April 21, 2017

1. NO TAX INCREASE Again in 2017 Municipal Budget Adopted by Mayor Janice Mironov and Council Members on April 18.  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 Borough 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. REMINDER:  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 (not required), visit the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association website at www.thewatershed.org or contact Brittany at bmusolino@thewatershed.org or (609) 737-3735.
3. Mayor Janice S. Mironov Recognized East Windsor Senior Center Volunteers, presenting Certificates of Appreciation to them for their valuable contributions to the operations of the Center.  The Senior Center volunteers assist with overseeing center office needs, coordinating and operating senior programs and events, and participating in various community programs organized by the Senior Center.
   
   
   Mayor Janice S. Mironov presented Certificates of Appreciation to East Windsor Senior Center volunteers.
   
   
   Mayor Janice S. Mironov issued and presented to East Windsor Township Commission on Aging members Proclamation recognizing National Volunteer Week.  Pictured (from left to right) are:   Deborah Thomas;  Ina Heiman, Commission Vice-Chairperson;  Commission Chairperson Ondina Jeffers;  Mayor Janice S. Mironov;  Caryl Schienvar;  Sydelle Norris, and Dilys Henninger.
   
4. Mayor Janice S. Mironov to Present State of the Township Address at MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Thursday, May 4, at the East Windsor Holiday Inn (399 Monmouth Street).  Mayor Mironov’s annual State of the Township Address will include a report on accomplishments in 2016 as well as 2017 goals.  Networking begins at 11:30 am, followed by lunch at noon, and program beginning promptly at 12:45 pm.  All business and interested members of the community are invited to attend.  The cost of this luncheon is $35 per member paying in advance, $40 at the door, and $55 for non-members.  For further information or to register, visit www.midjerseychamber.org, or call the Chamber Office at (609) 689-9960.
5. Mayor Janice S. Mironov Proclaimed April 24, 2017 Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust, known Internationally as Yom HaShoah.  Locally, a Yom HaShoah remembrance will be held on Sunday, April 23 at 7:15 pm at Beth El Synagogue (50 Maple Stream Road).  The Mayoral Proclamation recognizes Yom HaShoah, "in memory of the victims, survivors and their liberators, and in furtherance of the hopes that we, as a Township and as individual citizens, will strive to overcome prejudice, hatred and indifference through education, tolerance, vigilance and remembrance."
6. East Windsor Will Hold "Operation Medicine Cabinet" on Saturday, April 29, from 10 am to 2 pm, a program offering residents the opportunity to dispose of all unused, unwanted and expired prescription medications in a safe manner.  The Township will have a drop box in the lobby of the police / court building (80 One Mile Road), for the collection of these various medications.  Collected medications will be turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on the next business day for final disposal.  "Operation Medicine Cabinet" provides a secure and legal means to dispose of these prescription medications in an environmentally responsible manner and reduces possible access by unauthorized persons and young people to these drugs.
7. East Windsor Is Inviting Residents to Apply for Home Improvement Funds Pursuant to Small Cities Grant Application and Housing Trust Fund Rehabilitation Programs.  Residents who are income eligible can receive up to $15,000 under these programs for needed improvement work such as roofs, foundations, heating and electrical systems, plumbing system components, and weatherization.  For further information, (CLICK HERE) or contact the Township agent Community Grants Planning & Housing at (609) 664-2781 or by email at maryalice@cgph.net.
8. Township and Mercer County Will Hold Another Special Passport Day on Thursday, May 25, from 10 am to 3 pm at the East Windsor Municipal Building (16 Lanning Boulevard).  Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami-Covello are sponsoring this special Passport Day locally at which the Mercer County Clerk’s Office will process United States passport applications on-site for residents.  Residents can just show up, but are encouraged to call (609) 989-6473 to reserve a specific appointment time.  To apply, residents will need: (1) proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of a state certified birth certificate, a U.S. naturalization certificate or a previous U.S. passport, and (2) proof of identity in the form of a current driver’s license or state issued identification card.  Cost of the passport is $110 for adults, and $80 for minors, plus a processing fee of $25.  Passport photos can be taken on-site if needed for $15 or $10 for senior citizens.  Only checks or money orders will be accepted.  For further information on requirements and documents needed to obtain a passport, visit www.mercercounty.org and click on County Clerk, or call (609) 989-6473.