Cedar Grove Township Council Meeting

With a light council agenda on tap, Cedar Grove Township Manager Thomas Tucci used Monday night’s Cedar Grove township council meeting as a chance to explain a policy change for township resident’s grass clippings, trees and leaves collection.

Under the new plan beginning June 15, residents will now need to separate these items into separate biodegradable bags, with recycling pick-ups on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays depending on the address’s zone starting June 15. Plastic bags will no longer be acceptable receptacles

“We only found this out late last week,” Tucci explained. “One of the trucks was turned away from the incinerator [in Newark], had to go back and separate the trash.”

Council members expressed concerns there might be a rise in costs and suggested the disposal company should lower its rates because it is picking up less.

Tucci said he believes it would break even, because even though the cost of disposal is lower, the disposal company would need to run another truck and crew.

Councilman Joseph Chiusolo asked Tucci for a report 30 days after the change begins so the council could assess the costs, especially since the decision needs to be made quickly and the budget is tight.

The township, in an attempt to help residents with the recycling change, is giving out 10 biodegradable bags to each household to pick up with the Department of Public Works.

Councilman Robert O’Toole also suggested the council looking into bulk purchasing of these bags to pass the savings along to township residents. 

In other news:
The council introduced two pending ordinances and set dates for public hearings.

1. Setting of salaries for all the officers and employees of the township for 2012. The public hearing will take place June 7.
2. The creation of a new chapter in the township code called, “Affordable Housing," in accordance with New Jersey's Fair Housing act, with a public hearing set for June 18. The ordinance spells out the mechanics how the township will develop more affordable housing, whether it is through rental units or offering lower interest loans.

The council approved a resolution for Caputo Brothers Tree Service, 22 Appleton Place in Montclair, for loading, transportation and disposal of leaves at $4.50 per cubic yard.

The council also approved a waiver of $125.12 for charges and sewer penalties for Collete Gibbs of 392 Ridge Road.