Mayor’s Report – April 2, 2012

PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS

On Thursday, March 22, 2012, the Township had it’s second meeting with the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) regarding the property assessment system in New Jersey. At the meeting were DCA Commissioner Richard Constable, Deputy Commissioner Charles Richmond and DCA Chief of Staff Paul Macchia. Initially, we were told that we had only 30 minutes to make our case, but 90 minutes later, the meeting was still going on. I will allow Committee member Lisella and Administrator Breeden to provide greater detail, but needless to say, Barnegat Township is making an impact at the state level regarding reforms needed with the property assessment system.

In addition, the Township has also secured the support of the New Jersey League of Municipalities with our effort. The League was impressed with the work done by the Township on assessments and I feel confident that with the assistance of the League, that meaningful statewide change will be realized with the property assessment system in New Jersey.

BOND RATING REVIEW

Over the past couple of weeks, the Township has been under a bond rating review by Moody’s Investor Services. I am pleased to announce Moody’s has affirmed the A1 bond rating of Barnegat Township. While many communities in New Jersey have seen downgrades of their bond rating, Barnegat has been able maintain it’s quality rating despite the strained financial position caused by tax appeals. Maintaining a high bond rating during such challenging economic times is clear evidence that the Township is managing its fiscal affairs properly and we are heading in the right direction from a financial perspective. The Township’s efforts of the past few years to stabilize operating cost by reducing full time staff is paying dividends as acknowledged by Moody’s. Under these economic conditions, maintaining bond rating is a significant accomplishment and I wish to thank Township staff for their hard work and dedication.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PAVING GRANT

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has awarded a $230,000 Transportation Trust Fund grant to the Township for paving of seven (7) roads in Settlers Landing section of the community. The roads in Settlers that will be improved are as follows:

1. Nautilus Avenue

2. Midship Drive

3. Mast Drive

4. Sloop Court

5. Sextant Drive

6. Transom Lane

7. Seaview Court

Since 2006, Barnegat has received over 1 million dollars in grant funding from the NJDOT for paving roads through out the Township

And in closing, I wish everybody a Happy Easter and Passover.

Thank You

Al Cirulli

Mayor, Township of Barnegat

Monday, April 2, 2012

Mayor’s Report – March 19, 2012

Tonight’s agenda is a reflection of how this Township Committee continues to work diligently on behalf of the residents of Barnegat. Whether it is resolving ongoing litigation or purchasing equipment for our public safety volunteers, this governing body is committed to making sure Barnegat remains a safe, clean and affordable place to live.

There are a few agenda items that I would like to comment on this evening. Ordinance 2012-10 amends the Land Use Code regarding well head protection. This is one of many ordinances related to land use that the Township must adopt in order to maintain the Town Center status. Having Town Center status will allow Barnegat to be more competitive in attracting commercial development along with receiving favorable treatment with state grant opportunities.

Ordinance 2012-12 will resolve ongoing litigation involving Ocean Acres, section 3. Back in 2004, the Township entered into an agreement with Pinelands Commission and Mark Madison that would NOT permit development of this section of Ocean Acres until the completion of a multilayer snake study. The study was performed and the findings resulted in “a completely negative finding with no Northern Pine Snakes being trapped, captured or seen during the study period.” While the Township initially denied the zoning, the judge has indicated that we must sit down and acknowledge the facts and recognize our obligation to honoring the agreement. This ordinance strikes a delicate balance between smart growth and preservation of sensitive environmental areas through the creation of conservation zones. Simply calling for the Township to deny this zoning change or propose a building moratorium is not a practical approach to solving this matter and in the long run, would result in most likely costly and unsuccessful litigation.

Resolution 2012-97 authorizes the Township to acquire a fire aerial truck needed to replace an existing ladder truck that is unable to be certified as it is approaching 25 years old. One of the most important functions of this Committee is to make sure our public safety volunteers have the necessary resources to properly and safely respond to the needs of the community.

Finally, at the last Township Committee meeting, certain representations are made regarding the artificial turf field planned for Lower Shore Road Recreation Complex. Mr. Steve Cotton is here tonight to clarify some statements made at the last meeting. I am confident that Mr. Cotton will enlighten all of us on how having a turf field in Barnegat will benefit all who participate in recreational activities. As stated many times, this will be a multipurpose field to be used by many different Township related organizations.

It is safe to say not all will agree with some of the statement and decisions being made this evening. Regardless of how one feels about some of the decisions rendered by this Committee, all decisions are made with the best interest of Barnegat at heart. Thank you.

MAYORS REPORT

MARCH 5, 2012

Tonight we will open up with a power point presentation from Team NJ Elite. This presentation will deal with a proposed private sports complex which will be located at the junction of Route 72 and Route 554.

Bengal Cheerleaders-Next we want to also congratulate and acknowledge each individual cheerleader, their coaches and their parents for their 3rd place finish in the National Cheerleading Competition which took place in Florida recently. Their hour’s of practice and sacrifice is truly an accomplishment in itself.

On Thursday, February 23, 2012, Committeeman Martin Lisella, Administrator Dave Breeden and I met with the acting Commissioner of the Department of Community Relations, Richard Constable. The Commissioner spent over an hour of his time discussing our tax assessment problem. He understood the problem and will support our proposals. Committeeman Lisella and Mr. Breeden will discuss our proposals in detail during their reports. There will be a follow up meeting.

Tonight we will have the first reading of Ordinance 2012-05 of our proposed New Town Center designation along Route 9 from the intersection of Route 9 and Barnegat Blvd N to just before the intersection of Route 9 and Gunning River Road. It has taken approximately 7 years to get to this point. This will allow the Township to attract more commercial ratable’s.

Resolution 2012-169 – Energy Aggregation – The Township is going out to bid for a Government-Private Energy Program. This will allow the township as well as residents to opt in or out with the percentage of savings to be up 15% savings.

The Township and the County have resolved the county aspect of the Menk/Mirage litigation. The County has agreed to pay $250,000 in cash and other considerations of value for their part of our suit. The second half of the suit with Menk is yet to be decided.

I am also recommending to the Committee that we approve a resolution opposing Senate Bill 959 and corresponding Assembly Bill 1811. These bills would mandate fluoridation of drinking water of all NJ Municipal public water systems. Fluoride is a very toxic substance and it doesn’t break down in the body, Time Magazine published on April 12, 2010 that fluoride is the “Top Ten Common Household Toxins” and described fluoride as “neurotoxic and potentially tumorigenic if swallowed”. Additional information attached to this report. Stafford Township has already passed a resolution against it, article also attached to report.

On February 8th, 2012 I had the opportunity to speak before 150 Mayors and a panel of Governor Christie’s Cabinet members. I brought to their attention the serious tax assessment issues that are creating havoc with our tax rate and the crushing burden it is putting on our residents. Committeeman Lisella, our Business Administrator and I will be meeting with the acting Commissioner Richard Constable III of the Department of Community Affairs this Thursday at 4pm in Trenton. We will request that he give us, as well as all municipalities a mechanism to stabilize tax rates when real estate prices crash. We already know what we need to do, but we need his blessing. I will report back the results of this meeting at the March 5th Township Meeting.

On Reorganization day January 1st, 2012, I stated that this Committee had a plan and that extraordinary measures would be implemented which will serve as a model for other municipalities for saving money through shared services.

On February 8th we held a Joint Shared Service Meeting with the Township of Ocean. At this meeting we passed six Resolutions, three of which, will allow Barnegat to reduce operating expenses approximately $311,000 over the next year and a half. We were able to eliminate three Director Positions, which our Administrator, Dave Breeden will detail next in a power point presentation.

Also passed Resolution 2012-122 shared services with Ocean City and Resolution 2012-121 with Stafford Township.

Mr. Breeden and I also met with the President of our volunteer EMS Squad and discussed their 5 year plan and their immediate needs. Earlier this year a driver under the influence hit and totaled one of our first responder vehicles. Tonight we will vote on replacing that vehicle with the insurance money from the accident in combination with the money that was bonded for in December 2011.

In closing, there are three issues of concern that unfortunately, I must address. This Committee will answer any and all questions relating to Township business, but expects those coming up to the podium to do so in a respectful manor. Yelling out, personal attacks and

inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in an appropriate manner. Secondly, from time to time an individual may feel that the Committee has violated State statue regarding procedure. We welcome any and all comments and will correct any errors we might inadvertently make. We always check with our legal counsel and have our solicitor explain the law to the objector. Sometimes we will get an individual who just will not accept the facts and end up costing the taxpayers needlessly. The Township will seek to recover these expenses in blatant instances. Lastly, the Township Committee and the Board of Education settled an issue at the last Township meeting and through subsequent communications. Yet, Ms. Maryann Clemente has taken it upon herself to be the self-appointed spoke person for the BOE through her, “Smoke and Mirror” comments. I spoke with Board President Lisa Becker this morning and brought this to her attention. She sent me an email which she said I could read this evening. It eloquently reads as follows,

Alfonso Cirulli Mayor Barnegat Township

XFINITY Connect Page 1 of 1

XFINITY Connect

comunications

From : LISA BECKER Tue, Feb 21, 2012 08:49 PM

Subject : comunications

To : AI Cirulli

Dear Mayor Cirulli,

In response to your call this morning, I would just like to reiterate the following which you can share with your fellow committee members;

While the Bamegat Board of Education respects all citizens rights to express their opinions, we most certainly have no control over any statements that may wrongly imply forms of representation. Please be advised and rest assured that only the Superintendent, the Board President, Vice President or their designee is authorized to speak on behalf of the board, the majority or the district. As you and I have both reiterated in public and through the media, we consider the recent situation to have been appropriately addressed and are only interested in moving forward. I would hope that if any members of the committee, or public for that matter, have any questions or concerns, they feel free to reach out to the board of education directly.

Sincerely, Lisa Becker

We start off this evening honoring two of Barnegat’s finest Police Officers, Lauren Keilitz and Michael Diblasi . These Officers went above and beyond the call of duty in rescuing a resident from a burning vehicle on Monday January 30, 2012. Their Valor and Courage is deeply appreciated and a credit to the Barnegat Police Department, we thank you.

The Committee has spent the last month reviewing Township operations and assessing its’ needs in order to make it more efficient, with the focus on stabilizing and reducing taxes. There will be a series of moves which will allow us to move in this direction. As soon as they are finalized, they will be announced.

Of significant issues this evening to be discussed and voted on are the purchase of police and public works vehicles under NJ State Contract, the advertising of specifications for an aerial ladder apparatus for the Fire Company, second reading for the issuance of a $350,000 Bond for the purchase of a street sweeper and a public hearing for the Township to apply to NJDEP for funding under the Green Acres Program to purchase the Fiermosca and Colletti properties adjacent to the Township Dock. It is my recommendation to the Committee that we vote down the Bond issue for the street sweeper. There are some other avenues that we can explore besides bonding. I would also recommend that we vote down aquiring the Fiermosco and Colletti properties. I think we need to focus our attention more towards properties where we can stop developments of multiple dwellings.

The preceding month has had a lot of misinformation in the form of letters to the editor and scuttlebutt which I will clear up. The first issue is the use of Open Space Money. The Township has been criticized for using these funds for the much needed construction of fields. Ordinance number 2001-19 clearly states that such monies can only be used for the purposes of acquiring, developing and maintaining conservation and recreational properties, acquiring farmland for farmland preservation, acquiring or preserving historic properties or for the payment of debt service incurred by the Township for these purposes. Copies of this Ordinance will be available tonight for those who want it.

The next issue is the appointments to the Planning and Zoning Boards. The Township Committee would like to get a good cross section of qualified board members from all sections of town. Unfortunately, we have had problems filling these positions. The Zoning Board has had to cancel meetings due to a lack of a quorum. This has been an embarrassment to the Township. Men and woman with young families understandably don’t have the time to volunteer. Fortunately, we have had retired residents step up to fill the void. Both boards are now fully manned with qualified residents.

On January 11th the Township Committee held a press conference to disclose that the Board Of Education had a surplus of 2.9 million dollars. Members of the Committee stayed away from the BOE meeting due to the fact that it would have been counter productive. The fact was that they had the surplus which was acknowledged by their own auditor, was the goal. I stated at the press conference that we would not discuss BOE business at the Township meeting to avoid embarrassing the BOE any further. Unfortunately, the BOE decided to take out a full page article in The Barnegat Leader and as a result, we will bring out how instrumental the Township was to the BOE in saving them over $900,000. I would also like to mention that during the 2010/2011 school year the NJDOE informed the BOE that they were over adequate in their spending and their state aid was cut. This, plus having the defeat of their budget and the cuts instituted by the Township forced them to make the appropriate cuts. This alone allowed their operating budget to drop approximately 4%. The BOE also stated that the Township cut them $812,710 and didn’t return it to the taxpayers. Who are they kidding? When a budget is cut, it means that the money will not be raised by increasing taxes for the following year. The Township doesn’t have the money, as it doesn’t exist.

Alfonso Cirulli

Mayor

Barnegat Township

Welcome and thank you for coming today. I want to personally thank my fellow committee members, our professionals Dave, John, Jerry, Sharon, the ladies in the office, and all of our employees and volunteers for their dedication and hard work this past year. It truly has been an honor to serve with all of you, whom I consider family. A special thank you goes out to Jeff, who has sat in the center seat the past four years and has taken the heat for all of us. Also, with us today is Monsignor Ken (Mr. Barnegat) and State Senator Chris Connors. Last and not least, I want to thank my wife Jackie and my family for their support through the years I have served.

This coming year will bring with it unique challenges and the added mysticism of the year 2012. This committee has a plan and will face these problems head-on. Extraordinary measures will be implemented, which I believe, will serve as a model for other municipalities. We will work hard to try and bring successful closures to the Menk and County litigation’s, the Mark Madison Ocean Acres rezoning, the assessment discrepancies which will allow us to stabilize taxes and the completion of the Lower Shore recreation area. We shall continue strengthening our relationship with surrounding Municipalities to enhance shared services and maintain the safety and up-keep of Barnegat. In order to do this, we will need the support of all of our residents. We will do our part continuing to make sure that the public is informed of the issues and what steps are being taken to alleviate them. If we work together and with the grace of God, there is nothing we can’t accomplish.

May all of you have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

MAYOR’S REPORT

PUBLIC SAFETY BOND:

On tonight’s agenda is what I’ll call a “public safety bond ordinance”, for

introduction. This is the first bond that the Township has introduced in a

number of years, with exception of the safe routes to schools sidewalk bond

last year. Mr. Breeden will go over the details of this bond during his report,

but I feel that Barnegat Township is overdue in ensuring the safety of both

our first responders and residents and this bond will accomplish that.

BARNEGAT POLICE DEPARTMENT:

As I mentioned at the last meeting, our Police Department received full

national accreditation. The Township and the Police Department will have a

presentation at the next meeting.

GREEN THUMB DAY CARE AND NURSERY:

On this past Saturday, my wife and I attended a ribbon cutting for the new

Green Thumb Day Care and Nursery on Route 9. The all new facility offers a

multitude of services for working parents along with a greenhouse where they

are growing all kinds of plants. They will also be opening a new outdoor

garden décor and nursery next store.

Jeffrey M. Melchiondo

Mayor, Barnegat Township

ELECTION DAY:

Election Day is over and I want to congratulate both Committeeman Lisella and Committeeman Morano for retaining their respective seats. I also want to commend Mike Howard, Maxine Blumenthal and Howard Effron for their efforts and willingness to put their names on the ballot.

BARNEGAT POLICE DEPARTMENT:

This past Saturday, the Barnegat Township Police Department received a unanimous vote for Full National Accreditation from CALEA. Chief Drexler and Lieutenant Germain attended the final interview process of the reviewing accreditation board as the final step in receiving this prestigious honor. Congratulations to our entire Police Department for enduring this long and arduous process. This is something we can all be very proud of.

Barnegat Patrolman Rob Armstrong hosted a fundraiser for the Southern Ocean K-9 units. K-9 officers from Barnegat, Ocean, Stafford, Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton and throughout the State, were joined by 100 plus, supporters of their cause at Longshot’s in Waretown. The event was an overwhelming success.

NEW TOWNSHIP WEB SITE:

The Township launched a totally revamped web site over the next weekend. Our Acting Clerk, Sharon Auer, along with our web host, Web Alliance, collaborated over the past month, to create the new enhanced site. The new site has many new interactive features and a much more user friendly format.

VIDEOTAPING COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

A resolution on tonight’s agenda sets some basic rules and regulations for anyone wishing to videotape Committee meeting proceedings. The guidelines included in this resolution are designed to maintain an orderly and safe process for both the video taper and the public attending our meetings.

HIGH POINTE PAVING:

High Pointe contractors have completed the final paving of their roads this past Friday. I want to thank the residents of High Point for their patience and understanding and our Township professionals for pressing this issue and seeing that it was finally completed.

BLUE CLAW ESTATES:

The bonding company for Blue Claw Estates has agreed to pay for the completion of the paving and infrastructure repairs left undone by the developer. If all goes well, we hope to see all of the work done before the end of the year. Again, thank you to the residents of Blue Claw Estates for bearing with us as our professionals negotiated this settlement on your behalf.

VETERAN’S DAY:

The entire Township Committee attended the Veteran’s Day ceremony on November 11 at the Gazebo Park. The ceremony was very well attended, most likely more than ever, this year. Many thanks to our VFW and American Legion for continuing to host this most important event. And thank you to all of our Veterans, their families for your service to our country.

THANKSGIVING DAY:

And lastly, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. I will be enjoying my open face Peach/Blueberry pie from the Lithuanian Bakery!

Jeffrey M. Melchiondo

Mayor, Barnegat Township

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP TAX BILLS:

The 2011-2012 Tax bills were mailed last Friday and most if not everyone has received them by today. The 2011 4th quarter payment will not be due until November 10th. Also included in the tax bill was an information sheet to better explain where your tax dollars go and how the Township is working to control our portion of your taxes. Also, please note that your Homestead Rebate is not reflected on your tax bill, but will be credited separately once the State issues the rebates next year.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Fall is in the air and some of the Township’s events scheduled for October are as follows;

The first ever “Barnegat Bay Blitz” watershed wide clean up will be held on Wednesday, October 19th as a cooperative effort of the DEP & NJ Clean Communities. Jamie Corbett is our local team captain from the DEP & can be contacted at 609-984-0361 or Jaime.Corbett@dep.state.nj.us for more info.

The Optimist Club of Barnegat is hosting its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, October 21st at 6 PM at the recreation center. They will also have their Tricky Trays (or silent auction) of the many gifts donated for their cause.

The Recreation Department’s “Halloween Fall Festival” will be held at Project Playground on Saturday, October 22nd from 1 to 5 PM offering lots of great things for the kids to enjoy.

Barnegat Township’s scholarship fundraiser, “A Night of Comedy with Paul Veneer”, will be held at the Birdsall Street Firehouse on Friday, October 28 at 8 PM. Tickets are available in the Township Clerk’s office for $20.00 each.

The “Haunted Hayride and Spooky Campfire” at Meadowedge Park on Friday, October 28th has been CANCELLED.

FARMER’S MARKET:

The Farmer’s Market by the Gazebo Park will continue to run on Thursday’s from noon to 5 PM through October 27th with a special pre Thanksgiving market on Sunday, November 20th from 11 AM to 4 PM. One special note is that you can pre-order your holiday pies on Thursday’s with the Lithuanian Bakery.

Jeffrey M. Melchiondo Mayor, Barnegat Township