FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Joseph M. DiBella, Mayor

1-732-938-4500

June 4, 2006

  General Updates

Over the past few weeks I have received a number of emails asking for updates and posing questions related to a certain set of issues. These are important topics and so I’d like to provide a general update on each of these matters since they have been the subject of much attention. These are below:

What is the status of the challenge to the Freehold Regional High School Re-Districting?

The Township filed a challenge to the re-districting with the State’s Commissioner of Education. We are unfortunately at the mercy of the Department in terms of when they will hear our case. As most residents know, we are challenging the fairness of the recent re-districting that in my view creates an overcrowding situation at Howell High School while several other High School’s in the District remain under utilized. The township has and continues to lobby for an immediate hearing date. I’ll continue to provide updates as they become available.

What is the status of the County imposed re-evaluation of the local tax rate?

The company hired by the township has completed evaluating about 40% of the homes in the town. They continue to perform the reviews every day. As most residents know, the Monmouth County Tax Office called for the re-evaluation, which is required to be done usually once every ten years under NJ State law. Once the evaluations of all homes are completed, the new tax rate shall be calculated. The entire process is expected to be completed towards the end of the year. To learn more about the process, I suggest you review an article prepared by the NJ League of Municipalities which can be found at http://www.njslom.org/magart-FEB05-2.html

What is the status of the townships new Office of Emergency Management Building (OEM)?

The new OEM building is nearly completed. We expect it to be operational this year. The new building, which is a modest pole barn type structure, will significantly improve our emergency management capabilities. We’ll be in a much better position to prepare for and respond to emergency issues that may face the township.

What is the status of Memorial Drive in the Ramtown Section?

Construction on the new access road – now named Memorial Drive – is slated to begin in the mid to end of June. The township needed to procure additional deeds of certain portions of land before we could begin actual construction. The necessary approvals have been secured and the work had been bid and awarded to contractors. We hope and expect that a majority of the project will be completed before the end of the year.

What is the status of the rate increase requested by Parkway Water Company?

The 105% rate increase requested by Parkway Water Company is still being considered by the NJ Status Board of Public Utilities (BPU). There is no date available as to when they plan to make their ruling. There was a public hearing held by the BPU here in Howell where more than 200 residents came out to oppose the increase. The township has filed official objections to this outrageous increase and I and other elected officials testified against the matter. As soon as any new information is available, I will communicate it to all residents.

What is the status of the new speed humps purchased by the township?

As a part of the “slow down in Howell” effort, the township purchased 5 new speed humps. Additional speed humps are expected to be ordered this year as well. The devices have been received and township public safety officials are evaluating what roads will be used for the initial roll out. In accordance with State law, speed humps may only be used on streets where the speed limit is 25 MPH or less. We expect to have the new speed humps rolled out shortly. I know that we have many, many streets and neighborhoods that will benefit from these new speed humps and so township officials are doing everything possible to have them implemented quickly.

What is the status of the traffic re-alignment for Winston Park?

Township engineering staff and representatives from the police department are finalizing plans now to complete the traffic changes and street closures. Final state approvals were necessary in addition to the acquisition of the new pylons and signage. We are also lobbying the state for a new traffic signal for the exit at Aldridge Road. We hope to have the new traffic routes in place over the new several weeks.

Is the job of Mayor a full time position?

For the last several months I have had many residents ask if being the Mayor is a full time position in Howell. It is not. I have a regular full time job, as do the other members of the township council. The township does have a full time Manager that acts as the day-to-day CEO. The Township Manager takes their direction from the Mayor and Council and executes the policy decisions the governing body makes. I am a volunteer Mayor.

I hope these updates and all of this information is helpful to you. These matters represent only a very small share of the total projects and initiatives under in Howell Township. As Monmouth’s largest community with 52,000 residents we are in the midst of a multitude of projects and initiatives, all designed to make Howell a better and more affordable place to live, work and raise a family. If you have any questions about these or any issue regarding the township, please feel free to call or email me anytime at MayorDiBella@twp.howell.nj.us.  I welcome your input, comments and feedback about our community. Thank you.

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