Fall 2019

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Eric F. Wilsusen

Fall 2019

Fall is upon us already!  I would be remised if I did not mention some issues that occurred over the summer.   Harmful algal bloom and the unfortunate drowning of Adam Gil on Lake Hopatcong and the tragic murder of Christie Solaro. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Solaro & Gil families.  I am very proud of the Township of Jefferson and the community support that has been seen through these tragic events.   

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, certainly, with all the beautiful scenery we have to offer throughout our beautiful community. My administration has been busy getting all of our 2019 road projects completed. Road paving in our Lake Stockholm area, the completion of paving in our White Rock section, and the 2nd phase of Brady Road is expected to be completed in October. Time ran out to get the micropaving (cape seal) completed on Windjammer Drive, Lighthouse Circle & Topsail Drive area as the contractor was overbooked. This process has to be completed in the warmer weather. This project will be completed early next year in addition to other roads planned to be micropaved. The last drainage project on Spring Road is being completed and curbing and paving improvements at Millburn & East Shore will be completed by the end of October.  Time to get ready for winter! Thank you to our public works employees for all their hard work.

Work is underway on the 2020 Municipal Budget.  As preparation is made on the budget the outline for the start of the long term strategic plan will help with the Township Capital Budget.  The capital strategic plan will be completed before the end of the year. Our major challenge over the next few years will certainly be adequately funding road paving and improvement projects for Jefferson.

In September our first professional development day was held for our municipal employees. Thank you to my Business Administrator Debra Millikin, Chief Financial Officer Bill Eagan and my assistant Joanne Meyer, for putting the day together.  The focus was on customer service, ethics, workplace harassment, and ALICE (active shooter) training.  After training, all attended an employee appreciation BBQ.  The plan is to conduct a professional day annually for training on a variety of topics to better serve our residents. The Municipal Building was closed for the day, sorry for any inconvenience.

As we move into winter, we ask that you remove any basketball hoops and other playground objects in the roadway and a reminder that overnight parking is prohibited when roads are ice or snow covered.

Some new commercial projects were recently approved throughout our community, the old Pathmark building on Route 15 was approved for a new medical building. Tri-County Orthopedics will be the tenant. A Wawa was approved for the front portion of the same property. The property owners of the old Pathmark, ArcTrust, also recently bought the BP station next door, no plan as of yet as to what development might occur on this property.  A new climate-controlled u-store it building was approved at the current facility on Route 181. A new Mexican restaurant will open soon at the Upstream Grill location on Route 181. Last, the Jefferson Market was approved for a new 4000+ sq ft. building at its current location, which will bring a cross between a convenience and small grocery store.  Thank you to all these business owners for their investment in Jefferson Township!

Enjoy the beautiful fall colors!