WEST CALDWELL REORGANIZATION MEETING HELD SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

The annual Reorganization Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Township of West Caldwell was held on Sunday, January 7, 2007 at 10:30 am. 

The first order of business was the Oath of Office to be given to Mayor Joseph Tempesta for a new four-year term, and Councilmen Richard C. Norgard and William E. Payne who start new three-year terms this year.

Following the Oaths of Office, there was a role call and the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The invocation was then given by Rev. John j. Laferra, Pastor of St. Philomena Church..  

The next order of business was the election of Rosemarie Sutherlin as Council President. The current Council members are listed on the Township Government page (Mayor & Council). 

It was noted that William Payne was starting his 25th year as councilman in West Caldwell breaking the previous 24 year record held by former councilman and Mayor Robert Reiher. Payne was presented with a plaque and an identical plaque was permanently affixed in the meeting room at the Municipal Building on Clinton Road to recognize his achievement.

 
                                                                                                                                  Photo by Terry Rogers
William Payne receives a plaque in recognition of his over 24 years of dedicated service on the West Caldwell Township Council. From left to right, Councilman Richard Norgard, Councilman Joseph Fischer, Councilman Dominick Aiello, Councilman William Payne, Mayor Joseph Tempesta, Councilwoman Rosemarie Sutherlin, Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen and Councilman Richard Otterbein.

 Standing Committees of the Council were announced by Mayor Tempesta.

  Chairman Vice Chairman Member
    Parks & Recreation Sutherlin Payne Fischer
    Legal & Personnel Norgard Aiello Otterbein
    Public Works  Payne Fischer Sutherlin
    Finance & Welfare Otterbein Norgard Aiello
    Public Safety Aiello Otterbein Norgard
    Water Fischer Sutherlin Payne

Council representation on other boards and committees were then announced and 23 routine resolutions were adopted by consent.  An ordinance was then introduced to amend Chapter XVIIIA of the Land Use Procedures regarding setback requirements for certain sheds. The public hearing is scheduled for February 6, 2007.

Mayor Tempesta then presented his list of annual appointments. Gordon Bruchac was appointed Recreation Director, Thomas Callahan, Jr. was appointed Municipal Prosecutor, Nicole J; Masella was appointed Assistant Municipal Prosecutor, and Matthew O'Donnell was appointed Public Defender. The balance 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.

    Deputy Chief     James C. Alvine, III
    1st Assistant Chief     Mike Luker
    2nd Assistant Chief     Robert Hebrank, Jr.
    Captain     Peter May
    1st Lieutenant     Thomas Bradley
    2nd Lieutenant     Karl Otterbein
    Safety Officer     Jean Wypler, Sr.
    Safety Officer     Richard C. Otterbein
    Safety Officer     Frank Norton

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 2006 and the anticipated plans for 2007. Several other officials and past officials spoke and the meeting was adjourned at about 11:45 am.

 rev. 01/21/07