Is it gone? You ready? But now >> Yeah, I think she should be here. Honey second. >> Okay. A call to order the 2025 governing body and reading of the open public meeting act statement. In compliance
with chapter 231 of the open public uh meetings act of the state of New Jersey, adequate notice has been given to all members of the governing body and the two newspapers that have been designated to receive such notice. The local source and the Westfield leader. Let's stand
for an invocation. Dear Lord, please bless all the residents of Mountainside and make sure that they have a a happy and healthy 2026. Also, uh we want to make sure that you
protect our first responders, our rescue squad, our fire department, and our police department. And with all the turmoil that's going on in the world today, uh we need to pray for uh peace in in all areas. and hopefully all these
conflicts will will be settled uh uh peacefully. Amen. >> Amen. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Deerus, >> here. >> Councilman Madjac, >> here. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> here. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> here. Councilman Van Dusen is absent. Councilwoman [clears throat] was >> here.
>> Okay. Next, we have the approval of the minutes of the regular and executive session meeting of December 16th, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion. We have a second. Paul the council. >> Councilman Dirkus. >> Yes. >> Councilman Madag. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Was. >> Yes. We do have two 25-y year work anniversaries. Uh but we're going to be doing that at the next public meeting, but it is Sergeant James Urban and
Horatio Kala. We also have one of our state representatives here, Nancy Munos. If you'd like to come up and say a few words, Nancy. >> Happy New Year, everyone. Happy to be here. Um, as many of you know, I have served with um this district for the
last 16 and a half years. Uh, my term will be ending on Monday. I was um unfortunately not reelected, but I just want you all to know that it has been an honor, a privilege to serve all of you. And I hope that you all know how much it
meant to me and how much each and every person in Mountainside to me and to Michelle as well. You still have Senator Brnik. You'll have two new representatives, but our main focus was always about the people. That was what we were focused on, both Michelle and I,
if I may speak for her. And we want you all to know that our offices are still open until until Monday, and you can reach us. Um, and after that, there'll be new legislators. But, um, I hope that your voices were heard in Trenton. Uh, to the EMTs, you know, as the only nurse
in the legisle, I hope that represented the healthcare industry well and that each one of you has success in your future. To the law enforcement, God bless each and every one of you. Always been supportive of law enforcement and anything we could ever do, we made sure
that your safety and security was utmost in our minds and we always made sure that we supported legislation that was beneficial to every one of you. To the council, you guys are the best. I'm so glad that I was able to come here tonight to say goodbye. [clears throat] And it truly was the privilege of my
life. I, as many of you know, I came into this job because my husband had a sudden death. >> I took that and made it into a positive and positive. >> You [applause] do want to thank Nancy for her service. She's [applause] always been there for
Mountain Side. anytime we've ever needed anything and we've called upon her, she's always come through for us. So Nancy, thank you very much for your service. >> Okay, so do we have any council comments? >> None. Okay, next we have the adjournment
of the 2025 uh governing body. We need a motion for that adjournment. >> So moved. >> We have a second. >> Second. >> Okay. Okay. The 2025 governing body is now adjourned. Next, we have the oath of office. I think it's appropriate that we
start with Councilwoman Donna Pacificico. Women should go first. >> Thank you. >> Oh, she can take a picture. >> Yeah. >> Yes. My new job. >> [snorts]
>> You're gonna stand here. >> Steve's gonna do it. >> Go over here. And so you come here >> and you're going to hold the Bible twice. You got to raise your right hand. >> Put your hand left on the Bible. >> Dad, come over here. >> Well, turn around picture.
>> Got to get on the camera. There we go. Okay. I state your name. I Z Pacificico >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and the governments established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people
>> under the authority of the people. I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of councilwoman in the burrow of mountainside >> of councilwoman in the burrow of mountainside.
>> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Thanks for everything. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And you have to sign right here. Do I sign too? >> I think Martha, you notoriize.
>> I'll sign it. >> Martha's going to notoriize. >> Thank you. >> Okay, next we have the swearing in of Councilman Renee Derkus. >> Okay, let's go. >> Come on, Wayey. Let's go. You're up. Sit down.
>> Oh, really? >> It's got to face the camera. >> What do we need to do? Raise your right hand to the left hand of the Bible. >> I state your name. I, Renee, >> do solemnly swear
>> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same
>> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments >> and to the governments >> established in the United States >> established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear
>> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of a councilman in the burrow of mountainside >> of a councilman in the burrow of mountainside. >> So help me God. >> So help me guide.
>> Congratulations. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Thanks a lot. Can't believe how big those kids. [clears throat] >> I remember when they were just infants. >> Okay. So, let the record be reflected.
Councilman Alex Van Dusen is now here. I also see we have another assembly woman here. If uh Michelle Massacudis, if you'd like to come up and say a few words, Michelle, now would be a good time for you to do that. >> I just wanted to stop my heartfelt
congratulations to you both, Donna and Renee. Um, you know, you guys have always done such a wonderful job for this town and you know, as Nancy can attest along with me, you uh come into
the political arena and you have friends, you find friends along the way and Donna and Renee have become friends. And when you have friends, you know what's in their hearts and what's in their hearts is what's good for Mountain Sign. So again, just wanted to come here
and give my sincerest congratulations to them and I know you guys are going to continue to do a great job in this town. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you. [applause] >> I want to thank Michelle for her service. She's always been there when we've needed her in Mountainside. Could
always call her and she'd always pick up the phone and she would always help us. And we appreciate everything that you've done for Mountainside. Thank you very much. [applause] Okay. Now we have the next which is the call of order to order of the 2026
governing body. Next we have the roll call of the 2026 council by um our burough clerk Martha Lopez. >> Councilman Dirkus >> here. >> Councilman Madach >> here. >> Councilwoman [clears throat] Pacificico >> here. >> Councilman Ronaldo >> here.
>> Councilman Van Dusen >> here. >> Councilwoman was >> here. >> Okay. Next, you're going to have to listen to me for a few minutes. So, sit back and try and enjoy it. But, uh, good evening everyone and happy new year. I am so grateful to be the mayor of this
great community. Each year seems seems to bring good fortune and 2025 was was no exception. People moved to Mountainside and continue to live here and some actually move back for a variety of reasons. Low taxes which
remain stable, high property values which continue to rise. A high level of service that our residents expect and deserve uh for all the residents uh maintenance and improvement of our infrastructure
and of course the small town way of life that we are so proud of here. I have always fought to maintain the quality of life that makes Mountainside the attractive and affordable community that it is, and I will continue to do so. One of the ways Mountainside remains
affordable is that we continue to vigorously pursue grants. In 2025, we received 967,458 in grants. We have already been approved for an additional $310,21 worth of grants for 2026
and we will continue to pursue more. These grants help cover the cost of maintaining our infrastructure, our roads, our sewer system to help make improvements to our facilities and to enhance expand the services we provide to our residents.
>> [cough and clears throat] >> The burrow is in the process of awarding bids for the resurfacing of the pickle ball and the tennis courts at both Burough Hall and at Deerfield School, which will begin as soon as weather
permits. Both of these award bids and awards are being partially funded by a grant. Some of the grants we obtain was through our senior citizen coordinator. We received grants from the Union County
Community uh block grant to support our senior services and transportation program. We received a grant from the Union County for municipal alliance for incorporating strategies in the schools and in the community that address drug
aware drug and alcohol awareness. Our senior citizen coordinator also continues to coordinate our volunteer senior buddy meal program which provides lowcost meals from local restaurants to our seniors. To date, they have
delivered 46,573 meals uh have been delivered and the economic impact is $59,760. It's a great program, great for the seniors, great for the community, and great for our local businesses. So, we're very proud of our senior citizen
coordinator, Kim Moriaak. [applause] This year we completed paving improvements including curbing construction, drainage improvements, driveway repairs, road repairs, millie and and paving on Frier Lane, Justin
Place, Kings Courting on Thorn Ridge and Hawk Ridge and Timberline Road in connection with the Elizabeth Town Gas main replacement program. The following roads were also paved. Beachwood Court,
Forest Drive, Highwood Road, Long Meadow, Meeting House Lane, Pembrook, Wood Acres, Laurel Court, Cole's A, and an Acriman. Lastly, in connection with the New Jersey American Water main Replacement
Program, the following roads were also paved. Timberline Court, Timberline Road, and a section of Wood Valley. The water company is also in the process of committing their water man uh replacement and once that is permitted
and weather permitting we they're going to pave se the other sections of Wood Valley Indian Trail and and Garrett Road. We also uh participate in multiple shared services that keep our taxes under control, including a joint
insurance fund, the Westfield Board of Health, Flu Clinics, Union County Public Assistance, Union County First uh Alert, Union County DPW Equipment and uh loan
uh program, emergency services mutual aid uh program, which includes police, fire and resc rescue. We also have shared services with Clark for our Mountainside TV and with Scotch Plains for fire safety. We have also entered
into a shared services agreement with the board of education to provide two full-time police officers to help enhance the security for our children, teachers, and staff at at Deerfield and Beach and Beachwood School. We also
provide snow plowing uh services to the board of education. These cost savings and grants enable us to better serve our residents and boost the quality of life with a variety of recreational programs and infrastructure enhancements. For
example, our wreck uh department has expanded their existing programs for children's adults and seniors to include mini pumpkin painting and pizza, chess camp, play in nature, DIY spa
essentials, Christmas edition, musical theater class, robotics, yoga for adults, revive kids triathlon, USA spring sports, uh NFL football clinic, USA spring uh sports soccer clinics for
Monday beginner pickle ball and kids three through five uh spring uh tennis session two department continues to work with our senior citizen coordinator to provide programming for our citizens
including health and fitness classes, game nights, technology workshop bingo and craft events. A new addition is the connecting generations program which connects children and seniors with which
include tea parties, bingo, fair lady light bottle bottle painting, uh bouquet making and a pool party. All of which were funded by grants from the Watts Foundation. However, the true essence of the
mountainside is the great uh is the great community of our volunteers. Volunteers are the fabric of this small town living and the backbone of our community. We have a great volunteer fire department as well as volunteer
rescue squad. Through their leadership, both organizations have been able to recruit new members, especially young members, allowing both uh organizations to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies emergencies arise. They
spend countless hours in training, preparing, and maintaining equipment to keep Mountainside safe. Our volunteer rescue squad volunteered over 17,600 hours and responded to 889 calls in
2005. Each response represents a moment where our EMTs show up to provide care, calm fears, and ensure public safety when it matters mo most. The Mountainside Volunteer Fire Department
responded to 357 calls and has also volunteered over 5,000 hours answering calls and participating in special assignments in protecting the Mountainside community. The members of both of these organizations have missed
holidays, birthdays, normal dinners with families and friends, all to ensure the safety of our of our residents. I thank both organizations. They are fabulous. However, even though they have done a great job recruiting, they still need
more volunteers. Anyone that wishes to volunteer can contact our burough administrator or any of the members of the rescue squad or the uh uh fire department. We also have a number of other volunteer
organization. Mountainside youth uh baseball and softball, Mountainside PLA, the VFW, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, Friends of the Mountainside Library, Mountainside Beautiful, and the Elks. We also have Daisies, Girl Scouts,
Brownies, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Eagle Scouts. These are all excellent volunteer organizations that help promote numerous additional programs for our children and adults, including seniors. And I encourage all who can volunteer for these incredibly important
organizations to volunteer. Together with our residents, we have celebrated many community events in 2025, which include the annual baseball and softball parade, memorial day celebration and parade, annual fourth of
July fireworks, tree lighting, and various activities at the Headfield House and the Levi Quarry House, as well as the lighting of the manora. All of these events just enhance the small town suburban way of Mountainside.
As I am sure you have all seen the new wall on the corner of Mountain Avenue and New Providence Road that which has a lighted sign noting that you're entering Mountainside. This corner has also been landscaped by beautiful Mountainside. This wall is just the first step in
developing the corner property into a passive park for all of our residents to enjoy. Uh the we will be displaying a conceptual plan as well as detailed plans for the far the park at the
February 24th, 2026 planning board meeting. Any residents who want to express their input into this project are welcome to attend this meeting. The burough has also completed the construction of the new DPW facility on
Route 22. The building won the New Jersey chapter of American Public Works Association 2025 uh work project of the year. Great job by our director of public works, Matt Deanna, and all of the burough staff
that were involved in this project. Mountainside is a gem. I am proud to be the mayor of Mountainside and I pledge to maintain the quality of life in Mountainside and our longstanding record of making sure decisions
uh about the challenges that we face are always in the best interest of Mountainside. We will always strive to keep Mountainside the great community that we love. Happy New Year everyone. God bless and God bless all of you.
[applause] >> [applause] >> Okay, now we have some resolutions. The first one is resolution one-h >> Excuse me, mayor. >> Oh, excuse me. Hold on. [laughter] We have the election of the council president. I'm sorry. Thank you, Donna, for reminding me. We have a nomination.
>> I would like to uh nominate Councilman Steve Madag to council president. >> We have a second. Oh, we have any other nominations? Okay, we have a second for Steve's nom uh nomination. >> I'll second it. I'll >> second. >> Okay, pull the council, please. >> Councilman Dirkus,
>> yes. >> Councilman Madag, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Was, >> yes. >> Okay, now to the resolutions. The first one is resolution 1-2026,
which is the adoption of the rules of council for 2026. I need a motion. >> So move. >> Second. >> We have a motion. May we have a second poll of council. >> Councilman Dirkus, >> yes. >> Councilman Madag, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman was >> Yes. >> Next, we have resolution 2-2026, which is the appointment of council to committees. We have the fire committee, the the administrative and executive committee, the public works and
facilities committee, the police committee, the uh media and information committee, the solid waste and recycling, and the recreation department committee. We need a motion for the appointment of those committees.
>> So move second. >> We have a motion. We have a second. Pull the council, please. >> Councilman Dirkus, >> yes. >> Councilman Madag, >> yes. Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Was, >> yes.
>> Next, we have resolution 3-2026, which is the appointment of council liaison to boards and committee. We have le liaison to the planning board, board of health, uh board of education, library, rescue squad, board of tax
appeals, senior citizen services, board of tax assessor, shade tree, historic preservation committee, and ch children's specialized hospital. I need a motion for that resolution. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second.
Please pull the council. >> Councilman Dirkus. >> Yes. Councilman Madag. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Was, >> yes. >> Next, we have resolution 4-2026,
which is the appointment of the planning board members. I need a motion for that resolution. >> So move. >> Second. >> We have a motion. We have a second. Pull the council, please. >> Councilman Durkus, >> yes. >> Councilman Madag, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen,
>> yes. Councilwoman WS. >> Yes. >> Uh ne next we have the appointment of various boards and committees. The first one is the board of health. There's one change. Uh Dr. James Dunn after many years of service is going to retire and
uh Diane Roman is going to take uh his place. We also have the Shade Tree Commission, Emergency Management, Municipal Alliance Committee, the Library Board of Trustees, and the Mountainside Historical Preservation and
Restoration uh committee. We also have the local ethics board, and there's a change there. Also, there was a vacancy. Brian Leau is going to fill that vacancy. Then we also have the American with Disabilities Act and the Finance
Committee. I need a resolution. I need a motion for that resolution. >> Second. >> We have a motion. We have a second. Paul the council. >> Councilman Deirus. >> Yes. >> Councilman Madag. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico. >> Yes. >> Council member Ronaldo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Was. >> Yes. >> Next we have the appointment of burough officials. We have the part-time borrow administrator, the municipal clerk and register of vital statistics, qualifi and a qualified purchasing agent and board of health. That's Martha Lopez.
Boy, she does a lot for us. We have a deputy clerk. We have the CFO and tax collector. We have the part-time assistant tax collector. We have the finance assistant. We have the director of recreation and pool administrator, Frank Misella. We have the recreation
assistant and the recreation secretary. We have our municipal judge, Frank Sahai, the prosecutor, the assistant prosecutor, the public defender, the court administrator, the deputy court administrator, and the part-time violations clerk. I need a motion for
that resolution. So moved. >> We have a motion. We have a second. Call the council, please. >> Councilman Dirkus, >> yes. >> Councilman Madag, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. Yes. Councilman Ronaldo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Watts. >> Yes.
>> Well, it seems like we have more burrow officials than I thought. So, we're going to need to redo that. And we're going to also add the tax assessor, the police physician, the uh engineering and certified waste management treatment
operator, our part-time secretary to DPW, engineering, zoning, and tax assessor. the Taco, the part-time Taco, the planning board attorney, our planning board secretary and recording secretary, our public works director and
director of emergency management, our our public works crew, our senior citizen coordinator, our construction official, building inspector, our building subcode official, plumbing sub code official, electric sub code
official official, fire subcode official, fire prevention official, zoning officer. We have our communications officers, and our part-time administrator, payroll clerk, and part-time police records clerk. I think I have them all now. So, we need
another motion for resolution 6-2026. So, >> we have a motion. We have a second. Pull the council, please. >> Councilman Deer, >> yes. >> Councilman Madich, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. Councilman Van Dusen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman was
>> yes. >> Resolution 7-2026 is appointment to the designated positions in the fire department. We have Chief Hope I get this right. Kessle Kessle. Is that right? >> No. Huh? >> Quest. >> Quallet. Sorry about that.
>> That's okay. >> We have Assistant Chief Matt Watson. Deputy uh three Matthew Pache. Deputy Four Pete Essen Player. Captain one, Ian Zoo Zulusni.
Captain two is Anthony Fia Mleti. I hope I'm getting these right. Lieutenant one, TJ McGawan. And Lieutenant 2, Roco Moni. So, if all you guys want to step up, the judge is going to swear all you guys in.
>> Done this before. Can I ask my daughter? >> There we go. >> Oh, sweet. >> She's getting big. >> Okay. Um, put your right hand on the Bible. Raise your left hand. >> Oh, good.
>> This way. No. >> Yeah, that's okay. >> And everybody put your right hand on the shoulder of the person in front of you. All right. Repeat after me. I'll be slow on this. I state your name. >> I, Edward Wesley, >> do solemnly swear >> Do solemnly swear
>> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution. >> I can't hear anybody else. >> I think you should start over. They These guys got to get in line here. They're They're much better at a fire than they are doing this. I got to tell you, >> the cap is so loud. I can hear only hear
him. Okay. I repeat your name. Edward >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey. >> And that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> And I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> And to the governments established in the United States. and to the governments established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people
>> under the authority of the people. I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially [clears throat] and justly >> impartially and justly >> perform all the duties of of a fire chief
>> perform all the duties of the fire chief >> and >> assistant chief >> captain >> excellent um in the burrow of mountainside >> in the burrow of mountain side >> so help me God >> so help me >> [applause] >> We're looking at
They're not here. >> Hey fellas, it's a 5 yard penalty for a false start. [laughter] [clears throat] >> [cough] >> Okay. Next, we have the appointment of the designated positions in the rescue squad. Again, this is a continuation of
resolution 7-226. We have the president and delegate, Norma Yuber. We have the vice president, Jamie Pereira. We have the treasurer, Soli Shaw. We have the secretary, Kevin Pereira. We have the chief, Eric Pastor.
Deputy Chief Chris Silio, First Lieutenant Dominico Duca, Second Lieutenant Matthew Shrier, Delegate Steven Susman, and Chaplain Marty Rhoden. All you guys want to come up so you can get sworn sworn in. And you
already saw how the fire department did it. So, let's step up here, guys. >> Anyway, left hand on the Bible. Everybody, >> I repeat your name. >> I >> do solemnly swear >> domly swear
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States. >> I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> I will bear true
>> and to the governments established in the United States. >> United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully
>> I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties of >> perform all the duties of safety >> so help me God So all we got right [applause] Hold
on. He has Oh yeah. [clears throat] >> All of them. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So now we have to go back and redo the uh resolution 7-2026.
Now that we've sworn everyone in, I need a motion for that res resolution. >> So move. >> Second. >> Okay. Paul the council, please. >> Councilman Dirkus. >> Yes. >> Councilman Madag. >> Yes. Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Was, [clears throat]
>> yes. >> Okay. Next, we have resolution 8-2026, appointment of the community development committee members and resolution 9-2026, which is the appointment of the school crossing guards. I need a motion for
those two resolutions. >> We have a motion. We have a second. Pull the council, please. >> Councilman Deerkus. >> Yes. Councilman Madjek, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Was, >> yes.
>> Next, we have a very important resolution 10-2026. This is the appointment of our burough attorney, John Post. He's been serving in that capacity for the past 50 53 years. Uh he's probably been serving
more than some of the people sitting in the in the audience. He's always given the council great advice. He's always steered us in the right direction. He's pursued lawsuits which have gotten Mountainside
uh some great financial gains. This just recently he settled the lawsuit with the uh town of Westfield and the developers over at Williams Nursery and and got us almost $500,000. So John is a uh and
besides being a burough attorney, he's a marine. So you know, he's very tenacious at at anything that uh that that he does. So I want to thank John for his uh 53 years of service. Uh I don't know what we would do uh without you. So I
need a motion for that resolution. >> Second. >> We have a motion. We have a second. Pull the counsel. >> Councilman Dearus. >> Yes. >> Councilman Madag. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico. >> Yes. Councilman Ronaldo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Was. >> Yes. >> Well, John, I know you've never been a
loss for words, so you want to say anything tonight? >> Actually, I was, Mr. Mayor, I was just uh telling Paul and Steve about the first meeting that I attended as the
attorney for uh for Mountainside. I was not the attorney at the time. An an attorney by the name of Murray Strob was. and Murray was my partner. So I was substituting for Murray at the last minute and went to the meeting without any knowledge whatsoever of anything on
the agenda, ordinances, resolutions, anything. And the result was that Tom Rashardy, who was then mayor, saw me, this young lawyer, relatively young lawyer, new to council meetings. So when we got to the first ordinance to be
introduced, Tom turned to me and said, "Now, Mr. Post here is going to explain to everybody what this ordinance is all about." And I had not the foggiest idea at all of what the ordinance was all about and
sort of rather than trying to come up with [clears throat] with a story, I just said, "Mr. Mayor, I'm sorry, but I did not have enough time to prepare for this meeting and so I really can't explain anything about the ordinance. So, I think that then to this
day, I don't know what Tom Rashardy had in mind, but there was another ordinance right after that one. And so when we got to the next ordinance, he presented the same question, you know, and I thought maybe he was giving me a chance to
redeem myself, but probably he was just having a little fun with a younger lawyer. But anyway, that was my my first meeting with the Mountainside Bureau Council, and it was, as you can tell from my repetition here tonight, a memorable one. [laughter]
Well, I can tell you John knows the ordinances now and if we have any questions, he certainly can answer them. Okay, so next we're going to do a couple of these together. The first one is resolution 11-2026, which is the appointment of the burough
auditor and financial advisor. We have resolution 12-2026, which is the appointment of the risk uh management agent. Uh we also have resolution 13-2026 which is the appointment [snorts] uh of
the burough engineer which is Mike Disco who always does a fabulous job and he followed in his father's footsteps and I'm sure his father is very very proud of him. Next we have resolution 14-2026 which is the appointment of the burough
labor attorney. And then we have resolution 15-2026 which the certification to receive goods and services. We need a motion for those resolutions. >> Second. >> We have a motion. We Oh, hold on though. We have more. collector of taxes, legal,
the streets and roads, workers compensation, health insurance, street lighting, board of health, recreation, committee and pool, rescue squad, inspector of uh buildings, inspector of plumbing, emergency management,
engineering, sanitation, library, and shade tree. Now we can pass all those resolutions. We need another motion. >> Moved. >> Another second. Call the council, please. >> Councilman Dirkus, >> yes. >> Councilman Madag, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes.
>> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Vanusen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Watts, >> yes. >> Next, [clears throat] we have resolution 16-2026, which is the cash management plan. We have resolution 17-2026
which is designation of the official newspapers and resolution 18-2026 designation of bonding per employee. I need a motion for those three resolutions. >> Some moved. >> Second. >> Call the council, please.
>> Councilman Dirkus, >> yes. >> Councilman Madag, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen, >> yes. Councilwoman Watts. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next, we have resolution 19-2026,
which is the uh the 2026 public meeting schedule. Uh all the meetings start at 7:30. Uh I need a motion for that resolution. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Call the council, please. >> Councilman Derkiss, >> yes. >> Councilman Madag,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico, >> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. Councilman Van Dooen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman was >> yes. >> Next we have resolution 20-2026 which is authorizing the 2026
temporary operating budget. I need a motion for that resolution. So move >> second. Second. >> Pull the council please. >> Councilman Derk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Madag. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Was.
>> Yes. Next we have resolutions 21-2026 which is replenishment of the putty petty cash funds. Uh we have resolution 22-2026 which is the appointment of class 2 special law enforcement officers. And
then we have resolution 22-2026 which is the appointment of a reverse tax appeal attorney. I need a motion for those three resolutions. Some move. Second. >> Call the council, please. >> Councilman Dirkus, >> yes. >> Councilman Madag, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pacificico,
>> yes. >> Councilman Ronaldo, >> yes. >> Councilman Van Dusen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Was, >> yes. >> And that completes all our resolutions for the reorganization. So, at this point, uh, anyone from the audience that would like to come up and say anything,
now is when you can do that. >> Come on. Somebody's got to say something. >> Oh, God. Where's Ted when we need him? >> Okay. So, any council comments? >> Congratulations again to Renee and Donna
>> as you start your new term. >> Congratulations. Thank you. And good luck. >> Thank you, Donna, for your time as council president and your nomination and everyone's uh vote of confidence for me. >> Blessings. >> Thank you. >> Uh blessings to all for Mountainside.
It's a truly a a a joy, an honor, and a journey of wonder to be able to reside in this town. I hope you all take your steps with the same zeal and vigor and get at least as much as I have gotten out of it because there is no place on
earth like Mountainside. Bless you all. >> Okay, unless there's any other comments, we need a motion to adjourn the reorganization meeting. >> So moved. >> We have a second. meeting is so adjourned. I wish everyone a safe and happy and healthy new year.
Thank you all for coming.