Toms River Township Council members will vote on the creation of a disaster recovery ombudsman position when they meet for their first meeting of February on Monday. 

The appointee would serve as the public's liaison to state, federal and local government agencies as rebuilding continues, according to the ordinance creating the position introduced by the Township Council last month. 

The ombudsman — someone with the necessary construction and recovery experience, the council said — would work four weekdays, mostly after normal business hours and on Saturdays to make it easier for residents to have their questions addressed. As a part-time position, the ombudsman would work no more than 19 and a half hours each week.

Business Administrator Paul Shives said that compensation for the position likely will end up in the $30-40,000 range. The township would fill the position sometime in March should the ordinance pass during the 6 p.m. meeting in town hall. 

Among the items on the council's meeting agenda are a vote on alerting the Colfax Street parking prohibition and a resolution authorizing the police department's purchase of 10 replacement vehicles at a cost of over $210,000. The complete agenda is available on the township's website.