HILLSDALE—Mayor Michael Sheinfield swore in two newly elected councilors — Republican Anthony DeRosa and Democrat Christopher Camp — at a busy Jan. 6 Borough Council reorganization meeting.
Both also received certificates of commendation from Bergen County Commissioner Tracey Zur, who congratulated them on their victories on Nov. 4. The council unanimously elected Clemente Osso as council president for a consecutive year.
DeRosa, a former 10-year council member, was defeated in a mayoral contest against Democratic council newcomer Sheinfield in November 2023. He said regaining his council seat had been “a long journey” and that he was glad to be back on council.
He said he would leverage his decade of experience to better serve the residents. “In simplest terms, we’re here to make life better for our community and for me that starts today,” DeRosa said.
Camp said he was “very grateful” to residents for placing their trust in him, and said he was very excited to work with all council members. He thanked prior council members Janetta Trochimiuk and Justin Fox for their service and noted that HIllsdale was a town “where community matters.”
Camp noted he was ready to contribute and learn from all council members, “and to do the work that this role requires,” he added.
Member John Ruocco said he was looking forward to working with his new colleagues on the 2026 budget. He noted that North Jersey has a high cost of living, including high property taxes and income taxes, and said he hoped to make the town more affordable to everyone, including seniors. He also mentioned taking future action on deer population and regulating e-bikes.
Councilor Robert Colletti welcomed his new colleagues and echoed Ruocco’s concerns about managing the 2026 budget without affecting services provided to residents. Councilor Melissa Mazza-Chiong also welcomed the new councilors and offered best wishes.
Newly reelected Council President Clemente Osso welcomed DeRosa back to the council and noted he looked forward to working with him and Camp. He said he looked forward to renovations on at Memorial and its likely May opening, as well as welcoming new residents to the Patterson Street 256-unit multi-family development, The Piermont.
Sheinfield made numerous appointments, including Borough attorney Mark Madaio, and appointments to council standing committees, council liaisons, and special committees.
Sheinfield presented the names of the 2026 Board of Fire Officers, including Chief William Farrell, Deputy Chief Christopher Kelley, Senior Captain Joseph Solda III, Junior Captain Joseph Solda II, 1st Lt. Raymond DeGroat. 2nd Lt. James Voorhis, 3rd Lt. Timothy Dinnell, and 4th Lt. Jason Durie.
Sheinfield presented for Council confirmation, the following appointments to the Police Department Special Officers, Auxiliary Officers and Police Matrons for the year 2026 as recommended by the Officer in Charge.
The listing includes #77 Chief Travis Woods, #75 Captain Mike Camporeale’, #76 Lt. Matt Buesser, #62 Sgt. Chris Donaldson, #73 Sgt. Alex Kaplan, #66 Sgt. Dave Sayers, #79 Det/Sgt Brian Considine, #82 Det/Sgt Matt Soltes, #80 Sgt. Corey Rooney, #84 Det. Joe Messner, #85 PTL. Amanda Turrin, #88 PTL. Joe Roma, #91 PTL. Kevin Gadomski, #92 PTL. Jordan Bruce, #93 PTL. Dominick Speciale, #94 PTL. Ryan Heiser, #95 PTL. Martin Kim, #96 PTL. Brianna Alfieri, #97 PTL. Mario Vdovjak, #98 PTL. Christopher Miller, #99, and PTL. Gianellys Rodriguez.
Also included are: Sleo III Doyle, Sleo III Martin, Sleo III McNulty, Sleo III Piccinich, Sleo III McNamara, and Police Clerk Lourdes Spagnoli.
Sheinfield also provided scores of appointments to boards and commissions, including the Planning Board, Board of Health, Library, Parks & Recreation, Swimming Pool Commission, Environmental Commission, Access for All, and Office of Emergency Management.
The council unanimously approved 38 resolutions on the consent agenda. The next regular meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.