Middle Ponders More Work Sessions, Revision of Exit Interview Questions

COURT HOUSE – One of the items discussed at Middle Township’s work session Sept. 19 was whether the once-a-month format for work sessions needed to be increased in light of township Administrator Connie Mahon’s imminent departure to take a similar position in Wildwood Crest. 
Deputy Mayor Jeffrey DeVico raised the issue, suggesting at least one more work session per month while the search for a new administrator progresses.
“I just want to make sure we are all kept informed and have time to talk and stay on top of things,” DeVico said.
Currently much of the information sharing among committee members goes on through the administrator to avoid violations of state law that governs meetings of committee members outside the public.
Timothy Donohue, the longest-serving member of the committee, advised a “wait and see attitude.” He said they have worked without an administrator in the past. “We can always call meetings if we need them,” he said.
Phones
The township looks to gain an estimated $6,000 annually by consolidating its phone line billing through a third party.
Consolidated billing will allow the municipality to receive one bill for all land lines instead of the multiple individual bills it currently receives. Committee members were told that such consolidation loses none of the levels of individual data if more specific views were desired for any reason.
Chief Financial Officer Susan Quinones said other municipalities using the third-party service are pleased with it. Along with consolidation of the billing process, the plan provides 24-hour customer service and an audit of past bills to see if savings may exist due to incorrect past billings from the carrier.
Personnel
DeVico raised several personnel policy issues partly in response to discussions at the last committee meeting in which the announcement of Mahon’s departure sparked criticism of committee’s awareness of trends that may be contributing to the loss of key staff.  
The public comment period at that previous meeting had a particular focus on the use of exit interviews.
DeVico said that he found that specific questions which the policy manual notes as important to the exit interview process were not being asked.
He said the checklist used when an employee departs is being updated. Specifically, the exit interview will include questions on why an individual is leaving the township, their evaluation of their experience while working for the township, and any suggestions they may have for improvements.
DeVico pointed out that the deficiencies in the current process have been there for several years. “This is not new in the last two years,” he said.
Donohue cautioned that the committee should not allow itself to get too deeply involved in personnel issues including departures. He also said that he feels the committee needs to find ways to keep key employees. “Committee members should not be intimately involved in personnel matters,” he said.
Sharing Conifer PILOT funds
An issue of controversy earlier in the year, the sharing of development fees known as “payment instead lieu of taxes,” (PILOT) was a matter of discussion.
Committee is in agreement that payments from Conifer, the developer of low-income housing in the township, would be shared with the Board of Education and fire districts “in proportion of tax revenues” each would have received if property taxes were being paid instead of a PILOT.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.