Richard Hess

The Council reviewed and approved a series of resolutions regarding the appointment of various professional services for the year 2026, including legal, engineering, auditing, IT, and financial consultants. Discussion items included the recognition and presentation of life-saving awards to residents, approval of a change order for the Clinton Avenue Roadway Improvement Project, and authorization to apply for a grant to improve the Hogan Park gazebo. The meeting also covered the declaration of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the adoption of the Bergen County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, the approval of raffle licenses, and the transition to publishing public notices on the municipal website.

The combined meeting agenda included several key actions. Appointments were considered for the Northvale Volunteer Fire Department. Resolutions covered authorizing the Northvale Fire Department to participate in the GSA Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program, approving Change Order No. 1 and the closeout for the Livingston Street Streetscape Improvements Project, adopting an Affordable Housing Trust Fund Spending Plan, appointing Edward Rejmaniak as Deputy OEM Coordinator, authorizing professional services for the 2025 Annual Report-NJDEP Municipal Stormwater Management Program, authorizing a tax overpayment refund, approving a five-year agreement with Bergen County for 9-1-1 Communications and Public Safety Dispatch Service, and approving a three-year contract for the Chief of Police. Additionally, the agenda included readings and public hearings for Ordinances fixing salaries for DPW Contract Employees (Ordinance #26-03) and Police Employees (Ordinance #26-04), and an Ordinance amending zoning regulations regarding Affordable Housing (Ordinance #26-05). Monthly correspondence and department reports were also noted for filing.

The meeting included appointments for the Fire Department and the approval of various professional service contracts. Key discussions involved a change order for the Clinton Avenue roadway project, a grant submission to the New Jersey DCA for park improvements, and the adoption of a resolution raising awareness for human trafficking. The Council authorized professional engineering designs for paving programs, approved a transition to a new health insurance fund, and addressed the return of escrow for a construction project. Additionally, the Council approved raffle licenses, authorized a drainage study for Willow Avenue to address flooding, discussed updated policies for public notices, adopted a county hazardous mitigation plan, and reviewed ordinances regarding police vehicle fees and salary adjustments for the Department of Public Works and Police Department. Settlement-related ordinances concerning affordable housing frameworks and inclusionary overlay districts were also discussed and passed, alongside bond authorization for a new assistant fire chief vehicle and the annual paving program.

The meeting included the administration of oaths of office for re-elected council members, the recognition of winners from the local holiday decorating contest, and the honoring of boys' and girls' youth soccer teams for their championship victories. Official business included the nomination and election of a Council President, updates to standing committee assignments, the creation of a new utilities liaison position, and appointments to various committees, boards, and other municipal roles. Additionally, the Council adopted bylaws, authorized the preparation of professional service agreements, and finalized the schedule for the upcoming year's meetings.

The meeting encompassed various administrative and legislative actions, including the appointment of a new member to the Volunteer Fire Department. The Council reviewed and approved a consent agenda featuring resolutions related to participation in the GSA federal surplus program, a change order and closure of the Livingston Street streetscape project, and the adoption of an affordable housing trust fund spending plan along with an affirmative marketing plan. Additionally, the Council authorized professional services for the municipal storm water management program, approved a five-year public safety dispatch contract, finalized a contract with the Fire Chief, and addressed budgetary matters, including temporary appropriations and tax refunds. Ordinances concerning salary and wage scales for the Department of Public Works and the Police Department were addressed, alongside a second reading of an ordinance regarding affordable housing regulations, which included a public discussion regarding zoning impacts on local businesses.