RED BANK, NJ: Red Bank’s governing body convened for its annual reorganization meeting on yesterday, January 1, 2026, setting leadership roles and making a series of appointments for the year ahead.
Key Agenda Items Voted on by Council (see full Agenda for additional items)
Council Members Sworn In
The swearing?in of the governing body was administered by Senator Vin Gopal. Sworn in as council members were Kristina Bonatakis, Ben Forest, Laura Jannone and newcomer Ben Yuro. Kate Triggiano was appointed deputy mayor.
Swearing?In of Fire Officials
Mayor Portman led the swearing in of fire officials; Francis Scott Calabrese as Second Deputy Chief, Brett MacDonald as First Deputy Chief and Chief Michael J. Welsh.
Presentation to David Cassidy
Mayor Billy Portman and Council presented a plaque to former councilman David Cassidy, in recognition of his service. Mayor Portman, reading from the plaque, thanked him, “For his years of tireless service and genuine care for the people you represent. Our community is stronger and brighter because of you.”
Cassidy was thanked by each councilmember for his commitment to Red Bank, both in elected office and as a volunteer firefighter.
Appointments & Organizational Actions for 2026
• Appointment of Borough Attorney: Gregory J. Cannon, Esq., Cannon & McGuinn, LLC
• Award of professional service contracts
• Confirmation of Council liaison assignments
• Confirmation of officials and employees
• Confirmation of board and committee appointments
• Designation of official media outlets
• Authorization of the temporary 2026 budget
• Re?appointment of Thomas Seaman, CMFO, to a four?year term with tenure
Agenda
To read the complete agenda that includes the names of those confirmed for various positions and other related documents can be seen by scrolling down on the agenda, click HERE.
Video
To watch a video of the meeting, courtesy of Suzanne Viscomi, click HERE.
The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 8.
Government Definitions
Council Ordinances
An ordinance is any act or regulation of the council, except an expense budget or capital budget, required to be reduced to writing, published after introduction, and considered for final passage after a public hearing meeting after the meeting at which it was introduced.
Council Resolutions
Resolutions do not require formal advertisement or hearings, and are typically considered temporary as they lack the permanent enforceability of an Ordinance.
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