Nutley Town Boards Convene For Massive Joint Meeting (VIDEO)

NUTLEY, NJ — Some of the biggest movers and shakers in Nutley's local government convened for a massive joint meeting earlier this month to share goals, cooperation and inspiration.

For more than five years, the Nutley Board of Commissioners, Board of Education, Planning Board and Zoning Board have gathered together for an annual joint meeting to discuss common issues facing the township. The latest incarnation took place on March 15 at the Parks and Recreation building on Park Avenue (watch the video below).

“I don’t know of any other municipality that does this,” Mayor Joseph Scarpelli said.

“It’s a great opportunity to get everyone in one room and talk about our present and our future,” Scarpelli added. “I’m very proud of the cooperation that exists between all four boards. I firmly believe that everyone who participates has the best interests of the community in their hearts.”

“We recognize that things are changing and by working together we can preserve what we have while also adapting to those changes,” Public Safety Director Commissioner Alphonse Petracco agreed. “That’s what events like this meeting are all about.”

Revenue and Finance Director Commissioner Thomas Evans, another elected official present at the meeting, said that in Nutley, “everyone chips in.”

“We have to continue to work in a coordinated way, because if we don’t, the consequence of that is irreversible and threatens the long-term viability of our town,” Evans said. “We have to keep finding ways to work together through the many difficult issues that we face as we go forward.”

Commissioner John Kelly III, director of the Department of Public Affairs, said it’s critically important to have meetings like the one last week, so that “everyone is on the same page” and “the town develops the way we want it to develop.”

“We live in a great town because of everyone’s dedicated service,” Kelly said. “This meeting is just another example of that.”

“This was a unique meeting for a unique township,” said Commissioner Mauro Tucci, director of the Department of Parks and Public Property. “The cooperation and dedication of all involved for the greater good of Nutley is just outstanding to see.”

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