The Borough of Rutherford held its 2025 reorganization meeting Friday, Jan. 3, where council members swore in newly elected Councilman John Erico, elected Councilwoman Stephanie McGowan as council president and adopted the boroughylaws for 2025, among other routine actions.

The actions set leadership, committee assignments and procedural rules for the councilor the year. The meeting, called to order by Mayor Paul Nunziato at 6 p.m., included brief remarks from newly sworn Councilman John Erico, ceremonial acknowledgements of dignitaries and employee service awards.

Mayor Paul Nunziato opened the reorganization meeting and Missy (clerk) read the required public notice, citing "the open public meetings law, chapter 231, Public Laws of 1975," as the basis for posting and publicizing the session. State Sen. Paul Sarlo; Bergen County Commissioner Jermaine Ortiz; Police Chief John Russo; and Deputy Police Chief Sean Farrell were among elected officials and staff acknowledged in attendance.

Councilman John Erico was sworn in during the ceremony. In remarks following the oath, Councilman Erico said he was "extremely honored to have been elected as a councilman in Rutherford" and thanked family members and campaign volunteers. Councilman Ray Guzman, who also spoke during the meeting, told residents: "I will always cast my vote in your best interest." Both remarks were given during the public ceremony portion of the meeting.

On the council's organizational business, Councilman Ray Guzman moved to nominate Councilwoman Stephanie McGowan as council president; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The roll-call vote recorded five votes in favor and one abstention: Councilwoman Christy Del Raycone, Councilwoman Susan Quattrone, Councilman Matt Coakley, Councilman John Erico and Councilman Ray Guzman voted yes; Councilwoman Stephanie McGowan abstained. McGowan was sworn in as council president.

Council President McGowan introduced Resolution No. 1, adopting the boroughylaws for 2025. The motion to adopt the 2025 bylaws was moved by Council President McGowan, seconded by Councilman Guzman and carried on a roll-call vote with six yes votes and no no votes or abstentions.

The council then approved committee assignments and board and commission appointments as presented on the meeting agenda. Those assignments and appointments were adopted by motion and roll call; each motion passed with recorded yes votes from council members present.

A consent agenda containing routine items was approved by a single motion and roll call. The meeting also included presentation of employee service awards; the transcript records John Bewickhaus receiving an award for 15 years of service to the borough.

With no additional public commenters and no extended debate on agenda items, the council moved to adjourn; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Votes at a glance: The meeting record shows the following formal actions and outcomes:

- Nomination and election of Council President: Motion to nominate Stephanie McGowan (mover: Councilman Ray Guzman; second: Councilwoman Susan Quattrone). Roll-call result: Yes (Christy Del Raycone; Susan Quattrone; Matt Coakley; John Erico; Ray Guzman), Abstain
(Stephanie McGowan). Outcome: elected.

- Resolution No. 1: Adoption of the 2025 bylaws (mover: Council President Stephanie McGowan; second: Councilman Ray Guzman). Roll-call result: Yes, No, Abstain. Outcome: adopted.

- Acceptance of committee assignments (motion presented on agenda; mover recorded): Adopted by roll-call (Yes recorded from council members present). Outcome: approved.

- Acceptance of board and commission appointments (motion presented on agenda; mover recorded): Adopted by roll-call (Yes recorded from council members present). Outcome: approved.

- Consent agenda (routine items): Motion by Council President McGowan; second by Councilwoman Quattrone. Roll-call result: unanimous yes from members present. Outcome: approved.

- Adjournment: Motion to adjourn carried on voice vote ("Aye" recorded). Outcome: meeting adjourned.

The meeting record shows no extended debate or controversy on the motions taken. Several routine organizational items were enacted by single motions with roll-call votes; no ordinance readings or budget measures were discussed or adopted at the session.

The council is scheduled to continue regular business under the newly adopted 2025 bylaws and committee structure. The meeting transcript indicates the reorganization included customary ceremonial remarks, formal organizational votes and presentation of employee service awards.