WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.—Former Democratic Mayor Josephine Higgins and running mate Richard A. Schnoll were sworn in as Woodcliff Lake’s newest council members Jan. 6.
Exiting members Nancy Gross and Brian Singleton heard praise from the mayor and other members during their last official meeting.
In addition, winning incumbent councilman Craig Marson was sworn in to serve a remaining one-year unexpired term. All three were sworn in by Borough Attorney John Schettino.
Although officials said a vote would likely be taken on an ordinance to approve a $45,000 contract with a planner to update the master plan, the ordinance was not on either the sine die or reorganization agenda. Mayor Carlos Rendo previously broke a 3–3 tie to introduce the much-debated ordinance in early December.
Before swearing in Higgins, Schettino laid out a long list of accomplishments that she had achieved over her career of public and community service, calling her “an extraordinary individual.” He said she was an elected official, nurse, volunteer and community activist.
He said she was the first woman elected mayor in Woodcliff Lake, and in Bergen County, the first woman to serve on the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, “which at the time prohibited women from volunteering until Josephine came along, filed a legal action, and opened the door for other women to volunteer in the corps.”
He said she has served on the squad for over 46 years, and is a registered nurse and emergency room specialist.
He said she brought the first successful workplaces whistleblower action in New Jersey “improving the workplace for her fellow employees.” He said Higgins has had a positive impact on thousands of residents through her local public service.
Higgins’s son, Michael, held the Bible as she was sworn in and hugged her following her installation.
Following several council polls, Angela Hayes was unanimously selected, 6–0, as council president. Initially, Falanga nominated Jacqueline Gadaleta and she was voted down, 4–2, with only her and Falanga in favor. Then Gadaleta nominated Falanga, and he fell short by a similar 4–2 vote. Finally, Marson nominated Hayes and she was elected council president.
Rendo offered a brief overview of 2020 and 2021 preview. He said since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, 414 residents have been infected.
Rendo thanked residents for cooperating with all local orders to keep the community safe. He singled out the ambulance corps for going to aid and transport possible Covid-19 patients without hesitation.
He said the borough maintained “a bare-bones budget” in 2020 without laying off any employees. Noting the vaccine roll-out, he said, “We will still have many, many challenges in 2021 but I see light at the end of the tunnel.”
He said adopting a new master plan—which has been a contentious issue—“will go a long way to ensuring the economic viability of our community.”
A vote on hiring a planning consultant to update the plan is likely soon.
He said “I look forward to completing Galaxy Gardens and the walking trails around our reservoir. It’s been too long and out residents deserve this. I ask the council to make this a priority in the upcoming year.”