Jefferson Township, NJ - Mayor & Administration Page

As Mayor of the “Year Round Recreational Capital of New Jersey” I am proud to announce Jefferson Township’s “Green Principles Initiative”. Our “Green Principles Initiative” will stimulate environmental awareness and promote practices that will protect and preserve our precious natural resources. The “Green Principles” brochure is a concise summary of actions you can take to ensure that future generations will enjoy the natural beauty of our unique municipality.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the members of our Armed Forces and their families. Let us not forget our troops who continue daily to courageously serve to protect our country. We wish to recognize, support and thank you and pray for a healthy and safe return. We are so very proud of you all. If you know someone who has or is serving in Iraq, please call Jack Kelly at 973-697-5957 to have their name included on our plaque which proudly hangs in the entrance hall of the Municipal Building Complex.

Jefferson Township Fire Company #1, Fire Company #2, the Jefferson Rescue Squad and the Milton First Aid Squad are very much in need of volunteers. Our population continues to grow and in order for our residents to be provided with essential emergency services, we need additional members to join these volunteer organizations. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the following: Chief, Guy Bakera for Fire Co. #1 at 945-8915, Chief Joe Williams for Fire Co. #2 at 663-2323, Captain Kim Finnegan for the Jefferson Township Rescue Squad at 663-1121 and Captain Barbara Runz for the Milton First Aid Squad at 697-2197.

The Jefferson Township Public Library is open from 9:30-9:00 Monday-Friday, 9:30-6:00 on Saturdays, and 1:00-5:00 on Sundays. To find out about upcoming library programs and events visit the library’s web-site at www.jeffersonlibrary.netjtpl@jeffersonlibrary.net. The Library is governed by 7 trustees who are appointed by the Mayor and Council. The Trustees meet on the third Tuesday afternoon of every month at 4:00pm at the library. All Trustee meetings are open to the public. For more information call the library at 973-208-6115, or contact the Library Director, Seth Stephens at seth.stephens@jeffersonlibrary.net.. You can also visit the web-site to request to use the Riker Room in the Library. Currently on display at the library is a draft of a new floor plan for the library. The new floor plan includes a more contained childrens areas, new spaces for quiet study and a place specifically for teen-agers. Let us know what you think of the new floor plan by e-mailing the library at

Payment Information - Cash and/or checks are acceptable forms of payment for taxes and utility charges, and may be mailed or brought in person to the Tax Office. On-line payment by credit card or ACH is available through the township website (www.jeffersontownship.net). A convenience fee of 2.50% is added to all credit card transactions to cover the merchant fees being imposed by the bank. Visa and Mastercard are the only credit cards accepted. On-line payments received after 3:00pm will be posted as of the next business day. When mailing your payments, you have the option to send the appropriate payment stub with your check, or, if a receipt is required, include your bill and a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment. The back of the bill will be receipted and returned to you. Due to state statutes, post dated checks are not to be accepted and will be returned to you. *Important - As stated on your tax bill, in order to avoid interest charges, payment must be received in the Tax Office within the ten-day grace period each quarter. Property Tax Relief Programs, Senior Citizen & Disabled Property Tax Deduction - If your total income excluding Social Security is below $10,000.00, and you were age 65 or greater as of December 31, 2008 or totally disabled, you may qualify for an annual property tax deduction of $250.00. There are additional requirements that must be met in order to qualify for this deduction. Please call the Tax Office at (973) 208-6106 if you want more information. Veteran’s Deduction - The tax deduction granted to qualified veterans reduces their property tax bill by $250.00. If you have already qualified for this deduction, you will continue to receive it annually. If you are a veteran and haven’t applied, please call the Tax Office at (973) 208-6106 for additional requirements and information. Most recent applicants qualify only if they served a minimum of two weeks active duty in a war zone. Property Tax Reimbursement Program - It is very important that recipients of the Property Tax Reimbursement Program pay their entire property tax bill before June 1^st of the post tax year. This is a state run program. Under state statutes, property taxes for 2009 must be paid in full by 06-01-10 or applicants will not be eligible for reimbursement next year.

In August, the Assessor’s office again filed an application for reassessment with the Morris County Board of Taxation. The application is to complete a 100% reassessment for January 1, 2010 based on market value of October 1, 2009. The County Tax Board and State Division of Taxation have approved the application. This reassessment will be performed using computer aided mass appraisal software and based on market trend data collected and analyzed over the past year. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application in the history of the State of New Jersey allowed to use this procedure. By performing the reassessment using this methodology, we have been able to save over $300,000 in costs to the taxpayers of Jefferson. New assessed values will be available on the Jefferson Township website: www.jeffersontownship.net in late December. Final notification of the 2010 assessed value will be indicated on the assessment postcards mailed in February.

Dog Licenses will be due during the month of January, 2010. The rabies clinic for dogs will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP POUND, 57 Minnisink Road, Lake Hopatcong, behind the Health Center. You must have an up to date rabies shot to obtain a license. The cost will be $11.00 for an unaltered dog and $8.00 for an altered dog. There are many cats and dogs in the pound whom are in need of good homes. Why not come and visit. We are open daily from 8-10 AM and by appointment in the afternoon or weekend by calling 973-663-3241 or visit us on Petfinder.com. Listed below are the clinics and services offered to our residents. If you have questions, or wish to schedule an appointment, please call the Health Center at 973-663-0700.

SMAC Blood Test: Saturday, December 5^th March 6, 2010, 8:00-11:00AM. Testing is for: glucose, potassium, sodium cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and a complete blood count, etc.Flu & Adult Tetanus Clinic- October 13^th 1-5:00 PM. Open to Jefferson Township residents 62 years or older or anyone with a chronic condition that has a note from their physician. Child Health Conferences: Well Baby Clinics are open to all Jefferson Twp. residents from birth to age five (5). Wednesdays: November 11^th December 9^th, 2009, January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, 2010. Female Cancer Screening: April, 2010, time to be announced. Glucose Screening- Done at SMAC Clinics/Stroke Screenings

TOWNSHIP COUNCIL: On the Township Council Webpage you will find their email addresses in addition to their meeting schedule. We continually update our Webpage to include the current agenda 3 days prior to their meeting and approved minutes of our meetings. ELECTION: Please remember to VOTE: These deadlines come up fast! The State has adopted a new law that will allow you to vote absentee at any election without a reason. The next upcoming election is the General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3rd from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The deadline to register to vote is October 13, 2009. To vote Absentee, your Civilian Absentee Ballot Application by mail deadline is October 27, 2009. You will also be able to apply for a Civilian Absentee Ballot in person at the Morris County Clerk’s Office in Morristown, up until 3:00 p.m., on November 2, 2009. For details on any Election deadlines, please call 973-208-6132. ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS: If you are going to be at school during the General Election and want to vote, you will need to mail in a Civilian Absentee Ballot Application. You can call 973-208-6132, and we will mail you one. OR you can go to morriselections.org and print this form and mail it in. REMEMBER – this form must be RECEIVED at the County Clerk’s Office on or before October 27, 2009 unless you apply in person! If you are going to be home on any Election Day, you can work the polls and earn $200.00 per day. Call 973-285-8350 for details.

SOLICITORS: Most solicitors must have a permit when they knock on your door, but of course, there are some exemptions. To protect yourself, please be aware that you can ask for proper identification. Please call the Clerk’s office 973-208-6132 during business hours or the Police Department at 973-697-1300 after hours if you have any questions. NOTICE TO LANDLORDS: A landlord who owns a one or two-family non-owner occupied house is required by law to file a registration statement with the Municipal Clerk of the municipality in which the building is located. If the building has three or more units, the statement must be filed with the Bureau of Housing Inspection, CN810, Trenton, NJ 08625-0810. No filing is required for owner-occupied two-family houses. A form is available on our website www.jeffersontownship.net www.generalcode.com. Forms Link. WEBPAGES/LINKS: Available on the Township Website is the Welcome Packet -- in Adobe Acrobat format. You will find the index useful to quickly find the information you need. Save it to your desktop or print it! There is a wealth of information available to you with links and forms that you may find useful. Also, there is an updated version for township and zoning ordinances at:

The Jefferson Arts Committee and its sub-groups – The Township Community Band, the Township Community Chorus, and the Community Players are pleased to bring to the community the following events: Saturday, November 7, 2009 - The Jefferson Community Players present one-act plays at the Jefferson Township Public Library. Saturday, December 5, 2009 – between 10 am and 4 pm, the 4^th annual Christmas in the Village event will take place at several venues including the Jefferson Township Museum, St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, the Jefferson Township Senior Center, the Milton First Aid Squad building, the Milton United Methodist Church, the Jefferson Township Fire Co. No. 1 building, the American Legion Post #423, and Camp Jefferson. There will be a breakfast, live entertainment, a theatrical presentation with a Victorian Tea Service, food and refreshment offerings, a Grandma’s Cookie Contest, a Gingerbread House Contest, quality handcrafter booths, a 50/50 raffle, a visit with Santa, and fun for the whole family. Sunday, December 6, 2009 – the Jefferson Township Community Chorus will perform in their annual Christmas concert, entitled “Celebrate the Season” to be held at

3:30 PM in the sanctuary of the Milton United Methodist Church as part of the Church’s Concert in the Sanctuary Series. Friday, January 8, 2010 – teen and young adult bands will perform for an evening of music at the Jefferson Township High School auditorium. Friday, May 7, 2010 – The Silver Starlite Orchestra will present a Tribute to Sinatra in the auditorium of the Jefferson Township High School. Saturday, May 22, 2010 – the Jefferson Township Community Band, Community Chorus, and the Community Players will present a 1950’s musical production, location to be determined. Saturday, July 10, 2010 – the 24^th annual Jefferson Township Day parade, day time activities, food and merchandise vendors, an evening concert, and huge aerial fireworks display. Fall 2010 an instrumental music competition for high school students in the Sussex County Music Association and North Jersey Area Band will be held. Scholarships will be awarded for the top three winners. Watch for details of events in local newspapers and on the JAC website www.jeffersonarts.org as well as www.jeffersontownship.net. New members are always welcome in all groups. If you are interested in joining the Jefferson Arts Committee or one of its sub-groups, please email at artscommittee@jeffersonarts.org or call President Carol Punturieri at 973-697-3828.

The Municipal Courts in New Jersey have jurisdiction over traffic violations, parking violations, minor criminal offenses such as simple assault and bad checks, and municipal ordinance violations. The Municipal Court Judge also has the authority to issue domestic violence temporary retraining orders, authorize arrest warrants, order probation, community service and jail sentences where appropriate. The court also handles violations issued by the Morris County Park Police, Morris County Weights and Measures and Marine Police for violations taking place on Lake Hopatcong. Minor issues, including citizen complaints for property line disputes, barking dogs and noise complaints are sent to the Community Dispute Resolution Committee. This mediation offers benefits such as early, direct communication between parties, in a more relaxed atmosphere. The mediators are trained by the Morris County Superior Court and have been successful in resolving neighborhood disputes. The Jefferson Municipal Court meets as follows: 1^st Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM; each other Thursday at 7:30 PM; additional sessions may be scheduled on the 3^rd Tuesday, as well as special sessions for Driving While Intoxicated matters. Court sessions are open to the public; all are welcome to attend.

Captain Henry Porcja retires after 42 years of service. Captain Porcja has been a resident of Jefferson Township since 1960. He graduated from Morris Hills High School in 1963 and in 1967 he became the 11^th member of the Jefferson Township Police Department under Chief Carl Carlson. He received his basic police training at the NJSP academy in Sea Girt. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1989 and served as a patrol shift commander. In 1999 he was promoted to Lieutenant and served as a Platoon Commander in the Patrol Division. During his 42 year career as a police officer, Captain Porcja has attended numerous training courses in various areas of Law Enforcement. Captain Porcja is a recipient of a meritorious service award. As Captain he was assigned as the Commander of the Patrol Division. Captain Porcja will officially retire effective 12/31/2009. He began his terminal leave on 7/1/2009.

Lieutenant Eric Wilsusen was promoted to the rank of Captain effective 9/9/2009. Captain Wilsusen began his career with the Jefferson Township Police Department as a Patrol Officer in the Patrol Bureau in 1986. In 1990 he was assigned as the Community Services Officer and was the department’s first DARE officer. In 1999, he was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to the Patrol Bureau as Patrol Shift Supervisor. In 2000 he was assigned as the Services/Records Bureau Supervisor. In 2006, he was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned as the Administrative Bureau Commander. Captain Wilsusen also serves as the Township’s Director of Communications/IT, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and is a certified police academy instructor. Captain Wilsusen will be assigned as the operations commander for the Police Department. Captain Wilsusen earned his Associate in Arts Degree from County College of Morris, is a graduate of Northwestern University Center for Public Safety- School of Police Staff and Command and is a Certified Public Manager recently graduating from the Farleigh Dickerson University’s Certificate Program. Captain Wilsusen is an Honorary Life Member of the Jefferson Consolidated PTA, a Past Chief and Life Member of the Jefferson Township Fire Company #2 and is a member of the Lake Shawnee Club Board of Governors and currently serves as the Club President. Captain Wilsusen has received numerous awards and commendations since 1986. He has received the Jefferson Township Police Department’s Educational Achievement Award, Chief’s Achievement Award, Honorable Service Awards and numerous Certificates of Commendation throughout his career. He is also the recipient of numerous community awards including the Jefferson Township Rotary Club- Citizen of the Year Award, the Jefferson-Consolidated PTA- Person of the Year Award, the Lake Hopatcong Elks Shield Award and the Knights of Columbus Shield Award.

Sergeant William Anderson was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant effective 9/9/2009. Lt. William Anderson is a 19 year veteran of the Jefferson Township Police Department. He began his career in 1990 assigned to the Patrol Bureau as a Police Officer. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2002 and was assigned as a Patrol Shift Supervisor. In 2006 he was assigned as the Services/Records Bureau supervisor where he supervised the Traffic, Community Services, School Resource Officer and Records Personnel.

Sergeant William Anderson (Continued) Sergeant Anderson is currently the department’s CPR/ AED instructor as well as the OC (pepper spray) instructor. He is a graduate of Boonton High School and the Morris County Police Academy. Lt. Anderson is the recipient of numerous departmental commendations including saving the life of a three year old drowning victim, and delivering a newborn baby. He is responsible for obtaining numerous state and federal grants for the police department and most recently obtained a grant that will enable the department to purchase an ATV that will be utilized to patrol and respond to areas not accessible by other police vehicles. Lt. Anderson will be assigned as a platoon commander in the patrol division.

Detective James Caruso was promoted to the rank of Sergeant effective 9/9/2009. Sergeant James Caruso joined the department in 1992 and was assigned as a Police Officer in the Patrol Bureau. In 1999 he was assigned to the Detective Bureau where acted as the juvenile officer and was responsible for general investigations. Sergeant Caruso has attended numerous schools and in-service training classes throughout his career. Sergeant Caruso is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. He has received the Jefferson Police Department Chief’s Achievement and Honorable Service Awards, Life Saving Awards, and numerous Certificates of Commendation. He is also the recipient of M.A.D.D award for DWI enforcement, The Jefferson Township Rotary Club- Citizen of the Year Award and the Chamber of Commerce Exemplary Public Safety Award. Sergeant Caruso is a life member of Jefferson Township Fire Company #2 and served as Chief in 1998 and 1999. Sergeant Caruso will be assigned as the Detective Bureau Supervisor.

Senior Citizens interested in attending school-sponsored athletic events and student activities are invited to complete an application for a Senior Gold Card. The bearer of the card is entitled to a discount of $1.00 off the admission price to all school-related activities including theatrical productions, concerts, etc., and free admission to home athletic events (with the exception of State, County and Conference playoff games). To qualify for a card, individuals must be 62 years of age or older and a Jefferson Township resident. Applications may be obtained online at www.jefftwp.org or by visiting any Jefferson Township public school. All residents are reminded that all information about district schools and events can be obtained by visiting the Jefferson Township Public Schools webpage. Our “News” section highlights the most recent edition of The Boardroom, the board newsletter, and other key, district-wide announcements. Individual school home pages can be visited for information about each building. Please mark your calendar! Due to the tireless fundraising efforts of the STAR Committee, the high school football field now has lights. On Friday, October 2, 2009, prior to the start of the scheduled home football game, a brief program was held to recognize the efforts of the committee as well as many of the other individuals and organizations that have assisted with this project.

The Recreation Department would like to thank local resident, Mr. Thadd Craig and his wonderful group of volunteers who recently cut new hiking trails at Camp Jefferson on Weldon Road. These trails will be officially opened to the public on Saturday, October 24^th, at 11:30 AM at the ribbon cutting ceremony during our Annual Fall Festival. The new Trails will provide a peaceful yet challenging walk as you pass through the scenic 96-acre park with the opportunity to connect to the Morris County Park Commission’s Mahlon Dickerson Trails.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS: Fall Festival (held at Camp Jefferson) Saturday, October 24^th, 2009 from 10am to 3pm. Hayrides, pumpkin picking/painting, DJ, Magic show, Puppet show, petting zoo, pony rides, refreshments and more! Haunted House (held at Camp Jefferson) sponsored by the Consolidated PTA. This Spooktacular event will be held on Saturday, October 24^th and Sunday, October 25^th, 2009. One of the SCARIEST experiences you will ever have. Visit with Santa (held at Camp Jefferson) Saturday, December 5^th, 2009. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph spend the day at Camp Jefferson to say Hello to all the children before they head back to the North Pole to prepare for Santa’s big night! Menorah lighting / Tree Lighting (held at the town hall) on separate dates in December ~ Join your neighbors at the Town Hall as we celebrate the Holidays and light up the municipal complex with music, entertainment and dazzling lights. Annual Winter Festival (held at Camp Jefferson) in late January early February, weather permitting. Camp Jefferson will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland where we will have ice-skating, sleigh riding, campfire, lots of cocoa and other refreshments. Parents can enjoy the warmth and comfort of the main lodge with its giant fireplace while the children play outdoors in the snow.

08-09		08-09
2008	2009		CHANGE		% Change
Municipal*	0.529	0.550		0.0210		3.8%
County**	0.232	0.226		-0.0060		-2.7%
School	1.0840	1.1320		0.0480		4.2%
TOTAL	1.845	1.908		0.063		3.3%

* Also includes Garbage District, Open Space Tax, & Recreation Trust Tax
** Includes Open Space Tax

Tax bills are to be sent before the August 1^st tax quarter and after the adoption of the municipal budget. From a cash flow perspective, municipal funds are customarily at its lowest in July/August. Plus, the township must make substantial tax payments to the Jefferson schools and Morris County on August 15^th. Since cash flow is low, it is essential that the August 1^st tax funds be received on a timely basis to allow for the payments of taxes to the school and county, as well as for municipal operations. Over the last three years, the estimated bills went out to ensure that there were sufficient funds to meet the township’s fiscal obligations.

The Building Department is available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays, for the convenience of Township residents. There are two technical assistants, Joanne and Robin, to assist residents with filing permit applications and to answer various questions pertaining to township properties. The Building Department has building, electric, plumbing and fire inspectors available to make inspections related to construction permits. Plumbing and electrical inspections are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, building inspections are scheduled every day. The Department is headed by Thomas Mahoney, Construction Official, and works in conjunction with zoning, health and tax offices.

Cleaning and flushing is a normal preventative maintenance item that is completed each fall. Removing sediment and debris from the sanitary sewer helps to reduce the possibility of a backup. The Utilities Department and Department of Public Works have begun site work on the new water tank location on John St. This new tank will allow the Township to meet current NJDEP regulations for water storage. The tank will allow the Township to store more water, which will help add to the fire fighting capabilities of the Township and reduce the need to purchase water from the Morris County MUA. The Township has completed the installation of three new wells this year. The wells were tested in late September and should be on line by November 2009.

Chimney fires can be prevented by yearly maintenance/service. Take the time to get your chimney and flue cleaned and inspected by qualified professional. If you are a first time owner of a wood stove or alternate heating appliance check with friends who have a system for recommendations. A cleaning and inspection will check for any cracks, loose mortar between bricks and secure flashing around the chimney. If using a chimney cap, that should be checked and cleaned as well. Inside your home remember when removing the ash from the fire box, be sure the ashes are cold and use a metal container so they do not melt. Always put the container away from the home. Smoldering ashes in the container may still be warm and burning and can give off carbon monoxide. Be sure you have your carbon monoxide alarm installed in the hallway near your sleeping area.

With kids back in school and the days getting shorter, cold weather will be here. The DPW works 24/7 to ensure that our roads are plowed and salted to maintain safe vehicle passage. It is our policy that the main roads and school bus routes are plowed first followed by secondary roads, side streets, etc. We are also asking that residents check their mailbox to ensure that it is in conformance with our new standard, which can be found at www.jeffersontownship.net. Please have all portable basketball hoops, hockey nets, etc. removed from the road right-of-ways so that our trucks can easily navigate our roads. Repairs to catch basins, pot holes and curbs are ongoing, and requests can be submitted via email or via phone at (973) 697-2522. This past summer we were able to pave Dover Milton Road as well as local roads such as Mallard, Martin View, Croft, Clover, Stonehenge, and Bird Lane. We have received funds from the County and State to install a water main in the area of Rt. 181 and Lorettacong/Arrowhead/Bright’s Point Road as well as Route 181 and Winona Trail. This work has begun and will continue through the end of the year. Final road repairs will be made in the spring. The Township will be initiating a major program in November of sealing cracks throughout the Township. By doing this preventative maintenance work, we will be extending the life of our roads. The reconstruction of Ridge Road (from Holland Mountain Road to Berkshire Valley Road) will begin in October and will continue into the spring. This section of the road is to be widened and overlayed along with various pedestrian safety improvements including crosswalks and a new pedestrian pathway.

We would like to remind all residents and business owners that recycling is mandatory. The Township provides for residential curbside pickup of recyclables. On an alternating weekly basis comingled recyclables (aluminum cans, tin cans, steel cans, glass jars and bottles and plastic #1 and plastic #2) and mixed paper (junk mail, corrugated cardboard, and newspapers) are picked up. Please note that effective immediately household alkaline batteries no longer need to be recycled and may be placed in the trash. Rechargeable batteries (cell phone batteries, laptop batteries, digital camera batteries, etc.) are recyclable and can be disposed of at participating retail locations including: Radio Shack, Best Buy, Staples, Target, Office Max, Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, Wal-Mart and Verizon Wireless. Please place garbage and recyclables at the curb no later than 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled pick-up day. Our contractor‘s pick up times vary, and all material needs to be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. Metal pick up (appliances, water heaters, etc.) and construction material drop off is by appointment only. Please call (973) 697-1500 to make an appointment. Weekly curbside leaf pick (unlimited number of bags) will continue through November 25, 2009. Jefferson Township will be hosting a Hazardous Waste Disposal Day on Sunday, November 1, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. rain or shine. Items that will be accepted include anti-freeze, oil-based paint, car/boat batteries, pool chemicals as well as electronics ($3.00/item) and propane tanks ($5.00/item). For more detailed information, please visit the MUA’S website www.MCMUA.com. Finally, we ask that you are patient when there is a holiday during the week as there will be a change in the normal garbage/recycling day. Our contractor observes the following holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4^th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. During the weeks these holidays are observed, there will be no Wednesday bulk pick up or vegetative waste pick up so that the missed garbage/recycling collection can be made up.