WOODBRIDGE – As part of a move to review pre-existing municipal operations and make government more responsive, accessible, and cost-effective, Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac today announced a reorganization and consolidation of Township municipal government geared to more effectively provide resident services while holding the line on future expansion and increased expenses.

“After thoroughly reviewing Town Hall operations, management, and the existing departmental structure, I determined that we can do a better job providing needed services and programs to Township residents,” Mayor McCormac said. “The realignment of various departments reflects a more business-like approach to providing essential services in areas such as economic growth, senior services, youth and family programs, recreation, arts and culture, and maintenance of Township infrastructure and property.”

Mayor McCormac issued an Executive Order outlining the reorganization and creating the Department of Recreation and Resident Services and the Office of Media and Public Communications, while restructuring several existing departments to better deliver services and programs. In announcing the program, Mayor McCormac noted that the Administration must be flexible and capable of adjusting to the changing needs and demands of Township residents and the need for responsive municipal services. As a result, the reorganization consolidates departments which provide similar services and programs as well as realigns municipal responsibilities to more effectively manage the business of government.

Mayor McCormac noted an example of efficiency and savings include the consolidation of Parks and Recreation Department operations reporting through the same supervisor in order to better schedule and mange the use of heavy equipment, employee work schedules and program services. Additionally, Mayor McCormac said the Administration has targeted the special needs of senior residents by consolidating services and programs previously scattered throughout various departments by establishing the Division of Senior Programs and Services.

The Mayor presented the Executive Order to the Township Council and outlined the need to modify some aspects of the existing management and departmental structure and of the anticipated public benefit in the delivery of services and programs resulting from the municipal government reorganization and consolidation. Additionally, the Mayor said that a municipal Ordinance will be forwarded to the Council for review and approval.

The Executive Order establishes the following departments, divisions, and/or office(s) within the framework of the Woodbridge Township municipal government:

· Department of Recreation and Resident Services -- Designed to more effectively administer and deliver the many resident and recreational services formerly provided by the Parks and Recreation Department and consolidates certain senior resident, youth, and related programs administered by the Department of Health. The Department of Recreation and Resident Services will be headed by the current Director of Recreation and will include the following Divisions:
n Division of Recreation -- Responsible for administering general Township-sponsored recreation activities such as holiday and event parades, municipal-sponsored trips and camp activities, sports clinics, adult team sports (softball and basketball), and concerts;
n Division of Arts, Culture & History – Maintain oversight of the Barron Arts Center and will administer various existing and planned historical, cultural, and artistic programs and exhibits;
n Division of Senior Programs & Services -- Consolidate and coordinate all senior-related programs and services including The Office on Aging, Township senior centers, and various other senior-related services and programs;
n Division of Youth Programs & Services -- Coordinate Township efforts in connection with various youth recreational opportunities, including sporting, competitive, and community events and programs;
n Division of Volunteer Services -- Consolidate and coordinate various municipal programs and services spread throughout Township government that utilize and rely on volunteers;
n Division of Veterans Programs & Services -- Coordinate Township-wide veterans programs, services, and activities;
n Marina Utility -- Coordinate the municipal marina and related waterfront initiatives.

· Department of Public Works and Parks – The realigned Department of Public Works and Parks combines the resources of the existing Department of Public Works and consolidates the labor, maintenance, administrative, supervisory, and service-related functions of the former Parks Department into a single, service-oriented department responsible for maintaining the Township infrastructure. The Department of Public Works and Parks will be headed by the current Public Works Director;

· Office of Media and Public Communications -- The office will serve as media liaison and will coordinate public-related media, including Woodbridge Township Television, Township Web Page, Internet and Intranet services, and other Township communications, brochures, informational literature, and publications. The office will be headed by the current Communications Director.