Vernon Township hires new manager

After four months, replacing departed township administrator, By Jan Baker Vernon — Catherine Steinel will become Vernon’s new township manager. Steinel, who is currently Hopatcong’s municipal administrator, will serve for two weeks as interim manager in Vernon, putting in two days here until she comes on full-time April 26. At that time, she’ll give four days to Hopatcong, in a shared services agreement that does not require either municipality to spend extra. Steiner replaces Robin Kline, who has been serving as acting township administrator in place of Melinda Carlton, who left the post in January. Kline can now return to only performing the duties of her regular job as Vernon’s municipal clerk. Acknowledging her extra efforts, council member Harry Shortway said, he “would like to thank Robin for jumping in the fire and helping for the last months.” Steinel was hired during a special Vernon Township Council meeting on Thursday, April 1. She will be paid $130,000 including benefits and pension for the first three years of her contract, then $150,000 for the final year of a four-year contract. Why so quick? The general consensus in the audience was that this hire was done too quickly. Several people questioned whether the council took enough time to receive and review applications. The ad for the position was posted on March 1 and initially was set to run through April 30. In response, Mayor Sally Rinker said the council was happy with its choice. “Time frame means nothing when you have come across the right answer,” she said. “We were absolutely positive out of the gate that the right choice was made at this time for our new manager.” Strike while the iron is hot Council member Valerie Seufert said of Steinel: “The expertise is there. She is ready to face the challenges.” And she added that waiting to hire a candidate could mean losing her. Resident Gary Martenson expressed concern over Steinel’s salary, which he thought should start out lower for two years while as a newcomer she demonstrates her abilities. Carlton had been hired in November of 2007 at a salary of $133,000. During her tenure, she became a contentious figure and the township ultimately offered her a package to leave. Seufert also expressed concern over the salary, noting that other township employees are giving up raises. She said her concern was not meant to disparage Steinel, whom she approves of for the job. The vote to hire was unanimous. Councilmember Michael Pier expressed earlier by teleconference that he was “Good with the contract and for it.” He was precluded from voting due to his absence.

You have your work cut out for you.” Council member Richard Carson to newly hired Township Administrator Catherine Steinel