Linda R. Stephens

The regular meeting addressed several items, including the approval of the minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting, which is excluded from this summary per instructions. Key business involved the application of William Landi for construction of an addition to his single-family dwelling, which required a variance because the proposed addition encroached into the front yard setback by 4 feet due to limitations imposed by the septic system location and existing trees. The Board granted the requested variance. Additionally, the Board adopted a Resolution concerning 256 Harding, LLC.

The meeting primarily focused on reorganization matters for the 2026 term, including the administration of the Oath of Office to newly appointed and continuing Board members for various classes. The Board unanimously elected William Gantz as Board Chairman and Thomas Buzby as Vice-Chairman. Resolutions were adopted to designate the regular and workshop meeting schedules for 2026, name the official newspapers, and appoint the Board Solicitor, Engineer, and Planner. Additionally, the Board unanimously adopted a resolution concerning William Landi.

The reorganization meeting included the swearing-in of the newly elected committee member. Key actions involved the unanimous approval of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chairman of the Board of Health. Numerous sub-committees were established, and chair and vice-chair assignments were made across various operational areas, including Roads, Finance, and Land Use. Several resolutions were adopted, such as those concerning appointments to administration positions, adopting the Cash Management Plan for 2025, setting the schedule for regular meetings for 2026, designating public notice locations, adopting a temporary budget, fixing interest rates and penalties, authorizing the Tax Assessor for tax appeals, and fixing dog licensing fees for 2026. A proposal for the Daretown Lake Dam inspection report was also authorized.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of monies received from various sources, including tax collections and fees, and a review of the Treasurer's report showing fund balances as of November 30, 2025. The Committee adopted several resolutions, including one for funding through the Governor's Council on Substance Abuse Disorder Municipal Alliances, awarding a bid for property lease, reducing a performance bond, refunding taxes for a disabled veteran, appointing a part-time public works laborer, adopting provisions for retiree health coverage payments, transferring money within the budget, and supporting a Farmland Preservation Program grant application. The Committee also addressed public comments concerning past environmental violations and flooding issues, advising residents that the jurisdiction primarily lies with the DEP, and authorized sending a letter to the DEP to remain informed. A closed session was held to discuss personnel and pending litigation, after which the Committee authorized communications regarding required Rental Certificates and the satisfaction of a Tax Lien.

The meeting included the approval of outstanding bills. Several resolutions were adopted by the Committee: one for an Interlocal Agreement with the Borough of Elmer (R-63-2025), one authorizing the Tax Collector to cancel, apply, or refund overpayments/underpayments of less than $5.00 (R-64-2025), one authorizing the Tax Collector to apply overpayments of $5.00 or more to 2024 taxes (R-65-2025), and one to transfer money within the budget (R-66-2025). During the public comment session, concerns were raised regarding Burlington Beef's status with the DEP, future property changes, and water testing.