Please see below a letter sent to all Commissioners and Commissioners elect from Commissioner Don Read concerning issues of immediate concern as the Township transitions to a new Board on January 5th. The letter was sent by email the day after the current Board’s last meeting December 16th.
Dear Commissioners and Commissioners elect,
I am following up on several matters raised at yesterday’s meeting that will have significant and lasting consequences for the Township if not addressed directly and without further delay.
While I acknowledge that initial steps are being taken to begin the search for a new Township Manager, it is deeply concerning that Michelle—who had clearly indicated her willingness to remain through March, and possibly as late as June, to ensure an orderly transition—has now elected to leave at the end of this year. It is my understanding that this decision was influenced, at least in part, by communications from commissioner elect Mr. Taylor. That outcome is regrettable and reflects poorly on the Township’s commitment to stability and continuity in senior management.
I am equally concerned by the new Board’s discussion of engaging consultants to pursue alternative “replacement building” concepts. As I stated at the meeting, my comments were deliberate and grounded in fact. The three commissioners who are plaintiffs have the authority to vacate the judge’s flawed decision and allow the Township to proceed immediately with a fully approved and fully funded facilities project. To date, there has been no willingness to even discuss this option with the Township. Any consultant acting in good faith should reach the same conclusion: abandoning an approved, fully funded solution in favor of indefinite studies and delays is neither fiscally responsible nor operationally sound.
The consequences of this approach are already evident. Township management and employees now see the next Board of one that appears indifferent to their working conditions and prepared to keep them in prolonged uncertainty. This is not theoretical. Employees require a basic, safe, and functional facility to do their jobs. The condition of the police building, in particular, is substantially worse than has been publicly acknowledged.
Staff were prepared to endure these conditions with the understanding that a new facility was forthcoming. The new incoming Board has now made it clear—through its actions and inactions—that the project is being terminated for reasons unrelated to legal necessity. Predictably, employee attrition has accelerated. The recent departure of the Police Chief must be viewed somewhat in this context, along with the Board’s earlier inability to provide simple unanimous support vote for the Chief and the department (please see my post link here https://upperpottsgrovejournal.com/commissioner-responds-to-police-support-vote-passes-3-to-2/ .)
These are not abstract concerns. They are direct consequences of the decisions currently being made by the new BOC. The next Board should reconsider its course and act promptly to protect the Township’s financial position, workforce stability, and long-term interests.
Commissioner Don Read, December 17th, 2025