Toms River Animal Shelter Petitioner's Committee Request Meeting

The Petitioner’s Committee of the certified petition in protest of the Toms River Council's ordinance to authorize the mayor to execute and the township clerk to attest to a lease agreement between the Township of Toms River and the Ocean County Board of Health have been met with hostility and disdain by Mayor Rodrick. Despite submitting a formal request to Council President Coleman to discuss a viable alternative solution for the Toms River Animal Shelter that could save taxpayers the cost of a referendum election, the committee was met with a dismissive and insulting response.

The committee’s proposal aimed to provide a solution that would turn a yearly profit, removing the burden from the taxpayers, while also ensuring necessary and required animal care and control services to the residents of the Greater Toms River area. However, Mayor Rodrick responded with a blunt and uncivilized message, stating, "I have absolutely zero interest in meeting with you. You bring nothing to the table."

This response is not only disappointing but also demonstrates a lack of willingness to engage with the concerns of the community and consider alternative solutions. The committee had hoped to present their proposal to Council President Coleman, whom the request was directed to as he is responsible for the Township Council Agenda and said ordinance, in an effort to find a mutually beneficial solution. Though the disrespectful response was received from Mayor Rodrick, Council President Coleman has not responded.

With over 3,079 certified signatures on the petition in protest of this ordinance, the committee will now encourage all registered voters to support the referendum that will disallow Toms River from entering into an agreement with the Ocean County Board of Health to operate a county shelter within Toms River. As stated in the ordinance, as well as by Mayor Rodrick, this lease is an "instrument" to the actual intent for Toms River to allow the Ocean County Board of Health to operate a county animal shelter within Toms River. Voting in favor of the referendum will disallow this action and ultimately require Toms River to seek other means of animal control and shelter.

The committee will remind Council members that Ocean County Board of Health has already stated at their May 8, 2024 meeting that if the residents of Toms River are successful in their petition to protest this ordinance, they will not enter into a lease agreement to operate the shelter.

"We are extremely disappointed and frustrated by Mayor Rodrick's response," said the committee. "We believe that our proposal would have presented a viable alternative solution that would benefit both the community and the taxpayers. Instead, the Law will send the question to a referendum election, which will likely result in additional costs for the township residents."

The committee urges all registered voters in Toms River to cast their ballots when the election date is determined in favor of disallowing the lease agreement with Ocean County Board of Health. We hope that this decision will prompt the Township Council to reconsider its approach and explore alternative solutions that benefit both the community and taxpayers.

Petitioner’s Committee

Thomas Nivison, Sr., Toms River Councilman

Dana Tormollan

Philip Brilliant

Chris Raimann

Andrea Raimann