MONTVILLE, NJ – Aside from the major data center debate that took place at the Sept. 8 Montville Township Committee meeting, several other significant municipal business items were addressed during its meeting as well, including introducing a comprehensive overhaul of the local noise ordinance, introducing an ordinance authorizing open space trust funds for trail maintenance, and hearing public safety concerns over hazardous dead trees.
New Decibel-Based Noise Ordinance Introduced
The Township Committee introduced Ordinance 2026-32, which completely repeals Chapter 255 of the Township Code and replaces it with a new framework modeled after the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) Model Noise Ordinance.
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The new rules move local enforcement away from subjective "disturbing the peace" complaints and institute strict decibel thresholds. Enforcement will be divided between certified Noise Control Officers equipped with sound meters and Noise Control Investigators handling time-restricted activities.
Key elements of the proposed ordinance include:
Open Space Funds for Trails and Property Sale
Township Administrator June Hercek detailed two proposed ordinances regarding open space trust funds. Ordinance 2026-28 introduces funding to purchase and install open space signs across township properties, while Ordinance 2026-31 authorizes funds for maintenance, repair, and restoration of township recreational trails.
“Both items are improvements to the property and allowable uses of the open space funds,” Hercek said. “We can't purchase property and not have the means to maintain and improve them without impacting the operating budget. That is why these are allowable uses under the Open Space Trust... we’ve now taken on about two miles of new trails that will need regular maintenance.”
The public hearing for the noise, open space signs, and trails maintenance ordinances will be on Sept. 22.
Hercek noted that quotes are currently being sought for maintenance on the Waughaw Valley Trail and the trail at the Metro property.
The Committee also highlighted Resolution 2026-329, which authorizes the public sale of township-owned property at 70 Changebridge Road. The 0.67-acre buildable lot is scheduled for public sale on Oct. 13, 2026.
Addressing municipal transparency, Hercek highlighted that township meeting minutes are available by the subsequent meeting, which she called “one of the fastest turnaround times in the county,” while noting that linked resolutions and ordinances on meeting agendas ensure clear public access.
Resident Raises Tree Safety and Roadway Maintenance Concerns
During the public portion, 50-year resident Anthony Pia Costa recounted a near-miss while driving on Pine Brook Road.
“A limb of a tree fell right almost directly… I had to veer to avoid it over to the other lane... This particular log hit my car,” Pia Costa told the Committee. He suggested the township consider providing financial assistance to homeowners to help remove dangerous trees sitting just outside the municipal right-of-way that pose a threat to roads or power lines.
Pia Costa also voiced frustration over overgrown vegetation along roadways and guardrails on Hook Mountain Road and near Waughaw Road, proposing that the township pilot seasonal contracts with small vendors to keep targeted streets manicured.
“Montville has, over the years, I've been here 50, developed into a beautiful suburban community,” he said. “So it's time that we act that way, and we put some credence on having a visible, beautiful landscape.”
In response, Hercek indicated that while the township will not extend funding to remove private trees, municipal crews continue to address hazards in public rights-of-way.
“We have spent a tremendous amount of money removing dead, diseased trees in the township right of way, and so we'll continue to do that,” Hercek said, adding that officials will evaluate outsourcing guardrail brush clearing as suggested. Mayor Frank Cooney noted that the municipal zoning officer regularly issues violations to property owners whose private trees present a clear danger.
Additional Business
In other business, Louie March III was appointed to the Planning Board.
The next Montville Township Committee meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22, 2026, at 7 p.m.
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