Brick, NJ – Brick Township officials met earlier today to discuss Tropical Storm Hanna’s forecast and make preparations for its arrival.

“Right now, it looks like Hanna is going to bring a lot of rain and wind to Brick Township,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “The people of Brick Township should know that we are going to be working through this storm to ensure that anyone who needs assistance will be able to get it.  This administration will not take chances with the safety of our residents.”

The Township will move equipment to the barrier island section today.  “Our barrier island section is the most vulnerable to coastal storms and as such, we are going to have some buses and other equipment ready for tomorrow in the event they are needed,” said Mayor Acropolis.

The Brick Township Police Department has a Reverse 911 System that they can use to notify residents of specified areas in the Township by phone of emergencies and other occurrences.  “Although we hope to not have to use it, the Reverse 911 system is an effective tool for alerting residents that we have at our fingertips,” said Police Chief Rick Bergquist.

Mayor Acropolis reminds residents to watch BTV, Channel 20 to get updates on the storm and what the Township is doing.  “We will be putting announcements on our bulletin board to keep residents informed about the status and progress of the storm,” said Mayor Acropolis.  BTV is aired on Channel 20 in Brick Township and is available to customers of Comcast.  Residents who do not have Comcast can log on to the Township website, www.bricktownship.net and see the bulletin board under the Resources link.

The Township will open the Emergency Operations Center tomorrow to monitor the storm.  The EOC is located in the Brick Municipal Building.  The Township’s emergency management team, which includes Mayor Acropolis, Brick Township Police Chief Bergquist and Township and Police officials and supervisors, uses the EOC as their base of operations during emergency situations and includes communications systems, computers and television feeds to monitor storms and emergency situations.

Residents can contact the Brick Township Police Department at 732-262-1100 if they need assistance.  In the event of an emergency, residents are reminded to call 9-1-1.

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Brick, NJ – Township officials anticipate a large crown for Thursday night’s SummerFest Concert and Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis is urging people planning to attend to use the free shuttle bus service.

“Our Police Department estimated that over 8,000 people attended the last SummerFest concert and we are anticipating a similar turnout for this week,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “As parking is extremely limited at Windward Beach, I am urging people who plan on watching the show and fireworks to use one of the shuttle buses.”

SummerFest shuttle buses are available for anyone going to SummerFest.  The shuttle buses are free to ride and leave from Drum Point Elementary School on Drum Point Road, Midstreams Elementary School on Midstreams Road and the FoodTown parking lot on Route 70 beginning at 5 p.m.  The last bus to Windward Beach leaves at 8 p.m.  Return trips from Windward Beach begin at 9 p.m.  Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

This week’s SummerFest Concert will feature the Hot Rocks Rolling Stones Tribute and The Robert Eric Band performing a Salute to Billy Joel.  Fireworks will follow the concert.  The concerts begin at 7 p.m.

“Many people have come up to me and said that the last SummerFest was one of their favorites,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “People were definitely having a good time.  This week’s show should be more of the same.”

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“The committee is trying to educate themselves the best they can about renewable energy and the steps we have to take to use it in Brick Township.  Monday night’s meeting was a great learning experience ,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “I thank Monmouth University for opening their doors for us.”

The session was hosted by Monmouth University’s Vice President for Administrative Services Patricia Swannack and Director of Facilities Management for Operations Lester Hauck.  The informational session provided MACRE members with real-time experience of the process of designing, bidding and installing a large-scale solar electric – or photovoltaic – system.

The meeting was held in Wilson Hall and was followed by a tour of the photovoltaic system installation.

Mayor Acropolis founded MACRE in January to investigate the costs and benefits of using alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power at municipal facilities.  This was the third informational session MACRE members have attended since the committee’s inception.  The committee has visited the Atlantic County Utilities Authority to educate members, particularly the Wind Power Sub-committee.  A meeting was also held to discuss a detailed analysis of the potential use of bio-fuels in the Township.

“We have to find ways to lower the costs of government, which is why we formed MACRE” said Mayor Acropolis.  “The committee’s mission is to save taxpayer dollars by reducing how much we spend on energy and fuels.”

In addition to the educational sessions, MACRE has identified potential sites within Brick Township to apply renewable energy technologies and has identified opportunities to further study Township facilities to increase their energy efficiency.

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Brick, NJ – Since April 15, 2008, Brick Township has auctioned off 44 items on GovDeals.com.  The Township collected nearly $30,000 for the items.

“Using the web to sell our surplus property is paying off,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “We are selling more items for more money than we used to.  This is another example of our commitment to improving the way we do things.”

Brick Township has selected GovDeals (www.govdeals.com), a state-of- the-art, online auction service for City, County and State governments and agencies, to conduct online sales of their surplus property and equipment.  Brick Township joins over 1,850 governments nationwide, including 80 other New Jersey governments, that have adopted GovDeals’ online auction solution.  GovDeals is specifically designed to enable governmental entities and their agencies the ability to sell surplus and confiscated vehicles, assets and property over the Internet, as well as to support redistribution of excess assets within public institutions.

GovDeals is endorsed by the New Jersey Association of Counties and numerous other city and county associations nationwide as a strategic partner offering online auction services to its members.

Items for sale will be posted continuously on the web and can be accessed through Brick Township’s website at www.twp.brick.nj.us  or through www.govdeals.com. Bidders can register free of charge at the GovDeals website.

GovDeals provides state-of-the art online auction services to governmental entities throughout the United States.  Founded in 1999, GovDeals is a division of Liquidity Services, Inc. GovDeals, ITX. 5907 Carmichael Place, Montgomery, AL 36116.

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Brick, NJ – To date, more than 100 parties have expressed their interest in the redevelopment of the Township-owned Foodtown site on Route 70.

“When we announced that we were going to sell the Foodtown as a redevelopment site, we were confident that we would see some interest,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “However, we didn’t expect to have over 100 different parties contact the Township.”

 After counting all the inquiries, the Township had been contacted by 109 parties  that  expressed an interest in the redevelopment of the site.  The Township is advertising request for proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment tomorrow.  The RFP’s will be due to the Township by August 7.

The Township bought the Foodtown property in 2003 to stop the construction of a home warehouse store.  The plan to build the store led to objections from residents and parishioners of an adjacent church.  The Township paid $6.5 million for the site.

The Township Land Use Department worked in conjunction with Mayor Acropolis and the administration to create a redevelopment plan for the FoodTown site.  By creating a redevelopment plan, the Township can have a greater say in what kind of development occurs on the property.  Earlier this year, the Township Council approved the redevelopment plan for the site as an ordinance.

“For five years, the Township has owned the Foodtown and it looks no different today than it did on the day that we signed the contract.  That is unacceptable,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “That is why the Council and I are moving forward with this redevelopment plan that will get the property back on the tax rolls while ensuring that the Foodtown property is developed with the best interests of our community in mind.”

The Township expects to select a redeveloper this autumn and anticipates a June 2009 date for the beginning of the redevelopment work.

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Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis has announced the he has appointed Rich Kenny to serve as the Township Tax Assessor.  The Township Council will vote on advice and consent of the one-year appointment at tonight’s meeting.

“It is my pleasure to appoint Rich Kenny to serve as the Township tax assessor for the next year,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Rich has done a great job during his time at Brick Township and I am confident that he will continue to distinguish himself.”

Mr. Kenny has been an employee of the Brick Township Assessor’s Office since June 1994.  He is a State Certified Tax Assessor.  In addition to Brick Township, Mr. Kenny serves as the Tax Assessor in Pine Beach.

“Once again, we have filled a vacancy with a current employee as opposed to hiring someone from the outside,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This policy helps save taxpayer dollars.”  Mayor Acropolis estimates that the Township has saved nearly $1.5 million in personnel costs through staff reduction by attrition and filling vacancies with current employees.

Mr. Kenny replaces former Tax Assessor, Fred Millman, who retired in June.

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Brick, NJ – The fireworks that were scheduled for the July 3 SummerFest Concert will be part of an extended fireworks display during the SummerFest 2008 Finale on August 28.  The fireworks were not discharged after fire marshals and the Township safety inspector determined that the on-shore wind created a potentially hazardous situation on Thursday evening.

“I know that people are upset that the fireworks were not set off, however, we will not take any chances when it comes to people’s safety,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “The fire marshals make the call about whether or not the fireworks will go on.  They were adamant that the fireworks could not be set off if there was on-shore wind, which there was.”

The fire marshals and Township safety inspector made the final determination as the SummerFest Concert got underway on July 3, approximately two hours before the fireworks were set to begin.  An announcement was made from the stage after the opening band’s set.

As the fireworks are discharged from the beach area of Windward Beach Park, fire marshals insist that there is no steady on-shore wind prior to setting up the fireworks.  Once the fireworks are set up, they must be discharged.

The fireworks will be part of a special extended fireworks display at the SummerFest 2008 Finale on August 28 featuring Country artists Nikki Britt and James Otto.  Birdsall Services Group – Engineers & Consultants are the sponsors of the postponed fireworks.

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Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis and Township officials celebrated the start of the renovation of two neighborhood parks at a special groundbreaking ceremony on June 10.  The parks to be renovated are Frede Park, Frede Drive and Norman J. Sherman Park on Village Way.

“These pocket parks are important to the quality of life of residents who live near them,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Unfortunately, many of these parks have fallen by the wayside.  Instead of being places to play, they have become places to avoid.  That neglect will continue no longer.”

The planned renovations to Frede Drive Park include a new basketball court, playground equipment, fencing and landscaping.  Norman J. Sherman Park’s renovations will include two new outdoor basketball courts, playground equipment, a tot lot, picnic benches, an all purpose field, a parking area, walking path, fencing and curbing.

The park renovations are being paid for in part by Green Acres funding.  The Township was awarded $1,100,000 for the improvements.  The remaining costs will be covered by a zero percent loan that the Township will pay off over twenty years.  “We have been very successful in pursuing alternative revenue sources such as this grant to pay for improvement projects,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We will continue to pursue these revenue sources in the future to lessen the impact on our taxpayers.”

Mayor Acropolis estimates that it has been nearly two decades since the last full-scale renovation of a pocket park in the community.  “These parks were not as much as a priority as concerts and parties for past administrations,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “I am committed to giving young people and families safe, modern parks to spend time together.  These parks are just the beginning.”

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Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis is pleased to announce the events lined up for the Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper SummerFest 2008 Presented by Commerce Bank.   This year’s series is the fourteenth edition of Brick Township’s popular summer tradition and includes five concerts that will be followed by fireworks and two family events.

“We are very excited at the schedule we have put together for this year’s SummerFest,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We sought out to make sure that we had a diverse lineup that would appeal to all residents and we are confident that we were successful.  We have everything from 60’s music to country on this year’s schedule.”

 SummerFest 2008 begins on Thursday, July 3 and ends on Thursday, August 28.  There are a total of five concerts, a car show and the annual Night Out Against Crime and Kids Day Celebration on the schedule.  SummerFest 2008 is the fourteenth edition of the popular family entertainment series.

The performers scheduled for SummerFest 2008 are:

• July 3 – 1910 Fruitgum Company and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters
• July 17 – Beatlemania Now
• July 31 – Robert Eric Band (Billy Joel Tribute) and Hot Rocks (Rolling Stones Tribute)
• August 14 – The Landsharks (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band)
• August 28 – Country Music artists Nikki Britt and James Otto

All SummerFest 2008 Concerts will begin at 7 p.m.  Every show will be followed by a fireworks display.  “People always tell me how much they love the fireworks so we decided to have a fireworks show after every concert,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Better yet, we were able to secure sponsorship commitments to pay for each of the firework shows.”

This year, SummerFest concerts will be broadcast over speakers so that people can enjoy the concerts from their boats.  “There are many people who spend the evening on their boat and watch the fireworks,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We are going to put some speakers up so they can hear the concerts as well.”

Brick Township’s Annual National Night Out Against Crime and Kids Night Celebration will be held on August 5 beginning at 6 p.m.  The Brick Township Police Department will have numerous displays and exhibits designed to educate residents about law enforcement and what they are doing to protect the community.  “National Night Out gives residents the opportunity to meet our officers and thank them for their service,” said Mayor Acropolis.

For Kids Night, various organizations and businesses that serve young people will be on hand to host games and distribute information to families.  The highlight of the evening is the graduation ceremony of the annual Police Camp.

The 4^th Annual Brick Township Car Show will be held on August 21 beginning at 6 pm.  The event is hosted by the Township and the Car Capsule Cruisers.

The Township is once again operating a free shuttle bus service to Windward Beach Park from locations throughout the Township.  “Parking is limited at Windward Beach so we advise residents to take the shuttle bus,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Shuttle buses begin leaving from Midstreams Elementary School, Drum Point Elementary School and the Foodtown Parking lot at 5 p.m.  The final bus to Windward Beach Leaves at 8 p.m.  Return trips to the parking locations from Windward Beach begin at 9 p.m.  Any person under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult to ride the bus.

A food court will open for SummerFest concerts at 5 p.m.  This year’s food court will offer everything from BBQ to crab cake sandwiches.  The vendors and their specialties include:

·        Amos Concessions - BBQ Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Shrimp & Fries, Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Fruit Salad, Drinks

·        Nomad Pizza- Gourmet Pizza (made on site to order)

·        Amusement Park Concessions- Hotdogs, Chicken Nuggets, Fries, Bloomin’ Onion, Drinks

·        Texas BBQ- Pulled Pork Sandwich, Beef Brisket Sandwich, Drinks

·        Mom’s Concessions - Gyros, Cheese steaks, Gyros, Chicken Fingers, Mozzarella Sticks, Fries, Funnel Cake, Drinks

·        Land & Sea Catering - Crab cake Sandwich, Shrimp Sandwich, Fried Calamari, London Broil Steak Sandwich, Drinks

·        Tony’s Italian Sausage-Italian Sausage Sandwich, Fries, Drinks

·        Debbie O’s- Ice Cream, Italian Ice, Cotton Candy, Funnel Cakes, Fries, Fried Oreos

·        Grand Central Kettle Korn - Kettle Korn popcorn

The official radio partners of SummerFest 2008 are 107.1FM & 99.7FM The Breeze and K98.5FM Real Jersey Kountry.

At each SummerFest concert, a 50/50 Raffle will be held.  For the first time, each concert’s 50/50 will be run by a different non-profit organization.  “The SummerFest 50/50 is a great way for a charitable organization to raise money for their group.  The people like them since winners have received upwards of $3,000,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “In the past, only one group was ever included.  This year, we decided to give every non-profit organization the chance to raise funds at SummerFest.”  The Township recently held a drawing at a Council Meeting to choose the five groups that will have the opportunity to run a SummerFest 50/50.

Mayor Acropolis has a special word of thanks for the support of SummerFest’s corporate sponsors.  “SummerFest would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors including Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper, Commerce Bank, Shop Rite of Brick Township, Ocean Medical Center and more,” said Mayor Acropolis.  Additional sponsors of SummerFest include Birdsall Engineering, T&M Associates, Verizon, Comcast, iMac Insurance Management and Consulting, The New York Times and Geico.

“We are always looking for sponsors to help us provide this series to residents,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “It is a great opportunity for businesses to give back to our community and we welcome any business or professional that wants to be part of SummerFest.”  Any business or professional that would like to sponsor SummerFest should contact Jody Herkloz at 732-330-4443.  There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities for every budget.

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