Dear Neptune Township,

Please accept this electronic request for public records made under OPRA and the common law right of access. I am not required to fill out an official form or use a particular software platform to submit my request per NJSA 47:1A-6(f), which states that an email from a requestor including all of the information required on the adopted form shall suffice in place of a completed form as a valid government record request.

I HAVE NOT been convicted of any indictable offense under the laws of New Jersey, any other state, or the United States.

I WILL NOT use the requested government records for a commercial purpose.

I AM NOT seeking records in connection with a legal proceeding.

Records requested:
Insurance Information for Township Vehicles
Please provide records showing the costs of insurance for township vehicles that are assigned as take-home vehicles. Specifically, I am interested in:

The types of vehicles designated as take-home.
The insurance premiums for these vehicles, including any documents showing rates, coverage, and terms.
Any records indicating the use of these vehicles by the Business Administrator, Ms. LaPlaca, including mileage and the reasons for use.
Employee Conduct and Accountability Records
I request copies of any records or documentation related to employee conduct or disciplinary actions regarding Ms. LaPlaca. This includes:

Reports or communications filed with Human Resources regarding her behavior, performance, or any incidents (including issues regarding work attendance, behavior, and use of township resources).
Any records documenting discussions or meetings of the Township Committee or Executive sessions where Ms. LaPlaca’s conduct or job performance was addressed.
Any internal investigations or reports related to complaints filed against her.
Correspondence Regarding Ms. LaPlaca’s Performance
Please provide copies of any correspondence, including email chains, meeting minutes, and memos, related to Ms. LaPlaca’s job performance. This includes:

Any communications from Township Committee members, department heads, or other township employees regarding her conduct, behavior, and performance.
Any records showing that Ms. LaPlaca’s behavior or performance issues were discussed or resolved, particularly in relation to any internal meetings or private executive sessions.
Decisions or Actions Regarding Ms. LaPlaca’s Employment
I request any records related to the Township Committee's decision-making process regarding Ms. LaPlaca’s continued employment, including:

Any resolutions, meeting minutes, or votes where Ms. LaPlaca’s behavior or job performance was discussed or addressed.
Correspondence, memos, or reports that include comments, recommendations, or decisions regarding her position and accountability within the township.
Transparency Regarding Personnel and Executive Actions
I am requesting any documents that illustrate the level of transparency regarding the actions taken by the Township Committee in addressing complaints or concerns about Ms. LaPlaca’s conduct. This includes any:

Records showing how personnel decisions, including the assignment of take-home vehicles or discipline, are made and communicated to the public and employees.
Please include all relevant records from the past 12 months up until the present day, as well as any records older than 12 months that may still be relevant to these concerns.

If any of the records requested are not available, please provide an explanation or an exemption under OPRA that would prevent disclosure of these records. If possible, please provide these records in electronic format, such as PDF files, to the email address provided.

Thank you for your attention to this request. I look forward to your prompt response.

As you prepare for your final meeting of the year tomorrow, December 20th, we would like to respectfully request some clarity on a number of important issues that have been a growing concern for many employees and taxpayers in Neptune Township. These issues reflect not only the operations of the township, but the leadership and transparency that are critical to maintaining public trust.

First, many employees are deeply troubled by the ongoing lack of transparency and accountability at the highest levels of township government, particularly with respect to the performance of the Business Administrator, Ms. LaPlaca. It is widely recognized that the business administrator is not held to the same standards as other contractual employees, and this lack of accountability is troubling. Specifically, Ms. LaPlaca's ongoing absenteeism and failure to attend to her day-to-day responsibilities, despite her title and position, have left many questioning the township’s commitment to the transparency and standards it has promised to uphold.

Additionally, there is a growing concern regarding the use of township vehicles as take-home vehicles, especially in the case of Ms. LaPlaca, who reportedly commutes 56 miles each way to and from Lumberton Township. Given the rising costs of insurance, particularly in light of the increase in drunk driving incidents, the public deserves to know how much it is costing taxpayers to insure these vehicles, as well as how many other employees—administrative and non-administrative—are receiving this perk. We respectfully request that you provide transparency on the following:

The insurance costs for township vehicles used as take-home cars.
The criteria for assigning these vehicles to employees.
Any records or communications related to the justification for providing these vehicles to specific individuals, including Ms. LaPlaca.
Moreover, there is considerable concern about the lack of action regarding Ms. LaPlaca's ongoing behavior, which has remained unaddressed despite numerous complaints. Employees and residents alike are wondering why her behavior—specifically her erratic actions, frequent absences, hostile attitude toward employees, and reported inappropriate relationships with subordinates—has not been discussed and resolved in executive meetings behind closed doors. To date, Ms. LaPlaca has not faced the same consequences as other township employees who have been fired or forced out of their positions due to similar behavior. The public deserves to understand why complaints made to Human Resources and other authorities have not resulted in accountability.

While some committee members seem to believe that individuals should be given second chances, it is increasingly difficult for employees and residents to accept that Ms. LaPlaca continues to hold a position of power despite her clear and repeated misuse of that power. Her actions are not only damaging to employee morale but have resulted in public disgrace, tarnishing Neptune Township's reputation across the state. For example, towns like Howell and Red Bank have taken swift action to terminate their police chiefs for engaging in extramarital affairs with subordinates—actions which were deemed to undermine public trust. Yet, Ms. LaPlaca's behavior appears to be treated with leniency and a lack of action.

At a time when taxpayers are facing rising taxes, it is important for the Township Committee to act in a manner that reflects the integrity of the community it serves. Many taxpayers are frustrated by the apparent inability or unwillingness of the committee to address these concerns, and it seems that the same individuals who benefit from these questionable practices are also in positions of power to protect them. It is critical that the Township Committee reconsider its stance and take the necessary steps to restore integrity and public trust in the leadership of Neptune Township.

We ask that you take immediate steps to address the following concerns:

Provide clear and transparent information on the use of township vehicles and the associated costs, particularly those assigned as take-home vehicles.
Address the ongoing concerns regarding Ms. LaPlaca’s conduct, behavior, and job performance, including an explanation as to why she has not been held accountable for the complaints filed against her.
Provide evidence of any actions taken by the Township Committee in response to these ongoing issues, including any meetings or discussions held in executive sessions.
It is critical for the future of Neptune Township that these issues be addressed openly and with integrity. Your leadership in taking swift and transparent action will go a long way in restoring the trust of employees and residents alike. We look forward to your response and the opportunity for meaningful dialogue at tomorrow's meeting.

Yours faithfully,
John Klein