July Monthly Message From Mayor Michael Choi

Note: This message was delivered by the Mayor at the public Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025.

Last night, our community exp erienced the relentless forces of a heavy storm that fully saturated the grounds, taxed our stormwater management systems, caused flooding that damaged homes and property and made roadways, even major highways, impassable.  Even my child, along with 150 other children, spent a portion of their first night at a local overnight sports camp in darkness due to a power outage. I want to thank the Township police, Emergency Squad, and our public works crews who stood at the ready and mobilized as needed to administer care to residents, patrol roads to ensure they are safe and passable, restore services, and ensure our residents’ overall safety.

As for tonight’s combined Township Committee/Workshop meeting, I’m pleased to share key highlights of the important work local government is advancing to improve infrastructure, improve services, and maintain good fiscal health.

Infrastructure Investments
We are awarding a contract for the long-awaited Hillside Avenue road improvement project funded in part by a $260K NJDOT grant. We are also authorizing the purchase of a new generator for the Southside Pump Station, with funds already allocated in our 2024 capital budget, to improve our emergency preparedness and wastewater system reliability.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
As mentioned in prior meetings, we are preparing to make long-awaited, major upgrades to our sewage treatment facility, including new headworks, clarifiers, and aeration basins—all critical for compliance and service longevity. This evening we are taking the first step by engaging with our trusted professional organization to begin the design and preparatory work for this many month-long capital improvement project.

Improved Financial and Procurement Practices
The Committee is making changes to the qualified purchasing agent (QPA) protocols in order to streamline the steps whereby the Township can properly conduct business with third parties for a value under 53K. The changes here are for smoother, more nimble governance while still maintaining appropriate oversight and transparency in the process. The Committee can confidently endorse such a move because of the trusted, experienced personnel we have at Meyersville – namely, Debbie King, our qualified purchasing agent and CFO.

Other Business
Additional actions include a Chatham Jaycees grant to the Chatham Township Environmental Commission. Bill Heap, Jim Connelly and others – I thank you sincerely for your long-standing support to the Commission and other civic organizations in the Township. We will also discuss updates on Esternay Field with ADA compliant improvements as well as study more deeply the Fairmount Ave & River Road intersection to consider the optimal circulation and traffic design to make travel safer and more efficient.

Thank you to our residents, professionals, and volunteers for your continued engagement and partnership in continuing to make Chatham Township a desirable place to live.