Dunellen Starts 2026 with Annual Reorganization Meeting, Reflecting on a Successful 2025 and Looking Forward to the Year Ahead

The Borough of Dunellen proudly kicked off the New Year by coming together at the annual Reorganization Meeting on Thursday, January 1. This yearly tradition marked a fresh chapter for our community, welcoming newly sworn-in officials, honoring dedicated volunteers, and reflecting on the many achievements throughout the past year that have strengthened our Borough. As we enter 2026, Dunellen is poised to build on its successes with a promising year ahead.

During the meeting, Councilwoman Trina Rios and Councilman D. Cole Sigmon were sworn in following their reelection in November, continuing their service on the Dunellen Borough Council, while Councilwoman Crisol-Iris Lantz was unanimously selected to serve as Council President for 2026.

A special thank you to Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz for administering the oath of office to Councilwoman Trina Rios, Councilman D. Cole Sigmon, and Council President Crisol-Iris Lantz. The Borough of Dunellen is grateful to Assemblywoman Muñoz for her years of support and service to our Miracle Mile as well as our fellow municipalities in Legislative District 21.

The meeting also included the swearing-in of William Robertson, who will continue to serve as the Borough’s Municipal Attorney, as well as the volunteers who will be beginning new terms on Dunellen’s boards and commissions in 2026.

During the meeting, Kenneth “Ken” Baudendistel was recognized as Dunellen’s 2025 Volunteer Citizen of the Year for his decades of service to the Borough. From coaching youth sports to serving seven years on the Dunellen Planning Board and eighteen years on the Dunellen Borough Council, Ken has always been active in the community, including founding the Dunellen Shade Tree Commission, which he continues to lead as Chairman.

Dunellen’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously presented to Councilman Harold “Hal” VanDermark, honoring his decades of devoted service and lasting impact on the community. Hal was deeply involved in supporting local arts and culture, founding Inspire Art Gallery & Studio to uplift area artists, and previously volunteered with the Dunellen Downtown Management Organization and Arts & Culture Commission. Serving on the Borough Council from 2021 until his passing, he was a dedicated leader whose legacy of service and commitment will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

A major highlight of the Reorganization Meeting was Mayor Jason F. Cilento’s State of the Borough address, reflecting on the many achievements of 2025 and outlining priorities for Dunellen in 2026.

The Borough of Dunellen’s 2025 Accomplishments:

• The Dunellen Office of Emergency Management and Community Emergency Response Team updated emergency plans, developed school reunification procedures, conducted active shooter drills with local partners, completed the move to a new Emergency Operations Center, expanded CERT membership and training, and contributed over 400 hours of training and support during community emergencies, including the July windstorm and flooding.

• The Dunellen Borough Police Department completed over 200 arrests, including 90 DWI arrests, conducted 2,915 motor vehicle stops, and filed 849 police reports. Patrolman Keith Irons was promoted to Sergeant, new hires Patrolmen Andrew Mortensen and Erik Ortiz joined the department in March, and Patrolman Brian O’Neill celebrated his retirement. Several officers were recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Sergeant Robbins was honored as a Drug Recognition Expert Instructor.

• The Dunellen Fire Department celebrated the official completion of the George W. Hodulik Firehouse reconstruction with its Certificate of Occupancy and welcomed 14 new volunteers. Firefighters responded to over 480 calls, including a historic high of 134 calls during July’s severe weather events, demonstrating extraordinary commitment.

• The Dunellen Rescue Squad responded to over 400 calls, with about 20 volunteers contributing more than 12,000 man-hours and 2,000 training hours. The Squad secured a Verizon grant, raised funds for operations, and provided medical coverage at community events, including the high school graduation, street fair, Haunted Trail, and 5K race.

• The Department of Public Works maintained Borough property, snowplowed, treated roads in winter, inspected and cleaned 304 catch basins, swept over 300 miles of streets, and installed planters in Washington Memorial Park and at Borough entrances. DPW crews removed 650 tons of downed tree brush after the July 3rd storm and cleared an additional 80 tons of debris following the July 14th flood.

• Infrastructure improvements included the completion of Second Street Phase One and the Jackson Avenue Mill & Pave project, featuring new curbs, sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, milling, paving, and updated striping. These projects covered approximately half a mile of roadway. NJ American Water projects completed in 2025 will be milled and paved in 2026, bringing total streets paved since 2020 to 13.33 miles, roughly 75% of the Borough’s roads.
• The Administration transitioned employee health insurance to the Horizon HIF plan, limiting cost increases to 14% compared to 36.5% if the Borough had stayed in the State Health Benefit Plan.

• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, which were funded through redevelopment community benefits at no direct cost to taxpayers, were installed at key North Avenue intersections to improve pedestrian safety and support a more walkable downtown.
• The Borough continued advocating for modernization of the Dunellen Train Station, meeting with NJ TRANSIT and state legislators to establish goals for repairs and upgrades. U.S. Senator Andy Kim toured the station in November to reinforce federal support.

• The Tax Department welcomed Starlet Sherrod as Assistant to the Tax Collector and expanded awareness of the PAS-1 Property Tax Relief program. Residents gained new remote payment options via QR codes, with credit, debit, and mobile payments planned.

• The Clerk’s Office processed 68 marriages, issued dog and cat licenses, handled 500 OPRA requests, and facilitated new business licensing.

• The Municipal Court promoted Denise Donato to Court Administrator and welcomed Erica Trojanowski as Deputy Court Administrator to ensure smooth operations.

• Downtown growth continued with six new businesses opening, nearly 275 construction permits issued, and rental inspections increasing from 93 to 250. Construction investment nearly tripled to $11 million, signaling strong confidence in Dunellen as a place to live, invest, and work.

• The Dunellen Downtown Management Organization welcomed new businesses, celebrated local milestones, including the 100th anniversary of the Dunellen Hotel & Rathskeller, continued beautification efforts with planters and decorative baskets, and hosted community events such as the Car Show on Route 28.

• The Dunellen Parking Authority improved safety and accessibility by installing a new parking machine, hiring a third part-time Parking Enforcement Officer, adopting Ordinance 2025-01 to strengthen parking regulations, and updating parking information on the Borough website.

• Communications efforts expanded with the formal transition to a Public Information Officer, implementation of the TextMyGov emergency notification system, and plans to launch a redesigned Borough website in early 2026. Transparency initiatives included livestreamed Council meetings, Mayoral Town Halls, monthly Walks & Talks, and regular online Messages from the Mayor.
• The Dunellen Shade Tree Commission celebrated Arbor Day by planting a Princeton American Elm with first graders at Faber School, planted trees throughout the Borough, maintained the Adopt-A-Station program, pruned trees, decorated for the holidays, and maintained Tree City USA status for the 22nd consecutive year. A memorial tree was planted in Columbia Park in honor of longtime member John Finney.

• The Dunellen Arts, Inclusion, & Culture Commission celebrated the Madison Avenue mural, hosted five Music in the Park concerts, presented three performances of High School Musical through Plays in the Park, recognized Juneteenth and Black History Month, sponsored art and essay contests for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, ran a Summer Art Camp, and organized the annual Holiday Window Decorating program to support local businesses.

• The Recreation Department set participation records, expanded 11 youth programs including new summer camps for baseball and softball, added adult and senior events, and hosted nine community-wide gatherings. Youth sports participation increased, supported by 77 volunteer coaches. The Hometown Heroes Banner Program grew to honor 130 local heroes with 18 new banners added in 2025. The Recreation Program Coordinator role transitioned to Parks and Recreation Director to further enhance programming.

Agenda Items for 2026:

• The Borough secured nearly $1M in grant funding for 2026, bringing total grants since 2020 to over $8M. These funds will support infrastructure upgrades and beautification projects, with most covered by non-Dunellen tax dollars to ease the tax burden on residents.
• Notable grants include $448,271 from the NJDOT Municipal Aid grant for Second Street Phase 3 and $525,000 from the NJDOT Set-Aside Grant for North Avenue Streetscape Improvements Phase 3.
• Beautification efforts funded through redevelopment community benefits, including enhanced benches and additional planters, will begin in 2026, providing visible improvements throughout the year.
• The North Avenue/Bound Brook Road Streetscape project will install new LED decorative lighting from Madison Avenue to the Middlesex/Dunellen border, enhancing safety and downtown aesthetics.
• Significant arts funding of nearly $883,000 from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation Program will support the establishment of a Monmouth Museum satellite location at 266 North Avenue and a new residency by the Actors Studio of New Jersey at the historic Dunellen Theatre.
• Second Street Phase 2 will address damaged curbs and sidewalks, upgrade parts of the stormwater system, replace trees, mill and pave the street, and add enhanced striping and speed radar signs.
• The South Washington Safe Street project will replace sidewalks from the railroad bridge to the Dunellen border near Walnut Street, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility.
• An assessment through the Safe Streets For All Grant will create a plan to improve pedestrian access safety throughout Dunellen and open doors for additional state and federal funding.
• The Borough will explore partnering with an economic development consultant to create a strategic plan to market, attract, and retain businesses while supporting existing ones.
• Redevelopment efforts in the downtown area will continue, building on over $175 million in investments to date.
• The Borough will assess and prioritize improvements needed in parks and other community spaces.
• Collaboration with the Parking Authority will continue to conduct a comprehensive parking assessment aimed at improving parking conditions for residents and downtown visitors.
• Planners will be engaged to review the existing Redevelopment Plan with a focus on identifying areas beyond the downtown core for missing middle housing to promote affordable for-sale options and address regional housing needs.
• A 250 Committee will be established, led by Business Administrator Alex Miller, to organize community celebrations in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

It is a true privilege to serve as Mayor of the community that raised me, and where I am now raising a family of my own. I look forward to the opportunities and progress that 2026 will bring to our Miracle Mile, and I am excited to continue our work alongside the Dunellen Borough Council, our volunteers, our business owners, and our residents. I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

To read the full 2026 State of the Borough Address, please visit www.Dunellen-NJ.gov/2026Reorganization.