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New Code Ensures Organization For Brick Government
By Keith Hagarty
Viewed as a move towards streamlining the way in which municipal departments operate, the Township Council recently adopted revisions to the township's administrative code.
One of the highlights of the revised code includes the creation of new deputy department head positions, such as the creation of a deputy police chief post.
According to the revised code, the deputy chief will hold an administrative position falling directly under the supervision of the chief of police. The deputy chief is responsible for carrying out the orders of the chief in regard to the general operation of the police department.
"He or she shall assist the chief of police in formulating and implementing policy, regulations, goals and objectives of the police department," the ordinance states. In addition, the deputy "will serve as acting chief whenever the chief is unable to perform his duties due to absence, illness or any other reason."
Council President Ruthanne Scaturro said she's pleased to be able to provide the Police Department with the new position that they have been requesting for quite some time.
"It's imperative we have this organizational chart that will at least outline to the employees of the township where to go," said Scaturro.
Mayor Stephen Acropolis thanked the council for adopting the revised administrative code, saying it will go a long way towards improving the efficiency of the municipality.
"There was not a functional organizational chart in Brick Township, meaning that there was no accountability," said Acropolis. "Without accountability, you just can't fix a problem."
A functioning organizational chart of all municipal departments is long overdue, said the mayor.
Acropolis said the code was revised with a fine tooth comb so the administration and council could gather as much information as it could to get Brick's government running not only more efficiently, but without nepotism.
"Without the good old boy network," said Acropolis. "The only way you do that is with a functional organizational chart with realistic salary ordinances."
Such clearly stated parameters should make it more difficult for friends to give special breaks to other friends, said Acropolis, adding that it's a new day for township government and will definitely "not be the same hiring practices of the past administration."
One of the other revised code changes includes streamlining departments, such as the Township Parks Department, which is now included in the Recreation Department as opposed to Township Public Works.
Brick is following the lead of most neighboring municipalities in that the parks department no longer falls under the jurisdiction of public works.
"By moving the parks department out of public works and into recreation (department), it gives the recreation director a little bit more of an opinion over what those guys are doing," said Acropolis. "If we have a problem with the parks, we can now go to the recreation director."
The individual powers and responsibilities of each department head was clearly spelled out in the revised code, which states "the ultimate responsibility for the department shall remain with the director of said department."
According to the revised code, some of the responsibilities of each department head include: • Being fully qualified by experience and training to perform the duties of the office. • Exercising and discharging the functions, powers and duties of the depart- ment. • Arranging the internal organization of the department and the duties of subordinates and assistants. • Appointing officers and employees to be employed within the department and assigning functions, powers and duties to them. • Delegating such powers for the efficient administration of the department to be exercised under direction and supervision by division or bureau heads. • Reporting directly to the mayor, Township Council and township business administrator.
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