Politics & Government

Montclair Extends Term Of Interim Town Manager, Michael Lapolla

When Lapolla took the reins of the town's top administrative position, Montclair saw its 4th person to occupy the seat within five months.

The Montclair Town Council voted to extend Michael Lapolla’s tenure as interim township manager during their meeting on Tuesday.
The Montclair Town Council voted to extend Michael Lapolla’s tenure as interim township manager during their meeting on Tuesday. (Google Maps)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Town Council voted to extend Michael Lapolla’s tenure as interim township manager during their meeting on Tuesday.

When Lapolla took the reins of the town’s top administrative position in August, Montclair saw its fourth person to occupy the seat within five months. Read More: Winds Of Change Shake Up Montclair Town Government – Again

Timothy 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

Find out what's happening in Montclairfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Brian Scantlebury took over as acting town manager when Stafford was removed. He’s now listed on the municipal website as deputy township manager.

In July, the council voted on a resolution that temporarily put former town manager Joseph Hartnett back in the seat. Read More: Hartnett Takes Over As Town Manager In Montclair

Find out what's happening in Montclairfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Hartnett died in early August, just over a week before he was due to pass the torch to Lapolla. Read More: Montclair Town Manager Joseph Hartnett Dies: 'Honor And Integrity'

Under the resolution passed Tuesday, Lapolla’s tenure as interim town manager is extended to July 1, 2024. He will receive a salary of $10,000 per month as a temporary employee without benefits.

The resolution authorizes Lapolla to reside outside of the township during his appointment.

Watch footage from Tuesday’s council meeting below (video is cued to the discussion and vote on Lapolla’s extension).

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.