October 6, 2025 Special Meeting

Special Public Meeting— October 6, 2025 The Public meeting began at 4:09 p.m., the Municipal Clerk read the following statement: This is to inform the general public that this meeting is being held in compliance with Section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, Public Law 1975. The notice for this meeting was emailed to the Star Ledger and the West Orange Chronicle on October 2, 2025. Roll Call — Councilwoman Casalino, Councilwoman Rudin, Councilwoman Scarpa and Council President Krakoviak Pledge of Allegiance Public Comment There was no one who wished to be heard and public comment was closed. Resolution 218-25 218-25 Resolution Authorizing an Executive Session to Discuss Contract Negotiations, Specifically Resolution Awarding Professional Services Contract For Affordable Housing Planner To Heyer Gruel & Associates At approximately, 4:22 p.m., on motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Councilwoman Scarpa, the public meeting was recessed and the Council entered into an executive session for the purpose of discussing Contract Negotiations specifically resolution 216-25 Awarding a Professional Services Contract for Affordable Housing Planner to Heyer Gruel & Associates. All members present voting “Aye.” At approximately 5:25 p.m., on motion made by Council President Krakoviak and seconded by Councilwoman Scarpa, the executive session concluded and the public meeting continued. All members present voting “Aye.” At approximately 5:34 p.m., Ramon Rivera, Esq. left the meeting. Resolution(s) Removed from Consent Agenda Resolution 216-25 Resolution Awarding Heyer Gruel & Associates A Professional Services Contract for Affordable Housing Planner (Legal-Gengaro) At approximately, 5:38 p.m., Ms. Diana McGovern, Planning Board Attorney explained to the Council that Heyer, Gruel was hired by the Planning Board as the expert Planner, during their meeting the previous Friday. The firm was hired to cover regular and special meetings of the Planning Board, and to get up to speed with the West Essex Highlands matter, reading all 20 transcripts. The money spent will be paid through escrow. The only exception would be if the Township Council introduces a Land Use ordinance that the Planning Board may have to review. As of right now, there is no ordinance pending.