During the ceremony, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman administered the oath of office to Samantha Hand, while Catherine Payne was sworn in by Committeeman Leani. The sense of continuity and tradition was further established as former Assemblyman Jack Chedell presided over the swearing in of Mayor Britting and Deputy Mayor John Ciccarelli. The council chamber was filled with a blend of formality and anticipation as these new leaders took their respective oaths, surrounded by former and current elected officials, including Senator Andrew Zicker, and several mayors and commissioners.

The meeting proceeded with Mayor Britting delivering his inaugural address, in which he acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Shawn Lipani, and other past mayors, singling out Deputy Mayor Doug Thompson for his service. Mayor Britting laid out a comprehensive agenda that included tackling the delayed Route 206 project, balancing the budget and tax rate, maintaining public safety standards, and implementing affordable housing legislation. He emphasized the need for collaboration across political lines to meet the challenges ahead and to foster a positive living environment for the township’s residents.

Deputy Mayor John Ciccarelli, in his remarks, celebrated past achievements in economic development, sustainability, and shared services, and shared his aspirations for the coming year. Highlighting the update of the Master Plan and the introduction of a diabetes awareness initiative, Ciccarelli reaffirmed his commitment to the community’s well-being. The meeting also featured tributes to former Mayor Frank DelCore, who was honored with a commemorative hockey puck in recognition of his service.

Committeewoman Samantha Hand shared her enthusiasm and appreciation for her new role, expressing thanks to her family for their support during the campaign and her commitment to addressing issues such as open space conservation, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and fostering community cohesion. Other council members echoed this sentiment of gratitude, specifically acknowledging the support of their families and the community, and detailing their dedication to serving Hillsborough Township.

The meeting had its lighter moments, as Samantha Hand expressed nervousness during her oath, and Mayor Britting took some time to adjust to his new seat.

As the meeting moved forward, the council tackled the resolutions at hand, which included setting the meeting schedule for the upcoming year, appointing volunteers to various boards and commissions, and awarding professional service contracts. The formalities concluded with the motion to adjourn and the announcement of the next regular meeting date.