Matthew DeSantis and Nick Gianagopoulos were sworn in as members of the Borough of South River council at the Jan. 1 meeting at South Upper Middle School.

The oath of office for Matthew DeSantis was administered early in the meeting. DeSantis, introduced during the ceremony, said he was born and raised in South River and pledged to prioritize the borough's health and direction. "I don't wanna get too long winded, but I'm not gonna stand up here and promise everyone that we're gonna be perfect. But I will promise you we're gonna make progress," Council member Matthew DeSantis said.

Later, Nick Gianagopoulos took the oath of office. Gianagopoulos thanked residents and supporters and said he would work "for everyone in South River" and do his best on the council. "I'm here to work for everyone in South River and to try to make South River as good as it could be with the help of everyone in this council," Council member Nick Gianagopoulos said.

Judge Spiro Colin Blackus was thanked during the meeting for administering at least one oath; the borough clerk handled other ceremonial readings. After the swearing-in, the council proceeded with nominations for council leadership and routine business.