Adequate notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building on the township website filed with the township clerk and transmitted to the Burnersville News, Courier News, tap into and patch.com on December 17th, 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. 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 to 5 minutes. All meetings shall adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. Christie, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, here. >> Mr. Hodgees, >> here.
>> Mr. McN >> here. Mr. Tommpkins >> here. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy >> here. Christy, any executive session? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> that brings us to presentations. Christie,
>> resolution 2026-155 acknowledging the reacredititation of the Bernards Township Police Department by the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police. >> Thank you, Christie. And we're really pleased this evening to be uh presenting this resolution that will I'll read a
couple of the points from it. as whereas the Bernards Township Police Department has successfully achieved reacredititation through the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. And whereas reacredititation by the NJA NJSA
COP signifies continued compliance with professionally recognized best practices, policies, and procedures for law enforcement agencies throughout the state of New Jersey. And whereas the reacreditation process reflects the Bernard's Township Police Department's
ongoing commitment to professionalism, accountability, community trust, and excellence in public service. And whereas the Berners Township Committee wishes to formally recognize this achievement and the dedication of the officers, command staff, and civilian
personnel of the police department. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, that the Bernard's Township Committee hereby congratulates the Bernards Township Police Department on its reacreditation by the New Jersey
Association of Chiefs of Police, and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Bernard Township Chief of Police and New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police for their records. So before I comment, I'd love to invite my colleagues to also comment on this. So want to start,
Brett? >> Certainly. Thank you, Mayor. Uh in the short tenure I've had, um I've been able to meet with with some of the folks from our police department and they certainly have been very professional in in how they approach
things as far as uh presented to me. And I am so pleased to hear that we are following best practices and we are minding the shop, if you'll allow the expression, and making sure that we are meeting the duties that are keeping our
town safe with a seriousness to make sure it's professional and with a respect of our citizens and I applaud their accomplishment. >> Thank you, Brett. Uh, Mr. McN, I know that you are in DC. You're a member of our police subcommittee along with me.
would you like to comment? >> Yes. Thank you, Mayor. And I'll uh echo Mr. Haj's comments and uh also keep it very brief just to say congratulations to our department and everybody who had a hand in achieving this. It's not easy to do, but congratulations to all and
thank you mayor. >> Thank you. Um Jenny, would you like to? >> Sure. So I remember um at one point my father pursued reacredititation process for his police organization. Um it was an extensive process that took multiple
months, many months um and work with many within the department um to help and achieve that goal. So, I appreciate the work for months to do that and am thankful uh for all that work and what
it symbolizes. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Jen. John, >> um I'd just like to c congratulate the police department. Um this isn't a surprise. Um you guys are consistently um you know on on it every single day.
You guys answer the bell every day. um you do tremendous work and um from the untrained eye it seems like it, you know, this is a very easy u uh easy accomplishment. It's not, but you guys make it look that way because you're that good. So, thank you very much.
>> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. So, I'd like to add a couple of comments. So, first I'd like to recognize Mr. Harry Delgado, who has joined us this evening from the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Program. So, thank you for joining us this evening. Um, we are very
appreciative that the Burners Township Police Department intentionally plans and goes forward with the reacreditation administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The accreditation supports a strategy of continuous improvement. And while our
police department has been accredited for quite some time now, their department goes through this process every three years. It's my understanding that Lieutenant Alex Mcnite, who is here this evening, led the effort with the whole team contributing. Another component of the reacredititation
process is that the public is invited to provide feedback and comment on the department's performance. I think this is so helpful that not only are we seeing policy and practice reviewed, but also inviting feedback from our community. Congratulations to you, Chief Timothy King, Deputy Chief Michael
Sweeney, Lieutenant Alex Mcnite, and the Burners Township Police Department on achieving a successful reacredititation and for your continued commitment and service to our community. Congratulations. So, at this time, um, we should vote on
it and then we'll bite some time. Oh, we have a roll call. >> Is there a motion? I move to accept the resolution. >> A second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Christie. >> Miss Ay.
>> Yes. >> Mr. Hodes. >> Yes. >> Mr. McN. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tomkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Wonderful. All right. At this time, we would love to invite Mr.
Delgado if you'd like to come up. Wanted to make some comments and we'll present the resolution. Thank you, Mayor and Council, for the invitation. It is indeed my pleasure to be here tonight to recognize your police department, one of the best in the state
of New Jersey. and and I actually say that and I bring proof. So just about 30 32% of all the police departments that enter the process make it through reacredititation. That is because it's a rigorous process that requires three years of hard work. Uh it's not a one-time shot. Uh they have to make sure
that they show compliance for that you know for for three years. So uh if you indulge me for two minutes I'd like to share with you uh a few details about the accreditation. So the Bernard Township Police Department has made a commitment to adhering to best practices at the state and national level in highly regarded statewide law
enforcement accreditation program. This program administered to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission has held to transparently demonstrate the professionalism and transparency and preparedness of state's law enforcement agencies in the state of New Jersey
during these uniquely challenging times and a threat to our health and safety. Encouraging law enforcement agencies to follow standardized practices and policies is a potentially life-saving and cost-effective time investment of time and resources. Now, accreditation status gives an agency a significant
professional achievement. This prestigious accredited status demonstrates Chief Timothy King's firm commitment to state and national standards and the continued expectation for quality, professional, and ethical policing of the Burnham Township Police Department. We noticed during an on-site visit that
under Chief Timothy King a high level of competence, leadership and professionalism is evident within the agency. It is the opinion of the assessment team that Berners Township Police Department is a highly professional and committed agency which exemplifies all of the tenants of law enforcement uh accreditation at the
state and national level. So again, it is indeed my honor here tonight on behalf of New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission to congratulate Chief Timothy King, great Asian manager, Lieutenant Alex Mike Knight, Mayor. He did work very hard towards accreditation. Uh the
members of the Bend Township Police Department, the mayor, the council, and those citizens that they so proudly serve for having achieved their uh reacredititation uh joining a very exclusive group of law enforcement agencies that have made this commitment to excellence in policing. still told indeed. Congratulations.
>> Wonderful. Okay. And we have a resolution, Chief King. >> Yes. Just very just very briefly, you know, thanks for your time. Thanks for having us. Uh, as always, um, and I mean, I think that mayor, the rest of the
township committee has said it very well, uh, just talking about the accreditation process and everything that goes into it. So, I won't bore you with some more things that we we did during that time. I I I know what Harry read and thanks for your time, Harry. Really appreciate it. I know what Harry Red obviously has my name in it several
times. We stress the team effort here at Burners Township Police almost amongst everything else, but I have to give Lieutenant Mcnite the large majority of this credit. And I I just wanted to read, you know, what I prepared very quickly. This achievement would not be
possible without the guidance, dedication, and professionalism of our accreditation manager, Lieutenant Alex Mcnite. Throughout this process, he demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, organizational skill, and a steady commitment to excellence. He worked tirelessly to ensure our agency
was fully prepared, responsive, and professional at every stage of the review. On behalf of the entire department, I want to thank him for his hard work and leadership. his efforts not only helped us achieve reacredititation but also strengthen our organization as a whole. So from all of
us, Alex, I I really appreciate your your time and everything you put into this. Thank you again. My colleagues to join me down here. That's God bless you. That wasn't proud. Hey, thanks again for being here. Thank
you, Mr. Delgado. Thanks, Alex. Okay, brings us to public work session. Christie, any public work session needed? >> None this evening, Mayor. >> Christie, any correspondence? >> None this evening. >> All right, that brings us to public comment. During the public comment period, comments are welcomed on any
agenda item. However, if an ordinance is listed for its own public hearing 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 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 microphone and state his or her name and address for the record. Each speaker is limited to five minutes. The clerk will
keep time. Please promptly yield the floor when time is called and return to your seat. Your cooperation and adherence to these rules of order will ensure an orderly and respectful evening. All right. I open public comment. Seeing none, I close public comment.
All right. 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. Uh just wanted to congratulate Bob Hulahan on obtaining his fire inspection certification and his uh promotion to fire inspector.
>> Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you very much. Um Christie, any comments? >> None this evening. Thank you, Mayor. >> Bolardo, any comments? >> Not until later on the affordable housing resolution matters. >> Very good. Um Committeeman Hodgeges. >> Thank you, Mayor.
Folks, as we kind of go into spring, there's an awful lot that's about to bloom, not just in our yards, but also at the parks and recreation department. And I would love to spend a moment because if there's anything somebody wishes to do, chances are good parks and
recreation may have something for you. So, Ski and Board Club's fourth scheduled trip has been rescheduled from February 8th to February 11th. Excuse me, February 22nd, I believe, is that date. I wrote it down wrong. My apologies. Summer recreation program registration
started today at 8:30 this morning for grades kindergarten through 5th. There's a community art show for ages 16 and above. Um it'll be at the Environmental Education Center on Lord Sterling Road and the entry deadline is February 27th.
Girls lacrosse deadline for registration and ordering uniforms is coming up on February 25th. There's a snowman photo contest. So, if anybody's made any snowmen or snow women or snow people in their yards, please take a photo and enter the photo man uh photo person
photo contest by the 28th of February. There are adaptive programs that we have at parks and recreation for ages 15 plus. Adaptive adaptive pickle ball and adaptive basketball. This past Monday, registration opened up
for spring youth and adult tennis lessons. spring pickle ball classes and spring youth basketball clinic. Last couple items I would like to bring up are that we are now accepting applications for new and renew renewing
memberships at the Kley Russo Memorial Golf Course and at the Pleasant Valley pool and parks and recreation has summer employment opportunities that they have recently posted. This and more information can be found if if residents would kindly go to the parks and
recreation web page at the Burners Township website. Also within our municipal alliance, I would like to make sure people are aware of the documentary series or the film series, excuse me, that's coming up. The first one in the series is tomorrow at 6
PM at the Burns Township Library. It's called like a documentary exploring how social media affects our brains, habits, and daily lives. And the Municipal Alliance Municipal Alliance also has a grabandgo uh as part of their teen
outreach program uh for ages 12 through 17. Uh, youth can pick up a graband-go kit from the Burns Township Library in the teen room both tomorrow evening and the and Thursday the 12th. They are
these grab-and-go kits are mini scrapbook kits and they can have fun with their friends uh putting together a scrapbook about their school days or whatever they would like to do. And those are the uh things I'd like to cover this evening. Great. Thank you, Mayor.
>> Thank you so much. U Mr. McN. >> Thank you, Mayor, and thank you for accommodating my work schedule. U let me call in. Uh I will reserve on my comments and and and reports uh this evening and uh defer that until when I'm there in person.
>> Okay. Thank you so much and thanks for joining us and making the effort. Um committeewoman AC. >> Yes, please. Of >> course. >> Um I would like to thank um the ISBR uh and Dr. Shadri for welcoming us to the Muslim Heritage Month. Um I'll let
others speak about but I just wanted to share that um it was a great experience. I personally loved the calligraphy um and learning from a very patient teacher. It was a lot of fun and the food was always fabulous. Um I just wanted to again thank our volunteers for
the ski trip that we had to postpone. Ironically, this was the first time I've ever seen a ski trip postponed because of the cold cold weather. Um, and thank you to our um, Jen Gander, our director of parks and wreck, as well as all of
our volunteers for their flexibility this year. We unfortunately are using every single we're using the um, backup dates. Uh, nothing we ever want to do. Uh, but it is what it is. So, um, looking forward that that last, uh,
weekend and excited for the kids. Um, this morning, uh, both Mr. Tomkins and I attended the BRBA meeting and spoke high level about some of the economic development activities that we're going to be doing within the community. So, I'll let him speak more about that if he
would like to. Um, some important reminders. So, if you can, please know that pet licensing and renewals are still open. All 2025 licenses expire January the 31st, but you can still avoid the late fee because we do offer a
grace period until February the 28th. One thing that I thought was important, not only we've always just shared the date and and but we never did the why. And our new animal control officer um has some compelling reasons. So, if you're if you haven't been moved to do
so yet, you know, why why do we license our pets? Well, number one, it's a free ride home. If your dog is picked up or your your pet is picked up, it has if it has a current license tag attached to the collar, it will get a free ride home instead of an overnight stay in the
kennel where owners will pay a fee. Number two, it will get prompt medical attention. If your pet is found injured, a license is a life-saving identification. Three, lost pets can't call home. Give your pet a voice to find
its way home. A licensed pet allows animal control officers to reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners. Number four, it's the law. All Bernard Township of dogs and cats must be licensed and there is a pet penalty, unlicensed pet penalty of $75. So, it costs a lot less
to license your pet. Five, rabies prevention. licensing ensures that pets are up to date with the rabies vaccine because remember there are two uh within the township um free rabies vaccination clinics. And number six, it helps homeless pets. Your license, your pet
license helps Berners Township Animal Control support animals waiting to be adopted in need of medical treatment, housing, and supplies. So, I thought that was really helpful and insightful. So, I hope you enjoyed that. Um tomorrow also from the board of health uh we have uh excuse me the health department the
stay at young. So uh we have registered dieticians that will be presenting an educational program and cooking demonstration regarding how to manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol because you know February is heart health month. So please come. Um there
is time you can still register. Um so contact the office tomorrow. It is tomorrow from 12:30 to 2 at the library. Um, you know, Mr. Hajes spoke about the like seminar. If I can just plug that so much. Um, I saw that this summer. It's
really great. It's very insightful for some of us that don't necessarily know a lot of the ins and outs of social media, specifically Instagram, Snapchat, and some of those other tools that our youth use a lot. Um, and and to understand in a a guided documentary, meaning that
there's an expert that stops the play, we have discussion, and then we move forward. It's it's a wonderful experience. So, please I hope to see you all there tomorrow evening from 6:00 to 8. Also, from the library, a couple of of tools that are offered because tax
season's about to come. The uh VA program is authorized by the IRS to provide free help in preparing tax returns for seniors and those with moderate to low incomes. So, um appointments are required and you can call the adult circulation desk to
schedule an appointment. Um it does take two short visits to the library. So hopefully you can take advantage or share that with those that might find benefit in that service. Also this weekend, you know, Valentine's Day is coming. Well, the library has a program,
Songs and Stories, a Valentine's Glow. It's a live jazz concert with singer, songwriter, author Bren Stanley, who happens to be a Rich 2002 grad. Um, it is February the 15th, Sunday from 2 to 3:00 p.m. It is free and people of all
ages can enjoy. If you do want to go, they do request that you register. So, please make note of that. That looks like a great experience. And also knowing that Lunar New Year is coming um and it is the year of the horse, there's a special program for children ages 4 to
6 on February the 21st from 10:30 to 11:30. Um, and so they are asking a registration is required for that. So, the best thing there is so much to do for the library. Something for everybody of all ages. Go on their website and uh take a peek. Hopefully, those are some
fun exciting new things that are happening coming up. Thank you. >> Wonderful. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> Uh thank you, mayor. Um I just want to echo two things um that Jen said. Uh we we all attended the open house at ISRB
last weekend and um I would definitely if you guys see that on your radar uh definitely go. It really was a uh a wonderful experience. I had a uh time commitment later that that afternoon. So I was going to go for about 45 minutes.
I wound up staying almost 2 hours and uh I was sad to leave. It just it it really it the the building itself is beautiful. Um it was very uh inviting um very uh very educational and I think the more we
learn about each other um the better the community becomes. So I would strongly encourage that if um if you're um able to do that the next time that comes around. And as Jen said, we had a meeting this morning um uh with um
Basking Ridge um uh business association. Uh sorry. Uh but uh it was a very good meeting. Um uh Jen and I are going to be working on um uh business development within the town.
And uh this was one of our um it was our second outreach and we're looking to just connect with the business owners in town, see what we can do to make uh it a better environment for existing owners, for new owners. Um how we can attract um
targeted businesses. So I thought this morning was a very good first start. Um and one thing we're finding is that uh the businesses we have spoken to um are very appreciative that uh we're reaching out because um this is a rather um new
thing for them and we're looking to build a partnership. So I'm looking forward to a uh uh many more meetings and and very successful partnership. Thanks. >> Great. Thanks for your both of your work on that. So a couple of things I'll add to this. Um, I also want to offer
Patricia Payne from our health department best wishes in her next steps. Uh, congratulations to Robert Hulahan on his promotion and also best wishes to officer Bryson Buchananana who is going to the New Jersey State Police. Um, Officer Bryson was the first
responder when my late father-in-law had a fall at Fellowship Village and my husband Mike and I happened to be there and I was like many of us who've encountered our police in unfortunately, you know, emergency situations was highly impressed with his professionalism. So, I want to thank him
for his service to our police department and community and wish him continued growth and success. So, just a couple of quick things. Uh, beginning in June of 2017, the office of County of Somerset Department of Public Health and Safety,
Somerset Office of Emergency Management started a process to evaluate each of the municipal emergency management programs. And they found that in recent years from looking at um postaction reports that many issues experienced at the local level during an incident came
from weak emergency management programs and a lack of understanding of the importance it brings to the local municipality. So they've started an audit. Um I'm pleased to share our OEM coordinators are Sergeant Mike Yo from our department of police and Ryan
Wallace, our head of public works. And for the calendar year 2025, um, based on a criteria that had a maximum of 100 points with some room for additional points, Bernard's Township achieved a score of 108. So that should give us some comfort going into um, you know,
any types of incidents. It's a wonderful opportunity to both examine practices, but also to look for our opportunities for continued improvement. So, I want to thank our co-chairs and everyone involved in the audit for focusing on ensuring compliance with core standards. And then just a couple of things
further, um, in light of recent activity in Morristown from the offices office of immigration and customs enforcement. Uh, we had received inquiries from residents, primarily those of underrepresented backgrounds, concerned about whether they should be carrying
identification. We were providing some information anecdotally. However, we've now placed information on our Bernards.org website under the residents tab, which is know your rights office of newameans New Jersey government website. And this provides any resident um
information on their rights, whether or not um they are visitors to New Jersey, of what they're u they are entitled to and the responsibilities they have when interacting with any type of immigration enforcement officers. So, that's available now to all. And then as Jen
and John shared um we are very cult rich in our diversity. We did all join the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge Muslim Heritage Celebration. I too did struggled with calligraphy. Uh but it was a wonderful event and I think what was wonderful was seeing a lot of the
crosspollination of different organizations, members of the Indian community, members of other u faiths. Um so just a wonderful way to bring the community together. And then next Tuesday marks the Chinese New Lunar New Year. Um I wish those who will be
celebrating great happiness and prosperity and the Bernard's Chinese American Association will celebrate Lunar New Year on Sunday, March 8th. So more information is available on their website. And then lastly, you'll note that within the consent agenda, we have
two annual reports. One of the friends of Kennedy Martin Steel Farmstead and his historical society of Somerset Hills. Um you may read the reports they are very comprehensive but what's really pops out is the amazing work that these
groups and organizations do to provide education the breath of programs and what they've done to preserve and cultivate an interest in our local history. Um, I expressed to both the I actually spoke to both of the presidents today of those organizations, but we're
so grateful to them for their continued service to the staff and to the volunteers who serve on those boards of trustees for their commitment and service to the township. And then lastly, um, I would like to wish one of our live stream viewers, my husband
Mike, a very happy birthday. Uh, we will be home later and we'll celebrate. So that's all for this evening. Um, so Christie, any fire and rescue appointments? >> None this evening, Mayor. >> Uh, Christy, any unfinished business? >> None this evening. >> Terrific. That brings us to our consent
agenda. The items listed within the 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 routin and will be exacted by one motion of the township committee with no separate discussion. If separate
discussion is required, the item may be 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? >> Okay. Andrew,
I'm going to >> Nope. >> Okay. Uh, may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Christy, roll call, please. Miss Acy, >> yes. Mr. Hajes, >> yes.
>> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Item B, >> resolution 2026-160, resolution of the township committee of
the township of Bernards, adopting an affirmative marketing plan for the township of Bernards. >> Thank you. So, when Mr. Bolardo and I spoke um you had shared that we always had an affirmative marketing plan and that one of the items we need to do is
adopt any changes required to the marketing plan. So could you provide a bit more context for us before we have any discussion? >> Yes, Mayor. As I indicated, uh, Judge Menon gave the township a conditional certification of compliance order on
January 8th of this year, which is a step toward obtaining a final uh, compliance order that would provide the township with 10 years of immunity from 2025 retroactive to 2035. Uh, the township
had a few housekeeping items to take care of. Uh this particular uh resolution is to reaffirm our affirmative marketing plan and update it in accordance with any of the new regulations that were issued at 580 and and 599. And I I actually brought those
here tonight to show how extensive the regulations are, but we are uh complying with with all of those. Uh most folks don't know that in in terms of our affordable h housing, we we have a municipal housing liaison that we
designated at the reorganization and she works with our administrative agent. All towns process are required to have an administrative agent either inhouse or outside the municipality and we have
used for years central um headed by by Sharon Clark uh based in Somerville. What what does that organization do? have a affordable housing unit and you look to sell it, there is a process
under which there is lottery and a strict set of guidelines for someone to be selected income wise for that. Likewise with with with rentals. So the affirmative marketing plan is required pursuant to these reg.
Our organization is very professional already updated the affirmative market. We are merely affirming that we are going to comply with these new regulations a particular resolution and after adoption of this resolution required by
judge men and file this particular resolution and it's one of the part and parcel of items that were >> Thank you John. Is there any question or discussion from the members? Okay. All right. May I have a motion?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Christie, roll call, please. >> Missy, >> yes. Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy,
>> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Um Christie, can you please read the ordinance by title? Ordinance 2593, an ordinance of the Township of Bernards, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, amending, revising, and supplementing the code of the township of Bernard's chapter 21, Land
Development to add section 21-87, Incorporation of New Jersey Administrative Code, sections 599-1.1 to 599-9.4 and New Jersey administrative code sections 580-26.1
to 26.23. And this is introduction. >> Thank you Christie. And if Mr. Bardo if I can ask again when we spoke about this ordinance it was >> Yes. One of one of the requirements that Bernards must adhere to and other municipalities participating in in in the program under the Mount Laurel
judges ordinance is is again these these regulations that were that were issued the 599 and 58026.1 last December 13th. Um we must follow these regulations. So it it behooves us
not to prepare a 50page ordinance with all of these regulations in it. So uh this ordinance in a concise fashion indicates uh that pursuant to judge men's order uh we are going to adhere to in administering our affordable housing
program these particular regulations. That is the first part and the primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with the fourth round regulations will be the township's administrative agent and that central Jersey housing resource center and a municipal housing liaison.
That's uh Susan Long with legal advice and input from the town attorney. Um it also indicates on an annual basis at its reorganization meeting we will adopt a resolution appointing a municipal housing liaison. We've already done that. It also indicates in the ordinance
that we will adopt by resolution an affirmative marketing plan for affordable units. We that tonight. And it also indicates that we will adopt a spending plan that will govern the use of our affordable housing trust funds. Um you might all recall that last June
as part of our um housing element and fair share plan that was amended uh revised um spending plan. Uh it was required to be updated to comply with these new regulations. Uh the mayor and I met recently at my office
the spending plan and any particular requirements. I I believe that was um Miss Ley has provided a revised spending plan. Um I've added legal language to that. So look for that particular spending
uh to a resolution meeting. If this particular ordinance is introduced tonight, it is a zoning ordinance is found in section. It will be our planning board or inconsistenc.
We will adopt this ordinance at the next file it with e courts and we will have >> Thank you John. Thanks for all your partnership and advice and guidance throughout this process. >> Thank you. All right. Um, any discussion?
>> Okay. May I have a motion? >> I Yes. Go ahead, please. >> I move that ordinance 2593 be introduced on first reading, referred to the planning board and advertised as required by law and scheduled for a
public hearing on March 10th, 2026. >> I second. Christy, roll call, please. >> Missy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins,
>> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. >> I think I indicated it would be heard February 24th. Actually, March 10th. >> There's not a planning board meeting between now and >> no planning board meeting. That's That's
why it's March 10th instead. So >> it's fine, Jim. Thank you. >> Again, >> exactly. Which is March 15th, right? >> Yes. >> Perfect. Okay. Thank you. All right. That brings us to township committee appointments. Christie
>> Ryan Wallace, green team, regular member, one-year term, expiring December 31st, 2026. >> May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Christy, roll call, please. Miss AC, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes.
>> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Alicia Suburbby Parks, Pathways, and Recreation, regular member, one-year term, expiring December 31st, 2026.
>> May I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. Christy roll please. >> Miss Hy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes.
>> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Approval of minutes. >> January 27th, 2026, open session minutes. >> May I have a motion to approve minutes? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I.
>> Thank you. Okay. That brings us to second public comment. Thank you, Andrew. >> That brings us to our second 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 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 state their name and
address for the record. Each speaker is limited to five 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, my name is Theo Rose. Live at 15 Blackburn Road in Basking Ridge, the community just station. I'm perplexed by the fact that there's
no, to my understanding, no ordinance requiring residents to shovel their sidewalks. Uh the net result even before this very large snowstorm was that there are children walking in the street to go
to the go to their pool buses and parents walking in the street for their regular exercise so that the um burrow has a mandatory. I would like to understand why it is that the township does
>> Thank you for your comment. We'll certainly consider it. >> What is it? >> It's not a question and answer period. So, we do take your comments. Um, we do not have an ordinance at this time. I can share that the township does plow about 31 miles of roadway and certainly
um we will consider the aspect of safety is always paramount and we appreciate your input. >> Question of like is there any history to that? I I don't know the answer to that question and
there any history to why that is? >> It's not a question and answer period. So, but we do appreciate your comments. >> As a resident, will I hear from somebody to figure out whether my comments are being heard as a taxpayer? >> As I said, we take your comments in
consideration. Thank you. Okay, seeing none, I close public comment. >> Christie, any executive session? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> may I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I
>> Thank you. I >> Thank you, Andrew. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Have a good evening there.