Plainfield Public Library Open!

Please see the below information from Library Director, Joseph Da Rold:

The library came through the hurricane without loss of power. The public Internet computers are accessible, and a separate area has been set up as a charging station for those who have no power at home.

Wireless is functional, but so many people are on the network that some users have been experiencing delays with connectivity.

Regular hours are expected to be maintained through the rest of the week.
Tu-Th: 9am to 9pm
F-Sat: 9am to 1 pm

For more information:
http://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/
(908) 757-1111

.

PSE&G Electrical Concerns

Please note that nearly 400,000 people are without power. PSE&G is warning that it could take up to 7 days to restore power. Here are some important phone numbers:

Emergencies
Downed power lines, gas leaks and other urgent, safety related requests.
Available 24 hours / 7days.
800-436-PSEG (7734)

Power Outages
To report an outage or check on the status of restoration.
Available 24 hours / 7days.
800-436-PSEG (7734) -or- 800-350-PSEG (7734)

Streetlight Outages
Report a broken streetlight online or by phone.
800-436-PSEG (7734)

.

NJ American Water Issues Boil Water Advisory

New Jersey American Water Issues Boil Water Advisory in Parts of Essex & Union Counties

New Jersey American Water today issued a boil water advisory for customers in the following communities: West Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, Maplewood, Irvington, Springfield, Summit.

Due to flooding related to the impact of Hurricane Irene, our Canoe Brook Water Treatment Plant in Millburn has been inundated.

For updated information, customers can visit Jersey American Water’s website at www.newjerseyamwater.com , under the Alerts Notifications section.

Please note that this is a standard procedure whenever a treatment failure occurs which may compromise the quality of your drinking water. New Jersey American Water will provide information as to when the advisory is lifted.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requires us to issue the following advisory:

The Department of Environmental Protection has determined that a potential or actual threat to the quality of water being provided to you currently exists. Therefore until further notice, bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow to cool before using for consumption; drinking, ice cubes, washing vegetables and fruit, and for brushing teeth. Please continue to boil your water until you are notified that the water quality is acceptable.
New Jersey American Water also recommends the following steps:

• Throw away uncooked food or beverages or ice cubes if made with tap water during the day of the advisory;
• Keep boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking;
• Rinse hand-washed dishes for a minute in diluted bleach (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water) or clean your dishes in a dishwasher using the hot wash cycle and dry cycle.
• Do not swallow water while you are showering or bathing;
• Provide pets with boiled water after cooling;
• Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiling or using bottled water; most home water filters will not provide adequate protection from microorganisms;
• Use only boiled water to treat minor injuries.

Please be advised that the company is doing all it can to make sure water is of the highest quality. New Jersey AmericanWater Company will notify customers as soon as the advisory is lifted. If customers have any questions they may call 1-800-652-6987.

Shotspotter: A Low Cost Opportunity to Empower Plainfield’s Police Force

As has been blogged about, a vote for Shotspotter is coming up on Monday. I plan to support this initiative and urge my colleagues to do the same.

We have been discussing this item for more than a year. When the proposal first came before the Council last summer, it was rejected. The causes of concern were cost and length of commitment. The initial cost would have been nearly one million dollars and would have required agreement to a multi-year contract. Councilmembers suggested that the Administration look for a less expensive alternative or grant funds to subsidize the cost and that City Hall re-negotiate the terms of the agreement. Although unwilling at first, the Administration has done exactly that.

The price is now just $169,000 to lease equipment for one year. In addition, the City has been awarded a $250,000 public safety grant that must be used for technology purposes. Those funds will be used to pay for camera installation and monitoring. We are only contractually obligated for one year. If we find that the equipment is not meeting our needs and expectations, we can end the relationship. If we decide to renew, City funds may be needed to pay for next year’s lease.

There have been questions posed by my colleagues about the efficacy of the technology. While these are legitimate concerns, I have not yet heard from any municipality that the equipment is not effective or not worth the investment. I have seen positive reviews and heard other elected officials speak to how they have implemented this technology in their own municipalities. I don’t see why Plainfield should have to wait.

Additionally, and more importantly, our Public Safety Director and officers have continually made the case that an upgrade in technology would empower our police force. With a rise in crime, and budgetary constraints around police manpower, Shotspotter provides a low cost opportunity for the City.

It is important to keep in mind that a technology upgrade is just one piece of our public safety puzzle. Continued conversations and meaningful solutions have to be considered in other enforcement areas such as manpower and structure. We also have to address preventative measures such as youth programs and re-enty solutions before we will see the results we desire and deserve – a safer Plainfield.

.