Hawthorne, NJ

Planning Board

Planning Board

The Hawthorne Planning Board meeting scheduled for August 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held September 1, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. No agenda items are listed for this cancelled meeting.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting September 1, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hawthorne Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for August 17, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held on September 21, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. No agenda items were discussed.

Borough Council

The Borough Council is meeting to adopt two ordinances: one creating or redefining administrative positions and another fixing 2026 employee salaries. They will also consider a consent agenda of resolutions, including grant applications, a road improvement contract, and emergency repairs. Public comment is limited to agenda items.

• Ordinance 2395-26: amend code for administrative positions
• Ordinance 2396-26: fix 2026 salaries and wages
• R 114-26: 2027 LAIF grant for Downtown Revitalization Phase IV
• R 117-26 & R 118-26: award contracts to DLS Contracting for 2026 Road Improvement Program
• R 119-26: purchase order for gazebo installation on library grounds

Planning Board

The Hawthorne Planning Board meeting scheduled for August 4, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. has been canceled. All matters on the agenda are carried over to the next meeting. No decisions or discussions will take place at this time.

• Meeting canceled
• All matters carried to next meeting

Planning Board

Borough Council

The Borough Council will consider ordinances to fix 2026 employee compensation and redefine administrative positions. The meeting includes the appointment and promotion of five police officers and a consent agenda with various municipal resolutions.

• Ordinance 2396-26: Fix 2026 salaries, wages, and compensation for Borough employees
• Police promotions: Sgt. Nicholas Robert to Lieutenant; Officers Ryan Daley and Brendan Burke to Sergeant
• Police appointments: Joseph Daniel Carr, Dean Zindaki, and Jason Diaz as Probationary Officers
• R 108-26: Purchase order for body worn cameras from Axon Enterprises
• R 109-26: Rescind renewal of liquor license for Ossy’s Cafe

The council unanimously approved police promotions and appointments, including three new sergeants and three probationary officers. It also passed two ordinances on first reading: one restructuring administrative positions and another setting 2026 salaries. The consent agenda, including a $461,556.74 body camera purchase, was approved with one abstention.

• Approved police promotions: Sgt. Nicholas Robert to Lieutenant, Officers Ryan Daley and Brendan Burke to Sergeants (all unanimous)
• Appointed Joseph Daniel Carr, Dean Zindaki, and Jason Diaz as Probationary Police Officers (all unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance 2395-26 to amend administrative code positions (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance 2396-26 fixing 2026 salaries, with title change to 'Public Safety Telecommunicator' (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda R 102-26 to R 111-26, including $461,556.74 for Axon body cameras (Sasso abstained on R 109-26)
• Approved bills for payment (Wojtecki abstained on Fire Dept bills, Laiosa on Environmental Commission bills)

Planning Board

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The regular meeting of the Hawthorne Zoning Board of Adjustment scheduled for July 20, 2026, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be August 17, 2026, at 6:45 PM in the Municipal Building courtroom.

• Meeting cancellation only; no items discussed.

Shade Tree Commission

The commission is discussing the planting of a Liberty Elm Tree for the borough's 250th anniversary and the start of a tree inventory using Esri ArcGIS software. The body is also planning fall plantings and community events for August and September.

• Proposed Liberty Elm Tree for 250th anniversary costing approximately $4,000, split between the town and Shade Tree
• Tree inventory start date scheduled for early-to-mid July using Esri ArcGIS
• Fall planting list identifying 61 tree locations as of July 2, 2026
• Order of 200 seedlings from Arbor Day Foundation for Hawthorne Day
• Budget of $600 for the 8 Acre Woods Play at the Bandshell in August

Environmental Commission

This meeting has no published agenda. The only available information is the meeting minutes, which should be consulted for any details on what was discussed or decided.

• No agenda items listed

The Hawthorne Environmental Commission met virtually and approved the native plant brochure after discussion, with minor edits. They also planned the 15th Green Fair at the Farmers' Market for September 13, 2026, and discussed updates on community garden, TerraCycle cigarette butt recycling, and 8 Acre Woods tree work. No formal votes were recorded; decisions were made by consensus.

• Approved native plant brochure with edits (remove corner marks, send PDFs)
• Scheduled 15th Green Fair for September 13, 2026 (rain date September 20)
• Set vendor commitment deadline for Green Fair as August 3, 2026
• Purchased six cigarette butt recycling containers via TerraCycle
• Agreed to distribute cigarette butt containers to local businesses by end of July 2026
• Discussed 8 Acre Woods tree removal and bamboo removal, awaiting proposal

Borough Council

The Borough Council will consider ordinances regarding employee compensation, body-worn camera footage fees, and water bill delinquency periods. The body will also review a mayoral appointment to the Library Board of Trustees and several administrative resolutions.

• Ordinance 2392-26 to fix 2026 employee salaries
• Ordinance 2393-26 adding fees for body-worn camera footage
• Ordinance 2394-26 modifying water service shut-off delinquency periods
• Removal of handicap space at 412 N. Fourth Ave
• Liquor license renewal for Puzo’s Pizza

The Council approved the appointment of David L. Hughes to the Library Board of Trustees. Public hearings were closed for three ordinances regarding employee salaries, police body-worn camera fees, and water bill delinquency periods. The meeting also included discussions on garbage collection, parking enforcement, and storm runoff.

• Approved appointment of David L. Hughes to the Library Board of Trustees (All voted yes)
• Closed public hearing for Ordinance No. 2392-26 regarding 2026 employee salaries (All voted yes)
• Closed public hearing for Ordinance No. 2393-26 regarding police body-worn camera footage fees (All voted yes)
• Closed public hearing for Ordinance No. 2394-26 regarding water bill delinquency periods (All voted yes)
• Approved minutes for June 3 and June 17, 2026 (All voted yes)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the department bill list totaling $23,124.48 and accepted letters of intent from David Candelier and Wayne Bradudor to join the department. Monthly company reports and the chief's report were presented, with no other substantive decisions made.

• Approved $23,124.48 in department bills (unanimous)
• Accepted letter of intent from David Candelier to join Company 4
• Accepted letter of intent from Wayne Bradudor to rejoin the department with the Radio Room

Planning Board

Board of Health

The Board of Health will swear in three new members to fill vacancies. The board is also discussing the borough's transition to Passaic County for inspection and nurse services.

• Swearing in of new members Robin Cox, Jennifer Tope, and Kristin Tantillo
• Discussion of transitioning inspection and nurse services to Passaic County
• Review of new businesses including First Aid Pharmacy at 364 Lafayette Avenue
• Review of new businesses including Charter Community Behavioral Center at 245 Diamond Bridge Avenue
• Review of new businesses including Yaneli’s Yogurt at 672 Lafayette Avenue

The June 18, 2026 Board of Health meeting lacked a quorum, so no official votes or formal actions were taken. Members informally discussed new businesses, a recent health fair, expiring member positions, migration of health services to Passaic County, and future meetings. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

• No official votes or formal business actions taken due to lack of quorum

Borough Council

The Borough Council will vote on liquor license renewals and grant applications for road work. The body will also consider the appointment of a Housing Code Official and the reappointment of a Fire Official.

• Grant application and contract for 2027 NJDOT Local Aid for 1st Ave, Grand Ave, and No. 17th Street
• Appointment of Gary Montroy as Housing Code Official
• Reappointment of Fire Official Chris Di Bella for 2026–2029
• Professional Services Contract for Millennium Strategies grant writers
• Liquor License Renewals for the 2026-2027 term

The council reappointed Chris Di Bella as Fire Official for 2026-2029 and recorded the appointment of Gary Montroy as Housing Code Official. It approved the consent agenda (resolutions R90-26 through R94-26) and the bills for payment. The council also received updates on various projects, including the completion of Phase IV of the Galvanized Service Line Removal Project and ongoing roadwork.

• Reappointed Chris Di Bella as Fire Official for the term 2026 through 2029.
• Recorded the appointment of Gary Montroy as Housing Code Official.
• Approved consent agenda resolutions R90-26 through R94-26, including liquor license renewals and a grant application.
• Approved the bills and authorized submission to the Treasurer for payment.
• Approved the minutes of the May 20, 2026 regular meeting.
• Recorded the Administrative Agenda as presented by Mayor Lane.

Planning Board

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment scheduled for June 15, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for July 20, 2026.

Environmental Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the May 14, 2026 meeting. Members discussed ongoing community garden maintenance, the 'Find the Hawthorne BEE!' buy local campaign, and a recent Passaic River cleanup. No other formal votes were recorded.

• Approved May 14, 2026 meeting minutes

Borough Council

The Hawthorne Borough Council will meet on June 3, 2026, to adopt three bond ordinances totaling $3.1M for road reconstruction, sidewalk replacement, and drainage improvements. They will also introduce ordinances to adjust employee salaries, revise police body-worn camera fees, and modify water bill delinquency rules. Resolutions include a tax appeal settlement and a new handicap parking space.

• Bond Ordinance 2389-26: $1.8M for road reconstruction on various streets
• Bond Ordinance 2390-26: $428K for sidewalk and driveway apron reconstruction
• Bond Ordinance 2391-26: $928K for road resurfacing, drainage, and curb improvements
• Ordinance 2392-26: Adjusts 2026 employee salaries
• Resolution R 88-26: Settles tax appeal for Block 34, Lot 9

The Hawthorne Borough Council adopted three bond ordinances totaling over $3.1 million for road reconstruction, sidewalk and driveway apron replacement, and related improvements. The council also introduced three ordinances, including one to set 2026 salaries, one to establish fees for police body-worn camera footage, and one to modify the water shut-off delinquency period. Public comment focused on sidewalk repair costs, construction timing, and Franklin Field conditions.

• Adopted Bond Ordinance 2389-26 for $1.8M road reconstruction (all yes)
• Adopted Bond Ordinance 2390-26 for $428K sidewalk and driveway apron replacement (all yes)
• Adopted Bond Ordinance 2391-26 for $928K road, drainage, curb, and sidewalk improvements (all yes)
• Introduced Ordinance 2392-26 to fix 2026 salaries (all yes)
• Introduced Ordinance 2393-26 to add fees for body-worn camera footage (all yes)
• Introduced Ordinance 2394-26 to modify water shut-off delinquency period (all yes)
• Approved consent agenda including handicap parking space, tax appeal settlement, and bandshell artists (all yes)
• Approved bills and authorized payment (all yes, with two abstentions)

Planning Board

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the department bill list totaling $6,497.01, approved a medical leave request for 2nd Lt. Justin Speranza, and approved letters of intent for five new members and one cadet. The board also swore in FF Sean Warner to Company 5 and discussed uniform standards, with a committee to be formed. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $6,497.01 in department expenses (unanimous)
• Approved medical leave for 2nd Lt. Justin Speranza (5/21-6/21)
• Approved letter of intent for Diego Morillo-Batista to join Company 2
• Approved letters of intent for Dylan Mejia, Giovanny Pena, Vladimir Blazeski to join Company 3
• Approved letter of intent for Andrew Wedemeyer to join Cadet Program
• Swore in FF Sean Warner to Company 5

Shade Tree Commission

The Hawthorne Shade Tree Commission will discuss a tree inventory project using Esri ArcGIS software and a $20,000 grant, as well as the upcoming Liberty Tree Project for the borough's 250th anniversary. The group will also review the completion of tree pruning and stumping on Wagaraw Road and plan for fall planting events.

• Tree inventory project using Esri ArcGIS software
• Hawthorne awarded $20,000 grant for forestry inventory
• Liberty Tree Project for 250th anniversary ($4,000 estimated)
• Tree pruning and stumping complete on Wagaraw Road
• Road work program to include tree replacement clause

Borough Council

The Borough Council will meet to vote on a consent agenda featuring several contracts and administrative resolutions. Key actions include designating a redeveloper for One Washington Avenue and opposing Senate Bill S 1836.

• Designation of Washington Ave Dig, LLC as redeveloper for One Washington Avenue (R 86-26)
• Award of contract for fleet gasoline services to Gorga (R 81-26)
• Purchase order for Downes Tree Service regarding Goffle Hill Pump Station site improvements (R 83-26)
• Shared services agreement with County of Passaic for Public Health Services (R 82-26)
• Resolution R 84-26 to oppose Senate Bill S 1836 regarding local zoning and environmental safeguards

The Borough Council approved a consent agenda including a redevelopment agreement designating Washington Ave Dig, LLC as the redeveloper of 1 Washington Avenue, a 69-unit project with 14 affordable units. The council also approved a shared services agreement with Passaic County for public health services, a contract for fleet gasoline services, and a resolution opposing state Senate Bill S1836. Two council members abstained on the redevelopment agreement.

• Approved consent agenda R 79-26 to R 87-26 (all voted yes; Sasso and Sciarra abstained on R 86-26)
• Designated Washington Ave Dig, LLC as redeveloper for 1 Washington Avenue and authorized redevelopment agreement (R 86-26)
• Authorized 10-year shared services agreement with County of Passaic for public health services (R 82-26)
• Awarded contract to A. Gorga & Sons, LLC for fleet gasoline services (R 81-26)
• Opposed Senate Bill S 1836 on affordable housing development (R 84-26)
• Approved $52,390 contract to Downes Tree Service for Goffle Hill Pump Station improvements (R 83-26)
• Approved $13,800 in Memorial Day parade payments (R 85-26)
• Approved bills totaling $476,537.34 for payment

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hawthorne Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss a variance request for 366 Lincoln Avenue. The applicant seeks to build four 3-bedroom townhouse multi-family units with garage parking.

• Proposed four 3-bedroom townhouse multi-family units at 366 Lincoln Avenue
• Memorialized resolutions for 91 Sunrise Drive
• Memorialized resolutions for 193 North Ethel Avenue
• Memorialized resolutions for 89 8th Avenue

Environmental Commission

The joint Hawthorne Environmental Commission and Green Team meeting on May 14, 2026, was primarily procedural, approving minutes from prior meetings and discussing upcoming events. No substantive policy decisions or votes were recorded. The main focus was planning the Annual June Environmental Program, including recognizing citizens and green businesses, and scheduling a river cleanup with Hackensack Riverkeeper.

• Approved Environmental Commission minutes from April 13, 2026
• Approved Green Team minutes from February 24, 2026
• Approved Green Team minutes from March 23, 2026
• Scheduled river cleanup with Hackensack Riverkeeper for May 31, 2026 (rain date June 7)
• Discussed but did not decide on native plant ban in sidewalk/curb areas
• Discussed GearGive sports equipment recycling program, no action taken

Shade Tree Commission

The Hawthorne Shade Tree Commission will meet to discuss ongoing issues with Asplungh tree pruning, including over-cutting that prompted the mayor to stop work for a week. The commission will also review a $20,000 NJDEP grant awarded for a forestry inventory and consider a $4,000 Liberty Tree project for the 250th anniversary. Updates on fall planting, Arbor Day events, and a road work program tree replacement clause are also on the agenda.

• Asplungh/PSE&G tree pruning: mayor stopped crew for a week after over-cutting; several trees had to be removed
• $20,000 NJDEP SAGE grant awarded for forestry inventory and CFMP development
• Liberty Tree project: 30-40 ft. Liberty Elm tree costing about $4,000, cost split with town
• Fall planting list underway with 41 tree locations as of May 11
• Arbor Day: 200 White Dogwood seedlings to be distributed at Cel-Earth-Bration on April 18

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold a public hearing and vote to adopt the 2026 municipal budget. The meeting includes discussions on budget appropriation limits and revisions to parks and recreation fees.

• Adoption of 2026 Municipal Budget and Ordinance 2387-26 regarding appropriation limits
• Ordinance 2388-26 to revise rates for Parks and Recreation fees
• Proposed $1,800,000 bond ordinance for road reconstruction, milling, and paving
• Proposed $428,000 bond ordinance for sidewalk and driveway apron reconstruction
• Proposed $928,000 bond ordinance for road, drainage, and curb improvements

The Borough Council adopted the 2026 municipal budget after a public hearing, along with related budget resolutions and ordinances. The council also approved the appointment of Gary Montroy as Construction Official and introduced three bond ordinances for road, sidewalk, and infrastructure improvements. Several consent agenda resolutions were approved, including equipment purchases and a new pool food concession contract.

• Adopted 2026 amended municipal budget (BR 03-26, unanimous)
• Adopted budget ordinance 2387-26 establishing cap bank of $298,407.24 (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance 2388-26 revising pool admission fees (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Gary Montroy as Construction Official (unanimous)
• Introduced bond ordinance 2389-26 for $1.8M road reconstruction (first reading)
• Introduced bond ordinance 2390-26 for $428,000 sidewalk replacement (first reading)
• Introduced bond ordinance 2391-26 for $928,000 road improvements (first reading)
• Approved consent agenda including $84,987.52 mini excavator purchase and pool concession contract with Sunny Snacks

Planning Board

The Hawthorne Planning Board will hold a regular meeting with primarily procedural items including approval of minutes. The board will consider a resolution for NIKI-J & J Hawthorne Partners LLC at 990 Goffle Road. Old business includes Broadway Auto, LLC at 150 Goffle Road. No new business, minor site plans, or tenancy reviews are on the agenda.

• Resolution: NIKI-J & J Hawthorne Partners LLC at 990 Goffle Road
• Old business: Broadway Auto, LLC at 150 Goffle Road
• Approval of minutes from March 3, 2026 meeting
• No correspondence or bills to consider

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the department bill list totaling $26,079.00, covering equipment, repairs, and training gear. They also approved a medical leave request for FF. Brian Patmos and return-to-duty letters for two members. Company reports detailed April 2026 alarm responses and equipment status.

• Approved $26,079.00 in department expenses (unanimous)
• Approved medical leave for FF. Brian Patmos retroactive from 4/14/26
• Approved return to duty for Frank Orsi (Radio Room) as of 03/10/26
• Approved return to duty for 1st Lt Andrew Skae (Company 2) as of 04/16/26
• Swore in new member FF. Sean Warner (Company 5)

Green Team Committee