Elizabeth Brandsness

The meeting commenced with the administering of the oath of office to newly elected or appointed members. Key agenda items involved organizational matters, including the appointment of the chairman, vice chairman, board secretary, board engineer (Collier's Engineering), and board attorney (Andrew Brewer). The board also addressed the appointment of a representative to the open space committee. Furthermore, discussions centered on correspondence regarding an ordinance for land development code updates and an urgent matter concerning the borough's settlement agreement with Pearshare Housing Center related to amending the housing element of the fair plan. Due to time constraints for the impending March 15th deadline, the board discussed the necessity of scheduling a special meeting in early March to adopt the housing plan amendments, while also tentatively confirming regular meeting dates for the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The approval of bills, including payments to Collier's Engineering and Marziti Falcon LLP, was completed, followed by a concluding address from the chairman regarding the board's dedication and responsibilities.

The meeting commenced with administering oaths of office and swearing in new members, followed by procedural votes to establish leadership positions, including the chairperson, vice chair, executive director/secretary, agency assistant secretary, agency attorney, agency engineer, and agency planner. The body also nominated and approved the official legal newspaper designation. Key project updates were discussed, noting that the Meridian Group project is targeting a September opening, contingent on securing a restaurant tenant. The civic center renovations, including a new women's locker room, are complete. The CGM building scaffolding has been removed, pending glass replacement. The joint county project is progressing rapidly toward an early summer opening, with priority for residency-based applications established. The Susan project is awaiting MUA approval.

The meeting agenda included a Reorganization Meeting for 2026, followed by the Regular Meeting. Key reorganization items involved administering the Oath of Office to newly appointed or reappointed members (Lynn Hazelman, Mark Figula, William Hunt) and making various appointments, including the Board Attorney, Engineer, Planner, and Secretary. For the Regular Meeting, the agenda covered the approval of bills for professional services from Colliers Engineering & Design and legal services from Maraziti Falcon LLP, covering various applications and general matters. Specific applications requiring attention included BOA 25-08 (102 Albany Avenue) and a resolution for BOA 25-10 (14 Summit Avenue). Correspondence included memos from the Municipal Clerk regarding appointments and liaison information, and a notice of introduction for Ordinance No. ORD 64-2025. New business included the Variance Report 2025.

The meeting agenda included several significant actions taken by the Borough Council. Key items involved authorizing payment of bills and claims totaling $635,347.60 across various funds. Several resolutions were approved under the Consent Agenda, including accepting a crossing guard resignation, appointing a commissioner to the Municipal Utilities Authority, designating Open Space Trust Funds for a lightning detection system at Willow Field, confirming the appointment of a Part-Time Tax Clerk, authorizing a change order for Hershfield Park Phase I Improvements, executing a Shared Services Agreement with the Township of Wayne for Municipal Court use during emergencies, and awarding contracts for various professional services for the Planning Board and Redevelopment Agency, including planner, engineer, and attorney services. The Council also introduced and proceeded with final adoption for four ordinances concerning lease amendments with the Little League, Soccer Association, Youth Organization, and Board of Education. Furthermore, the Mayor recommended and the Council appointed a member to the Environmental Committee, and approved a request for the annual Little League parade.

The agenda outlines the proceedings for the Regular Meeting, which follows the Reorganization Meeting for 2026. Key items include the administration of the Oath of Office for newly appointed members and Reorganization Appointments/Approvals such as the appointment of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Board Attorney, Engineer, Planner, and Open Space Committee Representative, as well as the approval of Legal Newspapers and meeting dates. The Regular Meeting agenda includes the approval of the November 25, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes and the approval of outstanding bills for Colliers Engineering & Design and Maraziti Falcon LLP. Applications requiring discussion include BOA 25-08 (Keoma & Jessica Sandino) and a resolution for BOA 25-10 (Kinjal Parikh). Correspondence items include memos from the Municipal Clerk regarding appointments and liaison information, and a notice regarding Ordinance No. ORD 64-2025. New business covers the Variance Report for 2025.