The meeting commenced with the announcement of election results, followed by the swearing-in of new board members Dave Sidell, Frank Troy, and Aier Cole. Cole was sworn in by retired United States Magistrate Judge Joel Rosen. Frank Troy’s swearing-in was a family affair, conducted by his daughter, Carly. Mayor David Sidell was sworn in by his brother-in-law, emphasizing unity and support within the community. Sidell took a moment to thank outgoing Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich for her contributions, particularly her work on downtown revitalization and securing grants for the police station.

Following the ceremonial proceedings, the council moved to critical administrative tasks, beginning with the assignment of departmental responsibilities. Commissioners were keen to align roles with their strengths, particularly in public safety and urban planning. One commissioner expressed a desire to take on public safety, leveraging their military and firefighting background to improve departmental communication and efficiency. Discussions emphasized empowering department heads and exploring data-driven approaches to address community safety concerns, like traffic incidents.

Urban planning was another focal point, with a commissioner with urban planning experience showing interest in the planning board. There was a strong emphasis on maintaining clear jurisdiction and avoiding conflicts of interest during planning board discussions. The council also acknowledged the extensive work done on the master plan, signaling the need for close council involvement in future ordinances.

The meeting also spotlighted the ongoing debate about the responsibilities within the Business Improvement District (BID) and the Partnership for Haddonfield. The dialogue revealed differing opinions on whether the BID should remain under the revenue and finance portfolio or be reassigned to focus on community success more broadly.

In addition to departmental assignments, the council addressed the organization of council committees, stressing the importance of respecting departmental autonomy while fostering collaboration. The council agreed on a division of responsibilities, with specific members assuming roles in public safety and public works. The latter was highlighted as a unique opportunity to engage with the community, addressing practical concerns like tree and stump removal through a detailed resolution process.

Public comment periods provided residents a platform to voice opinions on various issues. Notably, a discussion arose regarding a $1,900 police coverage fee for an event known as the “skirmish.” The fee was upheld, justified by the need for increased police presence due to safety concerns. Residents questioned the fairness of the charge. The council acknowledged these concerns.

The meeting also included multiple proclamations, such as recognizing June 6, 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Day, encouraging citizens to wear orange to promote awareness. Pride Month and Interfaith Caregivers Month were similarly recognized.

The scheduling of future council meetings was another topic of interest. A proposal for a stable meeting schedule was suggested to improve ordinance discussions and accommodate budget planning. A debate led to rescheduling the June action meeting.

As the meeting drew to a close, a second public comment period allowed for further community input. The council proceeded with unanimous approvals on consent agenda items, including resolutions for professional services and project bids.