Barnegat committee names mayor and deputy mayor, adopts temporary budgets and introduces salary and fee ordinances

Municipal Clerk Donna M. Manno called the Barnegat Township Committee to order on Jan. 1, 2026, and read the notice required by the Open Public Meetings Law.

Committeeman Al Cirulli nominated Pat Pipi to serve as mayor for 2026; Joseph Marte seconded the nomination. Pat Pipi accepted the nomination and the committee adopted Resolution 2026-1 by roll call, with Committeeman Cirulli, Committeeman Marte, Committeeman Pipi, Committeeman Rubenstein and Committeeman Townsend voting yes. Attorney Christopher Dasti, Esq. administered the oath of office to Mayor Pipi.

The committee also approved the nomination and oath for Frederic G. Rubenstein as deputy mayor under Resolution 2026-2. The committee adopted the resolution by roll call with all members voting yes. During public comment, resident Ray Leszchek raised a question about a fire department resolution; Committeeman Al Cirulli responded. Resident George Gilman offered congratulations to the committee.

On budget matters the committee approved the Dec. 2, 2025 minutes and adopted the 2026 Temporary Municipal Budget by Resolution 2026-3 and the 2026 Temporary Budget for the Barnegat Township Water and Sewer Utility by Resolution 2026-4. Both budget resolutions passed by roll call with all members voting yes.

The committee introduced two ordinances on first reading and read them by title only: Ordinance 2026-1, establishing certain salaries for township officers and employees, and Ordinance 2026-2, amending Chapter 39-2 of the township code to update building subcode fees and certificate-of-occupancy and permit fees. Both ordinances were introduced on first reading and are scheduled for public hearing and final consideration on Feb. 3, 2026.

By a single motion the committee adopted a broad consent agenda that included routine permits for local organizations, placement approvals for clothing-recycling bins at multiple township sites, appointments to boards and commissions, promotions and hires in the tax/utility and recreation departments, and contract awards and renewals. Notable items listed in the consent agenda included a contract award to Miracle Chemical for sodium hypochlorite not to exceed $29,472; renewal of Animal Control services with Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park Zoo not to exceed $71,000; a fireworks agreement with Pyrotecnico Fireworks Inc. not to exceed $22,000 for the 4th of July celebration; participation in cooperative purchasing agreements for fuel and other services; and authorization of progress payment #52 in the amount of $131,951.12 to Frankoski Construction Co. for the new municipal building. The consent agenda motion passed by roll call with all members voting yes.

Committee members offered brief closing remarks. Committeeman Frederic G. Rubenstein thanked staff and local agencies; Committeeman Al Cirulli read a letter and offered thanks to non-governmental partners; Joseph Marte congratulated the newly sworn members; and Mayor Pipi closed with a pledge to represent township residents. The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 2026-1 (Mayor nomination): adopted, mover Al Cirulli, second Joseph Marte, roll call 5-0. Resolution 2026-2 (Deputy Mayor nomination): adopted, mover Pat Pipi, second Joseph Marte, roll call 5-0. Resolution 2026-3 (2026 Temporary Municipal Budget): adopted, mover Joseph Marte, second Al Cirulli, roll call 5-0. Resolution 2026-4 (2026 Temporary Water & Sewer Budget): adopted, mover Joseph Marte, second Al Cirulli, roll call 5-0. Consent agenda (multiple resolutions and appointments): adopted, mover Joseph Marte, second Al Cirulli, roll call 5-0.

The committee set public hearings for the introduced ordinances on Feb. 3, 2026, and certified the minutes for formal adoption at the Feb. 3 meeting.