M t . O l i v e’s H o m e t o w n N e w s p a p e r
MOUNT OLIVE LIFE Vo l . 2 1 • I s s u e 4
Ap r i l 2 0 2 5
Member of Mid-Atlantic Community Papers • Association of Community Publishers • Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL (CVC), ST. LOUIS, MO.
Fire Chief McDermott Recognized for Long Time Service BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER MOUNT OLIVE - Although he is passing the torch as first assistant chief to another member of the Flanders Fire Co. #1 and Rescue Squad, Michael McDermott is not hanging up his fire hat just yet. The Mt. Olive Twp. Council recognized McDermott at its March 4 council meeting for his 38 years of collective service as a volunteer firefighter. Community members, colleagues and elected officials gathered in the council chambers that evening to celebrate McDermott’s dedication and exemplary service to the Mt. Olive community. “Chief McDermott’s commitment to our community has made a lasting impact,” said Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro. “His leadership and bravery have not only kept our towns-
people safe but have also inspired countless individuals in their pursuit of public service. We are grateful for his decades of unwavering service and dedication.” Throughout his tenure, McDermott has been a pillar of strength, demonstrating exemplary leadership and dedication to the safety and well-being of Mt. Olive residents, as stated in a press release. “He has played a key role in numerous initiatives aimed at improving public safety and has been instrumental in training the next generation of first responders,” as stated in the release. “Beyond your years of experience, you are known as more than just a firefighter,” writes Tyler Wargo, Fire and EMS director in Mt. Olive.
“You are a mentor, a motivator and someone who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. Your willingness to teach others, to share your knowledge and expertise has undoubtedly shaped and strengthened the Flanders Fire Dept and the individuals within it.” His volunteer service as a firefighter burns in his blood and his gig in Mt. Olive was not his first. “I grew up in Livingston and my father was a volunteer fireman and so was my oldest brother,” explains McDermott. “Since as far back as I can remember I’ve been in a firehouse. I grew up in the family environment that volunteer fire departments create, they are a second family.” His journey in the volunteer
fire service began in 1986 as he previously served with the Livingston, Verona and Mt. Arlington fire departments. He began volunteering with the Flanders Fire Co. #1 and Rescue Squad in 1999, as soon as he and his family moved to Flanders. For the past 25 years with the Flanders fire company, he has served as lieutenant, captain, second assistant chief, first assistant chief and chief, with several dozen volunteers working with him. “Our membership fluctuates around 40-50 members,” he shares. “I served as chief for total of four years but have been in the chief roles for 20 years including this year with Flanders.” His heroism and commitment to saving lives has been enormous.
Michael McDermott
“Mt. Olive Emergency Services which includes Flanders Fire and Rescue, Budd Lake Fire and Budd Lake First Aid have saved many lives over the
years and continue to do it all too often,” he says about how many lives he has helped save. PLEASE SEE CHIEF McDERMOTT, PAGE 6
Flanders Park Recognized for From the Office of the Mayor Its Design & Revitalization
Pictured from left are, Chris Myers, NJRPA president; Jill Daggon, retired Mt. Olive Recreation director; Bianca Marinelli, recreation assistant; Liz Meininger, recreation director; Scott Tumminello, Ben Shaffer Recreation; Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro; and David Guida Jr., Awards chair.
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER MOUNT OLIVE - From its swings, interactive play, outdoor fitness station, safety flooring, cornhole and other features, Flanders Park is making a name for itself and was recently recognized. The New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA)
recently awarded Mt. Olive Township with the Excellence in Design Award for a MultiUse Recreation Area for the revitalization of Flanders Park. The award was presented to some local leaders at the NJRPA Annual Awards Banquet held on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
AREA - The winners from March’s “Find Mr. MO the Mascot” are Cyndi Hudson; Netcong, Radvansky Elissa; Flanders, Werner Schoen; Flanders, Terri Laffan; Hackettstown. The ads that “Mr.
Moe” were in: Morris County Dental, Vision Source, Dug’s Rugs, Jersey Girl, Pax Amicus, and Casino Night. Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!
Winner from March’s “Find Mr. MO Mascot” Contest
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After a half a decade to complete, the effort and design is paying off. “Congratulations to our recreation department on receiving this prestigious award!” shares Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Joe Nicastro. “I am incredibly proud of the parks in Mt. Olive Township, where we offer some of the best recreational facilities in the county. “Under the leadership of Supervisor Liz Meininger, our recreation department continues to excel,” says Nicastro. “They are always striving to improve our community, and their efforts are clearly reflected in the exceptional Flanders Park. The award we received PLEASE SEE PARK RECOGNIZED, PAGE 4
Fellow Residents, I want to provide an update on the township’s current status and address some common concerns and questions raised by residents. Surplus It should first be understood that surplus (fund balance) is the accumulation of unexpended funds and excessive revenue that the township has on hand to be used in future budgets, similar to a savings account. By accumulating surplus, the township can use surplus to help reduce the need to increase taxes. The township has a policy that only surplus that can be reasonably regenerated in the following year can be used. There have been questions about the township’s surplus in relation to tax increases. The 2024 ending balance is $14.2 million. Approximately 50% of this surplus will be used for the 2025 budget to minimize tax increases. The 2025 budget, which I proposed, and the Council approved, is a flat budget except for unavoidable increases like employee pensions and healthcare costs. Without using the surplus, taxes would have increased more than the current approximate $3.00 per month for the average assessed home. To maintain fiscal responsibility, I had to make hard decisions, lay off part-time employees and keep spending flat for 2025. Raises Rumors of large raises being given over the past 15 months are false. The only in-
creases were those mandated by contracts or cost-of-living adjustments. Recent contracts have been negotiated to remain competitive with other municipalities of our size, which is essential for retaining and attracting skilled employees. Roads With over 140 miles of roadways in the township, road resurfacing and pothole repairs are always a priority. Resurfacing costs average $100,000 per mile (depending on petroleum prices). In the 2025 capital budget $1.5 million has been budgeted for this purpose. Over the past decade, we prioritized resurfacing main roads due to their condition and high traffic volume. We are now focusing on residential developments Roads are rated annually by the Department of Public Works (DPW) who determine which roads to resurface within budget constraints. Using surplus funds for road resurfacing would significantly deplete the balance which could lead to higher tax increases in subsequent years. Potholes Potholes are a recurring issue, especially during harsh winters. We are testing a new pothole mixture with a threeyear warranty to improve durability and reduce repeated repairs. Safety This year’s budget includes funds for new traffic lights on Routes 46 and 206 and an additional police officer. The
Mayor Joe Nicastro
police department’s staffing has remained unchanged for over 15 years, and training a new officer takes about a year. The budget also allocates $1.2 million for a new fire engine, ensuring we maintain safe and reliable emergency equipment. Growth Mount Olive lies within the Highlands Preservation Area, with 80% of its land protected from development. This severely limits new construction. The large residential development currently underway is one of the last possible projects. Commercial developments, such as Aldi, are allowed on buildable land as long as they meet Planning Board requirements. Claims of overbuilding are unfounded due to strict State restrictions. Water Systems The state has lowered acceptable levels of PFAS chemicals in water, requiring significant updates to our water systems. We’ve already upgraded one system and are working on others, with a total PLEASE SEE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, PAGE 2
Your Chance to Win a $25 Gift Card with the “Find Mr. Moe Mascot” Contest
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It is easy to enter. Look through the paper and read the ads and look for “Mr. Moe” in the ads. He will be located throughout the paper in 6 random ads. Then go to https://www.my-
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