PLUMSTED – Herbert Marinari and Leonard Grilletto received a farewell filled with many thanks from members of the Township Committee for their service to the community.
Grilletto, who will be moving out of the state, recently left the dais. Marinari chose not to run for reelection. His spot was filled by Sebastian D’Amico who ran unsuccessfully in the GOP primary in June.
Plumsted currently has two Republican organizations, the Republicans for Plumsted made up of Mayor Robert Bowen and Committeemen Thomas Potter and James Haglestein and the Plumsted Republican Club that D’Amico and Committeeman Michael Hammerstone are members of.
Mayor Bowen who won re-election as committeeman in the general election in November said during a Township Committee meeting, “Herb is concluding 40-plus years of public service in the community and we look forward to his continued participation within our community.”
The mayor noted that Marinari had served on the township’s Board of Education for many years before being elected on the committee and that he would later serve on the committee as a liaison to the school district as well as committees for “Building and Grounds, community events, emergency management, environmental committee, municipal drug and alcohol alliance, MUA (Municipal Utilities Authority), Personnel, Recreation.”
“He is the owner of Big Woods Nursery and there are very few areas of our community that you have not had an impact on. I think personally, professionally, one on one I know your work and passion have probably been to the detriment of your business because the first time I met you actually you were mayor and we were talking at Big Woods and your phone rang and it was a resident who had an issue and needed help and you took the message and that became a common reoccurrence. Apparently, everyone in town had your phone number,” the mayor joked.
“They knew if you had a problem, call the mayor and we’ll address it directly. I think you took that very seriously so I appreciate the six years we have served together on the committee and I know the Board of Education and other folks appreciate all the time you put in there,” the mayor added.
Marinari received three plaques of thanks that evening, one from the Township Committee itself, the Drug and Alcohol Alliance and the Environmental Commission.
“Thank you so much for what you and Janet and all your grandkids have done for the community. I remember when you hosted the fishing derby. I can’t thank you enough for all you have done,” Mayor Bowen said in conclusion.
Marinari who was the longest serving member of the committee and who also served as mayor and deputy mayor for several years, remarked, “I want to thank everyone. It has been my honor. I want to thank my wife. She has been everything to me but she has been there for me and my sons when I’ve had to miss things and I will never be able to thank her for that. I thank each of you, all of you are my friends. I’ve always tried my best.”
“I want to commend all the individuals who sat on the dais. Over the years there has been a lots of ups and downs,” Marinari added later in the meeting.
His seat will be filled this year by former Committeeman Hammerstone who won the GOP primary and general election and was D’Amico’s primary running mate.
Grilletto provided some history of the township’s government during the meeting. “When I first came here, I questioned the auditor. They weren’t following regulations and rules. This was in 1982 so we got together and we formed the Republican Club which also had Democrats.”
“We had a three-man committee and Ron Dancer wasn’t originally elected, the County Committee appointed him because we had one person resign and then he went on and on and we expanded from a three to a five-member committee,” Grilletto added.
He urged the public to support the Township Committee “no matter what they do, whether you agree or disagree but participate. He said the original Republican club was instrumental in the expansion of the committee to five members.
“Get involved. It is very important that you do that and voice your opinion. I spent eight years as head of public welfare before the county took it over. Ron Dancer asked me to do that and he was a really great guy and easy to work with and a really great person. Thank you for the opportunity of serving on the committee.” Grilletto added.
Mayor Bowen presented him with an American Flag that was flown over a historic site.
Marinari praised Committeemen Potter and Hagelstein who took office in January 2025. “They far surpassed what I felt they would do. They have done an excellent job, a job that would have been done by a seasoned committeeman so give them all your support and I am sure they will support you in every way they can in this town.”
“This is a labor of love. Some of us have jobs and own businesses and have other responsibilities. We have a lot going on and a lot of staff to help,” the mayor said. He commended Township Clerk Jennifer Witham who previously also served as part-time business administrator.
Mayor Bowen said, “We have not had a BA (Business Administrator) for a few months and she has stepped up. The clerk’s office is the hub and keeps everything running smoothly and coordinates the staff and the immense work load and hears from residents. I thank you for your patience and dedication to the township.”
Among the resolutions approved during the meeting were a contract for the New Jersey Department of Transportation Municipal Aid grant for road improvements to Jansen Court and Maria Drive and an agreement with Upper Freehold Township for subcontracting with that township’s Department of Public Works.
Also passed was a resolution authorizing municipal endorsement for the Ocean County Natural Lands program.
