Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • February 29, 2012 Mahwah Bergen County agrees to clear Masonicus Brook by Frank J. McMahon The Bergen County Mosquito Commission is expected to begin clearing the Masonicus Brook in the near future, removing debris and sand shoals that have built up over the years as the water travels from Winters Pond to the Mahwah River. At the last council meeting, Mahwah Township Engineer Kevin Boswell reported that the county agreed to carry out the project, which had been recommended by Councilman John Roth and Freeholder Robert Hermansen, a former councilman. The Masonicus Brook flows north from the Ramsey area under Macarthur Boulevard, under Route 17 north of the interchange of 17 and Macarthur Boulevard, back under Route 17 south of Commerce Court, under that cul-de-sac and back under Route 17, then under Island Road and West Airmount Road, and into Winters Pond. The water from the pond spills out over a dam and under East Ramapo Avenue and north along the Rockland Electric right of way until its confluence with the Mahwah River, which flows south to the Ramapo River. Flooding in the northern section of Mahwah has been a problem for years. Officials hope the clearing of this area of the brook will diminish the flooding in that area to some degree. Mahwah Township Administrator Brian Campion advised the council that the debris and sand removed from the brook would be stored on the banks of the brook until the Mahwah Department of Public Works could remove it. The dredging of Winters Pond by a private contractor was completed in December 2011, and according to Township Engineer Michael Kelly, the dredged soil was tested and found to be non-hazardous. Most of that soil will be trucked out of the municipality at no cost to the township. The township developed a plan to dredge the Winters Pond in 2007. Permits were obtained from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Bergen County Mosquito Commission was expected to start the work in 2009 at no cost to the township. When Orange and Rockland Electric Company representatives realized the heavy long-reach equipment that was to be used to dredge the pond might interfere with the electric transmission lines that are about 40 feet above the water level, the commission postponed the project. Although the commission revised its plans to adjust for the high tension wires, it ultimately backed away from the project altogether when officials realized they could not make the commitment of time the project would require. The township then decided to use a private contractor to do the dredging. In July 2011, the council awarded a $234,026 contract to the Manahawkin firm of KG Marine Contracting to remove about 18,000 cubic yards of silt from the pond. Flapjack fundraiser Ramapo Reformed Church of Mahwah enjoyed its first Pancake Supper. The event was a fundraiser for the church and local missions. Everyone pitched in to cook and serve, and then enjoyed little taste of their hard work.