April 1, 2020
Coronavirus Update #22
Dear Resident,
To protect the health and safety of our residents and Town employees, Town Municipal Offices continue to be closed to the public until further notice. Every department continues to be staffed and available by phone and email.
Licenses and permits, some of which are available online, department emails and phone numbers can be found near the top of the town website linked to the words ‘Municipal Offices Closed to the Public…’ .
Please note that all non-essential programs, meetings and events have been cancelled through April 17.. This includes the County paper shredding scheduled for this Saturday, April 4 in the Marlboro Municipal Complex. It is expected that we will be extending this date.
Inspections –When the State of Emergency is lifted, inspections will be scheduled in list order ultimately dependent upon the duration of the State of Emergency. Inspections associated with emergencies such as septic or water, unoccupied structures and outdoor facilities which allow for safe distance between residents and inspectors are being accommodated. All questions and need for assistance should be directed to the Department of Community Development at 732 536-0200 x1800 or
Curbside Collections –BAGGED ONLY leaf collection is underway by zone. Leaves piled curbside and brush will NOT be collected. Landscapers or residents placing debris for collection in an unauthorized manner shall be required to remove the waste from the public right of way.
- The Township recycling facility continues to be open for brush and leaf collection as well as electronics and normal recycling items such as cans, bottles, glass and paper/cardboard. No permit or fee. As stated in my prior letter the recycling center is not accepting bulk drop off items at the site until further notice. The hours of the Recycling Center are Monday and Wednesday 8:00-1:30 and Saturday 8:00-4:00. Details are in the recycling calendar mailed to your home and available on line.
BULK Collection - Spring Curbside Bulk collection will happen but it will be delayed. Due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, the Township’s bulk trash contractor is unable to perform the service beginning in April as scheduled. The pick-up will be rescheduled and communicated via email, posted on the website and sent via SWIFT 911 once the State of Emergency is lifted and / or distancing restrictions are relaxed.
Court – The New Jersey Court system has extended the suspension through April 26. Individuals scheduled to appear before the Municipal Court to contest a traffic or parking ticket, or minor local ordinance violation, should not appear and await notice of a new court date. Defendants may continue to make payments for parking and traffic matters through the municipal court’s online payment website at NJMCdirect.com .
Littering of Gloves and Masks – There have been reports of gloves and masks begin thrown on the ground outside grocery stores, thrown out of car windows and left in shopping carts. It is not only littering, the personal protective equipment carries the very germs that spread the coronavirus. The person who has to pick up the gloves and masks is now exposed. Supermarkets that are spread thin cleaning the store, stocking the shelves and being open for customers should not have to use their resources to clean the parking lot and the carts. The same is true for our Department of Public Works who are being put at risk to pick up masks and gloves from the streets and sidewalks. I am asking you to dispose of PPE property either in a nearby trash can or place it in a bag and throw it out when you return home.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Homestead Benefit Rebates - The following statement was issued by the State of New Jersey concerning the 2017 New Jersey Homestead Benefit that was anticipated to be issued as property tax credits in 2020 for eligible homeowners:
“Because the COVID-19 pandemic is anticipated to negatively impact the State economy, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury has frozen a portion of spending in order to ensure the State can meet its emergency and statutorily required obligations. Regrettably, this includes freezing funding to support the 2017 Homestead Benefit program. As a result, any credits intended to be applied to the May 1st property tax bills, including checks or direct deposit to homeowners who previously sold their home, or owners of continuing care and co-op facilities, can no longer be supported by the State at this time. We empathize with homeowners who depend on these credits, but these proactive steps are necessary at this time. Please continue to check Taxation’s website and Treasury’s homepage for updated information. “
State Tax Filing Deadline - The state tax filing for both business and personal is now extended to from April 15 to July 15. This extension is automatic and no form is needed. This brings it into line with the Federal Tax filing date, also extended to July 15.
State College Loans (FAFSA) - For those with college students, the renewal application deadline for eligible college students has been extended from April 15 to June 1.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
The Small Business Administration put out guidelines for businesses looking to apply for funds from the $349B Paycheck Protection Program established by the CARES Act.
- The application process will begin Friday, April 3 for small businesses and sole proprietorships that can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
- On April 10, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
- Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will launch the application for its Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program on Friday, April 3 at 9 a.m.
Volunteers – Governor Murphy signed an executive order today to temporarily reactivate the licenses of recently retired health care professionals, waives certain practice requirements and makes clear that the health care professionals helping in the COVID-19 response will be immune from civil liability for actions taken in good faith. To date, 5,200 health care professionals have stepped forward. If you are qualified and would like to volunteer your services visit covid19.nj.gov/volunteer
TESTING
New Jersey received an additional 3,649 positive test results today bringing the statewide total to 22,255. An additional 91 people have died bringing the statewide total to 355 fatalities due to COVID-19. Monmouth County today reports that there are 1,307 COVID-19 positive cases in Monmouth County with 99 of them in Marlboro Township.
CLOSING
Finally, today, April 1, is Census Day and we ask all residents to fill out the census form. The Census count determines how New Jersey is represented in Congress and directly impacts federal funding. It takes only a few minutes and can be done on line, via phone or mail. Visit 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to make sure everyone in your household is counted.
Please continue to stay at home except for essential trips, practice social distancing and we will get through this together.
Mayor Jon Hornik