The meeting began with a ceremonial tone as Deacon Tom delivered an invocation, followed by the formalities of administering the oath of office to Councilwoman Judy Cusick. Mayor Deirdre A. Dillon called the meeting to order, and the council swiftly moved to adopt the borough council bylaws for 2024. This procedural start laid the groundwork for one of the session’s key moments: the nomination and unanimous election of Council President Peter Kilman.

The council members, including Councilwoman Cusick and Councilman Gutwetter, took a moment to thank their constituents for re-electing them and quickly pivoted to discussing their priorities for the new term. Council President Kilman echoed this sentiment, articulating his dedication to the service of Ramsey.

Further enhancing the council’s capabilities, Councilwoman Cusick was nominated and approved as the class three member of the planning board and as the council representative to the planning board. The council then approved a series of resolutions, setting the meeting dates for 2024 and adopting the borough policy and procedures manual for the year. Additionally, the council ratified the appointment of officers for the Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department, Rescue Squad, and Ambulance Corps.

The meeting maintained its efficiency with the mayor appointing members to the Board of Education, the New Jersey Motion Pictures and Television Commission, the Ramsey Municipal Alliance, and the Recycling Committee. These appointments are pivotal for the functioning of the borough’s various departments and initiatives.

Councilman Glen Popolo expressed his congratulations to the re-elected members and looked forward to continued collaboration. Councilwoman Sara Poppe highlighted the contributions of the community’s volunteers and thanked them for their service. She also extended gratitude to Mayor Dillon for her ongoing leadership and to Council President Kilman for his guidance. Councilwoman Jane Woods shared in the positive sentiments, emphasizing her pleasure in working with the council and her appreciation for the town’s volunteers.

Additional confirmations of appointments ensued for the Library Board, Planning Board, Recreation Committee, and the Shade Tree Commission. These were executed through roll call, ensuring a formal and transparent process.

With the council’s composition and leadership confirmed, the meeting transitioned to defining council committee responsibilities. Each council member was assigned specific roles, ensuring a division of labor that would facilitate the council’s work in the coming year.

Mayor Dillon offered her remarks, extending New Year wishes and commending the borough’s volunteers for their dedication. She also reflected on Ramsey’s achievements and voiced confidence in the council’s direction for the future.

The meeting concluded with an opportunity for public comment, though no attendees chose to speak. A motion to adjourn was made and passed unanimously, signaling the end of a session marked by unity and a collective commitment to the borough’s progress.