September 5, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Franklin Lakes Ordinance sets bond requirements for tree removal by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Council has introduced an ordinance that would, if adopted at the Sept. 20 public meeting, amend the surety bond requirements for tree removal in the borough. According to the ordinance, the measure would expedite and ease the handling of surety bonds received by the borough to protect against the indiscriminate and improper removal of trees. The ordinance would provide for the use of some of the surety bond cash to replace trees if they are damaged, improperly removed, or destroyed, or used to plant trees somewhere else in the borough. The proposal would also allow the borough to transfer any surety bond money that an applicant does not request to be returned after two years from the receipt of the bond money to the borough’s tree replacement fund. A surety bond is normally required in all cases where planning board approval is required for the removal of trees. Under this ordinance, the application to the planning board would have to be accompanied by a cash bond in the minimum amount of $5,000 for each acre of a site on which the improvement would be located. The amount of the cash bond can be increased by the construction official when the official feels it is justified based on the potential threat to the trees on the property, and the cash bond must be held by the borough to ensure compliance with the requirements imposed by the borough code related to the preservation of trees. The bond must be returned to the applicant upon completion of the project, the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, and the inspection of the property by the construction official to ensure compliance with all municipal codes relating to tree preservation and tree removal. Where trees have been damaged, improperly removed, or destroyed in violation of the borough code, in addition to other enforcement options, some or all of the cash bond would be retained and used by the borough to replace trees on the prop- erty, if permitted by the property owner, or, at the borough’s discretion, used for the planting of similar trees on municipal property within the borough. In the event that the applicant fails to request an inspection to confirm that the improvements are completed and that ordinances have not been violated within two years from the borough’s receipt of the cash bond, and fails to request a refund of the cash bond, the amount of the cash bond would be transferred to the borough’s tree replacement fund and used for the maintenance, repair, replacement, and planting of trees on public property throughout the borough. Story time registration announced Franklin Lakes Public Library is registering its youngest patrons for the Tot Time and P.I.N.T. Center programs. Tot Time, open to children ages two-anda-half to five years old, provides a variety of activities, including stories, songs, finger plays, and a craft. Children experience their first introduction to children’s literature in a relaxed but structured atmosphere. The program will meet on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 19 and Oct. 3, 10, 24, and 31. The P.I.N.T. Center program for newborns to children 30 months old offers a language enrichment program that includes simple stories, songs, rhymes, and finger plays. Each 45-minute session begins with an informal play period followed by a more formal presentation. Children participate through interactive activities and are introduced to books and stories just right for their age group. This is also an informal social time for parents and children. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, 9, and 16. Registration for both programs will begin Sept. 11. Non-residents may register on Sept. 17. Registration may be completed by calling (201) 891-2224 or by visiting the library at 470 DeKorte Drive during regular hours. Wortendyke Pottery Studio Tuesday - Thursday AM 9:30-12:00 PM 7:30-10:00 13 Weeks, $405* Interm-Adv. Classes Saturday AM 10:00-12:30 Monday AM 9:30-12:30 13 Weeks, $485* ADULT CLASSES FALL CLASSES • SEPT. 10 to DEC. 15, 2012 Monday - Friday PM 3:30-5:30 13 Weeks, $380* 211 GREENWOOD AVE MIDLAND PARK 201-652-5882 www.wortendykestudio.com Pottery Birthday Parties Saturdays CHILDREN’S CLASSES * Tuition includes clay, glazes & firing 8-29-12 WortendykePotteryClasses3x3 Ester... Nancy