New City Manager Hired In Englewood, Claims To Be 'Cost-Saving Machine

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — Englewood City Council voted 3-2 to approve the appointment of Robert Hoffman as the new city manager, effective Aug. 1.

Formerly the Chatham Township Administrator for three years, Hoffman has over 20 years experience in local government management in New Jersey and served in local government in New York State.

"I am proud to vote yes," Councilwoman Judith Maron said at a special meeting of the council on Wednesday. "I have great hopes for Mr. Hoffman's tenure with us, and I think Englewood will benefit greatly under his command based on his past performance.

Describing himself as a "cost-saving machine," Hoffman is great at identifying cost-saving measures for municipalities, Councilman Kenneth Rosenzweig, who voted favorably, said of the incoming city manager. Hoffman, a qualified purchasing agent and certified zoning officer, also received an MBA in finance from Pace University and a BA from Fordham.

"It is rare that someone with this much experience and accomplishment is available for a town," Rosenzweig said, in reference to the recommendation of Jersey Professional Management, which the council hired as its recruiter in March. "I am happy to vote yes."

Eight days after Englewood's previous city manager resigned on March 7, the council hired the executive recruiter, which narrowed the list of applicants down to two individuals, who were discussed at a later meeting.

Councilman Charles Cobb, who voted unfavorably, however, said he did not participate in such discussions on Hoffman, particularly those regarding his salary.

"Was there a background check done on this gentleman?" Cobb said at the special meeting Wednesday. "I don't know any of that stuff. So, therefore, I can't support this when you haven't polled 100% of the council."

In response, Councilman Michael Cohen said that Cobb had "walked out" of the meeting, in which the matter was debated and talked about among council members.

Similar to Cobb, however, Councilman Wayne Hamer, who also voted no, said that the council had not yet had "full discussion" of the resolution approving an employment agreement with Hoffman.

Near the end of the meeting, an Englewood resident chimed in, stating that the council "should be ashamed of itself" to move forward with the hiring of a new city manager without unanimous approval.

Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes reminded council members prior to the public comment period, that interim City Manager Matthew Watkins "enthusiastically supported" Hoffman, and that with all of challenges the city faces, it is "rudderless" without a city manager. He added that he, himself, could not make the meeting in which the hiring of Hoffman was discussed, though he "defers to the judgment" of the council.

"I am glad that the council is acting speedily," Watkins said at Wednesday's meeting. "We have been through a few managers, and hopefully this will be the turning of the corner."