L.B. native set to begin filming mob caper
Several big names already signed on for ‘Numba One’
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
With an arsenal of big names already signed on, former Long Branch resident Michael Attardi is hoping to secure a few more before his new movie, “Numba One,” starts filming in October.
Michael Attardi (l) and Federico Castelluccio at a recent film festival in New York City. Michael Attardi (l) and Federico Castelluccio at a recent film festival in New York City. Attardi, who lives in Florida and Middletown, said he has commitments from Paul Sorvino, Peter Greene, Wayne Newton and Federico Castelluccio and is in negotiations with other well-known actors.
Attardi said the movie centers around a mafia-driven insurance scam set in New York and Miami and will be appropriate for families to view.
“It’s a mob-comedy caper, but it is something that you’ll be able to take your kids to,” he said. “It’s not like ‘The Sopranos.’ It’s a lot of slapstick stuff. There is no bad language. We are trying to make this a fun, family film.
Attardi, who founded Dream Balloon Animation Studio, an Orlando-based film and animation studio, explained that the title of the movie stems from his New Jersey roots.
“Coming from the New Jersey area, no one ever says ‘number,’” he said. “So we decided to call this ‘Numba One.’ ”
Attardi said that he and Castelluccio, who played hit man Furio Giunta on “The Sopranos,” met at a Manhattan film festival and immediately hit it off.
“We had a lot in common and have a similar Italian family background,” he said. “One thing led to another and we decided we would get involved with trying to make a film.”
Attardi said that they were on a road trip to another film festival when he decided to pitch the idea of the movie to Castelluccio.
“I just started telling him different situations of the movie and he’s laughing and I’m laughing, so at the end of the day I decided to print the script,” he said.
Castelluccio, who will serve as a producer and lead actor, said he was instantly intrigued by the storyline in the movie.
“It was the longest ride ever, but he started explaining this film and I was crying, I was laughing so hard,” he said. “It is the type of comedy you’d see in ‘Get Shorty’ and ‘My Cousin Vinny.’ ”
“When he finally wrote the script, I read it, I liked it; there were a couple of notes here and there for some adjustments. I think the script now is at a shooting point, and everyone who’s read it pretty much agrees that we could go right into production with it.”
Before shooting can start, Attardi has to secure some locales, which he said may include different places in Florida, New York City and along the New Jersey coastline.
Attardi, who graduated from Long Branch High School, said one spot he has in mind is Atlantic Highlands for a scene with a ferry involved.
He also said that many of the stories in the movie came from tales that were passed on to him as a child.
“It comes from a few stories that were told to me by my dad back when I was a kid,” he said. “He told me this story about these two twin brothers that were trying to do this insurance scam, and I just thought it was funny.”
Attardi said one of the challenges in the independent film world is securing financing.
“Financing for an independent movie is one of the hardest things to try to accomplish,” he said. “A lot of former investors got hurt by a lot of independent filmmakers.
“One thing we are adamant about is we want all our t’s crossed and i’s dotted and have all the deals in place,” he added. “We want to shoot, film and distribute ready to go.”
Attardi said that his production team meets with investors to try to educate them in ways that independent movies can be lucrative.
He also said that he would like to find three or four more actors to fill roles before shooting starts the second week in October.
He expects shooting to be take between 25 and 30 days, followed by three months of post-production.
Attardi said the plan is to enter the movie into the Tribeca Film Festival next spring.
Castelluccio said that a lot of the same people involved in “Numba One” would like to work together in the future.
“It is almost like a repertory company that has a lot of the same actors in different roles and projects,” he said.
“These are people that I like to work with and I think we get along really well. These are people that you will see working with us in other films.”
For more information on the movie, visit www.numbaonemovie.com.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Lifeguards near finish line of beach season
Lifeguards near finish line of beach season
Despite Earl, summer 2010 brings calmer seas and fewer rescues
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tommy Lyons, of Rumson, catches a wave last week in the rough surf caused by a tropical storm. ERIC SUCAR staff Tommy Lyons, of Rumson, catches a wave last week in the rough surf caused by a tropical storm. ERIC SUCAR staff LONG BRANCH — At this time last year lifeguard supervisor Michael “Spike” Fowler at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park talked about having to make a record-breaking number of rescues.
However, Fowler said last week that the number of rescues Monmouth County Park System lifeguards have had to make has gone significantly down this summer.
“They are down significantly from last year because we had a period of extraordinary calm water through May, June, July and most of August,” he said.
Fowler said last summer that the lifeguards were forced to make multiple rescues a day during the weeks leading up to the end of summer.
He said this year the last few days heading into Labor Day is when the water started to get rough.
“Just recently we’ve had our first influx of bad surf,” Fowler said. “Actually, it’s been good until several days ago with the onset of the storm, [hurricanes] Danielle first and Earl behind it.”
Fowler said that his staff takes precautions every day when going off duty to ensure the public is aware that there are no lifeguards on duty.
“One of our protocols is to remove all the bathers when lifeguards go off duty at 5 p.m,” he said. “There is no mistake that lifeguards are off duty and have left the area.
“Our benches are tipped down, bathers are removed from the water and we vacate the beach,” he added. “We post signage at the entrance of the park and the beach location that there are no lifeguards.”
Fowler, who will close out his 47th year as a lifeguard, gave some reasons why people choose to swim on beaches after hours.
“We always say swim near a lifeguard; that’s basic common sense,” he said. “Unfortunately, we’ve had a spell this summer of extraordinary hot weather.
“People that work during the day are motivated to come down at the end of the day and cool off,” he added.
Fowler also said economics play into the decision.
“Another unfortunate thing is some people who are economically disadvantaged can’t really afford the daily admission fees and they want to take advantage of the free admission,” he said.
Fowler also identified the conditions where swimmers tend to get themselves in trouble.
“They get caught in these developing rip currents, usually when it is mid-tide between high and low tide,” he said. “These rip currents come up and people get caught in them and we end up rescuing them.”
He also said that the lifeguards are trained in identifying when a problem may arise.
“Our protocols are we end up identifying the location of the rip currents, identify people that are swimming in the rip currents and then identify people having difficulty coming to shore,” Fowler said. “We don’t want to react to a rescue, we want to plan a rescue as we see it set up.”
Although Fowler said rescues are down at the county level, he said beach attendance has been record breaking in 2010.
He credited hot and dry weather as the main reasons for the high attendance.
He also said the county was prepared for any rain or wind from last weekend’s Hurricane Earl, which was downgraded to a Category 1.
“I’m expecting to have red flags on tomorrow [Sept. 3] and Saturday with the possible clearing on Sunday, although it is a little early to tell,” he said. “Usually, the residual effects of these storms last for several days. As a result, as soon as the storm is out of our area, the water does not automatically calm down.”
The county will keep lifeguards on duty on weekends until Sept. 19 but stops charging for beach access Sept. 6.
Fowler said that local residents tend to cherish beach days in September.
“September has been oftentimes the most beautiful month of all, especially for area residents when beaches tend to be less crowded,” he said. “All of us enjoy the slightly cooler weather, the blue skies and oftentimes the very calm and warm water that September brings.”
Fowler also credited the county lifeguards for winning the lifeguard tournament for the 10th time in the last 11 years.
Fowler’s 47 years as a lifeguard have prompted him to write a book, along with co-authors Bernard and Edward Olsen, titled “Lifeguards of the Jersey Shore,” detailing the history of lifeguarding in New Jersey.
Despite Earl, summer 2010 brings calmer seas and fewer rescues
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tommy Lyons, of Rumson, catches a wave last week in the rough surf caused by a tropical storm. ERIC SUCAR staff Tommy Lyons, of Rumson, catches a wave last week in the rough surf caused by a tropical storm. ERIC SUCAR staff LONG BRANCH — At this time last year lifeguard supervisor Michael “Spike” Fowler at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park talked about having to make a record-breaking number of rescues.
However, Fowler said last week that the number of rescues Monmouth County Park System lifeguards have had to make has gone significantly down this summer.
“They are down significantly from last year because we had a period of extraordinary calm water through May, June, July and most of August,” he said.
Fowler said last summer that the lifeguards were forced to make multiple rescues a day during the weeks leading up to the end of summer.
He said this year the last few days heading into Labor Day is when the water started to get rough.
“Just recently we’ve had our first influx of bad surf,” Fowler said. “Actually, it’s been good until several days ago with the onset of the storm, [hurricanes] Danielle first and Earl behind it.”
Fowler said that his staff takes precautions every day when going off duty to ensure the public is aware that there are no lifeguards on duty.
“One of our protocols is to remove all the bathers when lifeguards go off duty at 5 p.m,” he said. “There is no mistake that lifeguards are off duty and have left the area.
“Our benches are tipped down, bathers are removed from the water and we vacate the beach,” he added. “We post signage at the entrance of the park and the beach location that there are no lifeguards.”
Fowler, who will close out his 47th year as a lifeguard, gave some reasons why people choose to swim on beaches after hours.
“We always say swim near a lifeguard; that’s basic common sense,” he said. “Unfortunately, we’ve had a spell this summer of extraordinary hot weather.
“People that work during the day are motivated to come down at the end of the day and cool off,” he added.
Fowler also said economics play into the decision.
“Another unfortunate thing is some people who are economically disadvantaged can’t really afford the daily admission fees and they want to take advantage of the free admission,” he said.
Fowler also identified the conditions where swimmers tend to get themselves in trouble.
“They get caught in these developing rip currents, usually when it is mid-tide between high and low tide,” he said. “These rip currents come up and people get caught in them and we end up rescuing them.”
He also said that the lifeguards are trained in identifying when a problem may arise.
“Our protocols are we end up identifying the location of the rip currents, identify people that are swimming in the rip currents and then identify people having difficulty coming to shore,” Fowler said. “We don’t want to react to a rescue, we want to plan a rescue as we see it set up.”
Although Fowler said rescues are down at the county level, he said beach attendance has been record breaking in 2010.
He credited hot and dry weather as the main reasons for the high attendance.
He also said the county was prepared for any rain or wind from last weekend’s Hurricane Earl, which was downgraded to a Category 1.
“I’m expecting to have red flags on tomorrow [Sept. 3] and Saturday with the possible clearing on Sunday, although it is a little early to tell,” he said. “Usually, the residual effects of these storms last for several days. As a result, as soon as the storm is out of our area, the water does not automatically calm down.”
The county will keep lifeguards on duty on weekends until Sept. 19 but stops charging for beach access Sept. 6.
Fowler said that local residents tend to cherish beach days in September.
“September has been oftentimes the most beautiful month of all, especially for area residents when beaches tend to be less crowded,” he said. “All of us enjoy the slightly cooler weather, the blue skies and oftentimes the very calm and warm water that September brings.”
Fowler also credited the county lifeguards for winning the lifeguard tournament for the 10th time in the last 11 years.
Fowler’s 47 years as a lifeguard have prompted him to write a book, along with co-authors Bernard and Edward Olsen, titled “Lifeguards of the Jersey Shore,” detailing the history of lifeguarding in New Jersey.
L.B. beaches produce record revenues
L.B. beaches produce record revenues
Ideal summer weather also increases beach expenses
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
For the second straight summer, Long Branch beaches generated record figures in revenues, with estimates close to $1.3 million.
Rough surf caused by a tropical storm sprays bathers on a sweltering Sept. 1 afternoon. Story and photo page 6 and at gmnews.com. ERIC SUCAR staff Rough surf caused by a tropical storm sprays bathers on a sweltering Sept. 1 afternoon. Story and photo page 6 and at gmnews.com. ERIC SUCAR staff Long Branch Director of Recreation and Human Services Carl Jennings said at a Sept. 1 special City Council meeting that the town is a good weekend away from coming away with $1.3 million in beach revenues.
That success has come at a cost, as the meeting was called to approve $50,000 in emergency appropriations for the beach operation.
“That increased revenue came at a cost — that because of rough surfs and huge amounts of crowds they had to put [on] additional staffing, and that put a burden on the salaries for the beach operation,” said Long Branch Director of Finance Ronald Mehlhorn Sr. “This is purely ticket attendants and lifeguards.”
Bathers, like those enjoying the surf on Sept. 1, flocked to the Long Branch oceanfront this summer, boosting beach revenues to an all-time high. ERIC SUCAR staff Bathers, like those enjoying the surf on Sept. 1, flocked to the Long Branch oceanfront this summer, boosting beach revenues to an all-time high. ERIC SUCAR staff Mehlhorn said that last year the revenues from the beaches came in just below $1 million and the city did not have to seek emergency appropriations last summer.
Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. explained that the money would be used for total salaries that went over budget.
“It’s not that there are more employees, but normally we have a week or 10 days of rain and we didn’t have that this year,” he said. “They go home and we don’t pay them.
“We’d pay half the lifeguards and none of the ticket takers because you keep at least two lifeguards on,” he added.
Woolley also said that rough surf has forced the city to keep lifeguards on later in the evening.
“This year we didn’t get any rain plus [because of] the rough surf conditions, we kept them late,” he said.
“If you notice, all the problems [in neighboring municipalities] have occurred later at night. We have some people patrolling on until 7 p.m.”
Jennings credited a good stretch of weather and people rediscovering Long Branch as major reasons for the increased beach traffic.
Woolley said that one reason for the increased revenues is a larger population coming via the train station.
“We have a lot of people coming down from the train this year as well,” he said. “They increased rates and they dropped services and still you get your beach passes included in your train fare.
“So we get the beach fare from [NJ] Transit and I think we might be double what we were on that,” he added. “Why drive, why get in that bumper-to-bumper [traffic] on the parkway?
“Even if it’s $20 round trip, take the train. Morris Avenue on a Saturday or Sunday, you need a crossing guard down there.”
Jennings also noted the diversity he has seen on the beach.
“There are so many different languages around Pier Village and the beachfront,” he said. “People are just coming from everywhere.
“I’m not just talking about Spanish, I’m talking about Western European, Ukrainian, Russian, you name it,” he added. “We also have a large amount of Staten Islanders coming down.”
One resident was concerned that the resolution might lead to other changes on the beach.
“I hope this resolution isn’t used as a vehicle to rescind beach access for free for kids 17 and under over the coming winter,” Vincent LePore said. “I firmly believe the kids should be on the beach for free, and I also believe that any taxpayer in this city should have access for their entire family to the beaches for free.”
Jennings said the city has no intention of rescinding the ordinance allowing children 17 and under free beach access.
Jennings also said that the city was prepared to handle any weather related to Hurricane Earl, which was expected to impact the Jersey coastline last weekend.
“I’ll leave that up to my beach manager [Dan George],” Jennings said. “He knows what to look for and what to do as far as moving equipment, as far as moving bodies.
“I’m going to be meeting with him tomorrow [Sept. 2] to work out our strategies.”
Even though the revenues came in higher than last year, Mehlhorn has said previously that state regulations don’t allow the municipality to turn much of a profit from beach fees.
“You are not allowed to make a profit overall, over a couple of years,” he said earlier this year. “At some point you might be able to make a little bit more than what you spend, but it’s averaged out over a couple of years.
“If you are making a profit, you would have to adjust the fees,” he added. “You’re not allowed to make a profit off the beach: it has to break even or a loss.”
Jennings estimated that salaries from the beach cost the city around $370,000. Some of the other beach expenses come from the police and public works.
Jennings also said that rough waters have forced the lifeguards to make more rescues than in years past.
Long Branch has 15 beaches: Seaview Avenue, Great Lawn, Madison Avenue, Laird Street, Chelsea Avenue, Melrose Terrace, Morris Avenue, Pavilion Avenue, North Bath Avenue, South Bath Avenue, Matilda Terrace, Cottage Place, West End, Brighton Avenue and New Court.
A daily beach badge in Long Branch is $5; the seasonal badge is $35. The beach season for Long Branch is from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Ideal summer weather also increases beach expenses
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
For the second straight summer, Long Branch beaches generated record figures in revenues, with estimates close to $1.3 million.
Rough surf caused by a tropical storm sprays bathers on a sweltering Sept. 1 afternoon. Story and photo page 6 and at gmnews.com. ERIC SUCAR staff Rough surf caused by a tropical storm sprays bathers on a sweltering Sept. 1 afternoon. Story and photo page 6 and at gmnews.com. ERIC SUCAR staff Long Branch Director of Recreation and Human Services Carl Jennings said at a Sept. 1 special City Council meeting that the town is a good weekend away from coming away with $1.3 million in beach revenues.
That success has come at a cost, as the meeting was called to approve $50,000 in emergency appropriations for the beach operation.
“That increased revenue came at a cost — that because of rough surfs and huge amounts of crowds they had to put [on] additional staffing, and that put a burden on the salaries for the beach operation,” said Long Branch Director of Finance Ronald Mehlhorn Sr. “This is purely ticket attendants and lifeguards.”
Bathers, like those enjoying the surf on Sept. 1, flocked to the Long Branch oceanfront this summer, boosting beach revenues to an all-time high. ERIC SUCAR staff Bathers, like those enjoying the surf on Sept. 1, flocked to the Long Branch oceanfront this summer, boosting beach revenues to an all-time high. ERIC SUCAR staff Mehlhorn said that last year the revenues from the beaches came in just below $1 million and the city did not have to seek emergency appropriations last summer.
Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. explained that the money would be used for total salaries that went over budget.
“It’s not that there are more employees, but normally we have a week or 10 days of rain and we didn’t have that this year,” he said. “They go home and we don’t pay them.
“We’d pay half the lifeguards and none of the ticket takers because you keep at least two lifeguards on,” he added.
Woolley also said that rough surf has forced the city to keep lifeguards on later in the evening.
“This year we didn’t get any rain plus [because of] the rough surf conditions, we kept them late,” he said.
“If you notice, all the problems [in neighboring municipalities] have occurred later at night. We have some people patrolling on until 7 p.m.”
Jennings credited a good stretch of weather and people rediscovering Long Branch as major reasons for the increased beach traffic.
Woolley said that one reason for the increased revenues is a larger population coming via the train station.
“We have a lot of people coming down from the train this year as well,” he said. “They increased rates and they dropped services and still you get your beach passes included in your train fare.
“So we get the beach fare from [NJ] Transit and I think we might be double what we were on that,” he added. “Why drive, why get in that bumper-to-bumper [traffic] on the parkway?
“Even if it’s $20 round trip, take the train. Morris Avenue on a Saturday or Sunday, you need a crossing guard down there.”
Jennings also noted the diversity he has seen on the beach.
“There are so many different languages around Pier Village and the beachfront,” he said. “People are just coming from everywhere.
“I’m not just talking about Spanish, I’m talking about Western European, Ukrainian, Russian, you name it,” he added. “We also have a large amount of Staten Islanders coming down.”
One resident was concerned that the resolution might lead to other changes on the beach.
“I hope this resolution isn’t used as a vehicle to rescind beach access for free for kids 17 and under over the coming winter,” Vincent LePore said. “I firmly believe the kids should be on the beach for free, and I also believe that any taxpayer in this city should have access for their entire family to the beaches for free.”
Jennings said the city has no intention of rescinding the ordinance allowing children 17 and under free beach access.
Jennings also said that the city was prepared to handle any weather related to Hurricane Earl, which was expected to impact the Jersey coastline last weekend.
“I’ll leave that up to my beach manager [Dan George],” Jennings said. “He knows what to look for and what to do as far as moving equipment, as far as moving bodies.
“I’m going to be meeting with him tomorrow [Sept. 2] to work out our strategies.”
Even though the revenues came in higher than last year, Mehlhorn has said previously that state regulations don’t allow the municipality to turn much of a profit from beach fees.
“You are not allowed to make a profit overall, over a couple of years,” he said earlier this year. “At some point you might be able to make a little bit more than what you spend, but it’s averaged out over a couple of years.
“If you are making a profit, you would have to adjust the fees,” he added. “You’re not allowed to make a profit off the beach: it has to break even or a loss.”
Jennings estimated that salaries from the beach cost the city around $370,000. Some of the other beach expenses come from the police and public works.
Jennings also said that rough waters have forced the lifeguards to make more rescues than in years past.
Long Branch has 15 beaches: Seaview Avenue, Great Lawn, Madison Avenue, Laird Street, Chelsea Avenue, Melrose Terrace, Morris Avenue, Pavilion Avenue, North Bath Avenue, South Bath Avenue, Matilda Terrace, Cottage Place, West End, Brighton Avenue and New Court.
A daily beach badge in Long Branch is $5; the seasonal badge is $35. The beach season for Long Branch is from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tinton Falls clerk to retire after 23 years
Tinton Falls clerk to retire after 23 years
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — After serving the borough for more than 23 years, Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor will retire before the holiday season.
Mount-Taylor said in an interview last week that her last day with the borough will be Oct. 29.
“It is bittersweet, but it is a happy time for me because this is what most people work for,” she said. “I am very happy.”
Mount-Taylor said she initially put in for retirement two years ago but kept putting it off until she finally felt like it was a good time to leave.
“Two years ago I put it on the record that I put my retirement papers in,” she said. “I placed it on the record that I was seriously considering retirement and that I was going to go next year.
“I then decided to move it up so I was going to be home for the holidays Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she added. “Normally I do those [preparations] at night and I’m still wrapping presents Christmas morning.”
Mount-Taylor said the council held a special executive session Aug. 25 to interview candidates for the job.
She also said that about 10 résumés were sent for the clerk’s position and that she will largely be staying out of the process of finding her replacement.
“I actually think it’s better that council interviews the candidate because that is [who] they will have to work with,” she said. “They did have me review the résumés that were submitted.”
Mount-Taylor started with the borough in 1987 and has performed her job through four sets of mayors.
She also said that her favorite part of the job has been swearing in new members of council.
“You know what I really love doing? I love swearing in people, new council members,” she said. “It gives me a sense of pride that someone takes that much to be swornin in public.
“I’ve had a lot of best moments so I really couldn’t narrow it down to one,” she added.
She also described some of the more difficult parts of the clerk’s job.
“The hardest part is keeping up with all the different statutes that change and then you have to be able to comply with them,” Mount-Taylor said. “Making sure everything is up to date and kept accurately.”
One of the things Mount-Taylor will do after she retires is help her husband, who owns and operates a landscaping and lawn care company.
“It is time, I am looking forward to it,” she said. “I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m going to go home and help my husband in his business.
“I am going to give him maybe a couple of extra hours during the evening to help him with his paperwork.”
She also said that she would do a lot of volunteer work once she retires.
“I’m really looking forward to doing charity work,” Mount-Taylor said. “With my church, we feed the homeless, we do things like volunteer for a Bible school.
“I can think of so many things … go to the soup kitchen and work, or pass out mittens in New York with my church.”
While she is leaving her post with the borough, Mount-Taylor said she expects to remain involved and active in Tinton Falls.
“Maybe I’ll take a sabbatical, but I have plans for staying involved because I am a taxpayer in Tinton Falls,” she said. “Maybe not twice [council meetings] a month.”
According to the Tinton Falls website, the duties of the municipal clerk include: chief administrative official of elections; prepare meeting agendas for Borough Council and attend all meetings with the responsibility of recording the minutes of the meetings; custodian of the original copies of all ordinances, resolutions, minutes, performance bonds, contracts, borough deeds and easements; administrative officer responsible for licenses and permits (liquor and raffle licenses); and custodian of financial disclosure statements.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — After serving the borough for more than 23 years, Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor will retire before the holiday season.
Mount-Taylor said in an interview last week that her last day with the borough will be Oct. 29.
“It is bittersweet, but it is a happy time for me because this is what most people work for,” she said. “I am very happy.”
Mount-Taylor said she initially put in for retirement two years ago but kept putting it off until she finally felt like it was a good time to leave.
“Two years ago I put it on the record that I put my retirement papers in,” she said. “I placed it on the record that I was seriously considering retirement and that I was going to go next year.
“I then decided to move it up so I was going to be home for the holidays Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she added. “Normally I do those [preparations] at night and I’m still wrapping presents Christmas morning.”
Mount-Taylor said the council held a special executive session Aug. 25 to interview candidates for the job.
She also said that about 10 résumés were sent for the clerk’s position and that she will largely be staying out of the process of finding her replacement.
“I actually think it’s better that council interviews the candidate because that is [who] they will have to work with,” she said. “They did have me review the résumés that were submitted.”
Mount-Taylor started with the borough in 1987 and has performed her job through four sets of mayors.
She also said that her favorite part of the job has been swearing in new members of council.
“You know what I really love doing? I love swearing in people, new council members,” she said. “It gives me a sense of pride that someone takes that much to be swornin in public.
“I’ve had a lot of best moments so I really couldn’t narrow it down to one,” she added.
She also described some of the more difficult parts of the clerk’s job.
“The hardest part is keeping up with all the different statutes that change and then you have to be able to comply with them,” Mount-Taylor said. “Making sure everything is up to date and kept accurately.”
One of the things Mount-Taylor will do after she retires is help her husband, who owns and operates a landscaping and lawn care company.
“It is time, I am looking forward to it,” she said. “I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m going to go home and help my husband in his business.
“I am going to give him maybe a couple of extra hours during the evening to help him with his paperwork.”
She also said that she would do a lot of volunteer work once she retires.
“I’m really looking forward to doing charity work,” Mount-Taylor said. “With my church, we feed the homeless, we do things like volunteer for a Bible school.
“I can think of so many things … go to the soup kitchen and work, or pass out mittens in New York with my church.”
While she is leaving her post with the borough, Mount-Taylor said she expects to remain involved and active in Tinton Falls.
“Maybe I’ll take a sabbatical, but I have plans for staying involved because I am a taxpayer in Tinton Falls,” she said. “Maybe not twice [council meetings] a month.”
According to the Tinton Falls website, the duties of the municipal clerk include: chief administrative official of elections; prepare meeting agendas for Borough Council and attend all meetings with the responsibility of recording the minutes of the meetings; custodian of the original copies of all ordinances, resolutions, minutes, performance bonds, contracts, borough deeds and easements; administrative officer responsible for licenses and permits (liquor and raffle licenses); and custodian of financial disclosure statements.
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Concerns continue over crime, safety in city
Concerns continue over crime, safety in city
Neighbors ask for better lighting, police presence
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
For the second time this summer, a group of citizens has stepped forward with concerns about issues of safety and crime in Long Branch.
Three residents stood up during the public portion of the Aug. 24 City Council meeting representing their West End neighborhood and the problems they say they have experienced in recent years.
Hildred Woolley presented the council with a list of three recommendations aimed at improving conditions leading to what she said has been a rash of police activity in the neighborhood centering around the apartment building at 559 Second Ave. on the corner of Second Avenue and Passey Gardens.
Woolley’s recommendations include increased lighting in the area, stricter code enforcement by the city, and an increased police presence.
“We, the residents of this neighborhood, want the city of Long Branch to help and support us in returning this area to a safe community,” she said. “We request that the city address these issues.
“We believe adequate street lighting and more police presence will help turn away criminal activity.”
Woolley cited numerous recent incidents that allegedly occurred around the apartment complex, including an Aug. 21 shooting, tires stolen from a parked car, a man loitering in the early morning in the apartment laundry room, occupied cars parked in different driveways, and one neighbor being followed home.
Woolley also gave statistics on the number of police calls made from the apartment complex, claiming that between December 2002 and October 2008 there were 76 calls made to the police. In contrast, she said that between January 2009 and August 2010 there were 66 calls made to the police.
“We are aware of the situation and are actively taking all necessary actions to address each concern,” Long Branch Director of Public Safety Alphonse Muolo said in an email on Monday.
Detective Sgt. Jeffrey Pilone confirmed Monday that a shooting did take place in the neighborhood but declined to comment further because it is an ongoing investigation.
Woolley also said that much of the neighborhood’s problems began when a new company took over the apartment building in October 2008.
“After these apartments were acquired by [Sea West Apartments LLC], the quality of the surrounding area deteriorated considerably, adversely affecting the quality of life in the neighborhood,” she said.
Woolley said that in order to improve the lighting on the corner of Second and Passey, the city must contact Jersey Central Power & Light Co., since they won’t take requests from private citizens.
She also explained why there is a need for stricter code enforcement.
“The area, or the building and the surrounding grounds, are not properly maintained,” Woolley said. “The deterioration of the building and grounds has impacted the value of the surrounding homes.
“We are asking [that] a code enforcer inspect this property and require that the owner make repairs in compliance with the code of Long Branch.”
Some of the problems Woolley cited are broken gutters, loose garbage around the premises, and window air conditioning units that are not compliant with the city code.
Woolley described a few of the other problems.
“We are constantly subjected to a barrage of obscene yelling coming from the apartments,” she said, also alleging that evidence of drug paraphernalia has been found.
A spokeswoman for Sea West Apartments, the complex management, declined to identify herself but said Monday that the allegations about criminal activity and deteriorating conditions at the complex are untrue.
Maxine Greenwald followed Woolley and also described what she said has happened to the neighborhood.
“Two years ago the ambiance of the neighborhood changed significantly,” she said. “We have been blessed with 14 grandchildren, and we are frightened to let them even walk the dog in the early evening.
“The quality of our life has changed; we are very much frightened for the security of our neighborhood.”
Greenwald also said that she worries the problems in the apartment complex will bring down the property value of some of the surrounding houses.
Also addressing council was Carol Hammer, who claims to be the neighborhood’s longest-term resident.
“I’m the longest resident of that street, and I always felt very safe there,” she said. “I no longer do, and the neighborhood is really in trouble.
“It is just a real problem when you see a neighborhood that you love so much changing.”
Councilman Michael Sirianni said that the concerns expressed would be looked into and taken seriously.
“I want to thank the concerned residents who came forward with this,” he said. “This is what we need; we appreciate this.
“Your presentation was great. Your concerns did not fall on deaf ears,” he added. “This matter will be looked into and we will be following up on it.”
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Neighbors ask for better lighting, police presence
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
For the second time this summer, a group of citizens has stepped forward with concerns about issues of safety and crime in Long Branch.
Three residents stood up during the public portion of the Aug. 24 City Council meeting representing their West End neighborhood and the problems they say they have experienced in recent years.
Hildred Woolley presented the council with a list of three recommendations aimed at improving conditions leading to what she said has been a rash of police activity in the neighborhood centering around the apartment building at 559 Second Ave. on the corner of Second Avenue and Passey Gardens.
Woolley’s recommendations include increased lighting in the area, stricter code enforcement by the city, and an increased police presence.
“We, the residents of this neighborhood, want the city of Long Branch to help and support us in returning this area to a safe community,” she said. “We request that the city address these issues.
“We believe adequate street lighting and more police presence will help turn away criminal activity.”
Woolley cited numerous recent incidents that allegedly occurred around the apartment complex, including an Aug. 21 shooting, tires stolen from a parked car, a man loitering in the early morning in the apartment laundry room, occupied cars parked in different driveways, and one neighbor being followed home.
Woolley also gave statistics on the number of police calls made from the apartment complex, claiming that between December 2002 and October 2008 there were 76 calls made to the police. In contrast, she said that between January 2009 and August 2010 there were 66 calls made to the police.
“We are aware of the situation and are actively taking all necessary actions to address each concern,” Long Branch Director of Public Safety Alphonse Muolo said in an email on Monday.
Detective Sgt. Jeffrey Pilone confirmed Monday that a shooting did take place in the neighborhood but declined to comment further because it is an ongoing investigation.
Woolley also said that much of the neighborhood’s problems began when a new company took over the apartment building in October 2008.
“After these apartments were acquired by [Sea West Apartments LLC], the quality of the surrounding area deteriorated considerably, adversely affecting the quality of life in the neighborhood,” she said.
Woolley said that in order to improve the lighting on the corner of Second and Passey, the city must contact Jersey Central Power & Light Co., since they won’t take requests from private citizens.
She also explained why there is a need for stricter code enforcement.
“The area, or the building and the surrounding grounds, are not properly maintained,” Woolley said. “The deterioration of the building and grounds has impacted the value of the surrounding homes.
“We are asking [that] a code enforcer inspect this property and require that the owner make repairs in compliance with the code of Long Branch.”
Some of the problems Woolley cited are broken gutters, loose garbage around the premises, and window air conditioning units that are not compliant with the city code.
Woolley described a few of the other problems.
“We are constantly subjected to a barrage of obscene yelling coming from the apartments,” she said, also alleging that evidence of drug paraphernalia has been found.
A spokeswoman for Sea West Apartments, the complex management, declined to identify herself but said Monday that the allegations about criminal activity and deteriorating conditions at the complex are untrue.
Maxine Greenwald followed Woolley and also described what she said has happened to the neighborhood.
“Two years ago the ambiance of the neighborhood changed significantly,” she said. “We have been blessed with 14 grandchildren, and we are frightened to let them even walk the dog in the early evening.
“The quality of our life has changed; we are very much frightened for the security of our neighborhood.”
Greenwald also said that she worries the problems in the apartment complex will bring down the property value of some of the surrounding houses.
Also addressing council was Carol Hammer, who claims to be the neighborhood’s longest-term resident.
“I’m the longest resident of that street, and I always felt very safe there,” she said. “I no longer do, and the neighborhood is really in trouble.
“It is just a real problem when you see a neighborhood that you love so much changing.”
Councilman Michael Sirianni said that the concerns expressed would be looked into and taken seriously.
“I want to thank the concerned residents who came forward with this,” he said. “This is what we need; we appreciate this.
“Your presentation was great. Your concerns did not fall on deaf ears,” he added. “This matter will be looked into and we will be following up on it.”
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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L.B. approves pier management team
L.B. approves pier management team
Federal funds will pay for most of $200K contract
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Taking another step toward the final design of the pier and ferry, the City Council approved a nearly $200,000 contract for a pier project management team.
The contract was awarded to Skanska USA Building for $198,954 with a 5-0 vote on the resolution during the Aug. 25 council meeting.
Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. explained what the contract to Skanska includes.
“It’s for construction project management services in conjunction with the pier design,” he said. “This is for a firm to analyze the design to see if it’s buildable and what the cost will be.”
According to the contract, the city will pay close to $40,000 for the services, with the remaining funds coming from a federal transportation grant.
In 2009 the city approved McLaren Engineering to be the lead design team, and according to the resolution, Skanska will oversee the progress of the pier.
Woolley also explained the process the city went through to award the contract to Skanska.
“It was competitive procurement. We sent out notices, and I think we had 31 companies pick up the notice,” he said. “Thirteen replied, and we narrowed it down to three and selected Skanska.”
One resident said she is worried that the scope of the pier and ferry project might include the use of eminent domain by the city.
“Will there be properties that are not already in the redevelopment zone or that are in the redevelopment zone that will be necessary for that pier and that might be taken by eminent domain?” Michelle Bobrow asked.
Mayor Adam Schneider said the city may have to expand the boundaries for the redevelopment zones into the ocean, but they will not use eminent domain.
“We are going to move a few fish around,” Councilman Michael Sirianni quipped.
“I just saw a stingray. Will you please get rid of it?” Bobrow responded.
Long Branch resident Howard “Pudgy” Cooper questioned whether the money spent for the contract could have been better used elsewhere.
“Although I’m old and I grew up in this town with the pier, I think in these days and times perhaps the $40,000 might be put to a better use,” he said. “I believe in the infinite wisdom of this council, but I encourage them to vote no on this resolution.”
Councilwoman Joy Bastelli gave her assessment on where the city stands with the pier and ferry project.
“We have a long road ahead and we are making progress, and at this point I think we are doing well,” she said.
During a June meeting it was estimated that the total project would cost $91.5 million, of which $6.5 million had been secured, and officials said they are confident another $53 million could be secured from noncompetitive grant opportunities.
A fire destroyed the Long Branch pier in 1987, and since that time the city has acquired redevelopment rights and plans to rebuild the pier and other amenities, including retail, restaurants, an amphitheater and a children’s play area along the oceanfront.
The pier project is divided into three components:
The core pier, which will be the main structure, will cost approximately $36.3 million. Plans call for the pier to extend 900 feet from the boardwalk into the Atlantic Ocean.
The high-speed ferry terminal and docking facility, slated to cost $20.2 million, would provide a direct route from the Long Branch region to lower Manhattan at a travel time of 40 minutes. The pier would contain a docking system as well as the ticketing and waiting areas required for the ferry operation.
The final component is the amenity uses, at an estimated cost of $32.5 million, which include retail, restaurants, event space, a public winter garden, outdoor amphitheater, entertainment space, fishing area and a children’s play area.
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Federal funds will pay for most of $200K contract
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Taking another step toward the final design of the pier and ferry, the City Council approved a nearly $200,000 contract for a pier project management team.
The contract was awarded to Skanska USA Building for $198,954 with a 5-0 vote on the resolution during the Aug. 25 council meeting.
Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. explained what the contract to Skanska includes.
“It’s for construction project management services in conjunction with the pier design,” he said. “This is for a firm to analyze the design to see if it’s buildable and what the cost will be.”
According to the contract, the city will pay close to $40,000 for the services, with the remaining funds coming from a federal transportation grant.
In 2009 the city approved McLaren Engineering to be the lead design team, and according to the resolution, Skanska will oversee the progress of the pier.
Woolley also explained the process the city went through to award the contract to Skanska.
“It was competitive procurement. We sent out notices, and I think we had 31 companies pick up the notice,” he said. “Thirteen replied, and we narrowed it down to three and selected Skanska.”
One resident said she is worried that the scope of the pier and ferry project might include the use of eminent domain by the city.
“Will there be properties that are not already in the redevelopment zone or that are in the redevelopment zone that will be necessary for that pier and that might be taken by eminent domain?” Michelle Bobrow asked.
Mayor Adam Schneider said the city may have to expand the boundaries for the redevelopment zones into the ocean, but they will not use eminent domain.
“We are going to move a few fish around,” Councilman Michael Sirianni quipped.
“I just saw a stingray. Will you please get rid of it?” Bobrow responded.
Long Branch resident Howard “Pudgy” Cooper questioned whether the money spent for the contract could have been better used elsewhere.
“Although I’m old and I grew up in this town with the pier, I think in these days and times perhaps the $40,000 might be put to a better use,” he said. “I believe in the infinite wisdom of this council, but I encourage them to vote no on this resolution.”
Councilwoman Joy Bastelli gave her assessment on where the city stands with the pier and ferry project.
“We have a long road ahead and we are making progress, and at this point I think we are doing well,” she said.
During a June meeting it was estimated that the total project would cost $91.5 million, of which $6.5 million had been secured, and officials said they are confident another $53 million could be secured from noncompetitive grant opportunities.
A fire destroyed the Long Branch pier in 1987, and since that time the city has acquired redevelopment rights and plans to rebuild the pier and other amenities, including retail, restaurants, an amphitheater and a children’s play area along the oceanfront.
The pier project is divided into three components:
The core pier, which will be the main structure, will cost approximately $36.3 million. Plans call for the pier to extend 900 feet from the boardwalk into the Atlantic Ocean.
The high-speed ferry terminal and docking facility, slated to cost $20.2 million, would provide a direct route from the Long Branch region to lower Manhattan at a travel time of 40 minutes. The pier would contain a docking system as well as the ticketing and waiting areas required for the ferry operation.
The final component is the amenity uses, at an estimated cost of $32.5 million, which include retail, restaurants, event space, a public winter garden, outdoor amphitheater, entertainment space, fishing area and a children’s play area.
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Monday, November 22, 2010
Grant will bring fire dept. to the future
Grant will bring fire dept. to the future
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Long Branch officials are hoping that a $67,500 federal grant will help bring the city’s Fire Department into a new age.
The grant, along with a $7,500 matching appropriation, was approved with two resolutions during the Aug. 10 City Council meeting.
Long Branch Fire Chief Sebastian Tomaine said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) grant would go toward a new computer system for the department.
“We applied 18 months ago for a grant for [a] computerized [system] within the fire department,” he said. “Seventy-five hundred dollars can get you $75,000 worth of computer equipment. I don’t think that’s a bad deal.”
Tomaine said the goal is to bring the department into the future to better serve residents.
“We are putting laptop computers in all the fire apparatuses and the fire chief cars,” he said. “It brings us light years into the future as far as the information we have before we even get to the fire scene,” he said. “It gives you almost every piece of information you need within those few minutes to get to the fire.”
It will also make the firefighters safer in case there is something in a fire that may be hazardous to them. It informs them how many occupants are in the structure, any pets, the closest fire hydrant, etc., he added.
“It tells you everything imaginable, and you can’t beat that.”
Tomaine said the process of going out to bid and implementing the system is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“We are totally excited about this,” he said. “Of course it is going to take us a few months to implement information and to go out for bid for the computers.”
Tomaine said he doesn’t expect more than a few local municipalities to have the technology that his department will soon have, and that the system could also be used in non-emergency situations, such as code enforcement.
It will also be used to help coordinate information with both the police department and emergency medical services.
Tomaine said that the average response time is three to five minutes, and in that time with the new computers, the firefighters will be better equipped.
“The information that they’ll get while they’re en route is absolutely essential,” he said. “If you need to find an address, you just look it up and it gives you all the information.”
Tomaine said that the paid firefighters would have in-service training days, while the volunteers will take a class to learn how to use the computer system.
“It is going to take a lot of effort to input all the information,” he said. “It’s not going to take very long; it is a very simplistic system.”
Contact Kenny Walter at
Kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Long Branch officials are hoping that a $67,500 federal grant will help bring the city’s Fire Department into a new age.
The grant, along with a $7,500 matching appropriation, was approved with two resolutions during the Aug. 10 City Council meeting.
Long Branch Fire Chief Sebastian Tomaine said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) grant would go toward a new computer system for the department.
“We applied 18 months ago for a grant for [a] computerized [system] within the fire department,” he said. “Seventy-five hundred dollars can get you $75,000 worth of computer equipment. I don’t think that’s a bad deal.”
Tomaine said the goal is to bring the department into the future to better serve residents.
“We are putting laptop computers in all the fire apparatuses and the fire chief cars,” he said. “It brings us light years into the future as far as the information we have before we even get to the fire scene,” he said. “It gives you almost every piece of information you need within those few minutes to get to the fire.”
It will also make the firefighters safer in case there is something in a fire that may be hazardous to them. It informs them how many occupants are in the structure, any pets, the closest fire hydrant, etc., he added.
“It tells you everything imaginable, and you can’t beat that.”
Tomaine said the process of going out to bid and implementing the system is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“We are totally excited about this,” he said. “Of course it is going to take us a few months to implement information and to go out for bid for the computers.”
Tomaine said he doesn’t expect more than a few local municipalities to have the technology that his department will soon have, and that the system could also be used in non-emergency situations, such as code enforcement.
It will also be used to help coordinate information with both the police department and emergency medical services.
Tomaine said that the average response time is three to five minutes, and in that time with the new computers, the firefighters will be better equipped.
“The information that they’ll get while they’re en route is absolutely essential,” he said. “If you need to find an address, you just look it up and it gives you all the information.”
Tomaine said that the paid firefighters would have in-service training days, while the volunteers will take a class to learn how to use the computer system.
“It is going to take a lot of effort to input all the information,” he said. “It’s not going to take very long; it is a very simplistic system.”
Contact Kenny Walter at
Kwalter@gmnews.com.
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