Jason Casbarro

This Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines strategies to reduce disaster risks to the people, property, economy, and environment within Passaic County. Key objectives include protecting life and property, increasing public preparedness and awareness, and enhancing county and local mitigation capabilities. The plan also focuses on understanding hazard risks, supporting continuity of operations, addressing the needs of socially vulnerable populations, fostering collaboration in flood-prone areas, and managing long-term vulnerabilities from high-hazard dams, all aimed at minimizing disaster-related losses and fostering a more resilient community.

The meeting included a presentation by the founder of AmpleHarvest.org regarding their national hunger and food waste nonprofit initiative, which aims to connect surplus garden produce with local food pantries. The agenda also featured recognition for winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essay competitions, supported by the VFW. Several ordinances were introduced and moved, including one concerning salaries and compensation for administrative, confidential, and unaffiliated employees; another to vacate rights in portions of paper streets named Baldwin Drive and Seneca Road; an ordinance amending fees for the Department of Community Services and Recreation (e.g., Bubbling Springs memberships and Day Camp fees); and an ordinance amending construction fees for the Department of Planning and Building. Additionally, an ordinance was introduced to amend police services charges by adding an Off-Duty Police Officer Fee structure. During public comments, residents raised safety concerns regarding Torn Mountain Road, requesting it be made one-way, which the Governing Body agreed to have reviewed by Engineering and Police Departments. Resolutions adopted included authorizing a non-fair and open contract for the Fourth of July fireworks display, purchasing annual maintenance contracts for Police Department IT and CAD support, increasing authorization for the purchase of Trackless mower head rotor assemblies, authorizing participation in the DLA LESO 1033 Program for equipment acquisition by the Police Department, granting fee waivers for the NJ Air Show, waiving Zoning Permit and Fire Prevention fees for Friends of Wallisch Homestead community events, and authorizing intent to purchase from SHI International via a state contract.

The meeting included the election of officers, resulting in Chairman Conlon being elected and offering to submit the monthly minutes, though no Secretary was appointed. Key discussions involved Mayor Dale presenting a collaborative idea to compile a Community Calendar encompassing information from various town committees, departments, local businesses, and civic organizations. The Commission also discussed the 2026 meeting schedule. In ongoing projects, the Chamber of Commerce update noted changes in director roles and a shift towards sponsoring events rather than physical presence. For new business, a suggestion was made to focus the Change in Tenancy list on new applicants, and the Chairman agreed to coordinate with the Zoning Department to receive these applications promptly for the Commission to serve as a resource.

The committee reviewed and approved the proposed meeting dates for 2026. Staffing assignments for November, December, and January were reviewed. Preparations for the Holiday Smorgasbord, to be held prior to the December 9 meeting, included discussing the menu contributions from various members. Maintenance concerns at the Museum, such as tree trimming, weeding, and gutter cleaning, were addressed, along with the status of missing spotlights and cords. Progress on painting the Museum's front door exterior was noted, as was the recent completion of the exterior siding painting. Program discussions included coordinating visits for Apshawa School and Paradise Knoll School 3rd grade classes, planning for the 190th Anniversary Booklet editing, and issuing press releases regarding the condensing of the Band Exhibit and Holiday Decorations. The committee reviewed materials for a local resident's research paper on West Milford's Bicentennial participation. Updates were provided on the America 250th Anniversary involvement, including discussions about reenactors or musical groups and the status of a resolution on the Council agenda. The status of the 1877 flag preservation and framing proposal was reviewed. Members were reminded about the start of the Ken Burns American Revolution Series. Artifacts donated included newspaper articles and photos related to Donna Weinbrecht and the Newfoundland School House. A former committee member returned a video documenting the Museum's renovation in the 1990s. Correspondence regarding AASLH newsletters, library history lectures, and 250th measuring impact was reviewed.

Key discussions included reviewing the Treasurer's Report and confirming the Trust Account balance. The Committee reviewed staffing assignments for upcoming months and scheduled a session for decorating the Museum for the Holidays. Maintenance concerns addressed included trimming dead tree branches, weed control, cleaning gutters, and adjusting exterior lighting timers. The replacement of the Museum's front door was noted, and the staining/varnishing of interior wood panels was volunteered to be handled by a committee member. The completion of the exterior siding painting project was reported, with details on the final payment schedule. Program discussions involved coordinating tours for Apshawa School and Paradise Knoll School third-grade classes. The status of the 190th Anniversary Booklet final editing was noted. Publicity efforts included releasing a press release regarding the condensing of the Band Exhibit and plans to digitize VHS tapes. Artifact donation inquiries covered research regarding West Milford's 1976 Bicentennial participation and the location of Historic Preservation Commission files. Discussions also covered planning for the America 250th Anniversary, obtaining an updated quote for preserving/framing an 1877 flag using Trust Account funds, and updates on the Wallisch Farmstead barn roof and siding replacement project. The Committee reviewed information regarding the Passaic County Archeological Society's new site and coordination with the Economic Development Commission on a map highlighting local sites, ensuring the Museum's inclusion. Finally, correspondence regarding a potential visit from the State Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was addressed.