26-26 Appointment of Special Counsel - Revised 1.20.26.pdf

26-26 January 20, 2026 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL DUE TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND APPROVING PROFESSIONAL FEES WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of West Orange (the “Township”) recognizes that circumstances may arise in which the Township Attorney is unable to represent the interests of a Township Official due to an actual or potential conflict of interest; and WHEREAS, the Township Code §2-9.4 authorizes the appointment of Special Counsel when the Township Attorney determines that a conflict exists or that the interests of the Township or its officials require separate representation, provided that the Township Council is advised of the proposed engagement, the applicable rate of compensation, and a limitation on total fees; and WHEREAS, the Township has received notice of allegations of a personnel matter concerning the acts of an official or employee of the Township in his/her official capacity; and WHEREAS, the Township Attorney has determined, upon initial review of the allegations, that a conflict of interest exists which precludes representation by the Township Attorney in connection with the investigation, that must remain confidential, of allegations of a personnel matter concerning the acts of an official or employee of the Township in his/her official capacity; and WHEREAS, the Township Attorney has recommended the appointment of outside counsel Deena B. Rosendahl, Esq., of Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs, LLC, to serve as Special Counsel (“Special Counsel”) for the limited purpose of conducting a confidential investigation of the allegations of a personnel matter concerning the acts of an official or employee of the Township in his/her official capacity; and WHEREAS, in accordance with and pursuant to § 2-9.4 the Township Attorney has designated Ramon E. Rivera, Esq., of Antonelli, Kantor, Rivera, P.C., as the Township Attorney’s designated Conflict Counsel to supervise the work of Special Counsel; and