Mt Olive Connection October 2024

OLIVE CONNECTION MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the Olive Connection

Welcome to the Olive Connection!! I hope you are enjoying the quarterly newsletter. Our goal with this newsletter is to provide a platform for communication and engagement within our community.

Official Township Business In a recent ceremony, the Township recognized the dedicated public service of two long-standing employees, Township Clerk Michelle DePinto and Recreation Director Jill Daggon, presenting them with retirement plaques. As they embark on their new chapters, Susan Gouveia has been appointed as the new Township Clerk, and Liz Meininger has taken over as the Recreation Director.

In an effort to foster a more inclusive and vibrant

DATES TO REMEMBER: October 5 & 6: Oktoberfest October 20: Fishing Derby November 2: Drive in Movie November 10: Taxes are due Grass pick-up will end last week in October. Leaf pick-up will commence in October through December.

community, Mayor Nicastro has established a new

Ordinances & Resolutions

Diversity Committee. Residents interested in joining this

The Township Council has recently undertaken a series of

initiative are encouraged to contact lbrett@mtolivetwp.org.

actions to ensure the continued progress and well-being of Mount

Additionally, a vendor has been chosen to manage the

Olive. These measures include the passage of an ordinance

Mount Olive Property Tax Reward Program, aimed at

granting consent to NJ American Water to expand their water

supporting local businesses while encouraging residents to

service to businesses on Gold Mine Road, prohibiting stopping

shop locally. More details about this program will be

and standing on Wolfe Road between Flanders-Drakestown Road

provided soon.

and Kings Arrow Road during school hours and on Flanders-

Mayor Nicastro also honored former Mayor Robert J.

Bartley Road in the area near Flanders Park, amending the fees

Greenbaum by dedicating an area in Turkey Brook Park as

collected for certain Police Department services related to the NJ

the Robert J. Greenbaum Event Field, recognizing his

Firearms Statute, and amending bond ordinances to free up

vision and leadership in the park's development and in

funding for improvements at Drakes Brook Park and the Fire and

building community. Township resident Vrishank Malike

EMS Departments. In addition, two (2) Developer Agreements

was also presented with a certificate of appreciation for his

were approved: MFC Mountain Ridge Estates, LLC for the

community service work in developing a weather app to

development of Aldi’s Market on Rt. 46 and with Wright

assist senior citizens.

Properties for the development of a used-car showroom on Rt.

In financial news, for the sixteenth consecutive year, the

206. The Council also authorized a cost sharing agreement with

Governing Body has authorized the acceptance of the 2023

the DOT to investigate and implement traffic control devices on

audit, which revealed no recommendations from the auditor, highlighting the strong fiscal management of the Township.

OCTOBER 2024, ISSUE 11

Rt. 206 near Overlook Development.

Other Developments

The Township made significant progress in addressing the PFOA/PFOS in the Pinecrest Water System and has successfully mitigated the system. After securing over $600,000 in funding, filing for permits, procuring the required equipment and engineering plans for the installation of a new filtration system, the project is now complete. The Township is committed to ensuring clean and safe drinking water for all residents and appreciates the community’s patience and support throughout this process.

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Department Highlight

Employee Recognition

Municipal Court

Susan Downer- Chief Registered Environmental

The Mount Olive Municipal Court is an independent branch of

Health Specialist

government constitutionally entrusted with the fair and just resolution of disputes in order to preserve the rule of law and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States and this State. The court services are shared with the Netcong Borough Municipal Court. Court sessions are held every Tuesday at 1:30 pm both in person and virtual. The Municipal Court is led by a Municipal Court Administrator and Deputy Administrators who are trained and certified in municipal court procedures and management. The NJ municipal court leaders are qualified, professional, and held to the highest ethical standards. Municipal Court Judges, are attorneys who are NJ residents and have practiced law for at least 5 years and are appointed by the Mayor, with the advice

Susan has been a valuable asset to the Township since her employment began in 2012 as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Her career trajectory reflects her dedication and expertise, progressing to the role of Senior Registered Environmental Health Specialist in 2016 and ultimately becoming the Chief Registered Environmental Health Specialist in 2021.

In her current position, Susan plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of the community. She oversees a wide range of State-mandated services, including well and septic system inspections, inspections of multidwelling units and recreational bathing facilities, as well as

and consent of the council, to a three-year term.

regulatory oversight of retail food establishments and various

Dedicated Years of Service

health nuisance complaints through noise investigations,

The Township is thrilled to acknowledge and extend our heartfelt gratitude to a remarkable group of dedicated employees who have made significant contributions to our community.

We celebrate: Chief Michael Spitzer: 30 years of dedicated service with the Police Department Jill Daggon: 25 years of commitment in the Recreation Department Lt. Paul Ottavinia: 20 years of exemplary service with the Police Department Officer Christopher Saunders: 10 years of dedicated service with the Police Department Robyn Esposito: 5 years as our diligent Purchasing Director William Shawl: 5 years as a dedicated Communications Officer Christopher Shelley: 5 years as the efficient Finance Utility

business inspections. Additionally, she addresses public ensuring residents’ quality of life is upheld.

Beyond inspections, Susan and her team manage the licensing and permitting processes for various establishments, such as food and drink vendors, swimming pools, vending machines, tattoo parlors, and septic installer licenses, alongside issuing health certificates. Her leadership extends to supervising a dedicated team of professionals who assist in executing these critical tasks for both Mount Olive and five other municipalities that share services.

Health Director Derrick Webb commended Susan for her significant contributions to professional development within the Environmental Division, highlighting her reliability and the invaluable role she plays in the Health Department.

Susan’s commitment and expertise undoubtedly enhances the health services provided to the communities she serves.

Grant Awards & Applications

Clerk

The Township is excited to share the recent acquisition of

Keith Knudsen: 5 years as the energetic Recreation Program

several grants aimed at improving public safety and tackling

Coordinator

important health issues. Notably, the Bulletproof Vest

These individuals have demonstrated unwavering commitment

Partnership grant awards the Township $3,500, while the

and have made a lasting impact on the Township. Their

National Opioid Settlement funds provide an additional

dedication and hard work enrich our community and set a

$37,500 to aid in combating the opioid crisis. Additionally,

standard of excellence for others. We extend our deepest

the Township has sought further support by applying for

appreciation to each of them for their years of service and

$53,500 from the NJ Highlands Council to help implement

contributions to our Township.

new stormwater regulations. These grants underscore the Township's commitment to enhancing community safety and addressing environmental challenges.

OCTOBER 2024, ISSUE 11

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