The Alternative Press

MADISON, NJ – As a prelude to May Day, to be held on Saturday, May 5, Mayor Robert Conley recognized several organizations and individuals at the April 9 Borough Council meeting.

 

“We’ll jump into May Day,” the mayor said when he presented the T-Shirt Design contest winner, Gabriel Benhaim-Killian, who attends Central Avenue School. Conley recalled that his own children had attended the same elementary school and that residents would be wearing the colorful tee-shirts with a frog “jumping into May Day” that Gabriel had designed.  

 

Among other honorees were Gene Cracovia , who has worked on the May Day project for 13 years as well as the Shade Tree Commission; Barbara Carey and Eileen Richardson, Civics Committee for the Garden Club of Madison; Small That’s All Landscaping and Madison Sports and Medical Rehabilitation Center.

 

Conley also proclaimed the 5^th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in North Jersey, which will be held on May 6.

 

In regular business, the council introduced an ordinance for a $20,000 four-wheel drive utility vehicle, which will have multi-use for all fields and all seasons, including clearing areas for ice skating.

 

Councilman Vincent Esposito brought up the issue of mulch, saying it will be offered to citizens at no cost and can be delivered on Fridays by the Department of Public Works. In addition, he said, use by residents will be a savings to the borough as the excess will not have to be transported elsewhere. If contractors are interested, a figure will be set per cubic yard. Council President Jeannie Tsukamoto asked about people coming to pick up the mulch, but was told there are liability issues because of the condition of gravel roads and location. Information will be available on the borough’s website: gov.rosenet.org.

 

The council also adopted a resolution for paving and striping of the Madison Recreation Center parking lot. A Morris County Cooperative bid is not to exceed $95,000.  Park Avenue resident and former councilman Sam Cerciello questioned the timing of paving.  Borough Administrator Raymond Codey said that a base coat would be applied and the work would be completed in September, which will allow time for the ground to settle. “We’re on it,” he said in response to Cerciello’s concerns.

 

An ordinance was introduced for a Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee.  Tsukamoto called attention to the relationship with the Environmental Commission and urged that members be appointed who have expertise in land use, grant writing, economic development and environmental preservation. Conley said he does not want the committee to be too restrictive, but would keep in mind those guidelines.

 

Council member Carmela Vitale reported that she serves on the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee, which is holding rain barrel workshops to conserve water. She also noted a resident had been upset by debris from recycling and urged residents to be careful when setting out papers to be recycled because of the heavy winds. “It’s an astounding mess,” she said of photos taken following paper recycling days.

 

Councilman Robert Landrigan described the Time of Your Life resources at the Senior Center, which can also be found on the Madison website. He said the After Party on May Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a pig roast, jazz and blue grass.