Kochel looks back on record of fiscal stability
Ocean Township manager will retire June 1 after 20 years
BY LORI ANN OLIWA
Staff Writer

Ocean Township Manager David R. Kochel

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - While property taxes have been rising steadily in most New Jersey municipalities, Township Manager David R. Kochel has bragging rights to a dozen continuous years of tax stability in the township.

"There have been 12 straight years of tax stability in the township, and, this is one of my fortes," he said recently, adding that this is one of the biggest challenges in municipal government since it involves "the ability to balance competing demands."

After 20 years of continuous service to the township, Kochel will retire June 1. The township will officially say thank you June 21 with a party in his honor at The English Manor, Eatontown.

Though details are not yet available, Ocean Township Mayor William Larkin confirmed that the celebration will be large.

"Municipal management is a tight-knit community, and I am sure many people will be there to honor Dave," Larkin said.

Before assuming his position in Ocean Township, Kochel served as administrator for the borough of Metuchen for seven years. Prior to that, he held managerial positions in several municipalities, including Whitehall and Harrisburg, both in Pennsylvania.

"It is not the norm in this business to stay for so long," Kochel said. "My goal was to initially stay for 10 years so I wouldn't uproot my son's education. The whole family fell in love with Monmouth County and Ocean Township in particular. It is a good marriage."

Kochel acknowledged that his retirement is long planned.

"My retirement is not unexpected, as this is something that I have been planning for." He added that his wife, Tobi, has a "very aggressive 'honey-do' list waiting for me." He also mentioned that travel will be a big part of his retirement, and that he has already booked three trips.

"I have been with Dave for 16 years. Dave has taught me everything that I know, and I have been taught by the best," said Larkin, Kochel's friend and colleague.

"Dave has been a tremendous resource for me on how to become a good mayor, and he will be very difficult to replace."

Larkin cited Kochel's success in stabilizing the tax rate as a major contribution.

"There were no increases in the tax rate for 12 years," he said. "This has everything to do with Dave's extraordinary management, and everyone in the township must give credit where credit is due."

Looking back to his first day as manager of the township in June 1987, Kochel said, "My first day was a day of introductions," he recalled. "I made a point of meeting and greeting all of the department heads and also did a physical tour of the township."

Before taking the post with the township, Kochel had done his homework.

"Before my first day, I had researched the township and attended council meetings, so some of my impressions were set," he said.

One lasting impression made that day was the condition of the roads.

"The condition of the roads struck me, and I felt they were in very sad condition," Kochel said. Almost immediately, he embarked on a road improvement project, first attending to major arterial roads.

"I saw situations that were challenging, like the fact that Route 18 dead-ended at Deal Road coming from the south," he said. Kochel made sure that a link was completed.

Among the projects he was involved in, Kochel mentioned a 208-acre tract previously known as the Deal Test Site, which is now known as Joe Palaia Park.

"I felt the area was grossly underutilized," he said. "As a result, I was able to manage and oversee the creation of five soccer fields, two baseball fields, a three-mile trail system, a playground and restrooms. It is extremely rewarding to see this, as people come in droves now to enjoy the park."

Other projects he oversaw include the restoration of the historical museum, known as the Eden-Woolley House; the acquisition of 4 acres for the new library; an expansion of 42 acres to Joe Palaia Park; a new senior center; a new gymnasium; and the addition of other facilities like the Human Services Department.

"I was able to see everything from inception through to completion," he said. "The mayor, town council and employees were part of that also."

Kochel has not been actively involved in the hiring process for his replacement, since many of the candidates are his colleagues.

"The mayor and council have engaged the firm of Jersey Professional Management to conduct and coordinate all facets of the search," he said.

Kochel has also volunteered to remain in his position gratis for the month of June, so an orderly transition can be made.

Regarding future involvement with the township, Kochel mentioned that he expects to maintain his connections with several organizations like the township of Ocean Historical Museum and the Friends of the Township of Ocean Library.

"I expect to be involved," he said, adding that he wants to remain available for any township officials needing his expertise. "I will continue to be a resource in the event that my institutional knowledge is necessary."

township must give credit where credit is due."

Looking back to his first day as manager of the township in June 1987, Kochel said, "My first day was a day of introductions," he recalled. "I made a point of meeting and greeting all of the department heads and also did a physical tour of the township."

Before taking the post with the township, Kochel had done his homework.

"Before my first day, I had researched the township and attended council meetings, so some of my impressions were set," he said.

One lasting impression made that day was the condition of the roads.

"The condition of the roads struck me, and I felt they were in very sad condition," Kochel said. Almost immediately, he embarked on a road improvement project, first attending to major arterial roads.

"I saw situations that were challenging, like the fact that Route 18 dead-ended at Deal Road coming from the south," he said. Kochel made sure that a link was completed.

Among the projects he was involved in, Kochel mentioned a 208-acre tract previously known as the Deal Test Site, which is now known as Joe Palaia Park.

"I felt the area was grossly underutilized," he said. "As a result, I was able to manage and oversee the creation of five soccer fields, two baseball fields, a three-mile trail system, a playground and restrooms. It is extremely rewarding to see this, as people come in droves now to enjoy the park."

Other projects he oversaw include the restoration of the historical museum, known as the Eden-Woolley House; the acquisition of 4 acres for the new library; an expansion of 42 acres to Joe Palaia Park; a new senior center; a new gymnasium; and the addition of other facilities like the Human Services Department.

"I was able to see everything from inception through to completion," he said. "The mayor, town council and employees were part of that also."

Kochel has not been actively involved in the hiring process for his replacement, since many of the candidates are his colleagues.

"The mayor and council have engaged the firm of Jersey Professional Management to conduct and coordinate all facets of the search," he said.

Kochel has also volunteered to remain in his position gratis for the month of June, so an orderly transition can be made.

Regarding future involvement with the township, Kochel mentioned that he expects to maintain his connections with several organizations like the township of Ocean Historical Museum and the Friends of the Township of Ocean Library.

"I expect to be involved," he said, adding that he wants to remain available for any township officials needing his expertise.

"I will continue to be a resource in the event that my institutional knowledge is necessary," he said.