PARSIPPANY —
Murphy Signs Executive Orders Lifting Limits on Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings, Opening Pools Opening Additional Outdoor Recreational Businesses
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed two executive orders 1) raising limits on outdoor and indoor gatherings and 2) opening pools effective June 22 and additional outdoor recreational businesses effective immediately.
“With more of our businesses reopening, we are no longer requiring New Jerseyans to stay at home, but we are asking you to continue to be responsible and safe,” said Governor Murphy. “These actions will put us even more firmly on our Road Back and complement the steps we’ve already taken to begin our restart and recovery.”
Under Executive Order No. 152, effective immediately, indoor gatherings are limited to 25 percent of the capacity of the room, but regardless of the room’s capacity, such limit shall never be less than 10 or more than 50 people. All attendees at the gathering must wear face coverings, unless for a medical reason or if the individual is under 2 years old, individuals must remain six feet apart at all times, and physical items may not be shared by multiple attendees of the same gathering unless sanitized before and after uses.
Outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people, and attendees are required to be six feet apart. Individuals should wear face coverings at all times where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, and individuals who are in vehicles shall not count towards the gathering limit.
Nothing in the Order shall prevent a person at a gathering from momentarily removing their mask to place or receive an item in their mouth, if done for religious purposes, or for health and safety.
Additionally, available parking at State Parks and Forests, and at county and municipal parks, may reopen to their full maximum capacity.
Under Executive Order No. 153, outdoor swimming pools can open effective at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22, provided that it complies with standards and policies that will be issued by the Department of Health. Pool facilities may open for the purpose of lifeguard training and lifeguard swimming lessons prior to June 22.
Additionally, outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses are permitted to reopen immediately, with the exception of amusement parks, water parks, and arcades. These recreational and entertainment businesses are required to abide by a number of social distancing protocols that are specified in the Order. Any type of event at an outdoor recreational or entertainment business that involves individuals there at a specific time for a common reason, such as a movie or concert, are subject to the restrictions on outdoor gatherings.
Public and private social clubs are permitted to reopen their outdoor spaces, provided they comply with all applicable terms of the Order. And nothing in the Order prevents a business from operating an amusement game outdoors, such as a game on a boardwalk, so long as the game does not take place in an amusement park and an employee is present and adheres to all of the requirements in Paragraph 1 of this Order, including sanitizing all equipment before and after each use.
Paragraph 2 of Executive Order No. 107, which requires New Jersey residents to remain home with limited exceptions, is formally rescinded. The other provisions of that Order, including the requirement that businesses or non-profits accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements, wherever practicable, are still in effect.
Preschool Advantage welcomes Kyle Colwell to Board of Trustees
MORRIS COUNTY — Preschool Advantage, a Morristown-based non-profit organization, has appointed Kyle Colwell to the Board of Trustees.
Colwell is a financial advisor at Private Advisor Group and a registered principal with LPL Financial, a company focused on developing and implementing customized wealth management strategies for clients.
Colwell is thrilled to join the Preschool Advantage Board and commented, “The organization’s mission and work are so important because of their far-reaching impact on children, their families and their communities, far beyond the preschool years.I believe that the fundamental solution to so many problems in our world is a better education. By providing access to quality education for those who need it most, at the very beginning of their educational journey, Preschool Advantage seeks to prepare these children for a bright future.”
Colwell earned a BA in History from the University of Vermont. He and his wife Emily live in Morristown. In his spare time Colwell enjoys skiing and is an avid fly-fisherman.
Preschool Advantage, a non-profit organization founded in 1995, provides families with financial assistance for early education and has funded over 1,500 tuitions in its 25-year history. We place children in one of our 28 established partner schools that offer high quality early education. To learn more about Preschool Advantage call (973) 532-2501 or click here.
Sherrill Announces Winners In Virtual Congressional Art Competition
PARSIPPANY — Representative Sherrill (NJ-11) announced the winners of her second annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students in the 11th District. The competition took place virtually this year and showcases high school students’ creativity and artistic expression. Submissions were reviewed by Michele Marinelli, Curator of the Guinness Collection at the Morris Museum, and Ira Wagner, Interim Director of the Montclair Art Museum.
“I’m so impressed by the submissions we received, the artistic talents of our NJ-11 students, and their adaptability during these challenging times,” said Representative Sherrill. “I’d like to thank all of the students for submitting amazing work, our art teachers for their support of our young artists, and our judges Michele Marinelli and Ira Wagner for bringing their expertise to this competition. I look forward to having Kate’s piece hanging up in the U.S. Capitol and to feature student artwork in my district and DC offices for the community to enjoy when we fully reopen. Congratulations to Kate, Lindsey, and Sofia.”
The following students earned distinction for their pieces:
- First Place: Kate Terhune, Mountain Lakes High School, “Nighttime Allure”
- Second Place: Lindsey Mei Alvarez, Morris Catholic High School, “Mind”
- Third Place: Sofia Rodriguez, Morris County School of Technology, “The Hallway”
FIRST PLACE: Kate Terhune, Mountain Lakes High School, “Nighttime Allure.”
SECOND PLACE: Lindsey Mei Alvarez, Morris Catholic High School, “Mind.”
THIRD PLACE: Sofia Rodriguez, Morris County School of Technology, “The Hallway.”
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their Representative’s office, and panels of judges select the winning entries.
Pennacchio/Oroho Seeking to Curtail Governor’s Powers with Constitutional Amendment
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy, who announced he was lifting the months-long stay-at-home order, has utilized his pen and executive orders to circumvent the elected Legislature and avoid public scrutiny during his time in office. He plans to sign another executive order raising limits on the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings in the state.
Pennacchio and Oroho this week introduced a resolution (SCR-117) proposing a state constitutional amendment that would rein in gubernatorial powers.
“Murphy’s affinity for unilateral edicts has been on prominent display during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Pennacchio (R-26). “He’s been indiscriminately signing executive orders, acting more like an emperor without any accountability. This resolution would give the power back to the people with a vote on an amendment to the state constitution placing restrictions on executive authority.”
The proposed amendment would provide that certain emergency orders, rules or regulations issued by a governor during a state of emergency will terminate on the 15th day after issuance unless the Legislature approves an extension. This will force the governor to work with the Legislature.
“This will restore the balance of power intended in the New Jersey Constitution and the transparency state residents deserve,” Pennacchio said. “Neither this governor nor any governor should be allowed to indefinitely dictate matters of statewide importance independent of the Legislature, a co-equal branch of government elected by the people.”
During his daily briefing, Murphy announced an increase in the limit for outdoor gatherings to 100 people, with plans to go to 250 later in June, and 500 on July 3.
“The Governor reacted because the people have had enough,” said Senator Oroho (R-24). “The prolonged situation has been wearing thin on residents and businesses, and more reason is finally taking hold. But it’s clear we need to reform the policy process. This resolution will bring balanced governance in times of crisis, and provide appropriate checks and balances as envisioned in our State Constitution.
“No one person should ever have absolute authority when it involves individuals’ rights as protected in our Constitution. It took months to get the governor to change course. It shouldn’t have to be that way. The Legislature should have a defined role for governing the state jointly in emergency situations.”
Parsippany Community Update June 9, 2020
PARSIPPANY — As we continue to move toward Stage Two of New Jersey’s re-opening process, all municipal employees here in Parsippany have returned to work in person.
Urgent Need for Blood Donors in Parsippany! Appointment Required
PARSIPPANY — As regions prepare to reopen and hospitals anticipate the return of elective surgeries, New Jersey Blood Services division of New York Blood Center (NYBC) is issuing an urgent call for healthy blood donors. The need for blood has rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels, but the blood supply is dangerously low. In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished. Right now, reserves are far below that minimum.
Before COVID-19, mobile blood drives hosted by schools, organizations, and businesses made up around 75% of the region’s incoming blood supply, but all drives had to be canceled during the past several months. NYBC will begin holding a limited number of mobile blood drives each week, but they are far from the 600 drives per month that would be required to meet the need at area hospitals. There will be a community blood drive at Parsippany PAL Building, 33 Baldwin Road, on Tuesday, June 16 between 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Appointments are necessary and can be made by clicking here.
Donating blood is safe and it only takes one hour. They are taking extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. NYBC staff is also practicing health self-assessments prior to presenting at work. As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection, or flu-like symptoms.
Parsippany Issues Guidelines for Special Events Use Permit for Temporary Outdoor Dining
PARSIPPANY — On June 3, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 150 which permits restaurants, bars, and other food or beverage establishments to provide in-person service at designated outdoor areas (“Outdoor Dining Area”) for food and/or beverage consumption (“Outdoor Dining”) subject to certain conditions effective Monday, June 15. (Click here to download Executive Order 150).
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills wishes to permit Outdoor Dining in order to revitalize the local economy and help local businesses recover from the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before being allowed to commence Outdoor Dining, an establishment must submit an application for Special Events Use Permit for Temporary Outdoor Dining in accordance with §430-296 of the Township Code. The application must be submitted to the Zoning Officer or his/her designee. The permit application may be obtained from the Township website or by contacting the Zoning Officer during regular business hours. (Click here to download permit application)
The Township will waive the $25 permit application fee during the State of Emergency. The Zoning Officer, or his/her designee, will review the permit application with all appropriate Township departments or agencies. The Zoning Officer, or his/her designee, may request any changes to the proposed Outdoor Dining Area in furtherance of the public health, safety, and welfare. After reviewing the application, the Township will advise the applicant what, if any, changes to the proposed Outdoor Dining Area are required. Provided the application satisfies the requirements and conditions set forth herein, and no changes are required, the Zoning Officer shall issue a permit within ten days.
Along with the permit application, the applicant must provide a survey and sketch of the proposed Outdoor Dining Area, which must identify, as applicable, the following minimum requirements:
- Location and dimensions of the proposed Outdoor Dining Area, including any tents or canopies;
- Location and dimensions of all tables and chairs;
- Dimensions of proposed aisles;
- Location of ingress to and egress from the Outdoor Dining Area;
- Locations of ingress to and egress and path of travel from the establishment interior kitchen (for staff) and restrooms;
- Location and dimensions of wait staff stations;
- Location of waste receptacles;
- Location of hand sanitizer stations;
- Location of proposed signage – signage shall be limited to a banner sign as per §430-284K. All other informational signage necessary to comply with Executive Order 150 shall be permitted;
- Description and location of exterior lighting fixtures and outdoor heaters;
- Description and location of screening and safety measures (bollards, planters, barriers, fencing, etc.) to protect the Outdoor Dining Area from parking, drive aisles, and/or the street;
- Location of all existing fire hydrants and fire lanes within the vicinity; and
- If Outdoor Dining is proposed within a parking lot, description of the adequacy of parking for outdoor dining patrons and staff of the establishment;
- If the establishment proposes to provide carry-out service to patrons, a description of how the establishment intends to provide the same along with Outdoor Dining;
- If the establishment proposes Outdoor Dining within the municipal right-of-way or on municipal property, proof of insurance and execution of an indemnification and maintenance agreement with the Township in accordance with Chapter 275; and
- Establishments are encouraged to have their patrons make advance reservations and/or wait in their car until their table is ready.
If the applicant is not the property owner, the applicant must submit a letter of consent from the property owner consenting to the application. If the Outdoor Dining Area is proposed in front of an adjacent business, or within a shared parking area, the applicant must submit a letter of consent from the affected business owner(s) consenting to the application.
Permit Conditions: All Special Events Use Permits for Temporary Outdoor Dining shall comply with the following requirements:
- Outdoor Dining shall comply with all requirements of Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 150, as well as any guidelines promulgated by the Department of Health, including but not limited to, the seating of no more than eight people per table and maintaining a required six feet between tables.
- The Outdoor Dining Area shall be open during the normal business hours of the establishment, but in no case shall open for business prior to 11:00 a.m. nor remain open for business after 11:00 p.m. No patrons are permitted to remain in the Outdoor Dining Area for any reason after 11:00 p.m.
- In accordance with Executive Order 150, smoking shall be prohibited in any Outdoor Dining Area.
- The total indoor (if and when permitted by the State) and outdoor seating within an Outdoor Dining Area combined shall not exceed existing total maximum occupancy (100%) for the establishment.
- The Outdoor Dining Area cannot be located in designated handicap parking spaces, drive aisles, or fire lanes, or within 25 feet of a dumpster or establishment fire exit.
- If an Outdoor Dining Area is proposed within off-street parking lots, a buffer of at least 9 feet (the width of a parking space) shall be provided around the periphery of the Outdoor Dining Area.
- A maximum of eight parking spaces can be occupied by the Outdoor Dining Area (exclusive of the required buffer around the Outdoor Dining Area).
- The Outdoor Dining Area shall be fully handicapped-accessible, and shall not impede handicapped-accessibility of any sidewalk.
- No outdoor music or entertainment shall be permitted.
- No outdoor cooking or food preparation and no outdoor bar service shall be permitted. All food and drinks must be prepared within the establishment.
- Customers shall be served only when seated at tables within the Outdoor Dining Area. No standees, except in the designated waiting area.
- There shall be no table service of alcoholic beverages by the establishment unless the appropriate approval to do so is first obtained from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. If the establishment obtains a COVID-19 expansion permit that will allow table service of alcoholic beverages, they are required to provide a copy of the permit to the Township Clerk’s office.
- BYOB of beer, wine, and malt beverages shall be permissible in the Outdoor Dining Area.
- Failure to abide by these conditions may result in revocation of the permit.
- Any permit issued pursuant to Chapter 275 shall stay effective immediately and the establishment shall be required to submit for a Special Events Use Permit and demonstrate compliance with the requirements set forth herein. An applicant proposing outdoor dining within the public right-of-way shall apply for a Special Events Use Permit for Temporary Dining in lieu of a permit pursuant to Chapter 275.
- If an establishment proposes an Outdoor Dining Area within the municipal right-of-way or on municipal property, the applicant shall be required to provide proof of insurance and to execute an indemnification and maintenance agreement with the Township in accordance with Chapter 275.
- The Zoning Officer may impose additional conditions or requirements on the issuance of a Special Events Use Permit for Temporary Outdoor Dining in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
- A Special Events Use Permit for Temporary Outdoor Dining shall be valid until December 31, 2020, or a declaration by the Governor that a State of Emergency no longer exists, whichever is sooner. The permit conditions and requirements set forth herein shall control in the case of the issuance of any permit unless modified by further Executive Order or legislation of the State of New Jersey or Township Council.
- Because the circumstances involving the COVID-19 permit are rapidly evolving, the permit conditions and requirements set forth herein are subject to change and the Township may modify the same at any time without notice.
For additional information contact the Zoning Department at (973) 263-4373. The Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Department is located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, lower level. Currently, they have tents outside to serve the public.
Parsippany Community Update June 8, 2020
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue and Recovery is a fully volunteer first responder squad specializing in heavy rescue.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association Donates $38,000 to Parsippany Organizations
PARSIPPANY — The members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association as part of the community efforts to provide help, and hope, to the people who support the students that they serve have made donations to local organizations.
Due to the many unexpected changes brought upon by COVID-19 they believed it was important to support first responders and individuals most in need. It is with great pride that the members of the PTHEA present the following donations to some of our town’s most critical services:
- $8,000 donation to Table of Hope in Morristown (a food bank that supplies the Parsippany Food Pantry)
- $10,000 donation to the Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad (The Squad plans to purchase UV lights for disinfection of their rigs and PPE for the squad members)
- $10,000 donation to the Parsippany Ambulance Squad (The Squad plans to purchase UV lights for disinfection of their rigs and PPE for the squad members)
- $10,000 donation to the Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Squad
The members of PTHEA express their deepest sympathy to all of the individuals and families who have been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This donation is a testament to how amazing our teachers are, it shows that even though they cannot physically be with our kids they are still committed to doing what they can for our community. We are using this money to purchase a UV light to use to disinfect the ambulances and UV lights for the air systems in the ambulances to purify the air coming out of the vents in the back of the ambulances,” said Jennifer Sikora, Chief, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad.
Marti Ellicott, Chief of Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad said “We are eternally grateful to the teachers union for giving us the ability to purchase the UV lighting system for the ambulances in order to protect our crews, the residents, and the visitors to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.”
“On behalf of the Rescue Squad, we are very grateful for the Parsippany Teachers to think of us during these unprecedented times. The very generous donation will go along way to enhance our training, equipment, and buildings. Special thanks to Mayor Michael Soriano’s administration for setting this opportunity up,” said Louis Yuliano, Chief Parsippany Rescue and Recovery.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association would like to thank Mayor Soriano for his assistance and for the opportunity to be a part of the Parsippany Relief efforts.