HILLSDALE—A new, Democratic, mayor was sworn in Jan. 2 to head an all-Republican borough council with two new members, including a Republican challenger, Clemente Osso, and immediate past mayor, now-councilman, John Ruocco, joining the dais.
Mayor Michael Sheinfield, who bested longtime councilman Anthony DeRosa on Nov. 7, was sworn in by Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III and congratulated by 5th District Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
Both new councilors, Osso and Ruocco, were sworn in by 39th District State Sen. Holly Schepisi.
Sheinfield’s term continues through Dec. 31, 2027; the two new council terms end Dec. 31, 2026.
Sheinfield’s first mayoral address focused on coming together. “I know everyone up on this dais and in this room wants what’s best for Hillsdale. We may not all agree on how to get there, but I don’t doubt for a second that we’re all invested in finding solutions to the issues facing our community.”
He noted, “It’s long-past time to look beyond what divides us at the national level and take positive action in our areas of agreement at the local level. We need to address updating and improving the sports fields in town. We need to figure out what to do about our DPW being in a flood zone.”
He continued, “While the budgets and jurisdictions of municipal government and the (Hillsdale) Board of Education are separate, we all realize improvements are needed in our middle school. We need to be creative in improving services for residents while keeping a tight rein on property taxes and identify new sources of revenue. We need to ensure that all our residents have access to property tax relief offered through the state.”
The new mayor called for compromise as a path to moving forward and getting things done.
“We all need to take a step back from the things that separate us and focus on what holds us together. We’re fortunate to live in this great community. It’s not perfect. No place is perfect. But we need to recognize our good fortune. The glass is much more than halfway full,” he said.
The mayor continued, “When we understand that those who stand opposed to us politically don’t do so out of some sinister intent but may do so out of a different set of priorities, or philosophy then there is room for dialogue. And where there is dialogue, there is the possibility for compromise. At the municipal level, ‘compromise’ is the place where things get done.”
Sheinfield added, “I’m looking forward to engaging with our residents. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues. I’m looking forward to starting the dialogue… to finding the compromise…to getting things done for the residents of Hillsdale.”
By a vote of 4-0, Escobar was elected council president. Both he and Ruocco abstained from voting. On occasions during Ruocco’s terms as mayor, he and Escobar clashed on issues and Ruocco’s opinions, occasionally exchanging cross words.
Sean Smith is police chief; two officers promoted
The reorganization also featured the swearing-in of Police Chief Sean Smith, and promotions of two officers: Travis Woods to lieutenant and David Sayers to sergeant. Sheinfield administered the oath of office to both officers.
The reorganization featured a host of professional services appointments including Borough Attorney (Mark D, Madaio); Borough Auditor (Lerch Vinci & Bliss); Borough Appraiser (McNerny & Associates); Tax Appeal Services (Harwood Lloyd); Bond Counsel (Rogut McCarthy LLC); Labor Counsel (Wiss & Bouregy, PC); and Professional Engineering Services (Colliers Engineering & Design), plus others.
Moreover, the mayor, with advice and consent of council, announced council standing committee members; 2024 council liaisons to committees; special committees; Fire Department officers; and police department personnel.
Plus, appointments to the Environmental Commission, Access For All Committee, Planning Board, Office of Emergency Management, Board of Health, Library trustees; Local Assistance Board, Parks & Recreation, and Swimming Pool Commission.
In total, the council approved 46 resolutions, hyperlinked to the agenda, as part of its annual reorganization. The next regular council meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.
Ruocco speaks out
Ruocco proposed a revision to council bylaws, hoping to reverse what he called unprecedented restrictions on the mayor, which were imposed by the prior council over what members called incendiary and chiding speech by Ruocco.
The amendments fell, 4-2, with Ruocco and Osso in favor and Escobar, Justin Fox, Janetta Trochimiuk and Abby Lundy opposed.
Ruocco proposed three new amendments: to restore the mayor as an ex-officio member of standing committees and special committees; a 48-hour notice provision if a committee member cannot attend a meeting and to allow the mayor the first opportunity to attend in their absence; and allow the committee chair or his designee to report to council on the committee’s business.
Following the meeting, Ruocco told Pascack Press in part, “I did not expect my motion to amend the bylaws to carry.”