Mayor Barberio told the Parsippany (Troy Hills) Township Council that the township is completing phase one of the federally and state-mandated lead-service-line replacement program but encountered problems with the contractor chosen as the lowest bidder.

"We are winding down phase 1 and working on a number of issues created by the contractor, Miguel Utility Services," the mayor said, adding that lessons learned will inform procurement and oversight for the next phase. He said phase two will include "triple the number of homes," and that the township will require a clearer schedule and strict homeowner-notification requirements before starting work.

The mayor characterized the project as necessary for water safety and said the administration aims to avoid repeat problems experienced in the initial phase. He said engineers and the water utility have learned operational lessons "that will not be repeated moving forward." The mayor did not provide an exact timeline for when phase two will start.

Council members pressed for better communication with affected residents. One member suggested shifting times for community outreach events so working residents can attend. The administration said it will ensure homeowner contact information is up to date and improve outreach before further work begins.

The mayor also noted that the township selected the contractor because it was the lowest bidder; he said that choice led to difficulties and that future bid processes will incorporate the lessons now being collected. The council did not take formal action on the project at the meeting; the mayor said additional planning and pre-bid work remain.

Next steps the mayor cited include finalizing a bidding plan informed by phase-one lessons, establishing clearer homeowner-notification procedures and sharing a detailed schedule with the council and residents before phase two begins.