TOMS RIVER – The next Township Council meeting – in which there will be a controversial vote regarding police positions – will be conducted via Zoom.
Council meetings are usually held in town hall downtown and recorded on the town’s YouTube channel. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on January 31.
A statement from Council President Craig Coleman said that the Council “has been made aware of the very large number of individuals and groups desiring to participate” and that the meeting will be virtual “to ensure the safety of its participants and to give those who wish to speak the opportunity.”
The meeting is expected to exceed capacity.
The town meetings are always broadcast live, and the public can attend in person. This is different because the public won’t be able to attend in person.
The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89508159869
Meeting ID: 895 0815 9869
The access information for the video conference/call-in option for public comment is:
One tap mobile
+13052241968,,89508159869# US
+13092053325,,89508159869# US
Meeting ID: 895 0815 9869
A controversial change in the police department is expected to be the main point of contention at this meeting.
The town is creating eight new positions that would provide for an ambulance 24/7 on the barrier island. To make up the cost of these new positions, two retiring police captains will not be replaced.
People in favor of this move are celebrating the lifesaving move to protect people in Ortley Beach and nearby areas. People against this feel that the police department needs these captains to do the supervisory work that keeps the entire town safe.
