Old Tappan council honors retiring longtime member Guy Karnaza; residents and officials praise library director Susan Meske

Mayor Thomas Gallagher presented a proclamation honoring Guy J. Karnaza for 24 years of service to the Borough of Old Tappan and invited the council and residents to offer remarks and photographs.

The recognition capped a string of public-comments tributes. “Guy has been a friend of mine for 25 years...he’s best known for his dedication to the Borough,” resident John Kramer said, listing Karnaza’s service on recreation commissions and longtime presence at town events. Victor Folse, who identified himself for the record, described Karnaza’s tenure as part of a “golden age of leadership,” crediting him for cost-saving work on vehicle procurement and contracts. Steve Luklinski said Karnaza brought “a measure of humor and information” as a liaison to the Board of Health.

Council and staff also thanked Susan Meske, the borough’s longtime library director, who retired after 31 years. Council liaison remarks and submitted nomination excerpts highlighted growth in library services, new programming, building repairs and a rise in circulation and patron visits. Council comments noted Kimberly Benjamin as the incoming library director and said residents should have opportunities to meet her in the coming weeks.

The mayor and multiple council members emphasized the role volunteers and long-serving officials play in town life, and the meeting proceeded to organizational business after the ceremonial acknowledgments. The proclamation for Karnaza and the library appreciation were purely ceremonial recognitions; no policy or contract changes were tied to those items.

The council recessed briefly after the recognitions and reconvened to continue organizational actions and oath-taking.