JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township is aware of the lawsuit recently filed by Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson and is currently reviewing the allegations in detail. While we do not comment on active litigation, we want to assure our residents that the Township is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and full compliance with all applicable laws, including the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), and local ordinances.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) referenced in the complaint was negotiated and approved in accordance with all legal standards and with the approval of our governing body at a public meeting. At every step, Jefferson Township acted in what it believes to be the best interest of its employees and residents. Any claims suggesting that the process was conducted improperly or in secrecy are categorically denied.

As for allegations surrounding employee compensation, the Township regularly reviews its salary ordinance to ensure it aligns with evolving operational needs and contractual obligations. If any discrepancies exist between salary ordinance caps and current compensation, the Township has and will take appropriate measures to address them through proper administrative or legislative action.

I have complete faith in our Township Business Administrator, Debra Millikin, that all laws, ordinances, and procedures were followed correctly.

Regarding OPRA requests, the Township and its Clerk’s Office have worked diligently to comply within the bounds of the law.

As Mayor, I recognize that public trust is essential and take all concerns from our community seriously. My administration will continue to operate with transparency and accountability while vigorously defending against claims we believe are inaccurate or mischaracterized. I think it is important to note that, as indicated in the lawsuit documents, the group that filed this matter has requested to remain anonymous as they claim to “face a real and credible threat of political retaliation.” I believe this civil action is politically motivated, an attempt to embarrass me and my administration for future political ambitions. I find it ironic that a group of supposed “Concerned Citizens” who claim to be concerned about fiscal accountability and transparency would go to the extreme of filing a civil lawsuit, which will incur significant legal fees, only to use taxpayer dollars to defend and then request anonymity. To date, no one has brought any of these alleged issues to my attention in an attempt to remedy them first.

I would respectfully ask our community to refrain from drawing a conclusion based solely on one side of an alleged issue or based on what you might read on social media.

We appreciate the community’s engagement and will provide further updates concerning this matter as permitted through the legal process.

JEFFERSON — A 64-year-old man has died as a result of a gunshot wound sustained Tuesday night in Jefferson Township, according to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

Jefferson Township Police reported the incident to the Prosecutor’s Office at approximately 9:06 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3. The man was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the incident but noted that there is no threat to the public now.

Meghan Knab, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s public information officer, confirmed that the matter remains under active investigation. Additional details have not yet been released.

JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Township Police Department welcomes its newest members after graduating from the Morris County Police Academy. After 21 weeks of rigorous training, three dedicated recruits have officially joined the ranks as sworn police officers.

Each officer brings unique strengths and accomplishments to the department:

• Police Officer Dean Gonnella earned top honors in marksmanship, achieving a perfect score during firearms training week with a 100% average across three courses of fire.
• Police Officer Shane Cadigan demonstrated exceptional physical ability, finishing third in physical fitness among his academy class.
• Police Officer Kristin Merker transitions into her new role after many years of service as a dispatcher, bringing valuable experience and perspective to her position as an officer.

All three officers will now begin several months of field training before patrolling independently. Residents are encouraged to say hello and welcome them when they see them around town.

The Jefferson Township Police Department looks forward to the positive contributions these officers will make as they begin serving the community with dedication and pride.

JEFFERSON—The Jefferson Township Council will convene for its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Municipal Building. The agenda includes major capital spending, shared service agreements, and grant applications.

Click here to download the agenda.

A key item on the agenda is Ordinance #25-13, which proposes appropriating $1,918,431 from various township funds and grants for a range of capital improvements. If adopted, the ordinance would fund upgrades such as police equipment, recreation enhancements, HVAC improvements to municipal buildings, and resurfacing of Schoolhouse Road using a $305,340 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

The Council will also consider Ordinance #25-14, which would amend Chapter 7-37 of the Township Code to require all current and future police officers to hold a valid license issued by the Police Training Commission, under state law.

The discussion items include a draft salary ordinance and a memorandum of understanding related to the “Arrive Together” program, a partnership between Jefferson Police and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris to provide coordinated mental health responses.

Several resolutions are on the agenda, including:

• A repayment agreement with KND Realty Holdings, LLC (Betsy Ross Diner) for $11,371 in past sewer fees.
• Authorization of a $18,090 contract with Painters Plus Corp. for painting services at the municipal building and police department.
• Shared services agreements with Mount Arlington and Wharton for the use of Jefferson’s animal shelter.
• A resolution supporting a $350,000 NJDEP Water Quality Restoration Grant application to address harmful algal blooms in Cozy Lake.

Ordinance #25-15, which would authorize a special emergency appropriation of $1.5 million for a township-wide revaluation of all real property, as ordered by the Morris County Board of Taxation, is also scheduled for introduction.

The Council will further consider resolutions to renew 25 liquor licenses, waive certain recreation fees, and approve Change Order #1 to purchase a fire truck, reducing the final cost to $2.1 million.

The meeting is open to the public. Residents are invited to attend or submit comments under public participation guidelines.