Sussex County, NJ

Board of Elections

The Board of Elections is meeting to review vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3, 2026 General Election. The agenda includes motions to approve several purchase orders and discusses the Stillwater 12/8/2026 Special School Election.

• Vote-by-Mail Ballot Review for the November 3, 2026 General Election
• PO ES&S Touch Screen, Housing and Freight Costs $1,313.05
• PO Comet Security total $5,880
• PO Sample Ballot Mailing- General Election $9,182.31
• Stillwater 12/8/2026 Special School Election

Development Review Committee

The Sussex County Development Review Committee meeting scheduled for October 5, 2026, is cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2026.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review minutes from September 14, 2026, and September 21, 2026. The agenda includes two waiver requests and updates regarding the Four Seasons of Agriculture and the Harvest, Honey, & Garlic Festival.

• Waiver Request for MTJC Land Use, LLC (Tranquility Ridge) at Lawrence Rd. (CR 623)
• Waiver Request for Grass Pond Perpetual Trust at 90 Wintermute Rd. (CR 519)
• Four Seasons of Agriculture Update
• Harvest, Honey, & Garlic Festival Update

Water Quality Management Policy Advisory Committee

The committee will meet remotely to review minutes from the September 3, 2026, meeting. The agenda includes a planners report and discussion regarding an SMS Hamburg supporting resolution.

• Review and approval of September 3, 2026, minutes
• SMS Hamburg Supporting Resolution

The committee reached a consensus to move forward with a site-specific Water Quality Management Plan amendment for SMS Hamburg LLC. This amendment would expand the Sussex County MUA sewer service area to include a portion of a 36-unit apartment development in Hardyston Township. The committee also approved previous meeting minutes and reviewed updates on county planning processes and other local projects.

• Approved January 8, 2026 minutes (7-0 roll-call vote)
• Reached consensus to advance Site Specific WMP Amendment for SMS Hamburg LLC
• Agreed to prepare action item for next meeting regarding SMS Hamburg amendment
• Opened and closed public comment period unanimously
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Board of Elections

The Sussex County Board of Elections is holding a special meeting on September 25, 2026. The board will consider a motion to change the polling location for Sparta District 5.

• Motion to change Sparta District 5 polling location from Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church to St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Open Space Committee

The Sussex County Open Space Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday September 24, 2026 has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2026.

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will consider multiple resolutions including software renewals, grant acceptances, and utility agreements. The meeting also includes presentations from Four Seasons App and Sussex County Community College.

• Designating Holly Saraceni as Clerk Pro Tem through December 31, 2026
• Agreement with Elizabethtown Gas Company for 140 Morris Turnpike, Frankford Township
• Temporary closure of CR 610, Fredon Road and Main Street in Stillwater Township on October 10, 2026
• Renewal of Trimble, Inc - Cityworks licensing agreement for $125,470.00
• Acceptance of $65,629.00 HSAC grant award for FY27

Agriculture Development Board

The Board will review correspondence regarding the Comprehensive Farmland Preservation Plan and 2027 Eligible Farm Standards. The agenda includes discussions on commercial farm certifications and farmland preservation notices in Vernon.

• SADC Resolution for Sussex County’s Comprehensive Farmland Preservation Plan
• SADC Resolution for 2027 Eligible Farm Standards
• Commercial Farm Certification for Hubbard Hill Farm
• SSAMP for First Chair Farms
• SADC Notice of Farmland Preservation for Walker, Archibald A & Stephens, Kirk R. Jr in Vernon

The Sussex County Agriculture Development Board approved Right to Farm protection for Stone Mountain Farms, subject to specific remediation conditions regarding fencing and debris. The Board also unanimously supported farmland preservation acquisitions for the Liss Family Trust and Duncan properties in Wantage Township. Additionally, the Board granted Right to Farm protection for Amazing Grace Farm's shipping containers and soil for a horse riding arena.

• Approved Right to Farm protection for Stone Mountain Farms (5-0) with conditions on fencing, debris removal, and a follow-up visit by April 30, 2027
• Granted Right to Farm protection for Amazing Grace Farm shipping containers and soil (5-0)
• Supported acquisition of Liss Family Trust property in Wantage Township (5-0)
• Supported acquisition of Duncan, Amanda et al. property in Wantage Township (5-0)
• Approved letter of support for Tranquillity Farms NJATP Grant Application (5-0)
• Instructed counsel to follow Executive Session matters for Fritz Preserved Farm (5-0)
• Authorized staff to send letter regarding Ringier Preserved Farm (5-0)
• Approved July 20, 2026 minutes (5-0)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee will review a preliminary minor subdivision application for a property in Wantage Twp. The proposal seeks to divide a single-family residential lot into two new lots.

• Preliminary Minor Subdivision for 42 Pond School Road (Block 13 Lot 2.02)
• Proposed division of one residential lot into two lots
• Application SPB2026-048 by Matthew Daspin

Board of Taxation

The Board of Taxation will conduct a regular meeting to address new business and other items. The agenda includes discussions regarding farmland rollbacks and the certification of municipal tax rates.

• Farmland rollback: Block 33, Lot 4.01 (Green Township)
• Farmland rollback: Block 2401/Lot 44.01 (Stillwater Township)
• Farmland rollback: Block 24, Lot 18 (Wantage Township)
• Farmland rollback: Block 13.01/Lot 1 (Wantage Township)
• Certification of Municipal Tax Rates (remainder)

Planning Board

The Sussex County Planning Board will meet to consider a waiver request for a property in Hopatcong Borough. The board will also review the 2026 Sussex County Databook draft and the July/August 2026 NJPO Planner issue.

• Waiver Request for SCPB# 35(PSP)24-25 American Red Crescent at 402 River Styx Rd. (CR 607), Hopatcong Borough
• Review of 2026 Sussex County Databook Draft
• Review of NJPO Planner July/August 2026 issue

The Sussex County Planning Board approved the corrected minutes of its July 6, 2026 meeting and approved the Development Review Committee reports as presented. A waiver request for American Red Crescent at 402 River Styx Rd. in Hopatcong Borough was carried to the September 2026 meeting. No public was present, and the meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.

• Approved July 6, 2026 minutes as corrected (6-0 roll call)
• Approved Development Review Committee reports as presented (8-0 roll call)
• Carried American Red Crescent waiver request (Block 30315, Lot 2, 402 River Styx Rd., Hopatcong Borough) to September 2026 meeting (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to approve various equipment purchases, health grants, and professional service agreements. The body is also deciding on several contract awards for public works and infrastructure projects.

• Contract for rehabilitation of Bridge A9-01 (CR 517 Lenape Road over Andover Junction Brook) to Colonnelli Brothers, Inc. for $707,839.00
• Equipment maintenance for the Sheriff's Office, Division of Emergency Management from Motorola Solutions, Inc. for $305,000.00
• Professional services agreement with Weiner Law Group LLP for the Division of Social Services not to exceed $100,000.00
• Purchase of a 2026 single axle hook loader for the Office of Fleet Management from Tony Sanchez Ltd. for $115,858.00
• Application for Special Child Health Services Grant #DFHS27CSE004 for $165,763.00

The Board tabled a resolution related to the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA) after a lengthy presentation on a proposed not-to-exceed $100 million New Jersey Water Bank bond for the Upper Wallkill wastewater plant. The Board approved Resolutions A-X, including health grants and equipment purchases, and contract awards A-H, including a $707,839 bridge rehabilitation. It also approved a motion to complete outstanding meeting minutes by September 23, 2026, and authorized the Prosecutor's Office to apply for a $116,666.66 Operation Helping Hand grant.

• Tabled SCMUA resolution (no vote recorded)
• Approved Resolutions A-X (5-0)
• Approved contract awards A-H (5-0)
• Approved payment of bills lists A, B, C (5-0, DeGroot abstained on C)
• Approved motion to complete outstanding minutes by 9/23/2026 (5-0)
• Approved Operation Helping Hand grant application authorization (5-0)
• Approved executive session resolution (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:25 PM (5-0)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee meeting scheduled for September 8, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2026.

Solid Waste Advisory Council

The Solid Waste Advisory Council meeting scheduled for September 8, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for October 13, 2026.

Water Quality Management Policy Advisory Committee

The Water Quality Management Policy Advisory Committee will meet to review a site-specific WMP amendment presentation for SMS Hamburg LLC. The body will also receive updates on St. Paul’s Abbey and the Vernon WMP amendment.

• Site Specific WMP Amendment Presentation and Review for SMS Hamburg LLC
• St. Paul’s Abbey Update
• Vernon WMP Amendment Update
• DEP Freshwater Wetlands LOI-Andover Well Treatment Plant Upgrade Project Easement
• Notice of Classification Exemption Area-Well Restriction Area Lift-PMG #8027, Hardyston TWP

The Sussex County Water Quality Management Policy Advisory Committee held its reorganization meeting on January 8, 2026, electing Denise Webb as Chairperson and Richard Gottemoller as Vice-Chairperson. The committee also approved corrected minutes from its August 14, 2025, and December 4, 2025, meetings and received updates on ongoing water quality management plan amendments and correspondence.

• Elected Denise Webb as Chairperson for 2026 (roll-call vote: 11-0)
• Elected Richard Gottemoller as Vice-Chairperson for 2026 (roll-call vote: 11-0)
• Approved corrected meeting minutes from August 14, 2025 (roll-call vote: 8-0)
• Approved corrected meeting minutes from December 4, 2025 (roll-call vote: 9-0)

Open Space Committee

The committee will meet remotely to review minutes from June 25, 2026. The primary item for discussion is the Stewardship Grant Program.

• Discussion of Stewardship Grant Program

The Sussex County Open Space Committee unanimously approved 12 grant applications for trail projects across various municipalities and the county. These resolutions, totaling approximately $260,000, were moved forward to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for final approval. The committee also reviewed a new Highlands Conservation Act grant opportunity with a September 30 deadline.

• Approved Byram Township Trail Expansion grant ($21,360.00) (4-0)
• Approved Fredon Township Lodestar Park Trail grant ($24,080.90) (4-0)
• Approved Green Township Airport Road Trail grant ($24,140.80) (4-0)
• Approved Hopatcong Borough Trail Maintenance grant ($25,000.00) (4-0)
• Approved Lafayette Township Statesville Quarry Trail grant ($25,000.00) (4-0)
• Approved Newton Multi-Use Trail Improvements grant ($25,000.00) (4-0)
• Approved Sussex County Trail Crossing Enhancement grant ($25,000.00) (4-0)
• Approved Vernon Township Maple Grange Loop grant ($25,000.00) (4-0)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will consider several contract modifications for senior and disability services, as well as the purchase of new fleet vehicles and maintenance equipment. The meeting includes the insertion of multiple public health and transportation grants into the 2026 budget.

• Purchase of one John Deere tractor and boom mower for $171,466.52
• Purchase of three 2026 Dodge Ram 5500 chassis at $73,057.45 each
• Grant revenue insertions including $278,260 for Social Services for the Homeless
• Contract modifications for Newton Medical Center totaling $459,277.00 for meals
• Agreement with Township of Stillwater for de-icing materials through August 18, 2031

The Board approved a motion to place a resolution authorizing the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCUMA) to pursue a $100 million bond on the September 9, 2026 agenda, with Director Space and Deputy Director DeGroot voting no. The Board also adopted a long list of routine resolutions, including senior services contract modifications, grant insertions, equipment purchases, and appointments. In closed session, the Board authorized a settlement with Thomas J. McCormick, Ret., and approved resolutions on a limited cyber event and contract signing authority. Public comment was dominated by support and opposition to prior election-integrity resolutions and by requests for traffic safety measures on County Road 609.

• Approved motion to place SCUMA $100M bond resolution on Sept 9 agenda (3-2; Space and DeGroot no)
• Adopted Resolutions A-JJ including senior services contract modifications and grant insertions (5-0)
• Approved appointments to Community Transit and Disability Services advisory committees (5-0)
• Awarded contract extensions for pavement services and road equipment rental (5-0)
• Approved payment of bills List A (5-0) and List B (4-0, DeGroot abstained)
• Approved settlement with Thomas J. McCormick, Ret. (5-0)
• Approved resolution accepting recommendations to resolve limited cyber event (5-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing County Administrator to sign specified documents and contracts (5-0)

Board of Taxation

The Board of Taxation is meeting to review the 2026 President's Report and certify the 2026 tax rate. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from the July 15, 2026, regular meeting.

• 2026 Tax Rate Certification
• 2026 President's Report

The Sussex County Board of Taxation approved the certified tax rates, with Administrator Melissa Rockwell reporting that all rates were certified except Hopatcong Borough. The Board accepted the 2026 President's Report, which covers 127 appeals, and heard updates on 2027-2028 reassessments in Byram, Sparta, and Green townships. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were discussion only.

• Approved minutes of the July 15, 2026 regular meeting (all in favor)
• Approved certified tax rates, except Hopatcong Borough (all in favor)
• Accepted the 2026 President's Report covering 127 appeals (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned the meeting (all in favor)

Agriculture Development Board

The Sussex County Agriculture Development Board will discuss farmland preservation notices for the Liss Family Trust and Amanda Duncan in Wantage Township. The board will also review a grant application for Tranquillity Farms and provide updates on several ongoing projects.

• SADC Notice of Farmland Preservation: Liss Family Trust, Wantage Township
• SADC Notice of Farmland Preservation: Duncan, Amanda et al., Wantage Township
• Tranquillity Farms NJATP Grant Application
• Farrell SADC Direct Easement DOE
• Project notice updates for White Horse Estate LLC, Wilson Taylor, Hubbard Hill, and Vosper Fox

The Sussex County Agriculture Development Board approved the acceptance of sand for a riding arena and shipping containers for agricultural storage at Amazing Grace Farms, resolving a Fredon Township complaint. The Board also agreed to move forward with a farmland preservation outreach plan and approved the minutes from the June 15, 2026 meeting.

• Approved minutes of June 15, 2026 (5-0)
• Approved acceptance of sand for a riding arena and shipping containers for agricultural storage at Amazing Grace Farms (7-0)
• Agreed to move forward with the Farmland Preservation Process Review outreach plan

Development Review Committee

The Sussex County Development Review Committee will review several preliminary site plans and subdivision requests. Discussions include new multifamily and age-restricted housing developments, a retail cannabis business, and various residential lot subdivisions.

• Proposed 120 units of age-restricted housing and two group homes at 99 Mulford Road, Andover Twp.
• Proposed 36-unit multifamily residential project at 98 NJ State Highway Route 23, Hamburg Boro/Hardyston Twp.
• Retail cannabis business redevelopment at 70-72 Mill Street, Newton Town
• Proposed 12-lot single-family residential subdivision at 73 Pequest Road, Green Twp.
• New employee parking lot and stormwater basin reconfiguration at 220 Woodport Rd, Sparta Twp.

The Sussex County Planning Board Development Review Committee reviewed seven applications on August 17, 2026. It approved a retail cannabis redevelopment at 70-72 Mill Street in Newton subject to conditions, and approved a lot line adjustment at 26 & 32 Plotts Road in Hampton Township with comments. Two minor subdivisions — 90 Wintermute Road in Green Township and 166 New Road in Montague Township — were disapproved for nonconformance with County Land Development Standards. Four preliminary applications (220 Woodport Rd., 98 NJ State Highway Route 23, 73 Pequest Road, and 99 Mulford Road) were reviewed with comment; the minutes do not record approval or denial of those four.

• Approved subject to conditions: retail cannabis redevelopment at 70-72 Mill Street, Newton (Curiosity Cannabis LLC), Block 2.02 Lot 17
• Approved with comments: lot line adjustment at 26 & 32 Plotts Road, Hampton Twp. (John Fairclough), Block 3301 Lots 30, 7.02
• Disapproved for nonconformance with County LDS: minor subdivision at 90 Wintermute Road, Green Twp. (Grass Pond Perpetual Trust), Block 7 Lot 13.01
• Disapproved for nonconformance with County LDS: minor subdivision at 166 New Road, Montague Twp. (GDA Properties, LLC), Block 47 Lot 19
• Reviewed with comment: preliminary site plan at 220 Woodport Rd., Sparta Twp. (First Hope Bank), Block 2014 Lots 9 & 10
• Reviewed with comment: preliminary site plan at 98 NJ State Highway Route 23, Hamburg Boro/Hardyston Twp. (SMS Hamburg LLC, The Woods at Hamburg), Block 36 Lot 2 and Block 14 Lot 21.02
• Reviewed with comment: preliminary major subdivision at 73 Pequest Road, Green Twp. (Shushang Fang & Yi Wei), Block 17 Lots 9 & 10
• Reviewed with comment: preliminary site plan and minor subdivision at 99 Mulford Road, Andover Twp. (LMV Predevelopment LLC, Live Well Senior Cottages), Block 108 Lot 1.05

Solid Waste Advisory Council

The Solid Waste Advisory Council meeting scheduled for August 11, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2026.

Board of Elections

The Board of Elections is meeting to approve the 2027 proposed budget and the hiring of a part-time technician. Members will discuss poll book updates, voter registration processes, and potential state grants for surveillance and ballot processing equipment.

• Approval of the 2027 Proposed Budget dated 8/11/26
• Hiring of Karen Houben as NR-5, Part Time Technician and Office Employee
• Update on PB version 7.2.9.0 poll book updates for the November General Election
• Discussion of state grants for ballot box video surveillance and VBM ballot processing equipment
• PW Training scheduled for August 24-26 at Montague Community Center and August 31-September 2 at Sandyston Municipal Building

Water Quality Management Policy Advisory Committee

The Water Quality Policy Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 3, 2026.

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee meeting scheduled for August 3, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2026.

Planning Board

The Sussex County Planning Board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and consider one waiver request. No other new or unfinished business is scheduled for this meeting.

• Waiver Request for 35(PSP)24-25 American Red Crescent at 402 River Styx Rd. (C.R. 607), Block 30315 Lot 2, Hopatcong Borough

The Planning Board approved the June 1, 2026 meeting minutes and the June 15, 2026 Development Review Committee reports. The Board also memorialized a resolution for a property in Fredon Township.

• Approved June 1, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved June 15, 2026 Development Review Committee reports (6-0)
• Memorialized Resolution #2026-05 for Jeffrey & Vivian Coulson, Block 1002 Lot 18, CR 618, Fredon Twp. (5-1)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to consider resolutions regarding election integrity and state law enforcement policies. The body is discussing a request for an independent investigation into the registration of non-citizens to vote in New Jersey.

• Resolution requesting an investigation into the improper registration of approximately 6,600 non-citizens to vote
• Resolution opposing state laws A4071/S3521, S3114, S3216/A1743, A4070/S3522, and S-5036 regarding law enforcement and immigration
• Executive session to discuss litigation and attorney-client privilege regarding Dennis Library

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed two resolutions. One requests an independent investigation into the improper registration of non-citizens to vote in New Jersey, and the other opposes state laws affecting federal-state cooperation and law enforcement operations.

• Approved Resolution A requesting investigation into non-citizen voter registration (5-0)
• Approved Resolution B opposing certain state laws affecting law enforcement and federal cooperation (5-0)
• Approved amended agenda (5-0)

Board of Elections

The Board of Elections will discuss and prepare a public statement regarding a NJMVC error affecting voter registration in Sussex County. The board will also consider a motion to approve equipment repairs.

• Discussion of NJMVC error impact on Sussex County voter registration
• Proposed $1,313.05 ES&S quote to repair 8 ExpressVote voting machines

The Board approved a quote to repair eight Express Vote voting machines. Members also discussed creating a public statement regarding a NJMVC error affecting county voter registration.

• Approved ES&S Quote for $1,313.05 to repair 8 Express Vote voting machines (Passed via roll call vote)

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee meeting scheduled for July 23, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2026.

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will consider several infrastructure contracts, including roadway engineering and traffic striping. The meeting includes voting on FY2026 trails grant applications for multiple municipalities and various software licensing renewals.

• On-call engineering services for county roads from Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. for $489,912.00
• Traffic striping and pavement markings from Denville Line Painting, Inc. for $711,481.41
• FY2026 trails grant applications for 13 municipalities and the County
• Fire suppression and fire alarm contracts for county buildings, each not to exceed $250,000.00
• Purchase of two 2026 Dodge Ram 3500 chassis from Nielsen of Morristown for $67,221.57 and $57,726.32

The Board of County Commissioners approved a $711,481.41 contract with Denville Line Painting for traffic striping and pavement markings on county roadways, and authorized the County Administrator to file a motion to intervene in a New Jersey Board of Public Utilities proceeding against JCP&L. The board also adopted a large batch of resolutions covering software, equipment, grants, and 13 municipal trail grants, and approved three building-services contracts. No ordinances, appointments, or executive session were held.

• Approved $711,481.41 traffic striping and pavement markings contract with Denville Line Painting (5-0)
• Authorized County Administrator to file motion to intervene in NJ BPU docket EO25070453 against JCP&L (5-0)
• Adopted Resolutions A-EE, including $66,396 OnBase managed services and $116,700 ESRI license renewal (5-0)
• Approved 13 FY2026 Trails Grant applications totaling about $302,000 for municipal trail projects (5-0)
• Awarded fire suppression contract to Encore Fire Protection up to $250,000 (5-0)
• Awarded fire alarm contract to Integrated Systems Technology up to $250,000 (5-0)
• Approved payment of bills (5-0)
• Adopted June 10, June 24, and July 8, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0, DeGroot abstained)

Agriculture Development Board

The board will discuss the farmland preservation process and receive reports from Rutgers Cooperative Extension agriculture agents. The meeting includes a conflict resolution item regarding Amazing Grace Farms.

• Conflict resolution regarding Amazing Grace Farms
• Review of Farmland Preservation Process
• SADC Woodland Easement Program feedback
• NJDA Grant for Gleaning and Seafood Recovery Efforts
• Update on Four Seasons of Agriculture

The Sussex County Agriculture Development Board approved the Joyce Mooney 8 Year Farmland Preservation Auto Termination Resolution by a 5-0 roll-call vote. The board also memorialized the Hunts Mill Farm SSAMP Determination Resolution 4-0, with Chairperson Southway recused. In the Stone Mountain Farms conflict resolution, the board agreed to hold the matter and schedule another site visit in about 60 days to allow more time to comply. The board approved the May 18, 2026 minutes and received updates on the Four Seasons of Agriculture website, CPIG funding, and SADC activities.

• Approved May 18, 2026 minutes as presented (4-0)
• Memorialized Hunts Mill Farm SSAMP Determination Resolution (4-0, Southway recused)
• Approved Joyce Mooney 8 Year Farmland Preservation Auto Termination (5-0)
• Held Stone Mountain Farms conflict resolution for about 60 days pending another site visit
• Barnview application remains on hold