41015 WC Rwport

GOVERNING BODY SUCCESSFUL IN AID REQUEST

"The Township of West Caldwell was faced with a large municipal tax rate increase in 2004 to cover the expense of a new garbage collection contract, high refuse disposal costs, the police pension bill and the PBA arbitration award," stated Mayor Joseph Tempesta, Jr. "Our garbage contract increased by 92% and when you add in the higher disposal costs, we had to increase this year's budget by another $262,000."

"The Governing Body applied to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for $660,000 in Extraordinary Aid to reduce the proposed municipal tax increase," added Council President Joseph Fischer. "Mayor Tempesta met with Senator Richard Codey on numerous occasions to review the Township's request for aid.

"The time and effort put forth by the Mayor and Council was well worth it," stated Finance Chairman Richard Norgard, "with the assistance of Senator Codey, West Caldwell received $300,000 in Extraordinary Aid and $70,000 in Municipal Homeland Security Assistance Aid which was used to provide property tax relief."

"The bottom line is that this $370,000 in aid assisted in limiting this year's municipal tax increase to two tax points costing the average homeowner (assessed at $215,600) only $3.59 a month," concluded Mayor Tempesta.

MAYOR
Joseph Tempesta, Jr.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Joseph A. Fischer

COUNCIL MEMBERS

William E. Payne ........................ Public Works

Richard C. Norgard ........... Finance & Welfare

Jane A. Cook .................... Legal & Personnel

Ned M. Rosenberg ..................... Public Safety

Joseph A. Fischer ................ Recreation/Pools

Dominick Aiello ..................................... Water

NEW FIELD AND GYM SPACE

Working in cooperative effort with the Essex Valley School (EVS) on Henderson Drive, the Township has just completed construction of a beautiful new multi-purpose field as well as a modern new upgrade to the existing gymnasium facility. That improvement was funded by a $100,000 Livable Communities Grant.

EVS has made this land available to the Township at no cost and will share the use of these facilities for scheduled events with our Recreation Program.

PAVING AND MORE

A joint project with the Borough of Caldwell to improve several roads with grant funding from the NJDOT was scheduled to begin on October 4. This work will include the resurfacing of Ravine Avenue, Crossbrook Lane and a portion of Fairfield Avenue. Drainage improvements will also be constructed on Ravine Avenue. Our portion of this project is funded by a $190,000 NJ Transportation Trust Fund Grant.

Pending receipt of a satisfactory bid, paving is also planned for Woodside Avenue, from Stonybrook Road northerly, a portion of Spring Lane, Woodmere Road and the Fire Headquarters parking area. Also already scheduled for paving this coming Spring is Dalewood Road.

FALL HYDRANT FLUSHING

Councilman Dominick Aiello, Water Committee Chairman, announced that Fall Hydrant Flushing has begun. This will take approximately four weeks to complete and will be performed week nights between the hours of 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM. Flushing is necessary for proper maintenance of our water distribution system. It provides an opportunity to test the Township's fire hydrants and also removes accumulated sediment from water mains.

Please check to be sure water is running clear before starting any laundry during this time. Tune in to TV Channel 36 for updates and progress reports.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Councilman Ned Rosenberg announces that the West Caldwell Health Department will be holding its flu clinic on November 10 from 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM. The vaccinations will be offered at the West Caldwell Fire Department, 5 Fairfield Avenue, West Caldwell. The shots are free to residents with Medicare Part B. The cost to all others will be $20.00. Some restrictions apply. Please call the Health Department at 973-226-2303 for more details. Additional flu clinics will be held at the North Caldwell Firehouse, Gould Avenue, on November 3 from 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM, and at the Fairfield Community Center, 376 Hollywood Avenue, on November 17 from 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM. These clinics are available to West Caldwell residents.

West Caldwell, along with ShopRite of West Caldwell, will host the 9^th Annual West Essex Family Health Day. This year's event will be held October 16 at James Caldwell High School, Westville Avenue. Residents of the entire West Essex area are invited for many free health services, as well as discounted blood chemistry screenings! Please call 973-226-2303 or visit ShopRite for more details.

Finally, the Health Department will be holding its free rabies clinic on November 6 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 Ave., Fairfield, from 10:00 AM— 12:00 PM on November 13.

LIBRARY NEWS

The West Caldwell Public Library offers several programs for adults this Fall, presented in our beautiful new Community Meeting Room.

A "Meet the Authors" author lecture and book signing will take place Monday evenings at 7:30 PM (refreshments served at 7:00 PM). Books are usually available for sale at each event. On October 18 Alice Elliott Dark will discuss "FACT IN FICTION," her method of using autobiographical details in fiction, particularly in relation to her novel Think of England. On November 15 Feather Schwartz Foster, author of Ladies: A Conjecture of Personality, will speak about her experience writing this work about First Ladies. On December 6 local author Patrick Caruso will give us a firsthand account of the Battle of Iwo Jima, as recorded in his memoir, Nightmare on Iwo.

"Beyond the Pages: An Afternoon of Entertainment" will be held on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM with refreshments at 12:30 PM. On November 9 join us while Master Gardener Joan Gorman presents "Backyard Gardens in North Jersey," a slideshow followed by a question and answer period. On December 14 we'll celebrate the holidays with festive music presented by The Majewski Duo, (violin and piano).

READ IT! A FRIENDLY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP will be held Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM. On November 9 the book will be A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines. On December 14 the book will be Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett.

HEALTH EDUCATION AT THE LIBRARY, Monday evenings at 7:30 PM is a lecture series presented by professional staff of Mountainside Hospital. Aim for a Healthy Weight will be held on October 25 and on November 22 the topic will be Managing Your Weight Through the Holidays.

THE FRIDAY AFTERNOON MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY - SHOWTIME 2 PM will be every Friday, rain or shine. The very best of Hollywood, from early classics to recent releases, brought to you through our state-of-the-art projection system displayed on full movie screen. Pick up a schedule at the Library.

In the Children's Room........

This Fall, over a dozen programs are planned for children of all ages, including some special events on Saturdays, too. For specifics and registration dates, please contact the Children's Department (973) 226-5441.

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 starting October 9 until November 20 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

ELMWOOD TERRACE RECONSTRUCTION - NJDOT GRANT

The Township of West Caldwell was awarded a $200,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation Trust Fund for the full reconstruction of Elmwood Terrace, from Central Avenue to the crest of the hill near Smull Avenue. This work is substantially complete according to Councilman Bill Payne. The project included new granite block curbing, new sidewalks from Central Avenue to Park Avenue, drainage improvements and roadway resurfacing.

JOHNSON AVENUE / HERBERT PLACE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT

Councilman Dominick Aiello, Chairman of the Water Committee, reports that work is nearing completion on the replacement of 2,500 feet of 75 year old water main on Johnson Avenue and Herbert Place. New 8 inch ductile iron main has been installed, and all fire hydrants have also been replaced. All residences will be connected to the new water main. The Mayor and Council will also meet with residents this Fall to discuss roadway improvements for Johnson Avenue.

WATER METER READING SYSTEM UPGRADE

Work has begun on the West Caldwell Water Department^'s upgrade of its meter reading system to a radio read system. This new system will facilitate a quicker and more accurate reading. It will eliminate the need for a meter reader to come on to your property to collect the water meter reading. The new unit will be placed in the same location as the existing unit on the outside of your home. There will be no charge to you for this service.

The workmen carrying out this work will be Township employees and will have identification. They will also be driving the Township's white Water Department vehicles. You will be notified by letter when your section of town will receive this upgrade.

NEWCOMER'S NIGHT

West Caldwell's annual Newcomer's Night will be held in the Municipal Building, 30 Clinton Road, on Tuesday, October 26 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.

STREETSCAPE UNDERWAY

With the full cooperation of Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, many elements of our proposed "traffic calming" and Streetscape improvements for Bloomfield Avenue are now under construction, funded by Essex County and the NJ Department of Transportation, explained Mayor Tempesta. The County will be improving the islands near Passaic Avenue with new granite block curbing and decorative concrete paving. Other islands will be mulched in anticipation of a volunteer program among local landscapers to provide plantings and regular upkeep. New street lights, poles and mast arms will also have a special "glossy black" finish reminiscent of old style lights and bollards will be installed to identify crosswalk areas, which will be handicapped accessible.

After all County work is complete, the Township will follow next Spring with the installation of decorative lighting in the islands, and true granite block crosswalks to evoke the historical elements of Bloomfield Avenue. We will also be constructing a new bus shelter on Bloomfield Avenue in an architectural style in keeping with the "retro" look of the streetscape. The Township's projects will be funded by a $250,000 Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant and a $95,000 HUD Community Development Grant.

RECREATION INFORMATION

Looking to play hoops? Join in the exercise, as the Adult Open Basketball Program is held Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at James Caldwell High School.

Another opportunity to shape up is the Adult Open Volleyball Program commencing October 18. This is held Mondays at Washington School gym from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Recreation is seeking a Holiday Tree for use at the West Caldwell Civic Center. Residents interested in donating a tree may call 973-226-3621 to give the description and location.

An array of upcoming youth programs will be announced through the school system, TV-36, the West Caldwell web site and The Progress. On the horizon are Youth Basketball, Girls Twirling, Wrestling and Indoor Soccer. Registration will be in November for these programs which are scheduled for December through March of 2005.

The Adult Special Needs Canteen evenings are underway at the West Caldwell Civic Center. The participants enjoy music, singing, dancing, crafts, special events and refreshments. Sue Falk and her staff are dedicated to providing an enthusiastic canteen night of fun and games. To register contact Recreation at 973-226-3621.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

The West Caldwell annual Tree Lighting, sponsored by Mayor Tempesta and the Township Council, will take place Sunday, December 5 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.

CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE UPDATE

West Caldwell's Centennial History Book is on track for publication in December, according to Councilman Bill Payne, Centennial Committee Chairman.

"Our history book committee, chaired by James Gardner, has been researching and developing text and photos which will make the publication a most interesting factual and pictorial account of West Caldwell over the past 100 years," Payne said.

He explained that the hard bound, "coffee table" size publication is expected to be 150 pages or more in length. It will include hard historical data as well as "snippets"- personal remembrances by many local long-time residents.

Notices of the availability of the book and its cost will be mailed to all residents later this month or early November. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy should contact the Municipal Building at 973-226-2300.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

... Streams on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner. Please make sure that leaves and grass clippings are not disposed of in a stream or catch basin.

... Sump pumps cannot be connected into a sanitary sewer. These must discharge into a storm drain, or into your yard without running onto a neighbor's property.

... Motorists must use hands-free devices for their cell phones while driving. It is now the Law!

... Homeowners insurance generally does not protect against sanitary sewer backups, basement flooding, etc. Check with your agent about special riders, such as sump pump coverage or flood insurance.

... Leaf blowers and lawn mowers can only be operated between 7:30 AM and 9:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays.

... Children under 14 must wear helmets for bike riding. Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet while skateboarding or rollerblading.