Rumson, NJ - Cool, brisk air and moon lit skies set the stage outside of The Charles S. Callman Courthouse for what would be a memorable night in The Borough of Rumson as members of the community gathered for the February 13, 2024 Regular Borough Council Meeting at 7:30 PM.
With a full agenda planned, following the opening of the regular meeting Rumson Mayor Joseph K. Hemphill called for a motion to change the order of business to recognize a decorated career and appoint three members of The Borough of Rumson workforce to new ranks.
Mayor Hemphill asked Mark Wellner, whom officially retired as Rumson’s Department of Public Work’s Superintendent and Principal Public Work’s Manager after 40 years, to join him at the podium. Hemphill took this opportunity in front of the governing body, members of the community, current and past members of the Rumson Department of Public Works, and Borough employees, to thank Wellner and recognize his 40 years of service to The Borough of Rumson by presenting him with a plaque noting the community’s appreciation for his tireless dedication for over four decades.
“Finally, after 40 years of service to The Borough of Rumson, it is time to thank Mark Wellner for all that he has done for our community as he has now officially retired,” Rumson Mayor Joseph K. Hemphill said. “The work Mark and his team have done over the years will impact The Borough for years to come.”
Before passing the floor back to Hemphill and Councilmember J. Clayton Kingsbery, whom presented Wellner with a gift on behalf of the current and past members of the governing body, Wellner took the opportunity to thank the current and past members of the Rumson Borough Council, current and past borough hall staff, first responders from the Rumson Fire Department and First Aid Squad, The Rumson Police Department, and current and past members of the Department of Public Works.
“The thing that is special about The Borough of Rumson is that we work as a team,” Wellner said as he turned to and recognized the members of the Rumson Police Department that were in attendance. “It was never me, it was always we; that was what set us apart.”
Following the recognition of Wellner, Hemphill called Rumson Department of Public Works Foreman Daryl (Butch) Kochel to the podium to be sworn in as the new Rumson Department of Public Work’s Superintendent and Principal Public Works Manager. Kochel had served as laborer, Assistant Foreman and Foreman over the years before being named the new superintendent. Later in the evening, Rumson Department of Public Works Assistant Foreman Kyle Buckland was officially appointed as Foreman with the passing of The Borough’s resolution.
“I have no doubt that I am handing (the department) over to the perfect person,” Wellner said. “Butch Kochel is going to do a great job for the residents of The Borough.”
A memorable night at Borough Hall concluded with the swearing in of two, full-time police patrol officers, James Wrightington and James Orozco. Both men had been serving the Rumson Police Department as SLEO II officers. The on-duty and off-duty members of the department were in attendance to witness the swearing in of their newest fellow officers.
The ceremonial portion of the meeting concluded with photo opportunities for the honorees, their families and coworkers before a motion was carried to return to the regular scheduled business for the evening.
