July 2020
Greetings!

Here's the latest information about things going on in the Borough of Pompton Lakes this month, assembled and produced by the Public Information Department.
Mayor Serra's Message
I, along with Councilmembers are pleased to announce, after years of seeking out a viable supermarket, this administration has finalized a commitment for a food store. Residents continually request a grocery store for the building vacancy located in the Pompton Town Square. We have finally made this a reality! Lidl, a grocery food store with award-winning products in more than 95 stores in nine states across the East Coast, will be opening in the near future in the Pompton Town Square. A supermarket is a valuable asset for our community and Lidl will fulfill a longtime demand for a grocery store as well as bring job opportunities to our town. I commend all those involved with securing a food store, for their dedication and persistence – it has been a long process. In addition to the food store, a self-storage unit facility will be located in the rear of the building and a detached merchandise retail store pad within the shopping complex. Vehicle charging stations will be included with this project. I welcome new businesses and wish them much success going forward.

As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the summer months, I would encourage residents to continue to wear masks and social distance.

Unfortunately, this year, many of our summer activities have been postponed or cancelled. I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding during this difficult and challenging time. The events draw large crowds, so therefore, while the decision to postpone or cancel an event is disappointing these decisions were made to limit exposure and keep the public safe during this pandemic. Pompton Day has been canceled for this year. At this time, I am hopeful the fireworks will take place.

Many local businesses have been creative and the Rhino Theater is offering outdoor performances. Those who enjoy live entertainment will have the opportunity to attend in a safe and comfortable setting. Local eateries have extended their premises to include outdoor dining and continue to offer curbside pick-up. I would ask residents to support local businesses and enjoy outdoor amenities that are opened to the public.

Borough Hall is open to the public and residents must abide by social distancing restrictions and wear a mask before entering the building; signage throughout the building will guide you through the restrictions. Residents are also provided the opportunity to communicate through phone or email whenever possible. Many applications and forms are available through the Borough website.

Data collected through the Census shapes the future and determines federal funding for the next decade. Federal funding for community hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources is based on census data. Every ten years, the US counts its population and the results determine the number of seats in Congress for each State. You can complete your 2020 Census Form online ( www.2020census.gov ), by phone or email.

Please frequent the Borough Website, Social Media outlets, and the Town Calendar for information and updates.

Until next time,

Mayor Michael Serra  

Borough Clerk's Office
During the past few months, many events and meetings have been postponed, canceled or held by video and this information has been provided through social media, the website and PLTV Channel 77. Unfortunately, PLTV Channel 77 messaging bulletin slides have been temporarily discontinued as we have been experiencing technical difficulties with the system.  We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to have the issue resolved in the near future.

Sidewalk Maintenance:

During the summer months, many residents make repairs or replace their sidewalks.  Prior to replacing or repairing your sidewalk, residents are required to complete an application for a sidewalk permit. Once the application is completed and filed with my office, along with the fees, a permit will be issued. Residents should contact the Building Department for further instructions as to the required specifications and inspection requirements.   

Street Openings:
 
When making improvements to driveways or the apron of your driveway within the public right of way, a Street Opening and Excavation permit is required. The process includes an application fee, an escrow balance to offset engineering and administrative costs, a bond restoration guaranty and proof of insurance.

After the approval of the application and the associated fees are collected, a permit will be issued and additional instructions will be provided as to Borough Code, specifications for the work and inspections. The Construction Officer will then monitor and inspect the project to assure the applicant is compliant with the Borough Administrative Code.
 
Call 811 or 1-800-272-1000 three days before you dig for New Jersey Underground Damage Prevention Guidelines and a free mark out of underground utility lines – Electric, Gas, Communication, Water and Sewer . 
 
Dog/Cat Licenses:

The Clerk’s office oversees the licensing of Dogs and Cats over the age of 6 months who reside within the Borough. Pet owners are required to license their pets annually by January 31 st . A $10.00 late fee is mandated for licenses issued beyond January 31 st .  Applications are available through the Borough Website and a proof of an updated rabies must accompany the application. Residents should refer to the Borough Town Calendar for additional information or call 973-835-0143 x 235. 

If you have not licensed your pet, please do so. The Borough of Bloomingdale Animal Control as per a shared service agreement conducts the Borough’s canvass and violation will result in a penalty per unlicensed dog or cat.  

Elizabeth Brandsness, RMC
Municipal Clerk/Deputy Administrator
973-835-0143 ext. 238

Top Stories
COVID-19: Exploiting the Coronavirus — Watch Out Online for Fake Charities
With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, people across Morris County are doing what they can to help one another, to be supportive of friends and neighbors and community members in need. But not everyone is benevolent.

The bad guys using cyber tricks are trying to use this compassion to their advantage. Many are posing as charitable organizations that claim to fund research, support hospitals, or provide help to victims of the virus.
Be careful. Don’t be fooled, warns Morris County’s Office of Information Technology.
Want to donate to real causes? Here are some tips:

  • Do your research. Use a trusted website like Charity Navigator to research an organization before making donations.
  • Reach out. Contact your charitable organization of choice directly by going to their website or calling your local chapter.
  • Never trust a link. Even if the email appears to be sent from a legitimate organization, type the webpage into your browser instead of clicking a link provided in an email.

Stop Look Think – Don’t be fooled
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
Upcoming Public Meetings
Borough Council Meeting: August 12, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. Meeting Information will be posted to the Borough Website as it becomes available.

Garbage and Recycling Cheat Sheet
The Borough of Pompton Lakes would like to inform residents on what is accepted in recycling.

Accepted Materials:
  • Mixed Paper, Office Paper, and Envelopes
  • Corrugated Cardboard (flatten and/or cut into bundles)
  • Telephone Books and Soft Cover Books
  • Glass Food and Beverage Jars (all colors)
  • Aluminum & Metal Beverage Containers
  • Pet Food Cans
  • Milk Jugs and Plastic Beverage Bottles
  • Detergent and Shampoo Containers
  • Juice Boxes & Juice/Beverage Cartons
  • Plastic with #1, #2, or #5 Symbols

Not Accepted:
  • Plastic Bags
  • Pizza Boxes
  • Light Bulbs
  • Aluminum Foil & Baking Pans
  • Drinking Glasses, Dishes, and Broken Window Glass
  • Ceramics and Pottery
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Motor Oil and Anti-Freeze Containers
  • Clothes Hangers
  • Cookie Tins and Bandage Tins
  • Carbon and Waxed Paper
  • Tissue Paper, Napkins, Paper Plates, and Paper Towels
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastics with #3, #4, #6, and #7 Symbols.

Any questions can be directed to the Department of Public Works at (973) 616-5900.
Recycling Center

The Borough Recycling Center is located on Grove Street and is open to all Borough Residents and Businesses. Residents and Businesses must display on their mirror or show the attendant a valid Borough decal or I.D. upon entering the Center. The Center is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
 
The Recycling Center offers biodegradable lawn and leaf bags at a cost of $.35 cents per bag. The following materials are accepted at the Recycling Center:

  • Grass Clippings
  • Leaves, Brush & Tree Limbs (max length 8 ft; max diameter 2 inch)
  • Co-mingled Glass, Plastic & Metal Recyclables
  • Aluminum cans - must be separated from other co-mingled recyclables
  • Paper & Cardboard Recyclables
  • Corrugated Cardboard – must be separated from other paper recyclables
  • Electronic Equipment & Computers
  • Metals
  • Waste Engine Oil
  • Car Batteries
 
Tires may be brought to the Recycling Center at a cost of $2.50 per tire without the rim and $5.00 per tire with rim. Propane tanks are not accepted at the Recycling Center.
 
LEAVING MATERIALS AT THE RECYCLING CENTER GATE WHEN THE CENTER IS CLOSED IS CONSIDERED ILLEGAL DUMPING AND PUNISHABLE BY FINES AND/OR IMPRISONMENT.
Recycling No Paper:
August 12 & 26
 
Borough Wide Paper Pickup: August 5 & 19
 
Metal: Every Monday and Thursday
 
Garbage: Please refer to the Borough Calendar for Garbage Collection dates
 
Plastic Film Recycling
The Borough of Pompton Lakes is currently accepting plastic film in the Borough Hall Lobby as the Lobby remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is accepted:
  • Newspaper sleeves
  • Bread bags
  • Cereal Liners
  • Ice Bags
  • Amazon Poly Mailers
  • USPS Flat Rate Bubble Mailers
  • Salt Bags
  • Dry Clothing Bags
  • and MUCH MORE!

Help us earn a FREE Community Bench!
Do Not Put Gloves and Masks in Recycling!
IMPORTANT: Please do not put used gloves and masks into recycling! They are NOT considered household recycling and should be properly disposed of as trash (in bags). Thank you!
Pompton Lakes Library
One Book, One Town -- 2020
The Friends of the Library are pleased to announce this year’s selection for One Book, One Town 2020: “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.  
No one could have predicted that the death of 31 year old Henrietta Lacks in 1951 would change the course of medical science. But the incredible story of Henrietta’s “immortal” cells–used in the development of vaccines for polio, certain cancers and sent into space to research the effect of zero gravity–is the substance of this book. It’s also the personal story of the Lacks family, who first learned of this research decades later.

Against the backdrop of the global pandemic we are experiencing now, the HeLa cell story examines the same issues we face today: the complicated relationships among race, health care and medical ethics.

Read the book and join us in an online discussion: Wednesday, September 30th at 10am and Wednesday, October 14th at 7pm.

To reserve your seat at one of these sessions please sign up with your contact information at this link.  http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZSL8C2Z

Details for the online session will be provided prior to each of the dates listed above.

eBook and Audiobook available at  https://palsplus.overdrive.com  – sign in with your library card to borrow. Standard print, Large-Print, Audio Book and HBO TV Movie copies available at the library for curbside pickup!
Summer Reading Experience
Our virtual summer reading experience is now live! Sign up below for a READsquared account to track your progress throughout the summer, earn fun badges, and unlock games!  http://pomptonlakeslibrary.readsquared.com
Summer Reading Club Take-Home Craft Kits:
 
Crafts kits are available throughout the summer to Pompton Lakes residents. We will be leaving a box of prepackaged kits outside of our back doors during curbside pickup hours Monday-Thursday 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, and Friday 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, weather permitting and while supplies last.
 
Please only take 1 KIT PER CHILD and follow social distancing guidelines. We will modify this process if necessary.

Keep Up to Date:

Library updates are available at:


With any questions or if you need help with your library card or if your need to get one.

Digital resources are available with your library card:

  • Hoopla – always on-demand eBooks, audio books, graphic novels, music, movies and TV shows
  • RBdigital – over 3400 digital magazines and 1600 graphic novels.
  • OverDrive – eBooks and audio books

Materials are no longer being automatically renewed as of July 31, 2020. Please return items in book drop. Fines are being waived at this time.

The Pompton Lakes Public Library is now open on Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Community Announcements
Friends of the Pompton Lakes Library
Friends of the Pompton Lakes Library announces Drive-in Movie event:
We’ll be showing Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017, Duane Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart Karen Gillan)

In a brand-new Jumanji adventure, four high-school kids discover an old video-game console and are drawn into the game's jungle setting. The only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.
Prevention Coalition
The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition presents a FREE webinar on SAMHSA's "Talk, They Hear You". This is a prevention campaign that helps parents and caregivers start talking to their children about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. The summer break is always a good time to initiate these conversations with youth. Take advantage of this at home and visit www.pomptonlakes-nj.gov/240/prevention-coalition. Under the "webinars" tab click on "Talk. They Hear You".

Trails Committee
Trail Maintenance Events for 2020:

  • September 20 at 2 p.m.
  • Demarest Nature Center
  • Wakeless Drive, Demarest
  • November 8 at 2 p.m.
  • Norvin Green State Forest
  • New Weiss Center
  • Snake Den Road, Ringwood

Maintenance Days - 2020:
  • Meet at Willow Field Back Parking Lot, bring gloves, hand tools. Trash Bags are supplied.
  • July 12 at 9 a.m.
  • August 16 at 9 a.m.
  • September 26 at 10 a.m.
  • November 19 at 10 a.m.

Pompton Lakes School District
The Pompton Lakes Public School District would like to inform students and parents that U.S. Department of Agriculture provides FREE summer meals for students when school is out.

Who is Eligible?
  • Children ages 18 years or younger who come to an approved open site or to a site in which they are enrolled.
  • Adults over 18 years of age who are enrolled in school programs for persons with disabilities may also received needs.
  • At sites that require enrollment, benefits are also available only to children who receive free or reduced price meals at school.

Follow the Borough of Pompton Lakes!


Passaic County
Passaic County
In The Drink Bar and Restaurant  and the Passaic County Parks & Recreation Department Present: Music at the Mansion!

Thursdays – 7-9 PM – Dey Mansion, 199 Totowa Road, Wayne, NJ 07470

  • August 6th – KoverUp
  • August 13th – London Calling
  • August 20th – Soul Serenade

Please bring your own blanket. Picnic table seating is available. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Masks are required. Social distancing must be followed. There will be limited parking at the Dey Mansion. Others must at the Preakness Valley Golf Course.

Sponsored By: Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders
Passaic County
Passaic County is hosting various document shredding events:

  • Saturday September 12, 2020
  • Haledon Borough Hall, 510 Belmont Avenue, Haledon, NJ
  • Saturday November 21, 2020
  • The Paterson Museum, 2 Market Street, Paterson, NJ

The collection sites are open from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or until the truck is full. The event is rain or shine.

COVID-19 Rules:
  • 1 person per car
  • Must wear a mask
  • 6 ft. social distancing
Accepted Materials:
  • Old checks
  • Bank statements
  • Utility Bills
  • Tax Returns
  • Computer Printouts
  • Medical Information
  • Envelopes, Paper, Newspaper, Letterhead
  • Staples

Unaccepted Materials:
  • Metal binders
  • Plastics
  • Overnight shipping envelopes
  • Carbon paper
  • Any other non-paper items
Passaic County
Passaic County is hosting various computer and electronics recycling events:

  • Friday August 28, 2020
  • Saturday August 29, 2020
  • Buehlers Cultural Center Parking Lot, 950 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ
  • Friday October 2, 2020
  • Saturday October 3, 2020
  • Passaic County Arts Center, John W. Rea House, 675 Goffle Road, Hawthorne, NJ

Collection sites are open from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. rain or shine.

COVID-19 Rules:
  • 1 person per car
  • Must wear a mask
  • Stay in car
  • 6 ft. social distancing
Accepted Materials:
  • All types of computer equipment
  • Monitors
  • Hard drives
  • Cell phones
  • Copiers and printers
  • Video Game consoles
  • and much more!

Not Acceptable:
  • Refrigerators
  • Freezers
  • Air Conditioners
  • Washers/Dryers
Passaic County
Passaic County is hosting Household Hazardous Waste Collections for 2020:

  • Sunday August 30, 2020
  • PCCC Wanaque Campus, 500 Union Avenue, Wanaque, NJ.
  • Saturday September 26, 2020
  • Passaic City Hall, Employee Parking Lot, 333 Passaic Street, Passaic, NJ
  • Saturday October 24, 2020
  • Ringwood Park and Ride, 30 Cannici Drive, Ringwood, NJ
  • Sunday November 22, 2020
  • PCCC Wanaque Campus, 500 Union Avenue, Wanaque, NJ

Proof of Passaic County residence is required upon entry.
Accepted Materials:
  • Pesticides
  • Herbicides
  • Solvents and Thinners
  • Varnishes and Waxes
  • Corrosives and Cleaners
  • Pool Chemicals
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Kerosene
  • Car Batteries
  • Used Motor Oil
  • Antifreeze
  • Flares
  • Oil Filters
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Mercury Thermometers
  • Propane Tanks

Not Acceptable Materials:
  • Explosives
  • Dioxins
  • Electronics
  • Radioactive
  • Latex Paint
  • Tires
  • Silvex
  • Medical Waste
Ways to Take Care of Mental Health
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It may also affect how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices during an emergency. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health:

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media.
  • Take care of your body.
  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
  • Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol use and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Check in with your loved ones often.
  • Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  • While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media or email, or by phone or mail.

If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed, get support 24/7 by calling 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
First Responders Flash Briefing
Pompton Lakes Police Department
Pompton Lakes Police Department Reminds Residents about Coronavirus Scams
We have recently seen an increase in the number of scams being orchestrated against unsuspecting citizens.

These are despicable people who view the pandemic as a golden opportunity to take advantage of someone. Please stay informed and never blindly give personal information or money to someone that you don't know and trust. If something doesn't seem right, there's a good chance it isn't. You can always call us (973-835-0400) if you have doubts. We have recently seen a number of bail bond scams and COVID stimulus scams.
In the bail bond scams, people will pose as a bail bondsman and indicate that a relative of yours has been arrested and placed in jail. In order for that person to be released, you will be required to post their bail. A courier will then either respond to your home to collect the bail money or ask that you wire it to them. Under no circumstances should you give them any of your money or personal information. We ask that you call the police immediately.
Scammers are also using these stimulus payments to try to rip people off. They might try to get you to pay a fee to get your stimulus payment or they might try to convince you to give them your Social Security number, bank account, or government benefits debit card account number.

Tips for avoiding a Coronavirus stimulus payment scam:

  • Only use irs.gov/coronavirus to submit information to the IRS – and never in response to a call, text, or email.
  • The IRS won’t contact you by phone, email, text message, or social media with information about your stimulus payment, or to ask you for your Social Security number, bank account, or government benefits debit card account number. Anyone who does is a scammer phishing for your information.
  • You don’t have to pay to get your stimulus money.
  • The IRS won’t tell you to deposit your stimulus check then send them money back because they paid you more than they owed you. That’s a fake check scam.
  • Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint
Community ShareCam Program
Community Share Cam is a community safety program instituted by the Pompton Lakes Police Department which allows both residents and businesses to partner with the PLPD in the fight against crime throughout the Borough. Simply by registering YOUR home or business surveillance system with the Pompton Lakes Police, YOU can be an invaluable asset in solving crimes in your neighborhood.
When a crime occurs in your neighborhood, the Pompton Lakes Police will call on YOU and request a copy of YOUR video footage. This footage will help establish leads, identify suspects and save valuable investigative time. All registered camera locations are stored in a secure database and are entered into our Records Management System allowing the PLPD to map out locations of cameras throughout the Borough. Community ShareCam DOES NOT provide the Pompton Lakes Police with direct access to YOUR surveillance system. Residents and businesses will only be contacted by the PLPD in the event of a crime occurring in the area of your camera coverage.
“Pompton Lakes Police Department and you working together as neighbors”

To participate in the Community Share Cam Program register your information using the link below.

For further information contact the Detective Bureau at 973-835-3992

REMINDER: Complete the US Census!
The 2020 Census is happening now. You can respond online using your computer, smartphone, or tablet. The image included in this post is a “QR Code” that can be scanned with a phone camera and will take you directly to the #Census questionnaire. If you do not have access to a phone camera, the other options to respond to the #2020Census are online, by phone, or by mail. The online questionnaire is offered in 12 non-English Languages. Help our community today by filling out the Census!! Complete the Census at 2020CENSUS.GOV.
Contact the Mayor and Borough Council
Michael Serra, Mayor - [email protected]
Ekamon Venin, Council President - [email protected]
Terri Reicher, Councilwoman - [email protected]
Erik DeLine, Councilman- [email protected]
William Baig, Councilman - [email protected]
Frank Jaconetta, Councilman - [email protected]
Jennifer Polidori, Councilwoman - [email protected]
Pompton Lakes Borough Council
Mayor Michael Serra

Council Members
Council President - Ekamon Venin
William Baig, Frank Jaconetta, Terri Reicher, Erik DeLine, Jennifer Polidori

Submit Content: [email protected]

(c) 2020 Borough of Pompton Lakes
Borough of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
25 Lenox Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 | (973) 835-0143 |