Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • January 18, 2012 Franklin Lakes Governing body, boards reorganize for coming year by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Mayor and Council and planning and zoning boards have reorganized for 2012. The primary changes included a new borough council president and a new planning board chair. There were no changes in personnel on the borough’s zoning board of adjustment. At the council’s reorganization session, Mayor Frank Bivona swore in Paulette Ramsey to her sixth term on the council. Bivona recognized Ramsey for her long family tradition in politics, noting that she has been a Franklin Lakes councilwoman for 17 years and has been named council president five times. She is also the borough’s local historian. “Her service to Franklin Lakes has been a daily affair for many, many years,” Bivona said, “and she puts her heart and soul into her work. Thank you, Paulette, for your efforts and we look forward to working with you in the coming years.” Bivona also recognized the six years outgoing Councilman Michael Friscia had served. Friscia was honored at the last meeting in 2011. The mayor also congratulated new Councilman Joseph Kelly, who was sworn in the council’s work session last week, and returning Council Members William Smith, Nathalie Lota, Charles Kahwaty, and Frank Pedone. “We have a governing body that has all the requisite skills to meet our goals for the coming year,” Bivona said. “It’s a great team.” Councilwoman Ramsey then nominated Kahwaty as council president. Her motion was seconded by Councilman William Smith and approved unanimously. As council president, Kahwaty will preside at any council meetings when the mayor does not preside, but he retains the right to debate and vote on all questions before the council. He will also perform all the duties of the mayor if the mayor is absent from the borough for a period of three days, or is unable to act for any reason. Before announcing his appointees, Bivona expressed his appreciation for the service of the fire, ambulance corps, and office of emergency management volunteers whose service he described as “most giving” and “vital.” “They are there for us at all hours of the day and night under any circumstances,” Bivona said. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated people and we owe them a debt of gratitude.” Bivona also thanked the volunteers on the borough’s various boards and committees, saying, “Thank you to the many residents who volunteer their time and talents giving to our community.” He also recognized the borough’s employees and professionals, led by Borough Administrator Gregory Hart, as “one of our most important assets.” “They are a talented group of people who work very hard and tend not to get the recognition they deserve,” Bivona said. “In my two years on the governing body I have come to know and appreciate the many special people we have working for us.” The following officers of the fire department were recognized and the oath of office was administered to those present: Fire Chief Denny Knubel, Assistant Fire Chief Lawrence Kohan, Captain Ryan Dodd, Captain Ronald Meyers Jr., Lieutenant Jeremy Donch, Lieutenant Thomas Pianettini, and President James Webb. The following officers of the ambulance corps were recognized and the oath of office was administered to those present: Captain Marc McKeon, First Lieutenant Dana Emmer, Second Lieutenant Fred Emmer, Third Lieutenant Laurie Burnette, and President Kelly Larson. The following appointments to the 2012 standing council committees were also announced. The Public Safety Committee will be chaired by Councilperson Nathalie Lota, Recreation and Parks by Councilman William Smith, Environmental and Community by Councilman Frank Pedone, Public Works by Councilwoman Paulette Ramsey, Planning and Development by Council President Charles Kahwaty, and Finance and Administration by Councilman Joseph Kelly. Bivona also announced appointments or reappointments to the board of health, the environmental commission, the planning and zoning boards, the library board, the Recreation Committee, the shade tree commission, the emergency management council, and other employee and volunteer appointments. At the planning board’s reorganization, the members appointed or reappointed to the board were sworn in. Board member Kim Vierheilig was chosen to be the board’s new chairman, having been nominated by Frank Conte, the outgoing chairman. Jules Lauber was again unanimously selected to be the board’s vice chairman. Joseph Palmieri will serve as the board secretary, and Peter Gostkowski will serve as assistant secretary. Maria Berardi was again appointed as the board’s clerk, John Spizziri was reappointed as the board’s attorney, and Boswell McClave Engineering was reappointed as the board’s engineering firm. At the zoning board’s reorganization meeting, Alexandra Schoenberg was sworn in to her new term on the board and Steve DiFlora was again appointed board chairman. Joanne Gerber will serve as the board’s vice chairperson, and Robert Bavagnoli will be the board secretary. Robert Davies was reappointed as the board attorney and Melinda Dorl was reappointed as recording secretary.