0:02The first highlight of the meeting was the election of Matt Dorsey as the mayor for 2025. Following the unanimous vote, Dorsey took the oath of office administered by Assemblywoman Nancy Munos. In his address, Dorsey paid tribute to his predecessor and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead. He emphasized the importance of community involvement as the township prepares for the changes the lifted sewer ban will bring. Dorsey outlined his vision of attracting new businesses and initiating projects that had long been in the planning stages but previously stymied by the ban. His call for community ideas and participation suggested a collaborative approach to governance.

13:09The meeting also saw the re-election of Guy Pia as Deputy Mayor for 2025. Pia’s nomination was uncontested, and the resulting vote was unanimous. Expressions of gratitude were exchanged, highlighting the cooperative spirit among the committee members. The presence of local dignitaries, such as Sheriff Ganon and Assemblywoman Munos, was noted.

Attention then turned to appointments to various boards, committees, and commissions for the year 2025. A notable point of discussion was the proposed appointment of Ray Clark, which was pulled from the current agenda for further deliberation. Several committee members advocated for a review of all appointments, even those considered routine or mayoral.

Following the appointment discussions, the council approved a consent agenda that included resolutions 25-001 through 25-014, though not without dissent. One member voted against resolution 03 but supported the remaining items. This vote underscored the importance of consensus and collaboration among the committee members as they moved forward with the township’s administrative tasks.

In a procedural move, the council held a first reading of ordinance 557-25, which proposed the establishment of a third Lieutenant position within the police department. This ordinance was clarified as a means to provide future flexibility in the department’s command structure, rather than an immediate staffing change. The council approved the first reading.

The meeting concluded with an open forum for public comments, though none were forthcoming from those attending via Zoom. In his closing remarks, the Mayor extended wishes for a prosperous 2025 and promoted a community event—a pancake breakfast hosted by the Sterling Fire Company. With the formalities concluded, the meeting was adjourned following a collective motion from the members.