The Arnone Report: Public Works Keeping Roads Safe, Ongoing Progress At Dump

By Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

I hope everyone stayed safe and warm during last week’s snow and ice storm. We anticipate more inclement weather this week and as always, the County is prepared for whatever comes our way.

I’d like to thank our department of public works employees for working throughout this recent storm to clear our roads and county-owned properties. As always, these employees did a great job. I’d also like to thank our first responders who were also out working throughout the storm in difficult weather conditions.

It has been a busy and exciting few weeks in the County!

I want to update everyone on our efforts to eliminate the odors being emitted at the Monmouth County Reclamation Center. Last week we installed five vapor system stations. It is important to note that these non-toxic vapors do not mask the odors, but rather neutralize the odors, which is more effective.

I have also been keeping in constant contact with all of those who provided their email address at the public meeting held on January 28^th by sending weekly updates, which are also posted on the County’s website at https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=186. If you would like to get those emails from me, please sign up for my email list here: https://mcapps.co.monmouth.nj.us/Web/FreeholderContact/FreeholderContact.aspx?ID=2.

Monmouth County is taking this issue very seriously. It is our top priority and will continue to be until we find a solution.

On another note, I attended the Monmouth Ocean Federation for Children fundraiser for students with autism. As vice chair of the Foundation’s board of directors, I joined my fellow board members in supporting the needs of the autism community and The Shore Center. Our goal to create a school for students with special needs to attend beyond the age of 21 years old, is quickly turning into a reality. I look forward to what the future holds!

Speaking of great organizations, I had the pleasure of attending the Monmouth County SPCA Valentines Brunch last week. Their mission to protect and advocate for all animals is something I greatly support. I want to congratulate the Executive Director Ross Licitra on a successful fundraiser. Thank you for all your organization does for the County.

Additionally, I co-hosted a meeting with Kim Guadagno to discuss Opportunity Zones in Monmouth County. We were joined by representatives from the opportunity zone towns; Neptune, Neptune City, Asbury, Red Bank, Long Branch and Freehold. Kim and her associates gave a very informative presentation. As the liaison to the County’s economic development department, I think this topic is very important and can help make great improvements to the County.

Lastly, I hosted a segment on Monmouth in Focus with Chris Slater, owner of Junction Boutique, and Holly Hindin, owner of Holly Jolly Jams, to talk about their positive experiences with the County’s Made in Monmouth program. It was a pleasure to sit down with them and discuss this program that I am so passionate about. Made in Monmouth will take place April 13^th at Monmouth University. I would like to encourage all residents and visitors to take advantage of this free event.

Monmouth in Focus can be viewed on your local public access cable channel, as well as on the County Facebook page, @MonmouthGovNJ and our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/MonmouthCountyNJ.

As always, it’s a privilege to serve as your Freeholder Director.