HOWELL – The Howell Township Council held its annual reorganization meeting where officials re-appointed Robert Nicastro as deputy mayor.
The meeting was opened by a Presentation of Colors performed by the Howell Township Police Department. The Howell High School Rebel Yell group gathered at the front of the room in matching outfits to sing a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Mayor Teresa Berger thanked the police and Howell High School for participating in the event, noting that they demonstrate some of the greatest parts of the Howell community. Elected directly by the voters in 2016, Berger will continue her four year term as mayor until 2020.
Nicastro, nominated by Councilman Robert Walsh, was chosen by the council members as deputy mayor for the 2018 year and took the Oath of Office, administered by Sheriff Shaun Golden of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office of New Jersey. Nicastro wished everyone a Happy New Year and noted that was looking forward to the many great things Howell will have going on in 2018.
The council then appointed citizens and township employees to various positions and organizations within the township during the meeting.
Before the meeting adjourned, officials declared their opposition to the petition for rate increases presented by New Jersey American Water. Walsh noted that he thought the company’s request for a 17.54 percent increase in revenue was “crazy.” The public hearing to discuss the proposed rate increases further was held on Jan. 10.