New Year's: Borough News Briefs

Seen at the 2022 Reorganization Meeting…

Mayor John Madden swears in Councilman Martin Quinn who was accompanied by his wife, Shannon, and ten year old daughter Evlin.

Councilman Doug Rex with his wife Pat following Mayor John Madden having sworn him into his second term on January 4, 2022.

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Borough Office Hours

Covid-19 Precautions Continue

The Middlesex Borough Municipal Building will be closed to the public from Monday, January 3, 2022 thru Friday, January 28, 2022 due to high numbers of Covid 19 in the community.

Please use the Borough’s Drop Box for early tax payments or other correspondence. Our Main Entrance Foyer will be open to pick up forms or documents. Borough staff will be available by phone and, in some instances, by appointment. (If you require a marriage license, please call the Clerk’s Office for an appointment.) We will be reopening on Monday, January 31. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

County: Recycling Pickup Delays

Middlesex County Recycling program (MCIA) is experiencing delays due to staffing because of rising COVID cases. Scheduled pick up may be affected. Please download the Recycle Coach app for latest updates, or call Middlesex County Recycling at 1-800-488-6242.

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Mayor and Council Regular Meeting Dates 2022

Regular Meetings commence at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Recreation Center, 1400 Mountain Avenue, Middlesex, NJ. Action may be taken at any meeting above.

• January 4 (Reorganization)

• January 25

• February 8

• February 22

• March 15

• April 12

• April 26

• May 10

• May 24

• June 14

• June 28

• July 26

• August 23

• September 13

• September 27

• October 11

• October 25

• November 22

• December 20

Council Representative Appointments - 2022

• Board of Health – Councilman Quinn

• County SWAC/County Transportation – Councilman Eodice

• Housing & Community Development – Councilman Eodice

• OEM/Rescue/Fire – Councilman Mikolajczyk and Councilman Eodice

• Joint Land Use Board – Councilman Carnes

• Recreation/Seniors – Councilman Eodice

• Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Rex

• Swim Pool Commission – Councilwoman Flood

• Police/Municipal Court – Councilman Mikolajczyk

• Zoning/Code Enforcment/Construction – Councilman Quinn

• Dept. of Public Works – Councilman Rex

• Finance/Administration – Councilman Eodice

• Board of Education – Councilwoman Flood and Councilman Carnes

• Cultural Arts & Heritage Committee – Councilman Carnes

Congratulations to our Fire Officials’ elected to serve their fire houses and community.

2022 Fire Officials

• Chief – Dave Bird

• First Asst. Chief – Ken Bartok

• Second Asst. Chief – Shawn Young

Company No. 1 – Lincoln Hose

• Captain – Brian Mattox

• Lieutenant – Jason Frank

• Engineer 21 – Joe Eckert

• Engineer T 25 – Jeff Decker

• Honorary Asst. Captain – Mark Colacci

• Company No. 2 – Beechwood Heights

• Captain – Eric Chomen

• Lieutenant – Ken Pukas Jr

• Engineer – Brian Chomen

• Asst. Engineer – Jacob Wright

Company No. 3 – Pierce

• Captain – Stephen Bird

• Lieutenant – Nick Lally

• Engineer 21 – Chad Heulitt

• Asst. Engineer – Sean Kaplan

Company No. 4 – Parker

• Captain – John Pazar

• Lieutenant – Rob Pollara

• Engineer 21 – AndyCastaldo Jr.

• Asst. Engineer – Jeff Meyer

Congratulations to members of our community for your appointments to the following Emergency Services

Rescue Task Force

• Kenneth Bartok

• David Bird

• Steve Bird

• Jack Costa

• Jackie Giardino

• Alan Kriney

• Darren Lubetkin

• Jeff Meyer

• Colin McKowen

• George Schroeder

• Dr. Ronald Frank, Physician Consultant

Office of Emergency Management Auxiliary Members

• Kenneth Burd

• Eileen Camacho

• Jeremiah Carnes

• Karen Casale

• Ronald Franks

• Linda Gonzalez

• Bruce Hagerman

• James Johansen

• Sean Kaplan

• Nicholas Lally

• Debra May

• Courtney Poandl

• Robert Poltorak

• Robert Soper

• Monique Sasso

• Antonio Sasso

Community Emergency Response Team Members

• Katelyn Carmona

• Mara Dunsavage

• Eden Gill

• Ethan Gill

• Nicole Giraldo

• Casca Paige Hendricks

• Anna Hommas

• James Killeen

• Kara Krivanos

• Maggie Kyryczenko

• Isabel Martinez

• Steven Montecinos

• Abegail Nunez

• Larry Poandl

• Susan Poandl

• Emily Zegarra

• Evelyn Swalina

• Michell Vergara

• Amanda Warner

• Abigail Wasielewski

Local Emergency Management Council

• Jack Costa, Director

• Stephen Bird

• Barbara Benson

• James Green

• Alan Kriney

• Claudia Palermo

• Juan Pereira

• Lee Poandl

• Maggie Schneider

• Jorge Camacho

• Arthur Sullivan

• Stuart Teitelbaum

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Congratulations to members of our community for being appointed to the following boards and committees

BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE

• Nancy Avery – 1-year

• Pat Repenn – 1-year

• Bob Dessino – 1-year

• Georgios Georgoulas – 1-year

RECREATION COMMITTEE

• Kristin Bennett – 3-year

• Dan Parenti – 3-year

• Jason Sabino – 2-year

SHADE TREE COMMISSION

• Jim Gorman – 5-year

HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

• Subhash Dani – 3-year

• Stephen Greco – 3-year

• Bob Dessino – 3-year

LIBRARY BOARD

• Melissa Fedosh – 5-year

• Dave Oliver (Mayor’s Rep.) – 2-year

• Dina Healey – 5-year

SWIM POOL COMMISSION

• Joseph Rudawski – 5-year

• Barbara Benson – 5-year

BOARD OF HEALTH

• Laura Steinau – 1-year

• Tom Harrity – 4-year

• Karen Rutkowski, Alt. I – 2-year

CULTURAL & HERITAGE COMMITTEE

• Lisa Pombrio – 3-year

• Judy Levesen – 3-year

JOINT LAND USE BOARD

• Councilman Carnes (Class III) – 1-year

• Joe DeScenza (Class IV) – 3-year

• Stephen Greco (Class II) – 1-year

• Joe Caruso (Alt. I) – 2-year

GREENBROOK FLOOD CONTROL

• Bob Dessino – 5-year

New Year's: Library

Our collection continues to grow with all the latest bestsellers

Our collection continues to grow with all the latest bestsellers – in print and electronically! You don’t have to even leave your couch to “visit” the Library – take advantage of our electronic services, like Hoopla, eLibraryNJ, and Libby to read the latest and greatest books and magazines, audiobooks, even movies! Instructions on how to access these services for a variety of devices can be found on our website: http://www.middlesexlibrarynj.org/how-to-access/

Library Hours

Due to rising Covid 19 cases, the library will be closed to the public starting Monday, January 3. We will resume Walkup/Pickup services at the MAIN ENTRANCE. Masks are required.

Wishing you had a good book to read? Fill out the Reader’s Advisory form under DIGITAL RESOURCES tab on our website or give our reference desk a call at 732-356-6602 and we will be happy to choose books for you based on your preferences.

We LOVE visitors!! Especially visitors that color pictures for us!! Ms.Caamano’s class came to visit us before the break and colored these adorable mittens for The Maker Space door!

Puzzle Exchange!

What better way to spend a chilly night cozying up to a new puzzle? Be sure to check out the Library’s Puzzle Exchange cart – leave a puzzle, take a puzzle, in a variety of sizes and piece counts!

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Children’s Programming

Keep your eyes peeled on the Children’s Dept. website to get the most up to date news on our program offerings!

Adult Programming

We are pleased to offer our patrons an opportunity to envision their goals for 2022 and come up with plans to implement them by offering a Vision Board program on Wednesday, January 19. If peace and calm is one of your goals in the New Year, please consider signing up for our Meditation program which will take place on 4 consecutive Wednesdays February 2, 9, 16 and 23.

Are you a fan of The Office?

We will be hosting The Office Trivia Night on Tuesday, February 8.

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And…

We will also be running our Blind Date with a Book program in February. So please keep an eye out for that!

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We are planning a Zentangles program, and some other fun art programs for the spring!

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New Year's: Police

School Crossing Guards Needed

The Middlesex Borough Police Department is currently accepting applications for School Crossing Guards. School Crossing 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 Acting Sergeant Mark Melchiorre at (732) 356-1900, ext. 338.

Removal of ice and snow from sidewalks

Residents shall remove all snow and ice from all portions of sidewalks down to their natural surfaces. The removal snow and ice must be accomplished within 12 hours of daylight after the snow has fallen and/or the ice has formed. Municipal ordinance requires that you remove snow and ice from sidewalks. Also, you can help the dedicated men and women of the Middlesex Fire Department by clearing snow and ice from on and around fire hydrants. Ordinance # 360

Ice & Snow - Remove it Before You Go

Remember to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving, especially from the hood, windows and roof. It’s the law in New Jersey! Motorists that fail to do so face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense, regardless of whether the ice and snow is dislodged from the vehicle. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury to others, motorists face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense. 39:4-77.1

Parking prohibited on Snow Covered Roadways

Whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that it covers the street or highway, an emergency shall exist and no vehicle shall be parked on any street or highway or portion thereof. This prohibition shall remain in effect after the snow has ceased, until the street has been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic. When forecasts suggest that snow will accumulate on our roadways, it is important to remove all vehicles from the roadways so that crews can clear the roads of snow and ice. Snowbound vehicles can choke roadways, preventing the passage of emergency vehicles and delaying the delivery of important - sometimes lifesaving - emergency services. Ordinance # 407

Depositing Ice and Snow in roads/ Removal of ice and Snow from handicapped parking

Do not deposit any removed ice and snow in public roads. Ice and snow must be removed from handicapped parking spaces within 48 hours of the snowfall. The law also requires that curb cuts for handicapped access be cleared within 48 hours. Businesses and residents with corner property please take special note. Ordinance # 359

Parking prohibited on Snow Covered Roadways

Whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that it covers the street or highway, an emergency shall exist and no vehicle shall be parked on any street or highway or portion thereof. This prohibition shall remain in effect after the snow has ceased, until the street has been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic. When forecasts suggest that snow will accumulate on our roadways, it is important to remove all vehicles from the roadways so that crews can clear the roads of snow and ice. Snowbound vehicles can choke roadways, preventing the passage of emergency vehicles and delaying the delivery of important - sometimes lifesaving - emergency services. Ordinance # 407

Depositing Ice and Snow in roads/ Removal of ice and Snow from handicapped parking

Do not deposit any removed ice and snow in public roads. Ice and snow must be removed from handicapped parking spaces within 48 hours of the snowfall. The law also requires that curb cuts for handicapped access be cleared within 48 hours. Businesses and residents with corner property please take special note. Ordinance # 359

Winter Driving Tips

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for travelers. Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter.

Get Your Car Serviced

Visit your mechanic for a tune-up and ask them to check for leaks, badly worn hoses, or other needed parts, repairs, and replacements.

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Know Your Car

Read your vehicle’s manual to familiarize yourself with the safety features on your vehicle—such as antilock brakes and electronic stability control—and how the features perform in wintry conditions.

Plug It In

For electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, minimize the drain on the battery. If the vehicle has a thermal heating pack for the battery, plug your vehicle in whenever it’s not in use. Start your vehicle and preheat the interior before you unplug your vehicle in the morning.

Plan Your Travel and Route

Before heading out, make sure to check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Don’t rush through your trip and allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely. And always familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS system, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.

Don’t crowd a snowplow or travel beside it

Snowplows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. However, the road behind an active snowplow is safer to drive on. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it or use caution when passing.

SLOW DOWN. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface.

STOCK YOUR VEHICLE. Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:

• Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper;

• Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow;

• Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and emergency markers;

• Blankets for protection from the cold; and

• A cell phone with charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).

What to Do in a Winter Emergency

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, follow these safety rules:

• Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.

• Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light turned on.

• To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm.

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Nixle Community Notifications and Alerts

Residents are urged to sign up to receive Nixle Alerts and Messages.  Nixle allows the Police Department to send important, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology. Messages will be delivered by email, SMS/text message (cell phone), and over the World Wide Web.  Notifications may include crime related alerts, traffic advisories and other relevant safety and community event information.  Nixle also enables citizens to submit anonymous tips to the police department to aid in crime fighting efforts.

Information can be received online and via e-mail. Residents receive messages by cell phone as part of their text-messaging plan (otherwise standard text message rates apply). The system is simple to use and provides an easy sign-up process.

Register now to receive text messages: Text “MIDDLESEXPD” to 888777 to begin receiving SMS/text only

Register now to receive email alerts: https://local.nixle.com/register/ To learn more log on to www.nixle.com

Nixle’s Community Information Service is built exclusively to provide secure and reliable communications. Its authenticated service connects agencies to citizens in real-time, delivering information to residents.

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Snowblower Safety TipsSafety Tips

Snow season is upon us and it’s time to dust off the snow blowers once again. Each year, thousands of people suffer serious injuries to their hands, fingers, and backs due to the improper handling of snowblowers. Injuries typically occur when the snow is heavy, wet or has accumulated several inches. Below are some basic safety tips to keep you and others from being injured.

• Avoid wearing loose clothing. Loose pants, jackets and scarves can easily become tangled in the moving parts of a snow blower.

• Wear sturdy footwear with good traction. Appropriate footwear will help to prevent slip and fall injuries. Consider using shoe or boot grippers, such as ICEtrekkers. These are also referred to as ice cleats or spikes; no matter what you call them, they will reduce the risk of a slip and fall.

• Stay focused. Pay close attention to the task at hand and refrain from the use of medication, drugs or alcohol.

• Start the machine outside. Do not start your snowblower in a garage or shed. Gas-powered snowblowers produce dangerous carbon monoxide

• Protect your ears. Wear ear plugs or other hearing protection. Most gas-powered snowblowers are loud and can cause hearing damage.

• Think about where the snow is blowing. Never direct the discharge chute toward people, traffic, or areas where damage can occur.

• Keep children indoors. Children enjoy playing in the snow but hold off until after you are done snow blowing.

• Pace yourself. Although snowblowers are safer and faster than shoveling, you should still take rest breaks.

Clogged Snowblowers

When dealing with snowblowers, hand or finger injuries are most common, including amputation. This typically occurs when the user tries to clear a clogged auger or discharge chute with their hands. Follow these tips to stay safe from the dangers of a clogged snow blower.

To keep the snow blower from clogging:

• Work at a brisk pace. When the blade moves faster, the snow is less likely to stick.

• Consider snow blowing several times during a wet or heavy snowfall.

• Spray the blades and chute with cooking oil spray.

If the snowblower becomes clogged:

• Turn off the engine OFF!

• Make sure blades have stopped rotating before trying to clear the clog.

• Use a clearing tool or stick to clear the clog.

• Never use your hands or feet. A clogged auger will have residual energy that can trap your hands even when it is turned off!

• Keep all shields in place.

• Always keep your hands and feet away from all moving parts.

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Report Streetlight Outages

To report a problem with a Streetlight, please call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734). Or, login to “My Account“ at www.pseg.com/myaccount.

• Click on Streetlight Outages

• Then click on Report Streetlight Outage.

The following information will assist us in expediting repairs:

• Is the light off at night or on during the day?

• Is the fixture or pole damaged or missing?

• Street and nearest cross street

• Nearest house number

• Pole number

• Your name and phone number

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Report a Traffic Safety Concern

We ask that you support our Safe Roads Initiative by obeying all traffic laws at all times. Please report any non-emergency traffic concerns to:

• Middlesex Police Department – (732) 356-1900 ext. 235, or trafficsafety@middlesexpd.com

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New Year's: Public Works

Safety is the main concern of Middlesex Borough during the winter months. The Public Works Department provides de-icing and snow removal whenever road conditions call for these services. Please remember snow removal is performed under emergency conditions and our drivers experience extended hours of work to provide safe roads for our residents. The following items are what our residents should be mindful of during the winter months:

• Do not deposit leaves in the roadway. Please make every attempt to keep storm drains clear of snow or leaves.

• Do not park on snow covered roads. Our police department will be enforcing this during snow events.

• Do not place garbage cans in the street. Objects in the roadway are our biggest deterrent for efficient plowing operations.

• Remove all basketball posts that are in the road or within the right of way.

• Please do not blow snow onto plowed roadways. This creates hazardous road conditions.

Safety, continued

During snow storms our first priority is to open main roads to provide safe access for emergency vehicles and maintain safe traffic. Plows will continue to clear all streets until every road is safe to travel. Also keep in mind that during these storms, vehicle breakdowns ultimately occur. Your patience during these snow events is greatly appreciated.

We are constantly monitoring the safety of our roads. Please feel free to call us at 732-968-1603 or visit us online at our borough website to report any Public Works related issues. We will address all concerns in a timely manner.

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Department of Public Works Part-time Sanitation Laborer Positions available

Entry level position with opportunity for a full-time position with full benefits and pension. Job duties include but are not limited to: weekly residential garbage pick-up, leaves/ brush pick up and bulk pick-up. Minimum age of 18. Must be able to lift minimum of 50 lbs., pass a background check and drug screening. Hours of Work: Monday – Friday, 6 am to noon. Starting wage of $14 an hour. Please submit applications to Toni Kisly, Human Resources Manager tkisly@middlesexboro-nj.gov (or call 732.356.7400 Ext .240).

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Recycling Pickups

Middlesex County Recycling program (MCIA) is experiencing delays due to staffing because of rising COVID cases. Scheduled pick up may be affected. Please download the Recycle Coach app for latest updates, or call Middlesex County Recycling at 1-800-488-6242.

Recycling Information

Borough residents are encouraged to use our Recycle Center located behind the municipal building at 1200 Mountain Ave. Here you can dispose of cardboard, junk mail, used motor oil, branches, glass, plastic, leaf bags, and electronics (computers, televisions, etc.). During the holidays you may have extra recycling you may like to dispose of. As a convenience you can bring them down to our Recycle Center.

Bulk pick up will commence the first Wednesday of February 2022. Please call and schedule an appointment for pick up. Borough residents are entitled to one free curbside pick-up per calendar year. Additional pick-ups can be purchased for owner/occupied residential dwellings at a fee of $150 per pick up. Residents will be mailed two bulk coupons annually. Additional bulk coupons can be purchased from the finance office for $50. Bulk tickets are only required for the disposal of bulk items such as couches, mattress/box springs, and household furnishings. Placing of unscheduled bulk items will be reported to the code enforcer. Construction material will not be accepted.

Recycling Center hours

• Tuesday 6am -1:45pm

• Thursday 6am- 6:45pm

• Saturday 7am- 2:45 pm

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Reminders

• Bulk pickup has ended for 2021. Please do not place free items randomly at the curb.

• Leaf collection ended the last Wednesday of December 2021

• Christmas trees will be picked up starting the first Wednesday in January 2022.

• Leaf bags are still available at Recycle Center with coupon while supplies last.

Contact Us

• Department of Public Works

• 110 Main Street

• Middlesex NJ 08846

• Phone: 732-968-1603

• Email: Dpw@middlesexboro-nj.gov

• Website: www.middlesexboro-nj.gov/public-works

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From our D.P.W. family to your family, have a Healthy and Happy New Year!

New Year's: Clerk

2022 Dog and Cat Licenses

As a reminder, applications for the 2022 Dog and Cat License opened on January 1, 2022.   Rabies vaccinations must be valid through November 1, 2022.  Spayed/neutered Dogs and Cats have a fee of $10.00, Unaltered Dogs/Cats have a fee of $13.00. A late fee of $10.00 will be charged on or after February 28, 2022. Applications can be submitted online through the borough website https://www.middlesexboro-nj.gov/latest-news/2022-dog-cat-license.

New Year's: Community Pool

THE SURVEY SAYS…!

Last Fall, we sent out a survey to our members. Below are some comments (and compliments!) that were made. Thank you to our members for taking the time to fill out our member survey. We are so thankful for all the responses! Here's what they said:

• “The facility is so clean and well kept.”

• “I love that there is a lap pool separate from the other pools.”

• “We love being part of the pool.”

• “It is second to none. Clean facility, very friendly staff, it is something our family looks forward to all year! thank you for all of your hard work.”

• “Thank you for creating a safe community.”

• “We are very happy every year to join and participate in the programs offered at Middlesex Community Pool.”

• “We absolutely love the Middlesex Pool. It is the highlight of our Summer. The grounds are beautiful, the pools are clean and well kept.”

• “We feel the community pool is excellent. It is clean, programs are great, staff make sure everyone follows the rules!“

• “It's a great family place that is safe, convenient, friendly.”

• “We love the middlesex pool. It’s a wonderful pool and community!!!”

• “The best way and place to spend our Summer days. Staff made each day special!”

• “Thank you for maintaining an affordable community pool.”

• “Last year was my first membership and I’m so happy I signed up.”

• “We loved the baby pool and the slide!”

• “I am so pleased I was told about Middlesex Community Pool!”

• “The pool has terrific hours, the staff is friendly and very helpful, the pool grounds are clean and inviting. I look forward to joining MCP next Summer again.”