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ANNOUNCEMENTS

• New Jersey American Water will be temporarily changing its water treatment process at the Raritan-Millstone and Canal Road water treatment plants from a chloramine (combined) residual to a free chlorine residual. This change will take place beginning February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012. During this time period, customers may notice an increase in the taste and smell of chlorine in the water. This is normal and will only be temporary. As always, we will continue to monitor the water quality to ensure the service we deliver meets federal and state drinking water standards. Thank you for your patience.

• Please see attached Request for Proposal for Planning Board Attorney, (posted 1/25/2012 at 12:00 noon)

• The 2012 Municipal Budget Recommendation was presented at the Council meeting on January 17th. Please see attached.

• Applications are being accepted for volunteers for the following Township Committees: Affordable Housing Board, Cable Telecommunications, Environmnetal Resources, Greenway, Growth and Redevelopment, Health Advisory, Historic Preservation, Human Relations, Municpal Alliance on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Open Space, Planning Board, Public Safety, Rent Stabilization, Shade Tree and Zoning Board. If you are interested in serving on any one of these Committees, please complete an application form and either mail it to the Municipal Clerk’s office at 2207 Lawrence Road or email it to clerk@lawrencetwp.com. If you have any questions, you may contact 609-844-7000.

• Lawrence Township Health Department February Activities include a monthly screening and educational program at the Senior Center. Please see attached flyer further details about the Screening/Lecture program.

• On Tuesday January 24th at 6:30 pm a public hearing will be conducted regarding the renewal of Comcast's municipal consent to own, operate, extend, and maintain a cable television and cable communications system in the Township of Lawrence. For more information, please click here.

• RED LIGHT PHOTO ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM - Lawrence Township and Mercer County have mutually entered into a contract with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) to provide photo enforcement service at the intersection of Brunswick Pike (Route One) and Franklin Corner Road/Bakers Basin Road. Please see attached fact sheet.

• Lawrence Township has done it again! The Township has been awarded Sustainable Jersey Bronze certification for the third year in a row. Please see attached press release.

• The Department of Community Affairs recenlty announced that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications for the upcoming heating season. For more information, please call 1-800-510-3102 or click here.

• The New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency has announced the "New Jersey HomeKeeper Program" funded through a grant from United States Treasury's Hardest Hit Fund. The program offers financial help to homeowners who are in danger of losing their home as a direct result of unemployment or underemployment. It provides assistance in the form of a second mortgage loan whereby the proceeds may be used to cover arrearages and/or an approved amount of the homeowner's monthly mortgage payment, including property taxes, property insurance, and mortgage insurance. Program details are available online at www.njhomekeeper.gov or the toll-free HomeKeeper call center at (855)-NJ-KEEP-1.

• Foreclosure Fast Facts: A 2-page listing of assistance, numbers to call and general assistance, including counseling agencies experienced in foreclosure: www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/foreclosureprevention_resources.pdf

• The NJ HOPE (Home Ownership Preservation Effort) website provides information about resources that are available for homeowners who are delinquent in their mortgage payments, need counseling or have questions: www.state.nj.us/dobi/njhope

• A Police Staffing Study was completed in June 2011 by Matrix Consulting Group. See attached.

• The Lawrence Township Police Department is looking for individuals interested in working as crossing guards. For more details see the attached.

• New information for Lawrence Township Comcast customers regarding changes to service effective January 2012. Please see attached letter from Comcast.

• Caring for trees...click for information.

• See 2011 Adopted Budget

• Volunteers are being sought to serve on the Lawrence Township Affordable Housing Board. The Board monitors compliance of the municipality in providing housing for low and moderate-income households. It is not a requirement that you live in an affordable unit in order to serve on the Board.  The Board meets monthly on the third Thursday at 7:30 PM.

  Applications may be picked up at the Municipal Clerk’s office at 2207 Lawrenceville Road or will be mailed by calling 844-7000. They may also be downloaded from the Township’s website, www.lawrencetwp.com (click on Quick Links on the top bar of the homepage, then Applications-Forms, then General Administration, and then Boards and Committee Application).

• Effective January 1, 2011, The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is banning the disposal of all "covered electronic devices". Covered electronic devices include televisions, computers, monitors, and portable/laptop computers. Please do not place any of these items in your blue cart for disposal. These items MUST be recycled! You can visit www.state.nj.us/dep and click on "recycling & planning" for additional recources. Please see Public Work's new drop-off information. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact the Public Works Department at 609-587-1894 for assistance.

• The Shade Tree Advisory Committee has marked the Township’s 14th year as a Tree City with a brochure highlighting the benefits derived from trees and the memorial tree program. Click here to view brochure.

• LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP 2010 REPORT OF AUDIT: The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010 has been submitted and accepted by the Lawrence Township Council. The 2010 CAFR contained no negative findings or recommendations on the fiscal activity of the Lawrence Township municipal government. See full the report Financial Audit for 2010.

• ENERGY REBATE: Expanded incentives for residents, businesses and local governments have been made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). More information for residents may be found at NJCleanEnergy.com/arra, and details for commercial and industrial customers may be found at NJCleanEnergy.com/noniou.

• Lawrenceville’s Landmarks Guide is available for purchase for the Holidays...see locations.

• Are You Register Ready?  The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness have created “Register Ready” a registry program which assists people with special needs in the event of an emergency.  The program is a free, voluntary, web-based program intended to help people with special needs get to safety at the time of an emergency.

   

  Individuals with special needs or their caregivers can register electronically at www.registerready.nj.gov.  You can also register by calling New Jersey’s toll- free 2-1-1 telephone service. This service will register individuals, offer free translation and provide TYY services for the hearing impaired.

• Brush Collection Reminder: The Lawrence Township ordinance regulating brush collection requires brush to be placed at curbside no earlier than the weekend prior to the scheduled week of pickup. Christmas Trees will be collected during the regular zone pickup. Materials shall be placed no more than 4 feet from the edge of the pavement and not piled higher than 3 feet. Tree limbs in excess of 8 inches in diameter will not be collected. Limbs should be cut in lengths of 5 feet or less. Brush and leaves must be in separate piles. Brush may also be disposed of at the ecological center at 3107 Princeton Pike, Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Beginning April 2nd the center will be open Saturdays from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Any further questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 609-587-1894.

• Concept Plan Business Route #1 from NJ DOT are available in two parts:
  • Project beginning from Pear Street
  • Project ending at Lake Drive

• Help is available for paying your energy bill, winterizing or conserving energy. Click for more information.

• Utility Work: Verizon is currently installing a fiber-optic upgrade within Lawrence Township to provide cable TV, telephone, and broadband access. This work is being conducted by a contractor for Verizon in the utility easement in front of residential homes throughout the Township. Should any resident have a concern or complaint, please contact the hotline at 1-888-240-5752.