Executive order meant to streamline twp. offices
Dept. of Rec. and Resident Services and Dept. of Media and Communications created
BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer

Mayor John E. McCormac issued his first executive order of the year to streamline Woodbridge government and consolidate services at last week's Township Council meeting.

"I determined that we can do a better job providing needed services and programs to township residents," said McCormac, after he said he thoroughly reviewed town hall operations, management and the existing departmental structure.

The executive order, which was presented at the Township's Council reorganization meeting Jan. 2 and took effect that Tuesday, outlined the reorganization and created the Departments of Recreation and Resident Services and the Office of Media and Public Communications, while restructuring several existing departments to better deliver services and programs.

"The administration must be flexible and capable of adjusting to the changing needs and demands of township residents and the need for responsive municipal services," said McCormac.

The reorganization, which is geared to more effectively providing resident services while holding the line on future expansion and increased expenses, consolidates departments, which provide similar services and programs as well as realigns municipal responsibilities to more effectively manage the business of government.

The executive order establishes the following departments, divisions, and office[s] within the framework of the Woodbridge Township municipal government.

+ Department of Recreation and Resident Services - designed to more effectively administer and deliver the many resident and recreational services formerly provided by the Parks and Recreation Department and consolidates certain senior resident, youth, and related programs administered by the Department of Health.

The Department of Recreation and Resident Services includes seven divisions.

+ Division of Recreation - responsible for administering general township-sponsored recreation activities such as holiday and event parades, municipal-sponsored trips and camp activities, sports clinics, adult team sports [softball and basketball], and concerts.

+ Division of Arts, Culture and History - maintain oversight of the Barron Arts Center and will administer various existing and planned historical, cultural and artistic programs and exhibits.

+ Division of Senior Programs and Services - consolidate and coordinate all senior-related programs and services including The Office on Aging, Township senior centers, and various other senior-related services and programs.

+ Division of Volunteer Services - consolidate and coordinate various municipal programs and services spread throughout the township government that utilize and rely on volunteers.

+ Division of Veterans Programs and services - coordinate township-wide veterans programs, services and activities.

+ Marina Utility - coordinate the municipal marina and related waterfront initiatives.

+ Department of Public Works and Parks - the realigned Department of Public Works and Parks combines the resources of the existing Department of Public Works and consolidates the labor, maintenance, administrative, supervisory and service-related functions of the former Parks Department into a single, service-oriented department responsible for maintaining the township infrastructure.

The Office of Media and Public Communications, which will be headed by John Hagerty, consists of three divisions.

+ Division of Communications - shall coordinate all media liaisons, and be responsible for all informational literature and media disseminated to the public.

+ Woodbridge Township Television - shall operate and program Channels 35 and 36 - working in conjunction with the Woodbridge Township School District.

+ Mailroom/Switchboard Operation - shall be transferred from the Department of Administration and Finance and shall be responsible for mail handling functions and for activities related to manning and operating the switchboard and reception desk area.

McCormac said that a municipal ordinance on the reorganization will be forwarded to the council for review and approval.

In other council-related business, Council-at-Large Brenda Yori Velasco was appointed council president and Ward 2 Councilman Richard A. Dalina was appointed council vice president at the reorganization meeting on Jan. 2.