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July 15, 2022

I. State Issues
II. Also of Interest

Municipal Clerks: Please forward to your Mayor, Governing Body and Department Heads.

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I. State Issues

a. NJLM Lunch & Learn Vacation and Sick Leave Webinar Available for Viewing

The League’s Lunch & Learn on Municipal Sick & Vacation Leave Policies and the Office of the State Comptroller’s report on the topic is now available to watch online. The briefing by the League's Labor Relations Counsel Joe Hannon, Esq., Partner at Genova Burns, and the League's Labor Consultant, Matt Watkins, can be found in the legislative section of the NJLM website along with support materials.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

b. Permitted Uses for National Opioid Settlement Distributor Settlement Agreement Outlined

As the first distribution of the National Opioid Settlement Distributor Settlement Agreement is disbursed we would like to remind you that the agreement outlines Core Strategies and Permitted Uses of the funds for municipal use. Municipalities can choose from many different abatement strategies, with priority given to core abatement strategies. For more information, please read the League’s recent blog post.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

c. Design-Build Regulations Adopted

The Division of Local Government Services notified municipalities that the regulations to use the design-build method of construction projects equal to or exceeding $5 million went into effect on July 5 under a Notice of Special Adoption. At the same time, the concurrent rule proposal is available for review and comment. The deadline to submit comments to the Division is September 3. Questions on the use of design-build should be emailed to lpcl@dca.nj.gov.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

II. Also of Interest

a. 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

On Saturday the 9-8-8 will become the nationwide 3-digit dialing code for crisis and suicide prevention, replacing the 1-800 number currently used by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. When dialed, 9-8-8 connects the caller with the crisis/suicide prevention system. This will allow anyone in the U.S. to call 9-8-8 and get help designed specifically for someone dealing with a mental health crisis.

Recently the New Jersey Department of Human Services hosted a webinar with a presentation that you can review. Questions can be sent via email to 988Questions@dhs.nj.gov.

This direct connection to accessible and compassionate support and resources will be open to anyone experiencing emotional distress or those worried about a loved one. We encourage you to share this information with your Municipal Manager and Health Officer.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

b. DLGS Firefighter Grant Application Due August 13

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) and the Division of Fire Safety announced that the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant program application period is now open. The competitive grant will provide a maximum $75,000 award to assist in covering costs associated with the purchase of protective clothing (e.g., turnout clothing, helmets, pants, gloves, footwear, etc.), cleaning and advanced cleaning equipment, oxygen equipment, PPE, and other fire/virus protection equipment determined appropriate by the DLGS.

The Governor has appropriated $10 million from the American Rescue Plan State Fiscal Recovery funds to support this program. The grant is open to all local and regional fire departments, volunteer and paid. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on August 13, 2022, and must be submitted through NJDCA-SAGE portal.

For more information, please review the program grant guidelines. Applicants may contact Laurie Ann Doyle at 609-292-4132 to discuss program and project needs up to submission of the application. Questions may also be submitted via email to arpffg@dca.nj.gov

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

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