Township Committee Regular Meeting
The Township Committee adopted Ordinances 26-01, 26-02 and 26-03 5–0, approved the Green Acres application for Dealaman Nature Trail and Pond 5–0, and introduced eight ordinances 5–0, including the Mount Bethel appropriation, a Valley View Road bond and six affordable-housing measures. It adopted fifteen consent resolutions, with one abstention, and a temporary office lease 5–0.
- Government
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Environment
Meeting recording
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What happened
The Township Committee called its February 19, 2026 meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Susie B. Boyce Court Room. Committeeman McCarey, Committeeman Blick, Committeeman Croson, Deputy Mayor Kian and Mayor Fine were present. Mayor Fine opened by describing the February 8 water pipe break at Town Hall, and Committeeman McCarey summarized the insurance claim and subrogation process.
Three ordinances adopted, 5–0 each
The committee held public hearings on three ordinances. It closed each hearing with no public comment.
Ordinance 26-01 authorizes a sanitary sewer easement with MDR Equities, LLC. This is for a sewer line within the township-owned Mountain View Road property, Block 11 Lot 2, and the Mountain View Road right of way. Mr. McCarey moved, Mr. Croson seconded, with a vote of 5–0. Ordinance 26-02 amends Chapter 2, Section 2-8, concerning Board of Health appointments and terms. Mr. Blick moved, Mr. McCarey seconded, with a vote of 5–0. Ordinance 26-03 amends Chapter 2, Section 2-19, concerning the Township Administrator. Mr. Croson moved, Deputy Mayor Kian seconded, with a vote of 5–0. The adoption line in the minutes calls the ordinance “26-32”. The hearing and title lines call it 26-03.
Green Acres application for Dealaman, 5–0
Mayor Fine opened a public hearing on the Green Acres application for 173 and 197 Mount Horeb Road, which includes the Dealaman Nature Trail and Pond. Jason Cline, from Remington & Vernick Engineers, described trail rehabilitation. This includes a vegetative swale using native species, pond maintenance and light dredging, two solar-powered aerator pumps, a prefabricated pedestrian bridge over the stream feeding the pond, and kiosk replacements or upgrades. He stated that wetlands would be avoided, no new trails would be created, no work would be done in undisturbed areas, and no trees would be removed. He also said an online survey received 93 responses, with most being favorable.
Four residents spoke: David Gabel of Skyline Drive, Joe Faro of Sage Drive, Kevin Anderson of Mountain Avenue and Mal Plager of Ferguson Road. Mr. Gabel supported the project and asked whether DPW staff or volunteers could help; Mr. Cline said volunteer work may be included in the budget and he would confirm funding implications. Mr. Faro supported the project and asked about the former Stransky Tract sign. Mr. Anderson supported the project and asked about bike trails; Mr. Cline said trails must be pervious and ADA-compliant. Mr. Plager asked about maintenance of a separate township-owned property.
Deputy Mayor Kian moved and Mr. Croson seconded Resolution 2026-074 authorizing the application, 5–0. The resolution states a $573,580 Green Acres grant, a $573,580 matching share and a total project cost of $1,147,160.00.
Reports and public comment
The liaison reports included Mayor Fine’s announcement that a $900,000 federal appropriation for a new dispatch center had been approved. He said Congressman Kean, Senator Bramnick, and Assemblyman McCurdy would visit Town Hall to present the check. Committeeman Croson reported that he and Mayor Fine had received a draft of sample language for the Hofheimer House referendum question from Township Attorney Willard and would bring a draft to the committee. He also stated that the 2026 road overlay process was beginning.
During public comment on agenda items, Bill Gilbert of Flintlock Drive asked that sidewalk planning be included in plans for new development.
Bill list and new ordinances
The committee approved Resolution 2026-073, the bill list, on a motion by Mr. McCarey, seconded by Mr. Croson, 5–0.
It then introduced eight ordinances, each on first reading, 5–0, with public hearings set for March 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Susie B. Boyce Meeting Room:
- 26-04: the agenda ordinance title says it amends the appropriation from $524,155 to $763,343; the attached ordinance text instead recites the earlier appropriation as $524,115 and amends it to $763,343. Resolution 2026-068, January 22, states the Trust increased its award by $239,228, from $524,115 to $763,343.
- 26-05: appropriates $445,000 for Valley View Road improvements and authorizes $420,000 in bonds or notes.
- 26-06: repeals and replaces the development-fee and affordable-housing-unit sections of the municipal code.
- 26-07: creates the AH-10 affordable housing district.
- 26-08: creates the AH-11 affordable housing district.
- 26-09: creates the AH-12 affordable housing district.
- 26-10: removes hotel use from the AH-4 district and provides for age-restricted inclusionary housing.
- 26-11: creates the AH-9 affordable housing district.
Consent agenda and lease
The committee adopted Resolutions 2026-075 through 2026-089 on one motion by Mr. Blick, seconded by Mr. McCarey. The vote was 4–0 with Mr. Croson abstaining. The resolutions include:
- 2026-081, $140,000 in budget transfers.
- 2026-083, an emergency contract to Porchetta Land & Site Contractors for repair of the Mount Bethel Road force main, not to exceed $137,432.50.
- 2026-084, a grant application to the Department of Community Affairs for Duderstadt Fields.
- 2026-085, a professional services contract to HFA for a forensic audit of active PILOT agreements, not to exceed $49,400. The resolution lists Mercadien’s proposal at $75,000.
- 2026-086, a professional services contract to One Water Consulting.
- 2026-089, a contract for the affordable housing rehabilitation program.
Township Attorney Willard told the committee that Town Hall repairs are expected to take six to twelve months. He proposed Resolution 2026-090 authorizing the Township Administrator to execute temporary lease agreements for municipal office space. Mr. Blick moved and Mr. Croson seconded; the vote was 5–0. The resolution certifies up to $166,050 for six months’ rent.
During the privilege of the floor, Joe Faro commended the township’s move to the Court Room and the DPW’s snow work, and said the overlay program may be challenging this year. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.