Middletown committee reorganization approves appointments, swears in fire and EMS leaders; ordinance set for Jan. 20 public hearing

The Middletown Township Committee carried out its annual reorganization on Jan. 4, adopting routine resolutions, confirming professional contracts and swearing in a slate of fire and EMS leaders.

Appointments and attorney contract: The committee moved to authorize a professional services contract with Brian M. Nelson, Esq., of Spiro Harrison & Nelson to serve as township attorney; the motion carried after roll-call votes. (A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded; roll-call recorded affirmative responses and the resolution was adopted.)

Elections and leadership: The committee elected Tony Perry as mayor and selected a deputy mayor for 2026; the motions were seconded and affirmed by roll call. Following confirmation, the mayor and deputy mayor were sworn in and offered remarks to open the year.

Fire and EMS leadership swearing-ins: The committee adopted Resolution 26-02 appointing the newly elected Middletown Township Fire Department officers for the 2026 one-year term and then administered oaths to the new roster. Sworn fire-service leaders included Daniel P. Kelly (Fire Chief), Kevin Morrissey (Deputy Chief), Jacob Lawrence III (1st Assistant Chief), James Addis (2nd Assistant Chief) and David DeArcy (3rd Assistant Chief). The committee also adopted Resolution 26-03 for EMS officers and administered oaths to EMS Chief Floyd Goldstein, Deputy Chief Craig Schwartz and Assistant Daniel Fowler.

Consent agenda and contracts: The consent agenda (Resolutions 26-04 through 26-54) was approved by motion. Resolution 26-20 (authorizing professional services contracts for consulting engineers) was removed for separate consideration and approved; Committeeman Sanambrino recused from that vote (transcript: "Recuse.").

Ordinance introduction: The committee introduced Ordinance 2026-3491, amending Chapter 540 to change development standards for Block 1045, Lots 23 and 4 on the township tax maps. The ordinance passed first reading and a public hearing was scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026.

What happened next: The meeting closed after a brief public-comment period (no public speakers) and a motion to adjourn.

(Attribution: actions, votes and oaths were recorded by the committee clerk and reflected in roll-call recordings during the Jan. 4, 2026 reorganization meeting.)