March Newsletter

Photo credit: Chester's own Kevin McGee

Spring is Coming

At long last, Chester Township received its first significant snowfall of the year last week. We're prepared for more later this week and next, but eagerly awaiting Spring. Don't forget to set your clocks - Spring Forward - this weekend.

Garbage Collection Continues, Stickers No Longer Required

Thank you to all residents for your patience and cooperation as Chester Township has moved the payment mechanism for garbage collection from the municipal budget to a municipal utility.

Please note: garbage stickers are no longer required. For a refund of excess garbage stickers, please visit us at Town Hall during normal business hours. We have already refunded many hundreds of stickers.

Garbage collection bills will go out via regular mail next week.

Residents may pay the full amount in one lump sum, or they may pay across two equal installments. The payment deadlines will be April 1, 2023 with a grace period of 10 days and October 1, 2023 with a grace period of 10 days. Payment may be made via check or online. See bill for instructions.

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.

Click here for additional information.

Contact Chester Township's Administrator if you have questions at (908) 879-5100.

Chester Police Recognize Local Heroes

Every year in March, the Chester Township Council and Chester Borough Council hold a joint meeting, at which the two governing bodies review the budgets of the Chester Library, Chester Volunteer Fire Company, and Chester First Aid Squad. This year's joint meeting kicked off with a memorable ceremony in which Chester Police Chief Ryan McNamee recognized two residents of Chester Borough, Gary Marshuetz (pictured, left) and Gregory Lowe (right) for recently saving the life of a resident. The two heroes successfully performed CPR on their neighbor until the First Aid Squad arrived. We congratulate and thank our friends in Chester Borough for this remarkable achievement.

Please note: the Chester First Aid Squad regularly hosts CPR training classes. If you or a local group has interest, please contact them at (908) 879-5560 or info@chesterfirstaid.org. The Chester First Aid Squad is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that welcomes donations.

Chester Township DPW Handles Recent Snowstorm

The DPW began last Monday preparing for what would finally be our first true snowstorm. The DPW salted roads starting at around 6:00pm Monday night and worked through the night ensuring that the roads would be in good shape in the morning. All of the Township's 144 lane miles of roads were cleared and all Township buildings were ready for business by 7:00am Tuesday morning. Another great job by our DPW!

New Police Officer Hired: Welcome, Officer Ryan Moitozo

The Chester Police Department is proud to announce the hiring of Officer Ryan Moitozo, effective March 1, 2023. Officer Moitozo previously served with the Beach Haven Police Department (NJ) as a part-time Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II (SLEO-II) and we look forward to him serving with the Chester Police Department as he continues his career in law enforcement.  

Mayor & Council Recognize Township Volunteers

At its meeting last night, the Mayor and Council recognized Township residents who have recently rotated off a Township Committee, Board, or Commission. Special thanks to Steve Hansbury (pictured above) from the Environmental Commission, Michael Colannino and Ed McCarthy of the Parks Committee, Tamah Conover of the Recreation Committee, James Bourgeois of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, Dan Spicehandler of the Library Board of Trustees, and Chris Grego and Teresa DiGiovanna of the Black River Fields Concession Stand. Chester Township is a community built on volunteerism of local residents. Without their selfless commitment of time and effort, the Boards and Committees would not function.

Town Hall Employee Spotlight: Anna McDougal, Municipal Assessor

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 Municipal Assessor, Anna McDougal.

The Tax Assessor's Office is responsible for the valuation of all real property located within the Township for the purpose of establishing a fair and equitable tax base. Additional responsibilities include: processing all deeds, preparation of certified 200' property owners lists, the maintenance and updating of the tax maps and overseeing farmland assessments. Anna has served the Township of Chester for 15 years and considers working with and assisting property owners among the highlights of serving the community.

Volunteer Opportunity: Friends of the Chester Library

The Friends of the Chester Library hosted another successful book sale last weekend. Click here to learn more about the Friends of the Chester Library or to become a "Friend" yourself. The Friends of the Chester Library advocate and raise funds for our wonderful Chester Library.

Upcoming Events

Please save the date for these upcoming events in and around town:

March 12: Daylight Saving Time starts

March 12: Troop 139 Eagle ceremony at Dickerson School

March 16: Child safety seat check at First Aid Squad

March 18: Chester Science Fair

April 1: Electronics Recycling at the DPW

April 5: Electronics Recycling at the DPW

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.