[Music] I call I call to order and open the Bernards Township Committee meeting for June 24th, 2025. Please stand for the flag salute. I aliance to the flag of the stands
nation indivisibley and justice for all. Mayor's opening statement. Adequate notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building one collar lane bassing ridge on the township website and emailed to the
Bernardsville News Whipony the Courier News Bridgewater tap into.net patch.com and filed with the township clerk on December 18th 2024. Any motion to go into close session will be included include that that material discussed at
such close session will be disclosed to the public when such matters are finally determined and there is no further reason to prohibit the public from disclosure of information relating to such matters. No new business will be introduced after 10:30 p.m. Public comment will be accepted at all
meetings. Speakers will be limited to 5 minutes each. All meetings will adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. Roll call. Kirsty. Miss Acy here. Miss Dwarte McCarthy here. Mayor Fields here. Mr. Tanky and Mr. McN are excused this
evening. Executive session resolution 2025-0228. Christy authorizing executive session meeting of the Bernard's Township Committee to discuss personnel performance evaluation of the township administrator.
Can I have a motion? So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Christie. Miss Acy. Yes. Miss Dwarte McCarthy. Yes. Mayor Fields. Yes. Motion carried. We're closed. We're in We're back in session.
Resolution 2025-0232. Christie recognizing June as LGBTQ plus pride month. Anna McCarthy is going to um introduce this ordinance uh resolution. Hey, thank you, mayor. We are a unique and vibrant
community and I've had the opportunity during the last 30 years of living here to meet residents who identify as part of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community andor allies of the community. Like all of us, these individuals want to be respected and
valued and have an opportunity to thrive. The resolution tonight recognizing June as LGBTQ plus Pride Month sends a message that we as a township recognize, celebrate, and value our community. I'm also pleased and proud that we are recognizing the
Greater Somerset County YMCA and that includes our local Somerset Hills YMCA as strong partners to the community. I've been a member and volunteer of the Y for many years. Those who don't know the Y and its mission sometimes consider it a place to swim or hit the gym.
However, I've learned over the years that it's much more than that. The Y is more like the kitchen of your home. It's a place where people want to congregate and feel welcome. The Y creates this environment through its training of staff and broad and intentional programming. As an example, the Y hosted
a series of community events to celebrate Junth, which commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved African-Americans on June 19th, 1865. And likewise, the Y has been hosting a series of programs and resources on the
LGBTQ plus community and its allies. Whether it's the pride picnic being held this coming Thursday at the Somerset Hills Y, the display of rainbow flags and banners throughout the year, content related to the community on its website, the Y makes sure that the LGBTQ plus
community and its allies are welcome and can be part of its mission of healthy living for all. The Y leadership here this evening, including Lisa Pensine, senior wellness director, and Gabby St. floor, senior director of youth development are part of the team that
makes sure that this is part of who we are as a community. Thank you for your commitment to and work in making the Y welcoming place and for your ongoing partnership to Bernard's Township. I'll close with this reflection. Mayor, in Bernard's Township, we talk about the
fabric of Bernard's this year. Similarly, Washington DC's theme was the fabric of freedom as background. Throughout history, people have used fabrics as expressive symbols to communicate identities and as forms of resistance. While the LGBTQ plus
community faces growing challenges both in the United States and worldwide from those seeking to divide rather than unite, it's the fabric of our community here in Bernard's Township through our rich cultures, diverse identities, and backgrounds that will guide us forward
toward a bright and hopeful future. Thank you, mayor. Thank you. Can I have a motion? So moved. Second discussion. Jen, would you like to say something? I would like to say um I was very pleased to see that we were again um as we have on an annual
basis this type of resolution as well as the displaying of the pride banners uh within our community. And as myself, as a very proud ally of the LGBTQ AI plus community, um it just further goes to
show that the township committee is firmly um supporting all residents um so that everyone knows that they are included and respected. And I also have a wonderful gr uh speak of gratitude to the YMCA. um you serve in many
capacities serving um all of our diverse residents and thank you for again accepting this um this particular resolution and all that you do. Thank you. Thank you. So, I wrote something out, but I first wanted to mention when I was mayor last
time, it was the first time ever, um I was asked by our our um township committee woman if I would approve the banners being um displayed out in the front of town hall. Um as mayor, you have to um put it on the agenda and you
have to approve it as mayor. And I said, of course, I support doing that. And then we all agreed that it was something that we wanted to do as a community to have the banners here in town hall. So that's why they're out there. So I'm proud to say that um I started that along with my other colleagues and we supported that and I thank Joan Bannon
for that. It's very important that we show as a community that we're inclusive and we include everyone and so it's really made a difference and it's unfortunate that year after year when we put them out it is controversial and we do get emails with people complaining and people not understanding it. It's very unfortunate but we explain to them
that it's a decision that we all made together not just me. I always say I'm only one person who supported it, but we all support it and year after year we support uh Pride Month and we support the banners and I'm proud to be part of that. But I did want to say as mayor I
recognize June as Pride Month, a time to honor the history, resilience, and ongoing contribution of the LGBTQ plus community in our town and across the nation. For decades, LGBTQ plus individuals have fought for the right to live openly, authentically, free from
discrimination. Their courage and advocacies have made a difference to so many. This month, we remember the pioneers of the LGBTQ plus who made a difference in their community and beyond. We celebrate the diversity that defines our community and recommmit to
ensuring that every resident regard regardless of sexual orientation values that they're valued and they feel safe. Let Pride Month be a reminder of the power of community, especially our community, and the importance of
acceptance and enduring strength of love in all its forms. Happy Pride Month. All in favor? I I thank you and also thank you to the Y for all that you do. I'm sorry for have to mention you. Thank you. And thank you
for coming here and accepting the resolution. Thank you. And mayor, I think Lisa Pens was going to make some comments. Oh, okay. Then we could take a picture. Right here. Okay. Thank you. So, good evening. Um and thank you for
this meaningful recognition. On behalf of Somerset Hills YMCA, I want to express our deep gratitude for this pride resolution and for the opportunity to stand here today in celebration of equality, equal equality, belonging, and inclusion. At the Y, our mission is
rooted in strengthening community for all. And that means creating a space where every individual, regardless of background, identity, or orientation, feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to th thrive. We are proud to serve a community as diverse and vibrant as ours and we are committed to continuing this
vital work every day. This recognition is not only out only an honor. It's a reflection of the shared dedication for of our staff, volunteers, members and partners. Your leadership inspires us and your support helps make our commitment to inclusion not just a value
but a lived reality. Thank you again for this acknowledgement and for standing with us in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause]
stand. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Next, we have resolution 2025-0265 recognizing the Ridge High School Drama Club on receiving the 2025 Foxy High School Play Award for overall
outstanding production. So, we're going to present you with a resolution tonight, but I wanted to say something first. We are proud to recognize an exceptional group of students for their creativity, hard work, and passion for the performing arts. Ridge High School Drama Club recently received the
prestigious Foxy High School play award for overall outstanding production, a statewide honor presented by Montlair State University at their annual theater night awards. Their production of Radium Girls stood out among hundreds of entries from across New Jersey. This
award reflects not only the incredible work of the students, cast and crew, but also the dedication of their adviserss, directors, parents, and the strength of the entire Ridge High School performing arts program. It is clear that the arts
are thriving in our schools, and we could not be prouder. I offer our warmest congratulations to the Ridge High School drama club on this outstanding achievement. You've made your town very, very proud, and we look forward to seeing what's next. Can I have a motion?
So moved. Second discussion. Do you like to say something? Sure. So first and foremost, congratulations. This is really exceptional as the mayor said and as a parent of a Ridge High School graduate and went to many of the shows. Unfortunately, I didn't see this one.
You're exceptional talent and what an interesting storyline. So I went and read about Radium Girls and the first thing that I was struck with was that this is a very difficult storyline in particular for um younger individuals like yourselves who perhaps haven't been
in a work environment where there are safety and health concerns um up to leading toward complications and potentially death. So the idea that you were able to translate this, interpret it and do it so well is u I I'm very
impressed by that. U so I'm now I'm really sorry I didn't see but that being said um what it it's an also a very timely story because the economy is evolving, workplaces are evolving. Uh now people are concerned about depression and other factors which are
so different from the toxic chemicals of radium girls. So again, you took really difficult material, you owned it, you exceeded, and uh we're just so proud. And then I know from my daughter's work in productions that it's such a large group of people who make a production
come to life. It's the set crew, it's the, you know, it's everyone. It's your parents, it's the directors. Uh so to all of you, congratulations to your family and friends who support you. What a wonderful moment of pride uh for for you and for them. And I hope that for
those of you who are seniors and are moving on that your passion and talent for theater is just something that continues throughout your lives. So congratulations, Jim. So I actually brought my daughter's um birthday party to your production and
it was stunning. Um the topic was very um a little dark. Um what struck me um about this production uh the dialogue. How many lines did you all memorize? And
you did that just for three. I was just like I after I saw I was like they did all this work just for three. I mean it was amazing. Um and I'm not going to forget those trees. I heard those. I had an inside scoop. Those were uh pool
noodles. I'm just saying like everyone that contributed to that, the sets, um, all of the actors, it it was amazing and it's why he got the award. I'm not surprised. Um, this isn't about Cinderella because I saw the spring one,
too. Um, I just remember sitting in that production because many of you were in there, too. Um, and I just I had to pinch myself that I was in a high school auditorium watching high schoolers. Um I I remember I think the uh the pit blew
me away. I mean it's just again um all of the artists uh contributed in just a tremendous way. So a heartfelt congratulations. You all deserve this. Um thank you for what you
contributed. Um you just brought so much joy and um I can't wait to see the next one. So, thank you. All in favor? I I Okay. Would somebody like to speak
before we take a picture on behalf? No. You can't be shy. You're in theater. But artists are weird sometimes. So, sometimes we're introverts. Oh, come up here. We can all So, there's actually there's actual people watching us at
home. Hello. Hello. Hi. I'm Tim Lynch. I'm the director of theater arts at Ridge High School. And we just want to thank all of you for recognizing the arts. I mean, we're so thankful to our really supportive administration at Ridge High School, our wonderful kids, the
performing arts faculty. We are so supported um by our very dedicated parents. And we just really look for material when selecting our plays and musicals that young people, you know, find themselves in that story and that will make the kids and the school
community, the student body, our Bassin Ridge community feel, you know, not only um inspired and u entertained, but less alone. That was our big theme this year with Cinderella and Radium Girls because we really believe the the power of the arts. It's really just the greatest
opportunities that we can give our kids when they're in high school. So, all of this is just icing now on the cake. So, thanks so much. Thanks. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. We get a picture together. We're going to get back here with you.
Thank you. Congratulations. [Applause] Mr. Mr. Lynch, here. Here's your award. Thank you so much.
Yes. Thanks for your words. and my daughter. Enjoy your summer. Thank you. Okay. Public work section. Christie, none this evening. Correspondence, none this evening. Public comments. Comments are welcome during the public comment
period during this meeting on any agenda item or other matters over which the township committee has jurisdiction. However, if an ordinance is listed for its own public 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, 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 by the speaker must come forward to the
microphone, 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 in adherence to these rules of order will ensure an
orderly and respectful meeting. I open public comment. Good evening, Brett Hodes, 177 Lord Sterling Road in Basking Ridge. I am grateful to Burners Township Committee for acknowledging June as Pride Month. I am also in appreciation of the language
that Burners Township used in their first resolution recognizing Pride Month back in 2020. specifically that the township of Bernards values safety, equality, expression of independent thoughts and ideas, and inclusion for all residents.
What a great sentiment. I have family members who associate with the LGBTQ plus LGBTQ plus community. I have seen their struggles from both a legal and cultural perspective. I also know people who've been estranged from
their families because they associate with the LGBTQ plus community. These struggles are real and I am so proud to say I live in a township which supports Pride Month. Anna mentioned a theme for Pride Month
in Washington DC uh regarding fabrics of our community and in when I was looking up another theme that I found for Pride Month is activism and social change for 2025. Activism and social change struck me as
a bedrock feature of American society for hundreds of years. And now perhaps more than ever, we need to remain diligent to ensure inclusion of our LGBTQ LGBTQ plus community. It is wonderful we celebrate the
diversity, diverse identities and cultures in this community during Pride Month and throughout the year. Thank you very much. Thank you for acknowledging our support and coming in. Thank you. Tidlestein Riverside Drive. Um, just a
couple points. I made a mistake last month about the the phone at the police department at the front door. There is no phone. There's no button. There's a metal plate there covering where there used to be a button. Well, this is a sign that says,
you know, call the number for the police department. So, somebody who needs help who doesn't have a phone or the phone is dead or unable to get to their phone, they're going to have a problem. Like I said last time that door should be open 24 hours a day.
There's no reason. And I I think that I spoke to several officers and I've heard that there are complaints these days is time to do discovery because of the cameras and stuff. They have to look at the discovery a lot more. Perfect
timing. You assign an officer there who's got to do discovery. He could be at the desk actually and he'll be at record so he could do his discovery. Should be a benefit for both us and for them. Either way, that door needs to be open
and access to somebody who has answers for them or help. And I think the police um subcommittee should speak to um the chief about it. If there's a reason why that phone
doesn't work anymore and he refu doesn't want to have somebody there, then the phone's got to be replaced. You can't have nothing there because when somebody's let me in, somebody's killing me. It's not going to help.
I'd rather have that door open so somebody could go in there. If nothing else, ask questions, ask directions, maybe use the public's facility or something. It's just it should be open. Next thing is um
I'd like to see um a study done through fire prevention for um to either um amend or add to an ordinance regards to charging lithium batteries for um ebikes
or any vehicle that use um ebikes. We hear nothing but problems. I know let's say for instance Hamilton, Hillsboro, New York City, they've been plagued with these fires because of the lithium batteries.
Honestly, I didn't look to see what fire prevention has on there. They may have something in there. I don't think so. If they do, then they should actually get out there and tell people the dangers of not charging the batteries correctly or
using inferior batteries. it's somebody's house that's going to be burning down or battery blowing up or the fire department has to spend hours trying to put out a b fire that they can't do with water. So, it's something
that I think should be looked into and um sent to the fire prevention to studied if we actually need a change in the ordinance. Um, also, um, probably the most important person that
I won't say the most, but the person who really gets things moving and working through the planning board and the zoning board is Cindy Kefir. And she's retiring. She's leaving at the end of the month. And I just want to say that
she'll be missed. She does a lot of work. She's got to tolerate a lot of different people, including myself. And right there, she deserves a medal. But, you know, not everybody who calls for planning or for zoning are going to be happy campers
and or who are mis in misinformed or whatever. And she actually handles it. She corrects them. She gives them the information. They come in here. She's at that the desk and she basically
runs the meeting through the desk. Even though I mean the board members are great, but without her guiding them in an agenda, I think it's a a problem. I just wanted to say that I think that she'll be missed and I will miss her. I
agree. And um I think that's enough for me tonight. So, do you mind if I ask you a question for my own curiosity? Sure. We haven't had somebody in the police department for over 15 years, 24 hours. That door has been locked. I understand that. So, no, I'm asking you what prompted you
after 15 years to think that we needed it. Well, I'm curious. I tell you, this is not the first time I've mentioned it in 15 years. I bet that Jake could probably find articles, okay, that mentioned at least five or six times in
different years. So, this is not the first time, but it's something that I'm not gonna, you know, you know, every change of the committee needs to hear it. And, you know, if they decide they don't want to do it, that's fine. But I'm not going to be that said that
somebody didn't step up and mention it, right? And I'm going to tell you, I came from a busy police department and I know other police departments that have doors open. And whether they have homeless people camp there when it's freezing out or where they have people who need
facilities or who needs help, that door is open. And these people down there are a lot more scarier um characters than come up here. So there's no reason why that door can't be open. Okay. We hired extra officers
for it. Well, you asked the question and I say we have the people and because of the um discovery problems, I think that's a perfect opportunity to have that door open and have people assistant. They may never see anybody come to that door. But the one person
that you miss or somebody wants to drop off a baby and the law says they can just drop them off and leave anonymously, if that door is locked, who's going to know there's a baby at that door? Thank you very much. Thanks, Todd. Anyone else?
Hi, Sue Trap 214 North Maple Avenue. Um, I just want to support what Todd was saying about the police. Um, I can tell you that I came before I came from Basking Ridge, I was in Cedar Grove, much smaller community than Basking Ridge, and they have a 24-hour person.
they have a sergeant who's sitting at the desk and that that door is always open 24 by7. So hopefully we can find some way of doing that. It's not 100% related, but I will tell you that it's important to have when you have
vulnerable people in your community, uh no matter what it is, whether it's somebody who's needing to report a crime or you do have homeless or or whatever. I'll tell you a little bit of a story that just recently happened. My dad was in an assisted living and just recently
a very high-end assisted living and uh a gentleman who was not prone for wandering or in the memory unit. More recently, he got himself dressed and walked out the front door at 12:10 at
night. There was no one at the front desk because it was not manned 24 by7. He went down the street a little ways, quite a bit in fact, ended up getting hit by a car and was killed. So, it's important to have where you have
vulnerable people, it's important to have the resources available to those vulnerable people 24 by7. I truly do believe that. Another uh item completely different that I just want to bring up um is now that we've been through the
affordable housing situation um 10 years is going to go fast. Um, so one of the things I'm going to challenge these guy you guys and and whoever is the right people uh in our community to do is to consider putting something forth that
are sort of rules of development so to speak such that when you have people coming to us developers who want to develop land that we have something that says okay if it's 10 or more units you've got to have a certain percentage
or a certain amount that has to be allocated for affordable housing, whether it's any special needs or whether it's the family or whatever it is so that we don't get caught from behind. Maybe it's even something where they contribute monies so that we can
build the special needs that we need. Um or they donate certain lands or whatever it is so that we can contri continue to stay ahead of it and do what's right for this community. Thank you. Thank you.
Anyone else going to close public comment staff comments, township committee comments, and board liaison reports? Pat. Uh, thank you, mayor. Uh, earlier this evening, we uh held the swearing in ceremony for our police department. I want to congratulate our new Lieutenant
Chris Baxter, 16 plus years of service. Sergeant Philina, 11 plus years service, and Corporal Dominic Abusamara, who had uh seven years here at Burners Township and four years elsewhere. Uh also our newest personnel appointments John Sable
to assistant animal control officer and a new uh technical assistant to construction, Tina Hansford. And last but not least, I want to recognize Chris Hurst and Sydney Kefir. Uh Mr. Hurst, lieutenant here 30 plus years. Uh
Cindy's been here eight years. Both are have been a a valuable asset to Burners Township. They will both be missed. I congratulate them on their retirement. Wish them and their family all the best. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Bolardo. Mayor, likewise to
Lieutenant Hurst and Miss Kefir. Both excellent employees and I wish them well. Thank you, Christie. Yes. Thank you, Mayor. The township committee meeting scheduled for July 15th is canled due to a lack of quorum. The following meet meeting will be July 29th, 2025. Thank you. Thank you, Jen.
Sure. Thank you. So, a few updates. Um Ross Farm celebrated Flag Day and uh also included JB's birthday. So, many of you may know JB is an um unbelievable volunteer um and helps with many productions actually within the
township. Uh, and I bring this up because they erected this amazing display of US flags and uh, they're leaving them up through Fourth of July. So, it's something that um, drive over, take a gander. It's absolutely stunning.
Um, amazing work from Mr. Becker and and those amazing volunteers at Ross Farm. I wanted to congratulate all of our graduates. Uh, William Anon graduated on Thursday. Ridge graduated on Friday and uh wish all of our students a happy
summer. Last week was also a big week for our Basking Ridge Fire Company number one. They received their newest piece of equipment, ladder 20. It replaced engine 205 that served our community since 20 uh 2003,
excuse me. And um the all of the folks were super excited. Um it's very technical. it's got all kinds of great gadgets and they're like we're ready to jump into the training so they can you know become more familiar with that that Rick and uh get it out. So it's a
beautiful it's a beautiful machine and we'll be able to see it at upcoming things. For instance, you I'm sure we could see it at National Night Out as an example. Um, the board of health made an important announcement that there was an aggressive raccoon that was tested
positive for rabies after biting a person who was gardening in Bernard'sville, excuse me, Bernardsville burrow on June the 16th. And uh they're reminding folks to um do everything to not encourage animals to come to your home. U make sure that your animals are
fully vaccinated uh against rabies for instance. You all may know that our health department uh services multiple municipalities. So that's why I bring it up. Bernardsville is just a stones throw from here. So, you know, please keep an eye on on wildlife. Wildlife is out
there. Over the weekend, uh the Baskin Ridge Indian community held the International Yoga Day at Harry Dunham Park. Uh Dr. JA who happened to be not only an excellent yoga instructor but she's also a physical therapist did a
wonderful wonderful program. So very grateful for providing that free service uh to everyone within the community. It was a great opportunity. Um going forward from a summer perspective please don't uh there's a lot going on. Parks
and wreck has so many things. I know that uh Jen Gander mentioned that specialty camps are still um open for enrollment. Um and please take a look at the many um postings about all the family events, the musicals and plays.
Um I'm sorry, music that will be um all the different bands and plays in the park. And also don't forget the pool. I'll be there. My kids are on the swim team, so I'll be there a lot. It was a great place to be today, right? Um, also from our board of health, uh, there is
an opportunity if you need a new furry friend, there are triplet, uh, kittens, 8week old kittens. So, if anybody needs a new friend, there are um, it's one girl and and two males. So, please uh,
reach out to um, our new animal control officer, Dana Speasler, if you're interested in in the kitten adoption. Um, and two other programs that the board of health is doing tomorrow. Um, if you happen to be cooling in the
library, um, from 12 to 1, you can also get your blood pressure checked um, at the library. They also have another event um, July the the 2nd from 12:30 to 1:30. And lastly, again, because we're a municipality that um they service
multiple communities, the type 2 diabetes prevention program, um they're holding another one uh July 15th in Peepac Gladstone Burough Hall that ran here in our community and it was very wellreceived. So, I strongly
urge if anybody has interest in this um please go. the uh presenter was fabulous and um they do request if you could register. Um so please if you have any questions look on the health department's website and take advantage of those free offerings. That's all I
have. Thank you. Thank you Anna. Thank you mayor. Um I'll join my other colleagues in also congratulating the three officers that we promoted this evening. Chris Baxter to lieutenant, Phil Justina to sergeant, and Dominic Abu Samara to corporal. All of these officers have more than 10 years of
service in the Bernards Township Police Department and we're very excited to support them in their new leadership roles. I also want to welcome our new hires, John Sable and Tina Hansford and note that Mr. Sable is also a responder to the Basking Ridge Fire Company. And
like others, I also want to commend uh Lieutenant Chris Hurst and Cindy Keeper on their retirements. both in their respective roles provided exceptional service to our community and we wish them well in this next phase of their lives. Relative to the public comment, as a member of the police subcommittee,
I will follow up on the issue that's been raised um to better understand the background and current approach around the 24-hour access. Um so we'll share back what we learn on that. And then on the fair share of housing and affordable housing, just uh to comment, it's not
quite behind us. Uh we still have a timeline ahead that we've talked about at these meetings. Uh while we did file our fair share plan in the in um ahead of the deadline which is I believe John June 30th. Correct. Correct. U there are still um opportunities for that to be
challenged. We then have to go into 2026. So uh however u the point that was raised about thinking about our future and how quickly 10 years can go by is salient and I think something that we can certainly consider um how we can
look at our future and how we can approach that so that we are again thinking what's best for our community prior to 10 years from now. Um, so going back to just a couple of updates, Mayor, um, I joined all of our township committee members at the Basking Ridge
Indian Community Holy Event on June 1st, the spring festival of colors. Um, it was indeed a vibrant event and great thanks and appreciation to the Basking Ridge Indian community for bringing culture and tradition to our community. On Sunday, June 1st, our municipal alliance also held the 35th Twilight
Challenge. That's the 5K race and walk to raise funds to support education and programming on alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse prevention. The event raised $6,000 and had more than 200 participants. Uh special thanks to Caitlyn Cartio from our health
department for leading that planning, to Don Marling, our director of health, for being her support, and all the volunteers including DPW, the police department, EMT services and sponsors, and all the partners for making this a great event. Also, thank you to Mayor
Fields for joining us at the event and congratulations to Committee Acy for meddling in the 5K. Very well done. Um, in tonight's consent agenda, you will also see resolutions approving the annual and competitive grant applications for programs offered
through the municipal alliance. Um these are programs that support our youth including the high school reach peer program, the middle school cope program and mind and micle that runs in partnership with the library and helps to deescalate stress and tension the
young people feel throughout the year. It's a lot of hard work to develop these grant submissions and we're hopeful that we again receive the funding to continue offering these programs. Uh quickly on the anniversary committee, uh I want to share again that the committee launched
a contest to create a signature logo capturing our participation as a Revolution 250 municipality. The contest is open to all residents from students entering grade 9 through adults and the contest information is on our website on
the America 250 page under the residence tab. That contest concludes July 4th. Our shade tree commission also has launched an initiative the tree of the month and we invite residents to nominate trees to be highlighted on the
shade tree commission website and township social media. Instructions on how to do so are on the shade tree commission tab. Um then moving forward many of you are aware that the state of well you might not be aware but the state of New Jersey is undergoing the
development of updating a new state development and redevelopment plan. Um I'm a member of the cross acceptance committee along with John Crane, Nick Kuso, Kippy Padichi, and township planner Dave Schlly. And I attended a meeting hosted by the New Jersey
Conference of Mayors on behalf of Mayor Fields uh to see where we were with the planning and the state plan. There were three core takeaways. First, this is the plan is being has not been updated since 2001. Uh the plan is meant to be a
guidance document, not an attempt to take away local home rule. Secondly, the state plan is intended to provide strategy on the state's future growth and development in areas for investment. And lastly, a key takeaway is that farmland and open space should be
considered critical infrastructure. Otherwise, if we continue to deplete our farmlands, we should stop thinking of ourselves as the Garden State. Regarding timing, I'm happy to share that Burners Township submitted our cross acceptance report to the county. The state is
having preparatory meetings with the respective counties and once that phase is completed, the draft state plan will be released hopefully in early September. And then there will be six public hearings with a target to adopt the plan at the December 17th state
planning commission meeting. and this should provide guidance for the new governor u to then move forward with a strategy for our state. Um then lastly uh a topic that we are all feeling is the heat wave and yesterday there were about 500 residents who experienced a
power outage in Bernard Township. Uh we were followed up with our JCPL liaison and have the following information to share. For any outages um that JCPL experiences throughout the duration of a
heat wave, they try to put out as many estimated time of recovery on those orders so that customers can appropriately plan. Um I'm sure many of you have experienced power outage and you just want to know when is the power coming back. So they try to update this
as much as possible. If JCPL crews are out in the field and there is an outage a trans and they find that a transformer is unders sized or overloaded they are increasing the size of the transformers they are putting back to hopefully avoid
the issue in the future. And then additionally they are keeping crews in rotation through this heat wave and storm until the end of the week. Um, they also wanted to remind all of us that outages during heat waves do not they do take longer to review because of
the safety protocols for crews and the frequent water breaks that they need to take. And then lastly, and this is important, we did you hopefully you received a rave alert yesterday for any outages that occur during a heat wave. Residents are always encouraged if they
don't have a place to go to go to a cooling shelter including the library, the senior center and town hall. If the uh repairs continue into the evening, then I think we would update the rave alert about where people could go to make sure that those buildings are open.
So hopefully uh we'll get past this. They're now saying that the heat dome will pass through Thursday with fiery thunderstorms to continue. They're always coming up with something new to call these storms. Uh, but just know that I know there were a lot of people frustrated yesterday and that JCPL is
trying to be as responsive as possible and in particular making these transformer repairs where they can so that they can avoid this in the future. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. So, Anna is the liaison for the utilities and the OEM. So, uh, she that's why she, uh,
gave the update. She's done a great job and I really appreciate and then keeps the mayor informed and the rest of us and what's going on when there's an outage. She works with the OEM and then to figure out like yesterday was great. You know, where do we go? Town halls closed. Where can people go and figure out that the library would be the best
place because it's open till 9:00. So that's how just so you know how it works. We're all liaison to different boards and then that's our job to come up here and give you um our update on what's going on when we're a liaison whether it's OEM or library or if somebody isn't here. I want to thank Jen for telling the whole parks and wreck
update because David Tankry is the liaison but he's not here. So Jen gave us the update on parks and wreck. And I also just want to add with parks and wreck is that um I want everyone to know it's important to participate in the programs that they have which is the concerts and the plays and movie in the
park. It's all free to residents. It's all free. So come out and enjoy it. And I don't think she mentioned the pool. David's also on the pool. He's not here. But I just want to let everybody know, go enjoy the pool if you're not part of it. I have great memories with my kids with the pool, you know, sign up, be
part of it. We also have the um the golf, which I'm going to just say um about the golf um you know, join the golf course, but also um the golf range, which is really important. I have to push that out because that's a real benefit. Anybody can use that. You don't have to be a member. So for me, it's a
benefit because my husband gets away from me, but I get away from him. So it's great. He goes all the time. He loves the golf range. It's fabulous. So, all of you go out and enjoy it. Um, I'll start with my liaison um reports for the library. They have had over 80 people
attend last month's repair cafe. Attend attendance numbers go up every time they hold another event. So, this is really great. There's items that you can bring to the library and they have people that'll repair them for you and it's all free of charge, which shows how our community values sustainability.
Uh the library also continues to outreach at Ridge Oak and the VA food bank. They have their uh first library pop up at Pleasant Valley Pool. Um will that which will happen in July. Uh their summer reading challenge is underway and
it's open to all age children, kids, teens, and adults. The challenge is open um and anyone can register in person at the library or their Bean Stack app. The event calendar is full for free uh events during July and so please take advantage of the library and all the
free events that they have. Um they work very hard to promote the library to bring you all in for so many opportunities that they have. Um there's so much more than just books there. So um it's a resource. They also have material other materials that you can
borrow. So I I please I can't say it enough. Uh visit our library, stop by. Um, want to thank uh Jen for me mentioning Ross Farm, so I'll skip that instead of being repetitive. I had that on my list. Uh, yoga in the park. I was away or I would have been there, but we're going to have our own yoga in the
park. Mayor uh yoga in the park with the mayor and I'll be joined with my uh township committee members and that's in September, right Christie? Correct. Which will be a little cooler out. So, we're going to wait. We do that once a year um uh yoga in the park with the mayor. Uh but we wait for it to get just
a little bit cooler out. um the Farmstead Arts Center. Um there's always something going on. Nothing presently really going on, but you can always visit farmsteadarts.org. Um also I wanted to mention um congratulation um to all all of those
who worked so hard on their campaign and won. And for those who didn't win this time around, I just want to say um don't give up. Continue to fight. And I really appreciate anybody who puts themselves out there to run for public service. It's not easy. Um, but I I am thankful
for those who serve and those who want to give of themselves to others. Really appreciate that. I too want to say Chris Hurst and Cindy Kefir who've been real assets to this community and this town and they are really going to be missed. The good news about Chris Hurst is he's a uh volunteer fireman. So we will see
him and he also runs the uh Liberty Corner uh fire station building. So appreciate that. I did enjoy the Holy Festival and the Municipal Alliance 5K. enjoy that every year attending also as a resident I enjoy tendering tendering attending it and I also want to uh say
what Anna said which is so important the grant money that we receive through the municipal municipal appliance is so important because that's how they run their programs so if we get grant money we could do more programs and the municipal alliance is so important
that's where our where there's so many you know that's where it's the mental health and the substance abuse that's who does that for us and we value them tremendously. So any money we can get from the county or anyone else to run all these programs, we really appreciate. So I really want to say
thank you uh to to the municipal alliance and to honor for all that you do. And uh me too. I want to uh congratulate all the graduates. I'm looking forward to seeing all the kids. I love hearing children. So you know they'll be around all summer which is so nice around the community and hearing them and participate. So it's going to
be a a fun time this year in Burner Township. So I think that's it. Thank you. Okay. Next is fire and rescue appointments. Resolution 2025-0262. Appointment to membership and township at Bernard's volunteer first aid squad
of Basking Ranch Fire Company number one. Sina Laha Fulham member. I have a motion. So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Christie. Miss AC. Yes. Miss Darte McCarthy. Yes. Mayor Fields. Yes.
Motion carried. Unfinished business. Ordinance 2580. Proceed. An ordinance to amend the revised general ordinances of the Township of Bernard's chapter 4 licensing section 10 alarm systems. And this is a public hearing. I open public
hearing and welcome comments. Anyone? I close the public hearing. May I have a motion? Mayor, I move that ordinance number 2580 be adopted and advertised as required by law. Second. Roll call. Christie. Miss AC. Yes. Miss
Dwarte McCarthy. Yes. Mayor Fields. Yes. Motion carried. New business cassette agenda. The items listed within the consent agenda portion of the meeting have been referred to the township committee for reading and study are posted on the agenda on the website and are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion of the township
committee with no separate discussion. If separate discussion is required, the item may be removed from the agenda by township committee action and placed on the regular agenda under new business. Would anyone like something removed? No, mayor. Hearing no. Hearing none, I I
call for a motion. So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call Christie. Miss AC. Yes. Miss Dwarte McCarthy. Yes. Mayor Fields. Yes. Motion carried. Resolution 2025-0273
compliance with NJSA4A 5-4 2024 annual report of audit. Can I have a motion? May I make a motion that ordinance number 25? We're on the resolution.
Correct. One moment. That's the next Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Resolution. Yes. 20250273 mayor. Uh so moved second discussion. Yes. I have wanted to make a few comments. Yeah. Um so as Chris you read
as per the resolution New Jersey state law requires the governing body of every local unit to have an annual audit on its books, accounts and financial transactions. This audit uh resulted in no deficiencies, no material weaknesses or instances of non-compliance. And in
this case, no news is good news. I also want to comment that the audit encompasses a significant amount of time from the township chief financial officer, Sean McCarthy, and his team. And this is um really critical and important because the finance department
handles large amounts of public money and they seek to do so with a priority on doing so with integrity, accountability, transparency, and efficiency. I'm really appreciative of Mr. McCarthy and his team and our township leadership involved in this
positive outcome. Thank you. And I agree with everything you said. I won't duplicate it. We're good. We had a first, a second. Roll call, please. Miss Acy, yes. Miss Dwarte McCarthy, yes. Mayor Fields, yes.
Motion carried. Ordinance 2581. An ordinance accepting Fenwick Place. And this is introduction. Now I'll make the motion. Yes. I move that ordinance number 2581 be introduced on first reading advertised as required by law and scheduled for a public
hearing on July 29th 2025. Second. Any discussion? Roll call. Christie. Miss AC. Yes. Miss Dorte McCarthy. Yes. Mayor Fields. Yes. Motion carried. Ordinance 2582. An ordinance to amend the revised general ordinances of the township of
burners chapter 21-27.1 soil erosion and sedimentation control and is introduction. Mayor, I move that ordinance number 2582 be introduced on first reading advertised as required by law and scheduled for a public hearing on July
29th, 2025. Second. Any discussion? Roll call. Christie. Miss AC. Yes. Miss Dwarte McCarthy, yes. Mayor Fields, yes. Motion carried. Approval of minutes 527205
open session meetings. Can I have a motion? So moved. Second. All those in favor? I I. Is there an executive session, Christie? None this evening, Mayor. Okay. May I have a motion to adjurnn? So moved. Second.