Weekly Report from Mayor John L. Madden

Due to the urgency in response to the daily increase of new positive Covid cases, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services has provided specific guidelines and important safety information for residents as we gather during holiday celebrations. I believe that since there is much talk concerning the new vaccine breakthrough by several companies some residents may relax their “guard” in not only protecting themselves but others around them. Now with the onset of the flu, there is a heightened concern. It is now well recognized that cold weather may enhance transmission. Some individuals believe that receiving the flu shot will also help lower the incidence of getting the Covid-19 virus. In addition, these same individuals believe there are some protective benefits that are realized for Covid-19 by flu vaccine pathway. Such misinformation can result in deadly consequences.

Here are the similarities and differences between the Covid-19 and the influenza viruses. Although both viruses are contagious, respiratory viruses, Covid-19 is caused by infection by SARS-CoV-2, a new corona virus.  The flu is caused by infection with only influenza viruses. Transmission seems to be more easily spread and may cause more serious illness than the flu. Often times symptoms may be delayed longer and the incubation/contagion cycle may linger for a longer period of time. It is also possible to be infected with both viruses

However, common symptoms that both viruses share include, fever, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, tiredness and fatigue, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea and general body aches.  Much important information such as this can be found on the CDC website.

Also, Middlesex County just announced a new and convenient method for obtaining the seasonal flu shot.  A drive thru flu vaccine is now offered to residents at no charge.  You must register to schedule testing dates.  Residents may go to middlesexcountynj.gov/flu.

Again, the best we can do now is to make sure masks are worn, limit gatherings, practice social distancing and maintain good hygiene.  I urge each of you to make sure these protocols are strictly followed if we are going to beat this thing.  There is no question that because people have been relaxing these measures are now seeing the infection rate increase dramatically.

These are the important county websites:

• For more general information – www.middlesexcountynj.gov/covid19. 

• For case count information – www.middlesexcountynj.gov/casecount. 

• For drive through and walk up flu shot distribution – www.middlesexcountynj.gov/flu.

Please read, understand and practice these guidelines.  Also make sure others are diligent as well.  Perhaps soon we can get back to our normal lives and reduce this stress.

Happy Thanksgiving and please be safe.

Thank you.

Rec on the Go - Holiday Edition, Nov. 22!

Beat the boredom with our Holiday Edition ‘Rec on the Go’ activity bags!

Stop by on Nov. 22nd to pick up yours. Kits include arts and craft supplies and activities to help beat boredom! Contactless Pickup: pull up to the front of the Recreation Center 1400 Mountain Ave and pop your trunk! First come, first served, while supplies last.

Middlesex Borough Residents ONLY. Sponsored by the Middlesex Recreation Dept.
recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov

Weekly Report from Mayor Madden

The Reality of Covid-19 in our Community

We are now in the throws of a second and much more significant spread of the Corona virus that we never expected.  Everyone is aware of the safeguards which will protect us – wearing of a mask, frequent hand washing (minimum of 20 seconds) and social distancing.  If you think you are sick, get tested, stay home and protect those around you.  Always carry a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

According to the CDC (Center of Disease Control) recent emerging studies are now looking at the entire health- effects spectrum from acute to chronic factors with the pandemic.

Research is showing that other organs beside the lungs can be affected.  In addition there seems to be many pathways how the infection can adversely affect one’s health.

Post Covid-19 symptoms may persist for weeks or months after the initial illness.  Those with moderate or mild symptoms can develop late symptoms.

Although most Covid positive people will fully recover and return to normal health, evidence of long-term symptoms are showing up.

Common long-term symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint and chest pain.  Other long-term symptoms include disorientation, brain “fog”, depression, headache, fever, and heart palpitations.  More serious long-term symptoms being reported include inflammation of the heart, rash, hairloss, lung function abnormalities, acute kidney injury, mood changes, loss of taste and smell and diarrhea.

Therefore, please follow these guidelines very seriously.

Thank you and please be safe.

Veterans Day, Nov. 11

THANK YOU to all former, retired, and active military personnel!

The Borough will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.

Weekly Message from the Mayor

WEEKLY MESSAGE FROM MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

Last week, after accepting a position in a different state, Councilman Jason Carr resigned from office effective November 1st. I am dedicating this week’s Weekly Message to him.

In the beginning of my term as Mayor on January 1, 2020, my vision, in light of the problems that were left with our town, was to radically transform the way we do business here. After much forethought, I was not sure where this endeavor would lead us. However, I was very sure that something had to be done to minimize the intractable problems of which we inherited. I now believe that we are well on our way in recognizing that vision.

As such, I want to personally express my gratitude and sincere appreciation regarding Councilman Carr’s tenure on the Borough Council of which he graciously served. His exceptional work ethic and tenacious commitment to this vision has propelled our governing body to work seamlessly through the morass of difficult challenges to bring our town to a much brighter future of financial stability.

Councilman Carr and I have spoken many times often late at night sharing ideas to maintain this course.

In closing, Councilman Carr left an indelible mark on this vision. On behalf of myself and the Borough Council, I wish him good luck in his new job venture and future endeavors. I am confident that any future aspirations for public office will be a resounding success for him. To him I say, “Thank you, My Friend.”

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

- John F. Kennedy

Be safe,

Mayor John L. Madden

Weekly Message from Mayor John L. Madden

The most recent Governor's order #192, which will take effect at 6 am on November 5, 2020, will mandate all employers/employees to abide by new Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control guidelines and safety standards including the wearing of masks when entering any work facility. This mandate is also applicable to all visitors. The order will include both private and public sector employers. Social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet must continue to be practiced. 

Please keep in mind that these executive orders are enforceable. Proper sanitization and routine cleaning must still be followed. Also temperature screening and a protocol for self assessment checklists to monitor COVID-19 symptoms and the potential exposure are required. Although certain businesses must remain closed such as adult day care centers and tutoring service facilities that engage in shared space, any of us are very fortunate that we are still able to go to work each day.

Middlesex Borough residents have been very diligent about following these rules and protocols. However due to the increase of social gatherings, while some ignore the wearing of masks in public, we are now finding our once-low numbers of infections are now climbing. In fact, Much of New Jersey (as well as other states) are experiencing higher numbers.

I am pleading with every resident that let's continue to do our part, encourage others as well, and knock this thing out promptly. We owe it to ourselves, family and friends to get back to our normal lifestyles. 

Please be safe.

Quarterly Newsletter - Autumn 2020

Welcome residents and visitors! Please enjoy this edition of the newsletter. Read our full publication at once by using the button below — or review the Departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s current topics.

Departments and Topics

Voting information for Borough of Middlesex residents

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION Information

As per Governor Murphy’s Executive Order no. 177, Middlesex County voters have automatically received a vote by mail ballot for the general election. In person polling locations are available for voters requiring special assistance or for the casting of provisional (paper) ballot only. There will be no voting machines for the general public’s use.

All voters can return their ballot via USPS in the postage paid envelope which was provided, drop off at the Board of Elections in East Brunswick before 8pm on 11/3, return the ballot to the secure election drop box behind the municipal building by 8pm on 11/3 or submit your completed and sealed ballot to your assigned polling location in-person on election day (11/3) by 8pm. (You are prohibited from submitting another individuals ballot at the polling location). You can also bring your ballot to any of the 31 secure ballot drop boxes in Middlesex County listed on the Borough website under ‘New Jersey Votes’ by 8pm on 11/3. (www.middlesexboro-nj.gov) and click on the Vote 2020 link to visit the County webpage – secure drop box locations (www.middlesexcountynj.gov/vote2020).

If you wish to vote Provisional (paper ballot that you manually fill out – no voting machines) there are three locations, and we request that you go to your assigned district. These locations are:

• Middlesex High School, 300 Kennedy Drive (High School Gym) (District 1, 2, 3, & 4)

• Hazelwood School, 800 Hazelwood Avenue (Gym) (District 5, 6, & 7)

• Mauger Middle School, Fisher Avenue (Gorman Gym) (District 8, 9, & 10)

• Need to know your District? Select here to view a Community Map (and in the pull-out menu, select the checkbox for “voting wards” to see an overlay of the regular Voting Districts)

• If you are a disabled voter and need access to an ADA device to vote, please call the Board of Elections at 732-745-3471

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

Linda Chismar, Borough Clerk

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OCTOBER 19, 2020

​MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Voter Information Centers (VIC) in three Middlesex County Municipalities – Highland Park, Monroe, and Sayreville – will open to the public on Monday, October 19, and remain open until Election Day, November 3. The VIC will serve the public as information centers, providing voting services including replacement ballots, signature verification, and instructions on how to participate in the 2020 General Election.

• Highland Park Borough Hall - 221 South Fifth Ave, Highland Park

• The Monroe Township Library - 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe Township

• Sayreville Borough Hall - ​167 Main Street, Sayreville

For more information about the Voter Information Centers, download the flyer below or visit the County website here.

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October 1, 2020

Hello Middlesex residents.

It is my responsibility to manage the election process in our borough under the directives of the New Jersey Secretary of State. As you should know by now, due to the pandemic, the General Election this fall will be primarily a Vote-by-Mail election. Here is some important information regarding the election.

1. The Middlesex County Clerk will be mailing ballots out to ALL registered voters.

2. If you are not registered and if you want to vote in the November election:
   * register online through the New Jersey Division of Elections here https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register,
   * or, access voter registration forms from the County here middlesexcountynj.gov/vote2020,
   * or, call the Middlesex County Board of Elections at 732-745-3471.
   The last day to register to vote in the General Election is October 13, 2020.

3. If your Vote by Mail ballot is lost, damaged or you do not believe you received it, you may request a duplicate. Please fill out the replacement ballot form on the County website here middlesexcountynj.gov/vote2020 and submit it to the County Clerk’s office. The deadline to request a replacement ballot to be sent to you via the mail is October 23rd, though voters may request a replacement ballot in-person at the County Clerk’s office through election day.

4. Once you receive your ballot, you have the following options to cast your ballot:
   a. You can mail the ballot back using the US mail in the envelope that comes with your ballot. You do not need to add any postage since envelopes have pre-paid postage. Please remember to sign the ballot where indicated and allow time for the ballot to be received through the mail.
   b. You can drop the ballot in the secure drop box located at the Middlesex Municipal Building just outside the entrance to the Court Office. This area will be video monitored 24 hrs./day and the County Board of Elections will be picking up ballots daily. You can also take the ballot to another drop box location within the County (for locations, see the Vote-2020 page of the County website under “Secure Ballot Drop Box Locations”).
   c. You can bring a completed ballot to your designated polling place on Election Day. Remember at the polling location, you can only drop off your ballot. You cannot drop ballots off for others. You can only vote individually, and you must sign in with the poll workers. The new polling locations are listed below under No. 7.
   d. You can vote in person at a polling place. This will be by a paper ballot that is no different than the one received in the mail. This will be considered a provisional ballot until the Board confirms that you have not already voted by mail. Any voting machine at these locations will only be used for those who have a disability.
   e. You can bring your ballot to the Middlesex County Board of Elections at 11 Kennedy Blvd, East Brunswick, NJ.

5. There will be NO sample ballots sent to your home. If you would like a ballot in English, Spanish or Gujarati, please visit the middlesexcountynj.gov/vote2020 website.

6. The Middlesex County Board of Elections has advised that it will mail your ballot back if you have made a mistake. The most common errors are: failure to sign the ballot or their signature does not match the one on file with the Board of Elections office. You will be given an opportunity to correct such errors, but it must be returned by the date cited in the letter.

7. Polling place locations in Middlesex Borough are as follows:
   a. Middlesex High School Gymnasium – District: 1, 2, 3, 4
   b. Hazelwood School Gymnasium – District: 5, 6, 7
   c. Von E. Mauger Middle School, Gorman Gymnasium– District: 8, 9, 10

Lastly, if you want to verify that your mail in ballot has been received, you should register at “Track Your Ballot” on the New Jersey Elections website: nj.gov/state/elections

Linda Chismar, RMC
Borough Clerk

Oct. 28: Kids Halloween Art Workshop Event

Join us for an afternoon of fun for all ages with ART-stitution Kids Halloween Art Workshop Canvas Painting & Slime Making!

Children will be guided step-by-step how to paint a festive scarecrow with acrylic paint on stretched canvas. Next, they’ll make a batch of ectoplasm slime! There are no tricks here…just treats! All ages welcome. All supplies included. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, October 28 from 3:00-4:30pm at Middlesex Rec, Recreation Center 1400 Mountain Ave Middlesex, NJ 08846

$25/per child. Must pre-register. Spaces are limited. To register, visit the Rec Department’s registration page here.

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UPDATE: 11/2

No tricks…just treats! Participants had a Spooktacular time at our Halloween Slime Making and Canvas Painting Workshop last Wednesday afternoon.

Cook Field Playground: Temporarily Closed

The Cook Field Playground is temporarily closed for short-term landscaping upgrades. The Parks Department is extending the fall zone and is waiting for the playground mulch to be delivered. We hope to reopen in about a week -- we will post more information when the work is complete!

11/7 Rabies Clinic Cancelled

Middlesex Borough Rabies Clinic scheduled for November 7, 2020 has been Cancelled.

Many regional County and Municipal rabies clinics have been suspended due to Covid-19, so Residents should contact your veterinarian for more information on the rabies vaccination.

Weekly Message from Mayor Madden

Illegal Sump Pump Connections

There are very good reasons why municipalities maintain separate discharge service mains, one for sewage and the other for storm, rain and surface water.

Storm water typically doesn’t require treatment to return this water safely back into the environment or flow to the nearest body of water.

However, collected sewage requires expensive treatment which costs residents in higher utility bills and ultimately, higher taxes. Unfortunately, many residents take the easiest connection discharge route and connect directly to the sanitary lateral rather than a storm drain. Discharging storm water, groundwater, roof runoff or surface water will exponentially overload and stress the sanitary laterals during rain events. This added “sewage” may eventually reverse flow back into a basement, toilet, washing machine, etc. In addition, dangerous sewer gases are released into the home. Such damage can never be covered by your home insurance policy due to an illegal hookup.

Infiltration increases cost

This excessive loading in the sanitary lateral (called infiltration) dramatically increases the cost of treatment at the wastewater plant. When this happens, there is no way for the utilities to track and subsequently bill these offenders. This is like receiving an additional “service” for free. Therefore it is grossly unfair for residents who abide by the law to foot the bill for these offenders. My Business Administrator and I will be completely overhauling the sewer ordinance to provide checks and balances. Our goal is to bring these charges into a fair and equitable process for all residents.

Thank you and please be safe.

Mayor John L. Madden

Mayor's Weekly Message

WEEKLY REPORT OF MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

In two weeks, it will be Halloween. This year it falls on a Saturday which normally means larger crowds of children, and several of our neighboring towns have already decided to cancel Trick or Treating.  The Borough Council has discussed this twice at Council Meetings and ultimately decided that adults need to make their own decisions for their children and for themselves.  Rather than government, you get decide whether your children can go out for candy; you get to decide whether you are putting your lights on or off as a signal that Trick or Treaters are welcome.  Halloween in Middlesex Borough is on!

However, as we continue to adopt to the realities of Covid-19 in our State and community and in conjunction with guidance from the NJ Department of Health, the governing body does feel compelled to make recommendations for ways to celebrate Halloween safely.  We encourage you to plan early as to how you are going to celebrate and to identify safe alternatives.

If you are planning to host or attend a Halloween Party, please keep in mind public health recommendations of social and physical distancing, wearing masks that cover the nose and mouth, and hand washing.

If your child(ren) are going out Trick or Treating, we recommend limiting your groups to current household members, consider staying local, and limit the number of houses on your route.  If you are not in a group from the same household, social distancing should be practiced.

The Council is recommending that Trick or Treating end by 8 pm on Halloween.

If you are participating by giving out candy, please keep your lights on even during the afternoon so that the little kids know your house has candy.

If you are planning on handing out treats, the Department of Health has provided “Good, Better and Best” options:

• Good Option:  Limit interaction or contact with Trick or Treaters, wear a mask when individuals come to the door, and regularly wash your hands.

• Better Option:  Leave a treat bowl on a porch or table or in a place where it may be easily accessed while adhering to social distancing requirements.

• Best Option:  Arrange individually packaged candy so that Trick or Treaters can grab and go without accessing a shared bowl.

Whatever your family decides to do, the goal is to make Halloween a safe, fun activity while keeping everyone safe. 

Stay well,

Mayor John L. Madden

Weekly Report from Mayor John L. Madden

Recycling Services

This week’s report is on our recycling services and issues that our partner, Middlesex County Improvement Authority, is having with Borough recycling.  During these turbulent times where municipalities statewide are seeing their recycling disposal costs double or even triple in cost, we are receiving the benefit of a shared service that has kept our recyclable disposal cost lower than many municipalities throughout the state.  Through MCIA’s buying power, we have been fortunate to be able to contract with them.  In 2019, the Borough put out a Request for Proposals for recycling services and the lowest bid that came in was more than $100,000.00 than MCIA’s rate to our town. 

Middlesex County has the highest rate of recycling in the State and, by pooling our resources, MCIA is are able to pass the savings in our recycling disposal costs to our taxpayers.  This benefit exists as long as our residents continue to follow the guidelines on proper recycling and understand what is and is not acceptable to be recycled.  Unfortunately, it has been brought to my attention from MCIA enforcement officers that Middlesex Borough has experienced an increase in recycling “contamination”. 

To better understand recycling guidelines, I encourage everyone to review this guide on the County website.

The 2020 Recycling & Curbside Collection Guide

In the 2020 Recycling & Curbside Collection Guide you will learn valuable information on how to smartly recycle and what can and cannot be accepted.  THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE WITH CONTAMINATION IS PLASTIC BAGS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.  Additionally, pizza boxes and shredded paper are not recyclable! I know that that is counter-intuitive – pizza boxes are made of cardboard and shredded paper is paper – but the fact remains that plastic bags, pizza boxes and shredded paper “contaminate” the rest of the recycling and costs MCIA money to have them removed.

The Borough has been put on notice by MCIA, that, if in the coming weeks, your recycling is contaminated, THE HAULER WILL BE UNABLE TO ACCEPT YOUR MATERIALS AND THEY WILL BE LEFT CURBSIDE FOR YOU TO SORT.  

In closing, I wanted to ask all our residents to please take the time to understand how to properly sort and dispose of your recyclable materials.  Everyone must do their part for this program to remain affordable and successful.  We must be vigilant and continue to improve the quality of our recyclables.  Thank you for your time and understanding. 

Be safe and be well,

Mayor John L. Madden

Not sure if it’s recyclable? Download the “Recycle Coach” app!
Visit their website here

Recycling Center - New Hours Eff. 10/5

The Middlesex Borough Recycling Center hours of operation will change effective October 5th.

• Monday (Closed)

• TUESDAY 6:00am - 1:45pm

• Wednesday (Closed)

• THURSDAY 11:00am - 6:45pm

• Friday (Closed)

• SATURDAY 7:00am - 2:45pm

• Sunday (Closed)

The Recycling Center is located behind Borough Hall, at 1200 Mountain Ave. For more information, select here to visit the Department of Public Works page.

Intro to How Our Municipal Corporation Works, Part VII

WEEKLY REPORT BY MAYOR JOHN L. MADDEN

AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW OUR MUNCIPAL CORPORATION WORKS, PART VII

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. 

Our CFO

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 “Security Department” is our Police Department headed by the Chief of Police.

Most corporations either provide goods or services (like a large accounting firm, a department store or Amazon) or manufacture goods (such as General Motors). When a service or good is provided, there is a cost associated with that, and upon its sale, money collected to cover those costs.

In the case of local government, all services provided by our municipality also have a cost. Those services include Recreation, Senior Services, Department of Public Works, Police, Clerks Office and all the other services provided by the town. Costs include employees’ salaries and benefits, utilities, vehicles, gasoline, and materials such as grass seed or macadam for the DPW or paper and ink for the day to day operations. Long-term debt (capital expenses), like a home mortgage, is paid over time. That debt is also part of the calculated costs and includes large DPW vehicles or the acquisition of land.

Like your accountant or doctor’s office sending you a bill, the bill you receive from our corporation is your tax bill. The services provided by Middlesex Borough are divided equitably, based on property value, among all properties, whether residential, commercial or industrial, in the town. The assessment on the value of the properties is made by our Tax Assessor, Tom Reilly, who works under strict state laws. Properties that are worth a higher value, such as a very large home, industrial building or supermarket, pay a higher amount of tax, but based on the exact same tax formula. New Jersey’s 1947 Constitution requires that all properties in New Jersey are taxed at the same rate. I know some of you request that Seniors, for instance, should not pay the same taxes as people with children in school; or that an industry should be taxed at a higher rate than a house. Our New Jersey Constitution does not allow properties to be taxed differently. The work around this constitutional requirement is thru the NJ legislature, which has provided laws for Senior Property Tax Freezes, Homestead Rebates, or Veterans Tax Deductions or Tax Exemptions.

Once our Tax Assessor has assessed the value of a building and the land on which it sits, this provides the basis of your tax bill being calculated and then generated. Our Tax Collector, Darcy DelVecchio, is certified by the State of New Jersey and is responsible for collecting the funds which make government work. In a big corporation, she would be our “Accounts Receivable” staff member. Taxes are paid and deposited which then funds local public service. Without these funds, there would be no snow removal, no road repairs, no law and order (police protection and our courts), no marriage licenses, no oversight on construction and zoning, no management of rabies licenses and so forth.

Next week, in Part VIII of the series, I will be covering the “fun stuff” – Recreation, Senior Services, and the Swim and Library Commissions.

One Reminder: Recycling Center Hours

Beginning Monday, October 5th: the Recycling Center will be open three days a week:

• Tuesdays from 6 am to 1:45 pm

• Thursdays from 111 am to 6:45 pm

• Saturdays from 7 am to 2:45 pm

• It will be closed to the public on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays (and closed on Sundays).

Keep Safe and Be Well,
Mayor John L. Madden

Register to vote by Oct. 13

Register to vote, and check your registration online!

To participate in the general election, you must be registered to vote in Middlesex County NJ by Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all active registered Middlesex County voters will automatically receive a Vote By Mail ballot for November’s general election, as per Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 177​. .

Find more info about ways to vote, how to register, secure ballot drop box locations, and more at www.middlesexcountynj.gov/vote2020.

Mayor's Weekly Message

Election

The Middlesex County Clerk has been mailing out all ballots for the General Election in November to ALL registered voters.  Once completed, you can either drop the ballot in the mail, take it to the Board of Elections, bring it to your designated polling location on Election Day, take it to the drop box behind Borough Hall, or take the ballot to another drop box location within the County (for locations, see the Vote-2020 page of the County website under “Secure Ballot Drop Box Locations”).

Our Borough Website has more in depth voting information regarding this election process (www.Middlesexboro-nj.gov) or please feel free to contact the Borough Clerk at 732-356-7400, Ext. 238 with any question you may have.

Halloween

At the September 22, 2020 Council Meeting, the Governing Body discussed Halloween.  The Borough is awaiting any update or Executive Order from the Governor’s Office regarding this matter, and has tabled further discussion until the October 13, 2020 Regular Council Meeting.

Mayor Madden's Weekly Report

Introducing Joe Costa and Ashley White

The Borough is pleased to announce the hiring of two new department heads

Joe Costa was hired two weeks ago as our new Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer. He is responsible for the oversight of the Construction Office and Property Maintenance. Joe works five days a week for the Borough, part-time. He is the full-time Director of Code Enforcement in Bound Brook. Joe is available by appointment every day. He prides himself on returning ALL phone calls and emails the same day they are received. He firmly believes in Customer Service. Joe is a former Human Resources Manager for a major NJ corporation and a former Customer Service Center Manager for a national corporation. He has been doing zoning work for almost a decade. Joe is certified with the State as a Zoning Officer, Planning Board/Zoning Board Secretary, Inspector of Hotels & Multiple Dwellings; Housing Code Official, Qualified Purchasing Agent, and Council on Affordable Housing Professional.

Ashley White will start with us this coming Monday as our New Director of Recreation. Ashley is leaving a Shared Service arrangement serving the Borough of Chester and Chester Township in Morris County. Ashley will be overseeing all Borough recreational activities, sports programs, special events and programming. She has been a recreational professional for more than 15 years. She recently won the NJ Recreation and Parks Association’s William D. Foelsch Rising Professional of the Year award! Ashley is certified in CPR, First Aid and AED, and she is a Certified Pool Operator. She is a member of both the National Recreation and Parks Association and the NJ Recreation and Parks Association. Ashley comes with a wealth of experience, a bucketload of ideas for programs and events, and a tremendous amount of energy to achieve both her and the Borough’s recreation goals. We believe that Ashley is going to bring Middlesex Borough’s recreation program to a whole new level of programming excellence, and we are excited to have her.

I hope you get the chance to meet our two new professionals! In addition to Joe and Ashley, Karen Wick, our former part-time Construction Office Administrative Assistant and Zoning Board Secretary, is returning full-time. Kelsey Meixner, our former part-time Recreation Administrative Assistant has been promoted to the fulltime position of Confidential Assistant to the Clerk, Finance and Administration, and part-time Recreation Committee Secretary, Linda Chicarelli, has been promoted to part-time Recreation Administrative Assistant.

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Middlesex County Office of Health Services would like help residents embrace this year’s slogan of “Disasters Don’t Wait, Make Your Plan Today.”

Start by taking one or all of the following (socially distanced) steps:

• Get a Kit

• Make a Plan

• Be Informed

• Get Involved

These simple measures as well as more detailed guidance are listed on the County website.

Take a moment to register to win a 3-day “Grab and Go” Emergency Kit by visiting the County contest link here before September 30th. (Only one entry per valid email address, contest open to Middlesex County residents ages 18 and up. Winners will be announced on Monday, October 5th).

Help spread the word by posting or sharing this attached flyer, too!