Indiana, right? >> For them. >> Yes. Adequate notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building one Collier Lane Basking Ridge on the township website and emailed to the Vernville News Whippony the Courier News Bridgewater
tap into.net ette patch.com and filed with the township clerk on December 17, 2025. Any motion to go into closed session will include that the matters 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 comments will be accepted at all meetings. Speakers will be limited to five minutes each. All meetings will
adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. Christie, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> here. >> Mr. Hodgees >> here. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> here. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy >> here. >> And Mr. McN is excused this evening. >> Thank you. Christy, any executive
session? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> that brings us to presentations. Christie, can you read the resolution? Resolution 2026-139, Muslim Heritage Month Celebration January 2026.
>> Thank you, Christie. Well, it's our pleasure to again uh pass a resolution this evening in on recognition of Muslim Heritage Month. I'll read the resolution and then I'm going to invite my colleagues to make some comments. So whereas Bernards takes great pride in the varied religious and cultural
traditions of residents and seeks to afford all people the opportunity to better understand, recognize and appreciate the rich histories, cultures, and shared principles of Muslim Americans. And whereas Muslims have made significant contributions and bring
values and traditions that shape our world and township. And whereas the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge has served as a vital institution within the township, fostering community service, interfaith dialogue, and civic engagement, and contributing positively
to the social, cultural, and community of Bernards. And whereas there are nearly 300,000 Muslim Americans in New Jersey representing one of the largest Muslim American communities in the United States. And whereas Muslims continue to contribute to every society,
every area of society. And whereas January has been designated Muslim Heritage Month in New Jersey to celebrate the cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions Muslims have made and continue to make and believes it is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness and
appreciation of the invaluable contributions of Muslim Americans. Now therefore be it further resolved that the township committee of the township of Berser does hereby recognize January as Muslim Heritage Month. We are very proud to offer this resolution this
evening and at this time I'd like to invite my colleagues to make some comments and thoughts. Brett, do you want to start? >> Thank you mayor and good evening neighbors. Today I'm proud to stand with Burners Township Committee to recognize January as Muslim
Heritage Month in New Jersey. In April of 2023, Governor Murphy signed a joint resolution designated January each year as Muslim Heritage Month to celebrate contributions and foster understanding. Berner Township was one of the early local governments in New Jersey to
formally recognize January as Muslim Heritage Month. Our town has a deep rooted commitment to the principle that every resident has the right to worship and contribute to our community without fear or prejudice. In Bernards, we don't just tolerate our differences. We
recognize them as our greatest strength. We are fortunate to be home to a vibrant Muslim community. From the dedicated members of the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge to our local educators and healthcare workers and entrepreneurs, Muslim Americans have helped weave the fabric of Bernards into something
stronger and more beautiful. One theme for the 2026 Muslim Heritage Month celebration is honoring the past and empowering the future. Here in Bernards, one of the ways we do this is by honoring the history of religious freedom that our town represents and empowering our future through the
continued collaboration of all our residents. I encourage everyone to participate in upcoming events such as the ISBR's heritage celebration on January 25th where we can learn about calligraphy, sample world cuisines, and
most importantly get to know each other a little bit better. Let us celebrate this month by reaffirming Burners Township dedication to a community where everyone belongs. Thank you. >> Thank you. Committeeman Hodgeges. Jen, would you like to Excellent.
>> I'm just going to speak from my heart. Um it has been a pleasure to get to become closer to our Muslim community and so it is not a question that this action takes place. I found
um being very welcomed by our Muslim community at the mosque and I am very proud to say that I'm proud to support many business owners who happen to be Muslim and I consider them my friends. So um I'm very grateful for your
leadership Dr. Shadri um for the leadership of the mosque and bringing this rich community and traditions and how you share them with all of us. So I look forward to upcoming events and how you know welcome you make everyone feel
while we're there. So thank you and it's truly an honor to recognize you and all of the members of the ISBR. Thank you. >> Thank you committee woman deputy mayor. Uh good evening everyone and thank you. Um I'm so happy that we're able to do
this um through uh the campaign. Uh I've gotten to know the Muslim community in a more formal way. I've had Muslim friends over the years. Um but I actually got to um uh interact in a more formal way. I ca I was invited to the mosque for
prayers on a Friday. Uh I think it was in August. Um it was a wonderful experience and I think uh the more we can promote diversity um the better off uh the community at large is going to be. So I'm happy to support this
resolution. Um I'm very happy uh that you guys are here and um I hope uh this is just one point uh along the curve of growth and community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you everyone for your comments and I'll just add a few
thoughts. Um the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge is the heart of our Muslim community. I've had the pleasure these past two years of joining members of the township committee at religious celebrations offered at the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge and I've
enjoyed learning more about the history of Islam and more importantly meeting members of the community. Dr. Chowry, you are an inspirational leader, yourself a past member of the township committee and mayor of Bernard's Township. Your commitment and service to
the Muslim community and longtime service to the township are deeply appreciated. I hope that presenting this resolution this evening demonstrates how much we value our Muslim community. Bias against Islam and the Muslim community persists across our nation and and
around the world. This resolution is a way of changing the narrative, focusing on all the Muslim community has already accomplished and our belief that Muslims will continue to be part of making our community a great place to live for everyone. So Christie, with that um
actually township, may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Christie, roll call, please. >> Miss AC, >> yes. Mr. Hodgees, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins. Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes.
>> Motion carried. >> Thank you. >> Dr. Chowry, would you like to come up and say a few words? Good evening, honorable mayor and members of the town committee.
It is with great appreciation and an understanding of all cultures is critical for us to reach a point
where we recognize the dignity of every individual. no matter what background they come from, what languages they speak, how they worship and the recognition and the establishment of the Muslim Heritage
Month by the governor and now this township committee's recognition in passing this resolution for the second year recognizes that awareness creating awareness of the existence of our differences and
the richness of culture and attributes that we all bring to make this nation great. Education is the key. I just wanted to also share with you that earlier this evening I had the honor of
accepting another resolution from Somerset County Commissioners recognizing the importance. So I think that greater awareness in the broader community is going to help us develop respect for each other.
Ignorance is the enemy of all of us. And I think if we can reduce that ignorance by creating more awareness, having an opportunity to learn about each other uh is is really wonderful. And I appreciate your leadership and uh the ability to
work with everyone uh in in this township. I would like to also again um mayor was very generous yesterday with her time to come and visit the mosque. We sat down for a few minutes and I
extended invitation to the mayor to please come on the 25th. And as you heard uh from u from township community member Hajes uh that we are going to have the uh event for celebrating this month uh on
the 25th from 1:30 to 5:30 and I would love for you to be able to come and join us and I've requested a mayor to come and speak and say a few words at at that event. I also would like to extend another invitation. The month of Ramadan
is not too far away. Uh we'll be starting about midFebruary. And I would like to also request you to put another date on your calendar. Uh traditionally we have an ifar, an interfaith ifar. And
this year we're going to have it on a Thursday. Uh that'll be uh March 12th. And I would appreciate if you would kindly put that on your calendar. give us between six and eight to come and join us in that event and honor us with
that. So before I finish, I would like to invite a young man from our community because one of the key things that we are trying to do as a part of being part of this community is very important for our young people to fully appreciate
uh the role of civic leaders. And so I've asked one of our young members Ayan to come and say a few words from his perspective. >> Wonderful. Thank you Dr. Chowry. Really appreciate all your leadership and met this young man. So please come forward.
>> My name is Patel and I'm a sophomore at uh Ridge. I remember the times when I was in elementary school where I would head to Bernard's Township Community Center right by the varsity baseball field where my family would break their fast with the rest of the Muslim community. I
had many memories running around playing tag with other kids while my parents were talking to their friends and Ramadan. It made me realize that even in without a place of worship at the time, we still had um together to help us um
appreciate our culture and everything about it. And it's best that we share with others as well, which is why we should display it through when the township recognizes a month dedicated to us. It gives us a chance to share our culture with our neighbors.
And it's important not just for me, but my other classmates and teachers to recognize it, too, because I want them to make me feel more at home, just like how my Muslim community. It's also important for younger kids when I graduate to help them uh share
all their experiences the next generation and hopefully this will carry on throughout many years. So important for more representation through not just Muslims but other
people as well who can support uh us too. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Thank you for being here. And at this point, we'd like to present the resolution. I'd like my township committee colleagues to join me.
Enjoy members of the community who are here. Beautiful. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much, Mayor. >> Yes. Um, we never Thank you. And as become customary in
our township committee, after a resolution, those who would wish to leave are are absolutely invited to do so. You don't have to stay for the rest of our meeting. So, we Okay. All right. >> Okay. So, we'll continue now. Christie,
any 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 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 will also add that we are introduc reintroducing a second public comment this evening. So a quick recap on the protocol during the first
public comment period. Again, comments are welcomed on any agenda item and if an ordinance is listed for its own public hearing on the agenda, please hold your comments for that particular public hearing, which we have none this evening. During the second public comment period, comments are welcomed on
any topic over which the township committee has jurisdiction. If you are speaking during the first public comment and start to meander into non-aggenda topics, I will gently remind you. With that, I open public comment. Okay. Oh, straddle steamstein
side drive. Kind of confused on rules, but I'll wing it here anyway. Um they've been doing radar down on Finley Avenue um a couple times I've seen in the
morning shooting up from um Lewis Street towards um St. James since there's a a crest in the hill and starts going down that way. Even if you take your foot off the accelerator and you're not accelerating at 25 miles an
hour, it increases as you get down there. I know increase at least 5 miles an hour. It's not really the best place. And truthfully, I think a better place would be on Maple A. >> So Edstein, this will be for your second
public comment. >> I mute it. Okay. Uh >> don't worry, we're learning as we go. Thank you. We'll hear you again. >> Okay. Are there any other All right. Seeing none, I close public comment.
Remember, there will be a second opportunity. All right. So, now we're going to move into staff comments, township committee comments, including board and liaison reports. So, I'm going to start with Pat Monaco. >> Oh, thank you, mayor. Uh, just personnel appointments. I just wanted to congratulate Carla on her uh promotion
to administrative assistant at our police department. So, congratulations to Carla. Thank you. >> Wonderful. Christy, anything from you? >> None this evening. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you. Uh Mr. Bolardo, >> I understand, mayor, you wish for me to address where we are with respect to the
fourth round of affordable housing. >> I do indeed. It's been a while since we've had an update. So, >> I will do that and I will attempt to be rather brief. I I know we have two new members of of the committee. Uh about almost two years ago, Governor Murphy
and the legislature in March of 2024 passed a a law that set parameters and guidelines for the fourth round of affordable housing from uh 2025 to uh 2035. Previously, the township had
obtained uh certification and immunity for its third round of affordable housing from 2015 to uh July of 2025. And that was through a judicial process after uh COA had been ruled a more bund
uh by the courts. So, the legislature set down guidelines and in October of 2024, we were assigned a number by the Department of Community Affairs. Uh, that number was 217 uh units. Um, after consultation with
Kendra Lely, our affordable housing township planner, uh, we passed a resolution in January of 2025 reducing what we thought our units were to, uh, I'm making sure I speak into the microphone to, uh, 171 units, Fairshare
Housing Center, which has been appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to, uh, provide oversight over this process as an intervenor, pegged our number at uh, 200 125 units. Uh they did so by uh objecting to our declaratory judgment
complaint that was filed by the end of January of last year and fair share did that by the end of February in accordance with a directive known as 14-24 uh that was published by the courts in December of 2024. Uh after much back and
forth and through the program and mediation with Judge Miller, uh essentially this township committee passed a resolution splitting the number in half. Uh instead of 171 or 225, both sides went 27 down the middle and
we arrived at 198 units. Uh we then began a process where uh by the end of June 30 of 2025, we were required pursuant to the program in conjunction with our planning board to amend our housing element and fair share program
and also to either come up with draft ordinances or uh pass ordinances. Uh this township committee uh in order to meet the number of 198 units passed uh zoning ordinances for Westgate in the
southern part of the township for 574 units. Uh that gave us a credit of 154 units with bonus credits. Uh Ridge Oak was another one that was passed that gave us uh 29 credits since it was 100% affordable housing. That gave us another
29 credits bringing us up to um 58. So the 58 plus the uh 47 got us to 198. Uh subsequently we did an agreement with our house that gave us an additional four units and uh subsequent to that uh
we discovered that we were entitled to 10 credits at uh Braar which is an assisted living uh facility off of off of Valley Road. uh having enacted uh the housing element and fair share plan by the end of June of last year, there was
a two-year period under the program in which either developers or objectors could file with the court. Uh that period was until August 30th of 2025. No developer objected to our plan. A fair
share housing center did object. The the objection was more anformational objection. They had fired filed hundreds of communities seeking additional documentation. Uh the township uh subsequently gathered that additional documentation up also
with the assistance of David Schly, our in-house planner, and forwarded it to Josh Bowers, who's the attorney with Fair Housing Center. Um after much controlling, we finally um got Mr. hours to respond and he indicated that information that the
township um had provided was in fact sufficient. Um uh Judge Menon had in October of uh 2025 uh issued an order that any objections filed including with Fair Share Housing
Center had to essentially be concluded uh by December 5th. Uh we were able to do that. Uh we were able to enter a conditional consent order of compliance with Fairshair Housing Center. Uh that was uh filed with Judge Mannon on
December 15th. Uh there was a holiday break uh recently. Judge Mannon on January 8th. Uh signed a conditional order of compliance for the township that that continued our immunity against builder's remedy lawsuits. What does
that mean? Where does that leave us? Uh like many municipalities in New Jersey, these orders require that certain actions be taken by March 15 of this year. And a number of those actions are
one to revise our spending plan. Two, to appoint a municipal housing leaison officer. Uh we did that at our reorganization meeting. We passed a resolution. Susan Long has been our municipal housing leaison officer for
years. Central Jersey Housing Resource Center continues as our administrative agent. Um, we are also required to amend our spending plan. Uh, Kendra Lely, our affordable housing planner, already did
that. She did that in June of last year. Where does this leave us? We have to provide drafts under Judge Manning order to Fairshare Housing Center so they could those before we can move forward. And in fact, um, after Judge Mannon's
order was entered on January 8th, on January 9th, uh, we sent off to Fair Share Housing Center, um, Kendra Ley spending plan, an updated draft affordable housing ordinance, development fee ordinance, an
affirmative marketing plan resolution, and the resolution appointing Susan Long as municipal housing liaison. Why are these changes required. On December 15th, the New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency issued awaited
regulations under 59 and the Department of Community Affairs revised its regulations under 582 to 26 to provide a set of rules and regulations to guide communities for
fourth round of affordable housing through the end of 2035. Where where are we at? I have indicated to Mr. Bowers that I would like his review and comments on what I sent him on January 9th later than Wednesday,
February 4th, 2026. That is so that we can introduce our uh amended development fee ordinance at our meeting on February 10th, 2026 and adopt all ordinances and resolution February
24th, 2026. Um in advance judge men's deadline of March 15. After we do that, we file those with e courts. Uh it gets to judge men and then the process uh is finally
ended. we get a final judgment order of compliance which gives us 10-year period through uh 2035. So words of the late great Bob Weir what a long strange trip it's been these last
two years. Um but uh the the end is is near and uh hopefully and I think we're in very very good shape with with respect to our obligations. >> Well, thank you John. I know that with the uh receiving on January 8th the uh compliance certification that put us in
good steward. So I want to thank you for the summary. I think it's helpful for everyone who's been following this uh to have more context on where we are uh what's ahead of us and that we will as you said then we will have uh met our obligations once this is behind us
through the next 10 years July 2035. Correct. >> That that is uh correct mayor. uh the legislation in divisions a a fifth round starting from 2035 to 2045. Um and unless that legislation is is
altered or amended uh that is something that uh 10 years in the future with again. >> Well, so any questions for Mr. Balardo regarding the summary? Thank you very much. >> You
>> Thank you very much. So, why don't we move on with Township Committee comments? Brett, >> thank you, mayor. On January 9th, I attended the Somerset County Commissioners uh reorganization meeting and swearing in ceremony at the
Somerset County Historic Courthouse. Um where I was uh given the honor of witnessing our governor swearing in uh Chanel Robinson as commissioner director, Paul M. Drake as commissioner, deputy director, Melanie Morano and Elizabeth Graer as commissioners, Darren
Russo as sheriff, and Bernice, forgive me if I mispronounced her last name, Jalo as surrogate. I wish all those sworn in great success. Thank you. >> Thank you, Brett. Committee woman AC.
So, a few things. Um, just wanted to share on Sunday we had our second ski club meeting um, event at Shaunie. It was a great trip despite the questionable weather. Um, we're very
excited. Uh, it's been a wonderful program. The children very much enjoy it. U, we're very grateful for the all the adults that enable it. And just as a reminder, if anyone is listening, um, we're not going this Sunday. we have the weekend off and we'll be back the
following weekend. So, um there were messages that were sent out. Jen Gander is doing a wonderful job in in you know providing those communications. So, thank you. This morning um in light of support for um our economic development, I enjoyed spending time with the
leadership and the members of the Basking Ridge business alliance this morning. So, it was great to hear um some of the thoughts that they had and I look forward to working with my colleague um as we work forward and um work towards helping all of our businesses in Bernard's Township. So,
it's great to reconnect with them. So, I have some important updates related to um the board of health of which I continue to be liazison and also I have a couple related to the library. So, if you hang with me for just a moment, January is radon action month. So, please feel free to pick up a free test
kit today. It is in recognition. Um, January is also Radon action month. So, the free radon testing kits are available to residents of Somerset and Morris counties during January 2026. Kits may be picked up at the Burner
Township Hall in the clerk's office here at one Collier Lane Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:15. one kit for household intended for house owners uh homeowners, excuse me, who have not tested in the past two years. Um the second point is related to the health
community needs a survey. So we continue to ask folks if you have not completed that survey, we very much would like your input. The deadline has been extended to January the 20th. So your input is helpful so we can make um evidence-based decisions uh related to
the health needs of our community and therefore its priorities. Um so please look at the website for the link to the survey or you can access one of the paper copies upon request. So thank you for helping to make our community healthier. Um another important um event that's taking place thanks to the health
department is the care connection on January the 22nd at 5:30. The there is a free workshop offering practical help and resources for caregiver and aging adults. Um it is presentations on aging while in place
with home care, transportation services, staying active and healthy with wellness and meal programs, how to access various access uh assistance programs and how to plan for transition into assisted housing. There is light arments refreshments that will be available at St. Luke's and feel free to bring a dish
to share. It's it will be located at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Gladstone. again that is Thursday at 5:30 and uh please feel free to uh make online a registration uh that you're attending.
January is also cervical cancer awareness month. Uh so there is an opportunity um at the Chester Library on January the 29th from 6:00 to 7 and there is nurse practitioner Allison Murphy from the Carmen Carol excuse me
Carol G Simon Care Center Cancer Center at the Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center. So there will be discussions related to all things cervical cancer. It's a free event. So please come and learn. There's a lot going on from a health perspective.
January is a very busy month. Um, just a fun little notation um from the health department. Also, animal licenses expire at the end of January. So, I'm dragging my dog against his will to uh get vaccinated because he's not a good boy
and wasn't able to participate in the free event on Saturday. So, um I will be completing my paperwork and getting that in by the deadline. Um and if I just flip just very briefly. So, I'm very excited to work with the library this year and um my advice is sign up for
their programs. There are too many to name. Um I just wanted to call out in particular two opportunities for those with young children. Well, first off, I did not know that January there is an opportunity called Snuggle Up with a
Good Book. This is for youth, for teens, and for adults. So um it runs from January the 2nd to the 31st. There's a wonderful opportunity for all ages to participate. So please uh go online, check it out and participate in that
event. Um and the other for young children um you know the Trilogy Reparatory Company is a wonderful resource and they are doing an event January the 31st at 10:30 and at 1:30 um for ages 4 to 10. They are doing an
interactive version of Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. So, um there's just so many amazing wonderful things. So, please sign up and check it out. Thank you. >> Oh, that's great. Thank you, Jen. And you know the I also have a naughty dog. I have two. So, the dog license always
coming up. So, thank you for sharing that. And the other is the healthc care survey. You've been great about continually communicating that. So, anything even those of you here have just continue to push it so that people participate. So to your point, we get the data around it. So thank you, deputy
mayor. >> Um I have a good boy. I don't have a naughty boy and I have nothing to add. Okay. Very good. So I do have a couple of announcements. Uh first of all, I want to thank you, John, Mr. Mr. Ballardo, uh for the summary tonight and for your ongoing diligence, persistence,
and work on our affordable housing obligations. Um it has been a long strange trip as you said but not more importantly we're in a good place so that moves us forward. So I had a chance I'm doing a bit of outreach um in this new role and I had a chance to meet
again with Jane Zang who's head of our Bernard's Chinese American Association. Uh they will be holding again putting out a save the date the um Lunar New Year festival on Sunday March 8th at Cedar Hill School from 3 to 6. More information will be forthcoming. So, and
of course, all the township committee will be invited to participate. Um, I joined committeeman Hajes at the swearing in of our county officials. So, I won't repeat all of those who were sworn in. I do want to comment that Elizabeth Graer um who was sworn in as county commissioner and acting director
and Bernice Tina Jalo as county surrogate are both uh Berners Township residents. So, it was nice to see that. Um, I've had also the opportunity to start connecting with some of the local elected and including Mayor Larry Jacobs of Bedminster who has invited me to
participate in the Somerset Hills Public Safety Committee meeting, which I'll be happy to do so, and I know Committee ACU did while you were mayor. Um, staying on the theme of public safety, in light of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which occurred this past Friday,
January 9th, I want to recognize the hard work of our police department and our appreciation for their service and commitment to the community. I again wish to thank everyone who joined us in person or online for the reorg. Uh, we reiterate, I will reiterate, we have a
strong township committee serving in 2026, including our seasoned leaders and new members, and we're here to support all of you, our residents, and of course, our wonderful staff. Um, I did I was I ran into Captain Bonafua at Shopright and she said that I thanked
everyone, but I failed to mention our crossing guard. So, I would like to add that um that that is of course the men and women out there every day of the week throughout the academic year are keeping our children safe as they travel to and from school. So, we are deeply appreciative of that. And then we'll
close this next Monday. Uh our nation celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a remembrance of his use of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against segregation and other forms of legalized discrimination that most commonly affected African-Americans. And
for those of us old enough to remember, Dr. King was an inspiring leader and the nation mourned his passing and yet his legacy lives on. Among his many quotes, one of my favorites is, "Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase." So for those of
you who will be off or reflecting that day, I wish you a meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day. So back to our agenda. Uh Christie, any fire and rescue appointments? >> None this evening, Mayor. Any unfinished business? >> None this evening. >> 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, are posted on the agenda 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? >> Mayor, >> may I have a motion?
>> I I I motion that that the consent agenda be approved. >> Second. >> Christie, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes.
>> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Moving forward, Christie, can you please read the ordinance by title? >> Ordinance 2591, accepting a wetlands conservation easement on property located at 24 Rocky Lane, block 3602,
lot 5 from Amarvier S. Ladar and Anisha K. Lolli to the township of Bernards. And this is introduction. >> I have a motion. I move that ordinance 2591 be introduced on first reading advertised as required by law and scheduled for a public
hearing on January 27th, 2026. >> I second. >> Christie, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Christie, can you please read
the ordinance by title? Ordinance 2592, an ordinance of the township of Bernards to set calendar year 2026 appropriation limits to establish a cap bank for NJSA4A 4-45.14. And this is introduction.
>> Thank you. May I have a motion? >> I move that ordinance 2592 be introduced on first reading, advertised as required by law, and scheduled for a public hearing on January 27th, 2026. Second.
>> Any discussion? >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss AC, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. That brings us to township
committee appointments. Christie, >> pool commission. Amanda Hughes, regular member, one-year term, expiring December 31st, 2026. Michael Reid, regular member, three-year term expiring December 31st, 2028. Michael Storms, regular member, three-year term,
expiring December 31st, 2028. >> I have a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Hey, Christie. Roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodgees, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried.
>> Thank you, Christie. Approval of minutes. >> December 202 December 23rd, 2025. Open session minutes. >> So move. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I
>> I >> and Christie. >> January 6, 2026 open session minutes. >> So move. Second. >> Okay. All in favor? I >> I >> right. This brings us to 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 and adherence to these rules of order will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. I open public comment. Good evening. I'm Sundria Arie from Five
Ross Lane in Basking Ridge. So, I was here like a month and a half ago talking about the accident that happened on Allen Road and here I am. We went to the Somerset County meeting today and we got to know that the study
team is going to start work only in spring which makes us very sad. Let me go back to 2016 when there was an accident on Allen Road on October 6th. There was a study team put together and
then there was a result that came out on May 17th of 2017. So I don't know why it's taking this long for the study team to start their study. The accident happened in fall when it was actually dark. So we would request for the study
team to get started as soon as possible so that they can see the traffic and the pedestrians who walk on the street and make their conclusion on how we can move forward with this. So I have my little paperwork that I got with me. So when
the study team started way back in 2016, they figured out that there were five existing pedestrian crosswalks. They did this study, they added four more. Thank you for that. And they had also added a rapid
rectangular rapid flashing beacon in the crosswalk located at the intersection of Eastern Shopping Center Driveway Federal Drive. So if there can be one added, my question is why can we not add two more?
Because that road has nine crosswalks. The number of lights that are there on the road is very dim. And especially in this crosswalk where the person had the accident met with an accident, there is only light at the entrance of the
development. There is no light on the other side of Allen Road where the person was crossing from. So this is this was a recipe for accident to happen because when you're driving I don't know how many of you actually live in the hills or drive in the hills when it is
dark when you're driving there is humanly it's not possible to see the person until the person comes to the m median of the road and the light was on this side of Allen road when when the person hit the lady she was halfway
through the road so we need more lights on that road. We checked with our HOA um in in Basking, the Hills HOA. We have been told, we have been given to understand that the lights are taken care of by the township. So we urge for
more lights to be put up on that island road especially where there are crosswalks and there are no entrances to any development because that will just help the pedestrians cross confidently and for the drivers to be able to see the person who's crossing.
So, there was also uh there are also two radar speed feedback signs at two locations on Allen Road. And I really don't know how that helps the township or the cops because when I'm driving, it
tells me, oh, you're going at 40 miles an hour. Thank you for the information. I can see that on my dashboard, right? What is it that the township gets by putting that over there? Is it connected to the police station? Is there a camera flashing? Is there a red, white, and
blue light over there that will alarm the person, especially when you're driving in the nighttime? No. Just for me to know, I don't I really don't know how the study team concluded that these two radars over there would help because I don't see any cops there. There are
absolutely no cops after so after this accident has happened. I drive there every single day. I drive there in the daytime. I drive there in the night time. the cops should be by the radar the the speed alarm that tells people that you're driving at 40 miles an hour
or 30 m an hour. So I don't know why that is there. If that can be replaced with these flashing lights where people can actually push button the traffic stops and they're able to cross comfortably that'll be appreciated. >> We have about 40 seconds left. Oh,
sorry. And we were given to understand that the township has paid for those radars. So, I would appreciate if the township can actually look into that and make sure you add more blinkers on the crosswalks and add speed bumps and the
zebra crossings that were added have been told that it needs to have high visibility. There is absolutely no high visibility there because there is no light over there on the zebra crossing. There are two big signs that says pedestrial crossing, but besides that
there there's no light for the driver to be able to see a person crossing. So I don't understand how that works over there. So anyway, so I think my time is up. So just one second, please. >> Actually, your time is up, but I do appreciate your comments and thoughts.
>> May I advise the committee at this point? Um the husband filed a claims um alleging township filed today. Clerk knowledge that that
has been forwardedly advised that you threat body no longer offer any comment regarding Thank you for that information. >> Thank you for your comments. Hello everybody. I'm Suhas Kundi uh 3
constitution way and I'm here to talk about the same Alen good issue and I'm going to be more uh I think Sundri was more lenient if if if uh uh you know uh what I say holds true
um those blinking lights don't work I cross that road every day with my dog they don't work during the day they worked at night. It's simply a mindset that has changed since school. I've been
in these meetings. I do not understand why there is not more enforcement. Uh I heard about the three E. You know, you're talking about engineering and education and enforcement.
I have no hope education is going to work. I have seen multiple newspaper reports throughout the US, the only country in the whole world where pedestrian deaths are increasing. This is not a basking rich problem, but we have to solve it at the local level.
Having deterrence like traffic or radar cam cameras don't work anymore. We have to go and have stronger enforcement. By that I mean we need cops ticketing more. And I I know uh I've been told that it
is one of the most enforced roads. Why is why is it not the most enforced road? Why is it only one of the most enforced? Because uh based on what I read and I've been searching the web for for data on the
past 20 years, how many pedestrian deaths have occurred in Basking Ridge in the past 20 years? I don't know the answer but based on what I read there were two both on Alen road. It's just ridiculous that we have not
taking into account risk involved when we are taking decisions to decide what to do. The blinking light, whatever the rapid blinking light, day eight, dollar shock. We need stop lights again,
pedestrian triggered stop lightss at these intersections. We need higher police enforcements. Without that, I have no hope this is going to change. We need the speed light, the speed limits to be reduced. There are studies I can send you know I
read the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post extensively. There are lots of articles in these newspapers on how different cities throughout US have solved or tackled this problem. Almost in invariably all of them
result or have required reduction in speed limits. That along with other proactive measures which really prevent the drivers from going fast or prevent the drivers from not stopping. Just detering them just a
warning sign just you know believing in their good faith is not working. Two days ago, I stopped at the crosswalk. I pressed the light. One side of the car stopped. I started crossing when the other side car was
very far away. Believe me, he crossed without waiting. I had to stop bang in the middle of the road and this was daylight. This wasn't night when there was a visibility problem. So my feedback is perhaps more extreme than what you
may have heard from others, but I walk that road every day. I've been a resident here for 20 years. Has never been this bad. Has never been this bad. And I think the township is
not doing enough. Even now, I definitely think things can move quicker like study happening in March. It's Just we can take some measures like lights. Now there's no
excuse not to do that. You may say that the speed limit it's a county road. We have to rely on the county to take some decisions. Well, what can the township do? What is within your control? At this point I'm totally confused. who
is going to take the lead in make some tangible benefit and not hide behind some study which by the way happened in 2016 too and I don't have any faith in that study because even then I saw sorry
it may not have been >> so you have about 20 seconds left >> um yeah just just waiting to hear how you can put the actual risk of what the residents and the pedestrian's face on
the road and not put behind some theory you know or mask where hey we doing some study or some engineering this thank you >> thank you very much river drive second of Not going to tell you how to deploy the police department. They'll do it
themselves. All road is as well lit as any street in this town. I live in this section by Little Shing Road. There's very only one light on the road and people aren't getting ran over
driver and it could be the pedestrian is because of both people. All I can say is yesterday morning I almost got plowed a Henry and Maple by white Mercedes Benz
and only by um luck here tonight. Now I have nothing more to say. Thank you. >> Thank you. What else? All right. I close public comment. Christie, any executive session this evening?
>> None this evening. Mayor, >> may I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. Thank you. Good evening and thanks to those who came tonight and those watching live streaming. Thank you.