I will you know when you call me >> good evening welcome to the bedr township committee recognize that we have a full attendance by the township committee I didn't mention this is our regular I mean scheduled June 1 2026 tax committee
meeting here in person committee woman Fernandez committee woman Moreski committeeman Hickeyi attending remote while he's on the DL Minimman Rosen, Miss Ray, may we please have the open
public meetings act statement. >> Yes, mayor. Adequate notice of this meeting of the township committee was sent to the Courier News Somerville, Burnersville News, Whippony, and to all subscribers and post on the Township of Bedminister's official website at www.bedminsternj.gov
and at the township municipal building on January 6, 2026. Great. >> Thank you. Please join me in standing for the pledge of allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which stands one nation
under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. This is a uh election eve meeting. So, while we do have lots to talk about,
we also have to get Robin and Caitlyn out of here early because they'll be waking up at 4 in the morning to get ready for uh primary. So, we'll open up uh the microphone Zoom session for public comment. Any member
of the public wishing to ask a question, make a comment, ask for opportunity to do so. We're not entitled to an answer. You're not entitled to a dialogue with tenative committee unless when the committee decides to engage. And if you get an answer, you're not guaranteed to like the answer.
>> Public comment. >> Seeing none online. >> Seeing none online, let's proceed. We have two sets of meeting minutes to review and approve. It's May 4th executive session and the May 18th
township committee meeting. Any comments or questions? Cohen, you look like you have something you'd like to say. >> Nope. >> Believe it or not, no. >> Okay. >> I was not here at the 18th meeting. So, I allow you to >> Okay.
>> Vote on that one. >> Do we have a motion to approve? Let's go with the May 4th meeting minute meeting minutes at executive session. >> So, move. >> Second. All in favor? I. >> Thank you.
>> Let's do the May 18th TC meeting. >> So moved. >> And I got Colin. I'm stating I was >> saying. >> Okay. I have Gina and Renee both abstaining from the May 18th meeting minutes. I have a
motion by Colin Hickeyi and a second by uh Committeeman Rosen. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> To vote. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> Okay, >> we have four permits and raffles. A
purses of fireworks permit for a fireworks display scheduled for July 1, 2026 at 9:15 p.m. at Hamilton Farm Golf Club. a social affair permit to benefit with music in the Somerset Hills on June 12,
2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Dunwalk Preserve, which I believe is sold out cuz I checked yesterday. Ah, >> didn't really heard about it, but I checked and they're sold out. Um, on
premise 50/50 raffle to benefit Autism New Jersey, Inc. on September 14, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fidler's Elbow and an onremise merchandise raffle to benefit Autism New Jersey, Inc. on September 14th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to
900 p.m. at Fiddler's Elbow. Uh, so let's take everything but the fireworks permit. So, let's take BC and D. Any questions or comments regarding BC and D? Seeing none, take a motion to approve. >> So, moved. >> Second.
All in favor? I >> I >> fireworks. So, let's uh tackle the fireworks display. Um Chief has this gone through all the requisite reviews and >> I haven't seen it. Mayor, >> you have not? >> No.
>> Okay. Um Robin Jason, >> I have a copy from the uh fire chief that um he has reviewed and approved it. It's uh actually scheduled for July 1st with a rain date of September 7th
and it's uh I don't have a report from him other than from Janine that it's been approved. >> Should we have the duration in here? >> We can certainly table it until the June 15th meeting if you'd like to do that.
Frank has not seen it. >> I'm okay with doing that. Any other Does anyone see a need to push it through right now? >> No. >> No. >> Okay. So, we will table the fireworks permit until we get additional information until the chief gets to see
it and we get uh some questions asked answered. Okay. All right. Subcommittee reports start with um Committeeman Rosen.
>> Uh thank you, Mayor. On the wreck end, um camp is uh a few weeks away from opening, as is Beach Volleyball. The um Burnt Mills uh dog park has several um items that need to be installed. Opening
should be shortly on the garden front. Uh there are 175 plots. Um I believe Neil had told me earlier eight were released this week and kudos to uh Jason and DPW for uh filling up the plots and
uh keeping them going. Um on the fire department and uh squad front, they both had uh training sessions uh within the last week. And the fire department will be hosting a Firematics competition on
June 13th, which is a competition involving uh several area uh fire departments. >> And that is in recognition of the 120 Yes.
>> Anniversary of the Far Hills Bedminster Fire Department. >> Yep. Correct. And in addition to that too, I also believe um they are sh are selling supporter shirts um in honor of the uh 125th anniversary which can uh be
found I guess by checking out their social media pages. >> Yes. Yeah, I actually saw that uh I saw that today. >> So that's great. And you know, you mentioned the community garden. I just got to say, you know, at
the market um last two weekends, just the the response to the garden has just been fantastic. And I got to say, every time I uh drive by or I'm on the hike and bike trail,
there's cars there. And it's just just great to see. So, um that's great job, Jason. and Neil and to the garden uh committee. >> Uh Bill, do you have anything else or is that complete the report?
>> I'll have um some further um mentions um in my closing remarks. >> Okay. >> All right. We'll wait on those. >> Okay. >> Committee woman Fernandez. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I have a DPW update for you. Um, they've been working on the
police cars and DPW equipment, lining soccer and lacrosse fields, as well as grooming the ball fields, cutting the grass. Um, they are grading the dirt roads and applying calcium for dust control. Still building garden boxes.
Um, the street sweeping was completed on all township roads. Um, they're working on the street lights in Autumn Ridge. The JVH roof will be finished this week. That's great. and um brush that they collected was turned into mulch for township residents. I also have a an a
meeting I attended for the sewer transmission advisory board with um our hills and pac as well. And um we talked about appropriating funds from the reserve to cover the Miller Lane pump station repairs
second I mean second hopefully the the new project um is on what on you know task on schedule and um we won't need any more emergency repairs so that would be the hope and that's all
>> great Jason anything to uh add or have any further details on the pump station upgrade Yeah, they started digging around the outside of the tank. They're going to to refinish it all. So, they just started processing working on it.
>> It's a long long project. And um I know uh Bill had mentioned the pocket park, the crossroads. >> Crossroads. >> So, uh saw the curbing is in this morning. I wasn't sure if what else they did. >> I heard it's getting paved this week. >> Oh, really? >> That's what I heard.
>> Okay. So, the pavement will go in and then the other improvements and gazeos and landscaping all fall. >> Yeah. Basic. >> And I'm not sure if this Rene is reporting this or you, but this lands
with you anyway. Uh JVH roof repair >> that she posts on. It's uh should be completed this week. >> Okay. >> Within the next couple days. >> Yeah. I did speak with one of the contractors as they were leaving um on the park on Saturday. They said about three depending upon >> I think they'll be number one.
>> Yeah, good. Oh, that's great. >> Yeah, that's my >> two. Yeah, they're doing a great job. We're getting daily reports and with photos. I mean, just the best contract we ever work with. Totally top-notch. But um just real quickly, so we did apply um we did put in an insurance
claim for that. Uh we did receive a check from the insurance company for 95,000 and um we've applied for the balance of the um exposure to uh Somerset County for an emergency grant. So it's just waiting to hear on that.
>> Great. Okay, Committee Mores. >> So continuing on with JVH, um we are coming up onto Field of Honor as um most people who drive by see our flags out in the out in the lawn every year. Um, we
are starting that on June 14th. And as uh you may or may not know, you are invited to purchase one of these flags. They are in remembrance of of all of our loved ones who have fought in the in the wars.
Um, you can when you purchase the flag, you can uh send a little sentiment that goes on the flag so everybody can see who you've purchased this for and uh anything they mean to you. This year it's a little exciting be a little more exciting because we have a limited
number of flags that will be set up for each of the branches of the service. So we have the regular flags, those are $40 for purchase and then each of the branches of the the um the military. That's just an extra 10 um for that. But
that's that's exciting. Then that leads us into the Fourth of July picnic and that will be at River Road Park from 12 to 3 and we'll have tours of the house and that's going to be exciting now that the roof is done. Um we've got obviously the Field of Honor. There'll
be some historic games for the kids. Um music is going to be uh a 20piece pops band. John Luck Lucken Hill. It will be there on a barbecue and we hope to see everybody there right after they visit the farmers market >> and hopefully it'll be nice weather and
it'll be a great day. >> Great. >> And that's all I have. I have an EC meeting on Wednesday and I'll report back then. >> Right. >> Thank you, Committee Man Hickey. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening all. Uh just quick update, Florida Health, we had a routine business meeting on May 21st. No applications were heard and
I'll be honest, there is nothing remarkable to report on from that meeting. Uh, library mayor, I assume you're going to cover. >> You can cover it. >> Go ahead. >> I can remember what we talked about. You >> got it. >> No, I actually I'm trying to think. We we talked about the financial reporting
for some of the uh donations and actually I am working offline on getting that sized up and I have a meeting with the board president with Marie and our bookkeeper this Thursday. So that for the next board meeting, everybody should see a wholesome report of everything,
all where the money goes, how it's spent for all the donations. So that's in progress. Um, and I do not have a board of ed update. That's all I have, Mayor. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, so I'm just going to cover uh some some very broad uh strokes here. Um, farmers
market. So we had a little bit of uh rain on the grand opening for 2026. So even then uh we ended I think our count was 865 um on this Saturday the second day of
the market um we did a little bit better um as far as attendance even though even with 865 the market was super busy uh 1619 I believe was our number Saturday
>> um which would probably be our second most since opening day last year when we were at 1900. >> Yep. >> Um and I have a feeling that we're going to see similar numbers throughout the season. We had a lot of uh new folks
coming out there, a lot of new vendors and reaction from uh the residents was once again fantastic. So um kudos to everyone in putting all that work together. Um,
landings board, there was no meetings to report on since our last meeting and we have a land use board on the 11th. Do we have something on the 4th? >> No, no meeting on the fourth. >> So, it's just for the 11th.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> And I think we'll talk about um some other events that we've had in Bedminster, including the Memorial Day parade. I think we'll talk about that. We can do that during um closing comments. So, we'll just push
that back um towards the end of the meeting because I know we've got bunch of ordinances to go through. So, let's let's keep it rolling. Miss Ray, may we please have the administrator's report? >> Yes, Mayor. Um just other than working on um the sewer transmission advisory
board um a lot of programming for the Jacob's Vanderver House Field of Honor as um Committee William Moreski discussed the Fourth of July picnic. We're working with Peak Gladstone for that event. And then uh we have a Betsy Ross event for families and children
with children on June 14th. It's a historical reenactor. She comes, she engages the crowd. It's really terrific. the Betsy Ross flag um tells the story of how it came to be. Uh we've also conducted interviews for violations clerk. We have a a resolution on for
consideration for this evening to replace Richard Bruters who retired uh to go to law school. Um and then um our fire subcode official Steve Dill actually um moved on for responsibility
in his day job and so we conducted an interview today. And then outside of that, we have elections for tomorrow. So, polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And vote, >> Chief Bernardo.
>> I don't have anything, mayor. >> Nothing on community policing. We will keep on going. Introduction of ordinances. We have one ordinance. I believe we have one or one ordinance to introduce >> which is ordinance 202612.
This ordinance appropriates $105,000 from the reserve for stab sewer transmission advisory board for Miller Lane pump station improvements. If this ordinance is introduced, the public hearing will be on June 15th.
>> Oh, thank you. >> Yes, I know. I was able to do that math right in my head. How about that? Um, any questions or comments regarding the ordinance?
>> Seeing none, take a motion to introduce ordinance 202612. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Gina second. Thank you. >> Second. >> Uh, roll call vote, please. Committee Hickey. >> Hi. >> Committeewoman Moreski. >> Hi.
>> Committeewoman Fernandez. I committee min Rosen >> I >> and Mayor Jacobs >> I >> thank you. >> The public hearing for ordinance 202612 will be held on June 15th. >> Okay. We have one two three four five
six seven ordinances for second read public hearing and votes. So uh let's have at it. The first one is ordinance 20260005, an ordinance appropriating
$5,000 from the community, I'm sorry, from the capital improvement fund for building access control upgrades at township buildings. Robin, what's the $5,000 for >> um access the access and entries to um
the municipal building and um public works. So, these are all items. I should just preface this that most of these ordinances are all items that were discussed at length um during the budget sessions and now it's just appropriating funds so that everybody can actually spend it now that the budget has been
passed. So, >> so this is the electronic uh controls for uh the back over here, the front of the building and DPW. >> That's correct. >> Okay. Any further questions or comments regarding that ordinance?
Nope. >> Okay. Take a motion to open um the public hearing for ordinance 2026005. >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any member of the public have any
questions about the $5,000 to be spent on capital improvement funds for the building access control panels? Seeing none, take a motion to close the public hearing for ordinance 2026005. So moved. >> Second.
>> I have committee woman Moreski with a second. All in favor? >> I >> I >> take a motion to approve ordinance 20260005. >> So moved. Second. >> All Oh, sorry. This going to be a roll call vote, please. Committeeman Hickeyi. >> Hi.
>> Committeewoman Moreski. I. >> Committeewoman Fernandez. Hi. >> Committeeman Rosen. >> I. >> And Mayor Jacobs. Hi. Thank you. >> Next ordinance is ordinance 20260006. This ordinance appropriates $17,500
from the 2026 capital improvement fund for facility improvements. Miss Ray. >> Uh yes, mayor. This includes um HBAC upgrades for uh the police department and also HVAC upgrades for um the municipal building. And I Yeah, that's
it. This is >> any further questions or comments for Robin or Jason on the facility improvements? >> Seeing none, take motion to open the public hearing for ordinance 2026006. >> So moved.
>> Second. All in favor? >> I. Any member of the public have any comments regarding the facility improvements under ordinance 2026006? >> Seeing none, take a motion to close the
public hearing for ordinance 2026006. >> So moved. Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> And we'll take a motion to approve ordinance 2026006. >> So moved. >> Second.
Roll call vote, please. Committeeman Hickeyi, >> I. >> Committeewoman Moreski, >> I. >> Committeewoman Fernandez, >> hi. >> Committeeman Rosen, >> I. >> And Mayor Jacobs, >> I. >> Thank you. >> Next. Ordinance 20260007.
This ordinance appropriates $12,594 for various equipment for the Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company. >> Let me take that. So, it's helmets, it's turnout gear, and um firefighting equipment, tools. Uh Bedminister
Township pays 60% of their original request, which equates to uh 12,594 >> and the remainder being paid for by Tukberry. >> Correct. >> Any further questions or comments regarding that ordinance? >> Seeing none, take a motion to open the
public hearing for ordinance 2026007. >> So moved. Second. All in favor? I >> I >> Thank you. >> Does any member of the public have any questions or comments regarding ordinance 2026007 and the purchase of equipment for
Psville Volunteer Fire Company? Seeing none, take a motion to close the public hearing for ordinance 2026007. >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor? I >> I. >> And I'll take a motion to approve. It's
only the third. >> Speaking. >> Take a motion to approve ordinance 2026 seven. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call vote, please. Committeeman Hickeyi. >> I. >> Committeewoman Moreski. >> I. >> Committeewoman Fernandez. >> I.
>> Committeeman Rosen. >> I. >> And Mayor Jacobs. >> I. >> Thank you. Next is ordinance number 2026 reserve aid and ordinance appropriating $39,600 for various equipment for the Far Hills Bedminister Fire Department. Miss Ray.
>> Uh yes, Mayor. So, this actually includes um some of the rescue equipment, which are the parakeet struts that we saw in a demonstration uh last week for the fire department, as well as uh turnout gear uh totaling the um 396.
We pay um 80% of their original asking. Far Hills pays uh 20%. >> Right. Any further any further questions or comments regarding ordinance 20260008? Uh >> we we certainly did see that uh
equipment in use last week. >> Some closer than others. >> Some closer than other. >> Yes, we did. And you also gave a little bit of a training session for the squad as well. >> Covered all bases. He went there.
>> No further questions or comments are on that ordinance. I'll take a motion to open up the public comment for ordinance 20 I'm sorry the public hearing for 2026008. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. Anybody of the public >> have any questions or comments regarding the 39,700 for the Far Hills Bedminster Fire Department? >> Well, >> yes, >> we agree.
>> It is. It is. And uh the rescue equipment and turnout here is um you know, a lot of this is is personal protection equipment and we got to make sure our volunteers are safe. There's no further public comments. Take a motion to close the public hearing. >> So move.
>> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> you. >> And I'll take a motion to approve ordinance 20260008. >> So moved. Second. >> Roll call vote, please. Committee
Hickeyi. >> I. >> Committeewoman Moreski. Hi. >> Committeewoman Fernandez. >> Hi. Committeeman Rosen >> I. >> And Mayor Jacobs. >> I. >> Thank you. >> Next is ordinance 2026009 and an ordinance that authorizes the
funding of a 2026 capital project for street lighting upgrades in the amount of $15,000. >> Uh yes, mayor. Um this is something we've been doing for the last several years is putting money aside and the street lighting upgrades for um the
Hills predominantly the Hills neighborhood uh to repair um the underground cable and also replacement of lights as necessary. And so just to be clear that um the light fixtures that are being replaced have all been uh
there's some consistency and there's been coordination with the master associations and the HOAs about the type of fixtures that it's getting and everyone's on board. Any further questions or comments of
Jason or Robin on this ordinance? Seeing none, take motion to open the public hearing for ordinance 2026009. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any member of the public have any
questions regarding ordinance 2026009 and the street lighting upgrades. Okay. Take a motion to close the public hearing for ordinance 2026009. >> So moved. Second.
>> All in favor? >> I I >> Thank you. >> and take a motion to approve ordinance 2026009. So >> move that. >> That's Committeeman Hickeyi with the first. >> Uh second. >> Thank you.
>> Roll call vote, please. Committeeman Hickeyi. >> I. >> Committeewoman Moreski. Hi. >> Committeewoman Fernandez. >> Hi. >> Committeeman Rosen. >> I. >> And Mayor Jacobs. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Next, ordinance number 202610.
This ordinance appropriates $98,400 from the capital improvement fund for engineering design improvements to River Road for which the township has received a DOT grant in the amount of $379,427. Miss Ray.
Oh, do you want to check that one or you want me to >> just to cover the engineering cost for the pavement part of River Road. >> And which section of River Road is this uh taking? Is this tackling? >> It's on the uh >> farmers market.
>> Oh. Oh. So from from the from the intersection >> ridge turtle. >> So it's been patched a couple times and Right. Okay. >> They got to redo the turtle tunnels and pull them out. I mean, >> so you have to maintain the daylighting
for the turtles and >> Yeah. >> Okay. Got it. >> Clean it all out. >> Detour for the turtles. >> That's fine. >> Yeah. Jason, will you >> Yeah, just wash your hands afterwards.
Um, any further questions, comments of Jason or Robin on this ordinance? Saying none, take a motion to open the public hearing for ordinance 2026 010. >> So moved to second. All in favor?
>> I >> and open uh up to public comment. Any member of the public have a question or comment regarding ordinance 2026 010 and the capital improvements and the
engineering fees before project. >> Seeing none take a motion to close the public hearing. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> thank you. and take a motion to approve
ordinance 2026 010. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call vote, please. Committeeman Hickeyi. >> I. >> Committeewoman Moreski. >> I. >> Committeewoman Fernitz. Okay. >> Committeeman Rosen. >> I. >> And Mayor Jacobs. >> I. >> Thank you.
>> And our final ordinance for the evening is ordinance 202611. an ordinance authorizing the funding of the 2026 Chapo project >> for the repaving and reconstruction of Autumn Ridge and Gate House Roads.
Ms. Ray or speak to this one. Um so actually the amount that we're authorizing is 312,644 um that was appropriated in the um ordinance uh for the project. There is a grant that we did receive. It's offsetting grant from the department of
transportation in the amount of 194. >> So this is >> total project of 555. So 263 appropriated from the capital improvement fund 97,579
appropriated from the capital fund balance and 19446 from a DOT grants. >> Correct. >> Okay. Any further questions or comments regarding ordinance 202611?
Do we know approximately when this will start? We have a meeting on June 4th. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Same um same uh same old contractors that you
would >> It's been pretty different. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah, it's been different the last two road jobs. There's no further questions or comments from the town of committee. Take a motion to open up the public hearing for ordinance 2026 011.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> I have committeeman uh committeewoman Morasi on a second. All in favor? >> I. Any member of the public have a question or comment regarding ordinance 202611
and the paving project for ODM Ridge in Gate House? Nope. Take a motion to close the public hearing. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> All in favor? I >> I. And I'll take a motion to approve ordinance 2026 011. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call vote, please. Committeeman Hickeyi, >> I. >> Committeewoman Moreski,
>> I. >> Committ Fernandez, >> I. >> Committeeman Rosen, >> I. >> And Mayor Jacobs, >> I. >> Thank you. >> And Robin, do we have any further capital um projects from our budget session?
um not that was already previously included in the capital outlay. Remember that was a new process that we started this year. >> Okay. >> So that should wrap it up mayor. >> Okay. Thank you. We have one, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight items on the consent agenda. These are items of a routine nature. Any member of the township committee may pull one. Some or all of them offer individual consideration. Got a couple liquor license renewals in
here. The violations clerk accepting low from the fire department. Anything for individual consideration or everyone's good with the consent agenda? >> We're good. >> Okay. Take a motion to approve items on
the consent agenda. >> So move. >> So second. >> Okay. Roll call vote, please. Committeeman Hickeyi. >> I. >> Committeewoman Moreski. >> I. >> Committeewoman Fernandez. >> I. >> Committeeman Rosen. >> I. >> And Mayor Jacobs. >> I.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. We have no other resolutions on tonight's agenda. Um, we'll take a motion to approve the items on the bill list pending review of individual invoices. >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Roll call vote, please. Again, committeeman Hickeyi. >> I. >> Committee woman. >> I. >> Committeewoman Fernando. >> I. >> Committeeman Rosen. >> I. >> And Mayor Jacobs. >> I. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Uh, new business. Any items for
discussion for new business? >> New business. New business. >> Yeah. >> Old business. Utilities. Wait a minute. Heavy. >> So, we got to talk about JBH and the
picnic and the Field of Honor and all the fun stuff going on at the parks. And now I get to be the doubter. >> Indulge me for a few minutes. New Jersey American Water. They have filed for a series of rate increases on both water and wastewater. They do this on a
two-year cycle with the last increase having been approved in fall of 2024. I will walk you through what New Jersey American Water has requested in their filing. These rates have not been approved and are subject to BPU review. Residential waste, excuse me,
residential water rates statewide, assuming a monthly average usage of 5,793 gallons will go from $83.87 a month to $93.89 a month, which is a $102 increase per
month. Hydrogen rates, currently at $66 a month, would increase to $7244 a month, an increase of $644 monthly. Residents don't pay for them, but we do as a municipality. The township
currently pays $14,191 a month for the hydrants in Bedminster and $1,332 a month for the Pottersville hydrants for a total of 15,523 a month. So, those will be going up as well.
EDC wastewater rates metered would on average increase from $94.93 a month to $99.93 a month or a $5 increase. Your mileage may vary as that charge is usage base
calculated on actual water consumption. And here's the real kicker. EDC flat wastewater rates currently fixed at $80.93 a month are proposed to increase to $11947
a month representing a $38.54 monthly increase. The words I would use to describe that last request I cannot say on this day. Sister Mary Cupcake would not approve, but rest assured, I am dumbfounded by New Jersey American Water's utter
disregard for its rate payers. So, let's review how the rate filing process works. New Jersey American Water has formally submitted these proposed rates. And now, the case is heard by an administrative law judge, in this case, the Honorable Judge Jacob Girtzman.
Present at these hearings are representatives from New Jersey American Water, the NJBPU, the Office of the Rayair Advocate, who incidentally represents the public interest, and any interveners who want to file suit. Typically, these are larger interestlike corporations.
The public is also able to weigh in at these hearings, which is exactly what I've done in my capacity to represent the interests of the township and our residents. On May 21st, I submitted a formal letter to Judge Girtzman objecting to the proposed rate increases. highlighting in particular
the proposed flat rate sewer increase. That letter was also transmitted to the review secretary and is now filed under docket WR2601000. To date, I am the only elected official to have filed an objection in this case. Last Wednesday, May 27th, a public
hearing was held and I appeared before Judge Girtzman and the BPU. Mayor, if you'll permit me, I'd like to spend a few minutes now. I'd like to read into the record what I stated during the hearing the other day. So, I'll read that verbatim. Good afternoon and thank you for your time today. My name is Colin Hickeyi and
I currently serve as an elected member of the Benminster Township Committee and also function as the committee's utilities liaison. I previously submitted a letter to the board secretary objecting to the rate increase proposed by New Jersey American Water for its EDC customers here in Bedminster. Rather than read that into
the record today, I thought I would highlight several of the issues I have with the rate filing. What is particularly troubling is the proposed rate increase for bed residents for build for sewer service under a flat rate structure. Many of these customers reside in smaller low and moderate
income housing and their units are not separately metered. As a result, they often pay far in excess of their actual usage. Until two years ago, these customers were build at a monthly rate of just under $60 a month for sewer service or about $720 a year. For a
point of comparison, I lived in a four-bedroom home in Bedminster and paid $354 per year to the Bedminster Township sewer utility. At the time, people living in a one-bedroom condo were paying sewer fees that were twice what I
pay for service to a 3,500 ft home. In 2024, New Jersey American Water received BPU approval to increase flat rate sewer customers to 89, excuse me, to $80.93 per month, representing a 37% increase.
Now, those same customers who were previously paying over $700 per year saw their rates jump to $970 per year, or almost three times what I pay for sewer service at my own home. In their latest rate filing, New Jersey
American Water is now looking to increase flat rate sewer to almost $120 per month or $1,434 per year. Excuse me. That is a 48% rate increase in just 2 years and a doubling
of what the rate was immediately prior to the 2024 rate increase. By comparison, inflation averaged 2.9% in 2024 and 2.7% in 2025. The proposed rate increase does not mirror the rate of inflation, real wage
growth, or consumptions. Instead, in a meeting with elected officials several months ago, we were told that the rate increase is necessary to standardize rates across the New Jersey American Water Service Area. Not my words, theirs. I'm sure you're all aware of the
affordability crisis impacting New Jerseyians across the board. The proposed rate increase will disproportionately impact our most vulnerable residents, including those living in affordable housing or on fixed incomes. Given the severe economic pressures already facing our residents, I respectfully urge the board to reject
this blatantly excessive rate increase until a more equitable solution is presented for flat rate sewer customers and New Jersey American Water is able to financially justify any rate increase. Thank you for your time and for considering the concerns of Bedmiss residents, thereby ensuring that utility
rate increases are fair, justified, and in the public interest. And that was the end of what I read into the record the other day in front of the hearing. So what happens next? There will be a discovery period followed by settlement conferences and evidentiary hearings.
New Jersey American Water will attempt to make their case for why the rate increases are necessary and will likely site statemandated lead pipe and PAS remediation as their two major cost drivers. The rate pair advocate will make a counter case and the BPU will have to weigh the evidence before making
a final determination later this summer. They may approve or reject indiv individual parts of the filing and eventually will reach a settlement with New Jersey American Water. The final rates once approved would likely take effect in the third quarter and certain increases could even be delayed beyond
that depending on the BPU's review and determination. On a side note, New Jersey American Water is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Waterworks, which is the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United
States. It is a 24 billion company with over 5 billion in annual revenue. I point this out to emphasize the fact that we as a municipality don't control New Jersey American Water or EDC, the latter of which was acquired by New Jersey American Water in 2016. The rates
are filed with and slowly approved by the BPU as opposed to this body or the township. We will continue to represent the interests of our residents and participate in the process as an interested party and I will keep everyone apprised as the process continues to unfold.
Mayor, I'm happy to answer any questions from you or anybody else on the township committee, but that is where we stand right now on this. >> So, was there any um comment from the rate payers advocate? >> No. >> And do you know if uh who was there from the bread pairs advocate? >> I don't remember the name off top of my head. >> Okay.
>> And so, what's the next event in the schedule? Is there anything scheduled? You mentioned Discovery. >> They're they're in discover they'll go in Discovery now and that'll take about a month. They'll have the evidentiary hearings. They'll attempt to do a settlement. That may or may not happen. And the um while there are other areas
where New Jersey American Water has proposed rate increases um this particular rate increase the numbers that you mentioned are unique to the EDC to the Bedminster territory. >> Correct. That is correct. >> So that includes Bedminster as well as
parts of Burner Township. >> Correct. So, if you could um get a copy of what you submitted to BPU and to Judge Girtzman, um if you could just get a copy or give it to Robin to send over
to um the administrator and uh the township committee in uh Berners. >> We will do that. Absolutely. >> And send a copy to attorney Bolardo as well. Um, >> and there was no no reaction from No.
>> So, you just had an opportunity to read something into the >> you you you read into the record and then the next person goes and in my case, I was the only elected official on the call the other day. There were a couple of environmental groups that were represented as well as one or two members of the public. They were talking about the impact of the increased water
rates. Uh, again, from an affordability standpoint, but mostly with South Jersey was represented. >> Yeah. So, so no other representatives from >> Somerset County or in this area? No. >> Okay. Well, this is um this is certainly the opportunity for uh raising the
affordability issue. It's something that uh Governor Cheryl has um she ran on, >> right? >> And this is her BPU, the rate payers advocate, also appointed. Um, so let's see if uh we can get some action and uh
press and and certainly from from my perspective, thank you for you know >> it was years ago that I tasked you with >> um one of the first things I did as mayor was was appointing you as utilities liaison and um yeah glad uh
glad I did. >> This is just this is just egregious. So I mean we have to take a stand on this. This is this is ridiculous. >> Is there an opportunity for residents to get involved? letter writing, write their congressman, show up at a at a meeting. >> Yes. And all the above. You can certainly submit public comments. You
can call your congressman. You can call whoever you want. I mean, again, BPU will make the ultimate decision. We don't control that. >> Now, if there are correspondence to be provided, is that going to um is that going to Gdsman directly or
is it going to BPU? >> Yes. Yes. And yes, >> yes. Yes. Okay. >> Yeah. So, that's what we did. We submit the BPU secretary to Girtzman. >> Is there a is there a window? Is there a window that um >> usually when you do public comment on
these rate increases there's you know there's a window for I could certainly point that out. >> Okay. Yeah. to uh >> and maybe we can actually >> post this on the uh the town website and also send it out to the masters and the HOAs
>> once again not just in Bedminster but also uh for uh village north. Um >> John any any other areas in Bernard's that uh discharge the EDC? >> I I do not think so, mayor. I do know
that my annual rate for sewer is $500 and it's not increased to 10 years. >> Yeah, you're not going to EDC. You're you're going to >> I'm going to BTSA. So, I'm not aware of uh Well, obviously I think the impact is probably the same um in Bernard because
they're >> Yeah, it's Yeah, it's going to be the same. >> I've just not been discussing. Yeah. I'm just not sure which uh which communities in the Bernard section >> are served by >> I know it's Hills Village North. >> No. >> No. No.
>> Uh Hills Highlands >> up. >> Up at the top of the hill. Yes. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Hills Highlands. Hills Highlands, not North. I'm sorry. >> You knew what you were talking about. You just spelled with the wrong name. >> Yes. >> The one at the one at the top of the hill.
>> You're that cover all of that. And certainly Hills Village North as well as the Hills Village Mass Association are both impacted by these rate increases because they both have unmetered uh flat rate service to those homes. >> Yeah, that's that's it. It's it's it's as you said, it's egregious.
>> Yeah. >> Any any other great news? >> That's that's all I have today. >> Well, thank you for uh once again for for picking that up. >> And he will not be at farmers market this weekend. >> I'm my protective shield up there.
You're defending uh you're defending Bedminster. You're just reporting on um what >> don't shoot the message. >> New Jersey American Water is uh proposing. >> Absolutely. >> Uh we did not have a meeting of the Somerset Hills Public Safety Committee. We have one scheduled for
I think the 18th. So, we will not be talking about this at the next meeting either. Um we will go through township committee comments. Um before we do um chief we have a letter
um from someone complimenting PD and first aid. Do you mind if I read this into a few? >> Okay. So, I received an letter um by email um
and I just want to actually read it record. It's actually addressed to um Chief Bernardo and popping to me. Uh, dear Chief Bernardo, we are writing to thank and commend two of your officers whose quick actions and recognition of
an acute medical crisis saved my husband's life on a 4 to2 shift. April 28th, Lloyd was on his way to Swan Lake, New York. He had been working on our second
place in Delaware and traveling home on Route 206. He was stopped for erratic driving which could have been seen as a DWI. The officers called the paramedics and
he was transported to Morristown Medical Center Emergency Department. When I reached the emergency department at 3:00 a.m., the doctor told me another 6 hours and we would be having
another conversation. He was in septic and was heading towards shock. >> Important to know that after three days of testing and critical care, the illness was caused by a tick bite. After 5 days of remarkable care at
Morristown, he was discharged and is recovering here in New York State. We owe his life to your officers and the paramedics. As a retired emergency department nurse
for many years working in New York City and New Jersey, I more than understand the challenges faced by those on the front lines. I also know that officers and medics rarely hear about the positive life-changing impacts they make
on people's lives. We are eternally grateful for your team's impact on our legacy. uh signed um by the uh wife and and she that's her husband down here and chief uh you know kudos once again to
Bedminster PD for recognizing an emergency situation that was not necessarily a DWI and it was uh that action in immediately calling for the paramedics that obviously led to uh
saving the students lives. So once again commend Ben Minister PD and Chief for everything that you guys uh do and same to Benister first aid. I just want to read that into the record and let's go through township committee
comments. We do not have an executive session. So we will run through township committee comments and then we will adjourn and get Robin and Caitlyn home so they can get ready for tomorrow. Midman Rosen,
anything you'd like to talk about? It's up to you. >> Uh uh just for a couple seconds. Uh thank you, Mayor. And as had been alluded to earlier, uh we were observing a uh training demonstration session with
the fire department for some rescue equipment. And in the blink of an eye, I became a victim at this uh training session. Um, I tripped over a clearly marked visible yellow strap. Uh, suffered an extreme injury to my
patella, which I am in a brace for, uh, 6 to 8 weeks, which is why I'm attending the meeting via Zoom. But I just wanted to give a shout out to uh, Jason Groandike and the fire department crew and the Zach Rubin and the first aid
crew um, for their prompt response and excellent service and treatment. also to the uh police department too uh chief, you know, they were there also. And the the only uh negative thing I have to say is no lights and sirens uh go into
Marstown up 287. >> None. >> None. They said I I asked I said no lights, sirens. Uh now, Chief, is this true? He told me uh normally the only time they go lights and sirens are in route to the scene. He said going in
route to the hospital, uh no lights and sirens. It's true. We did the right thing. >> Okay. And >> come by, who puts our lights and sirens on. >> Okay. I I'll take you up on that. So,
>> um that's all I have there. >> By the way, he will. >> All right. >> He will. He will. He will absolutely do that. >> Did we get this claim yet? And by the way, you didn't uh you didn't mention kudos to Chris Crawl for taking pictures of this and sending it around to
>> Well, that that goes without saying. And um I heard before uh Jason mentioned there's a video circulating also. So, I can't wait to see I can't wait to see that go viral on uh YouTube and Tik Tok. >> Make a bloopers video.
But yes, so Chris Chris did capture the uh moment uh perfectly. >> Well, thank you, Bill. And on behalf of everyone here, uh we wish you a speedy and full recovery and can't wait to get you back in person. And uh I know you're
going a little stir crazy, but kudos for also to you to putting on a uh blazer tonight. So, welcome. >> Thanks. did not feel well stretching and moving around to get that on. So, u the
the s the sacrifices I make. >> Committee woman Fernandez. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I just wanted to, you know, thank Colin for all his help with the utilities over all the years really. I mean, the advances we've made in Bedminster and how much he's had to
deal with is incredible. And just remind everybody to get out and vote on. >> Okay. Thank you, Committee Woman Moreski. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, yesterday, if anybody was out and about, um, the Essex Horse Trials was held over in uh, Peep
in, uh, Bar Hills. And for those of you in the know, it's a a one-day event that does um, it used to be a three-day event, now it's just a one day, but it shows off our amazing horse flesh in this in this state. And, um, it's a free
event. Everybody should go if they get get a chance. Um, they help hold it about every year. I get to help with parking, so I get to do my farmers market thing and talk to everybody and get to see some of the horses running around and it's an amazing day and uh
they support the uh life camp and the kids come up and the parents come up and they get to sit in in a real nice area and see a lot of the good horse horse jumps, the water jumps and just if anybody gets a chance next year, it's held this time every year. Please go and uh and support it and you'll just have a
great day. >> Rene, how was the attendance this year? I I didn't see it really as marketed as much in the past. Toss it. >> It wasn't as advertised and I was kind of shocked considering how much we market our farmers market. Um and the
parking wasn't as full as it was last year. We had trouble fitting everybody in. It was it was pretty it almost like 3/4 of the amount of people that week of cars. Um could have had could have had a whole bunch more. >> Yeah. >> People were coming and going, but the
weather was spectacular. So if you wanted to be outside, it was a good place to go for they don't even charge for parking and they had some vendors, some food vendors and uh it was it was a lot of fun. But they really need to they really should market it more. I mean even if they just let us know it the
market, we could tell everybody the week before. Yeah, I did not go this year. I've gone prior years. I know you go every year and it's it really is a great event. Um, thank you many. >> All right. No comments. Thank you. So um
since our last meeting we had Memorial Day parade and I just want to again thank um Far Hills Bedminster Fire Department, Fire Hills Bedminster First Aid uh Volunteer Fire Company and Bedminister
UR I'm sorry Bedminister PD uh for participating and helping um orchestrate the Memorial Day parade. Um pretty good attendance this year. Um didn't run out of hot dogs. That was
good to see. Um and the speeches and the uh sentiment um truly appropriate for Memorial Day. And uh Council President uh Peter John uh Cucosello gave the uh
speech over at Bar Hills. I think he did a great job. And um just once again, you know, it reminds us of uh these two small towns and you know, as as Mayor Parker used to say, it's one of the few parades where you start out as an
observer and then 15 minutes later, you're in the parade as we march down towards Bora Hills and and uh and and do the appropriate uh honors there. So, um well, each gave out flags. so everybody
could participate. >> JBH gave out flags. Judy Sullivan was there handing out hot dogs. So, it was great seeing Judies >> and um >> really just just was a really nice day.
Jason, I know you you were out there. Um really just um great small town event and well done. Just see it continue like just like that. the long time to come.
>> That's all we have at 8:02. Take a motion to adjourn for the evening. And oh, one thing I do have to say for those who are running and who are on the ballot, good luck, Julia, good luck Colin. >> Thank you both running on opposed. So, I
think that's I think you guys are in good shape. >> And uh we do have to adjourn once again so that Caitlyn and Robin can get ready for tomorrow. There a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Thank you and good night, Bill. Feel better. >> Thanks, Larry. Good night, everyone. >> Every time. >> Good night. >> Oh my goodness. >> Good night, everybody. See you tomorrow.
>> Yeah, chief. Have a good one.