PARSIPPANY — A jury has rejected a retired Parsippany police captain’s claim that he was retaliated against after reporting wrongdoing by fellow officers. Despite rejecting his retaliation claim, the jury in the civil case also found James Carifi had acted in good faith by reporting several activities to superiors between 2009 and 2011, and that he…
Ex-cop’s whistleblower retaliation claim rejected by jury
Kiwanis Club welcomes 25 new K-Kids club members
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany welcomed 25 new K-Kids club members on Thursday, October 19. Club Advisors Mr. Archer and Ms. Tiesi, teachers at Littleton School held an installation of the new members. Kiwanis Club President Frank Cahill and Immediate Past President Greg Elbin, and Young Children Priority One co-advisor Nicolas Limanov and new Kiwanis member Sylvia Cooper enjoyed the excitement and motivation of these new K-Kids. Club Advisor Ms. Tiesi said “Most people think a bunch of kids can’t help change the world. Boy are they wrong!”
Club President Frank Cahill said “K-Kids club members are the leaders of tomorrow. And they’re the energetic, dedicated kids of today.”
“They’re discovering their heart to serve, answering their call to lead and igniting the courage it takes to reach out to new friends. Caring is their way of life. They step forward when others stand still. And because of that, their schools and communities grow stronger,” said Immediate Past President Greg Elbin.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany sponsors K-Kids clubs at nine elementary schools in Parsippany.
Kiwanis International is a global organization of members, who are dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis programs prepare people of all ages to be the most engaged members of their communities. And each is an opportunity to begin or continue a lifelong journey of service.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. We are always looking for new members to help us achieve our goal of “Changing the world one child and one community at a time.”
For more information, click here.
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting, 10/17/2017
The video for this meeting was divided in three parts.
Here is Part 2:
Here is Part 3:
Free Children Art Classes at Lake Hiawatha Library
PARSIPPANY — Accel Learning hosted a series of free Art classes for children in second to fifth grade. The classes were held at Lake Hiawatha Library.
As part of the first group of classes 25 students participated in the program.
During the three weeks program, the children learned to paint using water colors. The work was themed on the Fall season. The children loved the classes run by Bret Salvatore, professional Artist and Art instructor at Accel Learning. Attached are some pictures of the work done by students. Alicia Chen, Grade 2, (pictured above) loved the class and would like to pursue them further.
For those who missed this batch, Accel Learning is hosting more free Art classes at the Lake Hiawatha Library.
To register, please visit the Children’s section of the Library. There is limited capacity and registration is getting filled fast for the October 25 classes, so act fast.
Accel Learning Center is located at 131 New Road. Click here for more information.
Parsippany Teachers to Perform in Hurricane Relief Benefit Program
PARSIPPANY — Educators from across the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District will leave their classrooms and offices for the stage as they showcase their talents in a benefit performance for the victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
An elementary school principal playing solo on the clarinet, a high school English teacher reading minds and a Social Studies supervisor as part of a folk duo are just a few of the nearly two dozen acts on the program on Thursday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Parsippany High School auditorium.
The event, billed as “Ovations for Relief,” is a collaboration between the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association (PTHEA) and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District. The idea was born when elementary school music teacher James Caulfield looked for ways to aid the victims as well as the devastated schools. “I saw all the destruction in the areas hit by the hurricanes and I thought that we could surely help,” said Caulfield, who will perform a Carole King number with his family. “I knew that we had all kinds of hidden talents among our faculty and staff, and so I reached out to them and to the superintendent to see if we could all come together to support a hard-hit school in each affected area.”
“Schools helping schools” has been the motto of Caulfield’s drive, which has since inspired a host of his colleagues to join him on stage for a two-hour variety show. He has also taken on the role of director, coordinating the various acts and the technical support needed to produce the program. Caulfield’s professional music colleagues will open the show followed by an array of teachers, administrators and support staff, many of whom have never performed in public.
One hundred percent of the evening’s proceeds will be sent to the recipient schools. Additionally, they will receive letters of hope and encouragement from elementary school students from throughout the District.
Admission to the event is $15.00 advance purchase through October 30 or $20.00 at the door and $10.00 for children. Tickets may be purchased at any Parsippany-Troy Hills public school main office. A complimentary light pre-show buffet will be offered beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Lake Hiawatha man charged with shoplifting at Walmart
PARSIPPANY — Riverdale Police Department Detective / Sergeant Chris Biro responded to Walmart, 48 Route 23 at 12:56 p.m. on Monday, October 16 for a shoplifter that had been stopped by loss prevention.
Stephen Porter, 26, Lake Hiawatha, had attempted to leave the store with three Otterbox cell phone cases totaling $115.88.
He was charged with Shoplifting (disorderly person offense).
He was released with a Municipal Court date on November 7.
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.
Spencer Savings Bank donates $100,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Relief Efforts
PARSIPPANY – Spencer Savings Bank presented a check for $100,000 to The American Red Cross, which will be used toward relief efforts from Hurricanes Harvey and Maria. On Friday morning, Chairman, President and CEO José B. Guerrero presented the check to American Red Cross members William Miller; Chief Development Officer, New Jersey Region, and Steven Spinner; Senior Director, Corporate Relations. Spencer Savings Bank is located at 1699 Littleton Road.
Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Maria caused destruction in Texas, Louisiana, and the Caribbean and left many without basic needs. Aside from The American Red Cross’ food, shelter, and comfort provisions, donations have provided financial assistance for qualified Texas households. The current situation in Puerto Rico includes little clean water and electric power, and almost no telecommunications. The International Federation of the Red Cross has been working with government and relief agencies, along with the Red Cross societies across the Caribbean and around the world, to provide support.
“We wanted to help with hurricane relief efforts,” said José B. Guerrero, Chairman, President and CEO. “The American Red Cross is such a reputable organization that has been helping the hurricane victims from the onset and will continue to do so until they can restore normalcy in the communities affected.”
Founded in 1881, The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization comprised of hundreds of thousands of employees and volunteers. As part of Hurricane relief efforts, the organization is providing food and water, relief supplies, comfort and emergency support, and also helping families reconnect. In areas without cell service, satellite phones and other technology supplies have been shipped in to aid in communication. The organization is also taking steps to reduce the risk of epidemic outbreaks.
Spencer Savings Bank, a community bank headquartered in Elmwood Park, NJ, has been serving its local communities with integrity and pride for more than 75 years. The bank, serving consumers and businesses, operates 21 branches throughout New Jersey. Click here to learn more.
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization, prevents human suffering and provides emergency assistance through its volunteers and the generosity of donors. The organization assists in disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, and other natural and man-made disasters. Core services the American Red Cross provides are shelter, food, and health and mental health services. The provision of these basic human needs enable individuals and families return to normalcy. The American Red Cross is part of a global network; the international Red Cross and Red Crescent network is the largest humanitarian network in the world. Click here to learn more.
Letter to the editor: Mayor Sandham protects his constituents
Dear Editor:
Montville’s Mayor Jim Sandham is a Republican. Yet unlike Parsippany Republicans he cares more about the people he represents then about party loyalty. The Township of Montville has contracted with Parsippany for sewer treatment services, paying about 20% of the facility costs. Recently Mayor Sandham discovered Parsippany Mayor Jamie Barberio had over the years hijacked about $8.5 million in sewer revenues and moved them into the general fund. Instead of raising property taxes to pay for the bloated government Barberio had created he used sewer money to fill the gap. That allowed him, especially in an election year, to create the illusion that there was a “zero tax increase.”
Sandham put aside that he and Barberio are members of the same party and he took action to protect his constituents. He contacted Parsippany, requesting reimbursement. When weeks and weeks went by and Barberio failed to acknowledge the situation Sandham drew a line in the sand. He sent a letter demanding $1 million for Montville sewer rate payers by October 20 or he would have his township attorney initiate a lawsuit.
As a resident of Parsippany, I don’t want a mayor who scams our neighbors to make a budget. I don’t want another lawsuit. If I lived in Montville, I would be infuriated and want to take my sewage business elsewhere which would hurt Parsippany. If Barberio wants to achieve a zero tax increase, he should start by not overpaying his pals like (allegedly) Dr. Louis Valori, John Inglesino, Ramona Ortiz, Eugene Natoli, or using taxpayer money to print out propaganda like the latest “Pride in Parsippany” newsletter. I think 8 years of Jamie Barberio is enough. It’s time for a change. We need someone who will make the most out of every tax dollar. That’s why I plan to vote for Soriano, McCarthy and Peterson on November 7.
Pat Simon
The 8th Annual Junior Achievement in a Day at Northvail
PARSIPPANY — Junior Achievement, a nonprofit organization that teaches youth about business and economics, and New Jersey Manufacturer’s Insurance Group’s volunteers spent the day at Northvail School. NJM Insurance Group has local offices on Littleton Road.
Their volunteers came to provide lessons about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to all students.
Two volunteers were assigned to each classroom assisted by the classroom teacher. Northvail benefitted by receiving a high-quality program that supports educational standards, at no cost to the school district. Each volunteer followed a set curricula but included their own experiences, and personality to bring JA’s lessons to life.
Reflecting on JA in a Day one 5th grade student wrote, “We learned that different materials and ingredients come from all over the world like chocolate and cars.” The best part of the day for another fifth grade student was when she created an invention. Her group invented a dog leash, “The leash keeps track of your dog.” A third grade student learned about sales taxes and its impact on purchases. He said, “When you buy things you have to add tax. I guess that’s why my mom says no for toys.” All classes were engaged in the activities and had a lot of fun learning.
Thank you, Junior Achievement, NJM Insurance Group and Principal Jeff Martens who has organized this event since its inception seven years ago.
Letter to the editor: Hate Has No Home Here is breaking the Law
Dear Editor:
A local Marketing Expert and Scholar has submitted a letter to Parsippany Focus that we wanted to publish. The writer has wished to remain anonymous but has been a Marketing Professional and Scholar for over 25 years.
People may not be aware but it is against the US Federal Law to use the American flag in advertising. Many people in town have been seeing signs that originated in Urban Chicago that state “Hate Has No Home Here” and the sign has a clear image of the US Flag (Colors, Stars and Stripes) as the marketing slogan.
The writer of this article sites an example from Cornell below:
“4 U.S. Code § 3 – Use of flag for advertising purposes; mutilation of flag
Any person who, in any manner, for exhibition or display, shall place or cause to be placed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, or any advertisement of any nature upon any flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America; or shall expose or cause to be exposed to public view any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign upon which shall have been printed, painted, or otherwise placed, or to which shall be attached, appended, affixed, or annexed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, or drawing, or any advertisement of any nature; or who, within the District of Columbia, shall manufacture, sell, expose for sale, or to public view, or give away or have in possession for sale, or to be given away or for use for any purpose, any article or substance being an article of merchandise, or a receptacle for merchandise or article or thing for carrying or transporting merchandise, upon which shall have been printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation of any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign, to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark, or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court. The words “flag, standard, colors, or ensign”, as used herein, shall include any flag, standard, colors, ensign, or any picture or representation of either, or of any part or parts of either, made of any substance or represented on any substance, of any size evidently purporting to be either of said flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America or a picture or a representation of either, upon which shall be shown the colors, the stars and the stripes, in any number of either thereof, or of any part or parts of either, by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, colors, standard, or ensign of the United States of America.
(July 30, 1947, ch. 389, 61 Stat. 642; Pub. L. 90–381, § 3, July 5, 1968, 82 Stat. 291.)”
The writer feels that the signs should be outlawed and he perceives the posting of these signs to be illegal and a blatant disrespect for the law. He also asserts that any good thinking American should be aware of this and the ethics associated with using images of the US flag.
Written by a Concerned Parsippany Resident
Editors Note: Parsippany Focus has confirmed the identity of the writer who wishes to remain anonymous.
Future Business Leaders of America hosted the regional summit
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) hosted the NJ FBLA Northern Region Summit on Thursday October 5.
Adam Giovanelli, the Northern Region VP hosted the event under the mentorship of his local chapter advisor Ahmed Kandil.
The event was a fun-filled day highlighted by guest speaker Mr. Tim Baxter the President and CEO of Samsung North America as well as a Northern Region Shark Tank competition among 8 groups mixed with students from various schools throughout the northern region of the State. The State Officers played the roles of “The Sharks” and critiqued the business pitches.
Mr. Kandil held an advisor’s networking and discussion roundtable simultaneously. The Parsippany Hills FBLA chapter has 3 State Officers (maximum number allowed) on the State Executive Board this year, which is a chapter record. The Parsippany Hills State Officers are Seniors Adam Giovanelli, Arijit Pingle and Siddhanth Patel.
The chapter is off to a successful school year.
Letter to the editor: Team Barberio Accepts Endorsement from Candidate He Accused of Official Misconduct
Dear Editor:
Recently, Parsippany Mayor Jamie Barberio remarked that he was proud to receive the endorsement of former Planning Board member Casey Parikh, who just a few months ago his campaign team had publicly accused of extensive misconduct in his role on the Planning Board.
Indeed, Casey Parikh was removed from the Planning Board by Mayor Barberio, with an official letter from the Mayor’s office alleging the aforementioned misconduct, noting that Mr. Parikh was caught holding secretive, backroom meetings with developers and failed to disclose that he moved out of town while on the board. (Click here to read letter)
This opens up an interesting question. Was the Barberio campaign lying about Casey Parikh’s conduct as a member of the Planning Board? Or is Barberio proudly accepting the endorsement of an appointed official who he had discovered was violating the public trust?
Mayor Barberio owes the people of Parsippany an explanation about exactly what led him to kick Casey Parikh off of the Planning Board, and why he seems to have had such a sudden change of mind.
Michael Soriano, candidate for Mayor
Prevention is Key in new Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prevention is Key has been selected by the Morris County Board of Freeholders to be the new Morris County Intoxicated Driver Resource Center effective on January 1.
The Freeholders unanimously approved the nonprofit Prevention is Key in conjunction with a reference from the Morris County Department of Human Services. MC PIK has a strong record of offering quality prevention services and recovery support in the county.
It replaces Cornerstone (formerly Family Service of Morris County) which offered the program for almost three decades but declined to continue the service.
“The county is appreciative of our partnership with Cornerstone/Family Service as the long-time IDRC provider over 28 years, and look forward to establishing a good working relationship with Prevention in Key in that role,’’ said Lori Becker, Morris County Director of the Division of Community and Behavioral Health Services.
Morris County currently has a working relationship with Prevention is Key:
- MC PIK is providing Peer Recovery Specialist teams to Morris County hospitals for persons who have been revived from drug overdoses by use of Narcan – as part of a Morris County Prosecutor’s Office program.
- MC PIK also is part of the team that staffs the Morris County Sheriff’s HOPE ONE van, offering services to people with opioid/drug disorders.
The New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Program is responsible for the administration of post-conviction Driving Under the Influence interventions, and each county must ensure it has an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
The Resource Center detains, educates, and screens individuals to determine eligibility. If eligible for the program, participants receive 12-hours of Alcohol and Highway Safety prevention education. The program is mandatory for all person’s convicted of a first and third-time DUI offenses.
Morris County Prevention is Key will offer 12 hour education classes in both their Morris and Warren county locations each month.
For more information on the Intoxicated Driver’s Resource Center, contact (973) 625-1998 or click here.
Rockaway based Prevention is Key is a non-profit organization that provides prevention education programs, professional development training, advocacy, information and referral services. It maintains the county’s most extensive resource center with up-to-date materials that address issues of substance abuse, violence, ATOD dependence and emerging issues of concern to the Morris County Community.
Letter to the editor: Get out and vote
Dear Editor:
After watching the September 12, 2017 council meeting tape and reading numerous newspaper articles, I had to write this letter.
What supposedly began in response to a request by council president Lou Valori for an update on the mayor’s folly – a politically motivated attack on a former police captain – turned into a campaign advertisement. The 20 minute rant by the township’s attorney John Inglesino at that meeting was despicable, unethical and should be investigated by the State Election Board.
Obviously, the township attorney has a lot at stake in this election.
In all of my many years of attending council meetings on a regular basis with former township attorneys Henry Luther and Judy Vernon I never, ever saw anything like what Mr. Inglesino did. Those attorneys conducted themselves professionally and respectfully to the sitting council members and speaking public.
Mr. Inglesino’s appointment as municipal attorney was not approved by the council but his position was protected by a loophole in the law that allowed the mayor to help him keep his $750,000 a year job. In addition to that astronomical fee, Mr. Inglesino’s law firm submitted and subsequently received payment of invoices with NJ sales tax charges in the aggregate amount of thousands of dollars. New Jersey townships do not pay sales tax!
How did this happen? It’s apparent the Mayor and his staff did not review the invoices. Did Mr. Inglesino’s law firm file and submit payment to the Division of Taxation? I don’t know but unfortunately I uncovered this scam well after the filing period.
Watch any of the council meeting tapes of the last eight years then ask yourself who’s running the town. It will be obvious that Mayor Barberio is just a puppet of Mr. Inglesino.
Seven years ago I vehemently complained about the sewer surplus being transferred to the general operating fund (remember the 52% increase in sewer charges in 2006). To date approximately $7 million has been skimmed and this has caught the attention of other municipalities that share sewer treatment services with Parsippany and are charged on a cost plus basis.
Where has this $7,000,000 gone? Astronomical legal fees, a lot of wasteful spending (how many clerk typists have been hired at town hall???), much higher administrative salaries than previous administrations and vehicle usage in violation of town ordinances to name a few of the mayor’s excesses. And let’s not forget the Aurora scandal and the millions being poured into four years of legal fees for the Captain Carifi witch hunt.
Each election year the mayor declares he has presented a “Zero Budget Increase” and even as he’s speaking those words he’s reaching into taxpayers pockets using sewer money to fund his bloated government.
“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely, should be Mayor Barberio’s motto. Parsippany with its fortuitous location, highway connections and natural geography, wetlands to rolling mountains is beautiful, but above the landscape too many devils roam.
To my former good neighbors from Lake Hiawatha to Puddingstone – Get Out and Vote November 7!
Roy Messmer
Former resident Glacier Hills
EMS Council of New Jersey Annual Symposium and Trade Show was held at Sheraton
PARSIPPANY — The EMS Council of New Jersey’s (EMSCNJ) held their annual Symposium and Trade Show at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, 199 Smith Road, from October 13 to October 15.
The event included nearly four dozen EMT education-credit seminars, trade show exhibits and vendors with the latest medical and rescue equipment, a Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit confined-space rescue demonstration, an antique ambulance display and contest, EMS-related merchandise booths, a Tricky Tray auction and 50/50 raffles, Friday night “American Country Buffet” and Saturday banquet with live entertainment.
As part of the EMSCNJ’s annual conference, the weekend included organizational meetings, leadership elections, a memorial service for deceased members and award presentations. Cadet and youth members were invited for a special program.
In keeping with this year’s convention theme, “Celebrating America: Red, White & Blue and EMS, too,” the group will honor EMSCNJ members who are veterans.
“We have more than a few EMS volunteers in our organization who are U.S. military veterans,” said Joseph G. Walsh, Jr., EMSCNJ president. “They’ve lived lives of sacrifice, dedication and service, first for their country and now for their communities. These selfless individuals surely deserve our recognition and gratitude.”
At the October 14 ceremony honoring veterans there was also amemorial service.
In conjunction with the U.S Marine Corps Reserve and the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines at Picatinny Arsenal, the EMSCNJ encouraged convention attendees to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots Program.
“The annual convention offers so many educational and networking opportunities with other EMS personnel and nationally recognized experts,” Walsh said. “From the opioid epidemic to trauma, respiratory and other medical emergencies, pediatric patients, EMS law, documentation and more, we have it covered.”
PHS graduate opens Automotive Shop on North Beverwyck Road
PARSIPPANY — Zolla’s Auto Care is now open at 141 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. The owner, Matthew Zolla, is a 24-year Lake Hiawatha resident and Parsippany High School Alumni, Class of 2011.
While in high school Matt was a good student, well liked and a member of the Red Hawks Varsity Baseball and Basketball teams.
When deciding on what to do after graduation, Matt knew he wanted to pursue his passion in becoming a mechanic and needed to look beyond traditional schooling. After many hours of intense studying, something that Matt was not accustomed to in high school, he graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute in 2012 with honors and began an apprenticeship at Parsippany Automotive.
For the past five years, Matt has worked tirelessly mastering his skills and preparing to run his own business one day.
“At first, I liked working on cars because it was challenging. But now I enjoy working with our customers and taking care of them is one of my top goals. I enjoy finding the problems with the cars that come in and making sure our customers are satisfied when they leave,” said Matt.
Zolla’s Auto Care is a full-service repair shop located at 141 North Beverwyck Road. Services range from oil changes and tire rotations to suspension work and check engine diagnostics. Walk in’s are welcome or call (973) 263-1111 to schedule an appointment.
Loyola University Maryland Welcomes Jeffrey Umanzor to the Class of 2021
PARSIPPANY — As first-year students embark on their college experience, they will all take part in Loyola’s living learning program, Messina. The common text for Messina is Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson. The book, a compelling first-hand account of a lawyer who defends the poor and wrongly condemned, speaks to the inequality in the justice system.
Jeffrey Umanzor is Loyola’s newest greyhounds. Jeffrey was a 2017 graduate of Parsippany High School and was among the 243 graduating students.
Class of 2021 by the numbers:
- 8%: students who attended Jesuit high schools
- 10%: legacy students
- 16%: first-generation college students
- 21%: students of color
- 29%: students who enrolled test optional
- 1,031: total students enrolled
Established in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is a Catholic, Jesuit comprehensive university comprising Loyola College, home to the University’s arts and sciences programs; the Sellinger School of Business and Management; and the School of Education. Loyola enrolls 4,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students from across the country.
Montville threatens to sue Parsippany over money Barberio transferred to create a 0% budget increase
PARSIPPANY — During the Township Council agenda meeting of Tuesday, October 3, Township Attorney John Inglesino advised the council they were going into closed session to discuss possible litigation with Montville.
Parsippany Focus issued a series of Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests and received a letter dated September 27, 2017 to Mayor James Barberio from Montville Mayor James Sandham.
Montville Township is seeking $1M dollars from Parsippany, as a one-time credit to offset over the next two years against charges of the Sewer Treatment Plant Agreement to Montville from Parsippany.
“Over the past six weeks our office has made inquiries for certain financial and budget information which relates to the fact that over the last seven years more than $8 million in fund balance from the Parsippany Sewer Utility has been anticipated as revenue as part of the Parsippany municipal budget. Notwithstanding numerous phone calls, requests and delays, as of this date we have not received the documentation from the Township of Parsippany relating to our request,” said James Sandham.
In balancing the 2017 budget, Mayor James Barberio transferred $3.2 Million from the Parsippany Utilities to the Parsippany Municipal Budget. This created a zero percent municipal tax increase. ($700,000 was transferred from Parsippany Water Utility Operating Account and $2.5 Million from Parsippany Sewer Utility Operating Account.)
The same tactic was used in the 2013 Election, when sewer surplus of $550,000 was used to create a 0% budget increase.
Sandham continued “As a long-time user of and contributor to the system, you are aware that the Township of Montville accounts for approximately 20% of the financial revenues for the Parsippany Sewer Utility. Certainly, the governing body was recently made aware that significant funds and transfers have been made from this Utility in addition to the enormous surplus that exists in the facility as well.”
“$8.5 million of fund balance that has been transferred (to the municipal budget) times 11.7% (Montville’ s share of rents) equals $1 million.” the letter stated.
In addition the letter states, “due to the time that has elapsed and the priority of this matter to the Township of Montville, we are making this proposal which will be withdrawn by October 20, 2017. After that date, we will direct the Township Attorney to immediately commence the filing of suit in Superior Court in order to address this issue.”
They are also requesting for 2017 and beyond we will require a detailed analysis of costs and expenses charged to the Sewer Utility as well as a detailed calculation of the allocation methodology amongst the several municipal users.
Mayor James Barberio refused to comment on this story.
Click here to read a copy of Mayor James Sandham’s letter dated September 27, 2017.
Click here to read an email sent to Mayor James Barberio (second request) asking for comment to the story. An additional request was sent on Friday, October 13 to Mayor James Barberio, Council President Louis Valori, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Loretta Gragnani, which also went unanswered.
Editors Note: After the story was posted we did receive an email from Mayor James Barberio stating “Before you post the story the Township Attorney will be reporting on this issue.” Parsippany Focus will update the story as soon as we receive a response from Township Attorney John Inglesino.
Bergman Real Estate Group and Time Equities unveil the new “Century Campus”
PARSIPPANY — What was once a three-building office complex nestled in a former Mack-Cali corporate campus in Parsippany will soon become one of the hottest places to “live, work and play,” thanks to a $4.5 million capital improvement program and new state-of-the-art building upgrades and upscale amenities.
Bergman Real Estate Group, in partnership with Time Equities, Inc., announced its plans to introduce nearly a dozen trendsetting amenities to 4, 5 and 6 Century Drive, now known as “Century Campus.” The 280,000-square-foot office park is comprised of three class B buildings, acquired last year from Mack-Cali by Bergman Real Estate Group and Time Equities, Inc. The property was 50 percent leased at the time of acquisition.
According to Michael Bergman, president and CEO of Bergman Real Estate Group, Century Campus reflects a 21st-century approach to the work environment which has dedicated space for work and play, an inspiring environment which encourages productivity while retaining a commanding professional presence. These amenities include:
• A 4,500-square-foot executive lounge with a staffed espresso bar
• Media center with state-of-the-art screens and other multimedia equipment
• Seating areas outfitted with modern, comfortable furniture
• Co-working executive suites with glass walls sized for startups and entrepreneurs
• Game area with ping-pong and pool tables, TV and seating areas
• Shared conference and training center which tenants can use for large meetings, training sessions and more
• An art studio with instruction from local artists
• Upgraded full service Café with new seating and decor
• A massage room
• An app-based bike-sharing program which tenants can use to ride to lunch or travel around Century Campus
• Newly landscaped grounds with walking paths, seating areas and a Bocce ball court
• A fully-equipped gym and yoga studio coming in 2018
“The suburban office market needs to adapt and change to support how people work today,” Bergman said. “We’re creating a space for people not only to relax and help their productivity, but where they can actually conduct business or hold meetings as well,” Bergman said. “Such a state-of-the-art environment is not only impressive to clients, but inspiring for the people who work there. We’re seeing this trend not just in New Jersey, but all throughout the country, and we are proud to create such a positive working atmosphere for current and future tenants alike at Century Campus.”
The game room, media center and executive lounge are slotted to open November 1, while the others will be completed in phases over the next several months. The bike sharing program is already available to Century Campus tenants.
According to Bergman, Century Campus will also undergo head-to-toe internal and external renovations. Extensive upgrades and renovations are being made to the buildings’ lobbies, corridors and bathrooms, as well as to landscaping, outdoor pathways and parking lots.
The renovations and amenities are already having a positive impact on Century Campus. Several new long-term leases have been signed since acquiring the property a year ago, improving the occupancy.
“People spend their day at the office, so we want to make it as pleasing and comfortable as possible,” Bergman said. “All the services one could possibly need to be comfortable are located in one place.”
Century Campus is located near the intersection of Route 10 and Route 202, close to three of the state’s most highly traveled highways – Interstates 287, 80 and 280. The complex is five minutes from the Morristown train station, a 35-minute drive to New York City and is close to Newark-Liberty International Airport.
Century Campus offers flexible floor plans with current availability ranging from 2,000 square feet to full-floor occupancies up to 35,000 square feet and a contiguous block of 60,000 square feet. For more information, click here.
Founded in 1988, Bergman Real Estate Group is a privately owned, full-service real estate investment and management company, with more than 28 years of operating history in New Jersey and other select markets. The company’s fully integrated platform includes acquisition, ownership, asset and property management, leasing and construction supervision. Bergman, which has built its success on acquiring and successfully repositioning underperforming properties, currently owns and manages 18 office buildings comprising 2.1 million square feet.
Founded in 1966, privately-held Time Equities, Inc. (TEI) has been in the real estate investment, development and asset & property management business for 50 years. With properties in 26 states, four Canadian provinces, Germany and the Netherlands, the TEI portfolio consists of approximately 23.4 million square feet of residential, industrial, office and retail property.Image Upload
Women’s Club tours Mount Tabor
PARSIPPANY — Fun was had by all on October 14 when Mount Tabor’s Historical Society held a special tour for members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany- Troy Hills, prospective club members and friends of the club. Historical Society member and longtime Mount Tabor resident Beth Shaw led the tour which started at the Bethel Pavilion and weaved through the colorful period painted gingerbread Victorian homes. After the fascinating tour, the Woman’s Club made a donation to the Mount Tabor Historical Society..
The Mount Tabor History House Museum is open to the public on the secpmd Sunday of each month and by appointment. Their upcoming Holiday Craft Fair is Saturday, November 11 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday, November 12, from noon to 3:00 pm. Proceeds go to maintaining the Mount Tabor History House Museum and for educational programs offered to the public. For more information call (973) 975-0001.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy-Hills holds their next meeting on Monday, October 23. In November, their meeting is on Monday, November 27. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. The club is always looking for new members eager to take part in community activities and help those in need.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, visit the website by clicking here or on the club’s FaceBook page.
Meeting schedule is subject to change. Please contact Cathy if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.