2023 Mendham Township Volunteer Opportunities - Updated Listing

Over the past year, we have seen many new volunteers join our boards, committees and first-responder organizations. We are grateful to these dedicated volunteers and thank them for their service. Without their time, skills and resources, our community would be hard-pressed to keep critical town government functions running smoothly and to maintain the quality of life that makes Mendham Township such a wonderful place to live. 

As we enter 2023, these organizations could use more helping hands! If you are interested in getting involved with our open committees and organizations detailed below, please send a resume and cover letter to our Mendham Township Clerk (mtclerk@mendhamtownship.org) by Wednesday, November 23rd. 

Planning Board
The Planning Board functions under the guidelines established by the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D. The Planning Board adopts the Township’s Master Plan and Official Map and hears applications and makes decisions on subdivisions, site plans, and conditional uses. The Planning Board also advises the Township Committee on changes to the Township’s land use ordinances.

(Zoning) Board of Adjustment 
The Zoning Board deals with the issuance of variances which are based on the municipality’s zoning ordinance. The zoning ordinance establishes specific requirements for a land area within a municipality and regulates not only the uses permitted, but the size of the parcels, setbacks required, parking, signs, conditional uses and numerous other such regulations. 

Parks and Recreation Committee
The Recreation Advisory Committee makes studies, surveys and recommendations to the Township Committee with respect to recreation programs and the planning, development, construction and maintenance of the town’s recreational facilities. 

Tree Committee
The goal of the Tree Protection Committee is to preserve trees. This committee views trees as a precious resource which protects the semi-rural character and roadscape of the Township, thereby increasing groundwater recharge, reducing stormwater runoff, increasing soil fertility and allowing for increased wildlife habitat. The committee also encourages new plantings of native species of trees. 

Board of Health 
The focus of Mendham Township’s Board of Health is primarily septic and well-plan reviews, discussion and approvals. Morris County Office of Health Management provides services to Mendham Township including septic and soil inspections, well inspections, food licensing and inspections, health clinics, health education and health code enforcement. The nurses provide various health programs for residents, including child health clinics, hypertension screenings as well as programs to assist the frail and elderly. Each month, a health officer’s report is presented to the Board at their meeting; a flu clinic is scheduled for two dates in the fall. 

Historic Preservation Committee 
The Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee's goal is to preserve and educate the community about its rich history and to encourage its protection. The committee catalogs and preserves historic documents and artifacts. 

Wildlife Management Committee 
The Mendham Township Wildlife Management Committee serves as the advisory board to the Township Committee on deer control programs and initiatives as well as provides general advice on wildlife management within the community. The Committee issues access permits to hunters to hunt on municipal lands and reports deer harvest totals to the Township Committee at the end of the season. It also maintains a list of licensed hunters who are permitted to hunt on private property. 

Finance Committee
The Finance Committee assists the Township Committee in the municipal budget process. The Finance Committee conducts budget workshops to review department requests. After the workshops are concluded, the Finance Committee works with the CFO to present a budget to introduce at the Township Committee level. 

Mendham TV Committee 
Mendham TV is a public access cable television station. The station has been up and running for over 10 years, supported by private funds. The mission of Mendham TV is to provide a balanced view on issues of relevance to the community, highlight achievements and interests of the community and provide current information and schedules of community events. Mendham TV also seeks to offer a creative outlet for residents and students and to document events and activities, serving as a historical archive for the Township.

Fire Department 
The Fire Department is entirely a volunteer organization. The Department is comprised of two independent Fire Companies - Brookside Engine Company (www.bec1.org) on the east side of town and Ralston Engine Company (www.ralstonengine.org) on the west side of town. The Fire Department’s mission is to protect and serve our community from fire and other emergencies by providing fire suppression services, rescue services and to assist residents with problems beyond their control through code management, public education and incident response. The firefighters complete training to maintain their skills and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone over the age of 14 is eligible to join.

First Aid Squad 
Mendham Township First Aid Squad is also entirely volunteer. The First Aid Squad responds to 911 calls, and the EMTs provide pre-hospital emergency medical care around the clock. They also provide standby support for community events and for the Fire Department. Learn more at: www.mtfas.org

Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force
The Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force is a volunteer group of residents across the township and borough, including mental health professionals. Their mission is to foster a judgment-free environment around mental health issues and substance abuse and to create inclusion for people with special needs, disabilities and any other “difference” that can make them feel marginalized. Reach out to Amalia Duarte with letter of interest - aduarte@mendhamtownship.org

Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission provides support and drives projects for Mendham Township and the Mendham Township Committee, on environmental matters of community impact, sustainability and information sharing.