Township committee approves consent agenda including personnel moves; questions raised about salary ordinance language

The Hillsborough Township Committee on Feb. 25 approved consent agenda items 1–10 by unanimous roll call, carrying a package that included personnel appointments and a municipal endorsement for a Somerset County YMCA grant.

Consent items of note - Joseph Desmond was appointed part-time senior engineer (consent item 1). - The committee advanced a personnel appointment to make Griffin Dunn director of parks and recreation, effective March 1; members described Dunn as an internal promotion from within the recreation staff. - The committee also noted an administrative change to Bob Wagner’s responsibilities: Wagner will focus on social services and take on oversight for OEM duties; a one-year deputy OEM appointment with a $1,000 stipend was discussed for coverage outside normal hours. - The township authorized execution of a municipal certification to support a Somerset County YMCA grant application that would allow Manville second-graders to use the Hillsborough YMCA facilities.

Salary ordinance questions During discussion Committeewoman Anne and others asked why the salary ordinance had a stricken line for "Director, Parks and Rec" (a 55–105 range) while separate lines for Director of Parks and Director of Recreation (each 55–120) remained. Committee members sought clarity about whether the new appointments fit the salary ranges in the ordinance and whether any amendments were needed.

Attorney Willard and Administrator Ferrer explained that the ordinance lists separate positions (Director of Parks; Director of Recreation; Director of Social Services) and that the committee may appoint one individual to assume multiple duties so long as the salary falls within the listed ranges. Willard said staff would confirm details with the CFO and HR to ensure public records and the salary ordinance align with appointments.

Deputy OEM appointment and stipend The committee discussed the deputy OEM post vacated earlier; officials said the one-year appointment carries a $1,000 stipend because deputies are expected to provide emergency coverage outside normal business hours.

Vote The motion to approve consent agenda items 1–10 passed on roll call: Committeeman Breeding — yes; Committeewoman Hand — yes; Committeeman Lapani — yes; Deputy Mayor Payne — yes; Mayor Matthew Ciccarelli — yes. Outcome: approved.

Next steps Township staff said they will work with the CFO and HR to confirm that the salary ordinance language and the posted appointment/resolution are consistent and, if necessary, bring an amendment or clarification to a future meeting.

Speakers quoted "We're hopeful that whatever amount of money we will get, we will spend and rehabilitate and put new where we need," Administrator Ferrer (on a related grant question).

Ending Committee members praised Griffin Dunn and Bob Wagner for their service and asked staff to provide a clear record of titles, salary ranges and any required ordinance amendments at a subsequent meeting.