Vernon Township Council meeting canceled

Vernon Township Council President Harry Shortway announced on Sunday that Monday's township council meeting has been canceled.

Shortway announced on Facebook that he consulted with both Council Vice President John Auberger and the township attorney before deciding to cancel the meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered residents to stay home, banned all gatherings and told nonessential retail businesses to close by 9 p.m. to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The council's agenda for Monday included an introduction of the 2020 municipal budget and a public hearing on the township's short-term rental ordinance.

The council also was planning to introduce an ordinance that proposes dedicating no more than 18 percent of the Hotel and Motel Room and Transient Accommodation Occupancy Tax to a trust fund to replace the artificial playing surfaces at Maple Grange Park; no less than 6 percent for the creation and maintenance of public recreational pathways; and no less than 1 percent dedicated to an Open Space and Farm Land Preservation Fund.

The council's next meeting is scheduled for April 13.