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Robert Lewis and Ronald Reckler sworn in as Kinnelon council members; Eric Harris elected council president
Summary
At the borough reorganization meeting, Robert Lewis and Ronald Reckler took the oath of office and Eric Harris was chosen as council president; Mayor Freda used the meeting to outline priorities including paving, public safety and capital projects.
Robert Lewis and Ronald Reckler were sworn in as members of the Kinnelon Borough Council during the borough's reorganization meeting, and the council elected Eric Harris as council president.
Mayor Freda opened the meeting by administering oaths and praising the council's work. "I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the progress that this council has made this year," the mayor said, and outlined near-term priorities including ongoing paving work (with South Glenn singled out for repair), staffing changes in the police department, continued support for the volunteer fire company, and capital work such as new roofs at Town Hall and the library and upgrades to recreation courts.
Both newly sworn council members spoke briefly. Robert Lewis thanked residents and supporters and said, "Kinnelon is a very special place for me and my family," and said he looks forward to leading the recreation committee. Ronald Reckler, who noted his Air Force service and plans to emphasize public safety, said he will bring "servant leadership" to the council and pledged stewardship of municipal tax dollars.
Public safety themes threaded the meeting: the mayor noted recent police promotions and staffing additions, while the incoming fire chief, Andrew Hileman, told the council the department has ordered a replacement front-line engine to replace a 32-year-old vehicle and has secured new self-contained breathing apparatus and other gear with council help. "The council's support this past year has truly let us have a bright future ahead," Hileman said.
Council members used their comments to preview committee focus for the year and to welcome the new members. The council then proceeded to select leadership: a motion to nominate Eric Harris for council president was made and seconded, and a roll-call vote recorded unanimous support from the council members present. Harris received the council president pen and will lead the council's business for the coming term.
The meeting transitioned to committee appointments and a package of resolutions, which the council took up and approved later in the session.
