Delran Council elects Lyon president, unanimously approves slate of appointments

Delran Township held its annual reorganization meeting Jan. 2 at the municipal building, where Councilman Tom Lyon was elected President of Council and Lynn Jeney was elected Vice President. The meeting included oaths of office for newly seated officials, a series of mayoral and council appointments by resolution and a unanimous vote to adopt a multi-item consent agenda.

Councilman At-Large Thomas Morrow, Council member Apeadu, Council member Smith, Councilman At-Large Lynn Jeney and Tom Lyon were recorded present for roll call. Mr. Jeney nominated Tom Lyon for Council president; Mrs. Apeadu seconded the nomination and the roll call vote was 5–0 in favor. Later, Mr. Lyon nominated Lynn Jeney for vice president, seconded by Mr. Smith; the vote was 5–0.

Mayor Harry Barnes Hutchins was sworn in at the meeting and several appointments were presented as resolutions. The council adopted a slate of mayoral resolutions naming township legal and advisory firms and officers — including Marmero Law, LLC; Parker McKay, P.A.; The Platt Law Group, P.C.; Archer & Greiner P.C.; and the appointment of Joseph B. Bellina as Business Administrator (term to Dec. 31, 2028). Council then approved a separate slate of council appointments naming the township auditor, public defender, prosecutor, alternate prosecutor, financial advisor and insurance/risk consultants. All listed appointments were approved by unanimous roll call votes.

Council also approved a consent agenda covering rules of meeting decorum, a cash management plan, the 2025 annual meeting notice, small-balance tax and sewer cancellations, interest rates for delinquent taxes, fund and claims coordinator appointments, and authorization for 2025 sewer adjustments. Mr. Morrow moved adoption of the consent agenda; Mr. Jeney seconded and the measure passed 5–0.

During remarks, Solicitor Mr. Marmero thanked attendees; Business Administrator Joseph B. Bellina offered no report; Township Clerk Jamey Eggers offered no report. Mayor Hutchins pledged to act as "the voice of Delran Township," said he will produce a monthly newsletter to provide more detailed project and event information, and said he will work with the recreation advisory committee to maintain township events at lower cost. Council members exchanged brief remarks congratulating appointees and noting priorities such as public safety and neighbor assistance during severe weather.

In the public-comment period Senator Troy Singleton congratulated the newly elected officials, urged partnership across divides and encouraged residents to attend meetings and hold elected officials accountable. Samantha Hutchins offered congratulations and said she and her husband look forward to working with the township. The council closed public comment and adjourned the meeting.