Here ye, hear ye, draw near and give kind attention. In this second after leap year and until July the 4th, the 250th year of American
independence, I hereby announce that the Burrow of Somerville reorganization meeting is called to order. >> Don't go. Please stand. Our national anthem will be sung by our town crier, David Lang.
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars through the
perilous fight. All the ram parts we watched were so gallently streaming. And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air gave proof
through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave. Oh, the land of the free
and the home of the brave. Please remain standing. And I'd like to ask Andrea J. Cahill Adair, US Army Sergeant First Class, retired to present our uh pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance
>> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. While you're all standing, I do want to
take a quick moment uh for those that uh have served or are serving in our armed forces, if you would just raise your hand. I think it's very important for people to understand who their community members are. So, if you are a veteran or an active duty service personnel, please raise your hand.
Presenting our invocation is Pastor Jonathan M. Lewis Jr. from St. Paul Baptist Church here in Somerville. He's the new guy. so much for the new. >> Gracious and eternal God, we thank you for the gift of a new year and the
opportunity to gather on this first day, standing at the threshold of what is yet to come. We are grateful for this burrow of Somerville, its history, its people, its neighborhoods, and it shared hope. We thank you for those who have served faithfully in seasons past. And we lift
up those who are sworn in today, asking that you would grant them wisdom beyond their years, courage for difficult decisions, integrity in their leadership, and compassion for all whom they serve. As this council organizes the work of the year ahead, we pray for
unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and a spirit of cooperation that places the common good above all else. May every policy discussed, every vote cast, and every plan formed be guided by justice, fairness, and a sincere concern for the
well-being of this community. Bless the residents of this burrow, young and old, longtime members and newcomers alike. May this be a year marked by progress, safety, opportunity, and peace. And may we never lose sight of our shared
responsibility to care for one another. Now, as this meeting proceeds, we ask your blessing upon these proceedings. Order our steps, steady our minds, and remind us that leadership is not simply about authority, but about service. We offer this prayer with gratitude and
hope, trusting you for the year ahead. Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you, pastor. >> Thank you. >> Please be seated. First item of business will be the oath of office for council uh for Gina Stravik and holding the Bible will be her husband Dan uh with the oath
administered by county clerk Steve Peter. If you raise your right hand, place your left hand on the Bible. Repeat after me. I, Gina Stravik, >> I, Gina Stravik, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the State of New Jersey >> and the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. and I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States
>> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of
>> all the duties of >> the office of >> the office of >> Councilwoman for the Burough of Somerville >> councilwoman for the burrow of summerville according to the best of my ability. >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you.
Next item is the oath of office for uh for council seat. Roger Vroom III. Holding the Bible will be his wife Beth. And on stage are his children Nathan, Benjamin, and Leah. You good? >> Trouble with the stairs.
>> Obviously, it's better to come up this set of stairs. >> All right. Have you raise your right hand and repeat after me? I, Roger Vroom thei. I, Roger Vroom III, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established
>> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform
>> in and justly perform >> all the duties of >> all the duties of >> the office of >> the office of >> Councilman for the Burough of Somerville. >> Councilman for the Burrow of Somerville. >> According to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God.
This reorganization meeting of January 1, 2026 is called to order in accordance with the open public meetings law in accordance with chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. This meeting of January 1,
2026 was provided to the Courier News and Star Ledger and placed on the burrow's website. A copy of this notice is available to the public and a copy of the statement shall be included in the minutes of this meeting. >> Mr. Sluga, please call the role.
>> Mayor Brian Galla, >> here. >> Councilwoman Terresa Bonner >> here. >> Councilman Andrew Kiy >> here. >> Councilman Glenique >> here. >> Councilman Randy Pitt >> here. >> Councilwoman Gina Strait >> here.
>> Councilman Roger Vroom >> here. >> Thank you, Mr. Sluka. Uh, first item of business is the election of the 2026 council president. Do we have a motion? >> I proudly make a motion to elect Roger V as council president for the year 2026.
>> Second. >> Discussion. Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Theresa Barn, >> yes. >> Councilman Andrew Cassie, >> yes. >> Councilman Glend, >> yes. >> Councilman Randy Fitz, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Gina Stavic,
>> yes. Councilman L de. Yes. Congratulations. Roger did a great job this past year and I look forward to working with him again this year as council president. So, every year I have the honor of
deciding who gets citizen of the year. And I I it's a very difficult choice because this this burrow is just filled with people who give. Uh this room today is filled with people who just give. It's just in the nature of the people
who live in this this wonderful town. Uh so it's it's always a difficult job. Um, however, after a very long time of providing something for that's really just a a wonderful, heartwarming um event that uh that a lot of families
and kids look to uh every year. Um, it it became very clear that uh Tammy Stutsko should be our citizen of the year. So, come on up. Now that you're thoroughly embarrassed. >> Thank you, ma'am.
>> So, so some folks may be saying, um, who is who's Tammy? >> Congratulations. >> The voice behind the phone. So, I want to read this to you and I think it will click very quickly as to exactly who Tammy is. It is with grateful
appreciation the 2025 citizen of the year award is presented to Tammy Stutchko for her outstanding volunteerism to the residents of the burough of Somerville. Tammy has exemplified the highest standards of volunteer service through her 22 years of administering the Somerville Santa
program with overwhelming success. Through her tireless efforts, creativity, and commitment, Miss Tutko has helped create lasting memories and traditions for Somerville families. She has put smiles on the face of thousands of Somerville children, delivering hundreds of gifts each year along with
the Somerville Fire Department. The Somerville Santa program requires year-round planning, organizing dropoff locations, providing fire department and police department responsibilities, coordinating Santa's schedule, establishing delivery routes, promoting the event, and communicating with the
parents of all the good boys and girls. Tammy serves in every role in the program, guaranteeing the arrival of Santa and the delivery of all the presents to hundreds of homes without a hitch. While Tammy has coordinated the Somerville Santa program as a volunteer
for over two decades, she has managed to be a successful and extremely talented designer and construction administrator with the SSP architectural group here in Somerville, completing her formal education at Stevens Institute. Her work has included notable projects that include, but are not limited to school
districts of Mars Hills Regional, West Essex Regional, Dumont, Somerville, Middle Sex County, Votech, and Raritton Valley Community College. In addition to Somerville Santa, Tammy has served on Somerville Recreation Committee, setting policies and delivering quality recreation programming to all residents
of Somerville Burough, finding time during her career to coach soccer for Somerville Recreation and the Special Olympics program. Tammy is a true inspiration to others. Her commitment to making the lives of others better is extremely commendable. In grateful
appreciation for and in recognition of many years of dedicated and passionate service to our community, it is my distinct honor as mayor that I, Brian Gallagher, honor Tammy Stutsko as the 2025 Somerville citizen of the year. Thank you and congratulations.
>> From your popo, you're never >> I just want to thank everyone. Uh, a lot of the firemen are here today. Thank you. Um I know I'm a small force and the fire engines bringing everything out. Um
it is all worth it when you see the faces on these children as we roll up with Santa Claus. Um it's a great community and I am just honored and humbled to be up here today. Thank you very much.
Congratulations. Good afternoon, Council President, council members, and my fellow residents of Somerville. A happy new year to all. The state of our burrow is strong, desirable, and
preparing for tomorrow. As we gather for this reorganization, this day represents more than just ceremony. It represents renewal, recommmitment, reinvestment, and the opportunity to chart our course for the
year ahead. This past year saw the historic implementation of our affordable housing plan, the start of redefining our redevelopment plans, updating our zoning ordinances to be more friendly for homeowner reinvestment, our master plan
update, and a taxpayer and homeowner centered approach to our storm water and tree ordinance updates required by the state. There has been a rightful refocus on redevelopment for many years now. It wasn't too long ago that we had a
failing downtown. Our burrow was not a destination and our real estate market was at the bottom of the list. Now, through very strategic decisions over the past 20 years, smart development goals and a vision that drove our burrow
forward, we see the results of that push. We are now a destination for an entire region. Our downtown is flourishing and our real estate market is tops in the state with home values continuing to accelerate.
All of this has led to great success for our burough and has enabled Somerville's economic engine to generate the resources we have been lacking for reinvestment. And while these redevelopment efforts will continue, now is also the time for
redevelopment of a different nature. the redevelopment of our community infrastructure and that is on many levels. We must always look forward for without that there is no direction for our burough. The concepts I present to you today for
consideration reflect our community's priorities. It reflects who we are as Somerville residents, neighbors who look out for one another, who invest in our youth, and who believe in building something better together. This is about investing in our children,
our municipality, and our future. While I was not a supporter of dispensaries, two years ago, I stood here and made a promise. I pledged that every dollar generated from any dispensary facility should be reinvested into healthier alternatives,
particularly for our young people. I promised that we would transform this revenue stream into opportunities that strengthen our families, protect our residents, and build a brighter future for Summerhome. With construction construction nearing
completion and conservative dispensary revenue projections to the burrow of approximately $200,000 annually, we need to make meaningful investments in our community, not just a number in the annual budget.
This isn't just about money. It's about values. It's about taking resources and channeling them toward what matters most. Our children, our volunteers, our environment, and our quality of life.
So, let me walk you through the proposals of investments for these funds across a number of different critical areas. A first responders program. Here's a reality we must address.
Becoming a volunteer firefighter, EMT, or CERT team member requires extensive training and significant time commitment. For young people considering this path, the months of training can create a financial barrier. Time spent training
is time they cannot spend earning money elsewhere. We're going to remove that barrier. We will fund trainees in each discipline. our future volunteers, providing them with paid positions during their training period. We're
essentially making their training their summer job. In addition, we will we will create a multimedia campaign program to attract new volunteers to these roles. This investment doesn't just train
volunteers. It builds a pipeline of dedicated first responders who will serve Somerville for years to come. These young people will gain life-saving skills, professional experience, and a deep connection to
public service. The Somerville summer camp program. We will reestablish a comprehensive summer camp program that serves two vital purposes. First, it provides safe, structured, enriching activities for our
youngest residents during those crucial summer months. Second, it creates meaningful employment for Somerville teens who will serve as counselors and program leaders. These young people will run camps in our
neighborhood parks like they used to. They'll develop leadership skills, work experience, and connections to younger children in our community. Our campers will enjoy age appropriate activities in a familiar familiar neighborhood
setting, keeping them active, engaged, and connected. The Somerville summer works program. Somerville teens will have the opportunity to learn valuable work skills while beautifying our burrow,
working for the public works department. These young people will spend their summer mowing, painting, weed whacking, and helping with beautifification projects throughout Somerville. They'll earn some money, develop a strong work ethic, and take pride in making their
hometown more beautiful. They'll learn that good, hard work has dignity, and that caring for shared spaces is everyone's responsibility. A Somerville Green program. We will launch Somerville Green, a completely
voluntary tree replacement program for residential homeowners. The concept is simple. If you need to remove a tree from your property for any reason, notify the burrow and we'll provide you with a new tree that you can plant.
Trees are long-term investments that pay dividends for generations. This program ensures that our tree canopy is maintained and enhanced even as older trees reach the end of their lifespan. A positive incentivebased approach to tree
rep replenishment rather than a punitive fine-based program. And as we look ahead to this new year, there are several other important initiatives I want to bring to the council's attention. matters that will require a collective focus and
thoughtful deliberation in the months ahead. With our police department and East Main Street Firehouse now operating from its new facility, we face an important question. What becomes of these properties? These are community assets
and their future use needs to be identified for the police headquarters. Do we sell it? Do we do we repurpose the building to something like a Somerville museum? Or do we demolish and repurpose the centrallylo facility as an electric
vehicle parking and charging center for our residents and downtown visitors? As more of our neighbors transition to electric vehicles, the need for accessible charging infrastructure grows. A municipal charging station in the heart of our downtown could serve
residents, support our local businesses by attracting EV drivers to our commercial district, and position Somerville as a forwardthinking community embracing sustainable transportation. Similarly, with the firehouse on East
Main Street now vacated, we have another opportunity to reimagine a community space. Because of its central location, we could repurpose this facility for use as a central recreation facility and hub. A place where programs like our new summer
camps could be based, where seniors could gather for their activities, where community meetings could take place, and where residents of all ages could come together. A dedicated recreation center would provide year-round programming space,
allowing us to expand beyond seasonal outdoor activities. It could create a focal point for community engagement. These are concepts to kick around, but these are decisions we will make as a community. Our seniors deserve investment, too. We
need to launch active senior programming, trips, activities, and opportunities for our older residents to remain engaged, social, and connected to the Somerville they've helped build.
Our streets are changing. Electric bicycles have become increasingly popular as a mode of transportation, offering an echofriendly uh mode of transportation uh alternative for getting around our community. However, with this new technology comes new
safety considerations that we must address thoughtfully and proactively. I am requesting that our public safety committee in conjunction with the police department develop specific ordinances to address the use of ebikes within the burrow. We need clear guidelines that
balance innovation and accessibility with pedestrian safety, traffic management, and the responsible use of our roadways and pathways. We cannot wait for Trenton any longer. And finally,
Somerville played a pivotal role in the founding of this great nation. Our streets witnessed the march of soldiers. Our residents contributed to the cause of independence. Our history is woven into the very fabric of America's story.
In 2026, as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we have both an opportunity and an obligation to honor that heritage. I'm requesting that our historic committee work in conjunction with the county's celebration efforts to develop
Somerville specific programming for this momentous occasion. This is a once-ina-lifetime milestone and our community's revolutionary war history deserves to be showcased, celebrated, and shared with current and future
generations. >> Let us ensure that Somerville's contributions to an American independence are properly recognized and remembered during this national commemoration. This is Somerville at our best. Taking
challenges and turning them into opportunities, making investments that will pay dividends for decades, and never losing sight of what matters most, our people. We are lucky to have a citizenry that is
engaged, informed, and intent on preserving the way of life in Somerville. There are many reasons people choose to live in Somerville, but only one common reason they stay. Our citizens love our Summerville.
Whether it is a new family to town or a family that has seen five generations living here, they all hold that common bond. We have a police department that is communitydriven and well trained. A fire department that is tested and ready at
every moment. and a rescue squad that is life-saving and caring. We have a staff at Burrow Hall and DPW that is professional and always looks to the betterment of our burrow. Somerville truly is the center of life for Somerset
County. From grand old homes to starter housing, from the bustling downtown to the peaceful surroundings of the Peters Brook and the Rar River, we have all that anyone could want in a burrow. and she she remains that wonderful place for
all of our children. I wish great prosperity for all the good people of our burrow in this beautiful town we call home. It is 2 and a half square miles of awesome and we are preparing now for what's next. Let's make 2026 a year of
growth, opportunity, and progress for every resident of this great burrow. Thank you and God bless Somerville and all of her citizens. Thank you. Okay, next up we have the oath of office for Fire Chief Ken Boat. Holding the
Bible will be Ashley and Keith, his children. Uh and joining him will be his wife Christa. And the oath will be administered by Steve Peter. So, as they come up, I just want to share with you, uh, Ken sent me a photo
last night, um, of his swearing in. This is his second stint as chief, and it was this wonderful photo. He had these two young kids, the parents had these two young kids in their arms, and he's being sworn in. And 23 years later, you have
his two young kids here and they're both in the Somerville Fire Department. How awesome is that? So, great stuff. Pick them up. >> All right, please repeat after me. I, Ken Bowden, >> I, Ken Bowden, >> do solemnly swear
>> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> And I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same
>> and to the governments established >> and the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. I do further solemnly swear >> I do furtherly solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially
>> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of >> all the duties of >> the office of >> office of >> fire chief of the burrow of Somerville >> office chief of the fire of Somerville >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God.
Ken, before you walk away, I have a few things for Sir, >> you have your chief's badge, but a few words for you. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes. Scientifically, right, fires need three things. You need fuel, oxygen, and a heat source. Right. I'm a teacher.
Sorry. I can't help myself. So, in order to stop some fires, just three things for you. We need you to continue to help us grow our dedicated volunteers. We need you to continue to be a great team leader in leading all of our department in all of the different
halls, the exciting ones and the not exciting ones all the time, day and night. And we also need you to have that unwavering sense of duty to help keep our our Somerville safe. And as you continue or start this role over again, right, as chief, I hope you continue to
strengthen and grow our department in the best ways possible. You appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, next up is the oath of office for Deputy Fire Chief Albert Bowden. Holding the Bible will be his wife Danielle and on stage joining him will be his
children Isabelle and Wyatt. With the oath administr administered by Steve K. That's where the audience You know the drone by now. I, Albert Bowden, >> I, Albert Bowden, >> do silently swear. >> Swear
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> And that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> and to the governance established
>> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform
>> and justly perform >> all the duties of >> all the duties of >> the office of >> the office of >> deputy fire chief for the Burough of Somerville >> deputy fire chief for the Burough of Somerville >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God.
One more. Okay, on to the regular agenda. But before I do, I just want to uh comment on our uh fire department. Uh first, I want to thank uh the the outgoing board of engineers, Chief Joe Stitley, and
those that served with him. Uh they had a uh a very difficult task of bringing uh the burrow into our new facility. and uh and it was a very tough job. They did a great job and uh they're all in now and they're off and running. So, I want
to thank Joe uh for all of that work that he's done. Um rescue squad again, always ready, always moving. Um see out day and night and and they still beep when they go by my house, which is
great, day or night. And and you know what? I love it because it lets me know that they're on the watch whether that's fire or squad and it's just to me that's the small town. They're letting me know that they're out there and I love that. So keep it going. Um all right, items
number 16 and 17 those are the standing committees and the council liaison for 2026 and I make those appointments. Um items 18 through 24 which is planning board, seniors and veterans committee, public safety committee, emergency
services facility management committee, green team, cannabis class 5 and the environmental commission. I will make those appointments. Uh items number 25, 26 and 27. 25 is the appointment of the planning board
members by the council. Uh 26 is appointment of the zoning board of adjustment by council and 27 is the board of health appointment by the council. Do we have a motion for 25 through 27? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Theresa Bottom. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Andrew Kaji. >> Yes. >> Councilman London. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ray Pits. >> Yes. >> Council Lumia Savis. >> Yes. >> Council President Roger Ver. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. Items number 28 and 29 are
appointments by the mayor requiring the consent of council. And I will make those appointments and request a motion from council for consent. >> So move. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Are we going to remove 43? >> We're not there yet.
>> Councilwoman Sera B. >> Yes. >> Councilman Andrew Py. >> Yes. >> Councilman. Yes. >> Councilman Rainy. >> Yes. Councilwoman Gina Stravik. >> Yes. >> Council President Roger Vern. >> Yes.
>> Okay. At this point, I will ask for a motion to open the meeting to the public. >> So move. >> Second. >> Discussion. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Theresa Bonner. >> Yes. >> Councilman Andrew Ky. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ven. >> Yes. >> Councilman Randy Pitts. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Gina Stravik. >> Yes. >> Council President Roger Broom. >> Yes. >> This meeting is open to the public. Please state your name and address for the record. Please address your comments to me. All right. Hearing none, I'll ask for a motion to close. >> So move. >> Second.
>> Discussion. Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Theresa Bonner. >> Yes. >> Councilman Andrew Coxy. >> Yes. >> Councilman Landee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Randy G. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Gina Stravik. >> Yes. >> Council President Roger Mer. >> Yes. >> Okay. Consent resolution 001 through
044. We are pulling uh 043 for further discussion at our next meeting. Uh do we have a motion on the consent resolution? >> So move second. >> Uh you can just you you can what you can do is just say you you'll take away
you're not going to vote on 50 as part of 57 reservation. That's okay. Further discussion. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Theres of Honor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Andrew Kiy. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Councilman Planini.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Randy Ditz. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Gina Tra. >> Yes. >> Council President Werver. >> Yes. >> Okay. Kevin, do you have a list of So, now comes the point where I will
invariably leave somebody out of the mix here. Um, we have a number of uh folks, community members, dignitaries, and uh and others that uh that are here today that take time out of their day. High noon on New Year's Day is is not always
an easy uh meeting to get to. Um, I have made a point of not going out on New Year's Eve anymore, uh, for various reasons. Uh, I like to be sharp this day. So, um, what I would ask is that you hold your applause until I've gone through all. Uh, and then let's have one
big round of applause for those that that have come. Uh, county commissioners Elizabeth Graer and Sarah Suie, County Clerk Steve Peter, we didn't know he was here, though. Uh, former mayor Dennis Sullivan. I do have to give a shout out to Mike Kerwin
because he did reach out uh last night. Unfortunately, he could not make today which is first one he's missed in a long time. Uh but uh Mike, thumbs up. Uh former council Ardair, uh Grant Brady, Phil Decker, Rich O'Neal, Margaret
Weinberger, uh acting mayor of Raritton, Don Tazzy, uh Summer, uh Somerville, Summer County Democratic chair, Peg Schaefer. Oh, she No, she's not here. Uh, Somerville Democratic Chair Margaret
Weinberg. She I know she's here somewhere, but she is. Um, Somerville Republican Chair Rich Wrightman. And Rich has done a bunch of other stuff, too. Um, various employees and and
consultants. We have Ashley Bowden, Michael Cole, Colin Driver, Paige Ster, Kathy G, Kaylee Mikarenda, Sarah Perez, Kevin Sluca, Zena Van Ness, Robert Lynn, uh, squad president Steve Weinman, squad
chief Mike Bigalow, um, all the squad members as well and fire department members and planning board. Uh, Andrea Deair, board of adjustment, Artadair, uh, board of
adjustment, Edlet, Eric Alvarez, Sandy Bencoter, Tori Cesario, Gerald Dean Dapio, uh, planning board, Jason Krasco, also recreation, uh, Lisa Warner from the planning board, also Somerset County OEM coordinator, uh, Somerset County
Cultural and Heritage, uh, Marge Sullivan, uh, Rar Valley Sewage Authority, Vince Dominic, uh, we also have Ellen Nardoni who's just an incredible volunteer in the burrow. Uh DSA director Dana Kessle, uh
DSA regional center representative Rick St. Pierre. Uh tap into we've got Rod Hirsch front row center. Uh I believe the Star Ledger is here. NJ.com. I don't know if it's really Star Ledger. Uh uh
Officer O'Brien is in the audience as well uh from the Somerville Police Department and uh and also a great thank you to the Somerville schools. We've got a great relationship with the schools. They allow us to uh to come into either the high school or the middle school auditorium. I do miss the wooden seats.
I don't hear any squeaking or creaking and the echo is much less than it used to be. So, it's it's it's nice. Um I also want to thank Burough Hall staff. Um Zena, where's Zena? Zena's in the back.
>> Okay. And and Kevin uh for help for uh prepping today. Uh they they're the front line. They make all of us look good uh all of the time. Um so I want to thank them for that as well. So um with that, I apologize to those that I did not hit. Um and I would like to ask
Pastor Lewis to please come up again for our uh our benediction. As we prepare to depart from this place, may wisdom guide every decision made. May integrity anchor every action taken. And may unity strengthen all who serve this community. May the work begun here
today lead to peace in our neighborhoods, progress in our burrow, and hope for every resident of Somerville. Go forth into this new year with purpose, humility, and resolve. Committed to the common good, and faithful to the trust placed in you. May
God bless the burrow, Somerville, its leaders, its families, and its futures. Amen. >> Thank you, pastor. Uh before we break, we will have light refreshments uh in the middle school cafeteria. It's right behind the stage. You can go out either door and get to
it. Uh and then uh I wouldn't be allowed to go home if I didn't thank my wife. Um and my children. Uh my wife is home tending to the sick and infirmed. Um and uh uh and also to my buddy Randy who's my college roommate who has yet to miss
a reorganization as long as I've been doing this. So, thank you all for coming. God bless every one of you. God bless all of our volunteer and emergency services. Um and we look forward to a wonderful 2026. Do I have a motion for adjournment, please?
>> So moved. Second >> discussion. All in favor? >> Opposed? This meeting is ajourned.