By PETE WALTON
Staff members have returned to work at the Neptune City municipal building.
I’m excited to have them back,” said Mayor Andrew Wardell on Tuesday, the first day employees worked at the building since the beginning of the coronavirus fight.
The mayor said the borough has not set a date for the resumption of public access to the building.
Wardell said at this week’s Borough Council meeting that he is continuing to stay in contact with state and county officials regarding the ongoing health situation.
The mayor said that a key aspect of discussions he has had with state Sen. Vin Gopal and other members of a district task force involves how to get businesses up and running again, especially bars and restaurants. Wardell said Gopal has spoken with state Alcoholic Beverage Control officials about the challenges faced by bar and restaurant owners.
Councilwoman Pamela Renee said Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone will meet with her special services committee next week to discuss shade trees and other trees in the borough. Renee said the county has promised to help the borough replace a number of trees which need attention.
Board of Education President Anthony Susino said the district is in negotiations with a potential new chief school administrator.
“We’re not sure it will work out, but we are hoping to have someone in place at our next meeting,” Susino said.
The borough’s new kayak racks at Memorial Park are complete. Borough Administrator Chris Cherbini said the 27 slots will be assigned on a random basis on June 8 from those who apply to rent them. Cherbini said information on applying is available on the relaunched borough web site and the Neptune City Facebook page.
Wardell said the design for a new playground at Memorial Park has been finalized. He expects work to begin in the early summer.
