WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=M8mU6touLqk Part: 1 1 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:32.239 meeting for April 28 to 2026. Please stand for the flag salute to the flag of the United States. >> Good evening. Adequate notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building on the township website filed with the township 2 00:00:32.239 --> 00:00:48.640 clerk and transmitted to the Bernardsville news courier news tap into and patch.com on December 17, 2025. Any motion to enter close session will be made in accordance with the open public meetings act and will state the general nature of the matters to be discussed. 3 00:00:48.640 --> 00:01:03.440 Minutes of such closed sessions will be made available to the public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists and the matters have been fully resolved. No new business shall be introduced after 10:30 p.m. Public comment will be accepted at all meetings. Each speaker shall be limited 4 00:01:03.440 --> 00:01:19.200 to five minutes. All meetings shall adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. Christie. Roll call, please. >> Miss AC >> here. >> Mr. Hodes >> here. >> Mr. McN >> here. >> Mr. Tommpkins >> here. Mayor Dwarte McCarthy 5 00:01:19.200 --> 00:01:34.560 >> here. >> Christy, any executive session this evening? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> that brings us to presentations. Christie, >> resolution 2026-212 in recognition of service to Bernard's Township and C. Smith. 6 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:50.079 >> Well, tonight we have three presentations and we're going to begin. Uh we are very honored and very happy to have representatives from each of these areas present. And so we're going to begin with the first resolution recognizing an C. Smith here. No, you 7 00:01:50.079 --> 00:02:07.200 don't have to come up because we're going to talk a little bit. But this is an C. Smith and we're so delighted that you're here. U so I will say that an C. Smith has a secret admirer. And what why I say that is that someone who has admired you throughout 8 00:02:07.200 --> 00:02:23.680 their life came to us and asked that we could make a presentation and recognize your many many contributions and volunteer service to our community and recommended that we honor you with a resolution and we are very happy to do so this evening. So Ann and I had a 9 00:02:23.680 --> 00:02:40.160 chance to catch up and hear her story and a few things stood out for me. You moved here back in 1982 and worked for Allied and I'm quite envious you retired at the young age of 50. And at that time you wanted to give back to your 10 00:02:40.160 --> 00:02:55.280 community and you did so as you'll see in the resolution through volunteering and through part-time work in the community including responding to the need for crossing guards in Bernard's Township where you served and continue to serve for 30 years helping move 11 00:02:55.280 --> 00:03:12.400 children safely to school. and I understand sometimes directing traffic. You also found yourself employed at the Burner's Health Department because of your expertise in bats and I mean mammals bats and got an interesting 12 00:03:12.400 --> 00:03:27.519 offer that you could not refuse from former health officer Lucy Forion. And then going back to retiring, you said you wanted to pursue areas where you'd had a long interest in, and that included volunteering as an EMT for the 13 00:03:27.519 --> 00:03:42.640 former Liberty Corner First Aid Squad, earning the level of captain, and serving as president and chair of the executive committee and also being the founder and leader of Bicycle Around the Somerset Hills with the Somerset Hills 14 00:03:42.640 --> 00:04:00.400 Y, which grew to 250 riders encompassing six routes. and you are indeed a legend in our time. And before we continue, I'm going to ask my colleagues if they'd like to comment. Mr. Hodes. >> Uh certainly. Thank you, Mayor. And uh 15 00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:16.479 through our three presentations tonight, for me, there's a common theme of community, and I can't think of a better example of what community can look like than yourself as an example. Uh our our township has clearly benefited from it. 16 00:04:16.479 --> 00:04:31.440 Uh, and we are so grateful that there are folks like you who are committed and involved in our township. And I thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. McN. >> Yes. Thank you. And and thank you, Ann, for your extraordinary decades worth of 17 00:04:31.440 --> 00:04:47.840 service to this town. It's folks like you that are really shining examples of really this isn't optional for us. We rely upon people like yourself and and so thank you for your extraordinary service to this too. you 18 00:04:47.840 --> 00:05:05.040 >> a woman AC >> what strikes me is perhaps you're a woman ahead of your time the commitments and things that you've done the accomplishments around like bicycling for instance um and then the hours that you gave especially from an EMS perspective rising to the call of duty 19 00:05:05.040 --> 00:05:21.440 um I think we're lucky that you were able to retire uh when you did and that the township benefited tremendously so thank you very much for all that you've done for our Thank you, Jen. Deputy mayor, >> and thank you so much for everything you've done. Um, people like you are few 20 00:05:21.440 --> 00:05:36.320 and far between and people like you are the people who make a community a great community and u your involvement has touched so many people's lives. Uh, the only thing I have to ask, are you 200 21 00:05:36.320 --> 00:05:53.600 years old or do you never sleep? Because you've done more in a lifetime than most people can do in three. Well done and thank you. Okay, well said. So Ann, you are an example of a life well-lived and service of our community. And I like to just 22 00:05:53.600 --> 00:06:10.160 share one of my favorite quotes from the philosopher JRR Tolken. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. What you've done in your life has mattered and is reflected within tonight's resolution. And allow me to read the final passage of that 23 00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:26.479 resolution before asking for a vote. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards that in recognition of her years of faithful service, the Bernard's Township Committee extends to an C. Smith deep appreciation and sincere 24 00:06:26.479 --> 00:06:42.560 gratitude on behalf of all the residents, the Bernard's Township Police Department and officials of Bernard's Township. And with that, may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Okay. All in favor? Hi. 25 00:06:42.560 --> 00:07:01.199 >> Wonderful. Congratulations. And before you come up to accept the resolution and make remarks, I'd like to invite Sergeant Tracy Baldesari to make some remarks. >> Right here. Yes. Just Yes. Because then the um those watching at home can then hear you if you speak to the microphone. 26 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:17.120 >> Sure. So, I'm Sergeant Tracy Baldeser with the Burners Township Police Department. And being with the police department for 23 years, I've known an for quite some time. However, I got to know her best um in my previous role as the crossing guard supervisor. Um I can 27 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:31.680 share from that experience that an represents everything that you would hope for in a crossing guard. She's been reliable, dependable, and consistently going above and beyond. whether it's covering her assigned post consistently or stepping up for additional 28 00:07:31.680 --> 00:07:48.800 assignments um like leisure learning or events such as our uh Halloween safe trick or treat and and wearing her witches hat that she would always wear on Halloween. Um Ann's always there. More importantly, she's always focused on what matters most and that is obviously the safety of the children. 29 00:07:48.800 --> 00:08:03.440 And there's been countless families in Bernard's Township that have been safer um because of your dedication. So, but Ann's commitment to service extends far beyond the intersection and I recent recently actually spoke to our uh former 30 00:08:03.440 --> 00:08:19.120 health officer Lucy Forgone um to share the news about this resolution and she couldn't be here but she did share with me that an was for sure their bat expert and described her as a wonderful part-time animal control officer. So, 31 00:08:19.120 --> 00:08:34.880 wanted me to sh I wanted to share that. Uh, I also had the pleasure of sitting down with an and learning more about her contributions as you did as well. And I was especially struck by her passion for cycling, which I I knew of, but I didn't realize as much. Um, and her unique love 32 00:08:34.880 --> 00:08:50.959 of bats and these two interests she somehow blended together in such a memorable memorable way, creating the bats race and even marking roots with bat silhouettes if I remember correctly. So I thought that was that was really a 33 00:08:50.959 --> 00:09:07.360 fun thing to do. So that kind of creativity and enthusiasm is rare and it really does speak to the energy that she has brought and all all you have done. So Ann, thank you for years of service and your commitment to truly pleasure to know you and this 34 00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:23.200 acknowledgement. >> Thank you Tracy. It's wonderful. And now Ann, would you like to uh make a few comments? Yes, please. Our audience watching at home can hear you if you speak to the microphone. 35 00:09:23.200 --> 00:09:38.640 Thanks. Wonderful. >> May I turn around and face the audience? >> Is that not okay? Never mind. Never mind. >> Hello all. It's >> a wonderful community. I've lived here 36 00:09:38.640 --> 00:09:55.279 as you said 42 years, five years, 44 years, more than half my life. It's just a great community. I am so pleased to be able to help it, serve it, keep it safe to some extent, keep it 37 00:09:55.279 --> 00:10:11.839 healthy with the EMS. Um, I describe this little crossing guard job, which is the bulk of what I've done, of course, as a small job. It's a small job, but it's important job and 38 00:10:11.839 --> 00:10:27.120 it's a necessary function. And at the end of 95, after I'd completed my first cross-country bike ride, the U police department was looking for subs, not subs, actually full-time, as 39 00:10:27.120 --> 00:10:45.600 it were, crossing guards. So, I decided to see what that was all about, and I signed up for it. Um, I started in 95. I ended at the 10-11 school year and in September of 12, 40 00:10:45.600 --> 00:11:03.200 Bernardsville called me up and asked me if I would sub for them. So I said, "Yeah, because I know we always need subs, right?" So I signed up with Beville as a sub and then BR needed subs. So I signed up with 41 00:11:03.200 --> 00:11:20.000 BR for subs and now I'm full-time. I'm running doing four posts a day. I'm fully booked and uh I intend to keep doing it. I enjoy the kids. I enjoy the parents. I The parents especially enjoy 42 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:36.880 when I put my wacky hats on on the holidays. The parents love it. The kids, they're kind of immune to it. The parents love it. So, I thank you for what you've done in many regards, but certainly for this evening. appreciate 43 00:11:36.880 --> 00:12:06.279 that. And yeah, I'll find out who that is. And for those of you who perhaps don't recognize me, >> thank you. And we'd like to invite you to come back up to present the resolution. I'll ask my colleagues to come, too. 44 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:25.760 You did, Todd. Thank you for keeping us honest. Okay, Christie. Item B, >> resolution 2026-230, recognizing the 175th anniversary of Millington Baptist Church. 45 00:13:25.760 --> 00:13:40.800 >> Thank you, Christie. Well, I'd like to wish a good evening to Pastor Bob, Pastor Dave, and members of the Millington Baptist Church congregation who've joined us here. This is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of 46 00:13:40.800 --> 00:13:58.720 Millington Baptist Church in 1851. And as stated in our resolution, the Millington Baptist Church has been a place of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth, providing meaningful opportunities for individuals and families of all ages to deepen their 47 00:13:58.720 --> 00:14:15.279 faith and build a strong sense of community. I had a chance to uh meet with Pastor Bob, Pastor Dave, along with some of the staff, including two recent Ridge High graduates, which was was wonderful to see. And it was wonderful to learn about the work of the congregation through its various 48 00:14:15.279 --> 00:14:32.240 ministries serving those in need including outreach to those with food insecurity, medical needs or within our own community local veterans. The church congregation also performs mission work in Sagal annually building on a connection that was made in the past. 49 00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:49.120 And probably one of the most interesting aspects was that the original founders would meet in what was cafe roo what is cafe rustika and that was almost 200 plus years ago. So it's just a wonderful history and such an impact that the church makes in our community and we are 50 00:14:49.120 --> 00:15:04.639 really honored to be able to celebrate that tonight. So before we continue I'd like to see if any of my comment colleagues have comments on the resolution. Mr. Hodgees. >> Certainly. Thank you mayor. Um, as I said previously, uh, a lot of theme for 51 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:20.160 me tonight is is the theme of community and and I also, uh, attend a a a place of faith, uh, here in town. And I know what it brings to me. And so I'm very grateful that that, uh, Milton Baptist 52 00:15:20.160 --> 00:15:36.000 Church is is here, that it provides the community that it does, and it provides the welcoming, warm embrace that people need. and I appreciate their their existence and they're here feeding our community. >> Thank you, Brett. Mr. McNally, 53 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:54.720 >> thank you, Mayor. I'm sitting here wondering how the pasta was back in 1851, but uh thank you um to Milanting Baptist Church and all of its volunteers and clergy. Uh you've been a light in this community for 175 years. And this being, 54 00:15:54.720 --> 00:16:10.639 you know, the 250th anniversary, I think it's great and fitting that you're also celebrating an anniversary as well. And thank you for the all that you've done, not just for this community, but even abroad. It's just extraordinary. Um, and so, uh, thank you for your service and 55 00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:27.199 your continued service. You're a great asset to this community. >> Thank you, Committee Assie. Thank you for coming and thank you also for the invitation for your tree planting ceremony. I apologize I won't be able to be there because I will be at 56 00:16:27.199 --> 00:16:44.240 Girl Scout Camporeie. There are some folks in here that will also be there. Um so I'll be there instead. But um you know it's very fitting this community values trees and it's really I think um a wonderful acknowledgement of of what that tree 57 00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:58.720 those trees will represent uh for the future. So thank you for all the nourishment and value you bring to our community and all the ministries that you provide that serve those across the globe. Thank you. >> Thank you Jen. Deputy mayor. 58 00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:15.439 >> Um thank you mayor. um 175 years is a is a remarkable accomplishment that couldn't be achieved without um a need to have uh you guys here. Um it's 59 00:17:15.439 --> 00:17:30.640 you know a whole a house of worship is a place where people can come to regain peace, regain their center um and uh for a sense of community. and that's probably needed more now than ever. So, 60 00:17:30.640 --> 00:17:46.960 um, thank you very much. 175 years is crazy and uh that wouldn't happen if you guys weren't so uh fantastic and serve such a need in the community. Thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. And also just to add, so I will be at the tree 61 00:17:46.960 --> 00:18:02.799 planting and we talked a little bit about the symbol of having a tree planting and this past Friday was Arbor Day, so there was a lot of discussion and celebration of trees and we went to the fifth grades of all the elementary schools. And one of the fun trivia facts 62 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:19.039 is that the roots of a tree are as deep as the height of a tree, which when you start to look at some of the majestic trees in our community is a bit daunting to think that that's the depth of the root structure. So in planting this tree, um I imagine and anticipate, you 63 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:36.400 know, 175 years from now, the height of what that tree will be and the depth and the impact that the church will continue to have in our community. So, it's a beautiful symbolic gesture that's being made this coming weekend. So, with that, uh, before we approve the resolution, 64 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:52.080 I'd like to read the last two statements. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards does hereby recognize and congratulate Millington Baptist Church on the occasion of its 175th anniversary. And be it further 65 00:18:52.080 --> 00:19:07.760 resolved that we extend our sincere appreciation for its long-standing contributions to the spiritual and civic life of our community and we wish the congregation continued success for many years to come. May I have a motion? 66 00:19:07.760 --> 00:19:27.679 >> All moved. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. So at this time I would like to invite Pastor Bob Arabic. Would you like to say a few words? Thank you very much, uh, Mayor McCarthy, members of the township committee, um, everybody who's here tonight and 67 00:19:27.679 --> 00:19:44.559 watching. Uh, it's just an honor to be here and on behalf of the congregation of Millington Baptist Church, I want to express our sincere gratitude for this resolution and for the committee's generosity in recognizing this milestone with us tonight. It's a profound honor 68 00:19:44.559 --> 00:20:00.640 to stand before this body and receive such a meaningful acknowledgement from our community. As has been mentioned, I think 175 years is a long time and uh I I I wonder what the region was like back in 1851. I imagine that families 69 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:16.480 gathered, that roads were traveled, and the world they were navigating was also as challenging perhaps as our day is today. Through every era since time uh uh since times of growth and times of hardship, times of war and times of 70 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:33.760 renewal, uh Millington Baptist Church has remained a constant presence in this community. Not because of a single pastor or generation, but because again and again people chose to show up for one another. And that I believe is what a church truly is. It's not a building, 71 00:20:33.760 --> 00:20:48.400 but it's a people. And what makes a people strong is the same thing that makes a township strong. and that's relationships, shared responsibility, and a commitment to the common good. We do not exist in isolation from this 72 00:20:48.400 --> 00:21:04.480 community. Our members are your neighbors, volunteers, some emergency responders, teachers, friends. For 175 years, our congregation has tried to live out its faith not just within its walls, but in the streets of 73 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:21.440 things like Charter Day, in the schools, and in the lives of Berners Township. And so tonight, as we receive this recognition, we also want to renew a pledge to continue being a good neighbor. We want to serve our community and be a place of stability and hope in 74 00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:38.240 Burner Township. And so to the township committee, thank you for seeing us. Thank you for honoring our history and for the partnership that has existed between local government and the faith community for generations. That's not something that we take lightly. Millington Baptist Church will continue 75 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:53.919 to live out the call of the prophet Jeremiah in chapter 29:7 to seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you and pray to the Lord on its behalf for in its welfare you will find your welfare. May God bless Berners Township. 76 00:21:53.919 --> 00:23:27.120 Thank you. Thank you, Pastor Bob. >> Yes. Thank you very much. Uh, I don't think so. >> Okay, Christie. Item C, >> resolution 2026-232, recognizing the Ridge Youth Sports 77 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:43.760 Senior Rec Team on winning the National High School Cheerleading Championships. >> Well, hello Ridge Youth Sports Senior Rec Team, your coaches, and proud parents. Hello. Congratulations on capturing the 14Y game day division 78 00:23:43.760 --> 00:24:00.960 title at the National High School Cheerleading Championship, which was held for everyone else here at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. We understand you were competing against elite recreational programs from across the country and you won with a routine 79 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:18.080 that demonstrated precision and high energy to get a spot into the finals. I love and I read some of the comments that your coaches said you attained the championship through practice and execution and also a very strong sense of mutual trust, dependence and loyalty 80 00:24:18.080 --> 00:24:35.520 to one another. It's wonderful that you have a dedicated and exceptional coaching staff and proud families and supporters who've been on the road with you to numerous competitions bringing you to all those practices and then went on to Florida to cheer you on. 81 00:24:35.520 --> 00:24:50.640 Personally, I feel that you, as young athletes, are wonderful ambassadors to our community. I understand several of you are trying out for a spot on the Ridge High School team, and I wish you great luck with that. But for all of you, I hope you always carry this 82 00:24:50.640 --> 00:25:06.159 achievement of very hard work and talent and having the love and support of your coaches and family with you for the rest of your lives of being national champions. And with that, I'll see if my comments would like to comment as well. Mr. Hodgees. 83 00:25:06.159 --> 00:25:21.919 >> Thank you, Mayor. Simply put, just way to go. I how and how much fun we're having a blast. And that's just amazing. I am so glad for you all. And I also know that you're 84 00:25:21.919 --> 00:25:37.039 aware of how hard you work to get there. You didn't get there just by hoping that you'd be okay someday. You got there by working your tail ends off. And it showed. And you got the results of of what you were working for. And it was a true team effort. You were out there on 85 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:52.720 the stage doing your performance, but you know that your parents and your coaches have been there behind you, making sure that you got to where you needed to go. And without them, you wouldn't have been there. So, it takes everybody. And I just am so happy. I wish I could have been there on the 86 00:25:52.720 --> 00:26:09.200 squad because I it sounds like so much fun. Uh but maybe next time. Congratulations. >> Okay, that's wonderful. Thank you, Brett. Mr. McN. >> Yes, thank you. And um to the members of the team, the parents, friends, 87 00:26:09.200 --> 00:26:25.679 supporters, coaches, um congratulations on this extraordinary achievement. And of course uh the girls themselves, you know, put in uh extraordinary work to get to this level. Those beautiful medals that you're wearing, 88 00:26:25.679 --> 00:26:41.679 they just don't give those out. You know, there was a lot of, you know, blood, sweat, and tears that went into that. And so hats off to all of you. I'm I never cease to be amazed by the extraordinary talent that this community produces and this team is obviously no 89 00:26:41.679 --> 00:26:59.600 exception. Um winning in Orlando at nationals is extraordinary and it's something you're going to remember for the rest of your lives. So congratulations and thank you to all the parents, coaches, and supporters of you guys. >> Wonderful. Committee woman AC. 90 00:26:59.600 --> 00:27:15.520 I'm excited to see a lot of familiar faces. So, um, this community has a long history of cheering heritage of excellence and you lived up to that. Congratulations. For many of you ladies, um, you've been 91 00:27:15.520 --> 00:27:32.559 cheering. I won't go back to the early days, but it was at least in early elementary school. Um, I know because sometimes we weren't able to hold meetings because you had cheer practice. So, it wasn't just about doing this particular performance. It's things that 92 00:27:32.559 --> 00:27:50.880 you have been doing for years, the hours per years to get you to what you did. Congratulations. And listen, you didn't get there just by yourself. While you did have grit and persistence, parents, congratulations to you for digging deep 93 00:27:50.880 --> 00:28:07.840 and all of the driving and uh that Orlando trip. I can imagine. Um so again and to the coaches obviously. So congratulations ladies. Um and I do know at least um there has been success and 94 00:28:07.840 --> 00:28:24.480 we look forward to seeing some of you on the the Ridge team and um congratulations. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jen. Deputy Mayor. >> Wow. Um this is something you guys are going to take with you for the rest of your lives. You're national champions. um 95 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:40.000 what's happened over the last, you know, a year to get to this point. Um I know it's been longer than that, but you know, when this team came together and you really uh started the drive for this, it's it's experiences and lessons you're going to take for the rest of 96 00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:56.080 your life, it's discipline, it's team building, it's um listening, it's leading. Um these will serve you well for the rest of your lives. And one thing um which will be I think even better than that, you have some lifelong 97 00:28:56.080 --> 00:29:14.720 friends. Um you'll be 60 years old and at a reunion somewhere and you'll just start giggling um about uh the memories that you made in the last uh last 6 months. And that's just fantastic. It's it's just such a treasure. And it wasn't 98 00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:32.559 by accident. I know you guys worked an insane amount of time and put a insane amount of effort into this. Um to the parents, um same for you guys. Um I know there's not a lot of 12y olds that drive themselves um all over the place. So, uh 99 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:48.640 kudos to you and u congratulations ladies. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. And just again just phenomenal success. Uh, you know, it's funny. My we have a joke in our house because some of family members are very competitive and they have a saying 100 00:29:48.640 --> 00:30:03.600 that says it doesn't matter how you play the game as long as you win. That being said, I love how you won because you did it with talent, with grace, with grit, everything that's been said and you depended upon one another and that is something you'll carry forward. So, 101 00:30:03.600 --> 00:30:20.559 congratulations again. And before we award the resolution, u we were going to just read the last two comments which are whereas the accomplishments of this team reflect not only athletic excellence but also the strong sense of community sportsmanship and pride that 102 00:30:20.559 --> 00:30:36.880 defines Bernard's Township. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Township Committee of the Township of Bernard's County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, that it hereby recognizes and congratulates the Ridge Youth Sports Senior Recck Team on winning the 2026 103 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:59.919 National High School Cheerleading Championship in the 14 Youth Game Day Division. Congratulations. And now, may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Congratulations. to have coach Kim Grenaldi please come 104 00:30:59.919 --> 00:31:19.600 forward to share a few words. Uh I'm Kim Grimmaldi. I'm the head coach for this team and thank you to the committee for recognizing these young athletes. I think it's so important that they know that they they really went down and represented Basking Ridge and 105 00:31:19.600 --> 00:31:35.200 and made the town proud. So, thank you for this opportunity to recognize them. This is 23 girls from fifth through 8th grade that all attend school in Basking Ridge and practicing three times a week, going to their tumbling classes, 106 00:31:35.200 --> 00:31:53.279 cheering for the Ridgeu sports football team, competing locally, and having to qualify, earn the right to get down to nationals um is the first hurdle to get over. but to get down there and make it to finals. Um, and just I I said to most 107 00:31:53.279 --> 00:32:09.840 of them, it's never going to feel like this again, right? Winning nationals is a once once in a-lifetime opportunity and we're just so so proud of them and um, thank you for recognizing them. >> Congratulations. Well said, coach. 108 00:32:09.840 --> 00:33:42.120 Okay, now we'll try to get all of you up here to the front and we'll give you the resolution. I say we should stay here and then they >> welcome back. You want to come up front? We'll do the rest. Did you get it? Are we good? 109 00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:34.440 Great job. All right, I've just invited folks that have been recognized can leave nowad back for homework. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for representing our community. >> Great. 110 00:34:35.839 --> 00:34:52.879 All right. So, we'll just give them a moment, then we'll get started. again. Thank you all for coming this evening >> and get them out safely. >> Right. Popcorn available in the lower lobby. 111 00:34:52.879 --> 00:35:16.400 >> All right. Okay. All right. That brings us to item seven. Christy, any public work session? >> None this evening. Mayor >> Christie, any correspondence? >> None this evening. >> Wonderful. That brings us to public comment. During the public comment 112 00:35:16.400 --> 00:35:32.160 period, comments are welcomed on any agenda item. However, if an ordinance is listed for its own public hearing, and we have several tonight on the agenda, please hold your comments for that particular public hearing. The public comment portion of the agenda is not 113 00:35:32.160 --> 00:35:47.920 structured as a question and answer session yet 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 this body, the speaker must come forward to the 114 00:35:47.920 --> 00:36:04.480 microphone and state their name and address for the record. To ensure an orderly and respectful meeting, speakers should avoid personal attacks, inflammatory language, or derogatory comments toward any individual or group. Each speaker is limited to 5 minutes. The clerk will keep time. Please 115 00:36:04.480 --> 00:36:24.320 promptly yield the floor when the time is called and return to your seat. Your cooperation in adherence to these rules will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. I open public comment. Seeing none, I close public comment. 116 00:36:24.320 --> 00:36:38.960 Next, we will invite staff comments, township committee comments, including board and liaison reports. Mr. Monica, would you like to start? >> Uh, thank you, Mayor. I just wanted to recognize Sergeant Little um on his 29 years of service. He'll be retiring and congrats and welld deserved. 117 00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:55.440 >> Wonderful. Thank you, Christie. >> None this evening. Thank you. >> Uh Mr. Valardo, I know that I've asked you if you could share some comments on receiving our consent order and final compliance certification approving our fourth round fair share plan. So, I'm 118 00:36:55.440 --> 00:37:10.079 going to turn it over to you for some remarks. >> Gladly, mayor. Um, it's been a journey of over two years commencing in March of 2024 when affordable housing law was signed by, uh, Governor Murphy. Uh we 119 00:37:10.079 --> 00:37:26.400 now have a as your honor indicated a consent order final compliance certification date 1726 that was signed by the honorable William Mannon that was uh agreed to by myself as township attorney on behalf of the 120 00:37:26.400 --> 00:37:43.040 township committee and Joshua Bowers on behalf of fairshare housing center. Um I will briefly certify what this means in a legal uh parlance. Um, essentially what what the order indicates is that the township's fourth 121 00:37:43.040 --> 00:37:58.320 round housing fair share plan, its attachments, the ordinances and resolutions that we've adopted over the last two years that we have previously filed with the court, otherwise known as implementing ordinance and 122 00:37:58.320 --> 00:38:15.359 into evidence by the judge and entered into the record. Um the order further provides that our fourth round fair share plan is approved and deemed to meet the objective standard of the um law that Governor Murphy saw or otherwise complying with the Fair 123 00:38:15.359 --> 00:38:36.480 Housing Act uh and the Mount Laurel doctrine. Uh it incorporates our uh prior round obligations from third round obligation including the gap obligation from N and the prospective need obligation for 124 00:38:36.480 --> 00:38:51.920 20. And finally, um the fourth round obligation that was adopted pursuant to the UN housing affordability control rules the Mount Laurel case law uh including the Supreme Court's Mount 125 00:38:51.920 --> 00:39:13.440 Laurel for decision. Uh this order entered by Judge Menon in terms of certification sh 2025 and ending on June 30, 2035. And during this 10-year period, the township shall have repos from exclusionary 126 00:39:13.440 --> 00:39:30.640 zoning litigation, including not limited to builders remedy lawsuits as provided in the New Jersey Housing Act. So, >> thank you, John. And I know that there's been some some recently had said to me, 127 00:39:30.640 --> 00:39:46.480 well, can we go back and change the ordinances that are part of the fourth round fair share plan? So, you can perhaps provide some context on that. >> The the answer is essentially no. the numbers that were agreed that um were 128 00:39:46.480 --> 00:40:03.760 promulgated by uh the department of community affairs that were adjudicated township committee and fair housing center that discount from the original numbers uh the implementing ordinances uh including the Edgewood properties project ridge 129 00:40:03.760 --> 00:40:37.920 oak um the uh group home uh those are all incorporated into this out. There will be a mid prior to submit progress toward those ordinance. Uh amendment projects would have to undergo a 130 00:40:37.920 --> 00:41:04.400 rigorous process. housing center which would not be accepted. Thank you. Any questions from colleagues? >> Well, John, thank you very much. as we've met our obligations, the township 131 00:41:04.400 --> 00:41:20.560 committee, um, you know, as I'd shared at the reorg will encourage discussions on the municipality we hope to be for future generations, including planning to preserve the character of our community and protect our resources and anticipate future challenges such as the 132 00:41:20.560 --> 00:41:36.560 potential of a fifth round of affordable housing um, in 2035. In the meantime, I want to thank you, John, uh, along with our township staff, Dave Schlly, Mr. from Monaco among others and the colleagues uh to my left and right and both those in the past township 133 00:41:36.560 --> 00:41:53.200 committee for all of your work these past two years to get us to this place. So thank you. All right, so we'll continue. Committeeman Hodes. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I'd like to let everybody know that uh as part of their 134 00:41:53.200 --> 00:42:09.440 ongoing in the municipal alliance, forgive me, uh, as part of their ongoing mind matters documentary series, uh, the next one will be on Monday the 11th of May from 6:00 to 8 uh, in the evening at Burners Township Library. It's free to all members of the community ages 10 and 135 00:42:09.440 --> 00:42:25.920 up. And this documentary is called Angst. And it's a documentary that aims to raise awareness about anxiety by exploring what it's like to live with it through the perspectives of children, teens, parents, educators, educators, and mental health professionals. 136 00:42:25.920 --> 00:42:43.680 Also through Municipal Alliance, um I'd like to uh let everybody know about a a opportunity to learn more about what it's like to be a true student here in Bernard Township at our local Ridge High School. The REACH group um and REACH 137 00:42:43.680 --> 00:42:59.680 stands for Ridge Education Action and Community Health will be presenting a program called Get Real Talks on Wednesday, May 13th at six o'clock right here. And it's a student-led program and panel designed to give new and current 138 00:42:59.680 --> 00:43:15.680 high school families an authentic look at the high school experience in the parks and recreations. I'd like to point out that summer workshop registration is open and I count at least 10 different workshops that people 139 00:43:15.680 --> 00:43:31.200 have an opportunity to get involved with this summer. And I hope that uh that all the families out there take advantage of the amazing offerings that our parks and recck department has. In addition, I'd like to point towards our community center on North Maple. A lot happens at 140 00:43:31.200 --> 00:43:46.480 that community center, probably a lot more than most of us realize, but just to name three, there's a 40 plus fitness class there. There's a morning yoga class and an art class for those aged 55 and above. And that's all at the community center. And I hope people will 141 00:43:46.480 --> 00:44:01.680 go on to the website to find out more information. And lastly, I would like to state how last week the environmental education center um gave out free trees and I got my flowering dogwood in my in my backyard and it was free trees for 142 00:44:01.680 --> 00:44:17.040 for anybody who showed up. In all honesty, I thought it was for residents, but they didn't seem to mind whoever took a tree and that was a good thing. I hope people were uh were aware of that and took great advantage of that opportunity. Thank you, Mayor. 143 00:44:17.040 --> 00:44:33.200 >> Thank you, Brad. Committee McN. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, echoing something that Pat had mentioned, I too would like to congratulate Sergeant Kevin Little on his upcoming retirement. Uh, Sergeant Little has served this community 144 00:44:33.200 --> 00:44:50.800 tirelessly for well over two decades. And Sergeant Little's dedication to this town has been extraordinary, longasting, and highly impactful. I usually don't make my remarks personal when I'm here at the township committee, but I've had the opportunity to see Sergeant Little 145 00:44:50.800 --> 00:45:07.280 work up close and personal a couple years ago. Um, Sergeant Little responded to my house following an emergency call that we made on behalf of my mother who was staying with me at the time. Sergeant Little was professional, caring, understanding, and patient as he helped get my alien mother out of my 146 00:45:07.280 --> 00:45:22.400 house, into the ambulance, and off to the hospital. I'm personally grateful for Sergeant Little's outstanding service to our town and its residents, and I congratulate him on his retirement. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Andrew. Committeewoman AC. 147 00:45:22.400 --> 00:45:39.280 Thank you. Have a couple updates around economic development. As many of you know, I'm working with the deputy mayor um and we are working on a few different things. A couple weeks ago, we literally went doortodoor um to invite businesses to attend our first business roundt 148 00:45:39.280 --> 00:45:54.480 meeting. So, I'll invite the deputy mayor to speak about what we did during the meeting, but I just wanted to call out a couple things. So, we first started with the historic district businesses on Monday, April the 20th. I wanted to thank the mayor and all the businesses who attended as well as the 149 00:45:54.480 --> 00:46:11.040 Basking Basking Ridge business alliance specifically the president uh Mike Lacosta and the Somerset County Business Partnership specifically um Chris Evans for um uh to to come and and speak on behalf of those organizations. Um and I 150 00:46:11.040 --> 00:46:29.599 just do have to do a shout out that um John personally made some of the best scones I think I've ever had. Um >> some of So, um, some important reminders about upcoming events. The Bernard Township Health Department has partnered with the Raritin head headquarters, uh, to 151 00:46:29.599 --> 00:46:45.680 provide a reduced cost well testing opportunity for residents of Bernard Township. So hopefully um your pre-ordered test kits um you have those and you can drop your samples off on Thursday, April the 30th at the health department between 7 and 9:30 a.m. Um 152 00:46:45.680 --> 00:47:01.119 another important program is called the Care Connection. It is a free workshop on Thursday, May the 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the Bernard Township Library. It is a registerable event. Um it is a workshop that is offers practical help and 153 00:47:01.119 --> 00:47:16.560 resources for caregivers and aging adults. You'll hear from the community visiting nurse association, Beacon Senior Advisor, Somerset County Office on Aging. I attended this program in PAC and it was an excellent program. So, I highly recommend that folks come and 154 00:47:16.560 --> 00:47:32.560 attend. So, please do register for that. Flipping to the library, um there are two interesting programs that are coming this week, um April the 29th from 7 to 8:00 p.m. There is a free educational finance program. Um it is called 155 00:47:32.560 --> 00:47:49.680 planning for your retirement and uh it is something that you do register for. So Brian Hoffman and Rob um Mcmana from Gladstone Wealth Partners are presenting a retirement planning workshop that walks you through today's biggest challenges. So that's something that I 156 00:47:49.680 --> 00:48:06.640 think is interesting. Um and then on May the 2nd from 10:30 to 12 noon there is a community baby shower. So, this is also an event that needs registration. Um, they are welcoming all expectant and new parents to our community baby shower, a 157 00:48:06.640 --> 00:48:21.839 celebration of new life and family. So, there's um discussion around resources to help build a support system. It includes breath work and meditation um from a uh certified yoga instructor um and refreshments and giveaways. So, 158 00:48:21.839 --> 00:48:36.800 please do register for that. Um, lastly, I want to speak about again from an economic development. I opened with it and I'm going to close with it. So, I've been working very closely with the mayor and we are excited to share more details about what Berners Township is doing in 159 00:48:36.800 --> 00:48:52.800 supporting the FIFA World Cup for 2026. So, um, if you go on to the township web page, you'll see under residents, you will see a new tab and this is specifically for the the FIFA World Cup. So, um, please check it out. Um it has 160 00:48:52.800 --> 00:49:10.000 high level information with links. As we have more information, we will continue to add to that. This is a part of our economic development and commitment to supporting our local businesses. So um like one of the programs that we're include encouraging all of our businesses to participate in is a host 161 00:49:10.000 --> 00:49:24.960 committee sponsored program called the welcome world rebate program. So, um, we are excited, uh, to launch these opportunities that are available to our businesses. And more importantly, getting into specifics, we are excited 162 00:49:24.960 --> 00:49:41.119 to share that we will be in celebrating touching two teams that are participating in the FIFA World Cup. We're hosting a street fair cultural fair in our historic downtown on June 13th from 3 to 6:00 p.m. We hope that everyone is able to attend. as we have 163 00:49:41.119 --> 00:49:57.200 more information, we'll be excited to share. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jen, and thanks for all your work on that. It's really been a great partnership as well with our county resources and others, and just we're really excited to bring something special to the community. So, thank you, Deputy Mayor. 164 00:49:57.200 --> 00:50:15.119 >> Yes, ma'am. Um uh just to uh build a little bit on what uh Jen was saying about um the economic development, we had our first uh for lack of a better expression roundt and we invited the businesses in all the businesses in the 165 00:50:15.119 --> 00:50:31.200 um historic downtown district in and we're looking for their input uh as to what their needs were um what we could do to help, what we were doing well. Um, basically ultimately the end goal is to 166 00:50:31.200 --> 00:50:48.640 um put the town in a position that can uh assist local businesses to make their b the running of their business um easier, smoother um because small business is difficult enough. Um, we're 167 00:50:48.640 --> 00:51:05.280 also looking to um maybe build a better platform for new businesses to land uh in Basking Ridge. Uh, so if they're looking around um they can um that you know that they can sort of plug and play quite easily. I 168 00:51:05.280 --> 00:51:21.200 personally uh opened a small business about 15 years ago and um I went between two towns and there could not be a greater difference um in the way these towns handled themselves. I won't say which ones um but um it makes all the 169 00:51:21.200 --> 00:51:37.760 difference in the world and ultimately we got to the same spot, the same health inspections, the same fire codes, etc., etc. But um it really is how you get to the end point. So, um, all in all, we're going to listen to, um, uh, all seven 170 00:51:37.760 --> 00:51:52.640 economic, uh, zones that we've identified and just try to figure out a way to make the life of a small business owner in this town, um, easier, um, more efficient, and, uh, less frictionless. Thank you. 171 00:51:52.640 --> 00:52:09.680 >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. So to wrap up our staff comments, I want to commend Sergeant Kevin Little as well on his retirement and 29 years of service to Bernard's Township. We are very grateful for his commitment to safety and security of our community and we wish him happiness and time with his family 172 00:52:09.680 --> 00:52:25.200 and friends in this next chapter of his life. I also want to acknowledge the passing of Jim Dosta who served the Basking Ridge Fire Company for over 60 years. During his tenure, Jim served as first aid captain and fire captain. We are deeply appreciative of his 173 00:52:25.200 --> 00:52:42.720 commitment to Bernard's Township and express condolences to the Basking Ridge Fire Company and to his family and friends. And with a nod to the fire company, we are going to be offering a program here on Monday, May 11th, called After 911. and Captain uh Sarah Bonafua 174 00:52:42.720 --> 00:52:58.079 who is the Basking Ridge Fire Company EMS captain will talk about emergency medical services in New Jersey and the difference between basic life support and advanced life support and what to expect after you dial 911. Again, that's right here at town hall in here in the 175 00:52:58.079 --> 00:53:14.720 Warren craft room Monday, May 11th at 7 pm. And as we shared earlier, this past Friday was Arbor Day and our Shade Tree Commission was terrific. went to all of our local elementary schools and made a presentation about Arbor Day and the importance of trees in our community. 176 00:53:14.720 --> 00:53:29.839 And this is terrific. We had two schools the year before, four schools this year, and we'll continue to do so going forward. The golf advisory committee will be hosting a women's swing into spring clinic this coming Saturday, May 2nd, with a rain date of Saturday, May 177 00:53:29.839 --> 00:53:45.440 9th. This is coffee and 75 minute golf clinic at 11:00 am with golf pro Auntie Brock at the Inspiration Golf driving range and sign up is still available to until tomorrow on the Bernard's or website. I'm going to make yet another 178 00:53:45.440 --> 00:54:02.559 call out for the age friendly grant. Uh we as you know I've shared this at the last few meetings have launched a survey to understand what's working well and where there are opportunities for improvement for residents age 55 and above. Um we have a couple of folks actually Kippy are you still here? Kippy 179 00:54:02.559 --> 00:54:18.000 Padichi among others are working on this committee and we really want to get survey input. Uh the survey is available online at burnards.org on the fabric of Bernard's landing page and paper copies are available right here at town hall at the Somerset Hills 180 00:54:18.000 --> 00:54:32.960 YMCA in the local library. And the survey will close Monday, May 11th. So please, if you haven't done so already, please participate. And that concludes my comments. So, we'll move along. Any fire and rescue appointments? Christie? 181 00:54:32.960 --> 00:54:50.960 >> Yes. Resolution 2026-248, appointment to membership in Township Bernard's Volunteer Liberty Corner Fire Company, Christopher Iris, full member. >> May I have a motion? >> Second, >> Chrissy. Roll call, please. 182 00:54:50.960 --> 00:55:07.440 >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Christie, any unfinished business? >> 2026 municipal budget and golf utility 183 00:55:07.440 --> 00:55:27.920 presentation presented by CFO Sean McCarthy. >> Sean, thank you for your patience and uh we'll turn it over to you. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um we do have our 2026 budget prepared for our public hearing and adoption tonight. Um the full state 184 00:55:27.920 --> 00:55:43.359 budget document as well as the user-friendly budget are posted on the township's website. Um our budget remains unchanged from introduction. Um so these will be the same appropriation and tax levy amounts that we saw in March. And tonight I'll just 185 00:55:43.359 --> 00:56:06.880 run through a brief uh review prior to our public hearing. And hopefully we'll have a presentation up here shortly. In the meantime, um I can just hit some of the uh budget highlights that we reviewed at introduction. Um so our 186 00:56:06.880 --> 00:56:30.880 total budget stands at uh proposed $49,773,968. Uh the amount to be raised by taxation to fund the budget comes to $24,315,594. Um, our tax rate stands at.246 per $100 of assessed value and that rate 187 00:56:30.880 --> 00:56:47.200 is down 2.52% from uh a rate of.253 last year. Um, and I'll just note that that reduction in the tax rate is primarily driven by uh a com combination of of growth in ratables and and controlling our budget costs uh for for 188 00:56:47.200 --> 00:57:07.520 a stable tax levy. Okay. Apologies. Uh technical difficulties. Um so I'll just I'll just kind of recap the appropriations that we that we reviewed at introduction. Um you know, when we look at the the budget overall 189 00:57:07.520 --> 00:57:22.319 at this point in the year, it appears that the budget's up just 4.8%. Um but I always like to point out that that number includes our capital budget, our grants. Um and particularly those grants can vary from year to year. So at the end of of 2025, the prior year, compared 190 00:57:22.319 --> 00:57:36.720 to this point in 2026, obviously we have more grants in the budget than we do currently. Um so for that reason, for comparison purposes, we like to pull out capital reserve for uncollected taxes and those grants to come up with what is our true operating cost. Um for this 191 00:57:36.720 --> 00:57:53.280 year, that that operating is at 4.33%. Um, and I'll note that nearly all of the drivers of that increase are uh statutory and other operating expenses that are that are mostly outside of our control. Um, we got into it in in some 192 00:57:53.280 --> 00:58:10.240 detail at introduction. Um, but I I do want to reiterate that the impact of employee health care uh costs on this budget are significant. Um, that is that is still the single largest driver of our appropriation increase for this year. Um the increase in healthcare 193 00:58:10.240 --> 00:58:26.960 alone makes up about 50% of the total overall other expense category increase for the 2026 budget. So um in that line we have an increase of a million dollars for this year. $550,000 of that increase is attributed to employee healthcare 194 00:58:26.960 --> 00:58:47.599 alone. Um, moving to our our capital budget um for this year, total capital program is going to come to $7.7 million uh with 6.9 million of that being uh funded from this budget itself. Um you know, one of our our key objectives uh for the budget 195 00:58:47.599 --> 00:59:04.160 in rec recent years has been to really strengthen our pay as you go uh capital program. Um and that's to ensure that we can continue with our um infrastructure and equipment needs without having to incur debt. Um so we'll be able to do that again this year. Um you know the 196 00:59:04.160 --> 00:59:22.400 the goal of the last few budget years really since 2021 was to start to build and increase that budget funded portion of of our capital program. Um and happy to report we'll be able to continue to do that for 2026. Um this year's budget includes about 1.4 197 00:59:22.400 --> 00:59:38.720 24 million in shared services. Um, Berners Township continues to be a strong proponent of shared service agreements. Um, of the 11 current shared service agreements that we are a part of, the township serves as the provider in eight of those and the recipient of 198 00:59:38.720 --> 00:59:54.240 service in three. Um, you know, we found over the years that that these partnerships generate efficiencies. Not only that, but in many cases some real meaningful cost savings. So, uh, we're certainly happy to continue with, um, our shared service agreements for 199 00:59:54.240 --> 01:00:11.200 for this year. Um, and certainly we'll we'll look to expand any opportunities for shared services as they might come available to us. Um, just kind of I'll touch on our our revenue um, for this year. Um, as I mentioned previously, the the tax levby 200 01:00:11.200 --> 01:00:28.640 is going to account for about $24.3 million of our total uh, budget funding for this year. We're also going to be able to utilize $16 million in fund balance. Um, and that'll allow us to offset just about onethird of the total budget. So, um, we were able to continue 201 01:00:28.640 --> 01:00:44.319 to utilize surplus at that level thanks to some strong fund balance performance. Um, most of our other re revenue categories will will stay will stay um, mostly consistent with with previous years. Um the only exceptions that I would point out there really being um 202 01:00:44.319 --> 01:01:02.079 our grants um and our um library tax levy which is obviously a statutory appropriation. Um the last thing I will note um we are also uh adopting our golf utility budget tonight. Um as with the township's 203 01:01:02.079 --> 01:01:18.160 budget, golf utility budget remains unchanged from introduction at $642,235. Um again as I mentioned previously the golf utility is self-funding. Um it does operate independently of the municipal tax levby. Um so it operates as a as a 204 01:01:18.160 --> 01:01:36.079 selfquidating utility. Um and that is that's really wraps up what I what I had for budget review. Um I did want to uh thank all the staff who works on the budget every year. There's a lot of work that goes into it. We start in in October to get to this point. Um, also want to thank the taxing committee for 205 01:01:36.079 --> 01:01:52.400 all their time and effort on on this year's budget. Um, want to thank our our auditing team, our auditor man here tonight. Um, for their help in putting the budget together. So, it is certainly a group effort. Uh, so thank you to all those folks. Um, and again, we have this 206 01:01:52.400 --> 01:02:08.079 um presentation um is posted on the township's website along with all the other budget details. So, if you'd like, you can certainly go take a look at it there. Um, and with that, I will turn it back over for our public hearing. >> Thank you, Sean, and apologies to those here that the screen wasn't working, but 207 01:02:08.079 --> 01:02:26.400 it is on the website and as was introduced, so hopefully you've had a chance to look at it. So, Christie, item B, please. >> Resolution 2026-256, adoption of 2026 municipal budget and 2026 golf utility budget. And this is a 208 01:02:26.400 --> 01:02:43.280 public hearing. The Township Committee of the Township of Burners declares that the statutory requirements found in New Jersey SA48.4- A subsection 1.8 and 1B for posting a complete copy of the approved budget have been met permitting 209 01:02:43.280 --> 01:03:16.160 the budget to be read by title. I open the public hearing and welcome comments. and state your name please and for the record. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Vanati Ragupati and I reside in 108 Constitution Bay. 210 01:03:16.160 --> 01:03:32.480 I am here to talk about planned large property tax increases that is affecting us all. This year the township committee has introduced a 3.44%age tax increase while the board of 211 01:03:32.480 --> 01:03:50.160 education has proposed a 4.98%age increase both noting much higher state health insurance plan expenses. I studied this insurance plan. As large municipalities 212 01:03:50.160 --> 01:04:07.200 exit the insurance plan, smaller towns like Bernards are left supporting a shrinking and more volatile risk pool. This shift is driving up cost and contributing directly to proposed tax 213 01:04:07.200 --> 01:04:22.720 increases. A proposed 2026 state policy will complicate the situation further by requiring towns to remain in the state insurance plan for 5 years 214 01:04:22.720 --> 01:04:40.160 limiting flexibility and impose financial penalties for early withdrawal. I am proposing for a more reasonable and proactive approach. Our residents are facing record high property taxes 215 01:04:40.160 --> 01:04:58.319 and rising cost across the board and we cannot afford to be locked into a system that is becoming more and more expensive. My proposed action include number one, authorizing an independent study 216 01:04:58.319 --> 01:05:15.839 comparing private sector health insurance options to the state plan. Number two, avoiding long-term state commitments without a full cost benefit analysis. Number three, exploring competitive and 217 01:05:15.839 --> 01:05:32.400 flexible alternatives that can reduce the burden on taxpayers. Before committing to a long-term agreement with significant penalties, we owe it to our community to examine every viable option 218 01:05:32.400 --> 01:05:50.760 like what Warren and Menum did. Of course, there will be gets and gives, but I believe financial prudence is essential. Thank you for listening to my ideas. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. 219 01:05:53.599 --> 01:06:18.720 their comments. I close public comment. Okay. And any discussion from township committee members, comments? >> Um, sure. Uh I' I'd like to just um thank Sean, our entire staff, all the 220 01:06:18.720 --> 01:06:35.039 departments for the work that goes into, you know, this budget. Um certainly I appreciate the challenges that are presented uh by the state health benefits plan. And as we've discussed before, there are a number of different 221 01:06:35.039 --> 01:06:51.680 uh things that we've done um in in recent times and really over the years in order to try and make this work. But like so many other towns, um the the these costs are real and I think that the state really needs to do something 222 01:06:51.680 --> 01:07:09.359 about the state health benefits plan. Until then, obviously, we will be looking at all alternatives as we've had um with a keen eye and trying to make the best decisions that we can for our residents. Um so, I think that this 223 01:07:09.359 --> 01:07:26.640 budget, all told, um I've never voted on a ideal budget before. My time in Trenton, I've never seen an ideal budget. Um, what I'm heartened by is that while our uh uh levy, you know, is 224 01:07:26.640 --> 01:07:43.359 is um higher than I think anybody, we're all taxpayers up here, too, for the record. Um, you know, uh, other towns are doing the same thing, but we don't carry debt as as Sean pointed out. And there's all sorts of gamesmanship that one can engage in if they start, oh, no 225 01:07:43.359 --> 01:07:59.920 tax increase this year. We're just going to borrow the money and we'll give you the tax increase down the road. We don't do that. Um and so paying as you go and having teen sinking funds for this that and the other thing is not easy but it is the responsible way. So thank you staff. 226 01:07:59.920 --> 01:08:16.400 Thank you for colleagues for producing this budget. >> Thank you. Committee woman AC deputy mayor. >> Okay. Well since I've spent a lot of time with Sean the past few months I do have some comments. Um, I want to thank you first of all for all the work as as 227 01:08:16.400 --> 01:08:32.960 Andrew said for the work on the budget and to the staff and the department for all the hard work that went into this process which starts early in the fall. Uh, we're trying to do as much as we can, Andrew, as you said, while being fiscally responsible. Uh, we've almost doubled our capital spend in the last 228 01:08:32.960 --> 01:08:48.880 four years. Um, we've also focused on supporting spend with grant funding. And as an example, um, following the work that Jen led in 2024, we have again submitted a grant that's been put forward for the PVP Gulfer Culver 229 01:08:48.880 --> 01:09:06.159 project for 1.8 million and that's gone forward for congressional appropriation. Um, it's among one of 20 which was selected from hundreds. So, we're really excited about that. And a few things stood out to me in this process. um revenue 2025 and 2024 were high water 230 01:09:06.159 --> 01:09:22.080 marks because of interest earnings. And that leads into why we have to look at earnings conservatively because as an example, we had years where we only brought in 40,000 in earnings um fund balance and the use of fund balance. We track our fund balance so we're not just 231 01:09:22.080 --> 01:09:38.480 sitting on too much tax. We use that to help reduce our tax levy and maintaining a healthy reserve. And as you pointed out, Sean, um, and unfortunately we didn't have the slide, but you do share and outline the 12 shared services where Bernards is either the lead agent or a 232 01:09:38.480 --> 01:09:53.920 shared service. And a good example of that, the decision that prior township committees made to move into a shared court is something that is giving us considerable savings. Um, lastly, and as was mentioned in the public comment, other municipalities face challenges 233 01:09:53.920 --> 01:10:11.520 from state healthcare benefits plan. And uh there's a slide that shows that from 2025 to 2026 the same plan would have increased by cost by 55%. Um and this year burners worked hard to move to a different plan and mitigated 234 01:10:11.520 --> 01:10:28.880 that increase to only 17% from what could have been. Um the township staff with the support of the committee have worked very hard to see how we can best resolve this. But as you know, as Andrew said, this is a statewide issue and we have, as I shared at our last meeting, 235 01:10:28.880 --> 01:10:44.880 worked with elected officials through consortiums, including the League of Municipalities on reform. And most recently at their April 14th, 2026 meeting, the Somerset County Commissioners joined other legislative bodies in passing a resolution also 236 01:10:44.880 --> 01:11:02.640 requesting state leaders to implement health care benefits reform and statutory caps on insurance premium growth to mitigate what has become an unsustainable increase in health benefits premiums for public sector employees. So um and in con response you 237 01:11:02.640 --> 01:11:19.040 know the authorizing independent studies we do that uh through our risk managers. They are professionals in that space. They analyze our claim experience. They compare what our group looks like in terms of size demographic and compare if there are other options we should be 238 01:11:19.040 --> 01:11:36.159 exploring. And to that extent um we also conduct a full costbenefit analysis. Um we are exploring alternatives. We do that all the time and I think Sean and Pat and others essentially work non-stop on trying to mitigate the costs. So 239 01:11:36.159 --> 01:11:51.440 there is work work to do but as has been said and shared by the committee uh we are very appreciative and thank you for all the work that's been done and I too feel that we can move forward with approving this budget. So thank you again. And with that may I have a 240 01:11:51.440 --> 01:12:07.760 motion? I move that resol resolution 2026-0256 be approved. >> I second. >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss AC, >> yes. 241 01:12:07.760 --> 01:12:23.520 >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Okay. Uh Christie, item C, >> ordinance 2595, accepting a repairarian 242 01:12:23.520 --> 01:12:38.480 zone conservation easement on property located at 34 Cherry Lane, block 1101, lot 6 from Kevin M. Burn and Joanna M. Burn, the township of Bernards. And this is a public hearing. I open the public hearing and welcome 243 01:12:38.480 --> 01:12:58.719 comments. Seeing none, I close the public hearing. Any discussion from my colleagues? May I have a motion? >> May I move that ordinance 2595 be adopted and advertised as required by 244 01:12:58.719 --> 01:13:14.080 law? >> I second. >> Christie, roll call, please. >> Missy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jart McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. That moves us to our consent 245 01:13:14.080 --> 01:13:30.480 agenda. The items listed within a consent agenda portion of the meeting have been referred to the township committee for reading and study. A copy posted on the website are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion of the township committee with no separate discussion. If separate discussion is required, the item may be 246 01:13:30.480 --> 01:13:45.440 removed from the agenda by township committee action and placed on the regular agenda under new business. Would any of my colleagues like an item removed from the consent agenda? >> Yes, mayor. I'd like to remove resolution 2026-0254 247 01:13:45.440 --> 01:14:01.600 from the consent agenda. >> May I have a motion to approve the remainder of the consent agenda? >> I'll make that move. >> Second. >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, 248 01:14:01.600 --> 01:14:17.640 >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jart McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Thank you, Christie. Christie, item B, >> resolution 2026-254, 249 01:14:17.679 --> 01:14:34.000 establishing a service agreement with Finley Real Estate LLC, Finley Enterprises LLC, and 59 South Finley LLC for use of premises for charter day. >> May I move to table resolution 2026-0254 250 01:14:34.000 --> 01:14:50.239 to the 5126 meeting. >> Thank you. Second, roll call, please. >> Miss Ay, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, 251 01:14:50.239 --> 01:15:05.840 >> yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Okay. And that brings us to item B. Ordinance 2596, accepting a detention basin, drainage, and access easement on property located 252 01:15:05.840 --> 01:15:24.320 at 24 Rocky Lane, block 3602, lot 5 from Amarvir S. Ladar and Anisha K. Lolli to the township of Bernards. And this is introduction. >> Any discussion? May I have a motion? >> So moved. 253 01:15:24.320 --> 01:15:40.880 have to read the >> I move that ordinance 2596 be introduced on first reading advertised as required by law and scheduled for a public hearing on May 12th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Christy, roll call, please. 254 01:15:40.880 --> 01:15:57.040 >> Miss AC, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodgees, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Christie, item C, >> ordinance 2597, an ordinance of the township of Bernards 255 01:15:57.040 --> 01:16:17.679 appropriating 6,250,380 for various capital improvements and this introduction. >> Thank you, Christie. Any discussion? May I have a motion? I move the ordinance 2597 be introduced on first reading, advertised as required 256 01:16:17.679 --> 01:16:33.360 by law, and scheduled for a public hearing on May 12th, 2026. >> Second. >> Thank you, Christie. Roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodgeges, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. 257 01:16:33.360 --> 01:16:50.239 >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Approval of minutes. April 14th, 2026 open session minutes. >> May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> I'll second it. 258 01:16:50.239 --> 01:17:05.520 >> Thank you. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> All right. And that brings us to our final public comment. Comments are welcome during the second public comment period of this meeting on any matter over which the township committee has jurisdiction. The public comment portion 259 01:17:05.520 --> 01:17:21.360 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 this body, the speaker must come forward to the microphone and share their name 260 01:17:21.360 --> 01:17:37.440 and address for the record. To ensure an orderly and respectful meeting, speakers should avoid personal attacks, inflammatory language, or derogatory remarks toward any individual or group. Each speaker is limited to five minutes. Christy the clerk will keep time 261 01:17:37.440 --> 01:18:03.760 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 Riverside Drive. 262 01:18:03.760 --> 01:18:21.360 I'd like to con congratulate um Sergeant Little on his retirement for Ann Smith for being um recognized for her um work. Spent a lot of money to fix this this um 263 01:18:21.360 --> 01:18:37.360 um projector, thousands of dollars. So, it's kind of embarrassing for a budget thing for not to work. You all should be embarrassed. There'll be a phone call tomorrow morning to find out why that's not working. I didn't bother to say anything about 264 01:18:37.360 --> 01:18:54.880 the budget because it's going to go anyway no matter what I would say. Even though I had two chances to bite you at the apple then. But I'll mention stuff now. You know how we nickel and dime money like $43,000 for a patrol car this month 265 01:18:54.880 --> 01:19:12.480 when last meeting we spent $86,000 for two cars and maybe three meetings or four meetings before that. $60,000 for a pickup truck for the police department that there was no nothing wrong with the other pickup truck. In fact, there even 266 01:19:12.480 --> 01:19:28.640 though there was a statement saying that, you know, for the mechanics blah blah blah, you know, it needs to be changed. So, we're they're keeping the truck. So, now they have two pickup trucks. Also, spending $60,000 for a Cricut 267 01:19:28.640 --> 01:19:43.760 field. Now, I realize the master plan might have suggested it, but it's not a requirement. It's not a mandate. And even though five years ago they had, you know, some type of survey where they 268 01:19:43.760 --> 01:19:58.800 like somebody would like to have it in five years. I haven't yet see somebody walk up here and said we have to have a pick a um cricket field. Even though people who want to play pickle ball came up here and asked for it, but nothing 269 01:19:58.800 --> 01:20:14.400 about cricket. That's $60,000 there. So we're talking about money each time. But that's really nothing compared to this health um money we have to pay for the health insurance. And I asked a 270 01:20:14.400 --> 01:20:32.320 month ago for the board to send a letter resolution down to the governor leaders of the senate and assembly and he didn't do it. Nothing. Oh, we sent it to you know mupal you know you know all those mayors 271 01:20:32.320 --> 01:20:46.880 and stuff. Well, I thought we'd stand on our own feet and send it down. I guess you're afraid to let the governor and uh the assembly and the senate leaders know that we're pissed off about this. And yes, I said pissed 272 01:20:46.880 --> 01:21:04.400 because I think um when we get these tax bills, we'll be a little aggravated about this. I don't know why other towns are are dropping the health state health form. find out Warren and Mendum are 273 01:21:04.400 --> 01:21:22.640 must be a reason why they get able to do it come May 1st we're going to be stuck with this for five years you know when you say well we discussed it and stuff then you know where's the discussion in front of everybody tell us exactly what 274 01:21:22.640 --> 01:21:37.360 that plan was and why we didn't want that plan not just you know something out of the air because I think we who've been better off knowing exactly. So, we're going to be stuck with this health plan for another five years and 275 01:21:37.360 --> 01:21:55.520 paying thousands of dollars and it's, you know, it's just disappointing. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Edstein. Um, just a couple of comments. So, one of quickly that the uh my understanding is that we 276 01:21:55.520 --> 01:22:11.440 can leave the plan at any time. So we are not stuck for five years. And then differently uh one of the things that the committee has done is that we have continued to work with elected officials among others to continue to work on 277 01:22:11.440 --> 01:22:28.800 adding comment on bills that we hope will add reform to the ongoing unsustainable stealth state healthc care benefits plan. I know in conversation for example with committeeman McN who worked in the governor's office um letters from municipalities um have some 278 01:22:28.800 --> 01:22:44.800 impact letters from consortiums have a lot of impact and so we're going to continue to go through that course and hopefully combine efforts with all of the others who are trying to really make some reform here. Uh so thank you for your comment though as always. And 279 01:22:44.800 --> 01:23:01.360 lastly on the Cricut patch uh that's something that did come forward from the parks and recreation in response to the growth of our community multicultural community. There is an avid interest in cricket and that was put forward a couple of years ago and will be resolved 280 01:23:01.360 --> 01:23:26.239 and put in this year. So but we appreciate the comment. Joan Bannon. Yes, you do. 91 Patriot Hill Drive. It's been a while, but it's good to see you all. Um, I just wanted to share a little bit of a different perspective. Um, 281 01:23:26.239 --> 01:23:43.920 I heard Mr. McN talk about um his uh thanks for the police. Uh, well, my family had a tragedy in December. Um my lost their father and sudden death um 282 01:23:43.920 --> 01:23:59.360 uh two officers uh from the police Bernard's police department came and stayed with us till 2 in the morning. So I'm in full support of the police department. We need to give them what they need when we can um to keep us safe. 283 01:23:59.360 --> 01:24:17.760 Also I again am amazed Mr. McCarthy every um every year you do a remarkable job and not you alone but your staff as well um working through very difficult things. Healthc care costs have been a problem for a long time. So, um I really 284 01:24:17.760 --> 01:24:34.480 do appreciate that um that effort and I I commend you for and uh Mayor McCarthy, um you're doing a lot uh to try to um meet those demands as you mentioned with the League of Municipalities. So, keep 285 01:24:34.480 --> 01:24:59.360 it up. Nancy Dandrea, three Vandervir Drive. Um, as a member of Parks and Wreck, um, I can say that we were approached by people and we, as Jen Gander always says, don't go to the township committee, go to parks and wreck because 286 01:24:59.360 --> 01:25:15.199 we're the first through it. Um, so the Cricut Field is going to be highly used by probably at least a portion of the I don't know 2,000 South Asians that probably live in our town. uh because the Basking Ridge 287 01:25:15.199 --> 01:25:30.480 Indian community is huge, huge, huge. So I think it is something that will definitely assist in the wonderful environment that we have here in our town and will be a good addition and uh 288 01:25:30.480 --> 01:25:47.040 yes it costs money but you know thing. The other thing is you know we do have let's be honest guys we are an overachieving town. We've got five fifth to eighth graders bringing in national 289 01:25:47.040 --> 01:26:04.159 national championships. We have a forensics team that I don't know 22 23 years in a row, you know, constant champions. We have amazing um schools. We have amazing sports. Um, we have 290 01:26:04.159 --> 01:26:20.000 parks that are um that are that we have people when we put up a movie or a show, we have people from other towns come to our to our parks. We have an amazing uh park commission for our county. We have 291 01:26:20.000 --> 01:26:37.360 we are very fortunate to be where we are, but we have to pay a little bit more. And I I do understand that taxes have gone up. My taxes last year went up $2,000. That was a bit of a shock. I 292 01:26:37.360 --> 01:26:55.120 will say that. Okay. But I have to look at where I live. The value of my home now. I'm going to be honest with you guys. I moved in. I came in right at the right time. I bought my home for $375,000 in the hills. My home is now valid at 293 01:26:55.120 --> 01:27:10.800 1.4 million. Okay. I don't plan on moving. I love living here. I love New Jersey. Okay. But think about that. That's a huge increase. But and I I do understand about paying 294 01:27:10.800 --> 01:27:29.920 the taxes. So I see both sides, but we have we have so much to offer. So taxes are needed. Okay. I do understand we can't well maybe we can control the health insurance but 295 01:27:29.920 --> 01:27:46.000 so anyway thank you very much thank you for the presentation yes I do I agree with Todd I do wish I could have seen it but um thank you so much and thank you for everyone's work >> thank you any other public comment 296 01:27:46.000 --> 01:28:01.840 right seeing none I close public comment Christie any executive session this evening >> none this evening mayor All right. May I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Moved. >> Second. >> Jumped at that. Okay. All in favor? >> I. 297 01:28:01.840 --> 01:28:05.960 >> Thank you. Good evening, everyone.