The meeting commenced with a ceremonial flag salute by the Atlantic County Sheriff and an invocation by Reverend David Mallerie. The formalities continued with William Reri being sworn in by the Sheriff for a three-year term, after which Reri and Testa were appointed to their new roles as mayor and deputy mayor, respectively. The appointments were made official through a motion and roll call, with both individuals taking their oaths, administered by the Atlantic County Sheriff and Michael Testa Sr., Ellen Testa’s husband.

Following the appointments, the Council approved the appointment of key township officials, a critical move to ensure the efficient operation of the township’s various departments. The positions filled included Township solicitor, Township auditor, Township planner, Township bond counsel, labor council, records management council, foreclosure and tax appeal, risk management consultant, and environmental engineer.

The assembly proceeded to approve the consent agenda, which encompassed a host of non-controversial items essential for the township’s administration. These items included the approval of the annual schedule for workshop and regular Township meetings, petitions of appeal for the tax assessor, designation of official newspapers, and the adoption of a cash management plan. Additionally, the temporary municipal operating budget for 2024 was established alongside the setting of interest rates and penalties for non-payment of taxes. The designation of bank depositories, tax sale authorization, and the cancellation of tax overpayments or delinquent amounts were also approved. Authorization was granted to the Township Clerk to sign checks issued by the current and payroll fund.

The Council also approved the appointments to various committees and boards, which are important for the township’s strategic planning and community development. These committees included the Joint Planning and Zoning Board, the environmental commission, the sustainable Jersey township committee, and several others focused on public safety, recreation, and community well-being. The establishment of liaison committees for 2024 was another step, covering a broad spectrum of areas including finance, personnel, emergency management, education, and economic development.

Mayor William Reri, in his address, reiterated the importance of the western end of the county and acknowledged the County Sheriff’s commitment to the area. Mayor Ruggieri, reflecting on the successes of the previous year, expressed gratitude to the township’s staff and volunteers for their dedication and highlighted several infrastructure improvements, such as the renovations at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. community center and the modernization of public service equipment. He urged residents to engage in the community events planned for the year.

Deputy Mayor Ellen Testa, Committeeman Aaron Krenzer, Committeeman Kurt Renart, and Committeeman John Williams each took a moment to share their thoughts. Testa commended the Township for its quality of life, Krenzer highlighted the community’s unity and the Public Works Department’s efficiency, Renart looked forward to a successful year ahead, and Williams reflected on the committee’s past achievements and expressed optimism for the future.

In a demonstration of the township’s commitment to the well-being of its residents, the Animal Control Officer, Linda Gentile, praised a local ordinance drafted by the clerk to protect pets, noting that it sets higher standards than state regulations.

The meeting concluded with a motion to open for public comment, giving residents the opportunity to voice their thoughts and concerns, followed by a motion to close the discussion and adjourn the meeting.