The Alternative Press

MADISON, NJ – Presentations in memory of Borough Attorney Joseph Mazzacca, Jr. and in recognition of Dominic DeRosa, United States Navy, Petty Officer, Second Class were the highlights of the June 25 Borough Council meeting.

 

Former Madison mayors joined Mayor Robert Conley in reading a proclamation honoring Mezzacca for his years of devoted service to Madison. Former council members also participated.

 

The mayor noted that each mayor was different “and Joe served all our personalities. It takes a special person to do that.” The proclamation stated that the attorney “loved Madison” and extended condolences and gratitude to the family. Mezzacca’s wife and son, in turn, presented a framed picture the attorney had taken of Madison’s rose gardens.

 

The other honoree, DeRosa, is the son of a borough employee and Madison’s Fire Chief, Louis E. DeRosa. Dominic DeRosa has been a volunteer firefighter and thanked the borough for the many care packages received by those serving overseas.

 

“If it weren’t for the young people serving our country, we wouldn’t be here,” Conley said, and urged the public to continue sending care packages.

 

In business matters, the council agreed on a town meeting schedule. The first Monday in August, (Aug. 6) will be a public discussion on utilities. The first Monday in October (Oct. 1) will address capital projects. The mayor said the sessions run from one and one-half to two hours, including opportunities for the public to ask questions and comment. No action will be taken.

 

The council adopted a resolution to seek approval from the Department of Transportation to reduce the speed limit on Ridgedale Avenue from 30 to 25 miles per hour. Conley observed that Ridgedale Avenue traverses another municipality, Florham Park, and becomes wider.

 

The council also adopted a resolution for a Complete Streets Advisory Committee. The purpose is to find ways to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists and to study traffic patterns around schools.

 

An ordinance for introduction related to $90,000 from the open space trust fund for a greenhouse at the Madison Community Gardens. “Adequate funds are available,” Councilman Robert Catalanello said. He praised the work done in just a few months. “It’s been successful. They’ve taken a patch of overgrown clay and have created a truly exciting part of Madison.” He said the greenhouse could be used as an educational facility and that a suitable structure has been found. “It will be a place for people to come together and learn,” he said. There is room to expand the garden, he said, by another 10 to 15 plots.  “What has actually been accomplished in two or three months is amazing,” he said.

 

The councilman also introduced an ordinance to form an advisory committee for the gardens. “It’s not fair to make it a sub-committee. This should be a stand alone committee, giving latitude and responsibility.”  The council adopted both ordinances for introduction.

 

Borough Engineer Robert Vogel described a storm sewer problem that borders on NJ Transit’s railroad property. An ordinance to appropriate $50,000 from the general capital improvement fund was introduced and approved. Vogel said video taping had been done to locate the source of the problem and test the pipeline. He added that the hurricane last August had exposed some of those issues and that inspection and awareness ahead of time would be a positive preventive measure.