PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Town Hall Special Council Meeting of December 27, 2017.
JCP&L Upgrades System in Morris County
MORRIS COUNTY — Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has completed upgrades on more than 80 major circuits this year to help enhance service reliability to approximately 175,000 customers in about 150 communities in northern and central New Jersey.
The $4.7 million program included: installing 750 new pieces of high tech equipment to help pinpoint problem areas and restore service automatically; placing 250 animal guard devices on poles and in substations to limit the number of outages caused by squirrels, birds and other critters.
Also, it included attaching 390 lightning arrestors on electrical equipment to help protect the system from stormy weather; and proactively replacing 50 poles, 330 crossarms and about 18,000 feet of wire.
“Upgrading our distribution circuits is an important part of the overall work we do because it focuses on enhancing the part of our electrical equipment that is closest to our customers,” said Mark Jones, vice president of operations for JCP&L. “These projects are designed to reduce the number of service interruptions our customers might experience or reduce the duration if an outage occurs.”
During 2017, multiple projects were included to enhance circuits. In Morris County, projects were done in Parsippany-Troy Hills, Boonton Township, Chester Borough, Chester Township, Denville, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown, Mountain Lakes, Mount Olive, Netcong, Randolph and Roxbury.
JCP&L is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. and serves 1.1 million New Jersey customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren.
Parsippany adds three new Police Officers
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for three new officers on Wednesday, December 27.
The three new officers are Guy Boccardi, Daniel Sisco and Steven Kurza.
Guy Boccardi, 31 year old married father of three who is a United States Marine Corps Veteran. He was previously employed by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for the past three years. Patrolman Boccardi will begin his Field Training Program starting the first week of January.
Daniel Sisco is a 24 year old United States Marine Corps Veteran and Steven Kurza is a 24 year old United States Army National Guard Veteran.
Patrolmen Sisco and Kurza will be attending the 90th Police Academy Class held at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy which begins in January.
Shoplifter at Stop & Shop charged with possession of Heroin
MORRIS PLAINS — Parsippany resident Joseph Sellars was charged with possession of Heroin on Saturday, November 11 by Morris Plains Township Police Department.
Stop & Shop Loss Prevention Officer stated the male in custody, Mr. Joseph Sellars, proceeded to a self checkout register with three items and only paid for one of the items and placed the other two items in a Stop & Shop plastic bag. The items that Mr. Sellars shoplifted were a bag of sugar and coffee creamer. While in the Loss Prevention Office it was obvious that Mr. Sellares was under the influence of narcotics and/or alcohol.
Mr. Sellars explained to the officers that he takes medication for his panic attacks and that he is prescribed medication to help him. The officer then received the bottle of medication from Mr. Sellars and the prescription bottle contained the prescribed medication as well as four heroin folds.
Mr. Sellars was placed under arrest and read his Miranda warnings by Lt. Michael Rolph. Patrol Officer Michael Kelly then escorted him to the patrol car and transported Mr. Sellars to Police Headquarters.
Mr. Sellars also had other pending charges in an unrelated case. He was issued a criminal warrant and transported to Morris County Jail.
Mr. Sellers was charged with 2C:25-10A(1) Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition and 2C:36-2 – Use or possession with intent to use, disorderly persons offense. The officers advised the store manager and the Loss Prevention Officer that they would have to sign complaints on Mr. Sellars due to the fact the proceeds do not exceed $200.00.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Parsippany Town Hall Council Meeting from (12/19/2017)
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Town Hall Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 19, 2017.
Morris Habitat for Humanity Receives Gift of $50,000 from New Jersey Natural Gas
RANDOLPH — New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is proud to support Morris Habitat for Humanity (MHfH) and its affordable homeownership programs including Neighborhood Revitalization which benefits residents in Dover, Succasunna and Mine Hill. The one-time gift of $50,000 will also enable MHfH to break ground on 17 new affordable homes in 2018. For over a decade, NJNG has worked with MHfH to help deserving families realize the dream of homeownership. Together, NJNG and MHfH have helped 13 families become first-time homeowners to date.
“We share Morris Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to strengthening our neighborhoods and communities. We are pleased to help them provide safe and affordable housing opportunities for deserving families in Morris County,”said Karen Escobedo, Manager Community Outreach at New Jersey Natural Gas.
“Words can only begin to express our gratitude and appreciation for this transformational gift from New Jersey Natural Gas”, said Blair Schleicher Bravo, CEO of Morris Habitat for Humanity. “We are so very fortunate to have a partner like New Jersey Natural Gas supporting our programs.”
NJNG has been providing safe, reliable service since 1952 and serves more than 530,000 customers in Monmouth, Ocean and Morris counties.
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that builds homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.
Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served over 400 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs.
Founded in 1985, Morris Habitat for Humanity advocates for and builds affordable housing to enhance lives and strengthen the community. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds new homes and provides home repair services to income eligible families. Morris Habitat collaborates with other Habitat affiliates and related housing organizations to improve the affordable housing stock in the region, and over the last four years has more than doubled the number of homes built.
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles by building homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.
Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served over 400 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. Of these, 105 homes were home repair projects and 84 new homes were built. In addition, proceeds from the ReStore, opened May 2007, so that it has been open more than 10 years and has funded 22 of the 84 homes built and diverted almost 5,800 tons of useable material out of landfills. The ReStore store is located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph and store hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Reward offered for information on Morris Township shooting
MORRIS TOWNSHIP — The Morris Township Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Jersey Avenue in Morris Township at 11:56 p.m., on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. Shortly before midnight, witnesses reported hearing gunfire. Patrols responded to the scene, where evidence was recovered. At this time, it is unknown if anyone was injured; there were no victims at the scene and the motive of the shooting is also unknown.
Three males may have been involved in the incident and they may possibly be Hispanic and/or African American. A Chevy Impala was observed leaving the scene.
Anyone that may have information to please contact Morris County CrimeStoppers at www.copcall.org or 973-COP-CALL. No one will ask your name, and you could receive an award up to $1,000.00.
Parsippany residents want Inglesino gone
PARSIPPANY — Many residents spoke during the public session of a special council meeting held on Wednesday, December 28.
The residents were voicing their opinion over the dissatisfaction of the resolution presented by Township Council President Louis Valori in a final attempt to save Township Attorney John Inglesino from being replaced by the new Administration at the annual reorganization meeting. Council President Louis Valori introduced Resolution No. 2017:187 at the regular Council meeting held on Tuesday, December 19. (Click here to read previous article on Resolution 2017:187)
Resolution No. 2017:187 was approved 3-0 with two members abstaining. Council President Louis Valori, Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani voted to approve the resolution, while Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., abstained.
The resolution appoints Todd M. Galante, Esq. and Piro, Zinna, Cifelli, Paris and Genitempo, LLC, (PiroZinna Firm) as special legal counsel for purposes of advising the Township Council on potential conflicts involving Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. voting on the appointment of Township Attorney. The opinion letter was presented to the Council prior to the meeting, but was no discussed in public. If the public wanted a copy of the opinion letter, they had to request it from the Township Clerk. Khaled Madin did announce residents could just pick up one at this office, and that no OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request was not needed.
Mayor-Elect Michael Soriano will nominate a new Township Attorney, as well as Special Township Counsel at the Township Council’s reorganization meeting on January 1, 2018 beginning at 12:00 Noon.
Democrat Mayor-Elect Michael Soriano campaign promise is to replace current Township Attorney John Inglesino.
“I feel the voters spoke. We want a new attorney. We don’t want a holdover appointment,” said Parsippany resident Julia Peterson.
The issue with appointing a new attorney, according to some council members, is the unresolved case involving former township police Capt. James Carifi, brother of Councilman Paul Carifi.
If they are successful in attempting to block Carifi, most likely the vote will be split 2-2 (Republicans dePierro and Gragnani voting against the new appointment, while new Council Democrat Candidates McCarthy and Peterson will vote for the new appointment) and Inglesino would become a hold-over.
Soriano’s choice for township attorney is James L. Lott, Jr., a former municipal attorney for West Caldwell and Chatham. Lott is a partner at Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP. in the Firm’s Government Affairs Group. His practice encompasses all aspects of land development regulation as well as redevelopment, municipal and transportation law. Jim has significant experience in handling complex and controversial development projects and has appeared before more than 75 municipal, county and regional land use and transportation agencies.
Lott is a member of Soriano’s transition team.
Councilman Michael dePierro said Inglesino should be retained until the cases are resolved. “When the three James Carifi lawsuits are resolved, I will be happy to approve any appointment that Mr. Soriano wants to make.”
Brooklawn Drive resident Bob Venezia asked several questions including (1) How does the resolution benefit Parsippany residents and (2) Where is the conflict of interest in Carifi voting on the new Twp Attorney?
“Your mayor, James Barberio, promised a smooth transition, so you are usurping the power of both mayors, the present mayor and the elected Michael Soriano,” said Lake Hiawatha resident Nick Homyak.
“How about Inglesino’s conflicts with his developers buddies. After Waterview this guy is no friend of the people of Parsippany. If Barberio refused the past council’s vote to remove Inglesino then the new Mayor should have same privilege to remove any attorney, continued Homyak.
“John Inglesino is a political parasite feeding on the body politic of Parsippany,” said Glacier Hills resident Brian Tappen. “Jamie and you both lost your election because of your association with John (Referring to Council President Louis Valori). A majority of people wanted him removed, and were willing to remove the mayor and the town council to do it.”
Resident Ken Dolsky said “The Carifi cases are not the most important issues in this town. The council can’t deny the will of the people for years over this one issue. I did not hear anyone from the public speak in favor of keeping Mr. Inglesino as the town attorney.”
Township Attorney John Inglesino was appointed by Mayor James Barberio. During the eight years as Township Attorney, many of the years he was a “hold over” because not all Council members, including Council President Louis Valori, voted for reappointment of Inglesino.
Inglesino did not attend the meeting, although he was at Town Hall prior to the meeting. He also did not attend the previous two meetings (December 5 and December 19).
A member of the Soriano transition team told Parsippany Focus that Inglesino had reached out to them about settling the Carifi cases.
Council Vice President Robert Peluso did not attend the meeting. When reached by telephone he said “When I was contacted about adding a non-scheduled Council meeting, I was not in favor of it. I expressed my concern that it was during working hours and would not be accessible to the taxpayers. Like many of our citizens, I was unable to attend this special meeting due to prior commitments at work. Meeting details were not discussed with the entire Council prior to the meeting and no rationale was given for the special meeting, or the inopportune time that was being proposed. This is not how our great Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills should be governed. The Council President and Administration owe the people of Parsippany an explanation.”
Mayor-elect Michael Soriano will be sworn in as Mayor, by Governor-elect Phil Murphy on Monday, January 1 at 12:00 Noon. In addition, Janice McCarthy will be sworn in by Mayor Mimi Letts and Emily Peterson will be sworn in by Mikie Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor and Democratic candidate against Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen.
Apartment Fire at Westgate Gardens
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a fire inside an apartment at 8:49 a.m. on Thursday, December 28.
The apartment was located at 350 Parsippany Road in the Westgate Gardens.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police officers, along with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3, Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department RIC District 1, Par-Troy EMS, and Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad responded to the scene.
Surrounding buildings and apartments were temporarily evacuated. The firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and the evacuated occupants were allowed back inside their residences. The occupants of the apartment that was on fire arrived on scene and spoke to Parsippany Police Department Fire Investigator Patrolman David Cavaliere.
After a brief investigation it was determined that the cause of the fire was from a candle that was left unattended after the occupants left. The apartment that was on fire was left uninhabitable and the occupants are making their own temporary living arrangements.
No injuries were reported and the responding emergency personnel cleared the scene by 9:47 a.m.
Letter to the editor: Opposed to Retention of Mr. Inglesino
Dear Editor:
At last night’s (December 27) special Parsippany Town Council meeting one of the town councilmen stated that John Inglesino should remain the Parsippany lawyer because he is most familiar with the Carifi cases. Retention of Mr. Inglesino is opposed by the incoming administration and everyone who spoke on this issue at the meeting.
I disagree with the idea of retaining Mr. Inglesino for his Carifi case knowledge for the following reasons:
1. These cases will take months and maybe years to wrap up. The town can’t give an attorney control over all legal issues for years just because of one case, which will be a fraction of the legal work needed by the town.
2. The Carifi cases are not the most important issues in this town. The council can’t deny the will of the people for years over this one issue. I did not hear anyone from the public speak in favor of keeping Mr. Inglesino as the town attorney.
3. Mr. Inglesino may be most familiar with these cases but attorneys hand off cases all the time – this is not that complex.
4. If necessary, Mr. Inglesino could be brought in as a consultant on these cases. This is a much more reasonable way to use his expertise than forcing the town to keep him for all legal matters for years.
I believe the vote to hire a new attorney will take place after the inauguration on January 1 at town hall. I encourage residents with opinions on this subject to attend.
Ken Dolsky