Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • November 9, 2011 Mahwah Weather delays Winters Pond dredging project by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Township Council has approved an extension of time for the completion of the Winters Pond dredging project due to the wet weather the area has been experiencing. Mahwah Township Engineer Michael Kelly advised the council at a recent public meeting that the contractor still expects to meet the Nov. 30 deadline, but to avoid an issue over the completion of the project, Kelly recommended the deadline be extended to Dec. 31. Council President John Roth agreed and responded, “I think we all agree that the weather has been a problem.” Kelly also explained to the council the three areas where the dredged material will be stockpiled while it dries out before being exported from the site. He confirmed that the dredged soil has been tested and found to be non-hazardous and a contractor has been found who will truck out the dredged material at no cost to the township. Kelly noted that moving the dredged material from the stockpile sites around the pond might require 40 trucks a day during off-peak hours, which would result in a $45,000 cost for police traffic direction or flagmen. He explained, however, that the original estimate to export the dredged soil was $525,000, so there will be a considerable net savings to the township. Asked if the contractor would take all the soil, Kelly said the contractor will take the majority of it. Some local contractors will also take some of the soil, he said, and what is left on the site will be graded and seeded for a lawn area. The engineer added that the department of public works might bring some of the soil to the township’s compost area after the leaf collection season. Kelly advised the stockpile areas will be stabilized and seeded and the commuter parking lot on East Ramapo Avenue, which is one of the stockpile areas, will be restored. Councilman Charles Jandris asked Kelly to what depth the dredging will reach. Kelly responded that the goal is to dredge down about one foot below two outlet pipes at the bottom of the dam. (continued on page 14) Three, two, one... Members and leaders of Mahwah Cub Scout Pack 258 at their first model rocket launch competition at the annual fall campout at Campgaw.