Emerson council approves resolution to end military leave pay and authorize settlement talks

The Emerson governing body voted 5-0 on Jan. 16, 2025, to approve Resolution 63-25, authorizing termination of military leave pay and directing staff to negotiate a final settlement and release agreement following a closed executive session.

A council member moved "I would like to make a motion to approve resolution number 63-25, authorization to terminate military leave pay and negotiate a final settlement and release agreement," and the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. Councilwoman Rice, Councilwoman Sayers, Council President Argencia, Councilman Timmerman and Councilwoman Chilina were recorded as voting yes; Councilwoman Maguire was excused from the meeting.

The meeting had been called pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act; the chair said the special meeting notice was published in the Ridgewood News on Jan. 13, 2025, and posted on the Burrow Hall bulletin board. The council entered closed executive session citing NJSA 10:4-12 before returning to open session for the formal action on Resolution 63-25.

Miss Ryan, the clerk who conducted roll call, asked that "the record reflect that Mayor DePaola has been at the meeting the whole time." No dollar amounts, terms of the proposed settlement, or specific personnel names were disclosed on the public record during the motion or roll call.

The meeting adjourned at 11:32 a.m.; the chair noted the next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28. No public-comment items were advanced during the special meeting.