During the recent Hanover Town Council meeting, a significant proposal was brought forward regarding the restructuring of the township’s engineering department. The administration proposed to expand the outsourcing of engineering projects to a firm named Colar Engineering and Design (CERS), which specializes in various disciplines, including civil and mechanical engineering, architecture, and planning. The aim is to reduce lag time between project planning and implementation, thereby saving taxpayer dollars and improving efficiency. The township engineer, alongside the business administrator, recommended this structural reorganization, which would involve the permanent separation of the least senior junior engineer from the department due to the anticipated increase in outsourced work.

Resolution 164 for 2024 emphasized that outsourcing would address delays and backlogs in the completion of essential municipal projects. It noted the existing relationship with CERS, used on a per-project basis, and highlighted the firm’s capacity to manage multiple projects efficiently. The proposal also underscored that outsourcing would allow the township to maintain internal control over strategic planning and management.

Discussion among the governing body followed the presentation of the resolution. One committee member acknowledged the importance of the engineering function within municipal operations and the challenges faced due to a growing number of projects and the changing nature of those projects. The member highlighted the need for a go-forward plan to optimize the engineering department’s performance. Specific examples included flood mitigation efforts concerning the Whippany River, which required specialized resources and collaboration with neighboring towns.

A different committee member, identified as the director of recreation, expressed frustrations regarding project timelines, referencing past experiences where upgrades to recreational facilities faced extensive delays. This project was successfully put out to bid within a year, contrasting sharply with previous timelines that resulted in increased costs due to delays. The member noted that timely completion of projects is crucial, especially when the lives of children and the community are at stake.

Another committee member reflected on the importance of getting projects done without unnecessary delays, citing a personal anecdote about a rock wall project at a pool that took several years to complete. The sentiment shared emphasized that time is a valuable resource, and the desire is to see projects realized before they lose relevance to the intended users.

The discussion also touched upon the collaborative efforts with the USDA and the funding received for the Whippany River remediation task force.

In response to the proposal, Maran Shams, a junior engineer, raised concerns about the township’s recommendation to outsource engineering work. Shams highlighted the importance of local engineers who possess a vested interest in the community’s well-being and argued that outsourcing could compromise accountability and increase costs due to necessary coordination and oversight. Shams voiced personal concerns about job security, pointing to the timing of the recommendation as potentially discriminatory. She expressed a desire for the township to invest in specialized training for current engineers instead of outsourcing, advocating for local job retention and better community understanding.

Following the discussion, the resolution was put to a roll call vote and was subsequently approved, confirming the council’s support for the proposed outsourcing plan.

The meeting also included updates on the Morristown Airport, addressing community inquiries about the airport’s operations and their impact on local residents, particularly concerning aircraft flight patterns. A resident and pilot, Ron, presented insights about the airport, highlighting its role as a national reliever airport and one of the largest property owners in Hanover Township. Ron provided statistics noting that the airport supports various economic activities, contributing approximately $187 million in total output spending into the community and employing over 60 individuals. Taxes paid to Hanover Township from the airport amounted to $376,000 in 2023.

The presentation addressed noise abatement and management of flight operations, emphasizing the presence of an international U.S. Customs and Border Patrol facility at the airport. Ron detailed services and improvements at Morristown Airport, including flight training and humanitarian operations, thereby highlighting its significance to the local economy and the broader community. As concerns about flight paths and noise were raised, Ron assured residents that airport management is aware of these issues and works on mitigating them. Ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as runway rehabilitation and drainage upgrades, were also mentioned as vital for maintaining airport operations and safety.

The council also approved the retirement of David White from the Hanover Police Department after 28 years of service, effective January 31, 2025. Additionally, four ordinances were adopted without dissent, and two new ordinances were introduced, including one for the installation of partitions in swimming pool facilities and another for resurfacing a section of Crescent Drive. The latter ordinance had a correction in the appropriation amount, changing from $50,000 to $60,000.

During public comments, several residents raised concerns about road safety and infrastructure. Susanna Rreo inquired whether any council members would attend a meeting organized by the Morris Township mayor regarding complete streets initiatives, which focus on improving safety for all road users. Another resident, Victoria Benson, expressed frustration regarding the lack of progress on road improvements requested nearly two years prior, highlighting issues with traffic lights and safety concerns. She emphasized the urgency of the situation for her neighborhood and the need for timely action.

The council provided updates on speed humps being installed as part of a phased approach, with a budget of $125,000 allocated for improvements. Benson also brought up drainage issues affecting her neighborhood due to flooding caused by the cemetery raising its property over the years. The council acknowledged the need for dredging and clearing debris from waterways to improve drainage, reiterating a commitment to seeking solutions.

Additionally, the council shared updates on ongoing engineering projects, including the paving plan for local roads and the completion of projects related to concrete and drainage on Ball Parkway. From a planning perspective, the council announced the approval of two new businesses and highlighted environmental initiatives, including a shredding event and a hazardous waste disposal day.