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
Mendham Township Christmas tree collection will occur between Monday January 11 and Friday January 22, 2021. Residents are to place trees without ornaments and/or lights at the curb and they will be picked up during this two week period as manpower permits.
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
Please take a moment to watch the brief video - it's a synopsis of the Mendham Township recycling program that will go into effect on January 1, 2021. If you have any questions, reach out to 973-543-4555.
Provided by Mendham TV:
https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/DlmmPfdsX2xkVdFmHGUnNrmtSQmz1Apm/medi…
**Important Documents can be found at the Mendham Township Recycling Page<http://www.mendhamtownship.org/cn/webpage.cfm?TPID=10726>**
The recycling collection day has changed to Mondays with paper products being picked up on the first Monday of 2021 followed by recyclables on the following Monday. The Mendham Township Recycling Page will provide you with an annual calendar showing the collection days plus detailed information on what is included in recycling (and conversely, what is not included).
RECYCLING COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL: There are significant changes in Recycling due to the increased cost in disposing of recyclables collected in the "single stream" process (all recyclables placed in one container for pick up). The Township has decided to return to the "dual stream" collection process. This change will save the municipality over $40,000 per year. To obtain additional savings, the Township has entered into a five-year contract with the Morris County Utilities Authority to collect and dispose of the recyclable materials.
REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL: The Township has entered into a three-year contract with RTS (the current 2020 Refuse Collector) for continuation of their services without any significant change in 2021. This contract provides for the collection of all refuse generated by Township residents plus the administration of the refuse disposal Sticker Fee program. Refuse will continue to be collected on each Tuesday or Wednesday (same schedule as in 2020). There are no changes in the regulations on refuse collection. Residents are still required to place a disposal sticker on each item placed at the curb for collection.
The purchase of stickers for the disposal of the collected refuse by the Morris County Solid Waste Authority have increased slightly, from 70 cents per sticker to 75 cents per sticker (purchased in books of 10 for $7.50). The increase in cost is directly related to the increased disposal costs at the Refuse Transfer Station, not the cost of collection or administration.
The main page of the Township web site has additional information on recycling and refuse disposal, including a schedule of stickers required for bulk items placed at the curb (MendhamTownship.org). Click on the center box on the main page, "Garbage and Recycling"<http://www.mendhamtownship.org/cn/webpage.cfm?TID=77&TPID=10371>.
Important Telephone numbers:
For problems with or information on the Refuse Collection - call RTS at 1-833-663- 6787 or MendhamTwp(a)rts.com<mailto:MendhamTwp@rts.com>
For refuse disposal stickers, call or email RTS. Sticker are also sold at the CVS store in Mendham Borough.
For problems with or information on Recycling Collection - call the Township at 973-543-4555. If you had your recyclables at the curb by 6:00 a.m. and it was not collected by noon, call the Township and leave a message and the Township will request a special collection on the following day. Decals to be placed on recycling collection containers are available to Town Hall and CVS.
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
Good Evening,
The Township Committee Meeting scheduled for tonight (12/22/2020 at 7:30PM) will be held remote via Zoom only.
The access information can be found on the township website or on the last page of the attached agenda.
Thank you,
Maria Coppinger
Township Clerk
Mendham Township
PO Box 520
2 West Main Street
Brookside, NJ 07926
973-543-4555 Ext. 211
973-543-6630 FAX
Mendham Township Annual Registration Reminders:
Alarm: Annual alarm registration is required by December 31st of each calendar year in Mendham Township. This registration applies to burglar, fire, medical, and panic alarm systems. Forms are available on our website, www.mendhamtownship.org under the Forms and Documents<http://www.mendhamtownship.org/cn/FormCenter/?TID=77&TPID=9848> section or at Town Hall. Any questions, please contact the Mendham Township Police at 973-543-2581.
To register online, please click here<https://register.communitypass.net/reg/cat_program_class_detail.cfm?s=&t=&s…>.
For Alarm Registration Forms, click here<http://www.mendhamtownship.org/FCpdf/2017-18%20AlarmRegistration%20Revised.…>.
MENDHAM TOWNSHIP
POLICE DEPARTMENT
3 Cherry Lane; PO Box 236; Brookside, NJ 07926
Non -Emergency 973 543-2581
Fax 973-543-2603
Pet Licensing: It's time to get your pet registered & licensed for the 2021 year. Please see details below.
APPLYING FOR LICENSES
Dog and cat licenses are renewed or applied for annually. A printable application can be found on our website, here<http://www.mendhamtownship.org/documents/Pet%20Licensing%20Application%2020…>. New pets six months of age or older must be licensed at this time or when this age is reached during the year.
DOCUMENTATION
Please include the rabies vaccination certification so that pet records may be updated. A rabies vaccination must have an expiration date valid through October 31st of the licensing year in order to obtain an animal license. All required documentation, the appropriate fee and self-addressed and stamped envelope must be submitted with the application form or everything will be returned to you.
PAYMENT & LATE FEES
On February 1st, a $5.00 late fee will be charged for dog license renewals, and a $5.00 late fee will be charged for cat license renewals. There are no late fees charged for newly acquired dog and cat licenses received on or after February 1st. Payment can be made with cash or a check, made payable to 'Township of Mendham'.
DOG AND CAT LICENSE FEES
Description
Fee
License for spayed / neutered
$15.00
License for not spayed / neutered
$18.00
Late fee for dogs (added on February 1st for renewals only)
$5.00
Late fee for cats (added on February 1st for renewals only)
$5.00
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Online registration and payment is available, here<https://register.communitypass.net/reg/cat_program_class_detail.cfm?s=&t=&s…>. In order to receive the pet license tag, be sure to submit appropriate rabies vaccination documentation to, 2 West Main Street, P.O. Box 520, Brookside, NJ 07926
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
The Deadline for Ski Club Registration has been extended to Monday, December 21, 2020.
The Township of Mendham is happy to present our annual Ski/Snowboard program. Our ski club program is open to all children in Grades 6 through 12. This year, the program will continue to take place over six Sundays at Camelback Ski Resort in Tannersville, PA.
Transportation & Lift Tickets are included in registration. This program is fully supervised, but we still look for additional volunteer chaperones.
Program dates include January 3, 10, 24, 31 and February 7, 21.
Departure: 7:00 AM (please arrive at 6:45 AM)
Pick up: We will depart Camelback at 3:00 PM and arrive in Mendham at 4:00 PM
Both Departure and Pick up will take place at 18 West Main Street, Brookside, NJ at the Mendham Township Elementary School.
Price for six-week program: $592.00 (Increases due to COVID busing and restrictions)
Price for six-week program: $372.00 (PARENT MUST PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION)
Price for six-week program: $262.00 (Township provides transport, no lift ticket – for season pass holders)
MAKE YOUR DECISION CAREFULLY. AFTER DECEMBER 4, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE CHANGES IN MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AND NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN SHOULD YOU DECIDE TO DRIVE YOUR CHILD!
* Mendham Township & Mendham Borough residents receive "IN TOWN" pricing. There is a $25.00 out of town fee applied to all out of town residents.
* Additionally, register by MONDAY, December 21, 2020 to avoid a $25.00 late fee. Registration MAY remain open past December 18 if there are spots available to fill a bus. Should we need to start a new bus, we will begin a waitlist and when there are enough participants, they will be released from the waitlist.
* There is the option to add on ski or snowboard lessons for $45 per week. These lessons are 90-minute lessons provided by the Camelback staff.
COVID UPDATES AND GUIDELINES FOR SKI CLUB
Due to the nature of COVID-19 and the everchanging Executive Orders and guidelines issued as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, please be sure to review the below PRIOR to registering for the ski club. The ski club is a very intricate program to put together and there are many moving parts that COVID-19 makes even more difficult. In order for this program to be effective in its operation, please only register if you are sure that you feel comfortable with the given protocols. No refunds will be given after ski club has begun for any reason other than medical reasons with a doctor’s note, or a complete closure/cancellation due to COVID-19.
This year, you may notice an increased cost. Transportation is extremely costly and operating it at half capacity makes it even more costly. This is a part of why no refunds will be issued except in the situations mentioned above, as all expenses – from staffing to buses and lift tickets - need to be covered.
We do not permit anyone to sign up by the trip – you must sign up for the entire session of ski club. Additionally, if you plan to drive your child to the mountain and leave them for the day, please contact David Guida. We will waive $220 from the cost of the trip.
Please take a moment to review the below:
Buses:
* Temperature checks will be completed when entering the bus.
* Additionally, sanitizer will be provided for all participants upon entry to the bus.
* Buses will be seated every other seat (meaning each individual will have their own row).
* Masks will be required at all time on the bus.
* There will be no more than 25 participants on each bus. To eliminate possible exposure to COVID-19, we will take requests for bus placements if you are already in close contact with any individual on the trips.
* Requests (outside of grade) will be taken for individuals in close contact beyond ski club.
Meeting Area:
* More guidance is to come on this. However, we are anticipating that the lodge will have very limited access. A request is pending with Camelback to allow the buses to remain in the lots so that participants can return to the bus for breaks, and bring grab and go lunches to the bus. However, we have been guaranteed that the buses may return for lunch. So, skiers not wishing to enter the lodge will be able to leave personal items on the bus, including lunch, and return during a designated time to eat.
Refunds:
* In the event of a closure of the State of New Jersey or Camelback prior to the start of ski club, full refunds will be given to all participants.
* In the event that an individual becomes injured and cannot attend ski club, a full prorated refund will be given.
* No refunds will be given for missed trips other than injuries or with a doctor’s note!
* In the event that there is a cancellation due to COVID-19, a refund will be given for each missed week. However, make ups will be scheduled where possible first.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions that you may have via email at dguida(a)mendhamtownship.org<mailto:dguida@mendhamtownship.org>.
David Guida
Recreation Director
Office: 973-543-4555 ext. 222
Cell: 908-477-4438
dguida(a)mendhamtownship.org<mailto:dguida@mendhamtownship.org>
Township of Mendham
2 West Main Street
Brookside, NJ 07926
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