Interim Town Manager Named In Montclair After Stafford’s Removal

MONTCLAIR, NJ — There’s a new, interim township manager in Montclair – and he’s a familiar face.

During last week’s meeting, the Montclair Town Council approved a resolution that will temporarily put former town manager Joseph Hartnett back in the hot seat until a permanent replacement can be found for his predecessor, Timothy Stafford.

Stafford was removed from his position in April amid accusations that he created an abusive workplace that cost the town some key female employees. Read More: Montclair Town Manager Gets The Boot; Council Votes To Remove Stafford

Brian Scantlebury had been serving as acting town manager since Stafford’s removal.

Resolution R-23-184 authorized the award of a one-year professional service contract to Government Strategy Group, which will help conduct the search for a permanent township manager. The total amount of the agreement cannot exceed $50,000; it covers the period from July 18 to Dec. 31.

The resolution passed a council vote by a 4-3 margin.

Hartnett, the executive managing director at Government Strategy Group, has more than 20 years of municipal management experience, including as municipal manager for Montclair and Rahway, as well as service as vice president and CFO for St Peter’s University.

“During the search, it is probable that we'll place another interim under Joe's watch to run the day-to-day and remain in Montclair full-time,” Councilman Peter Yacobellis said after last week’s meeting.

“My goal would be to see a new permanent manager named by October,” Yacobellis said.

Watch the council speak about the resolution and ongoing town manager search below (video is cued to the discussion).

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