Township of Morris Municipal Services Update

From the Township of Morris:

March 16, 2020

To help curtail the possibility of community spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), following is information about changes in services and procedures that the Township of Morris is implementing, effective immediately:

Municipal Offices & Facilities

• All offices are open and municipal staff will be available during this time to answer questions and concerns from the public via telephone and e-mail.
• While public access is permitted in the municipal facilities with the requirements of proper social distancing of six feet and no handshaking with employees, we encourage you to use phone, email, and online platforms instead.
• The only restrooms open to the public are those in the foyer of the Municipal Building adjacent to the Meeting Room.
• We encourage you to use our online payment options for taxes and sewer utility payments click here and the online registration platform for Recreation program registration and Swim Pool registration click here.
• Routine requests for police reports can be requested via phone (973)-326-7371.
• Routine requests for fire reports can be requested via phone (973) 326-7435

Municipal Inspections

(Construction, Zoning, Engineering, Fire and Health)

• Permit application and drop off will remain the same.
• Telephone screening will be occurring for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to all appointments and inspections.
• The Township will be erring on the side of caution and the inspectors will be using discretion when entering dwellings and interacting with individuals. Only essential contractors, homeowners, or authorized representatives necessary for the completion of any inspection shall be on site during such inspection in an effort to limit unnecessary contact.
• All non-essential inspections may be postponed at the Township’s discretion.

Parks & Recreation Programs and Facilities

Programs and Events

• All Recreation programs are suspended through March 29th
• All Recreation events scheduled through March 29th have been cancelled.

Recreation Facilities

• All indoor facilities for recreation programs and events are not available until March 30th
• All outdoor facilities for recreation programs are not available for organized sports groups until March 30th
• All events scheduled for outdoor recreation facilities are cancelled through March 29th

Senior Activities and Information

• All senior activities have been cancelled through March 29th
• The Senior Activity Room at Township Hall is closed through March 29th
• We are committed to staying connected with our older residents during this health emergency and have taken steps to make regular calls to our most vulnerable seniors at home.

Public Meetings

Township Committee, Board of Health, Planning Board and Board of Adjustment

• These meetings remain open to the public, however in-person attendance is not recommended. Anyone who attends will be required to follow social distancing of six (6) feet of separation.
• The Township is developing a plan for remote public participation that complies with the Open Public meetings Act. Participation by remote access is encouraged.
• Further information on this and the procedure to access the meetings will be forthcoming.

Advisory Boards and Other Meetings

• All other board and committee meetings are cancelled for the remainder of March.
• Meetings that can be handled telephonically without violating the Open Public Meetings Act will be permitted – for example, meetings of subcommittees that do not represent a quorum of the entire committee.

Trash and Recycling & Other Collection Services

• Curbside trash, recycling and bulk pickups will operate on a normal schedule.
• The Recycling Center will operate on a normal schedule.

Schools

The Morris School District, Villa Walsh Academy, Delbarton School, Morristown Beard School and Unity Charter School are closed through March 29th and scheduled to reopen on March 30th.

Morristown Morris Township Library

• The Morristown Morris Township Library is closed through March 29th

Joint Municipal Court- located in Madison

• All Municipal Court sessions have been ordered cancelled by the State of New Jersey for the period of March 16th through March 27th
• The Municipal Court Office will remain open to accept fines and payments, schedule future court cases and conduct day to day business. Payments may be made online at NJMCDirect.com.
• Municipal Courts will continue to handle emergent matters involving public safety and temporary restraining orders.

As this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, we will provide updated information as it becomes available.

The Township urges all residents to take necessary precautions to prevent community spread of COVID-19. Practicing good personal hygiene (especially frequent handwashing) and remaining mindful of restricting person-to-person contact should be foremost in our day-to-day lives for the time being.

This press release was produced by the Township of Morris. The views expressed here are the author’s own.