[Mendhamtwpwebupdates] 2021 Mendham Township Volunteer Opportunities

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.