Leeann

MIDDLE ZONING OFFICER RACHEL SHEPHERD NAMED MAY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

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Rachel Shepherd, Middle Township’s Zoning Officer, has been chosen as the Township’s Employee of the Month. Shepherd, who started her career in the Township as a clerk in the Construction and Zoning Office in 2019, was nominated for the recognition by Township Administration.

The Zoning Officer was praised for her exceptional dedication and contributions to the department.

“Rachel consistently goes above and beyond in her role, ensuring that zoning regulations are enforced effectively while also providing excellent customer service to residents and businesses alike.” Administrator Kimberly Osmundsen said, “Her attention to detail and problem-solving skills have been instrumental in resolving complex zoning issues, and her proactive approach has helped streamline processes within the department.”

Shepherd also serves as secretary to both the Zoning and Planning Boards, preparing documents for Board members and professionals and attending and recording minutes for public record.

“Rachel’s positive attitude and willingness to assist her colleagues make her a valuable team member,” Deputy Administrator Suzanne Schumann said. “Her commitment to upholding the integrity of zoning policies reflects her strong work ethic and professionalism.”

Shepherd will be honored at the June 4th meeting of Township Committee.

Middle Awarded Grant for Phase Two ADA Upgrades

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Mayor Christopher Leusner announced Middle Township has been awarded a New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Grant to fund ongoing efforts to remove architectural barriers that hinder access by the disabled and improve ADA accessibility at the Township Municipal Building.

The Township recently completed Phase One of these upgrades with a major renovation of the Town Hall restrooms.

The Township will receive a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for $240,000 to fund Phase Two of the project.

Leusner recognized Middle Township’s Grants Coordinator Nancy Sittineri for her ongoing successful efforts to secure public grant funding in a highly competitive environment.

“I want to publicly acknowledge Nancy’s hard work fighting for our fair share of state grant funding,” Leusner said. “These grants come from our state tax dollars.  Nancy has done a great job of navigating the tricky waters of grant writing to consistently bring those dollars back for productive projects in our hometown.”

Middle Township Awarded Funding for Housing Rehabilitation

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Middle Township has been awarded a total of $400,000 in grant funding to fuel the Township’s ongoing Housing Rehabilitation Program.  The award, from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, was announced by Mayor Christopher Leusner on May 20, 2024.

“We are excited to receive this important funding at a time when low-income property owners are struggling to make ends meet,” Leusner said. “Our housing rehab program has funded dozens of meaningful renovations over the past several years, improving the quality of life for many working-class families and senior citizens on fixed incomes.”

This award will provide funds to rehabilitate approximately 12 low-income housing units within the Township using $200,000 in traditional Small Cities Community Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $200,000 of Lead-Based Paint Remediation & Abatement Funds.

For more information on available funding please contact Middle Township Grants and Development Director Nancy Sittineri at 609-465-8731.

Middle Township Awards Contract for Hockey Rink Resurfacing

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At the May 20^th Middle Township Committee meeting, the governing body awarded a not-to-exceed contract in the amount of $116,625 to fund a project to resurface the Goshen Sports Complex Hockey Rink.

The rink last received major repairs and resurfacing in 2013 in a project completed in cooperation with the Middle Township Hockey Association, the Township’s Recreation Department, and the Department of Public Works.

The 2024 resurfacing project will be fully funded by the Township.  The contract was awarded to Rick Slade Construction, Inc.

Middle Hockey is a non-profit organization dedicated to the kids between the age of 6 and 17 from Middle Township and the surrounding areas, committed to teaching sportsmanship and the great game of hockey.

“We’re excited to get this important project moving for our kids,” Committee Jim Norris said. “Middle Township Hockey has a proud history of bringing hockey to kids and instilling them with the virtues of teamwork and sportsmanship.  We look forward having a first-class rink in place heading into the upcoming season.”

Birdhouse project

JOYCE LEE PROMOTED TO TAX COLLECTOR IN MIDDLE TOWNSHIP

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Middle Township Assistant Tax Collector Joyce Lee will assume the role of Tax Collector, effective June 1, 2024. Lee replaces Sandra Beasley, who served the people of Middle Township for over three decades.

Joyce Lee began her career in the Township in 2005 and obtained her Certified Tax Collector credentials from the Rutgers Center for Government Services in 2008.
“Joyce is very dedicated to her job,” said Sandra Beasley. “She takes the initiative and carries out every project with leadership, professionalism and grace. Joyce has a positive attitude towards co-workers and customers and is a true role model. We have been a great team for many years. I’m confident that she will do an excellent job leading the Tax Collector’s Office.”

The Tax Collector is one of four Statutory Officers in Township government. This position is responsible for the oversight of the bookkeeping, calculation, and accounting functions to comply with all state law and municipal directives in the collection of personal and property taxes. Duties include the proper calculation, preparation, and mailing of tax bills, the receipt and detailed accounting of all monies and/or checks received and the timely and accurate accounting and reporting of the activities of the office as required by state law and municipal directive. The Tax Collector assists in the administration of procedures for the enforcement of timely payment of all due taxes.

“Our governing body has worked hard to develop strong deputies and smart succession plans for all of our departments,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “We will miss Sandy Beasley’s experience and leadership, but we have full faith that Joyce will do an excellent job as she steps into this vital role.”

Along with managing the tax accounts of over twelve thousand property line items in the Township, the Middle Township Tax Collector is also responsible for calculating and processing the annual billing for approximately six thousand sewer service accounts.

“I’m honored to step up to the role of Tax Collector and assume the position held for so long by my mentor and good friend, Sandy Beasley,” Lee said. “I’m committed to building on the excellent reputation we have worked so hard to foster in our office. I look forward to leading our excellent staff and continuing to serve the taxpayers of our hometown.”

MIDDLE AWARDED STATE GRANT FOR POLICE YOUTH CAMP

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On May 6^th, the Middle Township Police Department accepted a New Jersey Department of Law and Safety Grant for $9,161 to help support the MTPD Summer Youth Camp. Around 450 local middle-school students have graduated from the MTPD camp over the past six years. The township relies on annual grants, business sponsorships and individual donations to offer the weeklong program at no charge to Township students.

The annual camp features fun team-building activities such as laser tag, boat rides, and a zip-line course. Representatives from Cape Assist, a Wildwood-based substance-abuse treatment and prevention agency, talk to the campers about making healthy decisions. Physical training is also a daily part of the program. The experience is designed to develop communication, empathy, generosity, leadership skills and, of course, teamwork.

The grant was awarded through the Juvenile Justice Commission 2024 Summer Expansion Programming. The purpose of this initiative is to provide positive youth development activities to young people. When schools are closed, our youth need opportunities to grow, learn, and have fun. This grant funding is specifically designed for current community-based program providers to expand existing programming in the summer months.

“We are excited to announce this important contribution to the annual funding for our Police Youth Camp,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “The camp would not be possible without the generous support of our many local sponsors. This additional funding will facilitate our effort to ensure that as many of our kids as possible have the opportunity to participate in 2024.”

If you would like to contribute to the Middle Township Police Youth Camp, please contact Sgt. David Hagan 609.465.8700 ext. 1730

MTPD PROMOTES FUTURE LEADERSHIP

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On May 1^st, the Middle Township Police Department promoted seven officers into advanced positions of leadership.  The coordinated effort was part of the Township’s decade-long approach to maintaining excellence through merit-based succession planning.

“The key to maintaining the professionalism and excellence in our department is a strong commitment to our mission by every officer, every day,“ Chief Jennifer Pooler said. “Through our investments in training and leadership development, we are always focused on developing and recognizing officers ready to step up and lead.”

Police Departments throughout the country have been challenged in recent years to maintain staffing levels and develop leadership in the face of a wave of retirements. In Middle Township, former Chief Chris Leusner and many on his leadership team have recently left the MTPD after decades of exemplary service.

“Change is never easy, but the name on the badge is less important than the experience and leadership skills that the officer brings to the team,” Leusner, now the Township’s Mayor, said. “I was confident, when I retired, that Chief Pooler would carry on our 24/7 commitment to excellent community policing.  As Mayor, I continue to share that confidence with Township Committee.  The seven officers recently promoted have all been there to answer the call for our residents for many years. They will step into expanding roles of leadership and set the standard for ongoing excellence for the next generation of the MTPD.”

Promoted to Sergeant

Ptlm. Jonas McInnis – hired 1/25/2015

Cpl. Armondo Jones – hired 2/1/2008

Detective Thomas Ritterhoff – hired 6/5/2015

Promoted to Lieutenant

Sgt. Ronald Miller- hired 3/6/2006

Sgt. Leonard Larkin – hired 2/13/2007

Det. Sgt. Jason Sweitzer – hired 8/1/2001

Promoted to Captain

Lt. Ken Martin – hired 8/20/2000

TOWNSHIP RECREATION RECEIVES GAME ON GRANT

Middle Township Grants and Economic Development Director Nancy Sittineri announced the award of a $1,000 Game On Grant from South Jersey Gas. The program is intended to provide critical support needed to sustain local, community-centered sports and athletic programs, leagues, clubs, associations, and recreational organizations for youth.

Grant applicants must serve traditional youth sports, which include Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Football, Basketball, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Tennis, Lacrosse, Golf, Field Hockey, Hockey, and Swimming. The applicant’s program must serve children in any or all age groups between age 4 and 18.

According to South Jersey Gas, the Game On Grant Program is a way to provide support to youth sports programs throughout their service territory. Every application is reviewed carefully, and winning grantees are evaluated on several qualifications and criteria.

“I want to thank South Jersey Gas for this generous donation,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “These are trying times for our hard-working families.  Every donation that can help make our sports programs more accessible and affordable is important and appreciated.”

The Middle Township Recreation Department plans to use the funds to support the purchase of uniforms and sports equipment.