 |
|
|
|
MENDHAM TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY
Town Hall (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri.)....(973) 543-4555
www.mendhamtownship.org
Stephen P. Mountain, Administrator Penny Newell, Clerk Public Works/Road Department ......(973)543-4509 Construction & Zoning Office ......(973)543-7464 Municipal Court ...................(973)543-7526 Police Dept. (Non-emergency only)..(973)543-2581
EMERGENCY ONLY......9-1-1
Township Committee
Kathryn A. Porter, Mayor……………(973)543-4003 Brian J. Phelan, Deputy Mayor………(973)895-3031 Sante D’Emidio………………………(973)543-8590 Robert D. Pierson…………………….(973)543-5606 Jack Schrier….……………………….(973)543-2447 -----------------------------------------------------------
Sign Up Now to Adopt-A-Byway! Isn’t it awful to see our roads littered with toss-outs from passing cars – burger boxes, candy wrappers, beer and soda cans and bottles, all kinds of waste paper, and other items that properly belong in trash containers? (We’ve even come across a number of school textbooks!) Apart from the question of what kind of people think it’s OK to do this type of unlawful littering, the result itself is a blight on our town. That’s why the Mendham Township Environmental Commission sponsors an Adopt-A-Byway program. You can help keep your part of Mendham Township clean and green by adopting a section of your road and keeping it litter-free. It takes a very small investment of your time, yet it offers a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction as well as great benefits for our town. The Mendham Township Adopt-A-Byway program always needs more participants. As you can sadly see, the battle is ongoing to make our town appear from the road just as beautiful as it is. We also want to extend special appreciation to the more than 100 dedicated volunteers who have been picking up litter and trash throughout the town since 1990, and to the Morris County Sheriff’s SLAP program for its help in periodically working with us to clean up Mendham Road and Tempe Wick Road, the two county roads in our town. Please join our program and help keep our roads free of litter. Call Debbie Faiello at (973) 285-9505 to learn how the program works, and how you can help.
Township of Mendham Main Street & Cherry Lane P.O. Box 520 Brookside, NJ 07926 TOWNSHIP NEWS
Vol. VIII, No. 3 AUTUMN 2000
Report from the Mayor
We’re Working to Keep Our Town Wonderful, Even As It Grows Dear Friends:
So much has happened in our town during the past few months that I want to share with you. During the winter and spring the Township Committee studied the options brought to us by our residents for expanding Town Hall. The Committee then submitted a "Request for Proposals" from architects. Proposals were received at the end of August. We will be interviewing the architects who responded and considering their proposals during the Fall. Once again we will be asking for your comments and ideas. This will not be a quick process. The Township Committee wants to make sure it makes the best decision. As you already may be aware, the Board of Education has finalized its plans for additions to both the lower and middle schools and hopes to start construction soon. The Master Plan Subcommittee has been meeting all summer long and has finalized its recommendations. There will be hearings on the Master Plan so please watch your newspapers for meeting dates and times. The new Master Plan will be the document which will guide us into the 21st century. I want to thank the Master Plan subcommittee: Sam Tolley (Chairman), Alan Willemsen, Bob Pierson, Sarah Dean Link and Pat Zimmerman, for their leadership and dedication to this process and to our town. The new Ralston Fields has had limited use this summer with some Little League games being played there. The fields will be dedicated officially next Spring, and the two soccer fields will then be in play. To lessen confusion the "old" Ralston field -- the field adjacent to the old firehouse -- will continue to be called Wysong Field, so named a number of years ago in memory of Marion Wysong, a former mayor of our town. As you will read in this issue, Burnett Brook Natural Area, the former Stirling Tomkins property, was dedicated on September 11th. This lovely land off of Mendham Road West on Mt. Paul Road adds 68 acres to our inventory of open space. The land has a beautiful hardwood forest on the upper tract, and a pond adjacent to Burnett Brook on the lower tract. The remaining 55 acres is in farmland preservation. Patriot’s Path goes through the property, continuing that path into Chester Township and Mt. Paul Park. At the end of this year the Township will be purchasing the 108-acre Seeing Eye Puppy Farm, located at the top of Ironia Road. This land is across India Brook from Buttermilk Falls and will enlarge our holdings in that area to 315 acres. The land consists of beautiful rolling fields ideal for hiking and cross-country skiing as well as a flat area appropriate for active recreation. A subcommittee composed of members of the Recreation and Environmental Commissions, plus the Tree Protection, Historic and Open Space Committees will be making recommendations to the Township Committee on the use of the land and the buildings. Also noted in this issue of your newsletter, Ralston Engine Company No. 1 has a beautiful new truck which increases the Township’s firefighting capacity without duplicating equipment. And the First Aid Squad will have a new Ambulance at the end of November. Our volunteer departments serve us all so well. They are professionals in all ways. Ralston Engine Company and the First Aid Squad contributed funds which they raised from our residents towards the purchase of this new equipment. While you may not volunteer your time to our fire and first aid organizations, you do help with the contributions you make. So please be as generous as you can when the firemen or the First Aid Squad ask for donations. I will end this last message of the year as I have ended all of my messages to you: be interested, participate, care. This is your town. The Township Committee welcomes your involvement. Help us preserve our community’s character while meeting the needs of our residents in the 21st century.
Your Comments Are Important – After All, It Is Your Town
Draft of New Master Plan Nearing Completion The Township Master Plan Committee has nearly completed the draft of a new Master Plan to guide the Township’s future development policies. Its main focus will be to curb suburban sprawl, protect environmental quality and preserve the Township's historical and environmentally sensitive character. The committee plans to present the draft to township officials and citizens this fall. In 1999, the five-member committee began the drafting process by holding public meetings to gather feedback from residents about their desires for the Township's future. There was a general consensus favoring more open space preservation and a limitation on house sizes. These became guiding principles in the formulation of the new plan. It will contain specific proposals addressing these issues. Another major concern in developing the new plan was groundwater. Residents have been reporting increased incidents of groundwater pollution and declining well yields. The committee was guided by a professional study recommending that 2,111 homes can be supported by the Township's groundwater resource. There are now almost 1,900 homes in the Township. The previous master plan would permit a total amount of development greatly in excess of the study's recommended cap. For many areas of the Township, the new plan will recommend increasing minimum lot-size requirements for new subdivisions, to bring total development more in balance with the resources needed to support it. Many recent newspaper articles have reported on the trend "monster houses" in area communities including Mendham Township. The new master plan draft recommends that very large homes be permitted as long as they are proportionate to the size of the property on which they are located. The committee feels that limiting house size in this way strikes a balance between the desires of some for very large homes and the community's desire to retain its character. A specific formula for controlling house size is recommended. It was based upon extensive research of township building records. The committee estimates that more than 98% of existing homes in the Township are within with the recommended limit. This is the first major updating of the master plan since 1983. Public hearings by the Planning Board will be scheduled this fall after the document has been distributed to officials and residents. Residents interested in reviewing the draft will be able to obtain copies from the Planning Board office at the Township Municipal Building in Brookside. Members of the Master Plan Committee are Planning Board Chairman Alan Willemsen and Vice Chairman Sam Tolley, Township Committee members Sante D’Emidio and Robert Pierson, Environmental Commission member Sarah Dean Link, and Township Planner Duggan Kimball.
(Editor’s note: A town’s Master Plan sets out goals for preservation, development, zoning and other factors which largely help determine the ultimate appearance and character of a community. By law, the Master Plan must be reviewed and updated from time to time.) ========
Recreation News
Recreation Happenings This summer has brought with it some new and exciting programs sponsored by the Recreation Commission. We began the Summer with the returning Skyhawks Camps. This year we ran 2 Minihawk programs for children ages 4 to 7, one Multi-Sport Camp, a Basketball Camp and a Golf Clinic. The camps were well received and we expect to continue with these programs in the future.
The Swim Lesson program, under the direction of Lisa Pennella went well. Over 50 children participated in this program. The beginning of the Summer although not nearly as hot as last year, still had its warm days. The Activities Director, Debra Murray worked hard to provide our members with many activities during the summer. Some of the favorites included sand castle building and scavenger hunts.
The lifeguard and concession staff worked very hard under the direction of Ross Johnson. Together they kept the beach clean and operating smoothly. A special thanks to the Department of Public Works who every year help get the beach ready for swimming and, in cooperation with the rest of the staff, clean and safe for all.
The swim team was once again under the leadership of Coach Lisa Pennella and Assistant Coach Jessica Pennella. We had over 40 team members. We participated in the Lakeland Swim Championship meet. The following swimmers made it to the final heats of their events, Sarah Button for the butterfly, Alison Pennella for the backstroke, Charlie Pontiakos for the Fly and 25 meter free style, Shannon Koenig, Carrie Tramontano, Annie Bacher, and the step up relay of the three Pennella girls, Kim, Alison, and Jessica and Halle Brewster. Alexandra McElwee also participated in the final of another relay with some of the already mentioned participants. The team also won the Good Sportsmanship Award from the Lakeland League, in an unprecedented 4th year in a row.
Our SmartSitter Babysitting Courses began this summer. (See photo) The first course was held on July 19th at the Town Hall. The class was full and the children spent the days learning about nutrition, general cleanliness, first aid and how to communicate with the parents of the children you are watching. When the course was complete, each participant took with them the course materials and a certificate showing that they successfully completed the course. The next course is scheduled for Saturday, November 18th. It is open to children from 11 to 15 years of age. To register, call the Recreation Department at 543-7301.
Looking ahead the Recreation Commission is planning several other Fall/Winter programs. In the Fall we are planning another session of Mad Science. We will also be sponsoring a Beatlemania concert on Friday, September 15th. This concert is co-sponsored by the Minuteman Club at Mendham High School. Tickets can be obtained through the Recreation Department. In conjunction with the Municipal Alliance we will sponsor some 7th and 8th grade dances.
The Ski Club dates are tentatively set for January 6th and 20th and February 5th and 10th. The overnight ski trip is planned for January 27th and 28th. We are looking for a Head Chaperone/Program Coordinator for the Ski Club. Anyone interested should contact Jeanne at the Recreation Office. Registration for the Ski Club will begin in October.
You can find information on these programs at our Web Site at mendhamtownship.org and in the Observer Tribune. The Recreation Commission also requests that you encourage your children to bring home the flyers they get in school. This is an excellent way to keep everyone informed on upcoming programs. And keep in contact with our Recreation Director, Jeanne Montemarano at (973) 543-7301. ===
Letters for the Newsletter Thank you for your letters and comments to the Newsletter. We appreciate hearing from you. We also welcome your photos and ideas for future issues. Write to: Newsletter Editor, Box 520, Brookside, NJ 07960. ===
Fire Companies and First Aid Squad:
"We’re Looking for a Few Good Men and Women"
Have you ever wanted to get involved and make a difference by helping your neighbors and friends? Have you ever considered learning to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)? How about firefighting? Have you secretly wanted to be a fireman since you were a kid? We have opportunities for you in both of our fire companies, Brookside and Ralston, as well as our First Aid Squad.
Two Fire Companies, One First Aid Squad Mendham Township residents are protected by two independent all-volunteer fire companies – Brookside Engine Co. No. 1 located on the east side of the township, and Ralston Engine Co. No. 1 located on the west side. We are also served by the independent all-volunteer Mendham Township First Aid Squad, which has quarters in both fire houses. All three organizations are partially tax-supported and provide unpaid, but well-trained, emergency services to Township residents 24 hours a day.
Who are the members? Who are the members of our fire companies and First Aid Squad? Many are new residents looking for a rewarding way to become involved in their community. Others are long-time Mendham Township residents who have been active for years. Not sure you’ll fit in? Think again. You may be surprised to learn the members include managers, school teachers, lawyers, bankers, pilots, homemakers, engineers, plumbers, sales persons, carpenters, builders, computer specialists, students, accountants, business owners, and almost any other profession you can think of. They are men and women whose ages range from young to middle age to seniors. They are interesting, they are fun, and they share a common desire to give a little of their time to serve their fellow man. The Brookside and Ralston Engine Companies are looking for people age 18+ in good health, who are willing to become front-line firefighters. The First Aid Squad is looking for active adults to become EMTs. Full training and equipment is provided by the fire companies and the First Aid Squad. You may say you don’t have time, or you work full time, or you commute to New York. Our answer is: we have lots of busy people who commute to the city, and who work full time. We find that busy people know how to manage their time to get the rewards of an exciting and meaningful volunteer job.
A job for everyone. However, if you are really pressed for time or energy there are lots of other things you can do for the fire companies and Squad. Each needs people to do computer inputting. Driver/operators are wanted, as are Fire police personnel. People with mechanical skills are needed, as well as those who can prepare food and refreshments for drills and training classes. There truly is a job for everyone. Would you like to know more? All you have to do is drop by the Brookside fire house on Cherry Lane, or the Ralston fire house on Mendham Road West, any Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Or call: Jesse Smith, Captain Mendham Township First Aid Squad (973) 543-4812 Bob Pierson, Fire Chief Brookside Engine Co. No. 1 (973) 543-5606 Bill Grier, Fire Chief Ralston Engine Co. No. 1 ((973) 543-4096 You will be glad you did!
=== New Fire Truck for Ralston Now In Service The Ralston Engine Co. has placed in service a new Pierce-Encore Reserve Truck. This truck carries six firefighters as well as rescue and firefighting equipment. Among the items of rescue equipment is a new set of air bags often used in accident scene situations and rescue work. The Ralston Engine Company appreciates the efforts of the Township Committee and all those individuals and families who helped us outfit this truck through their donations. And please remember that our annual Pancake Breakfasts are another way to contribute to the Ralston Engine Co. – while having a fun and tasty morning with your family! Hope we see you there.
===
Smoke Detectors Require Attention Your home smoke detectors are the best life insurance you can have for your family. And the correct installation, testing and maintenance of smoke detectors – which should be located on each floor-level of your home and in each bedroom -- may mean your family’s survival in a fire. False Alarms Are Costly Our volunteer fire department has been swamped with false alarms for the past several years. They account for the largest number of requests for emergency response. As a taxpaying resident, you can have a great impact on reducing false alarms by conducting annual inspections yourself, or, if you have a monitored fire detection alarm system, by making sure that it is inspected annually by a professional alarm service company. You should be aware that false alarms are subject to penalties and fines, by law. New installations require a permit from the Construction Code Office to ensure correct installation. Additionally, you must know how your system works and what can cause a false alarm. Cooking odors/smoke, steam from a shower, dust from construction work in your home, are but a few examples of conditions that may cause a false alarm. Everyone in your home – family members, housekeeping staff, baby sitters, nannies and maintenance contractors -- could be the cause of false alarm, and thereby place in jeopardy the lives of the dozens of volunteers who respond to your home. Maintenance Is Easy If you have electric or battery-operated smoke detectors those also require regular inspection and maintenance, including changing the batteries, vacuuming the detectors and testing the units per the manufacturer’s instructions. A smoke detector’s life is approximately ten years and we are beginning to see many detectors failing after this age. Your aging detectors should be replaced for your safety. Fire? Get Out - Fast! Call the fire department at 9-1-1 immediately and go outside and stay outside. Every home needs to have an escape plan with all family members meeting at a pre-designated location (tree, mailbox, neighbor’s front porch) to make sure everyone is safely outside. If a family member is missing the firefighters will re-enter the home and conduct a search with the equipment and protection necessary. Help save money and lives by doing your part to avoid needless false alarms. ----
Check Out Our Town On The Worldwide Web! Did you know that Mendham Township has its own web site, filled with information of interest to residents and visitors alike? Simply go to www.mendhamtownship.org and check it out! You can visit your home town from anyplace in the world where you have access to the Internet. The site is interactive and you are invited to send us a message or a comment when you visit. For additional information on the web site itself, please contact Township Administrator Steve Mountain at (973) 543-4555. ====
Environmental Commission:
More Planting at Buttermilk Falls On Saturday, September 16, members of the Township Environmental Commission continued the process of restoring Buttermilk Falls to its natural state, by planting about 30 shrubs at the new Frog Pond in that town park. The shrubs were supplied in one-gallon pots, and the volunteers enthusiastically dug the holes and set the plants in, all in a few hours. "Planters" were advised to wear boots, or shoes that wouldn’t mind getting wet, as the planting was done mostly in wet areas. A wildlife note … While in the park, stay alert and you may glimpse a new resident -- a coyote. The coyote (or coyotes, as there may be more than one) was attracted perhaps by a booming chipmunk population and brush piles remaining from selective removal of trees earlier this spring to improve the health of the forest. Nonetheless, the coyote(s) has established residence and been observed on a number of occasions by Natural Area regulars. There are so many examples of Nature’s wonders to be seen every day in our Natural Areas, not only in the Autumn but in every season of the year. Remember: Buttermilk Falls is a Mendham Township municipal park, one of your very own hometown wonderlands of natural beauty. Put a visit on your calendar soon, walk it with your entire family for a terrific outing … and make your personal discoveries.
Environmental Brochures Available A variety of free brochures dealing with environmental issues of interest to residents has been placed in the Township Office and our Library for pick-up by residents. Please avail yourself of this opportunity to know more about our trails and parklands, and how you can help to keep our air, land and water "Mendham Quality."
===
Isn’t There ANYTHING We Can Do To Avoid Deer Browse Damage? Martha Stewart – along with millions and millions of Americans in virtually every corner of the nation – suffers deer browse damage in her garden. On a recent Martha Stewart Living TV show she noted the following, which may be of help, if not comfort, to Mendham gardeners: With more than 15 million deer in the United States, it’s hardly a surprise that our gardens fall prey to their grazing. Ken Twombly has lots of experience with deer at his nursery in Monroe, Connecticut, and he’s found that although few plants are entirely deer proof, some plants, such as oriental poppies, forget-me-nots, peonies, primroses, boxwood, salvia and ferns are more resistant than others. Deer will eat almost anything when they’re hungry; they especially love new growth. To protect your garden beds consider using plants that act as natural barriers. Try edging a bed with low-growing deer-resistant plants such as Heuchera or Pulmoniaria. Deer will browse the plant, be repelled, and move on. Following is a list of some deer-resistant plants:
Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’
E. cyparissais ‘Fen’s Ruby’
Salvia nemorosa ‘Blue Hill’
Spirea nipponica Boxwood, Buxus sempervirens Heuchera ‘Regal Robe’ Lungwort, Pulmonaria longifolia Japanese Painted Fern, Athyrium nipponicum var pictum Pieris japonica ‘Valley Valentine’ ===
And How About Those Bears, Eh? The Township Committee received a letter from a Brookside resident not long ago asking what might be done by residents who are concerned about the increase in black bear sightings in the area. In response, we pass along the following recommendations from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, recommendations that are well worth following:
=====
Historic Notes The Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee and the Ralston Historical Association invite you to attend a weekend of Apple Jack and Apple Cider fun
This special weekend event starts Friday, October 13th – beginning with an informative and entertaining lecture on the role that Apple Jack played in the early days of Mendham Township and Northern Jersey, and ending with a tour of "Sammy’s" Cider Mill on Sunday, October 15th.
"Sammy’s" Cider Mill Taken From Lucille Hobbie’s Historic Ralston Poster
Apple Jack Lecture Returning this year to take a historic look at Apple Jack is former Mendham Township resident Bill Wilkie. Apple Cider, and especially Apple Jack, played an important part in the life and economy of Mendham Township. This entertaining lecture will take place on Friday, October 13th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Club at Brookside. A display of local stills and tools used for making Apple Jack will supplement the talk. Don’t let the date scare you away: mark your calendar for … Friday the 13th … today!
Cider Mill Tour Sammy’s Ye Olde Cider Mill (the mill, not the restaurant) will once again be open for tours on October 15th* from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Many residents have visited the mill on previous tours and open-house events, and many others have expressed great interest in doing so again. And if you have not yet toured this marvelous historic legacy of Mendham’s past, please consider making it a date on October 15th. You’ll agree, it’s a great experience.
Ralston General Store Flax Spinning and Exhibit After touring the Cider Mill, stop by the Ralston General Store Museum to see the "Flax – Seeds to Shirts" exhibit. Most colonial homes grew flax in their gardens for making everything from rope to clothing. Walk with us through the various stages and tools used in the process, to get from seeds to shirts. A spinner will be on hand on Sunday, October 15th, to demonstrate the art of spinning flax.
====
caption for photo: Photographed in August at the entrance to their magnificent tree farm are Stirling and Elizabeth Tomkins, who helped make it possible for the town to acquire their property as our newest municipal park, to be known as Burnett Brook Natural Area.
Open Space Committee Mendham Residents Enrich Our Open Space
Stirling and Elizabeth Tomkins recently sold 68 acres of their beautiful woodland property to the Township to be part of our open space program. They chose to do this to protect their property from development, and to keep it in its natural state for future generations to enjoy. The Tomkins’ tract was dedicated at a special ceremony on September 11. The Township was assisted in this purchase by the County Open Space Trust Fund Committee and the Freeholders who ultimately approved our application for supplemental funding. County Freeholders Jack Schrier and Frank Druetzler were on hand at the dedication, and presented the town with a check for $500,000. The property will henceforth be known as Burnett Brook Natural Area. This newest town parkland is located just off Mendham Road West, on our border with Chester Township, and is described as a "hidden natural wonder." It features steep, rugged topography and pristine forest land. The Burnett Brook Natural Area is the central link in what is now a broad natural greenway, comprising over 800 acres of contiguous open space from the Schiff Nature Preserve to Mount Paul Park. "This wonderful new addition to the Township’s open space network will provide outstanding recreational opportunities for hikers and horse enthusiasts alike," said Mayor Katie Porter. "With the acquisition of the Tomkins’ tract the Township has protected a critical open space link between our own Schiff Nature Preserve and the County’s Mount Paul Park in Chester Township. It also preserves a multitude of natural features including a section of historic Burnett Brook and over 30 species of trees." Mr. and Mrs. Tomkins had encouraged the town to acquire the land since 1998 and they worked to help make it affordable. Mr. Tomkins called the sale a "clean and simple process." In August, Mr. Tompkins met with the Environmental Commission and described the forest management practices he has implemented on his land, of interest because the sale agreement specifies that sustainable forestry concepts are to be employed in the future use of the property. Mayor Porter said, "On behalf of the town, we are grateful to the Tomkins for their good will. We also are proud of the efforts our Township has made to preserve open space since 1993, and look forward to many more civic-minded acquisitions like the Tomkins’ tract in the future." The Mayor added, "We are building a green infrastructure in our Township that preserves our community’s character, and which will be enjoyed by residents now and forever." For more information about how you can help with our open space initiative, contact Township Administrator Steve Mountain at (973) 543-4555. ====
Women’s Health Screening. Appointment necessary. Screening for early detection of breast/cervical cancer, Pap test, blood pressure and a hemoglobin check for all women. Being introduced this year is the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) thyroid function test offered to women 65 and older who have not been screened in at least three years, or women who have a strong familial history. Wednesday, October 25, and November 1, 2000 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Fellowship Village. To make your appointment and for more information, call 908-204-2520 or –3701
Flu and Pneumonia Shots. Seniors and others with chronic health conditions. Protect yourself this winter, with low-cost flu and pneumonia immunization. Medicare B accepted. Dates are subject to change based on vaccine availability. Call 908-766-0180.
Wednesday, October 11, 2000 - Basking Ridge Firehouse, 9 -11:00 am Thursday, October 12, 2000 - Chester Borough Hall, 9 -11:00 am Saturday, October 21, 2000 - Bernards Twp. Community Center, 9 -11:00 am Friday, October 27, 2000 - Peapack-Gladstone Boro hall, 9 -11:00 am Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - Bernards Twp. Health Department, 9 -11:00 am Child Health Conference. Free physical exams with immunization are offered to infants and pre-school children of residents. Appointment is necessary. Call 908-766-0180.
First Tuesday Every Month – Liberty Corner First Aid Squad Bldg., 9am – noon Childhood Lead Screening Program. No charge. Sponsored by Bernards Twp. Health Dept. and Rotary Club of the Mendhams. Appointment necessary. Call 908-766-0180.
Screening Mammography. Conducted in conjunction with ED Imaging of Bedminster, Corvas of Morristown, and the Radiology Center at Harding. To receive a voucher for reduced cost screening mammography services visit the Mendham Township Board of Health office in the municipal building (above the library) in Brookside, or call (973) 543-4555. Food Handlers Course. No charge. For employees and potential employees of all area food establishments and restaurants. Call to register: 908- 204-3071.
November 9, 2000 – Bernards Township Library, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
====
Before You Can Sell Your Home ... Before the sale of any home in Mendham Township can be completed, the law requires that specific health and safety requirements must be met and confirmed by certification. Here’s what’s needed:
Your detectors must be inspected to assure that they comply with all current regulations. Contact Fire Safety Inspector Jeffrey Betz at (973)543-5557. Fee: $35.
Your septic system must be inspected by either a State of NJ licensed professional engineer or a Registered Environmental Health Specialist not affiliated with the Township. Application forms are available from the Board of Health office. The Certificate is issued when the completed form is returned to the Board of Health. Fee: $35.
The water must be sampled by, and tested by a State certified laboratory for resale parameters required by the Township. The list of required tests is available form the Board of Health. The Certificate is issued when satisfactory test results are supplied to the Board of Health. Fee: $35. Lists of septic system inspectors and laboratories certified to perform water tests may be obtained from the Board of Health office, but you are not restricted to these lists. Call (973) 543-4555 for more details. ====
Lower Your Cost of Garbage Collection As a Mendham Township resident you are entitled to use the town’s free garbage collection program. You pay only for the volume of garbage you produce, based on the weight of a bag. There is no charge for the collection.
Within the past year, the cost of a sticker for a 15 lb. bag of trash has come down over 10% to just 60¢ If you put out one 15 lb. bag per week, 52 weeks of trash collection is a mere $31.20 A sticker must be affixed to each bag. If you place several bags in a garbage can and the total weight is not more than 15 lbs., place one sticker on the top bag so that it is visible when the lid is removed. If there is no sticker, the garbage cannot be picked up. Stickers Stickers are available for purchase in lots of 10 stickers, and may be purchased directly from Waste Management of New Jersey Inc. by mail (50 Parker Road, Chester, NJ 07930) or, as a convenience to our residents, at the Mendham Apothecary located in the Kings/Village Shopping Center in Mendham. Garbage includes all waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking or consumption of foods. Garbage also includes normal household rubbish or refuse which is not recyclable, but not hazardous waste, and not bulk trash. Bulk trash does not require stickers. Bulk trash includes furniture, carpets, mattresses, large toys, empty paint cans (not oil based), or other items too large to fit into a garbage can. Please note, however, that bulk trash does not include any type of construction, building, demolition or renovation materials.
Note: On October 15 the trash collector will be changing the pickup days for some township roads. Not all roads are affected. Please keep an eye open for a mailing from Waste Management which will be sent to you if yours is one of the roads concerned. To be sure of your new pickup day or for more information, call Waste Management directly at (908) 879-5616.
Morris County Curbside Recycling Program Important Information for 2000-2001
Curbside Recycling is Collected Every Other Monday Call Town Hall for a Schedule-Calendar
Prepare Newspapers Properly for Recycling Prepare your old newspapers for curbside recycling collection by bundling them and tying the bundles with string or twine. Keep newspapers separate from all other paper and do not place them in plastic bags. It is OK to include in the bundle: coupon inserts, glossy special sections, and paper that actually comes with the newspaper. Thanks to your efforts our recycling program is very successful. Recycling is required by state law and has the extra benefit of reducing the weight of trash you put out for weekly collection, thereby saving you money on your per-bag garbage fee.
Label Your Recycling Containers Please identify with labels (available free at town hall) the type of recyclable material in each container (i.e. "mixed paper", "newspapers only", "mixed recyclables") especially when lids are placed on the containers. Recyclables must be placed at the curb the night before collection. That way there is no reason for your pickup to be missed.
=======
Brush Pick-Ups, Disposal of Hazardous Materials Please note the following dates on your calendar:
Brush Pickup: Starts Tuesday, October 10, 2000 Tire, Batteries, and Oil Recycling: 8 a.m. -noon, Saturday, October 21, 2000 Christmas Tree Collection: Week of January 15, 2001 ====== 0 ======
Christmas Tree Collection: Week of January 15, 2001 Please remove ALL decorations and tree stands.
Tire, Batteries, and Oil Recycling: 8 a.m. - noon, Saturday, October 21, 2000 Collection of used tires, vehicle batteries, and used motor oil -- designated as hazardous materials -- will take place at the Township Public Works garage on Mt. Pleasant Road between 8 a.m. and noon on the specified date, above. Charges are: Tires, $2; Tires with rims, $6; Batteries, $1 each; Oil, no charge.
Autumn Brush Pick-Up: Tuesday, October 10, 2000 NOTE: Brush will not be picked up if your property has been cleared by a contractor. Contractors must dispose of cleared wood themselves. The purpose of this program is solely to assist in the removal of naturally-fallen branches, etc. for homeowners who do not have access to substantial wooded areas on their property. Public Works Superintendent Dave Read asks that you place material at the side of the road by 7 a.m. on the first day of collection, with the ends facing the roadway. Do not tie bundles with wire! Use string only. All material must fit through the chipper. That means bundles should be less than 12" in diameter and less than 6 ft. in length. Please, no stumps, and no logs over 6 ft. -- they will not be collected. It is very important NOT to include in your bundles any material other than branches, scrub, or brush. In the past, the DPW has discovered wire and even metal rods tucked within bundles! This damages township equipment which must then be repaired or replaced with your tax dollars. More important, this type of material can cause serious injury to workers when it passes through the chipper. We are pleased to continue providing these helpful services to Township residents and we appreciate your cooperation in following the few simple requirements, and helping to ensure safety. If you have any questions please telephone the Dept. of Public Works at (973) 543-4509.
=======
- 30 - Additional text:
Don’t Trash Your Old Carpeting – Recycle It, Instead! CarpetCycle is a new company located in nearby Dover which is authorized to accept
carpeting and carpet padding for recycling. Recycling this material keeps it out of our
landfills and helps it find a new "life." There is no cost for this service. The
company, in conjunction with the Morris County MUA, bales and ships your old carpeting to
their factory. Nylon is extracted and made into new nylon, while padding is cut, washed
and re-glued to become padding for new carpeting. Call CarpetCycle at (973) 659-9595
to confirm the acceptability of your carpeting before traveling to Dover. |
|
