MONTVALE—The Borough Council unanimously approved Theresa Cudequest as council president for 2026, replacing Timothy Lane, at the borough’s annual reorganization meeting Jan. 1.
At the meeting, reelected councilmembers Christopher Roche and Timothy Lane were sworn in to new three-year terms by Mayor Michael Ghassali. Both ran uncontested in the Nov. 4, 2025 general election.
After she was nominated, Ghassali asked Cudequest if she accepted. “I do, with honor,” she said.
After she was sworn in, Borough Clerk Frances Scordo placed the council president nameplate in front of her place at the dais.
“Now you get a driver, a security detail, the whole deal,” Ghassali joked, drawing laughter. Cudequest thanked her colleagues for “their support and confidence” in naming her council president.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve with each and every one of you,” Cudequest said. “You’re all very dedicated members of this community and always put our residents first.”
Cudequest said she looked forward to serving as liaison to the Board of Health, Montvale Seniors, the library and Montvale Community TV. She thanked volunteers for their “time and dedication” to local committees.
She also thanked the police department, the volunteer fire department and the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, saying they answer the call for help “24 hours a day, seven days a week.” She said she “truly appreciated all you do for our community.”
Cudequest also thanked Department of Public Works employees and borough staff, including administrator Joe Voytus and attorney David Lafferty, for their loyalty, guidance and support.
She said it is because of volunteers and employees “that Montvale shines and is the pride of the Pascack Valley.” She urged residents interested in volunteering to reach out to Ghassali.
Mayor’s update
In a brief mayor’s update, Ghassali said the borough made “important strides” in 2025, including acquiring 8.4 acres of former DePiero farmland to preserve as open space.
“I can’t wait to do the ribbon-cutting at the new Fair Share Farming Center,” he said, using a wry moniker for the newly preserved farmland. He noted council members Dieter Koelling and Annmarie Russo-Vogelsang serve on the farm committee.
Ghassali said the borough’s 36-town legal challenge to the state’s fourth-round affordable housing process continues in 2026, with a federal court date upcoming. He said he planned “to make our case against high-density housing, but in support of affordable housing.”
Roche thanked voters for returning him for a third term. He highlighted progress with affordable housing, the acquisition of DePiero Farm, new raised beds and fencing planned for community gardens at DePiero’s, and a new pavilion at Huff Park.
Lane thanked Ghassali for his leadership and Bergen County Commissioner Tom Sullivan, a resident, for his service. He congratulated Roche on his reelection. Lane said he and his wife, Rose, have lived in Montvale for 35 years and that his reelection marked the seventh time he has been sworn in as a council member.
Lane said Montvale has changed in the 18 years since he was first elected, including through the 2008 recession, when he first joined the council. He said the borough’s financial standing “is as strong as it’s ever been” and that Montvale is “one of New Jersey’s most desired places to live.”
He said current challenges include the state mandate to build affordable housing and a decline in corporate real estate. Lane said residents can expect an approach focused on public safety services, investment in local infrastructure, and communication that keeps residents “in the loop about what is happening in Montvale.”
Council member Douglas Arendacs singled out the Pascack Valley DPW for recognition, thanking it “for their hard work and commitment throughout the year.” Koelling said he runs into neighbors all over town and said Montvale and his neighborhood are special.
“This is a wonderful town to live in. I have a great neighborhood. My neighbors are amazing — this town is really special,” Koelling said, also noting the Planning Board’s role.
Councilwoman Annmarie Russo-Vogelsang said the town was “incredibly lucky and blessed” to have the current council, mayor and professional staff. She said council members would continue working on their committees and helping residents “conquer whatever challenges they may face” in the new year.
The meeting also included the swearing-in of Volunteer Fire Department officers, including Chief Geoffrey Gibbons; Deputy Chief Michael Cintinio; Capt. Bruce Hopper (Company 1); Capt. Charles Lydon (Company 2); Lt. Ray Hutchison (Company 1); and Lt. Danail Demarest (Company 2).
The 91-page Jan. 1 sine die/reorganization meeting agenda lists mayoral appointments, resolutions, the consent agenda, and appointments for staff, boards, and committees.