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.
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As I write this newsletter, I reflect on the unexpected challenges we have endured. These last months have been unprecedented and I want to ensure the residents of Pompton Lakes we have taken every precaution and measure to keep you, as safe as possible, as we navigate through this difficult period. I understand the hardships with social distancing from family and friends, especially during springtime, however we are holding strong as a community by following the guidelines put forward in the effort to reduce the spread of the virus.
Once again, I commend the volunteer first responders for their ongoing dedication during the pandemic. They continue to be at the forefront for those in need. Borough employees, Police, Department of Public Works and Administrative staff have maintained services during these challenging times and I thank them for their efforts. Alternate provisions have been made for residents to accommodate business transactions with the availability of most forms and applications in the Main Lobby of the Municipal Building. If you need to contact a specific department, I would urge you to call with your questions or concerns and speak with the staff or leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.
Town parks and recreational facilities remain closed to assure no group gatherings and to facilitate social distancing. At this time, our trails remain opened and are very popular so therefore I remind the public when using the trails, please continue to keep your distance from others.
From the start of this pandemic, I have interacted and communicated with Councilmembers, Administrative Management, Police, Office of Emergency Management, Health Officer, State, and Local Agencies. I conference call weekly with the Governor’s office along with the Passaic County Mayors. Together the Mayors developed a joint and uniform strategy plan within our towns. As crucial information and data becomes available, I provide it to the Department of Public Works, Municipal Utilities Authority and Board of Education. With the help of the State Office of Emergency Management the Borough regularly receives PEP.
Passaic County was the recipient of an 87 million dollar fund from the Federal government, which will be funneled down to all Passaic County towns. The funds will reimburse the communities for Coronavirus related expenses. This is a welcome relief for expenditures by the Borough.
Please note; COVID-19 Testing is available at William Paterson College and scheduling updates for testing is available through social media outlets, the Borough website and local TV channel 77. For the safety of our employees, please do not discard your used gloves and masks in recycling, as they must be properly disposed in bags and as part of your trash.
One other note of business, the milling of the roadways for Dawes Highway and Poplar Ave has been completed and the town is in the process of milling Colfax Avenue roadway. Weather permitting paving and stripping will take place within the next few days.
In conclusion, I urge residents to take every precaution to stop the spread of this virus and to heed the recommendations of the CDC, wear a face covering and practice
social distancing
. We are in this together and together we will fight to slow the spread of this alarming pandemic. I will continue to update you as new information becomes available as we move forward in hopes of reaching Phase I of the State Plan to safely reopen our town.
Until next time,
Mayor Michael Serra
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Over the past few months, COVID-19 has affected office operations and the balancing of responsibilities within administrative duties. Throughout this public health crisis, Borough offices continue to meet those challenges and provide services safely for the public as well as the employees.
Although public access has been restricted, the staff continues to work and provide essential services. To contact Borough staff, residents should either call or email the specific department to conduct any necessary business transactions without visiting Municipal Offices. The lobby of the Municipal Building is open to the public and residents have access to most forms, applications and other related documents. Tax payments are due May 1
st
and payments can be made through online payment, through the mail or by placing them in the secure drop off box located in the lobby of the Municipal Building. Please note, at this time the Borough is not accepting cash payments. The Department of Public Works continues to adhere to the trash/recycling schedule posted in the Town Calendar.
With the need to social distance, the Mayor and Council continue to assure essential business occurs and regular scheduled Council Meetings have taken place through telephone conference communications. Notification of conference call connections for essential meetings has been duly posted on the
Official Bulletin Board
, through cable channel pltv77, and social media. Boards, Commissions and Committees who need to conduct essential business will meet through telephone conference communication and will provide proper notification as above.
Governor Murphy has signed an Executive Order that postpones the 2020 Primary Election. The 2020 Primary Election has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 6th, 2020 and the voter registration deadline (last day to register to vote) for the Primary Election is Tuesday, June 16, 2020.
In an effort to assist businesses who are struggling during this crisis, Governor Murphy has issued an Executive Order for some changes within Alcoholic Beverage Control that includes extending the Municipal and State Issued Liquor License Terms to September 30, 2020.
In light of the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the Local Finance Board, at its meeting of April 22, 2020, voted to extend the date at which the Board would take enforcement action against non-fillers of the 2020 Financial Disclosure Statement until July 31, 2020 from the statutory deadline of April 30, 2020.
The staff is here to help our residents. Contact our offices with any concerns or questions you may have. Please be mindful of our changes during COVID-19 pandemic.
Be safe!
Elizabeth Brandsness, RMC
Municipal Clerk/Deputy Administrator
973-835-0143 ext. 238
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The Sanford Family wishes Skip a Happy Retirement
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Longtime Pompton Lakes Mail Carrier, Skip Felano, Retires After Four Decades of Service
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After serving for the United States Postal Service for nearly four decades, beloved Pompton Lakes mailman, Skip Felano, announced his retirement from USPS.
"From my USPS beginning in 1983, right up to today, serving you has been my honor. Thank you for every hello, every smile and lifting my spirits whenever I needed it. I will never be able to thank all of you. Please keep your family safe and you will always be in my prayers and thoughts", Skip said in a Facebook post.
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Hundreds of friendly neighbors expressed their well wishes in a Facebook post. "Congratulations on your retirement, the best of luck to you in your future endeavors" "Best to luck to you!"
"Now, more than ever, your kind words echo in my heart. These past weeks have challenged all of us to be better, more unselfish, and caring. I have never been more in awe of those serving and donating more than I ever have. I have received more than I’ve given or deserve. If you need assistance, ask. Pompton Lakes will always answer", said Skip. All of Pompton Lakes wish you the best of luck in retirement! You will be missed!
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Pompton Lakes Honors Hero Gary Walker -- Oakland Assistant Fire Chief and Bloomingdale Patrolman
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Gary Walker, a devoted husband and father, and an Oakland resident who dedicated most of his life to protecting and serving the public, died April 24 because of complications linked to the coronavirus.
Walker was just 53. He was in a coma for about a month before passing away.
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Walker was a member of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department for a commendable 33 years, and a police officer in Bloomingdale for 20 years.
The Pompton Lakes Volunteer Fire Department Facebook Page said, "Our condolences to Gary Walker’s family, friends, and the Oakland Fire Department and Bloomingdale Police Department on the passing of Gary Walker. He fought the good fight and was a good friend and dedicated public servant. May he rest in peace".
The Pompton Lakes Fire Department took part in Gary’s funeral procession from Bloomingdale through Pompton Lakes to Oakland.
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Video from Pompton Lakes Volunteer Fire Department
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Oakland (NJ) Funeral Procession for Assistant Fire Chief and Patrolman Gary Walker (Video filmed and produced by Christopher Pickhardt)
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information HUB
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Borough Council Meeting:
May 13, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. and May 27, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. (Council Chambers)
Meeting information will be posted as it becomes available to the public.
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Garbage and Recycling Cheat Sheet
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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.
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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.
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Recycling No Paper:
May 13 & 27
Borough Wide Paper Pickup:
May 6 & 20
Metal:
Every Monday and Thursday
Garbage:
Please refer to the Borough Calendar for Garbage Collection dates
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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!
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The Borough of Pompton Lakes Shredding Day has been postponed to a later date. Information on the new date will be posted to the Borough Website.
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Digital resources are available with your library card:
All materials currently checked out have had their due dates extended to a minimum of May 15.
Do not feel a rush to return materials.
Fines will be waived in May.
Library updates are available at:
If you need help with your library card, need to get one, or have any questions please email the library at
[email protected]
. You may also call at 973-835-0482 and leave a message if no one is able to take your call.
The book drop is open to return materials, but do not feel a rush to return them.
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Following our successful Introduction to Genealogy session last year, we promised to come back with a follow-up. Although Covid-19 has interrupted our normal schedule, we’ve been working hard with Eric Migdal of ‘It’s All Relative Genealogy LLC’ to put together a small online workshop.
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Wednesday May 6th at 7pm – Places are limited to six participants, but if there’s more interest, we’ll run it again.
Eric will introduce some resources and work to get you started. No experience is necessary, and it’ll be interactive, so you can ask questions in a secure environment. Click on the link below to sign-up and we’ll email the first six people with the Zoom details.
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Office of Emergency Management
The Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders invite you to take the Passaic County Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
here.
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All Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition activities have been suspended until further notice.
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The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition is offering a free app on your smartphone that helps you plan and practice conversations with your child. It provides real life scenarios and offers tips and advice on how to have these important conversations through an interactive simulation. Visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov or download the "Talk, They Hear You, App"
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The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition is offering a free app on your smartphone that helps you plan and practice conversations with your child. It provides real life scenarios and offers tips and advice on how to have these important conversations through an interactive simulation. Visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov or download the "Talk, They Hear You, App"
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The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition is offering a free app on your smartphone that helps you plan and practice conversations with your child. It provides real life scenarios and offers tips and advice on how to have these important conversations through an interactive simulation. Visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov or download the "Talk, They Hear You, App"
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The Borough of Pompton Lakes is hosting a FREE Memory Screening on Monday June 15, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m . at the Borough Hall, 25 Lenox Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442. Appointments are required at (973) 835-0143, ext. 235.
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All Pompton Lakes Recreation Programs and programs at the Pompton Lakes Teen Center are suspended until further notice.
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No Solicitation Registration
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5-21.12 "No Solicitation" list and "No Solicitation" signs.
A. The Borough of Pompton Lakes shall institute a list of Borough residents who request that solicitors not solicit on their property. The "No Solicitation" list shall be maintained by the Municipal Clerk.
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B. Residents of the Borough shall have their name and address added to the list by the Municipal Clerk upon receipt of a written request for such action. Such requests shall be maintained with the list.
C. Prior to any conduct of a solicitation covered by this section, the solicitor receiving a license or permit to solicit shall be provided with a copy of the "No Solicitation" list by the Municipal Clerk with the license or permit, and the licensee or permittee, their employees, agents, assistants or helpers shall thereafter refrain from any solicitation on the properties or to the names set forth on the list.
D. Borough residents and property owners may post "No Solicitation" signs on their property. In such event, no solicitor shall solicit or canvass on such properties.
(1983 Code § 125-31)
The form can be found on the Borough
Website
Fax 973-839-8132 or Mail to: Borough of Pompton Lakes, 25 Lenox Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442, Attention Municipal Clerk
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 973-835-0143 EXT. 275
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Trail Maintenance Events for 2020:
Family Hike Series - 2020:
- June 6 at 10 a.m. (Trails Day 2020)
- South End Trails Pompton Lakes
- Program to be announced!
- 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.
- May 31 at 10 a.m.
- June 14 at 9 a.m.
- July 12 at 9 a.m.
- August 16 at 9 a.m.
- September 26 at 10 a.m.
- November 19 at 10 a.m.
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Follow the Borough of Pompton Lakes!
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Pompton Lakes - STIGMA FREE
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Pompton Lakes - Stigma Free!
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Why is it important to reduce stigma?
The World Health Organization ranks mental health conditions, including alcohol and substance use disorders, as the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Nearly one in five U.S. adults
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live with a mental illness (46.6 million in 2017), yet more than half will not seek treatment. Why? The main reasons cited are shame and fear of judgment from friends, family, and co-workers. In other words, the STIGMA associated with mental diseases-even though it's a disease like any other.
Helpful Tips to Be Stigma-Free:
- Avoid using disrespectful terms to describe individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders.
- Avoid blaming people with mental illness or substance use disorders for their afflictions.
- Be a role model. Treat people with mental illness and substance use disorders with respect and encourage others around you to do the same.
- Declare your home or business to be a Stigma-Free Zone.
- Spread the Word!
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Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-(800) 273-8255
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Veterans Help Line
1-(800) 273-8255
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Join us on Zoom for a free bodyweight Crossfit class! No weights required, and perfect for the entire family!
This class will be hosted live with West Milford Strength & Conditioning.
Presented By: Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders
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First Responders Flash Briefing
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Pompton Lakes Police Department
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Pompton Lakes Police Department Reminds Residents about Coronavirus Scams
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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.
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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
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Community ShareCam Program
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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.
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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
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Mayor Michael Serra
Council Members
Council President - Ekamon Venin
William Baig, Frank Jaconetta, Terri Reicher, Erik DeLine, Jennifer Polidori
(c) 2020 Borough of Pompton Lakes
Borough of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
25 Lenox Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 | (973) 835-0143 |
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