Borough of Hillsdale

Key discussions focused on the proposed budget for the upcoming year, which projects a slight increase in salary costs ($473,500 in 2025 versus $488,000 projected in 2026) against a total projected revenue of $1,114,507.16 for 2025. Line items like emergency pump repair might increase, while pool chemical costs might decrease. A three-year capital improvement outline was presented, including electrical repairs, purchasing a cover for the kiddy pool, and replacing the gazebo. The facility and plumbing have been winterized, and snack bar and landscaping contracts for 2026 have been renewed. There was a discussion regarding more transparent dissemination of information to members concerning repairs and improvements. Winter repairs in the pump houses involving the installation of new Chlorine pump distributors, digital flow meters, and Stenner pumps are also underway.

Key discussions focused on a proposed cell tower on Stonybrook property, which would impact the Cedar Lane parking lot configuration. The commission reviewed the 2026 Budget, noting that 2025 revenue was below projections and anticipating the Borough might use $50,000 of the surplus, leading to conservative capital improvements. Changes to membership fees, including implementing a three-tier system and adjusting rates for programs and events, were approved. Salary-range increases for management and staff were also approved following a mandatory minimum wage increase. Contracts for several services for the 2026 season were presented, and a resolution was passed to allow alcohol service at special events. Equipment updates were noted, with most broken pumps and motors replaced, and the termination of using the Stonybrook lot for off-season student parking was decided.

The Regular Meeting included an executive session to discuss litigation, negotiations, attorney-client privilege matters, borough personnel, shared services, and affordable housing. Discussions during the regular session covered landfill monitoring at Centennial Field, including expanded delineation testing due to 2025 methane hits and proposed scopes of work with associated costs. Correspondence included a request from the Fire Department for carnival use of the West lot and an email regarding cell tower placement. Professional reports included updates on Centennial Field retaining wall construction, completion of the nature trail project, and GIS mapping of the stormwater system. Safety concerns regarding Washington Avenue were raised following tree removals. The Police Department reported activity including investigations and traffic stops. The Department of Public Works reported on leaf collection and significant snow events in December. Committee reports focused heavily on the preliminary 2026 municipal budget, which anticipates a 2.5 percent decrease in total appropriations but requires an estimated 5.4 percent tax levy increase due to rising medical insurance premiums and reduced fund balance usage; capital improvements are excluded from the draft. Other committee items included planning for the annual art show and a request for special ride access during the Fire Department carnival, the 50 Plus Club relinquishing independent status to join the Borough's insurance, recreation program updates, and the status of Memorial Field improvements. The Planning Board held its reorganization meeting. The Fire Department detailed increased call volume and ongoing efforts to secure grant funding for equipment, while also advising of a potential request for a new engine. Environmental Commission updates covered the conclusion of the Beechwood 1.0 project, planning for Beechwood 2.0, submission of the 2025 Community Forestry Plan, and exploring Styrofoam recycling shared services with Ridgewood. The Borough Administrator reported on tree removals, building permits, and the upcoming town hall regarding the cell tower proposal, along with reviewing potential e-bike regulations. Ordinances introduced included setting Recreation Department program and camp fees (26-01), establishing salaries for Recreation Department personnel (26-02), amending density limits in the MU-2 District for affordable housing (26-03), creating a new T/C-2 Townhouse Complex District (26-04), and revising the affordable housing set-aside to 20% regardless of tenure (26-05). Consent resolutions authorized a tax assessment reduction for 29 Ellen Court and permitted the Police Department to enroll in the DLA LESO 1033 Program for one year to acquire excess equipment.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss various Borough Contracts. Key agenda items involved a discussion regarding a Cell Signal Gap Study, receipt and filing of correspondence primarily concerning support for or objections to a proposed cell tower installation and concerns about a scoreboard placement. The agenda also included the introduction of four ordinances (26-06 through 26-10) covering amendments to fees, swimming pool commission salaries, development fees, affordable housing regulations, and the Hillsdale-Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan. Additionally, three ordinances (26-01, 26-02, 26-03, 26-04, 26-05) were adopted or had public hearings regarding recreation fees, recreation department salaries, and amendments to land use/affordable housing obligations. Professional reports were presented from the Borough Engineer, Police Chief, and DPW Superintendent. A consent agenda of resolutions (R26063 through R26070) was presented, covering topics such as CDL testing authorization, hiring temporary snowplow operators, return of escrow funds, a contract for leaf disposal, budget transfers, and endorsing the 2026 Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.

The Reorganization Meeting involved administering the oath of office to newly elected Councilmembers Anthony DeRosa and Christopher Camp. Council President Clemente Osso was elected for the year 2026. Key actions included the appointment of Mark D. Madaio, Esq. as Borough Attorney for a one-year term, and the proposal and approval of changes to the Borough By-Laws for 2026. The meeting established the Council Standing Committees and Liaisons for 2026. Appointments were confirmed for Fire Department Officers, Police Department personnel, and various Board, Commission, and Trustee positions, including members for the Environmental Commission, Planning Board, Board of Health, and Library Trustees. Several professional services agreements were authorized, including contracts for the Borough Auditor, Appraiser, Attorney for Tax Appeals, Bond Counsel, Borough Planner, Labor Counsel, Borough Engineer, Special Counsel for Redevelopment, Financial Advisor, and Affordable Housing roles. Additionally, the Council appointed the Borough Administrator as the representative to the Bergen County Joint Insurance Fund and the Municipal Excess Liability Fund, designated Detective Corey Rooney as the Animal Control Officer, established the interest rate on delinquent taxes, designated drivers of Borough vehicles, and appointed the Borough Administrator as the Public Agency Compliance Officer.