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GOVERNING BODY REDUCES MUNICIPAL TAX INCREASE

The 2002 final property tax bills were mailed in October after the Township of West Caldwell received certification from the Essex County Board of Taxation for the 2002 Tax Rate.

"The Municipal tax increase is required to fund insurance premiums, waste water treatment and the reserve for uncollected taxes," stated Mayor Joseph Tempesta, Jr. "Declining interest rates also reduced our miscellaneous revenues for 2002 and affected the municipal property tax rate." "The additional two tax points will cost the average homeowner (assessed at $212,900) $3.55 a month for all municipal services," added the Mayor.

"West Caldwell applied to the State of New Jersey for $330,000 in Extraordinary Aid to help offset the municipal tax increase, but only $25,000 was funded by the Division of Local Government Services," stated Finance Chairman Ronald Day. The Governing Body cut appropriations by an additional $78,000 to reduce the municipal tax increase by one point. "Remember only 20% of your tax dollar is utilized to maintain basic municipal services (excluding the reserve for uncollected taxes). The balance of your taxes is raised to support County and School operations over which the Mayor and Council have no control," added Councilman Day.

ADDED ASSESSMENT TAX BILLS

Added assessment Tax Bills are for improvements owners make to their properties that enhance value, such as additions, alterations or new structures. The improvement value upon which the assessment is calculated is determined by the Tax Assessor. Residents with questions regarding added assessments can contact the Tax Assessor's office, 973-226-2303.

The total shown on the bill/bills must be paid in addition to the amounts stipulated on the 2001 Final / 2002 Preliminary tax bill. Please review the bills, noting the payment required, as well as the due date noted on each payment stub. Any questions on the billing may be directed to the Tax Collector's office, 973-226-2304.
Also note! - Some mortgage companies pay the added assessment and some don't. Call yours to make sure! 

NJ DROUGHT INFORMATION

As many of you know, the state has declared mandatory drought restrictions. Up-to-date New Jersey Drought information is available at 1-800-448-7379 or www.njdrought.org 

WEST CALDWELL DEBRIS PICK UP PROGRAM

The Department of Public Works runs a debris pick-up program for the residents of the Township on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each week. The program is designed to help residents discard items not collected by the regular garbage contractor (with some limitations). The program operates as follows:

* Residents must call 973-226-2300 to schedule an appointment for a pick-up. Do not place the item by the curb until the Township has been called and pick-up scheduled.
* The item must be placed by the curbside before 7:00 AM on the scheduled day.
* Each resident is limited to one scheduled pick-up per 30-day period.
* This program applies to residential property only and must be a product of that home or property.
* The Township will not pick-up any materials generated by any contractor employed by the homeowner. The homeowner must have done all work.
* In no case shall the amount to be picked-up exceed 2 cubic yards (a regular pick-up truck sized load). The Township reserves the right to refuse to pick-up items that do not meet the program guidelines.

Please call 973-226-2300, ext. 400 with any questions.

FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Councilman Ned Rosenberg, Public Safety Committee Chairman, noted that West Caldwell is fortunate to have concerned residents who wish to volunteer their time to our community. During the past few months the Fire Department has significantly increased the number of members. The most recent members appointed by the governing body were Eric Otterbein, Megan Stout, Jock Watkins, Jr. and Jared Fout. Eric joins his father Richard, and brother Carl as a member of the department. Megan becomes the first female firefighter appointed to the position. Jock Watkins, Jr. also joins his father Jock, Sr., and Jared joins his uncle Larry Bunn as a member. 

The department would like to welcome the return of firefighter Ernesto Hernandez. Ernesto was reactivated to military service in October, 2001 after the tragedies of September 11, 2001. He spent a year away from his family and community serving his country. We welcome "Ernie" back. 

Additional members are always welcome. Membership is open to persons over the age of 18 who live or work in the Township. No experience is necessary, equipment and all required training is provided. Also, persons who are not interested in becoming a regular member and wish to volunteer their time by assisting in the day to day maintenance or administrative functions of the department are always welcome. For further information, please contact the Office of the Chief at the Municipal Building.

TEAM UP FOR FIRE SAFETY

If a fire ever strikes your home, you can be sure local fire fighters will respond immediately. But they need our help in keeping communities safe from fire. The more people know about preventing and surviving a fire, the better off we'll all be. That's why the theme of this year's Fire Prevention Week is "Team up for Fire Safety." The campaign focuses on safety lessons that everyone can learn: installing and testing smoke alarms, practicing home escape plans, and hunting for home hazards. If you would like additional information on how you can increase your contribution to the team by preventing fires, call the West Caldwell Fire Prevention Bureau at 973-226-2302, or e-mail us at fire-prevention@westcaldwell.com. 

LIBRARY NEWS

With construction of the new Library addition underway, it was a very active, busy summer at the West Caldwell Public Library. Over 29,550 items were circulated to 12,366 borrowers in the month of July alone! 

READ IT, the Library's Adult Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM at the West Caldwell Civic Center to discuss the following titles:

Montana 1948 by Larry Watson - November 12
Sister Noon by Karen Joy Fowler - December 10
Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan - January 7

Thanks to everyone who returned a completed survey. Volunteers are still compiling the results and a summary of these will soon be available. 

In the Children's Room. . . . . 

The Summer Reading Program, "Go Buggy With Books" was a big success. Children enjoyed crafts, storytimes, and producing a Reader's Theater production of Anansi and the Magic Stick, complete with handmade masks and sets created by the children themselves. The Fall promises to be a busy one as well. The Library's construction project, "A New Chapter," begins phase two in the next few weeks in the Youth Services Department. Although the area itself will be inaccessible, much of the Children's Collection has been relocated to other areas of the Library and is ready for checkout.

FRIENDS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

On October 29th, the Friends of the West Caldwell Public Library cordially invite the public to attend their Annual Membership Meeting featuring a discussion and evaluation of Old Books. The program will run from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM and will be held at the West Caldwell Civic Center, located at the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Clinton Road. Virginia Faulkner and Chris Wolff, owners of the Old Book Shop in Morristown, will present this informative program. Participants are invited to bring 1 or 2 books along for possible evaluation, and refreshments will be served.

NEW HUD GRANTS 

The Township of West Caldwell has been awarded a new HUD Grant of $93,825 to continue our program of improving intersections to provide barrier-free access to the handicapped. Also included in this Grant is funding to make barrier-free and ADA compliant improvements to the snack bars at the Westville Avenue and Cedar Street pools.

The Township recently completed improvements to the Cedar Street Pool, Memorial Park and various intersections, also 100% funded by HUD Community Development Grants.

LEAF BAGS AVAILABLE

Once again the Township will provide 10 free bags per household and 20 free bags for senior citizens. Free bags are only available at the Municipal Building, 30 Clinton Road, Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM and Monday evenings until 8:30 PM. They are also for sale in the Library on Saturdays until November 16 from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. The cost is 25¢ per bag.

Leaves are collected on your FIRST trash collection day of each week, that is Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Grass clippings and other vegetative waste are still considered trash, and should be put in PLASTIC BAGS with your regular trash collections. Please DO NOT mix grass clippings with leaves.

WESTOVER AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION

The Township has recently completed the reconstruction of Westover Avenue, from Central Avenue to Westover Terrace, with a $190,000 Grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). Work included paving, drainage, new granite block curb and new concrete sidewalk in some areas.

Also completed with a $150,000 Grant from the NJDOT, was the Pedestrian Safety improvements project. This work included the removal and replacement of sidewalks on Thrumont Road, Farrington Street, Pleasant Avenue, Francis Place and Stonybrook Road from Central Avenue to Annin Road. 

NEWCOMER'S NIGHT

West Caldwell's annual Newcomer's Night will be held in the Municipal Building, 30 Clinton Road on Wednesday, October 23 at 7:30 PM. The Mayor and Council have extended invitations to attend the evening's activities to all new residents who have moved into the Township within the past year. A video presentation highlighting the various activities and services available to residents will be shown.

Members of the Governing Body and Township Administration will be on hand to discuss the responsibilities and services of the different Township Committees. The evening will conclude with informal discussion over coffee, cider and cookies. 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The West Caldwell Health Department will be holding its flu and pneumonia clinic on October 23rd from 10:00 AM - Noon. The vaccinations will be offered at the West Caldwell Fire Department, Fairfield Avenue, West Caldwell. The shots are free to residents with Medicare Part B. The cost to all others will be $15.00 for either vaccination. Some restrictions apply. Please call the Health Department at 973-226-2303 for more details. Additional flu and pneumonia clinics will be held at the Fairfield Community Center, 376 Hollywood Avenue, on October 30th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, and on November 21st from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM. These clinics are available to West Caldwell residents.

Residents are reminded that the Health Department's free blood pressure screenings are held each month at the West Caldwell Public Library, 30 Clinton Road. The blood pressure screening is held the second Thursday of each month from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. The remaining 2002 dates are November 14th and December 12th. Residents are also encouraged to attend our free blood glucose screening, which will be offered at the Library on November 14th from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM.

Finally, the Health Department will be holding its free rabies clinic on October 19th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the West Caldwell Public Works Garage, 21 Clinton Road (behind the Police Department). Residents are reminded to bring their dogs on leashes and their cats in carriers. An additional rabies clinic will be held at the Fairfield Public Works Garage, 230 Fairfield Avenue, Fairfield, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on October 26th.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION COMMITTEE

The West Caldwell Centennial Committee has met monthly since its inception in March. Established by Mayor Joseph Tempesta, the Committee is charged with devising and planning a variety of activities for the year 2004. West Caldwell was incorporated on February 24, 1904.

Councilman Bill Payne, Chairman, announced that the Committee's first activity is the sponsorship of a Centennial Logo Contest. It is open to all West Caldwell residents and local businesses. "We hope that submitted designs, due by December 13th, will include the Township seal or a variation thereof," Payne said. The selected design will be used on a variety of Centennial mementos such as, mugs, golf shirts, "T" shirts, and other items associated with the year long celebration.

Other activities and projects under consideration include a Centennial Ball, a Town Picnic, a Historic Photo Town Calendar, updating of the Town's history book by the Historical Society and talking history of West Caldwell, among others.

Residents or members of the business community interested in serving on the Committee should contact Bill Payne (973-228-3581) or Roxanne Douglas, Secretary, (973-226-8976).

RECREATION INFORMATION

Councilman Joseph Fischer, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, wished our best of luck to recent retiree Paul Gorski for his dedicated service of over 28 years. The Recreation Department will miss his expertise.

The Adult Canteen Nights are underway at the West Caldwell Civic Center. Challenged adults may participate in singing, dancing, crafts, special events and refreshments as presented by canteen supervisor Susan Falk and her staff. The next session is Thursday, October 24th. Please contact the Recreation Office at 973-226-3621 to register. 

The Adult Open Basketball program is held Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at James Caldwell High School Gym, commencing October 16th. The Adult Open Volleyball program will be Mondays 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Washington School Gym, commencing October 21st.

The annual Youth Baseball/Softball Awards Night will be held Monday, October 21st at 7:00 PM at the Grover Cleveland Middle School cafeteria. The presentation of the springtime awards for 2002 will honor the following champions: Napolean's Restaurant, Corporate Communications Group, The Belles, Caldwell Nursery and the Jr. Suburban Softball team.

Recreation is proud to present "Rediscovering Youth Sportsmanship" a new program for parents, coaches and officials. Join us Tuesday, December 10th at 7:30 PM at the James Caldwell High School Auditorium. The St. Barnabas Health Care System, The Sports Medicine Institute will provide step by step guidelines which help keep sports a safe haven for kids.

An array of upcoming youth programs will be announced through the school systems, TV-36, the West Caldwell website and The Progress. On the horizon are Youth Basketball, Girls Twirling, Wrestling and Indoor Soccer. Registration will be in November for these programs scheduled for December through March of 2003. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

The West Caldwell annual Tree Lighting, sponsored by Mayor Tempesta and the Township Council, will take place Sunday, December 1st at 4:30 PM at the Gazebo in Crane Park. Santa and his buddies will be visiting with help from the West Caldwell Fire Department. After the ceremony join in the refreshments and carols at the West Caldwell Presbyterian Church on Fairfield Avenue.

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rev. 10/27/06