The appointment of Chen Marz as the municipal clerk for a three-year term highlighted the meeting, with a resolution passed to set the salary at $82,400, retroactive to October 11, 2023, and potentially increasing to $93,000 effective January 1, 2025. The vote was not unanimous. Councilwoman Tanisha Dennis voted against the resolution, expressing her concerns about the compensation package offered. In a separate but related discussion, Councilman Francesco Fasolo stated he voted against Resolution R-55-24, which involved Marz’s appointment, due to his belief that the proposed salary was inadequate for the importance of the role.

The meeting commenced with Mayor Robert Colletti calling the regular meeting to order, followed by the approval of minutes from prior meetings and ceremonial proceedings. The installation of fire department officers was a ceremonial highlight, with lieutenants, fire captains, battalion chiefs, and assistant chief being sworn in, an event which saw the involvement of their families. Officer Bryant Sach was also sworn in as a new member of the police force, welcomed with an honor guard. Councilman Daniel Golabek took a moment to appreciate the significance of having a fifth Polish-speaking officer in the community, reflecting its diverse needs.

The council congratulated the newly appointed officials, with Councilwoman Lorraine Pellegrine extending her congratulations to both the fire department officers and Officer Sach and welcoming Chen Marz to her new role as municipal clerk. Council President Theresa Sheridan commended the Elmwood Park Police Department for their scam prevention efforts with seniors and mentioned a meeting with Rory Ratan to review the borough’s financial health. Council President Sandra Balistrieri also acknowledged the Department of Public Works for their handling of a recent snowstorm.

Several ordinances were introduced for first reading, including amendments related to water department rates, temporary parking prohibition for snow plowing and removal, and the salary ordinance for officers and employees to comply with New Jersey minimum wage requirements for 2024. The Chief Financial Officer recommended an increase in water rates to align with the borough’s rate increase, while concerns were raised about relieving no parking restrictions on Chestnut Street to provide additional parking for residents.

A question arose regarding the appointment of recreation department staff for the aftercare program, leading to a motion to table the resolution and a split vote. Mayor Colletti cast the deciding vote to approve the appointment of a risk manager from Professional Insurance Associates. The council also approved departmental reports and addressed the need to catch up with approving minutes from the previous year.

During public comments, a resident raised concerns about the increase of two-family homes, parking issues, and zoning variances. The discussion included the legality of inspecting a property suspected of illegal use as a three-family home and issues with garbage disposal and safety hazards. Another resident voiced concerns about parking regulations, street cleaning, and the purchase of a new truck for the town.

As the meeting progressed, additional topics were discussed, including the practice of allowing employees to start working before resolution approval, with the council agreeing to address and backdate the resolution to the date the employee began working. The public comments also included a discussion about illegal electrical work at a property, with the council members agreeing to further investigate.