Rumson Borough Council Reorganizes for 2012

The Rumson Borough Council welcomed 2012 during its annual reorganization ceremony at on New Year’s Day.

The municipal reorganization included a certification of the 2011 election results, the swearing in of borough officials and emergency service personnel, and the appointment of municipal professionals.

Mayor John Ekdahl was sworn into his third four-year term at the helm by municipal attorney Martin M. Barger. Ekdahl’s wife, Lolly, held the Bible. Following his swearing in, Ekdahl administered the oath of office to Councilman Shaun Broderick, who was joined by wife Jennifer, and Councilman Benjamin W. Day Jr. The Borough Council then elected Broderick to a term as council president.

In addition, the council approved the committee appointments for members of the governing body. Broderick will serve as chairman of finance, administration, and records management, with Councilman Frank Shanley and Councilman Joseph K. Hemphill serving on the committee. Ekdahl will head up the police, fire and emergency medical service committee, with Broderick and Councilman Mark E. Rubin also serving on the committee. Shanley will chair public works and utilities, with Councilwoman Joan P. DeVoe serving as vice-chair. Hemphill will chair public buildings, construction, zoning and engineering, with Ekdahl acting as vice-chair. DeVoe will serve as chairwoman of public parks and recreation, with Day serving as vice-chair. Day will chair two committees: the office of emergency management and council liaison of public relations and public information and communications.

The reorganization meeting enjoyed a moment of levity when Ekdahl invited members of the audience to sneak out before the annual mayor’s address. Lolly Ekdahl pretended to take him up on the offer, to the laughter of the crowd.

“Lolly has heard this too many times,” Ekdahl said.

The mayor recounted the borough’s achievements in 2011. He noted the Rumson EMS squad responded to 452 calls during the year, a 13 percent increase over 2010. The borough unveiled a new ambulance, which was dedicated to the memory of Bob Kelleher of Oceanic Hook & Ladder. Ekdahl said the borough was honored in 2011 with its eighth Tree City USA designation, and enjoyed substantial response to the Department of Public Works’ toy drive, which collected over 1,000 toys for needed children.

In 2012, Rumson residents will see the completion of a new roof on top of police headquarters at the municipal complex and a resodding of soccer fields. Ekdahl concluded the ceremony by promising continued quality service by municipal departments and employees in 2012.

“The borough and its municipal staff strive to provide the best and most courteous service available to the residents of Rumson,” Ekdahl said. “Thank you all for attending the 2012 reorganization of the Borough Council. On behalf of all the council members and myself, I want to extend our most sincerest and heartfelt wishes for a happy and healthy new year.”