Millstone recently introduced its revamped Web page, aiming to speed up access and ease navigation.
By: Cara Latham
MILLSTONE Citing an outdated design and hardships in keeping the old township Web site updated, township officials launched a new, revamped site last week.
They say the new Web site http://millstonenj.web.aplus.net is a way to ensure all residents will get the information they need, with updated rosters and contact information for government officials and links to community organizations, such as the Horsemen’s Association of Millstone Township.
One of the best features on the new site, according to Mayor Nancy Grbelja, is the ability for residents who may have complaints or who want to alert the township about their concerns to e-mail their officials.
In addition, minutes for Township Council meetings will be posted after they are approved, and other forms and agendas for various township boards and committees are also be accessible, she said.
"We want people to be able to come to the Web site and be able to get all the information they need about the township," she said.
The township budgeted for (and spent) about $7,500 to hire Barnegat-based City Connections. The company will update and revise the Web site for approximately a year, after which township officials hope to be able to take on the responsibility. If not, Mayor Grbelja said, it could be more cost-effective to leave the job with the company.
While the Web site is about 95 percent complete, Mayor Grbelja said that the township is in the process of purchasing software to allow it to post the audio of township meetings on the Web site.
"I’m just glad we got out of the archaic age and are moving into the new millennium," she said.
Officials are still encouraging all community groups to submit their information to make the Web site even more up-to-date, and the township will be placing ordinances up on the site shortly, she said. Once the site is completely finished and maintained, she said that the township’s next focus will be on Channel 77 Millstone’s community channel provided by Cablevision.
All of the Township Committee meetings are broadcast at various times four days a week , and sometimes the township plays special programs or political debates, but officials hope to improve on that by adding other meetings, including Planning Board and school board, and more community events, like Millstone Day, to the programming, she said.
"The equipment we have is outdated," she said. "Right now, the township only has the ability to play one program at a time, and an employee has to be there to constantly change the program if need be, she said.
"At least we’re moving in the right direction," she added.

