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December 2015


 

   Preparation for Winter    Storm Events
 
The Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining safe conditions for the public during winter 
                                                  
In anticipation of a snow or icing event, the Department will
pre-treat several areas of the Township with salt brine.  This operation may be conducted one to two days before an event.  Our drivers are trained and experienced in plow operations and will make every effort to avoid damage to areas adjoining the roadways, however, the township will not be responsible for damage to items obstructing the right of way.
Fair Housing
 If you or someone you know is interested in Pequannock Township's Affordable Housing Program, please contact Fair Housing at 973-835-5700, Ext. 198.  Our list is not closed and currently we are accepting Interested Person Questionnaires from households who meet the affordable housing income caps for one, two, or three bedroom low and moderate income.  You may request a form via email, regular mail or by calling Fair Housing.
 
What is the average wait time to purchase a unit? How long will it take before I am called to purchase a unit?
 
The Interested Persons List is a list that aids unit owners in selling their units. This list is for people who have indicated a desire to purchase an affordable housing unit in Pequannock Township's The Glens or Crestwood Park. The people contained on our list have not been approved; they have merely shown an interest in our program. The Interested Persons Questionnaire provides the committee with general intake information that can be used to determine the correct number of bedrooms needed and income category.
 
The Fair Housing Committee cannot guarantee that a certain number of units are sold each year. The number varies from year to year. Averaging out several years' worth of sales, it is safe to say that an average of 5-7 units are sold each year varying from one, two, or three bedroom units, moderate or low income. The most common units sold are one bedroom units, followed by three bedrooms units, and lastly two bedroom units.
 
Once an affordable housing unit has been purchased, is there a follow-up monitoring process that the Township performs?
 
After being approved for purchasing a unit, you and your family are no longer income-monitored. Illegal use of the affordable housing program is continually monitored to make sure that all who participate in the affordable housing program follow the rules and regulations of the Township of Pequannock and the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). Also monitored is misuse/abuse of the Affordable Housing Program of Pequannock Township, as well as violations of sale, household size, agreements, etc.
 
Every year, the Fair Housing Committee sends out a Unit Owner Update form to each affordable household in Pequannock Township. This form must be completed and returned within a reasonable time period by each household. This form helps the committee monitor each household. Failure to comply will result in a summons action brought against the unit owner by the Township's Fair Housing Committee.
 
 

Volunteers Needed

 

As we go into 2016, there are several seats open on various Boards, Commissions, and Advisory Committees in town.  If you are interested in participating in any of these, please reach out to  the Township Clerk's Office at  973-835-5700, Ext. 121.  Volunteer applications are available in the Clerk's Office or on our Website.  Some openings for the coming year are on the following:  Economic Development Commission, Open Space Advisory Commission, Environmental Commission, Flood Control Advisory Committee, Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, and Fair Housing Committee.
  
A Message from Our Fire Safety Bureau
  Winter Safety Tips:

                                    

                   Fireplaces-Creosote:

 

It is black or brown in appearance, usually crusty, like tar.  It is highly combustible and builds up in the chimney. It can catch fire causing it to spread to your home. Use only seasoned wood, not sappy wood and clean chimney frequently.

  

Christmas Trees:

 

Keep the tree watered.  Position the tree away from direct heat such as radiators, heat vents and fireplaces. If needles begin to fall, remove the tree from the house.

 

Lighting:

 

Check for frayed or loose sockets/bulbs

Use only UL approved lights and cords

Do not overload electric circuits

 

Holiday Cooking-Avoid Kitchen Fires:

 

Holiday fires can turn a joyous occasion into tragedy

Follow the guidelines below to avoid a fire this holiday season:

Keep potholders and food wrappers at least three (3) feet away from heat sources while cooking.  When cooking do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or dangling jewelry. The clothing can catch on fire and the jewelry can catch on pot handles, causing spills and burns. Turn handles of pots and pans on the stove inward to avoid accidents.  Move away from the stove, anything that could catch on fire, such as towels, pot holders and curtains.   After guests leave, designate a responsible adult to walk around the home making sure that all candles and smoking material are extinguished.

Establish a safe zone around the stove while cooking, keep children and pets at least three (3) feet away.  Never leave food cooking unattended.

 

                           Snow/Inclement Weather:

 

Keep exterior dryer vents clear of snow.

Do not pile snow against the house.

While running your vehicle, be sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow. Blocked exhaust pipes could cause carbon monoxide poisoning to the occupants of the vehicle.

 

To help us help you in an emergency, please make a three (3) foot clearance around the fire hydrants.

 

The Fire Safety 
Staff wishes you a Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday!
 

                 Parks & Recreation News
 
  
Holiday Festival
 
Saturday, December 12th  11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Greenview Park
Bring your own stick to roast S'mores over our Bonfire
Santa will arrive aboard a Fire Truck
Fee:  $5.00 per child.  Register through Community Pass
 
     Letters to Santa 
 
The Parks & Recreation Department will start collecting Letters to Santa.  Children can write their letters to Santa and send them to c/o Santa's Helpers, 530 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, New Jersey  07444.
Santa's Helpers need all letters to be mailed in by December 12th so that they must have enough time to respond.
Pequannock Township First Aid & Rescue Squad 
 
The Pequannock Township First Aid & Rescue Squad recently placed into service an all-terrain ambulance to serve the community. This new six wheel drive vehicle will be utilized to access remote areas of the township such as the railroad trails and parks. The unit was purchased at no cost to the taxpayers through a generous gift to the squad and fundraising.
In November, the squad held its Annual Installation Dinner where the 2015-2016 Executive Board was sworn into office by Mayor Cathy Winterfield. The following officers will lead the squad into the new year:
President Bobbi Jo Murphy, Vice President Steve Indoe, Treasurer Stacy Webb,  Recording Secretary Allison Kane, Corresponding Se cretary Christine Francescone, Squad Trustee Ron Furia, Chief Thomas V. Lyons, Jr., Captain Ellen Indoe, Lieutenant Thomas Murphy
 
Several Awards were issued including:
The Chief's Award presented to Christopher Murphy
The President's Award presented to Gregory Renna
The Operations Award presented to Thomas V. Lyons, Jr.
The Cadet of the Year presented to Taylor Van Sant
Service Awards were presented to:  Rob Cascone - 15 Years of Service
Gregory Renna and Steve Indoe - 10 Years of Service
Matthew Mudd and Stacy Webb - 5 Years of Service
In addition to the above awards, Chief Gregory Renna was recognized for leadership in serving as the squad's Chief for the past seven years.

 

 

Cadet of the Year Taylor Van Sant

 

 
 

 

 For More Information Visit Our Website
 

Pequannock Police Department
 

 
 
The police department will be conducting numerous Driving While Intoxicated supplemental patrols throughout the holiday season. It is the goal of the police department to provide safe roadways while our families travel throughout the township during the holiday season. Please drive safe and sober.
 
The Pequannock Township Police department would like to remind drivers of the increased dangers of driving during severe weather conditions in the winter months.  AAA has provided the NJ Teen Safe Driving Coalition with a pamphlet of tips for driving on the ice and snow.  In addition to driving tips the pamphlet also provides information on maintaining your vehicle throughout the cools winter months. It is encouraged that parents of new drivers review the information with their teens to help provide then with information to keep themselves and other motorists safe as they drive within the township. 

Click here for Pamphlet 


     
Pequannock Township Coalition Provides Free Drug Testing Resource Kits for Parents
Sometimes parents may suspect that their child is taking drugs but they do not want to get a drug test that is reflected on their insurance or they do not have the money to pay for one. Another concern of parents is that if they use law enforcement to administer the test, then it becomes a legal matter against their child is positive.
The Pequannock Township Coalition, a Drug Free Communities coalition, recognizes these problems and wants to help. We have placed drug testing resource kits at the Pequannock Twp. Police Department for parents to get free of charge.
The kits contain a 12 panel testing kit, an alcohol testing swab, instructions, and information for the parent on getting help and resources to use. If they cannot find help through those listed, they may call the Morris County Prevention is Key office at 973-625-1998 for additional information. Please contact Det. Steve Cicchetti at 973-835-1700 x119 to obtain a kit, or Phyllis Minicuci, Project Coordinator of the Pequannock Twp. Coalition at 973-625-1998, with any questions.

    
Health Department
 
 
 
 
 
 
Christmas Trees will be collected on January 4, 2016 & January 18, 2015.  Please place trees at curbside prior to 6:00 a.m. void of all ornaments and tinsel.  DO NOT put the tree in a plastic bag.
 
 

Visit the Health Department Website for more information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  


 Mayor Catherine Winterfield, the Township Council, and

the Staff of Pequannock Township Wish Everyone a Happy & Safe Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!