1. Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The community came together at Calvary Baptist Church for the 53rd Commemoration of Martin Luther King Day hosted by the Martin Luther King Observance Committee. The Observance Committee was formed to educate, inspire and motivate people of all races, religions, ethnicities, social and economic classes, political affiliations, ages and genders to embrace the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

This year’s speakers included local clergy, students, scholarship winners, and a keynote from Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr.

• Panel discussion topics included:

• Managing Controversial Discourse
• The Social Determinants of Health Care
• Is Democracy Threatened?
• Criminal Justice: Paths to Reform and Redirection
• The Power of the Church to Make Social Change

Background: Longtime Township resident, Dr. Felicia Jamison, was instrumental in the founding of the Martin Luther King Observance Committee and organizing the annual commemoration. Learn more here.

The Township Committee passed a proclamation at our January 18th meeting honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King. 

2.Office Hours Are Back

Township Committee Office Hours are back to their pre-COVID schedule.

Why It Matters: Office hours are a great opportunity to chat one-on-one with members of the Township Committee about what’s important to you.

• They are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month (except April) from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Municipal Building.

• Those wishing to join virtually can via Zoom.
• Township Committee members attend on a rotating basis (two per month).

Learn more

3.Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed to help seniors living at Morris Mews shovel out their cars after snowstorms. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours.

• Those interested should email: administration@morristwp.com.

Background: Last year, we partnered with School Board President Melissa Spiotta and the Morris County Housing Authority to send high school students to Morris Mews after snowstorms. We hope to continue this worthwhile initiative this winter (weather permitting).  

4.Upgrades Coming Soon!

Design work has started for the Collinsville Playground/Tucker Field Reconstruction Project.

Why it Matters: This is a once-in-a-generation moment for the Collinsville to help shape what our recreational facilities in the neighborhood will look like for decades to come.

• After a summer “open house,” surveys were mailed in the fall to all nearby residents to help planners gauge what the community desires most for the park

• Meetings with stakeholders took place in January to provide additional context and considerations for our park planning consultants.

• A public unveiling of the initial concept is anticipated to take place by the end of March. 

Go Deeper:

• Morris Township has secured $1 million in federal funding for this reconstruction project, in partnership with Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

• We’ve applied for further grant funding through the state Department of Community Affairs

The Bottom Line: We are allocating significant resources to modernize our recreational facilities in Collinsville to make them the center of the community once again.

5.State Health Benefit Negotiations Stall in Trenton

Negotiations between the NJ League of Municipalities, public employee unions, and the state appear to have reached an impasse in January, dealing a significant financial blow to hundreds of towns like ours.

Why it Matters: Municipalities and local public workers across the state are grappling with health insurance premium increases of over 20%. The state negotiated with state public workers to cap their increases to 3%.

The Numbers: Morris Township taxpayers are facing a $794,519 hit to our budget due to these increases.

• Township employees who receive a raise this year will take home less as they shoulder the burden of $215,000 in increased healthcare costs across our workforce.

• With pension, prescription drug, general liability, and workers compensation increases, we’re facing over $1,000,000 in costs we didn’t have in 2022.

Go Deeper: The Township Committee and I partnered with local mayors and elected officials last fall to urge state officials to prevent these huge increases from taking effect. Representatives from the League of Municipalities continue advocate on our community’s behalf in Trenton. 

Thank you for reading my monthly 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