Woolwich Committee reappoints Vernon Marino as mayor, approves slate of 2021 appointments

WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP, N.J. — At the Woolwich Township Committee’s reorganization meeting on Jan. 4, 2021, members unanimously reappointed Vernon Marino as mayor, named Natalie Matthias deputy mayor and adopted a broad consent agenda of professional appointments and administrative resolutions.

Administrator/Clerk Jane DiBella called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m., read the Open Public Meetings Act notice and acknowledged visiting dignitaries including East Greenwich Township Mayor Dale Archer and Assemblymen John J. Burzichelli and Adam Taliaferro.

Committeeman Nocentino nominated Vernon Marino for mayor; Committeeman Frederick seconded the nomination. The committee adopted Resolution R-2021-01 appointing Vernon Marino by a unanimous roll call vote of Callahan, Frederick, Matthias, Marino and Nocentino. "It has been an honor to serve as Mayor over the past two years," Marino said, and he thanked residents and township employees for their support.

The committee then nominated Natalie Matthias for deputy mayor; that nomination was seconded and adopted via Resolution R-2021-02. The oath for the new mayor and deputy mayor was administered by Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Adam Taliaferro, respectively.

Deputy Mayor Matthias moved — and Committeeman Nocentino seconded — a consent agenda to adopt Resolutions R-2021-03 through R-2021-32. The slate, carried by unanimous vote, included the appointment of municipal professional service providers (municipal solicitor, auditor, municipal engineer, prosecutor, public defender, planner and others), designation of depositaries and petty/change funds, meeting dates for 2021, committee liaison and advisory appointments, and insurance fund representation.

After a brief public‑comment period (no speakers), newly sworn Committeeman Dennis Callahan and other members offered remarks. "I am honored to be a part of the Committee and am looking forward to working closely for the township I have raised my family in," Callahan said, thanking family and campaign supporters.

Mayor Marino outlined several priorities for 2021, saying the township will pursue expansion of its park system "with fiscal responsibility and fairness to all sports organizations," and that the Kings Landing redevelopment area is advancing. He said intersection improvements at Kings Highway and Route 322 are in place and that spring installations of water and sewer will support projects expected to bring ratables and jobs, including an Inspira Urgent Care center and an assisted‑living facility.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 6:26 p.m.

Votes at a glance - R-2021-01 (appoint mayor): Adopted; Roll call: Callahan: YES; Frederick: YES; Matthias: YES; Marino: YES; Nocentino: YES. - R-2021-02 (appoint deputy mayor): Adopted; same unanimous roll call. - R-2021-03 through R-2021-32 (consent agenda of professional appointments and administrative resolutions): Adopted by unanimous vote; specific resolutions name municipal solicitor, auditor, municipal engineer, prosecutor, planner/COAH planner, bond counsel, public agency compliance officer, financial advisor, risk management consultant and various committee and fund commissioner appointments.

Next steps The committee did not set additional public hearings during this meeting; several development projects cited by the mayor will advance through permitting and infrastructure work in coming months.