Palmyra council elects Timothy Howard as council president and approves mayor’s 2026 appointments and consent agenda

Council President Timothy Howard was elected by the Borough Council of Palmyra at the council’s Jan. 3 reorganization meeting, and the council approved the mayor’s 2026 appointments and a broad consent agenda that included multiple municipal contracts and professional appointments.

The reorganization meeting began at 11:01 a.m. with Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait calling the meeting to order, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and reading the required Open Public Meetings statement. Ted Rosenberg administered oaths of office to returning and newly seated council members before the roll call confirmed Richard Dreby, Natashia Latimore, John Liebe, Sean O’Connell and Timothy Howard present along with Mayor Tait.

Council President election and motions Councilmember Natashia Latimore nominated Timothy Howard for Council President. After a motion to close nominations, Councilmember John Liebe moved to accept Howard; Sean O’Connell seconded the motion. The roll‑call vote recorded support from Councilmember Richard Dreby, Councilmember Natashia Latimore, Councilmember John Liebe, Councilmember Sean O’Connell and Timothy Howard, and the motion carried.

Resignations, retirement and minutes Municipal Clerk Doretha R. Jackson acknowledged a letter of resignation from Councilwoman Jessica O’Connor and a letter of retirement from Police Chief Josiah Murphy. Councilmember Richard Dreby moved to accept both letters; President Howard seconded. The council voted to accept the resignation and the retirement. The council also approved the Dec. 15, 2025 regular‑meeting minutes.

Appointments and consent agenda Mayor Tait read her annual 2026 appointments (all terms expiring Dec. 31, 2026), which include administrative and advisory positions such as John Gural as Administrator and multiple staff and board assignments across planning, emergency management, codes and parks. The council also considered a consent agenda of Resolutions 2026‑01 through 2026‑70. Councilmember John Gural asked that Resolution 2026‑29 and Resolution 2026‑35 be tabled for further discussion; the remaining resolutions were adopted by roll call vote with the same five council members voting in favor.

Votes at a glance (selected items approved) - Resolution 2026‑63: Awarded the 2026 sewage‑treatment plant maintenance contract to Municipal Maintenance Company, Inc., in the amount of $658,573.00 (subject to solicitor review and financial certification). - Resolution 2026‑64: Awarded 2026 on‑call contracting services to Neri’s Construction & Rentals, Inc., in the amount of $599,827.00 (subject to solicitor review and financial certification). - Resolution 2026‑65: Awarded the 2026 HVAC maintenance contract to Air Systems Maintenance in the amount of $45,683.00. - Resolution 2026‑66: Awarded 2026 wastewater vactoring Contract #1 to Wind River Environmental Inc. in the total amount of $110,539.38. - Resolution 2026‑67: Awarded 2026–2028 transportation and disposal of sludge contract to WindRiver Environmental Inc. in the amount of $53,820.00 for 2026 (at $0.1196 per gallon) with specified rate increases for 2027 and 2028. - Resolution 2026‑68: Awarded 2026 wastewater vactoring Contract #2 to Wind River Environmental Inc. in the total amount of $65,364.32. - Resolution 2026‑69: Awarded a contract to Miracle Chemical Company in the amount of $35,508.00 per a December 5, 2025 quote. - Resolution 2026‑54: Awarded the 2026 generator preventive maintenance contract to Industrial Diesel Power, Inc. in the amount of $10,000.00.

Several resolutions name municipal professionals and outside counsel (for example, the appointment of Ted Rosenberg, Esq., as municipal solicitor and William Kirchner of Environmental Resolutions Inc. as municipal engineer). Many contracts and appointments were approved "subject to the Solicitor’s review and the Municipal Financial Accountant’s certification," as read into the record by Mayor Tait.

Public input and closing The council opened a public comment period; no members of the public addressed the council. Council members exchanged brief New Year’s greetings and thanked outgoing members and retiring staff. President Howard moved to adjourn at 12:02 p.m.; the motion carried unanimously.

What’s next The council’s 2026 meeting calendar was posted (first‑Monday caucus; third‑Monday regular meetings), and the borough is scheduled to hold a budget workshop on Saturday, March 28, 2026.