New Milford held its 2025 reorganization meeting on Jan. 6 at borough hall, where newly elected and returning council members were sworn in, Randy Duffy was nominated and approved as council president, the council approved committee assignments and professional appointments, and the governing body adopted a package of resolutions including budget transfers.

The meeting opened with the mayor asking attendees to observe a moment of silence and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The mayor read a public-notice statement consistent with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law.

Thea Saraki Hurley and other returning council members were recognized and sworn in. Patty Grant was sworn as a councilwoman and took the oath of office, saying, "I do solemnly affirm that I will support the constitution of The United States, the constitution of the state of New Jersey, and the bylaws of the Borough of New Milford." Art Zama was also sworn in and repeated the oath for the councilman office.

Bergen County commissioners and other officials attended and presented commendations to council members. The borough introduced Stephanie Elstro as the new library director.

On procedural business, the council approved minutes from the Dec. 16, 2024 public and closed sessions. The body then approved budget transfers referenced during the meeting and moved to close that portion of the meeting by roll call.

Council committees, volunteer boards and professional appointments were reestablished and approved in a series of motions. Committee assignments announced and approved included: Environmental and Energy Commission; Beautification Committee; Historic Preservation Commission; Planning Board class appointments; Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee; Shade Tree Commission; library board of trustees; rent-leveling board; municipal alliance and others. The council also approved pages of professional appointments (listed during the meeting) including borough attorney, borough engineer, bond counsel, labor attorney, financial advisor, planning and appraisal consultants, IT provider and legal representatives for rent-leveling and tax appeals.

Randy Duffy was nominated for council president; the nomination was seconded and approved by voice vote. The council reestablished standing committees (finance, budget, mayor's wellness) and created ad hoc positions including an ordinance review consultant role.

The council opened the meeting to public comment on the resolutions packet; no members of the public spoke. The body then adopted resolutions numbered 2025:01 through 2025:62 as announced by the clerk and approved the full packet by roll call/voice vote.

The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn carried with unanimous assent. The reorganization meeting contained no legislative debate on ordinances; its substantive business was oath-taking, reappointments/assignments, acceptance of professional services and adoption of the annual resolutions packet.

Ending: The mayor and council concluded the reorganization meeting by thanking attendees, welcoming the new library director and recognizing county commissioners in attendance. The council scheduled no additional public-action items during the session beyond the approved appointments and resolutions.