Stephanie Evans

The Reorganization Meeting addressed several administrative and professional service appointments for the year 2026. Key actions included administering Oaths of Office to newly elected Council members, appointing Robert Travers as Borough Attorney, and approving related resolutions for professional services such as Borough Auditor, Planner, Prosecutor, Risk Management Consultant, Public Defender, Engineer, Bond Counsel, Labor Attorney, Financial Advisor, Grant Consultant, Affordable Housing Administrative Agent, and Borough Architect. The council also confirmed appointments to various Boards and Committees, set forth the 2026 Mayor and Council meeting schedule, authorized a standard tax sale, established interest rates/penalties for delinquent taxes, and approved the 2025 Temporary Budget.

The reorganization session involved the appointment of officers for 2026, including the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Board Attorney, Board Planner, and engineering firm. The meeting announced the 2026 meeting schedule, set for the first Wednesday of every month with a 10 p.m. curfew. Several memorializations were approved, including applications for new residential dwellings at 69 Route 5, 17 Garden Place, and 20 and 22 Edgewater Place. Discussions occurred regarding recusal due to proximity conflicts and the need for alternate counsel. The completeness of applications for 8 Maple Street and 440-456 River Road was addressed, with the latter scheduling a special meeting for February 10, 2026, due to notification complexities. The business portion involved the application for 721 Undercliff Avenue, which required rescheduling to February 4, 2026, to address deficiencies in submitted plans and variances related to height and unique dual-frontage properties. The application for 647-649 Undercliff Avenue, requiring several variances for a new duplex construction, was also carried over to the February 4, 2026 meeting.

The agenda for the meeting includes standard procedural items such as the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, and Oath of Office. Key discussion topics involve the Re-Organization of the board, which covers the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and the appointment of the Board Secretary and Professionals (Attorney, Engineer, Planner). The agenda also includes the Adoption of Annual Meeting Dates, a Public Comment period, and Adjournment. The minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting are scheduled for approval.

Key discussions included the appointment of a lawyer for 2026 via Resolution 2026-01, and tabling the vote for the 2026 auditor appointment pending proposal review. The Board unanimously approved the 2026 budget of $204,650, subject to Borough Council approval, and tabled a resolution regarding engaging an engineer for survey matters. Kunda was appointed as Treasurer with check-signing authority, and requirements were established for dual signatures on bank checks. The Board discussed implementing future Board member elections via an internet portal and Ron will seek counsel on the procedure. In special projects, Ron reported on the NJDEP Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program for vegetation restoration. Future events discussed included the 10K Race on October 4th, for which a meeting is planned with Hackensack Meridian Palisades General Health Center, and a decision was made not to pursue a wine tasting event this year. Under new business, the Board discussed the County's proposal to remove the overpass at 615 River Road, which they oppose due to its importance for student safety, and resolved to send a letter urging the County not to remove it.

The agenda for this session includes the adoption of Ordinance 2025-021, which concerns the acquisition of a generator, transfer switch, and weapons, appropriating $650,000 for the purpose. The Consent Agenda includes several resolutions: appointing new crossing guards and part-time personnel (Omni-bus driver, Zoning Officer, Public Works Laborer), authorizing limo license renewals and grants, setting tax appeal settlements, authorizing tax sale certificate redemptions and assignments, approving a change order/close-out for Gotthold Contractors, endorsing a Bergen County Community Development Resolution, appointing a new Volunteer First Aid Squad Member, authorizing an Inter-Local Service Agreement for Solid Waste Tipping with Cliffside Park, Leonia, and Ridgefield, authorizing a refund for duplicate tax payment, and addressing salary, wages, services, and supplies.