Chief Byron-Lagattuta Announces Retirement After 40 Years as Council Introduces $15.9M Budget
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Chief Sheila Byron-Lagattuta announced her retirement after a 40-year career with the Glen Ridge Police Department, reading an emotional letter recounting her rise from dispatcher in 1982 to Chief and Acting Director of Public Safety, her creation of the Domestic Violence Response Team in 1996, and her work guiding the department through state accreditation. Mayor Patrick read a proclamation honoring her service, and every councilor, along with the Borough Attorney and Administrator, offered tributes; a walk-out ceremony was scheduled for April 30.
The Council introduced the 2021 municipal budget, totaling $15,904,545.68 in general appropriations with $12,612,940.54 to be raised through local property taxes, and scheduled the public hearing and adoption vote for May 24. A companion resolution authorized using a three-year average (2018-2020) to anticipate several COVID-affected revenue categories, including swimming pool membership fees, general fees and permits, recreation fees, and municipal court revenue.
The Council finally adopted Ordinance No. 1745 (Peddlers and Hawkers regulations) and Ordinance No. 1746 (banning all classes of cannabis businesses) after public hearings drew no comment, awarded a $77,205.77 contract to Green Valley Landscape Design and Maintenance for 2021 athletic field aeration and maintenance, and approved a resolution authorizing an involuntary disability retirement application for a longtime Department of Public Works maintenance worker. The Council also proclaimed April 26 as Arbor Day and reminded residents of the May 11 ceremony renaming Herman Street "Sgt. Roberts Way." All votes were unanimous.
What to watch
- Public hearing and final adoption of the 2021 municipal budget scheduled for May 24
- Process to appoint a new Chief of Police following Byron-Lagattuta's retirement
- May 11 ceremony renaming Herman Street "Sgt. Roberts Way"