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Lebanon Committee adopts ordinances on water and utility escrow, approves grants and appoints interim CFO
Summary
At its Oct. 16 meeting the Lebanon Township Committee adopted two ordinances (water code and utility escrow), introduced an inspection‑fee ordinance for Nov. 6 hearing, approved grant insertions totaling $103,000, appointed a temporary CFO and authorized outside counsel for pending zoning litigation.
The Lebanon Township Committee on Oct. 16 approved multiple ordinances and resolutions, including adopting two ordinances, inserting state and county grant revenue into the budget, appointing an interim chief financial officer and authorizing outside counsel in pending litigation.
Ordinances and votes: The committee adopted Ordinance 12‑2024 (amending Chapter 380, Water) after the committee said it removes a redundant provision. It also adopted Ordinance 13‑2024 (Chapter 325, fees/cash deposit for public utility corporations) to allow cash escrow when a paper or surety bond is posted so engineers’ charges can be covered. Ordinance 14‑2024 (inspection/reinspection fees, including a $55 reinspection fee for certain fire‑safety reinspections) was introduced and a public hearing set for Nov. 6, 2024.
Grant insertions and finance actions: The committee approved a resolution inserting a $66,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for park improvements into the township budget and accepted a $37,000 Hunterdon County allocation for dead/dying tree removal and canopy replacement. The amended bill list for Oct. 16 totaled $1,111,337.35 after removing a $750 escrow reimbursement pending further investigation; the committee approved the bill list by roll call.
Personnel and legal matters: The committee approved Resolution 167‑2024 appointing municipal clerk Carolyn Budd as temporary chief financial officer under the state statute cited during the meeting to fill the vacancy until a licensed CFO is hired. The committee also authorized Jonathan E. Drill, Esq. to enter appearances in two pending lawsuits filed by the NAR Group involving planning/zoning and hemp/cannabis matters; members noted prior emergency appropriation funding and referenced SIF/JIF insurance coverage.
Other actions: The committee tabled a $750 Highlands exception escrow refund for 43 Anthony Road pending further research, agreed to have the fire official draft proposed fire‑lane authority language for private property, and voted to cancel the Nov. 20 committee meeting (with the option to call special meetings if necessary).
Votes at a glance (as recorded in meeting):
- Adopt Ordinance 12‑2024 (Water): adopted (roll call, unanimous yes) - Adopt Ordinance 13‑2024 (Utility escrow): adopted (roll call, unanimous yes) - Introduce Ordinance 14‑2024 (inspection/reinspection fees): introduced; public hearing Nov. 6, 2024 - Adopt Resolution 164‑2024: insert DCA grant, $66,000: approved (roll call) - Adopt Resolution 165‑2024: insert Hunterdon County grant, $37,000: approved (roll call) - Adopt Resolution 167‑2024: appoint temporary CFO (Carolyn Budd): approved (roll call) - Adopt Resolution 168‑2024: authorize counsel Jonathan E. Drill, Esq.: approved (roll call) - Resolution 166‑2024 (Highlands escrow refund $750): tabled for further research
Ending: The committee recessed for an executive session to discuss litigation and contract negotiations and later reconvened with no public action taken; the meeting adjourned after routine business.
