Pennington Borough Council held its annual reorganization meeting on January 5, swearing in officials, approving appointments, and recognizing several individuals for their service to the borough.
Mayor James Davy and council members welcomed Amy Kassler-Taub, who was elected as a new council member, and recognized Charles “Chico” Marciante, who completed his most recent term and did not seek re-election. Kati Angarone was re-elected to council, and Nadine Stern was re-elected as council president.
In a statement following the meeting, Stern expressed appreciation for her colleagues and borough staff.
“I am honored to be chosen by my peers to serve as Council president this year,” Stern said. “We have a very dedicated Council supported by an excellent support team in Administration, Public Works and the Police Department.”
She also emphasized the role of volunteer committees in borough governance.
“We benefit from, and could not function without, the huge number of hours and expertise provided by our volunteers on numerous committees,” Stern said. “I encourage more Pennington residents to check into ways to be involved with our local government.”
Kassler-Taub, who also serves on the Planning Board, spoke with MercerMe after the meeting about the importance of incorporating resident feedback into borough planning efforts.
“We are entering an exciting phase as we finalize our Master Plan and work toward Affordable Housing goals,” she said. “Through the Master Plan, Housing Plan and community survey, we have a great deal of direction via resident feedback and collaboration with professionals and committees.”
Once the plans are adopted, Kassler-Taub said she will work with borough committees to ensure that guidance is reflected in decision-making.
“This is important because these plans coordinate goals toward a range of current issues, from stormwater to economic development,” she said.
During the meeting, council approved appointments across multiple departments, committees, and boards. Vacancies remain on the Economic Development Commission, the Planning Board, and the Parks & Recreation Committee. Residents interested in serving are encouraged to contact the Borough Office at 609-737-0276.
The council also approved companies and organizations to provide legal, financial, and governance services for the borough and designated official newspapers for the publication of public notices, including MercerMe. A full list of appointments is included on the January 5 reorganization agenda.
Mayor Davy presented proclamations honoring Charles “Chico” Marciante, Stephen J. Papenberg, and Margaret E. Umbro
Marciante was recognized for 12 years of service on Pennington Borough Council from January 2014 through December 2025. The proclamation highlighted his leadership as chair of the Public Works Committee and liaison to the Parks and Recreation Committee, drawing on his professional experience as a retired business manager of IBEW Local 269.
The proclamation also cited Marciante’s advocacy for responsible fiscal management, improvements to borough roads through coordination with county and state partners, support for open space preservation and recreational amenities, and efforts to strengthen neighborhood police coverage. It concluded by recognizing his commitment to transparent and accessible local government and his work on complex issues including water quality mandates and school budget concerns.
“His heartfelt commitment to making Pennington a community where residents can afford to raise their families and enjoy their retirement years has guided his every decision and Council vote,” Davy said.
Following the presentation, Marciante thanked Davy and said, “My new office is at Deli On A Bagel, 6–7 a.m., most mornings!”
Kassler-Taub also acknowledged Marciante’s service, noting his long-standing dedication to the borough and his achievements during his 12 years on council.
Davy next presented a proclamation honoring Stephen J. Papenberg, who retired effective December 31, 2025, after 33 years of service on the Pennington Board of Health, including nearly three decades as chair.
The proclamation recognized Papenberg’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his broader career in public health, which began in 1973. His professional background includes more than 40 years serving New Jersey municipalities as an environmental health specialist or health officer, as well as approximately 12 years in regulatory compliance and quality assurance at Wakefern Food Corporation.
Papenberg has held numerous leadership roles within professional organizations, including serving as a founding member and past president of the New Jersey Local Boards of Health Association and as a long-time member of its executive committee. Among his honors, the proclamation noted his receipt of the New Jersey Local Boards of Health Association President’s Award in 2023 for his work as treasurer and special projects officer.
A proclamation was also presented to Margaret E. Umbro in recognition of her service as Pennington’s municipal court administrator since August 5, 2019. Umbro brought more than 20 years of experience to the role, including prior service in Hopewell Township and Hightstown Borough.
The proclamation highlighted Umbro’s receipt of the New Jersey State Public Service Recognition Award and the S.T.A.R. Employee Applause Award, as well as her leadership roles in professional organizations including the Mercer County Municipal Court Directors & Court Administrators Association and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Court Managers. It concluded by recognizing her commitment to ensuring justice is administered fairly and efficiently.
The reorganization meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. and was followed by the regular council meeting.
