Joe Biel

The committee meeting agenda included the introduction of the 2026 municipal budget and related ordinances, as well as an amendment to the 2026 temporary budget. Other key items included the approval of a social affair permit for the fire department, the closeout of land use board escrow accounts, and the resolution of several tax sale redemptions and retractions. Additionally, the committee addressed new business including a salary ordinance, the awarding of a road resurfacing contract, the authorization of road design, and discussed spring and fall clean-up schedules and habitat housing outreach.

Key discussions during the regular monthly meeting centered on personnel and engineering updates, including the transition of engineering services from UTRS to French & Parrello, and addressing necessary changes to a Driveway Application. Updates were provided regarding the MS4 Permit 2025 yearly report, 14 Dioxane Groundwater Contamination project timelines, and the re-awarding schedule for several NJDOT Local Aid projects (Millbrook Section 3, Good Springs & Willow Grove Road Resurfacing, Millbrook Section 4, and Copperfield Development Resurfacing). Park & Recreation grant submissions are being prepared. The Municipal Attorney is reviewing a potential donation of 2.34 acres. The DPW Foreman reported issues with posting historical markers and a plow situation at the Old Mason Dump. Fire Department updates noted one Pumper Tanker is out of service, and EMS reported a critical staffing shortage with only one available EMT. The committee addressed public inquiries concerning the Dioxane Project deadline and property updates. An executive session was held to discuss Contract Negotiations related to Shared Services.

The meeting agenda includes a Budget Workshop Session scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to review the Municipal Budget Worksheet and Department and Employee Requests. The subsequent Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. includes a Consent Agenda covering approval of previous meeting minutes (February 2, 2026, including Executive Session), charitable solicitation requests for various dates in 2026, and resolutions authorizing the submission of strategic plans and support for a Warren County farm easement purchase for fiscal year 2027. New Business includes the introduction of an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and reports from various department representatives.

The Reorganization Meeting included the swearing in of newly elected Committeepersons for three-year terms. Key actions involved the nominations and subsequent installation of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the year 2026. Appointments were made for members of the Agriculture Advisory & Open Space Commissions and Fire/EMS Line Officers for 2026. Several resolutions were introduced and adopted, including designating the regular meeting schedule for 2026, establishing the Cash Management Plan, requiring business licenses, approving temporary budget appropriations for Q1 2026, awarding contracts for professional services (Municipal Attorney, Auditor, Engineer, Planner), appointing members to the Local Board of Health, Public Safety Committee, and Open Space Commission, authorizing the sale of municipal tax liens, proclaiming January as School Board Recognition Month, designating the Public Agency Compliance Officer, authorizing joining the Warren County Cooperative Pricing Council, appointing a Risk Management Consultant, and authorizing the Tax Assessor to file tax appeals. Committee reports included updates on community center revenue, the need for a resolution of denial for a cannabis application, and plans for a proposed walking path.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss potential litigation regarding cannabis cultivation. Following the executive session, the Committee unanimously approved the execution of a letter of support for the Warren County Community College Ballon Fest scheduled for April 1 through November 30, 2026. A significant portion of the workshop focused on a potential walking park/playground at Third Street and Edison Road, involving discussions about land size, MedEvac concerns, and potential funding sources including Green Acres and Local Recreation Improvement Grants. The Committee adopted Resolution 2026-27, authorizing an application for approximately $75,000 from the NJ Department of Community Affairs for the recreational facility. Additionally, Resolution 2026-28 was adopted, authorizing an application for funding from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres Program for the same facility. The Committee also discussed the transition of engineering services from UTRS to French & Parrello, determining the fate of two outstanding projects, the MS4 Report and the Dioxane Project.