I. State Issues
a. COVID-19 Update
Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 2,199 new positive cases and an additional 13 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 249,380 confirmed cases, and 14,616 confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission is at 1.25, and spot positivity as of November 1, was 7.74%. The Governor provided a review of school COVID-19 cases. There are 24 new cases stemming for 8 newly confirmed instances of in-school transmission. A total of 146 cases are linked to 36 outbreaks.
When asked if he was going to order new restrictions based on the increasing cases and hospitalization, the Governor stated that he was “close” and that the administration “will clearly be taking action.” The Governor further noted that the state is “deploying testing, tracing, enforcement, the whole shooting match but we’re looking at a number of different steps that we’re going to need to take…”
The State continues to ask residents to download and use the new Covid Alert NJ, the State’s exposure notification smart phone app.
Since our last update, Governor Murphy issued the following COVID-19 related Executive Order:
Executive Order 193 postponing any run-off municipal elections to Tuesday, December 15, 2020 and requiring the election to be conducted primarily by vote-by-mail.
On Tuesday, the Governor updated the list of states and territories subject to the Travel quarantine and advisory to add Oregon and Washington, bringing the total to 43 states and territories. While Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware now meet New Jersey’s travel advisory criteria, due to the interconnected nature of the region and mode of transport between New Jersey and the three states, a 14-day quarantine is not reasonable in all instances. Non-essential travel to and from these states, however, is highly discouraged at this time.
For the week ending October 30, the New Jersey Labor Department announced 24,700 new unemployment applications, which is a 9% drop in new unemployment claims and the third straight week of declines.
Contact: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x120.
b. Governor Murphy Signs Ban on Plastics into Law
On November 4, Governor Murphy signed into law the strictest plastic ban legislation in the United States. For more information on P.L. 2020, c.117 see our blog post. Also, we will be hosting a League Conference Session on the plastic bag ban so don’t forget to sign up for this year’s League Conference.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x116.
c. Bill Requiring Electronic Review of Construction Permits Set Committee Hearing
On Monday, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee is scheduled to consider A-1145/S-1739, which the League opposes. A-1145/S-1739 would establish an electronic permit processing review system requiring electronic submission of applications for construction permits, plans, and specifications as required under the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC), and for the scheduling of inspections. All municipal enforcement agencies would be required to use this new system.
The League supports efforts to modernize the process of UCC applications and reviews, however we have some concerns with the bill. For one, certain documents required to be reviewed during the construction permitting process are not easily reviewable through electronic means. Municipal enforcement agencies will incur substantial costs to purchase the equipment necessary to implement the electronic review of these applications. And, while the bill allows municipalities to charge a surcharge for the first three years after the bill is adopted to recoup start-up costs, this may not be sufficient for initial costs or the continuing expense of operating such systems.
We encourage you to review A-1145/S-1739 and to contact to your representatives requesting they oppose this legislation until municipal concerns are properly addressed.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x137.
II. 2020 Annual League Conference
a. Conference Session Discusses
It’s official, the voters of New Jersey have giving their approval to the ballot question on the legalization of recreational marijuana for those over 21. What’s next?
Join our session “Marijuana in the Mile High City – A Collaborative Approach” at the 105th Annual League Conference-Presented Virtually. Set for Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 1:30-2:45 p.m., presider Mayor Colleen Mahr of Fanwood, NJLM Immediate Past President will join a dynamic panel of the City of Denver officials to discuss collaborative approach to the management of legalized adult use of marijuana, which includes multiple city agencies working together to address marijuana regulation, enforcement, and education. Thanks to the innovative industry, Denver has embraced a management model that is quick, responsive, and nimble that can be replicated by any municipality.
The course offers CEU credits including 3 points for the Local Government Leaders Program (LGLP).
To register or preview the Conference, including the most up-to-date schedule, CUEs, exhibitor listings, and networking chatrooms, visit the 2020 NJLM Virtual Conference site.
b. 5 Reasons to Register and Attend the 105th League Conference
In a year filled with change, the 105th Annual League Conference-presented virtually, maintains the continuity of more than 100 years of great events. The Virtual Conference offers some practical points that make attendance easy and efficient.
- Easy Commute: Whether you’re in your office or at home, you can login and attend the Virtual Conference with no extra travel time needed.
- Cost Effective: In a year where budgets are tight, the virtual event continues the League’s commitment to a high value experience at the lowest cost of any League Conference in the nation. And this year, you save on hotels and associated fees, too.
- Healthy: Public health is a major concern for your residents and municipal employees. A virtual conference ensures that you can control your exposure and stay safe.
- Education-Friendly: Need continuing education units? The Virtual Conference is the place to go, with many credit hours offered.
- Interactive Exhibitors: Searchable listings, product information, and video chats allow attendees to have one-on-one contract with more than 100 vendors.
Visit the Conference online to view the current schedule and to register today.
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