MENDHAM TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY

Vote on Regional High School Public Question, Tuesday, November 2nd

On Election Day, Tuesday November 2, you will see a non-binding public question on the ballot that could have a major effect on the property taxes you pay. Your “Yes” vote will tell the Township Committee (the governing body of Mendham Township ) that you want to form a new high school district for only the Mendhams and Chesters (Boroughs and Townships). Washington Township would then have another high school district all to itself. Look for more about this Public Question inside this newsletter.

 VOTE Tuesday November 2 Is Election Day -- Your Vote Will Count! 

Like most governing bodies in New Jersey ’s 566 municipalities, we carefully guard the extensive powers granted to us by the state’s constitution. As the level of government closest to the people, the sovereignty of New Jersey ’s towns usually fosters good management and efficient control by local residents.

However, and it is a big however, there are times when important issues transcend individual municipal borders and require towns to work together through formal alliances. One such issue is the protection of drinking water and watershed lands. Here is where we have been active.

Last September (2003) the Governor formed a special 19-member bi-partisan Task Force to study the New Jersey Highlands and, within six months, make recommendations for the protection and preservation of that region. You may know that the Highlands (once known as the NJ Skylands) is the key water resource for more than half of the state’s population, yet Highlands development has been reducing that pristine landscape by more than 5,000 acres every year. After considerable discussion over several months the Township Committee passed a Resolution supporting the Highlands legislation which is based on the Task Force’s recommendations.

On August 10^th this year Jack Schrier and I were among a hundred elected officials, including two former New Jersey Governors, invited to be present as Governor McGreevey signed this historic Bill. Since Mendham Township is located in the Highlands region, you can be sure we will be actively involved in the implementation of this bill in the coming months.

Another across-borders initiative that we sponsored along with Morris Tomorrow was the creation of the Raritan Highlands Compact in April of this year. The Compact is a cooperative organization of nine municipalities and the County of Morris that have entered into an agreement to protect the waters of the Raritan River and its adjacent aquifers in southwest Morris County .

The voting members of the Compact are Chester Borough, Chester Township , Mendham Borough, Mendham Township , Mt. Arlington Borough, Mt. Olive Township , Randolph Township , Roxbury Township , Washington Township and the Morris County Planning Department. Non-voting, or associate members, are the Upper Raritan Watershed Association, South Branch Watershed Association, New Jersey Water Supply Authority, Regional Plan Association and Morris Tomorrow.

The member towns have pledged to voluntarily work together to establish a common and comprehensive watershed model, a set of model regulations and operating practices within their sphere of authority in order to prevent and/or minimize adverse impact upon water quality, wildlife and human well being and to enhance recreation, historic preservation and overall quality of life within the southwest Morris watershed.

Water protection and land preservation have long been issues supported by your Township Committee – and by you, the voters and taxpayers of our town, as evidenced by your strong approval of numerous open space measures of the last 12 years. We expect the Highlands regulations and the Raritan Highlands Compact to have a positive effect on our town for years to come.

Open Space Committee

Now, More Than Ever

Our all-volunteer Open Space committee has been very active this year, working to ensure we obtain the most benefit from our open space dollars. Thanks to your interest in preservation and your consistent approval of local and county open space public questions, there are many beautiful properties in our town, for the enjoyment of all.

India Brook Park Master Plan - Following a major presentation to the town last year, the Township Committee now has authorized going forward with creation of “India Brook Park” (formerly the Seeing Eye property). Plans for this unique, spacious, breathtakingly beautiful land include simple open fields, hiking trails, playing fields, a sledding hill, and meeting spaces for community activities. The master plan is expected to be completed shortly so that all Mendham residents, of all ages, will be able to enjoy this very special town treasure.

Expanded Open Space Info On the Web - Go to www.mendhamtownship.org and click on the open space program icon to access a wealth of useful information about the township’s 10- year program. The web pages show you our open space brochure, a list of the goals of the Open Space program, information on our photo contests -- and a map illustrating our wonderful Open Space Greenway. In addition, a hiking trail map soon will be available on the site.

4th of July Open Space Kiosk – ???(See photo???) This year, the Open Space Committee staffed a kiosk on the Community Club field following the Brookside Parade. On exhibit were 39 photographs taken by Mendham residents for the 2003 Open Space photo contest. Scores of residents saw these excellent pictures -- and many were surprised that such grand views exist right here in our own community.

Autumn Hikes – Fall in the township is one of the best seasons to step out, on your own or with a companion, along our many interesting trails. You also can tour our beautiful open spaces on one of our guided tours. Check the web site (www.mendhamtownship.org) or the local newspaper for hike dates and information, and take in the glories of where we live.

New (Yes, New) Photo Contest – Our ongoing Open Space photo competitions since 2003 have kept Mendham Camera pretty busy, processing and printing many great pics by our resident shutterbugs. So we want to give even more residents additional opportunities to show their efforts – and try for a prize – with a new 2004 contest! Residents of any age can win recognition and prizes for the best pictures. Photos can be taken right up until the end of the year. For more details, see the “Amateur Photographers” article in this newsletter, or visit the website (www.mendhamtownship.org) or contact Township Administrator, Steve Mountain , at 973-543-4555.

Now in our 10^th year, and today more than ever, your Open Space Committee is working hard to help maintain the special qualities of Mendham Township .

ATTENTION AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS OF ALL AGES:

NEW! 2^nd ANNUAL MENDHAM TOWNSHIP OPEN SPACE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

Following on the heels a very successful first contest in 2003, amateur photographers of any age living in the Mendhams (Borough or Township) are once again invited to enter photographs of Mendham Township open space properties in a contest sponsored by the Township.

The aim of the contest is to encourage awareness and enhance enjoyment of the Township’s numerous public open space areas, as well as to have some fun. You’ll be helping the program at the same time, by creating great photographs of these beautiful and sometimes little-known areas. Photos will be placed on public display and prizes will be awarded to contest winners.

Photos must be taken during 2004 (spring, summer, autumn, winter). Judging will take place in January 2005. Photos must be taken only in the following specific open space properties in Mendham Township :

Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Your pictures should try to capture the spirit, essential qualities, natural beauty, and unique character of the particular open space property, as well as its features such as foliage, streams, vistas, animals and people enjoying the property. Mendham Township has more than 54-miles of trails throughout hundreds of acres of land preserved in a natural state, so you should have endless opportunities.

Entries must include an 8x10 print and the original (negative or slide, if film; disk with TIIFF or high-quality JPEG file, if digital), and completion of a short application form, to provide info about the photo and photographer. All photos and the rights to them become the property of Mendham Township .

The Township’s first open space photo contest last year garnered 39 excellent photographs submitted by adult and junior entrants. We expect to do even better this year.

For more information and entry forms please contact Steve Mountain , Township Administrator, at 973-543-4555. Information is posted at the Township’s web site: www.mendhamtownship.org

Highlands Highlights

So, what is the Highlands Act, anyway?

From last September through to today, we’ve been hearing about the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, the “Highlands Bill.” Many vocally supported it, others just as vocally opposed it. In June the Bill was overwhelmingly passed by both the state Assembly and Senate, with 86% of all members from both political parties voting for it. It was signed into law on August 10^th. Here are some Q’s and A’s about the Bill provided by the state, to help you understand it yourself, and to learn why the Mendham Township Committee supported it:

Introduction

A. To protect our drinking water by protecting the land above it. Over four million people in New Jersey get their drinking water from the Highlands ; that's more than half of all New Jerseyans, in 292 municipalities and 16 counties.

A. Extremely important. Major business in the State, such as the multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical and food processing industries, depend on Highlands ' water. So too, does eco-tourism. The same beautiful, large, forested areas that supply Highlands ' water also makes the region a tourist destination for 22 million people a year -- more than who visit Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite combined.

A. According to the New Jersey District Water Supply Commission if we don't preserve critical lands in the Highlands taxpayers will have to spend no less than 30 billion dollars in water treatment costs over the next 45 years.

A. The legislation separates the 800-thousand acres of the NJ Highlands into a “Planning” Area where development of the land can continue, and a “Preservation Area” (also referred to as the “core”) where large-scale building/development is prohibited. The core is primarily lands that supply drinking water directly to the state's major reservoirs in the north and to the Spruce Run and Round Valley reservoirs in the.

Summary

A. Of the approximately 800,000 acres that make up the Highlands region, the legislation defines a preservation area of approximately 395,000 acres, 250,000 acres of which is already protected and/or developed, leaving approximately 145,000 acres of undeveloped land under protection. The remainder of the region shall be included in the planning area. The Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (not yet appointed as of this writing; see next paragraph)) will prepare a Master Plan for the entire Highlands region within 18 months.

A. The Act also creates the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council, which will consist of eight elected officials selected from the seven Highlands’ counties (five municipal and three county elected officials, with no more than four of the eight from the same political party) and seven residents of the state who all must satisfy stated requirements for relevant knowledge and experience. Four of those residents must be property owners, business owners or farmers in the Highlands or residents or non-residents who benefit from or consume water from the Highlands region.

A. Municipal and county plans for land use in the preservation area must be consistent with the Highlands Master Plan. Municipal and county plans in the planning area will be encouraged, through the use of incentives, to be consistent with the Highlands master plan but conformance is voluntary. Various other agencies and commissions that have land-use and water-quality and water-quantity responsibilities in the Highlands are required to consult with the Council to ensure that their actions are consistent with the Act.

There will be adequate protections in the preservation area to safeguard drinking water and other important environmental resources.

There will be tangible and attractive incentives for smart growth, and for directing growth to appropriate areas, through a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program.

Dispelling Myths About this Bill

A. Yes. Improvements to single-family homes existing on the date of enactment -- such as an addition, garage, shed, driveway, porch, deck, patio, swimming pool or septic system -- are exempt under the bill. [Section 28]

Q. Can a landowner construct a single family home on a lot owned by the individual on the date of enactment?

A. No. The legislation specifically allows the construction of single family homes. In addition, the Bill contains a specific provision that requires Green Acres and the State Agriculture Development Commission to utilize an appraisal that establishes a value of the property before the Bill was enacted, i.e., "pre-Act" value. [Sections 28 & 51j & 52j]

Q. Can a landowner harvest forest products in accordance with an approved forest management plan?

Q. Can transportation projects that have been approved by the voters proceed? Yes. [Section 28]

Q. Can development projects proceed if they are far enough along in the approval process?

A. Yes, the bill includes a grandfather provision for projects that have at least one local approval and one DEP permit. [Section 28]

Q. Is the DEP's limited right of access to a property for the purposes of carrying out its duties under the bill modeled after existing legislation?

A. Yes. It is modeled after the Freshwater Wetlands Act (actually, the NJ DEP has less authority in that area under the Highlands ' Bill.).

A. No. No. Contrary to what opponents claim, the Bill does not make the Highlands a "no growth" area. The bill does not contain a development moratorium or permit freeze. Redevelopment within and outside the preservation area will be allowed. Real incentives would be provided to support and encourage appropriate economic development and growth outside of the preservation area.

Q. What specific policy will assist towns in the planning area to “grow smart”? A. In the planning area, there are approximately 363,000 acres where the highlands preservation area regulations will not apply. There will be Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) receiving zones (as defined in the Bill), incentives (such as state aid to support smart growth infrastructure) and incentives to promote clustering of development. In the preservation area, likewise, there are exemptions for single-family homes, provisions for redevelopment and for brownfields development.

A. No. Mandating growth was a flaw in the original Pinelands legislation and this Bill wanted to avoid that. So, while creation of growth areas is voluntary, incentives are provided for towns that agree to receive growth. At public hearings, the public voiced strong objection to mandating growth areas. Also, “home rule” advocates have objected to giving the Council mandatory powers outside the Preservation Area.

A. Housing supply is protected. The reality is that unless we protect our drinking water, there can be no new homes in the Highlands , and even families that want to continue living there may not be able to do so. Regional planning, transfer of development rights (including impact fees and other substantial incentives to encourage the creation of TDR receiving zones) and affordable housing obligations will provide appropriate housing.

Taxpayer Relief

A. Yes, watershed aid and property tax stabilization aid programs are contained in the legislation. They are defined in the Bill and are fair.

A. Towns received no watershed aid this year. Under the Bill, they will receive $47 per acre.

A. Towns in the preservation area will be compensated for lost tax revenues attributable to the Bill for a period of ten years. This is based on a successful program that has been approved by towns in the Pinelands.

Farmers Not Disadvantaged

Q. Will Highlands-specific regulations apply to farms outside the Preservation Area?

Q. For farms in the Preservation Area, does the bill cut back on existing, active farm activities?

A. No. The bill specifically exempts farming activities from the Act's provisions.

Q. Can a farmer in the Preservation Area build structures, such as greenhouses? A. A. Yes. Farmers can exceed the Act's 3% impervious cover limit by preparing a farm conservation plan. Beyond 9% a farmer would have to meet more stringent standards adopted by the Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection. The New Jersey Farm Bureau specifically supports these provisions.

Regulations

Q. Doesn't existing regulation already fully protect our drinking water resources in the Highlands ?

A. No. For one example, the NJ DEP does not have authority to prohibit construction on steep slopes near reservoirs.

A. The bill provides for environmental regulations that would be applicable only in the Preservation Area.

A. Approximately 145,000 acres. The entire Preservation Area is about 395,000 acres in size. Approximately 79,000 of those acres are already developed and approximately 171,000 acres are already environmentally protected. That leaves just 145,000 acres (of the approximately 800,000 acres in the entire Highlands region) that are affected by the Highlands-specific regulations.

A. Mendham Township is in the Highlands , but in the Planning area, not in the Preservation area. NO mandatory restrictions in the Bill apply. However, our township planning and land use ordinances and policies are already highly protective of property within the township, and have been for a long while.

Q. If a town in the Planning Area "opts in" does that mean that the Preservation Area regulations would then apply?

A. No, not necessarily. “Opting in” means just conforming to the Regional plan that will be prepared by the Council; however, stronger measures can be undertaken if a town wishes it.

Commercial development

A. There is little effect. Large commercial development is generally located in growth areas identified in the State Plan (PA1 and PA2 planning areas) and 96% of these areas in the Highlands are located outside the Preservation Area. Further, 100% of the State Plan Designated Centers in the Highlands are outside the Preservation Area.

Q. What is a transfer of development rights ("TDR") program? Essentially, it is a system in which a landowner in a TDR "sending zone" (because of its importance for supplying drinking water) gets credits that he can redeem for money from the TDR bank. Those credits then can be used by developers to get permission for denser development in TDR "receiving zones" (where it is appropriate to grow). TDR sending zones are in the Highlands Preservation Area and TDR receiving zones are outside the Preservation Area.

Q. Is the Highlands ' TDR program consistent with the statewide TDR program passed recently by the legislature?

A. Learning from experience with TDR in the Pinelands, the Highlands ' TDR program will establish dollar value for the credits (easily payable and redeemable). Also, the Bill provides strong incentives for municipalities outside the Preservation Area to establish receiving areas, i.e., municipalities are: authorized to impose impact fees on residential development; eligible for grants including planning grants and grants for needed amendments to ordinances; entitled to legal representation by the state; and accorded priority status for capital improvement or infrastructure programs. The state also has committed to provide immediate funding for the TDR bank so that it can get up and running quickly and effectively.

Transportation

A. Yes. The bill does not limit repair and maintenance projects and safety measures.

Q. Can transportation projects that have been approved by the voters proceed? Yes.

Miscellaneous

A. No. These issues have been studied and studied for 97 years. Over the past 20 years, three Governors, Republican and Democrat, appointed their own task forces to study the Highlands . The US Forest Service performed an exhaustive study in 1998 and updated it in 2002, concluding that the region needed additional protections. The current Highlands Task Force (on which Jack Schrier of Mendham Township served) spent six months studying the region.. That bipartisan Task Force commission produced a comprehensive Action Plan recommending immediate and specific measures for the Highlands -- which has been developed at a rate of more than 5,000 acres a year. Further delay would have left little land to protect.

In addition, there was substantial public input, through numerous public hearings and written comment. A total of eight public hearings were held since December, 2003, five of them in the Highlands – the first right here at 300 Mendham Road -- and three in Trenton . The Senate and Assembly delayed a vote scheduled for April 22, 2004 to accommodate concerns that the legislation was “moving too quickly” and put off another vote again on May 10, 2004 so that the public would have further opportunity to review the legislation and the proposed amendments.

A. The Highlands and its precious water resources, under accelerated threat from population growth, deforestation, fragmentation and sprawl, would cease to be the pristine natural area it has been for centuries. In the five-year period between 1995 and 2000, the Highlands lost 17,000 acres of forest and 8,000 acres of farmland. Growth pressures continue in the region, with the trend for land consumption expected to average 5,000 more acres every year. Unless these trends were altered and an effective regional approach to the Highlands adopted, the harm to the region would have been severe -- and permanent.

A. There was broad understanding that we at last had the opportunity to do something historic, something that will benefit the state and our citizens for generations to come. Sound planning in the Highlands will allow us to live and grow in ways that the land can sustain.

What it all means

Passage of this Bill and the upcoming work of the Highlands Council means there are finally legal tools to accompany the knowledge, courage and foresight of so many. This is a once in a lifetime chance to preserve the vital drinking water on which over half of New Jerseyans depend, the same water resource relied upon by major New Jersey businesses like the pharmaceutical and food processing industries. It is our good fortune to be here now, and to take this opportunity to plan for and provide balanced growth in areas where growth or re-development is appropriate. Above all, in this last, vast, unprotected, unspoiled region in the most-densely populated state in the nation, it is also likely the ultimate opportunity to bequeath an enduring legacy.

Township Can Assist You

Fire Insurance Premium Savings

The Mendham Township Bureau of Fire Prevention offers a program to assist property owners in obtaining a fair property fire insurance premium. In rural areas such as ours, insurance agents often will provide a lower insurance premium if they are fully aware of the capabilities of the local fire service. The Mendham Township Fire Department and the Township Committee have been addressing the fire protection needs of the rural areas for many years and have been very successful in gaining national recognition for our fire protection services.

Areas of the community in which a public fire hydrant is within one thousand feet of the insured address hold a Class 3 ISO rating. A majority of our neighboring communities are a more expensive Class 5. In areas where the distance exceeds one thousand feet, the property may be individually rated or receive the currently more expensive Class 9 rating for rural protection.

The township has also been successful with the fire cistern program by strategically locating underground water supplies throughout the community. The fire cisterns have been recognized as a public fire hydrant by several insurance agencies. In the rural areas we have been able to identify all the Township’s fire protection services, and, in turn, a property owner may gain significant annual savings. One recent survey saved the property owner $808 per year in insurance premiums. Because developing a survey does involve time on the part of the Fire Official (to create a site-specific response for your insurance carrier) please allow at least 90 days prior to your policy renewal to request a survey.

If you haven’t done it lately, do it today!

“It’s Fire Prevention Month: Test Your Smoke Alarms”

The Mendham Township Fire Department in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association is sponsoring Fire Prevention Month during October. During this month your all-volunteer fire department members from Ralston and Brookside will visit township schools and teach fire safety to all grade levels.

Smoke alarms (also known as smoke detectors) are the most effective early warning devices available for our homes. Smoke alarms are required by state law to be located outside each bedroom area and on each floor level. Alarms also are recommended in each bedroom and in newer residences are required by code law.

This is the month for you to personally inspect and test your home alarms. If you have a central fire detection/alarm system that is monitored by a central station it is required that you have the system inspected and tested annually by a state certified contractor. Do not test these systems without first notifying the central monitoring company.

On October 30th, when you change your clocks to “fall backward” to Standard time, also change the batteries in all your alarms including your carbon monoxide alarms. Practice a home escape drill in your home. School children will be given a homework assignment to create/review a family escape plan. All families should practice their escape to their safe meeting place outside. The best way to be ready for an emergency is to plan and practice.

Questions? Call Jeffrey Betz, Township Fire Official, 973-543-4555 Ext 117

The township Environmental Commission welcomes anyone interested in combining the joy of walking our trails with a willingness to help maintain them. If you can spare an occasional hour for this project, please call Environmental Commission member George LaRoza at 973-543-7141. The Commission will supply you with basic information on the maintenance required. This is light work -- any heavy activities that need to be done, such as removing fallen trees or putting down wood chips, is done by Dave Read and his dependable Public Works Department. However, constant maintenance (like trimming and removing branches and invasive plants that block the trails) needs the attention of volunteers. The work requires only an occasional hour or so of time, and the use of small hand tools such as pruners/clippers, lopping shears or small hand saws.

The Mendham Township First Aid Squad has medical support equipment available to lend. Our supply consists mainly of crutches, canes (one four-legged ), walkers, commodes and toilet risers. Occasionally, a wheelchair is available. The Squad also welcomes donations of wheelchairs and any clean, usable equipment of this type. For a loan or to make a donation, call Squad Capt. Linda Brusco at Town Hall 973-543-4555 or at home 973-543-2830.

Recycling is required by law. Recycling also lets you reduce the weight of trash you put out for weekly collection, thereby saving you money on your per-bag trash collection.*

To properly prepare newspapers for curbside collection, bundle them and tie the bundles with string or twine. Keep newspapers separate from all other paper, and do not place them in plastic bags. It is OK to include coupon flyers, glossy special sections and all paper that actually comes with the newspaper.

Pick up an illustrated flyer at town hall that describes all recyclable materials, with information on our simplified recycling collection procedure.

* (You pay only for the weight of trash you put out for collection, 65c for one 15lb. bag. For example, one 15 lb. bag of trash per week means that a full year of trash collection is a mere $31.20! Stickers are available at Mendham Apothecary as a convenience to residents. To learn more about our bargain trash collection service, call Sue at town hall, 973-543-4555.)

Thank you for your letters and comments to the Township Newsletter. We also welcome your photos and ideas for articles for future issues. Write to: Newsletter Editor, Box 520 , Brookside , NJ 07926 .

Want to protect animals?

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell has announced that financial assistance is available to landowners interested in conserving threatened and endangered species on their properties. DEP is taking applications now under its Landowner Incentive Program (LIP).

"These grants support habitat protection on private lands, recognizing that landowners are often the best stewards of our natural resources," said Commissioner Campbell. "The grants will help New Jersey preserve the richness and diversity of its natural resources and rare species, while recognizing the interests of private owners."

Most rare species in New Jersey are found on privately owned lands. As development increases, so does the possibility that critical wildlife habitat will be lost. There are over 70 species listed on the Department's threatened and endangered species list.

LIP encourages creative, innovative and cost-effective projects for conserving rare species. The types of projects that might qualify for the Landowner Incentive Program are as diverse as the many rare species and habitats they depend upon. Some examples of potential projects that could enhance habitat for rare New Jersey species include:

- The project must contribute to the enhancement of at least one rare species or its habitat in a significant way. Rare species include animal and plant species that are federally or state listed as threatened or endangered, as well as species of special concern in New Jersey .

- Results of the project must be measurable. You must agree to allow biologists onto your property for both a pre-agreement survey and periodic progress checks.

- Applicant must sign a project agreement and management plan with the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Each agreement/management plan will be designed to meet the individual landowner's unique conservation and land use needs and objectives.

While there is no minimum acreage requirement, most projects will require larger acreage (greater than six acres) to achieve the desired management objectives. There are some projects that LIP will not fund including pond dredging, research efforts and mitigation projects that are required by any land use regulatory program.

The Landowner Incentive Program is an annual competitive grant program fully funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and appropriated by Congress. In New Jersey , LIP is administered by DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife. A competitive grant process has been developed and proposals will be accepted until September 1, 2004 . Applicants will be notified of an award by November 15, 2004 .

To learn more about the LIP program, visit DEP's website at: www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/pdf/lip_broch.pdf

To qualify for LIP, individuals must first fill out an application, which can be obtained by visiting www.njfishandwildlife.com or by calling 609-292-9400.

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission’s activities began early this summer with tennis lessons for all ages. The Peewee and Junior programs took place in June and the Adult Session, which had 18 students, took place in July. The USTA classes instructed by Sy Engleberg have become very popular. See below for the Fall schedule.

The Commission sponsored a new program this year with the Equishare Company. This new program was called the Pony Share program. The students ages 4 to 7 learned the basics of equestrian care. They fed the ponies, groomed them and learned about the various needs of the animals. They also learned the basics of riding.

The US Sports Institute brought two camps to town this year. A Squirts program for children ages 3 to 5 and the Multisport program for children ages 5 to 12. The children in both camps participated in a variety of sports such as badminton, floor hockey, volleyball, croquet and many other traditional sports. The Commission also continued their sponsorship of the Preschool Day Camp. The Preschool Camp found a home at the Old Ralston Firehouse lower level and in Wysong Park . Michelle Cascais, our director for the past three years, developed fun and educational projects for the children.

The 3^rd Annual Basketball Camp was run once again by Matt Smoot, a township Middle School teacher and coach. The Commission offered a Science Enrichment program headed up by Township Middle School teacher Sandy Cullis. A program for children grades 2 to 4 was offered as well as a High School Biology Prep Course. Over 20 students participated in these programs.

The Commission would like to thank the Board of Education for its cooperation in providing facilities for the various summer programs offered. We would also like to thank the teachers who help develop and direct these programs. The staff works very hard to provide the Mendhams with interesting, high quality programs.

SUMMER AT BROOKSIDE BEACH

Brookside Beach had another successful year under the leadership of Beach Director Jim O’Neil. The water remained a beautiful Caribbean Blue and was a welcoming sight with the addition of a new floating slide and covered paddle boat. The clean water and beach gave over 3,600 visitors (including 140 families, the day camp and several parties) a break from day-to-day activities. Every Tuesday and Thursday for most of the season the children’s librarian Jennifer Lemoine was on hand to provide story hour and crafts. The beach hosted two movie nights (“Harry Potter” and “Cheaper by the Dozen”) and a teen concert courtesy of the Michael Simon Steinberg Foundation. Swim lessons were offered for three weeks in June and July, with over 60 children learning to improve their water skills.

In its 35^th season, the Mendham Swim Team had 45 swimmers, ages 6 to 17. The team was coached by Shannon Koenig (16) and Kris Dambach (17), both of whom are swimmers on the team. The team practiced at Brookside Beach daily for six weeks. They swam in 10 meets in lakes across Morris County . The team also competed with 22 swimmers at the New Jersey Regional Lake League Championships held this year at Lake Forest on Lake Hopatcong . Thirteen medals were awarded to five swimmers who placed in the Top 6 in their events: Michael Frigo (8), Ryan Oram (8), and Kenzie (12), Kyla (14) and Kris (17) Dambach. Twelve ribbons were awarded for placing in the top 12: Brittany Bundschuh (8), Ian Graham (8), Colleen Koenig (13), Kendall Murray (14), Shannon Koenig (16), and Allison Pennella (16). The team is especially proud of winning the League’s Good Sportsmanship Award. Come see the plaque in town hall.

The Commission thanks the entire Brookside Beach staff of for their hard work and dedication in making the beach a safe, fun place to be throughout the summer.

FALL PROGRAMS

The Recreation Commission is gearing up for a full slate of Fall activities. Please check your children’s backpacks, the Township web site (www.mendhamtownship.org) and local newspapers for information on the following programs.

SmartSitter Babysitting Class: To be held Saturday, October 16^th from 9:00 -am to 3:00pm at the Municipal Building . Cost $42.00 for children ages 11 to 15.

Squirts Multisport Program for children 3 to 5. –Tuesdays, at Brookside fields 11:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30-2:30pm beginning September 21^stand continuing for 6 weeks. .

Tennis: Peewee (ages 4-7 yrs) Saturdays, 9:30 - 10:15am for 5 sessions beginning 10/2 Fee: $50.00

Juniors (ages 7-13) 5 sessions October 4, 6, 8, 11& 13 from 4:00-6pm . Fee: 75.00

Adult League and Instruction: Saturdays and Sundays, 7 weeks beginning Sept. 18^th. Teams will consist of 5-8 players and will be broken up by skill level, from beginners to intermediates. You will be given a minimum of 7 matches per player plus two half hour lessons. Fee: $125.00. We need a minimum of 25 students for this league to work.

Ski Club: Mendham Township Recreation Commission and Mendham Borough Recreation Committee will again bring you the MENDHAMS SKI CLUB. We will be taking four trips to the Poconos and one day trip to Windham Mountain in January and February 2005. This makes a great Holiday Gift! All the details will be released in early November.

If you have any questions about the above programs, contact the Township Recreation Director, Jeanne Montemarano at 973-543-4555 ext. 122.

In our Spring edition we published a cartoon and asked you for humorous entries to complete the caption. You gave us a lot to work with and it was a tough call. After much intensive review and deliberation, we chose our three winners. Each will receive the promised prize of 10 trash stickers (paid by private funds from the Township Committee). Here are the winners:

Thanks to all of you who entered – you were great! So, what do you think -- should we do another Kartoon Kaption Kontest? Let us know at Newsletter Editor, Box 520 , Brookside , NJ 07926 .

When you go to your polling place on November 2 to vote for President and other offices, you also will see on the ballot a special “Public Question.” That Question asks for your opinion on a matter of great concern to our residents: the sizable increases every year in our school taxes

The Township Committee put the Question on this ballot because this is a Presidential election year when voter turnout is expected to be higher than for any other general election, and we want your opinion. The goal of the Question is to learn if you feel the Committee should pursue a change in the way schools are funded, so as to make the schools tax impact on all our taxpayers, fairer. The Question is shown below as it will appear on the ballot. Your vote on this Public Question is very important so please look for it when you go to the polls.

Public Question

Shall the governing body of Mendham Township, one of the five municipalities that comprise the West Morris Regional High School district, seek to dissolve that district in order that two new high school districts be formed, one to serve students from the Mendhams and Chesters, who would continue to attend Mendham High School, and a second district to serve students from Washington Township who would continue to attend Central High School?

Explanatory Statement

This non-binding Public Question seeks the opinion of the voters on whether to dissolve the present single Regional High School (RHS) District and in its place form two new RHS districts, as follows:

Presently, there is one regional high school district for the five towns of Mendham Township , Mendham Borough, Chester Township , Chester Borough and Washington Township . All students from the Mendhams and Chesters now attend Mendham High School and all students from Washington Township now attend Central High School . That would not change under this proposal.

Presently there is one nine-member RHS Board of Education with a total of four (4) representatives from the Mendhams and Chesters, and five (5) representatives from Washington Township . By forming two districts there would be two separate Boards of Education, one (for Mendham High School) representing the Mendhams and Chesters only, and another (for Central High School) representing Washington Township only.

There is presently one annual budget to fund the two high schools in the single district. The proportionate tax cost to each town is based upon that town’s total assessed property value. By forming two districts to replace the present one, there would be two separate annual budgets, and the annual tax levy for each new district may be lower.

At the end of August, in the same edition of our local newspaper announcing that this Public Question would be on the ballot, the paper already dismissed the idea in an editorial, saying it raises “false hopes” and therefore should not be considered. The newspaper is completely off-base.

Why would our local newspaper believe there should not even be such a Public Question just because the odds are against success? Imagine

America

’s founders not considering breaking away from

England

, because it would be a “false hope.” Indeed, in August, public discussion of the matter had not even begun!