October Monthly Message From Mayor Michael Choi

Note: This message was delivered by the Mayor at the public Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025.

With October coming to a close, I wanted to highlight some of the good work happening around the Township — much of it thanks to our staff, professionals, and residents who stay engaged and supportive.

You may recall the Township successfully acquired the Fenske property, located on Southern Boulevard adjacent to Nash Field. The addition of this lot to the Township portfolio is a very significant win for this community and in furtherance of our strategy to safeguard the green space that our residents value. Our work continues this evening with the commissioning a professional study to, among other things, delineate wetlands boundaries in order for us to consider best uses for the property for the benefit of the community. I am excited to see this project come to fruition through multi-disciplinary efforts– involving not only this Committee but also the Open Space Committee, Environmental Commission and, of course, members of the public.

Also on tonight’s agenda is an update to our fire safety ordinance for smoke and carbon monoxide inspection fees. This update allows us to be consistent with state standards and offers the flexibility to request expedited services for those residents who desire it; think of it like Federal Express’ multiple shipping methods (ground mail, two day delivery and priority overnight mail).

Peaceful, charmed life in the Township would not be possible without a properly operating sewage system and WPC facility. I’d say, mission-critical would be an apt description. Equipment becomes inoperable and parts wear and fail. Scheduled maintenance and investments are paramount, including the purchase we intend to authorized this evening of two vertical turbines along with associated motors, pumps and parts to make necessary repairs.

At the same time, our fiber network project is moving forward with investments in new equipment that enchance communications for our police and municipal operations.

Nash Field, one of the Township’s frequently used fields, will be upgraded with the installation of a brand new children’s playground, made entirely possible through a $60,000 state grant. Nash playground is the latest example of how we are intentional about finding outside funding to support local projects with no further impact to taxpayers.

And, as we do each fall, we’ve opened up Requests for Qualifications for next year’s professional appointments, keeping our contracting process transparent and competitive.

All of these actions reflect the same goal: maintaining a well-run community that plans ahead, invests wisely, and keeps improving the services our residents rely on every day.

Environmental Commission Appointment

Finally, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Joanne White to the Environmental Commission. I’d like to note Joanne’s extensive teaching experience as well has her sustained local volunteerism, all of which I’m certain will serve her well on the Enviro Commission. We thank Joanne for stepping up to volunteer, and we look forward to her many contributions to the Enviro Commission.