News Flash Home
The original item was published from 3/12/2018 9:55:53 AM to 3/17/2018 12:00:01 AM.

News Flash

Announcements

Posted on: March 12, 2018

[ARCHIVED] Letter to Montville Residents Director of Public Works and Water and Sewer Utilities

Dear Montville Residents,

Department of Public Works crews have been working since Tuesday evening to clear all roads in the Township.  Areas where power lines are down, or where trees are leaning on power or utility lines cannot be plowed or cleared by Montville Township personnel.  A perfect example is the tragedy that happened in Franklin Lakes when someone was killed after crossing barricades and encountering live power lines.  As JCP+L crews work to restore power, our crews will respond to those areas as soon as they can to clear the roads.  We appreciate everyone’s patience, and also understand the frustration in dealing with no power or blocked roads during this State of Emergency.  All residents can be assured that all necessary work will be completed as soon as possible.

Since the start of the winter storm, Montville Township Department of Public Works personnel had worked for 32 hours straight before taking a break late Thursday afternoon.  We kept a small crew on call until Friday morning to respond to emergencies, and to clear areas where power was restored.  They work this long during a storm because they are dedicated to their jobs and to the residents of Montville Township.  Most of them are also Montville residents, or former Montville residents.  They take pride and ownership in their work.   As the Director of the Department of Public Works and Water and Sewer Utilities, I can attest to the fact that our crews are continuing to do everything within their power to complete the clean-up.  I personally am very proud of each and everyone of them, and appreciate their dedication.

Our two supervisors, Lars Darling and Rich Huffstutler, are in constant communication with myself, the Montville Police Department and the Township Administration to respond to all areas that need attention.  We have also called in outside contractors to assist with brush removal.  Again we appreciate your patience, and you can be assured that our DPW crews will complete all necessary work as soon as possible.  We are also responding to false or exaggerated complaints on social media which divert our crews from true emergencies to complaints for streets that are not completely plowed completely curb to curb.  This practice is dangerous, misleading and also time consuming.  Please be respectful to our workers.  They are giving 110% and deserve nothing but credit for the work they are doing.

A few things to remember:

1.        This storm was predicted as 10 to 12 inches.  Montville Township received the highest snow accumulations in the State with 26.8 inches.

2.       Plowing, shoveling or blowing snow from private property onto the Township roads is a violation of the Township code, and only makes our jobs more difficult.

3.       Streets where vehicles are parked on the street prevent our plows or salters from getting through.  They are much larger than regular vehicles and need more clearance.  Please keep vehicles off of roadways during snow events.

Sincerely,

 

John Perry

Director of Public Works and Water and Sewer Utilities  


Facebook Twitter Email