Lambertville swears in mayor, names council president and honors century-old hardware store

Lambertville — At a reorganization meeting held under the state’s open‑public‑meeting notice, Andrew J. Nock took the oath of office to serve as mayor and Benedetta Lambert was nominated and sworn in as council president.

The city clerk read the county certification of the Nov. 5, 2024 mayoral election before Nock repeated the oath: “I Andrew J Nock do solemnly swear … that I will faithfully and partially and justly perform all the duties of the office of Mayor,” after which council members offered congratulations.

The council then moved to adopt two proclamations. The first recognized Finkles hardware for 107 years of continuous service; Rachel Finkle, representing the family, thanked the city and recounted customers’ stories about the store’s long, community-minded service. “It’s been a very, very long time … we will definitely see it,” Rachel Finkle said, thanking residents for their patronage.

The second proclamation honored Paul and Helen (known as Bambi) Cool for decades of volunteer service. The proclamation notes Bambi’s retirement as Director of Social Services effective March 31, 2025 and Paul’s many years on the planning board. Both were praised by council members for steady leadership and community care.

Council members used the reorganization remarks to outline priorities for 2025, including work by an affordable‑housing advisory committee, stormwater management, and a focus on pedestrian safety near athletic fields. The meeting also included routine reappointments to city boards and a consent‑agenda roll call that the council adopted as presented.

The council closed with announcements about upcoming affordable‑housing sessions and DPW hours; the meeting adjourned after a brief second public‑participation period.

The council adopted the consent agenda and approved a resolution to authorize professional services for calendar year 2025 during the same session.