HOWELL — In the inaugural State of the Township address delivered on Jan. 3, Township Manager Helene Schlegel identified a series of goals and objectives for Howell in 2012 and reported on several initiatives that were pursued in 2011.
Many of the goals emphasize efficiency in government, including ways of creating a more flexible municipal work force, conducting an inventory of all township properties and other capital assets, and continuing to seek additional shared service agreements.
In addition, Howell will unveil a new and more interactive Internet website, enhance communication with residents, and continue to build on the township’s image, Schlegel said.
Schlegel said the goals were based on input from the members of the Township Council.
She said many of the goals and objectives are efforts to be carried over from 2011. She cited staff reductions in the Department of Public Works and the municipal clerk’s office use of the Internet for updates in current codes as examples of seeking efficiency in the township. The latter effort will save Howell $7,000 annually, Schlegel said.
Pursuing shared service agreements was also a large component of the township’s attempts at efficiency, she said.
The major shared service agreement involved the township, the Howell K-8 School District and the Howell Police Athletic League, which resulted in a variety of activities being hosted at the former Southard School and more than $150,000 in annual savings to the township, Schlegel said .
During her address at the council meeting, she updated the public on the process of moving various municipal offices into the Global office building on Route 9 north.
During 2011, the township purchased the Global office building with the stated goal of using part of the building for municipal purposes.
“We are close to finalizing plans for space allocation, reviewing individual department needs and establishing a timeline for the transition,” Schlegel said.
She said a more detailed report on all aspects regarding the move from the Preventorium Road municipal complex to the Global office building will be made in the near future.
Reflecting on 2011, Schlegel said the year, for many people, was defined by the extraordinary weather events that occurred, including massive snowstorms and Hurricane Irene.
The blizzard of late December 2010 prompted municipal officials to form the emergency operations center. The center, informally referred to as the snow room, was tested by additional snowstorms in January and ultimately by the arrival of Irene in August, she said.
“While still in its planning stages, the snow room provided a solid basis for addressing the issues associated with coordinating a comprehensive response to emergency situations,” the manager said. “It proved especially valuable during Irene when the threat to life was imminent.
“The immediate response of township personnel and emergency responders prevented what may well have resulted in tragic consequences,” she added.
Members of the council and public praised Schlegel for the address and expressed hope that it would become an annual event in Howell.
Earlier at the council’s reorganization meeting, William Gotto was reappointed as deputy mayor for 2012. In addition, several appointments in the township, including positions to various committees, advisory boards and commissions, were made.