PATERSON — A 28-year-old Parsippany man was in danger of losing his hand after an item he was carrying exploded Tuesday morning in the city, officials said. Investigators ruled out an incendiary device after responding to the scene along freight train tracks, near 17th Avenue and East 25th Street, according to police. “There was no bomb,”…
Budget Hearings continue tonight; OPRA request for Proposed Budget denied
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., wants to remind residents that a special meeting for the 2015 Budget Hearings continues this evening, Tuesday, May 5. In addition to tonight, there is a meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 14 starting at 6:00 p.m.
The special meetings will be held at Parsippany Municipal Building located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please call (973) 263-4357 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
The Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct Special Meetings for review and discussion of the Mayor’s 2015 Budget Recommendations on the following dates:
- Tuesday, May 5 starting at 6:00 p.m.
| 6:00 p.m. | Public Works, includes Streets and Roads/Condo, Sanitation and Recycling/Tipping Fees | Greg Schneider |
| Engineering / Engineering Cap. | Greg Schneider, Justin Lizza | |
| 7:00 p.m. | Police, includes Animal Control | Chief Paul Philipps |
| Emergency Management | Chief Paul Philipps | |
| 9:00 p.m. | Municipal Court | Al Leal (no attendance required) |
- Thursday, May 14 starting at 6:00 p.m.
| 6:00 p.m. | Library | Jayne Beline and Joseph Weisberg |
| 6:30 p.m. | Water Utility | Paula Cozzarelli and Kevin Ryan |
| 7:00 p.m. | Knoll Utility | Paula Cozzarelli and Glenn Foesel |
| 8:00 p.m. | Finance / Assessing / Collector includes Contingent, Statutory and Deferred |
Ann Cucci |
| Legal / Insurance | ||
| Salary and Wage Discussion |
Note: All times are approximate, with the exception of the start time.
To view the budget hearings from April 23, click here.
In a related matter, Parsippany Focus filed and was denied an OPRA request for the Mayors Proposed Budget Worksheets 2015, which historically has been given out prior to the start of the Budget hearings, and has been posted on www.parsippany.net under “Transparency” section. Click here to review previous years.
It causes concern as to what the Barberio Administration must be hiding. In previous years, Parsippany Focus, posted the proposed Budget Worksheets to keep the public informed and so the public had an opportunity to review the Budget prior to the hearings. Actually, budget worksheets are available on the township website for years 2008-2014.
Township Clerk Yancy stated “We are in receipt of your OPRA request for “the Mayors Proposed Budget Worksheets 2015.” The document you are seeking is an exemption under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1: “Inter-agency or intra-agency advisory, consultative or deliberative material” so your request is denied.
For additional information please contact Yancy Wazirmas, RMC Township Clerk at (973) 263-4350.
Paint the town Purple…. Relay for Life; June 6 and 7
PARSIPPANY — Relay For Life Member Karen DeChristopher and Margie Forman were starting to “Paint The Town Purple” which is a great way to spread the word about Relay For Life to be held on June 6 and June 7 at County College of Morris. Cancer touches us all in one way or the other.
As the American Cancer Society Relay For Life marks 25 years of bringing hope to communities nationwide, volunteers from all over the world have an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in the fight against cancer.
Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement.
There are an estimated 14.5 million cancer survivors in the United States, and that number is expected to grow significantly by 2024.
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.
As the nation’s largest fundraising event, Relay For Life of Central Morris County rallies families, friends, businesses, schools, hospitals, service and faith based organizations in communities throughout Morris County and beyond and is asking you to participate in the event by: starting or joining a team, making a donation, sponsoring the event, purchasing a track sign or just coming out to show your support to those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and by providing an opportunity for everyone to fight back against the disease.. They are also looking for survivors and caregivers, as they would love for you to join Relay For Life so that we can celebrate and honor you during our special Survivor activities and dinner, as well as during the Luminaria Ceremony.
For more information about getting involved, making a donation, sponsoring the event and/or purchasing a track sign, contact Bonnie – bonnie@rainbowpeace.net or call (201) 317-0810. Visit their website by clicking here or like their Facebook page for event details.
Starting to feel like summer in Parsippany
Warmth will surge into Parsippany through the start of the new week as a storm heads slowly out to sea.
Temperatures will trend upward through the beginning of the new week with highs in the 70s on Sunday, followed by 80-degree warmth in many areas Monday and Tuesday.
Following clouds and spotty afternoon showers on Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be free of rain and generally sunny.
The warmth will hang on through Tuesday, but an advancing cold front will ignite an afternoon shower or thunderstorm.
While the front will cut into the warmth and lead to some cooling for the midweek, highs will remain above normal for early May. A quick rebound in temperatures will then follow for later in the week.
72 Graduate from Morris County Law Enforcement Development Course
MORRIS COUNTY — 72 students graduated from Morris County Law Enforcement Development Course on Monday, April 27.
The Law Enforcement Development Course is a 10-week course for college students interested in developing a career in law enforcement.
The course is a cooperative venture of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the county’s Department of Law and Public Safety and the New Jersey Community Affairs Officers Association in partnership with colleges, universities and law enforcement groups throughout New Jersey.
Participants were introduced to the work of law enforcement to broaden their perspectives and understanding of the criminal justice system and to better understand what it takes to enter the field of law enforcement.
“The image of a law enforcement officer, for many, is formed by what they see on television or in the movies,” Kathy DeFillippo said. “The students who take this career development course will soon learn their perception of what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer is not reality.”
“This course was truly amazing, very informative and fun, and I got to meet some real professional law enforcement officers and build relationships with them and with the other students in the class as well, said Nicolas Limanov, one of the graduates. “I learned some neat tricks on how to stand out at an interview and what a perfect resume should look like. And best of all it was all for free because of the so many volunteers from various agencies who took the time out of their busy schedules to come and teach us. Special Thanks to William Schievella for all your hard work in putting together and running this program and the Morris County Freeholders as well for having this in the budget,” he said.
The Law Enforcement Career Development Course is a highly competitive program that was created in 2010, and it is the first of its kind in New Jersey. The course is recommended for college students interested in criminal justice, social sciences, and justice studies, as well as those students who are undecided but have an interest in pursuing careers in the field of legal justice.
Students got a closer look at law enforcement by being exposed to practical scenarios and hands-on instruction.
“The hands-on instruction given to the students is the critical component of this course,” said Freeholder Doug Cabana, the freeholder board’s liaison to Law and Public Safety. “It provides the students with exposure to the real world of law enforcement to help them determine if this career field is right for them.”
The Law Enforcement Career Development Course covered topics ranging from domestic violence, mock crime scenes and defensive tactics to dressing for success, health and wellness and preparing for the written and psychological exams.
The Morris County Public Safety Training Academy is located at 500 West Hanover Ave. in Parsippany.
Recreation Department announce summer sports programs
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Recreation Department announced new summer sports programs for the children of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
For more information including dates, times and pricing. visit the Parsippany Recreation website by clicking here
The following programs are available:
Girls Lacrosse Camp Ages 5-8
Girls Lacrosse Camp Ages 9-14
Boys Lacrosse Camp Ages 5-8
Boys Lacrosse Camp Ages 9-14
Parent and Me: Soccer Ages 2-3
Soccer Squirts 1 Ages 3-5
Soccer Squirts 2 Ages 3-5
Pre-Academy Soccer Ages 5-7
Boys Basketball Camp Ages 5-8
Boys Basketball Camp Ages 9-14
Girls Field Hockey Camp Ages 5-8
Girls Field Hockey Camp Ages 9-14
Multi Sports and Soccer Combo Ages 5-8
Multi Sports Camp Ages 5-8
Soccer Camp Ages 5-8
Multi Sports and Soccer Combo Ages 8-11
Multi Sports Camp Ages 8-11
Soccer Camp Ages 8-11
Total Sports Squirts Ages 3-5
Parent and Me – Sports Ages 2-3
First Baptist Community Church holds annual garage sale
PARSIPPANY — First Baptist Community Church held its annual garage sale on Saturday, May 2.
There was a large assortment of clothing, housewares, pictures, books, electronics, nic nacks and more.
First Baptist Community Church is located at 800 Vail Road.
For more information, click here.
The church was organized on April 14, 1963 with the name of First Baptist Community Church of Parsippany, NJ.
The vision of thechurch shall be to live as an inclusive community of faith, embracing people from all cultural backgrounds and demonstrating that …Christ is our peace who has made us one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility…Ephesians 2:14.
Lake Parsippany Fifth Graders held a car wash
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Fifth Graders held a car wash on Saturday, May 2 at the Parsippany Elks No. 2078 located at 230 Parsippany Road. The students were raising money for their upcoming graduation from Lake Parsippany School. In September the students will be attending Brooklawn Middle School
Spencer Savings holds Grand Opening with lots of fun
PARSIPPANY — Spencer Savings Bank, 1699 Littleton Road, held a grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 24 with lots of fun and promotional offers, iPad raffles, giveaways for everyone in the family.
The main attraction was “Foobie” the friendly talking robot. Hurricane Hank and Jinxx entertained the children by making balloon figures. Terry Carr, WDHA, Radio Personality was at the event meeting people, had games and prizes and was on the air inviting everyone to the event.
In the morning they served breakfast items, including bagels, fruit salad, coffee and more… then around lunch time they turned the menu into sliders or burgers or vegetable burgers, chicken, salad, and other assorted hot items.
Spencer Savings Bank had “goodie” bags filled with gifts for everyone attending.
The new branch is located at 1699 Littleton Road, in the Mack Cali Business Campus.
Their lobby is open Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Drive through is open Monday thru Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Spencer Savings Bank is a full service, mutually owned and operated, community bank headquartered in Elmwood Park. For more than 100 years, Spencer has been maintaining its distinct image of trust, security and commitment to our customers.
Their strong reputation stands out among our competition. By providing a unique and personal approach to banking, we are able to service our customers with an exceptional level of care that can rarely be found at larger banks. They understand the importance of getting to know you as a customer. They focus on providing value, convenience, and personal attention to each and every individual. By taking the time to understand your needs, we become partners in the success of your business and personal financial goals.
Spencer has grown over the years to now operate twenty branch offices throughout North Jersey. Their management team of seasoned bankers leads more than 265 dedicated employees in delivering premier banking services. With their roots as a community bank, they proudly support local business and workforce initiatives in the market areas that we serve, in addition to numerous civic groups, charitable organizations and youth programs.
Morris Freeholder fight spills over to Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — During an April 1st meeting with Morris County Republican Chairman John Sette, Freeholders John Krickus, Dave Scapicchio, and Denville Councilwoman Deborah Smith, longtime Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio’s GOP political consultant Alan Zakin shared with the group that he was working with an organization spearheaded by Fairview Insurance Executive Ryan Graham that was going to spend money in the Parsippany Republican Primary to aid incumbent Councilman Mike dePierro and his team to help defeat incumbent Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. and his running mates, said Freeholders Krickus and Scapicchio today, along with Councilwoman Smith. (To see related article, click here)
Graham and a relative who works at Fairview Insurance, have contributed $5,100 to Freeholder John Cesaro in the past, and recently promoted a fundraiser for Cesaro and his Freeholder running mates. Graham has also given $3,000 to Cesaro’s running mate, Angelo Tedesco. Given those close connections, Krickus and Scapicchio suggested that they might be the next targets of the Democrat PAC, NJ’s Future First during their upcoming Republican Primary for Freeholder against Cesaro and Tedesco.
“We are deeply concerned about deep-pocketed Democrats from Washington, DC and Essex County meddling in Morris County Republican Primary elections,” said Freeholders Krickus. “It started in Parsippany, but the County Freeholder race may very well be next. We’re speaking out because allowing this to go unchallenged would set a terrible precedent.”
Krickus, Scapicchio and Smith urged Chairman Sette to echo his own sentiments expressed at their meeting and in a recent email where the Chairman said he was “shocked and against” the Super PAC’s attempt to influence an intraparty contest in Morris County.
“During the meeting Chairman Sette was as shocked as we were that Alan Zakin was working for an outside group taking sides in a local Republican primary,” stated Freeholder John Krickus.
“Every Republican in the county should be concerned that Democrats are interfering in our elections. Moreover, every taxpayer in the county should be alarmed that out-of-county special interest groups who refuse to disclose their donors are trying to buy local elections,” said Smith.
“Frankly, the whole things stinks to high heaven,” added Freeholder Scapicchio.
Krickus and Scapicchio said multiple news reports about the emergence of a mysterious Democrat Super PAC based in Washington, DC and directed by an Essex County Democratic Committeeman just two weeks after Zakin’s comments was troubling. But it wasn’t until after the pair saw the first Super PAC mailer and a PolitickerNJ.com article linking the outside group to people with taxpayer-funded contracts in Parsippany, that they were convinced there was a connection.
Ryan Graham, who has been the subject of pay-to-play allegations in other New Jersey municipalities, is the insurance broker in Parsippany-Troy Hills. Council President Carifi has sought to oust Graham and his firm from that spot for what Carifi alleged was political favoritism and excessive costs to taxpayers. According to Federal Election Commission reports, Graham is a big-time donor to national Democrats, which would put him in contact with the high-powered Democrat fundraiser serving as Treasurer of the controversial Super PAC operating in Parsippany according to Internal Revenue Service records made public last week.
Parsippany’s Pay-to-Play Ordinance
Parsippany’s pay-to-play ordinance, 2010:02 was one of the first ordinances Mayor Barberio and then Parsippany Councilman, John Cesaro, had directed Township Attorney John Inglesino to re-write. The original ordinance, created a year earlier, prohibited professionals who contracted with the township from donating to Morris County Political parties. The amended ordinance, removed that prohibition. “At the time I did the analysis back in 2010, I concluded that the Morris County Republican Committee is not a “continuing political committee,” Inglesino told Parsippany Focus. “That conclusion is consistent with the 2009 ordinance because the 2009 ordinance limited contributions to ‘contributing political committees’ AND the Morris County Committees. The 2009 ordinance made clear that Morris County Committees stood alone and was not a term to be included within the definition of “contributing political committee”. The express purpose for removing the Morris County Committees from the ordinance was so that Township vendors who made contributions to the Morris County Republican and/or Democratic County Committees would not be in violation of Parsippany’s pay to play ordinance. Therefore, the Parsippany pay to play ordinance does not apply to Parsippany vendors who make contributions to the Morris County Republican and/Democratic Committees.”
To read Parsippany’s pay-to-play ordinance, Click here.
Editors Correction: In a previous version, the first paragraph included the word “and” after Mayor James Barberio’s name, which appeared that he was at the meeting. Mr. Barberio was not at the meeting, just longtime Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio’s GOP political consultant Alan Zakin.
Parsippany Focus is also adding another quote from Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney. Before the story was published, there were rumors circulating that Parsippany’s Pay-to-Play ordinance was allegedly violated, and Parsippany Focus requested information from Mr. Inglesino, and in his response he stated “Please be advised that I, as Township Attorney for the Township of Parsippany – Troy Hills (the “Township”), review all allegations of violations of the Township’s pay to play law, and that I have reviewed the alleged violations referenced in your email to the Township’s Business Administrator, Ellen Sandman, on even date herewith. If I were to find a violation of Parsippany’s pay to play law by a Township professional, then that professional’s contract with the Township would be terminated in accordance with the subject ordinance. With respect to the allegations involving Mr. Trimboli and Mr. Graham, please be advised that the original ordinance was subsequently amended several years ago to remove prohibitions regarding contributions to County Committees (both Republican and Democrat) and Political Action Committees. Thus, any contributions made to the Morris County Republican Committee are NOT covered by the subject ordinance.”
We did not publish this in our story, because after investigation we determined, as did Mr. Inglesino, that there was no violation in the Parsippany ordinance, and felt this quote (information) did not apply to this story, but Mr. Inglesino requested that we publish this quote, as promised.