Joe Crain

The Reorganization Meeting commenced with an invocation and flag salute, followed by the official statement of election for committee members and the administration of oaths of office to newly elected members, including Anna Evans, Balvir Singh, Samantha Loveman, and Andrea Katz. Key actions involved adopting resolutions for various appointments, such as naming the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, appointing liaison and deputy liaison committee persons, and finalizing numerous professional appointments including the Township Auditor, Solicitor, and Engineer. Further resolutions authorized various administrative functions, including the naming of official newspapers, establishing committee dates, fixing interest rates on delinquent taxes, and designating depository of funds. Public comments included congratulations to the committee members and thanks to the former Mayor. The committee members expressed appreciation for their roles and looked forward to collaborative service, particularly noting upcoming work on the 250th Celebration of America Committee.

The meeting featured public hearings and adoptions for five ordinances: authorizing the acquisition and subsequent sale of a specific property, repealing and replacing the chapter on Peddling and Soliciting, prohibiting parking on a section of Oak Lane, creating a new AH-2 Zoning District for the HITCO Property and adjacent lots, and granting a stormwater easement over sections of property related to Creek Turn Park. Significant discussion occurred regarding Ordinance 2025-16 concerning the stormwater easement, involving presentations from the Township Planner and professional engineers addressing environmental concerns, stormwater management calculations, and liability. The Committee also received various departmental reports for November 2025, recognized a Deputy Clerk for passing her Registered Municipal Clerk exam, and presented a plaque to Mayor Leila Gilmore for her nine years of service. Consent resolutions were approved, including one correcting a liquor license renewal and others authorizing contracts for LSRP services and final payment to the Fire Company. A resolution opposing New Jersey Senate Bill 4736 and contracts for the Municipal Park Trail Lighting Project and Municipal Solid Waste Collection were also awarded. During the executive session, potential property acquisition, attorney-client privilege, and 2025 professional service proposals were discussed.

Key discussions during the meeting included a review of the Remington & Vernick Engineers 2025 Executive Summary. Several resolutions were authorized, including the public notice of intent to purchase a 75-Foot Aerial Ladder Truck using the National Cooperative Houston-Galveston Area Council, the appointment of a School Crossing Guard, directing the JLUB to conduct a preliminary investigation for areas in need of redevelopment (Block 18, Lots 1-16), and amending the authorized withdrawal amount from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for extensions of expiring controls. Additionally, the Committee approved various business licenses.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as amending the stormwater control ordinance, appropriating funds for a fire truck, and amending the annual fee for stormwater maintenance permits. Resolutions were passed regarding performance bond reduction, mutual aid agreements, road closure for a fire prevention event, payments to the fire company, issuance of licenses, budget amendments for a recycling grant, appointment of a public works employee, and website migration and fees. The committee also discussed developing a fire services agreement and reviewing fire apparatus specifications. Updates were provided on Creekturn Park, the Municipal Solar Light replacement project, and shared EMS services with Lumberton. A bond ordinance was recommended for introduction at the October Meeting. The committee entered an executive session to discuss contract negotiations, pending litigation, potential property acquisition, and public safety.

The meeting included a presentation of P.I.L.O.T. funds to Hainesport School for a security fence. The committee discussed the 2025 Best Practices Inventory, which determined that state aid would not be withheld. Ordinances were discussed, including funding for a fire truck and amending the code regarding stormwater maintenance permits. The committee also discussed amending Chapter 85 of the Code of the Township of Hainesport entitled "Fire Prevention" to Create the Position of Fire Services Coordinator, Establish the Framework for the Delegation of Fire Fighting Services and Authorize an Agreement with the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company. Various resolutions were addressed, including those related to contract awards, budget amendments, and bond authorizations. Public comments addressed concerns about speeding on Easton Way and the maintenance of the Municipal Complex grounds. The administrator provided updates on the Fire Company apparatus and field renovations at the municipal park. Committee members shared updates on various initiatives, including the Silver Certification for Sustainable Jersey and the Environmental Achievement Award.