The announcement of the grant was a notable item of discussion, with Assemblywoman Swain taking the opportunity to commend the dedication and service of council members, including Councilwoman Malellari and Councilman Pry. She presented proclamations to them, acknowledging the challenges they face and the hard work they put into serving the community. Swain emphasized the importance of local support during emergencies, noting past instances where prompt assistance proved crucial.

The meeting was also marked by various appointments and recognitions. Melissa Capetti was appointed as the Administrative Assistant and borough website administrator, effective January 1, 2025. This appointment was met with unanimous approval.

The council expressed deep gratitude for the volunteer fire department’s efforts. The Mayor reported that the department had responded to 340 fire calls in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year. Notable incidents included successful water rescues and adept handling of a major gas leak at the New Bridge Landing shopping center, which earned commendations from the Public Service Commission.

In addition to recognizing the fire department, the council acknowledged the contributions of various community members, including auxiliary police forces and paid employees, emphasizing the critical role of volunteers in maintaining community safety and cohesion. The Mayor expressed appreciation for the dedication of all volunteers and staff, highlighting the town’s fortune in having committed citizens.

The meeting transitioned into a reorganization segment, where the swearing-in of returning council members was a ceremonial highlight. Councilwoman Malellari expressed her gratitude to the community for their continued trust and outlined her commitment to collaboration and community strengthening in her upcoming term. Her remarks were met with support from family, friends, and residents.

Following these ceremonial proceedings, the council proceeded to elect a new council president for the forthcoming year. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen was nominated and received unanimous support from her peers. She expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and looked forward to continuing her collaborative work with the council and community.

The meeting also addressed procedural matters essential for the new administration. Among them was the introduction of an ordinance setting salary ranges for non-represented employees for 2025. This ordinance was introduced following a roll call vote, with all members present voting in favor. The salary ranges will be further detailed in a forthcoming resolution, adhering to procedural requirements.

Further matters included the council’s schedule change for future meetings, moving from Mondays to Thursdays, with exceptions for holiday weeks. This change aims to accommodate residents’ schedules better and ensure consistent community engagement.