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Borough

What is the Borough Council?

The Borough Council is the governing body for the municipality.
Who is on it? How are the members chosen? What is their term of office? How much are they paid?

There are 7 members of the Borough Council. All are residents of the Borough elected by the voters. Their terms are 4 years. They are not salaried.
How is the Borough organized?

The Borough is organized as a Faulkner Plan E municipality under the laws of New Jersey. This is a Council-Manager form of government. There are a number of departments under the Borough Manager including the Police, Dept. of Health, the Recreation Dept., the Dept. of Public Works, etc. See the Borough Hall section for more about the Departments.
How many employees does the Borough have?

The Borough has 31 full-time, 18 permanent part-time, and 50-60 seasonal part-time employees. There are 15 standing committees composed of volunteers who assist the Borough Council and the administration in the function of government.
How much time do the volunteers devote? What are their principal activities?

The amount of time varies widely. Usually there are regular meetings. Their activities depend on the committee that they are on.
I am interested in helping. How can I volunteer?

Many of the committees and commissions welcome people who have expertise or are willing to help. You can volunteer on-line by clicking here or contact the Borough Manager, any member of the Borough Council or a member of the commission or committee in which you are interested. The committees and commissions are listed under Borough Hall.
How big is Mountain Lakes budget? What is it spent on?

The Borough budget for 2007 was approximately $ 7.1 M. It goes for all the salaries and costs required to run the Borough. This does not include the Board of Education budget which operates the schools.
Why do we have to pay for trash days? Why aren't there more of them?

The Borough feels that the people who generate the trash should pay for the cost of disposal. Each trash day is a significant undertaking which is why there aren't more of them.
What should I do with my leaves in the fall? Why doesn't Mountain Lakes pick leaves up at the curb like other towns?

You can hire a landscaper to remove them, or compost them on your own property. Residents can bring their leaves to the Dept. of Public Works on Pocono Road (973-334-1577), however contractors may not. Curbside pick-up of bagged leaves is available. Call Borough Hall for details. Home composting is encouraged. Brochures are available at the Borough Hall. Dumping leaves on vacant Borough-owned land is against the law. There is a study underway by the League of Women Voters to find out if additional options should be made available.
Are there restrictions on the fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides I may use in Mountain Lakes? Why?

Yes there are. They are to protect our environment and to help keep phosphorous out of our lakes and streams. The Article by Geri Hahn describes the restrictions and how to have a healthy lawn without fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
What is the long-term plan for the lakes?

Current plans include annual treatment schedule, annual cleaning project, and restoration of two dams.
Is Mountain Lakes' drinking water safe? What is the long-term plan for our drinking water?

Yes, without question, Mountain Lakes' drinking water is safe. The long term plan includes continued maintenance of the distribution system and exploration of Well #2.
Why can't Mountain Lakes get rid of all these geese? What is the long-term plan?

We have successfully reduced the population of Canada Geese in Mountain Lakes to the point where they are no longer considered a significant problem. This achievement has been accomplished through a comprehensive program including egg addling. See the Environmental Commission web site.
Are there bears in Mountain Lakes? How big a problem are they? What is being done about them? What should I do if I see a bear?

Yes, black bears have occasionally been seen in Mountain Lakes as they have in other northern NJ communities. They are not considered a problem and nothing special is being done about them. If you see a bear, call the police.
The deer have eaten all of my plants. What can I do about them?

Local garden centers can advise you.
Is Lyme Disease a problem in Mountain Lakes? What causes it? How can I tell if I have it? What should I do about it?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of the deer tick, Ixodes dammini. These ticks are approximately the size of the period at the end of this sentence and are brown or black. They are found in the woods and brushy areas and transmit the bacteria to humans and dogs through a bite. Lyme disease is difficult to detect, diagnose and treat. The symptoms, which are often flu-like, include joint pain, fever, headache, nausea and fatigue. The only symptom unique to Lyme disease, but not appearing in all cases, is a distinctive red rash at the site of the bite which, for a while, looks like a bulls-eye target. Should you suffer this rash or any of the above symptoms see a doctor promptly for the most effective treatment. The Lyme Disease Foundation site has more information.
I have heard that many of Mountain Lakes' historic homes are being demolished. What is being done about it?

A special committee was formed several years ago to study this issue. A copy of their report was mailed to each household in town. If you didn't receive one, you may obtain a copy at Borough Hall.
I have a tree in my yard that doesn't look healthy. Can I get someone to look at it and advise me?

For this, you should seek out the services of a private arborist or forester.
What is the problem with underground oil tanks? Is it true that I may have to pay thousands of dollars to get my tank replaced? What are the facts?

To obtain information on this issue, contact the Construction Dept. (973-334-8219)
Are the dams on the lakes in compliance with current DEP Dam Safety Standards?

Yes. Four of the Five Lakes in the Borough are in compliance with DEP Dam Safety Standards and the last lake, Sunset Lake, is being addressed in 2008. The Borough is proud to have nearly completed its long range plan to bring all of our five Lakes into compliance and once Sunset Lake is completed we will have achieved our goal.
The Borough has a five-lake system which includes Birchwood Lake, Crystal Lake, Mountain Lake, Sunset Lake, and Wildwood Lake. These Lakes were studied under the supervision of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) National Dam Safety program in 1979 and 1980 at which time inspection reports were completed. These reports included specific recommendations for additional investigations and remedial actions. The Borough retained Converse Consultants (Converse) which made recommendations for specific improvements which have been completed over the years in order to bring all of the Dams into compliance with NJDEP Dam Safety Standards. All of the Lakes have been completed with the exception of Sunset Lake which is currently being addressed and should be completed over the next several years.
Can motorboats be used on the lakes? Why not?

No. They are too noisy, polluting, and dangerous in our small lakes.
Are there rules about where and when I can ice skate on the lakes in Winter? What are they? How can I tell if the ice is safe?

These are no specific rules. Skating on the lakes is at your own risk.
Why do I have to pay for green garbage bags?

The revenue from the garbage bags goes to pay the Morris County tipping fees for disposal. The Borough determined this to be an equitable way to charge residents for this service.
Trash bags can be purchased at the following locations: Major Hardware (Boonton), Anchor Hardware (Denville), Forest Lumber (Mountain Lakes), The Market (Mountain Lakes), Williams Stationary, (Boonton) and Mountain Lakes Borough Hall
These landscapers make too much noise with their leaf blowers and lawn mowers. What are the rules? What should I do if they break the rules?

The Borough requires that these activities be conducted only during the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM. If you observe any rules being broken, call the police.
When is the Borough going to get rid of all these ugly telephone poles? Can't you make the electric, telephone, and cable companies put them underground?

The Borough Council has determined that it would be too expensive and disruptive to put the wires underground. The Borough would have to pay, not the companies.
Why can't homeowners have fences on their property?

They can but they have to abide by the setback rules of the Borough.
I don't agree with my real estate assessment? What should I do?

Contact the Borough Tax Assessor (973-334-8219).
Why can't I use a credit card to pay my taxes? My water/sewer bills? My traffic tickets?

Credit card payments will be available for taxes only beginning the 2nd quarter of 2008. If this procedure works well, the Borough will add the other service.
I want to put an addition on my house? What approvals do I need and how do I get them?

Contact the Construction Dept. (973-334-8219).
Why are the lakes getting so shallow? Are there any plans to get them deepened?

There is no proof that the lakes are getting shallower. In fact, historical data shows that they are maintaining their depth. The Borough has an annual cleaning program to remove decaying material.
Why are bikes not allowed in the Tourne?

What is popularly known as the "Tourne" actually consists of two separate, contiguous parks: Tourne County Park operated by Morris County and the Richard M. Wilcox park operated by the Borough of Mountain Lakes. Bikes are permitted in Tourne County Park. There are new trails in Wilcox Park that can be shared pleasurably between hikers and bikers. Read about the guidelines for usage.
Where can I find the minutes of the Borough Council meetings?

The minutes and agendas of Council meetings may now be found on this site. You may also obtain them at the Borough Clerk's office (973-334-3131).
Where can I read the Zoning Ordinance?

This and all the Borough ordinances are now accessible on the web. Go to our front page and click on "Ordinance Database". Ordinances may also be examined at the Borough Clerk's office (973-334-3131).
I am new in town. How do I register to vote?

Residents can register to vote either at the Morris County Clerk's office in Morristown or by mail. The Mountain Lakes League of Women Voters page contains a printable voter registration form that you may fill out and mail to the county. Forms are also available at Borough Hall. Registration drives are occasionally run by the League of Women Voters prior to elections.
What do I have to do to register my sailboat or canoe? How do I get assigned a slip, mooring, or canoe rack?

Go to the Police Dept. to register your sailboat or canoe. The Borough has an annual registration for slips, moorings, and racks. They are issued on a first come-first served basis. Notice of the registration is in the Home and School Bulletin.
Are there restrictions on who can use the beaches? Am I required to have a beach tag? How do I get one?

Yes, there are restrictions. You must have a beach tag. Beach tags may be obtained at Borough Hall (973-334-3131).
Are there restrictions on who can use the tennis courts? Am I required to have a tennis tag? How do I get one?

Yes, there are restrictions. You must have a tennis tag. Tennis tags may be obtained at Borough Hall (973-334-3131).
Are there restrictions on who can use the trails in the Tourne? Do I need a permit?

As described above, the "Tourne" actually consists of two parks, Tourne County Park and the Richard M. Wilcox park. Restrictions on who can use county parks are determined by the Morris County Parks Commission. Read about the guidelines for usage of Wilcox park..

Schools

What is the Board of Education?

The Board is nine elected members, and a tenth member representing our sending district Boonton Township, who establish the policies that guide the function of the school district and provide general oversight to district operations. Rule is by majority vote, with the Boonton Township member eligible to vote on all matters related to the High School.
Who is on it? How are the members chosen? What is their term of office? How much are they paid?

The members of the Board are elected by public vote annually in April to serve three-year terms. The Boonton Township representative is elected by that community, also for a three year term. The Three members who receive the greatest number of votes are elected at large annually.
How is the School system organized?

The Board employs a Superintendent of Schools and a Business Administrator/Board Secretary who serve the central management of the district. Each building has a principal and vice principal. In the high school there are supervisors of instruction for English and the arts, social studies and world languages. Additional district level administrators include Director of Guidance, Director of Special Services, a Technology Coordinator, and an Athletics Director. The remainder of the 401 staff are 238 teachers, guidance counselors, librarians, members of the child study team and school nurses. There are 143 non-certificated staff that include clerical, custodial, and classroom aides.
How many schools are there in town?

There are four public schools and several private schools and pre-schools. (See: Schools)
How many employees does the School system have? What fraction are classroom teachers?

There are 401 employees of whom 238 are classroom teachers. (see above)
Are volunteers used? How much time do the volunteers devote? What are their principal activities?

The district has more than 100 volunteers. Many of our volunteers serve on educational committees such as the Long Range Education Plan and the Mountain Lakes High School Accreditation for Growth Committee. Community volunteers also serve important roles as guest speakers in various classes, library aides and coaches.
I am interested in helping. How can I volunteer?

A direct call to the building principals is the way to volunteer; Lew Ludwig, High School principal 334-8400; Constance Sakala, Briarcliff Principal 334-0342; Robert Reid, Wildwood Principal 334-3609; Michele Klimovitch, Lake Drive Supervisor 299-0166.
How big is Board of Education budget? What is it spent on?

The 2008-2009 budget, excluding Lake Drive School, is $22,534,927. The Lake Drive School budget of approximately $10,000,000 is raised entirely through tuition payments from the sending districts. The majority of the budget, approximately 80%, is spent on staffing and benefits. Approximately $400,000 is spent annually on capital improvements, maintenance and furnishings. The remainder of the budget supports student activities, instructional materials, and the cost of operating the buildings. A detailed budget is available at the Board Office. The tax levy will be $18,637,342 - the remaining revenue sources are from fund balance appropriations, tuition from Boonton Township and non-residents, state and federal aid, and small miscellaneous sources.
How big is the student body in each of the schools? What fraction reside in Mountain Lakes?

The enrollment is: High School - 633; Briarcliff Middle School - 299; Wildwood Elementary School - 478; Lake Drive School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - 102
How many children from Mountain Lakes attend schools other than Mountain Lakes public schools? Why do they do so?

Mountain Lakes has one of the highest public school yield rates in the state. In fact, less than 2% of school age children do not attend the Mountain Lakes Public Schools.
What is the average class size in Wildwood school? Briarcliff school? The High School?

The general Board guidelines for class size are 15 for Kindergarten, 20 in grades One and Two, and 23-25 in the upper grades.
Excluding the special education classes that range from three to thirteen, the average class sizes for the 2007-2008 school year are as follows.

Wildwood Elementary School:
  Kindergarten -- 15
  Grades One and Two -- 19
  Grades Three to Five -- 21
Briarcliff Middle School:
  Grades Six to Eight -- 20
Mountain Lakes High School:
  Grades Nine to Twelve -- 19
How do Mountain Lakes school children do on NJ standardized tests?

Currently, all Mountain Lakes Public Schools exceed Adequate Yearly Progress Indicators established by No Child Left Behind. Our performance on standardized tests continues to improve with record numbers of students placing in the advanced proficient level in language arts and math at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Our full state report card data is available.
What is the average SAT score in the High School?

The Mountain lakes High School SAT scores are consistently among the highest in the State. In 2006-2007; the average SAT score was 1730.
What fraction of Mountain Lakes High School graduates go on to college?

94-98% annually
What fraction of students participate in extra curricular activities? What is the mix of participation in athletic versus non-athletic extra curricular activities?

75% of the High School students participate on at least one interscholastic athletics team, and virtually every student participates in some co-curricular activity. Many students perform volunteer service after school hours, summers and weekends. Some on their own, many others through the High School Learning in the Community program.
How many National Merit Scholars does Mountain Lakes have?

Three in 2007; average of between 6 and 14 over the last 25 years.
Why do children from other towns attend our Mountain Lakes public schools? How many do so? How much is that costing me?

Students from Boonton Township attend grades 9-12 as part of a formal agreement between the communities, non-resident tuition paying students and staff children grandfathered under a former contractual arrangement attend our schools because of the quality and reputation of the educational program we offer.
What fraction of classrooms have computers in them? What fraction of them have access to the Internet?

All Mountain Lakes Public Schools have wireless access to the Internet. In addition to desktop computers in each classroom, all schools have computer labs and mobile carts with laptops. Currently, the district is operating at a 2:1 student to computer ratio.
How can I tell if the schools are closed for weather or other reasons?

Generally, an automated telephone message will be delivered to each student’s home phone should schools be closed for weather or other reasons. School closings are posted on the home page of this Web site. The School District Web site, News 12 New Jersey, WMTR 1250 am and our Board Office Phone, 973-334-8280 will also indicate any school closings.

Library

Where is the Library located?

The Mountain Lakes Public Library is located at the corner of Elm Road and Morris Avenue next to the Post Office. Directions.
What are its hours?

The hours of the Library may be found here.
How can I get a library card? How much does a library card cost?

All residents of Mountain Lakes are entitled to a library card. Under certain conditions, residents of other towns may obtain a library card too. The rules for Library cards may be found here.

Community

Why aren't there more athletic fields in town?

The Borough Council and the Board of Education are studying this situation and making plans to increase the number of fields.
How do I sign up my child for Soccer?

Watch for the registration date in the Home and School Bulletin. Register at Borough Hall on that date.
How do I sign up my child for Lacrosse?

Same as above.
My son or daughter would like to be a lifeguard. What are the requirements and how can I sign them up?

Make application at Borough Hall. A Red Cross Senior Lifesaving certificate is required.
The sailboats on the lake are so beautiful on Sundays. What are they doing and how can I join them?

Some are racing, some are just enjoying the lake. If you would like to race, contact the Sailing Club.

Other

What year was Mountain Lakes established?

The first house was occupied on March 17, 1911. The municipality was formed in 1923. (See the Mountain Lakes History section)
How many square miles is Mountain Lakes?

3.1 sq. mi.
What is the residential population

4,256 (2000 U.S. Census). Details on gender, age, and housing.
How can I find a listing of houses for sale in Mountain Lakes or ones that have recently sold?

Sorry, we don't maintain such listings. That really isn't the purpose of our web site. The only reliable way is to check with one of the local realtors listed in the Borough Business Directory. If you want on-line information there are several web sites that have some Mountain Lakes listings including Coldwell Banker, Weichert, and RealEstate.com. Search by zip code. Mountain Lakes zip code is 07046.
I am looking for a community where pudding stone was used in the construction of the home. There is a beautiful home in Madison that is all pudding stone and I adore this house. Each time I pass it I wish I were a millionaire and could ask the owner what he would take to sell this home. Just wondering if Mountain Lakes has any homes that use a quantity of pudding stone either in the foundation or the chimney.

Stone is used extensively in the old homes in Mountain Lakes. Although they are typically of frame construction with stucco siding, the old homes use stone almost exclusively for their foundations, chimneys, and stone walls.
The stones are mostly "boulder stone" -- uncut stone in its natural state -- and the majority are the grey-brown glacial stones found naturally all over Northern New Jersey. However, pudding stone -- the purplish stone that contains pebbles cemented together with a natural cement by eons of geologic pressure into a hard smooth rock -- it looked like raisins and grapes in suet pudding to the early English settlers -- is often found mixed in with the glacial boulder stone.
There are no houses in Mountain Lakes that we know of whose stonework is composed entirely or mostly of pudding stone. However, pudding stone is quite common, mixed in with the other stones. Cut pudding stone also often appears as a decorative topping on stone walls in Mountain Lakes.
I have old photographs of Mountain Lakes or other historic material. Who can I give them to?

Contact the Historic Preservation Committee.
How can I find out the history of my old house?

There are instructions in the Mountain Lakes History section.
Have additional questions? Send them to us. Here's your chance!

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