JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Council appoved the appointment of Mariah Himsel as the township’s Deputy Clerk at its meeting on Wednesday, October 7.

Himsel will work under Municipal Clerk Jo Anna Myung. Myung was sworn in on September 2 after previously serving as clerk for the Borough of Deal. The deputy position opened when former Deputy Clerk Amanda Nevins, who had served as acting clerk after Michele Reilly resigned in May, was appointed Municipal Clerk in Rockaway Borough.

Under Resolution 26-301, Himsel’s appointment took effect immediately and runs through December 31, unless the council changes it later. She will be paid at an annual rate of $55,000.

According to the resolution, the township advertised the position and interviewed candidates. It says a council committee chose Himsel as “the ideal candidate” after reviewing “the overwhelming flood of resumes.”

Himsel graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall University this spring with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She has worked as an intern for the Town of Newton since last December, according to her LinkedIn profile. There, she assisted with administrative tasks and records management and supported local government operations.

Before that, she spent more than five years as a keyholder with The TJX Companies, where she helped manage daily store operations and handled cash management and closing procedures. She is a graduate of Passaic Valley Regional High School.

As Deputy Clerk, Himsel will help Myung with the office’s statutory duties. Those include running elections, preparing meeting minutes, maintaining official records and issuing licenses and permits. Himsel is also authorized to carry out all the duties of the Municipal Clerk when Myung is absent.

The resolution authorizes the council, or its designee, to sign an employment agreement with Himsel.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Boris Risteski is the newest firefighter in Jefferson Township. Mayor Eric Wilsusen swore him in during a special ceremony that opened the Jefferson Township Council meeting on Wednesday, October 7, at the Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road.

The swearing-in was the first order of business after the call to order, the salute to the flag and the reading of the Open Public Meetings Act statement.

Following the ceremony, the council moved on to its regular agenda, which included the introduction of an ordinance to vacate part of Moose Drive, more than $250,000 in Department of Public Works vehicle and equipment purchases, up to $75,000 in fire rescue equipment from New Jersey Fire Equipment Company of Green Brook, and the appointment of Mariah Himsel as Deputy Clerk.

The Jefferson Township Council includes Council President Josh Kalish, Council Vice President Garruto, Councilwoman Ioffredo, Councilwoman Senatore and Councilman Birmingham.

For more information on volunteering with a Jefferson Township fire company, call the township at (973) 208-6132.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Council will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, in the Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road. The agenda includes the introduction of an ordinance to vacate part of Moose Drive, more than $250,000 in vehicle and equipment purchases, and the appointment of a new Deputy Clerk.

Click here for the agenda.

The meeting will open with the swearing-in of a new Jefferson Township firefighter.

Moose Drive Vacation

The council will introduce Ordinance 26-23 on first reading. It would vacate the township’s public rights to a portion of Moose Drive, a “paper street” that exists on the township’s tax map but was never built.

The owners of 135 and 139 Longwood Lake Road, whose properties adjoin that stretch, asked for the vacation. Under the ordinance, they must reimburse the township for all legal, advertising and recording costs before it takes effect. The township and public utilities would keep their rights to maintain utility lines in the area. A public hearing and final vote will be scheduled for a later meeting.

Public Works Vehicles and Equipment

The council is expected to approve several Department of Public Works purchases:

• A new Ford F-550 truck chassis from Ciocca Ford of Flemington for $69,847.15
• An aluminum body for that truck from A&K Equipment Co. for $27,751.20
• Equipment from Tony Sanchez Limited of Ledgewood for $116,453.67. The resolution’s title describes a steel dump body, hydraulics, salt spreader and plow for a Freightliner dump truck.
• Tires and accessories from Service Tire Truck Center, up to $45,000
• Fire rescue equipment from New Jersey Fire Equipment Company of Green Brook, up to $75,000

The council will also authorize selling six surplus vehicles through the online auction site Municibid. They include a 2020 Ford Explorer, a 2016 Ford F-550 mason dump truck, a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe, a 2014 Ford F-250 and two 2001 Suzuki all-terrain vehicles.

Road and Trail Projects

Riverview Paving of Hackettstown has a final change order of $13,452.24 on the Weldon Road Improvements Phase 2 project. That brings the contract total to $1,207,470.14. The increase includes $14,850 for new sidewalks at Jefferson Township High School, which the Board of Education requested and will repay to the township.

A separate $42,375 change order for Riverview’s work on the Compton Gobel Trail Phase 2 raises that contract to $278,021, an increase of nearly 18 percent. A Morris County Trail Construction Grant fully funds the trail project, including the change order.

Other Business

• Deputy Clerk: Mariah Himsel would be appointed Deputy Clerk through December 31 at an annual salary of $55,000.
• Payroll contract: Action Data Services of Fairfield would receive a five-year payroll processing contract beginning in January, estimated at $40,000 a year. It was the higher-rated of two proposals.
• Water meters: the township’s water meter and reader purchases from Rio Supply would increase by $50,000, to a total of $90,000.
• Portable toilets: a contract of up to $35,000 with Pottys Plus.
• Water bill payment plan: a 24-month plan for a Seneca Trail property owner who owes $9,472.08 after a water leak. Interest will continue to accrue as required by state law.
• Wastewater permit: the council will consent to a state Treatment Works Approval permit application for 108 Green Road at Longwood Lake.

Closed Session

The council is expected to go into closed session to discuss a memorandum of understanding with the Policemen’s Benevolent Association and Ordinance 26-24, which sets salary ranges and benefits for township officers and employees.

The meeting is open to the public, and there will be two public comment periods. For more information, call (973) 208-6132.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Police Department will host a Halloween Police Donut Decorating Event on Sunday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.

Families are invited to join local officers to decorate Halloween-themed donuts.

The fun continues with a Trunk or Treat hosted by Jefferson Township Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 190, running from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the same location.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Members of the Kiwanis Club of Jefferson Township conducted a food collection at the Acme on Berkshire Valley Road in Oak Ridge on Sunday, October 4, to benefit the New Hope Food Pantry.

Throughout the day, Kiwanis members greeted shoppers and invited them to pick up an extra item or two for neighbors in need. Donations of nonperishable food and household essentials were collected and delivered to the pantry to help keep its shelves stocked as the colder months approach.

The New Hope Food Pantry at Milton United Methodist Church offers food distribution two times a month for families in need in the community. The church is located at 316 Dover-Milton Road, Oak Ridge.

The food collection is one of many hands-on service projects the Kiwanis Club of Jefferson Township has taken on since organizing in January. Even before its official start, members were donating winter jackets and toys for local families. Last month, the club was recognized at the New Jersey District Kiwanis Convention as the number one new club in the United States for achieving the highest number of member registrations at its organizational meeting.

Kiwanis International’s mission is to empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Kiwanis clubs bring together neighbors who want to give back through service projects, youth programs and fundraising efforts that support local families, schools and charities. Members also build lasting friendships while working side by side to strengthen their hometown.

The Kiwanis Club of Jefferson Township welcomes new members of all ages and backgrounds. There is no special experience required, only a desire to help others. Whether you can give a few hours a month or want to take a leading role in planning projects, there is a place for you in Kiwanis.

Residents interested in getting involved or joining the Kiwanis Club of Jefferson Township are encouraged to email [email protected] or call Kate at (973) 879-8928.