Rumson Public Works Department: Keeping the Borough Humming With Shared Services

Daily life in Rumson, NJ is for the most part, quiet, clean and humming; and it is that way by design – thanks to the tireless efforts of the Rumson Public Works Department (Rumson DPW).

From simple everyday tasks such as collecting garbage and recycling materials curbside, to taking on operational challenges like storm management and recovery, the Rumson DPW is on duty 24-7 keeping the town, roads, sidewalks, six public parks and public landscapes safe, beautiful and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

This enormous responsibility is accomplished daily by a staff of 27 full and part time employees, who in turn operate an impressive fleet of machines and vehicles – all essential to the daily maintenance, safety and beatification of the town. The Rumson DPW fleet consists of seven garbage packers; three front-end loaders; one backhoe tractor; five large dump trucks; two hook lift trucks; a sweeper; four trailer generators, three salt spreaders; a bucket truck; an asphalt box; a compressor; three mason dump trucks; three pickup trucks and two vans – all housed at the Public Works Building at 80 East River Road. Other smaller park equipment, including ride-on mowers, an infield machine, farm tractor and two trailers are housed at the sub-storage building at Piping Rock Park.

The department always strives to provide the best, most cost-effective services possible to Rumson residents, while being the most cost efficient. A recent Shared Equipment Program with neighboring town, Little Silver, to help the department accomplish this mission. The newest additions to the Rumson equipment fleet – an asphalt hot box and a 40’ bucket truck – were made possible only through this new program, which allows the towns to share the cost and use of equipment that is not used on an everyday basis.

Rumson also has a shared services agreement with Fair Haven in which the Rumson DPW the maintains Fair Haven’s parks, including sweeping and catch basin cleaning, in exchange for permission to haul brush to Fair Haven’s transfer location.

And, a recent redesign at the Recycling Drop Off Center using barn containers has streamlined the efficiency of the Center from a two-man, 5 day- a-week operation, to a one-man, 3-day-a-week operation.

“The shared services agreements and updates we have in place are a win-win for everyone involved,” stated Mark Wellner, superintendent of Public Works. “We are streamlining costs while increasing the list of services we offer to Rumson residents to endure that our Borough is safe, clean and welcoming,” he added.

Wellner is also quick to add that the Rumson DPW could not accomplish its job so efficiently here without the the strong connection and support between all departments within the Borough; as well as the continued unwavering support from the mayor and council.

Steeped in history and scenic landscapes, Rumson, NJ is a peaceful and glorious suburban haven for the more than 2,500 families who call it home.

What started out as just over 5.2 square miles of mostly Monmouth County farmland in the 1600’s, has evolved into an active community populated by magnificent estates and fine homes; scenic parks; impeccable landscapes and historic sites and landmarks. It caters to an exclusive lifestyle with superior city services and community activities.

To learn more about Rumson’s Public Works Department first-hand, please plan to attend their Open House this Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. - noon at the Public Works Building at 80 East River Road; or Rumson Green Day on Saturday, October 18 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For more information about the Borough of Rumson, NJ visit, http://www.rumsonnj.gov/.