Freeholders’ Actions

CREST HAVEN – Freeholders took the following actions at their Thur., Aug. 23 meeting:
• Promoted, in a salary resolution, at the Election Board Douglas Dunhour as registrar, unclassified, full-time effective Aug. 24 at $50,244.83. A Republican post, the move was listed as a replacement for former Republican registrar Joy Erb-Madden. Provision must be made for a registrar of both parties. Michael Kennedy is the Democrat registrar.
• Listed as a “new position” in County Library was Laura Rancani, fulltime – provisional, effective Aug. 20 at $40,000.
• Passed a resolution authorizing use of competitive contracting for a comprehensive study for consolidation of public safety answering points and public safety dispatch, commonly termed “central dispatch.” Debated for many years, some believe the time is right to consolidate dispatching of fire and rescue, although only such a study would cite any benefits or detriments.
• Lauded Sea Isle City’s Dr. Irene Jameson on being honored Aug. 26 on the National Women’s Equality Day by the Cape Women’s Resource Fund. Jameson, long-time publicist for that resort, who, at age 82 in 2007, abdicated her ice throne as the city’s Polar Bear Plunge queen after 13 years, remains active in local events.
• A request was received from the construction firm erecting a hotel in Stone Harbor at Third Avenue and 96th Street to place a web camera on a county traffic light pole, said County Engineer Dale Foster. Once the hotel is open the firm wishes to “turn it over” to Stone Harbor Police Department for surveillance purposes, he added. The firm would assume responsibility for placement and electricity. Vice Director M. Susan Sheppard wanted to ensure the county was indemnified should any mishap occur related to the device.
• Director Gerald Thornton cited a post on the county’s Facebook page “that created a controversy for the county…Once it goes out we have no control. It goes worldwide.” Because of that incident, Thornton urged a policy be drawn for county use of that site. Communications Director Lenora Boninfante replied there is a social media policy. The board will review it at a later date.