Wanaque council introduces ordinances to appropriate developer funds and reappropriate equipment money

The Borough of Wanaque on Feb. 9 introduced two ordinances affecting capital and equipment funding.

Ordinance #01‑17‑2026 would appropriate $953,000 that the borough anticipates receiving under a developer agreement tied to the Lakeside Manor property. During public discussion, resident Sandy Lawson asked whether the ordinance related to a previously discussed 128‑unit Lakeside Manor development and whether the Highland exemption still applied; Mayor Daniel Mahler said the ordinance pertains to the Lakeside Manor property but said the council was not certain about the 128‑unit figure or Highland Exemption status and that the matter would be revisited with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Ordinance #01‑18‑2026 would reappropriate $279,817 for acquisition of various DPW equipment and was presented by Council members as a housekeeping measure to shift unused funds for needed equipment.

Both ordinances were introduced on motions recorded during the meeting (moved by Councilman Pasquariello; seconded by Kronyak or Leonard as noted in the minutes) and recorded roll‑call 'yes' votes by Councilmen Balunis, Kronyak, Leonard, Pasquariello and Pettet for introduction. The minutes record introduction votes only; final adoption is scheduled in subsequent meetings per municipal ordinance procedure.

Why it matters: The Lakeside Manor appropriation ties a substantial anticipated developer payment into the borough’s capital planning, and the DPW equipment reappropriation directly affects municipal maintenance capacity. Residents asked for clarity about the status and scope of Lakeside Manor development and any state exemptions tied to that project.

Next step: Either ordinance will return for public hearing and formal adoption at later meetings as required by municipal ordinance process.