Common Council Meeting January 2nd, 2026

The Common Council held its organizational meeting, with all members marked present at roll call. The council adopted appointments for City Clerk Melissa Sciortino, Council Attorney Anthony Garramone, President Pro Temp Joseph Betar, Majority Leader Jack LoMedico, and Minority Leader Samantha Colosimo-Testa. Members debated the rules of order, including whether to use standing committees, subcommittees, or the prior Committee of the Whole approach; one proposed rules resolution was defeated, and another rules resolution was adopted by 6 ayes. The council also designated the Daily Sentinel as the official newspaper and made appointments to the Committee of the Whole leadership, Board of Estimate and Apportionment, Board of Contract and Supply, and Urban Renewal Agency. A later resolution was put into committee, with a 5 p.m. Wednesday committee meeting discussed, and no public comment appears in the transcript.

1. 4:50 Opening And Agenda The meeting opened with roll call, the pledge, a moment of silence, and a list of organizational business.
2. 6:10 City Clerk Appointment Melissa Sciortino was nominated and the City Clerk appointment was adopted.
3. 7:04 Council Attorney Appointment Anthony Garramone was retained as Council Attorney for 2026-2027 with the current fee.
4. 8:29 Council Leadership Posts Joseph Betar was elected President Pro Temp, followed by action on majority and minority leaders.
5. 10:55 Rules Of Order Debate Members debated committee structures, sponsorship language, and whether more review was needed before changing rules.
6. 26:03 Rules Votes Taken A proposed rules resolution was defeated, and another rules resolution was adopted by 6 ayes.
7. 27:36 Official Newspaper Designation The Daily Sentinel was designated as the official newspaper for the next two years.
8. 28:16 Committee Of Whole Leadership Joseph Betar was acknowledged as chairperson and Heather Wasielewski as vice chairperson.
9. 29:20 Estimate And Apportionment Katie Aiello was appointed to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, with Jack LoMedico as alternate.
10. 31:15 Contract And Supply Board Joseph Betrus was appointed to the Board of Contract and Supply, with Heather Wasielewski as alternate.
11. 32:10 Urban Renewal Appointments Venice Ervin and Joseph Betrus were appointed to serve on the Urban Renewal Agency.
12. 34:14 Committee Referral And Adjournment Resolution number 11 was put into committee, a Wednesday meeting time was discussed, and the meeting adjourned.