Olu Ochei

The meeting agenda included several proclamations: recognizing retiree Wilbur Hart for his dedicated service since 2003, recognizing numerous Montgomery Township employees for various years of dedicated service milestones, and proclaiming January as Radon Action Month. The Consent Agenda covered authorizing a land purchase agreement for approximately 5.7 acres for open space/recreation, classifying two Police Officers as permanent after completing probation, authorizing the redemption of a Tax Sale Certificate, authorizing new hires and a temporary-to-permanent transfer in Parks and Recreation and Public Works, authorizing a refund for overpaid 2026 taxes, designating property as tax-exempt for a disabled veteran, and authorizing the purchase of a Ford F-150 Hybrid pickup truck for the Sewer Utility Department after the original EV order was cancelled. Resolutions were also passed to authorize payment of bills, introduce an ordinance reallocating funds for the Harlingen Sewer Project, authorize shared services agreements with the Borough of Rocky Hill for Public Health and Animal Control Services, award contracts for Health Insurance Broker and Risk Management Services to Acrisure, LLC, appoint Steve Weiner as Risk Management Consultant, reject all bids for the wireless telecommunications facility lease and authorize re-advertisement with adjusted scope, authorize a shared services agreement with Somerset County for 2026 Recycling, and amend annual appointments from previous organizational meetings. Furthermore, the Committee authorized the promotion of Debbie Axtt to Executive Assistant in the Police Department (effective January 1, 2024). The meeting concluded with the authorization for an Executive Session to discuss litigation (Docket No. SOM-L-1215-24) and contract negotiations (Green Acres Agreement for Cricket Pitch at Montgomery Veterans Park).

The agenda for the meeting includes several proclamations, such as recognizing a retiree for three decades of service and recognizing Radon Action Month. Key actions involve the payment of bills, administrative reports, and an update on affordable housing. The committee is scheduled to introduce an ordinance reallocating unused funds for the Harlingen Sewer Project. Furthermore, several resolutions are planned, including authorizing shared services agreements with the Borough of Rocky Hill for Public Health and Animal Control services, awarding contracts for Health Insurance Broker and Risk Management services, authorizing the bid award for leasing public property for a wireless telecommunications facility, and approving a 2026 recycling shared services agreement with Somerset County. The committee will also address resolutions amending prior resolutions concerning 2026 annual and mayoral appointments. An executive session is scheduled to discuss litigation and contract negotiations regarding the Green Acres Agreement for the Cricket Pitch at Montgomery Veterans Park.

The reorganization meeting agenda included the presentation of colors, administration of the Oath of Office for Committee Members Vince Barragan and Mike Martin, and the election and swearing-in of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2026. Key resolutions addressed 2026 appointments, including liaisons to boards and committees, designation of official depositories and authorized check signers, establishment of tax delinquency procedures, designation of official newspapers, setting of 2026 meeting dates, authorization for participation in the Defense Logistics Agency Law Enforcement Support Office 1033 Program, and the adoption of the Temporary Budget for 2026.

The meeting addressed several key issues. A jurisdictional dismissal was discussed for the General Development Plan submitted by E. Kahn Development Corporation due to the lack of a municipal ordinance authorizing consideration of a GDP. An extension request was reviewed for The Haven at Princeton, LLC, concerning preliminary and final major subdivision site plan approval, with discussions focusing on delays related to NJDEP's wastewater management plan and the applicant's progress in completing required tasks and securing necessary permits.

The Montgomery Township Planning Board held a special meeting to discuss and consider the adoption of the 2025 Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. The meeting included a public hearing where residents voiced concerns and questions regarding the plan, particularly focusing on the proposed development of the Kenvue site. Key issues raised included the environmental impact, increased traffic, strain on local infrastructure, transparency in the planning process, and the township's reliance on developers to meet affordable housing needs. The board also discussed alternative housing strategies, the possibility of amending the plan if certain sites prove unviable, and the legal implications of not adopting the plan by the state-mandated deadline. The board approved the 2025 Fourth Round Housing Element & Fair Share Plan.