Mahwah July 25, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Mayor’s recycling proposal draws opposition by Frank J. McMahon A proposal by Mahwah Mayor William Laforet to outsource the township’s recycling operations in order to save money drew opposition from department of public works employees and raised concerns from some council members. Laforet said his proposal to have a private company take over the pickup of recyclables in the township instead of the seven DPW workers who currently perform that function would save $750,000 over three years, and potentially $2.5 million over the next 10 years. In addition, he said his proposal would improve the service provided to residents by permitting all recyclable materials -- glass, plastic, tin, and newspapers -- to be picked up in one container, and to be picked up every week instead of every other week as is currently done. Meanwhile, the recycling yard would remain open on weekdays with extended hours on Saturday for residents to drop off recyclables. Laforet claims the savings from his proposal would be significant, and would enable the township to continue to keep the township’s tax rate low and maintain Mahwah’s Triple A bond rating. “I believe I was elected to turn the tide on the runaway taxes in Mahwah, which rose 26 percent in just four years,” Laforet stated in a recent letter to residents. “You elected me to make difficult decisions and to do whatever it takes to get results. We have more work to do.” The DPW employees oppose the mayor’s proposal, and many of them attended the public council meeting on July 12 dressed in yellow T-shirts and displaying a large inflated plastic rat figure that is often used by union members on sites where non-union members are being employed. The DPW employees oppose the mayor’s proposal because it would impact the employment of the seven individuals who currently pick up the recyclables. They claim the township’s snow plowing and leaf collection functions would be impacted if recycling were outsourced to a private company. In addition, they claim the potential savings from outsourcing the recycling operation would save the average homeowner less than two dollars a month in taxes and would permit more outsiders in residential neighborhoods and near schools. They also believe the mayor should have obtained input from the public before proposing to outsource the recycling operation. Councilman John Roth, Councilwoman Lisa DiGiulio, and Councilman Charles Jandris also expressed their concerns about the proposal. Roth questioned if the proposal might just shift money in the budget rather than save funds. DiGiulio said the change might negatively impact snow removal and leaf pickup in the township because those duties are performed by DPW employees. Jandris acknowledged that the proposal would be more convenient for residents, but said it could lower the value of the recyclable materials being collected by the township. Laforet explained that his proposal would affect (continued on page 16) On Aug. 2, the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with chambers from Nyack and Pearl River, New York and Montvale, will host “Picnic & Baseball” at the Rockland Boulders Stadium, 1 Provident Bank Park Drive, in Pomona, New York. The gates will open at 6 p.m., the picnic will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the game will begin at 7 p.m. This event is a great chance to network with other Mahwah Chamber members, members from other chambers in the region, and catch a baseball game. The game will feature a battle between Mahwah Chamber members – the Rockland Boulders and the Newark Bears. The price includes a reserved seat ticket Chambers plan Picnic & Baseball event to the game, plus an unlimited buffet at the Bridge Bar from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., including hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, water, and Coca-Cola products. Additional promotions planned for this game are “Ladies’ Night,” and “Provident Pay Day.” The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive an envelope containing anywhere from $1 to $100. A fireworks display will conclude the evening. The event is $22 for all Chamber members and $27 for non-members. Advanced registration is required. To register, visit mahwah.com or call the Chamber office at (201) 529-5566.