Spotlight on Government

From the desk of the Council President, Carmen F. Amato, Jr. - 7.23.2010

Congratulations to the Junior League All Stars

Congratulations to the Berkeley Junior League All Stars, their manager Ed Corrigan, Jr. and coaches Glen Bearden, Bill Beyrouty and Ed Corrigan, Sr. for Berkeley Little League's success in the annual Ocean County District 18 Little League Tournament. The Junior League All Stars captured the 2010 D18 Championship, defeating Holbrook Little League 4-3 for the second time in the deciding game, when Eddy Corrigan delivered the last pitch locking up another championship for Berkeley. The Junior's now advance go to the NJ State Sectionals to be held at South Howell Little League. We wish them continued success.

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

As the nation celebrates the 20th Anniversary of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Our Recreation Center on Rte. 9 in the Bayville section, has undergone improvements making handicap accessible easier for wheelchair bound residents to visit. The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990 and signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H. W. Bush. The ADA Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in 'places of public accommodation', (businesses and non-profit agencies that serve the public) and 'commercial facilities' (other businesses). The regulation includes establishing minimum standards for ensuring accessibility when designing and constructing a new facility or altering an existing facility. I am pleased to say that the handicap accessible improvements now make our Township Recreation Center a place for all of our residents to visit and enjoy.

UNITED WATER TREATMENT FACILITY, RATE INCREASE

Last month, United Water opened its $12 million radionuclide water-treatment plant located off Mule Road in the Holiday City South section Berkeley. The plant, mandated by the state Department of Environmental Protection, has advanced water-treatment equipment to remove naturally occurring radium from drinking water sources. I am satisfied that the facility will improve water quality for our citizens, but remain disappointed that it came in the form of a rate hike for the very residents it set out to help. The recent state Board of Public Utilities approval to grant United Water a 32 percent rate hike, its second rate raise in three years, comes on the heels of the 62 percent hike the BPU granted the utility just three years ago. That rate hike was phased in over 2008 and 2009. United Water's total 94 percent increase over three years was and still is unconscionable.

SENIOR TAX FREEZE CHECKS MAILED, DEADLINE EXTENDED

Good news. The First Senior Freeze Checks are on the Way! The New Jersey Division of Taxation began mailing 2009 Property Tax Reimbursement (Senior Freeze) checks to senior and disabled homeowners on July 16, 2010. Checks for the Senior Freeze program will average, Statewide, a little more than $1,100 this year. The Division mailed out 109,000 checks to applicants who filed by June 1st.

Governor Christie has extended the deadline to Aug. 2 to make it easier for all eligible residents to apply. Applicants who filed after June 1 will receive checks as the state processes their applications. Applicants originally had until June 1 to file for the senior freeze benefit this year.

Anyone who received a Senior Freeze check last year will get one in 2010 as long as the applicant didn't see a rise in income above $70,000 in 2009 and meets all other routine eligibility requirements. The state budget limits reimbursements to the amount that the applicants received last year. For more information you can visit: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/2009ptr_seniorfreeze.shtml or call:1-800-882-6597.

WATER CONSERVATION

The Department of Environmental Protection asks residents to voluntarily conserve water due to a persistent dry spell and extremely hot weather, as key factors that are beginning to affect water supplies statewide. The DEP is not issuing a formal drought warning at this time but is asking state residents to be aware of the situation and use water more carefully. Using water responsibly by voluntarily taking steps such as reducing lawn and landscaping water, limiting car washing, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth, could save millions of gallons of water daily, say DEP officials, especially when it comes to lawn watering and other unessential uses. The goal is to moderate water demand through voluntary conservation.