Gino Tessaro

The meeting agenda included department reports for January 2026 from the Grant, Building, Fire, and Police Departments. Presentations were scheduled for the Norwood Public School Soccer Champions and the We Play It Forward Foundation 5K, along with an item concerning Apptegy. The council introduced three ordinances (2026:01, 2026:02, and 2026:03) related to amending or repealing sections of the Borough Code concerning the Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning District and Affordable Housing Requirements, with public hearings scheduled for February 25, 2026. The Consent Agenda addressed resolutions covering a Mutual Aid Assistance Agreement for the Fire Department, participation in the Defense Logistics Agency 1033 Program for the Police Department, appropriation reserve transfers, adoption of an Affirmative Marketing Plan and an Affordable Housing Spending Plan, payment of vouchers, and a tax refund for duplicate payment. A Closed Session was authorized to discuss matters of employment.

Key discussions during the meeting included congratulating the Norwood Recreation Boys 5th/6th Grade Soccer Champions. The consent agenda covered the approval of several resolutions pertaining to appointments to the County Public Safety Advisory Board and the appointment of School Crossing Guards, as well as resolutions authorizing advertisement for bids for roadway improvements and authorizing payments and services from Neglia Engineering. Mayoral appointments to the Planning Board and Recreation Committee were approved. Under items for discussion, the council discussed potential uses for a Recreation Grant, specifically for purchasing a gazebo or funding upgrades to community center bathrooms for ADA compliance through an AARP grant. Furthermore, the council reviewed bids for a municipal website upgrade, ultimately approving Apptegy contingent on answering submitted questions. A parking ordinance change was approved to prohibit parking on curves on Maple Street and Chestnut Street, while parking on Demarest Street continues to be monitored. A significant portion of the discussion involved security cameras for the compost facility; this led to a motion that failed to approve cameras at that location. The Borough Attorney advised that the Borough is not required to pay ASCAP fees as they do not charge admission fees for events with music. The Borough Engineer reported on unexpected pipe sizing issues discovered during drainage easement repairs at 5 Meadow Lane. The council also approved a motion to allow the NPS PTO carnival at Kennedy Field and later approved a settlement agreement presented by the Borough Planner after returning from a closed session regarding litigation.

The meeting involved reports from the Health Department, including Vital Statistics for October 2025 (1 death, 2 marriages) and October client visit numbers for Foxhill and the Senior Center. Discussions on Old Business included confirming the Microblading Ordinance is in place and agreeing to fund additional Chair Yoga classes, with the final funding application to be determined. New Business included deferring the Budget Review to the December meeting and approving the 2026 Meeting Dates for publication. Committee discussions included a member sharing insights on navigating healthcare systems to potentially develop a senior advocacy program.

The meeting involved the swearing in of the 2026 Environmental Commission Mayoral Appointments for various terms. Following the roll call, the commission held votes to appoint the Chair, resulting in the appointment of Ms. Rosenthal, and unanimously appointed Ms. Olshan as Vice Chair. The commission unanimously approved the 2026 meeting dates. Discussions included the potential removal of members who have not been attending meetings, specifically Mr. Deptuch, which the commission voted to recommend for removal to the Mayor. Community event topics included suggestions for future hikes and garden events, with a suggestion to table hike discussions until March. In budget considerations, a request for $20,000.00 was suggested to accommodate the need for a larger shed for the garden. An update on the Planning Board indicated that an appeal discussed in the previous month would be heard soon. The Council Liaison provided updates on recent Borough Council reorganization, including changes in liaison roles.

The meeting began with standard formalities, including the National Anthem and invocation, followed by a declaration of compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act. Key actions included the approval of a Consent Agenda containing resolutions for advertising an RFQ, authorizing tax title lien redemption, budget transfers for 2025, and payment of vouchers. The Mayor delivered comprehensive year-end comments reflecting on 2025 accomplishments, thanking borough employees, first responders (Police, Public Works, Fire, EMS), and various administrative and professional staff. He also recognized Council members' service and welcomed a newly elected member. Major accomplishments from 2025 included the receipt of a new fire truck, the opening of an all-inclusive playground, and completion of several roadway paving and drainage improvements. Plans for 2026 projects, including road improvements and bridge replacement coordination, were noted. The meeting concluded the Sine-Die session, followed by a Reorganization meeting where oaths of office were administered. A major item in the reorganization was the selection of the Council President for 2026, with Councilman Kim being elected. A second Consent Agenda covered numerous administrative appointments for 2026, including the Borough Attorney, Auditor, Prosecutor, and various liaisons, though one resolution regarding advertising for an RFQ was pulled for separate discussion and ultimately approved. Finally, the Mayor's appointments to various Boards (e.g., Board of Health, Recreation Committee, Planning Board) and Council committee assignments were approved.