Photo credit: Chester's own Kevin McGee | |
We're not complaining, but the lack of snow has certainly been noticeable. Skating on the pond at Chubb Park has not been open since December and there haven't been many days for sledding. Let's see what February has in store! | |
|
Garbage Contract Approved, Utility Established
Last night, the Chester Township Council adopted an ordinance creating a municipal utility for the purpose of funding garbage collection services in Chester Township. This change was necessitated by severe state-mandated cost increases, particularly in healthcare premiums and pensions, as well as other inflationary pressures, which pushed Chester Township's budget far outside the 2% property tax cap and the 2.5% appropriations cap.
The rationale and analysis remain the same as communicated last month, with three substantive changes:
-
Residents will receive a bill in March in the approximate amount of $400 for garbage collection. Residents may choose to pay this bill in one lump sum or in two equal payments made by April 1 and October 1 of each year.
-
Residents who qualify for the senior property tax freeze and provide proof of such will be eligible for a $25 total discount.
-
Residents who are veterans of the Armed Forces or surviving spouses will be eligible for a $25 total discount. Residents who meet both criteria will be eligible for both discounts.
Garbage stickers will no longer be required beginning March 1, 2023. If you have too many garbage stickers, you may pursue a refund. Click here for details.
We are working to finalize the exact annual cost for garbage collection and the exact grace periods for both payment dates. This information will be communicated to all residents shortly.
Click here for additional information.
Contact Chester Township's Administrator if you have questions at (908) 879-5100.
|  | |
Chester Township Swears in New Councilmember | |
|
On January 17th, Tara Schellhorn was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Chester Township Council. Councilwoman Schellhorn previously served on the Environmental Commission and is active in the greater Chester community, serving as the Treasurer of the Educational Foundation of the Chesters and a member of the board of trustees of The Westmont Montessori School. An attorney by trade, and partner at Riker Danzig LLP, Councilwoman Schellhorn brings unique experience and expertise to the Council. She becomes our new liaison to the Parks Committee, the Recreation Committee, the Environmental Commission, and the municipal court.
| |
|
Traffic Control Outside Dickerson & Bragg Schools
The duration of the Chester Police posting to direct traffic into and out of the Dickerson and Bragg schools has been increased, both in the morning and the afternoon. During normal school hours, an officer will be posted between 8:20 and 8:50 a.m. and between 3:20 and 3:50 p.m. During delayed openings and early dismissals, an officer will be posted between 10:20 and 10:50 a.m. and between 1:20 and 1:50 p.m., respectively. During these times, officers will provide traffic direction and control, aimed at the safe and efficient movement of buses and vehicles in and out of the school property.
| |
|
Learn About New Jersey's ANCHOR Program
The New Jersey ANCHOR Program provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents who owned or rented their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019, and met the income limits.
The deadline for filing your ANCHOR benefit application is February 28, 2023. The State of New Jersey will begin paying ANCHOR benefits in the late Spring of 2023. ANCHOR payments will be paid in the form of a direct deposit or check, not as credits to property tax bills. Homeowners who filed a Homestead Benefit application last year may be able to obtain their ID and PIN numbers online. Renters/Tenants do not need an ID or PIN number to file. Visit the Division's ANCHOR page for all filing information.
The ANCHOR Program is administered by the State of New Jersey. It is not administered by Chester Township. This information is provided as a courtesy.
| |
|
Congratulations to Chester's Newest Eagle Scouts
Chester just got a little more "trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent" - if you take into account our six new Eagle Scouts. Congratulations to Thomas Carlucci, Christopher Amoresano, Evan Bravstein, Sean Carlucci, and William Briney of Troop 9, and Anthony Bulko (pictured below) of Troop 158 for achieving the highest award in scouting.
| |
|
Thank you, Chester Lions!
Thank you to the Chester Lions Club for their generous donation of a brand new refrigerator for the Highlands Ridge Barn. With all the fun activities taking place at the Barn these days, the old refrigerator was starting to show its age. This upgrade suits this popular location and we have the Chester Lions Club and their generous members to thank for it. Learn more about the Chester Lions Club and how you can get involved.
| |
Town Hall Employee Spotlight: Craig Reiner, DPW Superintendent | |
|
Chester Township is lucky to have hardworking, thoughtful employees who serve our residents 24/7. This month, we are pleased to highlight Chester Township’s Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Craig Reiner. As DPW Superintendent, Mr. Reiner is responsible for providing all essential and emergency functions of the Township, including overseeing: road maintenance and reconstruction, fleet maintenance, parks maintenance, buildings and grounds, and snow removal from our Township roads, all while staying within the budget.
Mr. Reiner has been with Chester Township for 21 years. He previously worked in the landscape construction and maintenance industry. During his time serving the community, he has overseen the renovation of the Highlands Ridge Barn, renovation of the Police Department, relocation and new construction of a new Little League field in Chubb Park, as well as managing the devastation from Hurricane Sandy and dealing with a blizzard that left us with 33” of snow.
Mr. Reiner oversees his staff of 17 Township employees who carry out the functions of the DPW and are the backbone of the community. Thank you, Craig Reiner, and thank you to your dedicated staff!
| |
|
Have a Patriotic Breakfast at Chester's American Legion
If you're not familiar with one of Chester's favorite traditions, mark your calendar for February 26th. Every fourth Sunday of the month, the men and women of American Legion Post 342 open their doors for a community breakfast. Stop by between 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. Every dollar goes towards the Legion's programming and to support local veterans. You never know who you'll run into - you could have breakfast with your neighbors! Learn more about American Legion Post 342, which was founded in 1946 and named in honor of local heroes Bernays Apgar and Larry Maysey.
| |
|
Keeping Your Child Safe from Child Exploitation: February 15
The Chester School District is partnering with the Chester Police for a presentation from Lieutenant Chris Cavanagh titled, Keeping Your Child Safe from Child Exploitation - It All Starts with the Device.
Please join this parent presentation on February 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the Black River Middle School. Detective Cavanagh will review recent national, state, and county trends pertaining to Sexting and Child Exploitation. Parents will also learn how their child might be hiding conversations from them within popular applications and ways to keep their child safe on their device. The topics to be discussed are adult in nature and not intended for children.
Lieutenant Cavanagh currently is detached to the New Jersey State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Child Taskforce (ICAC) and has extensive training and field experience in the area of child exploitation.
| |
|
Dog License Renewals Due
Dog owners...it's past time to license your dog! Annual dog license renewal applications were due by the end of January. Yellow reminder postcards were mailed out. Please don't delay! The licensing of all dogs over the age of six months in the Township is required by state law and Township ordinance.
Click here for more information.
| |
|
Upcoming Events
Please save the date for these upcoming events in and around town:
February 16: Child safety seat check
February 20: Township Offices Closed
February 26: Breakfast at the American Legion
March 1 & 4: Electronics Recycling at DPW
March 18: Chester Science Fair - back after a long hiatus!
| | |
|
|
It is my privilege to serve as Chester Township's mayor. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
We hope this monthly newsletter provides information for you to be aware of our work at Town Hall. Please visit us any time.
| | | | |
