Protecting Our Environment

At our April meeting, the Township Committee passed proclamations recognizing the importance of both Earth Day and Arbor Day. Informing and educating the public of the importance of environmental protection is a critical tool for the preservation of the natural resources that have been left to us here in the Township. But ultimately we will be judged by our actions, not our words.

A few years ago, the Township passed one of the first single-use plastic bag bans in the county, ahead of the pending statewide ban that will be implemented in the coming weeks. Additionally, the Township Committee passed one of the first electric vehicle charging ordinances in the state, which, like the plastic bag ban, was implemented well ahead of state regulations and has led to the pending installation of over 50 public EV chargers throughout the township, four of which are now at Township facilities.

While we may not have the same reach as initiatives put forward by higher levels of government, it is our responsibility to have as big of an impact as we can locally. Taking this approach allows us to implement policies before state and federal regulations are promulgated, providing us the opportunity to have a more immediate impact.

At the April meeting, the governing body was pleased to introduce another forward-looking ordinance. With the introduction of ordinance 08-22, we take another step towards reducing our carbon footprint by requiring new construction of multifamily development to rely on all-electric utilities. During a time when the federal government is literally paying commercial property owners to convert older buildings to be all-electric, we believe it would be prudent to have new construction be designed with these goals already in-mind.

Furthermore, as part of this year’s budget and through several resolutions passed at the April meeting, Morris Township is committing to our long-term sustainability by:

• Purchasing electric vehicles to transition our municipal fleet to cleaner vehicles
• Budgeting over $100,000 for native trees in public rights of ways and open space
• Restoring our Open Space Trust to 2008 funding levels to enhance maintenance and remain competitive for acquire new lands for preservation
• Studying and evaluating new opportunities to aggregate energy use for residential property owners to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels as a source for electricity
• Encouraging the planting of native species by members of the public and through future development projects in the hope of reducing uncontrolled spread of invasives on public lands

I would be remiss if I did not recognize our Environmental Commission, who got the ball rolling on many of these initiatives and who we appropriately recognized at the beginning of the meeting. Without their efforts over the past few years and in the coming months, our town wouldn’t be at the point we are now in terms pushing forward sustainable policies. You can view our presentation to the Environmental Commission, as well as our commendation to former Chair, Daniel “Buz” Kenney, here.

2022 Budget

Each year, the Township Committee introduces the annual budget ahead of our public presentation and hearing in April. I want to thank Committeeman Peter Mancuso, Chair of the Finance Standing Committee, Administrator Tim Quinn and Chief Financial Officer Francine DeAngelis for all of their hard work in preparing this year’s budget.

As a result, we have been able to produce a budget that not only rectifies the challenges posed to us from the pandemic, but also allows us to turn the page forward through investing in important, long-term projects that will benefit residents for decades. To continue the services our residents have come to rely on while investing in key capital projects, our municipal budget is increasing by 2 percent from our 2021 levels. The average homeowner in Morris Township, with a property assessed at $600,000, will pay an additional $4.33 a month as a result.

Federal funds we are receiving from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) are helping us significantly in this year's budget. These federal dollars are allowing us to catch back up on capital projects delayed by COVID and that will prepare our town for the future, without the burden of borrowing money. As shown through the budget presentation, our ARP funding is not only covering significant losses at our pool and parking utilities, but enabling us to invest in new IT infrastructure in the municipal building, create a new vision for the Collinsville neighborhood through our Collinsville Playground and Tucker Field redesign, and invest in emergency response capabilities.

Route 24 Project Presentation

Recently, Morris County announced an upcoming information session for residents to learn more about the proposed Route 24/Columbia Turnpike/Park Avenue Interchange Project. This virtual presentation, hosted by the County of Morris, will provide graphics and video overviews of the proposal and have a questions and answers portion for residents to provide input. Residents who intend to participate are encouraged to access the meeting online, instead of calling in over a phone. This session will be recorded and posted for future viewing. This meeting can be accessed here: https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Morris-County-Events/51722-Info-Session.

Morris County projects that this proposal would take an estimated seven years to complete. In order for the County to move forward with design work and apply for federal funding, they are required to receive support from the four municipalities directly impacted by this project: Hanover, Florham Park, Madison, and Morris Township. The Township Committee continues to evaluate this proposal and encourages residents to learn more about the project during this session.

Kevin Bikes America

Starting Sunday, May 8th, former resident and planning board member, Kevin McNally, will be bicycling across the country to honor of the life and legacy of his son, Capt. Brian McNally, and raise funds for the Capt. Brian J. McNally USMC Scholarship through the Morris Educational Foundation.

Capt. McNally grew up in the Township and lived a life of service, dedicating his time as an EMT with the Morris Minute Men, a firefighter at Fairchild Fire Company, a New Jersey State Trooper, and a Captain in the Marine Corps. Last June, the Township dedicated Capt. McNally’s childhood field in Cromwell in his honor.

The Township wishes Kevin a safe and successful journey! 

Thank you for reading my monthly newsletter. Please be sure to follow Morris Township by signing up for our Municipal Messenger as well as by liking our Facebook page and following us on Instagram.

Best,

Mark