Arnone Report: Celebrating Independence, Fixed Roads and Improvement at the Dump

By Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

I hope everyone had a safe and fun Fourth of July holiday! I’d like to thank all those who have served our great nation and protected our freedom. Your service and commitment is truly appreciated.

To celebrate the holiday, I participated in a few events that showcased how special small-town traditions truly are. I’d like to thank the Monmouth County Historical Association for hosting their Independence Day Celebration at the Allen House, where I had the honor of participating in the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

I was happy to spend part of the holiday walking in the annual Ocean Grove Fourth of July Parade. As always, I had a great time walking the route and seeing everyone dressed in their best patriotic clothing while holding American flags.

This year’s Ocean Grove parade was exceptionally significant because they were not only celebrating Independence Day, but also Ocean Grove’s 150 year anniversary. It was truly a wonderful parade and I look forward to next year’s celebration!

I’d like to thank the City of Long Branch for hosting another successful Oceanfest on the Fourth of July. I had the chance to stop by in the afternoon and I can tell you personally it was packed! It’s always great to see families taking advantage of all our County has to offer.

In addition to the numerous Fourth of July activities, I had the honor of attending the Ocean Township Council meeting last week with Sheriff Shaun Golden and Clerk Christine Hanlon to recognize Donna Schepiga and Richard Long on their retirement from the Ocean Township Council. They have both contributed enormously to the Ocean Township community and I want to thank them for their service and dedication.

During the meeting, the new Ocean Township Council was sworn into office. Congratulations to Mayor Chris Siciliano, Deputy Mayor John Napolitani Sr. and Council members Robert Acerra Sr., David Fisher and Margaret Donlon on their swearing in. I wish you all the best of luck for a successful term.

On another note, our Department of Public Works and Engineering has been taking advantage of the warmer months by completing ongoing road projects throughout the County. It is the time of year when weather permits many of these projects to get done. I ask for your patience while our crews are out there working and for all motorists to drive with caution while traveling around these construction projects. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we have the best employees who are truly passionate about and take great pride in their work.

Lastly, I want to update everyone on our efforts to eliminate the odors being emitted at the Monmouth County Reclamation Center. All landfilling operations in Area 4 of Phase 3 have been completed. As a result, the active area of the landfill is now fully moved to a location that is further away from Shafto Road. This area is better protected from wind and precipitation, which will further reduce any odors.

Additionally, a more durable, weather resistant material is being used on the landfill that will further contain odors and liquids produced.

Two Neutralene Vapor Systems have been converted to solar power, which will require less maintenance and power usage. Also, the Neutralene used in the vapor system has been diluted by 50% to minimize the fragrance emitted. I am also pleased to say that there have been minimal odor complaints to the Monmouth County Health Department or DEP since the beginning of June.

Moreover, I am pleased to announce that the contractor for the Landfill Gas Collection System (LGCS) has begun to weld pipe sections and staging the welded lengths per the engineered layout. An experienced LGCS Operator reported to the Monmouth County Reclamation Center (MCRC) and will monitor and tune the newly installed system.

I am happy to report that the MCRC had a successful site inspection from NJDEP Solid Waste Enforcement with no reportable issues or problems.

I continue to keep in constant contact with all of those who provided their email address with weekly reports, which are also posted on the County’s website at www.visitmonmouth.com. If you would like to get those emails from me, please sign up for my email list by emailing my office at: [email protected].

As always, it’s a privilege to serve as your Freeholder. I look forward to continuing to serve!