I open the Bernards Township Committee meeting for February 24th, 2026. Please stand for the flag salute. >> Good evening. Adequate notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building on the township website filed with the township clerk and transmitted to the
Burnersville News courier newsws tap into and patch.com on December 17, 2025. Any motion to enter close session will be made in accordance with the open public meetings act and will state the general nature of the matters to be discussed. Minutes of such closed sessions will be made available to the
public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists and the matters have been fully resolved. No new business shall be introduced after 10:30 p.m. Public comment will be accepted at all meetings. Each speaker shall be limited to 5 minutes. All meetings shall adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. Christie, roll
call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> here. >> Mr. Hodes, >> here. >> Mr. McN here. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> here. Mayor Dwarte McCarthy >> here. >> Christie, any executive session? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> that brings us to presentations.
Christie, >> resolution 2026-165, Black History Month celebration, February 2026. >> Okay. Thank you, Christie. So, this evening, we're going to be making a resolution for Black History Month, which I'll read. And this is in
accordance with New Jersey having declared 2026 as the year of Black History. and we'll talk a little bit about that. I'll invite my comments to my colleagues to comment um and then we will take a vote to approve. So, let me read this for you. Black History Month
celebration February 2026. Whereas Bernard's Township takes great pride in recognizing the diverse histories and cultures that shape our community and nation. And whereas black Americans have made enduring contributions to the economic, cultural, educational, political, and civic life of the United
States. And whereas black Americans have overcome slavery, segregation, and systemic discrimination while continuing to advance progress in labor, public service, civil rights, science, the arts, and many other fields. And whereas Black History Month traces its origins
to the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who initiated Black History Week in 1926 to honor the achievements and legacy of Black Americans. And whereas the United States federal government officially recognized Black History Month in 1976
and President Gerald Ford issued the first message on the observance of Black History Month, urging Americans to seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. And whereas the
legacy of black Americans in New Jersey includes notable figures such as Paul Robersonson, Alice Walker, and countless others whose impact on the arts, sciences, politics, and social justice has left an indelible mark in our state and nation. And whereas among those
notable persons, Bernard's Township is proud of the legacy of Captain Robert Terry, who was born and raised in the community learned to fly at the former Somerset Hills Airport and from 1943 through 1945 served as the United States
Air Force as a Tuskegee Airman pilot and flight instructor of the historic Tuskegee Airman, the nation's all black air squadron during World War II. and his wife Estelle Terry herself a licensed pilot who served also as one of the Tuskegee Airman's 14,000 member
ground support personnel and whereas Robert and Estelle Terry werely awarded the Tuskegee Airman Congressional Gold Medal in 2022 at a ceremony held at the couple's former home across from the original Somerset Hills airfield off
Lord Sterling Road and whereas the state of New Jersey has designated 2026 as the year of black history to commemorate 100 years of honoring black history and the 250th anniversary of American independence. And whereas Black History
Month provides an opportunity for reflection, education, and renewed commitment to equality, justice, and opportunity for all, it is essential to educate further future generations about the contributions of black Americans, and to promote understanding, respect,
and appreciation for diversity and inclusion. Now therefore, be it resolved that the township committee of the township of burners does hereby recognize February as Black History Month and encourages residents to learn upon, reflect upon, and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of
black Americans. So, would any of my colleagues like to comment? Brett, >> certainly, Mayor. Thank you. As was just noted in the reading of resolution 2026165,
Black History Month can trace its origins back to the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who initiated Black History Week in 1926 to honor the achievements and legacy of Black Americans. As I reflected on this year's theme of African-Americans and labor, I found
myself doing a little bit of research to refresh my own memory, particularly the of those names that may not be as familiar to some as others. from a Phip Randolph who fought for 12 years to gain recognition of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Carporters by the Pullman Car Company
to Chris Smalls who began organizing in 2020 for the establishment of the Amazon Labor Union. These were both African-Americans who were at the forefront of their movements. And I am particularly honored
that Bernard's Township is honor is recognizing Black History Month. Thank you. >> Thank you, Brett. >> Mayor, I'll go next. Um most pleased that uh this committee in in this township is recognizing Black History Month in 2026. And um a point of
emphasis uh uh Robert and Estelle Terry. I remember that event in 2022 where they were honored uh for their service during the Second World War and in the Tuskegee
Regiment and as members of the African-American community back in 1943,44 and 45 well before the civil rights movement. And these were people who still nonetheless put their lives on the line for this country, which is quite amazing. So, u very happy to be
recognizing Black History Month and connecting it to Bernard's as well. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Jen. >> So, I'll just share um a little personal bit. Um within my family, we like to recognize um this particular month, and
we do that by showing movies um that we all enjoy. And two of our family favorites are 42 uh which highlights Jackie Robinson as well as Hidden Figures. So the uh remarks and and accomplishments of Katherine Jackson,
Dorothy Vaughn and and Mary Jackson um I think are remarkable and it's a wonderful story. So um thank you for allowing me to share. >> Thank you. Um, I'd just like to say I'm very happy that uh not only the state but the town is uh recognizing Black History Month. I
think for uh far too long the achievements of the uh black community in this country have been um uh underrecognized. I think that uh particularly in today's climate, a lot of those achievements um
and uh history of uh the black community in this country is being um uh whitewashed, if you will, or just completely scrubbed. So, um I very much appreciate our recognition and uh we
there's a month where um we can all reflect and uh better understand and know uh what the black community has contributed to this country. >> Thank you. Thanks for all the thoughtful comments and just a few of my own. Um,
we did a little bit of research and I noticed uh members of the anniversary committee. Um, it it's interesting that New Jersey is designating this as the year of black history to commemorate 100 years and we're also celebrating the 250th anniversary. So, a couple of uh
things that we learned um and I appreciate getting some of this from Christie and from some of our local historians. So in February of 1991, the Bernard's Township Committee proclaimed February as multicultural month in support of the recognition, study, preservation, and appreciation of the
diverse, multithnic, and multicultural contributions in our nation, our state, and this community. So tonight, in that same spirit, the township, I believe for the first time, will recognize February as Black History Month. And then as we consider our township history, I do want to give a nod to the people in our
community who continue to research and tell the stories of local residents. The earliest records point to the existence of enslaved blacks in Burners Township throughout the 1700s and 1800s, including a man named Belfast, owned by the Morton family and Sarah and Nate
Woodward. Nate Woodward lived to the age of 110 when he passed away in 1901. And other historical evidence includes a marker at the Liberty Corner Church Cemetery recognizing the burial on church grounds of those of African ancestry whose names and numbers are
unknown between 1837 and 1865. Our community embraces diversity and as noted in this resolution, we are very proud of the contributions and achievements of not notable residents of black heritage which are nearly 2% of our residents. And locally, black
history is celebrated throughout our community. As an example, the Somerset Hills YMCA hosted Dreams and Legacy Stars this past Friday evening. Families honored a black historical figure while sharing their own dreams and values. And lastly, John Terry, Berners Township
School District uh social studies supervisor shared that students in the Bernard Township School District learn about African-Americans in United States history, about the ongoing connection between African-Americans and our civic institutions, and about the vibrancy and
diversity of our culture in the UN in the United States. In Burner Township, each of us, regardless of our unique personal characteristics, are valued and respected. And I'm proud that tonight we are recognizing those of black heritage in our community. With that, may I get a
motion? >> So moved. >> I'll second it. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you very much. Okay. Right. Christie, any correspondence?
And let me go back one moment. Christie, any public work session needed? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> any correspondence? Yes. Community development block grant application. This evening we have a representative from community hope who will provide us with a summary of the application.
>> And we'd like to invite you to come up. >> Hello. Uh my name is Kayla. I'm the program director at the Hope for Veterans program which is part of the community hope organization. Um we are an organization that runs through most of New Jersey. Um but hope for veterans
is based in Somerset County on the Lions VA campus. We're a 95 bed transitional housing program for homeless veterans. So the um veterans do live there on site. They're given case manage um met one-on-one with them. Um and then one of
the positions that we have is an employment and benefits specialist, which is what we are requesting funding for in this grant application. Um so that position is a pretty important one. It helps uh provide the veterans with a lot of skill building um
including resume writing, interviewing skills. They run groups to help with computer literacy. Um honestly, just like regular job coaching, helping somebody figure out, you know, what were you doing in the military? How can that help translate to what you're doing now?
Um getting people back into the workforce. And then we recently added a benefits component to that position to really help meet the needs of other veterans who maybe weren't employable or weren't sure if they can get back into the workforce. Um to really help them get income whether that be through
general assistance um social security disability and service connection um through the VA. >> Well, thank you Kayla. Um, I think my colleagues have read through the application and I've had the opportunity and honor to hear from Community Hope
the two plus years I've been on and my colleagues have been in longer and some are brand new. So, I'm sure they they'd like to reflect and share their thoughts on the application. So, would anyone like to do so? >> Well, I'll start. you know, I'm I'm
obviously familiar with Community Hope and Hope for Be Veterans. Um, having gotten to know what you guys do over the years. Um, and you know, you're featured as part of our Field of Honor event every November. And I just can't thank
you enough. It's an honor that you work out of Burner Township at the Lions VA and the things that you're doing uh viney through this application are seeking to do as far as workforce development critical to uh getting these veterans um to where they deserve to be.
Uh and I can't thank you and your organization enough and fully supportive of your grant application. So, thank you. >> Anyone else? Jen. Um again, community hope is a treasure within our community. Um we enjoy working with Carmine um at
all the various events and you know in my free time I do philanthropy and review grants and this is another example of it's a shame that this is needed that it's not already provided.
Um and so there's I think nothing more important than those that um sacrifice their life um for our freedom um to not get the types of tools that enable them to successfully lead their life when
they return. So um thank you for all that you do. >> I would just like to thank you. Um, I have a nephew who uh served three tours in the Middle East and he's come back with traumatic brain injury, PTSD,
chronic fatigue, and things they haven't found yet. And he struggles every single day. And today will be the best day for the remainder of his life. Tomorrow might be the same, but it's not going to get better. And the day, but it might
drop. and uh he has struggled. Uh his family has struggled. Um and the work that you guys do is just it's unbelievable. Um and to Jen's point, it's a shame that it's not overly funded. Um and you guys have to scrap
for everything and we really really appreciate what you guys do. Thank you >> for all your support. >> K. I just like to add, you know, we the sentiment of the township committee is fully supportive of this application and I think as uh as Jen was saying, it's a
shame that the grants have to be provided year-over-year. And you've actually not the grant size has shrunk year-over-year. So, not only do you have our support in this sentiment, but also what we can do to help see if there could potentially be more influence around the amount of funding that goes
to these types of programs. And as Kayla and I were talking earlier, the evidence of the that it demonstrated through the application of this program's success in terms of what the impact it's having speaks for itself. So it's tremendous work. We really I know that you're very
involved and greatly appreciate all you do. And so with that, um you know, we want to thank you and for all that community hope does for our veterans. So, at this time, I'm going to um open public comment from the require um any comments from the public regarding this
application are invited. Okay, seeing none, I close public comment. All right, Kayla, thank you so much. You're welcome to stay if you'd like or, you know, you're also able to leave if you'd like. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Kayla. >> Okay. All right. That brings us to public comment. There are two opportunities for public comment during this first 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 the 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 on Riverside Drive. Not personal, it's business. I disagree with the um second comment
that you have with the first comment. I like the if we're not going to um this public comment with the agenda items first. No good. We're going to if you continue with this this and we might as well just do away
with that second comment. I know that I'm the only person in this room right now who's ever came up and wanted a second comment. And it wasn't like want a second comment. Let's change the first comment because it was always nice to know that
you can come up and make the comment because all comments were welcome. Now all comments are not welcome unless it's on an agenda item. Last last meeting, we got exactly what I
was expecting, which I've mentioned before. they're gonna get somebody here who sat here for over 40 minutes on pins and needles to address you and didn't get any satisfaction. And I didn't expect the debate or a
face-to-face thing. But had this been a first comment thing after he spoke and sat down the then the staff report the mayor could have said, "Mr. Monica, would you like to address this historically about shoveling drive or on
sidewalks or something like that? Or you could have turned to Mr. Bolardo legally. What are their responsibilities? But we didn't have any of that. He walked out of here unfulfilled. And I just think it's wrong. I don't care what other towns do. I don't care
what Menum does. I don't care what Summit does. I don't care what the board of education does. This is the township committee of Bernard's township and we decide what we want to do, not what other towns do and we've changed this. So, might as well just do away with that
second comment and let's change it back to what it was originally because I don't expect you committing to shovel sidewalks. I don't expect you to write tickets. I don't expect you to referee pickle ball games or anything like this.
Your main job is to listen to the public who comes up here have issues. If I put him in the back at the end of the meeting and there's nothing there afterwards, no good. I'd just like to have that change for that first comment and do away with only
agenda items other than commenting on something that's coming up for a public hearing. If you can't do that, then I think we failed. Thank you, Mr. Alstein. Down road. I don't know if this is the
time or not, but I figured I should get up. I wanted to uh congratulate the um committee doing the uh Black History Month. Very uh sensitive part of um life
in not just our country but um our town too. And I would just say that for next year, even though it's going to be a year-long celebration, but instead of
accepting um the a document or whatever you need to do to declare uh Black History Month, I don't think it should be done on February 24th when there only four days left in the month of February.
So, you know, it's covered by all other things that are going on. But for next year, I would suggest that you all just put it on your agenda for the end of January to have notice that, you know,
we will be uh recognizing Black History Month and perhaps there might even be uh more activities in town. Um, and I think that the county has come through with great stuff. I went down to uh Sourland.
Um South It's a hard thing to say. It's Stoutsburg Sourand AfricanAmerican Museum and it doesn't just roll off the tongue, but boy do they have good presentations. And I did drive down to um Hunter Hunter
Library to hear one this past. So, I would suggest the early announcement for next year and continue to recognize um the black community. And um also one little point, the nice little memorial
to um Paris. is right there on um I had a problem with that over the years because um it's a nice little memorial but then at some times some
person or committee puts up like paper photographs of Mr. and Mrs. on that little, you know, little monument there. And they are inappropriate. Either the their if they wanted their
photographs when the committee, whoever decided to put up that little uh monument, um they should have had the photos encased in the monument. But to tack on these photographs is, I think,
insulting. I also found insulting over the years that often a little flag may be attached or stuck in the ground there. And just it was this past year that I thought, "Oh, that looks terrible." And it really upset me. And
it happened to be the weekend when the veterans were handing out flags at um Shopright or um Stoen Hill. And I said to one of them, I could use a flag about this tall, a little more to stick in the ground. Oh, and he gave it to me. I told
him what I needed it for. I needed it for the Tererry's monument. So, I did put it in there. And there had been another one there, but it was broken off. and it was in a little holder for a stick, but it was broken off. So, I took the
broken thing off and then I had to undo something and I put the new flag in now. It blew away by the next day. So, I have this sensitive issue with that memorial and I don't know what to do
about it. Thank you for listening. >> Thank you. and it the memorial went in in 2022. So it's been now four years. So we'll certainly take consideration of how it's appearance, you know, along with other memorials in the township. So thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Right. All right. I close public comment. All right. Next, we'll invite staff comments, township committee comments, including board and leaison reports. Mr. Monica, would you like to start? >> Uh, thank you, mayor. I just wanted to welcome our newest library assistant, Adrienne Graph. So, welcome to Bernards.
That's all I have, Mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, Christie, >> none this evening. Thank you, Mayor. >> Mr. Balardo. >> Uh, Committeeman McN. >> Sure. Thank you, Mayor. Um, first, uh, I'm very proud to say that for the third
consecutive year, Bernard Township has been ranked as the second safest city town in New Jersey according to the latest Safewise safest cities in New Jersey report released this month. This annual ranking based on FBI crime data
and adjusted for population places Burners Township second in the state and 21st in the entire country. Uh this is truly a remarkable achievement. While residents should certainly not assume that we're monuned from crime here in our little slice of heaven, uh there are
very few communities that can claim the record that Bernard has in this regard. I'd like to salute our police department and its leadership past and present for their leadership to bring in bringing about this achievement. Our officers are on the front lines day in day out to
keep our community safe and we're lucky to have such an effective responsive police force that works tirelessly on behalf of our residents. I'd also like to thank our residents for taking to heart many of the safety suggestions that our police department has promulgated. Finally, I'd like to thank
my colleagues on this day as and those who've served in these roles in the past. The recognition we've achieved from Safe Wise this year and in prior years doesn't happen by accident and represents the collective effort of the police department, our residents, and our elected and appointed officials,
past and present. I'd like to thank all who have contributed to this effort at any time. And in keeping with my gratitude, I'd like to offer my sincerest gratitude to our Department of Public Works, led by Ryan Wallace, and other elements of the township's administration for their work during the
most recent snowstorm. Despite overwhelming amounts of snow in a short period, our DPW got the roads clear and salted in record time. Like to thank our residents for their cooperation in removing their cars from public road for plowing purposes and other individual
efforts on the part of our residents. I also like to thank our police and first responders for their work before, during, and after the storm to keep residents safe. And I wish to thank JCPNL for their communication and work before, during, and after the storm. And we didn't have any power outages here.
to all and thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Committeeman. Uh Committeeman Hajes. >> Thank you, Mayor. Few things I'd like to remind the residents about. Um with our municipal alliance, they have a mind and mingle
program. It's a monthly program designed to help our teens relax, relax, and connect and focus on their mental health. And there's a karaoke session tomorrow at Burns Library teen room for ages um for grades 7 through 12.
Municipal Alliance also has a Mind Matters um film four-part film series. The next one that's coming up is Upstanders. Uh it's a powerful documentary that explores bullying and cyber bullying ages 11 and up. That's on Monday, March 9th at the Burners
Township Library. Please register via the public health department's website. And just a reminder that there is a project medicine dropoff where people can drop off their unused and expired solid um solid medications such as pills, capsules, patches, inhalers, and
pet medications at the Burns Township Police Department front lobby 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for our parks and recreation and pathways advisory committee. I just like to remind everybody that the 15th annual Bernard's Township Parks and
Recreation Art Show is um has a deadline of February 27th, ages 16 and up. Please see the web page for more details. Uh the snow person photo contest is the deadline is February 28th. Please get those photos
in. And we have two programs going on right now for resident adults with special needs. We have the adaptive basketball for ages 15 plus and adaptive pickup for ages 15 plus that happens on at William Anon Middle School and runs
through basically the middle of March. The summer recreation program for use in grades K through five opened on February 10th. So, don't wait too long to make sure you can still find a spot for your young ones.
And for the environmental commission, um the environmental commission is is staff with a with several resident volunteers who are very dedicated to making sure that we help um bring forward environmental issues in Burners
Township and that they're given the right priority in order to protect and preserve our natural resources. And one of the things that they support and volunteer with is the upcoming native plant sale, which will be um running for the month of April. I know it's a little
bit out there uh month out there, but hope that you'll consider supporting the native plant sale and all the good that it can do for our environment. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Committee AC. I also want to um thank and acknowledge
uh Ryan and the Department of Public Works uh group for all that they did. Um I had friends from other towns that just really, you know, were griping about their roads and um when they experienced ours, it was a totally different story.
So um again, just hats off. We've got one of the best groups around. So thank you. Um, a few things uh in the last couple weeks. I wanted to acknowledge and thank the ISBR, the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, for inviting us to
attend the crescent lighting a few weeks ago, despite it being cold. Um, it was a very warm welcome and enjoyed the mayor's remarks. Um, and uh, enjoyed seeing her light the crescent. So, that was a great experience. the department,
excuse me, um, health department held on February the 11th, the stay at heart. It was a registered dietitionian um, program held by the dietitians from Nourish and Thrive Nutrition Center. I'm sharing this because they do this uh, periodically. This is the second time I
attended it. Um, this was education and a cooking demonstration related to heart health. Um, it was delicious and educational. So um the second time it was a different group of recipes. So I highly recommend going um you learn something and you get to try some
delicious food. Also that night um I did attend uh as um was mentioned the mind matters exploring mental health. I attended the like program. So this was a a guided documentary uh by Kevin from the county uh from Tri County CMO that
talked about the impact of social media on our lives. And it was really impactful for it to be a guided discussion because it allowed um discussion and interaction as to what was just shared. Hearing straight from the woman who created the like button um
in social media um just some of the insights and things were very helpful and it was a great group of people um young and those of us that are not so young were able to get some nuggets and such. So again, very grateful to them and I look forward to the upcoming uh
guided documentary that is going to be happening um that come Hajes just spoke about. Want to speak about ski club. So uh ski club uh it came to a close. Uh this year we attempted to use both backup days uh unfortunately due to the
weather issues. And while we're sad it's over, we're so grateful those to all of those that enabled it to occur. Specifically with Jennifer Gander, the head of parks and rock, our volunteer leads of Elizabeth Sites and Desiree Noland, and all of the many parent volunteers who came with us each and
every trip. Um, everyone's very excited for next year. So, a couple other important reminders and upcoming events. Um, this is the last time I'm going to talk about pet licensing. uh but uh they did expire January 31st, but there is the grace period until February 28th.
So, please license your animal uh dogs or cats. Uh the upcoming the health department also has an interesting topic called sleep starts in the kitchen. That's on Thursday 12 noon at the Long Hill Township Library. Please register
uh for that. You can look on the health department website. Also on Thursday, I'm looking forward to uh along with some of my colleagues, we're attending the New Jersey Conference of Mayors Winter Summit 8 to three. It's an event for leaders that are building, delivering, and driving growth in our
communities. The topic is the mayor's playbook for economic growth in New Jersey. So, there's a few of us that care a little bit about economic development, right, John? And so, we're excited to go and learn and see what we can bring back to our community. So, look forward to uh talk about that when
we get back. Um, also wanted just to acknowledge, um, because this will happen before the next meeting, the Burners Chinese American Association is hosting their Lunar New Year event. It is the year of the Firehorse. Um, that is March the 8th, 3 to 6 on Sunday at
Cedar Hill uh, elementary school. Those activities include a potluck, stage show, games, arts and crafts, and a business expo. And lastly, again, the library has so many programs. We'd be here all night if I tried to talk about all the ones that are upcoming, but just looking forward to next week. Um, for
any of us that might like a little extra tutorial on your iPad or iPhone um on March the 3 from 2 to 3. Um, it is the iPad and iPhone beyond the basics. So, it's a wonderful in-person program. Uh, you can register for that. uh you bring
your charge device and uh learn from one of our um emerging technologies librarian to learn more about those tools. So please uh go to the Bris Township Library for more information. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. Uh Deputy Mayor, >> um I need to start by saying my chair doesn't work. That's why I look so low. I slowly sank down on the last >> problem. with these chairs.
>> So anyway, um like everyone else, I just want to um compliment uh the Department of Public Works in their snow removal effort. Um having grown up in upstate New York, uh you guys would be A-listers in Syracuse. So uh well done. Um
last or two weeks ago, I attended my first year commission meeting. Um and uh very interesting. Uh these guys and men and women are basically um in charge of keeping tabs of the deer in our uh in
our town um and issuing hunting licenses um and navigating through the whole process with the state. Um one thing I found, a couple things I found which were pretty interesting. Uh when we moved in 27 years ago, there were roughly 150 deer per square mile in the
township. Uh it's down to around 50 now. Um which is a pretty sustainable number. Uh the upshot of that is the deer are a lot more healthy. Uh 27 years ago the average dough was about 85 pounds and I think now it's about 105.
So um they're doing a very good job. They just did a uh a survey last year, an aerial survey with drones in conjunction with uh Ruters University. Um coincidentally, the state grant uh
equaled exactly what Ruckers charged us for that. Um so that was good luck. Um and lastly, a couple weeks ago, um we went to an appreciation dinner for the volunteers at the um nature center. And
uh it was it was a great event. Uh that uh that is a part of the town that really heavily relies on volunteers for uh clearing trails um and just you know doing whatever is needed to keep our
parks uh maintained and um and really very very good uh as it relates to the rest of the uh or in comparison to the rest of the uh rest of the um uh state. So uh I was very happy to go. very happy to meet meet some nice people and um
that's it. Mayor, >> thank you very much. Well, I'd also like to express my gratitude to our public works, our police department, our fire companies and EMT for their planning and readiness for the past snowstorm. Thank you, Mr. Monaco, for your leadership. We are very fortunate to have these
resources and as Andrew said um we were also getting ongoing communication from the utility companies and that was clear that they were considering our township within the areas to continually keep informed and yes we didn't have a power outage so we were knock on wood u
segueing last Wednesday I completed the required office of emergency management training for officials that was taught by county coordinator Lisa Wernerner at the Emergency Services Training Academy in Hillsboro and the program reviewed the framework of incident management and
the roles of elected officials and as one fire chief said, you should all stay out of the way. So, it was very good training uh but it also provided a much better insight about all of the work that goes into preparedness. So, greatly appreciated that opportunity. As uh Jen
said, I also join her at the um Islamic Society of Basking Ridge lighting the crescent. And it marks the the lighting marks the beginning of Ramadan, which will last until March 18th. The crescent is now down by the gazebo. And Ramadan is among the holiest times of the year,
a time of devotion, generosity, and renewal. And it coincided with the beginning of the Lenton season, um which in Christian faith began February 18th. So, which also serves as a time for self-examination, devotion, repentance, and spiritual renewal. So, for those of
you observing, may you the for the following month or 40 days have a time of growth and reflection. Um, as I've mentioned in past meetings, the Somerset Hills YMCA and Bernard's Township Municipality have been awarded a $70,000
grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment focused on making our community more age friendly. And as part of this initiative, we will be assessing and surveying seniors of 65 years of age
and older in Berners Township to understand their experiences, needs, and priorities. A senior advisory committee is being formed to help guide the process and will meet virtually once per month for approximately an hour over a four to five month period. And so then
together the committee and leadership from the Hawaiian Township will discuss the results of the survey and provide insights and recommendations to shape a potential roadmap for community for older adults and not a separate community our community and its
engagement of older adults. Uh so more to come on this work and then just a couple updates on the boards and commissions. The golf advisory commission adi committee as all know uh this is a great resource the nine-hole karusa golf course it's slated to open
April 1 the early payment deadline for membership is this coming Saturday February 8 February 28th um and after that fees will go up so I just paid my membership please do so the fees will go up after Saturday u the townwide green
spring yard sale I did say spring is scheduled for April 11th and that is only five and a half weeks away. So more details are available on the town website and that's always a great event. And then lastly, as you know, 2026 marks our country's 250th
anniversary. There's a great event coming up at the Brick Academy um offered through the Somerset Hills Historical Society on Sunday, March 8th from 2 to 4. And the country's first centennial flag will be returning to Brick Academy and will be a special
exhibit entitled History Happened Here, America 250 in the Somerset Hills. And John Mu Booth, who's among our local historians and also an architect whom many of us know, will present stories about how the Revolutionary War affected people and places in Bernard's Township.
And that's it. So why don't we conclude and move on? Any fire and rescue appointments? Christie, >> none this evening. Mayor >> Christie, any unfinished business? >> None this evening. >> Okay, that moves us to the consent agenda. The items listed within the consent agenda portion of the meeting
have been referred to the township committee for reading and study. A copy posted on the website are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion of the township committee with no separate discussion. If severage 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 to have an item removed from the consent agenda? >> Okay, seeing none, may I have a motion? >> So moved.
>> Second. Uh >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss AC. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hodgees. Yes, >> Mr. McN. >> Yes, >> Mr. Tommpkins. >> Yes, >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Okay, Christy. Item B,
>> resolution 2026-177. Resolution of the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, adopting a spending plan consistent with the fourth round housing element and fair share plan. >> Great. So, as outlined in this resolution, the spending plan is a
required component of meeting our fourth round obligations. And I've asked Mr. Balardo if he could provide just a brief background on this. Yes, Mayor. The spending plan was previously reviewed by our planning board at the uh end of May
of last year. It was included as a draft in the housing element and fair share plan uh that was adopted by the planning board in sub uh township committee last May. Uh that being said at the time it was a draft
spending plan. Our affordable housing planning expert Miss Kendra Lely uh has met with uh Mr. from McCarthy regarding the financial numbers and projections in the plan and it's been slightly updated uh since last May and this is a required
document and resolution filed with the court honor before March 15th. Hence if this is adopted tonight I will be filing this with the court. >> Okay. Thank you John. Is there any discussion?
All right. May I have a motion, please? >> No moved. >> I second. >> Thank you. Christie, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes.
>> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Item C. >> Resolution 2026-189. Resolution of the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, adopting an affordable housing agreement with
Ridge Oak Management Incorporated and Ridge Incorporated as to extend affordable housing controls on 247 age restriction age restricted affordable housing units to October 31st, 2072. >> Okay, thank you. And uh John and I had
an opportunity to discuss this as with our colleagues. So Mr. Valardo, again, if you could provide a short summary. Yes, these 247 units that are going to be extended until 2072 from October 31
32 are not being counted toward not required and not needed as credits. But uh it is our intention to utilize these units for fifth round obligation that would start
and would extend until 2045. So by recording this agreement with Somerset County Clerk, these essentially will be banked units with the hope that we could use in the future. Ridge Oak is providing these units at no cost uh
financially to the township. Uh under the ordinance that this particular body passed last year uh granting Ridge Oak the right to seek a site plan for 29 units. uh prior to their being deemed complete planning board they were
required to enter this agreement have it approved by the township committee has filed a site plan act it's my understanding that there is aortly uh and that adoption of this resolution >> Hey thank you John and just to clarify
there are no fifth round obligations as of this time. These are just potential credits for future. >> Yes, mayor. We we try to get the credits where we may and hope to use them in >> planning ahead is always better than planning.
>> Great. Okay. Thank you. And >> and also it it benefits the the residents because they were due to >> Yes. >> Well, there was no necessary guarantee or or market units. this essential box they
may on. >> Okay, thank you. Which is a daunting idea. >> Um, any comments or questions? >> Okay. U, may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Hey Christie, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Christie, can you please read the ordinance by title?
>> Ordinance 2594, an ordinance of the township of Bernards appropriating 1,400490,000 for various capital improvements. And this is introduction. >> Hey, thank you. All right. So for this ordinance, the township is trying to allocate as much as we can within what
we're allowed to do so we can get favorable pricing, try to get orders in before others approve budgets, etc. So um it's pretty I don't want to call it housekeeping, but that's essentially it's good practice. Um so any questions?
May I have a motion? I move that ordinance 2594 be introduced on first reading advertised as required by law and scheduled for a public hearing on 310 2026. >> Second. >> Christy, roll call, please.
>> Miss Hy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. That brings us to township committee appointments. Christie >> Gregory Slack Pool Commission alternate
to one-year term expiring December 31st, 2026. >> May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins,
>> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Okay. >> And Christie, approval of minutes. >> February 10th, 2026, open session minutes. Hey, may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Excellent. All right. That moves us to our second public comment. Comments are welcome during the second public comment period of this meeting on any matter over which the township committee has jurisdiction. The public comment portion of the agenda is not structured as a question and answer session, but offers
an opportunity to share your thoughts with the township committee. The committee may or may not address may or may not address these comments during the meeting. However, all comments are considered. To address this body, the speaker must come forward to the microphone and state their name and address for the record. Each speaker is
limited to 5 minutes. The clerk will keep time. Please promptly yield the floor when time is called and return to your seat. Your cooperation in adherence to these rules of order will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. I open public comment.
Idolstein Riverside Drive, the ski club. Maybe next year they could practice on cross country over the park by um Church Street or something like that. Lay out a course. So, they're doing something anyway. And if there's
snow next year, that is. I mean, they have snow. Um, shoveling your sidewalk, whether the town does it because of SC school or not, just like shoveling out your fire
hydrant, I believe, is a civic duty and a civic responsibility. I take it very personal and I really do my a fire hydrant. I grew up in a house in West Orange and we had a fire and dad was
always taken care of and I moved here and I you know I was mentioning this to somebody who's on the fire department at Basking Retire and they said well you know thank you. I said you don't have to thank me it's my freaking responsibility. I believe it's
everybody's responsibility and I tell you this fire hydrants are buried with snow. Look at on South Maple and Cross Street. I mean, it'll be a couple minutes for them to get through all that snow to
hook up. Hopefully, that house on Ncraft that burnt up a little bit, they were able to get to that fire hydrant. But it does happen. And that doesn't look like a house that's that old either. So, you would really need to do it,
especially the the sidewalks. The town does the sidewalks and screw school roots. So the people think we don't have to do it, but you really have to maintain it and you have to edge it up a little bit because machines they use, they're not going to get all the
snow and they're not going to get to the ground. And you know, if you care about your neighbors, it' be a nice thing to do. And if you have a a neighbor who's incapable of doing it because they're, you know, elderly
or, you know, handicap, then they should lend a hand and do it for them. Which is probably one of the reasons why we don't have property maintenance ordinance in this town because we recognize that there would be people hardship and if we had something like that, we'd be forced
to do it and be fined pretty heavily. and I worked in a city that did that after 24 hours. You got hit. I'm going to read this. This from New Jersey 101.5. So, I'm just
going to paraphrase it. Basically, in December last year in Woodstown couple, my mom to be went to labor and the dad jumped into the car and drove her to the hospital.
It became obvious halfway there that the baby had other plans. Realizing that they are not going to make it to the hospital, the dad quickly pulled over to a police station, sprinting aside to the station to get
attention to officers. Minutes later, as the father ran out, two officers follow him. We don't have that yet. Now, I know we fixed that that button and it's all well and good, but what I said in June of
last year wasn't the first time I said it and I said many times beforehand about having somebody there and that's only a band-aid approach of having that um that phone and um the
fact that or we didn't know that phone was out. You got it's nonsense. Somebody had to make do a work order to go and rip that phone out. So somebody knew about it and I don't really care. Doesn't have to be police officer because face it the police officers
aren't doing it. It's the people in records bureau who handle everybody who comes into that building and it's only Monday through Friday, not the weekends and not holidays. So why don't we look into the budget for next year and maybe hire semi part-time at
the record bureau so I think cover those laps things because obviously we don't want to have a police officer is way too much money and you know they're way too busy I don't know I don't want to speak at online here but
and let's get somebody in there who can do the same job especially the recruit also takes care of the emails that everybody body sending in now from I understand. So if they're doing all that then they might as well have somebody
there at least seven days a week and when once the police officer realize after somebody doing their job they'll get somebody there. Thank you. >> Thank you Todd. And I wanted to just comment on the fire hydrants. U I know that some people did post that they were
doing it and it it is a an important civic action. And so we appreciate those who did and it's a good reminder to continually focus on helping folks understand how important that is, especially with these unprecedented snowfalls. And then relative to second
public comment, uh we did introduce it this year and consider among the township committee how to implement it. Uh I think that we will continually review its effectiveness and impact. So we do appreciate your comments, Todd.
Um, and any other comments? Seeing none, I'm going to close public comment. Christie, any executive session tonight? >> None this evening, Mayor. >> Excellent. Uh, may I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Moved. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I are adjourned. Thank you.