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Mahwah DPW reports 3,700+ work orders in 2025; council questions recycling outsourcing and tree-removal authority
Summary
DPW director Glenn Dowson reported that the department completed more than 3,700 work orders in 2025. Councilmember Ariemma pressed for outsourcing recycling to reduce salary costs; Dowson said in-house work has proven cost-effective and shared-service options are being explored. The council requested a Profit & Loss report on Norfolk Village charges and follow-up analyses on garbage collection and Styrofoam recycling.
Director of Public Works Glenn Dowson and Superintendent Mike Lehansky told the Township Council on Feb. 7 that the Department of Public Works completed more than 3,700 work orders in 2025 and provided a handout breaking down work-order hours and labor costs by division.
Councilmember Ariemma questioned charges tied to Norfolk Village and whether the village is financially self-sufficient; Chief Financial Officer Corinne Hockman explained how Norfolk-related expenses are allocated between operating and capital budgets. Council President Ferguson asked for a Profit and Loss report to clarify the breakdown for Ariemma.
Ariemma also suggested that recycling salaries could be reduced by outsourcing the service to a private, non-union contractor. Dowson said he has identified internal savings and believes in-house recycling remains more cost-effective, though he has contacted other municipalities about shared-service arrangements and reported some favorable responses. The CFO asked whether Ariemma wanted a quote for six-day-a-week contractor service; Ferguson asked that any quote match the Township's current resident service level.
Ariemma raised concerns about tree removals in the Township and asked whether the Environmental Commission should be notified. Council President Ferguson and Business Administrator Benjamin Kezmarsky clarified that the Township's Tree Ordinance assigns tree-removal authority to the Building Department and that the Environmental Commission does not have decision-making authority; Dowson said trees removed near the tennis courts at George Washington School and Commodore Perry Field were dead or hazardous and were removed as preventative maintenance.
Councilmember May asked for an analysis of establishing in-house garbage collection; Dowson said he already has that information and will provide it to the council. May also raised the possibility of a Styrofoam recycling shared service with Ridgewood; Dowson noted storage constraints but agreed to contact Ridgewood's director to explore the option. The council also discussed leaf composting, staff training and park improvements. The meeting adjourned at 10:38 a.m.
