Berkeley Council Looks Ahead To Governing Body Changes In 2023

BERKELEY, NJ — The Township is looking ahead to changes coming in the new year, with the retirement of Berkeley's chief financial officer and the selection of a new council president.

Frederick Ebenau has spent 15-and-a-half years working for Berkeley Township, and 40-and-a-half years in the industry overall, Mayor Carmen Amato said at a recent meeting.

He has been an "excellent leader," Amato said, specifically citing his financial work in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, earning Berkeley more than $15 million in grant awards over the past 10 years.

Amato's words were echoed by the rest of the Council, who thanked Ebenau for the work he had done for the township and for the council.

Councilman Angelo Guadagno even said that Ebenau had once dropped everything he was doing to perform Guadagno's father's funeral service when no priest was able to.

Ebenau said that "it's been a pleasure" working for Berkeley, noting that the township has the second-lowest property taxes in all of Ocean County. Berkeley is not the lowest because of Manchester's closed senior communities, Amato added.

During his time, he worked to keep Berkeley affordable, and used grants to fund things like police, recovery, roads and tourism, while keeping the tax burden on residents as low as possible, he said.

While there are no new members joining the council in 2023, a leadership change is expected during the reorganization meeting as a new council president will be selected.

Sophia Gingrich, Ward 4 councilwoman, served as council president this year. She "did a great job," Amato said, thanking her for her work.

"I look forward to working with whomever you should select as your successor for 2023," he said.

Amato also wished everyone a safe and prosperous 2023.