City funds new beach equipment
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The city will tap into funds earmarked for other projects to purchase and refurbish revenue-producing beach maintenance equipment.
The City Council decided at the Oct. 27 meeting, by a 4-0 vote, to re-appropriate $135,000 for beach equipment. Councilman Anthony Giordano was absent from the meeting.
Chief Financial Officer Ronald Mehlhorn Sr. explained where the money is going in an interview last week.
"We are buying two beach rakes and refurbishing one," he said. "We are buying two at $55,000 a piece and refurbishing one of the ones we have as a backup."
Mehlhorn said that the money was supposed to be used for a few projects that are no longer necessary.
"It was a piece of equipment for public works; part of it was for an acquisition of property to build a new school and a piece of it was for some kind of emergency radio station for $27,000," he said. "They just scrapped the whole plan."
At the council meeting residents criticized the fact that the rakes are being used for the beaches at local condominiums and in neighboring Monmouth Beach, but Mehlhorn said the profits outweigh the cost for the work.
"I got close to $20,000 from Monmouth Beach and the condos that we do," Mehlhorn said. "We netted about $13,000 out of that, after you account for the salaries [and] gas usage.
"This was a small part of the job. It was actually 228 hours of time for the entire season," he added.
Mehlhorn said that the city has come up with a good plan for working the out-oftown beaches where they do not have to use a lot of overtime.
"It is costing us something like $22 an hour to do the outside beaches," he said. "It seems to be a money maker.
"We netted about $13,000, which isn't
bad when you compare the amount they use the equipment to the amount of time we use the equipment," he added.
Mehlhorn said looking strictly at the work done on beaches outside of Long Branch, it would take 10
years to pay off two pieces of equipment.
"So if you look at over 10 years, we are taking in over $130,000," he said. "That would more than pay for a tractor and a beach rake."
Mehlhorn said that the next purchase for the city might be to replace a 10-year-old tractor.
"The tractors are the same thing; we are probably going to go for that soon," he said. "Each one is about $55,000.
"So over the 10 years this money will more than pay for a tractor and a beach rake," he added. "So we are more than getting our money's worth."
Mehlhorn also said that the city is not bonding new money; rather, using money it already has.
"I can't tell you how long it's going to take to pay off the $135,000," he said. "It doesn't exist by itself.
"I'm not bonding at all; it was bonding years ago and I'm reappropriating it," he added. "It's no longer needed for its original purpose."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Monday, February 8, 2010
District responds to discrimination suit
District responds to discrimination suit
Three female employees claim age, gender, race basis for unequal treatment
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Monmouth Regional School District has denied allegations of discrimination based on race, gender and age made in lawsuits brought by three female employees.
Peter Spaeth, attorney for the district, filed a response to the suits, which name the district's former superintendent and its current business administrator, high school vice principal and athletic director as defendants. The suits were filed in U.S. District Court in Trenton.
Mahwah-based lawyer Lydia Cotz filed three separate lawsuits on behalf of Monmouth Regional employees Diana Davis, Patricia Domanich and Tamara White. Cotz said last week the three legal actions have since been consolidated.
The suit brought on behalf of Davis was filed in February and a response was filed in April. The other two suits were filed in August and responses were filed on Oct. 29 and 30.
The suit filed on behalf of Davis, 56, who is African American, names former Monmouth Regional Superintendent James Cleary, who retired in June, and the school district as defendants.
The suit brought on behalf of Domanich names Cleary, Monmouth Regional High School (MRHS) Vice Principal Scott Larkin, MRHS Business Administrator Maria Parry and the school district as defendants.
The legal action in which White is the plaintiff names Cleary, the school district and Anthony D'Orio, currently MRHS athletic director as defendants.
In the response to the legal actions, Spaeth, of Wolff, Helies, Duggan, Spaeth & Lucas, Manasquan, countered that the suits are frivolous and requests a jury trial. Spaeth has not been available for comment on the lawsuits.
"This action is frivolous, unreasonable and without foundation in fact and brought in bad faith," the answer to the Domanich suit states, "and any wrongdoing alleged falls within the realm of the jobs of the defendants."
"The defendants, if involved at all, acted within the scope of their authority and in good faith in the performance of their duties," the response states. "Defendants deny the existence of or breach of any duty and further deny the existence of or breach of any contractual obligation, express or implied."
The response also states that the charges levied exceed the statute of limitations and that the court the charges were filed in was improper.
"The suit is barred by the statute of limitations," the answer states. "This court lacks jurisdiction over the subject matter of this litigation."
In addition, it states, the "defendants were carrying out their duties as officials and employees of the Monmouth Regional School District, and are entitled to qualified immunity under the statutes."
Spaeth claims that the situation that allegedly arose came as a result of Domanich's conduct.
"Any injury occurring to the plaintiff was the direct and proximate result of the plaintiff's own conduct," the answer states. Domanich has been employed at the school as a truant officer since 1993 and is claiming that the defendants have created a work environment that is hostile to women.
"Female employees who voice opinions, assert their rights as employees or as citizens, who disagree within proper channels about official policies and directives, or express concerns that policies, laws and directives are not being followed and obeyed are routinely demeaned, harassed and driven from employment," the suit claims.
The response to the White lawsuit claims the suit was filed after the statute of limitations had expired and the court lacks jurisdiction. The response also claims the defendants did not intentionally harm the plaintiff.
"These defendants are guilty of no intentional misconduct which proximately caused any injury to plaintiff," the response states. "Defendants were carrying out their duties as officials and employees of the Monmouth Regional School District."
The complaint filed on behalf of White, who was hired in 1995 as a social studies teacher and varsity cheerleading coach, describes alleged sexual harassment that she claims was tolerated by the administration from the time she was hired.
According to the suit, White complained throughout her tenure and in 2005 was terminated as cheerleader coach in retaliation for the complaints. She reinterviewed for the position in 2006 but was ultimately turned down and someone with less experience was given the position, the suit states.
White also claims harassment and discrimination by the high school administration.
"Female employees are frequently and routinely harassed with petty administrative issues that were tolerated, or at least overlooked with the younger staff," the suit claims.
The response to the complaint filed on behalf of Davis states that the identity of the male individual cited who received different treatment than she did is not revealed.
"We are unable to respond to this question as the plaintiff fails to identify the individual who she contends received this treatment," the answer reads.
The suit claims that a younger, Caucasian male was given compensation for taking over an additional department, but the suit fails to identify who the person is.
In the complaint, Davis claims that she asked for the additional compensation in 2007 but was denied and was told that someone younger could replace her. She was then given a one-time stipend, the suit states.
In the response, the defendants admit that Davis received a one-time stipend but deny that Davis was told that someone younger could replace her.
Like the other responses, the Davis response labels the suit frivolous and beyond the statute of limitations.
According to the suit filed on behalf of Davis, she was hired in 2002 to supervise the Social Studies Department and the media center. She remains as supervisor of the two departments, as well as the ESL Department.
"Plaintiff has been subjected to discrimination by defendants on the basis of her race and/or her gender and/or her age over the past several years, and has been retaliated against by defendants for voicing her complaints about this discrimination," the suit claims.
The complaint also states that when Davis took over the third department in 2005, she did not receive additional compensation for the extra duties, which was contrary to the common practice of the district.
The response denies these allegations.
"Defendants deny the allegations since the plaintiff was relieved of her responsibility to teach two classes," the response states.
She was then removed as supervisor of the media center in 2007 following her frequent demands for additional pay, the complaint states.
Davis is seeking punitive and compensatory damages.
Cotz said in an email last week that after the judge was served with the three suits, he consolidated the three.
"By consolidating the cases we can depose Mr. Cleary in a more efficient manner by just deposing him once," she said. "Same goes for the three plaintiffs."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Three female employees claim age, gender, race basis for unequal treatment
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Monmouth Regional School District has denied allegations of discrimination based on race, gender and age made in lawsuits brought by three female employees.
Peter Spaeth, attorney for the district, filed a response to the suits, which name the district's former superintendent and its current business administrator, high school vice principal and athletic director as defendants. The suits were filed in U.S. District Court in Trenton.
Mahwah-based lawyer Lydia Cotz filed three separate lawsuits on behalf of Monmouth Regional employees Diana Davis, Patricia Domanich and Tamara White. Cotz said last week the three legal actions have since been consolidated.
The suit brought on behalf of Davis was filed in February and a response was filed in April. The other two suits were filed in August and responses were filed on Oct. 29 and 30.
The suit filed on behalf of Davis, 56, who is African American, names former Monmouth Regional Superintendent James Cleary, who retired in June, and the school district as defendants.
The suit brought on behalf of Domanich names Cleary, Monmouth Regional High School (MRHS) Vice Principal Scott Larkin, MRHS Business Administrator Maria Parry and the school district as defendants.
The legal action in which White is the plaintiff names Cleary, the school district and Anthony D'Orio, currently MRHS athletic director as defendants.
In the response to the legal actions, Spaeth, of Wolff, Helies, Duggan, Spaeth & Lucas, Manasquan, countered that the suits are frivolous and requests a jury trial. Spaeth has not been available for comment on the lawsuits.
"This action is frivolous, unreasonable and without foundation in fact and brought in bad faith," the answer to the Domanich suit states, "and any wrongdoing alleged falls within the realm of the jobs of the defendants."
"The defendants, if involved at all, acted within the scope of their authority and in good faith in the performance of their duties," the response states. "Defendants deny the existence of or breach of any duty and further deny the existence of or breach of any contractual obligation, express or implied."
The response also states that the charges levied exceed the statute of limitations and that the court the charges were filed in was improper.
"The suit is barred by the statute of limitations," the answer states. "This court lacks jurisdiction over the subject matter of this litigation."
In addition, it states, the "defendants were carrying out their duties as officials and employees of the Monmouth Regional School District, and are entitled to qualified immunity under the statutes."
Spaeth claims that the situation that allegedly arose came as a result of Domanich's conduct.
"Any injury occurring to the plaintiff was the direct and proximate result of the plaintiff's own conduct," the answer states. Domanich has been employed at the school as a truant officer since 1993 and is claiming that the defendants have created a work environment that is hostile to women.
"Female employees who voice opinions, assert their rights as employees or as citizens, who disagree within proper channels about official policies and directives, or express concerns that policies, laws and directives are not being followed and obeyed are routinely demeaned, harassed and driven from employment," the suit claims.
The response to the White lawsuit claims the suit was filed after the statute of limitations had expired and the court lacks jurisdiction. The response also claims the defendants did not intentionally harm the plaintiff.
"These defendants are guilty of no intentional misconduct which proximately caused any injury to plaintiff," the response states. "Defendants were carrying out their duties as officials and employees of the Monmouth Regional School District."
The complaint filed on behalf of White, who was hired in 1995 as a social studies teacher and varsity cheerleading coach, describes alleged sexual harassment that she claims was tolerated by the administration from the time she was hired.
According to the suit, White complained throughout her tenure and in 2005 was terminated as cheerleader coach in retaliation for the complaints. She reinterviewed for the position in 2006 but was ultimately turned down and someone with less experience was given the position, the suit states.
White also claims harassment and discrimination by the high school administration.
"Female employees are frequently and routinely harassed with petty administrative issues that were tolerated, or at least overlooked with the younger staff," the suit claims.
The response to the complaint filed on behalf of Davis states that the identity of the male individual cited who received different treatment than she did is not revealed.
"We are unable to respond to this question as the plaintiff fails to identify the individual who she contends received this treatment," the answer reads.
The suit claims that a younger, Caucasian male was given compensation for taking over an additional department, but the suit fails to identify who the person is.
In the complaint, Davis claims that she asked for the additional compensation in 2007 but was denied and was told that someone younger could replace her. She was then given a one-time stipend, the suit states.
In the response, the defendants admit that Davis received a one-time stipend but deny that Davis was told that someone younger could replace her.
Like the other responses, the Davis response labels the suit frivolous and beyond the statute of limitations.
According to the suit filed on behalf of Davis, she was hired in 2002 to supervise the Social Studies Department and the media center. She remains as supervisor of the two departments, as well as the ESL Department.
"Plaintiff has been subjected to discrimination by defendants on the basis of her race and/or her gender and/or her age over the past several years, and has been retaliated against by defendants for voicing her complaints about this discrimination," the suit claims.
The complaint also states that when Davis took over the third department in 2005, she did not receive additional compensation for the extra duties, which was contrary to the common practice of the district.
The response denies these allegations.
"Defendants deny the allegations since the plaintiff was relieved of her responsibility to teach two classes," the response states.
She was then removed as supervisor of the media center in 2007 following her frequent demands for additional pay, the complaint states.
Davis is seeking punitive and compensatory damages.
Cotz said in an email last week that after the judge was served with the three suits, he consolidated the three.
"By consolidating the cases we can depose Mr. Cleary in a more efficient manner by just deposing him once," she said. "Same goes for the three plaintiffs."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Student's drive will warm those in need
Student's drive will warm those in need
Shoes and jackets will be donated to anyone in need
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
For a Long Branch High School (LBHS) student, a chance encounter with a homeless man is making a difference for many of the area's less fortunate.
PHOTOS BY KENNY WALTER Long Branch High School senior Lucy McGrath's chance encounter with a homeless person inspired her to begin collecting coats and shoes to be donated to those in need. Coats and shoes stored in a closet are evidence of the outpouring of donations from the school community. PHOTOS BY KENNY WALTER Long Branch High School senior Lucy McGrath's chance encounter with a homeless person inspired her to begin collecting coats and shoes to be donated to those in need. Coats and shoes stored in a closet are evidence of the outpouring of donations from the school community. LBHS senior Lucy McGrath has spent the better part of the last month walking around the school with a garbage bag filled with donated shoes and jackets collected for a drive she is running.
"Students throw them [shoes and coats] at me every day," she said. "Sometimes I go to class with a huge garbage bag."
McGrath said the idea started last year when she had a random encounter on a cold winter day. After she was elected to the position of community service coordinator of the high school honors society, she decided to move forward with the drive.
"When I saw this homeless man walking around with this jacket that was falling off him, I told everybody our first huge project should be collecting shoes and jackets," she said. "They are definitely really essential.
"We have an annual can drive every year in which we give poor families canned food," she added. "However, they are so cold during the winter."
McGrath, who is planning to attend Boston University next year, said the drive ran officially from Oct. 1 to Oct. 30, but the planning started the previous school year.
"Officially it started on Oct. 1, but the planning started way last year, either March or April," she said.
With the drive ending, McGrath said the coats and shoes would be distributed in November.
"On Nov. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. we are going to be distributing all these things to anyone who needs them," she said. "Anything extra will go to the homeless shelter in Long Branch.
"Anybody that needs anything can come," she added.
The coats and shoes are currently stored in a storage closet at the school's library, and distribution will take place at the school's cafeteria.
McGrath said that there are no conditions imposed for the recipients of the coats and shoes.
"We are just going to depend on people's honesty," she said.
McGrath set up a contest where the homeroom that brought in the most items would receive a prize, but she said the prize didn't matter for most.
"Whichever homeroom would bring in the most shoes and jackets, would win a cake party," she said. "What was really cool was the incentive didn't even matter, people just brought them in."
McGrath said that the last official count was two weeks ago when students had collected more than 600 items.
"Well over 600 items since we last counted about a week ago [Oct. 30]," she said. "I think we get about 50 things a day."
McGrath said when she did her last inventory on the items collected, the only demographic that they don't have much for is little girls.
"We are missing little girls' shoes and jackets," she said.
McGrath has campaigned for more donations throughout the month, which led at least one student to give the clothes right off his back.
"This is really all I talk about now, and in one of my classes I was like 'shoe and jacket drive, guys, come on,'" McGrath said. "This kid took his jacket off his back and I thought he was just being obnoxious.
"I said, 'No, you can keep the jacket you are wearing,'" she added. "He said, 'No, seriously, I was homeless once and you'd be surprised just how much school-wide shoes and jacket drives really help people.' Then he proceeded to donate like seven more things."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Shoes and jackets will be donated to anyone in need
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
For a Long Branch High School (LBHS) student, a chance encounter with a homeless man is making a difference for many of the area's less fortunate.
PHOTOS BY KENNY WALTER Long Branch High School senior Lucy McGrath's chance encounter with a homeless person inspired her to begin collecting coats and shoes to be donated to those in need. Coats and shoes stored in a closet are evidence of the outpouring of donations from the school community. PHOTOS BY KENNY WALTER Long Branch High School senior Lucy McGrath's chance encounter with a homeless person inspired her to begin collecting coats and shoes to be donated to those in need. Coats and shoes stored in a closet are evidence of the outpouring of donations from the school community. LBHS senior Lucy McGrath has spent the better part of the last month walking around the school with a garbage bag filled with donated shoes and jackets collected for a drive she is running.
"Students throw them [shoes and coats] at me every day," she said. "Sometimes I go to class with a huge garbage bag."
McGrath said the idea started last year when she had a random encounter on a cold winter day. After she was elected to the position of community service coordinator of the high school honors society, she decided to move forward with the drive.
"When I saw this homeless man walking around with this jacket that was falling off him, I told everybody our first huge project should be collecting shoes and jackets," she said. "They are definitely really essential.
"We have an annual can drive every year in which we give poor families canned food," she added. "However, they are so cold during the winter."
McGrath, who is planning to attend Boston University next year, said the drive ran officially from Oct. 1 to Oct. 30, but the planning started the previous school year.
"Officially it started on Oct. 1, but the planning started way last year, either March or April," she said.
With the drive ending, McGrath said the coats and shoes would be distributed in November.
"On Nov. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. we are going to be distributing all these things to anyone who needs them," she said. "Anything extra will go to the homeless shelter in Long Branch.
"Anybody that needs anything can come," she added.
The coats and shoes are currently stored in a storage closet at the school's library, and distribution will take place at the school's cafeteria.
McGrath said that there are no conditions imposed for the recipients of the coats and shoes.
"We are just going to depend on people's honesty," she said.
McGrath set up a contest where the homeroom that brought in the most items would receive a prize, but she said the prize didn't matter for most.
"Whichever homeroom would bring in the most shoes and jackets, would win a cake party," she said. "What was really cool was the incentive didn't even matter, people just brought them in."
McGrath said that the last official count was two weeks ago when students had collected more than 600 items.
"Well over 600 items since we last counted about a week ago [Oct. 30]," she said. "I think we get about 50 things a day."
McGrath said when she did her last inventory on the items collected, the only demographic that they don't have much for is little girls.
"We are missing little girls' shoes and jackets," she said.
McGrath has campaigned for more donations throughout the month, which led at least one student to give the clothes right off his back.
"This is really all I talk about now, and in one of my classes I was like 'shoe and jacket drive, guys, come on,'" McGrath said. "This kid took his jacket off his back and I thought he was just being obnoxious.
"I said, 'No, you can keep the jacket you are wearing,'" she added. "He said, 'No, seriously, I was homeless once and you'd be surprised just how much school-wide shoes and jacket drives really help people.' Then he proceeded to donate like seven more things."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Three run for two seats in Oceanport
Three run for two seats in Oceanport
Incumbent seeks re-election; two newcomers seek open seat
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Oceanport Borough Council in the Nov. 3 general elections.
Jerry Bertekap Jerry Bertekap The seats are currently held by Councilman William Johnson, a Republican who is running for re-election, and Councilman John W. Ibex, who chose not to run for re-election.
The candidates, in addition to Johnson, are Republican Jerry Bertekap and Democrat Lester T. Cox.
Republicans are now in the majority on the council, which is made up of one other Democrat, Gerald Briscione, and four other Republicans. Mayor Michael Mahon is also a Democrat; however, he is eligible to cast a vote only in order to break a deadlock.
Johnson has been on council for the past two years and has worked for the New York Stock Exchange for the last 26 years.
He is currently involved in the community as an Oceanport soccer coach, a member of Port-au-Peck Volunteer Fire Company and a member of Elks Lodge 742.
Johnson is also chairman of the Planning & Development Committee, a member of the Oceanport Planning Board, vice chairman for finance and administration, and a member of the Health and Human Services Committee.
Lester Tom Cox Lester Tom Cox Johnson said he is running for re-election to continue the work he has done on council over the past two years.
"It has been a pleasure working with the mayor and council for the last two years," he said. "Even though we do not agree on everything, we always reach a consensus and move on with the business at hand.
"For this reason I would like to continue working together with the team and continue the progress that we've started," he added.
One of the issues Johnson would focus on during a new term is shared services.
"The biggest improvement I would like to see is in the area of shared services," he said in an email. "Although we have made great strides, as in the last two years sharing some services with neighboring towns, there is always room for improvement."
Another issue Johnson is focusing on is the upcoming closing of Fort Monmouth.
"The closing of Fort Monmouth is by far the biggest issue facing the borough in the coming years," he said. "In the short term we have to be vigilant, pressuring our state legislators to make sure we have local control of the Fort Monmouth Implementation Authority.
William Johnson William Johnson "Already we have reduced the number of proposed homes on the Fort Monmouth site from 1,800 to 750," he added. "This reduction is extremely significant so as to impact the borough as little as possible."
In addition to Fort Monmouth's development impact on the borough, Johnson is concerned with the environmental impact.
"Making sure the site is environmentally clean and safe" is a priority, he said.
Other issues Johnson is concerned with are Monmouth Park and keeping taxes low. "The economic viability of Monmouth Park racetrack is number two on the priority list," he said. "We need to do anything we can as a local governing body to keep our largest taxpayer and employer fiscally sound.
"Of course, trying to maintain stable property taxes is a constant battle," he added.
Johnson's running mate is fellow Republican Bertekap, who ran for office previously.
Bertekap, who is currently working for Meridian Health and Raritan Bay Medical Center, said he is running to preserve the things he loves about the borough.
"I care a lot about Oceanport," he said in an e-mail. "I have been participating in the local government, and I want to see our town remain the same and go along the same path."
Bertekap is currently involved in the borough as president of the Oceanport Hook and Ladder Fire Company, sergeant of the first aid squad, a member of the Planning Board and a member of the Office of Emergency Management.
He also sits on the Emergency Services Advisory Committee for Fort Monmouth and served as fire chief in 2007.
Bertekap says his relationships throughout the borough make him qualified to hold office.
"I know a lot of the people and what they want in our town, what we love about our town," he said. "I think I have a good grip on the way our town runs.
"I want to see our town continue along the same path," he added.
For Bertekap, the biggest issue facing Oceanport in the coming years is Fort Monmouth.
"The biggest thing is definitely Fort Monmouth," he said. "That's what originally brought me into politics, to make sure Oceanport stayed the same and the development of Fort Monmouth went in a way that would protect our town."
Bertekap said the next step in dealing with the fort is devising a plan for the future use of the site.
"The next big challenge coming up is going to be developing of that plan," he said. "I had a lot of impact going into that plan."
Bertekap said it is important that Oceanport have input in shaping a reuse plan for the fort.
"It is going to be very important that Oceanport keeps our voice out front," he said, "I think making sure we are at every one of those meetings and our voices are always heard."
Bertekap cited other issues the borough is facing.
"I would like to continue to keep our waterways clean," he said, "keeping parks and open spaces where they are.
"I'd like to see the grants keep coming and improvements keep coming," he added. "I'd also like to see the taxes stay stable."
A retired telecommunications engineer, Cox said his primary reason for running is to give back to his community.
"I want to give something back to the community where I have lived for 22 years," he said.
Cox's local memberships include Oceanport's Water Watch Committee, Environmental Commission and Sustainable Oceanport.
Cox credits his long history in finance and engineering as reasons why he is qualified to hold public office.
"My qualifications include my engineering and finance degrees and experience, and my long-time interest in and concern for environmental issues," he said.
Like the other candidates, Cox is concerned with the future of Fort Monmouth.
"I'm concerned about what environmental problems the federal government may be covering up, both figuratively and literally," he said. "We need to keep after them and work with the [federal] Environmental Protection Agency and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to make sure environmental problems are not dumped on [the borough] and surrounding towns to remedy."
Cox cited other concerns in his e-mail.
"Our major issues are, of course, high property taxes, the closure of Fort Monmouth, the long-term viability of Monmouth Park racetrack, and a continued and increased emphasis on improving the environment and quality of life," he said.
While Johnson is exploring shared services, Cox is against some of the possible shared services.
"One major issue is maintaining our quality of life by retaining our borough police dispatchers and Police Department," he said. "There are rumors that the mayor and council want these merged with another town, but this would not reduce property taxes significantly but would reduce service levels for our citizens."
Polling places will be open in the borough from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Incumbent seeks re-election; two newcomers seek open seat
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Oceanport Borough Council in the Nov. 3 general elections.
Jerry Bertekap Jerry Bertekap The seats are currently held by Councilman William Johnson, a Republican who is running for re-election, and Councilman John W. Ibex, who chose not to run for re-election.
The candidates, in addition to Johnson, are Republican Jerry Bertekap and Democrat Lester T. Cox.
Republicans are now in the majority on the council, which is made up of one other Democrat, Gerald Briscione, and four other Republicans. Mayor Michael Mahon is also a Democrat; however, he is eligible to cast a vote only in order to break a deadlock.
Johnson has been on council for the past two years and has worked for the New York Stock Exchange for the last 26 years.
He is currently involved in the community as an Oceanport soccer coach, a member of Port-au-Peck Volunteer Fire Company and a member of Elks Lodge 742.
Johnson is also chairman of the Planning & Development Committee, a member of the Oceanport Planning Board, vice chairman for finance and administration, and a member of the Health and Human Services Committee.
Lester Tom Cox Lester Tom Cox Johnson said he is running for re-election to continue the work he has done on council over the past two years.
"It has been a pleasure working with the mayor and council for the last two years," he said. "Even though we do not agree on everything, we always reach a consensus and move on with the business at hand.
"For this reason I would like to continue working together with the team and continue the progress that we've started," he added.
One of the issues Johnson would focus on during a new term is shared services.
"The biggest improvement I would like to see is in the area of shared services," he said in an email. "Although we have made great strides, as in the last two years sharing some services with neighboring towns, there is always room for improvement."
Another issue Johnson is focusing on is the upcoming closing of Fort Monmouth.
"The closing of Fort Monmouth is by far the biggest issue facing the borough in the coming years," he said. "In the short term we have to be vigilant, pressuring our state legislators to make sure we have local control of the Fort Monmouth Implementation Authority.
William Johnson William Johnson "Already we have reduced the number of proposed homes on the Fort Monmouth site from 1,800 to 750," he added. "This reduction is extremely significant so as to impact the borough as little as possible."
In addition to Fort Monmouth's development impact on the borough, Johnson is concerned with the environmental impact.
"Making sure the site is environmentally clean and safe" is a priority, he said.
Other issues Johnson is concerned with are Monmouth Park and keeping taxes low. "The economic viability of Monmouth Park racetrack is number two on the priority list," he said. "We need to do anything we can as a local governing body to keep our largest taxpayer and employer fiscally sound.
"Of course, trying to maintain stable property taxes is a constant battle," he added.
Johnson's running mate is fellow Republican Bertekap, who ran for office previously.
Bertekap, who is currently working for Meridian Health and Raritan Bay Medical Center, said he is running to preserve the things he loves about the borough.
"I care a lot about Oceanport," he said in an e-mail. "I have been participating in the local government, and I want to see our town remain the same and go along the same path."
Bertekap is currently involved in the borough as president of the Oceanport Hook and Ladder Fire Company, sergeant of the first aid squad, a member of the Planning Board and a member of the Office of Emergency Management.
He also sits on the Emergency Services Advisory Committee for Fort Monmouth and served as fire chief in 2007.
Bertekap says his relationships throughout the borough make him qualified to hold office.
"I know a lot of the people and what they want in our town, what we love about our town," he said. "I think I have a good grip on the way our town runs.
"I want to see our town continue along the same path," he added.
For Bertekap, the biggest issue facing Oceanport in the coming years is Fort Monmouth.
"The biggest thing is definitely Fort Monmouth," he said. "That's what originally brought me into politics, to make sure Oceanport stayed the same and the development of Fort Monmouth went in a way that would protect our town."
Bertekap said the next step in dealing with the fort is devising a plan for the future use of the site.
"The next big challenge coming up is going to be developing of that plan," he said. "I had a lot of impact going into that plan."
Bertekap said it is important that Oceanport have input in shaping a reuse plan for the fort.
"It is going to be very important that Oceanport keeps our voice out front," he said, "I think making sure we are at every one of those meetings and our voices are always heard."
Bertekap cited other issues the borough is facing.
"I would like to continue to keep our waterways clean," he said, "keeping parks and open spaces where they are.
"I'd like to see the grants keep coming and improvements keep coming," he added. "I'd also like to see the taxes stay stable."
A retired telecommunications engineer, Cox said his primary reason for running is to give back to his community.
"I want to give something back to the community where I have lived for 22 years," he said.
Cox's local memberships include Oceanport's Water Watch Committee, Environmental Commission and Sustainable Oceanport.
Cox credits his long history in finance and engineering as reasons why he is qualified to hold public office.
"My qualifications include my engineering and finance degrees and experience, and my long-time interest in and concern for environmental issues," he said.
Like the other candidates, Cox is concerned with the future of Fort Monmouth.
"I'm concerned about what environmental problems the federal government may be covering up, both figuratively and literally," he said. "We need to keep after them and work with the [federal] Environmental Protection Agency and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to make sure environmental problems are not dumped on [the borough] and surrounding towns to remedy."
Cox cited other concerns in his e-mail.
"Our major issues are, of course, high property taxes, the closure of Fort Monmouth, the long-term viability of Monmouth Park racetrack, and a continued and increased emphasis on improving the environment and quality of life," he said.
While Johnson is exploring shared services, Cox is against some of the possible shared services.
"One major issue is maintaining our quality of life by retaining our borough police dispatchers and Police Department," he said. "There are rumors that the mayor and council want these merged with another town, but this would not reduce property taxes significantly but would reduce service levels for our citizens."
Polling places will be open in the borough from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
T.F. recycling procedures may change
T.F. recycling procedures may change
DPW head asks for $900K in capital investments
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The borough may consolidate the recycling collection because of a lack of manpower in the public works department.
Public Works Director John Bucciero gave a presentation at the Oct. 20 Borough Council meeting, urging the Borough Council to adopt a single-stream policy for recycling pickup.
"I am proposing tonight that the borough start with single-stream recycling," he said. "What I mean by that is currently we pick up recycling in the large blue containers.
"They consist of metal cans, aluminum cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles," he added. "What I am proposing is that all recycling, your newspaper, mixed off ice-type paper and cardboard all go in the same container."
According to Bucciero, the single streaming would offset a lack of manpower currently hampering the department.
"This will save us on manpower," he said. "Currently we are very short on manpower due to attrition."
In a memo to the council Bucciero said he expects the borough to save between $7,000 and $27,600 from vehicle savings and between $1,500 and $7,500 on waste savings as a result of the new program.
He also said he expects a reduction in worker injuries under the single-stream program.
Bucciero said that there is work that should be done within the department that is being neglected because of the shortage of manpower.
"We are using temporary laborers," he said. "There are a lot of responsibilities that we are supposed to do that we are neglecting because of the shortage of manpower.
According to Bucciero, recycling collection now requires a driver and two other workers.
"This will allow us to use the people that are on the trucks now to do those responsibilities," he added. "Once we do go to single stream, I anticipate we can perform all the other duties with the current staff now."
Bucciero said that in addition to the savings on manpower, the new method of recycling would result in a decrease in garbage collected in the borough.
"I think it will prove better for the borough all around," he said. "Statistics have shown that the towns that have gone to single stream have increased their recycling and decreased their tonnage as far as trash goes.
"I guess the biggest reason for that is that it makes it much easier for the residents to recycle," he said.
One of the issues discussed at the meeting was that with single-stream residents may have too much recycling for their container to hold.
Bucciero said that residents could get a second container, just as they can for garbage.
All council members seemed to think the plan is worth moving forward.
"It sounds like a fabulous plan," Councilman Andrew Mayer said. "I think we are going to have increased participation in our recycling program because it's going to make it easier for the folks to recycle."
"Mr. Bucciero put together a good report on this, made a lot of common-sense points that I think our public needs to see to understand what single-stream is." Councilman Gary Baldwin said.
Mayer also noted that the plan is a way to save on manpower.
The mayor and council agreed that it would be a good idea to start a campaign to educate residents on what single-stream recycling is.
"We would do an educational campaign too," Mayor Michael Skudera said. "Get it out in the newsletter. That's the main thing we are trying to accomplish, to increase recycling and reduce cost."
"We should probably put this out on the website," Mayer added.
Bucciero also told the council that the department needs a capital investment of more than $900,000 over the next two years.
He said the funding would allow replacement of equipment such as a 17-yearold four-wheel drive vehicle that has been in use for more than 100,000 miles. Bucciero said the vehicle needs major repairs. He also said the current robotic camera system was purchased in 1996 and is "worn out."
Among his suggestions was that the borough invest $924,408 for a list of improvements including: two new refuse collection trucks at $225,000 each; a four-wheel drive truck at $20,000-$29,000; about 1,100 trash containers; an asphalt hot box at $27,000; an asphalt planer at $20,000; and a robotic camera for sanitary and storm sewers at a cost of $50,000.
Bucciero said the funding has nothing to do with the single-stream recycling proposal.
"The capital is not really involved with the single stream," he said. "We need those same vehicles regardless of whether we do single-stream or not."
Bucciero also said the department is looking into sharing some services with other towns.
"We were entertaining the idea if there was another town that wanted to go in with us on both the camera and the planer," Bucciero said.
Skudera said there has been interest from other towns in sharing the cost of some of the equipment.
"I've talked to a couple of other towns that wanted to go in on this and it is possible," he added. "All these things are nice but we are not going to use them every single day."
Bucciero also said the department is looking into purchasing a hybrid truck, and Mayer said that could have the added benefit of being eligible for grant funds..
"I think it is good that you are looking at a hybrid," Mayer said. "There is a greenhouse gas reduction program that might have grant money available to purchase things like hybrid vehicles. Maybe there's a way to put some grant money into this."
Bucciero said that if the council were to approve the capital investments, it would need to do so soon.
"If we want to move forward with the capital improvement program, it would probably need to be at the next meeting," he said. "You're going to have an ordinance and it wouldn't be able to carry over into the next year."
Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor confirmed last week that a bond ordinance for the full amount requested is expected to be on the agenda for the next meeting (Nov. 3) for introduction.
Council President Duane Morrill said that the investments are needed.
"These are things we absolutely need, so I want to take a look at the best way of getting them," he said.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
DPW head asks for $900K in capital investments
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The borough may consolidate the recycling collection because of a lack of manpower in the public works department.
Public Works Director John Bucciero gave a presentation at the Oct. 20 Borough Council meeting, urging the Borough Council to adopt a single-stream policy for recycling pickup.
"I am proposing tonight that the borough start with single-stream recycling," he said. "What I mean by that is currently we pick up recycling in the large blue containers.
"They consist of metal cans, aluminum cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles," he added. "What I am proposing is that all recycling, your newspaper, mixed off ice-type paper and cardboard all go in the same container."
According to Bucciero, the single streaming would offset a lack of manpower currently hampering the department.
"This will save us on manpower," he said. "Currently we are very short on manpower due to attrition."
In a memo to the council Bucciero said he expects the borough to save between $7,000 and $27,600 from vehicle savings and between $1,500 and $7,500 on waste savings as a result of the new program.
He also said he expects a reduction in worker injuries under the single-stream program.
Bucciero said that there is work that should be done within the department that is being neglected because of the shortage of manpower.
"We are using temporary laborers," he said. "There are a lot of responsibilities that we are supposed to do that we are neglecting because of the shortage of manpower.
According to Bucciero, recycling collection now requires a driver and two other workers.
"This will allow us to use the people that are on the trucks now to do those responsibilities," he added. "Once we do go to single stream, I anticipate we can perform all the other duties with the current staff now."
Bucciero said that in addition to the savings on manpower, the new method of recycling would result in a decrease in garbage collected in the borough.
"I think it will prove better for the borough all around," he said. "Statistics have shown that the towns that have gone to single stream have increased their recycling and decreased their tonnage as far as trash goes.
"I guess the biggest reason for that is that it makes it much easier for the residents to recycle," he said.
One of the issues discussed at the meeting was that with single-stream residents may have too much recycling for their container to hold.
Bucciero said that residents could get a second container, just as they can for garbage.
All council members seemed to think the plan is worth moving forward.
"It sounds like a fabulous plan," Councilman Andrew Mayer said. "I think we are going to have increased participation in our recycling program because it's going to make it easier for the folks to recycle."
"Mr. Bucciero put together a good report on this, made a lot of common-sense points that I think our public needs to see to understand what single-stream is." Councilman Gary Baldwin said.
Mayer also noted that the plan is a way to save on manpower.
The mayor and council agreed that it would be a good idea to start a campaign to educate residents on what single-stream recycling is.
"We would do an educational campaign too," Mayor Michael Skudera said. "Get it out in the newsletter. That's the main thing we are trying to accomplish, to increase recycling and reduce cost."
"We should probably put this out on the website," Mayer added.
Bucciero also told the council that the department needs a capital investment of more than $900,000 over the next two years.
He said the funding would allow replacement of equipment such as a 17-yearold four-wheel drive vehicle that has been in use for more than 100,000 miles. Bucciero said the vehicle needs major repairs. He also said the current robotic camera system was purchased in 1996 and is "worn out."
Among his suggestions was that the borough invest $924,408 for a list of improvements including: two new refuse collection trucks at $225,000 each; a four-wheel drive truck at $20,000-$29,000; about 1,100 trash containers; an asphalt hot box at $27,000; an asphalt planer at $20,000; and a robotic camera for sanitary and storm sewers at a cost of $50,000.
Bucciero said the funding has nothing to do with the single-stream recycling proposal.
"The capital is not really involved with the single stream," he said. "We need those same vehicles regardless of whether we do single-stream or not."
Bucciero also said the department is looking into sharing some services with other towns.
"We were entertaining the idea if there was another town that wanted to go in with us on both the camera and the planer," Bucciero said.
Skudera said there has been interest from other towns in sharing the cost of some of the equipment.
"I've talked to a couple of other towns that wanted to go in on this and it is possible," he added. "All these things are nice but we are not going to use them every single day."
Bucciero also said the department is looking into purchasing a hybrid truck, and Mayer said that could have the added benefit of being eligible for grant funds..
"I think it is good that you are looking at a hybrid," Mayer said. "There is a greenhouse gas reduction program that might have grant money available to purchase things like hybrid vehicles. Maybe there's a way to put some grant money into this."
Bucciero said that if the council were to approve the capital investments, it would need to do so soon.
"If we want to move forward with the capital improvement program, it would probably need to be at the next meeting," he said. "You're going to have an ordinance and it wouldn't be able to carry over into the next year."
Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor confirmed last week that a bond ordinance for the full amount requested is expected to be on the agenda for the next meeting (Nov. 3) for introduction.
Council President Duane Morrill said that the investments are needed.
"These are things we absolutely need, so I want to take a look at the best way of getting them," he said.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Long Branch takes steps to 'go green'
Long Branch takes steps to 'go green'
City applies for DEP grants to reduce carbon footprints
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Energy-saving traffic signals, pocket parks and a proposal for a trolley are among the "green" initiatives the city is pursuing to promote sustainability.
"Going Green" was the topic for the monthly meeting of the Long Branch Concordance on Oct. 20, where Long Branch Zoning Officer Michelle Bernich and Purchasing Agent Carol Mellaci discussed the city's ongoing commitment to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives.
Bernich presented a brief history of what Long Branch has done in recent years to go green at the meeting, which was held at the Brookdale Learning Annex on lower Broadway.
"It started off a couple of years ago when the mayor [Adam Schneider] created the Energy Review Committee," she said. "We talk about what the city can do to make it a better environment."
One of the things the committee has accomplished is implementing a green page on the Long Branch website.
"One of the first things we did was create a green page," Bernich said. "We have tips to let you know what's going on."
Bernich said the committee has been actively involved in recent years in the statewide "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign.
"For the last three years, we've actually been at the top," she said. "We have been doing public events. Everybody can make a commitment and do it in their home."
Bernich said that Long Branch has made a significant effort to switch to LED lights around the city.
"Some of the other things we have done in the city is change to LED traffic lights," she said. "We have already changed the greens and the reds. Every time the yellows are out, those get LEDs."
Bernich said the city has also switched over some of the holiday lighting to conserve energy.
"We've also changed 3,000 Christmas tree lights," she said. "We will be doing that as time and money permit to other holiday lights," she added.
Bernich said the city will adopt a new master plan in the coming months, and one of the things implemented in the new master plan will be more green initiatives.
"One of the key incentives is to have green initiatives for planners, builders and homeowners," she said. "That update is scheduled in the next four to five months.
"We are looking at doing pocket parks and adding green buildings in the design process," she added.
Bernich said the city has recently applied for four grants from the state Department of Environment Protection.
"We submitted four applications to the DEP in their greenhouse gas reduction program," she said.
Two of the applications are to reduce carbon footprints in the city. The third application will go to a proposed trolley car, and the fourth will be for community outreach.
"We are looking to do the trolley from the train to the beach to the business areas," she said. "We are hoping it's free so people don't have to drive.
"The fourth one is for community outreach," she added. "We find that people don't really know what the city is doing or what they should do."
Also speaking at the LBC meeting was Meg Gardner, Clean Ocean Action Citizens' Action and Activities coordinator.
Gardner spoke about the Beach Sweeps program, which takes place twice a year.
"We do them twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. We have over 60 sites along the Jersey Shore," she said.
Gardner said the point of the beach sweeps is not just to clean the beaches but also to collect data on pollution sources.
"We collect data every time we do it and compile an annual report every year that lets us look at the trash trends," she said. "That helps us see what is changing over the years and helps us present that information to elected officials and governing bodies so we can enact legislation."
Gardner said a problem with the data is that it is nearly impossible to single out the source of the pollution problem.
"One of the problems is that it is pointless pollution. We can't identify one source of the pollution, it comes from all of us," she said. "Preventing that is coming with more awareness."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
City applies for DEP grants to reduce carbon footprints
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Energy-saving traffic signals, pocket parks and a proposal for a trolley are among the "green" initiatives the city is pursuing to promote sustainability.
"Going Green" was the topic for the monthly meeting of the Long Branch Concordance on Oct. 20, where Long Branch Zoning Officer Michelle Bernich and Purchasing Agent Carol Mellaci discussed the city's ongoing commitment to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives.
Bernich presented a brief history of what Long Branch has done in recent years to go green at the meeting, which was held at the Brookdale Learning Annex on lower Broadway.
"It started off a couple of years ago when the mayor [Adam Schneider] created the Energy Review Committee," she said. "We talk about what the city can do to make it a better environment."
One of the things the committee has accomplished is implementing a green page on the Long Branch website.
"One of the first things we did was create a green page," Bernich said. "We have tips to let you know what's going on."
Bernich said the committee has been actively involved in recent years in the statewide "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign.
"For the last three years, we've actually been at the top," she said. "We have been doing public events. Everybody can make a commitment and do it in their home."
Bernich said that Long Branch has made a significant effort to switch to LED lights around the city.
"Some of the other things we have done in the city is change to LED traffic lights," she said. "We have already changed the greens and the reds. Every time the yellows are out, those get LEDs."
Bernich said the city has also switched over some of the holiday lighting to conserve energy.
"We've also changed 3,000 Christmas tree lights," she said. "We will be doing that as time and money permit to other holiday lights," she added.
Bernich said the city will adopt a new master plan in the coming months, and one of the things implemented in the new master plan will be more green initiatives.
"One of the key incentives is to have green initiatives for planners, builders and homeowners," she said. "That update is scheduled in the next four to five months.
"We are looking at doing pocket parks and adding green buildings in the design process," she added.
Bernich said the city has recently applied for four grants from the state Department of Environment Protection.
"We submitted four applications to the DEP in their greenhouse gas reduction program," she said.
Two of the applications are to reduce carbon footprints in the city. The third application will go to a proposed trolley car, and the fourth will be for community outreach.
"We are looking to do the trolley from the train to the beach to the business areas," she said. "We are hoping it's free so people don't have to drive.
"The fourth one is for community outreach," she added. "We find that people don't really know what the city is doing or what they should do."
Also speaking at the LBC meeting was Meg Gardner, Clean Ocean Action Citizens' Action and Activities coordinator.
Gardner spoke about the Beach Sweeps program, which takes place twice a year.
"We do them twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. We have over 60 sites along the Jersey Shore," she said.
Gardner said the point of the beach sweeps is not just to clean the beaches but also to collect data on pollution sources.
"We collect data every time we do it and compile an annual report every year that lets us look at the trash trends," she said. "That helps us see what is changing over the years and helps us present that information to elected officials and governing bodies so we can enact legislation."
Gardner said a problem with the data is that it is nearly impossible to single out the source of the pollution problem.
"One of the problems is that it is pointless pollution. We can't identify one source of the pollution, it comes from all of us," she said. "Preventing that is coming with more awareness."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
District aims for all students to have health insurance
District aims for all students to have health insurance
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
While the national health care debate is raging, the Long Branch School District is taking steps to ensure that all students have health insurance coverage.
With efforts already under way, the district received a $25,000 grant in June for personnel to help with the effort to arrange health care benefits for uninsured students.
Kathleen Celli, head nurse for the school district, said in an interview last week that the goal is to make sure that all Long Branch students have a medical "home."
"We started last year without the grant because we felt that our children needed a medical home whether they had insurance or not," she said. "We had on-site registration, there was communication with the families, and actually it was pretty successful even on our own doing it.
"We applied in April [for the grant] and then got told in June," she added.
The grant money is being used for a bilingual facilitator, which Celli said is working very well.
"We are very happy, very fortunate," Celli said. "The facilitator has really been doing an excellent job with follow-ups and checking with the schools."
Celli said one problem that the district is facing is that a large number of the uninsured do not have Social Security numbers, which makes them ineligible to receive health insurance.
"There are 717 children out of the 5,200 that do not have health insurance," she said. "However, we have 450 of those students that do not have Social Security numbers.
"What we did is, we pulled those names out and there are about 325 students left that we are assisting or going to be assisting with getting New Jersey FamilyCare," she added.
New Jersey FamilyCare is a federal- and state-funded health insurance program created to help the state's uninsured children and certain low-income parents and guardians have affordable health coverage.
Celli said the district was even able to find a solution for the students without Social Security numbers.
"So we have shared their names with the local Monmouth Family Health Center, because they can service those students," Celli said. "We want the children, regardless of their status, to have some place to go in addition to what we do for them."
The district is responsible for sending monthly reports for the duration of the program to the Division of Medical Assistance, which Celli said was done earlier this month.
"Right now the first set of names went to the Division of Medical Assistance," Celli said. "Now they are going to review their names in their databank.
"The other students, we need them to have a medical home," she added. "Every month we have to give a report to the state."
Long Branch School District Superintendent Joseph Ferraina said in an email that the facilitator works 30 hours a week.
Some of the other duties the facilitator handles are: parent conferences, organizing workshop meetings, attending plays, recitals and sporting events, open houses for immunizations, administrating vaccinations at various schools, and visiting local houses of worship.
Ferraina said the program has been a success in the early stages.
"We interviewed every student in the school district to get the status of their health insurance," he said. "Information on the families has already been forwarded to Trenton for their review. We now have a starting place and baseline."
The grant program will end in June 2010.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
While the national health care debate is raging, the Long Branch School District is taking steps to ensure that all students have health insurance coverage.
With efforts already under way, the district received a $25,000 grant in June for personnel to help with the effort to arrange health care benefits for uninsured students.
Kathleen Celli, head nurse for the school district, said in an interview last week that the goal is to make sure that all Long Branch students have a medical "home."
"We started last year without the grant because we felt that our children needed a medical home whether they had insurance or not," she said. "We had on-site registration, there was communication with the families, and actually it was pretty successful even on our own doing it.
"We applied in April [for the grant] and then got told in June," she added.
The grant money is being used for a bilingual facilitator, which Celli said is working very well.
"We are very happy, very fortunate," Celli said. "The facilitator has really been doing an excellent job with follow-ups and checking with the schools."
Celli said one problem that the district is facing is that a large number of the uninsured do not have Social Security numbers, which makes them ineligible to receive health insurance.
"There are 717 children out of the 5,200 that do not have health insurance," she said. "However, we have 450 of those students that do not have Social Security numbers.
"What we did is, we pulled those names out and there are about 325 students left that we are assisting or going to be assisting with getting New Jersey FamilyCare," she added.
New Jersey FamilyCare is a federal- and state-funded health insurance program created to help the state's uninsured children and certain low-income parents and guardians have affordable health coverage.
Celli said the district was even able to find a solution for the students without Social Security numbers.
"So we have shared their names with the local Monmouth Family Health Center, because they can service those students," Celli said. "We want the children, regardless of their status, to have some place to go in addition to what we do for them."
The district is responsible for sending monthly reports for the duration of the program to the Division of Medical Assistance, which Celli said was done earlier this month.
"Right now the first set of names went to the Division of Medical Assistance," Celli said. "Now they are going to review their names in their databank.
"The other students, we need them to have a medical home," she added. "Every month we have to give a report to the state."
Long Branch School District Superintendent Joseph Ferraina said in an email that the facilitator works 30 hours a week.
Some of the other duties the facilitator handles are: parent conferences, organizing workshop meetings, attending plays, recitals and sporting events, open houses for immunizations, administrating vaccinations at various schools, and visiting local houses of worship.
Ferraina said the program has been a success in the early stages.
"We interviewed every student in the school district to get the status of their health insurance," he said. "Information on the families has already been forwarded to Trenton for their review. We now have a starting place and baseline."
The grant program will end in June 2010.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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