Municipal Messenger Monthly / May
Dear Residents,

As we end the month of April and look forward to the month of May, I encourage each of us to reflect on what we have learned during this past month of extraordinary challenge for all. Please consider heeding the call of our Library’s History and Genealogical Center to submit stories of our personal experiences of what it’s like to go through this pandemic. It’s hard to think of a better way to connect with the deeper meanings of our present struggles than to intentionally share our reflections with future generations.

While the hardships we all experienced this past month were real and unforgettable, so too were the unmistakable signs of silver linings that have emerged so clearly as well: from residents who have made all sorts of donations (food, masks, money, time); to staff members who have worked around the clock to ensure that the full range of municipal services are maintained; to the heroic efforts of our front-line healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store workers and others; to the outpouring of gratitude and admiration that continues to this day… how lucky we are to live in a community so filled with people who are ready, willing, and able to help and encourage each other in our shared time of need!

As the weather warms, let us carry into May all that we have learned in this month just passed. That is how we continue this journey and emerge stronger on the other side.

With gratitude and best wishes to all,
Mayor Cathy Wilson 
May Meetings

May 11th: Planning Board, 7:30 PM
May 18th: Board of Adjustment, 7:30 PM
May 20th: Township Committee, 7:00 PM

Further information on remote access & public participation can be found on the Township websites " news flash ", " agenda center " & " calendar " closer to the meeting date.

All other board and committee meetings are cancelled for the month of May.
May 1st Tax Payments
Governor Murphy gave municipalities the option to extend the grace period to 6/1/20 per Executive Order 130 . The Township Committee is currently reviewing the Executive Order and determining if Morris Township can extend the grace period and meet our financial obligations. Due to the time sensitive nature, should Morris Township extend the grace period prior to 5/11/20, we will post this extension on our website.

  • Property taxes may be made by mail, online, or in the drop box located outside the front door or east side entrance of the Municipal Building.
Large Item Collection & Large Metal and Appliance Collection

May 6th & 7th: Large Item Collection , call the DPW,
973-326-7398 or request a pick-up online in advance,  link
May 18th-May 22nd: Large Metal and Appliance Collection , call the DPW, 973-326-7398 or request a pick-up online in advance,  link
Yardwaste Collection

May 9th: Zone 1 Collection
May 16th: Zone 2 Collection


Material (grass clippings, leaves, plant waste, and light brush) must be placed in containers, 32 gallon recommended. All materials can be mixed together during this period

Department of Public Works hours: Mon-Sat, 6 AM to 1:45 PM
Trash & Recycling Collection

Mon, May 25th: Memorial Day , No Collection Services

Tues, May 26th: Mon Trash & Recycling
Wed, May 27th: Tues Trash & Recycling
Thurs, May 28th: Wed Trash & Recycling
Fri, May 29th: Thurs Trash & Recycling
Toilet paper is the only product safe to flush-  never flush disinfecting wipes or other non-flushable items(paper towels, sanitizing wipes, gloves , old rags, etc.).

“Preventable toilet and sewer backups can pose a threat to human health and present an extra challenge to our water utilities and their workforce. Flushing anything other than toilet paper, including disinfecting wipes, can damage internal plumbing, local sewer systems and septic systems. Fixing these backups is costly and takes time and resources away from ensuring that wastewater management systems are otherwise working properly.”- US Environmental Protection Agenc y
May 4th-5th #shineyourlight4firefighters
In commemoration of International Firefighters’ Day 2020, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) asks you to join us in celebrating firefighters by lighting your home in red. On May 4 – 5, 2020, we ask you to Shine Your Light for Firefighters, changing your porch light(s) to show your gratitude for firefighters worldwide who are on the front lines for us every day. Be sure to share your #ShineYourLight4Firefighters story on social media.
Early-Bird Swim Pool Registration

The Township Committee extended the Early-Bird Registration for Swim Pools from April 30th-
May 16th or ten(10) days following the lifting of the Stay at Home- Public Gathering Executive Order (Resolution 88-20). Swim Pool Page
Stay Connected with the
Morris Township Police Dept.

🚨 Recent Scams In Our Area 🚨
Elderly Scam with Grandchild Reference: The scam entails a grandson/granddaughter of the victim is arrested and family is contacted for bail money. Suspects will pose over the phone as an attorney who contacts the elderly couple via cell phone and explains their loved one is arrested and he/she needs bail money. Their intent is to persuade the victim to agree and provide the bail money in cash. The attorney explains that he is sending a bail bondsman to pick the money up at the residence. Ultimately an unidentified individual responds to the residence and obtains the cash money from the victims.

Video Release Scam: Victims are notified via email or text message from suspect that they have imported a virus into their computer or cell phone and have been videotaping the victims while conducting inappropriate behavior. Suspects stated that they will release the videos via social media to the victim’s friends and family unless they provide a specified amount of money as requested by the suspect. Payment is usually requested via bit coins, cash aps, Venmo, Pay Pal Friends and Family, or gift cards.
Vaccines: There will be online offers for COVID-19 vaccinations or pay to be tested. Suspects will have you send payments electronically.

Text Message saying close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 : Victims will receive a text message stating that they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally the message will say “Click here to be tested” Victims will click on the message and will be either taken to a corrupt site with inappropriate material or possibly download a virus.
Community Food Drive

Saturday, May 9th / 3 PM- 6 PM
Morris Township Police Station, 49 Woodland Ave


*Bags will be unloaded from your car to ensure social-distancing.
Morris Township Dept. of Health - How to Avoid Tick Bites
The State of New Jersey is reopening State and County Parks at daybreak on Saturday May 2nd. Just because we are all immersed in the dangers of the current COVID-19 situation, does not mean all other diseases have stopped circulating. With spring upon us, and people wanting to spend more times outdoors, it is important to be aware of ticks and how to avoid a tick bite .

🏞️Reopen New Jersey’s state parks (passive recreation only/ restrooms & playgrounds remain closed)
⛳Allow golf courses(clubhouses will remain closed) and county parks to reopen(passive recreation only/ restrooms & playgrounds remain closed) View all info and rules here.

This order will take effect at sunrise on Sat, May 2nd. Social distancing will continue to be mandated.
Thank you to everyone involved in the mask donation for our Morris Township Seniors; from the Morris Township resident who donated masks to the Parks and Rec Dept, specifically Alexis Voli for packaging and organizing, and Ray Mosso and Kathleen Lindsey for delivering. Finally, to the Hillside Hose Ladies Auxiliary for the additional care packages.

Our Township seniors certainly showed their appreciation thru social media and phone calls. 
Left to right: Sandino Leon, resident Barbara Hadzima, and Township Employee Ray Mosso
COVID-19 Update Page
In recognition and mourning of all those who have lost their lives and been affected by  #COVID19 , all U.S. and New Jersey flags have been flying at half-staff since April 3rd.

"Whereas, while nothing can fully make up for this cruel reality, lowering the flags to half-staff can symbolize our State’s collective grief and cause us all to remember the awful human toll that this pandemic has inflicted upon this State, our nation, and the world; and Whereas, it is with great sorrow that we mourn the passing of all those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and those who may lose their lives in the future, and extend our deepest sympathy to their families, friends, colleagues, and communities." - Executive Order 114