Mendham Township is offering drive-through COVID-19 Testing at the Mendham Township Middle School on Wednesday, January 6th and Thursday, January 7th.
Sign-up here: https://caregps.us/reg/mendhamtwp.aspx.
We are encouraging all Mendham Township School District students and staff members to get tested before going back to school for in-person instruction on Wednesday, January 13th.
Since March, many of us have been anxiously awaiting 2021. 2020 will forever be marked by social distancing, hand sanitizer and masks… but also change, uncertainty, fear, loss, and all kinds of struggle. Despite all of the challenges that the world, our country, and community have endured, Mendham Township came together this year like never before. We supported each other through unprecedented times, and accomplished some truly remarkable things.
We all know that tomorrow - January 1, 2021, our lives will not magically revert back to normal; however, as New Jersey moves through Phase 1 of its vaccination plan, many of us are given hope for an “end in sight”. Hope that is much needed as our families, community, and businesses are doing everything they can to survive.
As we look towards the new year and await wide distribution of the vaccine across all populations, we cannot let our guard down. As you continue practicing social distancing, masking, and good hygiene, I urge you to take this time to reflect. We have gone through life-changing events this past year, but I cannot begin to express how amazing it has been to witness the generosity, creativity, and resilience displayed by our community members to encourage hope and keep the most vulnerable in our community safe. Our community has found ways to adapt to health guidelines and to safely continue programming and fun events that residents look forward to every year. This year, more than ever, I am so grateful and proud to be a part of the Mendham Township Community.
Over the next few months, information regarding vaccine distribution will become widely available. We have posted some initial resources on NJ's COVID-19 Vaccination Program<http://www.mendhamtownship.org/cn/news/index.cfm?NID=52444&jump2=0> on the Mendham Township website. We are closely monitoring this situation and will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Happy New Year, and Stay Safe.
Sarah Neibart
Mayor, Mendham Township
Earlier this week you should have received a letter that Mendham Township has returned to the “dual stream” recycling collection process for 2021. Starting on Monday, January 4, 2021, the recycling collection day has changed to Mondays with paper products being picked up on the first Monday of 2021 (January 4th) followed by bottles and cans on the following Monday (January 11th).
Recycling pick-up tomorrow - Thursday, December 31st is not impacted by this change and will be the last day to put out all your recyclables (paper, plastics, cans, etc.) together.
Over the last few years, the Township’s municipal recycling program has become extremely expensive and unpredictable. Before 2020, Mendham Township did not offer a weekly recycling program. In 2020, when we transitioned our waste management program, we received a reasonable bid for weekly recycling service. Unfortunately, the proposal for 2021 was too expensive and the Township looked for a more sustainable long-term alternative.
Over the past year, we learned how infrastructure and costs to process recyclable materials are often limiting, and mixed recyclable materials can often be contaminated with non-recyclable waste. This can result in materials ending up in landfills. As communities across the country adapt to new sustainable recycling practices, Mendham Township aims to be cost effective and help encourage more efficient recycling.
Many towns, including Mendham Township, are working to reduce relatively high contamination rates that result in less recyclable materials actually being recycled. To ensure that collected product is being recycled and to increase the quality of materials for the market, the recommendation was for the Township to look into dual-stream recycling.
The Environmental Commission is working on setting up a webinar with the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority shortly to discuss Mendham Township's new recycling program, and to give residents the opportunity to ask further questions on the new collection system. The Township will keep residents informed as this progresses. In the meantime, please refer to the packet you should have received in the mail. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by email or call: (973) 543-4555.
Sarah Neibart
Mayor, Mendham Township
Tonight, as many members of our community begin their Christmas celebrations, a grinchy storm will be rolling into town. Heavy rains are expected later this evening and overnight which, combined with snowmelt, could lead to flooding issues across Mendham Township.
Santa’s sleigh could be delayed tonight by the 40 - 55 mph winds that are expected to sweep across Northwest New Jersey. These heavy winds will have the potential to be extremely damaging and could lead to downed trees and power lines.
Please prepare yourself and your family for a possible power outage.
If you lose power, report your outage to JCP&L directly by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), or visiting <https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rstenergycorp.com%2F%3Ffbcl…> www.firstenergycorp.com<https://www.firstenergycorp.com/outages_help/Report_Power_Outages.html?fbcl…> and clicking the “Report Outage” link on firstenergycorp.com, or by texting out to 544487. Please have your account number on hand.
If you notice a downed power line or a tree blocking the road, do not go near it, and report it immediately by calling the police non-emergency number at: (973) 543-2581 and press 0 to speak to an operator or email: mendhamtwpoem(a)gmail.com.
Please reserve calling 911 for emergency situations.
Before tonight, if you have a sump pump, please check that it’s working and drain it down to provide extra capacity in the event of a power outage to delay basement flooding.
Generators can be a lifesaver during power outages, but can also be dangerous if used or installed improperly. Never use a portable generator inside the house or a closed garage.
Temperatures are expected to drop tomorrow - do not use gas stoves, kerosene heaters or other open flame heat sources to keep warm. These sources of heat can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to build up in your home.
If you need assistance or someone to check on a community member, please email the Mendham Township OEM at: mendhamtwpoem(a)gmail.com.
Merry Christmas, and Stay Safe,
Sarah Neibart
Mayor, Mendham Township
This past Tuesday, New Jersey hospitals began vaccinating frontline healthcare workers. As of yesterday afternoon, the state reported that 2,149 healthcare workers had received their first dose of the vaccine. Around 76,000 doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine were delivered to New Jersey earlier this week - about 54,000 doses have gone to our hospitals and 20,000 will be distributed in long-term care facilities starting on December 28th. The state is currently expecting a total shipment of 183,300 doses of Pfizer’s vaccine in December, representing a 38% decrease from the state’s previous estimate.
Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. New Jersey expects to receive the first shipment of the Moderna vaccine in the next few days. Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage, so there is more flexibility on the types of sites that can receive and provide the doses, which would allow wider distribution. The state is working on opening 200+ vaccination sites, and announced yesterday that Morris County will house one of the six NJ “mega vaccination sites”.
The initial focus of the vaccination effort will continue to be healthcare personnel who are defined as paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. This first phase also includes long-term care facility residents and staff, and is expected to continue throughout December and into early 2021.
As we begin on the road to the end of this pandemic, please continue practicing social distancing, masking, good hygiene, and testing. We still have a tough few months (at a minimum) ahead. With this in mind, Mendham Township and Mendham Borough with the help of Robinson Drug & Compounding Center and CareGPS Health are standing up a drive-through testing facility before the holidays in order to help prevent the spread of the virus. While we strongly encourage you not to gather for the holidays, if you do so, please get tested beforehand.
Please sign up for your COVID-19 test here: caregps.us/mendham<https://caregps.us/reg/mendham.aspx>.
Sarah Neibart
Mayor, Mendham Township
MENDHAM TOWNSHIP'S SANTA TOUR ROUTE TIMES FOR TOMORROW:
Routes for the EAST SIDE OF TOWN:
Route #1:
-Start: Woodland Road at East Main Street.
-Woodland Road to Twin Park 10:05
-Left onto Twin Park Drive
-Right onto Woodland Road
-Left onto Mount Pleasant Road 10:06
-Take Mount Pleasant to Standish Drive- loop around in cul-de-sac 10:10
-Left onto Mount Pleasant Road
-Left onto Schoolhouse Lane 10:13
-Right onto Wilrich Glen 10:15
-Left onto Old Orchard Road 10:17
-Right onto Washington Valley Road 10:20
-Right onto Hamilton Dr 10;22
-Left onto Dogwood Drive 10:25
-Left onto Tingley Road 10:10:28
-Right onto East Main Street 10:30
-Back in front of town hall in the vicinity of BEC #1 Headquarters 10:32
Begin Route #2 automatically
Route #2:
-Start: West Main at Cherry Lane
-West Main Street to Cold Hill Road 10:35
-Cold Hill Road to Mountainside Road 10:35
-Mountainside Road to Calais Road 10:38
-Calais Road to Parkwood Lane 10:41
-Loop in cul de sac at Parkwood Lane
-Right onto Calais Road
-Left onto Horizon Drive 10:43
-Horizon Drive to Mountainside
-Mountainside to Cold Hill
-Left onto Cold Hill
-Right onto Buddy Lane 10:48
-Loop in cul-de-sac
-Left onto Cold Hill
-Cold Hill to Shelton Road 10:50
-Left onto Shelton
-Shelton to Ballantine 10:51
-Right onto Ballantine
-Left back onto Cold Hill
-Cold Hill to Route 24 10:55
Return to firehouse via Route 24 and Cherry Lane for 15-minute break after #2
Route #3
-Start: Cherry Lane
-Cherry Lane to Colonial Road 11:20
-Left onto Route 24
-Right onto Corey Lane 11:22
-Corey Lane to Green Hills/Indian Hollow
-Left onto Green Hills Road 11:23
-Loop in cul-de-sac
-Left back onto Corey Lane
-Corey Lane to Tempe Wick Road 11:25
-Tempe Wick to Drakewick
-Right onto Walsingham Road 11:27
-Left onto Devonshire 11:28
-Devonshire to Cold Hill Road
-Right onto Cold Hill
-Right onto Route 24
-Route 24 to Governor’s Lane
-Right onto Governor’s Lane 11:28
-Take cul-de-sac at Olmstead Lane
-Right onto Route 24 then immediate left onto Brockden Drive 11:30
-Brockden Drive to the cul-de-sac
-Loop around in cul-de-sac
-Left onto Farm Drive 11:35
-Left onto Knollwood Trail West
-Left onto Deer Run 11:37
-Right onto Hilltop Circle East 11:38
-Right onto Hilltop Circle East
-Left onto Cherry Lane 11:40
-Return to firehouse- end of tour
Routes for the WEST SIDE OF TOWN:
Route #1:
-Start: Ralston Firehouse
-Left onto Route 24
-Right onto Nesbitt Drive 10:01
-Left onto Jane Terrace 10:02
-Right onto Valley View Drive 10:04
-Right onto Oak Knoll Road 10:05
-Right onto North Gate Road
-Take crossroads straight to Cedar Lane 10:08
-Right onto Roconan Drive 10:09
-Loop in the cul-de-sac
-Left onto Cedar Lane
-Left onto Burnet Road 10:11
-Burnet Road to Ironia Road 10:12
-Left onto Ironia Road
-Ironia Road to Animal Shelter Complex 10:13
-Loop Around in Shelter Complex
-Ironia Road to Roxiticus Extension
-Roxiticus Extension to Route 24
-Cross over 24 to Roxiticus and begin Route #2 10:20
Route #2:
-Start at Roxiticus Road 10:20
-Roxiticus Road to Hunters Glen 10:25
-Left onto Hunters Glen 10:27
-Carriage Hill Road both sides 10:32
-Back down Hunters Glen
-Right onto Roxiticus
-Left onto East Fox Chase Road 10:36
-Right onto Springcroft Road 10:37
-Right onto Winston Farm Lane 10:40
-Left onto Roxiticus Road
-Right onto Saddle Hill Road 10:41
-Loop in cul-de-sac
-Right onto Roxiticus Road
-Right onto Union Schoolhouse Road 10;43
-Left onto Mosle/Pleasant Valley Road 10:45
-Left onto Brookrace Drive 10:45
-Brookrace Drive to cul-de-sac 10:49
-Loop in cul-de-sac
-Right onto Pleasant Valley/Mosle Road (Brookside can go either way; end of route)
-Right onto Union Schoolhouse Road
-Right onto Roxiticus Road 11:01
-Left onto Route 24
-Return to Ralston Firehouse 11:05
*The times listed above are approximates, please expect some delays.
**If you would like to park in a safe spot along the route, that is fine - but we ask that you avoid the main roads!
The Mendham Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Department of Public Works (DPW), and our first responder organizations are monitoring the incoming storm that is set to arrive mid to late afternoon tomorrow - Wednesday, December 16th. We currently expect 9-14 inches of snowfall with heavy winds. Although the storm is expected to subside on Thursday, there will likely be a re-freeze cycle throughout the weekend.
Starting tomorrow at 2pm, please do your best to stay off the roads. Travel could be extremely difficult, and the heavy winds could lead to downed trees and possible power outages.
If you notice a downed power line or a tree blocking the road, do not go near it, and report it immediately by calling the police non-emergency number at: (973) 543-2581 press 0 to speak to an operator or email: mendhamtwpoem(a)gmail.com.
Please reserve calling 911 for emergency situations.
If you lose power, report your outage to JCP&L directly by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), or visiting www.rstenergycorp.com and clicking the “Report Outage” link on www.firstenergycorp.com<http://www.firstenergycorp.com/>, or by texting out to 544487.
JCP&L is prepared to activate its storm response and Incident Command System plans and has crews standing by ready to help.
Reminder: Generators can be a lifesaver during power outages, but can also be dangerous if used or installed improperly. Never use a portable generator inside the house or a closed garage. Additionally, do not use gas stoves, kerosene heaters or other open flame heat sources to keep warm. These sources of heat can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to build up in your home.
If you need assistance or someone to check on a community member, please email the Mendham Township Office of Emergency Management at: mendhamtwpoem(a)gmail.com.
Stay Safe,
Sarah Neibart
Mayor, Mendham Township
Thanks to the incredible work of our Mendham Township Recreation Department, Department of Public Works, Fire Department, and Mendham Borough Fire Department, we have lights on the 80-foot tree outside of Town Hall! It was a community effort, and we are so excited to see the tree all lit up for the holidays!
Upon discussion with our Recreation Director David, it seems the tree is missing something... and we could use your help! We would love it if Mendham residents have any extra ornaments laying around to donate to our tree! Feel free to come by at any time and hang an ornament.
Looking forward to lighting our menorah and tree this weekend!
On Wednesday, Governor Murphy updated New Jersey’s travel advisory and reinforced that people should limit their travel plans out-of-state unless it is for an essential purpose. I know this request comes at a time when many people are used to getting out of town and having big celebrations with their families and friends. I actually just canceled a planned trip of mine, and I kindly ask that you consider these guidelines over the holidays to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community members.
If you do choose to travel outside the state, I encourage you to observe a 14-day self-quarantine period and to wait at least five days to get tested when you arrive back in NJ. COVID-19 testing is now widely available, and yesterday, the County of Morris launched two types of at-home COVID-19 testing programs at no cost to Morris County residents or people who work in Morris County. Those who work in Morris County, but do not live in the county, will be required to submit additional proof of where they are employed such as an employee identification card or the employer’s contact information.
Applicants will also be asked to provide information about their private health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare coverage, but will not be billed for the tests. If you are not insured, you must indicate that and the county will take care of the cost of your test.
The nasal swab test is restricted to individuals who are age 18 and older and is restricted to people with symptoms of COVID-19. It will be shipped overnight and you will be asked to follow directions on how to take a sample and return it in a prepaid package. The results are generally available within 48 hours of receipt by the testing company.
The saliva test, provided by Vault Health, will be shipped to your home overnight. There is no age restriction, but the testing must be conducted under the supervision of an online Vault test supervisor via Zoom Video Conference.
If you test positive, you should quarantine and should contact your healthcare provider. Additionally, you should anticipate a call from a health department official for contact tracing to determine if anyone else was exposed.
For more information on this program, please go to: https://morriscountycovid19.org<https://morriscountycovid19.org/>.
Additionally, the Township is working on providing additional testing over the next month. Please keep an eye out for an email from us over the next week.
Hope you had a great weekend!
Sarah Neibart
Mayor, Mendham Township
Over the past year, we have seen many new volunteers join our boards, committees and first-responder organizations. We are grateful to these dedicated volunteers and thank them for their service. Without their time, skills and resources, our community would be hard-pressed to keep critical town government functions running smoothly and maintain the quality of life that makes Mendham Township such a wonderful place to live.
As we enter 2021, these organizations could use more helping hands! If you are interested in getting involved with our open committees and boards detailed below, please send a resume and cover letter to our Mendham Township Clerk (mtclerk(a)mendhamtownship.org) by Friday, December 4th. If you would like to volunteer for our Fire Department or First Aid Squad, please reach out to the organizations directly.
Planning Board
The Planning Board functions under the guidelines established by the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D. The Planning Board adopts the Township’s Master Plan and Official Map and hears applications and makes decisions on subdivisions, site plans, and conditional uses. The Planning Board also advises the Township Committee on changes to the Township’s land use ordinances.
(Zoning) Board of Adjustment
The Zoning Board deals with the issuance of variances which are based on the municipality’s zoning ordinance. The zoning ordinance establishes specific requirements for a land area within a municipality and regulates not only the uses permitted, but the size of the parcels, setbacks required, parking, signs, conditional uses and numerous other such regulations.
Parks and Recreation Committee
The Recreation Advisory Committee works with the Mendham Township Director of Recreation to make recommendations to the Township Committee with respect to recreation programs and the planning, development, construction, and maintenance of the town’s recreational facilities.
Tree Committee
The goal of the Tree Protection Committee is to preserve trees. This committee views trees as a precious resource which protects the semi-rural character of the Township, thereby increasing groundwater recharge, reducing stormwater runoff, increasing soil fertility and allowing for increased wildlife habitat. The committee also encourages new plantings of native species of trees.
Board of Health
The focus of Mendham Township’s Board of Health is primarily septic and well-plan reviews, discussion and approvals. The Morris County Office of Health Management provides services to Mendham Township including septic and soil inspections, well inspections, food licensing and inspections, health clinics, health education and health code enforcement. The nurses provide various health programs for residents, including child health clinics, hypertension screenings as well as programs to assist the elderly. Each month, a health officer report is presented to the Board at their meeting; a flu clinic is scheduled for two dates in the fall.
Historic Preservation Committee
The Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee's goal is to preserve and educate the community about its rich history and to encourage its protection. The committee catalogs and preserves historic documents and artifacts.
Wildlife Management Committee
The Mendham Township Wildlife Management Committee serves as the advisory board to the Township Committee on deer control programs and initiatives as well as provides general advice on wildlife management within the community. The Committee issues access permits to hunters to hunt on municipal lands and reports deer harvest totals to the Township Committee at the end of the season. It also maintains a list of licensed hunters who are permitted to hunt on private property.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee assists the Township Committee in the municipal budget process. The Finance Committee conducts budget workshops to review department requests. After the workshops are concluded, the Finance Committee works with the CFO to present a budget to introduce at the Township Committee level.
Fire Department
The Fire Department is entirely a volunteer organization. The Department is comprised of two independent Fire Companies - Brookside Engine Company (www.bec1.org) on the east side of town and Ralston Engine Company (www.ralstonengine.org) on the west side of town. The Fire Department’s mission is to protect and serve our community from fire and other emergencies by providing fire suppression services, rescue services and to assist residents with problems beyond their control through code management, public education, and incident response. The firefighters complete training to maintain their skills and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone over the age of 14 is eligible to join.
First Aid Squad
The Mendham Township First Aid Squad is an all-volunteer organization of caring, well trained professionals who provide emergency medical care. From minor cuts and scrapes, to rescuing injured hikers, to critical medical emergencies - the First Aid Squad helps neighbors year-round. The squad has opportunities for Emergency Medical Technicians, Drivers, and people who have other skills they would like to volunteer. For EMTs and Drivers, the squad will provide the training that you need to become certified, no prior experience required. If you're interested in the medical field, this is a great way to get involved. The squad also works closely with our local fire companies and assists with community events. If you're interested in learning more, please email membership(a)mtfas.org.