May 18, 2020

Coronavirus Update #37

Dear Resident,

I hope everyone had an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend.  Below I am outlining a list of some of the Executive Orders announced over the last few days as a part of New Jersey's Road Back. 

Testing and Stats – New Jersey reported new positive test results 1,735 for a statewide total of 148,039. Monmouth County has 7,448 cases with 430 positives in Marlboro.

Primary Elections – An earlier State Executive Order postponed primary elections to July 7. Last week, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #144 requiring that each county elections officials send vote-by-mail ballots to all registered Democratic and Republican voters and send VBM ballot applications to unaffiliated and inactive voters. Note that NJ requires party affiliation to vote in a primary.  A person who wishes to vote in person on July primary day will complete a provisional ballot, except for those with disabilities requiring an ADA-accessible machine.  The order requires at least one polling place in each municipality, and at least 50% of polling places in each county.  Social distancing and sanitization procedures will be required. To receive a VBM ballot, you must be registered to vote by June 16 (21 days before the election). Click HERE to check if you are registered, and to complete a mail-in registration form.  Additional guidance will available at www.monmouthcountyvotes.com .

Elective Surgeries and Invasive Procedures to Resume May 26 – Executive Order 145 rescinds the suspension of elective surgeries as the strain on hospitals has decreased.  Guidance and policies for healthcare facilities will be released from the Department of Health. Procedures performed as outpatient settings may proceed subject to limitations and precautions. Please contact your health care provider for more. 

Outdoor Activities to Restart – Effective May 22 batting cages and golf ranges, shooting and archery ranges, horseback riding and private tennis clubs can resume their operations.  Golfers can also tee off in foursomes, rather than just in pairs. 

NJ Motor Vehicles Commission - Effective immediately, the expiration date for drivers licenses, registrations, inspections, Purple Heart/Disabled Veterans placards and temporary tags have been extended.  If expiring between March 13 and May 31, they have been extended to July 31. Documents expiring June 30 are extended two months to August 31, and those expiring July 31 are extended to September 30. You are encouraged to use the many on-line services available at www.NJMVC.gov

Summer Water Usage Tips from the Marlboro Water Utility – This is the time of year when residents start watering their lawns and filling pools. We put together a couple of important reminders before you set those sprinklers and start topping off the pools. It is important to note that water bills are driven by consumption.  The more water utilized, the higher your bill.  This is why bills reflecting summer usage are so high relative to the rest of the year.  Take this opportunity, before the weather gets hot to make sure everything is functioning properly. The letter posted to the Township Water Utility Page and HERE give helpful tips to ensure there are no surprises when you receive your water bill.       

Property Tax Payments must be received by June 1 – Pursuant to Executive Order 130 issued by Governor Murphy, please be advised that the Township Council has authorized an extension of the grace period for property taxes. Second quarter property tax payments must be received by Monday, June 1, 2020. Please note that pursuant to statutory law, interest for any payments not received by June 1st is calculated back to the due date of May 1, 2020. For non-contact payment options and more, please read the Tax Collector’s message HERE. 

Tennis Courts - This weekend we opened the tennis courts with the limitation that there would be no organized team play, no congregating, and no spectators permitted. This morning we received reports that groups of people were monopolizing the courts and that coaches were on the courts for hours with paying students. Marlboro Country Park, Falson Park and Hawkins Road Park are open for pickup tennis games only.  The courts at Robertsville School are for pickleball. Play is limited to one hour and no coaching or teams are permitted.  We want to keep the courts open, and we ask that you observe the guidelines so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the courts. 

This week, both the Planning Board and Township Council have virtual meetings.   Agendas and instructions to view or participate in citizen’s voice is on the website calendar and   HERE.

This is National EMS Week. The 2020 EMS Week theme, developed well before the COVID-19 crisis, is Ready Today. Preparing for Tomorrow. The theme is particularly meaningful now as we see the EMS community on the front lines, all while still responding to the emergencies that continue to occur every day.  Marlboro is lucky to have two 100% volunteer first aid squads that serve our community 24/7. Please join me in saying thank you to the Marlboro and Morganville First Aid Squads.  Now more than ever, we are grateful for your service to the community. 

Mayor Jon Hornik