JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs is actively investigating nearly $200,000 in potentially fraudulently contracted services under the guise of a falsified ordinance, according to documents on file with the government entities.
Originally reported in 2022 by Shore News Network, the former Jackson Township council voted on a highly suspect ordinance that would have allowed the township to contract with the father of one of the sitting council members, Steven Chisolm. That ordinance, passed by the outgoing councilmembers, was later vetoed by Mayor Reina.
Except that the township had reportedly executed the contract despite the mayor’s alleged veto. The council did not make any attempts to officially overturn the mayor’s veto.
It was one of the last acts by the politically defeated council before they were ousted from office.
Now, the DCA is reportedly investigating why the township has been operating as if the $200,000 contract was approved by the township government, and who possibly forged documents removing the mayor’s veto from the official record.
Named in the investigation are sitting councilman Nino Borrelli and former councilmembers Marty Flemming and Steven Chisolm. At this time, no criminal charges have been filed. Criminal charges stemming from municipal contract fraud in New Jersey can lead to severe criminal and financial penalties.
In New Jersey, municipal contract fraud carries significant penalties under statutes like the New Jersey False Claims Act, with charges ranging from second-degree to fourth-degree offenses depending on the contract value. Key elements include knowingly misrepresenting information or making false claims for payment, which can result in prison sentences, steep fines, and restitution to victims.
Upon passing the ordinance, Chisolm said the new ordinance was simply “wordsmithing”. Chisolm did not abstain from the vote, voting yes along with former councilmembers Andrew Kern and Marty Flemming. Current councilman Borrelli was not present for the final reading and vote.
Prosecutors use various tools to combat fraud, including criminal laws, and can pursue individuals or entities.
The NJ DCA Local Finance Board is part of the Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) and has statutory authority to regulate the fiscal operations, reporting, and financial health of all New Jersey municipalities, counties, and special districts. It is also responsible for the Local Government Ethics Law, overseeing annual financial disclosure statements for local officials, and investigating ethics complaints.
ORGINALLY REPORTED IN 2022
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Before they lose control of the township council, council members opposing re-elected Mayor Michael Reina have proposed a new Shade Tree Commission ordinance that will give the township the power to charge residents for tree removal services, fine them up to $1,500.
Worse, this new shade tree law is being pushed by one of the township’s most prominent tree removal companies, Aspen Tree Experts.
Owner Steven Chisolm, of Aspen Tree Experts, is also one of the elected township council members pushing the new ordinance that is set to be approved at the next council meeting.
Ordinance #31-22 would empower the volunteer Shade Tree Commission to have code enforcement powers outside the purview of the township code enforcement department.
Residents are concerned over the appearance of impropriety because Chisolm is not only a councilman, but his father, Steven Chisolm, Sr., co-owner of Aspen Tree Experts is also the commissioner of the township’s Shade Tree Commission.
According to political corruption watchdog Richard Ciullo, “Indeed the windfall that both companies stand to gain from this proposed ordinance revision doesn’t just stop there however. When the tree maintenance and removal business is slow, Chisholm Sr. and McCabe could write their own meal ticket simply by instructing employees to drive around town, search for trees that are in questionable condition and report back to them the addresses of the properties. Both men could then simply show up at a property address, issue a violation and fine with their new found enforcement authority, and then have their own companies perform the mandated work while lining their own pockets.”
That prospect has residents worried over the township being used as an income source for a private company owned by two people who have the power to enact such a scenario.
In a nut shell, one member of the township government who owns a tree business now has the authority to force residents to hire a tree business or be fined by the township, which would then hire that tree business and force the homeowner by law to pay the initial tree trimming business by way of a fine.
The move is the outgoing council’s last powerplay before being replaced in the 2023 re-organization meeting.
Luckily, Mayor Michael Reina can choose to veto the ordinance. By the time the council chooses to override the mayor’s veto in 2023, Chisholm and his allies will not have sufficient votes to overturn the mayor’s veto.
This article was published by Shore News Media and Marketing, independent of any influence, contractual terms, or coercion and the statements reflect only the facts and opinions of Shore Media and Marketing, LLC.