Keri Pagnoni

The agenda for the meeting involved several introductions and key actions, primarily focused on introducing and advancing four ordinances. Ordinance No. 1-2026 proposes to amend the Township Code to allow the keeping of equines, mini cows, sheep, and goats on parcels of 2 acres or larger and also addresses associated fence regulations. Ordinances No. 2-2026 and No. 3-2026 concern the vacation of portions of Larson Road and Hemlock Street, respectively. Ordinance No. 4-2026 authorizes the sale of specific property parcels to the State of New Jersey, Department of Transportation. Additionally, the committee addressed Resolution No. 26-0142 for the approval of vouchers totaling $2,723,785.43 and a Consent Agenda containing numerous resolutions, including authorizations for township refunds, certification of playground project completion, application submission for an energy planning grant, rejection of bids for calcium nitrate, approval of a facility use agreement for NJ Paranormal, authorization for reserve fund transfers, utilization of engineering services for a sanitary sewer replacement, authorization for mosquito control operations, urging legislature to defeat a bill reducing horse racing dates, awarding a contract for the 2026 Wall Fair fireworks display, execution of shared service agreements, cancellation of erroneous taxes, approval of personnel matters, and adoption of an updated Emergency Operation Plan.

The Reorganization Meeting included the administration of the oath of office to newly elected officials, Kevin P. Orender and Timothy J. Clayton, followed by the election of the Mayor, Erin M. Mangan, and Deputy Mayor, Timothy J. Farrell, who then presided over the meeting. Key discussions involved honoring the 2025 Citizen of the Year and presenting winners of the 175th Anniversary Photo Contest. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to approving numerous resolutions covering appointments to various Boards, Committees, and Commissions, designating official newspapers, establishing meeting schedules, appointing consulting professionals, and authorizing financial measures such as temporary appropriations and tax sale methods. New board members for committees like the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Environmental Advisory Committee were appointed and sworn into office.

The Reorganization Meeting agenda included the official swearing-in of elected officials, Kevin P. Orender and Timothy J. Clayton, and the subsequent election of Erin M. Mangan as Mayor and Timothy J. Farrell as Deputy Mayor, with oaths administered by Judge McLaughlin. Key actions involved approving resolutions for authorizing vouchers for December 2025 through January 2026, establishing appointments for various Township Boards, Committees, and Commissions (including Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and various advisory committees), authorizing participation in the Defense Logistics Agency 1033 Program for police equipment acquisition, establishing temporary appropriations and debt service for 2026, and approving the cash management plan and interest rates for delinquent taxes.

This document, the 2023 Amendment Third Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, outlines Wall Township's strategy to meet its constitutional affordable housing obligations. The plan details the satisfaction of the Rehabilitation Obligation, Prior-Round Obligation, and Third Round Obligation (1999-2025) through various mechanisms including existing units, municipally sponsored projects, inclusionary housing, and supportive and special needs housing. Its primary goal is to achieve a Judgment of Compliance and Repose Order, providing protection against exclusionary zoning lawsuits through July 2025.

The meeting agenda includes second readings and public hearings for several ordinances. These ordinances cover topics such as fixing the compensation of non-represented employees, amending land use and development regulations pertaining to escrow amounts and administrative fees, and amending regulations for mobile homes and mobile home parks. Additionally, the agenda includes a consent agenda with resolutions for approving certified lists for the Length of Service Award Program, canceling trust fund reserve balances, approving certain Township refunds and personnel matters, advertising public bids for calcium nitrate, confirming the elimination of Wall EMS, and urging the Legislature to defeat Senate and Assembly Bills related to Municipal Land Use Law. There are also committee reports, administrator reports, a public comment section, and a resolution to discuss potential litigation and personnel matters in executive session.