Elmwood Park Borough Council Appoints New Officials Amidst Contentious Legal Counsel Debates
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
01/04/2024
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Recording Published:
01/08/2024
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Duration:
108 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Elmwood Park
- Meeting Overview:
In an eventful Elmwood Park Borough Council meeting, Mayor Robert Colletti and Council Members Lorraine Pellegrine and Pamela Choy were sworn in following the certification of the November 7th general election results. Councilwoman Theresa Sheridan was named council president after a close vote, while discussions took place regarding the appointment of a new borough attorney, with the outgoing attorney Mr. Eng Grafia’s contributions being a focal point of contention. Additionally, the appointment of various board members, including debates on nominations to the Planning Board and other boards, highlighted the council’s active engagement in borough governance.
The appointment of the borough attorney proved to be one of the most notable issues at the meeting. With sentiments of disappointment from Councilman Francesco Fasolo regarding the decision not to reappoint the previous borough attorney, Mr. Eng Grafia, the council was divided. Fasolo praised Grafia for his cost-saving efforts and expressed concerns over the loss of different perspectives that two distinct attorneys provided. Councilwoman Tanisha Dennis also supported Grafia, citing his excellent performance during his tenure.
The tie vote on the resolution for the new borough attorney’s appointment led to Mayor Colletti casting the deciding vote in favor of appointing AES Mcder Masro Murphy Author R T Jr Esquire and Kyle Trent Esquire as the borough attorney for a term not exceeding $660,000.
The selection of Councilwoman Sheridan as council president was another significant event. Sheridan expressed gratitude and a sense of responsibility upon being elected, pledging to represent the residents’ interests and work tirelessly for the community. The selection process itself was marked by a close vote.
Mayor Colletti’s remarks at the meeting focused on his gratitude to the residents and the importance of safety, schools, recreation, and taxes. He cited achievements in various sectors, including the police department and schools, and addressed fiscal concerns, emphasizing the need to tighten spending.
Councilwoman Dennis congratulated Council President Sheridan and expressed her dedication to putting residents’ needs first, while Councilwoman Pellegrine outlined her focus on making positive changes for the community.
In terms of appointments, the council faced several debates and discussions about the qualifications and attendance of nominees to various boards, including the Board of Health, Board of Adjustment, Recreation Advisory Board, Library Board, and Cannabis Board. The appointment of Danela Bosio to the Library Board and Carl Roberts to the Rent Leveling Board sparked particular debate, with council members questioning their attendance records and ability to fulfill their roles.
The discussions on the Cannabis Board were also noteworthy, with the council voting on the appointments of Francesco Fasolo, Pamela Troy, Joseph Pride, and Janette Randazzo. Councilman Daniel Golabek questioned the process, expressing confusion over the dual role of council representatives on the board.
Councilwoman Dennis provided updates on community activities such as the basketball season and soccer clinic sign-ups, retirement of a borough employee, and upcoming events like the Board of Ed meeting. She also commended the police for hosting free wrestling lessons and acknowledged the donors supporting the resident assistance program.
Councilman Golabek commended the council’s independence and the success of the recent tree lighting event, while Councilwoman Sheridan and Pellegrine congratulated the newly appointed board members and emphasized the importance of collaboration. Mayor Colletti closed the meeting by expressing gratitude for his wife’s support and highlighting the bipartisan nature of the council, acknowledging the importance of faith in the community represented by the presence of religious leaders.
The public portion of the meeting included requests for corrections in board appointments and better transparency regarding the posting of agendas and minutes on the borough’s website.
Robert Colletti
City Council Officials:
Sandra Balistrieri, Tanisha Dennis, Francesco Fasolo, Daniel Golabek, Lorraine Pellegrine, Theresa Sheridan
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
01/04/2024
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Recording Published:
01/08/2024
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Duration:
108 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:
Elmwood Park
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