December 2019

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

As I conclude my first term as Mayor and prepare to begin my next, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the residents of Pompton Lakes for your unwavering support in reelecting me for a second term. Thank you for your friendship and your steadfast belief in what this administration has accomplished for our community. I remain committed to our town as it grows and expands and I look forward to building on the many successes we have achieved.  It is an honor and a pleasure to serve once again as your Mayor.   As the holidays approach, there are many festivities within the community for residents to enjoy.    The Toys for Tots Train will be through Pompton Lakes on Saturday, November 30 th and will stop in Pompton Lakes at 1:05pm to 1:50pm. I would encourage residents to participate in the toy drive as there are drop off locations throughout town.      The Business District Improvement and the Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Annual Holiday Stroll, scheduled for Saturday, December 7th from 5:00pm- 9:00pm.  Santa arrives in his usual fashion, by Fire Truck! Afterword’s the public can experience the many vendors while strolling along Wanaque Avenue visiting many of our businesses, eateries and shops.   The Recreation Department sponsors Breakfast with Santa and is held on December 14 th at the Elks Lodge offering two sessions; 8:30am & 10:30am. Registration is required and children have the opportunity to talk with Santa!   I would like to advise residents the last leaf pickup is scheduled for Thursday December 5th and Friday, December 6 th and there will be no Garbage Pickup on these days; regular Garbage and Recycling schedule to resume. During the month of December residents should refer to the Borough Calendar for the Holiday schedule.      With winter approaching, I would remind all residents to please remove vehicles and basketball hoops from the roadway during snow events allowing the Department of Public Works the opportunity to snow plow the roads.      As I conclude and prepare for the upcoming year, I would invite residents to contact me if they are interested in becoming involved and serving on a Board, Commission, or Committee. Once again, I look forward to serving Pompton Lakes.      I wish everyone a safe and Happy Holidays! Until next time, Mayor Michael Serra   Read Message Here

Top Stories

Pompton Lakes Veterans Day Ceremony 2019

Recycling Notice 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.

Trex Plastic Film Recycling Help us earn a FREE Community Bench!! Plastic Bags may be recycled under the "Trex Recycling Program". Look for the white plastic bag box at the following locations! (Lincoln Elementary School, Lakeside Middle School, St. Mary's Church, and Borough Hall).  More Information Here

Borough Clerk's Office

The Municipal Clerk serves as the Secretary to the Municipal Corporation and maintains the Corporate Seal. During the month of December the Municipal Clerk prepares for the Borough Reorganization Meeting held annually within the first seven days of the New Year.  In preparation for the Reorganization Meeting the Municipal Clerk monitors the terms and sends memos and notices to all Boards and Committees for updates and changes; Oath’s of Office for newly appointed persons; updates to annual Agenda, Ordinances and Resolutions; public notices to the official newspaper.  During the Reorganization Meeting the Governing Body authorizes the following items of business: appointment of Mayor, Council President, Council Members, Municipal Attorney and other Municipal Officials whose terms of office have expired appointments to expired or vacated terms on all municipal boards, commissions and committees adoption of rules for the conduct of meetings; Roberts Rules of Order annual meeting and holiday calendar establish depositories for municipal funds   The 2020 Annual Reorganization Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 2 nd at 6:30pm and is open to the public.      Elizabeth Brandsness, RMC Municipal Clerk/Deputy Administrator 973-835-0143 ext. 238 [email protected] Clerks Office Webpage

Upcoming Public Meetings

Borough Council Meeting: December 4, 2019 (Special Meeting) at 7:30 p.m. and December 11, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) Shade Tree Commission: December 9, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) Open Space Committee: December 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) Redevelopment Agency Meeting: December 19, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. (Council Chambers) Zoning Board of Adjustment: No meeting in December Lake Restoration Committee: December 10, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) Environmental Committee: December 12, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. (Council Chambers) M.U.A.: December 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Library Trustees: December 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. (Pompton Lakes Library) Planning Board: December 17, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. (Council Chambers) BID: December 19, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. (274 Wanaque Avenue) Historic Preservation Committee: No meeting in December Recreation Commission: No meeting in December Board of Health: December 2, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) Stormwater Management Committee: December 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. (Council Chambers) Flood Advisory Board: December 26, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) Full Meeting Calendar Here

Garbage and Recycling Cheat Sheet

Garbage Pickup Notice: Attention Pompton Lakes Residents: Our goal is to keep our town clean and running smoothly. Residents cooperation is paramount to achieving this goal. In an effort to increase efficiency and transparency, we will be using decals to communicate with residents whose waste has not been picked up as scheduled due to an ordinance violation. We understand that it can be disconcerting to come home and see that your garbage or recycling has not been picked up as you had expected, and we want to work with all residents to ensure that future collections are completed as scheduled while ensuring the safety of our hardworking DPW employees. Please see copy of the decal here

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: November 13 & 27   Borough Wide Paper Pickup: November 6 & 20   Metal: Every Monday and Thursday   Garbage: Please refer to the Borough Calendar for Garbage Collection dates   View Calendar Here

Pompton Lakes Library

Pompton Lakes Library Heritage Quest is a new electronic resource licensed by the State Library in 2019 that is available to public, school and academic libraries. Heritage Quest Online is a comprehensive treasury of American genealogical resources to help New Jersey residents find their ancestors. “ Access Heritage Quest from home ” Here

Pompton Lakes Library The Friends of the Pompton Lakes Library 'Holly House Tour' is on Saturday December 7, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at the Library!

Pompton Poets Click  Here  to read participant’s poems. Poets, writers, readers and listeners join the Pompton Poets with George Pereny, poet, musician and educator. Meeting at the Pompton Lakes Library, 333 Wanaque Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 at 7:15 p.m.

Mr. Pereny is an accomplished writer, musician and educator for over the past 40 years. He has taught English at all levels from grammar school to college. Since the age of sixteen, he has written and performed his poems and songs all over the metro area. Over the years he has been published more than 200 times in anthologies, magazines and newspapers. His writings include two published books, several volumes of poetry, and other works. He was a founding editor of the literary/art magazine Lunch in 1975 and in 1977 Mr. Pereny founded Footwork which evolved into the Paterson Literary Review. Then in 1980 Mr. Pereny was editor of The Local Paper in Pompton Lakes. The Pompton Poets is looking for new members to share their love of poetry. All are welcome to join and meet others, from first time poets to published writers and everything in between. More Information Here

Chess Club The  Oakland/Pompton Lakes NJ Chess Club  meets at the Library every Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm.   Five chess sets and a clock are available, although players are encouraged to bring their own equipment as well. More Information Here

Pompton Lakes Library The Pompton Lakes Library is hosting "Holly House Tour 2019". Do you like to decorate for the holidays? We are looking for homes for this year's Holly House Tour. For more information contact Helene at (973) 222-1183 or [email protected]. More Information

Pompton Lakes Library Rosetta Stone Library Solution  is now available through your local library! Improve your English or learn another language with Rosetta Stone Library Solution. This is an effective, easy-to-use program that allows you to learn a new language on your own time. Choose from 30 languages! All you need is your Pompton Lakes Public Library card!

Pompton Lakes Library Are you a friend of the Pompton Lakes Public Library? Join us! The Friends of the Pompton Lakes Public Library is an independent non-profit volunteer organization working to further the educational needs of the community through its support of the Emanuel Einstein Memorial Library, also known as The Pompton Lakes Library. We are proud of our library and its importance to our community and we’re committed to helping the library in as many ways as we can. We welcome other library lovers to join us in supporting the Pompton Lakes Library. For more information, contact: The Pompton Lakes Library 973-835-0482 or [email protected]

Community Announcements

Affordable Housing P re-applications are now being accepted to be added to the waiting list to rent affordable units in the new Plumlaw and Lakeside Commons Apartment complexes in Pompton Lakes. There will be two 1-bedroom units ranging from $678 to $760 and one 2-bedroom unit for $1,108. Units are expected to ready for occupancy early 2020. Applications will be accepted until December 20, 2019 at 5 p.m. that will be included in a lottery drawing that will take place on Monday December 30, 2019. Applications submitted after this date will be added to the bottom of the list after the lottery has been drawn.

More Information Here

Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District The Pompton Lakes Annual Holiday Stroll is Saturday December 7, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. along Wanaque Avenue. There is no rain date. The tree lighting is at 5:30 p.m. at the Pompton Lakes Library Front Lawn.

Christmas Tree Sale The Pompton Lakes Fire Department is hosting a Christmas Tree Sale starting on November 30, 2019. Hours: Thursdays and Fridays 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free in town delivery is available. Come while supplies last!

Recreation Pompton Lakes Recreation is hosting ‘Breakfast with Santa’ on Saturday December 14, 2019 from 8:30 am - 10:00 am or 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. Register at www.capturepoint.com.

Recreation Pompton Lakes Recreation is hosting a Men's Basketball League. The league runs every Tuesday from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School, 44 Mill Street, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442. The cost is $50 for the season and the season runs until the spring. You may still come down and signup!

Recreation Pompton Lakes Recreation is hosting "Get Fit Fall 2019" starting on January 6, 2020. The program runs every Monday and Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School, 44 Mill Street, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442. Pricing: $50 for all 16 classes $35 for 10 classes $5 drop in fee for 10 or less classes. Questions, call Ellen at (973) 460-2894.

Recreation Pompton Lakes Recreation is hosting "Yoga Classes" every Tuesday and Thursday at the Pompton Lakes Teen Center from 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. There is a $5.00 drop-in fee!

Recreation Pompton Lakes Recreation is hosting "Walking Club" on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in Lakeside Middle School Hallway. (Excluding 11/5, 11/7, 11/28, 12/24, 12/26, 12/31, 2/18, 3/24, 4/14, 4/16). Click for Dates Here

Recreation The Pompton Lakes Family Meetup was created to bring caregivers and children together in an effort to explore our area, have fun and foster supportive family planning. The group meets the first Saturday of every month from 10:00am – 11:30am at the Civic Center. Come meet your neighbors over a cup of coffee and snacks while giving your children the opportunity to play in a stress-free environment. This group is open to children of all ages.

Santa's Mailbox! Santa has dropped off a mailbox in Borough Hall. Be sure to drop your letter off, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope included, before December 18th. Santa will be sure to read your letter and mail back and special holiday note!

Passaic County Collection Passaic County is hosting a “Fluorescent LED Bulb and Hazardous Battery Collection” on December 7, 2019 from 9 am - 1 pm at St Mary’s Church Parking Lot, 10 Lenox Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442. Residents ONLY — No commercial businesses.

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Passaic County Events

Passaic County Come celebrate the season with us! The Dey Mansion will be fully decorated and alive with the sights and sounds of the 18th century. The weekend will be filled with music, hearth cooking, demonstrations and crafters as well as special appearances from the New Jersey's local militia. Visit our fully stocked gift shop to find a unique gift for everyone on your list and, as always, we'll have traditional Dutch Speculaas cookies! This event is presented by the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information, please call 973-706-6640.

Passaic County The holidays can be stressful, but our art and movement class will refresh and relax you for the weeks ahead. Light yoga-based movements and step-by-step Eastern-influenced art will aid you on a journey to holiday harmony! Please wear breathable, bendable clothing and bring a great attitude! Reservations are required as space is limited. Visit pcartscenter.org or call 973-706-6640 to reserve your space. Presented By: Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders Funded By: Passaic County Cultural Heritage Council

Passaic County Join us for an afternoon of wreath-making! Participants will be instructed on how to create their own festive holiday wreath using foliage and a variety of embellishments. Each participant will be provided with their own wreath-making kit. Registration is required; RSVP by visiting hamiltonhousemuseum.org today. The fee is $30 per participant. This workshop is presented in partnership with Bartlett’s Greenhouses & Florist of Clifton, N.J.

First Responders Flash Briefing

Pompton Lakes Police Department

Annual Toy Drive Our annual police department toy drive is now underway. We will be accepting gifts from now until 12/12/2019. Santa and his elves will be delivering the gifts on 12/20/2019. Any donations can brought directly to police headquarters. If you know of a child in Pompton Lakes who would benefit from the toy drive, please send us a private message or contact Sgt. Zimmermann at police headquarters (973-835-0400). As always, thank you for your generosity.

How to Report Animal Abuse We have recently received a number inquiries and complaints regarding animal abuse and the manner in which dogs may be sheltered. Every complaint is taken seriously and is investigated by our Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO). These specially trained officers work with Animal Control to determine whether there are violations of law. If you have a specific complaint regarding the well being of an animal, our HLEOs will conduct a thorough and complete investigation. We are animal lovers and truly value the lives of all domesticated and non-domesticated animals. If we had reason to believe that an animal was being subjected to cruel or inhumane living conditions, we would assuredly take appropriate action. With that said, we ask that the public call the police and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. We will not tolerate harassment, theft, terroristic threats, criminal mischief or any other type of vigilantism that endangers people or property. Thank you for your cooperation. The following excerpt specifically addresses the law as it pertains to animal living quarters: It is unlawful to expose a dog, pet, or service animal to harsh weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit or below), excessive heat (90 degrees Fahrenheit or above), rain or snow, for more than thirty minutes when the owner or caretaker of the animal is not with the animal and exposed to same conditions. An owner or caretaker who violates this requirement could be subject to a fine, imprisonment, community service, ordered to pay restitution, and/or possibly have his or her animal seized. To avoid a violation of this section of the Act, an owner or caretaker must provide his/her animal with appropriate shelter if the animal will be out in harsh weather for longer than thirty minutes. A proper shelter is a structure that is soundly built, in good repair and provides the animal with adequate ventilation, water, light, and space to move and sit. In addition to these standard requirements, the shelter must also be enclosed, have a solid roof, solid walls with a single opening, a floor that is not the ground, insulation, dry bedding, and a windbreak at the entrance that is sufficient to keep the animal dry and maintain the animal’s normal body temperature when the animal is exposed to freezing temperatures and/or inclement weather. When the animal is exposed to excessive heat, the structure must also have adequate shade or a cooling area by natural or artificial means to allow the animal to maintain a normal body temperature. See N.J.S.A. 4:22-17.2 and 17.5.

Congrats! Congratulations to Ptl. Kyle Stefanic and Ptl. Corey Flynn for being awarded the Meritorious Service Award! This award stems from the actions they took on 8/14/2019 when they helped deliver a baby. Hopefully this will be the first of many awards, as both of these young officers have very bright futures.

Congrats, Dawn Gosson! Dawn Gosson was recognized at the Annual AAA Traffic Safety Awards Ceremony. She received the AAA Community Traffic Safety Hero Award for her work with the Pompton Lakes Police Department. She has installed hundreds of car seats, organizes countless traffic and pedestrian safety events, and is passionate about the work she does for our community. She is a true asset to our police department and the town of Pompton Lakes. Congratulations, Dawn!

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 Register Here

Pompton Lakes Fire Department Interested in joining the Pompton Lakes Volunteer Fire Department? We drill every Monday evening. Stop by and speak to one of us or talk to one of the Chiefs. We are a fraternal order that provides a vital service to the community. If you can’t stop by, send any inquiries to Chief Jason Ekkers at [email protected].

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Borough Directory

Pompton Lakes Borough Council Mayor Michael Serra Council Members Council President - Terri Reicher William Baig, Frank Jaconetta, Ekamon Venin, Erik DeLine, Jennifer Polidori (c) 2019 Borough of Pompton Lakes Borough of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey 25 Lenox Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 | (973) 835-0143 | www.pomptonlakes-nj.gov