EMERSON, N.J.—In addition to noting this is “the family town,” the borough wants to make sure visitors and passersby know they are welcome when they enter the 2.4-square-mile suburb.
Borough Administrator Michael Carelli said the town is planning to install up to seven “Welcome to Emerson” signs at key locations around the borough and will reach out to nearby businesses to help sponsor the project.
Carelli said he consulted with DPW Director Perry Solimando to determine possible sign locations. Smaller pedestal signs are estimated to cost about $1,500 each, while larger signs could cost approximately $4,500.
He said the borough would first seek sponsorships from local businesses before opening opportunities to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The borough would also reserve the right to remove signs if a sponsoring business closes or relocates. Carelli said a resolution is expected at the next council meeting.
The council also voted to rescind Ordinance 1706-25, approved last July, which established fees for use of the tennis and pickleball courts at Emerson Junior-Senior High School. The court fees were waived, and Mayor Danielle DiPaola encouraged residents to use the courts for recreation.
Continuing the borough’s annual “Mayor for the Day” tradition, the mayor and council welcomed Cameron Trass, a fourth grader at Villano School, who introduced the meeting and read from the agenda. Trass spent much of the day with borough officials learning about local government. Photos were taken with his family and officials to mark the occasion.
Salary, construction fee ordinances approved
The council also adopted two ordinances May 19 amending municipal salary ranges and increasing construction permit fees.
Ordinance 1720-26 updated salary ranges for several municipal positions, including recycling coordinator, property maintenance officer, building department technical assistant, police OEM coordinator, and recreation department camp directors, counselors, and coaches.
Ordinance 1721-26 revised fees for construction permits under Chapter 132-2 of Emerson’s building code, increasing fees for building, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection subcode permits. The ordinance states all applicable fees must be paid before permits are issued.