(Fanwood, NJ) – The Borough Council held its annual reorganization meeting Monday at Borough Hall. Councilwoman Gina Berry was sworn in for a second term and Councilwoman Katherine Mitchell took the oath of office to begin her ninth term.

Assemblywoman Linda Carter swears in Councilwoman Gina Berry as her family looks on.

State Assemblywoman Linda Carter swore in Councilwoman Berry while Borough Attorney Russell Huegel swore in Councilwoman Mitchell.

Borough Attorney Russ Huegel swears in Councilwoman Katherine Mitchell to her ninth term as her family looks on.

Former Councilman Tom Kranz, representing the Fanwood Democratic Committee, said Councilwoman Berry and her family are 20-year Borough residents. She previously served on the PTA of School One and Nettingham Middle School of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education and is an educator in the City of Paterson.

Former Councilman Tom Kranz congratulates the newly elected Council members.

Kranz said Councilwoman Mitchell has served nearly three decades on the governing body. A retired registered nurse, she is an active parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish where she volunteers in the food pantry and for their homeless program. He said the Councilwoman has served at least twice on each of the Council’s standing committees including as both Police and Fire Commissioner.

Lt. Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell was on hand to congratulate the newly reelected Council members.

Lt. Governor-Elect Dale Caldwell makes comments at Monday’s Fanwood reorganization meeting.

Councilwoman Berry was elected as this year’s Council President.

Mayor Mahr swore in Huegel as Fanwood’s new Municipal Prosecutor, replacing long-time prosecutor Daniel Antonelli.

Mayor Colleen Mahr swears in Russ Huegel as the Borough’s new municipal prosecutor.

In her comments, Mayor Mahr, now in her sixth term and 23rd year as Mayor, said the position of Mayor, “is a job I have taken so seriously, but I actually love because I believe in local government. I believe in community and I believe in trying to create the best environment of which when people choose to invest in the largest asset that they own, which is their home, they do their due diligence.”

Mayor Colleen Mahr makes comments at Monday’s reorganization meeting.

“And I know people don’t necessarily start out looking for Fanwood, but they find it. And when they do they are so pleased that they were lucky enough to find Fanwood and to find a home…and just a wonderful place that is safe thanks to our Fanwood Police Department, and that will keep them safe thanks to our Rescue Squad and Volunteer Fire Department,” the Mayor said.

She called the volunteer boards and commissions “the backbone” of the Borough. She said the business district continues to attract new businesses, while the Recreation Commission organizes a number of popular events each year.

Mayor Mahr also said homeowners are improving their properties with enhancements such as pools and decks.

“I would just say thank you to the public who puts their faith in us (on the dais) and to the staff that really makes sure that we get the job done,” Mayor Mahr said.

The Council passed resolutions appointing Gary Bundy as Municipal Judge and reappointing Richard Hawkins as public defender under the newly approved shared Court with the Borough of Garwood. Mayor Mahr said the shared court will begin in February and will be based at Fanwood Borough Hall. The Mayor said Hawkins will be sworn in at a future Council meeting.

“The shared service with the courts is done with a purpose – to make sure we can deliver the best municipal court services while saving money, and I am telling you we will save money and that is a very good thing,” Mayor Mahr said.

A resolution was approved to reappoint Russell Huegel as Borough Attorney.

The Mayor swore in Leslie Krone Speck as chairperson of the Environmental Commission and Tanisha McGriff as a member of the Board of Health, both two-year terms.

Mayor Colleen Mahr swears in Leslie Krone Speck, chairperson of the Environmental Commission, and Board of Health member Tanisha McGriff.

During the business portion of the meeting, appointments were approved to boards, commissions and committees for 2026.

Standing Council committees were announced for the new year. Council President Berry will chair the Administration and Finance Committee, Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker will chair the Public Safety Committee, Councilwoman Patricia Walsh will chair the Public Works Committee, Councilman Anthony Carter will chair the Land Use Committee, Councilman Jeff Banks will chair the Recreation Committee, and Councilwoman Mitchell will chair the Health and Community Outreach Committee.

During public comments, Gary Morris of South Avenue, inquired about the width of the fire lane and American With Disabilities Act (ADA) vehicle vertical clearance at the new SoHo mixed- use development on South Avenue.

Father Michael Ward of Immaculate of Heart of Mary Parish does the invocation.

Borough Clerk Courtney Agnello presents Councilwoman Gina Berry with her Certification of Election.

Borough Clerk Courtney Agnello presents Councilwoman Katherine Mitchell with her Certification of Election.

Assemblywoman Linda Carter makes comments at Monday’s Fanwood reorganization meeting.

A packed Council Chambers at Monday’s Fanwood Council’s Reorganization Meeting.

The 2026 Borough Council and Borough officials on the dais.

Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell makes comments as Councilwoman Erin Barker McElroy looks on.

Mayor Colleen Mahr with Fanwood Rescue Squad Mahr Captain Brian Downing and 1st Lieutenant Nancy Mustacchio.

Council President Gina Berry.

Borough Clerk Courtney Agnello reads the election certifications for Councilwomen Gina Berry and Katherine Mitchell.

Nali Foster leads the audience in the Flag Salute and Pledge of Allegiance.