BRICK - Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis has announced that the Brick Township Recreation Department will host a concert featuring the popular orchestra Sentimental Journey on Saturday, June 14 at 7 pm at Bayside Park.  Under the direction of Brick resident and trumpeteer Frank Richetti, the orchestra recreates the glory days of the big band era with music of the 1930’s and 1940’s.  The orchestra is comprised of area residents, many of whom performed with some of the big names of the 40’s including Glen Miller, Harry James, Les Brown, Charlie Spivak, Nelson Riddle and Tommy Dorsey. 

The concert is free and reservations are not required, however those attending should bring their own lawn chairs.  The program is provided in part by a grant administered by the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission in conjunction with the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.  For more information, please contact the Brick Recreation Department at 732-262-1044.

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Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis honored Township resident Mark Ellsworth for his work as the Chairman of the Mayor’s Transition Team.  Mayor Acropolis presented Mr. Ellsworth with a Key to the City and proclaimed June 6, 2008 as Mark Ellsworth Day in Brick Township.

“Leading the Transition Team was no small task, and Mark did a tremendous job,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “It was essentially the first transition effort in almost fifteen years and our government had grown a lot.  The Team looked at every aspect of the government to find ways to make it more taxpayer friendly and Mark directed all of those efforts.”

The Mayor’s Transition Team was formed after the November election and consisted of over thirty members.  Each member was assigned to review the operations of specific areas of the municipal government and identify areas where savings could be realized and services to residents could be improved.  A specific focus was placed on improving customer service.  As Chairman, Mark Ellsworth was responsible for coordinating the Transition Team’s efforts including assigning members to departments, arranging meetings with employees and department heads and presenting the Team’s findings and suggestions to Mayor Acropolis.

“Mark and I have had a great relationship for many years.  I wanted the leader of the Transition Team to be someone who I had confidence in and someone that I knew shared my philosophies about the role of government,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Mark was that person.”

Mr. Ellsworth has long been active in the community.  He is a leader of the Federation of Beach Associations and is a vocal advocate for many issues affecting the Jersey Shore. 

“It was a privilege to be able to direct the Transition Team and help Mayor Acropolis look for ways to make Brick Township a better, more affordable community,” said Mr. Ellsworth.  “I thank Mayor Acropolis for that and for the honors he gave me today.”

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Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis is pleased to announce that he has selected Glenn Campbell to serve as Director of Public Works beginning on July 1, 2008.  Mr. Campbell has worked for the Township of Brick for six years and currently serves as the Deputy Department Head of Public Works.

“Our Public Works Department is the largest component of our municipal government and the department that has the most interaction with residents.  As such, it was important that I appoint someone who I had the utmost confidence in,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Glenn is that guy.  He knows a great deal about Brick Township and our Public Works Department and shares my vision for the future of the community.”

Glenn Campbell – who is a Certified Public Works Manager – was hired by the Township in May 2002 to work in the Public Works Department after working in the banking industry.  “Glenn has an extensive customer service oriented background,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “He has used that background to develop and implement ways to improve service and efficiency and has assured me he will continue to do so.”

Some of Mr. Campbell’s accomplishments over the past six years include:

• The reconfiguration of the Ridge Road recycling facility.  This project improved traffic flow in and out of the facility and decreased residents’ waiting time.
• The implementation of a liquid calcium de-icing system for township streets.
• Oversaw a $5.1 million finance program to fund a new public works vehicle fleet.
• Developed new plowing and de-icing routes to improve efficiency and plowing efforts.
• Obtained grant money from the State and County to fund recycling education programs.
• Implemented lake management programs to combat invasive weed problems at Lake Riviera and Brick Lake.
• Assisted with the development of storm water management programs to comply with new state regulations.

Mr. Campbell has also served as the Township Recycling Coordinator since 2006.  Mr. Campbell is overseeing the township transition to the County-mandated dual stream recycling system.

Mayor Acropolis cites Mr. Campbell’s roots in the community as another factor in his selection.  “It was important to me personally that the person in that position have strong ties to our community,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Glenn grew up here and his family calls Brick Township home.  That was crucial to my decision.”

By promoting from within, Mayor Acropolis estimates the Township saved over $150,000.  “Anytime we have an opening, we are going to try to fill that opening with a qualified employee,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This practice saves taxpayers money by avoiding an additional salary and benefit package.”

Mr. Campbell’s appointment will begin on July 1, 2008. 

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Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis was on hand as representatives from Raymour & Flanigan donated a gift card to a Township Habitat for Humanity family on May 21.  Raymour & Flanigan presented Kim Malko, Brick Township, with a $300 gift card.

“It is important that companies make it a point to be active in the communities they do business in and give back to those communities when they can,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Raymour & Flanigan are doing just that and I thank them for their commitment to being a good neighbor in Brick Township.” 

Dan Fillmore, Regional Director of Sales for Raymour & Flanigan adds "the heart of Raymour & Flanigan is about people -- our customers, associates and serving the communities that support us.  We're delighted to honor Kimberly's significant contribution to securing a long-wished for home."

The gift card presentation ceremony was held in the Brick Township Raymour & Flanigan store located on Route 70 West, adjacent to the Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse.

Raymour & Flanigan began in 1947 and has grown into one of the leading furniture retailers in the nation with over 82 stores in 7 states.  They opened their Brick Township store in January 2008.

Habitat for Humanity is an organization that builds affordable housing to families.  A requirement for the program is that each family assists in the construction of the home.

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Brick, NJ – Last year, in an effort to reign in the costs of government, the Township Council began a policy of evaluating the need for new hires following a retirement.  This policy has cut nearly $1 million from this year’s Township budget.

“The biggest portion of our municipal budget is personnel.  In the past, when someone retired, they were immediately replaced with a new hire.  This practice had to stop if we were to stabilize the cost of providing services,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis, who was Council President when the policy was installed.  “The numbers show that we are succeeding.”

Since January 1, 2007, the new policy has enabled the Township to cut $949,632 in salaries from the budget.  “This is a significant amount of money,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “It is about two full cents on the tax rate that we have saved.”

Mayor Acropolis says that the Township now looks internally first to fill job vacancies.  “Moving current employees into vacancies translates into savings in both the short and long terms,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “In addition to not having to add a salary to the budget, we save in benefits and other costs.  This is the main reason we make every effort to fill jobs from within.”

Mayor Acropolis notes that not every job gets filled after a retirement.  “The previous administration created a number of jobs that are no longer needed.  We have no intention of filling those positions again,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Since last year, ten employees have left and have not been replaced at all.”

Since the new administration began in November, four employees have been hired.  “Even taking into account the few new hires that have been made in conjunction with the restructuring of our government to make it more efficient, we have still been able to save nearly $1 million,” said Mayor Acropolis.

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Brick, NJ – Brick Township can take another step towards the sale and redevelopment of the FoodTown property on Route 70 when the Planning Board considers the redevelopment plan next week.  Following Planning Board approval, the plan will be forwarded to the Township Council for their consideration.

“This process has gone on longer than any of us anticipated or had hoped, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “With Planning Board approval of the redevelopment plan, the Township can soon start getting proposals for the property.”

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.

“The FoodTown site is in an environmentally and traffic sensitive area,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “It was imperative that the Township set some parameters regarding what the future of the site will be.”

The redevelopment plan outlines a mix of uses permitted on the site including a hotel with banquet facilities.

The plan was submitted to the Planning Board for the review and approval.  The plan will now be given to the Council for their review.  The Council can then adopt the plan as an ordinance.  When that occurs, the Township can begin to solicit proposals from developers.

Brick Township purchased the FoodTown property in 2003 to stop the development of a home warehouse store.

“For the property to be in essentially the same condition as when the previous administration bought it in 2003 is unfortunate.  That is why I made selling FoodTown a priority when I took office in November,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We are going to get this done and soon.”

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Brick, NJ – The Township Council is expected to accept grants totaling $44,000 for police programs at tonight’s meeting.  The grants will fund police enforcement of seat belt laws, aggressive driving, pedestrian safety and underage alcohol purchases.

“I am thrilled that we received these grants,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “They will help our officers continue to make our community safe while lessening the burden for our taxpayers.”

The Township has received two grants.  The first grant is a Comprehensive Traffic Safety Grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.  The $32,000 grant is for Click It or Ticket seatbelt enforcement, aggressive driving enforcement and pedestrian safety enforcement and education.  This year, the three focus areas have been consolidated into one comprehensive grant program.  The grant monies will be used to pay for overtime details for officers and for education materials.

“This grant will allow officers to focus on making sure that people are following the rules of the road,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We all share the roads.  Aggressive and dangerous driving puts everyone at risk and our officers are going to do everything they can to make the roads safe.”

The other grant is a $12,000 grant from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control and will fund the Police Department’s Cops in Shops Program.  Plainclothes police officers will work in liquor stores to identify underage patrons who attempt to buy alcohol, people who buy alcohol for underage people and business owners who sell to underage patrons.  Plainclothes officers will also visit establishments that serve alcoholic beverage such as restaurants to identify underage patrons.

“If you are caught trying to buy alcohol, don’t even try giving an excuse.  None will be taken,” said Mayor Acropolis.

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Brick, NJ – The Township of Brick is giving community non-profit organizations that chance to raise funds at this year’s SummerFest Concert Series by holding a lottery to determine which organization will be allowed to coordinate a 50/50 raffle during the each of the series’ five concerts.

“Non-profit agencies and organizations are looking for more ways to raise funds.  SummerFest is an ideal venue as thousands of people attend every concert,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Now, for the first time, all of our non-profits will have the same opportunity to raise funds at SummerFest.”

The lottery will be held at the June 10 public meeting of the Township Council.  During the lottery, five organizations will be selected to hold a 50/50 raffle on a designated SummerFest concert event night.  Two other organizations will be selected and designated as alternates in the event that the selected organization cannot participate.

“We are working hard to make sure that SummerFest is a true community event,” said Councilman Tony Matthews, who chairs the Council’s Recreation Committee.  “We have made the lineup more eclectic, we are going to have fireworks every night and now we are giving all of our non-profits a chance to become part of SummerFest and raise funds while they are at it.”  For the first time, all SummerFest concerts will conclude with fireworks.  Fireworks displays will be sponsored so there is no cost to taxpayers.

Any non-profit organization that wishes to participate in the lottery must pre-register in the Brick Township Recreation Office, 270 Chambers Bridge Road no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2008.  Organizations must have evidence of non-profit status and must present a copy of their New Jersey State Gaming License.

Mayor Acropolis credits Brick Township Parks and Recreation Department Head Dave Francese with the idea for the lottery.  “Mr. Francese is bringing a new perspective and new ideas to how we operate,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Any person or organization that would like more information can contact the Brick Township Recreation Department at 732-262-1044.

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Brick, NJ – The Township of Brick is considering installing cameras at intersections to photograph motorists who go through red lights.

Earlier this year, the New Jersey Legislature passed legislation that will allow municipalities to use digital cameras at high-volume intersections to record motorists who go through red lights and issue violation notices.

“Going through red lights is extremely dangerous,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “If motorists knew that there was a camera recording them, they would be more reluctant to go through the light and endanger other motorists, pedestrians, their passengers and themselves.”

Mayor Acropolis says traffic light cameras can possibly decrease traffic congestion.  “There are a number of places in town where people frequently ignore the signal and end up blocking the box,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This prevents traffic from flowing smoothly.  Not to mention driving other motorists crazy.”

To install cameras, municipalities must submit a list of high-volume intersections to the State Department of Transportation.  The DOT has final approval over which locations can have cameras installed.

Mayor Acropolis and the Township Council will discuss the plan with the Brick Township Police Department and make a thorough review of costs before making a decision.

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Brick, NJ – Earlier today, Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis signed the contract that will begin the renovation of the historic Hulse House on Herbertsville Road.  The Township-owned building dates back to the 1890’s and will be the future home of the Brick Township Historic Preservation Commission.

“It is important that we do what we can to preserve the history of our community,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “The Hulse House represents Brick Township’s past and these renovations will make sure that this historic home is here for generations to come.”

The Township is dedicating $58,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to the project. 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 organizations and 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.

“This is the first historical project we are funding through CDBG,” said Mayor Acropolis.

The house is slated to be the future base of operations for the Brick Township Historic Preservation Commission.  It will also have an office for the Township Historian.  The Brick Township Historic Preservation Commission was created in 1998 to make recommendations and advise the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment and the Township Council about designated historic landmarks.

The Hulse House was built in 1890.  It was moved to its present location sometime around 1930.  Originally a two story, two room home, the house underwent numerous renovations.  The Township purchased the home and property in 2002.

The project is expected to take approximately two months.

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