Howell 2022: A Look Back At Some Top Issues In The Township

HOWELL, NJ — As we move into 2023, here is a look back at some defining moments in Howell Township public life this past year:

Police chief, a veteran of the force, is appointed

Police Chief John Storrow, named to the post as of Aug. 1, was officially sworn in Sept. 13 before a well-attended Township Council meeting. Storrow was previously a captain on the Howell force. He assured the residents and officials gathered at the event that he would "do the best I can do to fix what needs to be fixed" in the department.

Then-Interim Township Manager Joseph Clark made the appointment. Under the Township-Manager form of government in Howell, it was Clark's role, in collaboration with others, to interview the three captains seeking the position and make the final hiring choice.

Storrow replaced Interim Chief Mark Pilecki who replaced Chief Andrew A. Kudrick Jr., who retired in March after seven years as chief and decades with the department.

Election solidifies GOP majority

Three newly elected GOP candidates will be on the governing body in 2023. Susan Fischer, Fred Gasior and Ian Nadel all prevailed over Democrats in the general election. Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond and Councilwoman Suzanne Brennan, both Republicans, did not seek re-election.

Fischer, Gasior and Nadel will join Republican Councilwoman Evelyn O'Donnell on the council.

Mayor Theresa Berger will be the sole Democrat on the Township Council after the organization meeting. Berger was re-elected to a second four-year term as mayor in Nov. 2020.

Council approves Township Manager

On Dec. 13, those present at the Township Council meeting unanimously approved Interim Township Manager Joseph A. Clark's appointment as township manager.

Deputy Mayor Richmond and Councilwomen Brennan and O'Donnell, all Republicans, voted in favor of Clark's appointment. The resolution to appoint Clark noted his "exemplary job" in the interim role, to which he was appointed on May 24. He was previously the township attorney.
Clark replaced former Township Manager Brian Geoghegan, who had been on a paid three-month leave. Geoghegan was terminated in August after a rocky tenure, in which his use of paid time off came up during contract negotiations.

Warehouse applications worry residents

Residents connected to HOPE, Howell for Open Land and Preservation of the Environment,
continue to express concerns about warehouses being developed in the town, particularly the impact of a Monmouth Commerce warehouse application on the Randolph Road area. The group's Facebook site is a forum for residents. The matter has been moved to 2023 for further evaluation by the township.

Local dispatch strengthened by bond referendum

An Oct. 29 special fire district election to bond for nearly $6 million in improvements to the emergency communications infrastructure was approved by voters. The bonds will fund projects and equipment to ensure that the township is part of the state's Interoperable Communication System, while ensuring that emergency dispatch remains local.

New signage program identifies open space areas

The township created a “Preserved Township Properties” web page, highlighting 12 properties currently selected for informational signage for open space tracts. The signs are gradually being erected to inform residents about the open space acreage and some history about the site, such as who owned the property. It's a way residents can know that the town has emphasized the acquisition and preservation of open space for many years. The motto "2,000 acres and counting” indicates the total amount of open space preserved so far.