Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • September 9, 2009 Franklin Lakes Noise ordinance attempts to smooth ruffled feathers by Frank J. McMahon An ordinance the Franklin Lakes Council is expected to adopt at its Sept. 15 public meeting represents an attempt to end the dispute between neighbors about the alleged crowing of roosters. Following several council discussions about the dispute between neighbors about roosters that allegedly crow and disturb the peace, the council introduced the ordinance that will provide certain penalties for animal noise violations within the borough. The new ordinance contains three remedies a municipal court judge court could impose if it is demonstrated in a court of law that a violation of the borough’s noise ordinance occurred. On the first confirmed violation, the court could impose a fine of up to $1,000 on the owner of the animal creating the prohibited noise. On the second confirmed violation, the court would be able to impose a fine of between $500 and $1,000 and, at the discretion of the court, the offending rooster or other animal creating the prohibited noise could be ordered to be removed from the homeowner’s premises within a reasonable period of time. A homeowner convicted of a third offense would be subject to a minimum fine of $750 and a maximum fine of $1,000 and the court would then order the removal of the animal from the homeowner’s premises within a reasonable period of time. The ordinance was prompted by complaints by residents of two different locations in the borough about roosters. The residents claim the roosters disturb their sleep and their quality of life. In one case, complaints have already been heard in the borough’s municipal court and that feud has escalated to harassment charges by one set of neighbors against their next door neighbors. That case was sent to the Hillsdale Municipal Court where the judge found one set of neighbors guilty of harassment, imposed fines and other restrictions on them, and chastised both sets of neighbors for not ending the feud between them. The council discussed complaints about the alleged use of chain saws and noisy roosters several times. During those discussions, the idea of establishing a minimum size lot a resident must own in order to have a rooster was considered. But the planning board declined to recommend any change in the borough’s zoning ordinances to address the rooster issue, claiming the problem is not widespread. (continued on page 24) Eagle Scout candidate targets pond This summer, Nathaniel Clark, a Franklin Lakes resident who attends Don Bosco Prep, set out to complete a portion of Phase II of The Franklin Lakes Memorial Pond as his Eagle Project. This portion of the project included a bridge and a waterfall. “After months spent planning with The Memorial Pond Committee, Mayor Maura DeNicola, the DEP (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection), Boswell Engineering, the DPW (Franklin Lakes Department of Public Works), and Blue Meadow Landscaping, I am thrilled to see the project take shape and really come together,” said Clark. “Every step has been difficult, but completing this project in the memory of those who were lost on 9/11 and (over) Lockerbie, Scotland is one of the proudest moments of my life.” “It was imperative to complete this project respecting the vision and intentions of the organizers in memory of (continued on page 24) Helpful Hints Helpful Hints from Peter Says... ome “Replace incandescent lights with compact flourescent light bulbs. They can reduce the lighting portion of your energy bill up to 50%”. 27 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick Open Sundays 9-3 201-652-5666 Franklin Lakes Baptist Church (corner of Franklin & Summit Ave.) 649 Franklin Avenue • Franklin Lakes Keeping Families Warm Since 1929. Awana Clubs A program for boys and girls age 3 thru grade 6 Wednesday: 7:00-8:30 pm • Come join the fun! The program is loaded with exciting activities: Games, handbook, Bible time and special events. The Awana program is distinctively Christian and Bible-centered and does not exclude children based on religious affiliation. For more information, please call the church office or simply register your child at the club night. A registration fee of $15.00 will be collected for each club year. Serving All Your Home Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available First night of club will be September 16th. If you can not attend the first night, you can still register your child at any time. Public always welcome John Rothwell, Director • (201) 891-3253 • website: www.flbc.org Cash ts Discougn il eatin O On H Deliveries 24 Hour Emergency 201-891-1000 Service ����������������������� 9-9-09 Pat From Janine