Update: In an emergency council meeting Monday afternoon, Michael Lapolla was appointed interim town manager, effective immediately. Mayor Sean Spiller released this statement, posted to the Township’s website: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Joseph Hartnett’s sudden passing. Mr. Hartnett was a member of the Montclair family, having served our community first as Township Manager from 2003-2010 and again most recently as interim manager. His family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Joseph Hartnett, Montclair’s former township manager, who had been serving as interim town manager since July 19, died Sunday. He was 75. Montclair Township’s Communications Director Katya Wowk said the Township would be releasing a statement later today.
Hartnett first served as Montclair’s township manager for seven years, from October 2003-January 2010. Hartnett was appointed to interim town manager on July 18, immediately following the selection of Government Strategies Group (GSG), where Hartnett served as executive managing director. GSG was hired to provide professional services to the township, including conducting a search for a new township manager.
Hartnett officially started on July 19, for $1 a week. In his short time as interim manager, Hartnett released information about the cyber attack on the Township; put through firefighter promotions and began the process of a public release of the O’Toole Scrivo investigation into the firefighters promotions exam. Hartnett also recommended his successor, Michael Lapolla, who the Council approved as interim town manager at a special meeting on August 1. Lapolla was slated to start on August 14.