Gino Tessaro

The board reviewed several communications regarding county-level ordinances and recognitions. Actions taken included approving contracts for firehouse floor repairs, solid waste collection services, and basketball court resurfacing, as well as setting salaries and wages. The board employed an appraiser for professional services, certified the annual audit, approved a corrective action plan, and supported the Bergen County Fire Mutual Aid Plan. Additionally, the board passed an ordinance amending towing regulations, which established specific rate structures for roadside service, towing, and storage fees.

The meeting included the appointment of a new police officer, the authorization of a software maintenance agreement for vital statistics, and a settlement for a tax appeal. The council approved resolutions regarding property tax credits for senior citizens and disabled persons, established a mileage reimbursement policy, authorized the solicitation of quotes for waste collection, and appointed a risk management consultant and a health benefits consultant. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of an electric salt spreader, payment for DPW topography and building work, and adopted a policy regarding civil rights and the reaffirmation of the employee policies and procedures manual. A resolution regarding the compensation for a retiring police lieutenant was also approved. The meeting concluded with discussions on renaming a local park, reopening the senior center, and addressing public concerns regarding animal control and stray cats.

The council discussed various communications regarding Bergen County bond ordinances and environmental submissions. Bids were reviewed for curbside recycling collection, resulting in the award of a three-year contract to the second lowest bidder due to non-responsiveness of the lowest bidder. Several resolutions were approved, including an annual maintenance agreement for the Police Department's LiveScan Fingerprint System, a recreation subsidy for the Borough of Wood-Ridge, the purchase of 2024 recycling calendars, and the appointment of a crossing guard. A change order for the Grand Street reconstruction project was authorized due to the discovery of an unforeseen culvert. Ordinance #2023-7 was adopted to appropriate funds for a stormwater pump station replacement. Discussions were held regarding the 2023 salary ordinance, updates on shared services agreements for public works equipment, ongoing contract negotiations, and various infrastructure and community maintenance items.

The meeting included a review of various communications from the Bergen County Board of Commissioners regarding bond ordinances for department improvements, and filings from utility and infrastructure entities. Multiple resolutions were approved covering topics such as tax refunds, the cancellation of outstanding checks, construction change orders and engineering contracts, the adoption of a 2021 annual audit corrective action plan, and the authorization of professional services for financial advisory. The Council introduced an ordinance for improvements to Grand Street, discussed senior center activities, and addressed community concerns regarding board appointments and school traffic. Additionally, the Council approved the payment of various municipal bills across multiple accounts.

The meeting featured recognition for the STEAM Team students and plaques presented for long-term service to a retiree and a police sergeant. The governing body discussed several communications, including planning and zoning matters, bond ordinances from the county, and environmental permits. Formal action included the approval of various resolutions covering the purchase of equipment, contract amendments, sewer charge settlements, budget transfers, and payments for professional services and infrastructure construction projects. Additionally, the council awarded a bid for Streetscape Improvements, appointed personnel, and authorized applications for recycling tonnage grants and state trust fund contracts. The public hearing included discussions on medical marijuana zoning, bulky waste collection, airport permits, and firehouse maintenance.