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North Caldwell Council adopts Environmental Commission over referendum calls, 4–3
Summary
After hours of public comment both for and against, the Mayor and Council voted 4–3 on March 24 to add an advisory Environmental Commission to the Borough code; supporters cited grants and education, while opponents warned of added bureaucracy and urged a ballot referendum.
The Mayor and Council of the Borough of North Caldwell voted 4–3 on March 24 to adopt Ordinance O-6-2026, adding Chapter 110 to create an Environmental Commission. Council members Johanna Stroever, Matthew Atlas, Council President Anthony Floria-Callori and Mayor Joshua H. Raymond voted for the ordinance; Councilwoman Suzanne Corbo and Councilmen Arthur Rees and Tilton voted against it. The ordinance will establish an advisory commission charged with advising the governing body and Planning Board on environmental matters.
Supporters at the public hearing stressed education, grant opportunities and local sustainability planning. Resident Stephen Papageorge presented the foundation for the commission and volunteered to serve; several residents described initiatives in neighboring towns as models. Opponents—including Rich Lodato, Amy Galarowicz and Catherine Fink—argued the commission could increase bureaucracy, require new funding and might duplicate existing boards. Councilwoman Stroever said the commission is governed by state statute and is advisory: "such a commission is governed by state statute and that no evidence has been presented regarding an increase in taxes associated with the commission," she stated. Mayor Raymond also noted a revision to Section 110-3C to apply the personal/financial interest clause to alternate members before the final vote.
The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote after Council discussion over whether the question should be placed on a ballot; some council members urged a referendum while others said state law and the advisory nature of the body make a ballot question unnecessary. The commission will hold open meetings with agendas and minutes published for transparency; specifics about appointments and operating procedures will follow as the Borough implements Chapter 110.
