Emerson Borough Council Swears in Officials and Sets Stage for 2024
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
01/02/2024
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Recording Published:
01/02/2024
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Duration:
71 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Emerson
- Meeting Overview:
In a meeting marked by tradition and forward planning, the Emerson Borough Council swore in reelected council members Michael Timmerman and Ashley Rice, alongside newly appointed probationary police officers and various commission volunteers.The session, led by Mayor Danielle DiPaola, also saw the detailed layout of the council’s 2024 agenda, including infrastructure investments and police department restructuring, following the retirement of Police Chief Michael Maio.
The January 2nd, 2024 reorganization meeting of the Emerson Borough Council commenced with a flag salute and a moment of silence honoring the late former mayor Owen Cassidy. The proceedings included the swearing-in of Councilman Timmerman and Councilwoman Rice by Mayor DiPaola, with their families in attendance. Probationary police officers Owen Lennon and Craig Merkel also took oaths to faithfully serve the Emerson Borough.
During the meeting, the council appointed Michelle Ryan as acting Borough Clerk and John McAn, Esquire, of the Law Offices of John McAn as the Borough Attorney for the coming year. The council members unanimously approved these appointments, with no discussion or opposition.
Mayor DiPaola took the floor to highlight the past year’s achievements and introduce plans for 2024. She emphasized the borough’s dedication to improving its infrastructure, the importance of shared service agreements, and the successful acquisition of grants for various projects. DiPaola also announced the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Maio, which will lead to a reorganization of the police department. She encouraged residents to engage with the governing body’s work and stressed her commitment to being available to address community concerns.
Council members Timmerman and Rice followed with speeches focusing on their appreciation for community support and their ongoing commitment to the borough’s progress. Councilman Timmerman’s subsequent appointment as council president for 2024 underscored his leadership role.
Deliberations then moved to the appointment of professionals for the borough, including legal counsel, engineering, auditing, and planning services. After a brief discussion, during which Councilman Brian Gordon expressed his wish to abstain, the council unanimously approved the professional service contracts for a one-year term.
The meeting also included the approval of resolution number 524, which witnessed the swearing-in of Caroline Ryder and Katherine from Neglia as volunteer professionals. Michael Timmerman was nominated and appointed as the class three land use board member, and various council members received assignments to various committees and roles. Officers and employees requiring council confirmation were approved for positions such as recycling coordinator, sewer operator, and zoning official.
The council then recognized the commitment of volunteers across various commissions. New members of the Environmental Commission, Shade Tree Commission, Historic Preservation Committee, Board of Health, Library Board, Land Use Board, and Recreation Commission were sworn in, each pledging to uphold their responsibilities to the Constitution and the community.
Two new ordinances were introduced, one aimed at amending employee salaries and terms of employment, and the other focused on revising fees for recreational activities and summer camp. Additionally, the council adopted the temporary 2024 Municipal budget through resolution number 9-24.
The meeting concluded with a public comment session, which saw no participation from the public. The consent agenda was approved, and no closed session business was reported. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m., with an invitation to attendees to join the council members for a social gathering at the Emerson Hotel.
Danielle DiPaola
City Council Officials:
Michael Timmerman, Nicole Argenzia, Brian Gordon, Jill McGuire, Kelly Moore, Ashley Rice
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
01/02/2024
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Recording Published:
01/02/2024
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Duration:
71 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Emerson
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