Somerville reorganization: officials sworn in, Roger Vroom elected council president; consent agenda approved

The Borough of Somerville held its 2026 reorganization meeting on Jan. 1, during which council members and municipal officials were sworn into office, the council elected Roger Vroom as council president for 2026, and the consent agenda was approved.

County clerk Steve Peter administered oaths of office to new and returning officials. Gina Stravik was sworn as councilwoman, and Roger Vroom III took his oath; the mayor described the event as the official reorganization meeting and confirmed the session complied with the state's open public meetings law. Fire Chief Ken Bowden and Deputy Fire Chief Albert Bowden also took oaths administered by Steve Peter.

Council moved to elect a 2026 council president. A motion to elect Roger Vroom as council president was made and seconded; the roll-call vote recorded unanimous support from the council members present and Roger Vroom was confirmed as council president.

Mayor Brian Galla presented Tammy Stutsko with the 2025 citizen of the year award, recognizing roughly 22 years of volunteer leadership organizing the Somerville Santa program in partnership with the fire department and the recreation committee. Stutsko thanked the community and volunteers, saying, "it is all worth it when you see the faces on these children as we roll up with Santa Claus."

The council moved, seconded and approved consent resolutions 001 through 044 by roll call; item 043 was pulled for separate discussion at a future meeting. The meeting opened to the public for comment and, after no speakers came forward, the council closed the public-comment period on motion and roll call. Mayor Galla closed the meeting after acknowledgements and a brief benediction. The reorganization meeting concluded without additional formal votes beyond those recorded.