WEST MILFORD The rejection of a volunteer to serve on a township committee sparked fierce debate among council officials this week. Ed Spirko, a Pinecliff Lake resident, was seeking an appointment to the alternate position on the board of the Municipal Utilities Authority, but was denied by a majority on the council. The six council members were tied at 3-3, but a “no” vote by Mayor Joseph DiDonato decided the matter, and Spirko’s application was denied. Council members are not required to explain why they refuse volunteer applications; however, Democratic council members James Warden and Bob Nolan, who had nominated Spirko, are clear on why he was refused. Nolan said, “People on the Zoning Board, the Planning Board and the Municipal Utilities Authority: let’s cut to the chase, they’re political appointees. You guys [Republican council members] won 60 percent of the vote and you feel that entitles you to 100 percent of the all the seats on all these boards.” There is a second candidate for the position with the utilities authority, James Burns, who was nominated by Republican council member Carmen Scangarello. Council president Joseph Smolinski attempted to defuse the matter, “It’s nice to see we have two people interested in this position, two qualified people, and no one is discounting either one,” said Smolinski. “Things are really getting out of hand. This type of dialogue is not beneficial to anybody.” Arguing over volunteer positions on boards and committees has existed for at least the last two years, and sparked again when current utilities authority member Michael Ramaglia was put forward for re-appointment. Nolan and Warden asked that Ramaglia appear before the council to establish his views on high density development in West Milford before considering his position. Councilman Phil Weisbecker responded furiously, “Mr. Ramaglia is being re-appointed to his position; deal with it. The gentleman has done a fine job ... we’re trying to do things the right way here, Mr. Warden. I am trying hard to work with this council, and this council is trying really hard to work with you.” Warden replied, citing attempts by property developers to build housing projects in town, “All we wanted was an opportunity to hear his position on Valley Ridge and Eagle Ridge. As well you are aware, Mr. Weisbecker, Valley Ridge and Eagle Ridge could be stopped in its tracks with the cooperation of the Municipal Utilities Authority.” Warden later clarified his comment that the utilities authority could challenge the housing projects rather than completely stop them. Spirko attended the meeting and addressed the council to detail his experience and record of volunteering in the town, including his current position on the Zoning Board of Adjustment. That particular membership drew the attention of Weisbecker who identified a conflict in meeting dates of the utilities authority and the zoning board. Spirko spoke to advise that he would resign from the zoning board if a position on the Municipal Utilities Authority was offered to him. A vote was taken and while Weisbecker, Nolan and Warden voted to approve Spirko’s appointment, three Republican council members, Smolinski, Schimmenti and Scangarello voted against him. The mayor cast the final vote rejecting Spirko. The Municipal Utilities Authority provides water and sewer service to approximately 1700 homes and businesses in West Milford.