Council tables appointment of Mike Simone to redevelopment agency after debate over dual roles

The Pompton Lakes Borough Council on Nov. 13 tabled a mayoral appointment of Mike Simone to the redevelopment agency after an extended public and council debate about whether one person should serve simultaneously on the borough—s redevelopment agency and the planning board.

The mayor moved to appoint Simone to fill an unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2025. Simone addressed the council and described his planning and redevelopment experience. Several council members raised process and appearance concerns about having a single person sit on both bodies, saying it would concentrate influence where redevelopment recommendations could later come before the planning board.

A council member asked whether other municipalities allow the same person to occupy both roles and requested legal and comparative precedent. The borough attorney replied that redevelopment agencies are advisory and that, under the planning-board statute as interpreted locally, the redevelopment appointment does not constitute an incompatible municipal office. "We determined they are not incompatible offices," the attorney said.

Despite the attorney—s view, multiple council members said they preferred more information and public input. One member asked the council to solicit whether other municipalities had similar arrangements and to consider whether the dual role would appear improper even if legally permitted.

Following debate, the council voted to table the appointment until the next meeting so members could research precedent and allow additional public input. The mayor said he would add an alternate name if members preferred to vote immediately.

The council treated the library-board appointment (William Lowe) separately; that appointment was announced to fill an unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2028.