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February 7, 2020

I. State Issues
II. Federal Issue
III. Annual League Conference
IV. Also of Interest

Municipal Clerks: Please forward to your Mayor, Governing Body and Department Heads.

I. State Issues

a. Executive Order Establishes the Coronavirus Task Force

On Monday, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 102 establishing the Coronavirus Task Force. The task force chaired by the Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli will coordinate all State efforts to appropriately prepare for and respond to the public health hazard posed by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). In addition, the task force, which includes various state departments, will continue to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health partners to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Newark Liberty International Airport will serve as one of eleven major airports in the United States authorized to receive flights from China that require enhanced entry screening for coronavirus. Therefore, the task force will also coordinate the State's partnership with the Federal government and Newark Liberty International Airport to ensure effective communications and dissemination of information and coordinate with hospitals and other health care facilities to manage preparations for the possible treatment of patients demonstrating coronavirus symptoms or risks.

As part of the preparedness activities, the Murphy Administration has launched a webpage with resources including travel updates and advisories and guidance sent to health care providers, local health departments, infection preventionists, and other health partners. The Administration has also opened a free 24-hour hotline (1-800-222-1222) for the public to ask questions about the Coronavirus.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.

b. Bill Mandating Additional Training and Certification Requirements Moves out of Committee

The Assembly State and Local Government Committee, this week, approved an amended A-678, which would mandate additional training and certification of zoning officers and land use board administrators. The League opposes this bill.

While the League endorses continuing education for appointed and elected officials we have concerns that the new requirements envisioned in A-678 are not only unnecessary, but bureaucratic and infringe on local discretion of hiring practices. We also have concerns with the impact the new training and certification requirements will have on municipal budgets. While amendments to A-678 address some concerns, the bill maintains the mandate and the League accordingly remains opposed.

A-678 has been second referenced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee but has not been scheduled for a hearing yet in that committee. We will be sure to keep our members informed on the progress of this bill as it occurs. In the meantime, please contact your Assembly representative and ask them to oppose A-678

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x137.

c. Division Issues Guidance on LOSAP Annual CPI Adjustment

The Division of Local Government Services has issued Local Finance Notice 2020-01 providing general information regarding the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) along with the annual cost of living adjustment to the maximum award amounts. The increase in the CY 2019 CPI Adjustments, for use in CY 2020, is 1.5% for municipal programs and 1.5% for fire districts.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.

II. Federal Issue

a. EPA Proposing Revisions to Federal Lead and Copper Rule

As you may be aware, late last year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) released proposed revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule to reduce lead exposure in drinking water. This action represents the first major overhaul of the Lead and Copper Rule since its inception in 1991. The rule is applicable to all 68,000 public water systems, requiring them to sample water from households with plumbing materials that contain lead or copper and take action to reduce exposure to these harmful metals in drinking water.

The League is working with other stakeholders and our national affiliate, the National League of Cities, to draft comments on the proposed revisions. While the League is supportive of any efforts to provide consumers with safe drinking water we remain mindful of the unique characteristics of New Jersey’s water systems and urge the EPA to keep such differences in mind when adopting any rule revisions.

The EPA is accepting comments on the proposed rule through February 12, 2020. If you wish to submit comments you can do so through the Federal Register [Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0300]. The League intends to submit comments and we encourage you, if able, to do the same.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x137.

III. Annual League Conference

a. Claim Your CEUs from the 2019 League Conference

Attention Municipal Officials! Do Not Forget to Claim Your CEUs from the 2019 NJLM Annual Conference! Visit the Conference Tracking page to claim your credits.

IV. Also of Interest

a. Light Up Public Spaces for Suffrage

NJLM’s Women in Municipal Government Committee (WIMG) invites municipalities to light up their public spaces in purple to celebrate the 19^th Amendment’s ratification centennial. On February 9, 1920, New Jersey ratified the 19^th Amendment, confirming women’s right to vote. We ask you to illuminate your public spaces in purple, a suffrage color, for at least the week of February 10.

Please share your participation on social media using the hashtag #NJWomenVote and #NJLM.

In addition, the WIMG committee requests that municipalities consider adopting this sample resolution celebrating the centennial. New Jersey was the 29^th of the original 36 states to ratify the 19^th Amendment, ensuring it became a law. New Jersey was also home to suffragists including Alice Paul, who founded the National Woman’s Party in 1916. Her Mt. Laurel home, Paulsdale, is a National Historic Landmark.

The WIMG Committee consists of all elected and appointed women mayors and council members in New Jersey. They encourage the active involvement and full participation of women in municipal government. Efforts include professional development, networking seminars, and other programs.

NJLM is a partner organization with NJ Women Vote, a group marking the centennial of women’s suffrage and looking at the role of New Jersey women in the historic movement and today’s government. NJ Women Vote is part of Discover NJ History.

Visit www.discovernjhistory.org for more information.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.

b. FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting application for the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program. These grants are available to eligible fire departments, both paid and volunteer, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Service (EMS) organizations and State Fire Training Academies. The application period will close on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

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