Spotted Lanternfly, Sewer Improvements On Parsippany's Agenda

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A presentation on the spotted lanternfly and a vote to authorize $5.7 million in bonds toward sewer utility improvements are among the items on the agenda for Tuesday night's Township Council meeting.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Town Hall (1001 Parsippany Blvd.).

Environmental Advisory Committee Chairperson Laura McCluskey will hold a presentation on the spotted lanternfly — an emerging issue in Parsippany. While the creature doesn't harm humans or animals, it can reduce the quality of life for people in highly infested areas, according to officials.

A few Parsippany residents reported sightings of the spotted lanternfly, the township reported Aug. 13. After several reported sightings around Morris County, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture added the area to its spotted lanternfly "quarantine."

Residents in the quarantine area are "required to use a checklist" before moving the articles included here, the state said. These include dozens of outdoor items ranging from play equipment to tools, lumber, snowmobiles, tanks, and grills. Read more: Spotted Lanternfly: 5 NJ Counties Added To Quarantine Zone

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species native to China, India and Vietnam. It was first discovered in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on a shipment and has since spread to eight other states, including New Jersey.

The council will also put a $5.7 million bond ordinance for sewer-utility improvements up for a public hearing and vote. The governing body will also hold a hearing and vote on establishing white-collar salary ranges.

See the full agenda here.

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