Changes in the Works for the Ginty Pickleball Courts

Ever since they were installed, our Pickleball Courts at Ginty have been incredibly popular. With the high volume of players, problems of overcrowding have become common, as well as concerns with player behavior. With feedback from our resident pickleballers on how to best address this issue, our Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, is working to update the rules and regulations of the courts and establish a registration system for 2023 play. Residents will have the opportunity to register through Community Pass for a minimal fee; guest passes will be made available for each resident registrant. Registrations for non-residents will open after the resident application period has ended and will include a $175 fee with no guest passes.

Further details will be provided as we approach the 2023 season.

Supporting Federal Legislation to Help Police Prevent Auto Thefts

This week, I joined mayors from across Morris County, as well as Police Chief Bob Shearer and Township Administrator Tim Quinn, in Madison to support the Auto Theft Prevention Act, a bill recently introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. This bipartisan legislation would provide communities like ours with the resources we need to more effectively combat widespread auto thefts by creating a new grant program to fund related state and local law enforcement efforts. In addition, the legislation would create a new eligible use of funds within the existing COPS grant program to allow police departments to use funds on new equipment, hiring, and compensation to help combat auto thefts.

Municipalities like ours are often at a disadvantage when it comes to competing against larger towns and cities for federal resources. This legislation would give towns like ours priority by directing funding to areas of the country that are most impacted by a rise in auto thefts. You can learn more about this legislation here.

Recognizing Planning Board Members for Outstanding Service

On Monday, the Planning Board recognized two residents for their outstanding service to Morris Township and their contributions to the Planning Board. Jeremiah Loughman, a longtime resident and active volunteer, served the Planning Board for 16 years. Franz Vintschger, another longtime resident, was recognized for 36 years of service on the Board.

The volunteers of our Planning Board dedicate countless hours throughout the year reviewing land use proposals and participating in hearings. I am incredibly grateful for the time Jeremiah and Franz have spent away from family and work to serve our residents to the best of their abilities.

Little Free Libraries

Earlier this month, Committeeman Bud Ravitz and I joined our Parks and Recreation Director, Bill Foelsch, along with Library Director Chad Leinaweaver to meet resident Anand Bannerji, who built and installed four Little Library boxes at our Township parks. Anand is currently attending Cornell University studying computer sciences. This project was made possible through the support of the Parks and Recreation Department and the Morristown-Morris Township Free Public Library.

Thank you, Anand, for all of your hard work!

Join Us to Lay Wreaths on Veterans Day

Twice a year, the members of the Memorial and Veterans Day Association of Morristown and Morris Township lay wreathes at veteran’s memorial across the Town and Township. Residents are invited to join the Association this year, along with members of the governing body, on Veterans Day (Friday, November 11th) at 7:45 am at the Municipal Building. Light refreshments will be served prior to our departure to the memorials. Transportation will be provided. Sign up by emailing: [email protected].

Following the wreath laying, residents are invited to attend the annual Veterans Day service at the Municipal Building at 10:00am followed by a service on the Green at 11:00am.

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

Best,

Mark