County of Morris Press Releases

Morris County Memorial Day Ceremony May 24

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:15:00 +0000

Morris County’s annual Memorial Day ceremony, sponsored by the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, will be Friday, May 24 at noon on the front lawn of the Morris County Courthouse on Washington Street in Morristown.

This event will be held rain or shine. Should it be necessary to move the ceremony indoors, there will be people in front of the Courthouse re-directing attendees. Please note that even if the ceremony is moved indoors, there will still be a 21-gun salute outdoors.

The keynote speaker will be Mr. Hjalmar Johansson of Montville, a WW II veteran of the Army Air Force who was captured and held as a German prisoner of war after his B-24 Bomber was shot down over Czechoslovakia in December 1944.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, during which the freeholders will also present the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal to 14 Morris County veterans in recognition of their service to our nation.

Individuals who will be receiving medals during the ceremony are Navy veterans Philip J. Gigante and John D. Callahan of Montville and John D. Reed Sr. of Hackettstown.

Army veterans receiving medals are Rod Ridolfo of Montville; William Muse of Budd Lake; Anthony F. Semiz of Hopatcong; Joseph James DeMaux of Riverdale; James Francis Nocera of Succasunna; Arnold Hokins of Franklin; and John J. Nataluk of Rockaway.

Richard Porzig of Mountain Lakes and Hunter C. Alarcon of Flanders are Marine veterans who will receive medals as will Charles D. Ferry II of Montville, a veteran of the Air Force.

The freeholders will also award a posthumous medal to Rockaway Army veteran Eugene Bozza. The medal will be accepted by Bozza’s widow, Nancie.

The medal is unique to Morris County and features the county seal encircled with the words, “Morris County Distinguished Military Service,” on the front. An outline of the county and the American flag is on the back of the medal, along with the words, “Morris County Freeholders Military Commemorative.” Each medal’s striped ribbon is the color of the specific conflict during which the veteran served.

Since the freeholders began the program in 2000, more than 9,000 medals have been presented to veterans or to their family members.

More information about the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal program may be obtained by contacting the Morris County Veterans Service Office at 973-285-6866.

Flag Flying Again in Front of Courthouse

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:32:00 +0000

The American flag is again flying in front of the Morris County Courthouse.

The flagpole on the front lawn of the courthouse on Washington Street in Morristown had been painted, and while the paint was curing, a flag was not being flown.

The curing process is now complete and the flag was flying again Wednesday morning, May 22.

An American flag had been placed outside of the front entrance to the courthouse during regular business hours during the curing process.

Morris Searches for and Finds Illegally Dumped Tires

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:51:00 +0000

Crews from the Morris County Mosquito Commission and the county's Municipal Utilities Authority continued their annual ritual this year of searching for, finding and removing discarded tires from streams, roadsides and wooded areas throughout the county.

Kristian McMorland, superintendent of the Mosquito Commission, said during this past winter, 1,230 tires from 145 locations in 28 different municipalities were collected.

“Most of these tires have been illegally discarded some time ago and are only now being discovered,” McMorland said. “We tend to find tires everywhere but many of these are dumped down dirt roads, behind abandoned buildings or are found in the woods where they have been sitting for years.”

Removing the abandoned tires is part of the commission’s year-round mosquito control activities, McMorland said.

“Tires can hold standing water creating the perfect habitat for many mosquitoes,” McMorland said. “Removing abandoned or illegally dumped tires not only helps to reduce mosquito levels and the threat of West Nile virus, but it improves environmental quality.”

McMorland noted abandoned or illegally dumped tires can also contaminate waterways and surface water run-off.

Since 2001, when the program began, 57,728 tires have been collected from 897 locations in 36 municipalities, according to McMorland.

Mosquito Commission crews find, collect and transport the tires to a trailer supplied by the MUA. The tires are then brought to a registered recycling facility where the tires are shredded and the byproduct sold for various uses including playground cover.

Under the direction of the superintendent, the Morris County Mosquito Commission operates education and public awareness programs as well as water management; surveillance and inspection programs to monitor mosquito populations across the county. When necessary, the appropriate control measures are implemented.

Additional information about the Morris County Mosquito Commission and its activities may be obtained online at www.MorrisMosquito.org or by calling the Mosquito Commission at 973-285-6450.

Morris Cultural Resources Inventory Web App Cited by State for Innovation

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:39:00 +0000

Two staff members of the Morris County Department of Planning and Development have received a 2013 New Jersey Historic Preservation Award for Innovation for the development of a Cultural Resources Inventory Application, a web app that allows for instant access to and the exploration of the county’s cultural resources.

Specifically recognized for their “pioneering or inventive efforts in historic preservation education or interpretive programs” were Jan Williams, Cultural and Historic Resources Specialist for Morris County, and Stuart Walter of the department’s Geographic Information Systems division.

The honor comes as the state and county celebrate May as National Historic Preservation Month.

The application, www.morrisplanning.org/survey/surveys.asp, uses the latest in GIS technology to provide information about the county’s cultural resources including historic sites and districts that are important culturally not only to Morris County but to the country as well, Williams said.

The project incorporates traditional survey methods and the creation of an intuitive, dynamic and customizable web-based application to house the survey data and display of the exact location of a historic entity in space and time, Williams said.

According to Williams, the CRI app allows for continuous status changes – instant updates of historic sites that have been demolished or relocated, creating a “chain of evidence” providing exact facts as to where it was relocated, when it was demolished and when it was locally designated.

“We’ve turned survey data into a living research, planning and public information tool,” Williams said.

Available searches include both the State and National Register of Historic Places, architectural styles and architects.

Viewers have the ability to customize their area of historical interest and see the results of their requested searches displayed on an electronic map that offers zooming capabilities, a combination of Imagery or Hybrid map views and the ability to add or subtract mapped layers such as street lines or railroads, Williams said.

Williams suggests viewers visit the “Morris County Themes” section of the application for historical resources pertaining to the American Revolution, authors, sports, railroads and other categories unique to Morris County.

The Cultural Resource Inventory web application is designed for easy use for everyone from the professional historian to the lay person and everyone in between, Williams said.

According to Williams, staff at municipal libraries and at the Morris County Library has been trained so they can assist their patrons who may have questions about using the web application.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Williams at 973-829-8120.

In-Person Voting Underway for Primary Election

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:35:00 +0000

Registered Morris County voters who will not be able to get to the polls for the June 4 primary election may vote in person at the office of the Morris County Clerk.

Joan Bramhall, Morris County Clerk, said in-person voting is already underway and is being conducted in the County Clerk’s Office from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday through Thursday, May 30, with the exception of Monday, May 27, Memorial Day, when the office will be closed.

Bramhall said her office will also have extended voting hours from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 31; from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1; and from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday, June 3.

In-person voting is permitted under New Jersey statutes, and a registered voter does not have to give a reason for his or her in-person vote, according to Bramhall.

The County Clerk’s Office is also accepting applications for voting by mail until Tuesday, May 28.

The Morris County Clerk’s Office is on the first floor of the Administration and Records Building on Court Street in Morristown.

Additional information about voting may be obtained by calling the election department of the County Clerk’s Office at 973-285-6066 or online at MorrisElections.org.

Freeholders in Roxbury May 22

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:32:00 +0000

The Morris County Freeholders this year are continuing a tradition they started in 2007 and are taking some of their regular public meetings on the road.

The next stop on the “road show” will be Roxbury, where the freeholders will conduct their regular public meeting Wednesday, May 22, in the township municipal building, 1715 Route 46 starting at 8 p.m.

Travelling meetings have been held in each of the 39 towns in the county since the practice began, and this year, the freeholders started the process of visiting each municipality again.

“When we leave Morristown, the county seat, and take some of our public meetings into the towns, it gives the freeholders the opportunity to meet face-to-face and to exchange ideas with local officials and to seek their input on the various issues that affect their communities,” said Freeholder Director Thomas J. Mastrangelo.

Going into the town also makes it more convenient for those residents as well as residents of nearby communities to attend a freeholder meeting, meet the freeholders and learn more about Morris County government and the services it offers, Mastrangelo said.

The freeholders were in Madison in April, and they plan to conduct public meetings this year in six other towns including Rockaway Township on June 26.

Morris Public Forum for Consumers and Families

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:27:00 +0000

A free public forum on the human services that are available to help in the recovery process for those suffering from mental health issues, addictions or both will be held June 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Haggerty Center, 353 East Hanover Avenue in Morris Township.

The forum, “The Many Faces of Recovery: Importance of Connections,” is for individuals and their families who have been involved with or who want to learn more about Morris County’s publicly-funded human services.

The forum is sponsored by the Morris County Mental Health Substance Abuse
Advisory Board and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The freeholder-appointed advisory board is looking for input on services and unmet needs as it works to strengthen the county’s services, according to Laurie Becker, Morris County Mental Health Administrator.

Agency and government officials will be on hand to address the public’s questions and comments, Becker said. Information gathered at the forum will help the advisory board focus its planning efforts on the areas of greatest need, said Becker.

The advisory board is looking forward to hearing from individuals recovering from mental illness, substance abuse or both regarding the services that were most helpful or least helpful in the person’s recovery, Becker said. Attendees also will have the opportunity to learn more about connecting with community services.

The forum will begin with a light supper and networking at 5:30 p.m. More information may be obtained by calling the Morris County Mental Health Administrator Laurie Becker at 973-285-6852.

The Morris County Mental Health Substance Abuse Advisory Board reviews, monitors and recommends areas of improvement for many of the county’s mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention programs.

The board also makes funding recommendations for publicly-funded programs that serve these populations.

Notice of 2014 Funding for Community Service Providers

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:18:00 +0000

Interested community service providers are advised that applications are now available through the Morris County Department of Human Services for anticipated 2014 funding to provide various services that are identified within Morris County planning documents.

A Request for Funding Application must be submitted to be considered for 2014 funding for the following services:
• Child Abuse Prevention – Education model geared toward the family.
• Grant In Aid – County Funding for the areas of mental health, substance abuse, aging, veterans, disabilities, youth services and general human services.
• Social Services for the Homeless – State funding for short-term assistance for families at risk of homelessness.

A Request for Funding Renewals must also be submitted to be considered for funding for:
• Chapter 51 – State funding for substance abuse prevention, education and treatment.
• State/Community Partnership – Community based services for at-risk juveniles or to prevent juvenile delinquency.
• Older Americans Act Funding - designated to provide services in Access, Home, Community and Nutrition support for people age 60 years and their caregivers.
• Peer Grouping – To prevent premature institutionalization for the elderly and/or disabled.

The RFA package is available online at MorrisHumanServices.org or by contacting the Morris County Department of Human Services at 973-285-6859 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The RFA worksheet can also be found and completed online at MorrisHumanServices.org.

Completed applications must be returned to the department by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 28.

Morris View Hosts Benefit Program for Veterans

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:03:00 +0000

Morris View Healthcare Center in Morris Township will host a veterans program, “How to Make the Most of Your Veterans Benefit,” on Thursday, May 30, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The program will be presented by Hospice of New Jersey, with the agency’s social work supervisor Hannah Fisher, LCSW, ACHP-SW, the featured speaker.

Fisher has a masters in Social Work from Fordham University. She has been in the Social Work field for more than 10 years, first at Hackensack Medical Center, followed by her current role at Hospice of New Jersey.

Morris View resident veterans, families and community members are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.

Morris View Healthcare Center is located at 540 West Hanover Ave., in Morris Township.

State to Resurface Stretch of Rt. 10 in Morris

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:07:00 +0000

New Jersey Department of Transportation officials have announced plans to resurface more than five miles of Route 10 westbound from the Eisenhower Parkway/Northfield Road circle in Livingston, Essex County to just east of Jefferson Road in Hanover Township, Morris County.

NJDOT said its contractor is scheduled to start preliminary construction activities including site mobilization and sign installation this week, with the initial construction operations to include drainage upgrades and curb work, requiring shoulder closures.

The $2.8 million project will stretch from milepost 18.8 in Livingston through East Hanover to milepost 13.4 in Hanover. NJDOT officials said the repairs will improve motorist safety and extend the pavement lifespan along the full width of the roadway at each location, including all travel lanes, turn lanes, shoulders and median openings.

New image detection cameras will be installed at certain intersections to replace the existing, underground loop detectors. These cameras are linked to traffic signals and help maximize the capacity of Route 10.

NJDOT said all Route 10 westbound travel lanes will be maintained during daytime hours since the repaving work will be confined to overnight - with single lane closures allowed - to minimize the impact to motorists. Dynamic message signs will notify motorists of upcoming traffic pattern changes.

The project is scheduled for completion in early-fall 2013. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org real-time travel information.

NJDOT resurfaced an eight-mile long stretch of Route 10 eastbound in this area last year.

Community Coalition Applauds Morris County Law Enforcement

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:27:00 +0000

The Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris, an initiative of Morris County Prevention is Key, will thank Morris County Law Enforcement for providing our citizens with a safe and secure place to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs, by sponsoring an appreciation luncheon at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s School of Pharmacy in Florham Park on May 17 at noon.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Department, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and participating police departments are being recognized by CCSHM for helping to make permanent MedReturn drug collection units possible in Morris County.

MedReturn is a stand-alone unit into which expired or unused prescription drugs can be dropped.

The units are firmly fastened to a secure surface in the police station, where they are monitored 24/7 and are checked regularly, with the items collected then properly destroyed.

Now, instead of having to wait for an agency to sponsor an annual “Take Back Day,” when unwanted prescription drugs are collected, Morris County residents can safely dispose of drugs anytime by using the MedReturn drug collection units.

Morris County currently has 16 MedReturn drug collection units, the most of any county in the state.

Thanks to the efforts of acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, Sheriff Edward Rochford and numerous police departments and community agencies that have made the units possible, “Every Day is Take Back Day in Morris County,” according to CCSHM.

For further information about the event, CCSHM or the MedReturn box initiative, contact Barbara Kauffman, Morris County Prevention is Key Director of Prevention Services, at 973-625-1998 or at bkauffman@mcpik.org.

Morris County Prevention is Key is a private, non-profit, community based health organization dedicated to the promotion of the health and well being of the Morris County community and the prevention of substance abuse, addiction, violence and related issues.

School of Technology Preschool Applications Available

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:26:00 +0000

The preschool program within the Morris County School of Technology’s Child Related Careers program in Denville is accepting Preschool applications for the fall 2013 morning and afternoon sessions.

The preschool programs run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from either 8:30-10:30 a.m. or 12:30-2:30 p.m., and are in session from the end of September to the beginning of June.

The preschooler must be 3 ½ years old by October 2013 and a resident of Morris County. Tuition is $1,316 with a payment schedule available, and enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis.

For additional information and application details call the Morris County School of Technology at 973-627-4600 ext. 276. Applications are also available online at www.mcvts.org.

Blood Drive at County Library

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:12:00 +0000

The Morris County Library is teaming with New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, to sponsor a blood drive at the library Thursday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The New Jersey Blood Services’ Bloodmobile will be stationed in the library’s parking lot at 30 Hanover Ave., in Whippany.

Anyone who is 17 years of age who weighs 110 pounds and is in good health can donate blood.

Registering in advance to make an appointment may be accomplished online at https://drm.nybloodcenter.org/PublicScheduler/GroupWelcome.aspx?Group=66648.

While an appointment is suggested, walk-in blood donors will be welcome.

More information about eligibility can be obtained online at www.nybloodcenter.org or by calling 1-800-933-2566.

Morris Diaper Drive Another Success

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:59:00 +0000

This year’s diaper drive conducted by the Morris County Youth Shelter was a success, with more than 5,450 disposal baby, toddler and adult diapers and 2,444 wipes collected.

The items will benefit the clients of the Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance and Child & Family Resources, two agencies that partner in the community to help needy families.

The Office of Temporary Assistance provides general assistance to families in emergency situations or to those who have lost their jobs.

Child & Family Resources in Mount Arlington is the county’s premiere child care referral agency.

Residents and counselors at the Youth Shelter initiated the first diaper drive in 2008 after volunteering at the Interfaith Food Pantry and seeing families who needed not only food, but diapers and other essentials for their children, said Pete Corea, youth activities coordinator at the Youth Shelter.

Freeholder Hank Lyon (seated) and
the Youth Shelter's Pete Corea

Since then, more than 30,000 adult, toddler and infant diapers have been collected.

The shelter staff and residents thank the Morris County community for its support and generosity and are grateful to the Morris County Library; the public libraries in Pequannock, Mount Olive, Madison, East Hanover and Roxbury; the Randolph Community Center; the Randolph YMCA; Jefferson Town Hall; and Camp Jefferson for all agreeing to be drop-off locations during this year’s diaper drive.

The Youth Shelter houses adolescents who have been determined by a family court judge to be in crisis, until permanent placement can be arranged.

County Library Sunday Hours

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:33:00 +0000

The Morris County Library is now closed on Sundays until after Labor Day. Sunday hours at the library will resume Sept. 8.

The Morris County Library, 30 E. Hanover Ave., in Whippany, is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Recycling Champions Honored

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Several Morris County individuals and schools and a business have been honored for their contributions toward waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and litter abatement by the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority.

The recognition came during the MUA's Recycling Awards Dinner on April 17.

Those receiving awards were:

●Cleanup Superstar Award to Pastor Sidney Williams of Bethel A.M.E.Church in Morristown for the leadership he provided for a spring 2012 cleanup of the Whippany River.

●First Prize For A Second Chance Award to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation in East Hanover for shifting its emphasis from recycling e-waste to refurbishing and reusing it.

●Composting’s A Blast! Go, Rocket! Award to the School District of the Chathams for implementing a food waste composting program by using a Rocket Composter.

●It’s S’cool To Be Green! Award to the Mendham Township Elementary School for its overall emphasis on taking care of the environment.

●A+ For A Cleaner Mount Arlington Award to the Mount Arlington Public School for participating enthusiastically for three consecutive years in the Slam Dunk the Junk Grant Program, a litter abatement and cleanup program.

●McRex (Morris County Recycling Excellence) Award to Michael Petonak, superintendent of public works in Boonton, for the many years he has worked to improve the recycling program in the town.

●Take One: Action! Award to the Chatham Township Environmental Commission for producing and disseminating a video called “All-In-One, Single-Stream Recycling” to publicize the arrival of single-stream recycling in the township.

●Extra, Extra! Read All About It! Award to Michael Daigle, formerly of the Daily Record; Larry Ragonese, formerly of The Star-Ledger; and Fred Snowflack, formerly of the Daily Record and now with The Record, for all of the energy they devoted to writing about recycling and related issues when they were covering Morris County for the aforementioned newspapers.

●The Hy Nadel Creativity Award to Ted Largman, a Morris Township resident, a retired chemist and patent holder, an artist who uses “found” objects in his works, and a member of the Morris Township Environmental Commission. The award is named for the late Herman (Hy) Nadel, who was a member of the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority Board for over 17 years, including six years as chairman and three years as vice chairman. In addition, Hy, who was also known as the Cake Man, baked and decorated 18 sheet cakes for the recycling awards dinners between 1991 and 2008. Ted is the third recipient of this award.

●The Maraziti, Falcon & Healey Environmental Excellence Scholarship will be presented by representatives of that firm to Nayna Shah, a Morris Plains resident who is a senior at Morristown High School. Nayna is the fourth recipient of this award.

●2012 Slam Dunk the Junk! Poster Contest winners Stefanie Marie Fischer, Morris Knolls High School; Abirami Kurinchi-Vendhan, Morris Hills Regional High School; Michaela Phelan, Borough School, Morris Plains; Jaecob Ponce de Leon, Central Middle School, Parsippany.

Crime Victims' Rights Month

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:57:00 +0000

April is Crime Victims’ Rights Month.

The time is traditionally set aside to pay tribute to victims of crimes and their families, and the countless number of professionals and volunteers who dedicate their lives to helping victims.

In conjunction with the designation, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented a proclamation to Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp that praises the county’s Victim-Witness Advocacy Unit in the

Prosecutor’s Office.

The proclamation notes the unit “works diligently to ensure that every crime victim it encounters is treated with compassion, fairness and respect.”

In issuing the proclamation, Freeholder Director Thomas J. Mastrangelo said the freeholders are committed to assisting those who have been victimized by crime and recognize all of those who are dedicated to offering these victims support and assistance.

Freeholders Host High School Students

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:32:00 +0000

The Morris County Freeholders on April 10 hosted 19 students from high schools across the county during the board’s annual Student Government Day.

The juniors and seniors met with and had the opportunity to question the county administrator and assistant administrator, the six county government department directors and Freeholder Hank Lyon, all of whom explained their responsibilities to the students as well as the importance of county government.

Freeholder Hank Lyon

The Student Government Day program is conducted for high school students each year to make them more aware of county government, the role it plays in their lives and the many programs and services it offers.

The students who participated in the interactive Student Government Day program were selected by their high schools, and had all expressed an interest in politics, government or current events.

Students who attended were Allie Piacenti, Natasha Sidhu, Jack Hilsinger and Brittany Serafin of Mendham High School; Frank Chapparo and Nimit Jindal of Morris Hills High School; Grace Campbell, Rachel Poling, Sophie Kurlandski, Jackie Reingold, Hennie Cabuhay and Leely Rezvani of Morristown High School; Peter Hernandez and Akosua Opokua-Achompong from the Morris County School of Technology; and Maria Brouard and Katrina Elertowski of Dover High School.

Freeholders on the Road Again in 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:12:00 +0000

The Morris County Freeholders this year will continue a tradition they started in 2007 and will take some of their regular public meetings on the road.

The first will be Wednesday, April 24 in Madison, when the board’s public meeting will be conducted in the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, 50 Kings Road, starting at 8 p.m.

Travelling meetings have been held in each of the 39 towns in the county since the practice began, and this year, the freeholders start the process of visiting each municipality again.

“When we leave Morristown, the county seat, and take some of our public meetings into the towns, it gives the freeholders the opportunity to meet face-to-face and to exchange ideas with local officials and to seek their input on the various issues that affect their communities,” said Freeholder Director Thomas J. Mastrangelo.

Going into the town also makes it more convenient for those residents as well as residents of nearby communities to attend a freeholder meeting, meet the freeholders and learn more about Morris County government and the services it offers, Mastrangelo said.

Besides Madison, the freeholders plan to conduct public meetings this year in seven other towns including Roxbury on May 22 and Rockaway Township on June 26.

Reaffirmation of Morris Aaa Rating Saves Money for Denville

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:22:00 +0000

Moody’s Investors Service, a leading provider of credit ratings, research and risk analysis, has reaffirmed Morris County’s Aaa bond rating, the first rating review since the introduction of the 2013 budget.

Moody’s said the county’s Aaa rating with a stable outlook “reflects the county’s strong and diverse tax base, well-managed financial operations, which have historically supported healthy reserve levels, and a modest debt burden.”

The rating agency also pointed to Morris County’s “conservative financial management practices.”

“It is a win-win for Morris County taxpayers, receiving a triple A rating and a budget, which as Moody’s noted, reduces spending and has a zero increase in property taxes,” said Freeholder John Krickus, a budget committee member and liaison to the Improvement Authority.

Reaffirming the Aaa rating, which is highest rating possible for a government entity, enabled the Morris County Improvement Authority to help Denville save more than half a million dollars on the township’s refinancing of bonds.

By utilizing the Improvement Authority on Monday, April 1 to refinance $8.1 million in bonds, Denville will save $593,000 in debt service payments over the next 11 years.

“Utilizing exceptional foresight and taking advantage of favorable market conditions, the actions of the county officials in conjunction with Denville’s professionals, will result in a reduction of approximately $50,000 each year or approximately one-half million dollars of our municipal debt service obligations over a 10 year period,” said Denville Mayor Thomas Andes.

Freeholder Dave Scapicchio, alternate freeholder liaison to the Improvement Authority, said Denville’s savings illustrates the importance of the county’s Aaa rating.

“The greatest benefit for Denville or any town in using the Morris County Improvement Authority for refinancing is the triple-A rating the county has,” Scapicchio said. “Because the bonds are guaranteed by the county’s triple-A rating, towns using the Improvement Authority for these transactions are able to receive the lowest interest rate possible, thus saving tax dollars for their residents.”

Under state law, improvement authorities have more flexibility in financing and issuing bonds than do other government entities.

The bonds Denville refinanced Monday were from 2005, with the funds used primarily to help finance the renovation of the township’s municipal building.

Denville used the Improvement Authority to facilitate that transaction as well. In doing so, the township also realized savings by having the traditional 5 percent down payment eliminated, receiving the lowest possible interest rate based on the county's guarantee and having the lease payments exempted from the state budget cap.

“Using the Improvement Authority to refinance debt or to finance projects such as school and municipal construction, may allow local officials to spend fewer dollars and reduce the property tax burden on their residents,” said Morris County Freeholder Director Thomas Mastrangelo. “This is why the freeholders created the Improvement Authority, to help towns meet their needs while saving tax dollars.”

More information about the Morris County Improvement Authority may be obtained online at www.MorrisCountyNJ.gov/improvement, or by calling the Improvement Authority at 973-285-6020.

FEMA Again Extends Deadline to Register for Hurricane Sandy Assistance

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:48:00 +0000

Survivors of Hurricane Sandy now have until May 1, 2013, to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The deadline was extended another month at the request of New Jersey officials.

People with storm losses in all counties in the state can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Registration is also available by calling 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

The disaster registration process serves as a referral point for FEMA programs and those of partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

The SBA has also extended to May 1 the date for homeowners, renters and business owners to complete and return SBA disaster loan applications. Visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955, TTY 800-877-8339 for more information.

Household Hazardous Waste/Computer/Electronics Collection Days

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:09:00 +0000

The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority will conduct a free Household Hazardous Waste Disposal and Computer/Electronics Drop-off event on Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Department of Public Works, 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.

Morris County residents will be able to drop-off at no charge unwanted hazardous materials and electronic devices including computers, monitors, printers, scanners, fax machines and televisions from their homes.

This event is for all Morris County residents. Businesses will not be permitted to attend this disposal event.

Acceptable materials include pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, oil-based paints, stains, paint thinners and removers, solvents, automotive fluids, batteries, pool chemicals, darkroom chemicals, aerosol cans (not empty), propane and helium cylinders, small quantities of asbestos (wetted, double bagged and sealed with duct tape), driveway sealant, roofing tar, fluorescent bulbs, PCB-ballasts, mercury thermometers and switches, household cleaning products, muriatic acid, computers, monitors, printers, scanners, fax machines and televisions.

Explosive or highly reactive materials, such as picric acid or nitro compounds, will not be accepted. For information about safe disposal of explosive or reactive material, call (973)-631-5109.

The Jefferson Township event is the first of four Household Hazardous Waste Disposal and Computer/Electronics Drop-off events that have been scheduled this year. The others will take place June 22 and Sept. 14 at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy and Oct. 19 at the Pequannock Township Municipal Building.

For more information about these events, call (973) 285-8394, or visit the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority website, www.MCMUA.com.

Freeholders Establish Morris View Advisory Committee

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:23:00 +0000

The Morris County Freeholders have established an advisory committee to look at ways the county can continue to reduce the tax effort needed to fund Morris View Healthcare Center.

Freeholder David Scapicchio, the freeholder board’s deputy director, said while the county has been successful in recent years cutting expenses and increasing revenue to Morris View, there are still challenges that remain.

“We have saved money by outsourcing housekeeping, laundry, dietary and other services at Morris View, and we’ve also been able to increase revenue with the addition of a Sub Acute Unit,” Scapicchio said. “But, we still must find a way to deal with the issues that remain, including continued reductions in Medicaid funding.”

Scapicchio said the advisory committee will analyze trends and provide the freeholders with information, guidance and the strategic planning recommendations necessary to address those critical issues.

He said the committee will also work to develop a plan to market Morris View to those in the community needing the services the facility offers.

The advisory committee will include Scapicchio; Freeholder Hank Lyon, the freeholder liaison to the county’s Department of Human Services; two family members of Morris View residents; a community-based volunteer; county staff; and representatives from Premier Healthcare Resources, the company that manages Morris View.

Lower Spending, Lower Taxes, Lower Borrowing in Morris County 2013 Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:00:00 +0000

The Morris County Freeholders have unanimously adopted a 2013 county budget that contains a zero percent increase in taxes while maintaining critical county services.

According to Freeholder Director Thomas Mastrangelo, the 2013 budget, which can be viewed online, reduces total expenses by $6.2 million, appropriating $311.1 million, down from last year’s $317.3 million figure.

Mastrangelo, a member of the Budget Sub-Committee, said the freeholders worked extremely hard to ensure the budget reductions and the tax freeze did not have a negative impact on county services.

“The number one goal I set for this year was no increase in property taxes,” Mastrangelo said. “We not only achieved a zero in the taxes needed to operate the county for the first time in 15 years, but we also achieved real property tax relief with a $4 million cut in the Preservation Trust Fund, all while maintaining the same level of county services."

He said the reduction in the Preservation Trust Fund tax will actually result in an estimated 1.7 percent decrease in the overall county tax levy.

"In such difficult economic times, I think most will agree that cutting spending by more than $6 million without sacrificing essential services is quite an accomplishment," Mastrangelo said.

He noted the 2013 budget reflects 63 less county employees than last year, and that the county’s borrowing this year will be $7.7 million less than it was in 2012.

Continuing programs such as providing more than 500,000 meals to the county’s senior citizens and maintaining services at Morris View Healthcare Center was very important to the freeholders, Mastrangelo said.

“We were able to make cuts in areas other than vital social services,” Mastrangelo said. “Because of conservative fiscal management here at the county level and Gov. Christie’s property tax reforms, we were able realize more than $4 million in savings in salaries and pension and health care costs.”

Mastrangelo thanked all of the Freeholders, county managers and county employees for their diligence in crafting the 2013 budget. “We have achieved something that is almost unheard of in New Jersey, a property tax reduction," Mastrangelo said. "I also want the taxpayers of Morris County to know we are already hard at work on the 2014 budget so we can continue delivering on our fiscal conservative policies."

The budget was adopted by the freeholders after a March 27 public hearing.

New NJ Transit Rail Schedules

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:43:00 +0000

The Morris County Division of Transportation advises area residents that NJ Transit has implemented new rail schedules on all of its NJ Transit rail lines, including the Morris & Essex and the Montclair-Boonton Lines that serve Morris County.

The new schedules can be viewed on NJ Transit’s website, www.njtransit.com.