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WEST CALDWELL REORGANIZATION MEETING HELD SUNDAY JANUARY 4
(1/4/2004)

The annual Reorganization Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Township of West Caldwell was held on Sunday, January 4, 2004 at 12 noon. 

The first order of business was the Oath of Office to be given to Councilman Rich Norgard and Councilman Bill Payne who start new three year terms this year. Rich was reelected in November to his fifth 3-year term. Bill was elected to his eight 3-year term. The Oaths of Office were administered by Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen with the assistance of family members.

Congressman Frelinghuysen (right) swears in Bill Payne (hidden) while his family looks on

Congressman Frelinghuysen swears in Rich Norgard with the help of  his wife and two sons.

The current Council members are listed on the Township Government page (Mayor & Council). 

Following the Oaths of Office, there was a role call, pledge of allegiance and invocation by Rev. John J. Laferra of St. Aloysius Church in Caldwell.  

The next order of business was the election of Council President. This honor was given to Joe Fischer.

A special presentation was made to Benedict Martorana, Sr., the father of Township administrator Benedict Martorana, Jr. During the second world war, Mr. Martorana was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. However, it was lost many years ago. With the help of Congressman Frelinghuysen and a local resident Joan Hamilton who works in the Congressman's office, the proper documentation was completed and a new Purple Heart was issued for Mr. Martorana. Congressman Frelinghuysen made the presentation of the Purple Heart at the meeting.

Congressman Frelinghuysen presents the new Purple Heart to Mr. Benedict Martorana, Sr.

 Standing Committees of the Council were announced by Mayor Tempesta.

Mayor Tempesta then presented his list of annual appointments. Bridget A Stecher was appointed municipal prosecutor and Joseph Maddaloni, Jr. was appointed assistant municipal attorney. The balance for the most part were reappointments of current office holders. (See Appointed Officials for current listing) 

 Later, a resolution confirming the appointment of the Fire Department Officers was passed by the Council.

Citizen appointments to the various boards and commissions were then presented by Mayor Tempesta. Again, the majority of these were reappointments. (See Boards and Commissions for current list of members).

Mayor Joe Tempesta then presented his annual message that reviewed the accomplishments of 2003 and the anticipated plans for 2004 (see Mayor's message). Several other officials and past officials spoke and the meeting was adjourned about 1:10 PM. 

 rev. 10/14/04