Maggie Browne

The meeting covered municipal composting progress, noting 20,294 lbs. collected. Two $2,500.00 energy audit grants were awarded through Sustainable Jersey/PSEG, which will include educational outreach. Significant commission membership changes for 2026 were discussed, including a resignation and changes in liaisons and member statuses. Discussions focused on implementing a

The meeting served to close out the work of the Governing Body for 2025 and recognize the service of outgoing Councilman Scott Fisher. The Mayor presented Councilman Fisher with an award acknowledging his commitment and dedication, noting his expertise in Korean language, service as a volunteer firefighter and Army Major, and his specialty in data analytics. Councilman Fisher provided remarks thanking the Governing Body and noting the substantial work involved in being a Councilmember. During the public comment session, residents thanked Councilman Fisher for his assistance on the bus shelter project. Consent Resolutions approved included authorizing 2025 Budget Transfers (RES. 2026-1) and canceling $100,000.00 in budget appropriations for legal fees (RES. 2026-2).

This Reorganization Meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Councilmen Christoph Hesterbrink and Shimon Abraham Ravid. Elected Councilmembers offered remarks regarding their commitment to public service and the future of Leonia. The Mayor delivered a State of the Municipality Address, focusing on progress made in affordable housing settlements, redevelopment strategy, and fiscal responsibility, as well as outlining 2026 priorities such as securing permanent flooding solutions. The meeting also involved the election of the Council President, the swearing-in of 2026 Fire Department Officers, and the appointment of numerous Borough Professionals, various Council Committees, Council Liaisons to Boards and Commissions, Citizen Appointments, and Mayoral Advisory Committee members. Several resolutions were passed via Consent Agenda actions, covering items like adopting Rules of Order, approving the 2026 Meeting Schedule, designating official newspapers, and appointing various municipal officials and officers.

The meeting agenda focused heavily on personnel appointments within the Police Department, including the promotion of a Police Captain and the appointment of two Police Sergeants, two Police Officers (one probationary, pending psychological evaluation), and one Special Law Enforcement Officer I (probationary, pending psychological evaluation). Additionally, the appointment of a seasonal Swim Club Manager was confirmed. The Council addressed legislative matters by adopting resolutions supporting the "Green Amendment" to the New Jersey State Constitution and supporting enhanced New Jersey Transit Bus Service. An ordinance amendment regarding Property Maintenance and Janitorial Service requirements was introduced. Finally, the approval of 2026 Towing Licenses for the licensing period was conducted.

The meeting agenda focused heavily on the reorganization for the new year. Key actions included the certification of election results for two Councilmembers, administering Oaths of Office for the newly elected Councilmembers, electing the Council President (Resolution 2026-03), and administering Oaths of Office for the 2026 Fire Department Officers. A significant portion of the agenda involved the appointment of various Borough Professionals for 2026, including the Borough Attorney and Tax Appeal Attorney (Res. 2026-04), Labor Attorney (Res. 2026-05), Borough Auditor (Res. 2026-06), Borough Engineer (Res. 2026-07), Bond Counsel (Res. 2026-08), Borough Prosecutor (Res. 2026-09), Public Defender (Res. 2026-10), Risk Management Consultants (Res. 2026-11), Borough Architect (Res. 2026-12), Grant Consultant (Res. 2026-13), Borough Planner (Res. 2026-14), Financial Advisor (Res. 2026-15), Affordable Housing Counsel (Res. 2026-16), and Affordable Housing Administrative Agent (Res. 2026-17). Additionally, the Mayor presented nominations for committee memberships and citizen appointments to various boards and commissions.