Toms River Township Council Meeting - September 24, 2025
Toms River Township Council Meeting - September 24, 2025
The Toms River Township Council held its regular meeting on September 24, 2025. The agenda included recognitions of a retiring public works employee and an Eagle Scout, approval of consent agenda items, discussion and votes on two police vehicle purchases (resolutions J and L), approval of council reports and bills, and public comments on various local issues. The meeting was marked by extended debate over the purchase of individual police vehicles and several public criticisms of Mayor Daniel T. Roderick's use of a township vehicle for commuting to a second job.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution J (purchase of one police vehicle for $58,000) was pulled for separate discussion. Several council members questioned why only one vehicle was being bought instead of a fleet. Councilman Socosi abstained, citing prior approval of $8,900,000 for police capital acquisitions; Councilman Quinless voted no due to lack of clarification. The motion passed with five yes votes, one no, one abstention.
- Resolution L (purchase of a police vehicle for $554,000) was pulled. Councilman Socosi again abstained; Councilman Quinless requested clarification whether this was new money or from existing bonded funds. After Finance Director Gallagher confirmed the funds came from existing capital accounts, Quinless voted yes. The motion passed 6-0-1.
- The remaining consent agenda items were approved unanimously on a motion by Councilwoman O'Toole, seconded by Councilman Nivison.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Craig Saltarelli criticized Mayor Roderick's use of a township vehicle for commuting to a second job in Irvington, questioning who approved the expense and alleging reckless driving. He also complained about receiving personal emails from the mayor's assistant.
- Julie Adamek urged the council to address safety issues from 18-wheel trucks on Cedar Grove Road, noting a pending resolution from the county and stating that the mayor previously claimed she was the only complainant. She provided evidence of other residents' concerns.
- Tony DiVerso complained about a paving issue left unresolved for months, related to an emergency repair by Veolia. The township engineer explained they are working with Veolia on the repair.
- Janet Lang alleged that Council Vice President Coleman received a $5,000 health insurance opt-out payment to which he was not entitled under policy, as he is not a full-time employee. Coleman denied the claim; the council said they would look into it.
- Lazar Fidella rebutted the mayor's claims that the animal shelter was operating illegally, stating glass enclosures are legal and that the animal control provider (A Academy) often fails to respond. She expressed frustration with the administration's statements.
- Lisa Engel defended the new sign at Silverton Park, stating it was requested for enforcement of park hours and quality-of-life issues after years of late-night disturbances. She said the sign is required by land use code.
- A speaker (unidentified) criticized the mayor's use of a township car for a second job, arguing it constitutes double-dipping and that the council should have approved it. She demanded to know when such approval occurred.
- Carlos expressed frustration over feeling unheard, referencing a previous meeting when the mayor told him to “shut up.” He called for better communication and change in the November election.
- Christopher Raymond asked when additional police vehicles would be purchased, criticized the plan to paint police cars black, and highlighted drag racing on Route 37 and understaffing. He expressed condolences for Councilman Quinless on his mother's passing. Councilman Quinless acknowledged the loss and thanked him.
- Barbara Crystal requested a limit on the term of the mayor's use of a township vehicle for commuting to his second job, suggesting an ordinance or resolution.
- James Anderson, a Boy Scout, thanked the council for allowing him to attend as part of his Communications merit badge requirements.
Discussion Items
- Item J – Police Vehicle Purchase ($58,000): Councilman Quinless questioned why only one vehicle was being purchased rather than a batch. The township purchasing agent stated that additional vehicles would come via separate resolutions as part of a previously approved batch of 15. Councilman Socosi abstained because he had opposed the underlying bond ordinance; Councilman Quinless voted no due to lack of clarification. The motion passed with 5 yes votes (Nivison, O'Toole, Coleman, Byrne) and one no (Quinless), with Socosi abstaining.
- Item L – Police Vehicle Purchase ($554,000): Councilman Socosi and Quinless again sought clarification on funding source. After Finance Director Gallagher confirmed the money came from existing capital accounts (not the recently passed bond ordinance), Quinless voted yes. The motion passed 6-0-1 (Socosi abstained).
- Bills Approval: Several council members voted no to certain vendors (e.g., Shore Media, Burke Esquire). Councilman Socosi voted no to Shore Media and Burke Esquire; Councilman Quinless voted no to Shore News Network, Shore Media, and Burke Esquire, and abstained from Board of Fire Commissioners District 2 and Remton Vernick. Council Vice President Coleman abstained from Preferred Behavioral Health. The bills passed with a majority vote.
Key Outcomes
- Council approved the balance of the consent agenda (minus J and L) unanimously.
- Resolution J (police vehicle, $58,000) passed 5-1-1.
- Resolution L (police vehicle, $554,000) passed 6-0-1.
- Council reports approved unanimously.
- Bills approved with several individual no votes and abstentions.
- Public comment period closed and meeting adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Bear with me, okay. Thanks. Whereas Robert Collis is dedicated thirty-seven years of service to Tom's River Township Public Works Department, serving as a first class operator in the roads division, and whereas Bob has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication in maintaining and improving our roads and infrastructure. And whereas Bob has been a valuable and respected member of our team, always willing to go above and beyond to ensure the safety and functionality of our community. And whereas Bob has served as a mentor and role model to his colleagues, sharing his knowledge and expertise to help others succeed in their roles, and whereas Bob has made a long lasting impact on Tom's River Township Public Works Department and the community, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication. One, two, three. Great. This would be present to you in the week. All right. Congratulations. Thank you for your service. Probably seeing a lot of changes here, right, Bob? I'll bet. I'd like to call up uh Eagle Scout Alexander Regis. One up right here. And again, Alexander, I just got this, so if you'll bear with me while I read that, if that's okay with you. Okay, good. Whereas Alexander Regis is a graduated member of the BSA, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 520 of the Jersey Church Council of the Boy Scouts of America of Tom's River, New Jersey, and has earned the highest honor in BSA and the rank of Eagle Scout. And whereas Alex began his scouting journey in the first grade in Cub Scouts, enjoying both indoor and outdoor activities, trips to museums and camping. In fourth grade, Alex advanced to the Webblows and continued in the fifth, where he received the arrow of light and advanced to Boy Scout. During sixth through the 12th grade, Alex completed the required badges and Eagle Scout project to become an Eagle Scout. And whereas Alex is an active member of St. Joseph's Church in Tom's River and wanted to give back to the church by doing his Eagle Scout project there. After meeting with Father Scott and the head of the grounds department, he dedicated to build and install bat boxes as an environmental safe way to control the mosquito population in Tom's River. And whereas Alex graduated from Tom's River North High School in June 2025 and is continuing his education as Joston County Vocational Techno School, where he will be studying computer systems, networking, and telecommunications. He also volunteers at the John Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen in Toms River. Now, therefore, I, Daniel T. Roderick, mayor of the Township of Tom's River, on behalf of myself and the Township Council and the residents of the Township of Toms River, congratulate Alexander Regis on his achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout and commend and applaud his commitment to the Boy Scout program and for dedicating his time and efforts for the good of his community. Congratulations for so proud of you. Thank you, thank you for get this feed in the town. Okay, we're gonna move on to the consent agenda. All matters listed under the item consent agenda will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired any uh of any item, the item will be considered separately. Okay, at this time I'd like to ask if there's any council members who would like any of the resolutions withheld for a separate vote. I'd like to pull out J, please. Council Vice Chair, yes. Uh L, please. Okay. Seeing none, I'd like to have a motion to second the motion. Motion um to approve the balance of the consent agenda minus J and L was made by Councilwoman O'Toole, seconded by Councilman Nivison. Councilwoman O'Toole? Councilman Nivison. Yes. Council Vice President Coleman? Yes. Councilman Byrne? Yes. Councilman Socosi? Yes.
openpublica.com