Join Us for the 2025 State of the Township Address

The Middle Township Chamber of Commerce is hosting an evening with Mayor Chris Leusner and Police Chief Tracey Super as they provide updates on Township projects, community safety, and emergency management.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 5:30 PM at the Bellevue Tavern

We are thankful to the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce for organizing this important event for our community.

For more information, contact the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce.  Register here: opens in a new window2025 State of the Township Registration

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ALICIA WOODROW NAMED MIDDLE JANUARY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

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Alicia Woodrow, Technical Assistant to the Construction Official, has been named Middle Township’s January Employee of the Month. Alicia joined the Township team in May 2021 and received her TACO certification on December 24, 2021. Alicia will be publicly honored at the January 22nd Township Committee Meeting. Woodrow received two nominations for the monthly award.

Township Construction Official Dan Spiegel cited Woodrow’s insightful knowledge of the ever-evolving Uniform Construction Code.

“When I joined the Township’s Construction Office, Alicia’s knowledge and support were critical to ensuring a smooth transition for our staff and applicants,” Spiegel said. “Alicia is a “model employee”. She thoroughly enjoys her job, interacts well with our staff and customers and works hard to stay current on the complex construction codes that govern project development in the State of New Jersey. Alicia knows her job extremely well and is enthusiastic in mastering new rules and regulations in the ever-evolving world of the Uniform Construction Code.  Our office simply would not run as well without Alicia’s knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm.”

Township resident Gerald O’Brien was unfamiliar with the permitting application process when he reached out with questions to the Construction Office.  O’Brien was pleasantly surprised with Alicia’s prompt and professional response to his initial inquiries.

“Alicia Woodrow should be the Employee of the Month,” O’Brien said.  “I had questions about permitting and submitted an online request for some information, mainly because I had no idea where to start.  I received a response from Alicia in a few minutes and she outlined what I needed. She also suggested that I give her a call.  I did give her a call and she talked me through the process. She was super nice, very informative and made a complicated and intimidating process easy to understand and navigate.”

Beyond her official duties, Alicia is always quick to volunteer for community events and serves as the Secretary of the Garden Club.

“I’m not at all surprised to hear these positive comments on Alicia’s job performance,” Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy said. “The Construction and Zoning Offices are busy every day and the processes for applications and approvals can be a long and winding road.  Alicia does an excellent job of coordinating staff, communicating with the Construction Official and Inspectors and shepherding applicants to successful outcomes.”

The Middle Township Employee of the Month program was initiated by the Township Committee to honor employees who exemplify the Township’s commitment to better delivery of services and going the extra mile for residents. The program culminates with the Darius Graham Employee of the Year honor that is named after one of the Township’s most beloved employees in its history.

Nominations for the Employee of the Month Program are available at Township Hall at two locations: Human Resources and Training Department and the Administration Department. Residents from the Township who have had a very positive interaction with any Middle Township employee may pick up the one-page nomination form and fill it out in the employee’s behalf.

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the winter storm, our trash contractor has informed us that there will be no trash or recycling collection today. Monday’s trash will be collected tomorrow, along with Tuesday’s regular collection. Please stay safe, Middle Township!

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Middle Secures Long-Term Savings in New Waste Collection Contract

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Following a protracted bidding and negotiation process, Middle Township has secured a long-term contact for trash and recycling collection with Pinelands Construction, LLC. The new agreement, effective January 1, 2025, locks in an annual rate of $1.55 million dollars for five years.

Middle Township twice rejected bids considered unreasonable on the basis of cost estimates prepared by the Township’s professional consultants. The negotiated contract with Pinelands Construction, LLC was deemed the most cost-effective, long-term solution for the Township. NJ State Statutes permit municipalities to enter into good faith negations for services once two rounds of the bidding process have resulted in the rejection of all bids.

The Township’s negotiations were led by Mayor Chris Leusner, supported by Business Administrator Kimberly Osmundsen and Chief Financial Officer Neil Young.

“Much hard work went into securing the best, long-term deal for our taxpayers,” Leusner said. “The rising cost of trash and recycling collection has become a major burden for many communities. I am satisfied that our team has secured the reliable services of a well-respected contractor, at a fair and stable cost for the next five years.”

By rejecting the low bid of $1.8 million per year acquired in the original bidding process, the Township looks to realize a minimum savings of $250,000 per year over the next five years. A total potential savings of $1.25 million over the life of the newly negotiated contract.

“The Township considered multiple options throughout this process, including the costly prospect of restoring the waste collection process as an in-house function of our Public Works Department,” Leusner explained. “In the end, after careful consideration of several scenarios, we are confident we have achieved the most stable and affordable outcome possible in the current business environment.”

Mayor Leusner asked residents and business owners for their patience as the Township transitions to a new contractor over the next several weeks.

“In order to realize these long-term savings for our taxpayers, we all need to work together with Pinelands Construction, LLC to ensure the timely and efficient collection of our trash and recyclables,” Leusner said. “The Township will be sharing helpful reminders with our residents regarding the guidelines for proper handling of trash and recycling, bulk trash pick-up and the permitted sizes and type of containers under our current ordinance.”

Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing

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Smoke Testing FAQs

What is the purpose of smoke testing?

This smoke testing procedure is taking place to identify problems areas in the sewer system, and is part of the Township’s continued effort to provide safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound sewer system. Eliminating system defects and improper connections will help our community remain in compliance with federal legislation regarding sewer systems maintenance and sanitary sewer overflows.

How can I prepare for the testing?

In advance of the testing date, please pour one gallon of water into all seldom used drains, including floor drains, and flush all toilets. This will prevent smoke from entering your house through working plumbing connections.

What will happen during the testing?

Sewer Line Smoke Testing entails blowing inert smoke into the sanitary sewer manholes to check for defects in the system.  This type of test has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an effective and safe way of identifying problem areas in the sewer system.  It is normal to see lots of white/grey smoke around your neighborhood during smoke testing. Do not be alarmed by this smoke, and do not call the Fire Department unless you see black smoke or have good reason to believe there is an actual fire to report.

Is the smoke harmful?

No. The smoke used for this test is manufactured for these purposes, leaving no residuals or stains, and is not harmful to plants and animals. The smoke is non-toxic and creates no fire hazard.

What should you do if smoke gets into the house?

It should not enter your home or business unless you have defective plumbing or dry sink traps or floor drains. In this case, defective plumbing could be allowing sewer gases to enter your home, which is a potential health hazard. Corrections of such defects on private property are the responsibility of the property owner, and a licensed plumber should be consulted to ensure the proper corrections are made. The presence of smoke in your house should be reported immediately to the personnel conducting the tests, or by calling the Middle Township Sewer Department at (609) 465-8713.

Though the smoke is harmless, residents should avoid prolonged or unnecessary exposure if possible. If smoke does enter your home, try to see where it is coming from inside your home, and then contact the smoke testing work crews immediately at the phone number listed above. Open doors and windows to ventilate the building and remove any people and pets to fresh air until the smoke has cleared. Persons with heart and respiratory ailments should leave the house during the test. Be sure any unattended pets are provided with proper ventilation.

I will not be at home during smoke testing – what should I do?

Some sewer lines and manholes are located along backyard or side yard easements, if these lines require investigation, members of the inspection crew may need to enter your property to access sewer lines and manholes. Homeowners do not need to be present and workers will not enter your home or disturb your property.

What happens if you find a bad sewer or lack of traps in a building?

Smoke that is seen coming from the vent stacks on houses is normal. However, smoke coming from holes in the grounds is not normal and is considered a defect. All such defects will be photographed and logged.

Should you have any questions on this upcoming testing, please contact the Middle Township Sewer Department at (609) 465-8713.

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Rachel Shepherd Honored as Middle Township Employee of the Year

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Photo caption – Township Committee joins with the administrative team to honor Zoning Officer Rachel Shepherd as the municipality’s Employee of the Year.

Rachel Shepherd, Middle Township’s Zoning Officer, has been chosen as the Township’s Darius Graham Employee of the Year. Shepherd was recognized as the Township’s Employee of the Month in May. Rachel started her career in the Township as a clerk in the Construction and Zoning Office in 2019 and was nominated for the recognition by Township Administration.

The award was presented at the Township’s Annual Employee Holiday Party at the Bellevue Tavern on December 13^th. The Zoning Officer was praised for her exceptional dedication and contributions to the department.

“On behalf of the people of Middle Township, I want to congratulate Rachel on this well-deserved recognition,” Mayor Chris Leusner said.  “Rachel, along with all of our Employee of the Month honorees, personifies the hard work and commitment to public service of our entire Middle Township team.”

Shepherd also serves as secretary to both the Zoning and Planning Boards, preparing documents for Board members and professionals and attending and recording minutes for public record.

“The operation of the Zoning Office is fast-paced and complex,” Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy said. Gandy has oversight of the Construction and Zoning offices. “Rachel consistently goes above and beyond in her role, ensuring that zoning regulations are enforced effectively while also providing excellent customer service to residents and businesses alike.”

The Middle Township Employee of the Month program was initiated by the Township Committee to honor employees who exemplify the Township’s commitment to better delivery of services and going the extra mile for residents. The program culminates with the Darius Graham Employee of the Year honor that is named after one of the Township’s most beloved employees in its history.
Nominations for the Employee of the Month Program are available at Township Hall in the Human Resources and Training Department or the Administration Department.

Residents from the Township who have had a very positive interaction with any Middle Township employee may pick up the one-page nomination form and fill it out on the employee’s behalf.