Development News for Somers Point, New Jersey

City Council Reorganizes, Swears In New Members, and Appoints Key Officials

The city council meeting began with the swearing-in of newly re-elected City Council Member for Ward One, Sean McGligan, and newly elected City Council Member for Ward Two, Morgan Slaughter. Following the swearing-in ceremonies, nominations were made and votes were taken for the positions of President of City Council and President Pro Tempore. Council Member Kirk Cody was nominated and elected as President of City Council. Janice Johnson was nominated and elected as President Pro Tempore. The meeting also included the appointment of various officials and committee members, including the municipal solicitor, fire department officers, harbor master, emergency management coordinators, zoning board members, municipal prosecutor, public defender, municipal accountant, planning board members, tax appeal attorney, city engineer, and members for several commissions and boards.

City Approves Contracts and Appointments for Key Professional Services

The council approved several resolutions related to contracting and appointments for professional services. Resolution 8 of 2026 contracted Leo Leon Costello of Ford Scott and Associates as the Municipal Accountant. Resolution 12 of 2026 appointed Greg Schneider of Kate Schneider Engineering LLC as City Engineer, with a council member commenting on the firm's phenomenal job and cost savings for the city. Resolution 13 of 2026 approved contracting with Polystina and Associates for engineering services related to the Summers Point Sewer utility. Resolution 14 of 2026 appointed McManaman Scotland and Balman as Bond Council. Resolution 15 of 2026 appointed Michael J. Edwards, Esquire, as attorney to represent the city in matters involving the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing and Fair Housing Act. Resolution 18 of 2026 appointed James M. Ratah Associates as Planner and Grant Consultant. Resolution 20 of 2026 authorized an award of contract for insurance consultant services to Professional Benefits Consultants, Inc. Resolution 21 of 2026 appointed Collier's Engineering and Design as COA Municipal Planner. Resolution 22 of 2026 appointed Barker, Gelfand, James, and Sarvis as Labor Attorney. Resolution 23 of 2026 accepted the resignation of Municipal Judge Howard E. Reed Esquire, and Resolution 24 of 2026 appointed Mark J. Nead as the new Municipal Judge to fill the unexpired term. Resolution 26 of 2026 appointed Thomas G. Smith, Esquire as Tax Appeal Attorney.

Mayor Highlights 2025 Achievements in Housing, Maritime Heritage, Infrastructure, and Economy

Mayor Dennis Tap reviewed the progress made in 2025, highlighting significant strides in housing development, preservation of maritime heritage, infrastructure improvements, and economic growth. He mentioned specific housing projects like Salt House, The Lynx of Great Bay, and 90 Broadway, all of which include affordable housing components. Maritime heritage was bolstered by the opening of South Jersey Yachts, the new Way Point Marine, and upcoming Vajala boat sales. Infrastructure upgrades were noted along Shore Road, Route 9, and Bay Avenue. Economically, The Paddle Club and Bay Avenue Brewery are set to open, with Aldi's, Chick-fil-A, and Panera Bread also coming later in the year to strengthen the tax base. Mayor Tap emphasized that these accomplishments reflect a shared vision for growth, respect for heritage, economic revitalization, and future planning.

Appointments Made to Historic Preservation, Planning, Environmental, Veterans Advisory, Zoning, Arts, and Green Team Boards

The meeting included the appointment of members to several boards and commissions. Proclamation number one appointed members to the Historic Preservation Commission, including Tara McGinness, Donna Moore, Levi Fox, Bill Ryder, Marian McVey, William Duffy, and Li Mchuan, with Debbie as an alternate. Proclamation number two appointed members to the Planning Board: Mayor as Class 1, Steve Hornick as Class 2, Howard Dill as Class 3, and Jack Shields, Brian Cotton, Max Slusher, Paul Straki, Vince Lombardi, and John Okconor as Class 4. Proclamation number three appointed members to the Environmental Commission: Pam Demarco, Linda Kaiser, Sue Ekinger, Paul Luggate, Jack Shields, Bill Riner, and John Hellbig as chair. Proclamation number four appointed members to the Veterans Advisory Board, including Tommy Inente, Ronnie Bird, John El Glasser Jr., Robert Howser, Phil Huber, William Boon, Fred Fontana, Larry Lemieux, and Howard Dill, with Morgan Slaughter as council liaison. Resolution number five appointed members to the Zoning Board: Doug Gilbert, Joseph Kratic, Sean Rowan, John Hellbig, Elizabeth Lawler, Mike Kedora, Rex Granis, with Harry Kent and Mike Owen as alternates. Resolution number sixteen appointed members to the Summers Point Arts Commission: Donna Moore, Lois Gregory, Shaina Kestrel, Karen Sutherland, Christine Toland Olrich, Margie Gered, Jenny Swift, Dan Meyers, Kelly Carver, with Karen Clayton and Mike as advisory members. Resolution number seventeen appointed members to the Green Team Advisory Committee: Jack Shields, Pam Demarco, Linda M. Kaiser, William Reiner, Sue Secureer, John Hellbig, and Paul Luggate.