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Smart Irrigation Month Joint Resolution July 2026.pdf

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Dear Members,

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of James Alan Gurzler, who passed away on April 21, 2026, after a courageous four-year battle with lung cancer.

Jim was a dedicated professional in the golf and irrigation industry for over 35 years, most recently serving as COO of Reasonable Outdoors. He was also a valued member and board member of the Irrigation Association of New Jersey, as well as an active participant in several turfgrass associations throughout the region. His contributions to our industry and community were significant and lasting.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was deeply involved in his community, from youth sports to various organizations, and will be remembered for his commitment, kindness, and passion for helping others.

His funeral will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3PM from Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Dr, Drums. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of his family. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 2 PM to 4 PM and from 7 PM to 9PM and on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Irrigation Association of NJ Education Fund, IANJ Headquarters, 80 Morristown Rd, Unit 3B, Box 225, Bernardsville, NJ 07924. Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available atwww.harmanfuneral.com.

Please join us in keeping Jim’s family and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Ron Cannella

President

IANJ’s Board of Directors worked closely with MBI-Gluckshaw, our legislative lobbyist firm, to propose a law that would protect licensed irrigation contractors.

On January 12, 2026, Governor Murphy signed Irrigation Bill A-5265/S-3710 into law. This law authorizes enforcement of landscape irrigation laws by local enforcing agency and increases penalties. Thank you to Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D) and Senator John McKeon (D) for their support on this bill!

If any company does work without a license, the local enforcing agency may assess penalties of up to $5,000 for the first offense, up to $10,000 for the second offense and up to $15,000 for each subsequent offense. 70% of each fine will be retained by the municipality in which the violation occurred.

Further information and details regarding enforcement and how to report unlicensed contracts to follow. IANJ will share updates regarding the new law as they become available.

This legislation reinforces the important work that IANJ does for the irrigation industry in New Jersey. Please consider donating to our Irrigation Political Action Committee, so that we can continue to project properly licensed contractors.

Requires installation of operational automatic rain sensor or smart sprinkler as condition of sale of certain real properties, and on certain commercial, retail, and industrial properties and common interest communities within specified timeframes.

Click here to download the legislation.

The Irrigation Association of New Jersey Board of Directors President Gregg Rogers is proud to announce that Governor Phil Murphy has signed into law a groundbreaking piece of legislation that originated in our industry over 18 years ago.

The new law, once enacted, will require the installation of operational automatic rain sensor or smart sprinkler equipment as condition of sale of real estate properties, and on certain commercial, retail, and industrial properties and common interest communities within specified timeframes. Only irrigation contractors licensed in the state of NJ will be authorized to oversee this installation and maintenance. Click here to view the legislation in full.

After starts and stops, evolving details, and numerous rewrites, Rogers, along with Board Treasurer Bill Smith, and with the support of the remaining Board, began a proactive campaign in 2022, working closely with our legislative representative Rick Wright at MBI-Gluckshaw to identify the best course of action to finally get this done. Over the past two years they met with Assemblymen, Senators, legislative staff members and leaders of affiliated industries as well as representatives from opposing industries to compromise and satisfy all sides.

“We knew that regardless of any perceived opposition, this legislation was a positive change for the state of New Jersey,” said Rogers. “From an environmental perspective we are preserving our most precious resource- our water. The passing of this legislation is a win for IANJ and the irrigation industry. We are pleased that the NJ legislature finally agreed that this was a necessary and positive change.”

IANJ would like to acknowledge John McKeon & Clinton Calabrese in the Assembly and Senator Robert Smith and Linda Greenstein in the Senate for their sponsorship and support. We'd also like to congratulate John McKeon on moving up to the Senate following his win this past November after a successful time in the Assembly.