O'port revives boro administrator post Dems vote against measure, calling it premature BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer Despite the objections of two Ocean-port Borough Council members, an ordinance was adopted last week to re-establish the position of full-time borough administrator with an annual salary as high as $90,000. The 2007 salary ordinance, which sets the salary range for a borough administrator at $15,000 to $90,000, was adopted at the March 15 municipal meeting after four of the six-member council voted in its favor. The post of borough administrator in Oceanport has been vacant for more than 20 years and its re-instatement is causing controversy. In addition to the two Democratic council members who voted against the ordinance, several residents also said at the meeting that they are opposed to paying the salary for the new position. "I am one that does not believe there is a need for a borough administrator in Oceanport," said Councilman John "Ted" Ibex at the meeting before casting a no vote. "The need for a borough administrator has not been discussed," he said. "I am trying to get that discussion on the table. What is the position and what went wrong that there is a need for it? "I do not think we need to spend the money today," he said, adding, "Today is premature." Councilman Gerald Briscione agreed with Ibex, stating that the benefits of hiring a borough administrator have not been discussed. "In time, are we going to need this position?" Briscione asked, "I think we will." "Paying someone that kind of money is unwarranted now," he said. However, all four Republican council members moved to hire an administrator, stating that the position could help the borough save money. "I believe it is important to point out that [over 20 years ago] the administrator procured grants to build the Port-au-Peck Firehouse, the Old Wharf Center and Old Wharf Park, along with rebuilding Pemberton Avenue, Port-au-Peck Avenue and other infrastructure improvements," Councilman William Johnson said. The administrator's responsibilities in the borough would include applying for grants, overseeing operation of all borough departments, assisting in preparing the municipal budget, assisting council and department heads in cost cutting measures, Johnson explained. The administrator would also be responsible for implementing policies and procedures to make sure the borough is compliant with county, state or federal mandates, Johnson added. "The administrator would be a day-to-day manager holding the borough's professionals and contractors accountable," Johnson said at the meeting. "We have some huge issues on the horizon, notably the closing of Fort Monmouth, hosting the Breeder's Cup, developments such as the Town Center, Jockey Club Estates, Holiday Oceanport and the construction of Gatta Park," he said. "I firmly believe that now is the time to have a point man here at borough hall." The council initially introduced an ordinance to fix and determine certain borough officials' salaries in February, which called for a part-time administrator with a salary range set from $15,000 to $45,000. The ordinance was later amended to increase the administrator's salary range from $15,000 to $90,000 for a full-time position. Councilwoman Ellynn Kahle, who voted in favor of the ordinance, agreed with Johnson and said a borough administrator would be cost saving. "We need someone who is going to be out there looking out for the best interests of the borough," Kahle said. She explained that she and Briscione had applied for a Community Block Grant, but were denied because they did not advertise correctly. "That is a loss of money because we did not know," she said. "I am a big proponent of someone who is going to be consistent here year-to-year to manage our day-to-day." But several residents disagreed. "I would request council acts with fiscal responsibility," Harmon Sickler, Morris Place, said. "This is a position we have been able to do without. If we have people on this council or in this borough to handle these tasks, I think we should do that." Allan Johnson of Belmar Avenue, added, "Nobody has been able to come up with a reason as to why we need a borough administrator."