Old Tappan council confirms deputy OEM coordinator, two DPW hires and designates National First Responders Day

The Borough of Old Tappan mayor and council on Oct. 28 confirmed three municipal personnel actions and adopted a resolution honoring first responders. Council confirmed Sean Smith for a three-year appointment as deputy OEM coordinator (term to Nov. 2028) and approved two Department of Public Works hires: Richard Spiro as a maintenance worker and Luis Martinez as a DPW administrative assistant.

Presiding official read a consent resolution listing routine business items and pulled the first-responders designation for separate reading. The council adopted the resolution designating Oct. 28, 2025 as National First Responders Day and thanked local police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians for their service. "I would just like to personally thank all of our first responders," the presiding official said, praising recent local fundraising and emergency services work.

The meeting also formally introduced Donna Costello as the newest council member. Costello described her background in finance and public-accounting, service on regional boards and community volunteer roles; she said she looks forward to serving on local committees and reporting back to the council after meeting with the historical and local assistance boards.

All confirmations were approved by roll call or voice vote as recorded at the meeting. The council noted ongoing hiring activity in finance and OEM and said it will provide follow-up when additional staffing details are finalized.