Wyckoff's Public Information Awarded 'Best of Print Media' in NJ

The Wyckoff Township Committee announced that Wyckoff was awarded “Best Print Media” for its public information in the 53rd Annual Municipal Public Information Contest sponsored by the New Jersey League of Municipalities, New Jersey State Municipal Management Association and Rutgers University Bureau of Government Research.

The Township Committee congratulated the effort since this award represents the 14th time Wyckoff has achieved a state-wide public information honor in the past 23 years. The Township of Wyckoff was also previously awarded Best Overall in 2011.

The standards for judging were based on content, clarity, utility and appearance. The contest is open to all 566 municipalities in New Jersey.

Wyckoff’s Public Information Program attempts to convey to residents important information about municipal services, changes in laws and procedures or program dates. Public information program consists of a web site, www.wyckoff-nj.com, (which was recognized previously as one of the best municipal web sites), municipal resident Spring and Fall newsletters, municipal calendar, Cable TV public information and public service announcements.

• The municipal calendar, usually sent out in mid-December, contains useful information such as event dates, meeting dates and recycling pick-up dates as well as daily date blocks large enough for residents to record their family events. The back pages of the calendar include a street register of garbage and trash, recycling pick-ups and leaf collection districts plus an outline of garbage and recycling rules and regulations. Each year a community theme is selected. It is as attractive as it is useful. The Township skipped the scenic theme and the 2014 calendar was a survival guide for emergencies. It is teeming with information about hurricane preparedness, generator safety and pet evacuations in the event of emergencies.
• Spring and Fall newsletters are full of timely and useful information. Wyckoff’s Recyclometer encourages residents to recycle. Through the use of the iconic Beatle Abbey Road photo, motorists are reminded to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• An explanation of the revaluation process including FAQ’s and revaluation facts and a thorough and complete explanation of the revaluation process can be found in the Special Issue Newsletter.

The next publication that will be mailed to every residence and business in Wyckoff is the 2015 Municipal Calendar. The 2015 theme is a Resource Guide for Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention providing information regarding the unprecedented rise in drug abuse. The 2015 resource calendar can be used now and kept for reference later. Inside residents will find details on how to identify problematic drugs, how to recognize and understand addiction and how to contact local, county and regional organizations that provide further education and support. Watch for it in your mail and place it in a handy place for reference and usage during the upcoming year.

The Township’s public information program was expanded in 1996 with the unveiling of “Wyckoff on the Web,” the Township’s official web site. It has been enhanced three times since then. The intention of “Wyckoff on the Web” is to provide information on public services and programs that can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.wyckoff-nj.com. The home page includes information on road closings/detours, the district where leaf collection crews are working, when and where the Memorial Day Parade begins and public safety information. Additional municipal information ranges from Planning Board and Zoning Board applications, meeting minutes, tax reminders, recycling events such as Saturday’s Free Personal Document Shredding Day and e-mail contacts for the Township Committee. Sign up for E-News on the home page and receive timely updates direct to your computer or data/internet phone.

A key component of the public information program is the e-mail blasts of timely public information. The Township continues to encourage residents to register their email address at Sign up for E-News on www.wyckoff-nj.com home page. This public information tool is the primary manner timely information is issued in addition to postings on the Township’s web page. Please register your email address to receive updates directly to your computer and/or data/internet phone.