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Monroe Township council elects new leadership, approves 2026 salary ordinance and consent agenda
Summary
At its Jan. 5 meeting the Monroe Township Council elected Rupa P. Seagull as council president and Michael Markel as vice president, adopted a supervisory personnel salary ordinance for 2026 and approved the consent agenda, including three separately considered resolutions.
Rupa P. Seagull was chosen by the Monroe Township Council as council president on Jan. 5, 2026, winning the roll-call vote 4–1. Council members approved a companion resolution appointing Michael Markel as council vice president, and enacted a 2026 supervisory personnel salary and wage ordinance.
The council opened the reorganization meeting and accepted nominations for leadership roles. After nominations were closed, the council passed Resolution R-1-2026-0001 appointing Rupa P. Seagull as council president. The roll-call vote was recorded as: Councilwoman Miriam Cohen — yes; Councilman Charles Dapiro — no; Councilman Michael Markel — yes; Councilwoman Rupa Seagull — yes; Councilman Terrence Van Dera — yes. The clerk administered the oath of office to Seagull following the vote. Council then adopted Resolution R-1-2026-002 appointing Michael Markel as council vice president and administered the oath to him.
During the regular meeting, the council considered Ordinance 0120260001, the supervisory personnel 2026 salary and wage ordinance for Monroe Township, Middlesex County, and approved it by roll call with all members voting in favor. The clerk then presented the consent agenda (Resolutions R-1-2026-003 through R-1-2026-030). Three items (R-1-2026-008, R-1-2026-016 and R-1-2026-019) had been removed for separate consideration; each of those removed resolutions was subsequently considered and adopted by roll call.
No contested debate on the ordinance or the consent agenda was recorded in the transcript. Following the votes, the council moved on to routine reports and public comments. The reorganization meeting was adjourned and the regular meeting proceeded as scheduled.
Votes at a glance - Resolution R-1-2026-0001 (appoint council president — Rupa P. Seagull): Passed, roll call 4 yes, 1 no. - Resolution R-1-2026-002 (appoint vice president — Michael Markel): Passed, unanimous roll call. - Ordinance 0120260001 (2026 supervisory personnel salary/wage): Adopted, unanimous roll call. - Consent Agenda R-1-2026-003 through R-1-2026-030: Adopted; R-1-2026-008, R-1-2026-016 and R-1-2026-019 were removed and thereafter adopted.
Next steps: The council administered oaths to the new president and vice president and continued with regular business; the next regular council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
