I open the Berners Township Committee meeting for July 29, 2025. Please stand for the flag salute to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands nation andice for all.
Mayor's opening statement. Adequate notice of this meeting was posted on the Bolton board in the municipal building one collar lane basking bridge on the township website and emailed to the Burmanville News Whippony the Curry News Bridgewater tap into.net patch.com and filed with the township clerk on
December 18th 2024. Any motion going to go into close session will include that matter discussed at such close session will be disclosed to the public when such matters are finally determined and there's no further reason to prohibit the public from disclosure of information relating to such matters. No
new business will be introduced after 10:30 p.m. Public comments will be accepted accepted at all meetings. Speakers will be limited 5 minutes each. All meetings will adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. Roll call. Kendra, >> Miss Acy >> here, >> Miss Dwarte McCarthy
>> here, >> Mr. McN >> here, >> Mr. Tani >> here, >> Mayor Fields >> here. >> Kathleen Finley is filling in for John Bolardo this evening. >> Executive session Kendra, >> none this evening. Mayor
>> presentations, >> none this evening. >> Public works, >> none this evening. Mayor, >> correspondence, >> none this evening. >> Next is public comment. Comments are welcome during the public comment period during this meeting on any agenda item or other matters over which the township
committee has jurisdiction. However, if an ordinance is listed for its own public comment on the agenda, please hold your comments for that particular public hearing. The public comment portion of the agenda is not structured as a question and answer session, but offers an opportunity to share your thoughts
with the township committee. The committee may or may not address these comments during the meeting. However, all comments are considered. To address the spider, the speaker must come forward to the microphone, states his or her name, and addressed for the record. Each speaker is limited to 5 minutes. The clerk will keep time. Please
promptly yield the floor when time is called, and return to your seat. Your cooperation in adherence to these rules of order will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. I open public comment. Hello.
>> Hello. Sutra uh 214 North Maple. Um I just wanted to ask uh John Bolardo had did such a fantastic job uh for those of us those of us who actually listen to it in the explanations of the whole affordable housing and all those rules
and what we had to follow. I'm just wondering if there's some kind of way since there's been new legislation that actually just passed and is going to sort of change the possibly change the game a little bit if if we can get some kind of uh summary or something like
that for what does that mean for those of us who are continuing to to follow the affordable housing situation. >> Okay. Right. Thank you. >> Thank you. I'll get back to you on that. Good evening, madame mayor, deputy mayor, committee. My name is Paul Witty.
I'm an attorney. Um, I reside at 44 Tuxford Terrace here in Basking Ridge. My wife and I moved to town in 2008. Um, I am speaking tonight um in response to some comments that were made by Deputy
Mayor McNet on July 29th, 2025. Specifically, those comments addressed the Bernard's Township Law Enforcement Fund of which my wife Erin Witty is a founding member uh which has presented
before the committee before. Indeed, Deputy Deputy Mayor McN has introduced my wife as a founding member at a community organization before. I was shocked to see Deputy Mayor McN's comments made in a public forum in the
context apparently as Deputy Mayor with what appears to be uh the backing of the committee without actually saying so. A number of the deputy mayor's comments were cloaked in statements like my opinion, I thank things like that. So, I
wrote the deputy mayor an email and I carboned the entire committee on uh July 31st and I would like to address five bullet points before the committee tonight because I received no response to my
email. First, the BTLEF is a registered 501c3 organization. The deputy mayor made a point of saying that quote, "No money raised by this organization has been passed to the police department, and it's really important to say that this fund is not
an arm of the municipality. It's not endorsed by the municipality or the police department," unquote. I then asked the deputy mayor in my email, which again got no response, why he made that statement and if that statement was intended to accuse the
BTLF of impropriy. I received no response. I am one of the supporters of the BTLAF as are other members of our community and businesses here in our community and I think that those community members and those businesses are entitled to know if the deputy mayor
is speaking on behalf of the committee or on behalf of himself. Number two, I mentioned to the deputy uh uh mayor that his support that the police department is adequately funded was predicated on
in part a website which is only based on information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and events that triggered my participation and support of the BTLF like the breakin of my home while my wife, children, and I slept at 4:00 a.m.
the stealing of my car, the stealing of my wallet, all in 2023. And I have a long memory and I'm sure the committee recalls as well. There were a number of robberies in the town at that time, not only in Basking Ridge, but in other towns. But that kind of event is what
spurred me on to support the police in any way I could. Third, I pointed out to the deputy mayor that no one at the Btlef, as far as I was aware, had commented that the police were inadequately funded. rather the BTLF is intending to further support the police
and show their uh gratuitity. Number four, what was extremely disturbing is that the deputy mayor appeared to endorse other causes. Um specifically naming other organizations. Um is that and I I asked the question and I asked it again tonight. Is that the committee
endorsing specific charities and uh stating that other charities are unworthy of their support? Because I don't think that is the purpose of the committee. the committee does not select which charities are worthy of the of the community's support. Um, and finally,
there is a statement, and this is probably the most important one, that the police department will not accept donations from the monies raised by the BTLF. It is my understanding that last week a news reporter contacted Mayor Fields. that mayor Fields also appined
that the police department will not accept donations from the BTLF. Uh approximately an hour ago, there was a report on the Bernard's patch which addressed that. Um I note that there are other organizations that support the BTLF including ones the mayor may indeed
be uh involved with. So I asked the committee and the town, is there indeed a committee position that the Bernard's Township Police Department will not accept donations from the BTLF, which are provided without reservation, asking nothing in return by citizens who are
solely interested in supporting their community and making it as safe as it can be. I thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Anyone else going to close public comment? Staff comments.
Pat. >> Uh, thank you, Mayor. I just wanted to welcome uh Jeremy Cabelloo, our new part-time rehs uh inspector at our health department. And also congratulations to Steve Mahoney who be picking up the uh fire sub code duties among other duties that he currently
performs. So that's all I have. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you, Kathleen. >> I don't have >> Okay, Kendra. >> None this evening, Mayor >> David. >> Thank you, Mayor. First, I want to give
my deepest condolences to the family of Papac Gladstone Council President John Sweeney. Uh John was a true gentleman who always greeted you with a smile and a kind word. It was an honor and a privilege to know him and to campaign with him. So may he rest in peace. At
our July 29th meeting, the owner 99 Lord Sterling Road brought to our attention that his property was vandalized with anti-semitic and anti-Islamic graffiti. And I just want to take this opportunity to denounce this hatred. This type of bigotry has no place in Bernard's Township or our country. I hope the
owner can secure the property to rent this type of crime and prevent the property from becoming a nuisance to the neighborhood. And I remind every citizen if they experience this type of crime, please report it to the police immediately. Last Tuesday, I joined my colleagues at the National Night Out. This evening,
this evening was a great opportunity for residents to interact and thank our local first responders. And I want to thank Jennifer Gander and all the parks and recck employees who planned and participated in the event. Thank you also to police chief King, Officer Tracy
Bulacer, and all the officers who coordinated and attended the successful event. Um, I too want to recognize two appointments. Uh, we'll be approving later this evening. Uh, first, congratulations to Steve Mahoney as appointment to fire subcode inspector.
As a contractor, I've known Steve for many years and he is a fine inspector and township employee. Steve has been assisting with fire inspections along with his other duties and now he would be the official inspector. So I know he will continue the good work. Second, this evening we are appointing special
law enforcement officers to serve in our schools because the safety of our children, teachers, and school staff is a top priority. Pleasant Valley Pool. This year's uh Bernard This year Bernard Township in partnership with the New Jersey Swim Safe Alliance, NJRPA aquatic
section and dolphin swimwear have been collecting new unused boys and girls bathing suits and goggles to be distributed by member agencies and social services to children in need. In New Jersey, swimsuits are required to be worn during swim lessons. Bathing suits
lead to swim lessons and swim lessons save lives. The final day for drop off is August 15th. Drop off locations are Town Hall and Pleasant Valley Pool. So, please donate before the deadline. Monday, September 1st is the last day of the pool session. And I want to thank
the pool staff and the lifeguards for another successful season. Parks and Recreation. This evening at 800 PM is the last outdoor movie night at Harry Dunham Park. Tonight's movie is The Parent Trap. This event is co-sponsored by the Municipal Alliance. Next Tuesday,
August 19th at 6:30 is the final night of our Concerts in the Park series. Beetle Mania again will be performing The Greatest Hits of the Beatles. So, please attend. The deadline to purchase Hometown Heroes banners is August 31st for November installation. And if you would like to
honor a veteran who lives or lived in Bernard's Township, please do so before the deadline. Registration is open for fall youth and adult tennis lessons and adult pickle ball lessons. Please see the township website for details. And finally, the
next recreation, parks, and pathways advisory committee meeting will be Monday, September 8th at 700 p.m. for anyone interested in attending. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jen. >> Thank you. So, I'd like to um reference a comments
that were raised related to a policy asked about the township committee in our position on accepting donations. And I'm just going to say for the record, I'm not aware of any policy that prohibits donations that can be uh given
to the town or the police department. And as I look further into all of this, um, I'm aware that the town has, if you look on the finance web page going back to 2015, there are line items in which the town has accepted donations um, in
many areas, including Mr. Tenry just referenced the uh, veterans banners. Those are funded as donations um as the in parks and wreck as well as in um uh I'm sorry it's disruptive.
Thank you. Um so uh the town has also specifically line items for police of police equipment, police programs and community policing. So, um, and I'm also aware that, um, right now there's active solicitation for, uh, first responders night, which is in October, and that is
an event that, uh, thanks first responders that include police officers. Um, and those are donations that are being solicited from residents as well. So, I'm just going to say I'm not aware of any policy on that particular thing and and that's my comment. Um, so let me
switch into my reports, please. Um, National Night Out was a wonderful night. My family enjoyed all the displays. I learned from Chief Heiner that the vet the volunteers trained on their newest apparatus, Ladder 20. They spent numerous hours learning on how to safely operate and maneuver the new
ladder truck, including the aerial ladder. So, a huge thank you to them. The health department um also had some really interesting things and valuable things. for instance, the radon kits that are free for residents, one per household. Um, so that was nice to see
those as well as um some unique items such as a swim safety bracelet. Last week also the health department held a packed nutrition presentation and live cooking demo. Stay young at heart at the Longill Township Library. There were registered dietitian nutritionists from
Nourish and Thrive Nutrition Center who discussed how to manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol by increasing fiber from whole plantbased foods and shared ways to boost flavor while consuming low sodium and low saturated fat meals and snacks for optimal heart health. It was a packed
room. Um there were really great recipes. Um and now I'm excited to try to figure out what to do with chia seeds. This morning I enjoyed spending time with our Basking Ridge business alliance and enjoyed talking with them and encouraging our small business owners
again around the NJA small business grants and we'll continue to encourage that. Coming up um in the spirit of the fabric of Burnhams, the Basking Ridge Indian community has the indepian independence day walk on Friday, April
15th at Harry Dunham Park. They meet around 6:30 and walk at 700 p.m. I participated in this last year and it was a really wonderful event, very inclusive, humans and animals and it was it was really great. So hopefully folks can get out to see that this week. Um
and the health department also has something exciting to share. Um they are they've launched constant contact sign up for the Bernard Township Health Department update. So this is new and this means that the it's the last direct email distribution of the health matters
e newswsletter and moving forward all program updates will be sent out via constant contact as of September 1, 2025. This signup is also meant to be shared um so all residents can receive the newsletter and programs directly. So
please um go to the the current newsletter for the link and sign up for those updates. And last but not least, um reason uh this happened within my neighborhood, so I felt compelled to share it. It is the season for solicitors, right? Um and so it's
important reminder for all of our residents to to know that we do have an ordinance and very simply, a township issued solicitor's badge should always be visible. Um the company applies to the clerk's office and after police
background checks, a solicitor badge is provided. So, please go to the township's website, the municipal clerk's page, or you can just search solicitor on the township website and you can find out more. So, please continue to research that information and share with your neighbors and stay
safe. Thank you, Anna. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I also want to start by congratulating the personnel appointments of Steve Mahoney, Jeremy Cabelloo, and our special law enforcement officers. And also wanted to um as David very thoughtfully said just reflect upon the passing of candidate
Sweeney Pek Gladstone. It's very sad very sort of shocking. We all serve you know service is something that matters and his inspired opportunity to serve yet again and run for office was cut short. So my condolences to his family
and to those who knew him. Um just a couple of updates and then I will address your comments Mr. White that you made at public comment. Uh first of all for the anniversary committee update in recognition of our 265th anniversary and in anticipation of the nation's 250th
anniversary Bernard Township Farmstead Arts and the Basking Ridge Business Alliance will host an event at the Farmstead on Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. And the event will celebrate the Colonial Farm as the original work from home and pay tribute
to the contributions of local businesses both past and present. And folks will be able to view the uh a new display that traces the business and economic history of Bernard's Township from colonial times until today. You will be invited to bring items to be appraised also by
an antique appraiser, John Bells, of RZM Fine Art and Antiques inside the beautifully restored English barn. So, we're really excited about this. It's a great way to have your families and friends come to the farmstead, celebrate our community, and also we will encourage people to take self-guided
tours using the maps provided. And there'll be more on this. Um, I see one of our trustees here. So, we will continue to just provide more social media hopefully make it a really nice celebratory event. Uh, Municipal Alliance and I'll pause here to say kids are going back to school in a few weeks.
Um, I want to wish everyone a safe and great school year, a fond farewell to our students who are going off to college for the first time. Um, so it's it's usually, you know, September brings that that transition and I saw a party today where students were celebrating
someone going off to college. So, brings back some nice memories and again, just hope everyone has a great school year. So, along those lines, Municipal Alliance focuses on our youth. Uh there are a couple of activities for the teenagers to get them settled and getting back to school. In August, there
will be a back to school grabandgo bag available in the Burners Township Library teen room on August 13th from 5 to 7 and Thursday, August 14th from 3:00 to 5:00. The kit includes back to school necessities, so make sure your students get there. Uh, a mind and mingle
activity will be running on Tuesday, August 26 at the Bernard's Township Library teen room. This is a great way for students to manage their stress and or just connect with others and they can create a mindfulness glitter jar at this program.
And then uh just quickly commenting on some things that have already been shared, but National Night Out was terrific. We were all there last week. I want to thank as well all those involved in offering this program in particular our first responders, the police department, uh the community policing
area had a lot to do with that work and our parks and the rec team and of course DPW. So on the police department and reacredititation, our police department is currently undergoing reacredititation and this is administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and
requires departments to comply with the best practice standards in five basic areas. Our police department has been accredited for some time now. The department goes through this process every three years. The whole team is working on this process and is being led by Lieutenant Alex Mcnite. As part of
this process, the public is invited to provide feedback and comment on department performance. Comments may be offered by calling uh the number 908204882 on September 5th between 10 and 11:00 a.m. Comments can also be sent by email
to the police department at accreditation burnardpsd.org. And there will be more information forthcoming on this so folks know that this is available. I also want to offer special kudos to the Burners Township Police Department in responding to two crash scenes on Tuesday, August 5th,
including one that became a car fire. The swift efforts of the responding officers had a positive and safe outcome. Just quickly commenting on 99 Lord Sterling Road, at our last meeting during public comment, there was a presentation made followed with a number
of resident comments. I want to circle back to my comments that evening regarding what we heard as they were initially misqued in the press and then graciously corrected. I used the metaphor tyranny of ore o r and it was published as tyranny of war. So I just
want to clarify that's not what I said. Uh rather that the tyranny of ore when used in discussions pushes people to believe that it must be either A or B or not both. And what we heard in the presentation was that the township committee needed to designate the site as a redevelopment area or the buildings
would stay in the current condition. I see it differently. There are various pathways that the developer can pursue. And to that extent u I wouldn't want us to be brought into a conversation where there are only two options. And then as my colleague David shared um you know
our community values our diversity. We celebrate it throughout the year here at our meetings. Uh we foster inclusion and likewise please report any bias incidents that might occur. And then lastly on the Burner Township law enforcement fund as a township committee
member I see it as my responsibility to perform due diligence on any organization that wishes to give funding to the township to ensure that the organization's mission and objectives are allowed to the townships and that we understand the potential for conf
conflict of interest before agreeing to receive funding. It's important that the organization has stated its scope does not have any involvement in operations, matters of employment, strategy and policy or anything that would suggest an advisory or consultative role. I had the
opportunity to attend a meeting with the leadership of BTLF and our police leadership and my understanding from the meeting was that the Btlef's objective is to raise money to support our police department. That in turn provides an opportunity for the PD to consider
wishlist items. At the time of the meeting, the mission and bylaws were still in development. In light of that, I recommended that the group connect with an expert in nonprofit governance, Mr. David Cartiieri, CEO of the Greater Somerset County YMCA, and Mike Fpatrick,
president, has done so. Mr. Cartiieri has been speaking with Mike and I look forward to an updated set of bylaws admission statement which again is important to me as the review of the D of the materials and the opportunity to consider funding differently is the
participation of a township committee member in this case Jennifer who I've spoken to about this and if this would apply to any of us regarding being involved in a foundation where the department would receive funding and it does raise a question for me a municipal
official sitting on a foundation and in this case a police foundation could create a conflict of interest particularly if their involvement impacts decisions or actions related to the police department or city resources. As an example, sitting on a foundation
could provide the official with undue influence over the department potentially leading to preferential treatment. I'm not saying that this is the case, but it's a potential. So it's something that again I think it needs further consideration so that we can move forward without questions and concerns around conflicts of interest
and I have concluded. So thank you. >> Thank you Andrew. >> Thank you mayor. Um so first uh congratulations to our police department, our parks and recreation department and our first responders who participated in another successful national night out last Tuesday and
thank you all who came to this wonderful event. Um, on the subject of police, uh, let me address the law enforcement fund. Um, for years now, I've had the honor of serving as one of the liaison to our police department. I've worked with three different chiefs. I've had the
privilege to serve in this role. First with my co-leazison, Mayor Fields, and more recently with my current co-leazison, committee woman, Anna Dwarte McCarthy. Um, I I I've really tried to keep an open mind when it comes to the fund. Um but it's important to
say that um the work that the police department does is extraordinary as demonstrated by the accolades it has received. Um the police department is special. It is subject to particularized challenges and scrutiny given the
extraordinary responsibilities that they have due to the nature of their work. As a township, we empower them to investigate crimes, make arrests, deprive people of their liberty when there's just cost to do so. We put guns in their hands. In more dangerous
situations, they're authorized to use force. We, as a township, provide for the department's needs uh with your tax dollars. We further provide for all of the equipment, staffing that needs that they may have. This all means that the police
department requires an extraordinary level of care and attention. Against this backdrop, you have the Bernard Township law enforcement fund fund formed to donate money to the police department. The department itself currently relies
on the resources afforded to it by the township. Purchases made on behalf of the police department or township purposes purchases. And that's the way you want it with folks who are account accountable to the people like us on the township committee making these decisions.
It has become very clear to me that any money from the fund accepting any money from the fund would not be in the best interest of the department, the township or the residents. Anna and I have spent an inordinate amount of time dealing with this fund. Of greater concern is the amount of time that our police department has spent on this. I'd much
rather have them doing police work than figuring out how to administer uh dollars received from this fund. Most recently, the fund had sought to press its way into this year's national night out event. I personally told the president of the fund this could not
happen as did committee woman Dwarte McCarthy. In my own experience, the titular president stated to me that he understood and he would not continue to press the issue. But Pressie did and had to be told repeatedly but respectfully that a formal presence at National Night Out would not be possible. We have to
explain our reasoning over and over again, including the practical uh absence of the process, the likelihood of confusion as the affiliation of the fund and the township, the perceptions of the fire and rescue squads who do and always have done their own fundraising.
The inability of the organization to take a simple no for an answer on national night out on top of everything else was the final straw for me. It was the clearest signal that accepting funds from this organization is destined for additional problems and the further dra and further drains on department resources.
The other thing I'll know to agree with committeewoman Darth McCarthy. I think that Miss AC is hopelessly conflicted on this and shouldn't be taking public positions on this day as as to anything to do with this matter or doing anything behind the scenes on this matter.
Um, I realize that some people may have come to this with good intentions, but good intentions aren't enough to warrant draining the township's time and resources on top of all the other issues that this fund presents. I want a police department whose resources are fully committed to police work, and all of our
residents deserve that. That won't be possible if we were to accept resources from this fund. Therefore, it is my firm and unwavering position that the township will not accept any money or any other resource from the Burners Township Law Enforcement Fund. As the old adage goes, if it ain't broke, don't
fix it. The department is funded by your tax dollars. If you have the means and wish to give locally, I would encourage another cause. Let me turn to a couple of other items that I wanted to address. Uh first uh in the Homestead Village uh area of town,
not far from the Cedar Hill School, last year we heard from a number of folks concerned about traffic safety issues, particularly around pickup and drop off times at the schools uh allegedly exacerbated by new busing schedules and
what have you. Um there were since that time uh I've had a number of conversations with residents, schoolboard officials, police department, and our engineering and public works department. Months ago, we arranged for additional crossing guard to be present at school pickup and drop off times, and our police department
allocated resources to the area at these key times during the school year. Consistent with an examination of the issue as a whole, we investigated the wisdom of painting a box at a certain intersection near the school along with appropriate signage indicating do not
block the intersection. These traffic signals are ubiquitous in places like New York and are used elsewhere. As a matter of fact, we have something just like this here at the municipal complex. After many deliberations, we determined that painting the box was the best course. And I'm pleased to report that our DPW painted the box last week at the
intersection. Um, we believe this may help to improve conditions at the neighborhood. Will it be a silver bullet? Probably not. But in consultation with our resident experts, we believe this could be of help in alleviating the conditions that we heard so much about last year.
Um, I would also like to speak to the passing of uh John Sweeney, council president Gladstone. I did not know him particularly well, but my limited interactions with him, I found him to be a wonderful representative of what a local official should be, and I extend
my deepest condolences to his family and friends and his colleagues in Pipac Gladstone. Um, I would also like to address the uh public comment from last meeting regarding the Lord Sterling property um
to report that the police have investigated um and will continue to investigate uh the graffiti that was shown uh on the easels uh during that presentation. and uh township officials have taken note of the alleged the dangerous conditions or or the
conditions at the property and will be taking appropriate action. Then finally, I did want to mention the upcoming September 11th event. Uh the township will hold its annual September 11th event beginning at 6 p.m. on September 11th at the 911 memorial located in
Harry Dunham Park. This is a solemn event that features members of our police and fire rescue departments, members of the clergy, and is open to all. We've been holding this event for a number of years now. And I'd like to say that a driving force behind getting this
event going uh some years ago uh was none other than Mayor Field. So, I thank you for your leadership in that regard. >> It's it's hard to believe that 24 years have passed since September 11th, 2001. uh for those of us who have borne witness uh to the events of that day and
especially those um who lost loved ones or were otherwise directly or indirectly affected by it. It's a day none of us will forget. But as the years roll on, uh it becomes increasingly important to mark this day. Uh as as as we all get
older, um many within our community weren't yet born or were too young to have a memory of that day. Um, while we who lived through it will never forget, it's incritically important that younger folks understand the gravity, sorrow,
heroism, and the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. >> And mayor, that concludes my reports. >> Thank you. And I would like to say thank you um for um for doing this year's 911 ceremony and running it. I appreciate you. Thank you
very much with Kendra. So before I get my reports, I I'm going to talk about the um the law enforcement police fund. Um Anna touched on it and um Andrew touched on it. So there's a couple things I want to say uh about it. So first and foremost, the most important
thing that we do have to do here in our job is um is safety, public safety, working with the police department, make sure that the community is safe. There's a lot of things that people think that we do for the town, but there are priorities. And the priority is when
we're elected is to make sure that we ensure the safety of this community and that is through our police department. Secondly, as Andrew had said before and I have said with your tax dollars that goes for safety. So it's very important that we use the tax dollars wisely and
how we use them and the priority is our police department and we fund our police department. We give them what they need. So that's what I had said publicly in the when I was interviewed for the newspaper is that you pay enough in tax dollars that we
should be able to fund our police department and give them what they need. Now we do do that and what happened was I did talk about the uh license plate readers and how we were going to do one or two a year and then the police department came to us and said we would
like them all at once and of course we gave them all at the same we gave them all at once because that's what they needed and they came to us and they felt that what was going on that it was needed and we found the money and we took care of it. So that's why I don't
understand the police uh law enforcement fund. We supply the police department with the tools they need, the resources, the money that they need, and I also did not know about this fund. No one sat me down, okay? I'm a member like everyone
else. Um I didn't see the bylaws. I haven't seen a mission statement. I don't know anything about the 501c. I nobody talked to me about this. So, like anything that we do in this town, everything has to be vetted. So, you're asking us to make a decision to take the
money from an organization that I don't know if it's a legitimate organization because nobody came to me to talk to me about it. Um, and like Anna said, we haven't seen the mission statement. We haven't seen the bylaws. We haven't seen anything um on an organization that I haven't been vetted about or know
anything about. The only thing I know about is last year they were interested in starting the organization and Jen Ac my colleague here came to me and the first thing I said to her is Jen you're conflicted. You should not and I I believe you should not be serving on
committee. >> That's not true. And John Bolardo cleared me. So please stick to the truth. >> I'm speaking to my opinion. But did I say that to you? That's what I'm stating. So then why would you have to clear it with John Bolardo if I didn't say it then? Because when I called him
up, he did say that you called him because I said that to you that you were conflicted. And I'm standing here today saying that you should not be discussing this matter on this day is because you are conflicted if you serve on the board. Well, you will be conflicted if we all
agree that you're conflicted. You can and so and if our attorney >> that's a legal decision. Yes. >> So let's let's defer to our attorney. We do have an attorney. >> She's pitching in, right? >> Do you know about this matter
about about the law enforcement? >> I'm I'm not. John, we'll have to talk to >> Okay. All right. Because I did discuss that with him before and I thought he discussed it with you about the matter. >> I'm an attorney. Would you like me to offer an opinion? >> No, I wouldn't. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
So I I believe that she is conflicted on this issue but it comes down to why do I not agree with the fund? Okay, the tax dollars it's our job for public safety. I also don't think there should be outside influences into uh the police
department. What most people don't understand is each department here we basically run but the police department we don't run. That's run by the attorney general. They have a hierarchy than we have. So, when you have the attorney general, >> I can't hear. I heard you say, "I don't
know anything about the fund, and now you're saying you oppose the fund." >> Excuse me. The mayor is speaking. You're out of order, sir. You're out of order. >> I want to make sure. >> You're out of order, please. >> I want to make sure that we can hear. >> Okay. >> I was told about the fund, but I don't
know anything about it. I don't know its mission. I don't know its bylaws. I don't know anything about the 50. I don't know who the treasurer is. I don't know where the money is coming from. I don't know who's doing the money. I don't know anything about an organization that you are asking me to take money from. This town to take money
from. So that's what I'm saying to you. This all has to be vetted. It has to be vetted. And I still don't think that we should take the money. And I'm explaining why. I don't think an outside influence should be done. And I'm going to say this also. I don't care what
other towns are doing. I don't think we care. I mean, your parents always say, "I don't care what your friends parents are doing." Or my husband will say, "I don't care what other people are doing." We make a decision, all of us together up here, whether or not we're going to take the money or not. So, that's a decision that we will make. There's
nothing in front of me about it. So, right now, we're not taking any money from the organization. There's nothing in front of me about it. I'm just stating we are not taking any money from the organization. >> Yeah. I I think I see it somewhat differently. I think I'm vetting this
and I've been doing and we all have a point of view. So I am vetting it and I wanted to better understand scope, mission and bylaws and that's in process and I think I shared in my remarks where my perspective is. So just to clarify and right now I'm
saying you've asked us to vet this but yet you haven't come to me or given me any of the information. So she's gone. It's great. I don't know if David knows about the mission statement, the bylaws, or he's been vetted or knows anything about this or anybody has sat him down, explained the whole thing to him, and
he's well versed in it. And I don't know about Andrew either. I mean, Jen sits on the board, so she's she's excluded from this because she's conflicted out. So, you know, we have four people that would have to make a decision on this >> decision decision. >> Pardon? >> You said she's conflicted out. Is that
the committee's decision or your honor's decision? >> I don't have to answer. You can sit down. I want to make sure >> you're very much out of order. >> The town has the opportunity to hear everyone. That's all. I'm making sure that the audio is audible to everyone. Okay. Because I'm hearing conflicting things. >> So, I don't even know how you can't hear
me. >> Okay. I appreciate it. Thank you very much. >> Okay. I stayed in my case on on the issue. I also would like to give condolences to John Swedy's family. He was a wonderful man. and gave so much to um PPAC
Gladstone Zone and beyond. Um I also would like to congratulate our personnel uh our um personnel appointments also. I'm surprised Anna didn't uh mention the golf mayor's award coming up for the golf.
>> So I guess I'll mention that >> golf that's why it >> I like to mention about the accredited police department. Not everyart, not every department in the state of New Jersey is an accredited agency and ours year after year which is every three
years but uh continues to get the accredited uh accommodation and I would really like to say thank you to everyone. They work really really hard at the police department to receive that and it's such an honor that we do. A lot of time and energy really goes into
that. So, um, good good work by them. And, uh, National Out, I had a wonderful time as well. Like to thank the PD, uh, Tracy Buldeseri, Sergeant, uh, Tim King, our chief, and of course, parks and recreation, who what runs most of our events. Jen Gander is a phenomenal parks
and director director, and we so appreciate everything that she really does for this committee. Um, and makes us look really good in the town. So, I'm overwhelmed by what she does. I really am. I don't know how she finds the time. Um, I am also looking forward to
September 20th at Farmstead. Anna, you have done an amazing job. Incredible just working with the committee and getting it all together and it's going to be amazing and I'm so excited. I was so excited to be part of the logo contest and to see our winner and it was
it was really a great experience and you have so many great people serving on there. So, thank you for your leadership and also making it seamless for all of us that you've handled this all on your own and uh due credit is where credit is due with you. So, thank you so much for
that. Also, um the New Jersey motor vehicle mobile unit is coming again to Bernardtown Hall on August 29th. Uh you can make an online appointment. So, they'll be here on August 29th. You can go online and make an appointment to register through the motor vehicle
website. It will open up on August 14th. So, if you go to their website on August 14 14th around 11:00 a.m., um you can make an appointment to come here and get your Real ID on the uh 29th. Be ready to book since the appointments fill up
really fast. Also, Albert Township will be having the third annual townwide green fall yard sale on september 13th. Um register to participate by September 10th. Go to the burnards.org org website and scroll for details instructions on
how to register. Jen, I'm surprised you missed this one since you were the one the founder of it. But thank you for allowing me to um to uh make the announcement. Also, uh we will have yoga in the park with the mayor and with the township committee joining me as well on
September 15th at 6:00 p.m. until sunset sunset. It will be at Harry Dunham Park. Um I hope you all join us. It's a perfect way to uh relax and get to know your neighbors and enjoy an evening under the stars on September 15th once
the sun goes down. Also, I'd like to mention um it's it's um a very important um event for our community. September 11th ceremony, we have a uh memorial and um to honor those who have fallen in our
community during uh September 11th. So, I really hope that you all be there. Uh it's a beautiful ceremony and uh like I had stated before, Andrew put the ceremony together. Thank you, Andrew. Um we hope to see you on September 11th at um 6 p.m. at the memorial at Harry
Dunham Park. That'll be all. I'll make I'll move on to fire and rescue appointments. >> None this evening. May >> unfinished business. Ordinance 2583 accept. >> Sure. accepting temporary construction easements on block 633
lot 38-68 Hos Road from Megan and Francis Polaro block 6303 lot 39-64 Hos Road from Michael and Katie Connley to the township of Bernards and this is
a public hearing I open the public hearing and welcome comments. Seeing none, I close the public hearing. May I have a motion? >> Mayor, I move that ordinance 2583 be adopted and advertised as required by law. >> Second.
>> Kendra Roll call. >> Ms. AC. >> Yes. Ms. Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Mr. McN. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tani. >> Yes. >> Mayor Fields. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. >> Ordinance 2584. Kendra. accepting a
repairarian zone conservation easement on property located at 5 veil terrace block 251 lot 32 from Lisa Matut to the township of Bernards and this is a public hearing I open the public comment hearing and
walk comments seeing none I close public comments may I have a motion >> may I move that ordinance 2584 be adopted and advertised as required by law >> second discussion Ker roll call. >> Ms. Acy. >> Yes.
>> Miss Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Mr. McN. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tan Creedy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Fields. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Ordinance 2585. Kendra. accepting a first amended conservation easement on
property located at 4 Colts Glenn Lane, block 4301, lot 12, formerly known as block 104, lot 30-09, Colts Glenn LLC to the township of Bernards and this is a public hearing. I
open public hearing and welcome comments. Seeing none, I close public hearing. May I have a motion? >> May I move that uh ordinance 2585 be adopted and advertised as required by law. >> Second >> discussion. Kendra, roll call.
>> Ms. AC. >> Yes. >> Ms. Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Mr. McN. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tani. >> Yes. >> Mayor Fields. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. >> The items listed next is new business. The items listed within the consent agenda portion of the meeting have been
referred to the township committee for reading and study and are posted on the agenda on the website and are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion of the township committee with no separate discussion. If separate discussion is required, the items may be removed from the agenda by township committee action and placed on the
regular agenda under new business. Would anyone like an item removed from the set agenda? Hearing none, I ask for a motion. So move >> second discussion roll call Kendra >> Miss Acy >> yes
>> Ms. Dwarte McCarthy >> yes >> Mr. McN >> yes >> Mr. entertain greedy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Fields. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. >> Approval of minutes for 729 2025 open session minutes. And I have a motion. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> I. Executive session. Kendra. >> None this evening. >> I don't know if we mentioned it maybe at the last meeting. We're not the next the next meeting is canceled. Correct. >> Yes.
>> Okay. So I I don't know if you announced that. So, I'm just going to announce our next meeting is canceled. Uh, our next meeting will be uh September >> September 9th. >> September 9th. >> Can I have a motion for adjournment, please?