Mayor's Message

2007 Year In Review

By Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger Ph.D.

For my final column of 2007, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect back on the past year and recount some of the many things that have occurred as a result of the hard work of so many wonderful people in Middletown Township.

One of the major initiatives implemented in the town this year was the Middletown Township Green Initiative. This program is designed to do three things: protect our environment, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and most importantly, save the taxpayers money. As new methods and technology becomes available, the possibilities are unlimited as to the benefits to the township. One example of how this initiative works can be found in the Township of Middletown Sewer Authority (TOMSA). TOMSA recently purchased a boiler system that reuses methane gas produced by the facility to create hot water for the complex. Not only does this process reuse methane gas that would ordinarily be released into the atmosphere, it saves the taxpayers $40,000 per year in energy costs as well. Other components of this initiative include the free Dock & Roll Shuttle Service, energy audits of all township buildings, and assessments for the installation of solar panels on compatible facilities, to name a few.

Another major environmental project is the dredging of Shadow Lake. This critical piece of our ecological infrastructure will get a substantial facelift after years of siltation and algae growth, thanks to a study provided by Monmouth University at no cost and combination of low interest and no interest funding from the New Jersey Environmental Trust, which provides much lower financing costs because the township is not issuing bonds.

The year 2007 was a banner year for grant money brought into the township. Every dollar in grant money means one less dollar of taxpayer money that is needed for essential equipment, services and infrastructure maintenance. Grants received include a state Neighborhood Preservation Program grant that will provide up to $525,000 to preserve the character of North Middletown; nearly $60,000 in county grants to operate Crossroads, the township free substance abuse counseling programs; a $32,500 county Office on Aging grant for the Senior Center; and more than $30,000 in state grants for police programs designed to address pedestrian safety, aggressive driving, and underage drinking,

This year also saw the opening of the magnificent Middletown Arts Center. This complex, which also includes the moving 9/11 Memorial Gardens and a breathtaking wooded nature area with pond, is the first indoor recreational facility in Middletown in over 26 years. In just a few short months, the arts center has hosted several major art exhibits, a photography exhibit, musical and theatre performances, civic forums and dozens of classes. The summer programs were hugely successful, enabling children and adults of all ages and abilities to participate in the entire spectrum of the arts.

On the financial front, the efforts of our fine township staff and workforce have resulted in the reaffirmation of Middletown’s AA bond rating. Standard and Poors has assigned Middletown a stellar ‘AA’ bond rating citing the township’s, “strong economy and employment base, high wealth and income indicators, combined with a steadily increasing tax base, sound financial operations, and rapid debt amortization. Moody’s Investor Services continues to give Middletown high marks with an “Aa3” bond rating.

In addition, our budgeting process is a model for the State to follow, according to The New Jersey League of Municipalities, which included it as must reading in its “Elected Officials Handbook.” Moreover, the annual audit by the respected firm of Ernst and Young of Middletown’s budget in 2006 resulted in a flawless rating.

Perhaps, one of the greatest success stories of 2007 is the federal authorization of the Leonardo Outfall Drainage System. Residents of the Bayshore have long suffered with the phenomenon of chronic flooding in their community. This authorization was secured through the combined efforts of Marlowe and Company, a lobbying firm hired by Middletown, our federal legislators, the township administrator, and members of the township committee. Once the authorization is appropriated in the coming federal budget cycle, the funds will represent a 2000% return on our investment and signal the first step in alleviating flooding in the Bayshore area.

The Adopt-A-Unit program also got into full swing during 2007. Middletown Township became the first municipality in the state to participate in the program when we “adopted” Charlie Company of the 82nd Airborne Division. The commanding officer, first sergeant and their wives came to visit Middletown shortly before being deployed to Iraq. In August, Middletown sent a literal “ton” of supplies donated by residents over to Iraq. As I write, we are preparing to send another shipment of supplies, cards, letters and other well wishes from home over to the troops in Iraq in time for the holiday season. The outpouring of prayers, support and generosity from the residents of Middletown has brought a little piece of home to these brave men and women stationed in
a dangerous place a world away.

Middletown has also taken a lead role in ethics reform with the passage of a strict municipal Pay to Play ordinance. This ordinance, which includes the toughest municipal ban on wheeling in the state, is part of a series of reforms that began in 2005, and will ensure fairness and openness in every facet of our governmental process.

Overall, Middletown has managed to prosper despite the unsettled condition of the state as a whole. Many of the initiatives introduced this year will pay their greatest dividends in the coming years. The greatest challenge of any municipality at the present time is how to provide the maximum services at the minimum costs. The efforts of so many people in the township have resulted in Middletown being one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Devising and enacting ways to improve the quality of life for the residents of Middletown is paramount in every one of these initiatives. We are confident that the advances made this year will continue to improve our community in the future.

This article appeared in the December 2007 edition of Middletown Matters, the township's official newsletter.