Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen Acropolis is seeking residents interested in giving back to their community by serving on one of the Township’s various boards and commissions.

“This is a great opportunity for any resident who wants to get more involved in the community,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We will consider every person who wants to be involved and I encourage anyone who wants to give back to Brick to send a resume.”

There are opportunities to serve on the following boards and commissions:

• Planning Board
• Economic Development Commission
• Environmental Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Property Maintenance Board
• Shade Tree Commission
• Tenant Landlord Commission
• Housing Authority
• Municipal Alliance Committee on Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Youth Services

Mayor Acropolis cites the televising and internet broadcasts of Council meetings and the creation of the citizen’s budget advisory committee as prior examples of his and the Council’s efforts to create a more open government.

Any resident interested in serving on a board or commission should submit a resume to the Mayor’s Office, 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ 08723 or mayor@twp.brick.nj.us with the subject “Boards and Commissions.”  Please indicate the board or commission you would prefer to serve on.

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Brick, NJ – Brick Township taxpayers can now pay their property taxes through Automated Clearing House (ACH) Debit payments.  Residents wishing to use the service must complete a form available at the Brick Township Tax Collector’s Office.

“This service will make paying taxes in Brick Township more convenient,” said Business Administrator Scott Pezarras.  “Residents who sign up will not have to come to the municipal building to pay taxes and will not have to worry about being late with their payments which would result in penalties.”

Residents must authorize the Township to withdraw their quarterly taxes from their financial institution by filling out a form that is available at the Brick Township Tax Collector’s Office.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

The service is free for residents.  For more information about the service, please call 732-262-1179.

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Brick, NJ – At a hearing held yesterday, the Public Employment Relations Commission rejected the TWU’s request for a restraint on impending layoffs concluding that the union did not substantiate its claim of unfair labor practices on the part of the Township administration.

“We have reached a point where layoffs were the only option to balance our budget as required by law,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis.  “We did not want to do them.  However, when it became apparent that layoffs were necessary, we worked to make sure they were done correctly and according to law.  The result of today’s hearing is evidence of that.”

The TWU filed a request to halt the layoff plan on the basis that the layoffs are in retaliation of the unit’s overwhelming rejection of a proposed contract that would have required nominal payments towards healthcare and other concessions among other arguments.

The administration has consistently said that the new 4% tax levy cap imposed by the state combined with declining revenue and state aid has necessitated the layoffs.  This year, the State aid to the Township was reduced by approximately $700,000.  In the past, municipalities could balance budgets through taxation.  However, the new tax levy cap has taken that ability away.

In their ruling, PERC stated that they could not find a substantial likelihood that the union would succeed on their unfair practice charge and therefore denied the application to restrain layoffs.

“While I am satisfied that PERC accepted our arguments, we do not feel good,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “There are no winners here.  The harsh reality is that people are going to lose their jobs and families are going to be affected.”

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TOWNSHIP TO SELL LIQUOR LICENSES

Brick, NJ – The Township of Brick is seeking bidders for two (2) consumption liquor licenses.  The minimum bid for each license is $450,000.

“The sale of these licenses will generate needed revenue for the Township while providing residents with a wider variety of choices in our retail community,” said Business Administrator Scott Pezarras.

Bids are due to the Clerk’s Office by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2008.

Anyone interested in bidding on the liquor licenses should contact Township Clerk Virginia Lampman at 732-262-1004.  Bid packages can be picked up in the Township Clerk’s Office, 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ, 08723.  Bid packages are free.

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Brick, NJ – The Township of Brick has contracted with Defino Contracting Company of Cliffwood Beach for roadway and drainage improvements in the Normandy Beach neighborhood.  The project is expected to begin during the week of November 11.

“The residents of Normandy Beach have been dealing with excessive flooding for too long,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This project will address a number of long standing issues and improve drainage which will have a positive impact on our residents’ quality of life.”

The project will include milling, drainage pipe installation, pavement repair, concrete sidewalks and curbing.  The streets that will be part of the project include Normandy Drive, Ellison Drive, Broad Avenue, Broad Street, Lake Court, Arrow Court, Sixth Avenue, Seventh Avenue, Eighth Avenue, West Central Avenue and Ocean Terrace.

The project is expected to take 120 days.  Funding for the construction of the project was included in the 2007 Capital Budget.

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Brick, NJ - Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis and the Township Council will present checks to thirteen local service providers at the October 28, 2008 Council meeting.  The checks, which range from $500 to $10,000, are from funding the Township receives as part of the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.  The checks will assist the organizations in providing a wide variety of services to the community.

“Every year, we have the opportunity to help organizations that help the people of Brick Township by using Federal CDBG funds,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “It is great to see this money be put to good use and make a positive impact on the lives of so many.”

Every year, the Township receives grant money from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program which is in turn passed on to local service providers.   The Township identifies issues of concern in the community and then provides the Federal funds to the organizations most appropriate to address those issues.

“Being able to assist organizations and programs such as Providence House, Meals on Wheels Ocean’s Harbor House is one of the great things about being a Council member,” said Council President Ruthanne Scaturro.  “The Council is proud to offer this support.”

The 2008 CDBG Recipients are

Through its ‘Meals on Wheels’ program, Community Services Inc. provides nutritious meals to homebound elderly in their own homes.  The program also serves meals daily to seniors at the Brick Township Senior Center on Adamston Road.   For more information, please call 732-367-1400 or the Brick Senior Center at 732-920-8686.

Dottie’s House provides transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and their children.  They may be reached at 732-295-7380.

A division of Catholic Charities, Providence House provides a wide variety of services related to preventing domestic violence and assisting its victims.   For many years, the Township has worked with Providence House to fight domestic violence in our community.  Providence House may be reached at 732-262-3143 or 732-244-8259.  They have an office located in Lions Head Plaza.   

Ocean County Hunger Relief provides emergency food assistance for needy people.  They operate 38 food pantries throughout Ocean County.  They may be reached at 732-349-1500.

VetGroup operates a local satellite resource office in James Howard VA Clinic for veterans in need of various kinds of assistance with such issues as career counseling, medical assistance and stress management.  They may be reached at 609-971-7613.

Ocean’s Harbor House provides free short-term shelter and crisis intervention for male and female youth ages 10-17. Any youth who is homeless, has runaway, been thrown away or abused, or is otherwise in need of immediate intervention may find help 24 hours a day at this safe haven.   Their Shelter Services 24 Hours/Day Hotline is 732-929-0660 and their Outreach Center phone number is 732-929-4001.

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship operates a thrift shop for low-income families at 236 Chambers Bridge Road in Brick.  Their phone number is 732-451-0779.

Since August of 2006 Destiny Community Development Corporation has been operating the Community Outreach Food and Clothing Pantry (COFCP). The COFCP is available to provide food and clothing to anyone in need regardless of race, creed, or ethnicity in such a way as to maintain a persons dignity as a respected member of society.  The phone number is 732-451-0777

The Township’s CDBG efforts are administered by Rehabco/Oross Associates located on Mantoloking Road in Brick.  Grantsman Ervin Oross works with the Township to identify community needs, submit the funding applications to HUD, and disburse the funds to the local service providers.  “Ervin and Rehabco do an outstanding job every year in administering our CDBG program,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Their efforts have touched the lives of so many.”

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“While Halloween is a fun time for young people, there are many people who prefer tricks to treats,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This curfew has been put into place to make sure the shenanigans are kept to a minimum during Halloween week.”

According to Chapter 150 of the Brick Township Administrative Code, juveniles under the age of 17 are prohibited from being on any public street or in any public place between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.  There are a few exceptions to the curfew including if the juvenile is with a parent or adult guardian, if the juvenile is at work or a legitimate school event or in the event of medical emergency.

“Our Police Officers will be on the lookout for young people violating the curfew and any inappropriate behavior,” said Police Chief Rick Bergquist.  “We want kids to enjoy themselves, respect their neighbors and community and have a safe Halloween.”

The Brick Township Police Department has limited time off for officers during Halloween week to ensure full coverage during patrols.

Violation of the curfew can result in up to 240 hours of community service or a monetary fine.

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Brick, NJ – Brick Township has been awarded a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities grant in the amount of $20,000 from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.  The grant will be used to fund Brick Township’s Challenger Program for special needs children and teenagers.

“Our Challenger Program is one of the best things we do.  Our Challenger kids have become a family and these programs have become an important part of their lives,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “I am glad that the State restored some of our funding to help us continue this program.”

The grant, which will fund next year’s programs, is an $8,000 increase from current year funding, but is $25,000 less than the funding of 2006 and 2007.  The Township received $45,000 a year in each of those years for the programs.

“This is an example of declining revenues that are putting a greater strain on our taxpayers,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “These programs mean too much to the Challenger kids and their families to take them away.”

The grant will fund the 2009 Challenger Summer Camp and Teens on the Go Program.  The Brick Recreation Department offers a five-week summer day camp experience for children ages 5 – 12 with mild to moderate physical and/or cognitive disabilities.  The camp provides children the chance to interact and socialize with their peers in a recreational setting with no focus on academics.  Activities at the camp include games, organized play, arts and crafts, and field trips. 

Teens on the Go, this is an extension of the Challenger program for young adults ages 12 and up.  Teens on the Go activities include dances and trips to Blackbeard’s Cave, Combat Sports Laser Tag, Deep Sea Fishing, Medieval Times, and NJ Nets.

“The Council supports the Challenger Program because we know how important it is to provide these young people with recreational programs and activities,” said Council President Ruthanne Scaturro.  “It is good to see the state step up and give us more money towards these programs.  Hopefully, they will give even more next year.”

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Brick, NJ – As part of Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis’ and the Township Council’s continuing efforts to reduce traffic congestion on Route 70, the Council awarded a bid to Earle Asphalt Company of Farmingdale for the extension of the westbound turn lane from Route 70 to Brick Boulevard.

“The Council and I promised to work towards reducing traffic on Route 70 and we are putting our money where our mouth is, so to say,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This is the second traffic reduction project this year that we are funding for the Route 70 corridor.  I know that this is a State highway but it's in Brick Township and the people are tired of hearing that, they want results and the Council and I are working to fix problems, not just talk about fixing them.”

The contract will be in the amount of $183,713.13.  Earle Asphalt was the lowest bidder on the project.  $106,000 will be paid through a New Jersey Department of Transportation Infrastructure Trust grant. 

Mayor Acropolis says the Council and his administration will continue to work to secure additional funding for these projects.  “Route 70 isn’t used by Brick Township residents exclusively and Brick Township residents shouldn’t foot the bill,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Our taxpayers shouldn’t be penalized because we don’t want to wait indefinitely for these improvements.”

The project calls for the extension of the left turn lane from 400 feet to 800 feet.  This will allow more cars to stack while waiting to make the left turn from westbound Route 70 to Brick Boulevard.  In addition, the entrance to the Foodtown property from westbound Route 70 will be closed off.  Currently, motorists can use the Foodtown property to cross Route 70 to access Brick Boulevard.  By closing this access off, all cars will be diverted to the turn lanes.

The construction will be done in the evening to avoid creating traffic delays.

This is the latest major project in a multi-phased effort on behalf of the Mayor and Council to address traffic problems in the Township. "We are not aware of any other town in the State that has taken the lead and actually implemented improvements on State and County roads without waiting for the projects to reach the top of the State's list", said Acropolis " Our residents are tired of waiting, they want action and we are doing everything in our power to deliver the improvements that they deserve.”

Earlier this year, the Township awarded a contract for the extension of the westbound left turn lane from Route 70 to Chambers Bridge Road.  That turn lane was extended from 350 feet to 650 feet.

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