Boonstra to Lead Committee in 2010

The governing body approved Rudy Boonstra as Wyckoff's mayor for 2010 at the township's annual reorganization meeting Friday.

Boonstra was the unanimous selection of his peers before a crowded gallery in the Municipal Courtroom, as public officials' family members, township employees and the public gathered to watch the township reorganize on New Year's Day. 

"It's a great honor. I will do my best to live up to your expectations," said Boonstra, who served as deputy mayor over the last year.

The township also ratified the voters' choices for Township Committee, as Chris DePhillips and Kevin Rooney were sworn into office. The new governing body members take the seats vacated by Richard Alnor and Joe Fiorenzo, both of whom did not stand for re-election this fall. The departing officials were lauded by their peers while Rooney, who will serve as deputy mayor, and DePhillips were welcomed aboard the governing body.

Boonstra, a 40-year member of the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department and owner of Sicomac Dairy, thanked Alnor and Fiorenzo for their service before briefly reviewing some of the issues the township faces over the next year.

The mayor said the "budget is a major challenge in light of the economy, caps and reduced state aid." Pending applications submitted by Inserra Supermarkets and the Christian Health Care Center "will challenge our land use boards." Wyckoff Public Library will begin an expansion project this year, and the committee is involved in the possible purchase of Russell Farms. Boonstra noted the ongoing construction at the Boulder Run shopping center, as well as dam repair at Atwood pond. The Township Committee will have to complete contract negotiations with the PBA and Department of Public Works, and the township faces further Council on Affordable Housing obligations.

"We have much to accomplish, but if we do this right we can improve Wyckoff to be an even more desirable community in which to live and raise our families," he said.

Fiorenzo also noted the economic challenges Wyckoff has faced during his tenure, which began in 2001. However, he said the township gets more done with less.

"We here in Wyckoff provide services to our residents more efficiently and effectively than any community in northwest Bergen (County). We have the lowest per capita number of employees of any community in the area," said Fiorenzo, who credited the efforts of the municipal staff and committee.

Although serving as a committeeman is a "sacrifice and a huge effort," Fiorenzo has "enjoyed the opportunity to serve the residents of Wyckoff."

He said that while "you can't make everyone happy," he has "always made decisions based on what I believe is in the best interests" of the overall community.

Alnor also praised the efforts of the municipal staff and committee in his remarks before the crowded gallery. The longtime firefighter said he is stepping aside in the interests of family, as he has young children.

"I will not miss those opportunities with my children to watch them grow and in turn develop... into active members of the community," he said.

Earlier, at a meeting held over from Dec. 15, Alnor told his colleagues he is "proud of what we do here.

"I will miss the Township Committee," he said.

DePhillips and Rooney's wives and children joined them as they took the oath of office. Both will serve for three years alongside Boonstra and Committeeman Brian Scanlan.

Both residents are serving as elected representatives for the first time although neither are strangers to public service. Rooney, who works in real estate as a partner in HMS Global Holdings LLC, has served on the zoning board and Shade Tree Commission and holds various certifications as an arborist. DePhillips, an attorney with the firm Porzio, Bromberg and Newman, has served on the board of trustees of the Wyckoff Education Foundation as well as the boards of Community Blood Services and the northern New Jersey chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Both men received the good wishes of their peers before those assembled retired to Fire Company 1 for a reception.