Randy George sworn in as North Haledon mayor; council lays out renovations, public-safety and infrastructure priorities

Randy George was sworn in as mayor of North Haledon during the borough's Jan. 3 reorganization meeting, which also included oaths for newly seated council members and an outline of the administration's local priorities for 2023.

Judge John Meola administered the oath of office to Mayor George. In remarks to the council and attendees, Mayor Randy George recognized retiring officers Lieutenant Anthony Padula and Officer Robert Ormezzano and thanked the police, fire department, public works staff and long-serving municipal employees for their service.

The mayor highlighted several projects the borough plans to pursue in 2023: renovating the borough's old firehouse with the intent to relocate the Police Department there, a $1 million grant awarded to renovate the borough's pumping station, planned work on the American Legion building to add brickwork and a pitched roof, and repairs to the Pickleball courts. He also said the borough is working on a redevelopment zone and encouraged residents to consult the borough calendar for upcoming events.

George credited local staff and volunteers for advancing grant applications and project planning, naming Joe Pomante and others for their roles in securing funding. He also noted efforts to increase school safety through police presence in local schools and thanked the Board of Health for its COVID-era work.

The reorganization meeting followed statutory notice requirements; the mayor read the Open Public Meetings Act statement into the record, and the council adopted the Rules of Procedures and By-Laws of the previous board by unanimous roll call vote.

The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.; minutes were submitted by Deputy Municipal Clerk Dena Ploch and set for approval at the Feb. 15, 2023 council meeting.