Asbury Park appoints new city manager
Michael Capabianco hired at starting salary of $125,000
The City Council appointed Michael Capabianco as the next City Manager at its Wednesday night council meeting. His term starts on November 9 and lasts until December 31, 2018.
Capabianco, who is currently administrator in Little Ferry in Bergen County, will be paid $125,000 per year. His employment agreement with Asbury Park calls for salary increases annually, subject to state approval, with his final year compensation set at $137,500.
Capabianco, 38, lives in Aberdeen with his wife and two children.
“When I told people I was coming here, everyone I spoke to said this a great place and you are lucky to be there,” Capabianco said after thanking the Mayor and Council. “I am thankful and lucky to be here.”
The vote to appoint Capabianco was 5-0.
Asbury Park has been without a city manager since former manager Jack Kelly’s contract was not renewed on January 1. Long-time city employee Anthony Nuccio has been serving since that time as Acting City Manager.
Nuccio said, 37 potential candidates were narrowed to 15 applicants. He described Capabianco as an energetic, young individual who received nothing but the highest accolades from his professional references.
“He has an extensive background in all phases of municipal government,” Nuccio said. “He is experienced in union negotiations, planning and zoning policies, statistical analysis, public works operations, land use development, economic development, community development, budgeting, and fiscal management.”
He obtained a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Saint Joseph’s University in 2005, a Master’s of Public Administration from Kean University in 2001, and a BA in Criminal Justice from York College of Pennsylvania in 1998.
Capabianco recently completed his CMFO training and will be testing for that certification next month, Nuccio said.
“One of my personal goals that I want to accomplish, is putting money back into people’s pockets,” Capabianco said.
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