As the Township Committee convened, the municipal clerk, Nancy Brown, called the meeting to order, which began with a ceremonial presentation of colors and an invocation. The meeting then proceeded to nominate and swear in Peter Melchionne as the 2024 Township Committee chairperson.

Upon taking office, Mayor Peter Melchionne expressed his appreciation for the community’s support and outlined his vision for the township, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining a low tax rate while seeking to enhance local services.

Subsequent to the mayor’s swearing-in, the meeting addressed the resolution for the 2024 fire department officers. The resolution outlined the appointment of several key positions within the fire department, with Nancy Brown reading the resolution and the oath of office being duly administered to the appointed officers.

Another significant moment of the meeting came with the motion for Resolution 2404, which concerned the appointments to various boards and commissions within the township. The motion was met with unanimous approval from the members present, leading to the confirmation of the resolution. This was followed by a ceremony in which the volunteers were sworn into their respective roles. The ceremony included the formal induction of the newly appointed Municipal Court Judge Ari Bernstein, administered by the honorable Edward V. Tork, a retired judge.

The consent agenda was another comprehensive segment of the meeting, focusing on the reorganization of the township government for the year 2024. This agenda covered a broad spectrum of governance, from the appointment of committee members to chair meetings and liaison assignments to the establishment of policies, procedures, and plans essential for the township’s operations. It included discussions on budgeting, cash management, fund investment, and the creation of committees and plans, all vital for the administrative and operational framework of the township.

Township committee members took the opportunity to extend New Year greetings and express their gratitude towards the community and particularly the volunteers who pledged their service. Mayor Peter Melchionne, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of the volunteers’ roles and their contributions to the community’s well-being. The meeting also allocated a 10-minute segment for public comments, allowing residents to voice their concerns or issues. However, no public comments were made during this allotted time.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and an invitation to the attendees to join for refreshments at Fire Company One, located behind the town hall. The motion was passed, marking the end of the reorganization meeting.