Leeann

Middle approves 2023 budget

Total tax bill rises 2.95% as Township takes steps to contain rising costs

Middle Township property owners will see a 2.95 percent increase in their total tax bill for 2023. A property with an assessed value of approximately $400,000 will see an annual increase of $225.74 ($56.43 per quarter). The total property tax bill constitutes the municipal levy, school tax, county tax, fire district budget, county library tax and county open space fund. Middle Township’s municipal levy makes up approximately 26 percent of the total tax bill.

The 2023 municipal budget is slightly less than the 2022 total, and salary and wages are down year to year. The Township has worked to reduce costs by privatizing emergency medical services, consolidating police dispatch services into the County Dispatch Center, implementing a hiring freeze, reducing professional fees and operating costs, and entering a shared services agreement with North Wildwood for construction official services.

Middle Township continues to hold the line on debt service. In Cape May County, Middle pays a smaller percentage of its annual appropriations in debt service than all but Woodbine and Cape May Point.

The Township continues to see a revenue shortfall amid a slow recovery from the impacts of COVID shutdowns. While the State of New Jersey continues to hold billions of dollars of COVID funding in its surplus, in 2023 Middle Township will not receive the nearly $1 million in COVID relief funding that helped balance the municipal budget in 2021 and 2022.

Middle Township is not immune to the historic increase in inflation that began in 2021. The cost spikes impacting the 2023 budget include a 12 percent increase in state pension contributions, a 23 percent increase in state health benefits costs, and double-digit percentage increases in utility costs for fuel, electric, natural gas and internet services. Per-employee costs have risen because of contractual obligations and the need for the Township to remain competitive in attracting and retaining a well-qualified and committed workforce.

All these factors have contributed to the 4.76-cent increase in the local tax rate. Middle Township’s local property tax burden remains one of the lowest in the State of New Jersey and the annual cost per resident for all municipal services amounts to $767 per year or $2.10 per day. The Township will see the levy increase for just the fifth time in the last 12 years.

Middle presents award to accounts clerk who helped police subdue suspect

Chad Murnaghan was driving home from work when he saw lone officer struggling with individual

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Middle Township native Chad Murnaghan recently came to police officer’s aid when he saw a dangerous situation
unfolding. He will receive the Middle Matters Civic Recognition Award for his heroic efforts.

Traffic was the reason Middle Township resident Chad Murnaghan wound up on the right road at the right time.

Murnaghan, an accounts clerk for Middle Township’s Finance Department, was heading home from work on April 27 when he decided to turn into a neighborhood to avoid roadway congestion. While driving through the quiet community, he saw a police officer being overpowered by an individual.  Without hesitation, Murnaghan stopped his truck and ran to assist the officer.

Murnaghan, who formerly worked in security, was no stranger to this type of situation. Together, he and the officer subdued the suspect.

“I’ve lived in Middle Township for 47 years, was born and raised here,” said Murnaghan. “You get to know everyone in a small town, and you look after each other. This was just a chance encounter for me.

The police deal with these situations all day, every day. I will always support the police department and their efforts.”

Middle will honor Murnaghan’s bravery with a Middle Matters Civic Recognition Award at its May 15 Township Committee meeting.

“We are incredibly proud of Murnaghan’s bravery and willingness to go above and beyond to help a colleague in need,” said Business Administrator Kimberly Osmundsen, who nominated Murnaghan for the award. “His swift action helped to prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.”

Murnaghan, a recent Middle Township Employee of the Month recipient, is honored by the recognition, but hopes it helps focus attention on the hard work and dedication of Middle Township police officers.

“The officer was alone as he was the first on the scene, and he jumped into action to do his duty,” said Murnaghan. “The police are committed to our community, and I am grateful for their service.”

Code Enforcement Officer named Middle Township’s Employee of the Month

Nikki Hober does her part to maintain the appearance of the Township opens in a new window

Code Enforcement Officer Nikki Hober enjoys hearing from Middle Township residents who suggest improvements.

As a Code Enforcement Officer for the Middle Township Police Department, Nikki Hober is dedicated to helping the town look its best.

She is enthusiastic about improving the quality of life for residents and is committed to carrying out her responsibilities, earning her the title of Employee of the Month.

“It’s an honor to be nominated as Employee of the Month,” said Hober. “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing people appreciate the work I do and all the effort I put forth.”

The police department’s Code Enforcement Unit is staffed by civilians who investigate and enforce the local ordinances of Middle Township. Hober began working for the unit in 2021, and applies municipal ordinances such as property maintenance, tall grass and reminding residents of bulk item pick-up days.

“What I enjoy most about my job is the people I work with and being able to speak with members of the community,” she said. “I love getting to know the residents and listening to their ideas of how to make the area a better one. There is always room for improvement.”
iddle’s Deputy Business Administrator Suzanne Schumann has witnessed Hober’s dedication and hard work, and nominated her for Employee of the Month.

“Nikki goes above and beyond and gives full attention to detail and dedication to her job responsibilities,” said Schumann. “She has made important contacts with residents and business owners
in the Rio Grande area and strives to upkeep the area as much as possible from a code enforcement standpoint. More often than not, Nikki is already in the process of handling a situation before it is even brought to her attention.”

Hober will be honored during the Township Committee meeting at 6 p.m. on May 15

Middle Township adds breach of peace clause to municipal ordinances

The change will give law enforcement more tools to control unruly situations and disturbances
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Police responded to unsanctioned car rallies in Middle Township last September.

Middle Township police could soon have a new option when trying to control unruly crowds.

Township Committee recently introduced an ordinance to amend the township code with “breach of peace” language and expects it to be adopted after a second reading on May 15.

Ocean City passed a similar measure in January after experiencing an increase in disruptive and destructive summer crowds on the boardwalk and beaches. “We want to give our officers reasonable and responsible tools to maintain public safety,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “Police need the ability to defuse an unruly situation, especially related to large crowds.”

“I want to thank Township Committee for adding the breach of peace language to our local ordinances. This measure gives officers additional confidence when enforcing our local ordinances,” said Police Chief Christopher Leusner. “This additional language will be helpful when dealing with violations that impact the public peace or order and repeat offenders.”

The ordinance was partly motivated by the need to deal with pop-up car rallies and other unsanctioned large gatherings.

The rallies unleashed reckless behavior in Middle Township and Wildwood last September. The Wildwood event turned tragic, with two people killed, several injured and extensive property damage.

The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office also is taking a proactive approach to ensure a peaceful season at the shore. After learning about an unsanctioned party planned for this month in Wildwood, the prosecutor’s office issued a warning and said police would shut down the event. The party has since been canceled.

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State approval of Middle municipal centers will enhance responsible development

The mixed-use areas align with the state planning process and the Township’s smart growth strategy

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Middle Township earned state recertification for municipal center designations, including areas in Cape May Court House (left) and Rio Grande.

The State Planning Commission recently approved Middle Township’s center designations, providing additional structure as the municipality continues a path of strategic development.

The state designates municipal centers to help ensure orderly growth of mixed-use development throughout New Jersey. Communities with designated centers are eligible for incentives, such as priority for discretionary state funding and expedited permit review.

Middle’s renewed center designations are expected to help advance projects already in the pipeline, such as the Hampton Inn planned for Cape May Court House.

The Township’s centers were originally authorized in 2011; the Township began the process for a renewed endorsement in 2021.

The Township’s regional centers, which have the most potential for development, are in Cape May Court House and Rio Grande.

Smaller areas, called hamlet and village centers, are designated in Del Haven, Green Creek, Swainton and Goshen. Other designated centers are the Burke/Kindle Commercial Node and the Hildreth Commercial Node. The state defines a node as an existing or planned concentration of facilities and activities that are not organized in a compact form.

The recertification of Middle’s centers is a key component of the Township’s broad plan to attract quality development.

“Together with our affordable housing settlement and master plan renewal, the center designations provide consistency for developers and stability as the Township grows,” said Mayor Tim Donohue.

A Plan Endorsement Recommendation Report submitted by the state’s Office for Planning Advocacy noted that Middle Township, with an estimated 20,716 residents as of 2022, has increased at a faster rate than the state or Cape May County.

Since 1990, Middle Township’s population has grown 37.9 percent. At the same time, New Jersey’s population has increased 20.1 percent while Cape May County’s population has remained virtually stable.

The center designations process promotes preservation as well as development, and occurs in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection’s mapping of Coastal Area Facilities Review Act (CAFRA) centers

The Township created an environmental assessment review process to ensure that all development will appropriately consider environmental resources alongside opportunities for revitalization.

Del Haven Water Assistance App Rev5-9-23

Middle Township tackles Rio Grande issues on multiple fronts

Initiatives address safety, quality of life and development as volunteers assist area homeless

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Burlington opened in April at the Rio Grande Shopping Center, which is located in Rio Grande’s redevelopment zone.
The Middle Township Planning Board is exploring a potential expansion of the redevelopment area.

Middle Township is pursuing a layered strategy of legislative action, volunteer partnerships and redevelopment to handle persistent concerns in Rio Grande.

Increased crime, blighted properties and an uptick in homelessness are among the most urgent issues. Last year, the Township formed the Rio Grande Community Partnership so residents, business owners, social-service agencies and local government could collaborate on solutions. Middle is now taking additional steps to focus on the area’s needs.

“It’s a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted approach – enforcing the law, protecting people, and providing an economic development opportunity,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “We need people to understand that these problems are complex and it’s taking a multifaceted approach to address them.”

Response to homelessness

Increased homelessness in the area has coincided with the January 2022 expiration of New Jersey’s COVID-era eviction moratorium. Recognizing that many of those living on the streets have substance abuse and mental health issues, the Middle Township Police Department is developing specific strategies for engagement.

Officers received training from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office on how to effectively interact with a person having a mental health crisis. The police department also provides office space for Volunteers of America, whose members connect homeless people with social services that could change their situation.

At the same time, the Township is working to address safety concerns that have come with the spread of homelessness. Rio Grande has seen a rise in homeless encampments that contribute to fire risk and sanitation problems. Aggressive begging affects residents, visitors and business owners.

Middle is exploring how other municipalities have addressed encampments as it prepares to introduce its own ordinance. The Township needs more authority to deal with the situation, Donohue said.

“It’s a complicated situation and you have to strike a balance.”

Eyeing redevelopment

Middle Township is also exploring more options for redevelopment as part of its focus on Rio Grande.

Township Committee passed an April 17 resolution authorizing its Planning Board to study the expansion of the current Rio Grande redevelopment area.

The expanded zone under consideration would encompass the area near Menz Restaurant on Route 47 to beyond Route 9, nearly to the Garden State Parkway underpass; and from the Middle-Lower Township border to around the Walmart Supercenter on Route 9. The Planning Board will investigate whether the area meets the state’s requirements for a redevelopment zone and, if so, will hold a public hearing before the Township Committee’s final determination.

If the Committee designates the zone as a redevelopment area, the Township will have more latitude to incentivize developers.

Working with the county, Middle has leveraged the existing Rio Grande redevelopment zone to attract new business to areas including County Commons and the Rio Grande Shopping Center, where a Burlington store just opened in April.

The Township believes the creation of the extended redevelopment zone will enhance the partnership with the county and attract interest from the business development community.

“Township Committee looks forward to the review of this concept by the Planning Board,” Donohue said. “This designation for redevelopment, coupled with our discussion on an economic development partnership with Cape May County, offer us the best chance to enhance quality business opportunities in Rio Grande through public-private initiatives and incentives.”

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It’s oh-fish-ial! Middle Township to hold 19th Annual Drum Fish Tournament

Participants are ‘reel’ excited for the friendly competition, held May 19-21

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Roy Trainor (left), captain of ’Determined,’ won first place for the single heaviest fish in last year’s tournament.  His boat also won the overall prize for the total combined weight of two fish.  Craig Stocker (left in right photo) with daughter Sophie, and Chris Denham with daughter Cora, were members of the second-place team, on boat ’Little Yipps.’

Fishermen are preparing their tackle boxes for Middle Township’s 19th Annual Drum Fish Tournament. The friendly competition will be held from May 19-21 in the Delaware Bay.

“Everyone fishes around here, so it’s a good time for all the locals,” said Chris Denham, who has been participating in the event for eight years. “There’s a lot of good drum fishermen so it’s competitive, but it’s also fun and friendly.”

Last year, Denham was a member of the four-person team on Captain Craig Stocker’s boat, “Little Yipps.” The longtime friends caught two drum fish that had a total weight of 88.5 pounds, earning the team second place for the heaviest combined weight.

Roy Trainor, captain of “Determined,” won first place for the heaviest combined weight (99 pounds), and first place for the single heaviest fish (54.3 pounds). Weigh-ins can be close, as the prize for the second heaviest fish went to Bruce Schumann, captain of “Southern Star,” who caught a drum fish weighing 54.1 pounds.

Third place for the heaviest total combined weight went to Captain Donald Douglass and his boat “Pour Again” for catching two drums weighing a total of 69.5 pounds.

The drum fish event has become a popular tradition in the community, said Suzanne Schumann, Middle’s Deputy Business Administrator and a member of the tournament committee.

“This tournament draws a great crowd of people, many who are repeat competitors. Some have even been a part of the tournament since its initial year,” she said. “It is great to see all the families come together at the Captain’s Meeting and during weigh-ins, and it’s impressive to see all the boats lined up through the Delaware Bay every year.”

Fishermen can put their lines in the water beginning at noon on May 19, and can remain fishing until noon May 21 – when weigh-ins close. Boats are allowed six anglers plus one captain to a boat.

Participants can sign up at the Captain’s Meeting, held 6 p.m. on May 18 at Menz Restaurant, 985 Route 47, Rio Grande, or in advance by filling out the application. The registration is $225 and includes two tickets to the Captain’s Meeting dinner. Additional tickets to the dinner can be purchased for $25 each.

Drum fish are common in the Delaware Bay. The bottom-feeding fish gets its name from the drumming, croaking or throbbing sound it makes as its muscles vibrate against its swim bladder, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The state record for a single drum fish catch belongs to a fisherman who pulled up a 109-pounder in Delaware Bay in 2008.

For more information, contact Anne Becica at 609-465-8732.  Application and rules are available at opens in a new windowDrum Fish Information