Coastal evacuation plan coordinates exodus
Plan will give county tools in event of natural disaster
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Monmouth County has unveiled a draft plan for coastal evacuation that takes a comprehensive look at the facilities necessary to move residents safely away from coastal areas.
Maps of evacuation routes (l-r) and emergency shelters are included in the coastal evacuation study.
The yearlong study of coastal evacuation routes prepared for the Monmouth County Planning Board channels residents of coastal communities west, away from coastal areas that would be flooded in the event of a major storm.
The study, conducted by Jacobs Engineering Inc. in cooperation with Reichman Frankle Inc. and Techniquest Engineering, was unveiled at an open house meeting June 2 at the Brookdale Higher Education Learning Center on Broadway in Long Branch.
The purpose of the Coastal Evacuation Routes Study is to evaluate transportation facilities used for evacuation along the New Jersey coastal region east of the Garden State Parkway, to recommend improvements to existing facilities, and to develop new ones where appropriate, according to the study.
"One of Monmouth County's finest assets — its 26 miles of bay coastline — is also a potential liability as low- lying coastal areas are subject to flooding from wave action and weather, particularly during hurricane events," the study states.
The information can also be used when existing state and local plans are reviewed and updated, such as the county Office of Emergency Management's Emergency Operations Plan.
As outlined on the project website, monmouthcers. com, key objectives of the plan include:
• Collect transportation facility, operations and service network data for 12 critical infrastructure and emergency travel routes (portal facilities) in and around Monmouth County's coastal communities.
• Evaluate the inter-relationship of transportation routes and services and their capacity/ performance limitations, especially during peak seasonal periods.
• Group communities with common transportation routes and encourage them to work collaboratively to identify specific needs, issues and concerns.
• Evaluate potential physical/operational improvements to routes, including a range of transportation technologies.
The listed goals of the study include: to improve coastal routes; identify and address limitations to evacuation routes to ensure their efficiency during emergency situations; and promote awareness of evacuation routes and the evacuation process among residents, tourists, stakeholders and the general public.
Roadway widening, a network of shelters, backup power for traffic signals, evacuation route signs and new bridges are among the $150 million-plus in measures recommended in the study aimed at upgrading the county's plans for evacuation of coastal areas.
The study area includes 41 municipalities located east of the Garden State Parkway and divides the coastal area into three regions: northern, central and southern.
The northern region includes Aberdeen, Keyport, Hazlet, Union Beach, Keansburg, Holmdel, Matawan, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Middletown.
The central region includes Red Bank, Fair Haven, Sea Bright, Rumson, Shrewsbury Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Little Silver, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Eatontown, Tinton Falls, West Long Branch, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Deal, Interlaken, Allenhurst and Loch Arbor.
The southern region encompasses Asbury Park, Avon- by- the- Sea, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Brielle, Belmar, Lake Como, Manasquan, Neptune, Neptune City, Sea Girl, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall.
The study identifies 12 "portal" routes leading west from the coastal region.
The process involved stakeholders and each region was represented by a group with members from each municipality to give feedback on each local need.
A Technical Advisory Committee was also formed to work with the project team members. The TAC included the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Engineers Lakshan Wickramarachchi and Bob Brakman were available to answer questions during the June 2 open house.
"It was a one- year study where we picked routes based on how many people are in the area," Brakman said, adding, "There are three times as many people living here in the summer, so we could see where the worst locations are in the summer."
"We worked extensively with getting information from population studies," Wickramarachchi said. "We recommended physical improvements based on how many people live in the area. I think we were successful."
Information made available at the open house included evacuation routes, suggested road improvements, an estimated cost for each improvement and the lead agency to take on such a job.
For example, the study suggests the widening of Route 520 to create a full shoulder, which would be taken on by the county with an estimated cost of $16.5 million.
Also suggested is an upgrade of signals for wireless controls on Route 36 traffic lights, which would be taken on by the state at a cost of $322,000.
The study also suggests that the state widen Route 36 at the Broad Street intersection, which would cost an estimated $4 million.
The study broke down suggestions into long- , intermediate- and short- term projects and actions to be taken during emergencies.
For example, the suggested widening of Route 520 shoulder is a long- term project, while adding no parking placards is a short- term project.
The draft plan also suggests evacuation routes for coastal residents.
The engineers suggest that travelers in the Northern region take CR-39, CR-56/7, CR-50/576, SR-36 or CR-8A/12/12A when evacuating and take Routes 520 or 36 or Park Avenue when in the Central zone. Wickramarachchi explained the goal of the plan.
"This is not an everyday event," Wickramarachchi said. "We wanted a practical plan to get people out to use the resources we have available.
"These are the best ways out that we identified," Wickramarachchi continued. "These roads lead into other main roads in the area."
He added that in evacuating, the suggestion is to work from the coastline out.
"We developed a broad picture plan and hope to expand upon it," Wickramarachchi said. "We try to get to areas along the coasts first, like Sea Bright. We have to have the best option to lead people to safety."
According to Brakman, people are alerted 36 hours prior to an evacuation, but the advance warning often does little good.
"We have discovered that even if we give people 36 hour warnings they still wait until the last minute," Brakman said.
Another issue is the added traffic during the evacuation.
"Also, it is not just a family leaving in their cars," Brakman said. "It's families leaving in two or three cars. Nobody wants to leave a car there."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
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Friday, July 31, 2009
o'port asks for $1M more for creek cleanup
O'port asks for $1M more for creek cleanup
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEANPORT — Oceanport Mayor Michael Mahon has requested $1 million in federal appropriations to dredge the Branchport Creek and remove fecal contamination.
Mahon made the request in a letter addressed to Rep. Rush Holt (D-6th District), seeking support in obtaining this special appropriation.
"As you know, the Borough of Oceanport has partnered with Monmouth Park racetrack and its operator the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) to end the runoff of contaminated storm water into Branchport Creek," the letter states.
The letter states that in October 2008, the borough of Oceanport's governing body agreed to seek funding as a conduit borrower from the N.J. Environmental Infrastructure Trust on behalf of the NJSEA.
"Since that time, the governing body has continued the application process and is currently seeking $22 million in low-interest loans to support the storm-water management solution under design for Monmouth Park," the letter states.
A new plan to end the pollution of Branchport Creek outlined last month calls for measures including detention basins, vegetative fields, and a pumping station at Monmouth Park in Oceanport.
On May 11, officials with the racetrack and the NJSEA held a town hall-style meeting at Oceanport Borough Hall to unveil plans to reduce the amount of storm water from Monmouth Park that enters Branchport Creek.
The proposed upgrades call for the construction of a roughly 4-acre detention basin, a pump station, and a series of drainage piping that could reduce the amount of contaminated runoff from the horse track to virtually zero.
"The objectives ultimately are to improve the water quality of the Branchport Creek and to assure that the track complies with a permit requirement the DEP [state Department of Environmental Protection] has for concentrated animal feeding operations," explained Brian McPeak, an engineer with the Warren-based PS&S Integrated Design and Engineering, the engineering firm that is handling the design and implementation of the project.
Mahon's letter said, "The cleanup of the river bed can't be left for Mother Nature alone. Funding must be provided to complete the dredging of Branchport Creek beyond the Branchport Avenue bridge to the west side immediately adjacent to Monmouth Park."
Mahon stated that state funding is essential for this project to be successful.
"Federal dollars are a critical resource that must fill the gap in state funding," Mahon continued.
Mahon also called on Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th District) as well as Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Melendez to support the additional $1 million to supplement the current appropriation, which is $4.2 million, and to dedicate new dollars to the creek.
According to Oceanport Councilman Joseph Irace, the $4.2 million is federal stimulus money and is to be used to dredge the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers.
Plans for the storm-water system improvement project call for the construction of an improved storm-sewer system to collect runoff from the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) areas; the construction of a pumping station to convey the collected waters to a detention basin; the construction of a vegetated detention basin that will have the ability to hold 7.8 million gallons of water and feature 2.7 acres of constructed wetlands; and the construction of a force main to convey the detained water from the basin to the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority (TRWRA) up to a maximum of 500,000 gallons of water a day. The improvement project will be broken down into a four-phase plan that will be implemented over a four-year period and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2012.
The first phase of the roughly $22 million project has already begun and has seen gutters placed on the roofs of the majority of the structures around the park property, including the backstretch area where the horse stalls are located.
According to Don Sharp, the lead engineer with PS&S on the project, runoff from the roofs of the park's structures is considered clean and can be released into the creek without fear of it contaminating the waters.
However, that water is currently collected with the same contaminated water as the rest of the park. With the addition of gutters on the park structures, the water will now be able to be separated from the park's contaminated water and can be sent out to the creek.
In addition to the separation of the roof runoff from the contaminated water, the first phase also includes upgrades to the park's drainage pipe connection with TRWRA.
The Branchport Creek, which runs between Oceanport and Long Branch, is a tributary of the Shrewsbury River. The river meets the Navesink River before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Mahon, the borough has been participating with the Two River Council of Mayors in seeking to dredge the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers. Branchport Creek would be included in this project.
Staff Writer Dan Howley contributed to this story.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEANPORT — Oceanport Mayor Michael Mahon has requested $1 million in federal appropriations to dredge the Branchport Creek and remove fecal contamination.
Mahon made the request in a letter addressed to Rep. Rush Holt (D-6th District), seeking support in obtaining this special appropriation.
"As you know, the Borough of Oceanport has partnered with Monmouth Park racetrack and its operator the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) to end the runoff of contaminated storm water into Branchport Creek," the letter states.
The letter states that in October 2008, the borough of Oceanport's governing body agreed to seek funding as a conduit borrower from the N.J. Environmental Infrastructure Trust on behalf of the NJSEA.
"Since that time, the governing body has continued the application process and is currently seeking $22 million in low-interest loans to support the storm-water management solution under design for Monmouth Park," the letter states.
A new plan to end the pollution of Branchport Creek outlined last month calls for measures including detention basins, vegetative fields, and a pumping station at Monmouth Park in Oceanport.
On May 11, officials with the racetrack and the NJSEA held a town hall-style meeting at Oceanport Borough Hall to unveil plans to reduce the amount of storm water from Monmouth Park that enters Branchport Creek.
The proposed upgrades call for the construction of a roughly 4-acre detention basin, a pump station, and a series of drainage piping that could reduce the amount of contaminated runoff from the horse track to virtually zero.
"The objectives ultimately are to improve the water quality of the Branchport Creek and to assure that the track complies with a permit requirement the DEP [state Department of Environmental Protection] has for concentrated animal feeding operations," explained Brian McPeak, an engineer with the Warren-based PS&S Integrated Design and Engineering, the engineering firm that is handling the design and implementation of the project.
Mahon's letter said, "The cleanup of the river bed can't be left for Mother Nature alone. Funding must be provided to complete the dredging of Branchport Creek beyond the Branchport Avenue bridge to the west side immediately adjacent to Monmouth Park."
Mahon stated that state funding is essential for this project to be successful.
"Federal dollars are a critical resource that must fill the gap in state funding," Mahon continued.
Mahon also called on Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th District) as well as Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Melendez to support the additional $1 million to supplement the current appropriation, which is $4.2 million, and to dedicate new dollars to the creek.
According to Oceanport Councilman Joseph Irace, the $4.2 million is federal stimulus money and is to be used to dredge the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers.
Plans for the storm-water system improvement project call for the construction of an improved storm-sewer system to collect runoff from the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) areas; the construction of a pumping station to convey the collected waters to a detention basin; the construction of a vegetated detention basin that will have the ability to hold 7.8 million gallons of water and feature 2.7 acres of constructed wetlands; and the construction of a force main to convey the detained water from the basin to the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority (TRWRA) up to a maximum of 500,000 gallons of water a day. The improvement project will be broken down into a four-phase plan that will be implemented over a four-year period and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2012.
The first phase of the roughly $22 million project has already begun and has seen gutters placed on the roofs of the majority of the structures around the park property, including the backstretch area where the horse stalls are located.
According to Don Sharp, the lead engineer with PS&S on the project, runoff from the roofs of the park's structures is considered clean and can be released into the creek without fear of it contaminating the waters.
However, that water is currently collected with the same contaminated water as the rest of the park. With the addition of gutters on the park structures, the water will now be able to be separated from the park's contaminated water and can be sent out to the creek.
In addition to the separation of the roof runoff from the contaminated water, the first phase also includes upgrades to the park's drainage pipe connection with TRWRA.
The Branchport Creek, which runs between Oceanport and Long Branch, is a tributary of the Shrewsbury River. The river meets the Navesink River before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Mahon, the borough has been participating with the Two River Council of Mayors in seeking to dredge the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers. Branchport Creek would be included in this project.
Staff Writer Dan Howley contributed to this story.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Coastal evacuation plan coordinates exodus
Coastal evacuation plan coordinates exodus
Plan will give county tools in event of natural disaster
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Monmouth County has unveiled a draft plan for coastal evacuation that takes a comprehensive look at the facilities necessary to move residents safely away from coastal areas.
The yearlong study of coastal evacuation routes prepared for the Monmouth County Planning Board channels residents of coastal communities west, away from coastal areas that would be flooded in the event of a major storm.
The study, conducted by Jacobs Engineering Inc. in cooperation with Reichman Frankle Inc. and Techniquest Engineering, was unveiled at an open house meeting June 2 at the Brookdale Higher Education Learning Center on Broadway in Long Branch.
The purpose of the Coastal Evacuation Routes Study is to evaluate transportation facilities used for evacuation along the New Jersey coastal region east of the Garden State Parkway, to recommend improvements to existing facilities, and to develop new ones where appropriate, according to the study.
"One of Monmouth County's finest assets — its 26 miles of bay coastline — is also a potential liability, as low-lying coastal areas are subject to flooding from wave action and weather, particularly during hurricane events," the study states.
Maps of evacuation routes (l-r) and emergency shelters are included in the coastal evacuation study.
The information can also be used when existing state and local plans are reviewed and updated, such as the county Office of Emergency Management's Emergency Operations Plan.
As outlined on the project website, monmouthcers. com, key objectives of the plan include:
• Collect transportation facility, operations and service network data for 12 critical infrastructure and emergency travel routes (portal facilities) in and around Monmouth County's coastal communities.
• Evaluate the inter-relationship of transportation routes and services and their capacity/ performance limitations, especially during peak seasonal periods.
• Group communities with common transportation routes and encourage them to work collaboratively to identify specific needs, issues and concerns.
• Evaluate potential physical/operational improvements to routes, including a range of transportation technologies.
The listed goals of the study include: to improve coastal routes; identify and address limitations to evacuation routes to ensure their efficiency during emergency situations; and promote awareness of evacuation routes and the evacuation process among residents, tourists, stakeholders and the general public.
Roadway widening, a network of shelters, backup power for traffic signals, evacuation route signs and new bridges are among the $150 million-plus in measures recommended in the study aimed at upgrading the county's plans for evacuation of coastal areas.
The study area includes 41 municipalities located east of the Garden State Parkway and divides the coastal area into three regions: northern, central and southern.
The northern region includes Aberdeen, Keyport, Hazlet, Union Beach, Keansburg, Holmdel, Matawan, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Middletown.
The central region includes Red Bank, Fair Haven, Sea Bright, Rumson, Shrewsbury Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Little Silver, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Eatontown, Tinton Falls, West Long Branch, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Deal, Interlaken, Allenhurst and Loch Arbor.
The southern region encompasses Asbury Park, Avon- by- the- Sea, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Brielle, Belmar, Lake Como, Manasquan, Neptune, Neptune City, Sea Girl, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall.
The study identifies 12 "portal" routes leading west from the coastal region.
The process involved stakeholders and each region was represented by a group with members from each municipality to give feedback on each local need.
A Technical Advisory Committee was also formed to work with the project team members. The TAC included the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Engineers Lakshan Wickramarachchi and Bob Brakman were available to answer questions during the June 2 open house.
"It was a one- year study where we picked routes based on how many people are in the area," Brakman said, adding, "There are three times as many people living here in the summer, so we could see where the worst locations are in the summer."
"We worked extensively with getting information from population studies," Wickramarachchi said. "We recommended physical improvements based on how many people live in the area. I think we were successful."
Information made available at the open house included evacuation routes, suggested road improvements, an estimated cost for each improvement and the lead agency to take on such a job.
For example, the study suggests the widening of Route 520 to create a full shoulder, which would be taken on by the county with an estimated cost of $16.5 million.
Also suggested is an upgrade of signals for wireless controls on Route 36 traffic lights, which would be taken on by the state at a cost of $322,000.
The study also suggests that the state widen Route 36 at the Broad Street intersection, which would cost an estimated $4 million.
The study broke down suggestions into long- , intermediate- and short- term projects and actions to be taken during emergencies.
For example, the suggested widening of Route 520 shoulder is a long- term project, while adding no parking placards is a short- term project.
The draft plan also suggests evacuation routes for coastal residents.
The engineers suggest that travelers in the Northern region take CR-39, CR-56/7, CR- 50/576, SR-36 or CR-8A/12/12A when evacuating and take Routes 520 or 36 or Park Avenue when in the Central zone.
Wickramarachchi explained the goal of the plan.
"This is not an everyday event," Wickramarachchi said. "We wanted a practical plan to get people out to use the resources we have available.
"These are the best ways out that we identified," Wickramarachchi continued. "These roads lead into other main roads in the area."
He added that in evacuating, the suggestion is to work from the coastline out.
"We developed a broad picture plan and hope to expand upon it," Wickramarachchi said. "We try to get to areas along the coasts first, like Sea Bright. We have to have the best option to lead people to safety."
According to Brakman, people are alerted 36 hours prior to an evacuation, but the advance warning often does little good.
"We have discovered that even if we give people 36 hour warnings they still wait until the last minute," Brakman said.
Another issue is the added traffic during the evacuation.
"Also, it is not just a family leaving in their cars," Brakman said. "It's families leaving in two or three cars. Nobody wants to leave a car there."
Click here to enlarge
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Plan will give county tools in event of natural disaster
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Monmouth County has unveiled a draft plan for coastal evacuation that takes a comprehensive look at the facilities necessary to move residents safely away from coastal areas.
The yearlong study of coastal evacuation routes prepared for the Monmouth County Planning Board channels residents of coastal communities west, away from coastal areas that would be flooded in the event of a major storm.
The study, conducted by Jacobs Engineering Inc. in cooperation with Reichman Frankle Inc. and Techniquest Engineering, was unveiled at an open house meeting June 2 at the Brookdale Higher Education Learning Center on Broadway in Long Branch.
The purpose of the Coastal Evacuation Routes Study is to evaluate transportation facilities used for evacuation along the New Jersey coastal region east of the Garden State Parkway, to recommend improvements to existing facilities, and to develop new ones where appropriate, according to the study.
"One of Monmouth County's finest assets — its 26 miles of bay coastline — is also a potential liability, as low-lying coastal areas are subject to flooding from wave action and weather, particularly during hurricane events," the study states.
Maps of evacuation routes (l-r) and emergency shelters are included in the coastal evacuation study.
The information can also be used when existing state and local plans are reviewed and updated, such as the county Office of Emergency Management's Emergency Operations Plan.
As outlined on the project website, monmouthcers. com, key objectives of the plan include:
• Collect transportation facility, operations and service network data for 12 critical infrastructure and emergency travel routes (portal facilities) in and around Monmouth County's coastal communities.
• Evaluate the inter-relationship of transportation routes and services and their capacity/ performance limitations, especially during peak seasonal periods.
• Group communities with common transportation routes and encourage them to work collaboratively to identify specific needs, issues and concerns.
• Evaluate potential physical/operational improvements to routes, including a range of transportation technologies.
The listed goals of the study include: to improve coastal routes; identify and address limitations to evacuation routes to ensure their efficiency during emergency situations; and promote awareness of evacuation routes and the evacuation process among residents, tourists, stakeholders and the general public.
Roadway widening, a network of shelters, backup power for traffic signals, evacuation route signs and new bridges are among the $150 million-plus in measures recommended in the study aimed at upgrading the county's plans for evacuation of coastal areas.
The study area includes 41 municipalities located east of the Garden State Parkway and divides the coastal area into three regions: northern, central and southern.
The northern region includes Aberdeen, Keyport, Hazlet, Union Beach, Keansburg, Holmdel, Matawan, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Middletown.
The central region includes Red Bank, Fair Haven, Sea Bright, Rumson, Shrewsbury Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Little Silver, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Eatontown, Tinton Falls, West Long Branch, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Deal, Interlaken, Allenhurst and Loch Arbor.
The southern region encompasses Asbury Park, Avon- by- the- Sea, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Brielle, Belmar, Lake Como, Manasquan, Neptune, Neptune City, Sea Girl, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall.
The study identifies 12 "portal" routes leading west from the coastal region.
The process involved stakeholders and each region was represented by a group with members from each municipality to give feedback on each local need.
A Technical Advisory Committee was also formed to work with the project team members. The TAC included the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Engineers Lakshan Wickramarachchi and Bob Brakman were available to answer questions during the June 2 open house.
"It was a one- year study where we picked routes based on how many people are in the area," Brakman said, adding, "There are three times as many people living here in the summer, so we could see where the worst locations are in the summer."
"We worked extensively with getting information from population studies," Wickramarachchi said. "We recommended physical improvements based on how many people live in the area. I think we were successful."
Information made available at the open house included evacuation routes, suggested road improvements, an estimated cost for each improvement and the lead agency to take on such a job.
For example, the study suggests the widening of Route 520 to create a full shoulder, which would be taken on by the county with an estimated cost of $16.5 million.
Also suggested is an upgrade of signals for wireless controls on Route 36 traffic lights, which would be taken on by the state at a cost of $322,000.
The study also suggests that the state widen Route 36 at the Broad Street intersection, which would cost an estimated $4 million.
The study broke down suggestions into long- , intermediate- and short- term projects and actions to be taken during emergencies.
For example, the suggested widening of Route 520 shoulder is a long- term project, while adding no parking placards is a short- term project.
The draft plan also suggests evacuation routes for coastal residents.
The engineers suggest that travelers in the Northern region take CR-39, CR-56/7, CR- 50/576, SR-36 or CR-8A/12/12A when evacuating and take Routes 520 or 36 or Park Avenue when in the Central zone.
Wickramarachchi explained the goal of the plan.
"This is not an everyday event," Wickramarachchi said. "We wanted a practical plan to get people out to use the resources we have available.
"These are the best ways out that we identified," Wickramarachchi continued. "These roads lead into other main roads in the area."
He added that in evacuating, the suggestion is to work from the coastline out.
"We developed a broad picture plan and hope to expand upon it," Wickramarachchi said. "We try to get to areas along the coasts first, like Sea Bright. We have to have the best option to lead people to safety."
According to Brakman, people are alerted 36 hours prior to an evacuation, but the advance warning often does little good.
"We have discovered that even if we give people 36 hour warnings they still wait until the last minute," Brakman said.
Another issue is the added traffic during the evacuation.
"Also, it is not just a family leaving in their cars," Brakman said. "It's families leaving in two or three cars. Nobody wants to leave a car there."
Click here to enlarge
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Antique clock returns home to Oceanic firehouse
Antique clock returns home to Oceanic firehouse
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
George Sperling (l-r), clock restorer and donator, Albert Mentel, president of the Oceanic Fire Engine Company, and Irven Miller Jr., a member of the fire company, with the vintage clock that was returned to the fire company on May 6. In the background is a photo of Thomas Worthley, the first chief of the Oceanic Company, who was probably the chief at the time of the Eatontown fire.
LONG BRANCH — A vintage clock completed a decades-long journey last month, ending up in the local firehouse where it originally hung more than a century ago.
On May 6, Irven Miller Jr. officially presented the antique timepiece to the Oceanic Fire Engine Company No. 1, the oldest fire company in Long Branch. Miller is a member of the fire company.
The clock was originally given to the Oceanic Company, currently located on Norwood Avenue, after the company responded to a fire in Eatontown in 1892, according to Dan Wilson, a member of the Oceanic Fire Engine Company.
The borough of Eatontown called the company to assist with the fire, and Oceanic Company responded with its Babcock Chemical Pumper.
The clock was presented to the company to thank the members for their help in fighting the fire
According to Wilson, years later the clock was discarded, ending up on a curb at some point in the 1950s, when it was rescued and restored by George Sperling's father.
Sperling, of Eatontown, has been restoring and repairing old clocks with his father for more than 50 years, according to Wilson.
At the fire company's May 6 monthly meeting, the clock was returned to its original owners and Sperling provided some insight into the history of the clock and its restoration.
"Albert Mentel, president of the Oceanic Fire Company Number 1, gratefully accepted the clock and thanked George for the generosity of his gift," Wilson said.
According to Wilson, the clock is currently hanging at the station where it originally was placed, a detail Wilson took care to replicate.
He said that while some members may not appreciate the history surrounding the clock, it's important to keep the clock where it originally was hanging.
"The clock has been missing since apparently the '50s," Wilson said. "So I think the work George has done to restore the clock has been great."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
George Sperling (l-r), clock restorer and donator, Albert Mentel, president of the Oceanic Fire Engine Company, and Irven Miller Jr., a member of the fire company, with the vintage clock that was returned to the fire company on May 6. In the background is a photo of Thomas Worthley, the first chief of the Oceanic Company, who was probably the chief at the time of the Eatontown fire.
LONG BRANCH — A vintage clock completed a decades-long journey last month, ending up in the local firehouse where it originally hung more than a century ago.
On May 6, Irven Miller Jr. officially presented the antique timepiece to the Oceanic Fire Engine Company No. 1, the oldest fire company in Long Branch. Miller is a member of the fire company.
The clock was originally given to the Oceanic Company, currently located on Norwood Avenue, after the company responded to a fire in Eatontown in 1892, according to Dan Wilson, a member of the Oceanic Fire Engine Company.
The borough of Eatontown called the company to assist with the fire, and Oceanic Company responded with its Babcock Chemical Pumper.
The clock was presented to the company to thank the members for their help in fighting the fire
According to Wilson, years later the clock was discarded, ending up on a curb at some point in the 1950s, when it was rescued and restored by George Sperling's father.
Sperling, of Eatontown, has been restoring and repairing old clocks with his father for more than 50 years, according to Wilson.
At the fire company's May 6 monthly meeting, the clock was returned to its original owners and Sperling provided some insight into the history of the clock and its restoration.
"Albert Mentel, president of the Oceanic Fire Company Number 1, gratefully accepted the clock and thanked George for the generosity of his gift," Wilson said.
According to Wilson, the clock is currently hanging at the station where it originally was placed, a detail Wilson took care to replicate.
He said that while some members may not appreciate the history surrounding the clock, it's important to keep the clock where it originally was hanging.
"The clock has been missing since apparently the '50s," Wilson said. "So I think the work George has done to restore the clock has been great."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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Lead-free agreement combats poisoning
Lead-free agreement combats poisoning
Long Branch becomes Model Lead-Safe City
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The City of Long Branch has joined the growing list of New Jersey municipalities to sign an agreement with the New Jersey Public Advocate to aggressively respond to and prevent the problem of childhood lead poisoning.
New Jersey Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen and Mayor Adam Schneider have signed an agreement designating Long Branch as the state's eighth "Model Lead- Safe City." Long Branch approved the agreement last month and Chen recently signed it as well.
"The City of Long Branch is to be commended for its commitment to addressing this serious health concern. This agreement builds on some forward-thinking initiatives that the city already has in place and makes Long Branch a leader in the lead poisoning prevention area," said Chen, who unveiled a report last April that showed that thousands of children in New Jersey are poisoned in their homes every year due to exposure to deteriorating lead-based paint.
According to the Public Advocate's report, the childhood lead poisoning problem was determined to be particularly acute in the state's cities.
In response to the report, Gov. Jon S. Corzine has signed an executive order requiring state departments to tighten their lead poisoning prevention activities.
Long Branch Director of Health David Roach said lead poisoning is always a concern in urban areas with older housing stock.
"Lead-based paint in construction is a national problem," Roach said.
"We don't have an inordinate amount of cases in Long Branch. But when you have housing stock in an urban area, you are at more risk."
Under the Model Lead-Safe City agreement, Long Branch officials committed to take steps to:
• Designate a Lead-Safe City Coordinator, who will head up all efforts related to responding to and preventing lead poisoning;
• Distribute lead poisoning educational materials through city public and private schools;
• Notify residents of a multi-unit building to get a blood lead test when a child is found to be lead poisoned in one unit of that building;
• Review and recommend changes to the existing Lead-Based Paint municipal ordinance to deal with lead hazards; and
• Identify areas in the city where children have elevated blood levels or are not being tested, and initiate corrective actions for the safety of all children living in Long Branch.
Roach explained that two coordinators would be appointed for the program, likely he and Michael Kowal, who also works for the city's health department.
"We are licensed lead inspectors and Monmouth County risk assessors," Roach said.
Because New Jersey has some of the oldest housing stock in the country, lead poisoning remains a challenging public health concern, according to a press release from the Public Advocate's Office.
Long Branch, in particular, is most vulnerable because of the number of pre-1950 housing units in the city. Household paint contained extremely high levels of lead pigments before 1950. Approximately 32 percent of Long Branch's housing stock was built before 1950, and almost 75 percent was built before 1978, the year that lead-based paint was completely banned, the press release states.
The New Jersey Department of the PublicAdvocate conducted a field investigation in late 2007 in five of the New Jersey cities with the highest concentration of lead-poisoned children: Trenton, Camden, Newark, East Orange and Irvington. Together, these five cities accounted for 31 percent of all reported lead poisonings in New Jersey in 2005.
At each of the 104 addresses inspected, one or more children had already been lead poisoned within the past 10 years, and thus were or should have been inspected. Additionally, approximately one-third of the homes had already undergone an abatement.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell. Children may be exposed to it from consumer products through normal hand-to-mouth activity, which is part of their normal development. They often place toys and fingers in their mouth, exposing themselves to lead paint or dust.
Lead, a metallic substance, remains in the environment years after its initial use. It is toxic to the body's tissue and enzymes. Lead poisoning results from exposure to lead in the environment. Even though lead has been banned for decades, it still may be present in homes built prior to 1978 and is most commonly found in chipping or peeling paints, plumbing and surrounding soil. Removing or avoiding lead sources or early detection through blood screening is the best means to prevent lead poisoning. Lead can be removed through proper abatement techniques.
Eliminating exposure to lead poisoning and increasing public awareness about the dangers of lead exposure were also the focus of a summer
fair held in the city last week.
The Monmouth County Health Department partnered with community groups and healthcare organizations to hold "Kickoff the Summer Lead Free" on June 6 in Slocum Park.
"Exposure to lead is dangerous to children and adults and poses negative health effects after prolonged exposure," said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, who oversees the county's Department of Health. "This summer-oriented awareness event will give parents and caregivers the tools to assess and remove lead-based products from their homes and play areas."
The awareness fair offered lead level blood screening for children, information about sources of lead paint in the environment, and dust-wipe kits that parents can use to evaluate the painted surface in their homes.
The county Health Department joined with the Long Branch Health Department, Monmouth Family Health Center, and the Regional Prenatal Consortium of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to organize the event.
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Long Branch becomes Model Lead-Safe City
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The City of Long Branch has joined the growing list of New Jersey municipalities to sign an agreement with the New Jersey Public Advocate to aggressively respond to and prevent the problem of childhood lead poisoning.
New Jersey Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen and Mayor Adam Schneider have signed an agreement designating Long Branch as the state's eighth "Model Lead- Safe City." Long Branch approved the agreement last month and Chen recently signed it as well.
"The City of Long Branch is to be commended for its commitment to addressing this serious health concern. This agreement builds on some forward-thinking initiatives that the city already has in place and makes Long Branch a leader in the lead poisoning prevention area," said Chen, who unveiled a report last April that showed that thousands of children in New Jersey are poisoned in their homes every year due to exposure to deteriorating lead-based paint.
According to the Public Advocate's report, the childhood lead poisoning problem was determined to be particularly acute in the state's cities.
In response to the report, Gov. Jon S. Corzine has signed an executive order requiring state departments to tighten their lead poisoning prevention activities.
Long Branch Director of Health David Roach said lead poisoning is always a concern in urban areas with older housing stock.
"Lead-based paint in construction is a national problem," Roach said.
"We don't have an inordinate amount of cases in Long Branch. But when you have housing stock in an urban area, you are at more risk."
Under the Model Lead-Safe City agreement, Long Branch officials committed to take steps to:
• Designate a Lead-Safe City Coordinator, who will head up all efforts related to responding to and preventing lead poisoning;
• Distribute lead poisoning educational materials through city public and private schools;
• Notify residents of a multi-unit building to get a blood lead test when a child is found to be lead poisoned in one unit of that building;
• Review and recommend changes to the existing Lead-Based Paint municipal ordinance to deal with lead hazards; and
• Identify areas in the city where children have elevated blood levels or are not being tested, and initiate corrective actions for the safety of all children living in Long Branch.
Roach explained that two coordinators would be appointed for the program, likely he and Michael Kowal, who also works for the city's health department.
"We are licensed lead inspectors and Monmouth County risk assessors," Roach said.
Because New Jersey has some of the oldest housing stock in the country, lead poisoning remains a challenging public health concern, according to a press release from the Public Advocate's Office.
Long Branch, in particular, is most vulnerable because of the number of pre-1950 housing units in the city. Household paint contained extremely high levels of lead pigments before 1950. Approximately 32 percent of Long Branch's housing stock was built before 1950, and almost 75 percent was built before 1978, the year that lead-based paint was completely banned, the press release states.
The New Jersey Department of the PublicAdvocate conducted a field investigation in late 2007 in five of the New Jersey cities with the highest concentration of lead-poisoned children: Trenton, Camden, Newark, East Orange and Irvington. Together, these five cities accounted for 31 percent of all reported lead poisonings in New Jersey in 2005.
At each of the 104 addresses inspected, one or more children had already been lead poisoned within the past 10 years, and thus were or should have been inspected. Additionally, approximately one-third of the homes had already undergone an abatement.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell. Children may be exposed to it from consumer products through normal hand-to-mouth activity, which is part of their normal development. They often place toys and fingers in their mouth, exposing themselves to lead paint or dust.
Lead, a metallic substance, remains in the environment years after its initial use. It is toxic to the body's tissue and enzymes. Lead poisoning results from exposure to lead in the environment. Even though lead has been banned for decades, it still may be present in homes built prior to 1978 and is most commonly found in chipping or peeling paints, plumbing and surrounding soil. Removing or avoiding lead sources or early detection through blood screening is the best means to prevent lead poisoning. Lead can be removed through proper abatement techniques.
Eliminating exposure to lead poisoning and increasing public awareness about the dangers of lead exposure were also the focus of a summer
fair held in the city last week.
The Monmouth County Health Department partnered with community groups and healthcare organizations to hold "Kickoff the Summer Lead Free" on June 6 in Slocum Park.
"Exposure to lead is dangerous to children and adults and poses negative health effects after prolonged exposure," said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, who oversees the county's Department of Health. "This summer-oriented awareness event will give parents and caregivers the tools to assess and remove lead-based products from their homes and play areas."
The awareness fair offered lead level blood screening for children, information about sources of lead paint in the environment, and dust-wipe kits that parents can use to evaluate the painted surface in their homes.
The county Health Department joined with the Long Branch Health Department, Monmouth Family Health Center, and the Regional Prenatal Consortium of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to organize the event.
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A day to share smiles and some waves
A day to share smiles and some waves
Life Rolls On returns to Long Branch June 28
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
SCOTT FRIEDMAN Volunteers wait for the right wave to launch Ronald Moore, of Providence, at the Life Rolls On event in Long Branch June 22, 2008.
LONG BRANCH — People with limited mobility will enjoy a day of surfing at the Jersey Shore June 28 when The Life Rolls On Foundation holds its annual "They Will Surf Again" [TWSA] event at Pier Village in Long Branch.
"This is an amazing event to participate in or just watch," event coordinator Joe Levy said. "This event is about community and lending a hand.
"It's about sharing smiles and sharing some waves while swallowing some nice salty Jersey Shore water."
According to the foundation's website, TWSA is an event created for people with spinal cord injuries.
"Injured athletes from around the country gather together for a day of surfing. Some have not surfed since their injury, some have never surfed, some surf all the time despite their varying mobility," the site states.
"The participants have varying degrees of mobility," Levy explained. "Their injuries come from car accidents to motocross, to falls when they were little.
"They are all amazing individuals who have both my and the foundation's utmost respect. To the participants, smile, pray for surf, have an awesome day.
"This event shows how connected we all are to spinal cord injuries and stem cell research," he continued. "We all know someone who is in some way affected by this problem.
"The event improves the quality of life for those suffering from these issues. Without teams and volunteers of this magnitude, people suffering from SCI [spinal cord injury] would otherwise have no opportunity to get in the water, never mind surf a wave."
California-based Life Rolls On has held TWSA events across the country including California, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia and New Jersey.
This will be the 24th event held since 2004 and the second consecutive year the program will take place in Long Branch.
"This will be the second TWSA event in the Northeast," he said. "We are following much of the same format as last year. It will be a little bigger in production and hopefully a tad bit bigger waves."
Levy said that the reaction in Long Branch has been positive for the foundation.
"The reception is amazing," he said. "The recreation department, the police, lifeguard and beach crews are just fantastic. Pier Village also helps out in promotion, and it's just a great place to spend the day, surfing or not."
According to Levy, after registration is completed, teams will be made and the first ride is expected to go off around 9:30 a.m.
"We should hopefully have two or three surfers in the water at each break depending on the swell that day," he said.
"Smiles, laughter, cheers and adrenaline start around 9:30 a.m. with the first ride of the day."
Levy expects there will be between 25 and 30 surfers along with about 150 volunteers, roughly a seven- to 10-to-one volunteer to surfer ration.
Levy explained that the event is built on the work of the volunteers.
"LRO and TWSA would not exist without volunteers," he said. "It's a long day and can be physically challenging for those pitching in but it can also be one of the most rewarding days of your life."
An event like this is not without its challenges, he acknowledged.
"There are a lot of moving pieces that need to be coordinated as far as the town, the sponsors, volunteers and participants," he said. "The event and end result are worth any challenges."
Levy explained that funding for the event comes from sponsors and also from some grants.
"The event and organization has volunteers and sponsors that handle a lot of the equipment for the event," Levy said. "Sponsors for the events come through private companies both surf- related and not.
"Food, drinks, etc. are all donated as well as tons of giveaways and raffles. Spinal cord injury grants also add to some funding."
TWSA is the flagship event for LRO, but the foundation has also held several golf events this year, as well as its first skiing event in California this year.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the website at http://www.liferollson.org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Life Rolls On returns to Long Branch June 28
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
SCOTT FRIEDMAN Volunteers wait for the right wave to launch Ronald Moore, of Providence, at the Life Rolls On event in Long Branch June 22, 2008.
LONG BRANCH — People with limited mobility will enjoy a day of surfing at the Jersey Shore June 28 when The Life Rolls On Foundation holds its annual "They Will Surf Again" [TWSA] event at Pier Village in Long Branch.
"This is an amazing event to participate in or just watch," event coordinator Joe Levy said. "This event is about community and lending a hand.
"It's about sharing smiles and sharing some waves while swallowing some nice salty Jersey Shore water."
According to the foundation's website, TWSA is an event created for people with spinal cord injuries.
"Injured athletes from around the country gather together for a day of surfing. Some have not surfed since their injury, some have never surfed, some surf all the time despite their varying mobility," the site states.
"The participants have varying degrees of mobility," Levy explained. "Their injuries come from car accidents to motocross, to falls when they were little.
"They are all amazing individuals who have both my and the foundation's utmost respect. To the participants, smile, pray for surf, have an awesome day.
"This event shows how connected we all are to spinal cord injuries and stem cell research," he continued. "We all know someone who is in some way affected by this problem.
"The event improves the quality of life for those suffering from these issues. Without teams and volunteers of this magnitude, people suffering from SCI [spinal cord injury] would otherwise have no opportunity to get in the water, never mind surf a wave."
California-based Life Rolls On has held TWSA events across the country including California, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia and New Jersey.
This will be the 24th event held since 2004 and the second consecutive year the program will take place in Long Branch.
"This will be the second TWSA event in the Northeast," he said. "We are following much of the same format as last year. It will be a little bigger in production and hopefully a tad bit bigger waves."
Levy said that the reaction in Long Branch has been positive for the foundation.
"The reception is amazing," he said. "The recreation department, the police, lifeguard and beach crews are just fantastic. Pier Village also helps out in promotion, and it's just a great place to spend the day, surfing or not."
According to Levy, after registration is completed, teams will be made and the first ride is expected to go off around 9:30 a.m.
"We should hopefully have two or three surfers in the water at each break depending on the swell that day," he said.
"Smiles, laughter, cheers and adrenaline start around 9:30 a.m. with the first ride of the day."
Levy expects there will be between 25 and 30 surfers along with about 150 volunteers, roughly a seven- to 10-to-one volunteer to surfer ration.
Levy explained that the event is built on the work of the volunteers.
"LRO and TWSA would not exist without volunteers," he said. "It's a long day and can be physically challenging for those pitching in but it can also be one of the most rewarding days of your life."
An event like this is not without its challenges, he acknowledged.
"There are a lot of moving pieces that need to be coordinated as far as the town, the sponsors, volunteers and participants," he said. "The event and end result are worth any challenges."
Levy explained that funding for the event comes from sponsors and also from some grants.
"The event and organization has volunteers and sponsors that handle a lot of the equipment for the event," Levy said. "Sponsors for the events come through private companies both surf- related and not.
"Food, drinks, etc. are all donated as well as tons of giveaways and raffles. Spinal cord injury grants also add to some funding."
TWSA is the flagship event for LRO, but the foundation has also held several golf events this year, as well as its first skiing event in California this year.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the website at http://www.liferollson.org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Oceanport asks for $1M more for creek cleanup
Oceanport asks for $1M more for creek cleanup
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEANPORT — Mayor Michael Mahon has requested $1 million in federal appropriations to dredge the Branchport Creek and remove fecal contamination.
Mahon made the request in a letter addressed to Rep. Rush Holt (D-6th District), seeking support in obtaining this special appropriation.
"As you know, the Borough of Oceanport has partnered with Monmouth Park racetrack and its operator the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) to end the runoff of contaminated storm water into Branchport Creek," the letter states.
The letter states that in October 2008, the borough of Oceanport's governing body agreed to seek funding as a conduit borrower from the N.J. Environmental Infrastructure Trust on behalf of the NJSEA.
"Since that time, the governing body has continued the application process and is currently seeking $22 million in low-interest loans to support the storm-water management solution under design for Monmouth Park," the letter states.
A new plan to end the pollution of Branchport Creek outlined last month calls for measures including detention basins, vegetative fields, and a pumping station at Monmouth Park in Oceanport.
On May 11, officials with the racetrack and the NJSEA held a town hall-style meeting at Oceanport Borough Hall to unveil plans to reduce the amount of storm water from Monmouth Park that enters Branchport Creek.
The proposed upgrades call for the construction of a roughly 4-acre detention basin, a pump station, and a series of drainage piping that could reduce the amount of contaminated runoff from the horse track to virtually zero.
"The objectives ultimately are to improve the water quality of the Branchport Creek and to assure that the track complies with a permit requirement the DEP [state Department of Environmental Protection] has for concentrated animal feeding operations," explained Brian McPeak, an engineer with the Warrenbased PS&S Integrated Design and Engineering, the engineering firm that is handling the design and implementation of the project.
Mahon's letter said, "The cleanup of the river bed can't be left for Mother Nature alone. Funding must be provided to complete the dredging of Branchport Creek beyond the Branchport Avenue bridge to the west side immediately adjacent to Monmouth Park."
Mahon stated that state funding is essential for this project to be successful.
"Federal dollars are a critical resource that must fill the gap in state funding," Mahon continued.
Mahon also called on Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th District) as well as Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Melendez to support the additional $1 million to supplement the current appropriation, which is $4.2 million, and to dedicate new dollars to the creek.
According to Oceanport Councilman Joseph Irace, the $4.2 million is federal stimulus money and is to be used to dredge the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers.
Plans for the storm-water system improvement project call for the construction of an improved storm-sewer system to collect runoff from the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) areas; the construction of a pumping station to convey the collected waters to a detention basin; the construction of a vegetated detention basin that will have the ability to hold 7.8 million gallons of water and feature 2.7 acres of constructed wetlands; and the construction of a force main to convey the detained water from the basin to the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority (TRWRA) up to a maximum of 500,000 gallons of water a day.
The improvement project will be broken down into a four-phase plan that will be implemented over a four-year period and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2012.
The first phase of the roughly $22 million project has already begun and has seen gutters placed on the roofs of the majority of the structures around the park property, including the backstretch area where the horse stalls are located.
According to Don Sharp, the lead engineer with PS&S on the project, runoff from the roofs of the park's structures is considered clean and can be released into the creek without fear of it contaminating the waters.
However, that water is currently collected with the same contaminated water as the rest of the park. With the addition of gutters on the park structures, the water will now be able to be separated from the park's contaminated water and can be sent out to the creek.
In addition to the separation of the roof runoff from the contaminated water, the first phase also includes upgrades to the park's drainage pipe connection with TRWRA.
The Branchport Creek, which runs between Oceanport and Long Branch, is a tributary of the Shrewsbury River. The river meets the Navesink River before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Mahon, the borough has been participating with the Two River Council of Mayors in seeking to dredge the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers. Branchport Creek would be included in this project.
Staff Writer Dan Howley contributed to this story.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEANPORT — Mayor Michael Mahon has requested $1 million in federal appropriations to dredge the Branchport Creek and remove fecal contamination.
Mahon made the request in a letter addressed to Rep. Rush Holt (D-6th District), seeking support in obtaining this special appropriation.
"As you know, the Borough of Oceanport has partnered with Monmouth Park racetrack and its operator the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) to end the runoff of contaminated storm water into Branchport Creek," the letter states.
The letter states that in October 2008, the borough of Oceanport's governing body agreed to seek funding as a conduit borrower from the N.J. Environmental Infrastructure Trust on behalf of the NJSEA.
"Since that time, the governing body has continued the application process and is currently seeking $22 million in low-interest loans to support the storm-water management solution under design for Monmouth Park," the letter states.
A new plan to end the pollution of Branchport Creek outlined last month calls for measures including detention basins, vegetative fields, and a pumping station at Monmouth Park in Oceanport.
On May 11, officials with the racetrack and the NJSEA held a town hall-style meeting at Oceanport Borough Hall to unveil plans to reduce the amount of storm water from Monmouth Park that enters Branchport Creek.
The proposed upgrades call for the construction of a roughly 4-acre detention basin, a pump station, and a series of drainage piping that could reduce the amount of contaminated runoff from the horse track to virtually zero.
"The objectives ultimately are to improve the water quality of the Branchport Creek and to assure that the track complies with a permit requirement the DEP [state Department of Environmental Protection] has for concentrated animal feeding operations," explained Brian McPeak, an engineer with the Warrenbased PS&S Integrated Design and Engineering, the engineering firm that is handling the design and implementation of the project.
Mahon's letter said, "The cleanup of the river bed can't be left for Mother Nature alone. Funding must be provided to complete the dredging of Branchport Creek beyond the Branchport Avenue bridge to the west side immediately adjacent to Monmouth Park."
Mahon stated that state funding is essential for this project to be successful.
"Federal dollars are a critical resource that must fill the gap in state funding," Mahon continued.
Mahon also called on Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th District) as well as Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Melendez to support the additional $1 million to supplement the current appropriation, which is $4.2 million, and to dedicate new dollars to the creek.
According to Oceanport Councilman Joseph Irace, the $4.2 million is federal stimulus money and is to be used to dredge the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers.
Plans for the storm-water system improvement project call for the construction of an improved storm-sewer system to collect runoff from the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) areas; the construction of a pumping station to convey the collected waters to a detention basin; the construction of a vegetated detention basin that will have the ability to hold 7.8 million gallons of water and feature 2.7 acres of constructed wetlands; and the construction of a force main to convey the detained water from the basin to the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority (TRWRA) up to a maximum of 500,000 gallons of water a day.
The improvement project will be broken down into a four-phase plan that will be implemented over a four-year period and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2012.
The first phase of the roughly $22 million project has already begun and has seen gutters placed on the roofs of the majority of the structures around the park property, including the backstretch area where the horse stalls are located.
According to Don Sharp, the lead engineer with PS&S on the project, runoff from the roofs of the park's structures is considered clean and can be released into the creek without fear of it contaminating the waters.
However, that water is currently collected with the same contaminated water as the rest of the park. With the addition of gutters on the park structures, the water will now be able to be separated from the park's contaminated water and can be sent out to the creek.
In addition to the separation of the roof runoff from the contaminated water, the first phase also includes upgrades to the park's drainage pipe connection with TRWRA.
The Branchport Creek, which runs between Oceanport and Long Branch, is a tributary of the Shrewsbury River. The river meets the Navesink River before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Mahon, the borough has been participating with the Two River Council of Mayors in seeking to dredge the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers. Branchport Creek would be included in this project.
Staff Writer Dan Howley contributed to this story.
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New superintendent named at Monmouth Regional H.S.
New superintendent named at Monmouth Regional H.S.
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — Monmouth Regional High School will have a new superintendent on July 1.
The Monmouth Regional Board of Education approved the hiring of Charles Ford at the May 5 board meeting.
Ford currently serves as principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in South Plainfield and will take over for current superintendent James Cleary, who announced his retirement in January.
"I sent in my retirement paperwork in January of 2009," Cleary said recently. "My last day is June 30."
Ford has served as Roosevelt principal for the past four years and previously served as an assistant principal at South Plainfield High School for a year, assistant principal in Irvington for three years, and as a third- and fifth-grade teacher.
Cleary has been with the district for 17 years, having served the last three and a half years as superintendent.
"I have fulfilled my three-and-a-half-year contract," Cleary said. "I have been a part of this district for 17 years as a business administrator, assistant superintendent, and the last three and a half years as the superintendent."
According to Cleary, the school board interviewed a number of candidates.
"After I submitted my retirement, the school board advertised for my vacancy," Cleary said. "They screened résumés, interviewed candidates and brought back candidates for a second round of interviews.
"They brought back finalists for the job and … hired Mr. Ford."
According to Ford, he interviewed in front of the Board of Education twice for the position.
Ford said he researched the district before deciding to apply for the job.
"I did my research," Ford said. "I spoke with some parents who sent kids to the district. I looked into the diversity of the district and decided that I had interest in coming here."
Monmouth Regional currently educates 1,140 students in grades nine through 12 who reside in Tinton Falls, Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township.
Prior to his tenure at Monmouth Regional, Cleary was a principal in the Farmingdale Public School District for five years. His career includes experience as a basic skills coordinator, testing coordinator and classroom teacher. He has taught English, math, compensatory education and English as a Second Language.
Cleary holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Monmouth University, West Long Branch.
He said that Ford would inherit a positive situation at Monmouth Regional.
"I wish him the very best," Cleary said. "We have a great student body, an exceptional staff and administration, and a very wise Board of Ed.
"Monmouth Regional should be strong and steady as they move into the future."
Ford agreed that the district's future is bright.
"I think that the district is moving forward," Ford said. "I hope to move forward with the district and to bring 21st-century educational methods into the district.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to work with a good group of students and to make everyone view the district as a good place to send their children to," he added.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — Monmouth Regional High School will have a new superintendent on July 1.
The Monmouth Regional Board of Education approved the hiring of Charles Ford at the May 5 board meeting.
Ford currently serves as principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in South Plainfield and will take over for current superintendent James Cleary, who announced his retirement in January.
"I sent in my retirement paperwork in January of 2009," Cleary said recently. "My last day is June 30."
Ford has served as Roosevelt principal for the past four years and previously served as an assistant principal at South Plainfield High School for a year, assistant principal in Irvington for three years, and as a third- and fifth-grade teacher.
Cleary has been with the district for 17 years, having served the last three and a half years as superintendent.
"I have fulfilled my three-and-a-half-year contract," Cleary said. "I have been a part of this district for 17 years as a business administrator, assistant superintendent, and the last three and a half years as the superintendent."
According to Cleary, the school board interviewed a number of candidates.
"After I submitted my retirement, the school board advertised for my vacancy," Cleary said. "They screened résumés, interviewed candidates and brought back candidates for a second round of interviews.
"They brought back finalists for the job and … hired Mr. Ford."
According to Ford, he interviewed in front of the Board of Education twice for the position.
Ford said he researched the district before deciding to apply for the job.
"I did my research," Ford said. "I spoke with some parents who sent kids to the district. I looked into the diversity of the district and decided that I had interest in coming here."
Monmouth Regional currently educates 1,140 students in grades nine through 12 who reside in Tinton Falls, Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township.
Prior to his tenure at Monmouth Regional, Cleary was a principal in the Farmingdale Public School District for five years. His career includes experience as a basic skills coordinator, testing coordinator and classroom teacher. He has taught English, math, compensatory education and English as a Second Language.
Cleary holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Monmouth University, West Long Branch.
He said that Ford would inherit a positive situation at Monmouth Regional.
"I wish him the very best," Cleary said. "We have a great student body, an exceptional staff and administration, and a very wise Board of Ed.
"Monmouth Regional should be strong and steady as they move into the future."
Ford agreed that the district's future is bright.
"I think that the district is moving forward," Ford said. "I hope to move forward with the district and to bring 21st-century educational methods into the district.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to work with a good group of students and to make everyone view the district as a good place to send their children to," he added.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Monday, July 20, 2009
City ends wait, adopts historical ordinance
City ends wait, adopts historical ordinance
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Members of Long Branch's preservation community didn't have much time to celebrate the adoption of a historical preservation ordinance last week before attending a presentation on a museum looking for a home in the city.
The City Council, with three members present, finally adopted a historical preservation ordinance that establishes a Historic Preservation Advisory Commission on May 26.
Councilmen Brian Unger and David Brown, as well as Councilwoman Mary Jane Celli, acting as council president, voted to pass the ordinance. Council President Michael DeStefano and Councilman Anthony Giordano were absent from the meeting.
Unger has been pushing for approval of the ordinance since August 2007 and said, "I have been thrilled to be a part of this process."
"Council worked hard on this," Brown said. "There were some problems that we ironed out."
"I have been thrilled to be a part of this process," Unger said, adding that he wasn't always confident that the ordinance would ever get to this point.
"There were times when we thought it wouldn't ever move forward," Unger said.
"I was the fly in the ointment," Celli said. "I was the holdup. I'm not going to say it's perfect, but bottom line, it did get passed; it took over a year."
Beth Woolley, trustee for the Long Branch Historical Society and a supporter of the ordinance, said, "It's not a perfect ordinance, and I'm sure as time goes on it will be revised, but it's a wonderful start.
"Long Branch still has so many beautiful historic structures with a wealth of history behind them. Hopefully, this ordinance will highlight them so that they can be appreciated and protected."
The following evening, the Long Branch Historical Association (LBHA) held its monthly meeting, where discussion on the ordinance continued.
The historical association meeting featured a presentation by Unger and Mark Richardson, chairman of the Atlantic Surfing Museum, currently located in New Hampshire.
The presentation dealt with the possibility of relocating the museum to Long Branch and turning one of the three buildings on the site of the former United States Life Saving Station No. 5, which became the Takanassee Beach Club, into a museum.
"The idea we have is a surfing/maritime/ lifesaving museum," Richardson said, adding that the museum might include lifesaving crafts, oars, vintage photos and memorabilia from the surfing community.
"We are incorporated, and we are looking for a location," Richardson said. "Quite frankly, we think it could be a good match."
Unger said the idea is a fitting one for the historical site, which has been purchased by a developer and is scheduled to be developed. Tentative plans call for relocating two of the three buildings on the site."
Takanassee has a great history. We should definitely commemorate it in some way," Unger said.
According to Unger, nothing is official, but the Port Huron building is the building being talked about as a potential site for a museum. He explained that there are three possible locations for the building: Hooey Park, the Jackson Woods site in North Long Branch, and the lot adjacent to the Church of the Seven Presidents, which was suggested by a resident.
"I think the second best thing is that if it can't be on the ocean, it should be on Ocean Avenue," Unger said. "And since we have to place one of the structures, we thought why not try to keep it in Long Branch."
Richardson said he believes that building a surfing museum would be a good way to preserve the historic nature of the building.
"I certainly believe in preservation. I certainly believe in finding alternative uses once they can no longer be used in their primary functions," he said.
One of the draws to Long Branch, Richardson said, is that the museum will
be a year-round attraction.
"You are looking for it to be a yearround draw," Richardson said. "Here you're trying to revitalize your waterfront area and make it an attraction for yearround, and we're hoping to be a part of that to bring year-round dollars into your community."
Locating the museum in Long Branch would be an attraction for both residents and vacationers, he said.
"There are a lot of people who are drawn to the ocean or drawn to the area, so you're looking for the vacationer, you're looking for somebody who comes here on a regular basis."
During the LBHA meeting, there was some further discussion on the approval of the historical preservation ordinance that took place the previous evening. Unger gave a summary of what the ordinance actually does.
"The first thing it does is create a commission of seven members appointed by the City Council, with two alternates appointed by the mayor, who are authorized to create a list of historic properties. And then if the property owner wants to register his or her property, they are permitted to do so. It's voluntary at this point by the property owner," he explained.
Celli said that anyone interested in joining the historical commission can apply through the Long Branch website.
"I'm making the pitch now to anyone interested in being on the historical board: you submit a résumé to the city clerk," she said. "If you're interested, go to our website. It's under boards and committees."
She also said that the ordinance does not become law until 20 days after its adoption.
Unger explained that once an owner volunteers a property to be on the list, it is subject to certain regulations.
"It is subject to rules in terms of changing the façade, bulldozing it, and certain rules and regulations that are appropriate to a truly historic structure."
The ordinance defines the goals of the advisory commission and lists specific goals, which include encouraging the continued use of historical landmarks and discouraging demolition of the city's historical and architecturally significant buildings.
The responsibilities of the commission include preparing and maintaining preservation guidelines, reviewing applications that affect the historical properties, and preparing an inventory of historical sites and landmarks.
Celli explained some of her concerns with the ordinance.
"My reservation about it is that there is no money in the budget for a commission," she said, adding that funding might come in the future.
"Now, that doesn't mean we can't transfer funds, but we can't do that until November, so already there is a $5,500 bill against a commission that is not even incorporated yet."
Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider said at the City Council meeting that the next step is to appoint the commission, before worrying about funding.
"Let's get the commission appointed and go from there," Schneider said.
Celli also rattled off a few other issues she had with the ordinance.
"The ordinance, the way I look at it, is much too long," she said. "I think it could have been cut down; it wasn't.
"I had a problem with the historic districts. When you say 'district,' to me it means cluster of things, and I didn't care for that," she added.
But Unger explained that there are no immediate plans to create historic districts in Long Branch.
"There are no historic districts," he said at the LBHA meeting. "The attorney said, 'Leave the language; even though you're not going to designate any historic districts, you might want to do so in the future.' "
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Members of Long Branch's preservation community didn't have much time to celebrate the adoption of a historical preservation ordinance last week before attending a presentation on a museum looking for a home in the city.
The City Council, with three members present, finally adopted a historical preservation ordinance that establishes a Historic Preservation Advisory Commission on May 26.
Councilmen Brian Unger and David Brown, as well as Councilwoman Mary Jane Celli, acting as council president, voted to pass the ordinance. Council President Michael DeStefano and Councilman Anthony Giordano were absent from the meeting.
Unger has been pushing for approval of the ordinance since August 2007 and said, "I have been thrilled to be a part of this process."
"Council worked hard on this," Brown said. "There were some problems that we ironed out."
"I have been thrilled to be a part of this process," Unger said, adding that he wasn't always confident that the ordinance would ever get to this point.
"There were times when we thought it wouldn't ever move forward," Unger said.
"I was the fly in the ointment," Celli said. "I was the holdup. I'm not going to say it's perfect, but bottom line, it did get passed; it took over a year."
Beth Woolley, trustee for the Long Branch Historical Society and a supporter of the ordinance, said, "It's not a perfect ordinance, and I'm sure as time goes on it will be revised, but it's a wonderful start.
"Long Branch still has so many beautiful historic structures with a wealth of history behind them. Hopefully, this ordinance will highlight them so that they can be appreciated and protected."
The following evening, the Long Branch Historical Association (LBHA) held its monthly meeting, where discussion on the ordinance continued.
The historical association meeting featured a presentation by Unger and Mark Richardson, chairman of the Atlantic Surfing Museum, currently located in New Hampshire.
The presentation dealt with the possibility of relocating the museum to Long Branch and turning one of the three buildings on the site of the former United States Life Saving Station No. 5, which became the Takanassee Beach Club, into a museum.
"The idea we have is a surfing/maritime/ lifesaving museum," Richardson said, adding that the museum might include lifesaving crafts, oars, vintage photos and memorabilia from the surfing community.
"We are incorporated, and we are looking for a location," Richardson said. "Quite frankly, we think it could be a good match."
Unger said the idea is a fitting one for the historical site, which has been purchased by a developer and is scheduled to be developed. Tentative plans call for relocating two of the three buildings on the site."
Takanassee has a great history. We should definitely commemorate it in some way," Unger said.
According to Unger, nothing is official, but the Port Huron building is the building being talked about as a potential site for a museum. He explained that there are three possible locations for the building: Hooey Park, the Jackson Woods site in North Long Branch, and the lot adjacent to the Church of the Seven Presidents, which was suggested by a resident.
"I think the second best thing is that if it can't be on the ocean, it should be on Ocean Avenue," Unger said. "And since we have to place one of the structures, we thought why not try to keep it in Long Branch."
Richardson said he believes that building a surfing museum would be a good way to preserve the historic nature of the building.
"I certainly believe in preservation. I certainly believe in finding alternative uses once they can no longer be used in their primary functions," he said.
One of the draws to Long Branch, Richardson said, is that the museum will
be a year-round attraction.
"You are looking for it to be a yearround draw," Richardson said. "Here you're trying to revitalize your waterfront area and make it an attraction for yearround, and we're hoping to be a part of that to bring year-round dollars into your community."
Locating the museum in Long Branch would be an attraction for both residents and vacationers, he said.
"There are a lot of people who are drawn to the ocean or drawn to the area, so you're looking for the vacationer, you're looking for somebody who comes here on a regular basis."
During the LBHA meeting, there was some further discussion on the approval of the historical preservation ordinance that took place the previous evening. Unger gave a summary of what the ordinance actually does.
"The first thing it does is create a commission of seven members appointed by the City Council, with two alternates appointed by the mayor, who are authorized to create a list of historic properties. And then if the property owner wants to register his or her property, they are permitted to do so. It's voluntary at this point by the property owner," he explained.
Celli said that anyone interested in joining the historical commission can apply through the Long Branch website.
"I'm making the pitch now to anyone interested in being on the historical board: you submit a résumé to the city clerk," she said. "If you're interested, go to our website. It's under boards and committees."
She also said that the ordinance does not become law until 20 days after its adoption.
Unger explained that once an owner volunteers a property to be on the list, it is subject to certain regulations.
"It is subject to rules in terms of changing the façade, bulldozing it, and certain rules and regulations that are appropriate to a truly historic structure."
The ordinance defines the goals of the advisory commission and lists specific goals, which include encouraging the continued use of historical landmarks and discouraging demolition of the city's historical and architecturally significant buildings.
The responsibilities of the commission include preparing and maintaining preservation guidelines, reviewing applications that affect the historical properties, and preparing an inventory of historical sites and landmarks.
Celli explained some of her concerns with the ordinance.
"My reservation about it is that there is no money in the budget for a commission," she said, adding that funding might come in the future.
"Now, that doesn't mean we can't transfer funds, but we can't do that until November, so already there is a $5,500 bill against a commission that is not even incorporated yet."
Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider said at the City Council meeting that the next step is to appoint the commission, before worrying about funding.
"Let's get the commission appointed and go from there," Schneider said.
Celli also rattled off a few other issues she had with the ordinance.
"The ordinance, the way I look at it, is much too long," she said. "I think it could have been cut down; it wasn't.
"I had a problem with the historic districts. When you say 'district,' to me it means cluster of things, and I didn't care for that," she added.
But Unger explained that there are no immediate plans to create historic districts in Long Branch.
"There are no historic districts," he said at the LBHA meeting. "The attorney said, 'Leave the language; even though you're not going to designate any historic districts, you might want to do so in the future.' "
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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Sunday, July 19, 2009
New superintendent named at Monmouth Regional H.S.
New superintendent named at Monmouth Regional H.S.
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — Monmouth Regional High School will have a new superintendent on July 1.
The Monmouth Regional High School Board of Education approved the hiring of Charles Ford at the May 5 board meeting.
Ford currently serves as principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in South Plainfield and will take over for current Superintendent James Cleary, who announced his retirement in January.
"I sent in my retirement paperwork in January of 2009," Cleary said recently. "My last day is June 30."
Ford has served as Roosevelt principal for the past four years and previously served as an assistant principal at South Plainfield High School for a year, assistant principal in Irvington for three years, and as a third- and fifthgrade teacher.
Cleary has been with the district for 17 years, having served the last three and a half years as superintendent.
"I have fulfilled my three-and-a-halfyear contract," Cleary said. "I have been a part of this district for 17 years as a business administrator, assistant superintendent, and the last three and a half years as the superintendent."
According to Cleary, the school board interviewed a number of candidates.
"After I submitted my retirement, the school board advertised for my vacancy," Cleary said. "They screened résumés, interviewed candidates and brought back candidates for a second round of interviews.
"They brought back finalists for the job and … hired Mr. Ford."
According to Ford, he interviewed in front of the Board of Education twice for the position.
Ford said he researched the district before deciding to apply for the job.
"I did my research," Ford said. "I spoke with some parents who sent kids to the district. I looked into the diversity of the district and decided that I had interest in coming here."
Monmouth Regional currently educates 1,140 students in grades nine through 12 who reside in Tinton Falls, Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township.
Prior to his tenure at Monmouth Regional, Cleary was a principal in the Farmingdale Public School District for five years. His career includes experience as a basic skills coordinator, testing coordinator and classroom teacher. He has taught English, math, compensatory education and English as a Second Language.
Cleary holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Monmouth University, West Long Branch.
He said that Ford would inherit a positive situation at Monmouth Regional.
"I wish him the very best," Cleary said. "We have a great student body, an exceptional staff and administration, and a very wise Board of Ed.
"Monmouth Regional should be strong and steady as they move into the future."
Ford agreed that the district's future is bright.
"I think that the district is moving forward," Ford said. "I hope to move forward with the district and to bring 21st-century educational methods into the district.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to work with a good group of students and to make everyone view the district as a good place to send their children to," he added.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — Monmouth Regional High School will have a new superintendent on July 1.
The Monmouth Regional High School Board of Education approved the hiring of Charles Ford at the May 5 board meeting.
Ford currently serves as principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in South Plainfield and will take over for current Superintendent James Cleary, who announced his retirement in January.
"I sent in my retirement paperwork in January of 2009," Cleary said recently. "My last day is June 30."
Ford has served as Roosevelt principal for the past four years and previously served as an assistant principal at South Plainfield High School for a year, assistant principal in Irvington for three years, and as a third- and fifthgrade teacher.
Cleary has been with the district for 17 years, having served the last three and a half years as superintendent.
"I have fulfilled my three-and-a-halfyear contract," Cleary said. "I have been a part of this district for 17 years as a business administrator, assistant superintendent, and the last three and a half years as the superintendent."
According to Cleary, the school board interviewed a number of candidates.
"After I submitted my retirement, the school board advertised for my vacancy," Cleary said. "They screened résumés, interviewed candidates and brought back candidates for a second round of interviews.
"They brought back finalists for the job and … hired Mr. Ford."
According to Ford, he interviewed in front of the Board of Education twice for the position.
Ford said he researched the district before deciding to apply for the job.
"I did my research," Ford said. "I spoke with some parents who sent kids to the district. I looked into the diversity of the district and decided that I had interest in coming here."
Monmouth Regional currently educates 1,140 students in grades nine through 12 who reside in Tinton Falls, Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township.
Prior to his tenure at Monmouth Regional, Cleary was a principal in the Farmingdale Public School District for five years. His career includes experience as a basic skills coordinator, testing coordinator and classroom teacher. He has taught English, math, compensatory education and English as a Second Language.
Cleary holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Monmouth University, West Long Branch.
He said that Ford would inherit a positive situation at Monmouth Regional.
"I wish him the very best," Cleary said. "We have a great student body, an exceptional staff and administration, and a very wise Board of Ed.
"Monmouth Regional should be strong and steady as they move into the future."
Ford agreed that the district's future is bright.
"I think that the district is moving forward," Ford said. "I hope to move forward with the district and to bring 21st-century educational methods into the district.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to work with a good group of students and to make everyone view the district as a good place to send their children to," he added.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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O'port budget on hold pending state review
O'port budget on hold pending state review
$6.8M plan calls for 1.9-cent tax rate hike
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEANPORT — The Borough Council held a public hearing on the municipal budget May 21 but was unable to adopt the spending plan due to a delay at the state level.
"The state hasn't had time to look at our budget, so we are not at liberty to vote on the budget," explained Councilman Joseph Irace, who made a presentation on the budget.
The borough's proposed $6.8 million spending plan calls for a $4,867,949 tax levy, an increase of 6.67 percent from last year.
If approved, the budget would result in a property tax increase of 1.9 cents per $100 of property valuation, to 35.9 cents per $100.
Irace said borough officials did the best they could to keep taxes down.
"While none of us want to see taxes increase, when we sat down as a committee, we knew this was going to be a tough year. While we're up, we're not happy about being up; we are comfortable we've done the best we can with the hand we are dealt."
Irace broke down how the impact of the increases will affect homeowners.
"A home that's accessed at $575,000 will see a municipal tax increase of $109.25 [per year]," Irace said. "A home accessed at $500,000 will see a $95 increase.
"And a home accessed at $750,000 will see an increase of $142.50," he added.
Irace acknowledged that Oceanport residents are paying high taxes, but said that most of the tax bill is due to the county and the schools.
"Only 24.1 percent of that tax bill is what this municipal body does," Irace said. "Most of what you see in your tax bill, almost 57 percent, is from the schools and 20 or so percent is from the county."
Irace went over the three main factors that led to the 1.9-cent tax rate increase.
"One, you see decreased revenue from investment income. That's down over $100,000," he said, "and that's due to lower interest rates.
"Permit and application fees are down almost $10,000," he added. "Obviously similar reasons: less building, less permit fees, less revenue to the borough.
"Thirdly, an additional loss of state aid: we lost an additional $17,500 this year. That's on top of $131,000 and change that we lost last year."
The borough will receive $682,399 in state aid this year.
Irace discussed some of the line items that increased in this year's budget over last year.
"Insurance last year was $800,000 and this year it's $900,000," Irace said. "Utilities are up; that's no different than the rest of us. Police salaries are up from $1.6 million to $1.7 million."
Irace added that there are ongoing talks with the police department about salaries, but he did not comment on any specifics.
"We are in negotiations with the police right now, so those are not final numbers," Irace explained.
Only one resident, who did not want to be named, spoke at the meeting.
The resident's main concern was that there are too many police officers in Oceanport and said that cutting some loose might be a way to lower the budget.
"I think it's been a joke for so many years that Oceanport has too many cops," the resident said. "I just think we have to do something. If that is a third of the budget, it seems a little ridiculous to me."
The largest 2009 appropriations in the $6,771,451 spending plan include: $130,000 in emergency authorizations in 2008, which is a one-time expense; and $646,500 in group health insurance, which increased by 13.4 percent.
Irace said at the April 16 council meeting that the $130,000 in emergency authorizations was necessary due to planning and legal fees, including a builder's remedy lawsuit filed in 2005 by Oceanport Holdings LLC of Red Bank, which sought the right to build a housing complex to help satisfy the borough's 183-unit affordable housing obligation set by the state Council on Affordable Housing (COAH).
Irace explained that those who build the budget have very little flexibility in creating it.
"You really have control over 5 percent of the budget," Irace said. "The rest of it is mandated and built in with salaries and other factors we need to take care of.
"I have a list of about 150 unfunded mandates that the state has put on us that we are responsible for paying that come out of your property taxes," Irace added.
There were some services and sections of the budget that decrease in the proposed budget.
"The salaries are actually down in the borough," Irace said. "They are down 2.3 percent. So, we've actually reduced salaries of our union workers.
"To reduce our operating expenses 5.7 percent in this economy, I think we've done a good job," he added.
He also said that this has been done without any layoffs or any talk about furloughs.
The borough was $189,752 above the state-mandated 4 percent cap on year-toyear increases in the tax levy.
"Our options to make up for the $189,752 were either to raise taxes or go to Trenton and ask for a tax waiver," said Irace. "State officials said that they would not grant a tax waiver if we did not try a pension deferral first."
With a pension deferral, the borough is required to repay the deferred amount over a 15-year period beginning in April 2012. The amount to be repaid will vary depending upon pension system earnings on the amount deferred. In addition, the borough has the option of paying off the obligation at any time.
"We expect to pay the deferred amount much sooner [than 2012]," said Irace.
As for the school tax deferral, in accordance with state regulations, a town may defer up to 50 percent of the school tax levy not requisitioned by a school district. As of Dec. 31, 2008, the amount of school taxes available for deferral by Oceanport was $2,131,506. As of Dec. 31, 2004, the previous year in which school taxes were deferred by the borough, the amount of school taxes available for deferral was $1,937,491 and the percentage of school taxes deferred was 23.12 percent.
The borough's average deferred school tax percentage over the past five years was 22.17 percent.
The budget vote is scheduled for the June 4 meeting.
Staff writer Kathy Chang contributed to this story.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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$6.8M plan calls for 1.9-cent tax rate hike
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEANPORT — The Borough Council held a public hearing on the municipal budget May 21 but was unable to adopt the spending plan due to a delay at the state level.
"The state hasn't had time to look at our budget, so we are not at liberty to vote on the budget," explained Councilman Joseph Irace, who made a presentation on the budget.
The borough's proposed $6.8 million spending plan calls for a $4,867,949 tax levy, an increase of 6.67 percent from last year.
If approved, the budget would result in a property tax increase of 1.9 cents per $100 of property valuation, to 35.9 cents per $100.
Irace said borough officials did the best they could to keep taxes down.
"While none of us want to see taxes increase, when we sat down as a committee, we knew this was going to be a tough year. While we're up, we're not happy about being up; we are comfortable we've done the best we can with the hand we are dealt."
Irace broke down how the impact of the increases will affect homeowners.
"A home that's accessed at $575,000 will see a municipal tax increase of $109.25 [per year]," Irace said. "A home accessed at $500,000 will see a $95 increase.
"And a home accessed at $750,000 will see an increase of $142.50," he added.
Irace acknowledged that Oceanport residents are paying high taxes, but said that most of the tax bill is due to the county and the schools.
"Only 24.1 percent of that tax bill is what this municipal body does," Irace said. "Most of what you see in your tax bill, almost 57 percent, is from the schools and 20 or so percent is from the county."
Irace went over the three main factors that led to the 1.9-cent tax rate increase.
"One, you see decreased revenue from investment income. That's down over $100,000," he said, "and that's due to lower interest rates.
"Permit and application fees are down almost $10,000," he added. "Obviously similar reasons: less building, less permit fees, less revenue to the borough.
"Thirdly, an additional loss of state aid: we lost an additional $17,500 this year. That's on top of $131,000 and change that we lost last year."
The borough will receive $682,399 in state aid this year.
Irace discussed some of the line items that increased in this year's budget over last year.
"Insurance last year was $800,000 and this year it's $900,000," Irace said. "Utilities are up; that's no different than the rest of us. Police salaries are up from $1.6 million to $1.7 million."
Irace added that there are ongoing talks with the police department about salaries, but he did not comment on any specifics.
"We are in negotiations with the police right now, so those are not final numbers," Irace explained.
Only one resident, who did not want to be named, spoke at the meeting.
The resident's main concern was that there are too many police officers in Oceanport and said that cutting some loose might be a way to lower the budget.
"I think it's been a joke for so many years that Oceanport has too many cops," the resident said. "I just think we have to do something. If that is a third of the budget, it seems a little ridiculous to me."
The largest 2009 appropriations in the $6,771,451 spending plan include: $130,000 in emergency authorizations in 2008, which is a one-time expense; and $646,500 in group health insurance, which increased by 13.4 percent.
Irace said at the April 16 council meeting that the $130,000 in emergency authorizations was necessary due to planning and legal fees, including a builder's remedy lawsuit filed in 2005 by Oceanport Holdings LLC of Red Bank, which sought the right to build a housing complex to help satisfy the borough's 183-unit affordable housing obligation set by the state Council on Affordable Housing (COAH).
Irace explained that those who build the budget have very little flexibility in creating it.
"You really have control over 5 percent of the budget," Irace said. "The rest of it is mandated and built in with salaries and other factors we need to take care of.
"I have a list of about 150 unfunded mandates that the state has put on us that we are responsible for paying that come out of your property taxes," Irace added.
There were some services and sections of the budget that decrease in the proposed budget.
"The salaries are actually down in the borough," Irace said. "They are down 2.3 percent. So, we've actually reduced salaries of our union workers.
"To reduce our operating expenses 5.7 percent in this economy, I think we've done a good job," he added.
He also said that this has been done without any layoffs or any talk about furloughs.
The borough was $189,752 above the state-mandated 4 percent cap on year-toyear increases in the tax levy.
"Our options to make up for the $189,752 were either to raise taxes or go to Trenton and ask for a tax waiver," said Irace. "State officials said that they would not grant a tax waiver if we did not try a pension deferral first."
With a pension deferral, the borough is required to repay the deferred amount over a 15-year period beginning in April 2012. The amount to be repaid will vary depending upon pension system earnings on the amount deferred. In addition, the borough has the option of paying off the obligation at any time.
"We expect to pay the deferred amount much sooner [than 2012]," said Irace.
As for the school tax deferral, in accordance with state regulations, a town may defer up to 50 percent of the school tax levy not requisitioned by a school district. As of Dec. 31, 2008, the amount of school taxes available for deferral by Oceanport was $2,131,506. As of Dec. 31, 2004, the previous year in which school taxes were deferred by the borough, the amount of school taxes available for deferral was $1,937,491 and the percentage of school taxes deferred was 23.12 percent.
The borough's average deferred school tax percentage over the past five years was 22.17 percent.
The budget vote is scheduled for the June 4 meeting.
Staff writer Kathy Chang contributed to this story.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Saturday, July 18, 2009
Church group works for change in immigration policy
Church group works for change in immigration policy
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Members of a local church have formed the Lutheran Immigration Task Force to advocate for immigrants' rights and to help change the nation's immigration policies.
The four women who said they are members of Reformation Lutheran Church in West Long Branch attended the May meeting of the Long Branch Concordance on May 20.
Elaine Tupy, Inger LeManna, Doris Frambs and Norma Beaty distributed flyers that urged people to write letters to state Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez as well as to President Barack Obama about the treatment of immigrants.
The flyers state that immigration policies are punitive and destructive for families and are not in the national interest.
Also at the meeting, local resource organizations including: 180 Turning Lives Around, Monmouth Cares, In Cahoots, Childcare Resources, the Long Branch Public Library met to network and make brief presentations on programs they are offering including ESL classes, a community garden and a public concert.
Following the meeting, the group members said that it is their duty to bring to light some of the ways immigrants are being mistreated.
"It is our duty as Christians to help other people," Beaty said.
"These people have no voice," Tupy said. "They aren't allowed to have a voice, so we need to be their voice.
According to the members of the group, immigrants are being detained but aren't being given legal counsel in a timely manner.
"Some of them are being detained for minor things like traffic violations or when they enter the country for asylum," Tupy said.
"Everyone is supposed to have rights," she added. "As long as you're in America, you should have the same rights as everyone else."
The advocates said they are also offering advice to immigrants on how to handle certain situations.
"The Lutheran Immigration Task Force is trying to give a warning to those who may need it," Tupy said. "It is a stopgap measure until we can change some of the punitive policies. We need to give them protection."
One of the ways the church group hopes to get people interested in their initiative is through their partnership with the LBC, they said.
"It is one of the ways we hope to let people know what happens," Beaty said.
The church is also scheduled to hold a screening of the 2008 movie "The Visitor," which will also include a discussion on immigration issues, according to Beaty.
The group members also displayed a pamphlet advising immigrants about what to do in certain situations, such as when police officers enter their home, workplace or a public place, and a list of some common myths about immigrants, such as that they don't pay taxes.
The meeting, the last for the concordance until the fall, also focused on planning a schedule for meetings when they resume.
The meetings may include a workshop on dealing with the recession, food pantry information, combating gang violence, and finding financial aid for adults.
The Long Branch Concordance helps people in need find resources, fosters individual and family development, and creates partnerships for community well-being, according to the website.
The concordance meetings will break for the summer, but the nonprofit can be contacted at http://www.lbc4help.org or 732-571- 1670, ext. 303.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Members of a local church have formed the Lutheran Immigration Task Force to advocate for immigrants' rights and to help change the nation's immigration policies.
The four women who said they are members of Reformation Lutheran Church in West Long Branch attended the May meeting of the Long Branch Concordance on May 20.
Elaine Tupy, Inger LeManna, Doris Frambs and Norma Beaty distributed flyers that urged people to write letters to state Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez as well as to President Barack Obama about the treatment of immigrants.
The flyers state that immigration policies are punitive and destructive for families and are not in the national interest.
Also at the meeting, local resource organizations including: 180 Turning Lives Around, Monmouth Cares, In Cahoots, Childcare Resources, the Long Branch Public Library met to network and make brief presentations on programs they are offering including ESL classes, a community garden and a public concert.
Following the meeting, the group members said that it is their duty to bring to light some of the ways immigrants are being mistreated.
"It is our duty as Christians to help other people," Beaty said.
"These people have no voice," Tupy said. "They aren't allowed to have a voice, so we need to be their voice.
According to the members of the group, immigrants are being detained but aren't being given legal counsel in a timely manner.
"Some of them are being detained for minor things like traffic violations or when they enter the country for asylum," Tupy said.
"Everyone is supposed to have rights," she added. "As long as you're in America, you should have the same rights as everyone else."
The advocates said they are also offering advice to immigrants on how to handle certain situations.
"The Lutheran Immigration Task Force is trying to give a warning to those who may need it," Tupy said. "It is a stopgap measure until we can change some of the punitive policies. We need to give them protection."
One of the ways the church group hopes to get people interested in their initiative is through their partnership with the LBC, they said.
"It is one of the ways we hope to let people know what happens," Beaty said.
The church is also scheduled to hold a screening of the 2008 movie "The Visitor," which will also include a discussion on immigration issues, according to Beaty.
The group members also displayed a pamphlet advising immigrants about what to do in certain situations, such as when police officers enter their home, workplace or a public place, and a list of some common myths about immigrants, such as that they don't pay taxes.
The meeting, the last for the concordance until the fall, also focused on planning a schedule for meetings when they resume.
The meetings may include a workshop on dealing with the recession, food pantry information, combating gang violence, and finding financial aid for adults.
The Long Branch Concordance helps people in need find resources, fosters individual and family development, and creates partnerships for community well-being, according to the website.
The concordance meetings will break for the summer, but the nonprofit can be contacted at http://www.lbc4help.org or 732-571- 1670, ext. 303.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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Special kids will have their best day ever at the beach
Special kids will have their best day ever at the beach
Best Day Foundation promotes outdoor events for special-needs children
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
ANDIE MONICK A young girl catches a wave with the help of surfer Johnny Bowling during a day at the beach sponsored by The Best Day Foundation.
LONG BRANCH — A California-based nonprofit will host the "Best Day at the Beach" series of events for special-needs kids at beaches along the Jersey Shore.
The Best Day Foundation will sponsor events at Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch on June 13-14 and July 11-12, as well as at Brick Beach III in Brick Township on July 25-26.
The Best Day New Jersey events are free for kids with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness, cancer, spinal cord injuries and other physical and developmental challenges.
Brooks Lambert, an entrepreneur who founded three multimillion-dollar companies, and Max Montgomery, a writer, publisher and software developer, founded the foundation in March 2008.
The Best Day currently has two chapters, a local chapter based in Sea Bright and the original chapter based in Ventura, Calif.
According to its mission statement, the Best Day Foundation enables kids with special needs to build self-esteem and confidence through safe, fun, outdoor adventure activities that stretch their limits, expand their true potential, reinforce their achievements, and connect them with diverse populations in their communities.
Current activities include surfing, body boarding, kayaking and snow tubing.
According to the website, the foundation accomplishes these goals by enabling communities to offer special days at the beach and in the snow for children with special needs.
Best Day provides support, training, and business resources to ensure that safe, selfsufficient programs are created. The program is funded through donations, grants and sponsorships and is currently run entirely by volunteers.
Lambert said he is an avid surfer, which is why a lot of the events are based around surfing.
Another member of the surfing community, Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger, agreed that the impact of Best Day is very positive for the children involved.
"It's just wonderful to have Best Day Foundation back in Long Branch," said Unger, a member of Surfers' Environmental Alliance (SEA). "The sheer fun and joy these kids have in the water is amazing."
According to Lambert, one of the challenges involved in running the foundation is securing funding.
"Finding funding is definitely one of the hardest parts of this," Lambert said. "Our money strictly has come from donations.
"We have applied to a number of grants," Lambert added. "We haven't heard about them yet, but we have applied to a lot of them."
Lambert also said that the foundation has received a Google Grant, which allots a $10,000 credit per month for advertising, as long as the money is used responsibly.
"For example, when someone types into Google 'special needs children,' a pop-up of Best Day Foundation may come up," Lambert said.
Another way the organization receives funds, according to Lambert, is when a donor works at a large firm like Merrill Lynch, the company will sometimes make a donation as well.
According to Lambert, Merrill Lynch has donated $3,000 and Merck donated $800 to the foundation.
The Best Day beach event in Long Branch will include a wide range of activities for special-needs kids, including surfing, body boarding and kayaking.
According to Lambert, most of the children arrive on the beach around 9:30 a.m. They do some warm-up exercises with people dressed as superheroes.
"The warm-up exercises are followed by a Coast Guard search and rescue presentation," Lambert said, "usually where someone like Spiderman saves a swimmer.
"There are also presentations on ocean safety and the environment," Lambert added. "Then we usually go to our activities, where kids tandem surf with a trained volunteer as well as body board and kayak in the ocean.
"The day concludes with a hot lunch and an awards ceremony where the kids get a medal and a picture taken."
According to Lambert, there is a waiting list for children who want to participate in the Best Day events, and there is a need for volunteers.
"Most of our days hold just under 40 kids," Lambert said. "Typically we have one volunteer to every three or four kids, and have about 10 volunteers working behind the scenes."
Lambert also said that the foundation is looking to expand some of the activities to include river rafting and mountain biking.
He said the benefits of the "Best Day at the Beach" go beyond the positive experiences the children have during their day at the shore.
"The benefits of these events go way beyond the benefit it gives the kids," Lambert said. "It also benefits the parents and volunteers greatly.
"The volunteers used to say it was one of their best days ever, which is where we came up with the name 'Best Day at the Beach.' "
To find out more about the "Best Day at the Beach," visit the website at http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/ or call 1-800-309-2815.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Best Day Foundation promotes outdoor events for special-needs children
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
ANDIE MONICK A young girl catches a wave with the help of surfer Johnny Bowling during a day at the beach sponsored by The Best Day Foundation.
LONG BRANCH — A California-based nonprofit will host the "Best Day at the Beach" series of events for special-needs kids at beaches along the Jersey Shore.
The Best Day Foundation will sponsor events at Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch on June 13-14 and July 11-12, as well as at Brick Beach III in Brick Township on July 25-26.
The Best Day New Jersey events are free for kids with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness, cancer, spinal cord injuries and other physical and developmental challenges.
Brooks Lambert, an entrepreneur who founded three multimillion-dollar companies, and Max Montgomery, a writer, publisher and software developer, founded the foundation in March 2008.
The Best Day currently has two chapters, a local chapter based in Sea Bright and the original chapter based in Ventura, Calif.
According to its mission statement, the Best Day Foundation enables kids with special needs to build self-esteem and confidence through safe, fun, outdoor adventure activities that stretch their limits, expand their true potential, reinforce their achievements, and connect them with diverse populations in their communities.
Current activities include surfing, body boarding, kayaking and snow tubing.
According to the website, the foundation accomplishes these goals by enabling communities to offer special days at the beach and in the snow for children with special needs.
Best Day provides support, training, and business resources to ensure that safe, selfsufficient programs are created. The program is funded through donations, grants and sponsorships and is currently run entirely by volunteers.
Lambert said he is an avid surfer, which is why a lot of the events are based around surfing.
Another member of the surfing community, Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger, agreed that the impact of Best Day is very positive for the children involved.
"It's just wonderful to have Best Day Foundation back in Long Branch," said Unger, a member of Surfers' Environmental Alliance (SEA). "The sheer fun and joy these kids have in the water is amazing."
According to Lambert, one of the challenges involved in running the foundation is securing funding.
"Finding funding is definitely one of the hardest parts of this," Lambert said. "Our money strictly has come from donations.
"We have applied to a number of grants," Lambert added. "We haven't heard about them yet, but we have applied to a lot of them."
Lambert also said that the foundation has received a Google Grant, which allots a $10,000 credit per month for advertising, as long as the money is used responsibly.
"For example, when someone types into Google 'special needs children,' a pop-up of Best Day Foundation may come up," Lambert said.
Another way the organization receives funds, according to Lambert, is when a donor works at a large firm like Merrill Lynch, the company will sometimes make a donation as well.
According to Lambert, Merrill Lynch has donated $3,000 and Merck donated $800 to the foundation.
The Best Day beach event in Long Branch will include a wide range of activities for special-needs kids, including surfing, body boarding and kayaking.
According to Lambert, most of the children arrive on the beach around 9:30 a.m. They do some warm-up exercises with people dressed as superheroes.
"The warm-up exercises are followed by a Coast Guard search and rescue presentation," Lambert said, "usually where someone like Spiderman saves a swimmer.
"There are also presentations on ocean safety and the environment," Lambert added. "Then we usually go to our activities, where kids tandem surf with a trained volunteer as well as body board and kayak in the ocean.
"The day concludes with a hot lunch and an awards ceremony where the kids get a medal and a picture taken."
According to Lambert, there is a waiting list for children who want to participate in the Best Day events, and there is a need for volunteers.
"Most of our days hold just under 40 kids," Lambert said. "Typically we have one volunteer to every three or four kids, and have about 10 volunteers working behind the scenes."
Lambert also said that the foundation is looking to expand some of the activities to include river rafting and mountain biking.
He said the benefits of the "Best Day at the Beach" go beyond the positive experiences the children have during their day at the shore.
"The benefits of these events go way beyond the benefit it gives the kids," Lambert said. "It also benefits the parents and volunteers greatly.
"The volunteers used to say it was one of their best days ever, which is where we came up with the name 'Best Day at the Beach.' "
To find out more about the "Best Day at the Beach," visit the website at http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/ or call 1-800-309-2815.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Friday, July 17, 2009
O'port clerk adds administrator to title
O'port clerk adds administrator to title
Mayor breaks 3-3 tie in favor of appointment
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEANPORT — The Borough Council promoted two employees to higher positions last week, expanding the duties of the current borough clerk to include those of borough administrator.
Kim Jungfer, who has served as borough clerk since 2005, will now be the borough's clerk/administrator.
In the new position, Jungfer will receive an additional $10,000 per year, bringing the salary for the combined position to $80,000.
Before being appointed borough clerk, she served as deputy borough clerk for seven years.
Jeanne Smith, an administrative assistant in the borough clerk's office, was appointed deputy borough clerk. The appointment comes with a $6,000 raise bringing her annual salary to approximately $36,000.
The two appointments were recommended by Mayor Michael Mahon and voted on by the council during the May 21 council meeting.
Smith's appointment was approved by a 6-0 unanimous vote.
"I work hand in hand with Jeanne on the Planning Board, and there is nobody who deserves the promotion more than Jeanne," council President William Johnson said as he voted yes.
Councilwoman Ellynn Kahle also agreed that Smith deserved the appointment.
"I've also seen how the responsibilities of the job have grown since she's been here, and it's really been a pleasure to have her," Kahle said.
The appointment of Jungfer was somewhat contentious, with a 3-3 stalemate on the vote among the six council members.
Mahon then cast the deciding yes vote, clearing the way for Jungfer to become the administrator.
The council disagreed on whether the appointment made economic sense.
"Yes, I think this is an economically sensible solution that fits the recommendation of the blue ribbon panel that we previously had," Councilman Gerald Briscione said. "And I think Kim currently handles many of the functions of the administrator without the title."
Kahle, however, disagreed and cited the recent cuts the borough has made and is attempting to make as a reason why the position of administrator may not even be necessary.
"My concern about this appointment is that it is coming at a time that we are deferring our pension contributions because we can't afford not to, we ask our employees to take a 2-percent salary increase and contribute to an insurance plan for the first time," Kahle said.
"And we are also actively looking into outsourcing our dispatch services because we need to cut spending," Kahle added, "and in this economic climate I don't think its really appropriate to create a new position. As a taxpayer, I think it's a frivolous expense," Kahle said. Other council members claimed that Jungfer might lack the experience and capacity for such a position.
"I am 100 percent in favor of having a borough administrator," Johnson said. "Unfortunately I believe this position requires a different skill set. This is no knock on Kim."
Councilman Richard Gallo Jr. also agreed that Jungfer did not have enough experience for the position.
"I am for the borough administrator but I wish we had an opportunity to advertise online to see what's out there," Gallo said.
"The present council adopted some of their [the panel's] ideas and one of them was that the borough administrator should have experience and possibly share with other communities," Gallo added. "I agreed with that."
Gallo said that this appointment was made without even looking outside the borough for a suitable candidate.
"This appointment does not follow or look into any other candidate, and I do not support this appointment," he said.
Councilmen John Ibex and Joseph Irace both voted for the appointment.
"I wholeheartedly mirror the comments of Councilman Briscione and with great pleasure and honor that I vote yes on this," Ibex said. "It's been a long time coming."
With the vote 3-3, Mahon broke the tie, voting for the appointment.
He cited his first-hand work with Jungfer as the main reason why she should be appointed administrator.
"I understand that was a difficult decision," Mahon said. "For me personally I can say that in the relatively short time I've been here as mayor that Kim Jungfer has certainly been responsive to all the needs and regulations that I've imposed on her."
He also said that he understands that the appointment may not have the support of each council member.
"It's difficult to put a handle on what each of us desire as a full-time administrator in this difficult economic time," he said.
But in the end, he said, Jungfer is worthy of the promotion and has already been doing work beyond the responsibilities of borough clerk.
"I think that she has stepped up in a capacity that she does not legitimately have until this point," he said. "I think this is the best answer at this time."
The borough administrator's post has been the issue of much debate in the past.
In 2007, former Mayor Lucille Chaump formed a Blue Ribbon Panel after council members were unable to adopt a municipal budget due to a disagreement over the need to hire a business administrator.
In a three-page "Blue Ribbon Panel Report and Recommendations" the volunteer panel concluded that there was a definite need for a "management function" to coordinate and direct the activities of borough employees.
"One person needs to be formally charged with this responsibility," the report stated. "These duties and responsibilities require approximately four hours per day. It is not a fulltime job but the person responsible should be available all day, every day, to handle problems and emergencies as they arise."
The panel advised against hiring for a fulltime position, stating, "there is not enough work to justify a full-time administrator."
Both positions are effective immediately.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Mayor breaks 3-3 tie in favor of appointment
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEANPORT — The Borough Council promoted two employees to higher positions last week, expanding the duties of the current borough clerk to include those of borough administrator.
Kim Jungfer, who has served as borough clerk since 2005, will now be the borough's clerk/administrator.
In the new position, Jungfer will receive an additional $10,000 per year, bringing the salary for the combined position to $80,000.
Before being appointed borough clerk, she served as deputy borough clerk for seven years.
Jeanne Smith, an administrative assistant in the borough clerk's office, was appointed deputy borough clerk. The appointment comes with a $6,000 raise bringing her annual salary to approximately $36,000.
The two appointments were recommended by Mayor Michael Mahon and voted on by the council during the May 21 council meeting.
Smith's appointment was approved by a 6-0 unanimous vote.
"I work hand in hand with Jeanne on the Planning Board, and there is nobody who deserves the promotion more than Jeanne," council President William Johnson said as he voted yes.
Councilwoman Ellynn Kahle also agreed that Smith deserved the appointment.
"I've also seen how the responsibilities of the job have grown since she's been here, and it's really been a pleasure to have her," Kahle said.
The appointment of Jungfer was somewhat contentious, with a 3-3 stalemate on the vote among the six council members.
Mahon then cast the deciding yes vote, clearing the way for Jungfer to become the administrator.
The council disagreed on whether the appointment made economic sense.
"Yes, I think this is an economically sensible solution that fits the recommendation of the blue ribbon panel that we previously had," Councilman Gerald Briscione said. "And I think Kim currently handles many of the functions of the administrator without the title."
Kahle, however, disagreed and cited the recent cuts the borough has made and is attempting to make as a reason why the position of administrator may not even be necessary.
"My concern about this appointment is that it is coming at a time that we are deferring our pension contributions because we can't afford not to, we ask our employees to take a 2-percent salary increase and contribute to an insurance plan for the first time," Kahle said.
"And we are also actively looking into outsourcing our dispatch services because we need to cut spending," Kahle added, "and in this economic climate I don't think its really appropriate to create a new position. As a taxpayer, I think it's a frivolous expense," Kahle said. Other council members claimed that Jungfer might lack the experience and capacity for such a position.
"I am 100 percent in favor of having a borough administrator," Johnson said. "Unfortunately I believe this position requires a different skill set. This is no knock on Kim."
Councilman Richard Gallo Jr. also agreed that Jungfer did not have enough experience for the position.
"I am for the borough administrator but I wish we had an opportunity to advertise online to see what's out there," Gallo said.
"The present council adopted some of their [the panel's] ideas and one of them was that the borough administrator should have experience and possibly share with other communities," Gallo added. "I agreed with that."
Gallo said that this appointment was made without even looking outside the borough for a suitable candidate.
"This appointment does not follow or look into any other candidate, and I do not support this appointment," he said.
Councilmen John Ibex and Joseph Irace both voted for the appointment.
"I wholeheartedly mirror the comments of Councilman Briscione and with great pleasure and honor that I vote yes on this," Ibex said. "It's been a long time coming."
With the vote 3-3, Mahon broke the tie, voting for the appointment.
He cited his first-hand work with Jungfer as the main reason why she should be appointed administrator.
"I understand that was a difficult decision," Mahon said. "For me personally I can say that in the relatively short time I've been here as mayor that Kim Jungfer has certainly been responsive to all the needs and regulations that I've imposed on her."
He also said that he understands that the appointment may not have the support of each council member.
"It's difficult to put a handle on what each of us desire as a full-time administrator in this difficult economic time," he said.
But in the end, he said, Jungfer is worthy of the promotion and has already been doing work beyond the responsibilities of borough clerk.
"I think that she has stepped up in a capacity that she does not legitimately have until this point," he said. "I think this is the best answer at this time."
The borough administrator's post has been the issue of much debate in the past.
In 2007, former Mayor Lucille Chaump formed a Blue Ribbon Panel after council members were unable to adopt a municipal budget due to a disagreement over the need to hire a business administrator.
In a three-page "Blue Ribbon Panel Report and Recommendations" the volunteer panel concluded that there was a definite need for a "management function" to coordinate and direct the activities of borough employees.
"One person needs to be formally charged with this responsibility," the report stated. "These duties and responsibilities require approximately four hours per day. It is not a fulltime job but the person responsible should be available all day, every day, to handle problems and emergencies as they arise."
The panel advised against hiring for a fulltime position, stating, "there is not enough work to justify a full-time administrator."
Both positions are effective immediately.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
City Council approves defeated school budget
City Council approves defeated school budget
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The City Council unanimously voted to approve the $86.2 million school budget failed by voters.
On April 21, the residents of Long Branch defeated the school budget by just nine votes.
The budget called for the same tax levy, $31.5 million, as last year's spending plan, which passed by just six votes. That approval marked the first time in five years that Long Branch voters had supported the Long Branch School District budget.
When a school budget fails, it is sent to the governing body, which can either approve the budget as is or make cuts it deems necessary and then approve it.
However, this year's budget was already at the state-mandated minimum tax levy for an Abbott district, so the council was not able to make any cuts.
According to New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) spokeswoman Beth Auerswald, in Abbott districts, there is a minimum tax levy. It can either be the previous year's tax levy or what the local fair share is, whichever is lower.
Auerswald said that the local fair share is calculated using factors such as property value and income.
According to the DOE website, Long Branch's local fair share is calculated at $39.8 million, and last year's tax levy was $31.5 million.
At the May 12 City Council meeting, the council was asked whether they would make cuts if they could this year. Councilman Anthony Giordano responded by saying the council historically makes some cuts when they are able to.
"Every year that it's been defeated, it's come to the council, where we didn't have the restriction we have this year," Giordano said. "We have always made cuts."
The school board did not always welcome those cuts, as Giordano admitted that some have been challenged in the past.
"Some years we've been challenged," he said. "We took it to the county superintendent and up to the state education commissioner. The school board challenged the cuts that we made.
"Other years we've come to an agreement on the cuts."
The Long Branch Board of Education proposed an $86.2 million spending plan this year, which included a tax levy of $31.5 million.
According to Long Branch Superintendent Joseph Ferraina, the district did the best it could for the taxpayers and could not go any lower.
"We made a conscious effort to keep taxes to the minimum," he said.
"We really thought about the economic situation. We made no increase this year, and we are seriously looking to cut costs next year.
"Every budget has a minimum tax levy," Ferraina continued. "Ours is the same as last year."
Ferraina also said that the district is looking toward the future for ways to save the taxpayers' money.
"One way we may save money in the future is by closing the elementary school on the West End," Ferraina has said.
"We have a principal retiring and teachers leaving, so we can shut down the school and save money and no one loses a job.
"We are not just looking at this budget," Ferraina said. "We are looking at ways to cut costs for 2009, 2010, 2011 and all the way up to 2012."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The City Council unanimously voted to approve the $86.2 million school budget failed by voters.
On April 21, the residents of Long Branch defeated the school budget by just nine votes.
The budget called for the same tax levy, $31.5 million, as last year's spending plan, which passed by just six votes. That approval marked the first time in five years that Long Branch voters had supported the Long Branch School District budget.
When a school budget fails, it is sent to the governing body, which can either approve the budget as is or make cuts it deems necessary and then approve it.
However, this year's budget was already at the state-mandated minimum tax levy for an Abbott district, so the council was not able to make any cuts.
According to New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) spokeswoman Beth Auerswald, in Abbott districts, there is a minimum tax levy. It can either be the previous year's tax levy or what the local fair share is, whichever is lower.
Auerswald said that the local fair share is calculated using factors such as property value and income.
According to the DOE website, Long Branch's local fair share is calculated at $39.8 million, and last year's tax levy was $31.5 million.
At the May 12 City Council meeting, the council was asked whether they would make cuts if they could this year. Councilman Anthony Giordano responded by saying the council historically makes some cuts when they are able to.
"Every year that it's been defeated, it's come to the council, where we didn't have the restriction we have this year," Giordano said. "We have always made cuts."
The school board did not always welcome those cuts, as Giordano admitted that some have been challenged in the past.
"Some years we've been challenged," he said. "We took it to the county superintendent and up to the state education commissioner. The school board challenged the cuts that we made.
"Other years we've come to an agreement on the cuts."
The Long Branch Board of Education proposed an $86.2 million spending plan this year, which included a tax levy of $31.5 million.
According to Long Branch Superintendent Joseph Ferraina, the district did the best it could for the taxpayers and could not go any lower.
"We made a conscious effort to keep taxes to the minimum," he said.
"We really thought about the economic situation. We made no increase this year, and we are seriously looking to cut costs next year.
"Every budget has a minimum tax levy," Ferraina continued. "Ours is the same as last year."
Ferraina also said that the district is looking toward the future for ways to save the taxpayers' money.
"One way we may save money in the future is by closing the elementary school on the West End," Ferraina has said.
"We have a principal retiring and teachers leaving, so we can shut down the school and save money and no one loses a job.
"We are not just looking at this budget," Ferraina said. "We are looking at ways to cut costs for 2009, 2010, 2011 and all the way up to 2012."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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L.B. council introduces preservation ordinance
L.B. council introduces preservation ordinance
Public hearing set for May 26 council meeting
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The City Council has finally introduced a historical preservation ordinance after almost two years of delays.
The council unanimously voted 5-0 to introduce the ordinance at the May 12 meeting and scheduled a public hearing and final vote for the next meeting on May 26.
Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger has been pushing for approval of the ordinance since August 2007 and said he is confident that the council will endorse the ordinance.
"I believe it will be approved," Unger said.
The ordinance aims to protect historical structures in the city by creating a Historic Preservation Advisory Commission that would review the potential effect of development and permit applications on designated historical sites.
The commission would review the potential effect of development and permit applications on designated historical sites and work with and advise the Planning and Zoning boards and individual property owners.
The ordinance will regulate only designated sites that require a permit and application for development.
The ordinance has the endorsement of the local historical society.
Beth Woolley, a trustee for the Long Branch Historical Society, said, "The only way to really protect private historical buildings is to have a local historical preservation ordinance.
"Most may not know this, but Long Branch is an extremely historic town," Woolley added. "Long Branch has the potential to look like other towns that have embraced their historical buildings."
The ordinance was expected to be on the agenda for the April 28 meeting but was ultimately pushed back until May 12 when the council agreed they needed more time to work on it
At the April 28 workshop, the council decided to push back the ordinance to clarify some of the language in it. According to Unger, there are no changes in the version of the ordinance introduced last week.
Dr. Frank Esposito, Kean University distinguished professor, suggested at the April 28 workshop that some of the ordinance should be rewritten.
"It is a step in the right direction, but it needs some revision," Esposito said, "including downsizing and elimination of reference to a historic district. At this point, it may attempt to do too much."
Esposito added that much of the ordinance is useful and that he supports the creation of a commission.
"The creation of the commission would keep a watchful eye on this issue," Esposito said. The ordinance was expected to be introduced back on Feb. 24, but Unger requested that certain sections be rewritten to strengthen the role of the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission.
"Someone … put in language taking away from the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission the ability to adopt and utilize their own best-practice professional guidelines for designation of historic properties," Unger said at the time.
The commission would compile an inventory of historical sites and structures in the city that could qualify for historical preservation. The commission will consist of seven members and two alternate members, with alternates appointed by the mayor.
Of the seven members, three must be either knowledgeable in building design and construction or architectural history or have a demonstrated interest in local history.
The remaining four members will be residentswho do not hold any other municipal office, position or employment but may be members of the Planning or Zoning boards.
The ordinance defines the goals of the advisory committee.
"Maintaining, preserving, and rehabilitating these visual links to the past is an important function of government, not only to provide a sense of stability and continuity for future generations, but to provide impetus for the revitalization of the city's economic base and for the resulting increase in property values," the ordinance reads.
The ordinance lists specific goals, which include safeguarding the heritage of Long Branch, encouraging the continued use of historical landmarks, and maintaining and developing a "harmonious setting" for the historical and architecturally significant buildings.
Other goals listed are: to stabilize and improve property values, to promote appreciation of historical landmarks, to encourage the beautification of and reinvestment in historical sites, and to discourage demolition of historical resources.
The responsibilities of the commission include preparing and maintaining preservation guidelines, reviewing applications that affect the historical properties, recommendations on designs, and preparing an inventory of historical sites and landmarks.
It also states that new construction on or near a historical site should not necessarily duplicate the exact style of the site but should not detract from the historical site.
According to Woolley, one of the obstacles to preserving historical structures in Long Branch is that until now, the city has had total autonomy of control over historical landmarks.
"Historical preservation only encourages owners to keep their land," Woolley said. "You can't do anything to protect the buildings without a local preservation ordinance. Even if it's listed by the state as a historic structure, it can be knocked down if it is privately owned," she added.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Public hearing set for May 26 council meeting
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The City Council has finally introduced a historical preservation ordinance after almost two years of delays.
The council unanimously voted 5-0 to introduce the ordinance at the May 12 meeting and scheduled a public hearing and final vote for the next meeting on May 26.
Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger has been pushing for approval of the ordinance since August 2007 and said he is confident that the council will endorse the ordinance.
"I believe it will be approved," Unger said.
The ordinance aims to protect historical structures in the city by creating a Historic Preservation Advisory Commission that would review the potential effect of development and permit applications on designated historical sites.
The commission would review the potential effect of development and permit applications on designated historical sites and work with and advise the Planning and Zoning boards and individual property owners.
The ordinance will regulate only designated sites that require a permit and application for development.
The ordinance has the endorsement of the local historical society.
Beth Woolley, a trustee for the Long Branch Historical Society, said, "The only way to really protect private historical buildings is to have a local historical preservation ordinance.
"Most may not know this, but Long Branch is an extremely historic town," Woolley added. "Long Branch has the potential to look like other towns that have embraced their historical buildings."
The ordinance was expected to be on the agenda for the April 28 meeting but was ultimately pushed back until May 12 when the council agreed they needed more time to work on it
At the April 28 workshop, the council decided to push back the ordinance to clarify some of the language in it. According to Unger, there are no changes in the version of the ordinance introduced last week.
Dr. Frank Esposito, Kean University distinguished professor, suggested at the April 28 workshop that some of the ordinance should be rewritten.
"It is a step in the right direction, but it needs some revision," Esposito said, "including downsizing and elimination of reference to a historic district. At this point, it may attempt to do too much."
Esposito added that much of the ordinance is useful and that he supports the creation of a commission.
"The creation of the commission would keep a watchful eye on this issue," Esposito said. The ordinance was expected to be introduced back on Feb. 24, but Unger requested that certain sections be rewritten to strengthen the role of the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission.
"Someone … put in language taking away from the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission the ability to adopt and utilize their own best-practice professional guidelines for designation of historic properties," Unger said at the time.
The commission would compile an inventory of historical sites and structures in the city that could qualify for historical preservation. The commission will consist of seven members and two alternate members, with alternates appointed by the mayor.
Of the seven members, three must be either knowledgeable in building design and construction or architectural history or have a demonstrated interest in local history.
The remaining four members will be residentswho do not hold any other municipal office, position or employment but may be members of the Planning or Zoning boards.
The ordinance defines the goals of the advisory committee.
"Maintaining, preserving, and rehabilitating these visual links to the past is an important function of government, not only to provide a sense of stability and continuity for future generations, but to provide impetus for the revitalization of the city's economic base and for the resulting increase in property values," the ordinance reads.
The ordinance lists specific goals, which include safeguarding the heritage of Long Branch, encouraging the continued use of historical landmarks, and maintaining and developing a "harmonious setting" for the historical and architecturally significant buildings.
Other goals listed are: to stabilize and improve property values, to promote appreciation of historical landmarks, to encourage the beautification of and reinvestment in historical sites, and to discourage demolition of historical resources.
The responsibilities of the commission include preparing and maintaining preservation guidelines, reviewing applications that affect the historical properties, recommendations on designs, and preparing an inventory of historical sites and landmarks.
It also states that new construction on or near a historical site should not necessarily duplicate the exact style of the site but should not detract from the historical site.
According to Woolley, one of the obstacles to preserving historical structures in Long Branch is that until now, the city has had total autonomy of control over historical landmarks.
"Historical preservation only encourages owners to keep their land," Woolley said. "You can't do anything to protect the buildings without a local preservation ordinance. Even if it's listed by the state as a historic structure, it can be knocked down if it is privately owned," she added.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Door-to-door campaign cited in election win
Door-to-door campaign cited in election win
Skudera team sweeps Tinton Falls election
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Knocking on doors and mobilizing a cadre of volunteers were the keys to success in the recent Tinton Falls municipal election, according to members of the team that swept to victory on May 12.
Michael Skudera (l-r), Nancy Anne Fama and Scott Larkin
"Nancy, Scott and I knocked on thousands of doors in Tinton Falls," said Michael Skudera, who won the race for mayor by a margin of about 160 votes, unseating incumbent Peter Maclearie.
"We believe the best way to find out about the issues is to go and ask the residents directly."
Skudera's running mates, Scott Larkin and Nancy Anne Fama, who won election to the Borough Council, agreed that door-todoor campaigning was crucial for their success.
"We ran the kind of campaign we wanted to," Larkin said. "We won the election by going door to door.
"It was a matter of us going out there everyday and meeting, listening and talking with the residents."
"Our strength was in our door-to-door meetings with the residents," Fama agreed. "It was not just an email campaign. I hope to continue to do that.
"I know we worked very hard," Fama said. "I was confident because when you work hard, you often get rewarded."
Skudera will begin his four-year term as mayor on July 1, and Fama and Larkin will assume the council seats vacated by Skudera and Paul Ford, who chose to not to seek reelection.
According to the Monmouth County website, Skudera received 1,668 votes for mayor to defeat Maclearie, who sought a second term as mayor and garnered 1,509 votes.
Fama took home 1,700 votes and Larkin had 1,713 votes.
Maclearie's teammates Michael Stanton had 1,428 votes and Bob Harvey had 1,380 votes.
Skudera is currently deputy council president and has been a member of the Borough Council since 2005. He is a project manager and has more than a decade of experience in the technology field.
Fama is vice president of human resources for Food Circus Super Markets. Larkin is currently a vice principal at Monmouth Regional High School.
Skudera also said that another strong point of the campaign was the team's ability to attract volunteer help.
"Nancy, Scott and I put a lot of hard work into the campaign and had many volunteers working with us," Skudera said. "We had confidence in our supporters and are humbled that the voters selected our team to represent them.
"Many volunteers helped with the campaign, it was a grassroots effort," he said. "Their dedication and hard work is what made the difference."
Fama also credits Skudera's relationship with residents as making it easier for her to campaign for office in Tinton Falls.
"One of the things was, I was riding Michael's coattails," Fama said. "He developed such strong relationships [over] the last four years that campaigning became easier."
Skudera acknowledged that he will be faced with some major issues when he takes office July 1.
"I would like to prioritize a list of all issues within the borough and make a plan of action to address each one," Skudera said.
One of the most pressing issues, according to Skudera, is the privatization of housing units at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck. Since Navy dependents living at Earle attend Tinton Falls schools, the issue of whether all children living at Earle would be educated by the Tinton Falls District is a topic of debate, with the borough opposing privatization of the housing.
"Earle Housing is an issue that needs the full cooperation of the Board of Education and the borough," Skudera said. "The housing could open by early next year."
With a transition coming this summer, Skudera stressed the importance of a cohesive Borough Council working together.
"A smooth transition is key to making sure all current issues are being addressed and are resolved without delay," Skudera said.
In addition to Skudera and Ford, the current council members are Gary Baldwin, Duane Morrill and Andrew Mayer.
Both Larkin and Fama said they have already reached out to the council members.
"They were gracious in congratulating me," Fama said.
"Some of the best parts have been meeting with those guys," Larkin said.
It's a good time to thank Peter Maclearie for his 11 years of service to Tinton Falls," Larkin said. "I know we ran on opposite sides, but he's done a lot of good. As a newcomer it would be a mistake for me to not recognize that."
Skudera also said that Maclearie contacted him after the election and, according to Skudera, there are no plans for a recount.
Maclearie did not return calls for comment on the election outcome.
One of Skudera's main objectives in running for mayor was his focus on more transparency in the government.
"My main decision was for more open government," Skudera said before the election. "I also want to take an active approach and reach out with the school board and other towns about [sharing] services.
"We need to reach out and communicate better," Skudera added. "We need to be more responsive."
Skudera feels the team will benefit Tinton Falls over the next four years.
"I am proud to have run with Nancy and Scott," Skudera said. "They are hard workers and very dedicated. They will be a valuable asset to Tinton Falls."
The borough of Tinton Falls, since July 1, 1985, has operated under the mayor-council nonpartisan form of government pursuant to the Faulkner Act. Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Skudera team sweeps Tinton Falls election
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Knocking on doors and mobilizing a cadre of volunteers were the keys to success in the recent Tinton Falls municipal election, according to members of the team that swept to victory on May 12.
Michael Skudera (l-r), Nancy Anne Fama and Scott Larkin
"Nancy, Scott and I knocked on thousands of doors in Tinton Falls," said Michael Skudera, who won the race for mayor by a margin of about 160 votes, unseating incumbent Peter Maclearie.
"We believe the best way to find out about the issues is to go and ask the residents directly."
Skudera's running mates, Scott Larkin and Nancy Anne Fama, who won election to the Borough Council, agreed that door-todoor campaigning was crucial for their success.
"We ran the kind of campaign we wanted to," Larkin said. "We won the election by going door to door.
"It was a matter of us going out there everyday and meeting, listening and talking with the residents."
"Our strength was in our door-to-door meetings with the residents," Fama agreed. "It was not just an email campaign. I hope to continue to do that.
"I know we worked very hard," Fama said. "I was confident because when you work hard, you often get rewarded."
Skudera will begin his four-year term as mayor on July 1, and Fama and Larkin will assume the council seats vacated by Skudera and Paul Ford, who chose to not to seek reelection.
According to the Monmouth County website, Skudera received 1,668 votes for mayor to defeat Maclearie, who sought a second term as mayor and garnered 1,509 votes.
Fama took home 1,700 votes and Larkin had 1,713 votes.
Maclearie's teammates Michael Stanton had 1,428 votes and Bob Harvey had 1,380 votes.
Skudera is currently deputy council president and has been a member of the Borough Council since 2005. He is a project manager and has more than a decade of experience in the technology field.
Fama is vice president of human resources for Food Circus Super Markets. Larkin is currently a vice principal at Monmouth Regional High School.
Skudera also said that another strong point of the campaign was the team's ability to attract volunteer help.
"Nancy, Scott and I put a lot of hard work into the campaign and had many volunteers working with us," Skudera said. "We had confidence in our supporters and are humbled that the voters selected our team to represent them.
"Many volunteers helped with the campaign, it was a grassroots effort," he said. "Their dedication and hard work is what made the difference."
Fama also credits Skudera's relationship with residents as making it easier for her to campaign for office in Tinton Falls.
"One of the things was, I was riding Michael's coattails," Fama said. "He developed such strong relationships [over] the last four years that campaigning became easier."
Skudera acknowledged that he will be faced with some major issues when he takes office July 1.
"I would like to prioritize a list of all issues within the borough and make a plan of action to address each one," Skudera said.
One of the most pressing issues, according to Skudera, is the privatization of housing units at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck. Since Navy dependents living at Earle attend Tinton Falls schools, the issue of whether all children living at Earle would be educated by the Tinton Falls District is a topic of debate, with the borough opposing privatization of the housing.
"Earle Housing is an issue that needs the full cooperation of the Board of Education and the borough," Skudera said. "The housing could open by early next year."
With a transition coming this summer, Skudera stressed the importance of a cohesive Borough Council working together.
"A smooth transition is key to making sure all current issues are being addressed and are resolved without delay," Skudera said.
In addition to Skudera and Ford, the current council members are Gary Baldwin, Duane Morrill and Andrew Mayer.
Both Larkin and Fama said they have already reached out to the council members.
"They were gracious in congratulating me," Fama said.
"Some of the best parts have been meeting with those guys," Larkin said.
It's a good time to thank Peter Maclearie for his 11 years of service to Tinton Falls," Larkin said. "I know we ran on opposite sides, but he's done a lot of good. As a newcomer it would be a mistake for me to not recognize that."
Skudera also said that Maclearie contacted him after the election and, according to Skudera, there are no plans for a recount.
Maclearie did not return calls for comment on the election outcome.
One of Skudera's main objectives in running for mayor was his focus on more transparency in the government.
"My main decision was for more open government," Skudera said before the election. "I also want to take an active approach and reach out with the school board and other towns about [sharing] services.
"We need to reach out and communicate better," Skudera added. "We need to be more responsive."
Skudera feels the team will benefit Tinton Falls over the next four years.
"I am proud to have run with Nancy and Scott," Skudera said. "They are hard workers and very dedicated. They will be a valuable asset to Tinton Falls."
The borough of Tinton Falls, since July 1, 1985, has operated under the mayor-council nonpartisan form of government pursuant to the Faulkner Act. Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Sunday, July 5, 2009
Moving historic bldgs. seen as next best option
Moving historic bldgs. seen as next best option
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Members of the preservation community see plans to relocate the historic Takanassee Beach Club buildings in Long Branch as the glass half full.
Life Saving Station No. 5
"It's not ideal, but it's better than demolition," said Ron Emrich, executive director of Preservation New Jersey. "It's unfortunate a solution could not be found."
The former United States Life Saving Station No. 5, known as the Takanassee Beach Club, made Preservation New Jersey's list of the state's most endangered historic sites in 2006 and remains on the list, its status listed as "still threatened" because the site is slated for development as luxury condominiums.
"I think the ideal solution would be to rehabilitate the buildings on their original site," Emrich said, adding, "Ultimately, it is good that the buildings are saved … . Maybe one day the buildings can be relocated back to their original sites."
Talks have been ongoing to relocate two of the three Takanassee buildings on Ocean Avenue, with a county official confirming that one of the buildings will be relocated to a county property.
According to Gail Hunton, Monmouth County Park System supervising historical preservation specialist, the county is in discussions about moving the smallest of the three buildings to Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch.
"We have decided to relocate and repair the building that is called the Captain's House," Hunton said. "It is probably the most historically significant of the three buildings.
"Our objective is to repair it," she said. "We are looking to restore the original garage doors and barn doors and remove the modern addition on it.
"We are going to actually make it look more historical."
Hunton acknowledged that the plan is not ideal but will work.
"In an ideal world, these buildings would be preserved and landmarked," Hunton said. "It should have happened a long time ago. That didn't happen, so now we have to go to plan B."
"The city has zoned the area for more intensive uses," she continued, "so we had to find an alternative way to save the building."
Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger confirmed this week that current plans call for another of the three buildings, the Port Huron House, to be relocated to Hoey Park in Long Branch.
Unger expressed concern that moving the building from its original site would diminish its historical value.
"I think any historic building is more valuable on the site where they stand," Unger said. "These buildings will obviously lose some attraction when they are removed from their original land."
Unger said he supports the plan to relocate the buildings.
"I am backing this plan," Unger said. "I hope the Schneider administration works hard, takes a leadership approach and goes forward with the best plan."
Developer Isaac Chera was issued a Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) permit last year from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) clearing the way for construction of a luxury condominium project on the oceanfront Takanassee site.
Chera must comply with some 30 conditions listed in the permit, which includes preserving the three historical buildings located on the site. At least one of the buildings must be preserved on the Takanassee site and the other two can be relocated offsite, according to the permit.
Beth Woolley, trustee of the Long Branch Historical Society, questioned the timing of the development plan.
"I don't think that people are going to buy these condos," Woolley said.
"I think it's premature in this economy," Woolley said. "I hope he reconsiders if he isn't planning on building anytime soon."
Hunton said the county considered acquiring a second building, but it wasn't deemed feasible.
"There is not enough room at Seven Presidents Park, and we do not have a viable use or financial means to maintain a second building," she said. Woolley both said it is a positive that the buildings will not be demolished and will remain in Long Branch.
"I don't believe in dismantling these buildings," Woolley said.
"This keeps the building in Long Branch," Hunton said. "It makes the building accessible and visible for the Long Branch community and the surrounding communities." Woolley explained that once the buildings are moved from their original sites, they are no longer eligible for historical grant money.
"They should apply for the historical status now," Woolley said. "The minute they move off that site, they lose all opportunity for grants."
Woolley was critical of the plan and offered her own idea for development of the Takanassee site.
"A hotel will serve the community better," Woolley said. "There are better uses for the land.
"If it were my property, I would use the property to build a hotel," Woolley said. "I would keep the three buildings on-site.
"You could put a bar and a restaurant and a lot of shops that would be good tourist attractions.
"But instead, they are going to put condominiums that nobody is going to want."
According to Emrich, it would be better for the buildings to remain on the beach where they have a rich history in Long Branch.
"It's unfortunate the buildings will be moved," Emrich said. "They are clearly related to the beach, and it would be nice for them to stay on the beach.
"The buildings are incredibly important to our national history," he continued. "The shore lifesaving system is important because it set precedent for others throughout the country."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Members of the preservation community see plans to relocate the historic Takanassee Beach Club buildings in Long Branch as the glass half full.
Life Saving Station No. 5
"It's not ideal, but it's better than demolition," said Ron Emrich, executive director of Preservation New Jersey. "It's unfortunate a solution could not be found."
The former United States Life Saving Station No. 5, known as the Takanassee Beach Club, made Preservation New Jersey's list of the state's most endangered historic sites in 2006 and remains on the list, its status listed as "still threatened" because the site is slated for development as luxury condominiums.
"I think the ideal solution would be to rehabilitate the buildings on their original site," Emrich said, adding, "Ultimately, it is good that the buildings are saved … . Maybe one day the buildings can be relocated back to their original sites."
Talks have been ongoing to relocate two of the three Takanassee buildings on Ocean Avenue, with a county official confirming that one of the buildings will be relocated to a county property.
According to Gail Hunton, Monmouth County Park System supervising historical preservation specialist, the county is in discussions about moving the smallest of the three buildings to Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch.
"We have decided to relocate and repair the building that is called the Captain's House," Hunton said. "It is probably the most historically significant of the three buildings.
"Our objective is to repair it," she said. "We are looking to restore the original garage doors and barn doors and remove the modern addition on it.
"We are going to actually make it look more historical."
Hunton acknowledged that the plan is not ideal but will work.
"In an ideal world, these buildings would be preserved and landmarked," Hunton said. "It should have happened a long time ago. That didn't happen, so now we have to go to plan B."
"The city has zoned the area for more intensive uses," she continued, "so we had to find an alternative way to save the building."
Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger confirmed this week that current plans call for another of the three buildings, the Port Huron House, to be relocated to Hoey Park in Long Branch.
Unger expressed concern that moving the building from its original site would diminish its historical value.
"I think any historic building is more valuable on the site where they stand," Unger said. "These buildings will obviously lose some attraction when they are removed from their original land."
Unger said he supports the plan to relocate the buildings.
"I am backing this plan," Unger said. "I hope the Schneider administration works hard, takes a leadership approach and goes forward with the best plan."
Developer Isaac Chera was issued a Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) permit last year from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) clearing the way for construction of a luxury condominium project on the oceanfront Takanassee site.
Chera must comply with some 30 conditions listed in the permit, which includes preserving the three historical buildings located on the site. At least one of the buildings must be preserved on the Takanassee site and the other two can be relocated offsite, according to the permit.
Beth Woolley, trustee of the Long Branch Historical Society, questioned the timing of the development plan.
"I don't think that people are going to buy these condos," Woolley said.
"I think it's premature in this economy," Woolley said. "I hope he reconsiders if he isn't planning on building anytime soon."
Hunton said the county considered acquiring a second building, but it wasn't deemed feasible.
"There is not enough room at Seven Presidents Park, and we do not have a viable use or financial means to maintain a second building," she said. Woolley both said it is a positive that the buildings will not be demolished and will remain in Long Branch.
"I don't believe in dismantling these buildings," Woolley said.
"This keeps the building in Long Branch," Hunton said. "It makes the building accessible and visible for the Long Branch community and the surrounding communities." Woolley explained that once the buildings are moved from their original sites, they are no longer eligible for historical grant money.
"They should apply for the historical status now," Woolley said. "The minute they move off that site, they lose all opportunity for grants."
Woolley was critical of the plan and offered her own idea for development of the Takanassee site.
"A hotel will serve the community better," Woolley said. "There are better uses for the land.
"If it were my property, I would use the property to build a hotel," Woolley said. "I would keep the three buildings on-site.
"You could put a bar and a restaurant and a lot of shops that would be good tourist attractions.
"But instead, they are going to put condominiums that nobody is going to want."
According to Emrich, it would be better for the buildings to remain on the beach where they have a rich history in Long Branch.
"It's unfortunate the buildings will be moved," Emrich said. "They are clearly related to the beach, and it would be nice for them to stay on the beach.
"The buildings are incredibly important to our national history," he continued. "The shore lifesaving system is important because it set precedent for others throughout the country."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tinton Falls budget keeps tax rate flat
Tinton Falls budget keeps tax rate flat
$21.8M spending plan is 4% increase over last year
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The Borough Council introduced a $21,801,213 spending plan on May 5, with no increase to the tax rate.
The budget represents about a 4 percent increase over last year's $20.9 million budget.
The council voted 4-1 to introduce the budget at the council meeting, with Councilman Michael Skudera casting the lone vote against introduction.
Members were precluded from commenting on the budget during the introduction, but Skudera later said the proposed budget depletes surplus funds.
"I just can't support a budget that is draining the surplus this much," Skudera said during the meeting. "I submit my recommendations to council. I implore council and the administration to think of more cuts too."
According to Skudera, the surplus was $230,228 in 2005 and is now about five times less at $48,848.
Skudera expressed concern that with the economy in a recession, it might not be a good idea to drain the surplus further.
"I'm just afraid of going to the next fiscal year draining the budget this low," Skudera said. "It's down to $48,000, given the impact of the economy next year we could be in for a big tax hike."
The borough will receive $1,873,831 in state aid, $44,000 less than last year's $1,921,000.
"When you have a $21 million budget, $44,000 isn't a death sentence," Finance Director Stephen Pfeffer said in March. "We will look for ways to fine tune the budget so that we don't raise taxes."
The 2009 budget calls for a tax levy of $10,605,992, a $288,352 increase from last year's $10,317,640.
Pfeffer said the municipal portion of the tax rate will remain flat at $0.353 per $100 of assessed valuation.
He said the owner of an average home in Tinton Falls valued at $343,915 will pay $1,213 in municipal taxes under the budget as proposed.
Some of the increases in the budget include salaries and state pension payments. The borough changed medical insurance carriers in 2009 to stabilize health insurance costs. The increase in the group insurance budget is approximately 2.2 percent.
"There are no crazy changes," Pfeffer said. "The surplus remains the same, miscellaneous revenues are up, state aid is down."
According to Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor, the public hearing on the budget is slated for June 16, with the budget up for adoption at the meeting after that.
However, furloughs on the state side may cause a delay in the adoption of the budget.
"They are shorthanded," Pfeffer explained. "And because of the furlough situation at the state level, they're going to try to get as many [budgets] as they can.
"If they don't get to any particular budget on the night you advertise for the public hearing, you hold the public hearing. Just don't adopt the budget until they get a chance to review it and they will let us know when we can adopt it."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
$21.8M spending plan is 4% increase over last year
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The Borough Council introduced a $21,801,213 spending plan on May 5, with no increase to the tax rate.
The budget represents about a 4 percent increase over last year's $20.9 million budget.
The council voted 4-1 to introduce the budget at the council meeting, with Councilman Michael Skudera casting the lone vote against introduction.
Members were precluded from commenting on the budget during the introduction, but Skudera later said the proposed budget depletes surplus funds.
"I just can't support a budget that is draining the surplus this much," Skudera said during the meeting. "I submit my recommendations to council. I implore council and the administration to think of more cuts too."
According to Skudera, the surplus was $230,228 in 2005 and is now about five times less at $48,848.
Skudera expressed concern that with the economy in a recession, it might not be a good idea to drain the surplus further.
"I'm just afraid of going to the next fiscal year draining the budget this low," Skudera said. "It's down to $48,000, given the impact of the economy next year we could be in for a big tax hike."
The borough will receive $1,873,831 in state aid, $44,000 less than last year's $1,921,000.
"When you have a $21 million budget, $44,000 isn't a death sentence," Finance Director Stephen Pfeffer said in March. "We will look for ways to fine tune the budget so that we don't raise taxes."
The 2009 budget calls for a tax levy of $10,605,992, a $288,352 increase from last year's $10,317,640.
Pfeffer said the municipal portion of the tax rate will remain flat at $0.353 per $100 of assessed valuation.
He said the owner of an average home in Tinton Falls valued at $343,915 will pay $1,213 in municipal taxes under the budget as proposed.
Some of the increases in the budget include salaries and state pension payments. The borough changed medical insurance carriers in 2009 to stabilize health insurance costs. The increase in the group insurance budget is approximately 2.2 percent.
"There are no crazy changes," Pfeffer said. "The surplus remains the same, miscellaneous revenues are up, state aid is down."
According to Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor, the public hearing on the budget is slated for June 16, with the budget up for adoption at the meeting after that.
However, furloughs on the state side may cause a delay in the adoption of the budget.
"They are shorthanded," Pfeffer explained. "And because of the furlough situation at the state level, they're going to try to get as many [budgets] as they can.
"If they don't get to any particular budget on the night you advertise for the public hearing, you hold the public hearing. Just don't adopt the budget until they get a chance to review it and they will let us know when we can adopt it."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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