Township Committee Regular Meeting

The Township Committee scheduled a regular meeting for 7:00 p.m. on September 24, 2026. The agenda file is marked “DRAFT” and was revised on September 21, 22, and 23. The notice statement said adequate notice was given on January 14 and 15, 2026. This notice was provided by publication in the Courier News and Echoes Sentinel, written notice to TAPinto Warren, posting on the township website, posting on the Municipal Building bulletin board, and filing with the Township Clerk. The roll call listed Committeeman McCarey, Committeeman Blick, Committeeman Croson, Deputy Mayor Kian, and Mayor Fine.

The agenda began with Resolution 2026-235, an executive session on a police interview, an employee grievance, Teamsters contract negotiations, litigation and a contract for affordable housing at the Stirling Road property, litigation over the Bridgewater sewer agreement, and land acquisition of Block 24, Lots 2 and 3.

Ordinances on for second reading

• Ordinance 26-23 is a bond ordinance. It appropriates $1,400,000 and authorizes $1,330,000 in bonds or notes to acquire property at 106 Mount Horeb Road, Block 55, Lot 10.20. The $70,000 down payment will come from the Open Space Trust Fund. Section 11 approves the acquisition at a purchase price not to exceed $1,050,000. It deems the price reasonable. The stated period of usefulness is 40 years. Up to $100,000 of the estimate may cover items permitted under N.J.S.A. 40A:2-20. The ordinance was introduced August 20, 2026. It takes effect 20 days after publication following final adoption.
• Ordinance 26-24 vacates the cul-de-sac portion of San Road and a portion of an existing brook/drainage easement. This is for the benefit of Block 86.01, Lot 30.01. The ordinance recites The Hollows at Warren, LLC’s Final Major Subdivision Approval (Phase II), Case PB 22-04. It also recites the board resolution adopted September 12, 2022. It reserves utility, cable, sewer, and drainage rights in the vacated area. It takes effect on adoption, publication, and recording with the Somerset County Clerk.

The Township’s meeting-highlights page lists Ordinance 26-23 (“Provides for the acquisition of property”) and Ordinance 26-24 (“Vacating an easement on a portion of San Road”) under “Adopted Ordinances”. It gives no vote counts. Minutes need a browser. LocalWhy has not reviewed them, so the roll calls are not recorded here.

Grant application for the drainage study

Resolution 2026-236 authorized an application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Resilient Communities Program for $3,500,000 “to address flooding and drainage issues in the area of Maxwell Court and Cherry Tree Lane.” The resolution recites Ordinances 25-13 and 26-13 funding the evaluation, the hiring of RVE Engineering for studies, construction plans and permits, and a public hearing on the application held September 24, 2026. The agenda line calls the department the “New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs”; the resolution text says Community Affairs.

Bills and consent agenda

Resolution 2026-237 authorized payment of bills totaling $8,585,306.86: Board of Education $4,863,245.00; Watchung Hills Regional High School $2,119,766.00; Sewer Utility $505,571.75; township expenses $1,096,724.11.

Resolutions 2026-238 through 2026-255 were listed for adoption by one motion. Amounts stated in the attached resolutions:

• 2026-240: Riverside Communications for communications and public relations support, October 1 through December 31, 2026, not to exceed $9,000.
• 2026-241: Central Jersey Pump, Matawan, for sewer pumps and repairs through North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Purchasing, not to exceed $150,000.
• 2026-242: Motorola Solutions radios for the fire and police departments, not to exceed $75,000.
• 2026-243: Axon Enterprises for law enforcement body cameras, video equipment and installation, not to exceed $65,320.78.
• 2026-244: a 2027 Freightliner Model 108SD with dump body, plow and spreader to Robert H. Hoover & Sons, the only bid received September 1, 2026, not to exceed $271,604.
• 2026-245: Town Hall furniture from Feigus Office Furniture, not to exceed $125,000, voiding Resolution 2026-231, which had authorized $135,000 with BFI-Elizabeth.
• 2026-246: cancels $5,994.48 of 2026 taxes for Thomas Whalen, 22 Jessica Lane, effective July 28, 2026, with a $2,235.50 refund.
• 2026-250: public auction of listed township vehicles and equipment on October 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Public Works Garage.
• 2026-251: settlement of Township of Warren v. Wojtowicz, Tax Court Docket No. 010243-2026, reducing the 2024 assessment on Block 56, Lot 2.05 from $2,657,400 to $2,232,200, with a refund of $7,815.18 and no statutory interest.
• 2026-253: releases six inspection fee accounts, including $14,933.37 for Tractor Supply.
• 2026-254: appoints Brett Glinka as Police Officer, Grade 11, effective September 28, 2026, contingent on conditions in an August 26, 2026 letter.

Other items on the list included the September 11 anniversary resolution naming four Warren residents, special event permits for the Rescue Squad on October 17, Fadeville Barbershop on October 11 and Watchung Hills Elks #885 on September 26, participation in Somerset County’s “Journey Through the Past,” the disabled veteran tax exemption, and Resolution 2026-252 confirming the administrator’s September 17, 2026 execution of a limited access agreement for Block 55, Lot 10.20.

Discussion and comment

The agenda included discussion of 2027 budget goals, raffle license fees, a mission statement, the Coddington property, Wagner Farm, and short-term rentals. The agenda also provided time for public comment on agenda items and a privilege-of-the-floor period. Approval of the August 20, 2026 executive and regular minutes was also listed.

Records

Agenda, September 24, 2026 Township Committee meeting highlights