Rayna E. Harris

The agenda for the regular meeting included several proclamations recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Muslim Heritage Month in the Township of Hillside, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Key items for discussion and approval involved the payment of bills and the passage of multiple resolutions. These resolutions addressed authorizations for tax credits and refunds, and confirmed appointments for critical municipal roles including the Township Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer, Township Attorney, Director of Health, Night Municipal Court Prosecutor, and Zoning Officer, as well as confirming the appointment of the Township Council Legislative Research Officer. The meeting included a public comment period and a correspondence item regarding an upcoming event.

The agenda for the Caucus Meeting included the Call to Order, Flag Salute, Statement of Public Notice, Roll Call, Proclamations for Black History Month 2026, and Heritage Awards presentations. Key administrative items involved the approval of minutes from the Reorganization Meeting of January 15, 2026, and the Regular Meeting of January 27, 2026, as well as the Payment of Bills dated February 10, 2026. A significant portion of the meeting involved numerous resolutions authorizing professional service contracts, including appointments for outside counsel in various legal areas (Redevelopment, Tax Appeal, General Litigation/Appellate Practice, Labor/Employment), financial advising, grant writing, and labor/employment counsel services. Furthermore, resolutions addressed the authorization of Sewer User Charges for 2026 and various appointments to multiple municipal boards and committees, such as the Planning Board, Council on the Arts, Health Advisory Board, Recreation Advisory Council, Senior Citizens Council, and Veterans Committee. The meeting concluded with a Public Comments section.

The agenda for the regular meeting included the payment of bills for February 24, 2026. Several resolutions were listed for consideration, such as confirming appointees to the Library Board of Trustees, the Planning Board, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Additionally, a resolution authorized the submission of a Strategic Plan for the Hillside Municipal Alliance Grant and another authorized a refund for Exempt Property 2025 Taxes. The meeting also included sections for public comments, correspondence, communications, and council remarks.

The meeting addressed several resolutions and financial matters for Fiscal Year 2025. Key actions included awarding a towing contractor license to Highway Service Corp., authorizing limousine licenses for Havana Rose, LLC and Nordell Victory Transport, LLC, and approving the Corrective Action Plan in response to the 2024 Audit Report findings. The Council also authorized a Non-Fair and Open Contract with Associated Humane Societies, Inc. for animal control services for 2026. Furthermore, a resolution was passed to authorize the transfer of $141,000.00 in appropriations within the Local Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 across various line items such as Salaries & Wages, OE, and Insurance accounts.

The Reorganization Meeting addressed several critical administrative actions for the upcoming year. Key items included the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected officials for the 2nd Ward Council and Council-at-Large positions, including the Mayor. The agenda also covered the nomination, election, and administration of the Oath of Office for the First Ward Council Vacancy, Council President, and Council Vice President. The Consent Agenda included resolutions authorizing a Temporary Budget Appropriation totaling $13,056,926.39, establishing the 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule, designating official newspapers for 2026, appointing Suplee, Clooney & Company as the Auditor for 2026, designating official depositories, and setting the interest rates, grace periods, and year-end penalties for tax and sewer delinquencies. A final resolution authorized the cancellation of small property tax balances/refunds under $10.00.