Stephanie McGowan elected council president as Rutherford adopts 2026 bylaws and confirms liaisons

Stephanie McGowan was elected and sworn in as council president at the Borough of Rutherford's reorganization meeting on Jan. 2, 2026, where the council also adopted its 2026 bylaws, announced committee and external liaisons and approved the consent agenda.

The council president nomination came from a council member during the meeting and was seconded by Councilwoman Delray Cone. In the roll call on that motion, five members voted yes and one member abstained; the presiding official then administered the oath with State Senator Paul Sarlow assisting.

The reorganization meeting, held at Borough Hall and opened by Mayor Nunziata, included brief remarks from dignitaries in attendance, including Congresswoman Nellie Poe, State Senator Paul Sarlow and Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. Councilwoman Delray Cone used her remarks to reflect on her campaign and to urge continued community engagement, saying, "Do not break yourself down into bite sized pizzas. Let them choke." Councilman Dennis Mazzone thanked residents for electing him and pledged to serve with "fairness, thoughtfulness, and respect."

Beyond leadership, the council moved and approved Resolution No. 1 adopting the borough's 2026 bylaws. Missy Scanlon, the borough clerk, conducted roll calls for motions and votes throughout the meeting; recorded votes show the bylaws resolution passed on a unanimous recorded vote by members present. The council also announced and approved a slate of liaison assignments for committees and outside organizations (finance, fire, police, public works, recreation, buildings and grounds, and representation to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and the Williams Center), and then approved standard consent-agenda items by single motion and roll call.

Mayor Nunziata opened the meeting to public comment and specified a five-minute limit, but no members of the public stepped forward to speak. The meeting closed after a benediction by Pastor Pate of Mount Ararat Baptist Church and a final voice vote to adjourn.

The actions taken at the reorganization meeting are procedural: they install internal leadership, set committee liaisons and adopt the council's operating rules for the year. Council members and borough staff said the body will pursue grant-funded projects and public engagement in the coming months; specifics and timelines for those projects were not provided at the meeting.

The council adjourned following the benediction.