Message from the Mayor – July 2012

On behalf of the Township Committee, I would like to wish everyone a very happy summer! Congratulations to all recent elementary school, middle school, high school and college graduates. Springfield is very proud of your accomplishments and the success of our community depends on hardworking and dedicated individuals like you.

I also want to extend my appreciation to everyone who made the annual 4th of July Celebration a success, especially the Chamber of Commerce who makes the event possible and the paid and volunteer members of our public safety units. Everyone who attended enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show, outstanding musical entertainment, and delicious food.

There have been various wild animal sightings in Springfield for several years that were brought to the attention of the Springfield Board of Health but they did not publicize them. With the summer here and more people spending time outdoors, I want to take this opportunity to reassure the public and provide some information. Coyotes are actually more common than many people think – across the state. Attacks are rare. If provoked or given access to food, their behavior will change. According to the State, “In suburban and urban areas, coyotes have occasionally attacked small pets. Although attacks on humans are extremely rare in eastern states, as with any predatory animal they can occur.” More information is available from the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife at their website. The message is generally the same for black bear sightings. Police are aware and they are on the lookout as part of their patrols and our animal control plan, however, “management” of the animal population is under the State Division of Fish and Wildlife. Short of widespread “extermination” which isn’t even an option, there is very little that a municipality or local animal control can do besides respond. The State says, “Sightings alone should not cause alarm but are a signal to take the preventive measures described here. Significant damage and nuisance coyote problems should be reported to the Wildlife Services Section at (908) 735-8793.” If there is an emergency, dial 9-1-1. Typically, police are called in response to wild animals and animal control is called if they are found to be acting in an aggressive/violent manner or have attacked.

The Board of Education and Township Committee will be holding a special, joint meeting this year on Monday, July 16 at Jonathan Dayton High School to workshop and discuss issues of mutual concern. Despite the fact that we are separate, independent governing bodies, it is important that we maintain open lines of communication and find ways to work together effectively and efficiently to benefit taxpayers. We have rescheduled our July Township Committee meetings and will meet after the Joint meeting in Town Hall for our own Township Committee meeting. These meetings are both public and open to all.

I am happy to announce that this month we will “cut the ribbon” at the new First Aid Squad & Municipal Library parking lot. Residents will find that this will ease the congestion around Town Hall, the First Aid Squad and the Municipal Library as well as offer more parking spaces for visitors.

This summer, stop by the improved and expanded Springfield Farmers Market to sample some of the great, new products! “Jersey Fresh” fruits & vegetables, fresh flowers, cheeses, pickles, jams & jellies, fresh pasta, dried fruits & nuts, baked goods and fresh sauces are available every Monday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

I am always interested in meeting with residents to discuss any municipal matters. Please e-mail me at mayor@shehady.us to schedule an appointment. Additionally, contact me if you would like to host coffee/tea for neighbors and have me over to speak on any issue(s) of concern to the group.