January 9, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Franklin Lakes Borough’s governing body reorganizes for 2013 by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Mayor and Council held a special meeting at noon on New Year’s Day to reorganize the borough’s government for 2013. Following an invocation by Bishop John Flesey of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, about 50 people attending the meeting heard an address by Mayor Frank Bivona in which he thanked the community for its support during the past year. Bivona swore in and congratulated Councilmen Charles Kahwaty and Thomas Lambrix on their reelection to the council. He also praised the council for its work during 2012, the professionals who serve the borough, and the volunteers for whom he read a proclamation of appreciation. Bivona also recognized the borough’s employees, whom he described as the municipality’s most important assets. “They are a talented group of people who work hard and tend not to get the recognition they deserve,” he said. Bivona listed among the borough’s accomplishments this past year the successful management of the borough’s budget under the state mandated two percent cap, the services provided to the community, the funding of some capital projects without additional bonding in order to reduce the borough’s reliance on debt, the effective management of resources during Hurricane Sandy, the improved com- munications in the borough, the establishment of the Meet the Mayor nights, the contracted purchase of the Temple Emmanuel property on McCoy Road for special needs housing, the establishment of the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve as a community asset, and the provision of recreation programs for over 3,000 participants. He praised the planning and zoning boards for their work in ensuring the consistency of the borough’s master plan and ordinances, the environmental and shade tree commissions for their work in protecting the borough’s environment, and the addition of several public events for the community. He promised to fight to preserve the zoning of the High Mountain Golf Course, which was recently sold to a developer. Bivona’s goals for 2013 include a continued effort to find ways to reduce costs while maintaining services to residents; provide safety for the borough’s schools and group events; aggressively manage the borough’s affordable housing obligation; begin active fundraising to support the borough’s capital plans; continue to develop the borough’s recreation fields, facilities, and parks; make sure the new sewer system being installed by the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority meets the needs of the borough’s business district; and develop systems to track the customer service delivered to the residents. “The New Year will be filled with challenges,” Bivona said, “and I look forward to an open dialogue with residents and taxpayers.” Bivona then administered the oath of office to fire department and ambulance corps officers. Councilwoman Nathalie Lota was selected by her peers to be the council president for 2013. This is the second time she will be serving in that capacity. Lota will also chair the Public Safety Committee. Councilman Joseph Kelly will chair the Recreation and (continued on page 16) Anniversaries honored The Woman’s Club of Franklin Lakes recently celebrated the anniversaries of 35-year member Marie Turi and 40-year member Lois Piccoli. The women were honored for their long-time commitment to the organization. Pictured are Woman’s Club Copresident Marilyn Scott, Turi, Piccoli, and Co-president June Linz.