March 24, 2017

1. NO TAX INCREASE Again in 2017 Municipal Budget Introduced by Mayor Janice Mironov and Council Members on March 21.  Thus, the 2017 municipal tax rate component remains the same for five consecutive years -- 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, at the rate of 43 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.  This means that for the average current residential assessment of $258,287, the 2017 municipal tax is $1122.  The East Windsor municipal component remains at less than 15% of the total local property tax bill, and is among the lowest amounts in the entire region and well below the statewide average.  The 2017 municipal tax levy also is well below the available state cap levy amounts.  The fiscally conservative budget document will continue to deliver a very high quality level of services to residents.  Many new cost savings, revenue generating initiatives contribute to this budget document, such as the new solar array at the police/court facility and the shared services agreement with Hightstown for dispatch services.  The NO TAX INCREASE municipal budget is a result of the Township's commitment to continually seek out additional efficiencies, cooperative purchasing avenues and service sharing opportunities, a low debt level, and pro-active efforts to carefully plan and to closely monitor expenditures and revenues throughout the year.

2. East Windsor Township Will Hold Recycling Day on Saturday, April 1 from 10 am to 2 pm, Rain or Shine, at the East Windsor Senior Center (40 Lanning Boulevard). This Township event is sponsored by Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Members of Council, in conjunction with the East Windsor Clean Communities Committee. Free document shredding will be available to East Windsor residents. There is a limit of ten boxes per household, and no commercial drop-offs are permitted. Residents also will be able to drop off cell phones, fluorescent bulbs and toner cartridges, as well as used electronics, computers, computer equipment and televisions. The East Windsor/Hightstown Lions Club will be collecting used eye glasses. RISE will have trucks on-site to collect clothing, shoes, blankets, housewares (plates, mugs and related items) and working household appliances and electronics. For further information, call (609) 443-4000, ext. 215.

3. Annual East Windsor Egg Hunt Is Scheduled for Saturday, April 8 at 9 am, at Etra Lake Park (rain date April 9 at 1:30 pm).  The egg hunt is for children in pre-school through Grade 5.  This annual event features lots of candy, prizes and fun!  There is no fee or registration, but each child should bring a basket or bag.  To avoid a last minute traffic jam at the park entrance, plan to arrive early.  If inclement weather, call (609) 443-4000, ext. 400 for information.

4. Last Call:  Free Gun Safety Locks Are Available to East Windsor Residents During March under Township Gun Safety Program.  The Township is sponsoring this pro-active safety initiative to promote improved gun safety, as these gun locks if properly used can help keep guns out of the hands of children and prevent accidental deaths and injuries in the home.  The gun locks are available to East Windsor at no cost through Project Child Safe, a national firearms safety program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.  Free gun safety locks can be obtained at the Township police/court building  (80 One Mile Road) by contacting Detective Brian Gorski at (609) 448-5678, ext. 236.
5. Township Accepting Applications from Residents for Participation in the 2017 East Windsor Community Garden.  The Community Garden is located on the Disbrow Hill Road open space property, adjacent to the Disbrow Hill playing fields and across from Etra Lake Park.  The Community Garden provides residents with the opportunity to rent a plot of land to plant their own fruits and vegetables.  To obtain an application or further information, (CLICK HERE) or contact the Municipal Clerk's Office at (609) 443-4000, ext. 238.
   
   
   
6. East Windsor Recreation Department Summer Camp Registration Is Open for Township Residents.  Recreational day camps are being offered for students entering grades 1 through 6.  The Explorer Camp is designed for campers entering grades 1 and 2, and the Adventure Camp is designed for campers entering grades 3, 4, 5 and 6.  The 2017 Travel Camp is offered for campers entering grades 6 through 9*.  Camp Care for before and after care of campers is also available for an additional fee.  Online registration and payment is available at (CLICK HERE).  Program information is available at the Township municipal building and online at (CLICK HERE), or call (609) 443-4000, ext. 225.  (*campers entering 5th grade who participated in Travel Camp last season can register.)
7. East Windsor Recreation Department Is Accepting Applications for 2017 Summer Camp Positions.  The positions include camp supervisors, camp counselors, before and after camp care staff, lifeguards, and (non-paying) counselors-in-training.  Applications can be obtained by contacting the Township Recreation Department at (609) 443-4000, ext. 214 or on-line at (CLICK HERE).  Individuals 18 years and older will be subject to a criminal background check.  Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
8. Mercer County Hazardous Waste Collection and Electronics Recycling Event Will Be Held on Saturday, April 8, from 8 am to 2 pm, Rain or Shine, at the John T. Dempster Fire School, located on Baker’s Basin/Lawrence Station Road in Lawrence Township.  No registration is required, just proof of Mercer County residency.  Residents can dispose of aerosol cans, used motor oil, propane gas tanks, pesticides, herbicides, car batteries, paint thinner, oil based pain, gasoline, anti-freeze, driveway sealer, insect repellants, and fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs. Used electronic equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, steps.  Televisions, and microwaves will be accepted.  For further information, visit the MICA website at www.mcianj.org or call (609) 278-8086.
9. Join in the Co-Sponsored East Windsor Township/Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association Stream Cleanup on Saturday, April 22, from 9 am to 11 am at Etra Lake Park, Rain or Shine.  Volunteers should wear boots and long sleeves and bring work gloves, if possible.  Adults must accompany minors. Supplies, t-shirts and refreshments will be provided.  For additional information or to register, visit the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association website at www.thewatershed.org or contact Michael at mpisauro@thewatershed.org or (609) 737-3735.
10. East Windsor Is Soliciting Nominations for the Sylvia Weiss Senior Citizen Award for Outstanding Service as a Volunteer.  The annual award is to recognize a senior citizen who has exhibited outstanding service through volunteerism to the community by way of the schools, religious institutions, service organizations or directly to the public.  Nominees must be at least 60 years of age and residents of East Windsor.  Nomination forms, due by Thursday, April 13, are available at the municipal building, on Township website (CLICK HERE) or by calling the Municipal Clerk's office at 443-4000, ext. 238.