Christopher Critchett

The meeting began with procedural announcements regarding public notice and remote participation instructions. The agenda was rearranged to accommodate presentations, including honoring Girl Scout Troop 201131 for their initiative in restocking the food bank with certificates presented to the members. A presentation followed, recognizing the Rosland Spirit fifth and sixth-grade girls' soccer team for winning their third consecutive championship. Subsequently, the governing body observed moments of silence for the late former Stonegate Association president, Nick Deilia, and the late Governor Richard Cody. During the public comment period, a resident suggested installing large signage reading "Roseland USA" on the antenna tower in Harrison. Another resident expressed a desire to serve on committees focused on improving the town center, noting frustration over lost socialization spots and the lack of parking hindering local businesses like Picos. The body introduced three ordinances: Ordinance 1-2026 regarding the composition of the police department, Ordinance 2-2026 concerning rezoning block 32 lot 9.01 to an affordable housing zone, and Ordinance 3-2026 concerning rezoning block 30 lot 4 to an affordable housing zone. The latter two ordinances were referred to the planning board for consistency review with the master plan.

The meeting commenced with recognition and presentation ceremonies for several youth soccer championship teams, including the undefeated Rosland Galaxy fifth/sixth grade boys' team and the undefeated seventh/eighth grade girls' team, which featured extensive coaching staff recognition. A public comment period addressed concerns regarding the increasing number of approved apartment and townhouse units (currently 744 units approved in three rounds, with a potential for over a thousand total) and their impact on property taxes for senior citizens. The governing body then proceeded with a public hearing and subsequent adoption of Ordinance 41-2025, which amends the general ordinances concerning the Senior Transportation Committee.

Discussions during the meeting included public comments regarding development concerns, specifically relating to apartments and data centers, with assurance given that exact figures would be emailed. The council addressed several resolutions, approving resolutions 1 through 6 separately, while resolution number 7 concerning a personnel hire was subject to an objection due to a council member's conflict of interest, leading to an abstention and deferral discussion. Other resolutions (395-2025 through 404-2025) were approved en masse. The introduction of several ordinances occurred, including one concerning Senior Transportation Committee amendments, fees for Parks and Recreation, water and sewer rates, capital improvements for Cooper Avenue, trestle stabilization improvements, and a long-term tax exemption agreement. Public hearings were opened and closed for ordinances mandating yard waste in biodegradable bags (38-2025) and prohibiting the use of engine brakes (39-2025), both of which were subsequently adopted. An ordinance modifying fence and retaining wall regulations (40-2025) was also introduced and adopted. The meeting concluded with the approval of the November bill list and the consent agenda, and comments regarding proposed state legislation that might preempt local zoning laws for houses of worship.

The meeting covered the approval of minutes from the October 2025 Regular Meeting and the November 2025 Budget Meeting. Correspondence included an update on the Sensory Garden. The Treasurer's Report detailed the 2025 budget versus actuals, current bank balances, and status of Certificates of Deposit maturing in December 2025 and January 2026. A resolution was presented to approve the 2025 Budget as presented. Committee reports addressed the installation of cameras and maintenance items for the Grounds and Maintenance Committee, the need to discuss Dam inspection and repair for 2026, the status of D&O insurance effective Q1 2026, and planning for the Family Day Event (date selection, DJ, petting zoo). The President's Report tabled several issues to 2026 and introduced discussion items for the current meeting, including a potential lean-to purchase and 2026 meeting dates.

The agenda for the meeting includes the review of the Open Public Meetings Act Statement, Roll Call, and potential formal action items. New Business items involve two separate requests from Russell Serpe for amended site plan approval concerning property at 146 Passaic Avenue and 142 Passaic Avenue, both requesting removal of additional trees and revision of site grading. Additionally, Woodmont Senior Living LLC is seeking a one-year extension for a Major Site Plan approval related to the proposed development of an 181-unit Assisted Living & Memory Care Facility and 42 Affordable Housing Units at 65 Livingston Avenue. General Business includes a review of Ordinance 39-2025, which amends the section pertaining to Fences & Retaining Walls.