One Minute to Mansfield - Episode 8 - Town Meeting Recap - 11/12/2025

The most recent Mansfield Township Committee meeting addressed staffing in the police department, upcoming public events, road projects, truck noise on Route 57, and ongoing disputes involving the APM property. Several matters raised by residents will require continued follow-up.

Officer Swearing In and Clerk Updates

The meeting began with the swearing in of Police Officer Jared Van Valkenburg. Afterward, the Township Clerk provided several updates. A rabies clinic will be held at the DPW building on November 15. A Real ID processing event hosted by the MVC will take place on November 17, and residents must register in advance.

The Clerk also outlined new state requirements that begin in March 2026. All municipalities will be required to publish legal notices on their websites with a prominent link on the home page and to keep an online archive for at least one year. The township website is already being updated to include these features on January 1.

The Clerk also noted that the new Tri-County fire truck and the old EMS squad vehicle will be retitled. Once the squad vehicle is retitled in the township’s name, it will be auctioned with a starting bid of one thousand dollars. Operation Toy Train will stop in Port Murray on December 6, and the police department is collecting toys for the event.

The Finance Department reported that several escrow refunds are on the consent agenda following a recommendation from the township auditor. The annual tax sale for unpaid 2024 taxes will be held on November 19 and currently includes twenty properties with various delinquencies. The 2026 township calendar has been printed using Clean Communities grant funding.

Residents should ask:

• Will the township provide a clear guide on how residents can find the new online legal notices starting in 2026?
• How will the township ensure the public does not miss important notices once they move off newspapers?
• What steps will be taken to explain the tax sale process and its impact on affected neighborhoods?

Road Projects and State Coordination

The Township Engineer reported that Schneider Road Section 2 is nearly complete. Only punch list work and a final inspection by the state remain. The Mitchell Road improvement project is also moving forward, but the township is still waiting for the contractor to return signed contracts and required bonds.

A sight line issue at Route 57 and Thomas Knoll Boulevard remains unresolved. The developer’s attorney has not yet scheduled a meeting to address the matter. The township is also coordinating with NJDOT after a resident requested a delayed green light at Route 57 and Airport Road. The engineer explained that this traffic concern appears to be made worse by the current detour through Kings Highway.

Residents should ask:

• When will the remaining Schneider Road and Mitchell Road work be completed?
• Will the township publish all correspondence with NJDOT regarding the delayed green at Airport Road?
• How will the township respond if the developer continues to delay resolving the sight line problem at Thomas Knoll Boulevard?

Truck Noise on Route 57

Residents again raised concerns about heavy truck traffic and noise along Route 57. One resident reported eight tractor trailers passing his home in one hour, several using loud engine brakes despite carrying light loads. Indoor noise levels reached around sixty five decibels.

The Township Attorney explained that a ban on engine braking cannot be enforced under state law. Noise violations can be enforced, but only if an officer observes the violation with a proper decibel meter. The attorney suggested the township may consider requesting state approval to install signs that discourage unnecessary engine braking.

Residents should ask:

• Will the township request NJDOT approval for signs discouraging unnecessary engine braking?
• Can the township establish a system to collect noise readings so enforcement is not dependent on chance observation?
• What options exist for coordinating with NJDOT and State Police on Route 57 noise and modified exhausts?

APM Issues Continue

A significant portion of public comment focused on APM on Route 57. Residents raised concerns about grinding noise, runoff, and alleged expansion of nonconforming uses. Some stated that the zoning officer is not responsive and that enforcement has been inconsistent.

The Township Attorney said the township has filed a complaint against APM, but injunctive relief was denied because the company had temporarily disconnected the wood boiler that triggered the request. The case will now move through the normal legal process, which includes time for the company to file an answer followed by discovery.

The Engineer noted that APM’s land use application was reviewed and found incomplete. Until the required documents are provided, the application will not move forward. The Attorney confirmed that additional zoning violations were issued recently, and that enforcement has not stopped.

Another resident described serious runoff issues that have washed out part of his private access road. He stated that water flowing from Route 57 and from APM’s property has caused significant erosion. The Attorney acknowledged that certain matters fall under the jurisdiction of the state and that prior DEP violations remain unresolved. The Engineer advised the resident to contact NJDOT about the drainage issue on the state highway.

Residents should ask:

• Will the township provide a public timeline of enforcement actions taken against APM?
• Is the township planning to expand zoning enforcement capacity to address persistent complaints?
• How will the township coordinate with DEP and NJDOT on runoff, erosion, and wetlands concerns?
• What steps will be taken if the legal process does not produce timely improvements at the site?

Executive Session and Other Matters

The Committee later entered executive session to discuss a solar feasibility study, DPW staffing, and a personnel matter in the municipal court. No action was taken. Upon returning to public session, the Committee briefly discussed the ongoing rescue squad litigation and the process for titling fire and rescue vehicles. Insurance costs for keeping certain vehicles under the township’s name will be reviewed.

Residents should ask:

• When will details from the solar feasibility study be made public?
• How will the township share updates on the rescue squad litigation and any related costs?
• What criteria will be used to decide whether fire and rescue vehicles should be titled under the township or assigned to the departments that use them?

The Takeaway

The meeting highlighted several issues that will require ongoing attention. These include township and state actions related to APM, noise and heavy truck traffic on Route 57, the completion of local road projects, and new state requirements for public notice procedures. Residents should continue to monitor how these matters progress since they directly affect daily life, property conditions, and township operations.

Full Meeting Audio

MANSFIELD TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

November 12th, 2025 - 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Downloadable Files

Meeting Agenda - Here

Meeting Minutes - Here

Bill List - Here

Mansfield Township Committee Meeting Summary For Residents