Governor Signs Bucco Bill Keeping Federal Aid in School Districts

Frank L. Cahill
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Governor Signs Bucco Bill Keeping Federal Aid in School Districts

MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco that would help school districts better utilize state military impact aid for the benefit of students was signed into law by Governor Murphy.

The bipartisan bill, S-3089, would allow a school district board of education that received unanticipated State military impact aid in the 2021-2022 school year to establish a military impact aid reserve account in its annual budget. (Click here to view Bill S-3089)

Under the bill, at its discretion, the board may use the funds in the reserve account for general fund expenses.

“I am pleased the Governor signed this measure into law today. By holding these badly needed but unanticipated funds in reserve, districts like Rockaway Township Schools in my district can ensure the money is responsibly appropriated to provide help where it is most needed,” said Bucco (R-25). “The money fills a crucial void in Rockaway’s budget, created when Washington failed to deliver federal impact aid to help pay for educational costs for military children in the schools.

“This bipartisan bill will help maximize funding intended to ease the added burden on local property taxpayers,” Bucco continued.

When legislation was signed in June 2022 providing additional state school aid to districts impacted by the loss of federal impact aid, the Rockaway Township School District was one of two qualifying districts.

A district would be eligible for this aid if it received a Basic Support Payment of federal Impact Aid in the prior fiscal year and the district provides free public education to federally connected children whose parents are on active duty in the uniformed services. This aid is critical to Rockaway Township, which hosts Picatinny Arsenal.

“The federal government had an obligation to underwrite the cost of educating children of our military men and women, but when the money didn’t arrive, local families were stuck paying the bill,” Bucco said. “This law is the next step in mitigating the unfair treatment of local residents.”

Burglaries Target Businesses Along Parsippany’s Route 46

Frank L. Cahill
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Burglaries Target Businesses Along Parsippany’s Route 46

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department is investigating a series of burglaries reported along the Route 46 corridor in Parsippany.

According to the authorities, these burglaries occurred at night and targeted several commercial businesses.

A Parsippany Police spokesperson said that the police are in the early phases of the investigation. They actively discuss with the affected businesses and victims to gather crucial information. However, as of now, no arrests have been made in connection with these incidents.

Police are also advising businesses to keep their alarm systems activated. If your alarms are not monitored by an alarm company, don’t hesitate to contact the police department as soon as they are activated.

“Businesses may have been the target last night, but we encourage all residents of Parsippany to remain diligent and proactive in keeping their homes, belongings, and vehicles secured so they don’t become an easy target for criminals,” police said.

Local business owners have been urged to take necessary precautions to safeguard their establishments and valuables, including money when closing for the day.

 
 

Parsippany-Troy Hills Project Halted: Stop-Work Order Issued

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Project Halted: Stop-Work Order Issued

PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) issued a stop-work order on June 29 to Ultimate Framing L.L.C. of Newark for their work in Parsippany-Troy Hills. The work site is at the Parq Housing Project, 100-900 Lanidex Plaza.

The stop-work order was initiated by NJDOL’s Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance after conducting a site inspection. During the inspection, multiple workers were interviewed and reported several alleged violations by the company. These violations include workers being paid in cash without statutory deductions and not receiving pay stubs. Additionally, the workers claimed they were not given earned sick leave, a mandated benefit in New Jersey.

The charges against Ultimate Framing L.L.C. include improper classification of construction workers, failure to properly classify employees properly, not providing a statement of deductions, and not providing earned sick leave.

Ultimate Framing L.L.C. has requested a hearing to contest the stop-work order. As of the announcement, no monetary assessments have been made.

It’s worth noting that since July 2019, the NJDOL has issued 110 stop-work orders to protect workers’ rights and enforce state labor laws and regulations. These stop-work orders are used to halt work that exploits workers or is found to be noncompliant with state labor laws.

Employers have the right to appeal a stop-work order, and if they choose to do so, NJDOL must schedule a hearing within seven days. The department also continues to monitor locations where stop-work orders have been issued. Employers found to be conducting business in violation of the order may face civil penalties of $5,000 per day.

The stop-work order may be lifted once all remaining back wages and penalties have been paid and all related issues have been resolved.

For more information on worker benefits and protections in New Jersey, individuals can visit the NJDOL website by clicking here. This resource provides information about workers’ rights, benefits, and how to report labor law violations.

Letter to the Editor: Thank you Councilman Musella

Frank L. Cahill
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Dear Editor:

I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Councilman Justin Musella publicly.

I have been dealing with an issue that escalated and had the potential to become dangerous. Complaints were made, but there was never any follow-through, and the issue remained.

Frustrated and discouraged, I decided to reach out to Councilman Musella. He immediately replied to my message and met me in person that day.  

Councilman Musella listened and agreed there was a problem. He gave validation to my concern. He immediately went to action, researching the best path forward.

It’s difficult to navigate an issue that isn’t technically “illegal” but 100% unethical.

The little guy now has a voice. Residents shouldn’t think, “No one will care,” or “Nothing I can do.”

We now have someone on our side, who cares not only about the 2-legged Parsippany residents but the 4 legged ones, and that means a lot to me.

Parsippany needs to regain its Pride. We now have a leadership we can trust. I hope this encourages citizens to speak up when they see wrongdoing and to have hope still. Little hinges swing big doors.

Thank you, Councilman Musella.

Bridget Cazzetto

Bucco Bill Protecting Tax Benefits for Seniors Becomes Law

Frank L. Cahill
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Bucco Bill Protecting Tax Benefits for Seniors Becomes Law

MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Jean Stanfield that provides a one-time income exemption for seniors to avoid losing tax benefits under the Senior Freeze Program was signed into law.

“The signing of this legislation delivers legitimate property tax relief for senior citizens in New Jersey. The Senior Freeze Program has provided substantial tax benefits that have helped many of our older and retired residents stay in their homes,” said Bucco (R-25). “This law will prevent seniors from incurring massive property tax increases and being disposed of their home for exceeding income limitations during one tax year. This law provides a small but impactful exemption that will protect tax benefits for seniors in the State of New Jersey.”

The homestead property tax benefit, the Senior Freeze Program, provides property tax relief to seniors with incomes under $100,000.

When seniors qualify for the program, they determine their base by considering their previous year’s property tax amount. If property taxes increase beyond their base in any subsequent year, the Senior Freeze Program reimburses the claimant for the additional tax increase.

A senior could lose eligibility by earning too much income, resulting in their base being reset higher if they regain eligibility. This rest costs seniors thousands of dollars in annual tax benefits.

Senator Bucco and Senator Stanfield’s bill, A-4674/S-3278, establishes a one-time exemption to protect seniors from losing their Senior Freeze tax base due to increased income. Going forward, if a senior were to exceed the program’s income limitation, they would be granted the one-time exception, and their base year would remain unchanged.

“When you have seniors living on fixed incomes, a drastic increase in property taxes is devastating for homeowners. I am pleased that this legislation was signed into law to protect seniors from massive tax increases resulting from a temporary increase in income,” said Stanfield (R-08). “The Senior Freeze Program is intended to help seniors manage New Jersey’s soaring property tax rates. This one-time income exception will give seniors a break by protecting crucial tax benefits that help them stay in their homes.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – July 11, 2023

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – July 11, 2023

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – July 11, 2023.

Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Click here to download the agenda.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans 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 before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2023 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R. Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

Kutztown University’s Nicholas DePietro Named PSAC Scholar-Athlete

Frank L. Cahill
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Kutztown University’s Nicholas DePietro Named PSAC Scholar-Athlete

PARSIPPANY — It was another outstanding year in the classroom for Kutztown University student-athletes, with 227 being named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athletes, the league office announced Wednesday afternoon, including Nicholas DePietro. The 2022-23 academic year marks the fourth in a row that the Golden Bears have eclipsed the 200 honoree mark.

To be eligible for PSAC Scholar-Athlete honors, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. This year, the conference instituted a new policy, honoring athletes meeting the academic requirement in only PSAC-sponsored sports. This change directly affected Kutztown’s acrobatics & tumbling and women’s bowling teams, which do not compete under the PSAC banner. Acrobatics & Tumbling is part of the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA). It does not have a conference affiliation, while women’s bowling is an East Coast Conference (ECC) associate member. Bowlers are eligible to be named to the ECC Commissioner’s Honor Roll, usually released in late July.

Previous recipients were also affected from various sports that the PSAC doesn’t sponsor at other institutions, resulting in a drop of overall honorees across the conference’s 18 institutions to 3,795. The percentage of honorees among all student-athletes remained consistent at 52% (3,794-of-7,319) compared to last year’s 53%.

Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania. KU is just two hours from New York City; 90 minutes from Philadelphia.

 

 

As the region’s center for excellence in academics, culture and public engagement, KU’s programs and reputation for quality offer students the opportunity to discover lifelong avenues of learning and discovery. KU students select from more than 130 areas of study within four colleges in a diverse liberal arts academic environment. To complement their studies, KU’s NCAA Division II athletics program with 22 varsity sports joins the more than 160 student clubs and organizations providing students with a variety of activities for learning and discovery.

Morris County Aktion Club Welcomes New Officers

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Aktion Club Welcomes New Officers

MORRIS COUNTY — Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor of the New Jersey Kiwanis Division 9, had the privilege of officiating the installation of new officers for the Morris County Aktion Club. The installation ceremony occurred during a dinner at the Randolph Diner, with approximately forty guests.

Lt. Gov. Cahill ceremoniously pins President Patti Licht during Aktion Club’s official installation.

The newly appointed officers for the club are as follows: Patti Licht as President, Stephen Somich as President-Elect, Lisa Markey as Secretary, and Michael Longendyck as Treasurer. Following her installation, President Patti Licht had the opportunity to address the club members and guests, sharing her thoughts and vision for the future.

Lt. Gov. Cahill congratulates President Patti Licht and presents her with a plaque of appreciation and a bouquet.

The Aktion Club is a remarkable organization, being the only service club for adults with disabilities and boasting a membership of over 10,000 individuals worldwide. Through the Aktion Club, members develop their leadership skills, compassion, and capability by engaging in meaningful service activities. It provides a platform for individuals to contribute to their communities and make a positive impact.

Installing new officers signifies a new chapter for the Morris County Aktion Club, as these dedicated individuals step up to lead and serve their community.

Aktion Club Advisors Heidi Caruso and Davey Willans

When people discover their desire to serve, they decide that serving others isn’t just something they do—it’s their way of life. Aktion Club can provide opportunities for members to discover their desire to serve. The service-club experience helps people of all ages accept their ability to make a difference, enhance their knowledge of their passions and convictions, and develop empathy with those in need in their communities.

For more information on the Aktion Club of Morris County, contact Frank Cahill at (862) 213-2200.

Kyle Ropp, CPA, Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Olive, donates to Aktion Club to show the support of Mt. Olive Kiwanis.
Maryann Simonenko presents President Patti Licht with a check on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Randolph.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Rockaway President Valerie Kuglin presented Licht with a donation on behalf of her club.

Morris Plains Man Charged with Possession of  Child Sexual Abuse Materials

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris Plains Man Charged with Possession of  Child Sexual Abuse Materials

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Morris Plains Chief Michael Koroski confirmed charges have been filed against Antonino LaRosa, 26, of Morris Plains.

The defendant has been charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM)), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4B(5)(b)(iii), a third-degree offense.

The investigation began in April 2023 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received complaints via Discord Inc. that a user had uploaded suspected CSAM files to its messaging platform. Additional complaints were made to NCMEC from Reddit Inc. that a user, who allegedly utilized the same contact information and Internet Protocol (IP) address, had uploaded a suspected CSAM file to its social media platform.

The IP address in question is allegedly associated with the defendant’s residence. Additional investigation revealed direct messages authored by the suspect account discussing CSAM.

LaRosa was subsequently charged on a complaint summons and has a court appearance on August 2.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the Morris Plains Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), the New Jersey State Police, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their efforts in the investigation and arrest of this defendant.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

Special Zoning Board Meeting to Discuss Puddingstone Development

Frank L. Cahill
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Special Zoning Board Meeting to Discuss Puddingstone Development

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet on Wednesday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss  Application 21:71, Puddingstone Developers; 47, 53, 48 Beverly Street, Block: 7 Lots: 45.09, 45.10, 45.11 Zone: R-1; ‘C’ Variance for steep slope disturbance and walls.

This special meeting will be held at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive.

Click here to download the agenda.

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