Allison Ferrante

The meeting addressed routine administrative items including correspondence and committee reports, although none were present. A resolution for the payment of professional services for January was read and approved. The Board unanimously voted to memorialize the approval for Resolution PB #2540 concerning NJNG at 201 Roundhill Drive, which involved a Minor Site Plan with a "C" Variance.

The meeting, designated as the 2026 Annual Reorganization Meeting, involved the administration of the Oath of Office to several members. Key organizational actions included the unanimous election of Jack Elko as Chairperson, John Quinn as Vice-Chairman, and Laura Schievella as Secretary/Second Vice-Chairman. The Board also unanimously adopted its By-laws and set the time, place, and meeting schedule for 2024. Furthermore, Mr. Dimin was appointed as Board Attorney, and Burgis Associates as Planning Consultant. The Board designated The Daily Record and The Citizen as official newspapers and established a $65 fee for advance meeting notification. Finally, subcommittees were appointed for Minor Subdivision and Tenancy and Minor Site Plan matters.

The meeting included the approval of resolutions for Escrow Payment for Professional Services dated January 13, 2026. A resolution concerning BOA #24-18, related to a 'C' Variance for an Inground Pool at 59 Sunny Hill Road, was tabled until the January 27, 2026 meeting. A public hearing item, BOA #24-04A regarding Final Site Plan Approval and amendment of 'C' & 'D' Variance for Dickerson on Carrell Street, was carried forward without notice to February 17, 2026. No committee reports or new/old business items were discussed.

During this reorganization meeting, the Oath of Office was administered to two members. Key organizational actions included the nominations and elections of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary/Second Vice-Chairman. The appointments for Technical Assistant and Recording Secretary were acknowledged and approved. The Board also approved the adoption of By-laws. A significant discussion led to the amendment of the Year End Report to include a recommendation to the Council concerning a change to the ordinance regarding multi-generational living, specifically to allow separate entrances for mother-daughter homes. The Board also set the time, place, and meeting schedule for 2026, and approved the appointments for the Board attorney, Planning Consultant, and Engineering, Traffic, and Other Consultants. The Daily Record and The Citizen of Morris County were designated as official newspapers, and a fee for advance meeting notification was established.

The meeting began with a quorum failure, followed by the certification and swearing-in of the Council-Elect for all eight wards, establishing a full quorum. Key organizational actions included the election of Howard Morrison as Council President (8-1 vote) and Jonathan Sackett as Council Vice President (9-0 vote). The Mayor presented his appointments for various coordinator, committee, and board positions, including members for the Community Development and Revenue Sharing Committee, Planning Board, Municipal Alliance Committee, Emergency Management, and Library Board Trustee. Additionally, Resolutions R-26-02 and R-26-03 concerning municipal and council appointments were approved. Resolutions R-26-33 (Appointment of Conflicts Counsel) and R-26-35 (Legal Appointments) were voted on separately following motions to pull them from the consent agenda. A portion of the consent agenda covering resolutions R-26-01 and R-26-04 through R-26-16, R-26-18 through R-26-32, and R-26-34 was approved unanimously. The meeting included a public comment period and council reports concerning ward issues like road plowing and traffic safety before adjournment.