Quate 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 verersville 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. 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. Kendra, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> here. >> Mr. Hodes,
>> here. >> Mr. McN >> here. Mayor Dwarte McCarthy >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Tomkins is excused this evening. >> Thank you, Kendra. Any executive session? >> None this evening, Mayor. >> That brings us to presentations.
>> Resolution number 2026-0193 recognizing March as developmental disability awareness month. >> Thank you, Kendra. What I'm going to read the resolution and then I'm going to ask my co colleagues here if they could comment and we're just so appreciative that all of you came in
this evening. So the resolution reads as follows. Recognizing March as developmental disabilities awareness month. Whereas March is recognized across the United States as developmental disabilities awareness month. an opportunity to promote respect
for individuals with developmental disabilities and to increase awareness of the barriers they may face in education, employment, and community involvement. And whereas approximately 2% of the United States population has an intellectual or developmental
disability, which translates to approximately 178,000 children and adults in New Jersey. And whereas individuals with developmental disabilities are an integral part of society, making meaningful contributions
to our communities, workplaces, and cultures, and are to be recognized for their achievements, talent, and potential. And whereas fostering an inclusive community benefits everyone by promoting diversity, equity, and accessibility, ensuring that individuals
with developmental disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive and participate in all aspects of society. And whereas continued education, advocacy, and public awareness efforts are necessary to eliminate
misconceptions and to support policies and programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. And whereas Bernard's parents for exceptional children was formed in 1985 through the work of local
mothers and formally became a 501c3 in the early 2000s to provide a supportive environment for parents and families to improve the experience for children in need of special education and promote inclusion for all children within their
educational environment in the Bernard's Township community. And whereas Bernard's PE supports families with children who have behavioral, developmental, emotional, or academic challenges by creating meaningful opportunities for connection, learning,
and inclusion. PEC offers adaptive recreation programs, social gatherings, and parent education workshops that help children grow, bring families together, and provide caregivers with valuable tools and resources. Now therefore, be
it resolved that the township committee commends the efforts of advocates, service providers, and community organizations that work tirelessly to support and empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. And be it further resolved by
the township committee of the township of Bernards that we do hereby recognize the month of March as developmental disabilities awareness month in Bernard's Township and encourage all residents to join in this observance by promoting awareness, inclusion, and
respect for individuals with developmental disabilities. Well, there's a lot that was just shared, but I know that we all feel this from the heart. So, I'm going to ask my colleagues if they'd like to share comments. So, Commin Hodes.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Develop developmental disabilities month occurs every March and this year's theme is we're here now. We're here then, now, always. This national theme recognizes a
simple truth that people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities and always will be. Develmental Disabilities Awareness Month was established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to highlight the importance of fostering a society
where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities. When we speak about inclusion, we can't just be speaking about making room. It must be about reshaping the room itself so that people with de developmental disabilities aren't guests in their own
communities, but expected, valued, and central to everything. that we do. Bernard's Peek not only provides a community for families with exceptional children with their events, they're also a treasure chest of resource connections and they provide valuable insight to our
board of education via their special education parent advisory council. I'm very proud that Burns Township formerly recognizes March as developmental disabilities month. >> Thank you, Jen. So I think many folks may know that um
Bernard's PEC is a very special organization. Um personally I believe I first interacted with Bernard's Pek in 2014. Sherry Nelson I think you were the president at that point. I was a coach for Destination Imagination and we were
looking to work with a group of youth and you were open to having our um students work with your youth and it was a tremendously valuable experience and from that point on I fell in love um and
have um so admired what each and every PC member does in their daily life as well as they're advocating for their children. Um, and as those children get older, as I've learned, advocating for
them as adults. So, um, better understanding and getting to better understand adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in particular is something that, um, again, Bernard's Peek two years ago created, recreated,
and brought back the 5K. and you were so generous to organize Lindsay and Bridget almost single-handedly from a leadership perspective, but with your massive uh group support of all of the volunteer
parents uh to pull that off. and you graciously gen generate um donated your um all of the money that you collected and you gave that to our house to help that local house here in Bernard's Township
for providing homes uh for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities. So, I can't think of a better organization that emulates what great looks like. um how you help our children in the school system and then as the
parents age out if you will as as their youth do and all that you do continuing to go forward. So um tremendous thank you to each and every one of you and um remain committed to your mission. Thank you. >> Thank you. And Andrew,
>> thank you mayor. Uh, I too would like to salute the work that PEC has done. Um, the ID community generally and their families. Couldn't be happier to be doing this resolution here tonight. And as you can see, um, the PEC legacy goes
back a long time and we're really pioneers uh, in this movement along with plenty of other people elsewhere in the country. Um, and while there's still much work to be done, um, tech around these parts and other advocates like it, you know, are a big part of why we are
where we are today. So, I salute you all. Thank you. >> Thank you, Andrew. And just a few comments. I've had a chance now to work with many of you, um, you know, not only through PEC, but also through some of the work at the YMCA. And through that, I've come to see and really admire all
the work that you do to create inclusion and to take away stigma around just creating opportunity and making sure that individuals are able to thrive. And in speaking with Lindsay, one of the things that we talked about was how do
you help shape experience for people about what it's like to be a member of a community that may be less commonly discussed or or considered. and she shared with me the essay Welcome to Holland uh written by Emily Pearl Kingsley that reflects on the experience
of having a child with special needs. So I read it and at the end of the essay it says but if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to go to Italy and you may never be free to enjoy the very special the very lovely things
about Holland. I believe that you, the Pek families and alumni families here tonight have helped countless people embrace Lanting in Holland. I am hopeful that this resolution in a small yet significant way helps as well. While there has been progress made, we know
that there are many issues that continue to impact the community of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and we are committed to being partners to the community. So with that, may I have a motion? So moved.
>> Second. >> Um all in favor >> I >> I >> Congratulations. Lindsay, can we invite you to come forward and share some comments and then we'll make the presentation. >> Good evening. Um I can't thank you guys enough uh for the acknowledgement but
about the really the words that you all just shared um because it is so validating for us um as you said we have many people here um and for us to hear
that what we've created what we've volunteered for over the years what we've advocated for our children for is being seen, is being heard, is being recognized. Um that's really um a huge success for us, you know, and many times
there aren't successes along the way. Um so when we do get a success like this, it's really fantastic and really um uh acknowledges all all the work that's being done. And uh PEC was started pretty much 40 years ago um by a group
of local moms um as you had said in the resolution and it's a testament to the supportive community that has been built over the years by looking at who's here tonight. You know, we have a former PEC president here. We have a few former PEC presidents here. um as well as
volunteers, board members. And when you find a tribe of people that get it, that walk the same walk as you, that live the same life or or a very similar path, it's something that is really treasured because it's very difficult to
find that when you're in this club, if you will. Um and so you don't see many of us straying. We like to be in that comforting place with the people that we know, with the people that support us. Um, so that's why you see everyone
showing up tonight because this is what we do. We show up for each other. Um, but I want to thank you for acknowledging um, in previous years we've came for April um, autism um, awareness now acceptance month and
the disability developmental disability awareness month. um is really all-encompassing um when you look at all of the different things that PEC supports families with. And what we've seen in most recent years um is the rise
in anxiety in ADHD in things that are affecting families tremendously um at a young age um especially in this postcoid world. So unfortunately um many of us PEC parents have the experience of looking for specialists and knowing what
psychologists, psychiatrists, developmental peds um so we've been able to pay it forward and be that support for families who are just maybe starting the journey or um as you coined um or
quoted from the welcome to Holland accepting eventually when they're ready um the the life that that we have and and seeing the beauty in it. And some people that takes a very long time and we're here for them when they're ready. Other people it's it's they're hit the
ground running. They're ready to go and volunteering the next day. So, um, but it's it's a great way to just make sure that everyone knows and has the awareness of PEC so that if one day they or a loved one does need the support,
they know that we're ex that we exist and that we're here and who we are. So, thank you very much for acknowledging all of that tonight. >> Thank you, Lindsay, and all the and the leaders past and present and all who volunteer and are involved in the community. Our deep appreciation. And if you want to join us, my colleagues will
come down for the resolution and some pictures. You want to go? >> Alice, how are you? Thank you. And I'm just going to say you're welcome to stay or leave. It's fine either way.
Kendra, do we have a public work session this evening? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> any correspondence? >> None this evening. >> 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 5 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 meeting. I open public comment. I close public comment. Next, we will invite staff comments, township committee comments, including board and liaison reports. Mr. Monaco, would you like to start?
>> Uh, nothing this evening, Mayor. Thank you. >> Good. Uh, Kendra, >> nothing this evening, Mayor. Thank you. >> Mr. Balardo, >> not at this time, mayor. >> All right, Brett. >> Thank you, Mayor. Excuse me.
I had the great fortune of attending a documentary yesterday at the township library uh focused on teens mainly, but it was called Upstanders. And I've been mentioning to the township about this documentary series that's that's been coming out of Municipal Alliance. And it was a film that had a very serious topic
about bullying and cyber building. So, there wasn't a lot of laughter through the film, but it was great how many uh youth were there and how many teens actually spoke up in in in some of the uh back and forth dialogue that we were able to have. I I hope that others were
able to uh take advantage of that. Mind and Mingle for teens 12 through 18. There the next one is Thursday, March 12th, and it's a lip scrub bar. Apparently, you'll have all the ingredients that a teen would need to
create their own lip scrub. And it's free. It's at the Bernard's library in their teen room. And also on March 12th from 10 to noon, there's free QPR training. QPR stands for question, persuade, and refer. And it's a very
serious topic, and I hope that folks will will consider looking for more information on it on the Burns Township Health website. But the goal is all about suicide prevention. Suicide prevention for others as well as suicide prevention perhaps for the individual
themselves. So it's a very serious topic and the training is is very worthwhile. There'll be two training sessions. The most recent one is going to be this Thursday at noon at excuse me March 12th from 10 to noon for the recreation parks and pathways. I'd like to uh let it let
it be known that March 15th is a deadline for hometown hero banner applications. These banners honor veterans who live or have lived in Burners Township and have served in conflict. There's more information on the website. And on March 21st, the
community art show exhibit opens at the Environmental Education Center. I hope you take advantage of of that. And I just want to remind folks that are ages 25 and above that there's open gym sessions for basketball and pickle ball week nights from 8:15 to 10:15 at Ridge
High School. And the last thing I'd like to mention is a little bit precursor. However, we are welcoming a new police officer starting this coming Friday. And since I will I will be here we won't be here on Friday. I would like to offer my
congratulations and welcome to Aiden Mardell. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Brad. There's a lot going on there. I didn't know they had pickle ball at Ridge High School. >> Look into that. Thank you. Um Committee Acy,
um I wanted to start off and I saw a post earlier today. Um, I wanted to acknowledge that today, um, would like to take a moment and recognize Captain Ford Shaw, um, who passed away today in 2015. Um, many of us know he is a hero,
a hometown hero, and, uh, our township acknowledges him by naming Ford Shaw just right out in front. So, I just wanted just to make that acknowledgement. and there are some very nice tributes to him online and I encourage you to do that. So, we're
thinking of the Shaw family um especially on today and we thank him for his service. Switching to some um most recent activities um back Thursday, February the 26th, a group of us attended the New Jersey Conference of Mayors winner
Summit. Um the topic was the mayor's playbook for economic growth for New Jersey. So, um good news. Uh many of us took very copious notes and are excited to bring back the information um listening to colleagues and really
excellent presentations and best practices that we can bring here to Bernard's Township to help in our economic development efforts. On Sunday, I wanted to thank um the Bernard Chinese American Association for the wonderful Lunar New Year, the year of the
firehorse that took place at Cedar Hill Elementary. um the potluck. My kids in particularly love the food, the stage show, getting to see all of the the youth and adults um participate. My son especially loved the games, especially
with those red envelopes, um arts and crafts and the business expo. So, a huge thank you to all the leadership of the Burners Chinese American Association for bringing that uh culture to our community. Um it's the fourth time that we've done this uh within our township.
So, thank you. Um and just this morning the mayor and I attended the Basking Ridge business alliance and um was very happy to hear additional updates from our expert from the NJA Kathy Guzman. So you know we still have the commitment
again economic development as a focus. So we'll continue to uh share the good news about the grants that are available and to try to help all of our small business to achieve those. Switching to some things that are coming up. Um Mr. Hodgees spoke about the QPR suicide prevention training. Just want to share
that I took that training in the fall and it was excellent. So please do if you can. Um it's it's virtual so uh it's pretty easy to access. Um and it doesn't hurt to understand some important things as to how you can help those especially
those considering suicide. Also wanted to mention upcoming um March the 25th there's a virtual lunch and learn thanks to the health department. Um, sleep starts in the kitchen. So, this program is Wednesday, March 25th from 12 to 1,
and you can register for free on the health department's website. Switching to the library. Um, a very popular event and something I'm excited to do on Saturday is the repair cafe. So, um, thanks to some amazing volunteers who
are fixers, they are volunteering their time and effort to those of us who need things fixed. And so, uh, it's a wonderful opportunity. Um, I'll be bringing the max, which is two items, to have my item, uh, fixed for free by
skilled volunteers. So, um, please, if you're interested in that, please go on to the, um, libraries website and register for that. Um, it's a great it's a great thing. I'm excited to check it out. So, please please come join me. And lastly, um, I'm very excited to share
the following. This summer, our region will host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing international attention and visitors to New Jersey. Bernard's Township is preparing to take part in the excitement by organizing several community centered activities
that will celebrate soccer, culture, and our local businesses. These efforts will include partnerships with our local youth soccer community, opportunities for residents and visitors to watch matches together, and a signature community event in June that will highlight international culture and the
spirit of the World Cup. Over the next coming months, we'll continue coordinating with our regional partners, including Somerset County Tourism and Economic Development, as well as the World Cup New York, New Jersey Host Committee to ensure Bernard's Township can participate in and benefit from this
historic event. I'm leading the planning for the township, working very closely with our mayor and other key stakeholders. We look forward to sharing more details with the community as plans continue to develop. Thank you, >> Janet. That's very exciting news. There will be more shared as we get details.
So, thank you. Thanks for all your work on that, too. Um, Mr. Oh, Committeeman McN. >> Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I'd like to salute once again our especially our public works department, but also our fire and EMS and our administration at
large for their most excellent work during the most recent snowstorm. Um, this is critical work, can be dangerous work. Um and they have performed, you know, extraordinarily uh through the
entire winter. Um and while the 70°ree weather that we've had these last couple of days might lead one to conclude that we're out of the woods, apparently winter is not done with us just yet, the mayor has informed me we might get some snow. >> We might. Yes, >> might. But whether we do or we don't,
uh, I'm certainly heartened by the fact that we have an extraordinary administration, police, fire, and of course the DPW who goes out there and gets those roads cleared for us. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you. Yes, I'm hopeful that we can soon stop saying thank you to the DPW,
but it's it is what it is. And I did see snow in the forecast, so I a couple of things to add. I try not to be redundant. First, I want to wish um committeewoman Jen Ac. she celebrated her birthday yesterday and also again to thank her for her work on the upcoming
FIFA World Cup. We're very excited about this um activating Bernards and it's just like worlds colliding. We have the 250th anniversary. We have FIFA World Cup. So, it's a lot going on and we have a great partnership with the Somerset County Office of Economic Development.
So, a lot a lot to look to be excited about. A few other updates. You'll see a resolution in the consent agenda uh 2026202 to submit a grant application for fiscal year 2027 community project funding through the
office of Congressman Tom King Jr. And the grant is for professional engineering services to comply with NJD municipal storm water regulations, including the updating of the township storm water management plan, the preparation of a watershed assessment
report, and the preparation of the watershed improvement plan. And we're requesting 250,000 in federal funding to complete these important planning and engineering efforts. We are very appreciative that we received letters of support from Senator John Bramnik,
County Administrator Colleen Maher, Assemblyman Andrew McCertie, and anticipate receiving another from Assemblyman Vince Carney. And seeking county, state, and federal grants is a really important way to support capital projects, and we will continue to look for these opportunities throughout the
year. I attended a meeting at Somerset County on Tuesday, March 3rd, hosted by Colleen Mark to introduce the new county department directors and share various projects and initiatives. During the meeting, they shared that the 2026 Somerset County recycling calendar and
stickers are late and will be mailed to your home within the next few weeks. So, to those who do would like one, I have some and I'm happy to share those at the end of the meeting. So um again they apologized and said they are coming in first class mail. And then on March 4th
committeeman McNal, Mr. Monaco and I hosted the chief of staff and constituent services and outreach coordinator for assemblyman Andrew McCert's office to review township priorities in ways that we can receive service from that office. And then as uh
committee woman AC mentioned, there were a few cultural events here in town. I first stopped at Brick Academy. The Somerset Hills Historical Society had a special exhibit, History Happened Here, America 250, in Somerset Hills. And the exhibit included the country's first
centennial flag, celebrating 100 years of our nation's founding. The flag has 38 stars with Colorado having just joined the Union in 1787. And so, no, 1887. Yes, 1787. I have a
typo on my own talking points. Brick Academy raised $8,000 to have the flag restored and they are proud to have it return in time for our nation's 250th. And John Booth, a local historian and architect, presented stories about how the Revolutionary War affected people
and places in Somerset Hills. And there will be lectures going on throughout the year. For those of you who have been interested in that, on our website, there is an America 250 page that's dedicated to sharing events and calendar information about programs and it's
under the tab residents and then America 250. I really encourage it. The lectures are fascinating and we have so much rich local history here that is worth um engaging and becoming familiar with. And then I joined committeewoman AC at the Burners Township Chinese Association's
Lunar New Year and it was just a terrific event and we're very appreciative of all they do to achieve and contribute within the community. So with that, uh, fire and rescue appointments, Kendra, >> none this evening, Mayor, >> any unfinished business? Please read the
next ordinance by title. Ordinance number 2593, an ordinance of the Township of Bernards, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, amending, revising, and supplementing the code of the town Town
Township of Bernards, Chapter 21, Land Development, to add section 21-87, Incorporation of New Jersey Administrative Code, section 599 9-1.1
to 5 col99-9.4 and New Jersey Administrative Code section 5 colon 80-26.1 to 26.23 and this is a public hearing. >> Thank you. I open the public hearing and
welcome comments. I close the public hearing. Any discussion from my colleagues. All right. Um with that in someone um introduce Yes, Mayor. Um,
I move that ordinance 2593, having been reviewed by the planning board on March 3rd, 2026, and found to be consistent with township master plan, be adopted and advertised as required by law. >> I second. >> Clerk, roll call, please. >> Macey, >> yes.
>> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. And uh just before I wanted to comment, John, that I listened to the planning board meeting and it was shared that while some towns repealed and
replaced their ordinance, you went through the model ordinance and with a fine tooththed comb picked out what needed to be included in this ordinance so that it was more concise. Um and we really recognize and appreciate all your efforts. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you.
>> Uh Kendra, can you please read the next ordinance by title? Ordinance number 2594, an ordinance of the township of Bernards appropriating 1,449,000 for various capital improvements. And
this is a public hearing. >> I open the public hearing and welcome comments. I close the public hearing. Again, any discussion from my colleagues? >> No, mayor. All right. May I have a motion?
>> I move that ordinance 2594 be adopted and advertised as required by law. >> Second. >> Clerk, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes.
>> Motion carried. >> Thank you. All right, that brings us to our new business and consent agenda. The 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 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 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? May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Andrew, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy,
>> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Kendra, approval of minutes. May I have a motion? >> I'll make the motion. >> A second. >> Kendra. All in favor? >> I. >> Great. Motion carried.
>> Thank you. All right, that brings us to 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 Sorry for this microphone.
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 5 minutes. The clerk will keep time. Please promptly yield the floor when time is called and return to your seat. Your cooperation in adherence
to these rules of order will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. I open public comment. Stein Riverside Drive um ordinance 2593 that we just approved
for um affordable housing. I guess they were for it, but this real minded people who were concerned about what's going to happen at Manchester Road. Now's your time to make your comments at the next time the meeting
when it comes up. You know, make constructive criticism for things and maybe that project will go away a lot better than you expected. An ordinance 2594
with the capital improvements. just like to remind people I just got my revaluation for um the county and they increased the my property valuation by $40,000.
So you already have a tax increase on me. Just remember that when we start the budget process next month because I already know that I'm paying more money and I think everybody else
will know about it also very soon. Thank you. >> Thank you, Todd. >> All right, close public comment. Kendra, any executive session? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> may I have a motion to adjurnn?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you and good evening. Thanks to those who came and who are watching virtually.