Bayonne council denounces hate and bigotry, appoints health officer, accepts backpacks and moves multiple ordinances

The Municipal Council of the City of Bayonne on Aug. 13 adopted a resolution denouncing hate, bigotry and discrimination; confirmed Tina Cicillino as the city’s health officer; accepted a donation of 75 backpacks for the Board of Education; and advanced a group of ordinances and resolutions by vote.

Resolution denouncing hate and bigotry

Councilwoman Jackie Weimer introduced resolution 25‑08‑13, which states the municipal council “stands firmly against hate, bigotry, and discrimination in all their forms” and commits the city to building an inclusive community. The council moved the resolution as a whole and adopted it at the meeting. Council members expressed that the resolution was prompted by community reports of harassment tied to a recent dispute about the raising of a pride flag; the council credited a local resident, Keith Gallant, with bringing details to light and thanked him for stepping forward.

Votes at the meeting show broad support for the resolution; one council member recorded their vote in opposition during roll call.

Appointment of health officer

The council confirmed the appointment of Tina Cicillino as the city’s health officer effective Aug. 13 at an annual salary of $104,291. Cicillino was sworn in and took the oath of office during the meeting. The resolution confirming the appointment passed by recorded vote.

Backpack donation

Representatives from Veolia and the Schauger Group presented 75 backpacks filled with school supplies to the Bayonne Board of Education; the gifts were accepted by Superintendent John Neese (referenced in remarks) and board representatives. City officials described the donation as part of ongoing corporate community partnerships and noted the organizations have provided similar contributions in prior years.

Other business and omnibus votes

Council members approved multiple ordinances and resolutions on second reading or final passage, including but not limited to: the Bayonne Energy Center financial agreement (O2), amendments to Chapter 10 (taxation and special improvement districts) and Chapter 7 (traffic) of the municipal code, revisions to water and sewer service rules related to lead service line replacement (Chapter 24), and various redevelopment and acquisition items scheduled for public hearing in September. Several items were advanced as a consent package and adopted in a single vote. A handful of redevelopment‑related ordinances were introduced or set for public hearing on Sept. 17.

Why it matters: The resolution against hate sets an official city policy stance; the health officer appointment fills a senior public‑health post; and the consent‑package actions advance multiple development, tax and service rules that will affect municipal operations and neighborhood projects.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25‑08‑13 (denouncing hate and bigotry): adopted (council recorded one no vote during roll call). - Appointment of Tina Cicillino (health officer): confirmed (salary $104,291); oath administered at meeting. - Ordinance O1 (15 E. 20th St. financial agreement): adopted (see separate article for details). - Ordinance O2 (Bayonne Energy Center financial agreement for 401 Newhook Road, Block 419 Lot 1): second reading and final passage ordered. - Ordinance O3 (amendments to Chapter 10 — taxation and special improvement districts): final passage ordered. - Ordinance O4 (Chapter 24 — water and sewer service; lead service line replacement language): final passage ordered; city officials said grant funding will cover lead line replacements so homeowners will not be charged permits. - Ordinance O5 (Chapter 7 — traffic updates) and additional Chapter 7 amendments (O10–O13): advanced/ordered for final passage or set for public hearings as noted on the agenda. - Multiple redevelopment study and designation resolutions (R2–R5, R7 and others): council authorized planning board studies, designated several parcels as areas in need of redevelopment, and in some cases set Sept. 17 for hearing and final passage.

Provenance: Items above were introduced, debated and voted on during the Aug. 13, 2025 regular meeting of the Bayonne Municipal Council.