Old Tappan council approves DPW collective bargaining agreement and police chief contract extension

The Borough of Old Tappan council removed two items from the consent agenda— the DPW collective bargaining agreement and the police chief agreement—so members could discuss them separately. After brief review, the council approved both measures by roll call.

DPW collective bargaining agreement: Council members reported that three council members reviewed the DPW contract and that the agreement reflected discussions with DPW leadership. A motion to accept the DPW collective bargaining agreement was made and seconded; the clerk called the roll and the measure was adopted. Council members said the committee process ensured appropriate review and that the agreement fits previously discussed terms.

Police chief contract extension: The council then discussed a police chief contract that had an original term running through Dec. 31, 2024. A town representative described the contract’s term language and explained that the draft calls for continuation into 2026 unless the council opts not to renew, making renewal effectively the borough’s option. Council members raised standard questions about the ability to terminate for cause and asked whether the contract’s raises align with rank-and-file police salaries. One member requested confirmation that the contract fits within the next budget cycle. After discussion, the council moved to pass the police chief agreement and adopted it by roll call.

What the contracts say (as discussed at the meeting): the police chief agreement’s salary schedule lists annual rates through 12/31/2024 and continues with a mechanism to continue into 2026 unless Council declines; the raises are described as consistent with rank-and-file increases. Council members emphasized that termination for cause remains available and that the borough may consult legal counsel if a removal were contemplated.

Votes and formal action: Both items were adopted by roll call at the meeting. The council did not announce any amendments to either agreement at the meeting and said the DPW contract had been negotiated and reviewed by a three-member committee prior to action.

Next steps: Contracts will be incorporated into borough records and posted per procurement and personnel procedures. Council members said budget staff and auditors will confirm how the police chief contract fits into the 2025 budget during the upcoming budget sessions.

(Reporting note: vote tallies were read aloud during roll call and recorded in meeting minutes; the transcript captures roll-call prompts and affirmative responses but contains some textual/formatting noise. For exact vote tallies consult the official minutes posted by the borough.)