Patrick Williams

The Reorganization Meeting commenced with the administration of oaths of office for two newly elected or re-elected members of the Township Committee. The committee proceeded with nominations and appointments, officially appointing Fiore J. Copare, MD., as the Mayor and William Schmidt as the Deputy Mayor for the year 2026. The Mayor delivered a welcome address reflecting on the accomplishments of 2025, such as road resurfacing and park improvements, and outlining goals for 2026, including shared service development and potential Senior Center renovation. The meeting concluded with the approval of the 2026 Standing Committee designations and the adoption of a comprehensive consent agenda covering 31 resolutions, including the temporary budget, annual schedule of meetings, and various contract awards for professional services such as solicitor, planner, and auditing services.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the Open Public Meeting proclamation and a motion to ensure a quorum for the session. Unfinished business included an update on Farmland Preservation, noting a decision by one landowner and the upcoming township committee agenda item for a resolution. Other updates covered Green Acres/Open Space matters, a report on area meetings, and notes on recent newspaper articles regarding sea level rise in New Jersey. Operational items discussed included the status of the Elmer Lake Fishing Line Container and tentative planning for Pittsgrove Day, including securing exhibit space and discussing promotional materials. The next quarterly road cleanup date was set, and updates were provided on the Radon Awareness Program and the results of a recent Shred Event. Positive feedback on Pittsgrove Signage was noted, while the Tire Amnesty discussion was tabled due to a lack of market or funding. The commission confirmed that PTEC Zoom meetings will continue. New business addressed nominations for the 'Most Improved Property' for 2026 Pittsgrove Day, with other items such as the 'Gershal Avenue Complete Streets Grant' and the Pittsgrove Traffic Safety Study being tabled. Preliminary information regarding the Centerton Bridge replacement project was reviewed. During the Member Roundtable, a motion was passed to nominate a new regular member to the commission, and appreciation was expressed for a retiring member. A new Watershed Ambassador introduced herself and offered resources from her recent university studies.

The agenda for the Township Committee Regular Meeting includes the approval of use of facility requests for Narcotics Anonymous Activities Committee, Pittsgrove Soccer Club, and EDP Soccer. Other items involve the approval to renew 2026 licenses for Junkyards and Mobile Home Parks. Departmental and activity reports from December 2025 are scheduled for approval, along with receiving reports from the Township Engineer and Solicitor, and individual Committee members, followed by a Public Session for audience participation. Resolutions on the agenda cover the payment of bills, authorizing a merchandise raffle license, applying for a Local Recreation Improvement Grant, reviewing Fire Commissioner salaries for Fire District #3, reappointing a Building Subcode Official/Inspector, appointing a snow plowing contractor, and approving a Memorandum of Understanding with EDP Soccer.

The meeting included the approval of license renewals for Mobile Home Parks for 2026 and the acceptance of 11/2025 departmental and activity reports covering areas such as finance, code enforcement, public works, and recycling. The Committee acknowledged receipt of the Township Engineer's Report concerning NJDOT Trust Fund projects. The Solicitor presented reports on ordinances, resolutions, shared services, and land use proposals. The Committee discussed reports including the EMS Contract effective date and recognized the Recreation Advisory Committee's successful year. Resolutions were adopted by consent agenda, covering bill payments, authorization for a 2026 Small Cities Public Facilities Grant application for a new Senior Center, and various resolutions related to the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant. The Committee held public hearings and subsequently adopted two ordinances: Ordinance 2025-07 re-adopting and ratifying a salary ordinance, and Ordinance 2025-08 re-adopting a previous ordinance for effectiveness. New business included accepting a resignation from the Recreational Advisory Committee and approving the ERI 2026 Agreement. A Resolution of Appreciation (165-2025) was adopted for outgoing Township Committee Member Francesca I. Spinelli.

The Township Committee meeting included the approval of Facility Use Requests for a Vineland Ultimate Frisbee Tournament scheduled for October 2016. The Solicitor presented a report detailing a recommended Spending Plan resolution concerning the Fair Share Housing Plan, and also reviewed matters related to the Signage Ordinance in light of the Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert. The Administrator reported on the completion of the Oil and Stone Road Project and updates on the municipal door replacement contractor. Committee reports covered attendance at finance sub-committee and Freeholder meetings, as well as discussions from the Recreation Advisory meeting regarding a Veteran's celebration, a tree lighting ceremony, and adjustments to the budget line for Trunk or Treat, which was set for October 29, 2016. The Mayor reported on the status of the municipal doors and upcoming free flu clinics. The Committee approved several resolutions via consent agenda, including authorizing payment of bills, a fireworks display for the Trunk or Treat event, and resolutions supporting the 2015 Spending Plan and authorizing a raffle license. A public hearing was held and subsequently closed for Bond Ordinance 09-2016, which was then adopted to amend and supplement a previous bond ordinance to cover additional project costs. The session concluded with the Committee entering and returning from an Executive Session to discuss contract issues related to insurance and a piece of real estate known as the Grain Mill.