Community Pool to Open Starting June 22

THE MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY POOL WILL BE OPEN STARTING JUNE 22, 2O2O.

Due to the current regulations set in order by the state of New Jersey, we are limited to having a max capacity of 450 persons on the property. Each patron who attends the pool must check in and out of the facility so the pool can keep a contact tracing log. It will be a first come first serve acceptance into the pool. We will post on our facebook page when we reach capacity and update when we have availability.

• There will be NO GUEST passes for purchase. 

• There will be no toys and floating devices allowed in the pools.

• We will NOT have morning lap swimming. 

• We will NOT have swimming lessons. 

• Face coverings are strongly encouraged 

• Face coverings should NOT be worn in the water (increases the risk of drowning). 

• Hands should be washed frequently with soap 

• Hand water and sanitizer that is at least 60% should be used if soap and water are not available.

• Do not touch your face (especially eyes, nose or mouth) with unwashed hands.

• Stay home if you are sick.

• Practice social distancing and avoid large gatherings. Please instruct your children of social distancing rules and assist our staff in enforcing these guidelines.

• Foot coverings MUST be worn in the bath houses.

For more information regarding the New Jersey guidelines please visit: https://nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/phss/Guidance_for_Operating_Pool_Bathing_Facilities_During_COVID-19.pdf

June 12: Weekly Report from Mayor Madden

MAYOR'S WEEKLY MESSAGE

Of the many calls and emails that I receive, I would like to remind residents that the Borough has many resources in place to quickly address your questions and concerns.  The most common questions I am asked may be answered by the following departments:

• Construction: permits, construction fees, inspections, etc.
  construction@middlesexboro-nj.gov or 732-356-7400 x247 (Michele Galek, Technical Assistant to the Construction Official)

• Public Works: recycling, garbage, roads, sewers, etc.
  dpw@middlesexboro-nj.gov or 732-968-1603 (Bob Teutsch, Superintendent)

• Recreation: adult and youth programs summer playground, etc.
  recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov or 732-356-7400 x277 (Noreen Wilpiszeski, Director)

• Pool Commission: membership, programs, etc.
  middlesexpoolnj@gmail.com or 732-752-3366 (Jim Grimm, Director; Mark Kranz, Commission Chair)

• Library: digital resources, programs, etc.
  cgeorge@middlesexlibrarynj.org or 732-356-6602 (Chrissy George, Director)

• Police: traffic, safety, etc.
  732-356-1900

• Administration: for day-to-day operations and management, budget preparation, etc.
  mkarrow@middlesexboro-nj.gov or 732-356-7400 x264 Marcia Karrow (Administrator)

REOPENING: TAKE PRECAUTIONS

As our Governor keeps relaxing the COVID-19 restrictions for other businesses to open up on a scheduled phase, it is important to make sure all the precautions that we have been instructed are strictly followed.  Governors in southern states have been reporting significant spikes in positive cases.

Either one or two circumstances are occurring; with the warm weather, more residents are not protecting themselves (masks and social distancing) as before, or the number of tests being performed are substantially increasing.

After speaking with County Health Officials, neither circumstance stands out as definitive.  Regardless, it is vitally important to stay vigilant until the reported threat passes or a vaccine is effectively produced and distributed.

Be safe.  Thank you.

THIS WEEK’S COVID 19 POSITIVE CASES

• Saturday, June 6: 0

• Sunday, June 7: 0

• Monday, June 8: 2

• Tuesday, June 9: 1

• Wednesday, June 10: 3

• Thursday, June 11: 1

• Friday, June 12: 1

June 5: Weekly Message from Mayor Madden

MAYOR'S WEEKLY MESSAGE

My weekly message will center exclusively on the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN on May 25, 2020. There exists a great urgency to bring this matter to the court of public sentiment.  Mr. Floyd's death was unnecessary, unconscionable and despicable. I am disheartened and sad that a rogue cop caused Mr. Floyd’s death as three fellow officers stood by and did nothing to stop him.  I trust that justice will be served with Second Degree Murder and Manslaughter charges being levied against these men.

I believe that the vast majority of our peace officers do follow a strict code of conduct to “protect and serve”. I also know the good residents of our community have felt the same sense of abject abhorrence and would never allow this to happen.

Our residents and police have enjoyed a wonderful relationship built on decades of trust.  Our residents have faith and believe that our police will protect life and property; our officers respect our residents. For this dynamic to work well in a small town, there is an unspoken agreement that we all have shared values including that both police and citizens will abide by the rule of law.

We are not a “perfect” utopia with a single ethnic group, a single religion, or a unified culture. But we are a diversified multi-cultural society has made us a richer nation, state and municipality.  Diversity should be looked upon as a wonderful enrichment in the human experience. I believe that our Borough embraces the differences of our ethnic groups, races, and religions. And I believe that the people of our Borough stand with me in the outrage of the horrific act that occurred on May 25 and that there is no place for hate, racism or discrimination.

Every life is precious. Everyone has something positive to share. True equality needs to be a reality, and not merely a dream. It’s time.

Be safe. Thank you.

THIS WEEK’S POSITIVE COVID 19 CASES:

• Saturday, May 29: 1

• Sunday, May 30:  0

• Monday, May 31:  0

• Tuesday, June 1:  2

• Wednesday, June 2:  0

• Thursday, June 3:  1

• Friday, June 4: 0

Small Business Grant program announced

Middlesex County has created a Small Business Grant program to assist small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus. Find out if your local business is eligible!

Visit the Middlesex County website here to learn more about the program.

May 29: Mayor's Weekly Message

WEEKLY MESSAGE FROM MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

After three weeks of closure, the Middlesex Borough recycling yard is now open.  There are plenty of staff on hand to assist during busy times. 

Please be advised that bulk coupons must be presented at the gate for utilization of the bulk dumpster.  Although this procedure has always been in effect, due to the abuse of out of town people/contractors coming into the yard to use the service, enforcement is now necessary (as of today 5/29/20).

Residents are allowed one bulk pick up (from their residence) annually and by appointment.  In addition, 3 bulk coupons are mailed to residents each year as well.  Also, a coupon may be used to pick up leaf bags.

Congratulations to Dave Butera for his 33 years of DPW service in the Road Department.  His knowledge in the various area of “construction-type work” has been a valuable resource for the diverse work requirements in the department.  We will miss him.

I would also like to extend a note of appreciation to Sargent Mastrogiovanni on his recent retirement announcement.  He has served for 28 years in the Middlesex Borough Police Department.  As a training supervisor for the various training disciplines within the department, he represents cutting edge procedures not only for the department but also for residents.  I attended an “active shooter” program in which he conducted.  I am not sure if I was more impressed by what I learned or stunned by what I did not know.  Thank you, Sargent, for your contribution.

Finally, I would like to address the current issues regarding the official guidelines for in-person, virtual or drive through graduation ceremonies, Governor Murphy recently announced that drive through ceremonies cannot occur until July 6, 2020.  The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education has authored a document entitled “Opportunity Innovation – a Student Centered Vision for Higher Education consideration for all post-secondary commencement ceremonies – May 27, 2020.”

These guidelines should provide a basis for decisions by New Jersey School Districts how to safely conduct graduation exercises.

Our Governing Body, myself and staff do support in person ceremonies as long as they abide by these guidelines.  The borough is happy to offer our parks and fields (such as Cook Field) for these activities at no cost.  Since the school district is autonomous, we will not interfere with their policies and procedures.  Good luck and congratulations to all graduates and please know you have received an important milestone in your academic life.

THIS WEEK’S POSITIVE COVID 19 CASES:

• Saturday, May 23:  0

• Sunday, May 24: 2

• Monday, May 25: 0

• Tuesday, May 26:  1

• Wednesday, May 27:  1

• Thursday, May 28:  0

• Friday, May 29:  0

Be safe.  Thank you.

May 22: Weekly Message from Mayor Madden

Weekly Message from Mayor John L. Madden

Monday is Memorial Day, a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  It is a day that is traditionally marked by wreaths being laid for those who we lost in service to our country.  Middlesex Borough has had a long-standing tradition of our American Legion holding a public service at Victor Crowell Park followed by a parade and refreshments.  Unfortunately, due to the CoVid 19 pandemic, there will be no public events scheduled.  The American Legion will be honoring those who past privately.

Several weeks ago, when the Borough had its first Coronavirus positive, as you all know, we started requiring that garbage cans not be overflowing with bags and not be heavier than 65 pounds.  Our sanitation workers also started putting stickers on cans that are in violation of our garbage ordinance, though we have not been enforcing it. 

As I have written several times before, after the Governor lifts the Stay at Home order, the Borough will begin to enforce the ordinance.  Residents will be afforded a two-week grace period to comply with the proper size containers with detachable lids.  As we are getting closer to the lifting of the restrictions by the Governor, I want to remind everyone about our garbage ordinance which you can find in its entirety at the bottom of our website’s home page under Code Book.

Middlesex Borough has had a garbage ordinance as law since 1947 that has stated “The occupant of any residential building or premises covered by the terms of this article shall place, keep and make readily accessible for collection and removal of garbage, ashes and rubbish placed in plastic bags inside covered receptacles with detachable lids, such as may be specified in rules and regulations to be adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Middlesex pertaining to the subject matter of this article. No loose garbage or debris shall be inside the approved receptacle. Acceptable receptacles are metal or plastic containers with handles and tight-fitting lids weighing less than 65 pounds when filled and 35 gallons in size. The use of individual plastic bags, cardboard boxes, paper bags, crates, drums, pails, or similar containers as receptacles is not permitted. Garbage in these containers will not be collected (Article 1, Section 351.4). 

For many years, past elected officials have been reluctant to enforce this law.  Following the CoVid 19 crisis, when life resumes and people feel safe to go to home good stores and are re-employed, we are going to enforce the ordinance as written:  all garbage must be placed in bags, then in a garbage container that is 35 gallons or less, has a tight-fitting, detachable lid and is not filled beyond 65 pounds in weight.

The purpose of the size restriction is because large cans, when filled, are too heavy and become a physical danger to our sanitation employees.  The reason the lids must be detachable is because when cans with attached lids are lifted and dumped, the lids often hit the heads of our DPW workers, occasionally causing injury.  For the last few weeks we have been apprised by many residents that there are raccoon and rat issues in various neighborhoods caused by garbage bags left in unlidded cans or on the curb. 

We are fully aware that this decision has or will cause a great inconvenience for you and a nuisance for those who have been putting bags curbside for many years or even decades, but please be aware that once the emergency passes, we will be enforcing the existing ordinance, which has been long neglected. 

Together, we can keep our town safe and looking beautiful for all to enjoy.

This Week’s Positive Covid-19 numbers

• Saturday, May 16: 3

• Sunday, May 17: 3

• Monday, May 18: 1

• Tuesday, May 19: 0

• Wednesday, May 20: 3

• Thursday, May 21: 0

• Friday, May 22: 0

Be well, stay safe, and enjoy the long weekend!

May 15: Mayor's Weekly Update

Weekly Message from Mayor John L. Madden

As we move thru the month of May in yet another week of working from home, home schooling, not seeing our friends and loved ones, and missing a social life of dining out, movies and attending church – all daily and weekly events that I know I personally took for granted, it has become clear to me how precious being with friends, family and neighbors truly is.  May is outside weather: grilling, yard work, planting, parties on the patio, and the beginning of a robust summer of entertaining and hanging out with friends. 

I know we all want our lifestyles back. I know that it is so difficult living in this current reality of masks, gloves, waiting in lines to get into stores, and physically distancing from people we care about.  But it is also imperative that we make sure that when the state, county and our town re-opens, it is done mindfully and carefully so that there is no resurgence of the Corona Virus.

Our municipal facilities remain closed to the public for now. Plans on how and when to re-open are in the works.  The Governor is beginning to slowly lift restrictions and re-opening the Borough will follow that course.  However, sadly, that does not mean that we may be able to offer the recreation and senior programs for a while.  For now, there will be no large municipal events. We all need to be patient while a vaccine is being developed, produced and delivered, to avoid becoming patients in the future.

An update on the Recycling Center: one of the parts for the roll off truck came in incorrectly, which has delayed the re-opening. The Recycling Center should be open next week. Please know that we are one of the few municipalities in Middlesex County that has kept our Recycling Center open during the shut- down. We are trying to continue to deliver most of the services that our residents enjoy.

I want to also spotlight our graduating Middlesex High School Seniors.  I am sure this last semester has been very difficult and disappointing for all of you – you cannot be with your friends and classmates, you did not have your prom, and now graduation must also be done differently.  To the Seniors: this is a milestone in your lives regardless of how you receive your diploma.  You should be very proud of yourselves for your accomplishments.  The fact that you will not be able to “walk” with your classmates and have bleachers filled with your families, does not diminish the hard work you have done to reach this point.  And the strength and determination you have shown having to finish your high school careers schooling from home has given you a unique opportunity to test your resolve and push yourself to excel.  Congratulations, Class of 2020!

THIS WEEK’S COVID 19 POSITIVE CONFIRMED CASES:

• May 8: 2

• May 9: 0

• May 10: 2

• May 11: 0

• May 12: 1

• May 13: 2

• May 14: 4

• May 15: 0

Be safe and stay well!

May 8: Update from Mayor Madden

Weekly Message from Mayor John L. Madden

Since my phone has been ringing off the hook, I know many of you are aware that the Recycling Center is temporarily closed due to our large roll-off truck requiring a major repair.  All recycling that is brought to our yard is sorted into individual containers which are placed on the roll-off truck and then brought out of town for disposal.  Because everyone is home now cleaning out attics and basements and, with the good weather of Spring bringing yard waste as well, all of our 40 cubic yard containers are full and we are not able to empty these without the use of the roll-off.  Until we have the roll-off truck back, we have no way to take any additional recycling as we must first get rid of what is here.  Please know that it is against the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s regulations to place any yard waste, branches or other natural debris on the ground.  We are hopeful that we will be open next weekend.  Please watch our web scroll on the Borough’s website and our Facebook page.

I have also been asked by our sewer server, Middlesex County Utilities Authority, to put the word out that the so-called flushable/disposable wipes that everyone is cleaning with right now are NOT truly flushable. MCUA is having major problems unclogging their sewer system which has been stuffed with undissolved cleaning wipes. Please put these in the trash and not in the toilet.

They sent out a very interesting, short and informative video that really shows the problem; I encourage you to watch it: select here to view "Please Keep Wipes Out of the Pipes!"

This week, we discontinued the nightly Nixel update on the Borough’s new positive cases. I know some residents want to continue receiving this information. The decision was made not to put out nightly Nixel reports because we had a number of complaints that people were being overloaded with Covid information and Nixel is really supposed to be used for emergent matters (i.e., traffic issues and occasional public service announcements). The County's website does offer up-to-date information more quickly than the Borough, as well as other information. However, I will be reporting those daily counts from the prior week in my Friday message. As the last night we reported was last Sunday, here are Monday thru Thursday’s numbers:

• May 4: 2 new cases

• May 5: 2 new cases

• May 6: 1 new case

• May 7: 2 new cases

Although we now have 200 reported positive cases, this is the best week Middlesex Borough has had in many, many weeks. I hope people are encouraged to continue all of the best practices we have been doing: physical distancing, wearing masks and gloves, and staying home. Keep up the great work – we are hopefully beating this back!

May 1: Weekly Message from Mayor John L. Madden

On April 28, 2020 Governor Murphy offered municipalities the option to suspend the collection of second quarter property tax payments until June 1, 2020. Unfortunately, the Governor did not simultaneously extend the Borough’s statutory county and school payment obligations. Because our statutory payment obligations to other jurisdictions is more than twice the amount of the Borough’s Cash on Hand, we are unable to offer our taxpayers this optional, later payment date. We urge residents to maintain their normal tax payment commitments or you will be subject to interest payments. Your cooperation is much appreciated.

Many constituents have been asking for the number of residents who have recovered from the Corona Virus. After inquiring about this to the Governor’s office, which is handling all CoVid data, I was told that the statistical derivation is very broad and that collecting this data is very difficult. People who tested positive and recovered while quarantining at home are not necessarily being reported and therefore the numbers of reported recoveries is not reliable.

The good news is that there are fewer hospitalizations, less ventilators needed and it appears that the “curve” is flattening.

Please be careful as the nice weather settles in. We must continue our vigilance and use caution. Thank you.

Message from Mayor Madden RE: Optional Tax Grace Period

As many of you are aware, on April 28, 2020, Governor Murphy enacted Executive Order 130 which allows municipalities the option to extend the grace period on 2020 2nd Quarter taxes until June 1st.  

Currently, the grace period for 2nd Quarter 2020 taxes is May 11th by 4:00 p.m.  The optional extended grace period in Executive Order 130 would only be for an additional 21 days at which point your full tax payment would be due.  Failure to pay on June 1st would revert the interest back to May 1st. 

The statutory interest for these extra days that the Governor’s order would forgive would equate to 8% on the first $1,500.00 and 18% on the remainder per annum, which equates to only $.33 cents per day on $1,500.00.  If your 2nd Quarter tax bill is $1,977.00, the interest to June 1st would be $17.17.  We realize the Governor’s Executive Order made it sound like there was going to be major relief to you as a taxpayer, but the truth is in the numbers.

As much as the governing body would like to offer this as a kind gesture to our taxpayers, due to cash flow issues, the Borough of Middlesex is not able to extend the grace period. 

This coming month we have the following statutory payments due, which the Governor did NOT extend:

• County payment of their portion of the 2020 2nd Quarter property taxes: $1,500,000.00

• School District Budget payment: $2,200,000.00

We currently have about $1 million in our Operating Account and $350,000.00 in surplus.  With $3.7 million dollars in statutory payments that must be made by the middle of May, and with only $1.350 million dollars in our accounts to cover our expenses, the Borough must collect property taxes to close our Budget shortfall of over $2 million dollars. 

The Borough has significant, mandatory payments due by mid-May so we simply cannot afford to offer this 21-day grace period to our citizens.  On behalf of the Governing Body and the Administration we are very sorry.  This is a stressful time for everyone; government is here to serve you; but we need to be able to pay our bills to continue to provide the services on which you depend.  We are proud of our town and how everyone is coming together to weather this terrible time and we appreciate your understanding on this matter.

April 24: Weekly Report from Mayor John L. Madden

By now, most residents are acclimating to this strange new “lifestyle”. I am pleased that these health guidelines are being followed. We have all witnessed in real time how easy it is to contract this virus even without human contact. I also understand that some residents are dealing with other, new hardships as well. I am always available to address your concerns. However, please understand that there are certain issues that are out of my jurisdiction and that of local government to which I cannot facilitate or intercede on your behalf. Some examples are issues with federal or state stimulus checks or state unemployment filing.

Regarding unemployment concerns, the New Jersey Department of Labor has recently created a new web portal which allows New Jersey residents to contact the NJ Department of Labor directly. The web site is: www.myunemployment.nj.gov.

Lastly, I have noticed an uptick of vehicle traffic lately. With all the talk in the news about business and the economy opening up, we must still exercise constraint before going back to our normal routines. Please leave this decision to the experts. Announcements will be made when the danger is behind us.

Stay healthy and please stay safe!

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.

April 10 Message from the Mayor

Keeping each other safe, we will get thru this

As our town, county, state, nation and world continue to fight the Corona Virus, we have seen our little borough’s numbers increase dramatically.  Although our numbers are low compared to many municipalities in Middlesex County and the state, they are still distressing.  Many of us now know friends or neighbors who have contracted the virus.  We have those with the virus in our thoughts and prayers. We must all remain vigilant and maintain physical distancing and wear masks and gloves when outdoors. 

The Borough has decided, for the time being, to keep our parks open. We believe it is important that our residents have places to go to find peace and be able to walk and exercise.  We have posted signs reminding people to keep physically distanced from others.  Please remind your friends and family members to not use our parks as gathering places or we will be forced to close them.

There have been a lot of rumors regarding how long COVID-19 can live on surfaces.  The following chart comes from the New England Journal of Medicine and may be used as reliable guidance.

Thank you to all of our First Responders, public employees, and work force that are out there every day keeping things going and making people safe and healthy. And thank you to those of you staying home and keeping everyone else safe by that sacrifice.  In this time of Easter and Passover, a time normally when we gather with family and friends to celebrate rebirth, renewal and freedom, we can take solace in our resilience and that, together, keeping each other safe we will get thru this!

Mayor Madden's Message April 3: COVID-19

A Frightening New World for All of Us

The end of the last week of March and first week of April finds all of us in a new, and frightening world, fighting an enemy we cannot see.  Because of the greater availability of testing, the numbers now in our town and county of positive cases of the Corona Virus are growing fast.  In less than two weeks, our Borough went from no positive cases to 27.

Here are a few reminders: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. You don't need to use hand sanitizer, you don't need to use antibacterial soap.  Plain warm water and soap works as long as you wash for 20 seconds or more.

• Don't touch your face, especially your eyes. There is definitely a connection between the spread of the virus thru one's face.  Make sure you wash your hands before touching your face!  Even if you have only been in your own home, the virus can survive on your mail or a take out coffee cup for at least 24 hours.

• Physical distancing works! This is a virus that spreads thru contacts and human density.   Personally, I hate the term "social distancing" -- we need social interaction with people, so please make sure you make phone calls to friends and loved ones, learn to chat via Skype or some other platform, and stay in touch with those that make you love and care about.  Stay away from them, but stay in touch with them!

• And please, for next week's garbage collection, help us keep our young sanitation workers safe:  garbage must be in bags and then placed in hard rimmed containers (including cans, boxes, laundry baskets) that they can lift from a rim and a bottom; no lids (or duct tape your lid down) and not overfilled.  Our crews are out there touching thousands of potentially contaminated containers and we must take every precaution possible to protect them.

Covid-19: Bagged Garbage Announcement

Bagged garbage MUST be in cans, totes or boxes

The decision late Sunday evening to require that all garbage bags must be immediately placed in containers was not made lightly.  When we were alerted that Middlesex Borough had its first positive resident with the Corona Virus, guidance from the County Department of Health advised that our DPW sanitation workers should touch as few surfaces as possible; this includes the handles of garbage containers, garbage can lids and the garbage bag handles.  It would have been such better timing if the first positive gave us a few days to let people know, but that was not what happened.

A lot of constituents are angry about this.  Some have been very kind and understanding.  Others have expressed gratitude because they have seen rats or raccoons in their neighborhoods.

We are sure that our residents who are being diagnosed and tested positive with COVID-19 are taken precautions when putting their garbage, mail, etc., out for the public to handle.  However, with a virus that can take up to 14 days to show symptoms, not taking the utmost precautions to protect our municipal employees would be irresponsible.  If our trash collectors and sewer department within the DPW get the virus, our Borough will have an even larger public health crisis.

Middlesex Borough has had a garbage ordinance as law since 1947 that has stated “The occupant of any residential building or premises covered by the terms of this article shall place, keep and make readily accessible for collection and removal of garbage, ashes and rubbish placed in plastic bags inside covered receptacles with detachable lids, such as may be specified in rules and regulations to be adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Middlesex pertaining to the subject matter of this article. No loose garbage or debris shall be inside the approved receptacle. Acceptable receptacles are metal or plastic containers with handles and tight-fitting lids weighing less than 65 pounds when filled and 35 gallons in size. The use of individual plastic bags, cardboard boxes, paper bags, crates, drums, pails, or similar containers as receptacles is not permitted. Garbage in these containers will not be collected (Article 1, Section 351.4). 

For many years, past elected officials have been reluctant to enforce this law.  Right now, with the COVID-19 crisis, we are requiring that garbage be placed in bags and then in a hard receptacle.  For the time being, you can place your bags in your recycling can, a household garbage can, a tote, even a cardboard box that won’t break thru at the bottom.  We are also asking that lids be kept off for now.

Following the crisis, when life resumes and people feel safe to go to home good stores and are re-employed, we are going to enforce the ordinance as written:  all garbage must be placed in bags, then in a garbage container that is 35 gallons or less, has a tight-fitting, detachable lid and is not filled beyond 65 pounds in weight.

The purpose of the size restriction is because large cans, when filled, are too heavy and become a physical danger to our sanitation employees.  The reason the lids must be detachable is because when cans with attached lids are lifted and dumped, the lids often hit the heads of our DPW workers, occasionally causing injury.

We are fully aware that this decision has caused a great inconvenience for you and a nuisance for those who have been putting bags curbside for many years or even decades.   We apologize for the impromptu change and short notification. However, for the time being, your garage bags must be in containers for our sanitations workers to lift and dump without strain.

Please be aware that once the emergency passes, we will be enforcing the existing ordinance, which has been long neglected. 

Together, we can keep our town safe and looking beautiful for all to enjoy.

Mayor Madden's Message 3/24: COVID-19

A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN: 
Middlesex Borough and COVID-19

With new restrictions ordered by Governor Murphy and the Borough’s first positive COVID-19 identification, Middlesex Borough offices remain closed to the public.  However, essential services including our Finance and Administration Departments, Office of the Clerk, Purchasing, Court Administration and Code Enforcement, are in every day to ensure government’s business is done.  Senior Services continue to make sure that Meals on Wheels are delivered and our seniors are safe.  Staff at the Administration Building are on reduced or alternating work hours for social distancing.  Our Administrator has put in place the ability to work from home for all administrative staff if this becomes necessary.  If you need to reach the staff in the municipal building, please email or call them – you can find contact information on our website under each department. 

Our Police Department, First Responders, and our Department of Public Works continue to ensure public health safety.  Please join me in recognizing the vital services that these departments continue to perform for our residents.

I want to remind all residents that garbage must be placed in plastic bags and then in a garbage can. There has been a lot of criticism regarding the Borough’s late decision Sunday night about garbage pick up.  This decision was made upon notification of our first positive COVID-19 case and was not done lightly.  The County Department of Health advised us that our DPW staff should be touching as few surfaces as possible that have been touched by others.  Please do not use lids for the time being.  After the Corona Virus crisis is over, the Borough will be enforcing the ordinance that requires all garbage to be placed in cans with lids and not heavier than 35 gallons – for the time being, the DPW will pick up garbage out of most containers, including recycling cans, to allow you the time to purchase what is legally permitted in the town.  Please do not overload the cans – if our men cannot pick them up, they cannot dump them!

Recently, used disposable gloves have been showing up on our streets and in parking lots. Please do not remove gloves and toss them unsafely for someone else to have to pick up.  Make sure you dispose of them properly and legally – in a trash can!  Tossing used gloves is littering and may spread disease.  If you think your gloves are too contaminated for you to carry to a trash can, they certainly should not be tossed on the street!  If you are bringing along disposable gloves to go into stores or to work, then please also bring along a plastic bag in which to throw them away.

Residents are urged to practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet away from others and heed the CDC prevention measure of washing your hands often to prevent community spread.

Individuals can lower their risk of contracting coronavirus disease by taking the same actions that are recommended to prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illness:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (please do not flush disposable wipes down a toilet!)

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Stay home when you are sick

Resident with questions or concerns about COVID-19 can call 2-1-1.

Additional information may be found at the following websites:

• Middlesex County Department of Health: http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/PSH/Pages/2019-CoV.aspx

• NJ Department of Health: www.nj.gov/health

• Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov

• World Health Organization: www.who.int

Everyone’s cooperation will lead to beating this virus sooner.  Be safe and healthy.

First Middlesex Borough Positive Case of COVID-19

A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN: FIRST MIDDLESEX BOROUGH POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19

I want to inform the residents of Middlesex Borough that we have just received our first positive test case of the Corona Virus in the Borough.

The confirmed individual was identified as a 61-year-old woman.  I am working directly with Middlesex County and the Middlesex County Department of Health and personally monitoring the situation. 

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, all garbage must be in plastic bags and MUST be placed in garbage cans or it will not be picked up. Garbage lids may be left off of the cans; this allows our DPW to lift the cans and dump the bags without having to make contact with another surface.

I strongly urge residents to practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet away from others and heed the CDC prevention measure of washing your hands often in an effort to prevent community spread.

Individuals can lower their risk of contracting coronavirus disease by taking the same actions that are recommended to prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illness:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Stay home when you are sick

Resident with questions or concerns about COVID-19 can call 2-1-1.

Additional information may be found at the following websites:

• Middlesex County Department of Health>> www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/PSH/Pages/2019-CoV.aspx

• NJ Department of Health >> www.nj.gov/health

• Centers for Disease Control >> www.cdc.gov

• World Health Organization >> www.who.int

COVID-19 Related Closings for Middlesex Borough

Check back here for the latest information on Middlesex Borough Office and Schedule Changes

The current COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis has lead to the following schedule changes.

Effective March 18

Effective immediately, all Middlesex Borough playgrounds, fields, basketball courts and play areas are closed to the public. Although we are deeply saddened to prohibit children from enjoying our equipment, at this time, we feel it is in the best interest of the public.

Regarding Inspections: Building or dwelling interior inspections related to Building, Plumbing, Electric and Fire sub codes have ceased until further notice. See the Construction page here for more information.

Effective March 16

MUNICIPAL OFFICES will be closed to the Public until further notice. Borough staff will be working and will be happy to work with any resident during our regular hours by telephone or email. You can find contact information for our staff under Middlesex Departments on our website here. Read more about the closing in the official announcement here.

Effective March 15

• HEALTH RESOURCES visit the Health Department page for links to resources

• HEALTH DEPARTMENT: the Food Handlers Class scheduled for March 24, 2020 at 1PM at the Library has been cancelled until a date to be determined

• MUNICIPAL COURT sessions have been cancelled for Monday March 16 and 23

• RECREATION/SENIOR CENTER all programs have been suspended until further notice. Read this announcement for additional Rec/Senior policy and news.

• LIBRARY closed beginning 3/16

• HEALTH visit the Health Department page for links to resources

We will keep this page updated as frequently as possible.

Message From Mayor Madden about COVID-19

A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN ABOUT COVID 19

During this declared public emergency, everyone should exercise reasonable personal safety by following the well-established guidelines by our Health Professionals. Please consult those resources, including the Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management, the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services and the Center for Disease Control, which are providing reliable and accurate, up to the minute vital health information.  Following these health guidelines, including social distancing, self-quarantining and sheltering-in-place, will lessen the spread of this infectious virus and ultimately shorten its course.

Please be aware that Middlesex Borough is being proactive with these advisories.

While our Emergency and Health Professionals are on the front-line fighting the spread of the virus, there are things we can do as individuals to help our community. 

Elderly or homebound residents who cannot get to a grocery store for essentials or a pharmacy for medication may need help.  Picking up a prescription or milk and bread for someone who cannot drive and may need assistance is a compassionate and neighborly action.

Please do not forget our local businesses, especially restaurants, eateries and bars. Because of the curfew and Executive Order by the Governor of NJ which bans dining in food establishments, our wonderful restaurants are already greatly affected by the loss of business. Please consider ordering a meal to go for you and your family.  Meals to go are also nice gift ideas for friends or family celebrating a birthday or anniversary – or even a nice way to say thank you to someone who helped you out.  Consider purchasing a gift certificate. All small businesses are affected to some degree.

Finally, rumors and unsubstantiated innuendo on social media should be avoided at all costs since they only contribute to panic and hysteria and cause more harm.

Albert Schweitzer said, “One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.”  We have a rare opportunity to all pull together, volunteer for the needy and improve our collective quality of life in Middlesex Borough.  Take care of yourselves and your loved ones; please stay safe and healthy; and remember those fragile persons in our community and the businesses which have been affected as well.

COVID-19: Municipal Offices Closed to Public

Middlesex Borough Municipal Offices Closed to the Public

Effective Tuesday, March 17, due to updates and changes regarding the CDC recommendations covering assembly and social distancing, the Municipal Offices will be closed to the Public until further notice. Borough staff will be working and will be happy to work with any resident during our regular hours by telephone or email. You can find contact information for our staff under Middlesex Departments on our website here.

• All Tax, Sewer, Licensing, and Recreation fees can be paid online and by check thru the mail.

• Municipal Court fees can also be paid online by check thru the mail.

• All essential and Emergency Services will be available without restriction.

• Garbage removal will continue on schedule. The Recycling Center will be open during regularly scheduled hours. Recycling pick up is also continuing.

• The lobby of the Police Department will be open for the public needing to see the Police Department. The Records Division window at Police Headquarters will be closed until further notice. All record requests can be made from the Middlesex Police Department’s website www.middlesexpd.com. Please go to the "Records Bureau" page on the website and complete the appropriate form.

• Municipal Court sessions are cancelled on March 16 and 23.  Any cases scheduled during that time will be rescheduled.

• Construction and Zoning permits can be left in the lobby for processing. Please do not leave money or checks. Permits must be paid by check via the USPS.

• Building and resale inspections are suspended.

• Municipal parks and outdoor recreation areas ARE NOW CLOSED (eff. 3/17) will be open, but residents are asked to practice social distancing.

• The Middlesex Borough Public Library is closed to the public. Please check their website for online services www.middlesexlibrarynj.org

Currently, Borough Council meetings will continue as planned, however, as the situation changes, meetings may be postponed. Please check the Borough’s website here and calendar for meeting updates.

Thank you for your cooperation during this crisis. We will lift these restrictions once we feel that it is safe to do so.

Marcia A. Karrow
Middlesex Borough Administrator
(732) 356-7400 (ext. 264)
mkarrow@middlesexboro-nj.gov