Byram Council names Councilwoman Franco deputy mayor, approves professional and committee appointments

The Byram Township Council unanimously nominated Councilwoman Franco as deputy mayor at its Jan. 7, 2025 reorganization meeting. Councilman Gallagher made the motion and Councilman Proctor seconded; all members voted in favor.

The Council then approved a slate of municipal professionals for one‑year terms, including Thomas F. Collins Jr. as township attorney; Arthur R. Thibault Jr. as labor and conflict attorney; Robert H. Beinfield as bond counsel; Cory Stoner as township engineer; Steve Donati as township sewer engineer; Raymond Sarinelli as township auditor; and Daniel Bloch as township planner. Councilwoman Franco moved the appointments and Councilman Proctor seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Council members also confirmed a series of planning and committee appointments. Motions carried to appoint Richard Proctor as a Class III Planning Board member (1-year term), Marie Raffay as a Class IV Planning Board member (4-year term), and Jeanine Colligan as Alternate I (2-year term). The Council approved Roxanne Sabatini to the Board of Health (4-year term) and named Eric Duch and Alex Rubenstein to the Open Space Committee (3-year terms). Lieutenant Daniel Dewald was appointed 911 Coordinator for a one-year term.

Mayor Alexander Rubenstein announced additional mayoral appointments, including Annelise DeMagistris as a Class II Planning Board member and Environmental Commission additions. Township Manager Joe Sabatini read administrative appointments for roles such as Land Subdivision Search Officer and Tax Search Officer and listed Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II appointments.

All appointment motions were made and seconded by council members and passed by unanimous vote. The meeting record shows the Council thanked outgoing volunteers and directed the municipal clerk to send letters of appreciation.