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 community, Mayor Nicastro has established a new Diversity Committee Residents interested in joining this initiative are encouraged to contact lbrett@mtolivetwp org Additionally, a vendor has been chosen to manage the Mount Olive Property Tax Reward Program, aimed at supporting local businesses while encouraging residents to shop locally More details about this program will be provided soon.
Mayor Nicastro also honored former Mayor Robert J. Greenbaum by dedicating an area in Turkey Brook Park as the Robert J. Greenbaum Event Field, recognizing his vision and leadership in the park's development and in building community. Township resident Vrishank Malike was also presented with a certificate of appreciation for his community service work in developing a weather app to assist senior citizens
In financial news, for the sixteenth consecutive year, the Governing Body has authorized the acceptance of the 2023 audit, which revealed no recommendations from the auditor, highlighting the strong fiscal management of the Township.
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
Ordinances & Resolutions
The Township Council has recently undertaken a series of actions to ensure the continued progress and well-being of Mount Olive. These measures include the passage of an ordinance granting consent to NJ American Water to expand their water service to businesses on Gold Mine Road, prohibiting stopping and standing on Wolfe Road between Flanders-Drakestown Road and Kings Arrow Road during school hours and on FlandersBartley Road in the area near Flanders Park, amending the fees collected for certain Police Department services related to the NJ Firearms Statute, and amending bond ordinances to free up funding for improvements at Drakes Brook Park and the Fire and EMS Departments In addition, two (2) Developer Agreements were approved: MFC Mountain Ridge Estates, LLC for the development of Aldi’s Market on Rt. 46 and with Wright Properties for the development of a used-car showroom on Rt. 206. The Council also authorized a cost sharing agreement with the DOT to investigate and implement traffic control devices on 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.
Department Highlight Employee Recognition
Municipal Court
The Mount Olive Municipal Court is an independent branch of 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 and consent of the council, to a three-year term
Susan Downer- Chief Registered Environmental Health Specialist
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 regulatory oversight of retail food establishments and various business inspections. Additionally, she addresses public health nuisance complaints through noise investigations, ensuring residents’ quality of life is upheld
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
Dedicated Years of Service Grant Awards & Applications
Christopher Shelley: 5 years as the efficient Finance Utility Clerk
Keith Knudsen: 5 years as the energetic Recreation Program Coordinator
These individuals have demonstrated unwavering commitment and have made a lasting impact on the Township Their dedication and hard work enrich our community and set a standard of excellence for others. We extend our deepest appreciation to each of them for their years of service and contributions to our Township
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
The Township is excited to share the recent acquisition of several grants aimed at improving public safety and tackling important health issues. Notably, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant awards the Township $3,500, while the National Opioid Settlement funds provide an additional $37,500 to aid in combating the opioid crisis Additionally, the Township has sought further support by applying for $53,500 from the NJ Highlands Council to help implement new stormwater regulations These grants underscore the Township's commitment to enhancing community safety and addressing environmental challenges.