New Public Works Office
What was a new, large storage shed on sale locally on Route 36 is now a neat, trim and utilitarian office for the Public Works Director, thanks to a wise purchase and a lot of effort and creativity by the Atlantic Highlands Public Works Department employees.
Where DPW Director Jim Phillips had been housed in a small room in the back of the Water Plant he now can keep his files in neat orderly cabinets lining one wall of his new office while at the same time having a bird’s eye view of the entire public works yard located off West Avenue.
Robert Ferragina, Borough Administrator authorized the purchase of the storage shed, while employees from the public works department provided the energy and talent to convert it to an office, complete with steps and a ramp for access (donated by the AHFD Inc.). Phillips’ desk is on one side of the room with chairs for DPW meetings or meetings with borough residents, who often reach out to Mr. Phillips with questions or comments.
On the wall are displayed some of Phillips’ certificates showing the classes and certifications he has completed since first being hired by the borough on July 1st of 1990. In 2017, he was named acting DPW Director, then in 2018 assumed the title as Director when he had completed the New Jersey State required certifications.
Phillips and his employees also showed their ingenuity in recycling and refurbishing when they transformed the shed into an office. For example, the two original barn doors on the shed were removed and replaced with a new insulated door. The wall of filing cabinets are cabinets that were all discarded in the recycling yard, reclaimed, cleaned, repaired and painted. The building has been strung with electric, fully insulated and sheet rocked. There are cameras showing the entire yard and all work was permitted through the Borough.
Phillips also noted that his new office allows him to be more accessible to residents who stop to ask whether something should be recycled or placed in trash, other questions, or new residents who have a need for brochures, borough calendars, or other information on anything to do with public works.
The new office is part of a series of improvements that has taken place in the yard over the past year and a half. This includes new flags, including an American flag over the garage, improved lighting, and the continuing upkeep of all the grounds. In addition, large refurbished decorative pots have been placed in front of the new office; Phillips already has plans for recycling the plants once they outgrow the pots.
The presence of employees in the immediate area also deters any residents who don’t dispose of recyclables properly to ensure safety and proper disposals in the proper areas for recycling papers, glass, metal and office equipment.
In expressing appreciation to the public works employees, Ferragina noted “We pride ourselves as having a great public works department. Therefore, our objective is an improved work environment for the borough employees while providing a more aesthetic appearance of the Public Works yard for those residents who proactively visit that location for recycling and other functions. Mr. Phillips and his team have done a tremendous job while being prudent and conscientious with the limited funds at their disposal. “
