Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 210. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, and November 21. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

“While vaccines are beginning to arrive in New Jersey, the COVID-19 pandemic is still enveloping our state,” said Governor Murphy.“As we continue to fight this public health crisis, we require the ability to utilize all resources necessary to keep New Jerseyans safe.”

Executive Order No. 210 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

For the full text of Executive Order No. 210, click here.

Morris Vocational Student Wins NJ-11 Congressional App Challenge

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris Vocational Student Wins NJ-11 Congressional App Challenge

MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced that Morris County Vocational School of Technology student and Parsippany resident Riya Dadheech is the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for New Jersey’s 11th District. Riya’s app, Plate of Hope, creates a platform to connect and match food donors with food pantries in need.

“Food insecurity is a critical issue in our community and across the country as a result of the pandemic. Riya’s app connects food banks and those looking to help, allowing donors to target giving efficiently and food banks to get the items most needed,” said Representative Mikie Sherrill. “I’d like to thank Riya for her focus on helping others during this difficult time and congratulate her on winning this year’s competition. We had so many impressive submissions for the 2020 Congressional App Challenge and I applaud all the students who participated. I also want to thank both the computer science teachers in NJ-11 who encouraged their students to submit apps and our judges for their time and effort.”

“We’re incredibly proud of and humbled by the selfless acts of our student, Riya Dadheech,” said Principal Lynne Jackson of the Morris County School of Technology. “Riya’s commitment to volunteerism contributes to the well-being of the communities around us.”

“On behalf of Morris County and our board, I congratulate Riya Dadheech and the Morris County Vocational School of Technology. Her App not only demonstrates a keen awareness of the immense demand being made of our food pantries during the pandemic but also her propensity for the type of problem-solving we hope to find in our future leaders – and we no doubt believe Riya will be standing prominently among them one day. This award also reflects strongly on the Morris County Vocational School District, which regularly ranks among the best public schools in our area,” said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

“I’ve been aware of Riya, her forward-thinking community spirit, and her zeal for volunteerism for about two years now,” said Michael Soriano, Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills. “Riya gives me hope for the future. Young people like Riya can teach those of us in civic leadership what’s important in life. I’m always impressed by her, and when I see the things she’s accomplished, it warms my heart.”

To watch Riya’s video submission explaining her app, click here.

Students from 11 different towns in the district participated in the app challenge this year. Judges scored apps based on functionality, creativity, and user experience. Our judges included:

  • Shahram Dabiri, STEM Manager, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Armaments Center, Picatinny Arsenal
  • Cassandra Mainiero, Human Capital Management Office, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), Picatinny Arsenal
  • Maria Gonzalez, Senior Associate STEM, Workforce Development with NJ1, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), Picatinny Arsenal
  • Alfred Bentley III, PhD, Founder and CEO, vipHomeLink
  • Professor Michael Tirrito, Assistant Professor, Information Technologies, County College of Morris

The Congressional App Challenge launched in 2014 to encourage students nationwide to code. The Congressional App Challenge is designed to engage student creativity and encourage their participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education fields.  The winner’s App is eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website, House.gov.

The competition was open to middle school and high school students who live or attend school in NJ-11. The full set of eligibility rules for individual and team entries can be found by clicking here.

Dunn Bill Addressing Access to Mental Health Services on College Campuses Advances

Frank L. Cahill
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Dunn Bill Addressing Access to Mental Health Services on College Campuses Advances

MORRIS COUNTY — This year’s college experience looks a lot different – and it’s affecting students’ mental well-being. Addressing increased stress, anxiety, and depression on campuses in New Jersey, the Assembly Higher Education Committee advanced a bill connecting students to available mental health services.

“The college life that many had imagined was put on hold or canceled. Campus closures due to the coronavirus, restrictions on socializing, and uncertainty about future careers are wreaking havoc on students’ mental health,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, a prime sponsor of the legislation. “While we know that students are experiencing more mental health disturbances, we also know they are not reaching out for help when they are in crisis. We need to make sure they are aware of the services that are available and they have that lifeline that is there any time they need to talk to someone.”

Under the bill (A3007), higher education institutions in the state will be required to ensure access to campus-based mental health care programs and services and provide newly enrolled students with information on their location and availability starting in the 2021-2022 academic year. Additionally, 24-hour toll-free telephone hotlines must be advertised in dormitories, libraries, and student centers.

“Providing information on mental health services at the beginning of the semester, when you are learning about how and where to access all the resources you need, reduces some of the stigma surrounding seeking out psychological help,” said Dunn. “Students will get information on everything from dental to mental. In order to prevent potential tragedies, we want to normalize mental health care so that they feel comfortable reaching out for help.”

Before the pandemic, Rowan University reported three suicides in just over two months in the fall of 2019. Last October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported suicide had become the second leading cause of death among 10-to-24-year olds. In August 2020, the CDC released a report on the pandemic’s effect on mental health that identified a disproportionate number of 18-to-24-year olds, about one-quarter of those surveyed, had seriously considered suicide in the last 30 days.

“Coronavirus shutdowns and closures have prevented people from scheduling doctors’ appointments and put people into isolation, both of which carry consequences to one’s health and well-being,” explained Dunn. “Mental health cannot wait. It has to be convenient and easily accessible for the person in crisis and this bill will help meet this timely need.”

Morris County Republican Committee Establishes Election Task Force

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Republican Committee Establishes Election Task Force

MORRIS COUNTY — In response to the growing call from New Jersey citizens for election transparency and accuracy, the Morris County Republican Committee established the Election Accuracy Guardians for Legality and Equity (EAGLE) Project, Chaired by Elizabeth Nader of Morris Township. This election task force is charged with assuring voters have confidence in all aspects of how elections are conducted. The committee will be focused on voter roll clean-up, a review of vote-by-mail process accuracy issues, and potential measures to ensure voter confidence.

MCRC is thankful for the work and dedication of all Morris County employees working during this past general election. It is imperative that every voter in Morris County feels confidence in the electoral process. Our nation was built on the idea that our elected officials would assume office after free and fair elections. Unfortunately, that confidence has been broken throughout our Country.

Morris County Republican Committee Chairwoman Laura Marie Ali had this to say, “I am proud of the work our county committee and many volunteers did prior to the election to get out the vote-by-mail vote.  It is due to their effort and massive grassroots action that we were successful with our state, county, and local candidates. We have a great responsibility to make sure our Morris County voters are confident that their voices and votes are accurately counted and received. Issues being raised at the national level require us to be razor-focused on assuring voter confidence is restored and that we fight for full transparency. We are proud to be doing that through our EAGLE Project, led by the amazing Elizabeth Nader.  We invite our neighboring counties to join us in this effort.”

Morris County Government to be Closed Thursday, December 17

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Government to be Closed Thursday, December 17

MORRIS COUNTY —  All Morris County government offices will be closed on Thursday due to accumulating snow tonight and predictions the winter storm already impacting travel in the region will continue to pound most of New Jersey.

Non-essential county employees should not report to work. All essential employees and personnel critical to emergency services will remain activated.

The County College of Morris, Morris County School of Technology, Morris County Library, the Morris County Administration offices, and other county facilities will be closed.

Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency earlier today, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate the preparation, response, and recovery efforts for the storm with all county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies across the state.

New Jersey roads are expected to be impassable due to significant amounts of heavy, blowing, and drifting snow, low visibility, and whiteout conditions, with the highest impact expected overnight and into Thursday. Forecasts predict mostly wet snow, with total accumulations reaching 12 to 20 inches.

Winds are expected to be 10-15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center (OEM) activated this morning at 5:00 a.m. as part of our continued preparedness activities.

Watch for updated alerts on Morris County OEM’s Facebook page.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment – December 2, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment – December 2, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment – December 2, 2020

Click here to download the agenda.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – December 7, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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0
Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – December 7, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – December 7, 2020

Click here to review the agenda.

Township of Parsippany Council Meeting to be held

Frank L. Cahill
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Township of Parsippany Council Meeting to be held

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council meeting Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.

Step-by-Step Guides

For more information, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at (973) 263-4351 or email pthclerk@parsippany.net.

Resolutions and Ordinances can be found below:

Committee Advances Bill Allowing Certain Small Businesses to Forgo Workers’ Compensation

Frank L. Cahill
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Committee Advances Bill Allowing Certain Small Businesses to Forgo Workers’ Compensation

PARSIPPANY — Small businesses and start-ups saddled with a mandate to purchase workers’ compensation coverage despite a lack of employees could see some relief under legislation advanced by the Assembly Labor Committee today.

The bill (A508), sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Assemblyman Jay Webber, revises the definition of employer in the workers’ compensation law. Partnerships that consist of two partners or S corporations with only one employee who is also the sole shareholder could save on unnecessary coverage.

“Our small businesses have struggled to stay afloat in the face of coronavirus shutdowns and it’s time we remove this undue mandate that is hindering their ability to survive,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Revising the workers’ compensation law so that businesses without employees can save on unnecessary coverage is one way our state can support their success.”

About three out of every 10 small businesses in the state have closed during the course of the coronavirus crisis.

“In order to foster an economic recovery, New Jersey needs to step up its support of small businesses,” continued DeCroce. “It’s critical to find ways to help owners in every stage – the start-ups trying to get off the ground, small businesses who need help getting through this crisis, and those who want to grow. This bill will allow small businesses to save on excessive insurance and spend that money on efforts to better help them achieve their goals.”

Failing to carry the proper insurance can currently result in fines up to $5,000 for the first 10 days and up to $5,000 every 10-day period thereafter. It is classified as a disorderly person offense and, if determined to be willful, a crime of the fourth degree.

The Senate passed the bill (S967) unanimously on February 10.

Parsippany Annual Tree Lighting

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Annual Tree Lighting

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Annual Tree Lighting

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