PARK RIDGE—A split Borough Council voted, 4–2, on Dec. 10 to introduce an ordinance amending the police department’s roster to a maximum of one captain and two lieutenants, reducing the number of permitted lieutenant positions from the four allowed under the current organizational chart.
The newly introduced ordinance followed an effort by two councilors to initiate a process to promote three sergeants to lieutenant, which drew opposition from a council majority.
With Police Chief Joseph Madden set to retire at the end of the year after 38 years of service, Council President John Ferguson noted the likelihood of “movement within the department” and offered a motion to promote three “very deserving” sergeants to lieutenant.
The current police organizational chart, amended in August, allows up to four lieutenant positions. At present, there are two lieutenants, officials said.
Ferguson’s motion to promote the three sergeants, supported by Councilman Matt Capilli, would likely have created four lieutenant positions. This possibility was opposed by other councilors, who expressed concerns over costs and the need for such changes.
The discussion turned heated as Capilli and Mayor Keith Misciagna exchanged raised voices. Capilli asserted the council had been discussing the lieutenant promotions since June, while Misciagna denied having heard about it. Capilli suggested the mayor consult council meeting minutes for verification.
Capilli also clashed with Police Commissioner Robert Metzdorf, who argued that filling four lieutenant positions would cost local taxpayers an additional $300,000. Capilli countered, claiming it would add only $34,000. Metzdorf insisted, however, that “backfilling” the sergeants promoted to lieutenant would result in the higher figure.
Metzdorf stated his opposition to expanding the number of lieutenants, saying the department “functions perfectly well” with two. He also noted that under the current contract, lieutenants “cannot even work evenings,” adding, “We’re taking all these officers off the street. I’d rather see more officers on the street.”
Following the council’s rejection of Ferguson’s hiring motion, Councilman Michael Mintz introduced Ordinance 2024-035, which proposed limiting the department to two lieutenants and one captain. This arrangement mirrors the department’s roster prior to the August revision.
The ordinance was approved, 4–2, with councilors Greg Hoffman, Robert Metzdorf, Bruce Goldsmith, and Mintz voting in favor. Ferguson and Capilli voted against it.
After the vote, tensions flared again. Capilli criticized Metzdorf, saying, “And I think it’s disappointing that the police commissioner voted no on promotions for his own department.”
Metzdorf retorted, “You know, Matt, you’re gone January 1st. You’re making it so I won’t miss you.” Capilli replied, “That’s okay, Rob, I won’t miss you either.”
Mintz added, “Can’t we all just get along?” before voting yes. Ferguson commented, “No, this is disappointing.”
Administrator Maggie Giandomenico said a public hearing on Ordinance 2024-035 is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025, at the sine die council meeting before its reorganization.