PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council voted Tuesday, July 21, to remove Frank Neglia and Dr. Bhagirath Maheta from the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Council President Judy Hernandez made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman Matthew Kavanagh.
During the roll call vote, Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. voted no, and Councilman Matt McGrath abstained. When Councilman McGrath asked why the removal was being made, Business Administrator Khaled Madin indicated he did not have an answer to give on the record. Kavanagh, Council Vice President Diya Patel and Hernandez voted yes.
The motion passed by a vote of three to one, with one abstention.
Maheta served as Vice Chairman for the past four years. Neglia was recently appointed to the committee in January, after serving four years on the Township Council. Position for Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary is elected by the members of the committee.
Chairman Frank Cahill said, “I was unaware of any proposed changes until this evening, when the motion was presented and the Township Council made its decision. My position has always been to serve Parsippany’s business community and help every local business prosper.”
Other committee members include Cahill, Nick Sota, Robert Peluso, Nick Rafanello, Jigar Shah, Raviram Medapati, Cassara Grasso, Steven Mandel and Mahesh Prajapati.
The purpose of the Economic Development Advisory Committee is to serve in an advisory capacity. It shall, upon request of the Township Council, provide information, advice, and recommendations relating to the promotion of economic development in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
The committee shall consist of 11 members, five of whom shall be appointed by the mayor and six of whom shall be appointed by the council.
Members shall have demonstrated an interest in the economic well-being of the township. Each member shall be chosen with a special view to qualifications and fitness for service on the committee. Members shall serve without compensation.
