Brick, NJ – The Township Council is expected to award a bid for drainage improvements in the Midstream’s area of Brick Township at their January 29 meeting.  The bid is in the amount of $377,000.

“Stormwater management and drainage are services that the town provides that nobody really notices until they don’t work,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “This project will help alleviate some of the flooding problems in the Midstreams area.”

The project includes site clearing, installation of drainage improvements including installation of new elliptical and circular reinforced concrete pipes and manholes and inlets, ditch excavation and the construction of a performed scour hole.  A scour hole is designed to slow water flow at the outfall to reduce erosion.  The project includes work on Coral Drive, Solar Drive, Silver Drive and Meridian Drive.

T&M Associates, one of the Township’s engineers, is recommending that the Council award the bid to Meco, Inc.

Funding for the project was provided in the 2007 Capital Budget.  The Township anticipates the project starting in mid-March.

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Brick, NJ – In an effort to further reduce the costs of government, the Township of Brick plans to utilize on-line auction site GovDeals.  By utilizing the site, the Township will save money on overtime, legal advertising, auctioneer and other costs associated with traditional surplus auctions.

“My administration is committed to finding ways to save taxpayer dollars,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “Using GovDeals to sell equipment we no longer need is another example of those efforts.”

GovDeals is an on-line service that provides municipalities and government agencies with the opportunity to sell surplus and confiscated goods over the internet.  The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has authorized New Jersey municipalities to use the site.

“When we used to sell our surplus equipment, we would have to pay for legal advertising, an auctioneer and for workers to bring all the equipment and set it up at the auction site.  Since most auctions were held on weekends, this meant overtime,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We won’t have to pay those costs anymore.”

The Township now has to advertise the auction on the Township website.  GovDeals receives 7.5% of the sale price of each item.

In addition to the savings, using the site also increases the number of potential bidders for surplus items.  “Anytime there is competition, it benefits taxpayers.  That goes for surplus auctions too,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “The more bidders, the better.”

The Township Council discussed using GovDeals at their caucus meeting on January 22.

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Brick, NJ – After multiple accidents involving pedestrians on Chambers Bridge Road, the Township of Brick worked with JCP&L  to install additional lights on the road.  To date, seven (7) lights have been installed and the installation of six (6) more is imminent.  The lights were installed in the area between the Shop-Rite plaza entrance and intersection of the Chambers Bridge Road and the entrance to the Forge Pond Apartment complex.

“This is about safety.  There are many pedestrians, the majority of whom are elderly, that cross Chambers Bridge Road to go shopping, go to the post office and more,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “These lights will make the road safer for pedestrians and motorists alike by improving visibility.  Hopefully this will help avoid further tragedies.”

In addition to the additional lighting, a fence will be installed in the median of Chambers Bridge Road to ensure that pedestrians use the crosswalks to cross the road.

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Brick, NJ – The Township of Brick is inviting high school students to participate in a contest to design a new logo for the municipal television station.  The logo will be used to identify and promote the station.

“There are many talented young people in our community and this contest gives them the opportunity to explore their creativity while contributing to the municipal television station,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.

The contest is open to Brick Township residents in grades 9 through 12.  Any submission should include the letters BTV and must work in color and black and white and in various sizes.  Logos must be submitted in digital form. 

Submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2008.  Submissions should be sent to Brick Township Administration Office, Attn: Edward Moroney / Logo Design Contest, 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ, 08723.

Winners of the contest will be recognized by the Mayor and Township Council.

All submissions become the property of Brick Township.  A complete contest rules and entry form can be downloaded on the Township’s website at www.bricktownship.net.

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Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis and the Brick Township Council will honor Brick Township Memorial High School senior Andrew Brodeur this evening for his achievements as part of the Mustang’s cross country team.  In December, Andrew competed in the Foot Locker National Championship race in San Diego, California.

“Andrew has had an outstanding athletic and academic career at Brick Township Memorial High School,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “He was one of the best runners in the entire nation this past season and it is a privilege for the Council and I to honor him for his achievements.”

Andrew Brodeur finished second in the NJSIAA Meet of Champions and qualified for the National Championships with a top ten finish at the Foot Locker Northeast Regional race in New York City.  He will be attending Duke University on a full scholarship.

Mayor Acropolis has signed a proclamation designating Wednesday, January 16, 2008 as Andrew Brodeur Day in Brick Township and the Council will adopt a resolution honoring Andrew for his achievements.

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Brick, NJ – The Township of Brick is seeking bidders for two (2) consumption liquor licenses for restaurants.  The minimum bid for each license is $475,000.

“Liquor licenses are a great resource for municipal governments.  We are able to generate a revenue while at the same time establishing the parameters of what kind of establishment we want in town,” said Business Administrator.

The Township is seeking bidders for the licenses who intend to operate a restaurant with a varied menu, 150 seats for food consumption and no more than 25 seats in the bar area.

“Brick Township is a great community for businesses and restaurants especially.  We are confident that both licenses will be purchased,” said Mr. Pezarras.

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 – Citing the significant number of residents that commute daily on the Garden State Parkway and the impact that Governor Jon Corzine’s plan to increase tolls will have on them, Brick Township Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis has announced his opposition to the Governor’s plan.  Mayor Acropolis will present a resolution opposing the plan to the Council and ask for their support tonight.

“Brick Township is a bedroom community and there are a great number of residents who use the Garden State Parkway every day.  Under the Governor’s proposal, these residents will be looking at significant increases in the amount of their hard earned dollars that go towards commuting costs,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Under Governor Corzine’s plan, tolls on the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and Atlantic City Expressway would increase 50% in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 and then increase every four years to reflect inflation until 2085.

“These toll increases are essentially tax increases and we are looking at a lifetime of them,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Brick Township has four full or partial Garden State Parkway interchanges either within its borders or adjacent to them (Exit 88, 89. 90 and 91).  This has made Brick Township a popular community for commuters to call home.  According to the 2000 Census, Brick Township has over 35,000 workers over the age of 16.  Of those, over 27,000 work outside of the community, with over 17,000 working outside of Ocean County.  Over 30,000 of those workers commute to work alone.

“This plan is inherently unfair to communities whose residents rely on these roads.  We are going to bear the greater financial burden of this plan,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Brick Township’s commuters are going to be among the hardest hit in the State.”

Mayor Acropolis is also concerned about increased traffic congestion in the community as a result of the toll increases.  “Many people use the Parkway to bypass the center of Brick Township or for short trips to nearby towns,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “People are willing to pay the current toll.  They might not be so willing to pay the increases which means more people on Brick’s roads.”

Mayor Acropolis has drafted a resolution opposing the Governor’s plan and will present it to the Council at tonight’s meeting.  “The Council shares my concerns about the cost of living in New Jersey.  I am confident they will join me in opposing the Governor’s plan,” said Mayor Acropolis.

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Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis is forming a committee to investigate the feasibility of utilizing renewable energy sources in Brick Township.  The committee will investigate the costs and benefits of using alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power.  The committee will be chaired by Lou Ianniello.

“This is about finding innovative ways to reduce the costs of government,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “If using renewable energy sources will create savings for taxpayers I am all for it.”

The Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Renewable Energy will work to identify municipal facilities that are compatible with renewable energy infrastructure, the cost of initial investment and potential savings.  The committee Chairman, Lou Ianniello, works in the energy industry and has extensive experience with renewable energy production sources including solar and wind-turbines.

“In keeping up with the changing times, Brick Township recognizes its responsibility to pursue alternative energy resources to replace its dependence on fossil fuels,” said Mr. Ianniello.

Mayor Acropolis and Mr. Ianniello encourage anyone interested in joining the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Renewable Energy to contact Lou Ianniello at 732-522-4284.  Resumes can be submitted to the Mayor’s Office at 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ, 08723.

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ATTENTION!

MIDSTREAMS AREA RESIDENTS

ON OCTOBER 3, 2007

 MIDSTREAM’S SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN

INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY

PLEASE BE ALERT WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDSTREAM’S AREA

CHILDREN WILL BE WALKING ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS AND CROSSING MIDSTREAM’S ROAD BETWEEN 8:30 a.m. AND 9:15 a.m.

YOUR ANTICIPATED COOPERATION IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!

Brick, NJ - Residents can now watch Brick Township Council meetings any time they want by visiting the Township website, www.bricktownship.net.  The new system is powered by San Francisco-based Granicus, Inc., provider of local government streaming media and public meeting management solutions to over 300 government agencies spanning 30 states across the nation.  Brick is first in the state of New Jersey to deploy a Granicus award-winning streaming solution.

“This Council has made open and transparent government a top priority.  We started televising Council meetings and have worked to increase public input and involvement in government,” said Council President Stephen Acropolis.  “Making Council meetings available on the internet is another example of these ongoing efforts.”

Earlier this year, Brick Township contracted with Granicus, Inc. to expand their communication capabilities with online media. The Township paid $9,640 in startup costs and pays $684 a month for storage and distribution management, proactive support, 24/7 system monitoring and continuous software upgrades.

“Our partnership with Brick Township helps expand traditional communication beyond one-way channels – providing citizens with quick and convenient access to local government anywhere, anytime,” said Sal Baglio, Granicus’ Northeastern Regional Director. “The Brick solution represents the best way to see government in action – through the integrated public record – which combines legislative documents, voice and video.”

The Council began airing their public meetings on the municipal access channel in 2004.  With Granicus, Brick can expand public meetings beyond the pre-scheduled, inflexible schedules and cable boundary lines that limit the reach of broadcast TV. The most recent public meetings from July and August are now available online and in the future, all 2007 meetings will be available as they take place.  The turn around for streaming video on the web is quick and easy, Brick Township can publish streaming video immediately following the public meeting.

“We are getting a great return for our investment,” said Council Vice-President Ruthanne Scaturro.  “You can’t put a price on good government and giving residents more opportunities to watch their government at work is good government.”

This service gives residents who do not subscribe to Comcast the opportunity to view the meetings.  “I have spoken with numerous residents who could not view Council meetings on television since they were not Comcast subscribers,” said Council President Acropolis.  “Those residents will now have that opportunity.”

To access the Council meeting archive on the internet, visit www.bricktownship.net, click on Resources and then click on the link for BTV.  In addition to the Council meetings, residents can also watch a live feed of the municipal access station, BTV. 

In the future, the Township plans to have public Planning Board and Board of Adjustment meetings televised and available on the web.

The Brick Township Council meets on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Brick Township Municipal Building.  Beginning September 18^th, the Council will meet weekly and alternate between caucus and public meetings.  Public meetings are televised on BTV on Thursday evenings at 8 p.m., Friday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m.

About Granicus
Founded in 1999, Granicus, Inc. is the leading provider of government solutions for streaming media and public meeting management.  Serving more than 300 governments across 30 states, and reaching more than 57 million direct citizens, Granicus solutions capture, store, manage and distribute live and on-demand audio and video broadcasts of public functions to help government maximize democratic transparency, engage their constituents, more efficiently manage public meetings, and improve public communications.  Granicus provides the most comprehensive and tightly integrated online public records retention and streaming media system to all levels of government.

www.granicus.com

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