Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Ocean County, New Jersey www.pointpleasantbeach.org
A Message from your Mayor Vincent R. Barrella During the past ten months, the governing body (and this is a relatively new governing body, with five of its members having served for less than two years) has tackled many of the issues we face as a community. I am happy to say that, from the outset, we have been able to work together in an effort to resolve these issues. I would like to take this opportunity to lay out some of things the Council has accomplished, and some of those that require additional work. One of the most important decisions, but generally one that goes unnoticed by those not involved in the political process, is the appointment of the borough’s professionals -- our attorney, engineer, auditor, municipal court judge, etc. This year, for the first time, interviews of applicants were conducted not only by members of both parties, but by borough employees as well since they are the ones who deal with the professionals on a regular basis. We owe a debt of gratitude to Councilman John Mercun, Borough Administrator/CFO, Christine Riehl and our Municipal Court Administrator, Michelle Sargent, for their willingness to participate in that process. In an effort to control spending, the governing body eliminated the position of Director of Public Works. This decision saved the taxpayers approximately $100,000. In addition, we reached an agreement with the Teamsters union which increased prescription drug co-pays. We were successful in getting the county to demolish the building at 29 Inlet Drive; this saved taxpayer dollars as we did not have to hire a private contractor to complete the demolition work. This represents just a few of the cost savings measures either implemented or under consideration. I do not know one member of the Council who believes that this year’s tax increase was acceptable, but given falling revenues and increased costs it was inevitable. The governing body will continue to look to cut expenses where it can without significantly impacting the services provided to
our residents. For example, we have approved a resolution which would allow us to participate in a largely state funded feasibility study concerning the consolidation of our building department with that of neighboring towns and are exploring other shared services opportunities. Unfortunately, the majority of the borough’s budgeted expenditures are non-discretionary in that they are either contractually or state mandated. In order to stabilize our tax rate, additional non-property tax revenue sources must be developed. We have begun this process. A bi-partisan committee of residents and business owners was appointed to develop ideas as to how to derive additional revenue from parking and other sources. Councilman John Dixon and Councilwoman Kristine Tooker serve as council liaison to that committee. This committee expects to report its recommendations to the council within the next few months. With the unanimous support of the council, I have vigorously lobbied the administration in Trenton and legislators from our own as well as other districts in an effort to convince them to adopt the recommendation of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities that towns like Point Pleasant Beach be
allowed to do what cities like Newark, Jersey City and Atlantic City are allowed to do now, raise money locally by developing revenue streams from sources other than property taxes. If these efforts are successful, the funds raised through these non-property tax sources will be used to provide direct property tax relief to our taxpayers. The first phase of the repairs to our sewer infrastructure was successfully completed. This project averted potentially disastrous street collapses in a couple of sections of town, including the downtown area. In addition, we expect to see improvement in the discrepancy between the amount of water we import and that which we export, which will allow the governing body to reconsider the present water and sewer rate structure. We have also taken steps to begin the second phase of repairs to our sewer system. Councilman Mercun and Councilwoman Tooker have put in an enormous amount of time and effort spearheading the development and the adoption of a remediation plan for the Lake of the Lillies. The centerpiece of that plan is the desperately needed dredging of that lake. At the request of our attorney, I took an active role in ongoing negotiations with the DEP
regarding our application for a dredging permit for Lake Louise. After more than ten years, I am happy to report that a settlement has been reached that will allow for that lake to be dredged. The Tourism Advisory Committee has been active in developing ideas that will help promote tourism. The council liaison to the committee is Councilman Ray Cervino and it is anticipated that the committee will play an important role in forging a more meaningful partnership between our residents and our tourism industry. The governing body has also begun the work of preserving the character of Point Pleasant Beach. We have adopted some of the changes recommended to the Master Plan, and are working with a planner to facilitate the adoption of a new Master Plan. We are also working to implement changes recommended by the Board of Adjustment which will help control the massing of homes. The Historic Preservation Committee has been asked to make recommendations that can be incorporated into an ordinance which will serve to identify and protect historic buildings. The Shade Tree Committee has made recommendations for an ordinance to further protect the character of our town by controlling the indiscriminant cutting of trees. We have focused on increasing recycling efforts in the Beach, both to protect the environment and save taxpayer dollars. I am happy to report that Jenkinson’s has accepted the challenge and has made significant strides in the area of recycling. Since I took office in January, the days, weeks and months have been exciting and rewarding. I know that the entire governing body looks forward to continuing to confront the challenges facing us. There has been some acrimony, but that is to be expected as change is not easy. Despite the difficult times we live in, I am optimistic that Point Pleasant Beach will remain the great place to live that it currently is, and will in the future be an even better place to raise a family or enjoy your retirement.
PUBLIC WORKS HOLIDAY REMINDER The Borough of Point Pleasant Beach would like to remind all residents that there will be no trash or recycling pickup on the following holidays.
Holiday Date Thursday November 27th Thursday December 25th Tuesday January 1st
PUBLIC WORKS HOLIDAY REMINDER
The Borough of Point Pleasant Beach would like to remind all residents of the following up coming holidays and how they can affect your trash and recycling