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(Mendham Twp. Newsletter - Spring 2000) (back of mailer, after folding:) (panel:)----------------------------------------------------
MENDHAM TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY
Town Hall (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri.)....(973)543-4555
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)895-7237 Robert D. Pierson…………………….(973)543-5056 Jack Schrier.……………………….(973)543-2447 ===
Designer Needed for This Newsletter The Mendham Township Newsletter has always been an "in house" project, since it began nine years ago. It is written and edited by township volunteers, with a little help from our printer. Now we think it’s time for a more professional appearance, and we would hope to find a "professional" -- or at least an experienced artist, designer, or layout person -- among our own residents. Can you do it? Are you interested? If you have this kind of background, perhaps with a magazine or an ad agency, for example, and would like to help develop a fresh "newsletter" look and layout, contact Penny Newell at town hall at (973) 543-4555. è June 6 Is Primary Election Day - Be Sure to Vote! ç ----------------------------------------------------------- (addressing panel:) [p/u Bulk Indicia] Township of Mendham Main Street & Cherry Lane P.O. Box 520 Brookside, NJ 07926 TOWNSHIP NEWS
q Mayor’s Report: "No Tax Increase – Again!" ... and much more
=========== (first spread:) (masthead and logo) Vol. IX, No. 1 SPRING 2000 Report from the Mayor (inset photo of Mayor Porter)
No Tax Increase In Town – Once Again. Spring is here! We finally had a real winter season this year, after a couple of years of mild winters. As a gardener, I appreciate the snow cover which is so beneficial to our plants. I am also thankful for the "snow melt" which benefits our streams and helps to replenish our underground aquifers, which were sorely depleted following last year’s serious drought. If we have sufficient Spring rains we will approach Summer with healthy supplies of water. But we still should remember that the Summer and Fall could be as dry and hot as last year’s … so I encourage all of you to continue to conserve water. (Our popular article, "Gardening With Drought," appears again in this edition.)
Road Department Gets Praise I want to take the opportunity to thank Dave Read, our Superintendent of Public Works, and his men, for the efficient, thorough and timely job they did to keep our roads snow and ice free. Whenever winter conditions are forecast our crew is on call and ready to go to work, no matter what the hour.
Town Hall and Library Space Needs In November and December of last year there were two well-attended public presentations and hearings on the Township Committee’s concept plans for the expansion of Town Hall and the construction of a new community library. During the winter we continued to listen to our residents who expressed both support and reservations for the proposal. Despite articles which appeared in the October 1999 Township Newsletter and in the Observer Tribune, not everyone was aware of these hearings. The Township Committee wants to make sure all residents are a part of the process and know what is being recommended. A number of residents have expressed their specific views regarding the project. I want to assure all of you that the Township Committee will continue to study and debate the options until it feels it has made the best decision. At every Township Committee meeting we talk about the proposal in public session, and we welcome your ideas and comments. So please be an active partner in your community -- come to our meetings, listen, and participate.
Yes, Our Municipal Tax Rate Is Unchanged -- Again I am pleased and proud to tell you that for the third year in a row there will be no tax increase in the municipal budget. In fact, there has been only one tax increase, of less than 3¢, in the past ten years! The Township Committee strives to balance the budget without a tax increase and not cut back on services. Copies of the budget are at town hall for your perusal.
Master Plan for the Town The Planning Board Master Plan Subcommittee continues to meet between 6:00 and 7:30 PM before every Planning Board meeting to deliberate and draft a new plan which will be presented to the Planning Board and Township Committee for further discussion and final adoption. Input from interested groups and citizens in the drafting of the new plan are keys to the process, and you are encouraged to attend their meetings. An article by the Master Plan Committee also appears in this newsletter.
Recreation Advances Our soccer and Little League players and their coaches have something to look forward to late this Spring: the opening of the Ralston fields! Thanks to the generosity, hard work and dedication of the Recreation Commission and a number of volunteers, we will dedicate these much needed fields in June. The ball field is a regulation Little League field. And, with two soccer fields, we will be able to rotate their use and also reverse the direction of play, and thus keep the fields in excellent shape for a long time to come. There is so much going on in our town to prepare it for the 21st century and for our children and future generations. I encourage all of you to be a partner with your town leaders in making these important decisions. A list of all Township Committee meetings and their dates is in this newsletter. Growth is inevitable, but how we grow is what we are addressing. Together we can maintain the best of what makes Mendham Township so special and at the same time make it an even better place in which to live. (signature) Katie Porter Mayor =========
FAS Helps Buy New Ambulance When our all-volunteer Mendham Township First Aid Squad (FAS) responds to a call, its members race to save our lives, attend to our injuries, take us to the hospital. But when the Squad’s ten-year old ambulance becomes "injured" and unreliable, and even potentially hazardous, after repeated repairs, the Township Committee agrees it’s high time to replace it. So, soon after you read this, the Squad will be getting a new vehicle to help maintain its very high level of free emergency services to our community. About five years ago one of our two FAS ambulances (one is always ready for action in Ralston, the other in Brookside) was replaced after almost a dozen years in service. This current purchase is being financed by the township with a cost-sharing portion provided by the First Aid Squad itself. The Squad is able to help this year thanks to contributions from residents like you who give so generously during their fund raising drives. You’ll be hearing more about the new ambulance, and have an opportunity for you and your family to come out and admire it when arrival time draws near. Keep an eye on the Observer-Tribune and check in with the town’s own website (www.mendhamtownship.org) for more information. ====
Making Sense of the Census By now you should have received your packet from the U.S. Census Bureau asking for vital statistics about your family for Census 2000. Please – complete the forms and send them back, or our town (as well as our county and state) may not get it’s full, fair share of government funding for important projects. =====
From Our Building Department Spring is in the air and you may be considering undertaking a construction project to enhance or beautify your home. Perhaps you’d like to add a deck, put on an addition, or simply remodel a room. In most cases where this type of construction project is concerned, a building permit is necessary. We are here to help you through all your plan review and building inspection requirements. It is the Building Department’s function to ensure that all construction is in complete compliance with Building Codes (i.e., regulations) for the protection of your family’s and the community’s health, safety and property. So, if you do decide on a construction project this Spring or anytime, please feel free to contact the Building Department for assistance. Our inspectors have years of experience and are glad to offer it to you. ====
Recycling Dates for This Year
Recycling Is Collected Every Other Monday Please Have Cans and Bundles at Curbside by 7 a.m.
April 10 and 24 September 11 and 25 May 8 and 22 October 9 and 23 June 5 and 19 November 6 and 20 July 3 and 17 December 4 and 18 August 14 and 28
Thanks to all your fine efforts, our recycling program has been very successful. As you know, recycling is not only required by law, it has the extra benefit of reducing the volume of trash you put out for weekly collection, thereby saving you money on your per-bag fee! At current rates, if you put out one 15 lb. bag per week you pay a mere $30 for a full year (50 weeks) of trash collection! That’s a 10% reduction from last year’s rates. How to Prepare Newspapers for Recycling To properly prepare your old newspapers for curbside collection, bundle them and tie 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 all paper that actually comes with the newspaper.
=== Brush Pick-Ups, Hazardous Materials Disposal Please note the following dates on your calendar: Spring Brush Pick-Up: Monday, April 17, 2000 Spring HazMat (Tire/Battery/Oil Recycling): 8 a.m. - noon, Saturday, May 20, 2000 Fall Brush Pick-Up: Monday, September 18, 2000 Fall HazMat (Tire/Battery/Oil Recycling): 8 a.m. - noon, Saturday, October 21, 2000
A Note About "HazMat" Collection of used tires, vehicle batteries, and used motor oil -- designated as hazardous materials (HazMat) -- will take place at the Township Public Works garage on Mt. Pleasant Road between 8 a.m. and noon on the specified dates, above. Charges are: Tires, $2; Tires with rims, $6; Batteries, $1 each; Oil, no charge.
How to Put Out Brush Properly Public Works Superintendent David H. Read, Sr., asks that you place material at the side of the road by 7 a.m. with the ends facing the roadway. Do not tie bundles with wire! Use string only. 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. All material must fit through the chipper.
Brush will not be picked up if lots or wooded areas are cleared by either the homeowner or a contractor. Homeowners or contractors must dispose of cleared wood themselves. Brush pick-up is mainly intended for the purpose of clearing away only brush which has fallen naturally during storms, for homeowners who have no wooded or natural areas on their property to dispose of the material.
Important: It is crucial NOT to include in your bundles any material other than branches, scrub, or brush. When wire or metal rods are tucked inside the bundles, this damages township equipment which must then be repaired or replaced with your tax dollars. Most important, this kind of material can cause serious injury to workers when it passes through the chipper. The town is pleased to continue providing these environmentally-important services to residents and we appreciate your cooperation in helping to ensure safety. If you have any questions please telephone the Dept. of Public Works at (973)543-4509.
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Save Your Dog – And Yourself! Do you know how many times we have heard about dog owners walking their pets at night while dressed dark clothing? Many people actually wear black! Those folks are accidents just waiting to happen, accidents that can easily cripple or kill the dogs as well as their owners. Most of our roads are unlighted and narrow, not easy to traverse even under the best circumstances. Think about this the next time you’re out on that chore, and make sure you dress in light colored or white clothing for maximum visibility. If you have reflective armbands or other such items, be sure to affix them, too. It really makes a difference. And while we’re at it, do you know which side of the road to walk on? Many do not, and sometimes we see people on both sides at the same time! The answer is, it is correct to walk facing oncoming traffic. (Cyclists, however, should ride with traffic flow.) That way, while walking you can see what's coming at you and dive into the roadside if necessary. So, whatever you're walking -- dog, bicycle, stroller, or on your own -- face the traffic for safety.
(NJ State law (39:4-34) says, in part: "On all highways where there are no sidewalks or paths for pedestrian use, pedestrians shall … walk only on the extreme left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing approaching traffic.")
==== "What’s Up" With Our Environmental Commission? Steady progress is continuing in the Environmental Commission's program to restore the Buttermilk Falls Natural Area. The 270-acre site was saved by the Township after a developer had already cleared and graded roadways for a housing development. It took a while, but the land is now township-owned and protected. Some recent accomplishments and projects near completion at Buttermilk Falls: • Last fall 250 trees were planted by town volunteers with the invaluable assistance of our Department of Public Works personnel, who dug the holes. The plantings bring to 870 the trees planted so far! The next phase of the reforestation program will involve protecting native seedlings until they are less vulnerable to deer browsing. • A detention basin constructed by the developer was converted to a shallow water wetland habitat – also with the assistance of DPW. An initial planting of wetland plants will be supplemented with additional planting this spring. • A second wetland will be constructed in the spring by building a low berm on the builders' road near Buttermilk Falls. • Walking trails have been improved and blazed. A trail formerly routed through the site of the Revolutionary War-era "Lewis Forge" was rerouted to avoid disturbance of the site. (insert angled illus. of guide, folded – see photocopy) A wonderful new pocket-size trail map and visitors guide has been prepared for the Buttermilk Falls Area and the adjacent India Brook Natural Area. In addition to the trails and physical features, the map highlights 18th and 19th century industrial sites on the properties. Copies are available free at the Township Office and the Township Library. Other projects with a Township-wide focus that are completed or in progress: • Researching and mapping all easements granted in the development of Township properties. The map will be a valuable reference in efforts to fully achieve the original purpose of the easements, and to the Planning Board as it considers additional easements.. • Walking trails throughout the township will be displayed on a new map to be available for distribution later this year. • The Environmental Commission and the Planning Board are working together to advise the Township Committee on Land Use ordinance changes intended to reduce the quantity and improve the quality of Township storm water runoff . Model ordinances developed by the Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Committee, an organization dedicated to protecting the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge, are being evaluated for their applicability to our town. In addition to its close ties to the Planning Board, the Environmental Commission also works closely with our Tree Preservation and Landscape Committee and Open Space Committee. In recognition of the Township's responsibility as the headwater municipality for the Whippany and Passaic Rivers, your Environmental Commission members are contributing to watershed management activities in the Whippany and Passaic Watersheds. We are active participants in the work of the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee and the Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Committee. If you would like to know more about the work of the Environmental Commission or would like to call our attention to an environmental issue in the township, call Ralph Rhodes at 973-543-6878.
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Master Plan Update
In October and December of last year, the Master Plan Committee held public meetings to discuss the future vision of the Township and to review working drafts of initial sections of the revised Master Plan. The drafts reviewed were of a Vision Statement, Introduction and Background, Community Characteristics, and Statement of Objectives and Assumptions. Most public comments were favorable but numerous changes were made to reflect particular issues and concerns. The most frequently expressed comments were residents' concerns about diminishing water supply from private wells and about recent development trends of "oversized homes" on relatively small lots changing the character of the community. The preliminary completion of these sections now sets the foundation for the Committee to begin drafting the central element of the Master Plan, the Land Use Plan. Comments about water supply have refocused attention on the recommendations contained in a study completed by the Township's Environmental Consultants in 1994. It concluded that the Township's current Zone Plan will ultimately result in more dwellings than can be sustained by the Township's ground water aquifers. These conclusions were given more urgency recently by the comments from a number of residents about examples of failing private wells. The Master Plan Committee will be concentrating its attention on these issues as it undertakes the drafting of the Land Use Plan. The Committee plans to present a preliminary draft of a core Master Plan to the Planning Board later this year. The Master Plan Committee continues to invite the comments of interested residents and groups. Additional meetings for public review and comment will be scheduled. Written comments are always welcomed. All Master Plan Committee work meetings are open to the public. For more information, call Linda Peralta, Planning Board Secretary, at (973) 543-4555. ====
The Value -- to You -- of Open Space FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
by the Open Space Committee
A: Land that has potential for recreational use, or has an environmental, historic, scenic, or rural impact, are all excellent candidates for open space preservation.
A: Mendham Township has more than 310 acres of beautiful open space, all of it available for public use and enjoyed for nature walks and hiking trails. These lands include Buttermilk Falls, Tempe Wick Reserve, Dismal Harmony and India Brook.
A: The amount of funding needed varies depending on the situation, but the township uses our own Open Space Trust Fund to which all residents contribute, plus grants and loans from the County and State, as well as public donations and other sources.
A: Open space boosts your property values, helps preserve the unique character and beauty of Mendham Township, and assists in keeping our property taxes under control by not increasing the need for additional services. Also worth keeping in mind are the significant estate planning, tax and legacy benefits of selling or donating your land to the town.
A: Yes, indeed! There are many residents who have taken this option and enjoy the benefits while continuing to be an active, valuable part of the community.
A: Go right to the top: contact Mayor Katie Porter. She can be reached by phone at town hall, (973) 543-4555. Katie will also provide you with a free booklet called "Options On How to Protect Your Land for Future Generations." Whether or not you have land for easements
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Mendham History Comes to Life Report from our Historic Preservation Committee Wouldn't it have been fun and informative if we could actually talk to the people who lived here a hundred years ago? If we could hear anecdotes about their schools, jobs, the foods they ate, clothes they wore, events they attended, how they lived, and what their joys and disappointments were? That's what the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) thought, too. So, as part of the Township's 250th Anniversary, the HPC began a program that would bring our town's history to life. No, we couldn't literally talk to the people of a hundred years ago. But we could do the next best thing. We could begin recording historical sites located throughout the township, and recounting historical anecdotes as they were lived or passed down to some of our more venerable neighbors. We chose to do this by videotaping the Township's historic sites and the events of our 250th Anniversary, and also by continuing a program of oral histories that was begun in 1998. Eight of the historical tapes are completed and available for viewing at the Township Library. These include armchair tours narrated by HPC Chairman, Ernie Maw, that visits historic sites along East and West Main Streets, Cherry Lane, Woodland Road, Mountainside Road and Ironia Road. Also recorded is the series of historical lectures presented at the Community Club last February and March, 1999, featuring John Cunningham, Anne Howard, Fred Bartenstein, Wilma Sagurton, Al Merck, Stewart Pollack and the late Frances Pingeon. Finally, there's a special tape of a Township Committee meeting with the principals dressed in 18th Century attire (definitely worth seeing) along with a fascinating tour of Sammy's Cider Mill. "These tapes aren't the end," explains Ernie Maw, Historic Preservation Committee's chairman. "We taped last year's 4th of July celebrations, including the Brookside parade, a charcoal burn, and an outdoor worship service. We photographed Ralston Day in October, with visits to the general store, the manor house, and cider mill. These should be ready soon. In the future, we plan more filming in Ralston, and we'll begin exploring the iron mines and forges as well as other industrial sites that were important during our town's earliest years." We can hardly wait, Ernie – but we CAN wait. After all, it’s our history.
New Business The HPC is pleased to report the preservation of the Clark, Combs & Coe house on Old Brookside Road. Our thanks to Dominic Paragano, the developer, who redesigned one of his houses to incorporate and preserve this historic structure. On March 8 there was a public hearing to create a three-mile linear Historic District along Tempe Wick Road. This district will encompass the road's entire length, and requires the coordinated effort of both Mendham Township and Harding Township. Later this year an application will be submitted in Trenton for a similar designation in the India Brook area, and, if funds are available, a Multiple Properties Nomination will be submitted shortly after. Hot-off-the-press is a wonderful pamphlet with a map and historic discussion of the Buttermilk Falls-India Brook parks, prepared by the Environmental Commission. These town parks are a rustic and scenic hiking area. For those with sharp eyes (or who have the brochure and map handy) there are to be seen the remains of iron mines, forges, lime kilns and charcoal burning areas. Pamphlets are available free in town hall and in the library.
(Thanks to EM and HPC) ==== (photo)
A New Face at the Tax Window As of the new year, the Township has a full-time employee dedicated to tax collection. This will free our own Judy Dodd to concentrate on the many other finance office activities which she has been handling so well for years, including the complexities of purchasing. Our new employee, Antoinette Theesfeld (pictured) is known as Toni. She joined us after seven years as a Regional Manager for a tax search firm which enabled her to obtain extensive experience in tax collection issues. She presently is taking courses in pursuit of Tax Collector certification from the state. When she is not handling tax issues, Toni will be assisting with payroll, escrow, and other general finance issues. ====
Letters to the Newsletter (N.B. The following letters have been edited for publication.) Put Expansion Plans On Hold To the Editor: "At the February 14th Mendham Township Committee meeting I presented a petition asking that plans to construct new facilities for Town Government and the library be put ‘on hold’ while a thorough investigation of other options is undertaken. The petition was specific regarding the areas to look into, and asked for, among other items, a professional experienced in space design to analyze the municipal offices and library for ways to use available space more efficiently, and explore modern techniques to reduce onsite document storage. It also identified alternative options to achieve the goals of meeting the need for more space. "Having stood in front of the Brookside Post Office three Saturday mornings and talked with local residents on the subject … it was gratifying to find so many residents who signed the petition wanted to preserve the appearance and character of Brookside. "Several statements made at the February 14th meeting suggested that those who question this project do not support libraries or learning. That is not the case. The real issue is whether the proposed expansion is necessary to serve the needs of the community. To use an analogy, we are being presented with a menu of pheasant under glass while we are quite content with meat and potatoes. I believe the Township Committee should consider what the people want to eat, rather than what the supporters of a new library building want to feed us. "Personally, I have a high regard for the members of the Mendham Township Committee and for those who run our library. You have done an excellent job of being attuned to the special character of Mendham Township. We earnestly hope you will continue to be so."
Library a Valuable Asset To the Editor: "At the February 14th meeting of the Mendham Township Committee there was a discussion of the proposed municipal expansion, and the possibility of a new library building. As a 35-year resident of Brookside with 21 years as library director, I would like to share some thoughts about ‘change.’ "I, too, love the character of ‘downtown’ Brookside. When we moved here, there was no firehouse -- just the quaint old school, housing all the municipal services, with one small room as a library. When the large, but needed, firehouse was built, it changed the landscape of Brookside forever. I liked it the way it was, but our municipal services are centered in Brookside and we had to respond to the needs of increasing population. So it is today. "Critics of the expansion say they love the library just as it is. They love the friendliness, the pleasant staff, the opportunity to visit with friends, the outstanding book collection, and the excellent services. But those are not functions of the building; they are functions of the volunteers and staff who work there, and the people who use the library. Relocating to a more efficient building doesn’t have to change the library. "I worked in the library from the time it was one small classroom through two previous expansions, so I know how badly more space is needed. The book stacks are too close together, and so high you can’t see the top shelf. More space is needed for children’s programs, and a quiet room. Three people now share an office barely big enough for one. We expect services from both our municipal employees and the library staff, but we cannot expect them to provide those services without the tools to do so - and one of those tools is space. "For those who are concerned about the size of the proposed library building, I suggest you go look at the Chester library on Rt.24. It is the same area as the concept design for Brookside, and it is hardly overwhelming. Go inside, and be reassured by the small-town and friendly atmosphere. "The Library Board of Trustees has chosen to remain a ‘private’ library to reduce the tax burden on the community. In 1999 the Township government contributed $118,000 toward the annual budget; the library raised the rest. If it were a ‘municipal’ library, the Township would have been required by the State to contribute $350,000 -- three times as much -- and also would be responsible for the entire cost of building and furnishing a new library. As it is now, the Library Board of Trustees has committed to raising $500,000 for the new library. "I believe our residents agree that our library is a valuable asset that deserves municipal support -- and that it belongs in Brookside. It is my opinion that the library also deserves a larger, more efficient building in order to continue providing such outstanding service to our community." -- Sarah Dean Link
Ignored at the Roadside To the Editor: "Last year our refrigerator stopped working, and when Jan and I talked about it we decided to get a new unit. We went up to Sears in Rockaway and after settling on a new fridge, the salesperson asked if we were interested in having Sears dispose of the old one. I said no thanks, my town does that free of charge. Sears wanted $30.00. "When the new fridge was delivered Sears placed the old one at the curb. But to my surprise our trash collector placed a sticker on it stating they would not remove it as there was still freon in it. I called Sears back, but their disposal offer was no longer open. "I started calling around to no avail. Someone suggested GPU would pay for old refrigerators, but they had discontinued that service awhile back. Finally I called Sears again and asked if the freon removal could be handled as a service call, leaving me the particular sticker required by the trash hauler. "Sure," they said, "a service call is $60.00 plus time and other charges determined at time of visit." "To make a short story longer, I’d like to advise townspeople to make sure their units containing freon will be handled and removed in proper fashion. It took me almost two months, cost over $200.00, and was a discussion piece at curbside with neighbors. Thought you would be interested if you have any calls about this." -- A. Douglas Steinberg We'd like to hear from you with comments you may have about the Township or the Newsletter, and particularly if you have ideas for future articles. Write to: Newsletter Editor, Box 520, Brookside, NJ 07960.
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Update: Municipal Expansion Plans Five years ago then-Mayor Bob Pierson put together a volunteer committee of interested and qualified residents to study current and future space needs in Mendham Township-owned buildings. This "Buildings Study Committee" made its report to the Township Committee ("TC") four years ago. From that time forward the TC has been actively pursuing solutions to the needs articulated in the report. By all measures, the most pressing need identified by the report was adding office space, additional meeting rooms, and records storage for the Township. Equal in priority was the expansion of our popular but overcrowded and outmoded library. There are other facilities crying out for improvement, of course, but the governing body agreed to tackle these two first. With the help of two local architects and our financial staff, the TC looked at a variety of alternatives as to how, where, and at what cost we can meet our space requirements. They considered possibilities located out of Brookside, and discussed separating certain operations away from the municipal building. They consulted with the Library Board, sought their input and cooperation, and received a pledge for the amount of money they hope to raise to offset costs. (As most of you know, the library is not Township-owned but is an independent, non-profit organization.) After considering numerous locations for new construction, the TC decided that the least-costly and most practical site is Township-owned property at the municipal complex in Brookside, which was originally purchased a decade ago for expansion when required. In brief, the concept -- which was presented for public comment during two well-attended meetings held on November 8 and November 23, 1999 -- included reconfiguring the present parking lot into a modest, landscaped "town square," constructing a new building to accommodate the library, and utilizing the space vacated by the library in the municipal building for additional Township offices and other applications. Although TC members had previously reached some tentative agreements, they are now re-visiting aspects of the concept plan in response to public comment. Only after a thorough review of those issues will they make decisions about moving forward.
It is important to emphasize that the TC is still in earnest discussion regarding this concept. Final determinations about proceeding will be made by the Township Committee in accordance with the law and the governing body’s responsibilities. In the meantime, you are encouraged to come to Township Committee meetings and express your own views. A schedule of meetings for the remainder of this year follows. We look forward to hearing from you.
Township Committee Meetings for 2000 (2nd Monday and 4th Tuesday)
Meetings Begin at 7:30 p.m. in Municipal Building
December 11 and December 26 ======
Cable TV Committee says
"Cable Subscriber or Not, We Need Your Help Now!"
The Mendham Township Committee is evaluating the performance of cable television
operations in our town. The present franchise, held by Prior to renewal, an extensive review must be performed by our Committee. The review
includes items such as Our mission is to consider
We are especially interested in your opinion regarding the past performance of RCN Cable, Inc., and we also seek your views on any future cable television needs of our community. Please take a few moments to complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it to us as soon as possible but no later than April 15, 2000. Your input and advice is strongly encouraged and will greatly help us to achieve our goal of assuring the best possible cable service for Mendham Township.
Return your completed survey via mail to: Cable, c/o Mendham Township, P.O. Box 520, Brookside, NJ 07926 Or drop off your survey at Town Hall. If you have any questions regarding completion of this survey, please call the Mendham Township Administrator’s Office at (973) 543-4555. (Also call if you need another copy of the survey.) Thank you for your help and participation in this important community project.
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Recreation News The Mendham Township Recreation Commission office is located in our municipal building. The Recreation Director, Jeanne Montemarano, can be reached at (973) 543-7301.
The Mendham Township Recreation Commission is gearing up for the spring and Summer with the following activities: The Recreation Commission and Board of Education presented GREASE, on Thursday- Sunday, March 23rd-26th. Our Middle School children worked hard to bring this play to us. It was a great success, and congratulations go to all concerned!
Men’s 40 + Softball: This program begins its fourth season this April. Play goes from April to June. Games are scheduled for Sundays at 11:30am at the Borough Park and Brookside Community Club Field. Each team is responsible for paying a league fee to cover the cost of equipment and umpires. To register an individual or team contact Daryl Brewster 543-0512 or the Recreation Department.
Brookside Beach -We are taking memberships beginning April 1st. This year we will have an Activity Director, who will hold story hour for younger children and crafts and games for older children. Brookside Beach also has a concession stand which opens for lunch and stays open until early evening. Also available at the Beach is the Mendham Swim Team. Beach hours are as follows: The Beach opens Memorial Day Weekend, Sat., May 27th at 11:00am.- 6:00pm. One Free Hot Dog to all who come. The beach will also be open Sunday, May 28th and Monday, May 29th from 12:00am - 6:00pm. And will be open every weekend until school is out. The beach will open daily from June 23rd (date subject to change) from 11:00am to 7:00pm, Monday - Saturday and 12:00noon to 7:00pm on Sundays. Look for more information on new programs and events at the beach for 2000. Fees are as follows: Paid before May 15th Paid after May 15th Resident Family $175.00 $200.00 Individual 90.00 100.00 Non resident Family 200.00 225.00 Senior Citizen 40.00 40.00 You can only register one individual membership per same family, with the same address. Swim Team participates in the North Jersey Regional Lake League. It is open to children 5-18 years. The team practices every weekday morning and encourages fun as well as competitive swimming. Swim meets are held twice weekly on Wed evenings and Sat. mornings. To register contact the Recreation Department. SWIM TEAM FEES: If you are a member of the beach, swim team registration is $25.00 per child/ $50.00 maximum per family. If you are not a member of the beach, the fee is $50.00/per child, $100.00/maximum per family. The Recreation Commission is teaming up with Skyhawk Sports Camps again this year. The following camps will be offered:
July 10-14: 9:00am to Noon. Minihawk Camp for children 4-7 yrs. An introduction of baseball, basketball and soccer skills. $79.00.
July 10-14: 9:00am to 3:00pm. Multi-Sport Camp for children 7-14 yrs. This camp offers beginner to intermediate skills training in baseball, basketball and soccer. $85.00.
July 17-21: 9:00am to 3:00pm. Basketball Camp for children 7-14 yrs. $85.00.
July 24-28: 9:00am to Noon. Minihawk Camp for children 4-7 yrs. An introduction of baseball, basketball and soccer skills. $79.00.
July 31-August 4: 9:00am to Noon. Golf Camp for children 7-14 yrs. $79.00. You can register for these camps at the Recreation Department beginning April 1st. The Mendhams Recreation Brochure is scheduled to be mailed to all Township Residents sometime in March. Any questions you may have about the programs listed above or any Recreation Program, can be addressed to Jeanne Montemarano, Recreation Director, at (973) 543-7301. =====
Special Reprint: Help for Your Garden! Gardening With Drought With the dry, hot summer last year, many gardeners became aware of how difficult it is to keep their gardens going when there is no rain, and water restrictions are in place. There is concern about how well gardens and lawns will bounce back, and if plants may have to be replaced. Fortunately, a number of plants can survive a drought and return to healthy growth the following year. Many of the early spring-blooming flowers will go dormant a little early if there is a summer drought, and will return the following year. Plants in this group include Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Trilliums (Trillium spp.), Jack-In-The-Pulpit (Arisaema spp.), Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Poppies (Papaver orientale), Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) and bulbs of all types. Ferns also have this ability. Other perennials are drought-resistant because they have thick, fleshy roots that resist dry weather. Examples of this type include Bearded Iris (Iris), Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), Blazing Star (Liatris spp.), Peony (Paeonia spp.), Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis) and Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.). Some perennials are naturally drought-resistant because of the area of the world where they originated. This includes many of the sun-loving summer-blooming natives such as Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.), False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), Back-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida), Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.), Orange Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), and Purple Cone Flower (Echinacea purpurea). Other naturally drought-resistant plants include Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Garden Sage (Salvia spp.), Stone Crop (Sedum spp.), and many grasses. All these types of plants should go through drought well and be fine the following year. Many people love their green lawns and are concerned about them browning-out badly during this drought. By now, most otherwise-healthy lawns should have snapped back very well. If your lawn still looks bad this Spring, you can rake up any dead and unattached grass, lightly fertilize, then over-seed. (Autumn actually is a preferred time to improve your lawn, as the annual weeds are dying and many of the perennial weeds are becoming dormant.) Kentucky Bluegrass, which is what most sod is, is not the best grass for heat, drought or shade. When seeding, over-seed your lawn with a mixture of Perennial Ryegrass, Red Fescue, Chewing Fescue, and Tall Fescue. These grasses will stand up better to tough conditions and require less water than Kentucky Blue Grass. Grass grows well in cooler temperatures. Indeed most grasses will continue to grow until mid-to-late November. Lightly fertilize your lawn again in November and early Spring next year. It is not necessary to fertilize in the summer, especially if water restrictions are in effect. If you are able to water your lawn, do it once a week and get 2" of water down. It is unnecessary and wasteful to water lawns every day or even every other day. If water restrictions continue into the fall, forget about the lawn, but try to make sure your trees and shrubs are well watered before the cold weather comes. This is especially important for evergreens. Plants going into winter in drought situations may become "permanently dormant" if they have not had adequate watering in the fall. Trees and shrubs take many years to reach mature size; don't risk losing them at the expense of having a green lawn. Perhaps last year’s record-setting drought has given you the incentive to rethink your lawn and garden. If you plan to rework or redesign an area, consider the amount of water that plants will need before buying them. Avoid impulse buying. Choose plants with waxy, hairy, or gray-colored foliage. Narrow-leaved plants will fare better in drought than wide-leaved plants. Native species will always shine no matter what the weather brings. Bulbs and early spring bloomers are also excellent choices for drought resistance. And don't forget to mulch plants to a depth of about 2" with an organic mulch that will break down over time. This will retain moisture and keep the surface of the soil soft, making water and rain penetrate more easily. Finally, keep a sense of humor and remember that every cloud has a silver lining -- even if the cloud offers no precipitation. If some plants do not survive, there is always the fun you will have next year shopping for new plants. After all, a true, obsessive gardener loves to try new plants! (Thanks to K.P. and M.K.) ===== (Hawk: insert as separate page, printed two sides)
MENDHAM TOWNSHIP CABLE TELEVISION SURVEY 1. Are you presently a subscriber to cable television? Yes No (If yes, go to question #3, If no go to question #2, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20) 2. If you do not receive cable service, please indicate your reason(s) below for not subscribing: a. Not available in my neighborhood ____ b. Service is too expensive ____ c. Quality of transmission is poor ____ d. Lack of number/variety of channels ____ e. Unsatisfactory programming ____ f. Poor customer service ____ g. Satisfied with programs reception of "over the air" broadcasts ____ h. Subscribe to satellite broadcast provider ____
justify subscribing. ____
_____________________________________ _____________________________________ 3. Are you satisfied with RCN’s (Cable Provider) service in general? Yes No 4. Have you had any cable service problems in the last six months? Yes No
5. Would you say that outages occur… a. Frequently ____ b. Only during bad weather ____
6. Has a RCN field technician/representative made a service call to your home in the past six months?
_____________________________________________________________ 7. Have you ever contacted RCN with complaints or questions? Yes No
b. By telephone ____
8. Have you had any billing problems with RCN? Yes No
10. Do you know how to notify the company if an outage occurs and Yes No you think that you are entitled to a credit on your bill as a result?
13. Please rate RCN’s service in the following areas (G= good S= satisfactory P= poor NA= not applicable): a. Reception G S P NA b. Service response G S P NA
14. Please rank local programming in order of importance to you (N= not important I= important V= very important)
cable? (Check all that apply)
16. Do you have the ability to purchase pay per view events? Yes No
channel available for use by township groups?
(i.e. satellite television)?
and purchasing programming from an alternate service provider? 20. Do you have any additional thoughts or ideas on how cable television service in the township could be improved? (please use additional paper is necessary):
_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU!
(end of cable TV survey)
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(insert Library Survey either as separate sheet or as a regular page in newsletter) =====
Make sure all pages have page numbers, please. Note my request for "perforation" marks (vertical along gutter) on both sides of Library Survey page, so Survey can be removed and returned. Thanks. Additional text for newsletter: (For inside back page, next to Ex-Presidents photo -- but separate – please!) (Nancy: Can you move photo credit to beneath photo? Can be greatly reduced in size. You can then put a vertical separator between the pic and the text) additional text for newsletter
Crutches, Wheelchairs, et al., Available to Residents The Mendham Township First Aid Squad has a limited amount of surgical aids equipment for loan to Township residents. Equipment includes crutches, canes, footed canes, walkers, tub seats, and wheelchairs. The Squad also welcomes donations of any clean, usable equipment of this type. For an equipment loan, or to make a donation, call Linda Brusco during the day at Township Hall (973-543-4555) or at home (973-543-2830). ==== for larger space on page facing inside back page:
Health Screenings, Rabies Clinics This is only a partial listing of the many health programs offered through the Township. For full details and more information, call the Board of Health Office (973)543-4555. Health Screening Pre-registration for all screenings. Appointments are necessary. Includes comprehensive blood profile, urinalysis, hemocult, hypertension screening. MAY 20 -- 8 to 10 a.m. -- Mendham Area Senior Housing
Male Cancer Screening Early detection of BPH and prostate cancer, includes PSA test and digital rectal exam. JUNE 14 – 4 to 7 p.m. -- Mountainside School
Women’s Health Screening Early detection of breast and cervical cancer, Pap test, breast exam, blood pressure check, hemoglobin check, health education, nutrition information. OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 1 -- 4 to 7 p.m. -- Location to be announced
Rabies Clinic FREE rabies immunization for dogs and cats. DECEMBER 9 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Brookside Firehouse
N.B. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Call first to confirm. To register call (908) 204-2520 or (908)204-3071
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