Looking Ahead Schlegel Sees Good Things For Howell

As she addressed the members of the Town Council as well as the residents attending Tuesday night's meeting, Township Manager Helene Schlegel's first State of the Township Address was guardedly optimistic after what has in many ways been a challenging year for Howell.

At the first meeting of the year Schlegel looked ahead to 2012 by telling those in attendance, "I am pleased to report to you tonight that Howell Township is a vibrant and energetic community," she said. "Its people have endured the dark days of the past few years together, and together will share a bright future."

Even in a town as big as Howell, Schlegel said the government has certain goals it must achieve in order to be successful. That includes maintaining the town's infrastructure and roadways, preventing crime and protecting the environment among others. 

Schlegel said as part of that, it is not only important what money the township has to work with, but what they do with those funds. She also said the town is about more than dollars and cents. "I realized that while good stewardship of taxpayers' money is certainly a crucial element in evaluating the condition of the Township, there are other components both tangible and intangible which must be included to accurately describe the overall state of the township."

Over the course of 2011 Schlegel said the Township saw several successes in addition to the challenges it overcame. Areas like the Department of Senior Services saw their efforts reach more than 2000 residents. She pointed to the Tangled Thread program, which gives items like hats and scarves to those in need as proof of the good the department does on a regular basis. "This program along with 11 other newly implemented programs in 2011 will continue nurturing an environment where seniors can continue enjoying their golden years in a safe and enjoyable surrounding."

It was not only the senior citizens of the township that benefitted from new programs but also the younger generations. That is thanks in large part, according to Schlegel, to a partnership between the township, the school system and the Police Athletic League. Through this partnership, not only was a use found for the old Southard School building, but, Schlegel said, it also will save the township $150 thousand through the combined programs. "This relationship clearly demonstrates what is achievable when there is a common objective and provides benefits for all parties involved," she said. 

All through the year there was record attendance at events including the Easter egg hunt, the Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremony and Halloween Spooktacular. Even the annual recreation camp saw an increase in attendance by township students.

One of the other goals Schlegel said the township had for the year was to increase communication with the residents. This was done through several steps including a mass emailing list as well as a township newsletter that is put out on a regular basis. Both of these options can be accessessed through the township's website. 

Looking back at the past few years, Schlegel said it was impossible to ignore the major weather events that have left their marks on the township. From the blizzard of 2010 to back-to-back flooding storms and even an earthquake that jostled the town, Mother Nature certainly threw a lot Howell's way. It was because of those events however, that Schlegel said brought about the implementation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The EOC, she said, has proved to be an invaluable resource even in its limited use so far. That includes the time during and after a storm unlike any other hit the township. "It proved especially valuable during Hurricane Irene when the threat to life was imminent and the immediate response of township personnel and emergency responders prevented what may well have resulted in tragic consequences." 

Looking at the township's finances, Schlegel said efforts have been taken to help save money in the event the economy does not get better. "I would say that it is currently stable and I remain guardedly optimistic in the short to mid-term time frame," she said of the status of township's financial position. "Hopefully in the upcoming fiscal year, we will begin to see improvement in the economy for the sake of the residents as well as for the township."

Looking ahead to 2012, Schlegel said she sees many exciting opportunities coming to the township. Part of that includes the move to the new municipal complex on Route 9. Having purchased the building several months ago, Schlegel said plans are now being worked out in terms of how to best utilize the considerably larger space than what they currently operate in.

She also weighed in on what could prove to be a hot button topic in 2012. "While local government cannot directly provide jobs, it can, and should encourage the private sector to invest in the community in order to enhance the Township's long term economic viability," she said. 

With the council looking at ways to boost the economy including developing parts of Route 9 and Route 33, Schlegel encouraged the council to continue their exploration of their options. "Tonight, I respectfully urge the Governing Body not o delay exploring policy initiatives designed to create a satisfactory balance between progressive development, environmental safeguards, and the impact on core services in these areas," she said. 

Looking at everything the township accomplished in 2011 Schlegel said she could not and did not do it by herself. "The accomplishments of 2011 are a tribute to the men and women who serve the residents of Howell Township who displayed remarkable resilience and exceptional performance," she said. "S the Township Manager I am grateful and as a co-worker I am exceedingly proud to be a part of this organization."

Without being able to predict what the future holds for the township, Schlegel said, "We may enter 2012 with limited resources but we will not do so with limited commitment."

The next council meeting is scheduled to be held Jan. 24 at 7:30.