Parsippany Student Graduates from Prestigious STEM Program

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Student Graduates from Prestigious STEM Program

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany resident Savaas Iqbal graduated from the Governor’s STEM Scholars, a program of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey. Iqbal is one of 69 New Jersey high school and college students to complete the year-long program, which provides a 360° view of New Jersey’s STEM economy through Symposiums, lab tours, masterclasses, and research.

A public-private partnership among the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor’s Office, the New Jersey Department of Education, the Secretary of Higher Education, and public and private research companies, the Governor’s STEM Scholars provides high-achieving high school, college, and graduate students with a comprehensive introduction to the state’s STEM economy. The Scholars are a diverse and representative group of student leaders from all over the Garden State who excel in STEM and are interested in pursuing STEM-related majors and careers.

“The Governor’s STEM Scholars will be graduated 69 of New Jersey’s most promising STEM students,” said Alise Roderer, Director of the Governor’s STEM Scholars. “As a Governor’s STEM Scholar, Shariqa Iqbal received a comprehensive introduction to New Jersey’s STEM economy, highlighting some of the most innovative and exciting STEM organizations in the state through symposiums, field trips, internship opportunities, and a research project.”

“With more scientists and engineers per square mile than anywhere else around the globe, New Jersey has one of the country’s most highly educated workforces and is a national STEM research hub,” said Anthony Cicatiello, president of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey. “By 2027, STEM jobs will grow by nine percent in New Jersey. The Governor’s STEM Scholars introduces the state’s best and brightest STEM students to the STEM companies, professionals, research, and opportunities available in the Garden State. Through the Governor’s STEM Scholars, we are ensuring our state’s talented students stay in New Jersey to fill these roles, securing our academic and workforce pipeline for the future.”

Throughout the academic year, Iqbal, a sophomore at the Morris County Academy for Biotechnology, participated in four Symposiums highlighting New Jersey STEM opportunities in Government, Academia, Industry, and the upcoming Commencement. Each Scholar was led by college-level team leads, mentored by professional STEM advisors, and produced a viable research project.

As graduates of the Governor’s STEM Scholars, students will have access to the Governor’s STEM Scholars alumni network of nearly 550 students, which will enable them to stay connected to STEM jobs and opportunities within the state.

Applications for the 2021-2022 Governor’s STEM Scholars program are still open through June 11, 2021. For more information click here.

Liquor License Transferred for new Mexican American Grill

Frank L. Cahill
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Liquor License Transferred for new Mexican American Grill

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a “Person-to-Person Transfer of Plenary Retail Consumption License” to Milagros Mexican American Grill on Tuesday, May 18.

Milagros Mexican American Grill will be located at 3835 Route 46, in the former location of TGI Fridays. TGI Fridays closed in December 2019 and have been vacant ever since.

Milagros Mexican American Grill was formed on September 24, 2020. Skender Gjevukaj, and Razalinda Gjevukaj of Norwood are officers/members of the company.

In a prior article on Parsippany Focus, it was revealed that the owners of Barka Restaurant are interested in purchasing the property for a “higher-end Mexican/Spanish restaurant.” (Click here to read the previous article)

 

Dunn Introduces Resolution requiring Labor Department to Provide In-person Unemployment Services

Frank L. Cahill
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Dunn Introduces Resolution requiring Labor Department to Provide In-person Unemployment Services

MORRIS COUNTY — With COVID-19 vaccination numbers increasing, coronavirus cases decreasing and indoor capacity restrictions set to be lifted on May 19, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn introduced a resolution urging the governor to reopen all Labor Department facilities to in-person services.

Labor Department offices and one-stop career centers have been closed for in-person business since last March when the first coronavirus public health emergency was issued.

“Even prior to the pandemic, the career centers have been operating with dated equipment and few caseworkers,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “The coronavirus was the unexpected crisis that made us realize that our unemployment system is inadequate, antiquated and failing to serve those most in need.”

Dunn’s resolution (AR253) also calls on the Labor Department to fully staff all public-facing offices at all times.

In March this year, Dunn visited a shuttered one-stop career center in Randolph.

“Speaking with a security guard, I learned that dozens of people come each day in hopes of receiving relief, only to be turned away,” said Dunn. “While we have all become more accustomed to virtual connectivity, this is not how I believe a bricks-and-mortar career center, a taxpayer-funded facility, should work.”

Since August 10 of last year, the state’s career centers moved all of the unemployment services online and over the phone.

“Virtual services may not be as accessible for elderly clients, low-income clients, or clients with disabilities,” added Dunn. “Additionally, there are still claimants who are being denied payments, because they cannot get in touch with someone at the Labor Department to rectify the issue. In-person services would solve a multitude of problems and promote more effective communication.”

Since last March, the state has received more than 2.1 million applications for unemployment benefits and distributed more than $28 billion to Garden State workers.

Township Council Tables $5,000,000 Bond Ordinance

Frank L. Cahill
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Township Council Tables $5,000,000 Bond Ordinance

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council tabled Ordinance 2021:09 “Special Emergency Appropriation in the Amount of $5,000,000” at the meeting on Tuesday, May 18.

Statement from Council President Michael dePierro:

The Mayor wants the Township Council to approve a budget that is not statutorily correct, including a $5 million loan, plus interest that must be paid off within five years; a Fund Balance of $1 million that may not be used; overestimating revenue and underestimating expenses. He blames the previous administration for not leaving him enough surplus.

Council President Michael dePierro said if the township’s revenue shortfall is not resolved, residents may face a 14.6% municipal tax increase in 2021.

During a Mayors first year in office, he can blame the previous administration for almost anything and get away with it. During the second year, not so much. By the third year, the Mayor owns the budget and any poor fiscal practices are completely on him. If the Mayor has not started developing a Fund Balance to protect the Township in the last three years, that omission falls on him.

The Township Auditors have identified a number of serious errors in the budget and Cannot Certify the Budget that was presented to the Township Council. The Mayor has the responsibility of presenting to the Township Council a statutorily correct and balanced budget. The only good news is the “American Rescue Plan” allocation of $2,850,000 which helps to make up some of the deficit caused by the Pandemic. That sum will also be available in our budget next year.

So where does that leave us? If the Administration submits to the Township Council a statutorily correct budget, the budget would show a Revenue Shortfall of $6,147,176.37. This would result in a 14.6% tax increase in 2021. As a starting point, however, we could then enlist the help of Tina Zapitchi from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Valerie Dolan, our Township Auditor, to exhaust all other possibilities to reduce the shortfall and reduce the tax increase.

Statement from Councilmember Janice McCarthy:

Councilmember Janice McCarthy issued the following statement to the Township Council regarding the Soriano Administration’s proposed use of a five million-plus dollar bond in order to balance the budget.

Council Member Janice McCarthy and member of the Finance Committee

At the request of Finance Committee Frederick C. Carr and Chief Financial Officer Juan Uribe agreed to work with the township auditors to clarify outstanding issues with the State Division of Local Government Services on whether the town will be allowed to borrow $5M. So, the borrowing decision is pending with the State. The resolution on the agenda is tabled again by the council pending clarification.

If the $5M or a lower amount is allowed by the State Division of Local Government Service it cannot be included as revenue in the 2021 budget. Whatever amount the State allows, it is only for COVID-related expenses and not any underlying issues inherent to the budget.

Based on whether Parsippany will be able to borrow the $5M will determine how the administration goes forward with the 2021 Budget and what steps or actions will be necessary to balance the budget.

Recent remarks criticizing the council for trying to fully understand how borrowing $5M fits into the 2021 budget were unnecessary. This budget is very complicated because of structural deficit issues made worse by the pandemic. We would like this to be a collective effort.

Just to clarify any misunderstanding, as of today Parsippany does not have a 2021 budget. So, there is no budget for the council to approve. Any decisions on taxes, proposed capital projects, raising or reducing expenses which include staffing levels, pay increases, etc. are the responsibility of the Administration in preparing the budget prior to giving it to the council.

Once the auditor signs off on the budget and the town council is given a balanced, legal budget the council can review and offer recommendations.

So again, just to clear up any misunderstanding the town council does not have a budget from the Administration to approve.

Also, there were comments at the last council meeting claiming the township auditor made a mistake in preparing the annual financial statement which it was claimed caused the town to reduce the proposed revenue that was being anticipated.

However, the revision made by our auditors and the financial statement the auditor prepared was correct. So, we would like to apologize to them for any misunderstanding.

Finally, the fact is that while other municipalities, just as Parsippany did, suffered revenue shortfalls related to the pandemic and need relief, Parsippany’s fiscal mismanagement in the last 12 years has created an unsustainable structural deficit that everyone, all elected officials past and present, are responsible for. The deficit has only been made worse by the pandemic. These 2 events should not be conflated. Resolving an estimated $9M structural deficit if it begins in 2021 will take several years to correct.

But more immediately the Administration has to prepare a 2021 budget and make decisions on addressing the current year deficits.

The next Township Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Police Athletic Building, 33 Baldwin Road.

Janhavee Kulkarni Named “Music Student of the Month”

Frank L. Cahill
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Janhavee Kulkarni Named “Music Student of the Month”

PARSIPPANY — Janhavee Kulkarni, an eighth-grade student from Central Middle School, was among the students honored as the Mayo Performing Arts Center Music Students of the month of May as Outstanding Vocalists. Students were from Morristown, Washington Township, Rockaway, Randolph, Parsippany, Kinnelon, Chatham, Pequannock, and Mendham.

Janhavee was nominated by Adam Aguanno. He had this to say,  “Janhavee has been a member of Central Middle Schools chorus for the past three years in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Not only does she have a gorgeous voice, but she’s always taken advantage of many performing opportunities. She performed in this year’s school virtual musical performance as well as past musicals. She also had made North Jersey Region chorus last year prior to their performance having to be canceled due to the pandemic. She has a great deal of confidence and maturity in her voice for her age. In addition to her talent, she’s a pleasure to have in class and a kind person!”

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2018-2019 season is made possible, in part, by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

Prosecutor’s Office Detective Supervisor Commended for Helping an Individual in Crisis

Frank L. Cahill
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Prosecutor’s Office Detective Supervisor Commended for Helping an Individual in Crisis

MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker presented a commendation to Detective Supervisor Spence Osaigbovo for his efforts in helping a distraught individual in crisis, on Monday, May 17.

On April 23, 2021, Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo was contacted by a distraught, former victim, who advised the officer that she had just ingested pills in an effort to take her own life. Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo talked to the individual over the phone, keeping her calm and obtaining crucial information to ascertain her location. Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo successfully determined her location and the appropriate agency was dispatched.

Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo is being commended for his commitment to duty, ability to remain calm, and recognize the importance of dealing with individuals with mental health issues.

Acting Prosecutor Carroll said, “We commend Det. Supervisor Osaigbovo for literally preserving the life of a person in need under very challenging circumstances. His effort and skill in continuing his life-saving dialogue with the subject yet keeping his focus on identifying the location where help could be sent is an outstanding example of excellence in policing.”

Council Approves Tax Collector To Provide 3rd Quarter Estimated Tax Bills

Frank L. Cahill
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Council Approves Tax Collector To Provide 3rd Quarter Estimated Tax Bills

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council authorized Parsippany’s Tax Collector to prepare and issue estimated tax bills for the third quarter installment of 2021 taxes.  The estimated calendar year tax levy for 2021 is calculated at $230,843,845.73. This amount is less than 103% of the 2020 calendar year tax.

In accordance with New Jersey Statutes, the third installment of 2021 taxes shall not be subject to interest until the later of August 10 or the twenty-fifth calendar day after the date of the estimated tax bills were certified mailed.

The estimated tax bills shall contain a notice specifying the date on which interest may begin to accrue.

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance to receive new Ambulance

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance to receive new Ambulance

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved the purchase of a 2021 Type III, Class 1 Modular Ambulance for Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance at the council meeting of Tuesday, May 18.

The total bid price is $258,027 and was awarded to P.L. Custom Body and Equipment, Manasquan.

The funds were allocated in the Capital Ordinance 2016:16, 2017:11, and 2018:17.

 

Denville Man Charged with Murder, Arson and Weapons Offenses

Frank L. Cahill
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Denville Man Charged with Murder, Arson and Weapons Offenses

MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker, and Denville Police Chief Frank Perna announce that Anthony Citro, 41, of 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East, Denville, has been charged with first-degree Murder, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and second-degree Aggravated Arson. The defendant was charged on a warrant complaint and remains in custody pending a court appearance.

It is alleged that at approximately 7:24 a.m. on May 17, 2021, law enforcement received a 9-1-1 call regarding a fire at 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East, Denville. Upon arrival to the scene, law enforcement officers located Anthony Citro outside the residence, with apparent blood on his clothing. Smoke was observed coming from the residence. Members of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, which was later determined to be incendiary. While suppressing the fire, the body of a deceased female was located inside the residence. The female was identified as Eileen Citro, age 68, the defendant’s mother. The cause of death has been ruled homicide by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office. The manner of death was determined to be sharp force injuries.

Members of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, the Denville Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson/Environmental Crimes, Major Crimes and High Tech Crimes units all participated in the investigation.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kiwanis Clubs Distribute Over 40,000 Pounds of Food; Over 1,400 Children Received Food

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Clubs Distribute Over 40,000 Pounds of Food; Over 1,400 Children Received Food

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany was among a number of North Jersey Kiwanis Clubs participating in distributing over 40,000 pounds to those in need on Saturday, May 15. Over 1,000 families with 1,426 children in eight towns received food containing fresh garden vegetables and other non-perishable items.

Over 1,000 families with 1,426 children in eight towns received food containing fresh garden vegetables and other non-perishable items

Joining in with Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany was Tri-Town Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury, Kiwanis Club of South Orange/Maplewood, and Kiwanis Club of Bridgewater.

“The USDA estimates that in 2018, about 774,860 people, including 219,760 children, in New Jersey were food insecure. That means one in 11 individuals (8.7%) and one in nine children (11.3%) live in homes without consistent access to adequate food for everyone to live healthy, active lives,” said Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Kiwanis Division 9.

“The economic damage wrought by mass layoffs and business closures is expected to persist long after vaccines become widely available and that means demand for food assistance will remain at the current high level for months or years to come,” said Laura Wohland, President Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Paul Tarnawski placing a food box in a vehicle

“These numbers have increased drastically with families struggling during the pandemic,” said Cain Pope, President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury.

Since the beginning of this service project in December, Kiwanis Clubs have distributed over 149,400 pounds of food, serving 3,755 families with a retail cost of over $375,000.  Kiwanis Club members either donated or raised funds to purchase the food to distribute to needy families during the pandemic.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

To find information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.

To find out information on the next Kiwanis Food Distribution click here.

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