Mayor and Council Reorganizes
At its January 2, 2025 Reorganization Meeting, the Mayor and Council began the year with the swearing in of Councilmembers Constantine Skamas and Michele DeLuccia.
View the photo album to see photos of the Reorganization Meeting including the swearing in of Council Members, the honoring of Thomas Lambrix for his many years of service, and the swearing in of Fire Department, Ambulance Corps, and Emergency Management officers. Mayor’s Annual Address.
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Pictured: Maureen Lambrix, Mayor Charles J.X. Kahwaty and retiring Councilmember Thomas Lambrix, honoring Councilman Lambix with a Proclamation for his service. | |  |
Pictured: Councilmember Constantine "Dean" Skamas being sworn in by Mayor Kahwaty. | | |
Pictured: Councilmember Michele DeLuccia being sworn in by Mayor Kahwaty. | | |
Pictured: Office of Emergency Management Coordinators being sworn in by Mayor Kahwaty. | | |
Ambulance Corps Officers being sworn in by Mayor Kahwaty. | | |
Ambulance Corps Line Officers being sworn in by Mayor Kahwaty. | | |
Fire Company Officers being sworn in by Mayor Kahwaty. | | |
Fire Department Officers being sworn in by Mayor Kahwaty. | | |
Pictured: Councilpersons Dean Skamas, Gary Sheppard, Michele DeLuccia, and Joel Ansh, Mayor Charles J.X. Kahwaty, Senator Kristin Corrado, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, Assemblyman Al Barlas, and Councilperson Ardith Cardenas. | | |
From the Community Director
Fully inclusive Playground
“Jake’s Law” Grant Survey
The Mayor and Council is considering filing an application under the State’s Jake’s Law Playground grant program for a fully inclusive playground for children and adults with every ability. The playground would be located at McBride Field, adjacent to the existing parking lot. The Jake’s Law Playground grant, if approved, would fund 75% of the cost of the playground. The playground aligns with the Mayors Wellness Campaigns’ mission to promote healthy activities and well-being in our community.
An all-inclusive playground will promote the physical and social well-being of our entire community, and provide accessible and diverse recreational opportunities. An inclusive playground will enhance the quality of life for our residents, strengthen our community bonds, and create long term memories, and friendships for our community. Children and adults with and without disabilities would enjoy an all-inclusive playground.
We want your input. A public hearing at an upcoming Mayor and Council meeting and a separate Community Engagement meeting have been scheduled – see details below. There will be a brief presentation at both meetings, followed by time for your questions and comments.
Please click on the “Take Survey Here” button below to complete a survey so that we can have the benefit of your thoughts on this proposed playground project.
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From Community Director
Proper Disposal of Pet Waste
While walking around the Borough of Franklin Lakes, it is disappointing to see our residents not cleaning up after their pets. Our parks, fenced in ballfields, and walking paths are beautiful for all to enjoy. We also have a beautiful maintained dog park, “Old Mill Woodlands Dog Park,” where your pets can enjoy interacting with other dogs.
Please pick up after your pets, keep dogs on a leash, and keep pets off recreation fields including fenced in ballfields. Pet waste stations and garbage cans are conveniently available throughout our parks and paths for you to obtain a bag and dispose of your waste filled dog bags. Remind other owners to also scoop their dog’s solid waste.
All pet owners and keepers are required to immediately and properly dispose of their pet's solid waste deposited on any property, public or private, not owned or possessed by that person. Solid waste is expelled from the bowel of a pet, commonly known as excrement, feces, or poop. It's the law. Pet waste should be placed in a designated waste receptacle, or container for disposal. Violation of Borough Code 157-30 shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000. Keep in mind the same rules apply in the dog park.
Pet waste bags are inexpensive, portable, and widely available. The Mayors Wellness Campaign also has pet waste bags available. Stop by the Recreation office at 1 Vichiconti Way or at Borough Hall to pick up a bag dispenser! Thank you for helping to keep our parks and paths clean.
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From the Borough Clerk
Franklin Lakes Commuter Parking Permit Renewal
2025 Commuter Parking Permits for the Franklin Lakes Commuter Parking Lot at Parsons Pond Park are now available for 2025. For complete renewal instructions or to apply for a new parking permit, please visit franklinlakes.org/parking or contact the Borough Clerk’s office at 201-891-4000, Ext. 1200 or boroughclerk@franklinlakes.org.
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From Board of Health
Valley Health Classes and Events
Valley Health System offers health education classes, support groups, and events. Many of the health programs are free. To discover other programs and register, visit Valley’s Classes & Events webpage.
Upcoming programs include:
- Better Breathers Club
- Navigating Nutrition and Weight Loss Medications
- Drumming Circle
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Important Message from Rockland Electric
Vegetation Management
Beginning on or about January 20, 2025, and continuing for approximately four (4) weeks, we'll perform tree trimming and removal work along Old Mill Road, Woodside Avenue, Birch Road, Green Ridge Road, Pulis Avenue, Park Road, Shadow Ridge Road, Phelps Road, and associated side streets.
The current schedule for distribution line tree maintenance will continue for approximately four (4) weeks. The work will be completed by Nelson Tree service under our supervision. Residents will be contacted via letter to be apprised of the program trimming.
For any additional information please reach out to Orange and Rockland at 1-877-434-4100.
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Upcoming Meetings
- Monday, January 6 at 7:00 PM, Board of Health Meeting, Conference Room
- Wednesday, January 8 at 9:30 AM, REACH Meeting, Ambulance Corps Building
- Thursday, January 9 at 7:30 PM, Zoning Board of Adjustment Reorganization & Regular Meeting, Council Chambers
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Co-Ed Adult Volleyball
Start Date: January 6, 2025
Days: Mondays, 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
We are excited to announce a brand new recreation program: Adult Co-ed Volleyball Pick-Up Games! This is a fun way to stay active and meet new friends while enjoying the game you love.
Important: You must register to participate. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to engage in friendly competition and improve your skills. Register here.
Location: Franklin Avenue Middle School (FAMS). The program runs through May.
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Blood Drive - Be A Hero, Donate Blood - Register Now!
Thursday, January 16, 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
The Franklin Lakes Mayors Wellness Campaign will host a Blood Drive on Thursday, January 16, 2025. It’s safe to donate blood, and it's more important than ever! All healthy donors are urged to donate now; donating blood is safe and easy to do, but there are a few basic requirements to donate blood. If you're in good health and meet the general eligibility blood donation requirements, then you are likely able to give blood. There is a critical need for blood. Remember, "Because of you, life doesn't stop."
Register here, appointments are required. Event flyer. Donor guidelines.
Location: Franklin Lakes Ambulance Corps Building, 480 Bender Court, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
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From Recycling Coordinator | |
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Christmas Tree Recycling Collection
Friday, January 17, 2025
There will be curbside collection of Christmas trees throughout the Borough beginning on Friday, January 3 (collection may take several days) and then beginning again on Friday, January 17. Please be patient as Gaeta works its way through the town which may take a few days. Remove all ornaments and do not place tress in plastic bags. Trees in plastic bags will not be picked up. Do not place Christmas trees in the street.
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Recycle Right
Please Do Not Bag Recyclables
Did you know that if you put your recycling in plastic bags, your whole load will end up in the landfill? To ensure your valuable recyclables get turned into something new, always put commingled recyclables directly into your recycling bin.
To learn more about recycling, please visit www.franklinlakes.org/recycleright.
Recycle Coach is available online at www.franklinlakes.org/RecycleCoach. Become a better recycler today by downloading the Recycle Coach app for free at the iTunes Store and Google Play.
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Schedule a Curbside Collection for Bulk Waste, and Metal/Appliance Recycling
Details on curbside collections that need to be scheduled, visit Metal/Large Appliance and Bulk Waste. Residents must schedule a collection by completing a request form for bulk waste and metal and large appliance pick-up no later than10:00 AM the day before the scheduled date of collection.
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Donate Bulk Waste Items
Before you place any bulk waste items out for curbside collection, consider donating any furniture or household items. A list of local organizations is available at www.franklinlakes.org/donations.
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Upcoming Community Events
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Qigong with Tara Farley - Thursday, January 9 at 10:00 AM. Franklin Lakes Public Library. Register online for weekly series.
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Library Car and 50/50 Raffle - The Franklin Lakes Library Foundation is selling 4,000 raffle tickets at $100 per ticket. To purchase a ticket mail a check made out to Franklin Lakes Library Foundation, 470 DeKorte Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. Flyer.
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Franklin Lakes Library - Find out what's happening at the Franklin Lakes Library, view our weekly newsletter. A full list of programs and services is available at franklinlakeslibrary.org.
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Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce - Monthly Networking Meetings, 7:00 AM, second Friday of the month at the OEM Building.
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Stay Connected with Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education
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Help Keep Franklin Lakes Safe! | |
The Latest Buzz
"The Latest Buzz" will give updated status reports on those issues that seem to generate the most buzz throughout town, that may be under-reported in other news outlets. We will keep this information fresh and up-to-date, with the "Last Updated" date noted at the end of each article.
For more information on the following topics visit: www.franklinlakes.org/buzz.
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