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Wallington council adopts 'safety sticks' ordinance, approves police chief agreement and introduces 2026 budget
Summary
At its June 4 meeting the Wallington Mayor and Council adopted Ordinances 2026-15 (adding a “safety sticks” subsection) and 2026-16 (amending alcohol sale hours), approved a police chief employment agreement, approved multiple consent resolutions and introduced the 2026 municipal budget, scheduling a public hearing for July 9.
The Wallington Mayor and Council voted on multiple measures during a June 4 caucus/work session at the Wallington Civic Center.
In roll-call votes the council adopted Ordinance 2026-15, adding a new subsection titled “Safety Sticks” to chapter 307 of the borough code, and Ordinance 2026-16, which amends hours of sale and service for alcoholic beverages. Both ordinances were read by title on second reading, opened and closed for public comment with no speakers, and passed by recorded vote: Councilmembers Eugeniusz Rachelski, Sylwia Hejzner (by phone), John Kosuda and Dennis Graham voted aye; Justyna Marciniak and Susanne Preinfalk were absent.
The council also approved a walk-on resolution (2026-194) authorizing execution of an employment agreement with the borough police chief. That resolution passed by the same roll-call tally.
Council members approved a multi-item consent agenda en masse that included: authorization to convene in closed session (2026-183); payment and memorializing of bills (2026-184, 2026-185); appointments to the Wallington Junior Fire Department (2026-186); engineering agreements for NJDEP stormwater management plan updates and a watershed assessment (2026-187, 2026-188); an increase in salary for the position of recreation leader (2026-189); refunds of remaining escrow funds for projects at 103 Wallington Ave and 26 Koster St (2026-190, 2026-191); and authorization for the tax collector to prepare and mail estimated tax bills (2026-192).
The council introduced Ordinance 2026-17 on first reading to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank; the motion to introduce passed. Separately, the governing body approved Resolution 2026-193 to introduce the 2026 municipal budget and set the public hearing and adoption for July 9, 2026.
During the Hearing of Citizens, Christopher Sinisi of 10 Lilac Ln. congratulated the successful candidates in the Tuesday primary election, and Janet Gurdak of 72 Halstead Ave. raised concerns about borough practices regarding employee compensation and salary increases. Borough Attorney Mark Dipisa reminded the public that the comment period is not a question-and-answer session.
The meeting record notes Borough Engineer Juzmeski attended prior to the start of the meeting and left before it began; no engineer presentation occurred during the session. The council received routine communications — including monthly reports from Neglia Engineering, Bruno Associates and the Wallington Police Department — and referred them to appropriate committees or agencies. While Resolution 2026-183 authorized a closed session, the council elected not to enter executive session and proceeded with business.
With no further business, Councilman Dennis Graham moved to adjourn; the meeting ended at 6:49 p.m. The minutes were signed by Borough Clerk Casey Kimmel. The council will hold a public hearing on the 2026 municipal budget on July 9, 2026.
