4-Jan-2014
The Bogota Borough Council had it's first open session of the New Year in front of a large number of people at the Senior Center on Larch Ave. State Senator Loretta Weinberg lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Then Talia Dombrowski sang "God Bless America" before the former meeting started. At the beginning Mayor Tito Jackson first, then Senator Weinberg & Assemblyman Gordon Johnson honored out-going Councilman Arthur Konigsberg for his service to the Borough.
Then came the swearing in of the two Councilmen who won their race in the November Elections. Chris Keleman was joined by his family, including his Mother & Father, the Senior Mr. Keleman being a former Mayor of Bogota. Councilman Keleman was given the oath of Office by Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan. John Mitchell was joined by his Wife and Mother and was sworn in by former Bogota Mayor & County Executive Pat Schuber. Both Councilman Keleman & Councilman Mitchell talked about how they are lifetime Bogota residents and stayed in the Borough to raise their own families. They are looking forward to the chance of improving the Borough, and helping in grow for the future. They both mention that just because a person is from one party or another, they still live in Bogota and want to have all the resident feel they are being listen to by their elected leader.
Mayor Jackson echoed the new Councilmen sentiment by wanting to think of the members of council as member of the "Bogota" party and not only Democratic or Republican.
After Mayor Jackson comments Councilman Jorge Nunez submitted an agenda to be considered to Council. What Councilman Nunez's agenda consisted of was a different selection of appointments to be hired by the Borough then the published agenda.. This was eventually tabled because Borough Attorney Joseph Monaghan questioned the legality of introducing a new agenda at the current meeting. Mr. Monaghan stated that it did not fall under the Open Public Meetings Law because it was under the 48 hours time limited to set an agenda for public meetings. Councilman Nunez debated Mayor Jackson on the new agenda with the Mayor stating that he could endorse some of the changes Councilman Nunez is looking for, but he and other Council Members need to be given a chance to review his recommendations. During the agenda discussion Senator Weinberg approached to speak to the Council and question the reason for the new agenda. After the question about the agenda was table the next order of business was the election of Councilman Nunez to become the new Council President. He spoke first to apologize for the "awkward situation" of the agenda discussion, but how that is part of the process in what he hopes is a way to make Bogota a more financially stronger community.
Other points decided on was that Councilman Evaristo Burdiez Jr. be the new member of the planning board. Councilwoman Lisa Kohles was sworn in as Police Commissioner, and Farid Briones, Terry Robbins, & Rob Contino appointed to the Recreation Commission. Mayor Jackson also conferred the oath of office to members of the First Aid & Rescue Squad. After a few citizens remarks the meeting was adjourned.
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| Talia Dombrowski singing "God Bless America." |
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Mayor Tito Jackson presenting a plaque to former
Councilman Arthur Konigsberg for service on the Council. |
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Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (L) along with State Senator
Loretta Weinberg also honouring Arthur Konigsberg |
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| Councilman Chris Keleman taking the oath of office |
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| Councilman John Mitchell taking the oath of office. |
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| Councilman Chris Keleman talking about his hope as a member of Council |
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Councilman John Mitchell talking about his hope as a member of Council
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| State Senator Loretta Weinberg question Councilman Nunez about the agenda change. |
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| Councilman Jorge Nunez being sworn in as Council President. |
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| Councilman Nunez talking about what Council can do for the Borough. |
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| The Bogota Borough Council for 2014 |
