Garwood Borough Council Meeting Notes

Meeting Overview

  • President Naldi's Opening

    • Roll call of staff and professionals

    • Special acknowledgment for Captain Sam Rocco's retirement.

Captain Sam Rocco's Contributions

  • Retirement Date: May 1, 2025.

  • Background:

    • Strong family ties to Garwood; father was a mailman, grandfather a bartender.

    • Served in U.S. Marine Corps Reserves (1993-1999).

    • Education: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University.

  • Police Career:

    • Joined Garwood Police Department as a patrolman in January 2000.

    • Promoted through ranks:

    • Sergeant in February 2011

    • Lieutenant in February 2013

    • Acting Captain in 2023

    • Captain in 2024

    • Key roles: Patrol division, juvenile bureau, detective bureau assistance.

    • Involved in several community and law enforcement programs (e.g., DARE, narcotics investigations).

  • Accreditations:

    • Instrumental in obtaining departmental accreditation for Garwood PD.

  • Personal Life:

    • Married Jennifer in February 2010; they have seven children.

    • Acknowledged by the mayor with a certificate for dedicated service.

Local Government Week Activities

  • Photo Contest: "Garwood in the Eye of the Beholder".

    • Highlighted submissions by residents displaying their view of Garwood.

    • Prizes: Dunkin' Donuts gift cards for winners, including:

    • 1st Place: Katie Callan's photo of Georgiana Memorial Park.

    • 2nd Place: Stephanie Wilkes' photo of daughter at the Rec Complex.

    • 3rd Place: Garwood Public Library photo in fall.

  • Student Government Night at Lincoln School:

    • Mock council meeting by student council; topics included curfews and e-scooter regulations.

Updates from Borough Council

  • Updates on Grants and Funding:

    • Local recreation grant of $92,000 for turf field replacement presented.

    • Additional capital project grant application discussed to further funding the turf field.

  • Community Engagement Initiatives:

    • Informational Town Hall on Center Street Corner on April 28

    • Discussion about curb bump outs and design options.

  • Upcoming Events:

    • Garwood Poetry Festival scheduled for April.

    • Easter Egg Hunt planned, possible reschedule due to rain.

    • Memorial Day ceremony on May 26 at the Knights of Columbus.

Council Updates and Discussions

  • Council Discussions:

    • Council emphasized community safety and the impact of false alarm responses on police resources.

    • Ordinance updates discussed to clarify false alarm definitions and responses.

  • Community Reports:

    • Zoning enforcement and property maintenance reports presented.

Closing Remarks

  • Public comment encouraged; residents invited to share their thoughts but required to limit statements to five minutes.

  • Discussion of service impacts and community engagement by residents.

  • Finalizing council decisions with motions to adopt ordinances and payments during the session.