QUARTERLY
NEWSLETTER

WANAQUE BOROUGH
579 Ringwood Ave
Wanaque, NJ 07465

Phone: 973-839-3000
Fax: 973-839-4959

We’re on the web:
http://www.wanaqueborough.com

Daniel Mahler
Mayor

Council Members
Thomas Balunis
Karen Cisco
Edward O’Connell
Donald Pasquariello
Robert Pettet
George Theoharous

SPRING 2008

Mayor’s Message

Every spring our local newspapers are filled with articles about the budgets of the municipalities in our area. Usually the Wanaque Municipal budget gets little or no press coverage because the increases are minimal. In 2007, when Wanaque’s Municipal budget had a zero percent increase for the second consecutive year, there was no mention in one of our local newspapers. When I questioned the editor I was told that zero percent was not newsworthy. Unfortunately, our 2008 Municipal budget is up quite a bit and, as a result, has received significant news coverage.

Our 2008 Municipal budget is up 22 tax points or approximately 19%. Of this increase approximately 9% is due to increased expenses. A substantial portion of this increase has been passed on to us from Trenton in the form of increased pension costs and a mandated change in the method of calculating the reserve for uncollected taxes. The increase in 2008 for the cost of all other Municipal operating expenses, including salaries, police, health insurance, garbage collection and gasoline is approximately 3.5%. The remaining 10% increase in the 2008 Municipal budget is the result of decreased revenues. The major items in this category are decreased state aid from Trenton and decreases in Construction Code Fees and Surplus. Construction Code Fee revenues and to an extent Surplus are generated by new construction and by adding new tax ratables. The current recession in the real estate market had a major adverse effect upon these sources of revenues last year.

Lets talk for a few minutes about the pension problem. In the late 1990’s the stock market was riding high and the State Pension Funds had huge surpluses. Governor Whitman and the state legislature decided to take money from the State Pension Funds to balance the state budget. As an incentive, local municipalities were told that they would no longer have to make contributions to the pension fund. At the time, Wanaque’s annual contribution to the State pension funds was less than $120,000 per year. A few years later, Governor McGreevy was faced with a significant shortfall in his state budget. He too, with backing of the state legislature appropriated money from the State Pension Funds to balance his state budget. These two events coupled with the downturn in the stock market resulted in the State pension funds being seriously underfunded by 2006. Rather than paying for their own past sins at the state level to cover the pension shortfall which they created, our Governor and State Legislature decided to pass on these costs to you and all of the other property owners in New Jersey by assessing each Municipality for these pension costs. Under the state plan, Wanaque saved approximately  $720,000 from 1999 to 2004. This was followed by State pension bills for the past four years of $103,000 in 2005, $203,000 in 2006, $350,000 in 2007 and $571,000 in 2008 for a total cost of over $1,200,000.  We were recently informed that our State pension obligation is estimated to be in excess of $650,000 for 2009 and is expected to increase each year going forward. What a deal our governors and State legislators gave us.

If you have been reading the newspapers many of our neighboring municipalities are also experiencing large Municipal tax increases for 2008. This is no coincidence. There is one common problem to every municipal budget in New Jersey. That problem is directly related to the decisions being made in Trenton by our Governor and state legislators with regard to increased pension and healthcare costs and decreased state aid.

The silver lining in this black cloud is that our 2008 Municipal budget represents only 23% of the overall tax bill in Wanaque with approximately 55% of the tax bill being generated by the school budgets and the balance by Passaic County. In 2008, the combined school budgets were 5% lower than 2007. As a result, the overall tax rate in Wanaque will increase by only 3.38% in 2008. This is the lowest overall tax increase in the past 8 years. The overall increase in the 2007 tax rate was 4.94%

In our last newsletter I spoke about the need to replace our current Town Hall to meet certain federal and state mandates. On January 29, 2008, we held an open house for residents at Town Hall, which was followed by a special council meeting to discuss the various sites for a new Town Hall. As a result, the Town Council voted to negotiate for the purchase of the US Aluminum site on Fourth Avenue in Haskell. An environmental engineering firm was hired at our April Council Meeting to perform an environmental assessment of the property and to determine if the soil is clean. The seller of the property has agreed to fund all costs to clean up any and all contamination to levels required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for residential properties which is the highest level of clean up. This indemnification by the seller will run for several years after the closing in case any contamination is subsequently found during demolition or subsequent construction.

            As previously stated, we anticipate that most of the funding for this project will come from the Candle Factory redevelopment. Since this project is also subject to the current real estate market, it is my intention not to start any actual construction until the Candle Factory Redevelopment project is built, substantially sold and the revenues are available for our use. We are also looking at a future redevelopment study for the entire south side of Fourth Avenue. In the event that the current economic recession continues resulting in a change of plans for Town Hall, we could sell this property to a redeveloper as was done with the first two parcels of property in the Haskell Town Center redevelopment.

            The Holiday Inn Hotel on Union Avenue finally received their state approvals and construction commenced last week. The owners are looking to open by October.

            The redevelopment study for the area south of Doty Road was recently approved by the Planning Board and was forwarded to the Town Council. The study will be presented to the Council over the next few months. If approved we will be looking to name a redeveloper in late 2008.

            I have had constant contact with our District 40 State representatives regarding the pension, health insurance and state aid issues facing our community.  They are very aware of our concerns, but unfortunately they are in the minority in Trenton. In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to work to keep Wanaque a great place to live.

Dan Mahler
Mayor

CURBSIDE PICK-UP REGULATIONS

GARBAGE COLLECTION

Garbage collection is limited to five cans and one large item per household per collection day.

If you are moving, you must call Borough Hall a week in advance in regards to the regulations of a bulk pick up.

All garbage must be at the curb no earlier than 6:00 pm. the night before and no later that 6:30 a.m. the morning of collection.

Wood must be tied in bundles, no longer than four feet. The contractor will take only small amounts of wood with each pick up.

There will be no garbage collection on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and Christmas Day. If your pick up falls on the holiday you can expect pick up on the following day.

RECYCLING COLLECTION

Newspaper, Junk mail, boxes, etc. along with co-mingled glass, aluminum and plastic are collected curbside on alternating
Wednesdays. Newspapers and boxes must be flattened and tied or put in a paper bag. Co-mingled glass must be loose in a garbage can. No plastic bags. If your recycling was at the curb no later than 6:30 am and you were missed, please call the Borough Clerk’s office by Thursday.

VEGETATIVE WASTE, GRASS, LEAVES AND BRUSH

METAL & WHITE GOODS

All metal items, including appliances, are picked up on Thursday, by appointment only. Call 839-3000 ext 7100 by Tuesday to schedule a pick up. Do not put these items to the curb until Wednesday night.

TIRE RECYCLING

The garbage collectors will not pick up tires. A permit is required for tire pick up and may be obtained at the Borough Clerk’s office for a fee. Tires are collected on the third Monday of the month after a permit is issued. This is a resident service only.

USED OIL

Used oil may be recycled at the Borough Garage located on First Ave, Haskell from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

Only pure oil is accepted. NO ANTI-FREEZE.

CLEAN UP WEEK
MAY 12 - 17th

CLEAN UP WEEK is scheduled for the week of May 12th to May 17th on your regularly scheduled collection days.  Place items for trash
collection at the curb the night before your collection day.
 
This is also the first week of twice per week pick up.

       Metal items will only be collected by appointment and hazardous material will not be collected. Metal items are picked up each week by appointment throughout the entire year.
 
       Tires are also NOT included in the clean up week and only small amounts of building materials and wood may be put out at any one time.
 
     For information on collection of metal items, tires, hazardous material  and wood, please see the information listed in
“curbside regulations” in this newsletter.

CO-MINGLED RECYCLING

Recycling for Co-mingled containers must be loose in a garbage can.  They CAN NOT be put in any type of plastic bag.  Plastic bags should not be placed inside of cans for recycling.

            The only acceptable materials are as follows:

1. Aluminum Food and beverage containers
        Aluminum soda & beer cans, pet food cans, etc.
2. Glass Food and Beverage containers
        Flint (clear) - Amber (brown) - Emerald (green)
3. Ferrous Can
        Soup, coffee cans, etc.
4. P.E.T. Plastic containers with the symbol #1
        NO microwave trays
5. H.D.P.E. Natural Plastic containers with symbol #2
        Milk and water jugs (narrow neck containers)
6. H.D.P.E. Colored plastic containers with symbol #2
          Detergent, shampoo, bleach bottles (narrow neck containers)

The following materials are NOT accepted:

            Any Plastic containers with the #3,4,5,6, or 7 on them or no # at all.  Oil or antifreeze containers, plastic or brown bags, coat hangers, paint cans, 5 gallon pails, tar pails, laundry baskets, vacuum hoses, plumbing accessories, toys, any paper products, building products, dishes, cooking trays, pots, pans and
general household items.

WANAQUE PUBLIC LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

May 26:  Memorial Day.  Library closed.

May 27:  Library Board Meeting: 7:30 PM.

June 2:  Craft sign-ups.

June 11:  Fathers’ Day Craft on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 3:45 PM for grades K to 4.  Registration required.  Registration begins June 2, 2008.

June 18:  Internet Orientation for beginners.  3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Call to reserve a seat.

June 19:  Internet Orientation for beginners.  3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Call to reserve a seat.

June 24:  Library Board Meeting: 7:30 PM.

June 28:  Children’s Program: To Be Announced.  Please
 pre-register.

June 30 through August:  Summer Reading Club begins for children who read or have others read to them: “Catch the Reading Bug.”  Watch for  special program announcements.

Note: No Library Board meetings are held in July or August.

Also, during July and August, Library is closed Tuesdays at 5:00 PM, Adult Library open Fridays until 8:00 PM, and all Library is closed on Saturdays until after Labor Day.

July 4:  Library closed for Independence Day.

July 16:  Internet Orientation for beginners.  3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Call to reserve a seat.

July 16:  Children’s Program: Live Animals: “Snakes and Scales.”  Please pre-register.     

July 17:  Internet Orientation for beginners.  3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Call to reserve a seat.

All through July and August:  Summer Reading Club continues.  Watch for special program announcements.

Call 973-839-4434 for further information about any Library programs.
 
The Wanaque Public Library is located at 616 Ringwood Avenue in Wanaque and has a wheelchair access elevator.

DARE Graduation

SUBMIT FOR NEWSLETTER

Deadline for entries for the newsletters are as follows:

All entries should be sent to the attention of the Ann or Kim at the Tax / Utilities Office or e-mail to:

smolen@wanaqueborough.com
devore@wanaqueborough.com

IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS

Phone: 973-839-3000
Fax: 973-839-4949

7100
Metal Pick-up

7100
Borough Clerk

7120
Construction Office

7122
Health/Recreation

7125
Tax, Water, Sewer

7130
Tax Assessor

7119
Municipal Court

7124
Borough Nurse

Borough of Wanaque
579 Ringwood Ave
Wanaque, NJ

HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLINICS

MAY

21 -    Blood Pressure Screening
          10 am  -  11:30 am Golden Age building
           7 pm  - 8 pm Borough Hall

JUNE
2 -      Child Health Conference 9 am - 12 Noon
          Appointment Necessary

18  -   Blood Pressure Screening
          10 am -11:30 am Golden Age Building
           7 pm  - 8 pm Borough Hall

JULY
 7  -    Child Health Conference 9 am - 12 Noon
          Appointment Necessary
16 -    Blood Pressure Screening
          10 am -11:30 am Golden Age Building
           7 pm  - 8 pm Borough Hall

ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
For Information or Appointment, call 973-839-3000 Ext. 7124 or 7122

RABIES CLINIC

REMINDER: Rabies Clinic will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008, 9am-12 noon  at the DPW Borough Garage, First Ave. (turn at the Getty Gas Station in Haskell).

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE MAY 26TH

Memorial Day is yet another day to remember the brave American soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the USA, their homeland and its citizens.

The three-day weekend is a solemn occasion to commemorate their bravery.

FROM THE COLLECTOR’S OFFICE
TAX — WATER — SEWER

SEWER: Owners are reminded that sewer bills are mailed on Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1, and Nov 1. Checks must be made payable to: W.B.S.A. or they will be returned.

FINAL WATER BILLS: If you have sold your home, please call 973-839-3000, Ext 7125 to arrange a final water reading.  This should be scheduled close to your closing date. Keep in mind that someone must be present at the property in order to read the inside meter.

The Tax Collector's Office can send you an e-mail to remind you when your taxes are due.  To sign up for this service, please call 973-839-3000 ext. 7125.

Twice per week garbage collection
begins week of May 12, 2008

MESSAGE FROM THE POLICE DESK...

POLICE
NON EMERGENCY PHONE #
973-835-5600

Spring and summer weather bring the need for cautious driving!

It seems we’ve been pretty lucky when it’s come to our weather. Winter has almost vanished and the warmer weather has allowed all of us to enjoy the outdoors. One of the advantages for families means using the parks and playgrounds in Wanaque and the surrounding areas. With large amounts of people jogging, playing sports and bicycling, we as drivers need to sharpen our skills and pay closer attention. Use caution when around playgrounds and parks, remember children can’t appreciate the skills needed for driving. They don’t realize how much distance you need to stop a car safely. The burden is often on the driver to be extra cautious, so be ready for children to chase after a ball into the street, or ride their bikes erratically. Drive slowly around schools and playgrounds, or anywhere crowds appear.

This time of year also brings the return of ice cream and frozen ice trucks…. New Jersey state law requires the operators of these trucks to activate their side mounted “stop” signs. These signs are there to remind you, the driver, of children and other pedestrians nearby. The signs must be obeyed, just like a school bus type. We’ve all seen children run toward these refreshment trucks with wild abandon, so please be extra careful around them. There are state motor vehicle statutes with heavy fines and points for violating these laws….be extra careful so no one gets injured. If you observe an ice or ice cream truck stop and not activate it’s sign properly, call the police so we can stop and speak to the truck operator.
The best thing to remember is drive with caution, be alert for joggers and bicyclists. Children at play and even animals that get loose. The nice weather brings us all outdoors to enjoy at all times of the day…

Let’s have a safe spring and summer driving experience!

WANAQUE RECREATION SUMMER CAMP

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS
BACK BEACH PARK
JULY 7TH—  AUGUST 1st
9:00 – 1:00PM
REGISTRATION: MAY 19th– MAY 25th
9:00 – 4:00PM
WANAQUE BORO HALL
FOR BOYS & GIRLS ENTERING 1st - 6th grade in 9/2008

 *Flyers will be sent home through the school also*

YOUR TAX BILL

Please read your tax bill for information regarding deductions for Senior Citizens, Veterans and Widows of Veterans.  There are certain income limitations.  If you feel you qualify contact the Collector’s office at 973-839-3000 ext 7125/7127 for more information.

The Tax Collector's Office can send you an e-mail to remind you when your taxes are due.  To sign up for this service, please call
973-839-3000 ext. 7125.

CURFEW ORDINANCE

The Police Department would like to remind all parents the Borough of Wanaque has a curfew ordinance. No person under the age of 18 is to be out between the hours of 10:00PM and 5:30AM. The ordinance also covers truancy from school. There are exemptions to the ordinance regarding minors accompanied by an adult or traveling to and from employment. If you have any questions contact the Wanaque Police Department.

Cell Phone Law

The Wanaque Police Department would like to remind all residents effective March 01, 2008 New Jersey Statute 39:4-97.3 makes the use of wireless telephones and all electronic communication devices while operating a motor vehicle a primary offense. This means police officers can stop and issue a summons to anyone using a cell phone while operating a vehicle and not using a hands free device. If you have any questions about this law please feel free to contact the Wanaque Police Department at 973-835-5600.

BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS

Don’t be fooled by imposters posing as municipal workers or volunteers. If a stranger comes to your door, don’t take chances.

Ask to see identification before allowing a stranger into your home. ALL Wanaque Borough employees and volunteers carry photo I.D. tags. If you have doubts about someone claiming to be a Wanaque Borough Employee or Volunteer, call the Wanaque Police Department at 973-835-5600 to verify the persons identity.

HONORING WANAQUE’S VETERANS

Bill Van Wilpe compiled a list of veterans buried in the Midvale Cemetery and the Wanaque VFW has erected a memorial on Conklintown Road listing all the veterans buried there. The Midvale Cemetery is the final resting place of veterans dating all the way back to the Civil War.

On the memorial, next to each veteran’s name is an L, C, or an R which denotes the location in the cemetery in which they are buried. The L indicates the left 1/3 of the cemetery, to the left of Conklintown Road. The C represents the center 1/3 of the cemetery and the R stands for the right 1/3 of the cemetery to the south side Conklintown Road. Along with each veteran’s name, the year of birth and death is listed, branch of service if known and the war they served in. Veterans from Viet Nam, World War II, World War I, Korea, the Spanish American War and the Civil War are buried in the Midvale Cemetery.

On the memorial, the donations that made the project possible are listed: The donations were made by the Morgan Storms Family and the Joseph Herrick Memorial Fund. It also identifies the memorial as a “James McCarthy VFW Post 6765 project.

We salute the Wanaque VFW, the Morgan Storms Family and the
Joseph Herrick Memorial Fund for erecting this fitting tribute to our
veterans buried in Midvale Cemetery.

Tom Balunis, Veterans Chairman

Pet Waste Pollutes Our Waters!

Clean and plentiful water is important to our families, our environment, our economy and our quality of life.

Did you know that animal waste from pets can pollute our waters? When left on the ground, pet waste is washed by rain and melting snow and ice into storm drains that carry it to our rivers, lakes, the ocean and drinking water.

What you can do:
Pet owners or anyone who takes your pet for walks must properly dispose of the waste by picking it up, wrapping it and either placing it in the trash or flushing it unwrapped down the toilet.
Your municipality is required to adopt and enforce local pet-waste laws. At a minimum, your community must require that pet owners or their keepers immediately and properly dispose of their pet’s solid waste deposited on any public or private property not owned or possessed by that person.

People with assistance animals such as Seeing Eye dogs are exempt.

Pet Waste Removal Requirements in the Borough of Wanaque:

Chapter 116B: DOGS
§ 116B-3. Removal of feces. [Amended 3-14-2005 by Ord. No. 6-0-05]   Any person who shall possess, maintain, house or harbor any pet or otherwise have custody of any pet, whether or not the owner of such pet is 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.

§ 116B-8. Violations and penalties: Any person who violates or fails or refuses to comply with the terms and provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days and/or community service not exceeding 60 days.

Thank you for doing your part to keep New Jersey’s waters clean.

For more information, please visit:  

http://www.njstormwater.org or www.nonpointsource.org

RECREATION DEPARTMENT NEWS

SOCCER REGISTRATION
JUNE 16TH
7:00 – 9:00PM  BORO HALL
SATURDAY, JUNE 21st  9:00 – 12:00

Congratulations to the following Lakeland Jr. Wrestlers on their achievements this season:

SPORTS CAMPS & CLINICS
SPONSORED BY
US SPORTS INSTITUTE

EAGLESCOUT
AWARD

CONGRATULATIONS to
Armando Chapelliquen III of BSA Troop 132 of Wanaque for achieving the rank of EAGLE SCOUT, the highest rank in Scouting.

WANAQUE SOCCER CAMP
BACK BEACH PARK
AUG 25 – AUG 29th
CONTACT Paul Rolfe:
Rolfie2323@hotmail.com

Visit our websites:
http://www.wanaquesoccer.com 

http://wanaquesoftball.tripod.com/

USA SOCCER ACADEMY
     Back Beach Park
     Aug. 18 - 22nd
     732-563-2525  or
nrichards@unitedsocceracademy.com

LAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS

Lancer Softball Camp
Addice Park  (at the High School in case of rain)
July 7 – 11th 
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Grades 4th – 8th (as of 9/08)
Fee $90.00
Info:  Lakeland Softball Coach Lonnie Smith
Lrsmith4@verizon.net or 973-334-3334

Lakeland Boys Basketball Camp
Lakeland Regional High School
July 21 - 24th
8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Boys Grades 3rd – 9th (as of 9/08)
Fee $125.00
Info:  Lakeland Boys Basketball Coach Bill Conlee at 973-305-9361

Lady Lancer Basketball Camp
Lakeland Regional High School
July 14 – 18th
(July 18th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm)
Grades: 3rd– 9 th (as of 9/08)
Fee:  $125.00
Info:  Lakeland Girls Basketball Coach Erin Schultz - eschultz@lakeland.k12.nj.us

Co-Ed Volleyball Camp
Lakeland Regional High School
July 28th - July 31st
9:00am – 12:30 pm
Fee $75.00
Grades 6th –10th (as of 9/08)
Contact Ringwood Recreation
973-475-7129  By 6/6/08

All 4 One Field Hockey Camp
Lakeland Regional High School
Aug 4 - Aug 7th
8:30 am -12:30 pm
Fee: $115.00
http://www.all4oneacademy.com

 Fish Derby

PLEASE SECURE YOUR PAPER
RECYCLING SO BOXES AND PAPER CAN NOT BLOW LOOSELY IN THE
WIND AND LITTER OUR STREETS

PASSAIC  COUNTY  HOUSEHOLD
HAZARDOUS WASTE AND
COMPUTER  &  ELECTRONICS
RECYCLING EVENTS
FREE for Passaic County Residents

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE  COLLECTION:
Collection sites will be open from 7:30am-2:00pm
Rain or Shine
SAT. JUNE 7, 2008
West Milford Recycling Center (30 Lycosky Drive)

COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS:
SAT. JUNE 14, 2008
(FRIDAY JUNE 13th, for businesses who must call
  to register
1310 Route 23 North (behind old Treasure Island)
Wayne, NJ  from 9 am– 2 pm

For more information call The Passaic County Natural Resources & Environmental Hotline at 973-881-4506.

GARAGE SALES

The Borough Clerk would like to remind all residents of the regulations regarding Garage Sales within the Borough :

1 - No more than two (2) permits within a twelve month period will be given to any one person or location.

2 - Applications for Garage Sales should be filed with the Borough Clerk at least 10 days prior to the date of the sale.

3 - Garage Sales are limited to two (2) consecutive calendar days. A maximum of 2 rain dates are permitted.

4 - Garage sales are to be conducted only between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

5 - The permit must be prominently displayed on the premises of the sale during the entire period of the sale.

6 - No signs will be permitted except those purchased from the Borough of Wanaque, and must be removed within 24 hours after
the sale. Cost of signs are 60 cents each.

Statue #27:5-1 states “ Garage sale signs cannot be posted on telephone poles.”

There is a $5.00 fee for your second application within a twelve month period.

PRIMARY ELECTION / PRIMARY DECLARATION

Don’t Forget to vote on Primary Day, Tuesday June 3, 2008.  Polls open at 6:00 am and close at 8:00 pm.

Check your sample ballot for your correct polling place.

The Municipal Clerks Office will be open until 9:00 pm on May 13th for LATE NIGHT VOTERS REGISTRATION.

May 13th is also the registration deadline for the Primary
Election.

TO ALL GRADUATES

BINGO

EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT at 7:30 pm

WANAQUE FIRST AID SQUAD
Wanaque First Aid Squad Building
5 Melrose Avenue
Wanaque, NJ 07465

REMINDER:

THE BOROUGH LEAF MACHINE
ONLY GOES OUT
IN THE FALL, SPRING & SUMMER.

LEAVES MUST BE IN
CANS OR LEAF BAGS.