The live broadcast of the meeting, made possible by Jim Quinn of Quinn Broadcasting with sponsorship from Allen Associates, the county’s insurance provider, was acknowledged as a milestone. This initiative is expected to bolster transparency and allow residents to engage more easily with local government proceedings. The Mayor expressed appreciation for this development.

During this reorganization meeting, the induction of new council members was a focal point. Atlantic County Commissioner James Bertino administered the oath of office to Councilwoman-elect Patricia Andad, commending the dedication of council members and emphasizing the importance of effective governance. Councilman-elect Richard, who had served two short terms previously, was also sworn in, with Bertino humorously remarking on Richard’s third induction as “third time’s a charm.” Applause followed each induction.

Leadership within the council was solidified as Doug Adams was nominated and unanimously elected as Council President. Other key nominations included Richard Setta for solicitor and Alen Gyber for assistant solicitor, all receiving unanimous confirmations.

The meeting also saw the adoption of numerous resolutions, each reflecting the council’s priorities for the year 2025. Resolution 6-25 confirmed appointments made by the council, while Resolution 7-25 authorized the tax collector to conduct a tax lien sale. Resolutions concerning financial management were also approved, including Resolution 8-25, which set penalties for delinquent taxes, and Resolution 13-25, which adopted a temporary budget for 2025. Resolution 17-25 stood out for its certification of compliance with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s guidelines.

In a nod to public safety, the council appointed Sabrina Andus as a full-time emergency medical technician, effective January 1, 2025, through Resolution 18-25.

Looking towards the future, the Mayor’s state of the borough address underscored major achievements from 2024, such as securing $1.3 million for road reconstruction and the successful establishment of the borough’s fire department. The Mayor also highlighted a commitment from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for a significant drainage project expected to be completed by 2027. Additionally, the address noted the approval of a host community agreement for cannabis cultivation and retail sales.

The council’s forward-looking agenda includes pursuing grants for various community projects, such as lighting upgrades in parks and building improvements for the Lou Vil Center. The council aims to support the local budget by utilizing a 2% gross profit from cannabis licenses, a new initiative designed to enhance fiscal sustainability. Efforts to address affordable housing obligations and explore cost-saving measures for trash pickup were also discussed.

A senior member reflected on the challenges faced since being sworn in three years prior, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and significant flooding that necessitated building remodels. Their remarks emphasized resilience and dedication to the community, with applause affirming the shared sense of accomplishment within the council.

The meeting concluded with plans for the next council meeting on January 13, 2025, which will honor former mayors and celebrate the borough’s historical legacy. The creation of a “mayor’s wall” was announced, recognizing past leaders dating back to the early 1960s.