The Borough of Elmwood Park has made significant strides in its governance during the reorganization meeting held on January 2, 2025. Mayor Robert Colletti announced a series of appointments that will shape the borough's legal and administrative landscape for the coming year.

Among the key decisions, the council confirmed the appointment of Prose McDermott, Marshall Murphy, Arthur R. Tebow Jr., and Kyle Trent as borough attorneys. This appointment, effective until December 31, 2025, comes with a budget not exceeding $60,000. The council unanimously supported this resolution, highlighting the importance of experienced legal counsel for the borough.

In addition, Steven Robar was appointed as bond counsel for the same term, with a budget capped at $15,000. This role is crucial for managing the borough's financial obligations and ensuring compliance with legal standards in bond issuance.

The council also approved the appointment of Lerch, Vinci, and Bliss LLP as borough auditor, with a budget of $50,000. This firm has a longstanding relationship with the borough, ensuring continuity in financial oversight.

Further appointments included Kelly M. Reyes as borough prosecutor at a cost of $25,000, and Kurt Geisler as public defender for $20,000. The Grama Law Firm was also appointed as a public defender, with a budget of $10,000, ensuring that legal representation is accessible to those in need.

The meeting concluded with the appointment of Alamo Group as municipal engineer for $85,000 and DMR Architects as borough planner for $40,000, both effective until the end of 2025. These appointments are expected to enhance the borough's infrastructure and planning capabilities.

Overall, the Elmwood Park council's decisions reflect a commitment to effective governance and community service, laying a solid foundation for the borough's operations in the year ahead. The collaborative efforts of the council members and the mayor signal a proactive approach to addressing the needs of the community.