Dale A. Forde

The council meeting included a presentation to the local Unico chapter honoring their 40th anniversary and service to the community. Additionally, the council acknowledged the Township Manager for receiving a young alumni award. Ordinances were adopted to amend sewer service charges and water consumption rates. Other proposed ordinances related to affordable housing were tabled for a future special meeting.

Key discussions during the public meeting included presentations to the Cedar Grove High School Robotics Team and two police officers recognized for saving a life. The ceremonial Oath of Office was administered to the new Fire Chief. A public hearing was held for the adoption of Ordinance No. 26-962 concerning exceeding municipal budget appropriation limits and establishing a CAP Bank, which was subsequently passed. Bids were awarded for solid waste, vegetative waste, and recycling collection services to F. Basso Jr. Rubbish Removal, Inc., and for the demolition, reconstruction, and installation of a new playground at Community Park to Thomas & Sons Builders LLC d/b/a Develop Builders. The meeting covered reports from Township officials, including updates on the draft budget, snow removal efforts, and comprehensive discussions regarding new ordinances (26-963, 26-964, 26-965) intended to revise sewer service charges, water rates, and update affordable housing regulations in conformance with the Amended Fair Housing Act and the Township's Fourth Round Housing Plan Element. Resolutions were also adopted regarding the amendment of official newspapers/publications for 2026, approval of raffle applications, authorizing a change order for the reconstruction of Devonshire Road, amending the membership of the Emergency Management Council, and accepting the Maintenance Bond and releasing the final payment for the Devonshire Road reconstruction contract.

The meeting began with extraordinary business, including a presentation and proclamation from the township council commending the Cedar Grove High School robotics team for their recent successes, including winning the VXV5 launch signature event regional robotics competition and earning the Innovate Award, which advances them toward the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship. The council also recognized Officers John Miguelki and Stephen Seni for their life-saving actions on June 9, 2025, where they revived a resident experiencing a seizure using CPR and a defibrillator. Subsequently, Fire Chief Alexander Boamp was sworn into office, succeeding Chief Domin. The meeting concluded with the motion to approve the minutes from the regular public meeting held on December 8, 2025.

The meeting covered the required announcement concerning the Open Public Meetings Act, noting adequate notice was provided on December 18, 2025. Key reports from Township Officials included scheduling the Budget Hearing for January 26, 2026, and introducing Joseph Lipari as the new OEM Coordinator, who explained his responsibilities and requested approval for Deputy OEM Coordinators. Consent agenda items approved raffle applications for the North Caldwell Partnership for Education, appointed Joseph Lipari as OEM Coordinator, and authorized the appointment of four Deputy OEM Coordinators. New Business included the introduction of an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits for CY 2026 and the adoption of the 2026 Temporary Budget. Additionally, the Council authorized a non-fair and open contract for professional finance and accounting services not to exceed $60,000 to Holman, Frenia, Allison PC. Resolutions were also adopted establishing the interest rate on delinquent taxes, authorizing a policy for the Claimant's Certification Requirement, and establishing 2026 Petty Cash Funds and the 2026 Cash Management Plan.

The meeting included reports from the Township Manager, Township Clerk, and Township Attorney, as well as council members. The Township Manager discussed the upcoming Tree Lighting Ceremony, the commencement of the 2026 Municipal Budget process, and road milling and paving. The Township Clerk reported on the General Election. The council considered resolutions for raffle applications and reappointments to various committees and boards, including the CATV Committee, Planning Board, Environmental Commission, Recreation Advisory Board, and the Essex County Solid Waste Advisory Council. Ordinances were introduced concerning flood control, rent increases, outdoor sidewalk cafes, stormwater control, towing, vehicles and traffic, and zoning.