PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member Marc Salzman from Bach to Rock.
Board Members Alan Golub, Esq., Nicolas Limanov, Frank Cahill presented a membership plaque to Marc Salzman during a recent breakfast meeting at Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce offices.
Bach To Rock is the Music School for students of all ages. B2R’s unique method is based on the knowledge that students learn best when they join together to play the music they like the most. That’s why we use special arrangements of the music of our time and combine individual lessons with band instruction. Weekly “jam sessions” lead to Battles of the Bands and recording sessions in B2R Studios, our own professional recording facilities. B2R also holds regularly scheduled public concerts that encourage students to become seasoned performers. These creative group activities foster teamwork, build self-esteem and motivate students to perfect their musicianship through independent practice.
Bach To Rock is located at 3130 Route 10, Unit 5, Denville. For more information click here or call (973) 440-8815.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson, Jr. and Jefferson Township Police Chief Sean Conrad announce the filing of an additional charge related to a fatal drug overdose occurring on June 21, 2018.
On June 21, 2018, law enforcement responded to a report of an unresponsive male in Jefferson. The victim, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, was identified as Eric Malmberg. The investigation would reveal that Malmberg was the victim of a fatal drug overdose.
Through a subsequent investigation, it is alleged that Norberto Rodriguez, Jr., 20, Wayne Township, distributed heroin/fentanyl to Malmberg in Wayne Township on or about June 18, 2018. It is further alleged that the ingestion of the heroin/fentanyl distributed by Rodriguez to Malmberg resulted in Malmberg’s death.
Rodriguez has been charged with Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-9. This statute provides that any person who manufactures, distributes or dispenses any of a number of controlled dangerous substances is strictly liable for a death that results from the injection, inhalation, or ingestion of that substance. This is a first-degree crime, which is punishable by up to twenty (20) years in New Jersey State Prison and is subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act. Rodriguez was previously charged in June 2018 with drug-related offenses stemming from this investigation. In accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Rodriguez was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
Multiple law enforcement agencies have been actively involved in this investigation, including the Jefferson Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes and Special Enforcement Units.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Editor’s 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.
TRENTON — Under fire for its nepotistic hiring practices, the Schools Development Authority would be eliminated under a new bill sponsored by Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips. The bill (A4908) would transfer the agency’s functions to the Economic Development Authority, which already provides the financing for school construction.
“This latest S.D.A. hiring scandal proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Trenton needs to take an entirely new approach to our school construction dollars. The S.D.A. has lost the trust of the people of New Jersey, and the taxpayers must be protected against further mismanagement and corrupt hiring practices,” said DePhillips (R-Bergen). “It is time for the Assembly to take up my bi-partisan legislation to abolish the S.D.A. and consolidate its functions within the E.D.A.”
The S.D.A. was created to manage the construction and improvement of schools in 31 of the state’s poorest communities; however, the E.D.A. has remained responsible for financing the construction projects. Currently, the S.D.A. is charged with managing almost $11 billion in school facilities projects in the former Abbott districts.
Recently, the S.D.A. has been at the center of scrutiny by both Republicans and Democrats for replacing 26 tenured staff with 38 extremely well-paid individuals, many of whom have questionable qualifications and personal relationships with Governor Phil Murphy’s top staff. The S.D.A. is also currently under investigation by the state’s Select Oversight Committee for the hiring of a former chief of staff who had been accused of rape.
“The E.D.A. has always retained its legal authority to finance school construction. Pure and simple, the S.D.A. is a duplicative agency that is not needed,” said DePhillips. “This good-government legislation will streamline this area of state government and save taxpayers millions of dollars.”
MORRIS COUNTY — March is Red Cross Month and the American Red Cross New Jersey Region asks people to be a hero for others by becoming a volunteer, learning lifesaving skills, giving blood or donating to #help1family on Red Cross Giving Day, March 27.
“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to recognize our volunteers who provide hope and urgent relief to families in need every day,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “These heroes are our neighbors who give blood, save lives with skills like first aid and CPR, offer support services to our military service members and their families, or provide care and comfort to families devastated by crises like home fires. We honor our volunteers and ask you to join them and make a difference.”
More than 75 years ago, March was first proclaimed Red Cross Month in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to raise awareness of the organization and its humanitarian mission. All U.S. presidents since Roosevelt have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world through its workforce powered by more than 90 percent volunteers.
During March, several iconic New Jersey locations and landmarks will be illuminated RED to recognize Red Cross Month, including the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, the Prudential Center Marquee in Newark, and the New Jersey State House on March 18.
EVERY DAY, VOLUNTEERS HELP Every eight minutes in the U.S., the Red Cross connects with a family who has lost everything to a home fire or other disaster—the roof over their heads, their clothes, their most cherished possessions. This past year was no exception—and the need continues today.
Last year, Red Cross volunteers helped millions of people reeling from a second consecutive year of record wildfires, hurricanes, tragic shootings and other large disasters across the country. More than 200 volunteer heroes from New Jersey deployed to other states to help deliver urgent relief and care in people’s darkest hours.
This winter, home fires continue to upend lives and Red Cross volunteers are there to help. In February alone, Red Cross volunteers assisted more than 500 people in 200 families affected by at least 66 home fires in New Jersey during the short month.
HOW YOU CAN HELP #help1family
Become a volunteer: Help families affected by disasters and install lifesaving smoke alarms to keep neighbors safe from home fires. You can also provide emergency assistance for military members and veterans, or help reconnect families separated by international conflict.
Give blood: Make an appointment to donate lifesaving blood or platelets.
Learn lifesaving skills: Register for a class to learn first aid, CPR and other skills.
Make a financial donation: On March 27—American Red Cross Giving Day—donate at redcross.org/givingday, uniting with thousands of people like you to help families during the first devastating hours of a disaster. Your gift can provide hope and urgent relief, like food, shelter and other essentials, for families who need it most.
New Jersey residents can help support the Red Cross while filing their 2018 NJ State Tax Returns. Donations can be made by checking box 64 on the NJ-1040 Form and entering Code 14 for the American Red Cross-NJ Fund.
People can find information about Red Cross Month events, volunteer opportunities, blood donation and other ways to support the work of the Red Cross by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Andrea Rodriguez, a 2018 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School made the Dean’s List for Fall 2018 at Muhlenberg College.
Andrea is a Pre-Law, International Studies Major, Concentrating in Peace and Conflict, Spanish and Latin American and Caribbean Studies Double Minor; she is a Volunteer Tour Guide; Jefferson Food Pantry and 6th St Family Shelter Student Coordinator, and worked at Red Door Dialers Phonathon.
She also is part of the Emerging Leaders Scholar Program and Council Board Fundraising and Community Outreach Co-Chair, Certified Sexual and Gender Violence Peer Educator, Muhlenberg Cheerleading Member and Public Relations Chair.
Andrea is currently taking six courses including a short term study abroad program involving Community Sustainability in Costa Rica, over spring break She will also be working with Habitat for Humanity in Texas.
Muhlenberg is a top-tier liberal arts college that offers a more comprehensive array of pre-professional programs than almost any institution our size. Students don’t have to choose between theory and practice or between ideas and their application. They are all integrated into what they simply call a Muhlenberg education.
Their wide-ranging and rigorous curriculum features 40 majors across the arts, business, humanities, sciences and social sciences as well as programs in accounting, business, education, entrepreneurship, finance, public health and, of course, pre-medicine, pre-health and pre-law.
PARSIPPANY — Brittani Vecchia, a freshman at Caldwell University and made the Dean’s List with a 3.95 GPA. She is a 2018 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School. She is going for her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and her Masters in ABA.
Brittani plans to work with children with Autism.
Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College and originally Caldwell College for Women) is a Catholic liberal arts university in Caldwell. Founded in 1939 by the Sisters of St. Dominic, the University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, chartered by the State of New Jersey and registered with the Regents of the University of the State of New York.
The university is located in suburban New Jersey, and it is about 20 miles from Manhattan. Caldwell offers 25 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs, including doctoral, master’s, certificate and certification programs, as well as online and distance learning options that prepare students for today’s global marketplace. The university offers a Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis, a Ph.D. in educational leadership, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership.
MORRIS COUNTY — Mark began his Scouting career with a Cub Scout pack in Long Branch, New Jersey before joining Troop 145 in West Long Branch. He is an Eagle Scout, Class of 1973.
Mark became active in Scouting again in 1996 when his oldest son joined Troop 28 in Chatham, New Jersey. Sons Mark, Matt and Tim are all Eagle Scouts. Mark has acted as a crew advisor for three Philmont treks, one with each son.
Mark earned his Wood Badge in 2010 and served as on the staff of three Wood Badge courses. Mark served as the Fishawack District Chair and has been a member of the Patriots’ Path Council Executive Board since 2007. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 2011, served as council commissioner and was inducted into the Eagle Hall of Fame.
Outside of Scouting, Mark acted as the Attorney-Coach for the Mock Trial Team at Seton Hall Prep for ten years and helped the team reach the Essex County finals four times. Mark is a member of St. Patrick Parish in Chatham where he serves as a lector and in the past has served as a member of the Pastoral Council, as president of the St. Patrick Athletic Association, and as a basketball coach. He has also coached softball, baseball and lacrosse in both Madison and Chatham.
Mark is an attorney and a principal of Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. where his practice concentrates in defense of professional liability and insurance coverage litigation and on attorney disciplinary matters. He served four years on the District XA (Morris/Sussex) Ethics Committee, acting as the Committee Chair in 2010. Currently, he serves on the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Character. He is a frequent speaker on professional ethics and the attorney disciplinary system.
Mark and his wife, Therese (a former den leader), live in Madison, where they have raised their three Eagle Scout sons and two daughters.
TRENTON — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials issued a Winter Weather Alert. Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency and the NJ State Police issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction, both taking effect at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 3, due to the anticipated severity of the winter storm.
NJDOT is prepared and coordinating our response with our regional transportation partners to ensure the safety of all travelers. The Department activated our crews earlier today and has 2,500 plows and spreaders that are ready to clear State highways. The heaviest snow is expected overnight and into tomorrow morning, which may create challenging driving conditions for the morning commute.
The Department is reminding motorists:
· AVOID UNNECESSARY TRAVEL during the storm
· If road conditions deteriorate, GET OFF THE ROAD somewhere safe and wait it out
· Always STAY CLEAR of plows and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
· DO NOT PASS between trucks that are in a plow formation
· Be patient and use caution
· Have a preparedness kit in your car with water, charged mobile phone, blanket, and snacks
Commercial Vehicle Travel Restriction
The restriction in New Jersey applies to the entire length of the following roadways:
· I-295
· I-76
· I-676
· I-195
· I-78
· I-80
· I-280
· I-287
The restriction DOES NOT apply to:
· New Jersey Turnpike
· Garden State Parkway
· Atlantic City Expressway
The commercial vehicle travel restriction in New Jersey applies to the following vehicles:
In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow and ice, motorists need to Clear the Roads so We Can Clear the Roads.
NJDOT will deploy our Incline Package assets on I-280 and I-78 at Jugtown mountain (between Exits 7 and 11), which includes pre-positioning towing assets, NJDOT Safety Service Patrol (SSP) trucks, and coordination with New Jersey State Police.
NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide updates. Once conditions improve, NJDOT will lift the Winter Weather Congestion Alert.
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates follow us on the NJDOT Facebook page or on Twitter @NJDOT_info.
PARSIPPANY — Residents we need your help! The 2019 Master Plan survey is now available and online. Spend 10 minutes today and help plan Parsippany’s future. Click here to access our survey.
The Township is in the process of updating its Master Plan, a document that outlines Parsippany’s vision for the future, and documents its goals, objectives, issues and recommendations of the community.
It is not a law or regulation, but it provides guidance to elected officials and decision-makers when they make land use, zoning and capital investment decisions.
This public survey is intended to gather input from a diverse range of people who live and work in Parsippany-Troy Hills, on the key issues facing the Township and how they envision Parsippany’s future. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes.
All individual responses are confidential and will be tabulated and shared in summary form only.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday evening, March 2, there were unconfirmed reports of a home invasion at 10 Ashwood Place. New Jersey State Police, Boonton and Montville Police were dispatched to the scene.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Sergeant Brian Conover stated “After a brief investigation no home invasion or burglary took place. Our response ended after speaking to all involved parties and finding out that the three people who entered the residence and left prior to our arrival, were authorized by one of the homeowner’s children, however the child failed to advise his parents until well into the investigation.”
PARSIPPANY — Sedgefield Civic Association held their popular International Wine and Cheese event will be held on Friday, March 1 at Residence Inn by Marriott at 3 Gatehall Drive.
Michele Picone, Director /REHS of the Parsippany Community Center
Michele Picone, Director /REHS of the Parsippany Community Center, gave a brief presentation about the food pantry. “Non-perishable food items are always in critical need and appreciated from schools, church groups, clubs, scouts, and individuals,” said Michele Picone. Some of the most needed items include toiletry items such as toilet tissue, Laundry detergent, bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes. The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha, and can be reached by calling (973) 263-7163.
It was a great night of socializing, a way to meet neighbors and also a way to meet members of the Sedgefield Civic Association Board. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council members Loretta Gragnani and Michael dePierro was in attendance.
Mayor Michael Soriano draws the door prize tickets
The Sedgefield Civic Association board members include Jyoti Bhatia, President; Carlos Guzman, Vice President; Board member Danilo Joa, Cathy Paluzzi, Secretary and Joana Nazimek, Treasurer.
For more information on Sedgefield Civic Association, click here.
Past Sedgefield Civic Association President Bob Roberti with Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School Sophomore Sydney Petzinger, 100 pounds, wins the 100-pound state title.
Jasmine Aizley, a junior from Allentown teammates wrestling for Team New Jersey, an all-star team that competed at the Cadet and Junior Nationals this past summer in Fargo, North Dakota.
Petzinger was the third state champion crowned during the historic day for girls wrestling. While there were all different levels of girls competing in the first-officially sanctioned season in New Jersey, Petzinger has been wrestling since she was in third grade. She has traveled the country for national tournaments and came to Atlantic City as a nationally ranked wrestler.
PARSIPPANY – 12-year-old Hannah Cerullo of Parsippany, arrived at Jersey Mike’s Subs, 346 Route 10 in East Hanover on Friday, March 1, completely unaware that her wish, granted by Make-A-Wish New Jersey, is about to come true.
Hannah, a seventh grade student at Brooklawn Middle School, is the daughter of Jill and Michael Cerullo. Hannah’s two brothers, Austin and Nathan, joined in the celebration. Hannah was diagnosed with cancer, which spread from her kidneys to her liver and lungs. This brave young warrior underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments and is now cancer free.
Television cameras from a few New York stations as well as NJ News 12 were rolling during the surprise and caught all the action. Hannah was featured on the evening news on Friday, March 1.
Make-A-Wish Surprise Wish Reveal for Hannah
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The vehicles from the television crews were lined up on the side of the shopping center
Surprised by dozens of guests including friends and family, Jersey Mike’s Subs staff, Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers, and other wish families, Hannah was surprised with the exciting news that her wish to travel to Costa Rica and see monkeys in the wild has been granted, and she will depart on her trip in just two short weeks. Upon receiving the news, Hannah was greeted by cheers from her dozens of supporters onsite for her special day.
The surprise wish reveal celebration was hosted by Jersey Mike’s Subs, in honor of the official start of their annual Month of Giving campaign. For the third consecutive year, Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants throughout northern, central and coastal New Jersey will join forces with Make-A-Wish New Jersey throughout the month of March, raising vital funds needed for the organization’s mission to create life-changing wishes for children, like Hannah, with critical illnesses.
Hannah’s wish reveal was announced by staff members from Jersey Mike’s Subs, including Chris Sutton, store manager and a wish brother. Chris’ brother was granted a wish by Make-A-Wish New Jersey nearly 20 years ago. Being able to play a role in granting other children’s wishes through the Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving campaign has become a highlight for Chris that he looks forward to each year.
Hannah received all the details of her upcoming trip followed by a fun-filled sandwich-making challenge between Hannah and her wish coordinator from Make-A-Wish – with the expert assistance from Chris Sutton and the Jersey Mike’s Subs team, too.
Jersey Mike’s Subs will donate to Make-A-Wish Foundation 100% of the proceeds from all sales on Wednesday, March 27 … Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving.” Hannah will return from her Costa Rica vacation just in time for the “Day of Giving.”
Hannah’s parents Jill and Michael Cerullo are Boonton High School graduates.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School Sophomore Sydney Petzinger, 100 pounds, became the first finalist in the history of the NJSIAA/Rothman Orthopaedic Girls State Tournament with a resounding semifinal win Friday evening, March 1 in Atlantic City. Sydney pinned
Anmarie Lebron, Pennsauken, in 2:57.
According to one source, she could be Parsippany’s first state champ in over thirty years.
Petzinger had the honor of becoming the first finalist because she made such short work of her semifinal match.
PARSIPPANY — Central Middle School conducted its FIFTH Annual Spelling Bee, on Tuesday, February 26.
Forty-three classroom spelling bee champions from sixth, seventh and eighth grade eagerly competed for the school championship. Joanne Hirsch, Spelling Bee Coordinator and teacher of English for 40 years in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, organized the competition based on the Scripps National Spelling Bee guidelines.
The eloquent and articulate pronouncer was Mr. Joseph Gillespie, Computer Teacher, and the judges were Mrs. Sarah Hare, Reading Specialist and Miss Adrianna Masotti, student teacher with Mrs. Hirsch. Students had been enthusiastically studying 300 challenging words in preparation for the competition, and after the initial list was exhausted, random words from prior lists were utilized.
Sehaj, Miss Adrianna Masotti, Albin, Mrs. Hirsch, Mrs. Sarah Hare, Mr. Joseph Gillespie and Rahul
This competition provides the opportunity for improvement of spelling and vocabulary skills, as well as word origins and parts of speech.
Albin Mullan, all smiles after he embraced the winning title with the word “kaleidoscope.”
After twelve arduous and intensive rounds, this year’s school champion was an eighth grader, Albin Mullan, who embraced the winning title with the word “kaleidoscope.” He will receive a plaque in his name to be displayed in the school and a free one year subscription to Encyclopaedia Britannica online (courtesy of Scripps National Spelling Bee). Seventh grader Rahul Ramakrishnan came in second and eighth grader Sehaj Munot came in third.
Mrs. Hirsch congratulating Albin MullanThe winners with part of their gifts
PARSIPPANY — While patrolling the area of the Red Roof Inn on Friday, February 22 at 8:14 p.m., Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer R. Taylor observed a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu commit a motor vehicle violation.
He conducted a motor vehicle stop and made contact with the driver, Shanice Spearman, 25, Geneva, NY.
After a brief investigation, Ms. Spearman was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and an open container of Cognac Liquor.
She was placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters for processing. While there, she was charged Possession of Less than 50 Grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Persons Offense; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Persons Offense; Careless Driving, a Traffic Offense; Possession of CDS in an Motor Vehicle, a Traffic Offense and Possession of an Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle, a Traffic Offense.
She was released on her own recognizance pending her court date.
Editor’s 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 — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officers J. Garza and R. Taylor responded to the Red Roof Inn on Friday, February 22 at 12:50 a.m. after developing information about possible prostitution in a specific room at hotel.
Upon their arrival, they spoke to Beatriz Legati, 44, Yonkers, NY. After a brief investigation, she was placed under arrest for prostitution.
She was transported to police headquarters for processing. While there, she was charged with Engaging in Prostitution, a Disorderly Persons Offense.
She was released on her own recognizance pending her court date.
Editor’s 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.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Library sponsors Open Mic Night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.
Morris County Library welcomes performers of all types – musicians, comedians, poets, storytellers and multimedia presenters. Performer are encouraged to sign up in advance. Walk-ins are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. All are invited, though some material may be of an adult nature.
The library will provide a sound system, electronic keyboard, LCD multimedia projection system. For more information and performers sign ups, contact Laurence Ross at (973) 285-6948 or email lross@co.morris.nj.us.
PARSIPPANY — At approximately 5:30 p.m.on Thursday, February 28 a two car motor vehicle accident on Route 46 West near North Beverwyck Road.
Heavy traffic in area due to a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Try to avoid the area. www.parsippanyfocus.com will have complete story when details are made available.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders unanimously introduced county government’s 2019 budget, which will slightly increase the average tax levy for county residents but will provide enhanced social services, public safety, educational opportunities, modern technology, and a continued emphasis on maintaining the county’s key road, bridge, and facilities infrastructure.Freeholders Introduce 2019 County Government Budget
Morris County homeowners will pay an average of just $11.00 more annually, or 0.94 cents each month, in county taxes this year to fund services and programs provided by Morris County government through the $315.3 million 2019 county budget introduced by the Board of Freeholders last night in Morristown.
The proposed $315.3 million includes a tax levy increase of just $11 annually. The price of an average property in Morris County is $462,400.
“We have carefully scrutinized all aspects of county operations to make sure we operate in a lean manner, by running a modern, efficient and cost effective county government,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We believe this is fair and balanced budget, which incorporates all of the critical needs of our residents for the current year, but which also takes a prudent far-reaching look at the county’s future needs.’’
The tax dollars in the proposed operating budget incorporate numerous public safety and social services initiatives, to be offered in many cases with our nonprofit providers who deal with school safety, the opioid epidemic, childcare, emergency medical services, and services and programs for our most vulnerable residents.
The budget positions the county to address emerging challenges and needs by partnering with its 39 municipalities, constitutional offices, nonprofits, and others entities on a variety of programs and projects.
It also addresses the need to maintain the county’s roads and bridges, and its technology, law enforcement, public safety, educational and recreational infrastructure that are key to the county’s high quality of life.
Freeholder Heather Darling
“Through the 2019 budget, our county will continue to be the premier place in New Jersey in which to live, work, and raise a family,’’ said Freeholder Heather Darling, chair of the freeholders’ budget subcommittee. Other members are Freeholders Kathy DeFillippo and Deborah Smith.
“This budget process goes far beyond 2019 by offering financial integrity that will position the county for future challenges. It was developed in coordination with the county’s strategic plan, adhering to the guiding principles developed in that plan, in cooperation with the county’s municipal, school, business, healthcare, nonprofit and community leaders.’’
“The freeholders want to ensure that Morris County remains THE infrastructure leader in New Jersey by continuing major investments in the county’s roads and bridges, the county college and school of technology, county parks, and our excellent public safety and communications systems,’’ said Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, who heads the capital budget subcommittee. Other members are Freeholders John Krickus and Stephen Shaw.
Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo
While maintaining a tight rein on spending, the freeholders’ proposed 2019 operating budget continues to invest in key programs and initiatives that maintain the high quality of life in the county, and look to the future. It maintains and expands public safety initiatives, sustains all human services programs, enhances Stigma-Free tools to deal with the opioid epidemic and mental health issues, and addresses the needs of military veterans.
It supports countywide economic development, protects the county’s top-ranked Triple A bond rating, and preserves a stable level of fund balance required for well-run county governments. In addition, the freeholders are continuing the county’s voter-approved preservation trust fund that finances open space, farmland and historic preservation projects, and provides funding for recreational trails and flood mitigation.
Some new and expanded programs, to be done through partnerships, include:
Expanding Morris County’s EMS Initiative, to offer two additional backup units for as-needed emergency response service to all 39 Morris County municipalities;
The roll-out of “Navigating Hope,’’ which will deliver critical social services programs into the community, and will partner with the Sheriff’s existing Hope One mobile opioid initiative;
Expanding investments in community based Human Services programs operated and managed by nonprofit agencies within the county;
Creating a Ballistics Laboratory in the Sheriff’s Office, to support law enforcement;
Supporting the Responsible School Violence Prevention Program for school districts, as part of a joint initiative of the Freeholders, Sheriff, law enforcement, human services and educational communities;
Developing a new services-oriented county website, and new electronic online forms system for public interaction with county government;
Increased funding for the county park system;
Addressing the Emerald Ash Borer infestation that requires removal of thousands of dying trees along county rights of ways for safety reasons.
The 2019 budget strategically authorizes $33.5 million to responsibly deal with critical infrastructure needs, including county roads and bridges; public safety technology and security enhancements; parks, education and building maintenance needs $18.8 million is dedicated for public works initiatives and includes:
Resurfacing of 25.3 miles of county roads;
Construction of six bridges and design of nine bridges;
Morris View Healthcare, Historic Courthouse and other facilities maintenance projects.
The planned $7.8 million earmarked for bridge projects (to be combined with federal and state dollars) is the highest amount allocated for bridge repair and replacement in six years. Projects will target the county’s lowest rated bridges to ensure continued safety for motorists.
Planned bridge projects include:
Intervale Road in Parsippany;
Palmer Road in Denville/Randolph;
Passaic Street in Chatham Township;
White Bridge Road in Long Hill;
Russia Road in Jefferson Township.
Some other major capital funding:
$6.7 million: County College of Morris campus upgrades, including construction of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center;
$6.6 million: 9-1-1 Communications Center technology upgrades;
$2.2 million: Information Technology equipment and upgrades;
$1.9 million: Park Commission improvements, including renovation of Lees Marina;
$1.6 million: Morris County School of Technology upgrades;
$1.2 million: Head Start Program expansion and renovation (loan to be repaid);
The freeholders will consider adoption of their operating budget at the Wednesday, March 27 evening meeting in Morristown.
Please take a look at the county’s 2019 proposed budget, and PowerPoint presentations on the proposed 2019 operating budget and capital budget.
Morris County Library welcomes performers of all types – musicians, comedians, poets, storytellers and multimedia presenters. Performer are encouraged to sign up in advance. Walk-ins are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. All are invited, though some material may be of an adult nature.
