The meeting began with Assemblyman Rump administering the oaths of office to newly elected officials. Committeeman Steven Kennis was sworn in as mayor, following a unanimous vote by the council. The vote for deputy mayor also resulted in a unanimous decision, with Robert Laureigh taking on the role. Both officials pledged to discharge their duties with integrity and support both state and national constitutions. The swearing-in ceremonies were met with applause from those in attendance.

Mayor Kennis expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and acknowledged the presence of Assemblyman Rump, as well as Ocean County Commissioners Frank Sadi and Sam Ellenbogen. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in the electoral process and thanked local law enforcement and municipal representatives for their contributions.

The council proceeded to approve Resolution 202601, which detailed municipal appointments for 2026 across various departments, including Finance, Zoning, Community Service, Law and Public Safety, Public Works, and Recreation. These appointments were made with a unanimous vote.

Legal appointments were also a focus of the meeting. Christopher J. Connors was appointed as township attorney, while Christopher Dasty was named conflict township attorney, both receiving unanimous approval. Additional resolutions for positions such as conflict township prosecutor, public defender, and attorneys for tax appeals and labor relations were passed without opposition.

The council’s decisions extended to engineering and planning roles, with the appointment of several firms for special projects, tax map maintenance, and township planning. Notably, Resolution 202618 awarded a contract for tax map maintenance to East Coast Engineering, while Resolution 202619 appointed special project engineers, including firms such as Collier’s Engineering and Design and Remington and Vernick. These appointments were made with a focus on ensuring the township’s infrastructure needs are met efficiently.

Further resolutions saw the appointment of Megan Anne Bennett as bond counsel and City MD as a township provider, each receiving unanimous support. The council also appointed township planners, architects, and appraisers.

There was a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork among council members and departments, with acknowledgments of the contributions from various stakeholders, including volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services. The council recognized the importance of community engagement, encouraging residents to participate in the democratic process.

The meeting concluded on a light-hearted note, with a humorous exchange about addressing further business matters. The adjournment was followed by an invitation to a reception.