Township of Warren Reorganization Meeting
Daniel J. McCarey was sworn in, Shaun Fine was elected Mayor and Vanessa Kian Deputy Mayor, each 5–0. The Committee adopted its 2026 rules of order and resolutions 2026-002 through 2026-045, 5–0, covering appointments, the temporary budget and professional contracts. It tabled the bond counsel award to January 22. McCarey announced a forensic audit of all PILOT programs.
- Government
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What happened
Daniel J. McCarey was sworn into office as a member of the Township Committee by Jennifer McCarey. The meeting started at 6:39 p.m. Present were Committeeman Blick, Committeeman Croson, Committeeman Fine, Committeewoman Kian, and Committeeman McCarey. Township Administrator Mark Krane and Attorney Michael DiFazio were also present. Boy Scout Troop 228 presented the flags. Rabbi Joshua Greenbaum gave the invocation.
Officers and rules, 5–0
Resolution 2026-001 establishing the rules of order was adopted 5–0 on a motion by Mr. Croson, seconded by Mr. Fine.
Committeewoman Kian nominated Mr. Fine for Mayor. Mr. Blick seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations. The roll call vote was 5–0: Blick voted yes, Croson voted yes, Fine voted yes, Kian voted yes, and McCarey voted yes.
Mr. Croson nominated Committeewoman Kian for Deputy Mayor. Mr. McCarey seconded the nomination. The roll call vote was 5–0: McCarey voted yes, Blick voted yes, Croson voted yes, Kian voted yes, and Fine voted yes.
Committee remarks
Mr. McCarey outlined priorities, including community engagement. He said Mira Vie would launch an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group. Its program director is scheduled to attend the January 22 meeting. He announced that the Township would seek bids for a forensic accounting firm. This firm will conduct an independent audit of all PILOT programs. He said this action reflects the Committee’s fiduciary responsibility to residents and is not based on suspicion or mistrust.
Mr. Blick listed goals. These included completing the courtroom audiovisual installation, continuing the Warren 101 program, supporting local businesses, and supporting emergency services. He also mentioned streamlining communications and keeping taxes as low as possible. Mr. Croson said disagreement among members is expected and healthy. He also said the Township Committee is united in working collaboratively. Deputy Mayor Kian listed support for small businesses, senior engagement, and improvements to the park-and-ride program. He also mentioned community engagement. He noted the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 220th anniversary of Warren’s founding.
Mayor Fine said affordable housing is his top priority. He announced a public meeting in February to review the Township’s affordable housing plan. His other priorities included stormwater management planning, completing the Master Plan, and traffic improvements. He also mentioned a working relationship with the County, Mayor’s Wellness initiatives, and open space improvements.
Appointments and 2026 resolutions, 5–0
Resolutions 2026-002 (Mayor’s appointments) through 2026-009 were each adopted 5–0, including appointments to municipal offices, boards and committees, confirmation of fire department officers, appointments to fire police, the 2026 temporary budget, salaries for Township employees, authorization to raise and display the United States 250th Anniversary flag in 2026, and use of a consent agenda.
Resolutions 2026-010 through 2026-045 were adopted on one consent motion, 5–0. They include:
- 2026-014, adopting the cash management plan.
- 2026-024, increasing the bid threshold, and 2026-025, allowing the Qualified Purchasing Agent to delegate purchase-order authority.
- 2026-032, a shared services agreement with Long Hill Township for Styrofoam recycling.
- 2026-035, a professional services contract for Township Attorney to DiFrancesco, Bateman, Kunzman, Davis, Lehrer & Flaum, PC.
- 2026-036, municipal auditing services to Supplee Clooney & Company.
- 2026-039, affordable housing planning services to Sarmad Planning.
- 2026-042, engineering services for the Sewer Department to PS&S.
- 2026-045, a grant agreement with the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission for $63,350.00.
Clerk Donna Hands swore in Marisa Perez as Deputy Clerk. Clerk Hands then administered the oath of office to appointees who were present.
Bond counsel tabled, 5–0
Resolution 2026-046 would award bond counsel services to McManimon, Scotland & Baumann. Mr. Croson asked that it be tabled to January 22 to seek clarification from the firm, saying he wanted to ensure there were no conflicts of interest related to local political contributions. Mr. Croson moved and Mr. Blick seconded; the tabling passed 5–0.
Minutes, bills and public comment
The minutes of the December 11, 2025 executive and regular sessions were adopted; Mr. McCarey and Mr. Blick abstained and Mr. Croson, Deputy Mayor Kian and Mayor Fine voted yes. Resolution 2026-047, the bill list, was read in full and approved 5–0.
During privilege of the floor:
- Shelley Molnar of Stoningham Drive congratulated Deputy Mayor Kian, Mayor Fine, and Committeeman McCarey. She complimented planner Katie Sarmad on her work on the affordable housing plan.
- Antonio Manata of Green Valley Drive asked whether there would be a timer and podium at meetings.
- Jolanta Maziarz of Mount Horeb Road congratulated the new officers. She welcomed the appointments to the Township’s boards and committees.
The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.