Mailander Resigns As Ridgewood Manager, Still Clerk In Dual-Role Split

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Ridgewood Village Manager and Clerk Heather Mailander is resigning as manager and will remain solely in the position of clerk.

Her resignation comes after a discussion with Mayor Paul Vagianos and Deputy Mayor Pam Perron, who, she said, told her the village council does not want a manager to hold the dual role of clerk, or vice versa.

"Given the choice, I am going back to the title of clerk," Mailander said at Wednesday's council meeting, adding that she will continue as manager until someone new is hired.

Council members thanked her for her service as manager, and residents present at the meeting even gave her a round of applause. But Councilwoman Lorraine Reynolds questioned the idea that splitting the dual role was a "council decision," and scrutinized the mayor and deputy mayor's apparent discussion with Mailander, claiming she was denied her right to participate in this discussion.

"I was not involved in the process whatsoever," Reynolds said. "I would like to know how this was decided, because I didn't know a thing."

She said that she was shocked when Mailander told her that she was asked to resign, and said either a unilateral action was taken without prior consultation from the rest of the council or there was a meeting in violation of the open meetings law.

"It is becoming apparent that some of my council colleagues are engaging in backroom deals, and illegal or improper meetings or actions," Reynolds said.

"I want to know what occurred and who was involved in the decision," she added. "This should be made public. I don't want any secrets."

Vagianos and Perron rejected her claim that an "illegal meeting" occurred, and held that there were no violations of the open meetings act.

"Everything was done legally," Vagianos said, "and the (village) council was completely aware of everything."

"I was not aware of anything," Reynolds rebutted.

Vagianos, who had just thanked Mailander for her work for the village and expressed gratitude that she was staying on as clerk (a position she has held for three decades), said, in response to Reynolds, that the matter would not be further discussed in public as it pertains to personnel.

"(Heather), your advice has been so helpful and your historical knowledge is just amazing, and I appreciate your graciousness and all that you've done," Deputy Mayor Perron said. "I think the town is best served by having both a manager and a clerk. I think you've done a great job at both, and I think this is the best way forward."

In announcing her resignation as manager, Mailander said that she is proud of the many accomplishments made within Ridgewood during her six and a half years in the position.

"For those of you who know me, you know that Ridgewood is my town," Mailander said. "I will continue working with council members, residents and my staff to ensure that Ridgewood remains the special place that it is today."