Kochel continues as Ocean Twp. consultant BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent Dave Kochel OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Township Manager Dave Kochel retired June 1 but will remain involved in township business for the remainder of 2007 as a consultant to new manager Andrew Brannen. Brannen, who is currently manager of Princeton City, Ill., will start his employment with the township Aug. 20, according to Mayor William Larkin. "This is absolutely no reflection on the new manager," Larkin said, "because someone has to be here in the interim before Andrew commences his service with the township. I have full confidence in Andrew, as he was selected from a pool of between 40 to 50 people," Larkin added. Larkin clarified that Kochel actually worked for the entire month of June for free. "Dave retired on June 1, but worked for the township gratis for the month," he said. Larkin also explained that in July, Kochel worked for two weeks at his normal salary on the township payroll and also had accrued vacation time, which he chose to take. "During the month of August, Dave will work approximately two weeks until Andrew starts on the 20th. Because Dave retired and is no longer an employee, he will be paid as a consultant at the rate of $95 per hour, which was his regular pay rate as an employee, if you do the math." Larkin emphasized that the council did not reach the pay rate of $95 arbitrarily. "We didn't just reach this figure without logic or reason," he said. When asked if Kochel was currently drawing a pension, Larkin responded, "He probably is, but it is from the State of New Jersey and not the township. The township is also not paying for health benefits, so this represents a savings." Kochel is currently listed on the township Web site as acting manager, a title he will relinquish on Aug. 20. "After the month of August, Dave will be available on a per-contract basis as he is needed. I am certainly not going to pay for two people at the same time. If he is needed, he will be there," Larkin said, and added, "There is really no way to know how many hours will be involved." Larkin said that he has heard no complaints from residents regarding Kochel's professional services contract or extended service to the township. "Except for one person, I haven't heard any complaints." Larkin also said that the borough attorney checked Kochel's contract before the council approved it. "Again, there is no overlap of personnel," Larkin explained.