Oceanport and West Long Branch To Share Emergency Communications and Dispatch Services

By Mayor Michael J. Mahon, Oceanport and Mayor Janet W. Tucci, West Long Branch

On behalf of the Governing Body of our respective communities, we are proud to announce a shared service agreement to provide emergency communications & dispatch services in a joint operation hosted by the West Long Branch Police in the their recently constructed state of the art facility on Broadway. Oceanport will pay West Long Branch $150,000 annually, cutting current annual costs for local dispatch by nearly 50% for each community. Annual increases of 2% are included in the agreement with the boroughs projecting a joint savings of $1.3 Million over the initial five (5) year term.

Leading the local effort has been a Joint Public Safety Committee with representatives from each municipality. Representing Oceanport has been Mayor Michael J. Mahon, Council Members Jay Briscione (now John W. Ibex) & William Johnson along with Police Chief Harold Sutton and Borough Administrator Kimberly A. Jungfer. Representing West Long Branch has been Mayor Janet W. Tucci, Council President Barbara Ruane, Council Members Christopher Neyhart and J. Thomas DeBruin along with Police Chief Arthur A. Cosentino, Captain Larry Mihlon and Borough Administrator John J. Kennedy.

Today marks the beginning of a cooperative effort to reduce the cost of essential services on local taxpayers and meet the requirements of the 2% Cap Law for both borough’s in their 2011 budget. This agreement establishes a single dispatch center in West Long Branch providing public safety communications for two police departments working together on a single frequency. At the same time, it provides a communications console in Oceanport as a back up and for local emergency operations. Thanks are due to the entire Oceanport and West Long Branch Council’s for supporting the efforts of the Joint Committee.

West Long Branch and Oceanport share history and a special relationship with each other dating back to our origins as municipalities and includes regional public schools, recreation programs, environmental advocacy and mutual aid for fire and first aid. Our focus on shared dispatch services as a means to controlling property taxes marks a time in New Jersey where the emphasis on doing more with less is ever present. This effort began in 2008 with the first 50% reduction in state aid for municipalities of less than 10,000 residents. Mayors Tucci and Mahon echoed the same concerns and encouraged our governing bodies to examine every opportunity to match services.   Together we have forged this partnership to make the financial and technological resources available, and bring about a solution that protects our Public Safety personnel and serves our residents. Today, the reality is Oceanport and West Long Branch are in this together. And together we have worked, and will continue to work on completing this project. Discussions on merging or sharing other services are being studied.

Along the way we have needed the support and cooperation of the Police Departments; Chief Arthur Cosentino and Captain Larry Mihlon accompanied by Chief Harold Sutton and Captain Mauro Baldanza (Ret.). Their support and professionalism will determine our mutual success and we are depending on their continued commitment to this effort. The Joint Public Safety Committee will play a continuing role in accordance with the Inter Local Agreement. The next phase has already begun; equipment and software are being installed, and staff is being reduced through attrition or transfer. Joint dispatch operations are set to begin as early as April 1, 2011. Residents won’t notice a difference and will continue to dial 9-1-1 for emergencies and use the current non-emergency numbers for other police business

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Oceanport Task Force Comments on Decision to Seek Requests for Proposals for the Private Operation of Monmouth Park Racetrack

The Governor’s announcement today that the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority would issue, in the near future, a Request for Proposals for the lease of Monmouth Park, including assignment of additional off-track wagering operations, comes as no surprise to the Oceanport Task Force. Any operating lease must protect the Borough’s tax payment as this small community of 6,000 works diligently to overcome the approaching closure of Fort Monmouth (September 2011); reinvents local government in response to the Governor’s 2% cap law; and works cooperatively with its largest taxpayer, Monmouth Park.

We believe the Borough and the Thoroughbred Horsemen have similar goals for Monmouth Park and that both have much at risk as the transition takes shape for horse racing. Horse racing is an important and vital cog not only Oceanport’s economy and the economy of Monmouth County, but for the entire State of New Jersey.  Horse racing contributes 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space to our “Garden State”.  

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Oceanport Task Force Comments on Legislation Aimed at Horseracing and the Future of Monmouth Park Racetrack

Press Release

We appreciate the efforts of the Legislature and in particular the Monmouth County delegation, on behalf of protecting horse racing.

Horse racing is an important and vital cog in not only Oceanport’s economy and the economy of Monmouth County but the entire State of New Jersey as well.  Horse racing contributes 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space to our “Garden State.”  

Our own Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has continued to maintain the position that VLT’s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey. All the surrounding states of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland now have some form of gaming at their race tracks. This uneven playing field enables our competitors to lure New Jersey horseman out of State with larger purses and better quality horse racing.  

In addition to A-2926 authorizing “exchange wagering,” and the enactment of S-2229 to permit racetrack permit holders to provide a single pari-mutuel pool for every horse race; We applaud the Governor’s signing of the bipartisan bill, S-11, approved in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly, that would enable horse racing to not only survive, but to thrive.  The bill includes a $ 30 million allocation to horse racing, to be phased over a 3 year period; $15 million in 2011, $10 million in 2012 and $5 million in 2013.

Last year Monmouth Park’s “Elite Summer Meet” raced 71 days. Purses almost tripled-about $20 million came from a now expired casino purse supplement-and total pari-mutuel handle increased $123 million on the year. This was a significant return on the investment made toward the purses. As of Jan. 24 no action had been taken on the status of Monmouth Park’s 2011 racing schedule. By law, the New Jersey Racing Commission awarded Monmouth 141 Thoroughbred dates.

The Governor’s announcement this week that the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority would issue in the near future a Request for Proposals for the sale of Monmouth Park, including assignment of additional off-track wagering operations comes as no surprise to the Oceanport Task Force. Representatives have maintained an open dialogue with the Hanson Commission, the NJSEA, the Thoroughbred Horsemen and others that will likely play a key role in preserving horseracing at Monmouth Park. 

The Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park

Chair  Michael J. Mahon, Mayor   Co.-Chair Gerald Briscione, Former Council Member

Sen. John O. Bennett

Sen. S. Thomas Gagliano

Hon. Caroline Casagrande, Assemblywoman

Hon. Lillian Burry, Freeholder

Hon. Clem Sommers, Former Mayor & Freeholder

Hon. Joseph Irace, Council Member

Mr. Peter Geronimo, IBEW 400 Business Manager

Mr. Alfred DeSantis, Public Member

Mr. David Gruskos, Owner and Member NJTHA

Mr. Bernard Dowd, Veterinarian and Member NJTHA

Mr. Bert Lynch, Public Member

Mr. Joseph Marinaro, Public Member

Mr. James Ryerson, Trainer and Member NJTHA

Mr. Robert Kelly, Public Member

Mr. William Finley, Turf Writer

Mr. Thomas Galligan, Public Member

Contributing:

Mr. Dennis Dowd, Former NJSEA and Monmouth Park Race Official

Mr. Jerold Zaro, Former NJSEA Commissioner

Mr. John Forbes, President NJ Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association

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Oceanport Task Force Contiunes Fight For Horse Racing

VLT’s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey

Oceanport Councilman Joe Irace delivered the following report regarding the borough’s Monmouth Park Task Force at this evenings council meeting:

On Monday January 10th our Monmouth Park Task Force met to discuss the future of Monmouth Park as it pertains to the recent Hanson Report Part 2.  Our Task Force meeting was attended by a varied cross section of members including two former New Jersey State Senators, a horse veterinarian, thoroughbred owners, and concerned Oceanport residents.  The meeting was very specific and our participants quite vocal and knowledgeable.  Our Task Force once again maintained the position that VLT’s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey.  All the surrounding states of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland now have some form of gaming at their race tracks.  This uneven playing field enables our competitors to lure New Jersey horseman out of State with larger purses and better quality horse racing.

Knowing the current legislative posture in New Jersey and knowing that gaming is not coming to the Meadowlands this year, our Task Force was once again proactive in seeking solutions to get us through 2011 and beyond.  Among the suggestions were: working with Monmouth Park to seek alternative revenue streams such as a boardwalk type facility in the picnic area, upscale restaurants, concerts, retail boutiques and perhaps even a hotel.  Anything to make Monmouth Park more desirable as an asset to the State, not just for horse racing, but as a destination place in the heart of the Jersey Shore.

The Task Force continues to ask for the actual financials of Monmouth Park, not of the full New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, of which Monmouth Park belongs.  Are the numbers the State uses correct when they say the facility loses $6 million?  We do not think so and would like to see the empirical evidence.

We continue to be concerned with the possible veto of a bipartisan bill approved in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly that would enable horse racing to not only survive, but to thrive.  It is important to remember that horse racing contributes 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space to New Jersey.

Our Governing Body and our Task Force will continue to lobby our elected officials on behalf of Monmouth Park.  It is important not only to Oceanport and Monmouth County, but to the state of New Jersey as well.

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Irace promises viligance at Fort Monmouth, Calls for slots at the Meadowlands

The following are Oceanport Councilman Joe Irace’s remarks from today’s Reorganization Meeting:

Good Afternoon and Happy New Year!

This afternoon, I’m fortunate to have my family and friends with me as I begin my second term on Oceanport Borough Council.  I would like to thank the residents of Oceanport for giving me this chance to, again, serve as your councilman.  It is both an honor and a privilege.

I would like to thank my wife Eileen who, God knows puts up with a lot, and our two daughters Kristi and Samantha.  Samantha often serves as my official photographer and Campaign Manager.   The support and understanding of my family is an amazing gift that is truly appreciated. I would also like to thank my parents, Joseph and Jennie.  Mom & Dad, you are true inspirations to me and great role models, too.  Thanks to my Brother Rick and his family who are also with us today.  To all the residents of Oceanport, your overwhelming support is the reason I sit here today.   I pledge to continue my best work in my next three year term. 

Congratulations to all the fire and first aid officers sworn in today.  Special thanks to Tom Crochet, outgoing Chief, for his dedication to our borough.  I’d also like to thank outgoing Councilman Jay Briscione for his many years of service.  Jay’s contributions regarding our two biggest issues, Fort Monmouth and Monmouth Park, have been invaluable to all of us as a Governing Body.  I’m glad Jay has volunteered, to remain active in both of these important projects.  Welcome back Ted Ibex.  As a former Councilman, Ted has played an important part in what our team has accomplished.  I know he will be able to hit the ground running as he begins his current term.

The borough of Oceanport continues to deal with the direct and immediate impact of the closure of Fort Monmouth and the inane decisions involving Monmouth Park Racetrack.   We as a Governing Body and community have to be increasingly vigilant and proactive knowing we don’t have ultimate control over either issue.

The actions being taken today regarding Fort Monmouth affect the future of Oceanport.  Regardless of the political ramifications, we as a Governing Body, worked hard on the Fort Monmouth Redevelopment Bill.  We participated in conversations and debates that consumed many hours and were not always cordial but were necessary to protect Oceanport and our future as a community.  As a Governing Body we were able to extract an unprecedented 40 amendments to the original Fort Monmouth Bill which gave us some say in what happens in the 419 acres that will be located in our boundaries. Ultimately, this bill seems to reflect a lot of compromise as set forth in the amendments; HOWEVER, the one place that there was no compromise is in the underlying premise of the bill: State control.  In my opinion, everything after State control is secondary.   Therefore our vigilance going forward is vital to making sure Oceanport is protected as redevelopment progresses.

The recent Hanson Commission Report seems to suggest that Atlantic City casinos are more important to our State then horse racing.  As host town to Monmouth Park, Oceanport couldn’t disagree more.  The Commission seems to totally disregard the benefits that horse racing brings to New Jersey; such as 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space.  

A study done by Christiansen Capital Advisors, commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Treasury at a cost of $100,000, recommended the installation of slot machines at the Meadowlands. The reports stated that 5,000 machines at the Meadowlands would produce $750 million annually and that 10,000 machines would produce $1.5 billion annually. The same study suggested that 2,100 slots at the Meadowlands would reduce Atlantic City gross gaming revenue by a mere .01 percent and perhaps save live racing at Monmouth Park.  Why were this study, and its results ignored?  

Clearly, we need to remain involved and active in both matters as we head though 2011.  I know that with Mayor Mahon’s leadership and the active role our Council has taken on both matters, Oceanport is in good hands!

In closing, I would like everyone to remember our troops who are serving overseas.  We are able to enjoy our many freedoms because of their willingness to serve.

Thank you and Happy New Year!

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