Red Bank swears in new council members and fire chiefs, approves consent agenda

Red Bank held its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 1, 2026, swearing in newly elected council members and fire department leadership, approving a slate of consent resolutions and reappointing key officials.

Christina Bonakez was sworn in as a council member after reciting the oath of office. Ben Forest and a council member identified as Margo also took the oath. Mayor Mary Portman presided over the ceremony and led the roll call after the swearing. "I am so honored to serve this borough for another four years," Christina Bonakez said after taking the oath.

The council also administered oaths to fire department leaders. Francis Scott Bell was sworn as second deputy fire chief, Brett McDonald as first deputy fire chief and Michael J. Welsh as fire chief. Each recited the standard oath to "faithfully, impartially and justly perform the duties" of their offices.

On the consent agenda, the council designated Kiana as deputy mayor for 2026 and reappointed borough attorney Greg Canon. Mayor Portman moved to approve "resolution 2601 through 2618" as a block; a second was recorded and the roll-call vote showed unanimous "yes" responses from council members present. The consent vote closed routine business and allowed the council to move to remarks and committee updates.

Council members used their remarks to thank volunteers and staff, highlight priorities for 2026 and note recent progress on local projects including Marine Park and street programs. Ben Forest, newly sworn in, said he was "really looking forward" to working on traffic-calming measures and continued infrastructure work.

The council presented a plaque recognizing outgoing council member David Cassidy for his years of service. Officials encouraged attendees to join a post-meeting gathering to celebrate the new year.

The meeting concluded after a short public comment period and a benediction. A motion to adjourn carried at the end of the session.