The Alternative Press

HAMBURG BOROUGH, NJ – Mayor Paul Marino reported at the Wednesday night council meeting that he received a correspondence from the Department of Community Affairs, which lists criteria for “Best Practices” for local communities. Much of the criteria encourages shared services, where possible, to cut down expenses on duplication in small communities. Failure to meet the criteria would disqualify a municipality from state aid. Hamburg is in full compliance, and will not have any state aid deducted this year.

The mayor congratulated everyone who worked on Hamburg Day, saying it was “Well done.” He thanked the staff, the Road Department, the Fire and Police Departments, and the EMS team. Good weather encouraged a good turnout, and participation was up from last year. 

“The field and the town looked great," Marino said. "Every year, we are going to see more people coming out.” 

He informed the public that there are plans to improve the park itself, for next year. Since there is still money in the Bond Ordinance, he is proposing the construction of a playground. 

Police Director Wayne Yahm reported to the borough council, that for anyone who was concerned about the level of security clearance a civilian director has, he has applied for, and received, security clearance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This allows him to participate in meetings with the FBI Office in Newark several times a month, where information is shared, and also received from the FBI.

Hamburg is in the process of interviewing candidates for the open position created when former officer Erik Aronson resigned last month. 

Yahm reported, “Out of 130 plus resumes I received, there are 12 who are fully police certified. We are looking at these candidates first.” 

Interviews should be complete by early next week.

“Very soon, you are going to see Hamburg Police Officers wearing new uniforms,” reported Yahm, he said at no expense to the borough, other than the usual clothing allowance that they receive. 

Officers all signed a request to him saying they wanted to change the color of the uniforms.

The clothing drive fund raiser held by the police department was successful and raised $250 which will go toward the junior police academy.

The  borough passed an ordinance prohibiting recreational structures or equipment from being built or placed on public streets.

Work has been proceeding on the Orchard Street drainage improvement. Road work has been split up into smaller jobs, so that the parts which don’t need Department of Transportation involvement could proceed right away. The next portion of repair which went out for bid in the spring will be awarded in October.

Hardyston Township sent a correspondence to Hamburg, stating an interest in buying water from the borough.  Due to a timely report from the Board of Public Works (BPW), informing the Council that Well #3 is in need of repair; the council agreed that it would not be able to meet the request at this time. The council agreed to discuss the idea with Hardyston, but without Well #3 at full capacity, it was not recommended by the DPW. 

Before selling water to another township, care must be taken to ensure there is enough to supply Hamburg residents first. The mayor explained that a budget of $150,000 per year is allotted for repairs. He has asked the BPW to discuss what else will need to be done this year, in order to prioritize and adjust in order to address this immediate problem, but still stay within the framework of the plan.

Hamburg will donate $100 to sponsor resident Jan Wright’s participation in the New York City Marathon.

Councilman Daniel Barr reported that the Historic Society will be honoring Hamburg School, which was built in 1912, and opened in 1913. They will be creating an historical marker to commemorate the 100^th anniversary.

Hamburg Park’s 7^th Annual Charity Golf Outing will be held September 24. Over the past seven years, they have raised tens of thousands of dollars for many causes, including kids with cancer, scholarship funds, and helping families in need. 100% is given to charity. Golfers are welcome, and should contact Barr.