Mayor Laurie Burns promises to work tirelessly to “put residents first.”
That was her emphasis as she presided over her first Washington Township council meeting on Jan. 2.
“… I too am a resident in Washington Township and I want to see us thrive in every way,” she said. “I was born here, I am raising my family here. The office of mayor is always open. Please reach out if you need anything at all …
“Thank you again for this honor – looking forward to a great 2024.”
Burns was ceremonially sworn in at the reorganization meeting in front of family and friends. In the audience were former mayor and county Commissioner Joann Gattinelli, Assemblyman-elect Cody Miller, Commissioner Denise DiCarlo, former Councilwoman Angela Melroy, retired Commissioner Lyman Barnes, former Council President Sean Longfellow and Assemblywoman Beth Sawyer.
Anthony DellaPia was elected by council to serve another year as its president, and Peter DelBorrello III was named vice president.
DellaPia said at the meeting that he looks forward to working alongside fellow council members and Burns to “get a lot of stuff done for our residents.” He announced the boards, committees and commissions for which council members would serve as liaisons:
- DellaPia: Economic development, parade committee, Senior Citizens Advisory Board and Sports Advisory Board
- Richard Bennett: Environmental commission, Family Community Services, Municipal Alliance Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and school board
- DelBorello III: Planning board, Shade Tree Advisory and zoning board
- Jonson “Jack” Yerkes III: Green Team, Municipal Utilities Authority, open space and Veterans Affairs Advisory Board
- Donald Brown Jr.: Library board of trustees, local emergency planning board and Rent Leveling Board
During the business section of the meeting, a number of appointments were approved through resolution, some of them familiar, including Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik, Solicitor Stuart Platt and Business Administrator Joseph Russo. Council also approved a resolution authorizing the municipal clerk to advertise requests for proposal (RFPs) for a municipal judge.
Members then adopted a schedule for 2024 that includes council’s next meeting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17.
