PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Meeting – November 24, 2020
A letter from Dr. Barbara Sargent
Dear Parsippany-Troy Hills Families,
I hope you enjoyed a relaxing weekend and were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather.
We have been extremely fortunate in keeping our schools open fairly consistently for in-person instruction since September. As anticipated, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 has risen in New Jersey and in our Northwest Region over the past several weeks, moving Morris County and all of NJ to “High Risk” (Orange) status. As per NJ Department of Health guidelines, a transition to “Very High Risk” (Red) would require a transition to Fully Remote/Distance Learning. School districts should then wait a minimum of 14 days before bringing students back for in-person learning.
Additionally, the incidents of staff members needing to quarantine as a result of being a close contact or having a member of their household test positive for COVID-19 is growing, making it challenging in some schools to adequately supervise students. We are tracking this on a daily basis in the event that Fully Remote/Distance Learning needs to be implemented.
While our intent at this time is to continue with in-person instruction and the new K-8 hybrid schedule which began today, it may be necessary for the district to transition to Fully Remote instruction at some future point and I want you to be prepared. In the event that the district transitions to Fully Remote instruction, you will be notified via School Messenger, and school principals and I will share further information about the daily schedule and instructional expectations. There may be little time to prepare for this transition, so it is important to consider alternate child care plans now so that your family is ready.
Please understand that we absolutely want to keep schools open and have children attend in-person. Health and safety guidelines have been established by the NJ Department of Health to keep staff and students safe and to prevent community spread of COVID-19. They must be followed.
Finally, please note that there have been updates to the Daily Health Screening Form.
We have a little more than three weeks left until the December holiday break. Let’s continue to make smart choices that keep our school community safe.
Barbara Sargent, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Route 46 East Closed Prior to Edwards Road
PARSIPPANY — Route 46 East closed prior to Edwards Road is closed due to an accident. All traffic being diverted onto Route 80 East due to a utility pole/wires falling onto the roadway.
Additional details will be published as they become available.
Council Meeting Scheduled for Tuesday, December 1
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council agenda meeting Tuesday, December 1 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.
- Click here for the council meeting agenda.
- Click here for a link to the meeting.
Step-by-Step Guides
- Click this link for a step-by-step guide on registering to attend the council meeting.
- Click on this link for a step-by-step guide on joining the council meeting through WebEx.
For more information, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at (973) 263-4351 or email pthclerk@parsippany.net.
Skunk Tested Positive for Rabies on Oswego Avenue
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany Troy-Hills Health Department was notified on November 25, that a skunk off Oswego Avenue in the Lake Hiawatha section has tested positive for the Rabies virus.
Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people.
Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know. Please DO NOT FEED STRAY ANIMALS. Do not make pets of wild animals. Be certain that your dog is properly licensed, vaccinated, and up to date on their rabies vaccination. If you know of any stray cats, or dogs, or any other animal in the area acting strangely, please contact the Parsippany Animal Control at (973) 263-7083.
Please keep garbage in a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent attracting animals. Clean up spilled birdseed. Do not leave pet food out for extended time periods.
If you are exposed (either bitten or scratched) by any suspected animal; please act promptly. Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water and call your physician and the Health Department. If your pet is bitten or in a fight with a wild animal, please contact the Parsippany Health Department at (973) 263-7160 and your Veterinarian.
Another COVID-19 Case at Knollwood School
PARSIPPANY— Dr. Barbara Sargent sent the following information to the parents and staff at Knollwood School.
November 28, 2020
Dear Knollwood School Community,
This letter is to inform you that an individual at Knollwood School has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The District is coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community. If you were in close contact with the individual you will receive a separate notification from your local Health Department.
Cleaning and disinfecting of all exposed areas have been completed.
We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage all community members to continue following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promoted safeguards, such as:
• Staying home when you are sick;
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.
As always, we appreciate our community’s support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern. Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact Mrs. Merisa Rosa – (973) 263-7060. Below are some resources that might be helpful.
RESOURCES
a. NJDOH COVID-19 Information for Communities and the General Public: (click here)
b. Get the Facts about Coronavirus: (click here)
c. Symptoms of COVID-19: (click here)
d. Testing: (click here)
e. How to Protect Yourself: (click here)
f. What to Do if You Are Sick: (click here)
Barbara Sargent, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Attorney General Grewal Issues Additional Guidance to Prosecutors on Handling Low-Level Marijuana Possession-Related Cases
MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal issued additional guidance to prosecutors concerning the prosecution of low-level marijuana cases, supplementing his August 29, 2018, and November 4, 2020 guidance.
Attorney General Grewal directed all New Jersey municipal, county, and state prosecutors to adjourn, until at least January 25, 2021, any juvenile or adult case solely involving the following marijuana possession-related offenses:
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- possession of marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10(a)(3);
- possession of marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10(a)(4);
- being under the influence of marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10(c);
- failure to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10(d);
- use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia under N.J.S. 2C:36-2 involving only marijuana or hashish;
- possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle in violation of N.J.S. 39:4-49.1 involving only marijuana or hashish; and
- any disorderly person offense or petty disorderly persons offense subject to conditional discharge pursuant to N.J.S. 2C:36A-1 involving only marijuana or hashish.
- For cases involving the above-enumerated charges as well as other offenses, the Attorney General directed prosecutors to use their discretion to either postpone the case in its entirety or seek dismissal, without prejudice, of the marijuana possession-related charge(s) and proceed with the prosecution of the remaining charges. Notably, today’s guidance does not affect the prosecution of cases charging the distribution of marijuana or possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
“Fairness demands that we suspend prosecution of marijuana possession-related cases while we await direction from the Legislature on the parameters for the decriminalization of marijuana and legalization of regulated adult-use cannabis,” said Attorney General Grewal. “It simply does not make sense or serve justice to proceed with prosecutions on charges that may be foreclosed soon through legislative action.”
Previously, on November 4, the Attorney General issued guidance to law enforcement emphasizing that they have broad discretion in handling low-level marijuana offenses, and encouraging them to exercise that discretion in light of anticipated legislative action that may decriminalize marijuana.
Attorney General Grewal reiterated that more comprehensive guidance, including direction on handling previously adjudicated matters, will follow when the Legislature provides details of the framework for marijuana decriminalization and the legalization of adult-use cannabis.
Guidance for Marijuana Possession Cases Pending in Municipal and Superior Courts: click here.
Guidance Regarding Municipal Prosecutors’ Discretion in Prosecuting Marijuana and Other Criminal Offenses, August 29, 2018: click here.
Interim Guidance on the Constitutional Amendment Legalizing Cannabis, November 4, 2020: click here.
Morris County GOP Announces Victories Throughout County
PARSIPPANY — With the election results in Morris County now certified, the Morris County Republican Committee (MCRC) is announcing victories throughout the county amid an unprecedented election.
Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Ali lauded the victories, “We are so proud of all of our candidates, they faced an unprecedented election year with purpose and resolve and emerged victoriously. We are thrilled they will continue to represent the residents of Morris County.”
State, County, and local Republican candidates prevailed across Morris County, with strong margins of victory for Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, and Freeholder Tayfun Selen. Local candidates also outperformed their Democrat opponents in spite of strong headwinds, including impressive wins in, Boonton, Chatham Township, Chester Borough, Jefferson, Mendham Borough, Montville, Morris Plains, Mountain Lakes, Pequannock, and Randolph.
“We had top-notch candidates and incumbents and the residents of Morris County overwhelmingly supported the excellent governance and quality of service these public servants continue to provide. We must thank the entire Republican County Committee who really stepped up to help bring our winners across the finish line,” said Peter J. King, Vice-Chair of the Morris County Republican Committee.
MCRC strategically utilized social media, text messaging, digital communication, and direct mail for voter contact and fundraising for candidates. With over 75,000 volunteer phone calls, 15,000 doors knock 200,000 paid text messages, coordinated a county-wide comprehensive challenger program, and designed and implemented an analytics tracking database that enabled MCRC to track returns and determine races in advance based on modeling throughout the campaign.
“Given this was a mainly vote-by-mail election, unlike New Jersey has ever seen, it was essential we met the challenge seriously and organized a strong grassroots campaign to inform voters of the process and ensure they returned their ballots. Our GOTV strategy started on Labor Day,” Chairwoman Ali said.
As of November 20, when the election results were certified, the estimated turnout in Morris County was nearing 80% with Republican and Democratic turnout appearing to be neck and neck. For more information on the Morris County Republican Committee’s future events and initiatives click here.
Update: Mayor Soriano to Announce Landmark Investments in Lake Hiawatha
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Troy-Hills Mayor Michael A. Soriano will be joined by small business owners, residents, and Township staff to announce a significant new economic investment in the Township, on Tuesday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Through the hard work and dedication of the Township, Parsippany will soon see improvements for pedestrian traffic, new construction on a community resource, and the culmination of 30 years in creating a new recreation area, all to serve the residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Participants will discuss each of these new initiatives in greater detail at a press conference at the Parsippany Municipal Parking Lot on the corner of North Beverwyck Road and Minnehaha Boulevard.
The Township of Parsippany is considered the crossroads of Northern New Jersey. With a population of over 53,000 residents, Parsippany is the most populous municipality in Morris County. This economic investment will offer a tremendous and immediate impact benefitting the most densely populated area of the Township. Parsippany takes great pride in its small, local, and family-owned businesses. Investments like those being announced on Tuesday, December 1 will assist local businesses, and provide a major step in making North Beverwyck Road a downtown destination.
Editors Note: The date has been changed to Tuesday, December 1 due to the weather forecast for Monday.
Look who is ready for adoption!!! It’s Tofu!!!!
PARSIPPANY — Two-year-old Tofu came to us with a broken back. His family had let him suffer for weeks or longer before we were finally able to convince them to relinquish him to the rescue. Tofu has been seen by a specialist, gotten his wheels, and is ready for adoption!!!
Tofu is a Shih Tzu and will need to be in his wheelchair for the rest of his life. We are looking for a special family with similar special needs dog experience to adopt him. Tofu LOVES other dogs and also really enjoys going for walks! He’s still a playful pup despite his life-changing injury.
Tofu needs to go to aqua therapy and will need to be seen by a neurologist regularly for check-ups. He is so sweet, affectionate, and funny we know he is worth the extra care!
Due to his injury, Tofu needs to be expressed 3 times a day to urinate. When he is left alone, he is put in a small area to make sure he is still comfortable but also safe. He loves treats, getting snuggles from his foster dads, and loving on his doggy foster siblings.
If you’re looking to open your home to a very special, sweet boy, apply to adopt Tofu!
If you are interested in adopting Tofu, please fill out an application by clicking here.
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