Robert Carpenter

The meeting commenced with the reading of the notice requirements and roll call. Key agenda items included the introduction of three ordinances: Ordinance 1-2026 regarding the 2026 salary incentive plan; Ordinance 2-2026 amending the composition/transition of the Chief of Police position; and Ordinance 3-2026 amending subsections related to the municipal clerk's hours and approval of raffle/bingo licenses. The public hearing for these ordinances is scheduled for February 12th. Resolutions 27-2026 through 33-2026 were approved under the consent agenda. The committee also approved payment of outstanding bills totaling $8,837,787.50. An update was provided regarding the township's fourth round obligation in the fair share housing challenge, noting that the township has submitted its plan to the court, outlining a strategy involving 176 market units, 44 affordable units, and 60 senior affordable units, awaiting the court's determination.

The agenda for this meeting, which follows a Special Meeting, includes a public conference session dedicated to preparations for the 2026 Budget Work Session. Closed sessions are scheduled to address personnel matters, specifically 2026 proposed salary adjustments, and legal issues concerning the consolidation of Fire Districts. The meeting structure allows for portions to be closed to the public regarding litigation and personnel matters.

The Special Township Committee Meeting agenda included the formal reading of a proclamation declaring January of each year as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Hanover Township, specifically noting 2026 due to the FIFA World Cup being played in New Jersey. Several resolutions were up for approval, including affirming the Township of Hanover's Civil Rights Policy. Another resolution concerned the appointment of Kelli Schanz as Full-Time Deputy Township Clerk for a six-month probationary period, setting her compensation. Furthermore, the committee addressed the renewal of a shared services agreement with the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills for Animal Control services spanning from August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2028. Appointments were also scheduled for the Hanover Township Economic Development Advisory Committee, including appointing Michael Hall, Corey Hanlon, and David Esposito as regular members, and adjusting the roles of Daniel Casiero and Arthur Linfante as regular member and alternate, respectively. The agenda concluded with a section for reviewing raffle applications and a period open to the public.

The agenda for the meeting includes resolutions to be memorialized for two cases: Case No. 1921, concerning a variance for finishing an attic at 2 Irene Court, and Case No. 1922, involving variance relief for a front yard fence and construction of a mudroom/front porch at 19 Woodfield Dr. The meeting also includes a public hearing for Case No. 1918, seeking variances for a second-floor addition over an existing garage, a rear addition, and a screened porch. Other business involves scheduling peremptory hearing dates for Case No. 1915 (interior renovations to the attic) and Case No. 1689-R3 (amended site plan approval with variance relief regarding tree removal and replacement).

The meeting commenced with the presentation of distinguished service plaques to nine members of the Whippany Fire Department for their mutual aid swiftwater rescue efforts during a significant flood event on July 14, 2025, where they assisted numerous trapped individuals. Key agenda items included the public hearing and subsequent adoption of Ordinance numbers 29-2025 and 30-2025. Ordinance 29-2025, which received public support, relates to the acquisition of property to meet the township's affordable housing obligation, with financing likely sourced from the affordable housing trust fund, avoiding taxpayer dollars. The governing body expressed intent to control the property's destiny for affordable housing development. Resolutions 227-2025 through 233-2025 were passed as a consent agenda, and a raffle application was approved. Finally, the payment of bills totaling $5,454,326.86 was authorized.