dispatcher and three new police vehicles. There will also be ... We also acknowledged a township civic organization for
MAYOR’S MONTHLY UPDATE February 2017
BUDGET Budget Preparation A proposed budget was presented to the township council at the council work session on Monday, February 27th. There is a township council budget meeting scheduled for Monday, March 20th. The proposed budget calls for a slight increase of one tax point or $34.43 on a home with a new assessment of $328,547. The proposed budget includes hiring of three DPW employees to replace those who retired, a police dispatcher and three new police vehicles. There will also be replacement of outdated HVAC systems and equipment on township buildings without the necessity of bonding for the funds. Finally, we intend on paying off two vehicle leases ahead of schedule to save interest payments. Rolling Reassessment All property owners should have received an assessment value letter from Appraisal Systems, the company hired by the township to conduct property reassessments. It’s important to note that an increase in assessed property value does not necessarily mean a rise in your annual tax bill. To calculate your annual payment, one must multiple the assessed value of the property by the proposed tax rate. Appraisal Systems will be available during the month of March either by phone or in person by appointment only to answer any questions you may have. The phone number to contact Appraisal Systems is 201-493-8530. You can also call our Tax Assessor’s Office at 201-587-2917. Senior Tax Freeze Township senior citizen homeowners, 65 years of age and older, may be eligible for a tax freeze program initiated by the State of New Jersey. For eligibility requirements and additional information, please call the state’s regional information center at (201)791-0500.
GRANTS Our grant writer has applied to the following grants on behalf of the township: Little League Funding - Two grants. The first is for $20,000 to improve the conditions at Nedellec Field. The second is for $10,000 to start a softball program. Announcement of awards are pending. Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) – Fire Chief Dickman is working with the grant writer to complete this application for turnout gear and recruitment of 15 new volunteer firefighters. Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) – This application for a streetscape on Market Street was submitted requesting funding in the amount of $378,980.35. Announcement of award is pending. Bergen County Trust Fund Municipal Program for Park Improvements - The application for Tri-centennial Park to Bergen County was submitted in October 2016. The funding request is for $58,127.50 and the township will provide a matching amount. Announcement of award is pending. Safe Routes to School – The application was submitted in June 2016 for a bus pull off construction project at the Helen I. Smith Elementary School on Cambridge Avenue. Grant request is $265,551. Announcement of award is pending. COMMITTEE UPDATES Community Partnership – Meeting Tuesday, February 21st The Community Partnership is off to a productive start. We have collaborated with Saddle Brook High School teacher and partnership coordinator, Howard Weinberg. He has managed to recruit high school students to participate in the program by forming a partnership club. The members of the partnership are successfully providing contacts and resources for residents in need and most recently, some of the students came out to help shovel after the snow storm. The partnership is discussing running a town-wide canned food drive to replenish the food pantry at the First Reformed Church. I am pleased that the program is taking flight and members of our community are coming together to support one another.
Mayor’s Youth Group – Meeting Saturday, February 18th The Mayor's Youth Group met and discussed many upcoming events, including the Township’s Easter Celebration on April 8th at the Saddle Brook Middle/High School. The group will assist with preparation for the event on Saturday, April 1st at Veterans Field. The youth group is currently working on ideas for a spring community project, which will be discussed at the next meeting March 18th, 11:30AM at town hall. Access for All The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 5th at 7PM at the senior center. EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Celebration of Women in History – March 2nd In recognition of Women in History month, the township council and I paid tribute to Saddle Brook women who have made significant contributions and a positive impact on our community. The women were honored for specific categories of achievement, which included Outstanding Citizen, Educator and Volunteer / Public Servant. We also acknowledged a township civic organization for exceptional service. I consider the women selected as role models for other women to hold in high esteem. Congratulations to all the honorees and their families. I personally thank them for inspiring and making a difference in the lives of others. The awards were as follows: Outstanding Citizenship – Louse Soni; Outstanding Educator: Amanda Klein; Outstanding Volunteers/Public Servants – Sarah Sanchez, Rebecca Sanchez Rivero and Jessica Sanchez; Civic Group Award of Excellence – Saddle Brook VFW Post 3484 Auxiliary.
UPCOMING EVENTS Annual Easter Celebration – Saturday, April 8th Resident of all ages are welcome to attend the event taking place at the Saddle Brook High School gymnasium from 12:00PM – 2:00PM. There will be lots of fun games and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Pizza and juice will be served in the cafeteria. The Mayor’s Youth Group will be holding a canned food drive and there will be a table set up for donations. UPDATE ON SPECIAL PROJECTS CDBG Drainage Improvements/Liberty Street A recommendation for award of the contract was received by the township engineer. Construction to begin upon signing of contracts. North 5th Street Water Main This project has slowed as the township engineer acquires county road opening permits to allow for a design change to improve the piping layout on Fifth Street and Market Street. This is essentially the last item of major work. Veteran’s Field Concession Building The township engineer has met with the representative of the bonding company and is still in the process of coordinating the re-start of construction. Jefferson Street & 4th Street Water & Roadway Improvements No changes since last report.
Municipal Building Generator The installation of new municipal message board changed the conditions of the utility closet. The township engineer is currently working to adjust the design accordingly. The contractor has submitted an “extra” to replace the control cabinet that was found to be rotted, as well as to re-arrange the work to allow for the controls for the message board. The matter will be negotiated further by the engineer and the contractor. 2015 Water and Roadway Project – Part A The township engineer has reviewed and is attempting to resolve a claim by the contractor requesting payment for extra work performed. 2015 Water and Roadway Project – Part B The water service construction portion of the Wilson Street and Third Street projects are nearing completion. The latest water tests were acceptable and the contractor is currently working on connecting the homes and buildings to the new water main. OTHER Ordinances Water Rates This ordinance to amend and supplement the prior ordinance will be discussed at the March 4th township council work session and considered for second reading at the March 6th regular township council meeting. The new ordinance will fix and revise rates and prices to be charged for the use of water and establish rules and regulations for the distribution, supply, use and protection of said water and penalties for the violation of certain said rules and regulations.
Repairs to Sanitary Sewer Force Main A bond ordinance authorizing the undertaking of various repairs to the sanitary sewer force main to appropriate the sum of $325,000 to pay for the cost thereof passed on second reading. The ordinance authorizes the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. Meeting with Bergen County Officials – Tuesday, February 7th Business Administrator Peter Lo Dico and I met with representatives from Bergen County Parks Department and Bergen County Department of Public Works to discuss their initiative to clean and de-snag the Saddle River. Officials from several other municipalities situated along the Saddle River were also present at the meeting. Using inmate labor and heavy machinery, Bergen County intends to clean heavy debris from the bottom of the river and remove tree branches and overgrowth that inhibits the flow of water from the top of the river. The project is scheduled to begin in the spring of this year. N. Fifth Street Drainage In the summer of 2016, the Bergen County Mosquito Commission began cleaning out the drainage culvert / stream that runs from the front of 81 N. Fifth Street (old Amloid building) to the rear of the property. They completed the top section and will return shortly to finish the back section that runs south behind the commercial buildings adjacent to the NJ Transit Railroad tracks from 81 N. Fifth to Route 46. Bergen County Aggregate Energy Procurement Cooperative Pricing System This pricing system was formed by Bergen County officials and a number of other public entities seeking leverage bulk purchasing power to save on third-party electricity and natural-gas supply costs. Participating members include the County of Bergen, county and municipal housing authorities, municipalities and public libraries. All will realize an aggregate savings over the course of the two-year contract garnered through this process. Last year alone, the township saved approximately $6000.00 on natural gas supply costs and will be joining the pricing system for electricity supply in the near future.
