County of Sussex

The meeting included a reorganization process due to the inability to meet in December, leading to a waiver of the nominating committee formality and subsequent nominations from the floor. Bill Eaves was appointed as the Chair for 2026, and Mike Busniak was appointed as the Vice-Chair for 2026. New business involved the approval of the Solid Waste Advisory Council's Schedule of Meetings for 2026. Reports covered the SCMUA Tonnage Report for December 2025, noting fluctuations in various waste categories and an overall tonnage decrease compared to the previous year. The Recycling Coordinator reported on increased tonnage in specific materials and successful outreach programs. The Planning Report detailed Assembly Bill No. 2090, which mandates solid waste management districts to develop food waste reduction strategies aiming for a 50% reduction by 2034, and the recommendation to establish a subcommittee for this amendment. Correspondence from the NJDEP regarding facility modifications and completeness notices was also reviewed.

The meeting included updates on correspondence, specifically regarding removals/additions to Classification Exception Areas for certain service stations, and confirmations that there were no applications from DRBC or proposed land use changes in a specific Lafayette location. The Planner's Report covered policies on PAC attendance and outreach letters for members/municipalities with excessive absences. Old Business discussions involved briefings on the Southwinds Disapproval Letter, the Milly's Court Amendment Withdrawal Letter, and a status update on the Vernon Township Municipal Chapter. New Business involved the presentation and approval of the 2026 PAC meeting schedule and the nomination and approval of members for the Chair and Vice Chair nominating committee.

The Development Review Committee reviewed several preliminary site plans and final subdivisions. Items reviewed with comment included the redevelopment of a vacant car dealership into two retail spaces and two drive-thru restaurants in Hampton Township, the construction of a daycare center in Sparta Township, and a combined minor subdivision and preliminary site plan for a group home development in Andover Township. The committee approved with comment the Final Major Subdivision for Balmoral Estates Phase 3 in Hardyston Township. A combined Minor Subdivision and Preliminary Site Plan in Sussex Borough, involving a lot line adjustment and construction of a warehouse with residential apartments above, was disapproved.

The meeting commenced with a reorganization, including the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026. Key discussions included a presentation from the SADC regarding the 'Right to Farm' Act, covering complaint processes, criteria for commercial farms, and compliance options. The Board also heard about the new Statewide Formula for easement valuation. In 'Right To Farm' business, the Board unanimously approved the Commercial Farm Certification for First Chair Farms, which is planning a farm-based brewery and direct marketing facility. Two conflict resolution cases, involving Los Perez Ranch and Jamna Farm, were dismissed without prejudice after failure to provide necessary information. New business involved discussing farmland preservation applications for properties associated with Duddy -- White Horse Estate LLC and AF & EJF, LLC, and approving support for the SADC on both applications. During public comment, a property owner expressed concerns regarding damage caused by neighboring farm animals due to inadequate fencing.

The Development Review Committee reviewed several preliminary and final site plans. Items included a Final Site Plan & Subdivision Review for commercial development and parking adjustments on Route 206 Northbound in Hampton Township, which was reviewed with comment. Preliminary Site Plans for Approval that were disapproved included a proposed 172' telecommunications tower in Fredon Township, a proposed 780 sq. ft. expansion of an existing professional office building with parking adjustments in Frankford Township, and the conversion of an existing home and garage into three apartments with five new parking spaces in Sussex Borough.