The evening commenced with the swearing-in of Councilwoman Teresa Sheridan and Eric Samson. In his remarks, the mayor acknowledged Samson’s background in aviation management, underscoring his experience with high-stakes responsibilities. The council members congratulated both Sheridan and Samson on their electoral achievements, with one council member noting Sheridan’s impressive vote count, the second largest for a council candidate in the borough’s history, while Samson was recognized as the third-highest vote-getter. This electoral success was seen as a mandate for the newly elected officials to champion bipartisanship and community unity.

A short recess allowed for photographs and celebrations, after which the council resumed to handle procedural matters, including the selection of the council president. Councilwoman Pam Peligre was nominated and sworn in as council president for 2025. The council expressed a shared commitment to creating an inclusive political environment that prioritizes the needs of all residents.

The meeting then shifted focus to appointments. Eric Samson was appointed as the council representative to the planning board, a nomination that received unanimous approval. This appointment was part of a broader series of nominations and resolutions aimed at filling various borough positions, each critical to the borough’s administrative and civic functions.

Among the notable appointments, the council confirmed Aie McDermit, Mel Murphy, Arthur Rito Jr., and Kyle Trent as borough attorneys with a financial ceiling set at $60,000. The council also approved Steven Robar as bond counsel, Lurge, Feny and Bliss LLP as borough auditor, Kelly M. Reyes as borough prosecutor, Kirk Gisler as public defender, and the Gray Law Firm for additional public defender duties. Each of these appointments was confirmed with either unanimous support or noted abstentions due to declared conflicts of interest.

The council’s attention then turned to the appointments on various boards. Luchia Andi and Janette Randazzo were appointed to the Board of Health for three-year terms, while Frank Bagarry and Salvatore Alo joined the Board of Adjustment for four-year terms. The Recreation Advisory Board welcomed several new members, and the Library Board gained Stacy Mola for a five-year term.

The council also addressed appointments to the Cannabis Board, approving Franchesco Folo, Pamela Troy, and Joseph Pride for one-year terms. The mayor’s appointments to the Planning Board were acknowledged, including Andrew Taleno and Jeffrey Frag Jr., along with Carl Roberts as the mayor’s delegate.

Council reports provided further insights into community activities and initiatives. One council member shared updates from the recreation department, noting the issuance of field permits for sports and the schedule for winter basketball. A cheer clinic and the Board of Education’s reorganization meeting were also highlighted, alongside a project to update the Vietnam Memorial, emphasizing community pride in its funding through donations, not taxpayer money.

The mayor reflected on the borough’s progress over the past year, citing renovations to Barel Field and improvements to town lighting, both funded through grants. He also discussed the Vietnam veterans’ monument and community support programs like the Residence Assistance Program, which serves over 100 residents monthly, thanks to volunteer and business contributions.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the recent acquisition of property by Crow Industries, previously owned by Maral, highlighting future economic opportunities for the borough, including potential involvement with League Baseball. Despite the opportunity for public comment, no members of the public spoke before the meeting adjourned.