During its regular monthly meeting on September 18, 2023, the Borough Council adopted on first reading an ordinance that will revise the town’s flood maps in an effort to prevent isolated repeated flooding following extraordinarily heavy rainstorms. The new Chapter 257 of the Borough Code would provide for new flood hazard maps and a floodplain administrator. The ordinance will be subject to a public hearing and second reading next month.
Councilman Anthony Carter, chairman of the Council Administration and Finance Committee, announced the appointment of Jesse Moehlman as the new Borough Administrator. The B.A. basically is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Borough. He replaces Rayna Harris who resigned earlier this summer. Mr. Moehlman begins his new job on October 9th. He is currently the assistant business administrator in Milburn.
Volunteers with the Hindu Service Society address the Council
The Mayor Mahr and the Council also welcomed volunteers from the Hindu Service Society (HSS), a non-profit that promotes service to the community among the Hindu population. They celebrated Raksha Bandhan, which translates to “the bond of protection, obligation or care” with specific attention to law enforcement officers, firefighters, military personnel and elected officials. Part of the celebration is bringing each official into a bond of protection by tying a Rakhi, an orange thread, around the person’s right wrist and applying a red vermillion dot on their foreheads. Each Council member participated as did Mayor Mahr who received hers from Fanwood resident Meena Bhalerao. The HSS has 250 chapters across the nation with the closest one in Edison. They collect and distribute food to those in need, clean up parks and spend time with seniors.
Mayor Mahr and Councilman Carter also acknowledged the passing of Fanwood resident Marianna Clausen over the weekend. Mrs. Clausen, wife of firefighter and former Fire Chief Dave Clausen, was an ardent supporter of the Fanwood Volunteer Fire Department and was known throughout the community. Her son Dante is also a firefighter. The Council expressed support for Dave and the children, Dante, Garrett and Ashley, during this difficult time.
