April 17 Update: Message from Mayor Madden
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MADDEN
As the pandemic crisis continues for another week, we see so many communities rally around health care workers, First Responders, delivery personnel, supermarket workers and more. People come out of their homes and applaud; they lean out of apartment balconies and bang pots and pans; they honk horns in parades.
This week, our town honored these new heroes in a Proclamation. Among those workers we honored included our public employees who keep our town working. Of course, that includes our Department of Public Works and our staff that picks up garbage and receives your bulk recycling at the municipal building.
It saddens me to hear stories from our public workers that there have been many incidents of abuse levied at them including inexcusable name calling and harassment. I understand that many of you have been caught off guard by our requirements regarding sanitation removal but there is no reason to be uncivil to government employees trying to do their jobs as safely and effectively as they can. Yes, many, many residents have come out and thanked our workers; some have left chalk notes on their driveways thanking them, and I want to thank you for that. But to those in our town who have not been so kind: we live in a small community where most of our employees are also your neighbors. Ugliness, especially in time of national crisis, has no place.
As mayor, my goal is to resolve issues. Please be advised however, if any resident becomes disrespectful, uses coarse language, intimidates, or does not follow our guidelines regarding garbage, bulk or leaf collection will be dealing with my office and code enforcement. Our DPW crew are going over and above what most municipalities perform. Therefore if you want me to address your concerns, I will not tolerate the above stated situations. Please share with me your expectations and if reasonable, I will look into them.
I also have an increasing number of residents asking why the municipal parks are still open. The Governor's Executive Order closing all state and county parks expressly states that he is leaving the decision regarding municipal parks to the local governments. The Governing Body feels strongly that people need to have a place to walk, to see and enjoy nature, to move freely, to allow their children to run, to meditate, and simply to breathe. We are monitoring the attendance at our parks and, if physical distancing or group congregation become issues, we will consider our options. But for now, enjoy Spring and enjoy them in our parks if you wish.