Manager will leave Howell

HOWELL - The chance to work closer to his Burlington County home and attend to the needs of his family has lured Township Manager Thomas Czer-niecki away from Howell.

After 18 months on the job in Howell, Czerniecki resigned last week to accept the job of township manager in Evesham Township, Burlington County.

Czerniecki, 39, said although he has enjoyed his time in Howell, an unexpected, unique opportunity came along that he could not pass up.

"This was an unexpected opportunity. I could be close to home, it was a comparable job, it was the best thing for me and my family, so I took it," said Czer-niecki, who is married and has two young daughters.

Deputy Mayor Robert Walsh said he was shocked by the news, but understands Czerniecki's reasons for making the decision he did. Walsh said the town is at a loss and said he will miss the conversations he had with the manager.

"I have learned a lot and matured as a council person from his guidance as township manager," Walsh said.

The deputy mayor said Czerniecki has offered "to participate in any way the council requests to allow for a smooth transition."

Mayor Joseph DiBella said Czerniecki played an integral role in municipal business.

"During his time with us he has tackled a number of problems, instituted various organizational and service improvements and recruited top-notch employees," DiBella said.

The Township Council now has the task of searching for a new manager.

DiBella said he hopes the council "will agree to do a very thorough job search and take the process of identifying the best candidate available to attract to Howell."

Czerniecki's resignation becomes effective Aug. 29. As of now the council has not appointed anyone to serve during the interim period.

DiBella said he hopes to discuss the matter during the next council meeting.

Czerniecki said he is leaving Howell on a good note.

"The council has treated me very well. It has been an honor to serve Howell. I will definitely miss the many good friends I have made and plan to visit occasionally to see how our many projects have progressed," he said.

Czerniecki began working in Howell on Feb. 27, 2006. He took over the position of manager from Bruce Davis, who held the dual role of township clerk and township manager for five years. Davis returned to the full-time position of clerk upon Czerniecki's arrival.

The township manager's job is key in Howell's council-manager form of government. According to the township's Internet Web site, the mayor and council promulgate public policy and the manager interprets that policy as administrative action.

Czerniecki came to Howell from his position as a consulting planner with a Mount Laurel-based civil engineering and planning firm. He was the township manager in Eastampton, Burlington County, from 1999 to 2005.

- Toynett Hall