Weekly Report from Mayor John L. Madden

This week, I am suspending my “government to corporation” analogy to honor those who were lost on September 11, 2001.  Today marks the 19th anniversary of that dark day in American history when both the brave and the innocent were murdered by horrific acts of terrorism.

Hundreds of firefighters, almost two dozen police officers, and thousands of innocent men, women and children lost their lives when two planes were purposefully crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City.  Hundreds of additional lives were lost when a third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.  And we will never forget the acts of tremendous heroism when brave passengers from New Jersey forced a fourth plane to crash into a farm field in Pennsylvania that was targeted to hit the Capital.

We lost one of our own that day. Tom Gorman, a 41-year-old NYNJ Port Authority Police Officer was killed while attempting to rescue the victims trapped in the World Trade Center. He left behind a wife and three children.  He was a true hero.

All of us who were alive that day know exactly where we were when we heard the news of the first plane slamming into the North Tower.  The realization that this was terrorism hit us all when the second plane penetrated the South Tower.  The idea that any person, group or nation could intentionally cause such death, destruction and fear to Americans was foreign to most of us until that day.  We now have a generation that has grown up knowing that there are those who wish to do us harm.

Following the days of bewilderment, sadness and anger over the murderous acts that occurred on 9-11, Americans rose up in a tremendous sense of patriotism.  American flags became a commodity – hard to find like CoVid’s scarcity of bleach and toilet paper.  Newspapers were printing American flags on their back pages so that people could tape them to their windows.  Entire streets were festooned in red, white, and blue.  Flags hung from cranes, on window boxes, poles, bridges, overpasses, everywhere one looked at for months.  Following these heinous criminal acts, Americans were united in those three colors and a symbol of freedom and spirit.

While September 11th has become an annual day to remember the events of that day, America itself has been splintering politically for years.  The division between political parties, the fighting in Congress, and the nastiness during election cycles has become more apparent every year.  On September 11th we remember that we are all Americans; that we are a united people who believe in freedom; that our country, with all its problems and issues, is still the greatest on this planet.  And we know that, together, we can overcome any adversary with conviction, resolve and the resiliency.

Stay safe,

John L. Madden

Mosquito ULV Spray Mission: Wed. 9/9

Weather conditions permitting, the Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission will be conducting a truck ULV spray mission for nuisance adult mosquitoes and/or vector control.

Municipality: Middlesex
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 9, 2020, 6:30 PM to 11:59 PM.

Rain Date: Thursday, September 10, 2020
Location: B/t Bound Brook border, NJ-28, Mountain Ave, and Lincoln Blvd
A map of the spray zone can be viewed here.

1. The adult mosquito control treatment being conducted is in compliance with section 9.10 and 9.15 of the New Jersey Pesticide Control Code (N.J.A.C. Title 7, Chapter 30). The mosquito control products used will be those recommended by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), Rutgers University for the control of adult mosquitoes which include: Malathion (Fyfanon ULV®, Atrapa®, or MicroFloMalathion® EPA# 67760-34); Etofenprox (Zenivex®E20, requiring dilution or Zenivex ®E4, RTU, EPA# 2724-807); Prallethrin - Sumithrin (Duet™ EPA# 1021-1795-8329); Deltamethrin (DeltaGard® EPA# 432-1534). All applications will be according to product labeling. For additional information on mosquitoes and adulticiding, contact Dr. Deepak Matadha, Superintendent (NJDEP CPA License #50245B), Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission at 200 Parsonage Rd Edison NJ 08837 at 732-549-0665.

2. For routine pesticide-related health inquiries, please contact the National Pesticide Information Center, at 1-800-858-7378. For information on pesticide regulations, pesticide complaints and health referrals, contact the New Jersey Pesticide Control Program at 1-609-984-6507. In the case of any pesticide emergency, please contact the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System at 1-800-222-1222. Upon request, the pesticide applicator or applicator business shall provide a resident with notification at least 12 hours prior to the application, except for Quarantine and Disease Vector Control only, when conditions necessitate pesticide applications sooner than that time. The Commission's website, http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/PSH/Pages/MCMosquito.aspx provides updated information on time and location of application(s).

3. Residents can take following precautions to reduce exposure: (1) Pay attention to notices about mosquito insecticide treatments found through newspapers, websites, automated telephone messages or notices distributed by municipal, county or state agencies, (2) Plan your activities to limit time spent outside during times of possible insecticide treatments. Move your pets, their food, and water dishes inside during ULV applications. Also bring clothing and children’s toys inside. Stay back from application equipment, whether in use or not, (3) Whenever possible, remain indoors with windows closed and with window air conditioners on non-vent (closed to the outside air) and window fans turned off during spraying, (4) Avoid direct contact with surfaces that are still wet from pesticide spraying. Do not allow children to play in areas that have been sprayed until they have completely dried (approximately one hour), (5) If you must remain outdoors, avoid eye and skin contact with the spray. If you get spray in your eyes or on your skin, immediately flush and rinse with water, (6) Consult your doctor if you think you are experiencing health effects from the spraying. People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition may consult their physician or local health department.

Intro to How Our Municipal Corporation Works, Part VI

WEEKLY REPORT BY MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW OUR MUNCIPAL CORPORATION WORKS, PART VI 

This is the fifth report on a series of reports on how our local form of government works and some of our key municipal employees. 

To recap, our borough is an incorporated municipality which operates similarly to any large, public corporation.  You, the residents, are our shareholders.  The Council is the Board of Directors who meet from time to time to vote on various topics that involve policy, budget, and revenue.  As Mayor, I act as Chairman of the Board, run the meetings and am the figurehead of the Board.  Our Municipal Clerk, Linda Chismar, by state statute, serves as Secretary to the Corporation.  As Clerk, she is also the Chief Administrative Officer of all elections held in the Borough, the Chief Registrar of Voters in the Borough, Secretary to the Governing Body, and is also the Administrative Officer.  Middlesex Borough’s Chief Executive/Chief Operating Officer is the Borough Business Administrator.  Our CEO/COO is Marcia Karrow who is responsible, by State law and municipal ordinance, for the day-to-day operations of our local government.  She oversees personnel, the budget and all operations.  The Administrator reports directly to the Mayor.  Every major corporation has a Chief Fiscal Officer.  Our CFO is Caroline Benson, who, prior to becoming our Acting CFO late last year, was our Treasurer.  As CFO, Ms. Benson oversees all things financial in the borough including Custodian of all Public Funds, Assist in Preparation of the Annual Budgets – Operating & Capital, Maintain & Monitor Financial, Develop Fiscal Policy, File Continuing Financial Disclosures, Certify Availability of Funds, Manage Pensions & Benefits, Oversee Payroll, Salary Ordinances, Quarterly Tax Filing, Annual Financial Reporting, Maintain Fixed Asset List, Monitor Adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreements, and Ensure Compliance to all State Purchasing Guidelines.  There is also a “physical plant” to our corporate municipality which includes buildings, parks, roads, a sewer system, recycling facility and sanitation operation.  The physical plant is operated by our Superintendent of the Department of Public Works.

Our municipality, like a large corporation, has a security force – the Middlesex Borough Police Department.  The head of “security” is Chief Mathew Geist.  Chief Geist is the department head for police operations which include patrols, enforcement and investigations among others.  The Police Department’s duties and responsibilities include preserving the peace, protecting life and property, public safety, detecting, arresting and prosecuting offenders of the laws of New Jersey and the ordinances of the Borough, directing and controlling traffic, and providing attendance and protection during emergencies.  Our police go thru extensive and continuous training and education.  Chief Geist has fostered a strong public relationship thru public outreach and a major Community Policing effort is in our neighborhoods and on the streets.

Next week, in Part VII of the series, I will be covering the job of the head of the major revenue source of our corporation – property taxes and the roles of the Tax Assessor and Tax Collectors security.

Keep Safe and Be Well,

Mayor John L. Madden

Intro to How Our Municipal Corporation Works, Part V

WEEKLY REPORT BY MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW OUR MUNCIPAL CORPORATION WORKS, PART V

This is the fifth report in a series of reports on how our local form of government works and some of our key municipal employees. 

To recap, our borough is an incorporated municipality which operates similarly to any large, public corporation.  You, the residents, are our shareholders.  The Council is the Board of Directors who meet from time to time to vote on various topics that involve policy, budget, and revenue.  As Mayor, I act as Chairman of the Board, run the meetings and am the figurehead of the Board.  Our Municipal Clerk, Linda Chismar, by state statute, serves as Secretary to the Corporation.  As Clerk, she is also the Chief Administrative Officer of all elections held in the Borough, the Chief Registrar of Voters in the Borough, Secretary to the Governing Body, and is also the Administrative Officer.  Middlesex Borough’s Chief Executive/Chief Operating Officer is the Borough Business Administrator.  Our CEO/COO is Marcia Karrow who is responsible, by State law and municipal ordinance, for the day-to-day operations of our local government.  She oversees personnel, the budget and all operations.  The Administrator reports directly to the Mayor.  Every major corporation has a Chief Fiscal Officer.  Our CFO is Caroline Benson, who, prior to becoming our Acting CFO late last year, was our Treasurer.  As CFO, Ms. Benson oversees all things financial in the borough including Custodian of all Public Funds, Assist in Preparation of the Annual Budgets – Operating & Capital, Maintain & Monitor Financial, Develop Fiscal Policy, File Continuing Financial Disclosures, Certify Availability of Funds, Manage Pensions & Benefits, Oversee Payroll, Salary Ordinances, Quarterly Tax Filing, Annual Financial Reporting, Maintain Fixed Asset List, Monitor Adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreements, and Ensure Compliance to all State Purchasing Guidelines. 

Every corporation which occupies corporate facilities has a physical plant and staff that oversee it.  In the case of a local government, facilities include not only municipal buildings, but also all publicly owned property.  Our physical plant is staffed by our Department of Public Works (DPW).  Our corporation has a series of public buildings including the Municipal Building, the Police Department Building, the DPW, the recycling center, the Public Library and the Recreation/Senior Center.  We rent the Rec/Senior Center from the Rescue Squad and maintain our rental space.  Although the Library is a Commission – “in but not of” our local government -- the Borough owns the library building and our DPW maintains it.  Further, our DPW is responsible to maintain all Borough-owned parks, playgrounds and playing fields.  It is also responsible for an enormous network of public streets and public easements, as well as publicly owned trees within public rights-of-way.  Finally, our DPW runs our sewer system and Recycling Center and is responsible for trash and bulk removal from residences.  All these jobs fall under the responsibility of the Superintendent of Public Works, Robert Teutsch.  Mr. Teutsch has been with Middlesex Borough for more than25 years. His second in command is the DPW Foreman, who has several managers that supervise specific areas: parks, sewers, roads, and sanitation.  Our DPW makes sure all critical infrastructure remains open and safe during storms and snow, ensures public health safety with sanitation removal and sewer operation, and keeps our parks and fields manicured and clean. 

Next week, in Part VI of the series, I will be covering the job of the head of our corporation’s security, the Chief of Police.

Keep Safe and Be Well,

Mayor John L. Madden

Intro to How Our Municipal Corporation Works, Part IV

WEEKLY REPORT BY MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW OUR MUNCIPAL CORPORATION WORKS, PART IV: 

This is the fourth report on a series of reports on how our local form of government works and some of our key municipal employees. 

To recap, our borough is an incorporated municipality which operates similarly to any large, public corporation.  You, the residents, are our shareholders.  The Council is the Board of Directors who meet from time to time to vote on various topics that involve policy, budget, and revenue.  As Mayor, I act as Chairman of the Board, run the meetings and am the figurehead of the Board.  Our Municipal Clerk, Linda Chismar, by state statute, serves as Secretary to the Corporation.  As Clerk, she is also the Chief Administrative Officer of all elections held in the Borough, the Chief Registrar of Voters in the Borough, Secretary to the Governing Body, and is also the Administrative Officer.  Middlesex Borough’s Chief Executive/Chief Operating Officer is the Borough Business Administrator.  Our CEO/COO is Marcia Karrow who is responsible, by State law and municipal ordinance, for the day-to-day operations of our local government.  She oversees personnel, the budget and all operations.  The Administrator reports directly to the Mayor. 

Every major corporation has a Chief Fiscal Officer.  Our CFO is Caroline Benson, who, prior to becoming our Acting CFO last year, was our Treasurer.  Ms. Benson is currently finishing up coursework and will sit for the CFO state exam for certification.  As CFO, Ms. Benson oversees all things financial in the borough.  Generally, CFO’s manage all finance personnel including the Tax Collector, Tax Assessor, Purchasing Agent and Payroll Clerk.  Her duties, by law, include Custodian of all Public Funds, Assist in Preparation of the Annual Budgets – Operating & Capital, Maintain & Monitor Financial Software i.e General Ledger, Sub-Ledgers & Trial Balances, Develop Fiscal Policy i.e. Cash Management Plan, Debt Service Plan, Internal Controls, File Continuing Financial Disclosures, Certify Availability of Funds, Manage Pensions & Benefits, Oversee Payroll, Salary Ordinances, Quarterly Tax Filing, Annual Financial Reporting ie. Annual Financial Statement, Annual Debt Statement, Supplemental Debt Statements, Maintain Fixed Asset List, Monitor Adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreements, and Ensure Compliance to all State Purchasing Guidelines. 

Additionally, because Acting CFO Benson is also the Treasurer, commonplace in small towns such as ours, she also has the following duties: Reconcile Monthly Bank Statements for all Accounts, Verify Daily Deposits for all Departments (including Swim Pool) and Take Deposits to Financial Institution, Verify Available Funds in Budget Lines to Issue Purchase Orders, Ensure Timely Payment To All Vendors for Services/Purchases, File Monthly/Quarterly Pension Reports, Prepare Monthly Swim Pool Financial Report, and provides Budget Reports for Department Heads and the Mayor/Council.

Next week, in Part V of the series, I will be covering the job of the head of our corporation’s physical plant, the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works.

Keep Safe and Be Well,
Mayor John L. Madden

Intro to How Our Municipal Corporation Works, Part III

WEEKLY REPORT BY MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW OUR MUNCIPAL CORPORATION WORKS, PART III 

This is the third report on a series of reports on how our local form of government works and some of our key municipal employees. 

To recap, our borough is an incorporated municipality which operates similarly to any large, public corporation.  You, the residents, are our shareholders.  The Council is the Board of Directors who meet from time to time to vote on various topics that involve policy, budget, and revenue.  As Mayor, I act as Chairman of the Board, run the meetings and am the figurehead of the Board.  Our Municipal Clerk, Linda Chismar, by state statute, serves as Secretary to the Corporation.  As Clerk, she is also the Chief Administrative Officer of all elections held in the Borough, the Chief Registrar of Voters in the Borough, Secretary to the Governing Body, and is also the Administrative Officer. 

As any major corporation, ours has a Chief Executive/Chief Operating Officer, the Borough Business Administrator.  Our CEO/COO is Marcia Karrow.  State law provides the ability for municipal corporations to have Business Administrators to take care of the day-to-day operations of their local governments and other duties as outlined in both state statute and an enabling ordinance.  She reports directly to the Mayor as Chairman of the Board, but takes on projects as directed by Council – the Board of Directors.  Our Business Administrator runs the daily operation of the Borough including all personnel matters.  She is in charge of all facilities and has the fiscal responsibility to ensure that our government is running efficiently and effectively.  By the language of our ordinance, our Business Administrator constructs our annual budget, manages and directs all personnel and provides an annual report to the Mayor and Council.  She is responsible to ensure that all complaints from our constituents are answered.  She is also responsible for our insurance and as such, serves as Commissioner to our Joint Insurance Fund on behalf of the governing body.  It is important for our residents to understand that the role of the Business Administrator, by state law, is to run the operation of our local government and that the Mayor and Council provide oversight. 

Next week, in Part IV of this series, I will be discussing the very important role of the Chief Fiscal Officer.

VICTOR CROWELL PARK UPDATE

As some of you are aware, all of our aerators failed a few weeks ago, leaving our beautiful reservoir stagnant.  Help is on the way!  Four new aerators and a bubbler system were spec’d out, bid and ordered for the green bridge area.  We are hoping for installation soon which will make the water healthy again and are so aesthetically pleasing to see and hear for our residents who love to walk or relax at the park.  Meanwhile, did you know that this small reservoir which is commonly known as the “Duck Pond” is actually named “Lake Creighton”?  I have been asking around to see if anyone knows the history of the naming of this lake, and for whom it was named.  If you do, please let me know!

Keep Safe and Be Well,

Mayor John L. Madden

A Message from the Mayor: Righting the Wrongs of Previous Leadership

A Message from Mayor John L. Madden: August 12, 2020

"My goal is to right the wrongs of the previous leadership of our wonderful town. I know many of you are wary of even trusting your local government. I was elected, in part, to bring back some measure of financial security and stability. I am confident that this goal, although not by overnight remedy, can be effectively achieved."

Watch the full video below.

It’s Census Taker Week (Aug 10-16)

This week, Census takers begin in-person outreach. Please welcome them - they are members of our community, our neighbors, working to make sure everyone is counted so our community can get its fair share of federal funding and be properly represented.

Census takers will always have a valid photo ID badge featuring a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. Census workers may also carry Census Bureau bags and other equipment with the Census Bureau logo.

If you’d rather not have your door knocked on, "Fill It Out Now" at 2020CENSUS.GOV, by phone at 844-330-2020.

Containing the spread of COVID-19 in NJ

To contain the spread of COVID-19 in NJ, we need a robust testing and contact tracing effort. Together, they are two of the most critical steps to getting New Jersey on the road to recovery. Testing and tracing are the keys to saving lives and stopping the spread of this deadly disease.

Our first responders and health care workers are saving lives every day – and so can you. Your family, your friends, your neighbors – their lives are literally in your hands. So here's how you can do your part:

• Get Tested – Testing is now available to all New Jerseyans. You could have COVID-19 and not even know it. Protect yourself and save the lives of your loved ones and neighbors by getting tested – especially if you have symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, are an essential worker, or were recently in a large crowd where social distancing was hard to maintain.

• Answer The Phone When A Contact Tracer Calls – You've been called because you tested positive for COVID-19 or may have come into close contact with someone who has. Contact tracers are calling with life-saving information that will keep you, your loved ones, and your community healthy.

Visit https://covid19.nj.gov for State resources and the latest information.

Small Landlord Emergency Grants available from the State

Have your tenants had difficulty paying rent due to COVID-19? There's help available.

Governor Murphy announced the Small Landlord Emergency Grant (SLEG) Program, which will reimburse small residential rental property owners for lost rent revenue due to COVID-19 between April and July 2020. By passing the benefit on to their tenants and forgiving outstanding back rent and late fees, landlords will not only receive necessary funds to stay afloat, but will also continue to provide stable housing in what has become an unstable time.

The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency is proud to join the effort in providing much-needed relief to New Jerseyans who have felt the economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. NJHMFA recognizes there is a long road ahead and is dedicated to maintaining housing stability and the health of our communities.

Learn more about the Eligibility and Program Guidelines for property owners by calling 866-280-9756 or visit https://njhousing.gov/rentals/sleg. Please note that the application period begins August 19 and ends August 26.

Mayor's Message: How Our Municipal Corporation Works, Part II

WEEKLY REPORT BY MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW OUR MUNCIPAL CORPORATION WORKS, PART II

Last week, I started a series of reports on how our local form of government works and some of our key municipal employees. The residents should know who they are as they are the “go to” people who can generally answer all your questions and issues. 

To recap, our borough is an incorporated municipality which operates similarly to any large, public corporation.  You, the residents, are our shareholders. The Council is the Board of Directors who meet from time to time to vote on various topics that involve policy, budget, and revenue. As Mayor, I act as Chairman of the Board, run the meetings and am the figurehead of the Board. 

Our Municipal Clerk, Linda Chismar, by state statute, serves as Secretary to the Corporation. As Secretary to the Corporation, she serves as the custodian of the municipal seal.  Clerk Chismar maintains the custody of all Borough meeting minutes, books, deeds, bonds, contracts and archival records of the municipal corporation.  She is the only person who can attest to the signatures of the municipal officers and officials, and she is also the only person who can take service and maintain receipt of service of legal documents. 

Statutorily, the Clerk is also the Chief Administrative Officer of all elections held in the Borough, the Chief Registrar of Voters in the Borough, Secretary to the Governing Body, and is also the Administrative Officer.  In these roles, she prepares and files all Council agendas and minutes, maintains our code book and resolutions, registers voters and supervises the handling of local elections, maintains nominating petitions and election results, issues various permits and licenses, and serves as the Registrar of Vital Statistics.

Next week, I will discuss the function and role of our Corporation’s Chief Executive/Chief Operating Officer, the Borough Administrator. 

July 31: Weekly Report from Mayor Madden

WEEKLY REPORT FROM MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW OUR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION WORKS

I wanted to take my next few reports to introduce you to our form of government and some of the key municipal employees. 

Our borough is an incorporated municipality. There are locations around NJ, such as Avenel in Woodbridge, which is an unincorporated area. (The Township of Woodbridge is the incorporated municipality there.) As incorporated municipalities, local governments operate similarly to any large, public corporation. You, the residents, are our shareholders. The Council is the Board of Directors who meet from time to time to vote on various topics that involve policy, budget, and revenue. The Mayor acts as Chairman of the Board and runs the meetings and is the figurehead of the Board. Our Clerk, by state statute, serves as Secretary to the Corporation, and maintains our corporate seal. Our Administrator is both our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Operating Officer, running the corporation on all day-to-day matters, overseeing all personnel issues, our facilities, and the full operation of the corporation. Our CFO acts as any corporate Chief Financial Officer: responsible for the budget and overseeing all revenue and expenditures.

Since elected, I have heard that, as Mayor, I should be seen everywhere; available full-time in the Mayor’s Office; running the entire operation of Borough government – that that’s how it always has been in Middlesex Borough. However, a full-time mayor is not how state law lays out my duties. The Council and I are all part-time, and as such, require a full-time, knowledgeable staff who know the complicated laws, rules and regulations of government. My role, by both state law and Borough ordinance, is that of a “weak” Mayor. I chair meetings, I sign corporate documents when authorized by the Council to do so, and I make certain appointments.

The Council, by law, must authorize all spending including passing our annual budget, authorize the municipality entering into any contract, and has the power to make certain appointments without my approval.

Next week, I will start discussing the function and roles of the full-time Borough corporate staff in more detail. The residents should know who they are as they are the “go to” people who can generally answer all your questions and issues.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE FOR WEBSITE E-COMMERCE

On another note, I am pleased and proud to announce that our public relations firm Positive Solutions, which handles our website, Facebook page, and media, is one of only three agencies to be selected by the New Jersey Economic Development Agency (NJEDA) as part of a pilot program called the E-Commerce Technical Assistance Program. This program will help New Jersey restaurants, retail stores, and personal care businesses that normally rely on foot traffic and in-person transactions to upgrade the E-Commerce capabilities they need to stay in business and operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Borough of Middlesex small businesses should be aware that this service is provided by the NJEDA at almost no cost to them. URL registrations and annual fees for their specific apps would be the only financial obligation to them. All the technical work they need to upgrade their website is covered under the NJEDA program.

You can reach Positive Solutions directly at andrea@positivesolutionsteam.com or businesses can complete the NJEDA’s intake application form at this link. You can learn more about the program and see if your business qualifies from the NJEDA’s press release here.

Be safe and stay healthy!

John L. Madden

July 24: Weekly Message from Mayor John L. Madden

Encouraging Caution for Summer Group Gatherings

As summer weather kicks in and the school year is now behind us, I have noticed more groups of kids – both young and teens – gathered and participating in a variety of activities. Although our numbers regarding positive Covid-19 cases remain quite low, I am concerned that the lack of social distancing coupled with masks not being worn may invite an increase in these numbers.

I am urging parents to be aware of this situation. Other states have experienced a sharp rise in these numbers due to increased gatherings.  We are also seeing spikes in some NJ towns that have reported large parties involving teens.  The last thing we all need at this time would be to ultimately go into another lockdown.

Finding Successful Small Business PPP Loans

Our local business owners have been operating on small margins during the pandemic. If you are a small business owner who applied for and did not receive an increase to your PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loan, please consider applying at another banking institution other than that with which you do business.  As a small business owner, I went to our bank for this loan only to sit mired in endless space without help.  It was not until the third banking institution that I was successful in my application.

Healthy People, Healthy Business Community

I hope soon that our business community will thrive again, but it takes all of us, staying healthy and being willing to patronize our local small businesses, to achieve this.  A resurgence of the Cornona virus will be caused by a choice of all of us to not wear masks, not socially distance, and allow the virus to find hosts in which to live and spread.  Let’s stay vigilant and make the choice to keep Covid 19 out of our town!

Covid-19 Statistics

The County is currently maintaining the most up-to-date stats for our area. Visit the Middlesex County website here to learn more.

Please be safe.  Thank you.

July 17: Weekly Message from Mayor Madden

Victor Crowell Park

Some residents have expressed concern about the clearing of land by the Green Bridge at Victor Crowell Park. Robert Teutsch, Superintendent of Public Works, has reported and opined on the matter. This area was cleared to provide better access to the lake in order to remove overgrowth which also traps a lot of garbage and debris. We have just received bids to put four new aerators and a mixer in Lake Creighton (aka “the Duck Pond”) and the mixer, which will keep water moving, will be going in this area. By clearing this area, the health and vitality of the lake and surrounding eco system is maintained, helping to eliminate mosquitoes, poison ivy and invasive plant species. We are very proud that we are restoring the vitality and ecology of this park.

Bulk and Recycling News

The Borough did an assessment regarding bulk tonnage, both pick-up and drop off and its cost to the town, as well as recycling drop off. We have been expending an average of approximately $12,000 per quarter on bulk alone; recycling adds onto that cost.

Not counting Middlesex Borough’s recycling center, there are only 7 other municipalities that have recycling centers open to their residents. Of those 7 municipal facilities, we spoke with 5 of them about how they handle their bulk disposal and found that they either provide one or two bulk coupons annually, and one town does not allow bulk drop off at all. They also offer either one or no curbside pick-ups per year. No Middlesex municipality is given the option of purchasing additional coupons for bulk. Residents of the municipalities with no public recycling/bullk facility must contract with private haulers.

We felt that we wanted to offer additional options to our residents so we are considering an ordinance for additional bulk coupons at a cost of $50 each, which just barely covers the cost of labor and disposal of the amount someone could bring in the back of a pick up truck. There has been an ordinance in our town for several years that allows for additional curbside pick-ups at a cost of $150.00.

Please know that recycling is mandated by state law, but it costs every municipality money to adhere to this law. The days when recycling made money for a town are long gone. Recycling glass, yard waste, oil, and plastic offset by far the profit that is made in recycling newspaper, cardboard, aluminum and metal.

A decision has been made to tighten up the Recycling Center procedures:

1. Proof of residency and presentation of a bulk coupon is required for bulk disposal at our facility. There will be no exceptions.

2. This month there will be a special mailing to every residence which will include TWO bulk coupons and one leaf bag coupon. These coupons will run from August 1 thru July 31, 2021. They are only going to in-town residents who have the same property address as their mailing address. Landlords or tenants will have to contact the Tax Collector for their coupons.

3. We will continue to schedule one free curbside pickup per calendar year by appointment.

4. Effective Monday, October 5, the Recycling Center will be open on Tuesdays from 6 am to 1:45 pm, Thursdays from 11 am to 6:45 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 2:45 pm. It will be closed on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. This allows our recycling staff to work uninterrupted and run the site more efficiently.

Covid-19 Statistics

The County is currently maintaining the most up-to-date stats for our area. Visit the Middlesex County website here to learn more.

Please be safe.  Thank you.

Accepting applications for School Crossing Guards

The Middlesex Borough Police Department is currently accepting applications for School Crossing Guards. School Grossing Guards work approximately two to three hours per day. Equipment and training are provided. If you would like more information on becoming a School Crossing Guard, please contact Lieutenant Craig Comiskey at (732) 356-1900, ext. 326. Visit the Police Department website to view the job description and application: http://middlesexpd.com.

July 10: Mayor's Weekly Update

Weekly Report from Mayor John L. Madden

Important “Covidview” weekly update for week 26, ending June 27, 2020 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: “Nationally, levels of influenza and COVID-19 activity remain lower than peaks seen in March and April but are increasing in most regions.  The percentage of specimens testing positive for SARS – COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 also increased from last week.  Mortality attributed to COVID-19 decreased compared to last week and is currently at the epidemic threshold but will likely increase as additional death certificates are processed”.

This recent data from the CDC reveals an ominous trend that we all need to understand.  Our residents have been following the CDC guidelines, however, there have been more and more people gathering while ignoring these guidelines.  We all must be vigilant until the virus is completely eradicated.

Middlesex High School Class of 2020 Graduation on July 8, 2020:  I was invited to attend and speak at the graduation ceremony held on the football field.  I was impressed how well organized the entire program was including the filing of the graduates on and off the stage.  Also, the stage area was well constructed with 2 lecterns on either side for the speakers.  Thank you all including Dr. Williams, the Board of Education, staff, sound and video personnel who provided the live streaming, Middlesex Police Department, Middlesex and Milltown Rescue Squad and all those who contributed to a successful graduation.

Please be safe.  Thank you.

July 3: Mayor Madden's Weekly Message

Weekly Report from Mayor John L. Madden

Governor Murphy's executive order #144 has ordered that the Primary Election be held on July 7, 2020. It will be a mail in ballot or provisional (paper) ballot only. There will be no voting machines for the general public's use. Provisional ballots are paper ballots used to record a vote at the polls. This type of ballot is cast by a voter whose eligibility to vote cannot be confirmed or proven.
All voters who received vote by mail ballots please return your ballot via postage paid envelope which was provided.

If you did not receive a ballot and wish to vote provisional (paper ballot that you manually fill out – no voting machines) there are two locations available. For your convenience, you can go to either location.

• Mauger Middle School, Fisher Avenue (Gorman Gym)

• Middlesex High School, 300 Kennedy Drive (High School Gym)

Voters with a writing disability or any questions, please call the Borough Clerk at 732-356-7400 ext. 238.

Please mark your calendar for July 18, 2020: Parker Fire House is hosting a blood and platelet drive 8am – 2 pm. Appointments are encouraged and available at rwjuhdonorclub.org or call 732-235-8100 ext. 221 or 248 or call Jackie Giardino 908-405-7911. You can also email Jackie at mfdmo48@gmail.com.

Monday July 6, 2020, Middlesex Borough Offices will be re-opening to the public by appointment only. All visitors must have an appointment to enter the Administration Building or the Senior/Recreation Center. Visitors are required to wear masks at all times while inside municipal facilities and have temperature taken with a non-contact thermometer before being allowed to enter.

Appointments will be scheduled for the following days/hours:

• CONSTRUCTION/ZONING: MONDAY – THURSDAY: 9 AM TO NOON; FRIDAY: 9 – 11 AM

• CLERK/REGISTRAR: MONDAY – THURSDAY: 1 – 4 PM; FRIDAY: 11 AM – 1 PM

• MARRIAGE LICENSES: DAILY BY APPOINTMENT

• TAX COLLECTOR/TAX ASSESSOR: DAILY BY APPOINTMENT

• RECREATION: BY APPOINTMENT

• SENIOR SERVICES: BY APPOINTMENT

• COURT: OPEN DAILY

To schedule an appointment, please email or call the following office:

• Clerk’s Office: Election Information, Licensing, Marriage & Vital Statistics, Shade Tree
  LINDA CHISMAR, BOROUGH CLERK 732-356-7400 x238
  lchismar@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Administration: Day to Day Operations and Management
  MARCIA KARROW, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR 732-356-7400 x264 mkarrow@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Tax Collector: Property Tax Payments, Homestead Rebates, PTR Booklets
  DARCY DELVECCHIO, TAX COLLECTOR 732-356-7400 x242
  ddelvecchio@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Tax Assessment: Square Footage/Year Built, Revaluation, Building Assessments
  TOM REILLY, TAX ASSESSOR 732-356-7400 x270
  taxassessor@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Court Office: Pay Tickets, Case Dispositions, File Complaints
  MERARI GAUD, COURT ADMINISTRATOR 732-356-7400 x245 or x279 virtualcourt@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Construction: Permits, Construction Fees, Inspections, Resale Certificates
  MICHELE GALEK, TECHNICAL ASSISTANT 732-356-7400 x247 construction@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Zoning: Landlord Registration, Vacant Property, Joint Land Use Board, Property Maintenance Issues
  BARRIE PALUMBO, CODE ENFORCER 732-356-7400 x260
  bpalumbo@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Public Works: Recycling, Sanitation, Roads, Sewer
  BOB TEUTSCH, SUPERVISOR 732-968-1603
  dpw@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Recreation: Adult & Youth Programs, Summer Playground, Holiday Events
  NOREEN WILPISZESKI, DIRECTOR 732-356-7400 x277
  recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Senior Services: Senior Programs & Trips, SHIP Counseling, Application Assistance, Home Meal Delivery
  MELISSA DEMARINO, DIRECTOR 732-356-0414
  mdemarino@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Swim Pool: Membership, Programs, Lessons
  JIM GRIMM, DIRECTOR 732-356-3366
  middlesexpool@gmail.com

• Library: Digital Resources, Programs
  CHRISSY GEORGE, DIRECTOR 732-356-6602
  cgeorge@middlesexlibrarynj.org

• Police Department: 732-356-1900

Have a happy Fourth of July and please be safe. Thank you.

This Week’s Covid 19 Positives:

• Saturday, June 27: 1

• Sunday, June 28: 0

• Monday, June 29: 0

• Tuesday, June 30: 0

• Wednesday, July 1: 1

• Thursday, July 2: 0

June 26: Weekly Message from Mayor Madden

Weekly Message from Mayor John L. Madden

With residents receiving their third quarter estimated tax bill, I have received many calls and emails from upset, angry, and concerned residents demanding answers as to why their tax bill increased so much.  Many people took the amount of the increase in the Estimated Tax Bill (Third Quarter) and multiplied it by four to come up with an annual increase for the new tax year.

Using the Third Quarter amount and multiplying by four is not the correct manner to figure out future taxes.  First and Second Quarter are always half of the prior year’s taxes and will always be lower than Third and Fourth.  Upon receipt of the new tax rate each year, generally in July, the Third and Fourth Quarter amounts will be the remainder due for the year.

Property taxes increase each year as the tax rate is computed based upon the budgets of the county, the school and the municipality.  Generally speaking, taxes go up $150-$500 a year for most homeowners depending on the amount of the current assessment. When comparing the tax amounts, please compare Third Quarter 2019 to Third Quarter 2020. When the certified tax rate for 2020 is received, the amount for Fourth Quarter will be the new rate multiplied by assessment less the First, Second and Third Quarter amounts already paid.

Having said that, taxes are going up this year.  I wish more of you have been attending our meetings this year as you would have been aware of the tremendous budgetary shortfalls we are facing due to the way prior year’s budgets were handled. 

Under the “leadership” of the previous mayor, Borough budgets were crafted by him.  There were few or no budget hearings; staff was not invited to provide input, including our Treasurer and CFO; the Council was not provided with budget documentation including back up support to the budget and, due to the Borough by-laws, they were denied access to the staff by the former mayor.  The first action I took as Mayor in January, 2020 was to amend the by-laws and put the power of the Budget back to the Council and out of the hands of only the Mayor.  The former mayor designed the budgets to provide taxpayers very small increases while using and depleting our once healthy surplus instead. For several years, homeowners had tax increases of approximately $65 to $80 per $100,000 in home value, while surplus was making up the difference in budget increases.  Spending increased in every line item and programs were increased including Senior programs, Recreation programs, Community Policing programs, and more.  Had either spending been slowed or taxes simply increased by an additional $15 to $20 per $100,000 in valuation, our surplus would have been sustained and the Borough would be in a much better financial situation.

A healthy surplus for a town our size would be about $1 million at the end of each year.  Last year, our surplus balance was only $326,000.  A surplus this low not only puts the town at risk of running short of operating funds, but it also affects our bond rating.  This means when the Borough needs to raise money for long-term capital projects, it costs more money caused by higher interest rates because we are not seen as a good fiscal risk.

Costs always rise – if you look at your cable bill or food bill between last year and this year, you will see that they have gone up.  The cost of government also goes up as our costs rise as well.  Whether supplies, utilities, insurance or uniforms, costs go up.  The 2020 Budget took a red pen to almost every line item and severely cut them. 

To put this budget in perspective over past years, the total appropriations (expenditures) increase over 2019’s budget is $86,709.  This is the smallest budget increase in at least a decade, with a budget increase of .42% -- less than a half percent.  The 2020 Budget eliminated over $350,000 in spending compared to 2019 and debt service decreased by an additional $140,000 due to prudent debt payment by our Acting CFO.

And yet, the 2020 Budget includes a $130,000 increase to our Recycling contract; $115,000 for LOSAP which the voters approved last year; a $100,000 payment to make up a payment deficiency to the Middlesex County Utilities Authority for our sewer; and a pension payment increase to the Police and Firemen Retirement System of $100,000 – a total of approximately $445,000 in additional appropriations.

We have had multiple retirements, resignations and promotions within the DPW and the 2020 Budget includes replacing and re-staffing these positions.  From a monetary standpoint, the positions are being filled at a lesser cost to the Borough than the total cost of the former personnel who held those positions. 

The 2020 Budget also includes 6 new police vehicles to replace the current aging fleet of police cars.

Our real issue in the Borough is revenue (income). Revenue remains an issue due to the lack of surplus.  We are determined to build this number back up as quickly as prudently possible.

Even though the 2020 Budget only increases MUNICIPAL spending by $86,709 over last year, please remember that the Borough has NO control over the County or School Budgets.  Consequently, due to a Revenue shortfall, the amount to be raised by taxes for the Municipal Budget is $689,500.  Although the overall increase from 2019 to 2020’s Budget is less than one half of one percent (.42%), the impact to the taxpayers due to Revenue Shortfall is about five percent (5.2 %) increase to taxes.

Had prior budgets seen tax increases of just an additional $20 per year, our surplus would be financially healthy and the tax increase would be about half of what it is.

We are working hard to get our fiscal house in order and our finances back on track.  As a taxpayer myself, I am keenly aware that our taxes are increasing at a higher than normal amount and that it is always harder and harder to live in New Jersey.  I love our town and know that, as painful as it is, fixing our surplus issue is the right thing to do for the long-term financial health of Middlesex.  My predecessor kicked the budget can down the road and bled surplus rather than cutting programs that made him popular.  This Council and I are willing to do the right thing even if it is not popular and that means fixing the finances of our borough.

Be safe,

Mayor John L. Madden

This Week’s Positive Covid 19 Cases

• Saturday, June 20:  1

• Sunday, June 21: 0

• Monday, June 22: 1

• Tuesday, June 23: 0

• Wednesday, June 24: 0

• Thursday, June 25: 1

Primary Election - July 7th

Despite COVID-19, there is still a safe and secure way to exercise our right to vote in this year’s primary election, currently scheduled for July 7th.

As per Governor Murphy's Executive Order 144, the upcoming Primary Election will be mainly conducted by Vote By Mail and all active, registered Democrat or Republicans voters will automatically receive a ballot.

If your VBM Ballot is lost, damaged or you do not believe you received it, you may request a duplicate. Visit the County “Vote 2020” web page here for more information.

Download a letter-sized flyer with more information here.

June 19: Mayor's Weekly Message

Weekly Message from Mayor John L. Madden

The Borough has had a lot of inquiries about opening the ball fields to “moderate” contact sports, including baseball.  Currently, the Governor’s Executive Order allows municipalities, at their discretion, to open up their fields for “moderate” impact sports to practice beginning on June 22.  It also requires that the teams and leagues supply to the owner of the fields (the Borough) a written “preparation plan” that covers all of the social distancing and safety requirements that are currently the law in New Jersey. The Executive Order further requires that the owner of the fields approve each plan. 

As of this morning, Friday, June 19, we have received only one plan from one team. This will be reviewed as soon as possible.  Further, our Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) is requiring both of the above conditions of the Governor’s EO and that the members of the teams/leagues also sign a waiver of liability.  We are waiting for the JIF to send us their waiver form. Until we have that waiver, we will not consider allowing any of the fields to open. 

We have further asked our JIF for guidance regarding our tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and the flying field. 

I apologize for any inconvenience, but these are the requirements of the Governor as well as our insurance company.

Meanwhile, many of the Borough’s great dining establishments are offering outdoor dining opportunities including Kerwin’s, Ellery’s, Carpaccio’s, Vincenzo’s and Ashton’s Brewery (only tastings).  I encourage all of our residents to finally enjoy this weather with a nice meal outdoors, or call you’re your favorite restaurant and order curbside pick up to dine on your own patio.   Many of our restaurants have no ability to have outdoor seating and they are also worthy of our support and patronage.  Middlesex Borough is blessed to have many, many excellent restaurants to choose from and we certainly want to keep it that way.

A lot of people commented to me that the contact list of Borough Department’s that I provided last week was very helpful, so I am going to repeat it again.

• 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)

Have a great week and be safe!
Mayor John L. Madden

This Week’s Covid 19 Positive Cases:

• Saturday, June 13: 0

• Sunday, June 14: 0

• Monday, June 15:   0

• Tuesday, June 16:  1

• Wednesday, June 17:  0

• Thursday, June 18:  1

• Friday, June 19:  0