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Long Hill committee introduces ordinance to replace Open Space Advisory Committee with Open Space/Beautification Advisory Committee
Summary
The Township Committee introduced Ordinance 580-26 on Jan. 21, 2026 to repeal the existing Open Space Advisory Committee and enable creation by resolution of a new Open Space/Beautification Advisory Committee; a Feb. 11 public hearing was scheduled and a related resolution sets committee membership and duties.
The Township Committee of Long Hill introduced Ordinance 580-26 on Jan. 21, 2026 to abolish the existing Open Space Advisory Committee and amend Chapter 2 of the township code so that a new Open Space/Beautification Advisory Committee can be established by resolution. The ordinance was moved by Committeeman Lavender, seconded and approved on a roll-call vote; a public hearing and final adoption are scheduled for Feb. 11, 2026.
A companion resolution (26-045), adopted as part of the consent agenda, establishes the new Open Space/Beautification Advisory Committee and defines its composition and duties. The committee will include between seven and ten members, explicitly requiring one member of the Environmental Commission, at least one Township Committee member and one member of the Recreation Advisory Committee. Terms are set for one year (Jan. 1–Dec. 31) with officers elected from among members.
Resolution 26-045 assigns the advisory committee several responsibilities: developing a comprehensive open space program for consideration by the Planning Board in connection with the master plan, evaluating lands for recreation and stream-corridor protection, identifying sites and recommending acquisition, pursuing county/state/nonprofit grants to supplement the township's Open Space Fund, interacting with boards and citizens to solicit input, and working toward beautification of the township. The resolution also requires an annual report to the Township Committee including budget requests and the status of grant applications.
The ordinance text repeals Section 2-37 of the township code (Open Space Advisory Committee) and states the new ordinance would take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law. The Committee set the final public hearing for Feb. 11, 2026, when residents will have an opportunity to comment before final action is taken.
The Committee approved the ordinance introduction and the establishing resolution as part of a unanimous roll-call vote. The new advisory committee's specific appointments and any bylaws were not specified in the meeting minutes; the document records that appointments are to be made by the Township Committee.
