Mayor's Address
January 1, 2021
After being sworn in as your Mayor, one year ago today, I never could have imaged that 2020 would be the year known for COVID-19 and the resulting global pandemic. This past year has been full of challenges for all the residents, volunteers and employees of the Borough of Rumson. We have collectively faced personal and business related struggles. We have been required to wear masks and maintain social distancing protocols. And perhaps the most devastating challenge has been the sickness, and at times, the untimely loss of so many friends, family and neighbors.
This year, perhaps more than any other year due to these unique challenges, I want to thank EVERY Volunteer and EVERY Employee… all of whom have worked so hard to make Rumson the special community it is. I especially want to thank the Rumson Police Department, the Rumson First Aid Squad Rumson Fire Department and the Rumson Department of Public Works for their hard work, untiring dedication, and most importantly for the risks they took every day to protect the quality of life we cherish in Rumson. I am sincerely hopeful that 2021 is a better year, starting with peace and good health for everyone.
And now, the following is a report of the Borough events and activities of 2020 and a brief look forward to the New Year and 2021.
The Borough Council
The Borough Council members have met the year’s challenges with diplomacy and with the dignity that would be expected from such an experienced group. I applaud each of you for the contributions you have made on behalf of all the residents of Rumson and I extend my heartfelt thanks for your support and assistance throughout the past year.
In November, Councilman Gary Casazza and Councilman Robert Swikart were each elected to a three year Council term. On behalf of the Council members and myself, it is our honor and privilege to serve our community as your volunteer elected representatives and we appreciate your support.
Major Community Events
Rumson is a small, close-knit town with a big heart and a lot of spirit. Each year, there are numerous community events that bring our residents together for fun and, often, to benefit a good cause. Some are sponsored by the Borough and others by independent entities, but all add to the feeling of community and togetherness long enjoyed by our residents. This past year, due to COVID 19, we saw a few events cancelled and a few events that went virtual and were streamed on our website. A highlight was the addition and participation of our local school district’s children in our Veteran’s Day and Holiday events. The partnership with our school district grew ever stronger with each child’s poster or smile. Our children are also living through the pandemic and including them in a few of our events hopefully brought a smile to everyone in our community. We hope that you will join us in 2021, either virtually or perhaps in person, one day soon.
Rumson EMS
The Rumson First Aid Squad has dozens of volunteer members, many of whom have completed the rigorous, 250-hour Emergency Medical Technician course. The Squad responded to over 375 calls in Rumson and assisting in neighboring communities. The residents of Rumson should take pride and comfort in knowing that even during a worldwide pandemic their First Aid Squad is ready, 24-hours per day, to respond to every type of medical emergency. We want to thank outgoing Captain Richard Perry for his service to our residents. We also wish to thank all of the volunteer officers and membership that continue to support our Volunteer First Aid Squad.
Rumson Fire Department
The Rumson Fire Department responded to approximately 331 fire calls in the Borough and in surrounding towns. The Department is staffed solely by trained volunteer members. The Department was ably led by Fire Chief and Rumson Police Dept Member Robert Boyer and Assistant Fire Chief Kevin McCarthy. We also wish to thank all of the volunteer officers and membership that continue to support our Volunteer Fire Department.
Volunteers are always needed for both EMS and the Fire Department and Borough residents are encouraged to apply and learn about how they can assist with the Borough’s First Aid and Fire Protection. Applications for both Departments can be obtained at Borough Hall and on the Borough Website.
Rumson Police Department
The Rumson Police Department, led by Chief Scott Paterson, is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year to serve the Borough of Rumson. All officers of the Rumson Police Department each complete approximately 100 hours of training annually to sharpen their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest law enforcement tactics.
I again want to thank the Rumson Police Department in a year that has presented new challenges and dangers. Everyone answered each and every call with professionalism in a world where in many cases the danger was a virus that could not be seen.
Department of Public Works
The Department of Public Works does a fantastic job keeping our streets clear, our sewers flowing and our parks looking their best. They handle all kinds of work in all sorts of weather conditions. The Team, led by Mark Wellner, work hard year-round to address all different types of issues helping to keep Rumson looking its best.
The Borough’s often forgotten but vital sanitary sewer system requires around the clock care, service and maintenance. The Borough has approximately 75 miles of sewer pipe that sends household sewage to one of the eleven pumping stations in the Borough and then eventually to Monmouth Beach, where it is processed.
The Department of Public Works Toy Drive in early December was a great success. The Toy Drive brought in 918 toys and donations and gift cards totaling over $5,000, which were distributed to Family and Children’s Services and the Salvation Army in Red Bank and will benefit many local children in need. Thanks to everyone for your generous gifts, and to our Public Works employees who donated their time to help.
Parks & Recreation
Rumson Recreation offers over 30 programs annually enjoyed by more than 3500 residents of all ages. Activities include a variety of recreational youth sports and non-sports programming, summer camps, as well as featured family events and holiday parades. We continue to look for new programming and for ways to improve our recreational processes.
Rumson Rec was hit hard by COVID-19 and we saw a stop to many of the sports or events we enjoy. We are hopeful that the spring of 2021 will see a restart of Recreation Programming.
Maintaining the highest quality parks and recreational spaces is a high priority for the Borough. As such, grass playing fields are periodically closed for rest and maintenance and DPW is regularly checking our facilities to ensure maximum safety.
Construction & Engineering
The Borough of Rumson’s Construction and Engineering Offices are two of the best in Monmouth County. With the skilled full-time and part-time staff, the Construction Office, led by Dennis Peras, oversees all the building projects within our Borough as well as in Little Silver and Fair Haven through a multi-town shared service agreement. Dennis retired this year after more than 25 years with the Borough and Nick Fabiano has stepped up to fill his position as Construction Official. Dennis’s professionalism, demeanor and sense of humor will be missed!
The Borough’s Engineering Office designs and manages projects such as roadway improvements, sidewalk and curb improvements, sewer upgrades and park projects. Engineer David Marks is also the Borough’s representative for many Monmouth County projects, including but not limited to, the two new bridges planned in our near future. Having the Engineering Office as part of the Borough staff has significantly reduced the cost and reliance on outside consulting firms.
Infrastructure Improvements
While scaled back slightly due to COVID-19 protocols, the Borough continued its road improvement program with the second phase of installing of new curbs, sidewalks, and handicap ramps on East River Road. That project was more than 80% funded through a competitive grant sponsored by the NJ Department of Transportation. The milling and paving of East River Road was completed by Monmouth County as part of their 2020 Paving Program.
The Borough is currently working to advance numerous infrastructure improvement projects in 2021. The Borough has been awarded two additional NJ Department of Transportation grants for the installation of new curbs, sidewalks, and handicap ramps along West River Road totaling $630,000. The Borough anticipates the work to start in the Spring of 2021 between Bingham Avenue and Third Street. A schedule for the construction on West River Road will be announced as the plans are further developed. The Borough is also finalizing construction documents for improvements to Kemp Avenue, Laurel Lane, Elm Lane, and Auldwood Lane for later in 2021.
In addition to Borough sponsored infrastructure projects, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has advanced the final design of the Sea-Bright Rumson Bridge (S-32) Replacement. It is currently anticipated that construction on the new bridge structure will begin in 2021. The Freeholders have also continued the Preliminary Stages of design on the Oceanic Bridge (S-31) Replacement. Additional information related to that bridge project is available through the County’s website.
Borough Staff & Commission Volunteer Updates
We appreciate our Borough’s municipal staff, including the Borough Hall Staff, Department of Public Works and Police Department, which all continue to provide the best and most courteous service to our residents. Our Borough employees provide the high level of services our residents expect, as they work within the budget and regulatory constraints set forth by the State of New Jersey.
Personally, I would like to extend a special thank you to the Chairs and Members of all the various Committees, Commissions and Boards. Each of these volunteers gives a considerable amount of time to reviewing issues that are important to our community, all while learning to conduct or be a part of new virtual ZOOM Meetings, due to the pandemic. Their personal commitment and volunteerism is one of Rumson's most valuable assets and is greatly appreciated. Any resident interested in volunteering to help run our wonderful community should reach out at any time. We welcome your involvement.
Once again, our Police Department and our volunteer Fire Department and First Aid Squad are to be commended for their unconditional commitment to the safety and welfare of our residents, addressing every emergency with courtesy and respect. We appreciate your service, thank you all.
On behalf of all our Council Members and myself, I want to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.
May God Bless us all and God Bless America.
Sincerely,
Joseph K. Hemphill
Mayor
Download a PDF of the Mayor's Address
Rumson NJ 07760