Berkeley Township Hires A New Administrator

by Patricia A. Miller

Berkeley Township officials have hired the former longtime Seaside Heights administrator to replace Christopher Reid, who left Berkeley suddenly in October, after what Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. described as a ”mutual parting of the ways.”

Amato said before the Nov. 16 Township Council meeting that John Camera brings 20 years as a “seasoned” administrator to Berkeley.

That includes familiarity with Central Regional school district budgets, the dissolution battle between Central and Seaside Park, fire protection for the Pelican Island section of the township, and Superstorm Sandy, the mayor said.

“I have worked with John Camera over the years on many issues,” Amato said. ”We’re excited to have John join our administrative team. His extensive experience and certifications will be a big plus for Berkeley Township.”

Camera retired from Seaside Heights in 2014.

His certifications include registered public purchasing agent, registered municipal clerk, certified public works manager, construction officials, building sub-code and certified municipal registrar, the mayor said.

Camera will be paid a prorated salary of $105,000, until the end of Amato’s first term on Dec. 31. He will not receive any medical benefits. He will be entitled to the terms and conditions of the township’s supervisor contract, the mayor said.

Camera has 20 years of experience as Seaside administrator. He was making about $144,000 in his final year with Seaside Heights, and receives a monthly pension of $5,181, according to app.com.

“Berkeley is the sixth largest municipality in Ocean County,” Amato said. ”It was important that we bring
someone in right away, with extensive experience, to help administer the township. I want to once again thank Fred Ebenau for his hard work as acting administrator in addition to his duties as treasurer and CFO.”