Dear Members,

I am enclosing the letter regarding affordable housing obligations that attaches the comparison chart showing prospective affordable housing for municipalities using the State methodology compared to those in the legislation proposed by the Institute. This document is provided in one pdf. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Michele R. Donato
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The New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA) will provide a full slate of CLE programs at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City on November 20 & 21, 2024. All CLE programs are open to registrants of the League Conference. NJILGA members will also be participating in additional programs sponsored by the League and its other affiliates. Read More

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of proposals to amend the Fair Housing Act. For the complete letter and amendment --> Read More

NJILGA members and guests enjoyed a picnic and baseball game at the Somerset Patriots Park on June 19th between the Patriots and the Erie Sea Wolves. Although the Patriots were edged out by the Sea Wolves, 11-2, our group had a great time with hot dogs, hamburgers and great companionship on a lovely summer evening. NJILGA thanks committee chairs Bill Holzapfel, Ray Bolanowski and Peter Jost for organizing this fun social event. (see photos - click Read more) Read More

NJILGA Trustee Jason Holt has succeeded in securing justice for his family forebearer, Pfc. Thomas C. Hawkins, and Hawkins’ fellow soldiers. Approximately 107 years ago, the largest military court martial and murder trial in the history of the United States took place in San Antonio, Texas. One hundred ten Buffalo Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment were convicted of murder, mutiny, and other crimes. Nineteen Buffalo Soldiers were executed by hanging. The first thirteen, including Pfc. Hawkins, were hanged without appeal, in secrecy and buried at the site of the gallows without headstones. In November of 2023, the United States Army acknowledged that the convictions were a miscarriage of justice during the Jim Crow era of racial bigotry. All one hundred ten convictions were set aside and honorable discharges were granted to the soldiers. Jason Holt along with others worked many years to achieve this goal. Moreover, in an effort to further correct this historical wrong, the Department of Veterans Affairs last month dedicated new headstones for the soldiers, which now include their names, rank, and home state. This historic injustice remains the largest mass execution of American soldiers by the Army. Attached is a link to the CBS Sunday Morning Show which features more information about Jason Holt and his story. NJILGA commends Jason Holt for his dedicated efforts to seek justice and vindicate Pfc. Hawkins and his fellow Buffalo Soldiers. Click "Read more" to view video Read More

Click Read More and log in to the Member Home page for the Job Advertisement Read More

The League mourns the passing of Edward “Ed” J. McManimon III, 77, who died February 2, at his home with his family after a long illness. A longtime friend and supporter of the League, he was a recipient of the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Distinguished Public Service Award in 2022, a longtime Bond Counsel for the organization, as well as a frequent and valued speaker at events and author for NJ Municipalities magazine. Additionally, he was also a longtime member of the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA).

His efforts for the League were just a small portion of his illustrious legal career. He recently retired from McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC, where he devoted his professional time advising municipalities, counties, school districts and governmental authorities in connection with their capital financing and related governmental requirements. He analyzed, developed, and implemented financial plans for redevelopment areas throughout New Jersey, and in the privatization of public water, wastewater, and solid waste systems.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Christina; their two children, Maura Fennessy (Conor) and Christopher; and grandchildren, Liam McManimon, and Seamus and Killeen Fennessy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, 72 Escher Street, Trenton, NJ 08609 Read More

Eric S. Pennington of Newark receives NJILGA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award from NJILGA President Michele Donato (center) and DEI Award Chair Jason Holt, with committee members Elissa Grodd Schrager, Steven W. Kleinman and Victor Alfanador.

The New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA) presented its first annual NJILGA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award to Eric S. Pennington “In Recognition of an Attorney who has Demonstrated Leadership, Innovation, Creativity and Positive Impact in the Promotion of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Legal Profession, and Local Government and in the Community in General.” The award was presented on November 16, 2023 at the Institute’s social event, following programs presented by NJILGA at the Annual New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference held in Atlantic City. Pennington is a Rutgers Law School graduate and certified civil trial attorney. He currently serves as the Business Administrator for the City of Newark. He has developed and enhanced innovative programs that embrace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion while respecting the fundamentals of municipal government.

The following additional awards were also presented by NJILGA:

The Fred G. Stickel Award was presented to Jean Kephart Cipriani of the Toms River Office of Rothstein Mandell Strohm Halm & Cipriani, “in recognition or excellence in local government law, exemplary service to the legal profession and unselfish assistance rendered to local governments and other local government attorneys.” It is the highest award given by NJILGA.

The William M. Cox Award was presented to A. Michael Rubin of Wayne, “in recognition of excellence and exemplary service in the field of land use law, and unselfish assistance to attorneys, local officials and other professionals.”

The Gordon D. Griffin Award was presented to John C. Gillespie Chair of Parker McCay’s Municipal and Government Department, for “a lifetime of excellent service in local government law, service to the community and to professional associations in advancing the perception of the legal profession.”

The Michael A. Pane Award was presented to Sharon A. Dragan of Mason Griffin & Pierson in Princeton. This award is conferred upon “the person who has exemplified the highest standard of ethics and whose work has significantly enhanced the integrity of local government.”

The New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys, in cooperation with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, provided an extensive selection of CLE programs at the State League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City on November 15 & 16, 2023. The programs were well attended, with many having standing room only. A complete listing of the programs given, as well as the CLE credits available, is shown at the link below. All CLE programs were free to registrants of the League Conference. Attendees are reminded to log onto the League’s CEU tracking system to print out their certificates of attendance. Read More

The Annual Business Meeting of the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys was held on Thursday, November 16, 2023, immediately following the conclusion of the Institute’s CLE Programs at the Convention Center in Atlantic City. Agenda items included the election of one half of NJILGA’s Trustees from all vicinages in New Jersey and other regular business.

The following Trustees were elected for a two-year term from their respective vicinages: Marc Friedman and Karl Timbers (Atlantic & Cape May), Richard J. Allen, Jr. (Bergen), David Frank (Burlington), James Burns (Camden), Jonathan E. Drill (Essex), Matthew Lyons (Gloucester, Cumberland & Salem), Donald Scarinci (Hudson), F. Clifford Gibbons (Mercer), Anthony Iacocca (Middlesex), Meghan Bennett (Monmouth), Edward Purcell (Morris & Sussex), Jeffrey R. Surenian (Ocean), Joseph M. Wenzel (Passaic), Jolanta Maziarz (Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren), Bruce A. Bergen (Union) and Jennifer M. Eugene and Dennis Galvin (At-Large Trustees).

Following the Annual Meeting, the Institute’s Social Event was held at Ceasar’s Tiberius Room. The agenda for the Social Event included the swearing in of newly elected Trustees, presentation of awards and enjoyment of the Institute’s famous lamb chops and other refreshments. The Institute thanks First Vice President Stephen P. Goodell for his efforts in providing a comprehensive offering of successful CLE programs and Second Vice President Douglas L. Heinold for coordinating a very enjoyable social event.

The New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA) has established a scholarship program to assist selected attorneys enrolling in the Rutgers Municipal Attorney Training Program (Diplomate). The Diplomate Program is a cooperative endeavor between NJILGA and the Center for Government Services (CGS) at Rutgers. Courses are taught by experienced practitioners in the field of local government law. The NJILGA scholarships are intended to assist attorneys who might need financial assistance to take the Diplomate courses. The amount of each scholarship will be determined by NJILGA’s Scholarship Committee based upon availability of funds, number of applicants, qualifications and financial need. Click "Read more" for the Application form. The deadline for scholarship applications has been extended to December 15, 2023 for the Spring 2024 courses. Michele R. Donato, President
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Share Strategies with NJ's Top Municipal Attorneys Registration is now open for the 100% online Diplomate in New Jersey Local Government Law Program. Classes begin October 5th.

The program is a unique opportunity to swap and share strategies with experienced local government attorneys who specialize in local government law. It is presented in cooperation with the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA).

As a Participant, You'll:

- Have multiple opportunities to compare strategies with top Municipal Attorneys across NJ

- Earn the Credential recognized by Governing Bodies & Municipal Boards

- Further extend your expertise and resume with the Rutgers Diplomate

- Earn CLEs (continuing learning education) and DCA (Department of Community Affairs) continuing education credits Read More

Managing Editor Joseph M. Wenzel announces that the Summer Edition of the NJILGA Law Review has been emailed to all members of the Institute. If you are a member and have not received your digital copy please contact Executive Director Peter Jost. The Institute expresses its sincere appreciation to Joe Wenzel and all of his contributing editors for their efforts in producing this outstanding quarterly publication.

Michele Donato, President

For the sample of the newsletter with table of contents, click Read More

Dear Colleagues – Some of our members have reported that they have not been receiving e-blasts from NJILGA, or have been finding our e-mails in their “Junk Email” folders. To facilitate receiving our e-mails, please add the following address to your “E-mail Contacts” list: This should eliminate the problem.

Thanks,
J. Peter Jost
Executive Director