Mayor’s Message – A Year of Thanks

Charles Daniel, Mayor of Califon

Looking back over the past year, I am amazed by the accomplishments of the volunteers in our Borough. Our resident volunteers make good things happen by giving their time, energy and personal commitment to the betterment of our community. A few examples are:

• The construction of the new playground at CalifonIsland – While spending a few years in the planning stages, construction began in the spring and was completed prior to Memorial Day. Special thanks to Mike Medea, Councilman, and the Parks Committee for their perseverance, dedication and hard work
• The Main Street Fair – Music, food, vendors of food and crafts, face-painting, fire engines and even a dunking booth highlighted the best in what a small community and its local businesses have to offer. Thanks to the Recreation Committee and Jason Beard, Councilman, for a fun-filled enjoyable afternoon in the center of town!
• Stormwater Mitigation Project – If there is one thing I learned over the past year, it’s that when dealing with the federal government, one must have patience, persistence and perseverance! The project’s major accomplishment concerning the federal government was the monetary obligation of the grant to the Borough, meaning the federal money is truly ours! Tons of paperwork needed to be completed for this effort. Thanks to Laura Eidsvaag, Borough Clerk, Don Scott and Kelly Kimiecik, Borough Engineers, and Jon Mello, EPA Project Manager, for their dedicated effort, keeping this project moving forward!

Of course, there are those undertakings/responsibilities that must function every year but would not occur if not for those volunteering. For this, I am truly grateful.

• Memorial Day Parade – Councilman Gill Smith and a host of volunteers.
• Nellie Hoffman House Improvements – Councilwoman Kathleen Anderson and the Califon Preservation Committee.
• Environmental Commission – Councilman Patrick Farmer and the commission members.
• Planning Board – Bruce Morrow, Chair, and Linda Beers, Secretary and the board members.
• Board of Health – Councilman Tony Forrester and Karen Mastro, Secretary, and the BOH members.
• Emergency Management Planning – Coordinator Beth Wolfmayer, the fire department, the rescue squad and the police department.

I’m sure I am missing some of the ad-hoc committees that form throughout the year. For that I apologize. My sincerest thanks to all for your time and service, making Califon the best possible community to live, work and grow! We – the Mayor, town Council and municipal staff – wish you all a safe holiday season and happy and healthy New Year!

Last modified: April 3, 2022