at elementary schools in West Long Branch, Red Bank, Keyport, Middletown, Keansburg, Highlands, Freehold, Bradley Beach and three different schools in Asbury Park.
White explained why each of the schools was selected as a beneficiary of the Reading Buddies Backpack Project.
“They are part of our Reading Buddies program, which is a yearlong program where we have senior volunteers go into schools in Monmouth County and read to the students, usually kindergarten, first or second grade, for an hour a week,” she said. “Those are schools that are part of that program, and that’s how we decide to give the backpacks out.”
The group started collecting backpacks and supplies in June, and White explained where the donations came from.
“We start in June, July and August collecting supplies, and we fill the backpacks during one week in August,” she said.
A young student totes a backpack filled with donated school supplies. A young student totes a backpack filled with donated school supplies. “A lot come from the businesses that will do drives for us, and a lot of individuals will bring in backpacks and supplies. Some people do make monetary donations, and then we will go out and purchase the supplies and backpacks,” she added.
The FCS estimated that nearly $12,000 worth of supplies were donated during the summer months, and some of the business partners include: Staples, Panera Bread, Old Navy, New Jersey Natural Gas, Wells Fargo, Brookdale Community College, Jersey Shore Woman’s Club, Women’s Club of Colts Neck, United Way of Monmouth County, Red Bank Rotary Foundation, Wayside United Methodist Church, All Saints’ Memorial Church, St. Anselm’s Church, and employees of Whole Foods and the Banana Republic Factory Store.
The agency praised volunteers who helped organize the supplies.
“Also vital to the program’s success are the volunteers from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and area schools, who for several days in August sorted through hundreds of new notebooks, scissors, paper, pencils and pens piled in the agency’s small conference room, insuring that each of the 600 backpacks received adequate and equal amounts of school supplies,” a release stated.
White said this drive was the third she has been involved with and the total number of backpacks has increased from 250 her first year to 500 her second year and 600 in 2010.
She also said the biggest challenge in organizing the drive is to make sure they have enough supplies to go around.
“This year we had a lot more people participate, and I guess our greatest challenge is you just want to make sure you get enough for all of the kids,” White said. “The need is greater than 600, so every year we are trying to add more to the total that we can give out.
“At the end of the year, we ask the principals how many they may need based on their school population,” she added. “We [generally] can’t give as many as they need, but we try.”
White said that Long Branch will be a part of the Reading Buddies program this year and will be a part of the backpack drive next year.
“Long Branch is part of our Reading Buddies schools; we are adding them for the first time in October,” she said.
“They didn’t get backpacks because we really haven’t started the program with them yet,” White added. “Next year they will be added to the schools that get backpacks.”
White said one of the reasons the drive has become so popular is that a lot of people start to remember what their first day of school was like.
“It is a great program and a lot of people get behind it,” she said. “I think everybody remembers going to school on the first day and wanting to have a great first day.
“I think that is why so many people are willing to participate and help us,” she added.
But with increased participation, White said, they are also seeing an increase in the need for the backpacks and supplies.
“The lists that we get from the schools are getting a little more detailed about the supplies that the kids need,” she said.
“I think there is a greater need. Schools that before weren’t asking for them are starting to ask for them now.”
The FCS has been a fixture in Long Branch since 1909 and according to the website, the nonprofit has been “dedicated to creating programs and opportunities that make life a little easier for many struggling through tough times and in need of help and guidance.”
For more information, call 732-222- 9111 or visit the website at www.fcsmonmouth. org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
L.B. native set to begin filming mob caper
L.B. native set to begin filming mob caper
Several big names already signed on for ‘Numba One’
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
With an arsenal of big names already signed on, former Long Branch resident Michael Attardi is hoping to secure a few more before his new movie, “Numba One,” starts filming in October.
Michael Attardi (l) and Federico Castelluccio at a recent film festival in New York City. Michael Attardi (l) and Federico Castelluccio at a recent film festival in New York City. Attardi, who lives in Florida and Middletown, said he has commitments from Paul Sorvino, Peter Greene, Wayne Newton and Federico Castelluccio and is in negotiations with other well-known actors.
Attardi said the movie centers around a mafia-driven insurance scam set in New York and Miami and will be appropriate for families to view.
“It’s a mob-comedy caper, but it is something that you’ll be able to take your kids to,” he said. “It’s not like ‘The Sopranos.’ It’s a lot of slapstick stuff. There is no bad language. We are trying to make this a fun, family film.
Attardi, who founded Dream Balloon Animation Studio, an Orlando-based film and animation studio, explained that the title of the movie stems from his New Jersey roots.
“Coming from the New Jersey area, no one ever says ‘number,’” he said. “So we decided to call this ‘Numba One.’ ”
Attardi said that he and Castelluccio, who played hit man Furio Giunta on “The Sopranos,” met at a Manhattan film festival and immediately hit it off.
“We had a lot in common and have a similar Italian family background,” he said. “One thing led to another and we decided we would get involved with trying to make a film.”
Attardi said that they were on a road trip to another film festival when he decided to pitch the idea of the movie to Castelluccio.
“I just started telling him different situations of the movie and he’s laughing and I’m laughing, so at the end of the day I decided to print the script,” he said.
Castelluccio, who will serve as a producer and lead actor, said he was instantly intrigued by the storyline in the movie.
“It was the longest ride ever, but he started explaining this film and I was crying, I was laughing so hard,” he said. “It is the type of comedy you’d see in ‘Get Shorty’ and ‘My Cousin Vinny.’ ”
“When he finally wrote the script, I read it, I liked it; there were a couple of notes here and there for some adjustments. I think the script now is at a shooting point, and everyone who’s read it pretty much agrees that we could go right into production with it.”
Before shooting can start, Attardi has to secure some locales, which he said may include different places in Florida, New York City and along the New Jersey coastline.
Attardi, who graduated from Long Branch High School, said one spot he has in mind is Atlantic Highlands for a scene with a ferry involved.
He also said that many of the stories in the movie came from tales that were passed on to him as a child.
“It comes from a few stories that were told to me by my dad back when I was a kid,” he said. “He told me this story about these two twin brothers that were trying to do this insurance scam, and I just thought it was funny.”
Attardi said one of the challenges in the independent film world is securing financing.
“Financing for an independent movie is one of the hardest things to try to accomplish,” he said. “A lot of former investors got hurt by a lot of independent filmmakers.
“One thing we are adamant about is we want all our t’s crossed and i’s dotted and have all the deals in place,” he added. “We want to shoot, film and distribute ready to go.”
Attardi said that his production team meets with investors to try to educate them in ways that independent movies can be lucrative.
He also said that he would like to find three or four more actors to fill roles before shooting starts the second week in October.
He expects shooting to be take between 25 and 30 days, followed by three months of post-production.
Attardi said the plan is to enter the movie into the Tribeca Film Festival next spring.
Castelluccio said that a lot of the same people involved in “Numba One” would like to work together in the future.
“It is almost like a repertory company that has a lot of the same actors in different roles and projects,” he said.
“These are people that I like to work with and I think we get along really well. These are people that you will see working with us in other films.”
For more information on the movie, visit www.numbaonemovie.com.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Several big names already signed on for ‘Numba One’
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
With an arsenal of big names already signed on, former Long Branch resident Michael Attardi is hoping to secure a few more before his new movie, “Numba One,” starts filming in October.
Michael Attardi (l) and Federico Castelluccio at a recent film festival in New York City. Michael Attardi (l) and Federico Castelluccio at a recent film festival in New York City. Attardi, who lives in Florida and Middletown, said he has commitments from Paul Sorvino, Peter Greene, Wayne Newton and Federico Castelluccio and is in negotiations with other well-known actors.
Attardi said the movie centers around a mafia-driven insurance scam set in New York and Miami and will be appropriate for families to view.
“It’s a mob-comedy caper, but it is something that you’ll be able to take your kids to,” he said. “It’s not like ‘The Sopranos.’ It’s a lot of slapstick stuff. There is no bad language. We are trying to make this a fun, family film.
Attardi, who founded Dream Balloon Animation Studio, an Orlando-based film and animation studio, explained that the title of the movie stems from his New Jersey roots.
“Coming from the New Jersey area, no one ever says ‘number,’” he said. “So we decided to call this ‘Numba One.’ ”
Attardi said that he and Castelluccio, who played hit man Furio Giunta on “The Sopranos,” met at a Manhattan film festival and immediately hit it off.
“We had a lot in common and have a similar Italian family background,” he said. “One thing led to another and we decided we would get involved with trying to make a film.”
Attardi said that they were on a road trip to another film festival when he decided to pitch the idea of the movie to Castelluccio.
“I just started telling him different situations of the movie and he’s laughing and I’m laughing, so at the end of the day I decided to print the script,” he said.
Castelluccio, who will serve as a producer and lead actor, said he was instantly intrigued by the storyline in the movie.
“It was the longest ride ever, but he started explaining this film and I was crying, I was laughing so hard,” he said. “It is the type of comedy you’d see in ‘Get Shorty’ and ‘My Cousin Vinny.’ ”
“When he finally wrote the script, I read it, I liked it; there were a couple of notes here and there for some adjustments. I think the script now is at a shooting point, and everyone who’s read it pretty much agrees that we could go right into production with it.”
Before shooting can start, Attardi has to secure some locales, which he said may include different places in Florida, New York City and along the New Jersey coastline.
Attardi, who graduated from Long Branch High School, said one spot he has in mind is Atlantic Highlands for a scene with a ferry involved.
He also said that many of the stories in the movie came from tales that were passed on to him as a child.
“It comes from a few stories that were told to me by my dad back when I was a kid,” he said. “He told me this story about these two twin brothers that were trying to do this insurance scam, and I just thought it was funny.”
Attardi said one of the challenges in the independent film world is securing financing.
“Financing for an independent movie is one of the hardest things to try to accomplish,” he said. “A lot of former investors got hurt by a lot of independent filmmakers.
“One thing we are adamant about is we want all our t’s crossed and i’s dotted and have all the deals in place,” he added. “We want to shoot, film and distribute ready to go.”
Attardi said that his production team meets with investors to try to educate them in ways that independent movies can be lucrative.
He also said that he would like to find three or four more actors to fill roles before shooting starts the second week in October.
He expects shooting to be take between 25 and 30 days, followed by three months of post-production.
Attardi said the plan is to enter the movie into the Tribeca Film Festival next spring.
Castelluccio said that a lot of the same people involved in “Numba One” would like to work together in the future.
“It is almost like a repertory company that has a lot of the same actors in different roles and projects,” he said.
“These are people that I like to work with and I think we get along really well. These are people that you will see working with us in other films.”
For more information on the movie, visit www.numbaonemovie.com.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Lifeguards near finish line of beach season
Lifeguards near finish line of beach season
Despite Earl, summer 2010 brings calmer seas and fewer rescues
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tommy Lyons, of Rumson, catches a wave last week in the rough surf caused by a tropical storm. ERIC SUCAR staff Tommy Lyons, of Rumson, catches a wave last week in the rough surf caused by a tropical storm. ERIC SUCAR staff LONG BRANCH — At this time last year lifeguard supervisor Michael “Spike” Fowler at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park talked about having to make a record-breaking number of rescues.
However, Fowler said last week that the number of rescues Monmouth County Park System lifeguards have had to make has gone significantly down this summer.
“They are down significantly from last year because we had a period of extraordinary calm water through May, June, July and most of August,” he said.
Fowler said last summer that the lifeguards were forced to make multiple rescues a day during the weeks leading up to the end of summer.
He said this year the last few days heading into Labor Day is when the water started to get rough.
“Just recently we’ve had our first influx of bad surf,” Fowler said. “Actually, it’s been good until several days ago with the onset of the storm, [hurricanes] Danielle first and Earl behind it.”
Fowler said that his staff takes precautions every day when going off duty to ensure the public is aware that there are no lifeguards on duty.
“One of our protocols is to remove all the bathers when lifeguards go off duty at 5 p.m,” he said. “There is no mistake that lifeguards are off duty and have left the area.
“Our benches are tipped down, bathers are removed from the water and we vacate the beach,” he added. “We post signage at the entrance of the park and the beach location that there are no lifeguards.”
Fowler, who will close out his 47th year as a lifeguard, gave some reasons why people choose to swim on beaches after hours.
“We always say swim near a lifeguard; that’s basic common sense,” he said. “Unfortunately, we’ve had a spell this summer of extraordinary hot weather.
“People that work during the day are motivated to come down at the end of the day and cool off,” he added.
Fowler also said economics play into the decision.
“Another unfortunate thing is some people who are economically disadvantaged can’t really afford the daily admission fees and they want to take advantage of the free admission,” he said.
Fowler also identified the conditions where swimmers tend to get themselves in trouble.
“They get caught in these developing rip currents, usually when it is mid-tide between high and low tide,” he said. “These rip currents come up and people get caught in them and we end up rescuing them.”
He also said that the lifeguards are trained in identifying when a problem may arise.
“Our protocols are we end up identifying the location of the rip currents, identify people that are swimming in the rip currents and then identify people having difficulty coming to shore,” Fowler said. “We don’t want to react to a rescue, we want to plan a rescue as we see it set up.”
Although Fowler said rescues are down at the county level, he said beach attendance has been record breaking in 2010.
He credited hot and dry weather as the main reasons for the high attendance.
He also said the county was prepared for any rain or wind from last weekend’s Hurricane Earl, which was downgraded to a Category 1.
“I’m expecting to have red flags on tomorrow [Sept. 3] and Saturday with the possible clearing on Sunday, although it is a little early to tell,” he said. “Usually, the residual effects of these storms last for several days. As a result, as soon as the storm is out of our area, the water does not automatically calm down.”
The county will keep lifeguards on duty on weekends until Sept. 19 but stops charging for beach access Sept. 6.
Fowler said that local residents tend to cherish beach days in September.
“September has been oftentimes the most beautiful month of all, especially for area residents when beaches tend to be less crowded,” he said. “All of us enjoy the slightly cooler weather, the blue skies and oftentimes the very calm and warm water that September brings.”
Fowler also credited the county lifeguards for winning the lifeguard tournament for the 10th time in the last 11 years.
Fowler’s 47 years as a lifeguard have prompted him to write a book, along with co-authors Bernard and Edward Olsen, titled “Lifeguards of the Jersey Shore,” detailing the history of lifeguarding in New Jersey.
Despite Earl, summer 2010 brings calmer seas and fewer rescues
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tommy Lyons, of Rumson, catches a wave last week in the rough surf caused by a tropical storm. ERIC SUCAR staff Tommy Lyons, of Rumson, catches a wave last week in the rough surf caused by a tropical storm. ERIC SUCAR staff LONG BRANCH — At this time last year lifeguard supervisor Michael “Spike” Fowler at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park talked about having to make a record-breaking number of rescues.
However, Fowler said last week that the number of rescues Monmouth County Park System lifeguards have had to make has gone significantly down this summer.
“They are down significantly from last year because we had a period of extraordinary calm water through May, June, July and most of August,” he said.
Fowler said last summer that the lifeguards were forced to make multiple rescues a day during the weeks leading up to the end of summer.
He said this year the last few days heading into Labor Day is when the water started to get rough.
“Just recently we’ve had our first influx of bad surf,” Fowler said. “Actually, it’s been good until several days ago with the onset of the storm, [hurricanes] Danielle first and Earl behind it.”
Fowler said that his staff takes precautions every day when going off duty to ensure the public is aware that there are no lifeguards on duty.
“One of our protocols is to remove all the bathers when lifeguards go off duty at 5 p.m,” he said. “There is no mistake that lifeguards are off duty and have left the area.
“Our benches are tipped down, bathers are removed from the water and we vacate the beach,” he added. “We post signage at the entrance of the park and the beach location that there are no lifeguards.”
Fowler, who will close out his 47th year as a lifeguard, gave some reasons why people choose to swim on beaches after hours.
“We always say swim near a lifeguard; that’s basic common sense,” he said. “Unfortunately, we’ve had a spell this summer of extraordinary hot weather.
“People that work during the day are motivated to come down at the end of the day and cool off,” he added.
Fowler also said economics play into the decision.
“Another unfortunate thing is some people who are economically disadvantaged can’t really afford the daily admission fees and they want to take advantage of the free admission,” he said.
Fowler also identified the conditions where swimmers tend to get themselves in trouble.
“They get caught in these developing rip currents, usually when it is mid-tide between high and low tide,” he said. “These rip currents come up and people get caught in them and we end up rescuing them.”
He also said that the lifeguards are trained in identifying when a problem may arise.
“Our protocols are we end up identifying the location of the rip currents, identify people that are swimming in the rip currents and then identify people having difficulty coming to shore,” Fowler said. “We don’t want to react to a rescue, we want to plan a rescue as we see it set up.”
Although Fowler said rescues are down at the county level, he said beach attendance has been record breaking in 2010.
He credited hot and dry weather as the main reasons for the high attendance.
He also said the county was prepared for any rain or wind from last weekend’s Hurricane Earl, which was downgraded to a Category 1.
“I’m expecting to have red flags on tomorrow [Sept. 3] and Saturday with the possible clearing on Sunday, although it is a little early to tell,” he said. “Usually, the residual effects of these storms last for several days. As a result, as soon as the storm is out of our area, the water does not automatically calm down.”
The county will keep lifeguards on duty on weekends until Sept. 19 but stops charging for beach access Sept. 6.
Fowler said that local residents tend to cherish beach days in September.
“September has been oftentimes the most beautiful month of all, especially for area residents when beaches tend to be less crowded,” he said. “All of us enjoy the slightly cooler weather, the blue skies and oftentimes the very calm and warm water that September brings.”
Fowler also credited the county lifeguards for winning the lifeguard tournament for the 10th time in the last 11 years.
Fowler’s 47 years as a lifeguard have prompted him to write a book, along with co-authors Bernard and Edward Olsen, titled “Lifeguards of the Jersey Shore,” detailing the history of lifeguarding in New Jersey.
L.B. beaches produce record revenues
L.B. beaches produce record revenues
Ideal summer weather also increases beach expenses
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
For the second straight summer, Long Branch beaches generated record figures in revenues, with estimates close to $1.3 million.
Rough surf caused by a tropical storm sprays bathers on a sweltering Sept. 1 afternoon. Story and photo page 6 and at gmnews.com. ERIC SUCAR staff Rough surf caused by a tropical storm sprays bathers on a sweltering Sept. 1 afternoon. Story and photo page 6 and at gmnews.com. ERIC SUCAR staff Long Branch Director of Recreation and Human Services Carl Jennings said at a Sept. 1 special City Council meeting that the town is a good weekend away from coming away with $1.3 million in beach revenues.
That success has come at a cost, as the meeting was called to approve $50,000 in emergency appropriations for the beach operation.
“That increased revenue came at a cost — that because of rough surfs and huge amounts of crowds they had to put [on] additional staffing, and that put a burden on the salaries for the beach operation,” said Long Branch Director of Finance Ronald Mehlhorn Sr. “This is purely ticket attendants and lifeguards.”
Bathers, like those enjoying the surf on Sept. 1, flocked to the Long Branch oceanfront this summer, boosting beach revenues to an all-time high. ERIC SUCAR staff Bathers, like those enjoying the surf on Sept. 1, flocked to the Long Branch oceanfront this summer, boosting beach revenues to an all-time high. ERIC SUCAR staff Mehlhorn said that last year the revenues from the beaches came in just below $1 million and the city did not have to seek emergency appropriations last summer.
Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. explained that the money would be used for total salaries that went over budget.
“It’s not that there are more employees, but normally we have a week or 10 days of rain and we didn’t have that this year,” he said. “They go home and we don’t pay them.
“We’d pay half the lifeguards and none of the ticket takers because you keep at least two lifeguards on,” he added.
Woolley also said that rough surf has forced the city to keep lifeguards on later in the evening.
“This year we didn’t get any rain plus [because of] the rough surf conditions, we kept them late,” he said.
“If you notice, all the problems [in neighboring municipalities] have occurred later at night. We have some people patrolling on until 7 p.m.”
Jennings credited a good stretch of weather and people rediscovering Long Branch as major reasons for the increased beach traffic.
Woolley said that one reason for the increased revenues is a larger population coming via the train station.
“We have a lot of people coming down from the train this year as well,” he said. “They increased rates and they dropped services and still you get your beach passes included in your train fare.
“So we get the beach fare from [NJ] Transit and I think we might be double what we were on that,” he added. “Why drive, why get in that bumper-to-bumper [traffic] on the parkway?
“Even if it’s $20 round trip, take the train. Morris Avenue on a Saturday or Sunday, you need a crossing guard down there.”
Jennings also noted the diversity he has seen on the beach.
“There are so many different languages around Pier Village and the beachfront,” he said. “People are just coming from everywhere.
“I’m not just talking about Spanish, I’m talking about Western European, Ukrainian, Russian, you name it,” he added. “We also have a large amount of Staten Islanders coming down.”
One resident was concerned that the resolution might lead to other changes on the beach.
“I hope this resolution isn’t used as a vehicle to rescind beach access for free for kids 17 and under over the coming winter,” Vincent LePore said. “I firmly believe the kids should be on the beach for free, and I also believe that any taxpayer in this city should have access for their entire family to the beaches for free.”
Jennings said the city has no intention of rescinding the ordinance allowing children 17 and under free beach access.
Jennings also said that the city was prepared to handle any weather related to Hurricane Earl, which was expected to impact the Jersey coastline last weekend.
“I’ll leave that up to my beach manager [Dan George],” Jennings said. “He knows what to look for and what to do as far as moving equipment, as far as moving bodies.
“I’m going to be meeting with him tomorrow [Sept. 2] to work out our strategies.”
Even though the revenues came in higher than last year, Mehlhorn has said previously that state regulations don’t allow the municipality to turn much of a profit from beach fees.
“You are not allowed to make a profit overall, over a couple of years,” he said earlier this year. “At some point you might be able to make a little bit more than what you spend, but it’s averaged out over a couple of years.
“If you are making a profit, you would have to adjust the fees,” he added. “You’re not allowed to make a profit off the beach: it has to break even or a loss.”
Jennings estimated that salaries from the beach cost the city around $370,000. Some of the other beach expenses come from the police and public works.
Jennings also said that rough waters have forced the lifeguards to make more rescues than in years past.
Long Branch has 15 beaches: Seaview Avenue, Great Lawn, Madison Avenue, Laird Street, Chelsea Avenue, Melrose Terrace, Morris Avenue, Pavilion Avenue, North Bath Avenue, South Bath Avenue, Matilda Terrace, Cottage Place, West End, Brighton Avenue and New Court.
A daily beach badge in Long Branch is $5; the seasonal badge is $35. The beach season for Long Branch is from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Ideal summer weather also increases beach expenses
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
For the second straight summer, Long Branch beaches generated record figures in revenues, with estimates close to $1.3 million.
Rough surf caused by a tropical storm sprays bathers on a sweltering Sept. 1 afternoon. Story and photo page 6 and at gmnews.com. ERIC SUCAR staff Rough surf caused by a tropical storm sprays bathers on a sweltering Sept. 1 afternoon. Story and photo page 6 and at gmnews.com. ERIC SUCAR staff Long Branch Director of Recreation and Human Services Carl Jennings said at a Sept. 1 special City Council meeting that the town is a good weekend away from coming away with $1.3 million in beach revenues.
That success has come at a cost, as the meeting was called to approve $50,000 in emergency appropriations for the beach operation.
“That increased revenue came at a cost — that because of rough surfs and huge amounts of crowds they had to put [on] additional staffing, and that put a burden on the salaries for the beach operation,” said Long Branch Director of Finance Ronald Mehlhorn Sr. “This is purely ticket attendants and lifeguards.”
Bathers, like those enjoying the surf on Sept. 1, flocked to the Long Branch oceanfront this summer, boosting beach revenues to an all-time high. ERIC SUCAR staff Bathers, like those enjoying the surf on Sept. 1, flocked to the Long Branch oceanfront this summer, boosting beach revenues to an all-time high. ERIC SUCAR staff Mehlhorn said that last year the revenues from the beaches came in just below $1 million and the city did not have to seek emergency appropriations last summer.
Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. explained that the money would be used for total salaries that went over budget.
“It’s not that there are more employees, but normally we have a week or 10 days of rain and we didn’t have that this year,” he said. “They go home and we don’t pay them.
“We’d pay half the lifeguards and none of the ticket takers because you keep at least two lifeguards on,” he added.
Woolley also said that rough surf has forced the city to keep lifeguards on later in the evening.
“This year we didn’t get any rain plus [because of] the rough surf conditions, we kept them late,” he said.
“If you notice, all the problems [in neighboring municipalities] have occurred later at night. We have some people patrolling on until 7 p.m.”
Jennings credited a good stretch of weather and people rediscovering Long Branch as major reasons for the increased beach traffic.
Woolley said that one reason for the increased revenues is a larger population coming via the train station.
“We have a lot of people coming down from the train this year as well,” he said. “They increased rates and they dropped services and still you get your beach passes included in your train fare.
“So we get the beach fare from [NJ] Transit and I think we might be double what we were on that,” he added. “Why drive, why get in that bumper-to-bumper [traffic] on the parkway?
“Even if it’s $20 round trip, take the train. Morris Avenue on a Saturday or Sunday, you need a crossing guard down there.”
Jennings also noted the diversity he has seen on the beach.
“There are so many different languages around Pier Village and the beachfront,” he said. “People are just coming from everywhere.
“I’m not just talking about Spanish, I’m talking about Western European, Ukrainian, Russian, you name it,” he added. “We also have a large amount of Staten Islanders coming down.”
One resident was concerned that the resolution might lead to other changes on the beach.
“I hope this resolution isn’t used as a vehicle to rescind beach access for free for kids 17 and under over the coming winter,” Vincent LePore said. “I firmly believe the kids should be on the beach for free, and I also believe that any taxpayer in this city should have access for their entire family to the beaches for free.”
Jennings said the city has no intention of rescinding the ordinance allowing children 17 and under free beach access.
Jennings also said that the city was prepared to handle any weather related to Hurricane Earl, which was expected to impact the Jersey coastline last weekend.
“I’ll leave that up to my beach manager [Dan George],” Jennings said. “He knows what to look for and what to do as far as moving equipment, as far as moving bodies.
“I’m going to be meeting with him tomorrow [Sept. 2] to work out our strategies.”
Even though the revenues came in higher than last year, Mehlhorn has said previously that state regulations don’t allow the municipality to turn much of a profit from beach fees.
“You are not allowed to make a profit overall, over a couple of years,” he said earlier this year. “At some point you might be able to make a little bit more than what you spend, but it’s averaged out over a couple of years.
“If you are making a profit, you would have to adjust the fees,” he added. “You’re not allowed to make a profit off the beach: it has to break even or a loss.”
Jennings estimated that salaries from the beach cost the city around $370,000. Some of the other beach expenses come from the police and public works.
Jennings also said that rough waters have forced the lifeguards to make more rescues than in years past.
Long Branch has 15 beaches: Seaview Avenue, Great Lawn, Madison Avenue, Laird Street, Chelsea Avenue, Melrose Terrace, Morris Avenue, Pavilion Avenue, North Bath Avenue, South Bath Avenue, Matilda Terrace, Cottage Place, West End, Brighton Avenue and New Court.
A daily beach badge in Long Branch is $5; the seasonal badge is $35. The beach season for Long Branch is from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tinton Falls clerk to retire after 23 years
Tinton Falls clerk to retire after 23 years
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — After serving the borough for more than 23 years, Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor will retire before the holiday season.
Mount-Taylor said in an interview last week that her last day with the borough will be Oct. 29.
“It is bittersweet, but it is a happy time for me because this is what most people work for,” she said. “I am very happy.”
Mount-Taylor said she initially put in for retirement two years ago but kept putting it off until she finally felt like it was a good time to leave.
“Two years ago I put it on the record that I put my retirement papers in,” she said. “I placed it on the record that I was seriously considering retirement and that I was going to go next year.
“I then decided to move it up so I was going to be home for the holidays Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she added. “Normally I do those [preparations] at night and I’m still wrapping presents Christmas morning.”
Mount-Taylor said the council held a special executive session Aug. 25 to interview candidates for the job.
She also said that about 10 résumés were sent for the clerk’s position and that she will largely be staying out of the process of finding her replacement.
“I actually think it’s better that council interviews the candidate because that is [who] they will have to work with,” she said. “They did have me review the résumés that were submitted.”
Mount-Taylor started with the borough in 1987 and has performed her job through four sets of mayors.
She also said that her favorite part of the job has been swearing in new members of council.
“You know what I really love doing? I love swearing in people, new council members,” she said. “It gives me a sense of pride that someone takes that much to be swornin in public.
“I’ve had a lot of best moments so I really couldn’t narrow it down to one,” she added.
She also described some of the more difficult parts of the clerk’s job.
“The hardest part is keeping up with all the different statutes that change and then you have to be able to comply with them,” Mount-Taylor said. “Making sure everything is up to date and kept accurately.”
One of the things Mount-Taylor will do after she retires is help her husband, who owns and operates a landscaping and lawn care company.
“It is time, I am looking forward to it,” she said. “I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m going to go home and help my husband in his business.
“I am going to give him maybe a couple of extra hours during the evening to help him with his paperwork.”
She also said that she would do a lot of volunteer work once she retires.
“I’m really looking forward to doing charity work,” Mount-Taylor said. “With my church, we feed the homeless, we do things like volunteer for a Bible school.
“I can think of so many things … go to the soup kitchen and work, or pass out mittens in New York with my church.”
While she is leaving her post with the borough, Mount-Taylor said she expects to remain involved and active in Tinton Falls.
“Maybe I’ll take a sabbatical, but I have plans for staying involved because I am a taxpayer in Tinton Falls,” she said. “Maybe not twice [council meetings] a month.”
According to the Tinton Falls website, the duties of the municipal clerk include: chief administrative official of elections; prepare meeting agendas for Borough Council and attend all meetings with the responsibility of recording the minutes of the meetings; custodian of the original copies of all ordinances, resolutions, minutes, performance bonds, contracts, borough deeds and easements; administrative officer responsible for licenses and permits (liquor and raffle licenses); and custodian of financial disclosure statements.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — After serving the borough for more than 23 years, Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor will retire before the holiday season.
Mount-Taylor said in an interview last week that her last day with the borough will be Oct. 29.
“It is bittersweet, but it is a happy time for me because this is what most people work for,” she said. “I am very happy.”
Mount-Taylor said she initially put in for retirement two years ago but kept putting it off until she finally felt like it was a good time to leave.
“Two years ago I put it on the record that I put my retirement papers in,” she said. “I placed it on the record that I was seriously considering retirement and that I was going to go next year.
“I then decided to move it up so I was going to be home for the holidays Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she added. “Normally I do those [preparations] at night and I’m still wrapping presents Christmas morning.”
Mount-Taylor said the council held a special executive session Aug. 25 to interview candidates for the job.
She also said that about 10 résumés were sent for the clerk’s position and that she will largely be staying out of the process of finding her replacement.
“I actually think it’s better that council interviews the candidate because that is [who] they will have to work with,” she said. “They did have me review the résumés that were submitted.”
Mount-Taylor started with the borough in 1987 and has performed her job through four sets of mayors.
She also said that her favorite part of the job has been swearing in new members of council.
“You know what I really love doing? I love swearing in people, new council members,” she said. “It gives me a sense of pride that someone takes that much to be swornin in public.
“I’ve had a lot of best moments so I really couldn’t narrow it down to one,” she added.
She also described some of the more difficult parts of the clerk’s job.
“The hardest part is keeping up with all the different statutes that change and then you have to be able to comply with them,” Mount-Taylor said. “Making sure everything is up to date and kept accurately.”
One of the things Mount-Taylor will do after she retires is help her husband, who owns and operates a landscaping and lawn care company.
“It is time, I am looking forward to it,” she said. “I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m going to go home and help my husband in his business.
“I am going to give him maybe a couple of extra hours during the evening to help him with his paperwork.”
She also said that she would do a lot of volunteer work once she retires.
“I’m really looking forward to doing charity work,” Mount-Taylor said. “With my church, we feed the homeless, we do things like volunteer for a Bible school.
“I can think of so many things … go to the soup kitchen and work, or pass out mittens in New York with my church.”
While she is leaving her post with the borough, Mount-Taylor said she expects to remain involved and active in Tinton Falls.
“Maybe I’ll take a sabbatical, but I have plans for staying involved because I am a taxpayer in Tinton Falls,” she said. “Maybe not twice [council meetings] a month.”
According to the Tinton Falls website, the duties of the municipal clerk include: chief administrative official of elections; prepare meeting agendas for Borough Council and attend all meetings with the responsibility of recording the minutes of the meetings; custodian of the original copies of all ordinances, resolutions, minutes, performance bonds, contracts, borough deeds and easements; administrative officer responsible for licenses and permits (liquor and raffle licenses); and custodian of financial disclosure statements.
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