Warren committee approves ordinances, bond measure and consent agenda; $9.93 million in bills authorized

The Warren Township Committee on March 12 approved a slate of ordinances and resolutions, including a bond ordinance for road improvements, multiple zoning and affordable‑housing ordinances, and a consent agenda covering professional contracts, appointments and program authorizations. The Committee also authorized payment of $9,932,788.36 in current bills.

Key votes at a glance - Ordinance No. 26‑04 (increase Mount Bethel Meeting House appropriation to $763,343): adopted on second reading; roll call: McCarey, Blick, Kian and Fine — yes; Croson absent. - Ordinance No. 26‑05 (Bond ordinance for Valley View Road; appropriate $445,000, authorize $420,000 bonds or notes): adopted on second reading; roll call unanimous among present members. - Ordinance Nos. 26‑06 through 26‑11 (multiple zoning amendments and creation of AH districts, and amendment to AH‑4): all adopted on second reading; roll call votes all recorded as yes by present members. - Consent Agenda Resolutions Nos. 2026‑093 through 2026‑105 (professional contracts, appointments, transfers, spending plan and deed‑restriction agreements): all adopted in a single motion with roll call approval. Notable items include professional contracts to Rehabco, Inc. ($10,000) and CGP&H (not to exceed $16,600), adoption of the Fourth‑Round Affordable Housing Trust Fund Spending Plan, and authorization for a $175,000 deed‑restriction payment to Cooperative Housing Corporation. - Resolution 2026‑092 (Payment of bills): authorized payment of current bills totaling $9,932,788.36, including $4,085,196.00 to the Warren Township Board of Education and $1,730,895.00 to Watchung Hills Regional High School.

Voting patterns and procedure Most votes were taken by roll call after public hearings were opened and closed with no public comment; adoption motions were moved and seconded as recorded in the minutes. All recorded adoptions and consent‑agenda approvals passed by the present quorum (four votes in favor) with Committeeman Croson recorded as absent and excused.

Other formal actions - Approval of the January 22 and February 19, 2026 executive and regular meeting minutes. - Appointments authorized to boards and committees (e.g., Rick DePinho to 250th Anniversary Committee; Brielle LaCosta to Board of Health) and administrative procedures for police-promotion testing (Resolution 2026‑102).

Context and next steps Where ordinances were introduced on first reading (26‑12, 26‑13, 26‑14), public hearings were announced for April 16, 2026. The Committee also directed follow-up actions such as executing contracts, recording deed restrictions with the county clerk, and submitting the amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan to the Affordable Housing Program as required.

Ending: The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. after unanimous voice approval of the adjournment motion.