===========

(first spread:)

(masthead and logo)

Vol. X, No. 1 SPRING 2001

Report from the Mayor

While our town's demographics define us as a rural community with an area of approximately 18 square miles and a population of approximately 5000 people, we are much more. We are a community deep in historic heritage, extensive woodlands, pristine streams, hilly landscapes, and narrow historic roadways; a community where people live in a natural setting, away from the metropolises where many of our residents work.

Our community includes State and National Historic Districts in Washington Valley, Brookside, Ralston, Combs Hollow, Tempe Wick, India Brook and by the end of this year a Multiple Property District throughout the entire township.

The recent acquisitions of the 68 acres of the Tomkins property (to be known as the Burnett Brook Natural Area) and the 104 acres of the Seeing Eye Property, will expand our inventory of open space and protected land parcels to over 3000 acres.

We have been very fortunate to maintain this rural and historic character through the dedicated work of your Township Committee and the many volunteers that serve on our Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and our Environmental, Tree Protection, Open Space and Historic Preservation Committees.

But today, we continue to face new challenges as we see the demand for growth. Our response should be simple. "Let our heritage be our guide"

Our call to action has included three major components to maintain the character of our community and manage its environmental issues.

First, through the efforts of our Environmental Commission, the Upper Raritan Watershed Association and Geographic Digital Imaging data provided by the County, we now have detailed mapping of our Open Space and Historic resource inventory, our easements and deed restrictions, water resources, wetlands, transition areas, flood-prone areas, geology, steep slopes, land use, land cover, contours, sub watersheds and trout classified streams.

Second, we have adopted an ordinance that limits the size of new homes in relation to property size. This ordinance was based on extensive research of our building records and it is estimated that over 98% of existing homes are already in compliance. We believe that it provides a planning standard for the future that balances the desire of residents to build large homes with the community's desire to retain its character.

Third, through the diligent work of our Master Plan Sub-Committee and Planning Board, a new Master Plan has been adopted to guide the development policies within our community. Its focus will be to curb suburban sprawl, protect environmental quality and preserve the Township's historical and environmentally sensitive character.

As your elected officials, it's important that we maintain an awareness of your concerns in the development of your community. And it was gratifying to see, on several occasions, a packed audience for our discussions of a new Municipal Complex. As a result of your input, we have contracted with two Architectural firms to develop facility concepts that will not only meet our space needs, but will also meet your objectives in maintaining the rural character of Brookside. We also are pleased with the initiatives being taken by both the Mendham Boro and Mendham Township Libraries in the evaluation of a merger and possible re-location of a new library to serve the Mendhams.

As chairman of the Municipal Finance Committee, I am also delighted to inform you that we have been able to continue our record of adopting a municipal budget with no increase in taxes for the fourth consecutive year. Some may ask…How do we do that? Well, it's a combination of added assessments, practicing sound financial principles and the cooperation of all our departments and volunteer organizations to adhere to a zero-based budgeting process.

The pressures of growth in the infrastructure of telecommunications have now impacted our community. Specifically, an application for a telecommunication tower has been submitted, by Island Communications, to the Planning Board. The proposed site would be located on Horizon Drive on property owned by the New Jersey American Water Co. This is the second application under consideration within the Township. The first is located on Conifer Drive and the Board of Adjustment is continuing to review that application.

While the Telecommunication Act of 1996 states that municipalities may not prohibit the construction of wireless telecommunication facilities, nothing prevents the public from expressing their views to the applicants, the Planning Board, and the Board of Adjustment. We encourage your participation at these meetings.

(signature)

Brian J. Phelan

Mayor

=========

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. The Squad is wonderfully reliable and wants to remain that way. So when our ten-year old ambulance became unreliable and potentially hazardous after repeated repairs, the Township Committee agreed it was high-time to replace it. Now the Squad has a new ambulance to maintain its high level of emergency services to our community.

This purchase is financed by the township with a cost-sharing portion from the Squad, helped by contributions from residents like you who give so generously during their fund raising drives. Why not stop by the firehouse one Sunday morning with your kids and see our newest addition to the finest First Aid Squad in the area.

Crutches, Wheelchairs, other equipment available to Residents

The Mendham Township First Aid Squad is happy to lend equipment to residents. Our supply consists mainly of crutches, canes, ( one four-legged ),walkers, commodes and toilet risers. Occasionally, a wheelchair is available. The Squad also welcomes donations of wheelchairs and any clean, usable equipment of this type. For a loan, or to make a donation, call Linda Brusco during the day at Town Hall (973)543-4555 or at home (973)543-2830.

====

Spring is almost here, so now would be the time to address any building projects that you may be anticipating. Mendham Township has a Building Department staffed with professionals who have many years of experience in the construction industry, and would be of assistance if needed. Let's first introduce everyone. Russ Heiney is our Construction Official/Building Subcode Official who reviews plans and performs daily inspections. Russ is also the Zoning Officer who enforces the township zoning ordinances, as well as doing daily plan review. Craig Smith is our Plumbing Subcode Official who does plan review and inspections for all plumbing projects. Len Kubik is our Electrical Subcode Official, and he handles all electrical plan review, along with inspections. Jeffery Betz, the Fire Subcode Official, is in charge of all fire protection and fire prevention matters. The office is staffed by Linda Brusco, who assists by scheduling subcode inspections and answering questions. Now that you are familiar with our department, let's get started.

Many projects, such as sheds, decks, pools, fences, and renovations, need building permits. When applying for permits, please provide a copy of your property survey indicating the location of the proposed work, with all setback distances shown. Setbacks are determined by the zone your property is in, with each zone having its own minimum lot size, setbacks, etc.

During the course of construction, you will need to call for inspections such as footing, backfill, rough electric, rough plumbing, rough fire, framing, insulation, and all finals. Mendham Township will perform the required inspections of the construction to ascertain compliance with the codes. Upon completion of the project and before any use may occur, you must have a final inspection for all subcodes to assure the project meets all safety issues.

Building permits are necessary to ensure the safety of all the residents. You must obtain these permits so that we, as inspectors, can review and inspect all the work proposed; this will make certain that your project meets all areas of the building codes. Again, permits are to protect you and your family and to protect your investment in any project you may undertake.

Construction Permit Questions and Answers

Q. When do I need a Construction Permit?

A. When you plan to do any of the following kinds of work:

1). Adding any kind of room to your house

2). Adding or replacing a deck to your house

3). Adding or replacing a fence over six feet high

4). Adding or replacing a shed on your property

5). Adding or replacing an above-ground or in-ground pool

6). Residing or re-roofing

7). Adding a bathroom or renovating an existing bathroom or kitchen

8). Adding electrical wiring such as new electrical service or a service

upgrade

9). Installing or replacing a furnace, hot water heater, fireplace, air

conditioning unit, radon remediation system, sprinkler system, and

fire and burglar alarm systems

10). Renovating the interior of an existing building

11). Running new gas service into your building

 

Q. What kind of permits are there?

A. There are four categories or "Subcodes": Building, Plumbing, Electrical, and

Fire. Each Sub-code has a separate permit application and its own

inspector.

Q. What do inspectors do?

A. They do two things:

1). They review your construction plans for compliance with the Code

before your Permit may be issued

2). They inspect the work at certain points during the construction, and

after construction is complete. You or your contractor will be involved

in scheduling these inspections.

 

Q. What is involved in obtaining a permit?

A. In general, it depends upon the complexity of the work you plan. Most

electrical, plumbing and fire permits only involve filling out a form to describe

the work being done and who is doing it. For decks and additions you need

to submit two (2) sets of construction drawings and a copy of your survey or

plot plan, showing the location of the new construction.

Q. Where do I get my survey?

A. Your survey, or plot plan (a drawing that shows where your house sits on

your lot),was probably one of the many pieces of paper that crossed the

table at the closing on your house. If you don't find your survey in your

strongbox or safety deposit box, your lawyer or mortgage company may have

a copy.

Q. How about construction drawings?

A. Construction plans for single family, owner-occupied houses may be drawn

by the owner, if the owner is capable, or by an architect. The information

which needs to be provided is the same regardless of who does the drawing.

If the work being done represents a sizable investment, you should be aware

that a professionally designed addition may help increase the value of your

house. An architect can provide an experienced and objective judgment and

his or her specifications may prevent the use of inferior materials.

Q. How do I know when I am done?

A. After all required "Final" inspections are done, you may obtain a written

Certificate of Approval, or Certificate of Occupancy. If you contract with a

general contractor to handle your construction project, he or she should not

request final payment until you have received, in writing, your Certificate of

Approval or Occupancy. You may find that your insurance company, or a

future purchaser of your house wishes to see your Certificate, so it should be

kept in a safe place. If you've had work done and haven't received a

-- Russell Heiney, Building Inspector

====

Recycling Is Collected Every Other Monday

Please Have Containers & bundled newspapers at Curbside by 6 a.m.

August 13 and 27

Thanks to 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! Now, if you put out one 15 lb. bag per week you pay a mere $30 for a full year (50 weeks) of trash collection! There's no better bargain in the business.

How to Prepare Newspapers for Recycling

Brush Pick-Ups, Hazardous Materials Disposal

Please note the following dates on your calendar:

Spring Brush Pick-Up: Please have at curb by: Monday,April 16,2001

Spring HazMat (Tire/Battery/Oil Recycling): 8 a.m. - noon, Saturday, May 19, 2001

Fall Brush Pick-Up: Please have at curb by : Monday, October 15,2001

Fall HazMat* (Tire/Battery/Oil Recycling): 8 a.m. - noon, Saturday, October 20, 2001

*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.

====

Mailing From Brookside?

Here's Important News to Remember

There's are two slots near the window inside the Brookside Post Office. One is marked "Brookside" to accept mail for a Brookside address, the other slot is for all other mail. Time was, mail dropped through the Brookside slot was processed "in house" and thus assured of virtually immediate delivery. Not any more.

We have been advised that all mail emanating from the Brookside Post Office now is trucked out … to be processed elsewhere. So Brookside-to-Brookside mail actually may take several days to be delivered!

Tax Payments Delayed

The above information has an important impact on your mailed tax payments. Not realizing the new procedure, some residents may incur late charges on municipal tax payments mailed from Brookside, with the expectation they will be delivered to town hall the next day, at the latest. So please bear this information in mind when mailing tax payments and allow extra time for delivery. Questions about postal procedures should be discussed with postal employees.

====

Save Your Dog – And Yourself!

Dog owners who walk their pets at night while dressed in dark clothing are accidents waiting to happen, accidents that can cripple or kill the dogs as well as their owners. Most of our roads are unlighted and narrow, not easy to walk safely along even under the best circumstances. So next time you're out with Fido, Fidelio or Felicity, make sure you dress in light colored or white clothing for maximum visibility. If you have reflective armbands or like items, be sure to wear them, too.

====

Environmental Commission Alert

Practice "Trail Courtesy"

Now that spring is finally here, walkers and bicyclists are taking to the trails in Mendham Township and beyond. We're delighted that both groups find our trails appealing. But faster-moving cyclists and slower-moving walkers can become a formula for disaster. Walkers, absorbed in the hike and the scenery, may be unaware of a swift-pedaling cyclist's approach. That could lead to unnerving near misses and even collisions.

For maximum pleasure of both trail user groups, the following common sense precautions should be taken:

Bicyclists

• Ride only on trails where cycling is permitted. In Mendham Township cycling is permitted only on the section of Patriots Path from Lewis Morris Park to Cold Hill Road and on designated trails in Lewis Morris Park.

• Ride under control at all times.

• Announce your presence when approaching a walker. Equip you cycle with a bell. It's an inexpensive, non-threatening and effective warning of your approach.

Hikers/Walkers

• Consider avoiding trails with high bicycle traffic, particularly on weekends. Mendham Township has 58 miles of trails, most of which are closed to bicyclists. There are many alternatives for walkers, but few for cyclists.

• Stay alert for cyclists and provide plenty of room for them to pass. Cyclist proficiency varies greatly and some need your help to avoid a close encounter.

Adherence to these few simple guides and the unfailing exercise of courtesy by both walkers and cyclists will ensure maximum enjoyment and minimum conflict on our Township trails.

(Special thanks to the MTEC and "Field Notes" published by the Schiff Natural Lands Trust, Inc.)

Is Your Number Up??

Many homes in town do not have their house numbers prominently displayed, as required by Ordinance. That makes it very difficult for emergency vehicles to find those residences in a hurry.

Here's an idea: why don't you drive past your own home at night or in bad weather, and determine if your house number is really easy to see?

If you think that an emergency vehicle driver might have some trouble seeing your house number, make it easier to identify. You'll find a flyer in town hall that outlines simple ways you can do that, and comply with the regulations. Just ask for it at the reception desk.

Make sure your house number is up, highly visible, and readable, It’s important…and it’s the law.

======

Mendham's Newest Historic District: The Tempe Wick Rd / Washington Corners Historic District spanning Harding and Mendham Township, at long last was officially entered into both the N.J. Register and National Register of Historic Places. A detailed map of this newly created historic district can be seen in the Mendham Township Municipal building. Please stop by!

"Ralston Weekend" a Success. Ralston was the focus of this year's October fall event, sponsored by the Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee and The Ralston Historical Association. Events included a lecture on Apple Jack by Bill Wilkie, tours of the Cider Mill at Ralston, and a Flax spinning and weaving demonstration at the Ralston General Store Museum.

Rose Carlin explains the process of making applejack at the Cider Mill in Ralston.

======

Open Space Committee

Sometimes, It's Just Up to You!

We are all attracted to Mendham Township because of its beautiful semi-rural quality. As population growth and development continue, our gem is increasingly under the threat of forever losing its character as so many others towns have. That would jeopardize one of the things we value most in Mendham, and it would likely have other effects including a degraded environment, a weakening of property values, and rising property taxes. Fortunately, Mendham has many residents who work diligently to help keep Mendham feeling like, well, Mendham. Town officials, volunteer committee members, and property owners work hard together to preserve Mendham. And many residents have chosen to take steps on their own to make their property a part of the green infrastructure of our town. They have chosen to do this in a variety of different ways:

Some residents have granted or sold easements to the Township, County, or State, easements that restrict further development but allow the resident to continue to own, to live on, and to sell the property.

Some residents have sold their land to the Township.

Some residents have donated land to the Township.

Master Plan Update

Master Plan Committee Adopts New Plan

Following more than a year and a half of study and the input of citizens, Planning Board and Township Committee members, and the town's professional planner, engineer and environmental consultant, the Planning Board gave final approval to a new Master Plan for the town. The Plan includes a Vision Statement, Introduction and Background, Community Characteristics, and Statement of Objectives and Assumptions. The most pressing concerns were about diminishing water supply from private wells and recent development trends such as "oversized homes" being built on relatively small lots, and how that affects the character of this community.

Last year, the preliminary completion of these sections set the foundation for the central element of the Master Plan, the Land Use Plan. Comments about water supply refocused attention on recommendations contained in a study completed by the Township's Environmental Consultants in 1994. That study concluded that the Township's prior Zoning Plan would ultimately result in more dwellings than can be sustained by the town'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.

Subsequent to adoption by the Planning Board, the Township Committee crafted ordinances to permit new homes to be constructed in accordance with a new Floor Area Ratio (FAR) formula. That allows new homes to be built in proportion to the size of the lot on which they reside. The FAR ordinance was adopted after a public hearing in February and is now a requirement for new construction.

At this writing, the Township Committee is also considering but had not yet adopted a companion ordinance which changes the zoning on many properties located throughout the town. The major change creates a new 10-acre zone where previously there was a five-acre zone, and even affects some smaller properties in one-acre zones, by placing them into new three-acre zones. There are other changes, as well. The overall goal is to protect our water quality and water resources for the benefit of all of us, by limiting the extent of future development.

A copy of the Master Plan and a large color map representing these changes can be seen in town hall. As always, comments of residents, the general public and interested groups are invited and welcomed. For more information, call Linda Peralta, Planning Board Secretary, or Penny Newell, Township Clerk, at (973) 543-4555.

====

=====

The Recreation Commission and Board of Education presented "MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 9th,10th, and 11th. Our Middle School children worked hard to bring this play to us.

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.

After School Enrichment Program: A variety of courses will be offered at the Elementary School for children grades 1-4. Most programs will be taught by Mendham teachers and other experts in the courses offered. Some examples of programs that will be offered include poetry/creative writing, learning math through cooking, the science of ocean life, rocketry, and current events. Look for the flyer in your school for more information on these programs.

Volleyball Program: The first set of clinics will be offered on Monday evenings, during April at the Middle School. This program will be open to girls in 5th- 8th grades. More clinics will be offered in the Fall. For more information on this new program call the Township Recreation Office at 543-7301.

Babysitting Course: The Smartsitter Babysitting Course will be offered on Saturday, June 9th at Mendham Township Municipal Building. The course is from 9:00am to 3:00pm, it is open to children ages 12-15. Cost is $35.00. For more information and registration, contact the Recreation Director.

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 26th at 12:00am.- 6:00pm. One Free Hot Dog to all who come. The beach will also be open Sunday, May 27th and Monday, May 28th from 12:00am - 6:00pm. And will be open every weekend until school is out. The beach will open daily from June 21st (date subject to change) from 11:00am to 7:00pm, Monday - Saturday and 12:00noon to 7:00pm on Sundays.

The Annual Clam Bake is scheduled for June 8th , and volunteer night is scheduled for Friday, June 29th. There will be a Beach Members Party in Mid July. Look for more information on these and other new programs and events at the beach for 2001 in the Observer Tribune and on the Web Site.

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.

Day Camp: Mendham Township Recreation Commission and Mendham Borough Recreation Committee are teaming up to bring you another year of Day Camp. The program will be expanded with the older children's camp located here at Mendham Township Elementary School and the younger children's camp in the Borough. More information will be available in the Mendhams Brochure which will be published shortly.

Summer Preschool Program: For children 4 by May 1, 2001, will be offered at the Township Elementary School. The program will take place Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 9:00am - Noon, July 9th - July 20th . Registration forms can be obtained in the Recreation office. They must be returned to the Recreation office by April 30th. All forms will be numbered and then picked through a lottery on May 3rd. You will be notified only if your child has been picked for the program. Registration will be limited to 30.

Recreation Commission Projects 2001:

The Township is working with the Finlay Family and the building of Nickelodeon Park at Wysong Field. This park will be a dedication to their son Nicholas, who died of SIDS in February 1998. This park will replicate some of the historic buildings of Mendham Township, including a gristmill, school house and Rock-a-Bye Railway. Bricks and paving stones can be purchased as part of the fund raising effort for the park. Once our goal of $150,000.00 is met, the equipment will be purchased and we will ask members of the community to come together to build the park. We will need people of all ages and abilities to bring this project together. Our target date is late September/early October. Anyone interested in purchasing bricks, paving stones, benches or other equipment, or who can help with landscaping, etc. can contact Theresa or Matthew Finlay at (973) 543-5235 or www.erols.com/finlay/nickelodeon.

The Township Recreation Commission also supports the efforts of the Michael Simon Steinberg Foundation in their efforts to offer programs to the teens of our Communities. Please support the programs and projects offered in their name. The eventual goal of the Foundation is to build and operate a Community/Teen Center for the residents of the Mendhams and Chesters. For more information about the Michael Simon Steinberg Foundation contact Robin Steinberg 908-879-6387.

The annual Mendhams Recreation Brochure will 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.

=====

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 19 -- 8 to 9:30 a.m. --Garabrant Center, Mendham

Rabies Clinic FREE rabies immunization for dogs and cats.

JUNE 9 - 10 - 12 noon - Bernards Twp. Public Works Garage.

Male Cancer Screening Early detection of BPH and prostate cancer, includes PSA test and digital rectal exam.

JUNE 13 – 5 to 7 p.m. -- Mountainside School

Rabies Clinic FREE rabies immunization for dogs and cats.

DECEMBER 8 – 1 to 2:30 a.m. – Brookside Firehouse

N.B. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Call first to confirm.