Due to technical difficulties, the January 1, 2022 council meeting was rescheduled to January 10, 2022.

YouTube video of the partial January 1, 2022 council meeting »

The meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 1, 2022 in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey with Attorney Joshua Zielinski initially presiding.

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Adequate Notice of this Reorganization Meeting was provided to the public and the press on January 6, 2021 and on December 27, 2021 and was posted at the Municipal Building in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A.10:4-7.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

Township Clerk Marcy Gianattasio led the assemblage in the salute of the flag.

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS

Present were Council Members Natalie Buccieri, Michael Furrey, Brian Lynch, Patrick Rizzuto and Harry Shortway. Also present was Mayor Howard Burrell, Administrator Charles Voelker, Township Attorney Joshua Zielinski and Township Clerk Marcy Gianattasio.

SWEARING IN COUNCIL MEMBER BRIAN LYNCH

Sussex County Clerk Jeffrey M. Parrott administered the Oath of Office to Council Member Brian Lynch.

SWEARING IN COUNCIL MEMBER NATALIE BUCCIERI

Sussex County Clerk Jeffrey M. Parrott administered the Oath of Office to Council Member Natalie Buccieri.

SWEARING IN COUNCIL MEMBER PATRICK RIZZUTO

Sussex County Clerk Jeffrey M. Parrott administered the Oath of Office to Council Member Patrick Rizzuto.

*****SHORT RECESS

OUTGOING COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMENTS

Council Member Shortway commented saying we will all become blind if driven by vendettas, sharp rederick at times is healthy in the political arena, only when it becomes personal that words become dangerous and it puts our residents and our Municipal Government at risk. He is fully aware of the serious disagreements and conflicts within this Council. When he presents his opinions or criticize, facts, phone records, court decisions, laws, election reports of meeting minutes will be the foundation. There are great differences between us, however I will show you all respect and he will expect the same in return. No matter how rough the terrain we must find commonality in our search to lead and solve the financial challenges that are on the horizon in 2023 and do what is best and in the best interest of Vernon now and in the future.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT NOMINATIONS & SELECTION

Council Member Natalie Buccieri made a motion to nominate Council Member Patrick Rizzuto as Council President for 2022. Seconded by Council Member Brian Lynch MOTION: Natalie Buccieri SECOND: Brian Lynch

A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Buccieri, Lynch, Rizzuto
NAYS: Furrey, Shortway
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carried to appoint Council Member Patrick Rizzuto as Council President for 2022.

COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT NOMINATIONS & SELECTION

Council Member Brian Lynch made a motion to nominate Council Member Natalie Buccieri as Council Vice President for 2022. Seconded by Council President Rizzuto
MOTION: Brian Lynch
SECOND: Patrick Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Buccieri, Furrey, Lynch, Rizzuto, Shortway
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carried to appoint Council Member Natalie Buccieri as Council Vice President for 2022.

Due to technical difficulties with the public on Zoom the meeting had to be adjourned.

At 12:46 pm Council Member Lynch made a motion to adjourn the Reorganization meeting. Seconded by Council Member Shortway.

All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Marcy Gianattasio, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk

Minutes approved: January 24, 2022