Monday, February 24, 2014

February 19, 2014 Middletown Township Sewerage Authority Meeting


Here is a video from the February 19th meeting of the Township of Middletown Sewerage Authority (TOMSA). It's quite a bit longer than the previous video posted of the Middletown Library Board of Trustees meeting that took place the same evening. I haven't had time to watch the full video yet and hope to get back to it later.

The meeting opened up by nominating officers for the coming year and nominating/appointing/approving of various vendors and contracts. The board had to go into executive session within the fist five minutes of the meeting to discuss a few appointments.

Interestingly, TOMSA board member Tom Stokes wasn't in attendance. He happens to be a snowbird during the winter months and phones in for meetings, I really don' see why this is allowed. How can he perform the duties of his position if he is out of town for a good part of the year?


7 comments:

Linda Baum said...

If you have ever attended a public meeting, you will notice that someone -- a clerk or board secretary -- is taking copious notes. That is not the case at TOMSA meetings, nor is there an audio recording made for use in writing the minutes. The board recording secretary -- on the right, third from the front in the video -- records only the votes and nothing else. This conduct appears to be sanctioned by the board members, who have shown no interest in changing the protocol. (And we are paying the recording secretary $1800 a year for this.) As a result, the minutes are devoid of detail and do not reflect what was discussed. Accordingly, the minutes are likely not compliant with the OPMA. If you want to see the official meeting minutes to get an idea what I'm talking about, they are now on TOMSA's website under the public documents tab. See www.tomsanj.com.

Anonymous said...

Is Stokes getting benefits as a member of the TOMSA board???

MiddletownMike said...

Yes, he is

Linda Baum said...

Re Stokes, as of early 2013 he was receiving an annual salary of $1750 and dental benefits, but was not enrolled for medical benefits with the SHBP. I don't know if TOMSA board members receive opt out payments. I have asked and am told no, but am not able to verify it. Stokes also received a $300 eyewear reimbursement a couple years back and may be eligible for this benefit annually, as are the other board members.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a situation that the RATE payers should not be burdened with but of course this is Middletown, and the Republicans do as they damned well please !

The TOMSA needs to be over hauled or disbanded !

Anonymous said...

So you don't agree with Elected or appointed officials getting healthcare???

Maybe you should also go protest in Red Bank too and ask Art Murphy to stop!

Anonymous said...

TOMSA is a DEAL, do a 360 and you will see how good of a deal it is. These people will eventually move on and no board members will have benefits ever again. In the meantime, its fun to watch you throw a tantrum!