Branka Lulic

The Reorganization Meeting addressed several key organizational matters for the year 2026. Initial actions included the swearing in of newly elected council members and the appointment and swearing in of the Council President and Fire Department Line Officers. A significant portion of the meeting involved the Mayor's appointments, covering numerous borough positions such as Borough Attorney, Borough Engineer, Borough Planner, Fire/Property Maintenance Inspectors, and members for various commissions and boards like the Parks and Recreation Commission, Youth Commission, and Board of Health. Additionally, the council established Standing Committees for 2026, designated the official newspapers and the 2026 holiday and meeting schedules, adopted a Cash Management Plan, and authorized the Chief Financial Officer to pay certain obligations prior to the regular bill payment cycle.

The meeting included the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to Susan Abernathy and Reinaldo Bozan. A public hearing was held and subsequently closed for Ordinance No. 2523 regarding rent increase regulations, followed by its final reading. Ordinance No. 2524, concerning the creation of an Affordable Housing Zone to implement the Round 3 Settlement Agreement and Round 4 Plan, and Ordinance No. 2525, adopting an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for 604 Broad Avenue, both received their first reading. The Consent Agenda included approving the Borough joining the NJ Solutions Health Insurance Fund, addressing a Veteran Exemption, authorizing the submission of a Municipal Alliance Grant Strategic Plan, and approving a Tax Lien Redemption. A resolution authorizing Warrants was also passed. Mayor's comments covered updates on Ordinance 2425 proceedings, collaboration on a new health insurance plan saving costs, recent election results, community events like the Slocum School door decorating contest and RBAO closing ceremony, storm damage response, a significant clothing donation, and resources for those affected by SNAP benefit interruptions. Council comments focused heavily on youth sports, including appreciation for RBAO coaches and seeking new volunteer coaches for soccer and basketball, upcoming scholar-athlete recognition, a planned Borough Hall tour for Girl Scouts, community efforts for the county holiday tree ornament distribution, a holiday letter campaign for soldiers, and a turkey drive for the local food pantry. Council members also offered reflections on Veterans Day, local civility during elections, and acknowledged the recent passing of Jeremy Saxon Mariah. Citizen comments addressed appreciation for Susan Abernathy, Fright Night events, donations to the food pantry, thanking Councilman Kontolios, matters regarding EV chargers, the Community Center's leaking roof, and discussion about former councilman Augus Todd.

Key discussions included the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 2523, which proposes amendments to the regulation of rent increases. The Consent Agenda involved authorizing the advertisement for RFQs for 2026 Professionals and adopting the Updated Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. A resolution for warrants was also passed. Discussions covered the success of recent community events, including the Italian American Heritage Month Proclamations, the annual health fair, Fright Night, and the Ragamuffin Parade, with acknowledgments given to numerous volunteers and departments. Administrative matters included planning for the Veteran's Day celebration and the cancellation of the November 24th meeting due to Thanksgiving week conflicts. Council members addressed ongoing traffic congestion issues related to Routes 46 and 80, the securing of $2,000,000 in recreation funding, and the traffic impact study for planned townhouses. Future considerations involve the police committee reviewing parking regulations at Veterans Field, specifically regarding overnight parking for apartment residents, and commencing the cleanup of borough monuments. Citizen comments raised concerns about the borough ordinance regarding political signs and parking.

The meeting included discussions and public hearings on two key ordinances related to affordable housing compliance: Ordinance No. 2524, establishing an overlay zone for affordable housing properties including group homes, and Ordinance No. 2525, amending the redevelopment plan for Block 2801 Lot 1 (604 Broad Ave). Public input concerned property taxation (PILOT programs), parking requirements, and the ownership/funding of a group home operated by Bergen County United Way. The council also addressed a significant transfer of funds ($250,000) to the DPW salary and wages account. The agenda included presentations of Fall Sports Certificates of Achievement, introduction of Ordinance No. 2526 concerning the Anti-Bullying Policy, and approval of several resolutions, including financial matters and an agreement related to the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program. Council members also discussed community events, school capacity based on new housing, and the role and structure of the Anti-Bullying Committee. The session concluded with an Executive Session followed by final votes on settlement agreements.

The meeting included a presentation of Fire Department Life Member Certificates to numerous individuals from Company 1, Company 2, and Company 3, honoring their service. The Consent Agenda addressed several resolutions, including notices of intent to purchase a sweeper and a stump grinder, and authorization to withdraw from the State Health Benefits Plan. Furthermore, the Council authorized participation in the Nationwide Opioids Settlement Agreement with Purdue Pharma L.P. and the Sackler Family, and approved an Interlocal Agreement with Cliffside Park for solid waste disposal. Discussions during council comments covered community events like the health fair and Fright Night, safety concerns regarding electric and gas-powered bikes on sidewalks, the continuation of the Walk with Serenity shoe drive, and the inauguration of a new Little Library. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact of declining priest numbers on Saint Matthews Church, leading to discussions about potential collaboration with Palisades Park. Council members emphasized efforts to explore more beneficial and affordable health benefits options for borough employees, noting ongoing financial prudence in managing the budget and recent infrastructure improvements in various areas. Citizen comments included questions about a recently distributed lawsuit, clarifications regarding resolution 234-2025, and the continuation of a borough history display project. The meeting concluded with an adjournment to Executive Session.