WOODCLIFF LAKE—One Democratic incumbent and a Republican newcomer were sworn in on Jan. 6 to new three-year terms on the Borough Council during the reorganization meeting before approximately three dozen residents at the Tice Senior Center.
Meanwhile, Mayor Carlos Rendo reassured residents that he would work with borough professionals to “reduce this number” of 423 affordable units suggested by the state Department of Community Affairs for the 2025 to 2035 fourth round period. The borough had the highest number of suggested affordable units of all eight Pascack Valley towns.
Recently, the council supported proposed legislation by a statewide local attorneys association to implement a new methodology for calculating affordable units that would reduce obligations up to 80% of the state DCA numbers released last Oct. 18.
Returning Democratic councilwoman Jennifer Margolis, and first-time Republican councilman Christopher Bonanno, with 25.95% and 25.83% of the vote, respectively, eked out victories over Republican Morgan Mazor with 25.34% for the two open seats on council.
Democrat Brian Magrogan polled fourth with 22.83% of the vote.
Margolis was sworn in by Bergen County Democratic Commissioner Tracy Zur; and Bonanno was sworn in by 39th District Assemblyman John Azzariti. Following the oaths of office, the council unanimously selected councilman Joshua Stern as council president.
The reorganization featured council appointments to a dozen standing committees including the Police Department (Stern & Benjamin Pollack) and Parks & Recreation (Julie Brodsky and Bonanno), as well as Schools K-8 (Pollack & Margolis) and Communications/Outreach (Brodsky & Bonanno; alternate Pollack).
Also, council appointments were made to six non-standing committees such as affordable housing, economic development, traffic safety, new park (Galaxy Gardens) committee, and Chamber of Commerce committee.
Nearly 20 professional appointments were approved, including borough attorney (John Schettino); labor attorney (Wiss & Bouregy, PC); borough planner (Frances Reiner, DMR Architects); special counsel for conflicts (Chasen, Lamparello, Mallon & Cappuzzo); and grant writer (Millennium Strategies LLC).
Approximately 20 mayoral appointments were made, including certified public works manager (David Linko); zoning official (Mark Berninger); Bergen County JIF (Joint Insurance Fund) Commissioner rep (Tom Padilla); and property maintenance official (Lyle Garcia). Rendo appointed five Land Use Board members (and two alternates), and two health board members.
Council also approved 22 consent resolutions that established a temporary 2025 budget; a 2025 meeting calendar; and authorized vehicle towing and storage services.
Resolutions approved appointing two probationary police officers, John Kurz and Matthew Pesco, to patrolman, 13th class, effective Jan. 1; and approved two new park donations, including $6,000 for a park bench and $3,000 to begin a tree sponsorship program at the park.
Mayor Rendo’s borough update
The mayor told residents, “This Council will be ready to tackle our many challenges which include meeting our affordable housing mandates of 423 units. Our professionals will be working together with our Council to reduce this number through our vacant land adjustment to reach a true number of buildable units. With the expected developments at the Hilton, BMW, and 240 Broadway, we feel confident that we will meet our requirements and receive our judgment of repose without a significant impact on our schools and community. We will always keep the residents informed of any upcoming developments once we receive specifics on any projects.”
We reported recently that the council approved two resolutions to begin studies on possible redevelopment at the Hilton and BMW sites. (See “How best to use Hilton, BMW sites?,” Michael Olohan, Jan. 6, 2025, thepressgroup.net.)
Rendo said the new passive park will open soon, and noted traffic flow is a top issue and that together with Bergen County has authorized a traffic study for the Werimus Road and the Old Mill, which will be shared soon.
Traffic flow will also be reviewed at the Broadway-train station intersection, Rendo said, “to bring traffic relief to the residents of the east side.” Moreover, traffic conditions at the train track crossing will be reviewed by NJ Transit, said the mayor.
He said the borough will make its last payments in 2025 on the BMW tax appeal settlement, and the $1.5 million Valley Chabad settlement.
“The payments of these settlements will finally close a chapter in our history and allow us to finally focus on reducing debt while investing smartly in our community,” Rendo said.
He added, “Thank you for placing your trust in each and every one of us. I look forward to continuing to move this municipality forward as your mayor.”