The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Clothing bins can be a valuable way to help those in need and also fund charitable and civic organizations.  But, they can also be unsightly.

At Monday night’s meeting, the Borough Council addressed changes to a proposed ordinance regulating the placement and use of clothing bins.

Borough Attorney Carl Woodward recommended that clothing bins should be restricted to municipal properties and non-profit organizations like churches.

Councilman Dr. Bob Robinson said he favored restricting locations to municipal properties that can be regulated but Councilman Armand Gallucio said such a move would harm the fund-raising efforts of the Municipal Alliance.  “I would hate to hurt an organization like the Municipal Alliance that depends on these funds,” Mr. Gallucio said.

Councilman Rob Munoz said he favored locations like churches, the Sharing Network and municipal properties.  “I’d hate to see a couple of bins in the Village Shopping Center,” he added.

In other council action, the Borough Council approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of $190,000 in bonds or notes to upgrade recreational facilities at Hillview Field.  Total cost of the project is $300,000 with the balance of funds coming from the Open Space Trust and county grants.

Borough Administrator Doug Marvin informed council members that Monday was the beginning of leaf vacuuming.  Mr. Marvin said that 650 permits have already been issued compared with a total of 1200 for the entirety of last year.

Mr. Marvin said residents can purchase a permit by visiting the Borough’s Website, by mail, in person or a phone call to the Borough Clerk’s office paying with a credit card.  Permits are $50.  He added that on-line and mail requests take about 3 or 4 days to fulfill.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a visit from about 15 youngsters from St. Luke’s Day Care Center to mark Fire Prevention Month.

The four and five-year-olds were introduced by Fire Inspector Drew Vignali and EMT Officer Fred Gaghan.

The youngsters, accompanied by recorded music, magnificently performed a routine to the old standards – Fire Detector To Wake You Up and Stop, Drop and Roll.

Mr. Vignali said he visits over 100 schools, corporations and groups during the year to discuss fire prevention.  He added two additional efforts are being planned for sixth and seventh graders and high school seniors who will be going away to college.