The Township Committee is comprised of three Committee members who are elected at large for staggered terms of office. Each year voters elect one of the members to a three (3) year term on the Township Committee. In January, the Committee reorganizes selecting one of its members to serve as the Mayor and a second member to serve as the Deputy Mayor. The title of Mayor is a largely ceremonial position responsible for chairing meetings, acting as the Committee president and representing Hardwick’s interests at regional and state functions.
The Township Committee adopts an annual budget, approves contracts and authorizes the payment of bills. The Committee further appoints the professional staff, consultants and members of various advisory committees and boards. The Township Committee is responsible for the adoption of local ordinances governing such diverse issues as land use and general nuisances.
The members of the Land Use Board act as both a Planning Board and as a Zoning Board of Adjustment. Members of the Land Use Board are local citizens who serve on a volunteer basis. One of the greatest responsibilities of the Board is to adopt a Master Plan and undertake subsequent reviews. While the Zoning Officer may approve zoning permits for structures fully compliant with local ordinances, the Land Use Board must take up applications where variances are required. The Board is responsible to approve all major and minor subdivisions as well as site plans for development.
The Land Use Board must act within the parameters of state statutes and published court decisions governing land use in the state of New Jersey.
Hardwick is served by a number of dedicated volunteers serving on a variety of advisory committees including; the Open Space Advisory Committee, Environmental Committee, Agricultural Advisory Committee, Recreation/Public Events Committee and the Grants Committee. Appointments take place at the annual January reorganization meeting of the Township Committee. Hardwick residents interested in serving on a board or committee should forward a letter or email along with a brief resume to the Township Clerk.
The Office of the Township Clerk is supervised by part-time Registered Municipal Clerk, Kristin Shipps. The office maintains municipal records, issues various licenses including dog licenses and undertakes general administrative duties for the township.
The Finance Department is managed by Hardwick’s part-time Chief Financial Officer, Christine Rolef.
Tax Collections including school taxes, county taxes, open space taxes and municipal taxes are billed and received by part-time Collector, Kerri Womack.
Property Tax Assessments fall under the jurisdiction of part time Assessor, Rich Motyka. The Assessor is semi-autonomous from the Committee, reporting to the Warren County Board of Taxation.
The North Warren Municipal Court provides all municipal court services on behalf of Hardwick. Municipal Court is held at 407 Great Meadows Road in Hope, 07844
Zoning Enforcement is provided by part-time Zoning Officer, George Boesze. Mr. Boesze undertakes reviews of construction plans, alterations and expansions for compliance with local zoning regulations prior to the issuance of construction permits.
Land Use applications for site plans, subdivisions, zoning interpretations and variances are submitted to part time Planning and Zoning Secretary, Kristin Shipps.
Construction Code services including plumbing, electrical, fire subcode and construction are provided by the local NJ Department of Community Affairs Office located in the Blairstown Municipal Building on Route 94 in Blairstown.
Fire compliance inspections including smoke detector certifications are also scheduled and conducted by the NJ Department of Community affairs located at the Blairstown Municipal Building.
Health Department services including septic and well permitting are provided by the Warren County Health Department located at 700 Oxford Road in Oxford.
Animal Control services are provided by a part time Animal Control Officer,. The ACO deals with a variety of domestic animal concerns. The ACO coordinates with the Warren County Health Department on rabies related matters. Wild animal issues such as bear, bobcat, coyote, etc. generally fall under the jurisdiction of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Public Works operations are conducted under the auspices of the Hardwick Road Department supervised by full time Certified Public Works Manager, Tom Campbell.
Mr. Campbell along with two full time Equipment Operator/Laborer is responsible for municipal road infrastructure in Hardwick, the municipal complex, Slabtown Creek Park and the annual Hardwick Clean-up week held in May. The department clears municipal roads during and after storms, plows snow, applies salt, mows roadside weeds, prepares roads for annual overlays, supervises contractors working on municipal infrastructure and undertakes any and all repairs and improvements to keep Hardwick municipal roads well maintained and in good condition.
Municipal Engineering services including but not limited to the issuance of driveway opening permits are contracted out by the Township Committee to consulting firm, French and Parrello. Denis Keenan is the local contact for Hardwick matters.
