Borough of Pompton Lakes

The meeting was called to order following the reading of the Sunshine Law Statement and a salute to the flag. Key resolutions approved included establishing the meeting schedule for the Board of Health (Resolution 2601), designating newspapers for official notices (Resolution 2602), establishing Board powers when not in session (Resolution 2603), setting positions and salaries (Resolution 2604), and approving flu and pneumonia vaccinations at no charge for borough employees and first aid/fire volunteers (Resolution 2605). Committee assignments for the year were established, with specific assignments made to Finance and Personnel committees. Staff reports were discussed, including issues with mold in an ice machine at a restaurant and the proper maintenance of such equipment. There was also a discussion regarding a tattoo parlor listing a physician from Riverdale as their doctor on file for cosmetic procedures, which prompted a review of proper oversight protocols. There was no public comment, and the meeting adjourned after determining the date for the next meeting (March 9th).

The Special Open Council Meeting of the Borough Council included a formal opening with the reading of the Open Public Meeting Law Statement of Compliance. The meeting included a period for public comments, during which no members of the public wished to comment. The primary agenda item involved the memorialization of the appointment of Anthony Rodriguez to Chief of Police. This appointment was made pursuant to a waiver granted by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, effective January 1, 2026. The resolution detailed Chief Rodriguez's base salary of $198,000.00, plus a 10% longevity payment, resulting in a total salary of $217,800. Following the resolution, a ceremonial Oath of Office was administered to Chief Rodriguez, and both Mayor Serra and Chief Rodriguez offered remarks regarding the appointment and commitment to service.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of the new Chief, AJ Rodriguez. Key discussion points centered on the recent snowstorm, where the local departments (DPW, Police, Fire, Ambulance Squad) received commendation for their effective handling of the situation, especially compared to the poor condition of county roads. The council also addressed ongoing financial matters, noting a significant increase in healthcare costs ($960,000), requiring creative financial planning to avoid cutting services or reducing the workforce. Several lease amendments were approved via the consent agenda, specifically Resolution 26-78 through 26-9, and ordinances 26-01, 26-02, 26-03, and 26-04, relating to lease amendments with Council Metro, the jail, the Pompton Lakes Youth Organization, and the Pompton Lakes Board of Education, respectively. Additionally, Michael CS was appointed to the Environmental Committee to fill an unexpired term, and there was a request for the attorney to follow up on a $75 million reclamation letter from DuPont.

The meeting included the swearing-in of Anthony Rodriguez as the new Police Chief. The public comment section featured appreciation for snow removal efforts following a recent storm, with the Mayor noting Borough DPW crews cleared county roads. Key actions included the approval of bill lists totaling several million dollars across various funds and the approval of numerous resolutions via the Consent Agenda. Resolutions authorized the acceptance of a Crossing Guard resignation, appointed a Commissioner to the Municipal Utilities Authority, allocated Open Space Trust Funds for a lightning detection system, confirmed a Part-Time Tax Clerk appointment, approved a Change Order for park improvements, authorized a Shared Services Agreement with the Township of Wayne for Municipal Court use, and awarded multiple professional services contracts for Planning Board and Redevelopment Agency roles (Engineer, Attorney, Planner). Several ordinances were adopted for final reading concerning lease amendments with local youth organizations and the Board of Education. The Mayor reported on committee meetings, financial challenges (specifically healthcare costs projected near $960,000), and coordination regarding a County salt dome. An appointment was made to the Environmental Committee. Council discussions covered anticipated tax increases, updates on the DuPont reclamation claim, wildlife concerns (coyotes), and the need to update the Redevelopment Master Plan. The Council also reviewed and approved recommended fee increases for Pompton Day vendors. In a subsequent closed session, a resolution was passed authorizing a Shared Services Agreement with the Borough of Emerson for the services of Borough Administrator Michael Carelli.

The Regular Borough Council Meeting agenda included the Mayor's presentation covering an appointment of a Tax Appeal Attorney. The Council opened and closed public comment periods. Key actions involved authorizing payment of bills and claims totaling $3,451,432.64 across various funds. The Consent Agenda addressed numerous resolutions, including accepting Michael Carelli's resignation as Historic Commission Secretary and appointing Sharon Sonne as his replacement. Other approvals included confirming the submission of a funding request for the Department of Public Works Garage Replacement Project, amending non-union salaries (retroactive to January 1, 2026), approving salary adjustments for the Borough Administrator and Deputy Borough Administrator effective February 1, 2026 due to a shared services agreement, authorizing refunds for a duplicate property tax payment and amending a previous lien refund resolution. Contracts were awarded for Tax Appeal Attorney services (Murphy McKeon, P.C.), appointing a Seasonal Laborer for Public Works (Xavier Murillo), surveying services for the Lakeside Avenue Improvements Project (DMC Associates, Inc.), hiring grant writing services (Bruno Associates, Inc.), and professional services for Zoning Board of Adjustment Planner and Engineer (Colliers Engineering), and Attorney services (Maraziti Falcom LLP, although the resolution text incorrectly listed Colliers Engineering as the attorney awardee). Change orders and payment applications related to Hershfield Park Phase I and II Improvements Projects were authorized. Additionally, the Council introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 190, Article IV concerning Affordable Housing Obligations under the Fair Housing Act and UHAC. Committee reports included approving requests for a block party and a 5K run/walk event in June 2026. The session addressed budget date extensions due to Local Finance Notice LFN 2026-05 and included a potential move to executive session for personnel matters.