County Dispatch Center – A Shared Services Success

Recently, we saw the City of Wildwood enter into a shared services agreement with the County of Cape May for Dispatch Services. Wildwood became the thirteenth county municipality to partner with the state-of-the-art dispatch center located at the Cape May County Airport. The Dispatch Center also manages communications for the County Prosecutor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department. 

In a high-tax state where 21 counties and 564 separate municipalities vie for tax dollars to provide essential services, the development of successful shared services agreements to create savings and operational efficiencies is becoming more and more critical.

The Cape May County Dispatch Center is one such success story.

Cape May County launched its 911 call center in 2018. Avalon, Stone Harbor, Wildwood Crest and Lower Township were the early communities to reach agreement with the county to hand over their police communications to the County Dispatch Center in exchange for a negotiated annual fee. 

Middle Township authorized a shared services agreement with the county in October 2021 to partner with Cape May County for emergency dispatch services as part of a plan to realize savings and ensure sufficient staffing. The process to transfer the 911 services from the Township to the county took approximately eight months.

The Township anticipated annual operational savings of approximately $250,000. Middle also avoided the high costs to replace outdated operating systems and communications infrastructure. 

Township Committee is committed to public safety as a top priority. Our responsibility is to ensure that those services are provided utilizing the most modern tools and technology at the most affordable price to our taxpayers. Our ongoing cooperative agreement with the county for dispatch services fits that bill. 

The Center is currently staffed with 39 full-time Communications Operators and two part-time Communications Operators. In anticipation of Wildwood joining the county system in January 2026, the county is preparing to hire an additional thirteen Communications Operators.

The transition to a regional model at the Cape May County Central Dispatch Center significantly streamlines the call-taking process by assigning Communications Operators to broader regions rather than individual municipalities. This approach allows operators to manage calls more efficiently by focusing on a defined geographic area with shared characteristics and resources, reducing the complexity and fragmentation that can occur when handling multiple separate municipalities.

This regional model enhances productivity by enabling quicker call prioritization, more effective resource allocation, and improved coordination during high call volumes or multi-jurisdictional incidents. It also balances workloads across the team, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring calls are answered promptly and accurately.

By pooling municipal tax dollars with county funding, this shared services approach provides the capital required to maintain best practices using ever-improving technological and operational advancements:

1. Revamped training regime, implementing an academy-style model for new hires.

2. Selection of a vendor to introduce artificial intelligence into the call-taking process and training.

3. Utilization of the most current 9-1-1 technology to ensure efficient and effective emergency response.

4. Implementation of Text-to-9-1-1 services to offer a crucial communication link for those unable to make voice calls during emergencies.

5. Continued improvements to the county radio network to provide a more reliable and expanded coverage area.

6. Meeting best practice standards for tracking calls for service and records development.

7. Offering E-Dispatch service. First responders receive a text message with call details, ensuring seamless communication and comprehensive emergency management.

8. Funding for a Mobile Communications Van, a state-of-the-art resource that brings the full capabilities of the dispatch center directly into the community.

The embrace of the County Dispatch Center concept by the vast majority of the county’s municipalities is an encouraging success story of civic cooperation and fiscal common sense. Middle Township will continue to pursue mutually beneficial, cooperative partnerships with a goal to continually provide quality services and the lowest possible cost. 

Chris Leusner

Mayor, Middle Township

May 5, 2025 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

1. Recognition of April Employee of the Month – Kendra Karstens

2. Recognition of Retirement – MTPD Corporal Phil Johnson

3. Final approval of ordinance to amend the Fire Prevention Code

4. Final approval of ordinance replacing Chapter 132 – Excavations and Soil Removal

5. Approval of the establishment of a Cap Bank

6. Public hearing on 2025 introduced budget

7. Adoption of 2025 municipal budget

8. Appointment of new hire – Jason Neely – Public Works

9. Resolution supporting the designation of a bus stop in the area of Colonial Ave and Route 9

10. Resolution authorizing a Treatment Works Application for Jasick Development Group

11. Award of contract for Animal Control Services to Shore Animal Control of Tuckahoe, NJ

May 19, 2025 – Township Committee Work Session

1. CANCELLED

May 19, 2025 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

1. Introduction of an ordinance to sell Township owned land via private auction to contiguous property owners

2. Resolution appointing three members to the Township Environmental Commission

3. Approval of payment for Terminal Leave for retiring MTPD Corporal Phil Johnson

4. Resolution approving insertion of special items of revenue - $8,256.38 for MTPD 2025 Summer Camp Expansion program and $5,600 for NJ Highway and Traffic Safety Program - Click It or Ticket

5. Award of contract for two projects - $71,985 to Landberg Construction for Goshen Complex Playground installation and $245,212.67 to Massett Building Company for First and Second Floor ADA Restroom Upgrades in Town Hall

6. Approval of a contract for special counsel for Affordable Housing to Surenian, Edwards, Buzak and Nolan, LLC not to exceed $17,500.

7. Resolution authorizing the execution of a Shared Services agreement between Middle Township and the County of Cape May for the maintenance and operation of the Grassy Sound Fishing Pier

8. Resolution amending the Shared Services Agreement between Middle Township and the Middle Township Board of Education for the collection of solid waste and recyclables

Middle Township residents are encouraged to attend Township Committee meetings to share their thoughts, questions and concerns with Township Committee. 

Visit the Township website for information on meeting dates and times: https://middletownship.com/

Three members appointed to the Environmental Commission

Bridget O'Connor

Lynn Pollard

Brittany Welsh

New Hire Public Works, Jason Neely

Farewell & Best Wishes

MTPD Corporal Phil Johnson - Retired

Thank you for your service. 

Middle’s Hometown Heroes Banners Rise for Memorial Day Weekend

Mayor Chris Leusner and Township Committee announced the launch of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program in April. The initiative is designed to honor and recognize local veterans and active-duty military for their dedication and service to our community and country. The program serves to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions of those who have put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and well-being of their fellow Americans.

The project to honor our military was undertaken by the Middle Township Garden Club as part of their efforts to support our servicemen and women and bring improvements to public spaces in the downtown area. The banners will serve as a public acknowledgment of their service and a point of pride for the community as they reflect Middle Township’s commitment to honoring those who serve.

“On behalf of Township Committee, I want to publicly recognize the patriot work our Garden Club and all the volunteers involved,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have selflessly served our country and community.” 

The first twenty banners will be displayed from the intersection of Romney Place and Route 9 south to Atlantic Ave and Route 9, along the west side of the main thoroughfare through downtown Cape May Court House. 

The Township has received approvals to display banners on a total of forty-five Atlantic City Electric poles. The scope of the approved area includes Route 9 from Stone Harbor Blvd. south to Pacific Ave and on Mechanic Street from Route 9 to Dias Creek Road.

The Hometown Heroes Banner Program aims not only to honor individuals but also to inspire future generations by educating them about the importance of service, courage, and community support.

Middle Township Honoree Profile Qualifications:

● Active service with immediate family in Middle Township

● Active service currently residing in Middle Township

● Living veterans born in or residing in Middle Township

● Deceased veterans born in or having strong ties to Middle Township

● Veteran employees of Middle Township

● You must provide an official service photo of the honoree

Township residents interested in sponsoring an honor banner for a service veteran or active-duty member of the armed forces can learn more at middletownship.com or contact Alicia Woodrow at awoodrow@middletownship.com.

In a continuing effort to facilitate the permitting and inspection process for quality development projects, Middle Township is partnering with Spatial Data Logic (SDL Inc.) of Berkely Heights, NJ to utilize the latest technological tools.

“Our Construction Office is now online,” said Committee Ike Gandy. “As we build out the platform, we will offer the ability for homeowners and contractors to check on their permit status and schedule inspections, all through their phone or desktop computer.”

The Township recently began accepting credit card/debit card payments for permitting costs. Soon, the SDL application will allow permit applications to be submitted and paid for online.

Important features of the SDL platform will include:

Electronic Plan Review - Review, markup, and approve plans digitally with our configurable workflows.

Employee Mobile App - Complete inspections and document findings with photos and notes.

ICC & General Code Integration - Our ICC and General Code integration enables users to access their codes from within SDL’s software.

Streamlined Tracking - Permit applications can be processed and tracked through SDL’s cloud-based software.

Residents and contractors interested in establishing an online account can contact the Construction Office @ 609-465-8740 or visit:

https://www.sdlportal.com/towns/nj/capemay/middletwp

Middle Township has been officially notified that the two post offices within its boundaries will be renamed this Fall. This action comes after years of advocacy by local interest groups and elected officials. 

The Rio Grande Post Office, located at 1087 Route 47 South, will be renamed in honor of World War II veteran Carlton H. Hand. Carlton was a US Army Lieutenant and received a Silver Star, Purple Heart, & battlefield commission for his valor and bravery while fighting in Italy. Carlton was a life-long resident of Rio Grande; he passed away in 1961.

The Whitesboro Post Office, located at 207. W. Main Street will be renamed in recognition of Republican Congressman George Henry White. White was the last Black Reconstruction-Era Congressman, representing North Carolina’s Second District between 1897 and 1901. He served in the state’s legislature throughout the 1880’s. Following his political career, White and his family moved to New Jersey, where he co-founded Whitesboro as a planned residential community for African Americans.

The effort to rename these USPS locations was led by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd Dist.) and supported by Middle Township Committee. 

“We are very pleased that these years-long efforts to recognize these important, historic figures has been a success,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “On behalf of Township Committee, I’d like to thank former Mayor Tim Donohue, Congressman Van Drew and the many local organizations that came together to advocate for the renaming of these Post Offices. We look forward to our residents and visitors alike being reminded of the positive contributions to American’s struggles be become a better nation by both Carlton Hand and George H. White.”

The official renaming ceremonies for the two Middle Township facilities are planned for early Fall 2025. 

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