179-26 Mental Health Association - Resolution.pdf

179-26 July 7, 2026 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Township of West Orange (the “Township”) seeks to enter into an Agreement for mental health services for the residents of the Township for the period commencing on January 1, 2026 and ending on December 31, 2026; and WHEREAS, the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris Counties (the “MHA”), a nonprofit corporation of the State of New Jersey has assisted the Township of West Orange Police Department (the “WOPD”) by providing critical services to the community for de-escalation, response, treatment, and follow-up related to mental health calls since 2021; and WHEREAS, the Professional Services are exempt from the requirements of public bidding pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law, more specifically, N.J.S.A. 40A:11- 5(1)(a)(i); and WHEREAS, the MHA provides professional services through the provision of licensed mental health clinicians; and WHEREAS, the collaborative efforts of the MHA and the WOPD has led to success in managing mental health related response calls in a manner that facilitates treatment and recovery while reducing involvement in the criminal justice system; and WHEREAS, the MHA has provided successful training to the WOPD for the handling of interactions with and responses to persons in crises; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Township, and its residents, have available to them such services for de-escalation, response, treatment, and follow-up related to mental health calls. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of West Orange that the Township is hereby authorized to enter into the Agreement, annexed hereto as Exhibit “A” with the MHA for de-escalation, response, treatment, and follow-up services related to mental health calls; and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to execute the Agreement in a substantially similar form as annexed hereto as Exhibit “A,” pursuant to Township attorney approval, and the Township Clerk be and is hereby authorized to attest to the Mayor’s signature; and be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution shall be made available in the Clerk’s office in accordance with applicable law. Karen J. Carnevale, RMC, Municipal Clerk Susan Scarpa, Council President Adopted: July 7, 2026