PARSIPPANY — During the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting held on Tuesday, December 19, an overwhelming attendance of more than 200 individuals led the Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Inspector to intervene, calling for the meeting’s immediate closure.
Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced that the room had exceeded its occupancy limit by 50 people and made a plea for 50 residents to leave voluntarily. Unfortunately, no one came forward, necessitating the termination of the meeting due to overcrowding.
Following this, Madin initially declared that the rescheduled meeting would occur at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28. This announcement was met with strong disapproval, resulting in almost 250 attendees chanting “Shame on You.” Many hardworking residents expressed concerns about their ability to attend an afternoon meeting.
In response to the public’s outcry, Madin later amended the meeting time to 7:00 p.m., ensuring that all residents would have the opportunity to participate. (Listen to video)
In contrast, Parsippany Focus found out that the meeting is still scheduled for Thursday, December 28, at the Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road, but at 1:00 p.m., despite the public’s objections. (Click here to view the calendar)
“250 Parsippany voters shouted “SHAME, ON YOU” over and over again at the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday! What should they shout now in the face of this new disrespect and manipulation” said Parsippany resident Hank Heller.
Parsippany resident Dennis Letts expressed his frustration by stating, “Just when you think Barberio and his cronies couldn’t go any lower, they go back on their word and reschedule their next meeting for 1pm, when they know many residents will be at work and unable to attend. They have given into the special interests behind their corrupt PILOT’s while giving a huge middle finger to the residents of this town. Despite what we are being told, there is no good reason to do this except to squelch the voices of the people who put them in office. Their actions are shameful and we will not forget!.”
In an email to Council President Loretta Gragnani, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney Michael Lavery states “…There are a number of resolutions that were on the December 19th agenda that require passage by year-end, including the payment of Township bills. Accordingly, it is my opinion that a meeting must be held before year-end and enough time provided to members of the public for each item on the agenda to ensure that all of the business listed on the agenda is reached. As the agenda stands today, there are at least twelve (12) items that require public comment. Due to the number of people that are anticipated to attend the meeting and speak on various topics, I don’t believe the Township has any choice but to schedule a meeting before year-end and start the meeting earlier in the day to insure that all matters on the agenda may be reached.” (Click here to read the letter).
“250 Parsippany voters shouted “SHAME, ON YOU” over and over again at the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 19! What should they shout now in the face of this new disrespect and manipulation” said Parsippany resident Hank Heller.
Councilman Justin Musella said “Mayor Barberio all along has been thumbing his nose at the public in hopes they don’t notice this disastrous PILOT program that does only one thing — line the pockets of his political cronies.”
“Adding insult to injury for the public, this mayor and Council President Loretta Gragnani reversed course on the original 7 PM time-slot. This obnoxious act is nothing short of cowardly and disgraceful. If the council truly believes these programs are in the best interest of Parsippany residents, they should have no problem making the meeting as accessible to the public as possible,” he continued.
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