Most of the attention at Town Hall Tuesday night went to discussion of the controversial proposal to install artificial turf fields at the two Parsippany high schools, but a Township Council agenda meeting took place as well. Once turf talk subsided, the body went to work to plan its Feb. 14 meeting.

Among the items to be considered next week is a proposal to make changes to the town ordinance governing the Open Space Committee. The panel, headed by Mayor James Barberio, makes recommendations to the council of properties it considers appropriate to acquire as open space.

Resident Pat Petaccia shared a sentiment with Patch that was echoed by a number of residents present.

"It wouldn't surprise me if they're trying to use a back-door approach to give themselves the power to use the open space money to pay for the turf fields," she said. "That money is not supposed to be used for that purpose."

As it stands, in order for open space funds to go toward improving recreational facilities at the high schools, the town must obtain a conservation easement document and strike a shared-services agreement with the Board of Education to gain the ownership interest in the school properties and satisfy a legal requirement.

Many residents argue that Open Space Trust Fund dollars are intended to be used for the purchase of properties that protect Parsippany from overdevelopment, maintain pervious ground within the township and refresh aquifers beneath the ground.

The proposed changes were not revealed. Township Attorney John Inglesino said under law, a new or revised ordinance is introduced only by its title. He said the details of the changes would be announced only in time for the ordinance proposal's second reading.

That means the Town Council would have to approve the plan on first reading without the public knowing what any proposed changes entail.

Other ordinance changes to appear for first reading next week include plans to amend parking and fire zone rules at 1140 and 1160 Parsippany Road, 50 Parsippany Road, 1 Jefferson Road, 1560 Route 46 and 100 Kimball Drive.

In other business, Business Administrator Jasmine Lim announced that sealed bids have been taken from contractors vying to supply new rescue and diving apparatus for Parsippany Rescue and Recovery (at a cost of $398,360) and a new brush chipper ($58,612.50) for the Parks and Forestry Department.

The council is expected to vote on a number of resolutions next Tuesday. Among them is a proposal to confirm the appointment of Gabrielle Gallagher of Carrino Gallagher LLC as the township's public defender. The position would pay up to $17,500 for a one-year term.

Another resolution would renew the contract of the Wellness Coaches USA, which offers health and fitness opportunities for municipal employees.

Pat Petaccia stood to complain about town workers taking fitness breaks on the taxpayers' dime.

"They should be dealing with wellness on their own time," she said.

Administrator Lim countered by saying that the wellness program actually benefits taxpayers.

"Healthy employees show up for work," she said, adding that studies have proven that companies that offer wellness programs for staffers enjoy higher productivity and efficiency, which ultimately saves money.

Mayor Barberio, a participant in the wellness program, said the effort is a valuable one that he supports wholeheartedly.

In the council's engineering report, Councilman John Cesaro said Morris County Engineering will replace the culvert under Smith Road near the District 6 satellite firehouse. To be able to undertake the effort, he said a utility easement will be needed to allow gas and electric utilities to be relocated temporarily so that space is available to allow work to commence on the culvert replacement. A resolution addressing this matter will be considered at next Tuesday's meeting.

The meeting also featured check presentations to benefit five local service entities. Parsippany-based ADP gave $2,000 each to the Parsippany Police Benevolent Association Local #131, the Police Athletic League, the Parsippany Free Public Library, Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Association District 6 and Parsippany Ambulance.