Northfield council re‑elects Bucci as council president, swears in Kern and approves consent agenda

At its Jan. 6 annual reorganization meeting, the Northfield City Council completed routine reorganizational business, elected leadership, swore in a returning council member and approved a multi‑item consent agenda.

Municipal Clerk Mary Canesi opened nominations for council leadership. Councilman Dewees nominated Councilwoman Bucci for council president; with no other nominations the council voted and elected Bucci as council president for 2026. Council President Bucci then nominated Councilman Dewees for council president pro tempore; with a second by Councilman Notaro, Dewees was elected by roll call.

Earlier in the meeting Mayor Chau administered a ceremonial oath to Councilwoman Cynthia Kern, who acknowledged family in attendance and Atlantic County Commissioner Maureen Kern.

Council President Bucci read the standard consent agenda statement. Council discussed and amended Resolution 1‑2026 to change February meeting dates to Feb. 10 and Feb. 24; Councilman Dewees moved, Councilwoman Carfagno seconded, and the amendment passed on voice/roll call. Council then moved to adopt Resolutions 1‑2026 through 35‑2026 by consent (including routine appointments, authorizations to solicit and award contracts under fair‑and‑open processes, a TWA sewer main extension application, support for an Atlantic County Solid Waste Management Plan amendment item, and authorization to bid on sanitary sewer and stormwater repairs). On roll call the motion carried with all members present voting yes.

The council also introduced Ordinance 1‑2026, which sets salary ranges for city officers and employees; the clerk read the ordinance by title and scheduled a public hearing and final consideration for Jan. 20, 2026.

The meeting moved into executive session later in the evening and returned to public session to record actions taken under Resolutions 36‑2026 and 37‑2026 before adjourning at about 6:45 p.m.