Maplewood, NJ
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Government
The Various Departments of the Township of Maplewood, New Jersey
Maplewood Township Committee: How Your Local Government Works
The Township of Maplewood operates under a Township Committee form of government. This means that five elected officials serve as the governing body, with members chosen in partisan elections to serve staggered three-year terms.
When Does the Township Committee Meet?
The Maplewood Township Committee meets twice a month to discuss and make decisions on local matters. Meetings take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. You can attend in person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom.
Please note that meeting dates may change due to special meetings or unexpected circumstances.
🔗 View the Township Committee’s Page for more details.
The Township Administrator is the Chief Administrative Officer of Maplewood, responsible for overseeing all municipal departments and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Appointed by ordinance, the Administrator ensures that township policies—set by the Mayor and Township Committee—are effectively carried out.
All Department Heads report directly to the Township Administrator or their designee, helping to manage key services for residents.
Departments Under the Administrator:
- Affordable Housing
- Division of Arts and Culture
- Human Resources
- Office of Emergency Management
The Township Clerk’s Office plays a vital role in Maplewood’s local government, ensuring transparency, record-keeping, and public service operations.
Core Responsibilities:
- Secretary to the Township Committee – Manages agendas, minutes, and official records.
- Chief Administrative Officer for Municipal Elections – Oversees local election processes.
- Secretary of the Municipal Corporation – Maintains township records and legal documents.
- Chief Registrar of Voters – Handles voter registration and election-related services.
- Administrative Officer – Manages key administrative functions.
- Records Coordinator & Manager – Oversees public records and document requests.
Additional Services:
- Issuing parking permits & jitney passes
- Managing public records & event applications
- Publishing public notices
- Processing marriage licenses & vital records
- Licensing for bingo, raffles, liquor, limos, taxis, garage sales, dumpsters, and banners
📌 Vital Statistics Office – Handles birth, marriage, and death records.
🔗 Visit the Clerk’s Office for more information.
The Department of Community Development (DCD) oversees key divisions that help shape and maintain Maplewood’s neighborhoods and business districts. This department ensures compliance with construction, zoning, and property maintenance regulations while also managing special projects related to environmental concerns, business development, and grant opportunities.
Key Divisions:
🏗 Construction (Building) – Permits, inspections, and code enforcement
📍 Zoning – Land use regulations and zoning compliance
🏡 Property Maintenance – Ensuring safe and well-kept properties
📝 Zoning & Planning Board Administration – Supporting land use applications and planning initiatives
The Maplewood Community Services (Recreation & Senior Services) department provides entertaining, safe, and inclusive recreational programs that enrich the lives of all residents. We proudly serve Maplewood’s diverse community by offering engaging activities and services tailored for all age groups.
Our Responsibilities:
- Delivering a wide range of cost-effective and progressive programs.
- Ensuring programs remain responsive to community needs through continuous review and improvement.
- Promoting a safe environment that fosters community engagement and well-being.
Sub-Departments:
- Senior Programming: Focused on activities and events that enhance the lives of our senior residents.
- Community Pool: A hub for fun, fitness, and community gatherings.
🔗 Visit Our Community Services Page for more details on programs and upcoming events.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for maintaining Maplewood’s infrastructure and essential services, ensuring a clean, safe, and well-functioning community.
Services We Provide:
- Street Sweeping & Road Repairs – Keeping roads clean and well-maintained.
- Tree Pruning – Managing tree health and safety.
- Municipal Building & Park Maintenance – Ensuring public spaces are in top condition.
- Automotive Repairs – Servicing municipal vehicles for reliable operations.
- Recycling – Supporting sustainability efforts.
- Snow Removal – Keeping roads and walkways safe during winter.
- Jitney Service Operations – Providing convenient local transportation.
The Engineering Department plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving Maplewood’s infrastructure. From road upgrades to environmental safety, this department ensures the township remains safe, efficient, and well-planned.
Key Responsibilities:
- Road Design & Improvements – Planning and executing roadway upgrades.
- Storm & Sanitary Sewer Maintenance – Ensuring proper drainage and sewer function.
- Traffic Calming Initiatives – Implementing measures for safer streets.
- Special Engineering Projects – Managing various infrastructure needs as they arise.
Our team works closely with consulting engineers, attorneys, and Planning & Zoning Board officials to oversee these projects and ensure they meet township standards.
Capital Improvements & Long-Term Planning:
- Budgeting, Planning & Tax Map Maintenance
- Grant Writing to secure funding for key projects
- Reconstruction & Upgrades – Roads, sewers, parks, ball fields, buildings, and traffic systems
- Environmental Hazard Remediation for community safety
- Surveying, Construction Inspections & Site Plan Reviews
The Finance Department is responsible for managing the Township’s financial operations, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and fiscal stability. This department oversees tax collection, budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting to keep Maplewood running efficiently.
Key Responsibilities:
- Tax Collection – Managing property and sewer tax payments, annual tax sales, and related financial functions.
- Accounts Payable – Processing payments for municipal expenses.
- Payroll Administration – Handling payroll for Township employees.
- Escrow Management – Overseeing escrow accounts for financial operations.
- Municipal Budgeting – Preparing and executing the Township’s annual budget.
- Financial Oversight – Ensuring responsible fiscal management of Township funds.
Finance Sub-Departments:
- Tax Collector – Handles tax billing, payments, and delinquencies.
- Tax Assessor – Assesses property values for taxation purposes.
- Purchasing – Manages procurement of goods and services for the Township.
- Payroll – Administers employee salaries and benefits.
The Maplewood Library is dedicated to serving the community by meeting a wide range of intellectual, cultural, and educational needs. Our mission is to engage, inspire, and empower every individual through diverse collections, programs, and services that foster learning and creativity.
Key Responsibilities:
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Community Engagement & Inclusion
- Engage all members of the community, both inside and outside the library.
- Promote equity and inclusion in services and access.
- Ensure the library is a welcoming, accessible space for all.
- Expand resources to meet the diverse cultural, social, and accessibility needs of the community.
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Intellectual and Cultural Growth
- Maintain diverse collections representing a broad spectrum of perspectives.
- Promote intellectual freedom and encourage critical thinking.
- Host programs, workshops, and events that enrich the community.
- Showcase the talent and creativity of Maplewood residents.
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Fostering Learning & Literacy
- Provide spaces for programs, active learning, and quiet study.
- Support literacy through youth programs and English language learning initiatives.
- Create a creative learning environment for all patrons.
- Ensure smooth, user-friendly experiences for library visitors.
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Innovation & Advancement
- Collaborate with the Friends of the Library, Foundation, and other advocates to enhance the library’s community impact.
- Promote access to digital technology for all patrons.
- Lead in providing patron-centered technology and innovative services.
- Develop a transformative, smart, and sustainable space for the community.
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Adherence to Ethical Principles
- Uphold the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statements, ensuring free access to ideas and information.
The Maplewood Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the township. Our mission is to serve the community with fairness, professionalism, and respect, while upholding the law and aligning with the community's values.
Our Responsibilities:
- Community Partnerships – Collaborating with residents to prevent, identify, and address criminal activity through innovative and effective methods.
- Protecting Rights – Ensuring the rights of all citizens are respected, recognized, and preserved.
- Maintaining High Standards – Upholding the highest standards of conduct, proficiency, and public service.
- Supportive Workplace – Providing a supportive and enriching environment for our officers and staff.
We are committed to working alongside the community to create a safe, secure environment for everyone.
🔗 Learn More About the Maplewood Police Department or Visit the Police Department Page
The Maplewood Municipal Court is dedicated to resolving disputes and ensuring justice within our community. As the local branch of the judiciary, the Court plays a vital role in upholding the laws set forth by the Constitution of the United States, while providing fair and efficient services to residents.
Our Core Responsibilities:
- Dispute Resolution – Addressing legal matters within Maplewood Township.
- Upholding Laws – Ensuring all cases align with constitutional rights and local laws.
- Core Values:
- Independence – Providing unbiased decisions free from external influence.
- Integrity – Maintaining the highest ethical standards in all proceedings.
- Fairness – Ensuring justice is served impartially to all.
- Quality Service – Offering efficient, effective, and accessible court services to all members of the community.
The Maplewood Public Health and Social Services Department is committed to enhancing the health and safety of our residents by offering a variety of services aimed at disease prevention, community education, and support for individuals in need.
Services Provided by the Health Department:
- Licensing & Inspections – Ensuring that food establishments and other businesses meet health standards and safety regulations.
- Disease Prevention & Investigation – Investigating and preventing the spread of communicable diseases.
- Education & Promotion – Offering programs and events that promote healthy living and wellness.
- Resident Assistance – Connecting residents impacted by health issues with necessary support resources.
- Animal Control – Managing dog and cat licensing and ensuring the safety of animals and the community.
Environmental Health Services:
The Registered Environmental Health Inspector (REHS) addresses a range of environmental concerns, including:
- Waste Management – Addressing garbage and unsanitary conditions.
- Plumbing & Heat Issues – Inspecting for leaky plumbing or lack of heat.
- Pest & Rodent Control – Ensuring proper rodent and insect control.
- Water & Lead Paint Issues – Managing stagnant water, mosquito breeding sites, and lead paint hazards.
The South Essex Fire Department (SEFD) is dedicated to minimizing the loss of life and property caused by fires, medical emergencies, and other critical incidents. Our mission is to provide high-quality, professional services using the resources available, and all of our team members uphold the highest standards of professionalism and training to meet the demands of modern fire and emergency medical services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Firefighting & Emergency Services – Responding to fires, accidents, and other emergencies with the highest level of preparedness and skill.
- Medical Emergencies – Providing emergency medical services (EMS) 24/7, staffed by N.J. State Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-B).
- Fire Education & Safety – Offering ongoing education and safety programs for both residents and fire department personnel.
EMS Services:
- SEFD is the primary provider of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Maplewood.
- Firefighters are trained in CPR, Semi-Automatic External Defibrillation (SAED), and Emergency First Aid.
- Emergency Medical Equipment: All fire and ambulance units are equipped with SAED units, Naloxone HCL, oxygen, and emergency medical kits.
- If an ambulance is unavailable, an engine or ladder company will respond to stabilize patients and provide initial care until transport becomes available.
Fire Inspections & Services:
- Fire Hazard Inspections – Schedule home inspections to identify potential fire hazards and assist with evacuation planning.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspections – Ensure your detectors are properly installed by scheduling an inspection with our office.
- Fire Reports – Obtain fire reports at Fire Headquarters after the incident.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements – Follow guidelines for the correct number and placement of detectors in your home or business.
The Maplewood Stormwater Utility was established in 2024 by Ordinance 3138-24 to address the growing challenges posed by climate change and escalating stormwater hazards within the Township. This initiative aims to ensure the proper management of stormwater, improve water quality, and safeguard Maplewood’s infrastructure and environment.
Purpose of the Stormwater Utility Fund:
The revenue generated by the Stormwater Utility is deposited into a dedicated fund used exclusively for stormwater management activities, which include the following:
- Property Acquisition – Purchase or acquire property necessary for the construction and maintenance of stormwater control facilities.
- Program Administration – Managing and implementing the stormwater program, including reserves for unanticipated needs.
- Asset Inventory & Evaluation – Assessing current infrastructure and planning for future stormwater management needs.
- Engineering & Construction – Funding design, construction, debt service, and improvements to stormwater facilities.
- Green Infrastructure – Installing Green Infrastructure practices to reduce runoff and pollution.
- System Operation & Maintenance – Ongoing operation and upkeep of stormwater management systems.
- Monitoring & Surveillance – Continuous inspection and monitoring of the stormwater system to ensure proper function.
- Water Quality Monitoring – Programs focused on monitoring and improving the quality of surface waters.
- Pollution Control Retrofits – Retrofitting developed areas for better stormwater pollution control.
- Inspection & Enforcement – Ensuring compliance with stormwater regulations through inspections and enforcement.
- Billing & Administration – Managing costs associated with billing and program administration.
- Public Education & Outreach – Raising awareness and educating the community on stormwater management.
- Compliance Activities – Activities that ensure the Township’s compliance with environmental laws and stormwater management permits.