July 2022

Thank you, Hazlet Pops
Residents enjoyed an outdoor performance of Broadway and popular music classics on Thursday, July 28 in the open air at Veterans Park. The community band, led by Ray Lahaye and Tiffany Slattery, had rehearsed since May to offer free Thursday night concerts in July. (The last one had to be canceled due to the extreme heat.) The events attracted more than 100 people at their three performances. The relaxed, peaceful setting by the pond, where the audience caught a slight breeze, seemed like a perfect venue during these hot July nights. Children were free to play on the playground as adults enjoyed a musical concert.
The Hazlet Pops was formed in 2021 during the pandemic by invitation of the Hazlet Township Committee. Now it is a cherished summertime tradition in town for both musicians and listeners.

Public Meetings
The Hazlet Township Committee will meet Tuesday, Aug. 2 for a 7 p.m. Workshop Meeting and an 8 p.m. Regular Meeting.
The 2022 Municipal Budget has been introduced with no proposed increase in the tax rate for the third year in a row. Please visit the Finance section to review the budget document prior to the August 2 public hearing.

The Land Use Board meets Thursday, Aug. 4 at Town Hall.

Agendas are posted prior to the meeting in the Agenda Center.

Mandatory Odd/Even Water Restrictions for Monmouth County

Due to increased demand for water during the heat wave, New Jersey American Water is notifying customers of a mandatory odd/even watering restrictions.

If your street address number is an even number, water only on even numbered dates.
If your street address number is an odd number, water only on odd numbered dates.
Water early or late in the day to minimize evaporation

Customers are being notified via the company’s emergency notification system

There are exceptions for watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required (Note: it is recommended that any planting of new sod or seed that has not already taken place be delayed until the fall)
Use of private wells for irrigation
Commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, athletic fields, and car washes
Watering of athletic fields

Read press release.

Driveway Scam Alert
In response to some negative experiences shared by residents on social media, Hazlet Police posted a warning on their Facebook page to be wary of driveway paving scams at this time of year. Here are some signs to watch out for:

They will try to pressure you into making a decision that day.
They want you to pay cash or write a check payable to an individual, not a company.
They will not give straight answers to questions.
They will not provide a signed contract.

If you suspect that the contractor is possibly a con artist, report them to the Hazlet Police Department so we can look into their operation and protect your interests. Watch out for older neighbors who might be threatened or intimidated by traveling con artists.

Special Local Events open to all

Family Fun Night
July 29 at the Hazlet Swim Club. Organized by the RAINE Foundation. More info.

Monmouth County Fair
July 27-31. See schedule of events, hours, admission fees and more information.

American Legion 75th Anniversary Party
July 30, noon-10 p.m. at Post 321, at 524 Front Street in Union Beach. Food and entertainment. $20 per person.

RHS Golf Outing
Aug. 2: The 7th Annual RHS Marching Band Golf Outing will be held at Pebble Creek Golf Club, Colts Neck. https://bit.ly/3zBkaZx

Keyport Fireman's Fair
Aug. 2-6 at West Front Street, Keyport. Rides, games, food, drinks and entertainment. From 7-11 pm

It's So Hot!
This week, Hazlet residents have endured oppressive temperatures in the mid- to high 90's. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Western Monmouth through 8 p.m. Sunday. Temperatures and humidity will gradually increase Saturday and Sunday for all.
The Recreation Dept. issued an invitation to Hazlet residents to come cool off at the Hazlet Swim Club through Sunday, July 24. (Daily fees apply.)
Hazlet Rec Camp kids are staying cool in the pool, with water games, and playing inside the Cullen Center in the afternoons.
NJ American Water is calling for voluntary water restrictions during this time, and JCP&L is offering tips on how to stay cool and save money on electricity. (See below)
The Hazlet Pops evening outdoor concert was canceled Thursday, July 21, due to the lingering heat. The next opportunity to hear the community band will be 7 p.m. Thursday, July 28 at Veterans Park. Stay cool!

Avoid Traffic Congestion on Route 35
Hazlet Police are advising residents to be aware of potential delays on Route 35, between Holmdel Road and Union Avenue, due to road construction and a film shoot. They suggest to try taking Middle Road and Route 36 to travel through town, if possible.

Holmdel Police had previously put out an alert that on there would be intermittent closures from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 22. The highway would be completely closed 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., in both directions, from Union Ave to Miller Ave. Motorists will be able to access local businesses along the highway during the closure.

On Monday, July 25, there will be intermittent closures on Highway 35, near the Holmdel Motor Inn, between 9 am and 10 pm.

Mandatory Odd/Even Water Restrictions for Monmouth County
Due to increased demand for water during the heat wave, New Jersey American Water is notifying customers of a mandatory odd/even watering restrictions.

If your street address number is an even number, water only on even numbered dates.
If your street address number is an odd number, water only on odd numbered dates.
Water early or late in the day to minimize evaporation

Customers are being notified via the company’s emergency notification system

There are exceptions for watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required (Note: it is recommended that any planting of new sod or seed that has not already taken place be delayed until the fall)
Use of private wells for irrigation
Commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, athletic fields, and car washes
Watering of athletic fields

Read press release.

JCP&L Tips
Heat waves can stretch our comfort – and electric bills. JCP&L offers some tips for using electricity wisely when demand is high:

Set your thermostat as high as comfort will allow, and use fans to stay cool. For every degree you increase the temperature in your home, you can decrease energy use by about 3 percent.
Draw blinds, shades, or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
Preset your programmable thermostat to keep the temperature in your home higher while you’re away, and to reduce the temperature before you arrive back home.

More tips.

First Aid Squad Annual Fund Drive
The Hazlet First Aid & Rescue Squad Fund Drive is going on now. Members of the all-volunteer squad posed for a photo holding some of the checks that have come in. Thousands of solicitations have gone out. Please check to see if you have received one! If not, you can donate via Paypal on their website.Checks can also be sent to them at PO Box 162, Hazlet NJ 07730. The squad relies on donations to fund operations. Volunteers are welcome, please inquire.

Monmouth County Fair
Held Wednesday-Sunday, July 27 - 31, this annual tradition includes 4-H shows and exhibits, rides, entertainment, home & garden competitions, opening night fireworks (weather permitting), and more. At East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ.
Wednesday-Friday, July 27-29 from 4-11 p.m.
Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, July 31 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Admission
$8.00 per person (ages 17 & under are free
$5.00 (plus $1.50 convenience fee) – VIPLY app advance purchase, available starting July 26
Sunday – Seniors aged 65 & older and Active Military with ID are free

Free parking. Visit www.MonmouthCountyFair.com for schedule of events and more information.

8th Street Park: Bond Ordinance Approved
The Hazlet Township Committee voted July 12 to approve a $1.5 million Bond Ordinance to provide financing for the improvement of 8th Street Park, allowing the project to move into the design phase.

The governing body also approved the payment of $141,560 to T&M Engineering for design and construction services.

The engineer will work together with the West Keansburg neighborhood committee that participated in the visioning sessions. They will give input on the park design, including the walking path, playground equipment, picnic tables and bench selection.
View a timeline of the project to date.

Suicide Prevention
The Hazlet Alliance is spreading the word about a new lifeline for people having thoughts of suicide.

Starting July 16, when someone has an urgent behavioral health need, they can call 9-8-8. The 9-8-8 system will operate nationally 24/7. Calls to 988 will be directed to 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Suicide prevention is a critical need. Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide claimed the lives of more than 44,000 Americans in 2020, and evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated suicidal thoughts and actions.

All are invited to the RAINE Foundation's annual Family Fun Day at the Hazlet Swim & Tennis Club on Friday, July 29 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The goal of this event is to bring happiness and health to all in the community!

There will be a barbecue, cornhole games and entertainment. All guests will enjoy access to the club's four pools. The Frank Araneo Band will play music from 6 to 9 p.m.

Adults will have access to a cash bar (beer and wine) in the enclosed beer garden while being treated to live music.

Entry is $20 per guest. Children 12 and under are free. The entry fee includes water, soft drinks, BBQ, pool and access to activities. Purchase tickets from the RAINE Foundation.

Sponsored by Hazlet-based organizations: the MAX Challenge, TACKLE DEPRESSION, RAINE Foundation, and HAZLET'S HOPE Network.

Hazlet Recreation Offers Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done while sitting. Some poses can also be done standing using a chair for support. Chair yoga can improve your flexibility, concentration and strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain.

This class incorporates aromatherapy, mindfulness and meditation, as well as a little Reiki.

All participants must bring their own mat and water.

Hazlet Township Introduces 2022 Municipal Budget with Flat Tax Rate

The Hazlet Township Committee introduced a 2022 municipal budget that calls for no increase in the tax rate for the third year in a row.

The governing body presented its $24.5 million budget on June 28. A public hearing and vote on the proposed budget is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, and the committee may adopt the budget that evening.

“We are doing what we have to do,” said Mayor Michael Sachs. “We understand the impact of inflation on our residents, and this is how we are able to help out, by keeping our tax rate stable.”

The proposed municipal tax rate is 56.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of the average home assessed at $382,109 would pay $2,150 in municipal taxes in 2022. Municipal taxes are only one part of the total property tax bill; other taxing entities include the Hazlet School District and Monmouth County.

The proposed 2022 spending plan is supported by the collection of $16.6 million in taxes from Hazlet’s residential and commercial property owners. Other revenue includes $1.9 million in state aid and $2.6 million from the township’s surplus.

Hazlet’s 2021 budget totaled $21.5 million and was supported by the collection of $15.2 million in property taxes. Other revenue included $1.9 million in state aid and $1.2 million in surplus.

“The biggest impact to the budget was the increase in capital contributions and bond payments, by over $2 million, to pay for our road program and other capital improvements,” said Deputy Mayor Mike Glackin. “We were able to lock in low rates for long term bonds to improve our streets. This long-term road program has been the largest ongoing capital improvement program, perhaps in Hazlet history.”

To further enhance security for Hazlet’s school system, the township budget fulfilled a request from the Board of Education to fund two additional Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEOs).

In 2022, Hazlet’s municipal budget accounts for 23% of a property owner’s total tax bill; school taxes represent 63%; Monmouth County taxes account for 11%; Hazlet Fire District, 3% and the municipal open space tax, 0.4%.

Appropriations in the 2022 municipal budget include: salaries and wages, $8.8 million; other expenses, $8.5 million; statutory and deferred charges, $2.5 million; reserve for uncollected taxes, $1.1 million; and debt service, $1.8 million.

Review the 2022 Municipal Budget proposal and Tax Impact statement in the Finance section.