Toms River Township Council Meeting - January 14, 2026

The Toms River Township Council convened on January 14, 2026, at 7:36 PM. The meeting was contentious, featuring a lengthy presentation by insurance firm Connor Strong & Buckaloo, debates over police promotion lists, a resolution to reclaim the animal shelter from the county, and several other agenda items. The mayor and council majority clashed repeatedly, with accusations of cronyism and misinformation.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the January 1, 2026 reorganization meeting were approved unanimously.
• The balance of the consent agenda (items A, B, C, and L) was approved 7-0 after items D, E, F, G, I, J, and K were pulled for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joseph De Bella (Connor Strong & Buckaloo) and Dave Grubb presented a comparison of the Ocean County Joint Insurance Fund’s commercial insurance coverage versus alternative proposals. They argued that the alternatives had higher deductibles that would result in net costs exceeding the JIF’s premium. Mr. Grubb stated that the township’s health insurance costs increased by 20% in 2025, contrary to claimed savings of $6 million.
• Mayor Roderick repeatedly interrupted the presentation, accusing the firm of having a monopoly, being under investigation by the State Comptroller, and engaging in conflicts of interest. He claimed the township saved $2 million in the first year and $1.4 million in the second year after switching health insurers, and that the JIF increased rates by 17.5% in 2024.
• Multiple residents spoke in favor of reopening the Toms River Animal Shelter, including former ACO David Matthews, and representatives from Save Rescue. They argued that the county was pressured into taking the shelter, that the facility is underutilized, and that the cost to operate is minimal compared to the county’s planned $5–6 million renovations.
• Councilmember Coleman opposed extending the police promotion list, stating it would disadvantage 15 newly eligible officers. He also criticized the proposed new position for Nariko Kowalski as a patronage job.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Minutes: Approved unanimously.
• Item 6 – Insurance Presentation: Moved to the top of the agenda by a 7-0 vote. The presentation lasted approximately 45 minutes, with heated exchanges between the mayor and the presenters.
• Item 7 – Police Promotion Ordinance (Final Reading): Ordinance to allow the council to extend police promotion lists up to one year. Councilman Coleman and others argued the current list expired and that a new test should be given. Chief of Police (acting) stated he did not support extending the list because it would be unfair to officers who missed the opportunity to test. The ordinance passed 4-3 (majority: Biancini, Bradley, Iverson, Sarkozy; minority: Coleman, Aber, O'Toole).
• Item D – Prepaid Bills/Interim Payments: Councilman Biancini requested clarity on what types of bills could be paid between meetings. The CFO explained it is standard practice for utilities and payroll. Approved 7-0.
• Item E – Policy Manual Language: Councilman Coleman explained the JIF required updated language on sexual harassment and disability policies. Approved 7-0.
• Item F – Council Attorney: A resolution to authorize a council attorney. The town attorney argued it was not permitted under the Faulkner Act. The mayor stated he would seek a declaratory judgment if the rules were not changed. The resolution was tabled 6-1 (Coleman voted no initially but changed to yes, making it 6-1 to table).
• Item G – Animal Shelter Resolution: To terminate the shared services agreement with Ocean County and reopen the shelter under municipal operation. Councilman Nivison presented the resolution, citing cost savings and community desire. The mayor argued the county’s renovations would cost $5–6 million and that the council lacked authority to assign work. The resolution passed 4-3 (majority: Nivison, Bradley, Biancini, Sarkozy; minority: Coleman, Aber, O'Toole).
• Item I – Council Attorney (again): Tabled as above.
• Item J – Subcommittee Appointments: Councilman Aber objected, stating he was not consulted. The mayor argued the council cannot assign township employees to committees. The resolution passed 4-3 (same split as G).
• Item K – New Position (Nariko Kowalski): Councilman Aber requested clarification. The mayor stated the position was not requested by the clerk and was unnecessary. The resolution passed 4-3 (same split).
• Police Department Scheduling: A resident complained about a shift change to six shifts. The mayor denied the claim, stating officers work four 10-hour days per week.

Key Outcomes

• Police Promotion Ordinance: Passed 4-3. The mayor announced he would veto the ordinance.
• Animal Shelter Resolution: Passed 4-3. The mayor expressed opposition and stated he would not implement it.
• Council Attorney Resolution: Tabled 6-1.
• Subcommittee Appointments: Passed 4-3.
• New Position (Kowalski): Passed 4-3. The mayor stated he would not onboard the candidate.
• Insurance Presentation: No formal vote; the mayor agreed to allow the township's broker to present at the next meeting.
• Public Comment Closed: After lengthy discussion, public comment was closed on the insurance item and later on the animal shelter item.
• Council Comments: Council members expressed thanks and reiterated positions. The mayor closed by vetoing the police ordinance and rejecting the new position, accusing the council majority of patronage.