Cedar Grove Approves Two Percent Raise for Employees

With no public comment during a public hearing, the Cedar Grove Township Council unanimously approved a two-percent salary increase for all non-union township employees at its meeting Monday night.

“We want to keep in line with other town employees so they don't get left behind due to cost of living increases," Mayor John Zunic said in previous Patch interview. "At some point these employees need to receive an increase as well because they really do a good job.”

The council also unanimously approved three other pending bond ordinances for water, sewer and various other improvements in the township.

Councilman Robert O'Toole explained the importance of the improvement ordinance, saying, "Out of the $425,000, more than half of that is going to road overlay programs that Mr. [Thomas] Tucci has been overseeing with DPW (department of public works)." O'Toole said. 

The council explained the water and sewer utility improvements, totaling $2.2 million, are necessary upgrades, which happened over time. 

In other news, Tucci told the council representatives with “Today in America,” a show that profiles small American towns that is hosted by Terry Bradshaw, wanted to know if Cedar Grove would want to be highlighted. Since the five-minute segment would require three weeks of filming with a cost of $19,800, the council turned down the offer.

In the resolutions, the council approved:

• A resolution estimating the third quarter tax rate at a $2.026.
• The installation of a bus shelter at 388 Pompton Ave., near Bradford Avenue. NJ Transit will pay the initial building fees and the township will take responsibility for the maintenance.
• The resurfacing of Marley Avenue, as part of a block grant from the federal government, which also allowed work on Apple Tree Lane, Hillside Avenue and Beaumont Road.
• The purchase of two dump trucks for the town, totaling $76,918, from Celebrity of Morristown LLC, 335 Madison Ave., Morristown. 
• The purchase of communication equipment to monitor the water utility, for $19,292, from Royal Communications Inc., 244 E. Union Turnpike in Wharton.
• Appointed Jillian Goldbesd as a student member of the Recreation Board.