Brightbill Not Running For Reelection In Middletown

Middletown Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill will not be seeking a third term on the Township Committee, according to a statement released by the Middletown GOP today.

Zoning Board Member and Housing Authority Commissioner Stephanie Murray will be Mayor Tony Fiore’s running mate.  Fiore is seeking his second term on the Township Committee.  The candidates filed their nominating petitions today.

“While my commitment to public service is no less no than it was six years ago, I feel that it is the right time to pass the baton to another active member of our community, which is why I am pleased to support Stephanie Murray for Township Committee,” said Brightbill. “I know Stephanie will make and excellent addition to the Committee and help preserve the quality of life we all enjoy in Middletown.”

In addition to serving as a member of the Zoning Board and Housing Authority, Murray has also served as a member of the Township’s Parks and Recreation and Open Space Committees.  She is the founder of the community group known as “Middletown Mornings” which is an open forum for residents to meet with their local public officials.  Murray holds a B.A. from Fordham University and runs a small publishing company.

Fiore said of Murray, ” I know Stephanie Murray will serve the taxpayers of Middletown well based on her record of service on the Zoning Board and as a Commissioner on the Housing Authority.  Stephanie is not only a tireless member of our community, but also a dedicated wife and mother to three children whose family has lived in Middletown for 10 years.”

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Middletown Introduces Budget With Nearly $4 Million In Spending Cuts

Conforms With 2% Cap Levy Law Absent Needed Tool Kit Reforms

MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Township Committee anticipates introducing its 2011 municipal budget that is $3.87 million (5.9%) less than the Township’s 2010 budget.

“Middletown’s proposed municipal budget is very austere and in full conformance with the new 2% cap levy law despite the Legislature’s continued failure to enact the Governor’s tool kit reforms that would empower the Township to make further cuts,” said Middletown Mayor Tony Fiore.  “We are hopeful to continue to rein in spending through ongoing negotiations with the Township’s collective bargaining units with a focus on decreasing the Township’s health care costs.”

“Cuts in the proposed budget include the layoffs of 26 employees, including 10 police officers, and the third consecutive year of salary freezes for the Township’s managerial employees,” continued Fiore.  “Middletown will continue to focus on core governmental functions while seeking other ways to continue to reduce costs though interlocal agreements and the Township’s solar initiative that is currently under way.”

Proposed Budget Data and Facts

·         The proposed 2011 municipal budget is $61,114,285 compared to the adopted 2010 budget that was $64,979,576.

·         The proposed budget represents an actual decrease in spending of $3,865,291 (5.9%) from the 2010 budget.

·         The largest cost drivers offsetting the Township’s $3.87 million in budget cuts are tax appeal refunds, State-mandated pension contribution increases of 22%, and costs associated with deferred charges due to numerous retirements last year.

·         The proposed 2011 budget anticipates an increase in the total tax levy of $1,357,855 which complies with the new 2% cap levy law and will cost the average Middletown homeowner approximately $5 per month.

·         The municipal budget makes up only approximately 22% of the average property tax bill, the remaining portion relates to the school and county tax levies.

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Middletown Budget Will Meet 2% Cap Despite No “Tool Kit”

By Nicole Gough

Middletown, March 21- Mayor Anthony Fiore announced that the township committee will introduce a budget that complies with the 2% property tax cap.  He thanked the library board for contributing $500 thousand to the township budget.

Fiore stated on Monday that there would be a budget proposed at the April 4^th meeting despite concerns over the extensive paperwork involved in the $500 thousand from the Middletown Library surplus.

Fiore expressed gratitude toward the library board, saying that he was grateful that “reasonable minds came together” in terms of returning 1/2 million dollars of a $1.2 million surplus.  Fiore also acknowledged that this type of occurrence is not unique to Middletown.  Fiore noted that the township has been under stress in regards to the budget, and the money from the surplus would relieve some of that stress.

“The library still has a good surplus,” he said. 

In response to concerns over whether the .5 million would be included in the April 4 budget, Fiore said that papers were already being prepared in order to maintain expediency. 

 “We will propose a budget on April 4 that will be in full compliance with the 2% property tax cap,” said Fiore. 

 Committeeman Gerry Scharfenberger urged citizens to support the governor’s toolkits, stating that “they will give us the tools we need to operate more efficiently.” 

In response to Scharfenberger, Fiore said the toolkits “make sense for us,” as they “provide mayors like myself the opportunity to do more with our budget.”

Even without the toolkit, Fiore was confident that the budget would move forward.

“We will provide a budget without a toolkit,” he said. “We will move forward, as difficult as it is.”

The Township Committee also addressed concerns regarding the paving project initially included in the library surplus.  Because of the returned portion of the surplus, the project would need to be put on hold. 

 Committeeman Kevin Settembrino, who spoke about parking bundling at a library board meeting, responded, saying the project could continue next year if the board had the money, and “they won’t have to incur interest charges.”

Apart from the library initiative and budget legislation, the meeting also focused on promoting volunteer groups and the Live Where You Work program, which rewards citizens who live and work in Middletown and meet certain income requirements.  Committeeman Steve Massell encouraged citizens to advocate the program and inform others whom they thought might qualify.

 Fiore commented on the solar initiative, noting that it will be expanded to include both the library and the sewer authority.  Fiore said Middletown would not only be the greenest town, but “also the one to generate more bang for buck for our taxpayers.”

Fiore also read a proclamation recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Month and highlighting the contributions of the Arc of Monmouth.

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Middletown Mayor Addresses Library Concerns

Middletown Mayor Tony Fiore sent the following message to the approximately 6000 Middletown residents who have subscribed to the township’s website and electronic communication program.  The Mayor’s message about the library is also posted on the Middletown website.

Dear Township Residents:

I felt it was necessary for me to respond to the recent flurry of comments and emails regarding the Middletown Township Library. It is unfortunate that some have chosen to engage in the spread of completely false information with regard to the Township Committee’s request of the Middletown Library Board. So let me set the record straight.

First let me make it very clear that neither I nor any member of the Township Committee has ever suggested or proposed closing any library facility in the Township. We would simply not do such a thing.

The situation the Township finds itself in is not unlike that being faced by towns throughout New Jersey. With revenues sharply down due to the economic downturn we remain in and with state-mandated costs ever on the rise, we are now faced with an extraordinary fiscal challenge. This includes the potential for the layoff of a number of employees and even possibly police. Be assured that we do all we can to avoid layoffs and we take the matter very seriously.

The Library budget is different from the Township budget in that state law specifies how much must be allocated to the library each year, whether it is needed to operate the library or not. The result of this is that the library now has a surplus of $1.2 million. While some portion of this surplus is needed for ongoing support of library programs and initiatives, the vast majority is not needed for continued operations. I personally met about two weeks ago with the Library Director and the Board Chairman and asked that they bring back to the library board a request to transfer approximately $700,000.00 – $800,000.00 of their surplus to the Township’s budget. This would be used to offset layoffs and to help fund the continuation of many vital Township services and help to offset the impact of over $4 million in tax appeals.

The Township Committee is fully aware that the library board cannot be forced to do this. However we are asking that they work with us in a unified effort to help all of the residents and taxpayers of the Township. I would note that the Township Sewerage Authority dedicated a portion of its surplus to the Township last year and we anticipate them doing the same again this year.

Many people have expressed concern that the Township Committee is seeking to transfer operation of the library to the Monmouth County Library System. Let me be clear that the Township Committee has taken no action to do this. Such a move would be an absolute last resort, but without the transfer of some of the library surplus it may become a fiscal necessity. Not an option, a necessity. Should this action have to occur, the library would not close, it would simply move under the umbrella of the county and the staff would become county employees rather than be Township employees. Again, we do not want to make this move. We would like to see our library continue as the great Township facility it is. Our hope is that we can work with the Library Board as a team with the best interests of the Township as the goal.

Sincerely,
Anthony P. Fiore, Mayor

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Fiore named Middletown Mayor at annual reorganization meeting

Senator Joe Kyrillos administers the Oath of Office to Middletown Mayor Tony Fiore

By Elyse Jankowski

Anthony P. Fiore was sworn in as Middletown Township’s Mayor Sunday in the annual reorganization meeting at town hall.

More than 100 residents, family and friends attended the ceremony that included the reappointments of various township officials, including the township attorney and general special council.

The meeting began with the swearing in of committee member and outgoing mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger and new committee member Kevin Settembrino. The election of mayor was awarded to Anthony P. Fiore. Committee member Pam Brightbill was sworn in as Deputy Mayor. Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos, Jr. administered the oaths of office.

Middletown’s Fire Chief and Deputy Chief were also sworn in: Michael Chenoweth and Andrew Spears of the Middletown Fire Department.

Middletown Mayor Tony Fiore administers the Oath of Office to Fire Chief Michael Chenoweth

His fellow council members elected former Deputy Mayor Fiore, a Republican who began to serve on the township committee in 2009, unanimously to the mayoralty.

During his remarks, Mayor Fiore outlined goals for 2011, which include “continuing to put Middletown first” by complying with the 2% property tax cap and calling for township-wide property reassessments.

“Many of the decisions we make will be difficult and some unpopular,” he noted.

Fiore addressed rising health insurance costs, which he plans to tackle by working together with his “great, well-rounded committee.” He also stated that “shared services will be crucial” in the year ahead.

Fiore will maintain support for Middletown’s Recycle2$ave program, which challenges the community to reduce their carbon footprint and save tax dollars. In addition, he looks forward to Ideal Beach improvements and the Port of Belford Project, both of which strive to improve the economic and physical viability of Middletown’s”hidden gem” on the bayshore.

Fiore’s closing remark spoke to the importance of service – “What truly makes Middletown a great place to live is the service of our volunteers.”

Deputy Mayor Brightbill’s address mirrored Fiore’s objectives.

“One of the most important attributes of any elected official is someone who knows and understands you,” she said. “I’m confident we can find ways to continue to make Middletown great without using taxpayer dollars.”

Brightbill plans to “continue being a liaison with Middletown’s great volunteers.”

New Committeeman Settembrino echoed the council’s intentions and intends to “maintain taxes and generate new ways for non-tax revenue.”

In outgoing Mayor Scharfenberer’s remarks, he addressed the issue of snow removal that was no doubt on everyone’s minds in the wake of last Monday’s blizzard.

“I know frustrations were extremely high,” he said. “We look at this as a teachable moment.”

Scharfenberger has been appointed to Governor Christie’s administration as Director of the Office for Planning Advocacy, formerly the Office of Smart Growth. Reflecting on his time as mayor, Scharfenberger noted, “2010 will be remembered as the most difficult economic year” but assured that “the Christie administration has made tremendous strides” in the effort to consolidate services. Scharfenberger plans to “return New Jersey to greatness” with Christie.

The members of the 2011 Middletown Township Committee are Mayor Anthony P. Fiore, Deputy Mayor Pamela M. Brightbill, and Committeemen Steve Massell, Gerard P. Scharfenberger and Kevin Settembrino.

MMM Correspondent Elyse Jankowski

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Vin Gopal Should Get His Facts Straight

By Tony Fiore, Deputy Mayor Middletown Township

In response to Vin Gopal’s article on MoreMonmouthMusings, I believe this email below will set the record straight. 

Often times the majority is criticized by the Democrats in Middletown for not listening to Sean’s ideas despite the fact that they are not usually economically or practically feasible.  The notion that Sean’s voice is never heard is nonsense and we do implement his ideas when practical.  We obviously took his direction to use the automated system to announce the Recycling program “not too close” to the announcement of changes to our leave and brush pickup.

 While we all can agree that the lateness of the call to some residents was not intended due to a computer glitch, there was never a second call done to apologize for it.   If Mr. Gopal would like to question the integrity of the Tea Party, I suggest he get the facts straight before he does so.

I stand with the Tea Party in working to retire Frank Pallone and Rush Holt from Congress and take great offense to anyone questioning their motives.  It is no surprise to me that Mr. Gopal would write this type of letter after he has been an active fundraiser for Mr. Byrnes and has even hosted an event that he advertised in his newspaper earlier this year honoring special guest Frank Pallone. 

—–Original Message—–
From: Byrnes, Sean
Sent: Thu 8/26/2010 5:24 PM
To: Maloney, Ted; MayorsOffice; Twp Committee
Cc: VanNest, Jim; Mercantante, Anthony; Posten, Sam; Herrschaft, Cindy
Subject: RE: Fall Brush Collection “Reverse 911”

At some point, maybe not so close on the heels of this announcement, we should also do that for the recycling pickup.  You may have done it already, but we will probably need to push this pretty hard to get the word out and start getting compliance.

—–Original Message—–
From: Maloney, Ted
Sent: Thu 8/26/2010 12:15 PM
To: MayorsOffice; Twp Committee
Cc: VanNest, Jim; Mercantante, Anthony; Posten, Sam; Herrschaft, Cindy
Subject: Fall Brush Collection “Reverse 911”

Mayor and Committee Members,

In speaking with Tony Mercantante yesterday, I have decided to broadcast a “Reverse 911” call this evening to notify residents of DPW’s upcoming brush collection.  An email will also be sent to residents with registered email addresses.  The message is below:

This is a recorded message from the Middletown Township Public Works Department.  The Fall Brush Collection will begin on Monday, August 30th in Zones F and H.  To obtain a complete brush collection schedule, please visit www.middletownnj.org/collectionor call the Brush Collection Hotline at 732-615-XXXX.  Again please visit www.middletownnj.org/collection or call 732-615-XXXX for the current brush collection schedule and updates.  Thank you and have a nice weekend.

As you can see, I am also setting up (with the help of Todd Costello and Jim Dudek) a brush collection hotline that will feature an audible version of the full brush collection schedule.  This hotline, which will remain in effect for all future collections, will also give the caller the option of pressing “0” to speak with a live operator (during business hours).  Our standard postcards are in the process of being mailed to each resident, but may not reach every resident prior to their collection start date.  I wanted to make you aware of this notice in case you are questioned by residents.

Thank you,

Ted

__________________________________________________
Joseph E. “Ted” Maloney, PE, PP, CME, CPWM

Township Engineer – Director of Public Works

Township of Middletown

52 Kanes Lane
Middletown, NJ 07748

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