Lacey installs Steven Kennis as mayor; committee approves 50 municipal resolutions including temporary 2026 budget

Mayor Steven Kennis was sworn in and the Township Committee approved a sweeping set of 2026 appointments, contracts and administrative resolutions at its Jan. 1 meeting.

The meeting opened at noon, when Municipal Clerk Amy Shelton read the meeting notice under the Open Public Meetings Act and led the flag salute and a moment of silence. Brian Rumpf administered oaths of office for Committeeman-elect Steven Kennis and Committeeman-elect Peter Curatolo; later Mr. Kennis and Robert Laureigh were sworn in as mayor and deputy mayor, respectively.

The committee then moved through a series of resolutions approving legal counsel, conflict counsel, special counsel, labor counsel, public defenders and conflict public defenders; professional services including township engineer, planners, architects, auditors and bond counsel; contract awards for tax map maintenance, title work and appraisal services; and appointments to boards and commissions. Motions for the listed resolutions were made and carried by the committee, with vote tallies recorded where the minutes show roll calls or abstentions.

Regina Discenza urged residents to help keep Lacey Township clean in 2026, recommending that people pick up trash that might blow from garbage and recycling containers during windy conditions. Committee members offered brief New Year’s remarks thanking staff, volunteers and families. Deputy Mayor Robert Laureigh, Committeewoman Juliano and others praised the committee’s 2025 work and welcomed the new leadership.

Votes at a glance: The minutes record passage of Resolutions #2026-01 through #2026-50, covering municipal appointments and administrative actions. Notable entries include: Resolution #2026-46 (2026 Temporary Operating Budget) approved; Resolution #2026-18 (contract award to East Coast Engineering for Tax Map Maintenance) approved; Resolution #2026-17 (CityMD appointed Township Physician) approved; and multiple appointments to the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Environmental Commission and other advisory bodies. Where the minutes list roll-call votes, those tallies are recorded in the official minutes.

What happens next: The minutes show the committee adjourned at 12:42 p.m. No further meetings or follow-up tasks are recorded in these minutes; implementation or contract start dates are not specified in the minutes.