MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations John R. Speirs announce the implementation of a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) checkpoint this weekend in Randolph Township.
The checkpoint is a result of a grant the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has received from the State Division of Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct DWI checkpoints at various locations throughout Morris County. The County DWI Enforcement Grant is designed to establish checkpoints in cooperation with municipal departments throughout Morris County.
A checkpoint is scheduled this weekend in Randolph Township. Further dates will be announced in the future. The grant is in effect until the end of September 2016.
PARSIPPANY — The rumors have been flying for months. When Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (parent company of Pathmark) announced their bankruptcy, Pathmark Parsippany wasn’t on any of the lists of locations being purchased. It was just a matter of time the store would end up on the list of stores being closed.
Parsippany Pathmark liquidation started this morning with discounts up to 30% off (although most items are 10% off).
More than 80 employees will be released from their jobs on November 26 – Thanksgiving Day according to WARN notices filed by the company late August.
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, parent company for A&P and Pathmark, announced on Monday, July 20 that it has filed for bankruptcy.
Montvale-based A&P has told U.S. Bankruptcy Court that it is still seeking buyers for some 60 unsold stores, including Parsippany and five others in North Jersey, but that any stores that fail to find buyers will close by Thanksgiving.
Acme and Stop & Shop, which purchased a total of 96 A&P-owned stores, have moved quickly to convert them to their operations. On Thursday, Stop & Shop closed the Pathmark store at 25 Kinnelon Road in Kinnelon for remodeling, and announced that the store would reopen as a Stop & Shop on October 30.
Pathmark occupied 64,209 square feet in the Troy Hills Shopping Center. Troy Hills Shopping Center has a total of 207,000 square feet. Other stores include Michaels, Petco and LA Fitness.
The following was sent to the Board of Education members on Thursday, October 22 in regards to the consultant that was recently hired by the district to investigate the middle school fiasco at the start of the school year. While I am sure Dr. Centolanza is more than qualified to conduct such an investigation, the question at hand is whether or not a conflict of interest exists and whether he can conduct a full and impartial investigation.
To the Parsippany Board of Education,
First and foremost, I want to thank the Board for conducting an investigation into the middle school fiasco. I think an outside source will hopefully reveal the issues that went wrong to avoid these issues from happening again.
Prior to the Board meeting of his appointment on October 15, there was no clear indicators on who this candidate may be. While he seems to be highly qualified, I just want to share something that I discovered and ensure that there is no conflict with his appointment.
Based on LinkedIn profiles that can be viewed online, it appears both individuals were employed by the Paterson Public School district between 2001 and 2004.
At the time, Mr. Rixford was the Principal of the Alexander Hamilton Academy (October 2001 – August 2005) and Dr. Louis Centolanza was a Consultant (September 2001-June 2004 – Job Desciption as consultant – to provide technical assistance through comprehensive planning, guidance, facilitation and evaluation in the areas of Governance, Personnel, Supervision of Staff, Role of Assistant Superintendents and School Programs, between July 1, 2002 and November 30, 2002, at an amount not to exceed $27,000.00.
Additionally, Mr. Rixford was the Assistant Superintendent of the Paterson School District (August 2005 – July 2006) while Dr. Louis Centolanza was the Interim Superintendent / Board Secretary to the Passaic County Educational Services Commision (March 2005 – June 2007.)
For reference, I have included a link to both individuals linked in page as reference.
Once again, while he seems to be an ideal candidate to conduct such an investigation, I just want to disclose this information in that there very well may be a conflict based on the ties to working together in the Paterson School District and the fact that the two were Superintendents in Passaic County during the same time period.
Thanks for your time and hopefully this matter can come to a close and the district can continue to move forward.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Tyhan Lighty, 44, with a last known address in Orange, has been indicted by a Morris County Grand Jury on charges related to an armed robbery that occurred on May 18, 2014 in the parking garage of the Morristown Medical Center complex on Madison Avenue in Morristown.
On Thursday, October 22, an indictment was returned against Tyhan Lighty, charging him with Robbery (first degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (second degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (second degree), and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (second degree).
On May 18, 2014, at approximately 10:53 a.m., the Morristown Police Department was contacted regarding an armed robbery in the parking garage of the Morristown Medical Center. Information revealed that a male who was armed with a handgun entered a parking lot complex office and demanded money from an employee. The suspect then fled the location.
An extensive, multiagency investigation then ensued. Following investigative leads the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit detectives ultimately identified Lighty as the perpetrator.
On May 4, 2015, Tyhan Lighty was charged by way of warrant-complaints with crimes related to this incident. On June 18, 2015, Lighty was arrested by officers with the East Orange Police Department on the outstanding warrant related to this incident. He was later transferred to the custody of detectives with the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morristown Police Department. Thereafter, bail was set at $250,000 without a ten percent option and Lighty was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Morristown Bureau of Police, East Orange Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit for their efforts in apprehending this defendant.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, the Morristown Police Department at (973) 538-2200, or Crimestoppers at (973) 267-2255.
PARSIPPANY — At the October 20 Par-Troy Township Council meeting, local resident Julia Peterson questioned members of the Governing Body, Mayor Barberio and Township Attorney John Inglesino, on the status of approximately 130 acres of land the Township was to acquire from a local developer as part of a global lawsuit settlement.
In 2013 the Township Council authorized Mayor Barberio to settle a long standing lawsuit brought on by real estate developer Ed Mosberg. The settlement in part permitted Mosberg to build 52 Townhomes along Smith Road. In exchange, Mosberg was to deed over approximately 130 acres of land including the historic Forge Pond area and the surrounding woodlands.
Responding to Mrs. Peterson’s question, Inglesino declared the issue ‘moot’ as the time for accepting ownership of the land had expired and the Township no longer had a claim for the property. Development of the of 52 Townhouse complex is nearly complete. Inglesino went on to explain that had the Township accepted the 130 acres, there was a possibility that Parsippany would be responsible for cleanup of possible contaminants in and around the former pond. The original property was an Iron Forge several hundred years ago and after Route 80 was built to the North of the property 40 years ago, stormwater run-off drained into the pond before eventually making its way downstream and into Troy Meadows.
Inglesino acknowledged that no testing had been done since the lawsuit was settled in 2013.
Mike dePierro, a Councilman who agreed to the original settlement, responded to Inglesino’s explanation, “John along those lines though I’ve accepted your explanation for several years now on this and I’m beginning to not want to accept it anymore . I’m prone right now to say why don’t we spend the money, do an environmental impact and see exactly what it is we think may or may not be there, because we don’t know. I’d rather spend the money and take the 130 acres he owes us than sit here and speculate what may or may not be there.”
Parsippany Focus confirmed that Mosberg had granted the Township several extensions over the past two years to accept the property but the last extension had lapsed and with it any claim the Township had to the property.
Speaking directly to Inglesino at the Council meeting, former Councilman Jonathan Nelson, who also voted for the settlement, said, “I feel like a jerk that I sold this settlement to the public. The Council never would have settled had we known the Mayor would not accept the land.”
Inglesino admitted that while he could never say that the land would never be developed, he expressed doubt that the land would be built on “in the very near future.”
Councilman Louis Valori told Parsippany Focus after the meeting, “I thought the town was in the process of acquiring this land for open space. This track of land was a bonus for the town to prevent over-development, which puts a strain on the Township. This issue has to be discussed in great detail at the next council meeting.”
“The Waterview tract has been getting all the headlines for the past two years but the area around Forge Pond is over five times the size of Waterview,” Jonathan Nelson told Parsippany Focus after the Council meeting. “I can’t even say I’m surprised anymore. After nearly six years in office, what can Mayor Barberio point to as a single accomplishment in preserving open space like he promised? 130 acres of beautiful land fell right into his lap, and he blew it. When a new housing development is built on that property I hope they name it ‘Barberio Estates,’ because that will be his lasting legacy.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief William Craig of the Jefferson Township Police Department are seeking information from the public concerning an incident that occurred on the early morning of Saturday, September 19 in Jefferson Township.
On Saturday, September 19 at approximately 4:00 am, a passerby reported observing a person lying in the roadway of Route 15 North, near Edison Road in Jefferson Township. Members of the Jefferson Township Police Department responded and found an injured male, later identified as Michael Adams, 24, who appeared to have been struck by an unknown vehicle.
It is believed that Michael was struck between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Michael was transported to St. Clare’s Dover Campus and was later pronounced as deceased at the hospital.
Michael was a lifelong resident of Jefferson Township and a graduate of Pope John XXIII High School. He also attended Montclair State University. Michael was a driver for High Grade Beverage and a part-time cook at Mason Street Pub. He also served in the United States Army Reserves.
A joint investigation by the Jefferson Township Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is currently ongoing and active. Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying anyone who may have knowledge of this incident and/or the circumstances leading to Michael Adams’ death.
The family of Michael Adams has offered a $20,0000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone responsible for his death. The Jefferson Township Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office are not involved in any aspect of the reward being offered.
Any person with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Jefferson Township Police Department at (973) 697-1300.
Any person with information can also reach out directly to the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at (973) 267-2255 or click here. Information can be provided to CrimeStoppers anonymously.
PARSIPPANY — There is a report of a suspicious powder found at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, 100 Interpace Parkway.
On the scene is Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 5 Hazmat team, Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 2, Morris County Hazmat team, Parsippany Emergency Medical Services and Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance.
As details become available Parsippany Focuswill update this breaking news story.
MORRIS COUNTY — An amended state law that took effect in August imposes strict new limits on the pick up and delivery of “vote by mail’’ ballots, limiting any individual to just three ballots that can be obtained or delivered to county elections officials. That is a reduction from the previous state limit of 10 ballots that could be picked up by a surrogate for other voters.
Also, the amended law requires any person dropping off mail ballots to show valid identification, such as a New Jersey driver’s license or other form of identification recognized as official by the federal, state, or county governments. That identification must include the full address of the person and a signature.
The change in Public Law 2015, Chapter 84 – concerning bearers and messengers of ballots – could impact facilities such as nursing homes or hospitals where social workers collect the mail-in ballots and delivers them in large numbers to elections offices.
Also, it could impact local campaign efforts to collect mail-in-ballots from groups of voters in a town, especially senior citizens, and deliver them to the county elections office.
In a recent local fire election in Ocean County, one candidate’s campaign collected and delivered 150 mail-in ballots and delivered them to county Board of Elections, only to have all of them rejected because the “bearer” portion of the envelope was not completed by the person delivering the ballots.
“We are working to get the word out to the public prior to the next election so there is no confusion and no eligible Morris County voters is disenfranchised,’’ said Dale Kramer, administrator of the Morris County Board of Elections.
“This will most likely affect larger institutions, such as hospitals, and nursing homes, from which large numbers of mail-in ballots are many times carried to the county for their residents by one or two persons. That is not acceptable anymore.’’
Notices of the changed voting rules have been sent to county and local Republican and Democratic committees, municipal clerks in all 39 Morris County towns, and healthcare facilities. The new rule also has been posted on the Morris County Board of Elections website.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Elks, in conjunction with the Parsippany PAL, will host a hoop shoot contest at the Parsippany PAL building on Baldwin Road on Sunday, November 8, starting at 10:00 a.m.
The contest is open to boys and girls who will be aged 8 to 13 on April 1, 2016. A copy of the child’s birth certificate should be presented at the time of registration.
Registration will be held at 10:00 a.m. for children aged 8 to 9, with the contest to start at 10:30 a.m. Registration will be at 10:30 a.m. for those aged 10 to 11, with the contest starting at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Children aged 12 and 13 will register at 11:00 a.m. and the contest will start at approximately 11:30 p.m.
At the conclusion of the contest, the winners will receive trophies and given instructions regarding the district contest. Pizza and refreshments will be available to all the contestants and their families.
For more information call Bill Wall, youth activities chairman at the Parsippany Elks Lodge 2078 at (973) 879-9633.
PARSIPPANY — Amanda Lyons, a member of Morris Catholic High School Class of 2016, was named a National Merit semifinalist. More than 1.5 million students across the country take the PSAT, the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Less than one percent of high school seniors in each state are named semifinalists.
The Parsippany resident is one of two from the three high schools sponsored by the Diocese of Paterson.
Last spring she was named the recipient of the Sister Joseph Marie – Crusader Award for Academic Distinction, a recognition given to a junior who has achieved principal’s honors for each quarter while a student a MCHS. Lyons was the sole recipient.
Both teachers and peers recognize the joy Lyons finds in learning, and she has especially distinguished herself in writing and world languages, the school noted. “Amanda embodies the meaning of scholarship seeking understanding. We are proud of her.”
Mayank Parikh, Council Candidate Nick Kumburis and Mahendra Trivedi
PARSIPPANY — Dozens of supporters gathered at Baadshah Restaurant Thursday night, October 15, to support the Council Candidate team of Janice McCarthy, Greg Elbin and Nick Kumburis.
Hosted by Parth Parikh, the candidates each spoke on the hot-topic issues facing Parsippany, including Waterview, township legal fees, and the impact of Super Pac funding during the primary.
The night was capped off by a passionate speech by Parsippany Environmental Advisory Board Member Harshad Anjaria focusing on the importance of Parsippany’s key environmental issues.
For more information on the three candidates, click here.
Greg Elbin, Harshad Anjaria (Environmental Committee, Parsippany Indian Association) and Janice McCarthy
Parsippany Positive “Fiscally Responsible, Socially Responsible, ” working to build consensus on the Town Council to support an open and transparent town government that advocates for spending accountability and responsible development.
PARSIPPANY — Making Strides Parsippany had 377 teams 3,652 participants and raised $394,394.42 at the time this story was published. The local event was held in the Mack-Cali Business Campus, 4 Century Drive.
The top three companies donating were Atlantic Health System $29,161.02; Quest Diagnostics $16,818 and Realogy $11,024.
The top three teams were Michele’s Cancer Crusaders $16,718; Team Realogy $11,024 and AFR Ladybugs $9,084.11.
Some area groups participating raised: Team Realogy $11,024, Parsippany-Troy Hills School District raised $2,756.00; Hilton and Hampton Parsippany raised $1,177.00 for today’s event.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting nearly 300 communities with a shared determination to finish the fight against breast cancer. Passionate walk participants raise critical funds that enable the American Cancer Society to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by breast cancer; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it is most treatable.
The money raised through Making Strides walks help the American Cancer Society finish the fight against breast cancer by funding groundbreaking breast cancer research; providing free, comprehensive information and support for those touched by breast cancer; and helping people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it is most treatable. Search for a Making Strides participant, by name or by team, to support their fundraising effort. Or simply make a general donation to help finish the fight.
Flag drapped over the ladders from District 5 and District 6
Members of Fire Department District 6 and Rockaway Meadow Volunteer Ambulance Squad
Taner Uygun and Andres Giraldo
377 teams 3,652 participants in today’s Making Strides
The Ruggiero Family
Jennifer Mazo and Enzo Gaya
Parsippany High School Cheerleaders
Nicolas Limanov and Alyssa Hockey
Parsippany Hills High School Viking Cheerleaders
377 teams 3,652 participants in today’s Making Strides
Parsippany Hills High School Viking Cheerleaders
Parsippany Hills High School Viking Cheerleaders
Participants in Making Strides
Parsippany Hills High School Cheerleaders
Parsippany High School Cheerleaders
Olivia Nicoletti and Isabella Rocco
Team PTHSD
Daniel Rodriguez Tommy Nowicki, Nick Bucciarelli, Alex Rodrigues, Nigel Feliz, Steven Adkins and Kevin Leon
Lauren Vuolo and Gabrielle Blo
Jenna Walfstedt, Melissa Nootny, Ryan Homler, James Kinzer, Erika Gripp, Ally Schlosser, Steven Patracuolla, Daniella Spillert, Savannah Cerrato
Colby, Logan and Rylie Van Wingerden
Alyssa Hockey and Jaleesa Tinord
Alyssa MArino and Andrea Delgado
Two Vikings walking in the 5K walk
The Finish Line
For more information on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, click here.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — This is not your usual college planning seminar!
The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA in Mountain Lakes will be hosting a free program on Monday, November 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. that will offer you a chance to get all your pertinent college questions answered.
Get valuable advice from experts in their field, including: admissions, financial aid, new student programs, and more. Program is free and all teens and parents welcome. No membership required but please pre-register online by clicking here or by calling (973) 334-2820.
Wesley College President Robert E. Clark II, Michelle Yost and Field Hickey Head Coach Tracey Short
PARSIPPANY — Michelle Yost, Field Hockey/Softball was recently named to the Wesley College Athletics Hall of Fame. She is a 2004 graduate of Wesley College, and a 2001 Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.
Her parents are Galen and Pat Yost, Parsippany.
During her high school years, she played field hockey, basketball and softball. Currently she is a physical education teacher at Parsippany High School and is the freshman field hockey coach.
Yost was a great dual-sport athlete at Wesley College, earning a combined four All-PAC selections, two for field hockey and two for softball.
She finished her field hockey career with a pair of conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. In softball, she set several offensive records. Yost remains in the top 10 in hits, doubles, slugging percentage, and RBI, and still holds the program records in career triples and single-season triples.
The Wesley College Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1983 to recognize alumni, coaches and other members of the Wesley College Athletics community for outstanding contributions.
MORRIS COUNTY — NJ Board of Nursing Public Advocate, Avery Hart of Kinnelon, has announced she is a candidate for NJ Assembly in District #26, challenging Jay Webber and Betty DeCroce. She has been endorsed by the Sierra Club and other groups.
“I care deeply physical, emotional, and economic well-being of people, and the health of the environment,” she said in a prepared statement. “And I know from my work of the NJ Board of Nursing that NJ has a looming health care crisis, due to a nursing shortage and problems in home health care. I want to take my problem solving skills to Trenton to avert that crisis.”
“If the incumbents were doing a good job for the people of New Jersey, I wouldn’t run. But their votes have not helped our state. For instance, they voted against meeting NJ’s pension obligations and that contributed to the lowering of NJ bond-ratings. And they’ve really done nothing to help solve NJ’s on-going property tax problems. Even worse, Webber is the NJ Chair of the notorious ALEC, the front group that pushes corporate written laws. And Decroce takes multiple pensions from the state – all tax payer money. According to NJ Watch Dog she is the #1 “double dipper” in the Assembly. Lastly, their talk does not match their actions. For example, they talk about transparent government, but voted against opening the books of the Port Authority and private prisons.”
A retired Clinical Psychotherapist, Hart is also an award-winning playwright and author, whose books have been translated into several languages. “My life experience has uniquely prepared me to serve as an Assemblywoman,” she said in a prepared statement. “I’ve successfully held positions in the judicial, educational, medical systems, and was also involved in the arts, which taught me the value of thinking outside the box.”
In Kinnelon, Hart created,a grassroots environmental group, called Kinnelon Conserves. She wrote a Citizen’s Petition signed by nearly1400 voters that helped defeat artificial turf in the Highlands preservation zone, saving tax-payers over $1.7 million.
“Webber and DeCroce caused a lot of discord in Kinnelon because artificial turf was not allowed there until they co-sponsored a bill to permit it. They also voted by abstention to allow the Pilgrim Pipeline to run through four district towns, including Parsippany, I would have voted NO since the pipeline offers residents 100% risk and no benefit whatsoever.
It seems clear to me that health – physical, economic, or environmental – is not on their to-do list. How else can you explain their vote to refuse US Medicaid dollars that would have insured thousands of residents at no extra cost to NJ taxpayers? Presumably they voted to help Gov. Christie’s presidential campaign in Iowa. But the result in New Jersey is more crowded emergency rooms and fewer insured patients.”
“What drives me is a vision of New Jersey as a renewed Garden State where opportunity and creativity abound, the truly vulnerable are protected, quality health care is accessible, and the natural environment is protected. My goal as an Assemblywoman will be to bring fresh air, positive energy, and sensible innovation to our state to accomplish those goals.”
PARSIPPANY — Mwaura Muroki, Vice President Commerical Loans, Valley National Bank presentedahold a small business financing seminar for businesses with sales revenue up to $1 million. The event took place at IHOP, 792 Route 46.
As part of the breakfast meeting, members had the opportunity to network and talk about their business.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. PACC works with local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. They promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.
PACC members listening to the presentation by Valley National Bank
Valley National Bancorp is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey with over $19 billion in assets. Its principal subsidiary, Valley National Bank, currently operates 217 branch locations serving 24 counties throughout northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, and southeast and central Florida. Valley National Bank is one of the largest commercial banks headquartered in New Jersey and is committed to providing the most convenient service, the latest in product innovations and an experienced and knowledgeable staff with a high priority on friendly customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information about Valley National Bank and its products and services, please visit www.valleynationalbank.com or call our 24/7 Customer Service Center at (800) 522-4100.
For more information, please contact Ildiko Peluso, Territory Sales Manager, at (201) 280-5652 oripeluso@valleynationalbank.com.
PARSIPPANY — With the general election just a few weeks away, The Puddingstone Community is hosting a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Tuesday, October 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
There are six candidates running for three open positions on Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. The candidates will be discussing their qualifications and platforms as well as taking questions from the audience.
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Michael dePierro and Council Candidate Loretta Gragnani
The democratic ticket is Janice McCarthy, Nick Kumburis and Greg Elbin. On the Republican ticket is Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Michael J. dePierro and new comer Loretta Gragnani.
The Puddingstone Community Club is located at 24 High Ridge Road.
For additional information and RSVP please contact: Phil Eden at (862) 251-0281 or email by clicking here or Tom Williams at (973) 540-9691 or by emailing by clicking here.
Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you are not sure where to vote, you can click here, or you can call Morris County Board of Elections at (973) 285-8350.
Parsippany Focus will be publishing live updates of the results on Election night, starting at 8:00 p.m.
Where to vote in Parsippany:
Ward
District
Location
00
01
Public Safety Training Academy
500 West Hanover Avenue, Morris Plains
Classroom 141
GPS: 40.835486, -74.519031
00
02
Fire House – Powder Mill
60 South Powder Mill Road
Squad Room
GPS: 40.857957, -74.490975
00
03
Intervale School
60 Pitt Road
Gym
GPS: 40.8816981, -74.4225234
Morris County has initiated a new state-approved and state-financed pilot program for Medicaid that will employ an outside contractor, Xerox Corp., to process tens of thousands of Medicaid eligibility determinations annually, which should reduce case backlogs and result in more timely decisions, without adding new full-time staff to the county’s payroll.
The County Department of Human Services recently finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the state Department of Human Services to shift the processing of Medicaid eligibility determinations from the County Welfare Office to Xerox, which is the state’s Health Benefits Coordinator.
However, long term care and emergency applications will remain with the county. Also, county employees will continue to assist clients to apply for Medicaid on-line using the NJ FamilyCare application that will be sent directly to Xerox for processing.
The transfer of Medicaid determinations will free up county Human Services employees to provide additional support in other benefit programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, General Assistance and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance.
Freeholder Hank Lyon
“This pilot program will have a positive impact on our community, reducing the backlogs and wait times, better serving individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans, while also benefitting the taxpayers of Morris County,” said Freeholder Hank Lyon, who is the county governing board’s liaison on Human Services issues.
“For the past several years, the economic climate has been fraught with challenges for government, particularly for the Human Services system,’’ said Morris County Director of Human Services Jennifer Carpinteri. “With the implementation of Medicaid expansion and changes in various funding streams that support some of our most critical services, we must look at our infrastructure to find efficiencies while continuing to provide high quality services.”
“This pilot program will have a positive impact on our community, reducing the backlogs and wait times, better serving individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans,” said Freeholder Hank Lyon, who is the county governing board’s liaison on Human Services issues.
The goals of the Morris County pilot project are to improve timely and appropriate eligibility determinations and improve customer experience:
All new and re-determination community Medicaid cases in Morris County would be shifted to Xerox. As of October 15, there were 33,253 Medicaid cases in Morris County in 2015.
New Morris County applicants would be directed to apply online by clicking here. Online applications would be routed electronically to the Health Benefits Coordinator’s state-approved system, which would assume responsibility for the case with state oversight.
Morris County will maintain eligibility determination responsibility for all new and existing long-term care, aged, blind and disabled, and medical emergency cases.
MORRIS COUNTY — Some Morris County staff will be re-assigned to provide additional workers in other units to reduce backlogs and help meet compliance and timelines issues in other benefit programs.
This pilot will allow the county to ensure federal compliance without hiring additional staff.
As a result of Medicaid expansion in 2014, county caseloads increased by more than 50 percent statewide, including in Morris County. County welfare agencies struggled to keep pace with increased volume. It resulted in significant backlogs in Morris County.
To reduce the strain, the state shifted pending cases and new online applications to Xerox. While this action helped a bit, Morris County still was unable to keep pace with the need for public assistance. The new pilot project is expected to make a major difference.
“This “out-of-the-box” business model will be the first of its kind in New Jersey, and the state and county are equally motivated to explore this pilot together,” said Valerie Harr, Director of the Department of Human Services’ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, which administers Medicaid.
“Partnering with the state is advantageous to both the state and Morris County,” she added.
To further explore efficiencies, Morris County will partner with community providers to assist clients is applying for Medicaid online, with applications sent directly to Xerox for processing. This is an opportunity to potentially save transportation costs and overtime costs, while fostering a client-friendly approach to accessing services.
For more information, click here.
For more information on Medicaid, click here.
For the NJ FamilyCare application, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Patrolmen E. Giordano, E. Ebanks, and J. Mendez responded to the Parsippany Inn, 2939 Route 10, at 1:21 a.m. on Friday, October 16 for an active fight between two individuals. Upon arrival of Patrolman E. Giordano, found William Cole, 47, Morris Plains, outside the building with facial injuries and Victor Columbo, 37, Parsippany, inside the building with a stab wound to the abdominal area.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police spokesman Patrolman Brian Conover, stated on Tuesday, October 20, “Mr. Columbo was not released from the Morristown Medical Center on Friday and his bail of $35,000 was rescinded. He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.”
First Aid was immediately rendered to Mr. Columbo by Patrolman E. Giordano. Patrol Lieutenant D. McConnell, Patrol Sergeant R. Carrozzino, Detective M. Czajka, Patrolwoman M. Kardos, Patrolman C. Silva along with Patrol units from Denville Police Department and Morris Plains Police Department arrived on scene to assist.
Two ambulances from the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance squad treated Mr. Columbo and Mr. Cole.
Detective M. Czajka conducted his preliminary investigation and both individuals were placed under arrest and transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and assisted with processing the area. A kitchen type knife was recovered from the scene.
Once Mr. Columbo and Mr. Cole were released from Morristown Medical Center they were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Mr. Columbo was charged with Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily injury with a bail of $35,000.
Mr. Cole was charged with Aggravated Assault causing injury with a Weapon, Possession of a weapon with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon with a bail of $50,000.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.
Editors Note: A complaint or a charge 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.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — This is not your usual college planning seminar!
