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Council advances resolution to explore returning Toms River animal shelter to municipal control amid heated public debate
Summary
A council resolution to terminate the shared‑services agreement with Ocean County and reopen the municipal animal shelter was moved forward after extensive public comment; supporters argued for local control and cited volunteer/donation support, opponents and the administration raised legal and cost questions including renovation bids estimated at $3–6 million.
The Toms River Township Council moved a resolution on Jan. 7 to advance consideration of ending the shared‑services agreement with Ocean County and exploring reopening the municipal animal shelter. The motion to move Resolution G passed in a roll‑call vote: Council Vice President Nieveson, Councilman Bradley, Councilman Bianchini and Council President Zicozzi voted yes; Councilmen Coleman and Aber and Councilwoman O'Toole voted no.
The resolution’s sponsor said the measure would return governance, oversight and accountability to the township, where many residents want the shelter reopened. "Maintaining township control ensures alignment with local priorities," the sponsor said during the debate.
Public comment lasted more than an hour and included volunteers, former shelter staff and residents who described the…
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