From The Mayor's Desk: A Busy Time Of Change

From the desk of Manchester Mayor Kenneth T. Palmer:

The past month has been a busy time in Town Hall.

With the much deserved retirement of Chief Brian Klimakowski, came the appointment of Captain Lisa Parker to the Chief’s position. As many of you know from your own individual dealings with Chief Parker over the years, our police department is in incredibly capable hands. Chief Parker has excelled in every post she has been assigned, and she will continue to do so as our Chief of Police.

Additionally, with Chief Klimakowski retiring, I have appointed Donna Markulic as our Business Administrator. Donna is a retired captain of the Howell Police Department who also holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University with an emphasis on public administration. Donna also has served during the past six months as a confidential aide to Chief Klimakowski during his tenure as Acting Business Administrator.

Administratively, in an effort to increase efficiency, Manchester Township has entered into a shared services agreement with the Borough of Lakehurst wherein Manchester will provide inspection services to Lakehurst. The agreement is a win–win situation for both municipalities as Lakehurst will not have to hire their own inspectors and Manchester will receive 90 percent of the revenue utilizing the staff already in place.

I would like to mention that after I was elected, Mayor Robbins was one of the first people to congratulate me and expressed a genuine willingness to work together. As you can see, we are heading in the right path.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the dedication of our emergency volunteers. During the most recent snow storm, a fire broke out in the barn of a Beckerville residence. The call went out and in the middle of the snow storm, in 10 degree freezing temperatures, our volunteer firefighters answered the call! Our firefighters were able to contain the fire to the barn, assist in saving the family horse and reaffirm our appreciation for their services. Great job!

On the recreation front, we are incredibly busy. On March 29, we will be conducting our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Last year, the event filled up quickly so reserve your spot soon. Additionally, if you would like to walk in our Memorial Day Parade, please register. Our golf clinic is starting on June 4 at Eagle Ridge Golf Course and we are still booking various theatre trips. To register for these events, please call the recreation department at 732-657-8121 ext. 5100.

On Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, the Manchester Township Middle School Drama Club will be producing a
play, Disney’s “Peter Pan Jr.” This is an awesome opportunity to see a great show by our township kids. On Saturday the show time is 6 p.m. and the Sunday show is at 2 p.m. at the middle school auditorium. The cost is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors. Please come out and support our drama club!

If I did not mention it, I am tired of the snow and cannot wait for spring!