Roseland Adds Three New Police Officers to Department – TAPinto.net

ROSELAND, NJ — Three police officers were sworn into service by Mayor James R. Spango on Tuesday, Sept. 15.  

Joining the ranks of the police force are patrol officers Anthony Marotta Jr., Alyssa Krum and Dylan Hughes.  

“Adding to our ranks only enhances the high level of law enforcement services which the Roseland police department provides.” Spango said. “We look forward to a long career for the new hires in a commitment to keeping our community and themselves safe.” 

Councilwoman Jean Perrotti, the council’s liaison to public safety, also attended the ceremony. “I would like to congratulate our three new police officers on being sworn in tonight, Patrol Officer Anthony Marotta Jr., Patrol Officer Alyssa Krum and Patrol Officer Dylan Hughes. Welcome to our outstanding police force and our community,” Perrotti said. “I would also like to thank Captain Costello, Captain Mildon, Lieutenant Maglio, Detective Sgt. Boulard, Detective Hiter and Detective Williams for all their hard work and tireless efforts in bringing these three outstanding police officers to our community.  I would also like to thank the mayor, police committee, and the rest of the council for working diligently with fiscal planning and budgeting, which allowed us to be able hire these three new police officers tonight.  We are truly a blessed community, and I am thankful for that.”

Before proceeding with agenda items, Spango apologized to the community for the conflict in dates, commenting that Lester C. Noecker Elementary School had planned their back to school night the same night as the borough council meeting.  The conflict also personally affected council members whose children attend the elementary school.   

Spango confirmed that the borough has expended the funds of a grant of $35,000 the community received from the CARES Act.  He did confirm that the cost of the crossing guards the borough has assigned near Noecker School are reimbursable under the CARES Act.  

Regarding upcoming planned events the mayor confirmed that barring any unforeseen circumstances the community Bonfire will take place on Oct. 3 and social distancing measures will be in place, however the event will be a ticketed event and advised residents to visit the borough website’s Recreation page for details.  A Trunk or Treat is planned for Oct. 31 and there are plans to close off Harrison Avenue for the event and food trucks will be present. The intent is to dissuade residents from having house parties and trick or treating door-to-door.  For both events outdoor movies are planned that will be geared for the children.  Spango noted that planning is in its “infancy stage” and more details will be forthcoming.  An online poll for movie choices will be taking place. There will be teal balloons distributed during the event to identify those with nut allergies.

Council President Chris Bardi also congratulated the new officers and welcomed them to the borough.  Commenting on the drop-off procedures at Noecker School, Bardi stated that initially it was “messy” and that the first day the time spent on the drop-off line was approximately 45 minutes to an hour, however the situation has improved and Bardi thanked Chief McDonough and captains Costello and Mathies for their oversight of the situation.

Councilman Marcelino Trillo reported that the Environmental Commission is planning for hanging bat boxes and the creation of a butterfly garden.  Councilwoman Eileen Fishman noted that the work has been ongoing at Harrison Park and the plans for engineers to assess updates to Tedesco Park are proceeding.  The council unanimously passed a resolution in the amount of $36,700 for Boswell Engineering to provide services for the Tedesco Park Basketball Court project.  

Councilman Roger Freda updated the council on the water tank project confirming that the pressure valves have been installed which should rectify water pressure issues residents have recently experienced. Freda confirmed that the water may taste different as it is now surface water and not well water. If residents have any issues, they are advised to contact the Department of Public Works. 

Perrotti gave an update on the fire department’s calls for the past month and stated that there are 37 firemen and that the department responded to 94 alarms for the month compared to 136 for 2019.  Perrotti stated that the department is seeking volunteers and residents are encouraged to join the department.

Councilwoman Michelle Tolli gave an update on the department of recreation’s registration to date for fall sports. Tolli noted that 189 children have signed up for soccer, 25 for cross-country, co-ed Pre-K soccer enrollment is currently at 34 while the Junior Olympics have 49 children registered to date.  Tolli also reported that a flyer will be going out shortly with information about the fifth-grade Halloween Dance scheduled for Oct. 30 that is sponsored by the Roseland Junior Women’s Club. Spango confirmed that parameters and guidelines for the events must be provided in writing by the health officer to confirm the events are in compliance with social distancing measures.

It was announced that for the upcoming election Nov. 3, all three polling sites will be available to drop off ballots and Spango confirmed that the ballots will be escorted by either the police or certified poll workers to the county offices.