Holly Schepisi's appointment as rate counsel stirs disagreement in Park Ridge

State Sen. Holly Schepisi will serve as rate counsel for the Park Ridge utility board after her appointment at a council meeting Wednesday night.

Schepisi's appointment, in a 5-1 vote, was not without controversy, however.

Mayor Keith Misciagna and some members of the utility board objected to the process by which she was chosen, claiming the council handpicked the senator after abruptly changing an ordinance to remove the utility board's power to select a candidate.

"The council has changed the way we hire the rate counsel for the utility board. We have never done it this way in about 50 years — they have completely cut out everyone from the decision-making process," said Misciagna, a Democrat.

But Councilmember Kelly Epstein, also a Democrat, said the ordinance that gave the utility board control was rescinded because it did not match state code. "All we're doing is literally fixing something that was not technically legal. That's all," Epstein said.

Michael Mintz, a member of the utility board, said the board was informally asked by the council if it supported Schepisi's appointment. "I said no. The other board members said no, and we wanted someone more qualified, honestly, because of the special nature of what we do," Mintz said.

The rate counsel's role is to prove legal advice on a variety of matters relating to the borough's water and electric utility and public works, including contract issues, environmental issues and utility rates.

Schepisi, who did not respond to a request for comment, has a law degree from Fordham University and served as River Vale's township attorney. She owns a legal practice, Schepisi Consulting and Law, according to her state Legislature biography. She is a Republican representing the 39th District. Her fee in Park Ridge will be $175 an hour.

Council President Robert Metzdorf voted against rescinding the ordinance when it came up for a vote last month.

"I'm all in favor of the utility board interviewing people, seeing who best fits and then making a recommendation to the town council," said Metzdorf, a Democrat who is also a member of the utility board.

According to Metzdorf, the utility board wanted to send out requests for qualifications — a screening step in a hiring process. The board was specifically seeking an individual with experience in electric utilities, water utilities, and possible litigation and subcontract work. The RFQ was rejected by all council members except Metzdorf.

Metzdorf said Schepisi was chosen months ago in a secret process. "I was unaware of it until two weeks ago," he said. "I didn't see a résumé till last week." He said no one on the utility board interviewed her.

Misciagna said, "I find the whole topic disconcerting. I got involved in local politics because there were council people that were using the utility board and the ratepayers as a piggy bank way back then."

But Councilmember William Fenwick, a Republican, said, "I'm pleased to have Holly Schepisi as our rate counsel. I think she will do a great job for the people of Park Ridge."

Park Ridge owns its own utilities, including electric and water. "Our utility is the crown jewel in Park Ridge," Miciagna said, because "they have great service with reduced rates, about 25% less than public service."

Shaylah Brown is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: browns@northjersey.com

Twitter: @shaylah_brown

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Park Ridge NJ utility board rate counsel appointment controversial