Okay, I open Hold on. I open the Burners Township Committee meeting for May 12th, 2026. Please stand if you are able for this 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 Vernisville News, Courier News, Tap into, and patch.com on December 17th, 2025. Any motion to enter close session will be made in accordance with the open public meetings act and will state the
general nature of the matters to be discussed. Minutes of such closed sessions were 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 AC here. >> Mr. Hodes >> here. >> Mr. McN >> here. >> Mr. Tommpkins
>> here. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy >> here. >> Christy, any executive session? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> that brings us to presentations. Christie, >> resolution 2026-260 recognizing the 30th anniversary of
Fellowship Village. >> Well, thank you, Christie. This is a wonderful milestone recognizing a community that is thriving and has much to be proud of. I first came to know Fellowship Village about 20 years ago when my in-laws Charles and Genevieve
McCarthy moved there. They had moved to Basking Ridge in 1969 and raised their six children here. Jen was a math teacher and I heard she was pretty tough at Ridge High School and Charlie ran a printing business in South Orange. After they retired, Jen and Charlie chose
Fellowship Village as their retirement home and both lived out the remainder of their lives there. They found community, folks to play bridge with, they enjoyed activities, Jen taught yoga, and they loved sharing cocktails and conversation. And one of our favorite
family stories is that during COVID when Fellowship Village did a terrific job for its community, my father-in-law Charlie called my husband Mike and said, "You got to come over here and give me a haircut." Well, two things were wrong with that. Number one, nobody was supposed to be having contact. And
number two, Mike does not know how to cut hair. So, and then our own family, the Dwartes, when my father, Dr. Dwarte was stayed uh for several weeks following surgery at Fellowship Village and found just a lot of friends and was
wandering the halls at night and was was naughty. Um but he just really enjoyed being there. So when he had to go into hospice, he chose to go to Fellowship Village. So for us and for our family, it's a very special part of our family and we really appreciated the care and
love that was given. Uh so at this time I would like to invite my colleagues to comment on this resolution. >> Thank you mayor. I uh I tried for years to get my parents to move to Fellowship Village because I know what a quality organization it is and and how great
they are community. Unsuccessful as I was, I still understand the great importance that uh Fellowship Village brings to our community. And I'd like to share uh just an example of that that I've learned of recently. The Fellowship Village is in
the process of creating the neighborhood food project where residents at Fellowship Village will shop for items that are suggested for God's Co-op Food Pantry right here in Basking Ridge in
Burners Township. And periodically, God's Co-op Food uh pantry will collect those items that have that have been uh generously donated uh for use to helping those with food insecurity. So, just one more example of the the the great works
that Fellowship Village brings to its own residents and brings to the larger community as a whole. Thank you for what you do. >> Thank you, Committeeman McN. >> Yes. Um I too would like to congratulate Fellowship Village on their 30th anniversary. They really are a treasured
part of this community. Um I got to know them in a couple of ways. First through a family connection with my mother having stayed there. Uh really top-notch facility, excellent staff, all the things you can ask for. Uh more broadly though, they really do a lot of outreach
to the community. They put on fabulous shows in their gorgeous theater and then sometimes um outside whether permitting they have a wonderful yacht rock concert that they do every year that's not to be missed. So really giving back to the community um not just through the
residents they serve but more broadly in making these facilities like these shows open to residents. So really thank you so much and congratulations on this milestone. >> Thank you. uh Committee Acy and Deputy Mayor Hopkins joined me at your anniversary event. So, Jen, would you
want to share something? >> Sure. Thank you. Um I think I was first introduced um to you when I served on the planning board, for instance, and you were undergoing um expansion of the beautiful facilities that exist now. Um obviously being on the committee, you've
invited us to many events. Um, I very much appreciated that outreach and and also that you make many of your services available to the community. So, I'm a big fan of your Vive Salon. So, pedicures are awesome there. Um, as well
as uh again the Saminsky Theater. I have friends that uh kids were a part of the most recent um theater program. So again, thank you for um obviously creating a wonderful culture and um experience for those that live there, but thank you for inviting the entire
community to your fabulous facility. So thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> Um 30 years, that's fantastic. Uh congratulations. Um and it's 30 strong years. Uh you guys every year get better and better. Um, I
love the fact that you haven't walled yourself off from the community. You've embraced the community. You've melded into the community. Um, there's not a there's not a very stark demarcation and uh that that's really fantastic. Uh my
mother-in-law, I'm going to say 12, 13 years ago, um she was born and raised on Long Island where she's lived her whole life. And she was visiting us and she broke her hip and she had to spend I
think maybe 10 days um uh rehabilitating um there. And this is probably the highest compliment you will ever receive. We almost got a girl from Long Island to move to New Jersey because she liked your community
so much. So, um, understand it doesn't get any better than that. So, well done and thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. And the other thing that was wonderful about the program was seeing the vision go from farmland to where it has grown. So, just very extraordinary and we wish you all
the best in the years to come. So I'm going to before we ask for a motion just read a couple of lines from the resolution. Whereas throughout its history, Fellowship Village has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents, supporting families, and
contributing positively to the Bernards Township community. And whereas the township committee of Berners Township wishes to recognize and congratulate Fellowship Village on this important anniversary and thank its leadership team members and residents for their continued contributions to the
community. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Township Committee of the Township of Burners, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, that we do hereby recognize and congratulate Fellowship Village on the occasion of its 30th anniversary and extend our best wishes
for continued success in the years to come. And May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Wonderful. The resolution is approved. Congratulations
and a little applause. And at this time, I would like to invite Mark Aguilar, executive director, and Patty Anota, executive director, to come up. And one of I think uh Mark, you're going to share a few words. Wonderful. Yes, please. And that way your our
viewing audience can hear you. Yes, you can speak right to the microphone. Thank you. >> For the audience, I'm Mark Gaggler. the executive director at Fellowship Village. And what kind words um I just heard. Thank you very much. You know, we were honored with your presence. Uh Deputy Mard, I'm sorry, Mayor McCarthy,
Deputy Mayor, Mr. Tomkins, and Jennifer Asie. Really appreciate you coming there and celebrating our 30-year anniversary. It meant a lot. But just to hear these stories just now means a lot. and how much we affect everyone's life, not only yourselves, but the broader community and how we're trying to outreach even
more to the broader community to help older adults. So, thank you very much. It means a lot, you know. Can I just say a few words? Absolutely. Sure. So, just real quick, just for the past 30 years, Fellowship Village has been truly grateful for the support, our cooperation, and guidance we have
received from the Bernard's Township. Your partnership has helped us grow and continue our mission of serving older adults in our community with care, dignity, and compassion. We sincerely thank you for a strong relationship we have built together and look forward to the next 30 years of working side by
side to support and enhance the life of older adults in our community. Thank you. >> Thank you. And if you want to invite Patty and also the president, come on up. We'll take some pictures. boss in the family.
>> I'm listening to the boss. I'm listen. All right, everyone. Yes. Thank you very much. You're okay. Okay. All right. That brings us to B. Christie >> resolution 2026-261
recognizing May as Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. >> Thank you, Christie. Well, I'm very pleased that our township is recognizing Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month. Individuals who identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian, and
Pacific Islander contribute toward every facet of Bernard's Township. The community has steadily grown in representation from just less than 1% in 1980 to nearly 8% in 2000 to the current population of 24% in Bernard Township
today. The community is vibrant, including two strong organizations that are represented here this evening. The Burners Chinese American Association and the Basking Ridge Indian Community. Both organizations have created opportunities
for the Burners Township community to be part of the many cultural programs that offer education and presentations on your rich traditions and customs. The leadership of the Burners Chinese American Association and the Basking Ridge Indian Indian Community are also
active partners to the township representing as volunteers across organizations and among other areas on our township boards. This resolution underscores the importance we place on the rich diversity of our community and encouraging that you do of a sense of
belonging for all. So, at this time, once again, I'd like to invite my colleagues to comment. Thank you, mayor. I I I'm thrilled anytime that we can raise awareness and and and raise our pleasure at the different communities
and the different cultures and heritages that are within Bernard's Township because I fir firmly believe that's what makes the fabric of our community stronger and more vibrant is when we have diverse opinions, diverse views, and we can all learn from one another
through those diversityities, diverse ways of thinking and that just helps us all grow, become better people as a whole. So, I'm just thrilled that we're able to to have this uh recognition today, and I'm so grateful that uh I get to benefit from several different ways,
whether it's learning new dances, trying new foods, understanding different cultures. I benefit from all that and I thank you for your patience when you so graciously teach me those things. >> Thank you, Brett. Committee McN.
>> Yes. Thank you, mayor. Um, you know, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. That's a big category, but uh, you know, I'm most pleased that we're doing this. And to echo some of Brett's comments, you know, especially with the organizations that we have in
town that put on all these events, I personally learned a lot and had a lot of fun buying through the contributions that organizations that represent these communities have really put together here in our township and has really made it a really wonderful, richer place. Okay. So, I want to thank you all and
I'm proud that we're recognizing this month as uh American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Committee on AC. >> So, um, as a proud mother of two Chinese
children, um, I quickly acknowledged the diversity of our community and know its importance and so I'm very grateful to both of these organizations for all that you contribute. Um, you know, when you
look at my older children and my current children's friends, they're so diverse and um, we genuinely as a family look forward to Holy Dali. Um, it's a family event for us. It's a genuine event and I
echo a comment. Um, you're very patient, especially in teaching dance. So, I'm very personally grateful about that. Um, and I love the food and just the openness and honesty in sharing. So, thank you for teaching me. I look
forward to continuing to learn and thank you for all that you contribute to our wonderful community. >> Deputy Mayor, um, I'm fantastic that we're able to um, recognize you guys this uh, this month. Um,
not only do you guys from a practical perspective add so much to this community, um, from a cultural uh, perspective, you just make it a much richer community. Um, I will admit that um, I I didn't do much um, before I got
into politics and since I have, I've done a lot more events and been a lot invited to a lot of events and it's been wonderful. Um, I've I you know, very it's just everything I've been to is just a very joyous, happy event. Um,
sadly, um, I've come to realize it doesn't matter what the music is, I can't dance. So, thank you and I'm so glad we're doing this. And I was as Jen was speaking, I was reflecting both she and I and perhaps some of my other colleagues were very
active in our companies with employee networks and employee resource groups. And those were so important because they helped give individuals a sense of belonging and also a way of sharing culture and tradition across organizations. And you've done that so
beautifully here in the community. And when all of us go and we sort of fumble our way through dances and songs and so forth, we it just adds so much to us. So, thank you for all that you do because we always say, you know, and I know for both your organizations, you're
big, but it's usually a handful of people doing a lot of the work. Uh we really we recognize that um and and so deeply value that. So, thank you. So, I'll just read a couple of lines from the resolution before asking for a motion. Whereas the Basking Ridge Indian
Community serves as an important cultural and community organization in Bernard's Township, promoting Indian heritage traditions and values through community events, educational initiatives, and celebrations that bring residents together and foster greater
understanding and appreciation of Indian culture. And whereas the Bernard's Chinese American Association plays a vital role in preserving and sharing Chinese heritage and traditions within the community by organizing cultural programs, educational opportunities, and
community engagement activities that strengthen connections among residents and celebrate the richest of Chinese culture. And whereas May has been designated as Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in New Jersey to celebrate the
cultural heritage achievements and contributions that Asian-Americans and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders have made and continue to make. Now therefore, be it resolved that the township committee of the township of burners does hereby recognize May as
Asian-American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Herit Island Heritage Month and extends its appreciation to the individuals, families, and organizations, including the Basking Ridge Indian Community and the Burners Chinese-American Association, whose
contributions continue to strengthen and enrich our community. With that, may I have a motion? So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Wonderful. The resolution is approved. So congratulations. >> At this time, I would like to invite um
from the Basking Ridge Indian community, Gotham Kupla first and then we'll have Helen Zang from the Burners Chinese American Association. So Gotham. Thank you. >> Thank you members. Uh I'd like to say a few words.
It's our privilege to accept the uh recognition on behalf of the Basian community. We have all of our executive committee members here. We're excited about the uh fact that the township has recognized our organization. Uh this is our 10th uh year of uh founding. So
we've been here uh uh since 2016 uh and then we went past through the covid and we not only want to uh bring celebrate our culture but also like you mentioned that we want also share uh and
bringing hard um and and uh and and fact that we are recognized along with our uh Chinese friends here and along with the the uh the friendship uh the fellowship community. I think I'm glad
take this uh recognition and and uh it also reflects how the township uh has been uh very receptive of our the diversity in the in the community. So we acknowledge that and thank you uh and uh look forward to working with
you. >> Thank you. Very welcome. Thank you. >> Thank thanks for Miss Helen Zang. >> Good evening. Um the members of the township uh committee and the fellow residents.
I'd be on behalf of uh Bernard's Chinese American Association. I'm truly honored to accept this uh resolution recognization and thank you for the mayor and the entire um township committee for this
meaningful recognization and for your soughtful partnership in reaching out to our community. We are deeply grateful. Um, at our community, uh, our mission has always been to preserve and share
Chinese heritage, culture, and venue. Not for only for our families, but for all residents of Berners Township. Through cultural program, educational events, and community celebrations, we
strive to build bridge of understanding and friendship. This resolution means so much to us because it affirms that we have always believed our diverse traditions are not
separate us from the community. They are part of its fabric. When our children see their heritage honored here, they know they belong. When our labors learn about our festivals, food or culture, we
all grow richer together. We're also proud to stand along the Basin Indian um society um this evening. Together, our recognization reflect the beauty, diversity that make our town strong.
Thank you again. Thank you for this um recognization. Thank you. >> Thank you, Helen. Thank you. first invite um Gotham and Helen to come up for a picture then everyone can come up for the picture and my colleagues too forward to seeing you.
>> Absolutely. >> Oh, yes. You made it happen. >> Over the Yankee stuff. Luckily, I'm a Yankee fan, too. >> Thanks, guys. >> Socks. Lifelong socks and pants. Well,
you know, that's >> Thank you for so much for joining us. >> Thanks, guys. >> Thank you. And we'll see you at uh smash. >> Thanks, guys. >> Go Yanks. >> Thank you for coming. We'll see you
soon. >> Very good. Okay. All right, Christie, any public work session needed? >> None this evening. Mayor >> Christie, 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 their name and address for the record. To ensure an orderly and respectful meeting, speakers should avoid personal attacks, inflammatory language, or
derogatory remarks toward any individual or group. 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 cooperative your cooperation in adherence to these rules will ensure an
orderly and respectful meeting. I open public comment. So I just want to give you a story, a personal story. Say your name, please. I'm sorry. Nathan Andrea and three Vander Drive. Sorry. >> Thank you. >> I'm having like a personal conversation
with you all here. So um so my son is Alexander Dandrea. We call him Lex. Uh Lex went to private school until Ridge. He walks into Ridge and you know there was
he's like there's so many Chinese kids and there's so many Asian kids and like but he was like the token white kid in the group for him because he like he came home the first day of school and said uh how like I was like how is honors biology? He goes well I'm the
minority. I go in gender or race. And he's like both. And I'm like okay. But he embraced it. He loved it. Okay. So he he loved everything about all these different friends from all over the
world that he started learning Mandarin while at Ridge through a tutor and he ended up get graduating TCJ with a minor in Mandarin and did a study abroad in Taiwan. Okay. So like this affect having
this diversity affected my son learned how to do Chinese yo-yo like a pro and and uh I it was great for me because if I was having one of our garage sales and we have some neighbors in the hills that love to look but can't speak a word of English and I'd be like lax you got to
go over you got to translate and he helped me with some sales so you know it was really great on the Indian side this is what was hysterical is um dandia we all talked talk about the dancing. Okay. Lex helps us at our table one year and
he goes, "Yo, my friend asked me to to come into the gym and dance." And I go, "Well, do that." And he's like, "Well, do I take my shoes off?" I go, "Whatever they tell you to do, just do. They embrace everything." And he danced for like hours because that band does not
stop. Okay? That band plays until like 11 or 11:30. And so he danced and he loved it and he's like, "Are we doing dandi? Are we doing holy?" Like now he knows those things. So when he went to to TCJ,
he uh he went to the Filipino Association and said, "Hey, can I join?" And they're like, "Yeah, come on." He went to the Japanese association. "Hey, can I join?" Yeah. He started Tao drumming. He just said, "Listen, the people in my town, let me be a part of
their community, so I'm asking, can I be a part of yours at at TCJ?" And and they were all like, "Yeah." Because, you know, they always looking for we're always looking for members, right? So, I just want to tell you the story that from having the diversity in our town,
especially since he didn't go through Whams or anything. He just he went through all Brook then Prince and then Ridge that he looked at Ridge and said I've got opportunities here that I didn't have before and I want to do something with it. So I just wanted to
tell you that story of how how what you do here in our town will affect you as through college. And now all his friends when he like once a month they all get together and there's a lot of Filipinos, there's Sri Lankan, there's Chinese, they're all together and let me tell you
they have the best meals like he tells me about they all bring food and I'm like I want to be invited. He's like no. So you know but it's it's great. So just wanted to share that story with you. Thank you. >> Oh thank you. It nicely wraps to the resolution. So thank you Nancy.
>> Yep. That's I I let you slide. No, it's a wonderful story and and again just illustrates the richness of of our culture here in Bernard. So, thank you. All right, seeing none, I close public comment. Now, we will move to staff
comments, township committee comments, including board and liaison reports. Mr. Monica, would you like to start? >> Uh, thank you, Mayor. I just want to acknowledge our newest personnel. We have uh patrol officer Justin Gladen, our animal control officer uh Thomas Burke, and we have some uh PD
promotions. Uh congratulations to Lieutenant Mark Ner, Sergeant Chris Albaneseise, Sergeant Anthony Severino, uh Corporal Kendall Kulich, Corporal A, uh Alec uh McCrae, and Corporal James
Moore. So, congratulations to all. believe the official ceremony will be later on in the summer, I guess. So, >> yes. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Uh Christie, >> not this evening. Thank you, Mayor. >> Mr. Ballardo. >> Okay. Thank you. Well, before we begin,
I wanted to make an announcement and then I'm going to ask committee Jennifer AC to speak. Earlier this year, Governor Mikey Cheryl announced the launch of the $5 million World Cup community initiative to bring the excitement of FIFA World Cup 2026 to every corner of
New Jersey. The initiative supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in partnership with the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee will assist communities throughout the state in creating extraordinary fan experiences throughout
World Cup. The New York New Jersey Host Committee selected Choose New Jersey, a nonprofit, as a strategic partner to serve as administrator of the funding and manage the initiative supporting public fan events, initiatives, and marketing efforts that advance New
Jerseyy's role in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And I'm very pleased to share that Bernard's Township put forward an application for funding through Somerset County. And we are very pleased that last week, Governor Cheryl announced that Bernard's Township is among 34
municipalities and organizations in New Jersey and only one of two in Somerset County that were selected to receive an allocation from the $5 million World Cup community fan experiences. We understand from Choose New Jersey that the grant
selection was highly competitive and our application was chosen for its creativity and the opportunity to lift small businesses around this epic event. Committee woman Jen Ac and I partnered on the application and thank you Jen for continuing to work on this relentlessly
while you were away. Uh we also extend our gratitude and thanks to Somerset County for providing resources both in staff and their grant writing partners in support of the grant proposal and in navigating the application process. We're very excited about this and I'm going to turn it over to committeewoman
AC to provide exciting details on how we will be celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jen, >> thank you. This is an extraordinary moment for Bernard's Township and as the mayor just described, our selection is really a remarkable recognition of what we put forward and we look forward to
bringing this to life. I want to echo the mayor's thanks to Somerset County, to their staff and to their grant writing partners for their essential support in navigating the application process. It was truly a team effort and it shows what we can accomplish when we
work together. Without the support of Somerset County, this program would not be possible. So now, let me tell you what we're doing because the details are really exciting. First off, we're kicking off at Charter Day, the FIFA World Cup skyline to shoreline bus. Our celebration begins right here in Basking
Ridge. This charter day, we are thrilled to launch the first ever soccer zone featuring the FIFA World Cup 2026 Skyline to shoreline double-decker bus, a signature piece of the New Jersey, New York host committee statewide fan
engagement tour, and it's coming to us. This is not a small thing. The Skyline to Shoreline bus is part of New Jersey bringing the energy of the World Cup directly into communities and Bernard's Township will be one of the stops. Residents, families, and soccer fans of all ages will have the chance to
experience the World Cup excitement up close near our very own Oak Street School. Check out the soccer zone for the bus, Somerset County's booth, and check out what they're handing out, as well as FC's B FC Berna's booth, and their soccer trickster. Don't miss it.
Moving on to local viewing parties, bringing World Cup to every corner of our township. We believe that every resident should have a place to gather, cheer, and be a part of this once in a generation event, and our local businesses, organizations, and houses of worship are making that happen.
Throughout the World Cup this summer, a growing number of local venues will host viewing parties open to the community. As details are confirmed, we'll post the full schedule on the township website so every family can find an event near them. We encourage you to check back regularly and to support the local
businesses and organizations making these gatherings possible. If your business, organization or house of worship is interested in hosting a viewing party and it being listed on the township website, we'd love to hear from you. Please click on the link provided on the township web page under residents
and click the Battle of Basking Ridge. And then there's June 13th, the signature event, the Battle of Basking Ridge, the soccer village and viewing party. On June 13th, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m., the historic downtown Basking Ridge will host the Battle of Basking
Ridge, a soccer village and cultural street festival that will be unlike this community has ever seen before. Then at 6 p.m., the viewing party commences at Oak Street School. Here's the backdrop. Basking Ridge is hosting two FIFA World Cup teams this summer, Brazil and
Morocco. Happens that on June 13th at 6:00 p.m. those two teams face each other. Match 7, group C at Metife Stadium. That's why this event is called the Battle of Basking Ridge. These two teams are not just passing through, they are for the moment ours. That same
weekend, FC Burna, our local soccer youth club, is hosting their youth soccer tournament here in Basking Ridge, drawing an estimated 200 soccer families from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and even Canada. We expect approximately 10,000 attendees to
experience this battle of Basking Ridge. Somerset County will provide shuttles for multiple parking areas to transport visitors. City Data, a local analytics platform contracted by Somerset County, will help us to capture the economic impact data so we can tell the full
story of what this event does for our region. You can expect to see things like a main stage with a DJ led with music and cultural performances, international and local food vendors, soccer challenge, soccer skill challenges, professional soccer
trickster demonstrations, and much more. This event is also a sponsorship opportunity for local businesses and organizations. Thanks to the Somerset County Business Partnership for being our presenting diamond sponsor. Additional sponsorship opportunities
remain ranging from 10,000 to for a platinum sponsorship with benefits including booth placement to a friend of the event at $250. Uh commitment forms are available through the municipal clerk's office. What we're doing here is more than just
soccer. It's about seizing a once- in a generation opportunity to put Bernard's Township in the spotlight for our residents, for our businesses, and for the thousands of visitors who will come through our doors this summer. I want to thank the mayor, the Bernard's Township staff, and Somerset County for the work
that we have completed over the past few months and look forward to executing this historic event. We'll provide updates on the township website and we'll also share via social media. The World Cup is coming to New Jersey and Basking Ridge is ready. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Committee AC. And we have been on a number of FIFA calls and it's extraordinary. There were 5 million tickets sold, 570 million requested and they say that a lot of those folks are going to come here anyway. So, we are excited to really, as you shared, you
know, have this epic event and we look forward to continuing to share with the community. So, thank you very much for all your work on this and now I'll turn it over to Committeeman Hodes. >> Well, thank you. Even though I don't know how I surpass what was just
announced, that's that's >> fantastic news. Um, for parks, wreck, and pathways, I will mention what committee person AC just mentioned is our charter day, which is coming up this Saturday from 12 to 6. Um there will be
shuttles from the uh municipal complex here on Collier Lane and Ridge High School and we hope that everybody comes out to celebrate Burns Township's 260th 266th anniversary. Additionally for Parks Reck and
Pathways, there's so many things happening especially this summer um from summer workshops to basketball clinics to tennis and pickle ball lessons. I hope that people will go to burners.org or where they can find more information on all those things that are happening.
Our municipal alliance on June 7th has their 36th annual Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge, which is a 5K race. Uh it's also has a onem health walk and a kids lollipop loop. So, there's something for all folks. Um in
celebration of America's 250th anniversary, they're asking everybody to wear red, white, and blue. And all proceeds support the Burners Township Municipal Alliance and Youth Services Commission, which helps funds important prevention and youth programs in our
community. And lastly, I know I take off tomorrow for a college graduation and I want to recognize that many families out there uh may be in similar situations and I wish everybody safe travels to those college graduations and much happiness
for the tremendous success that your graduates have earned. >> Thank you, Mayor. >> Very nice. And congratulations to you and your family on this graduation. Command McN. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I too wanted to extend my congratulations to our newly promoted officers. I'll have more to say
about that uh when we do our official swearing in ceremony. It's all I have tonight, Mayor. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> Yes, ma'am. Um Brett, I hope you uh spend less in gas than you did a month in or a year in tuition uh getting out
there. So, good luck. Um Jen uh Jen SA and myself have been working. Um, Jen primarily she is a machine um on our economic development um uh committee. Uh we are trying to
form a uh or in the process of forming an economic development committee for the town. Um and we're in the um uh question and answer period right now. We're holding um gatherings as it relates to um geographical areas of
local businesses. We're trying to learn what we're doing well, what we need to do better. Um, we're basically trying to make life a little bit easier for locallyowned businesses so that they can thrive. And some of the knock on effect of that is we're looking to attract uh
new businesses. Uh, a little interesting fact, um, this is I think this stat is two years old. the average household is paying an extra $2,000 a year in taxes um because of lost revenue um from uh
tax revenue from lost businesses. So um we are going to really work to shore that up. Um so ultimately um if it goes as planned, we can lighten the tax burden. Um so we have had two meetings so far. We're having another one
tomorrow at 8:30 um for the um Hills and Liberty Corner areas, the small businesses. Um we've been knocking doors, handing uh information out, introducing ourselves, and one of the other things um we're looking to do is
make these businesses better educated uh as far as available grants from the state. whether it's to improve their business uh you know physically whether it's to um buy computers there is money out there available through the state
and uh a lot of these businesses I'd say most of these businesses um aren't even aware of that so that's one of the things we're trying to educate them with and um one other thing I'll come back at 3:00 am this morning and tell you guys about when it hits me
>> thank you deputy mayor Okay, I'm going to join my colleagues in welcoming our new hireer, Thomas Burke for animal control officer, and Justin Gladen, our new officer. And as Pat shared, you'll see on the con consent agenda, a list of department promotions, and there will be
one promotional ceremony in July to swear in all these promotions in front of their families and department. And the res the resolutions are being passed this evening to allow individuals to step into their new roles as soon as the positions are available. Um there was a
lot going on in our community. I last Saturday I went to the Our House Our Run event held at Pleasant Valley Park. This was the 27th annual run hosted by Our House Foundation. And it's a great event bringing together families and participants in the Our House programs
and group homes including the six here in Berners Township. I also stopped over at the Farmstead Arts Treasures and Trash program. This is the second time they've held this program where an appraiser comes in and for a small donation will tell you the value of your
household treasures or trash. So, congrats to the farmstead on running yet another successful fundraiser. Last evening, we were really honored to have EMS Captain um Basking Ridge Fire Company EMS Captain Sarah Bonafa share
information on what happens after 911. And it was a terrific presentation. It has been taped and is now available on burners.org. So, we'll encourage folks to see it. It's very, very informative. And then lastly, Brett talked about Charter Day. We have a set of events on
Charter Day celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary. We're going to be introducing some local characters of prominence such as Lord Sterling and Elias Budau. And these actors will be in character throughout the day. So, if you
join us on Charter Day, be sure to join and ask them about their story and they'll be sure to share it. And then Saturday is really going to be quite epic here in Burner Township because Ross Farm is also hosting Flag Day as
part of the Burner Township America 250 initiative. And this program running from 11:30 a.m. to 7 titled From Revolution to Reflection, Flag Day at the Ross Farm is a free family-friendly open house that will combine history, music, and community in one of our
beautiful historic settings. So for more on that, and there is a cooking contest that Nancy Dandrea has been an architect of in June. June 13th. Yes. I didn't say no, no, no, June 13. Same event. So, um
you can go on burners.org, uh the America 250 page and also Ross Farm for more information. Then lastly, um a couple of people approached me about it is campaign season and of course you're going to see signs around town. I was
disappointed driving down Valley to see a sign that had been slashed and this has historically been an issue for all sides of campaign parties, etc. They get stolen, they get smashed, etc. It's not a good look for our town. And I would
just ask residents and community. The best way to express yourself around opportunities is to vote. Vote for the folks you want to see in office. Don't vote for those you don't want to see. But destruction of property is never welcome. So I would hope that we will
continue to have dialogue that's civil and constructive and to not partake in destruction. So that is my comments. So move forward Christie. Any fire and rescue appointments?
>> Yes. Resolution 2026-259 appointment to membership in Township of Bernard's volunteer Liberty Corner Fire Company. Daniel Forez, full member. >> May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Christie, roll call, please.
>> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. Tommpkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Chrissy. Any unfinished business? >> Ordinance 2596
accepting a detention basin drainage and access easement on property located at 24 Rocky Lane, block 3602, lot 5 from Omar River S. Ladar and Anisha K. Lolli to the township of Bernards. And this is a public hearing.
>> Thank you. I open the public hearing and welcome comments. Seeing none, I close the public hearing. Any discussion from my colleagues, may I have a motion? >> I move that ordinance 2596 be adopted
and advertised as required by law. >> Second, >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss AC, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodgeges, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Christie. Item B,
>> ordinance 2597, an ordinance of the township of Bernards appropriating 6,250,380 for various capital improvements. And this is a public hearing. >> I open the public hearing and welcome comments. Seeing none, I close the public hearing.
Any discussion? >> No. >> May I have a motion? Move that ordinance 2597 be adopted as adver and advertised as required by law. >> Second. >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes.
>> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Great. That brings us to the consent agenda. New business. The items listed within the consent agenda portion of the meeting have been referred to the township committee for reading and
study. a copy posted on the website are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion of the township committee with no separate discussion. If separate discussion is required, the item may be removed from the agenda by township committee action and placed on the regular agenda under new business. Would
any of my colleagues like an item removed from the consent agenda? >> No, mayor. >> May I have a motion? >> Moved. Second. >> Christie, roll call, please. Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes,
>> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Item B, >> resolution 2026-268, urging state leaders to implement fair
and equitable reforms to mitigate the unsustainable increases in health benefit premiums for public sector employees. >> Thank you. So, just to give some context on this, during the introduction of our 2026 municipal budget and public hearing, we talked about the factors
driving increases and over the past several years, local government entities, including municipalities, counties, and authorities that participate in the state health benefits plan uh local government employer group have seen drastic increases in health
insurance costs. As an example, the state health benefits commission approved a 36.25 25 increase for plan year 2026. This is in addition to the 16.4 increase in in fiscal year 20 planning year 25, 7.4%
increase in 23 and 20% increase in previous year 2022. As of March 2026, 560 local government entities remain in the plan, down from 700 as of four years ago. And then most recently during his
testimony before the assembly budget committee on the fiscal year 2027 budget, state treasurer Binder noted that while the treasury does not have the final numbers based on the planned actuaries midyear reports and local government fund levels, it is possible
that rate increases could be as high as the rate increases we experienced last year. I shared at previous meetings as my colleagues had that we are working with other stakeholders to push for reform and this resolution aligns to that strategy. The League of Municipalities that Bernard's Township
participates in supports reforms to the state health benefits plan to lower the year-over-year increases, stop the losses that the state health benefits plan has seen over the years, and remain committed to working with stakeholders on reasonable and long-term reforms. The
league has asked municipalities consider to consider adopting a resolution urging state leaders to implement reforms. And that is the background on this resolution. Any comments or thoughts for my colleagues? >> Sure, Mayor. Um, I'm pleased that we're
doing this. It helps raise our voice and along with all the other municipalities and other local government units that are facing the same kind of challenges. I think one reason for optimism is a lot of times if there's uh something happening in Trenton and an issue,
there's people on all sides of it. Uh at least from the folks I've talked to, there's universal agreement that this thing ain't working and we need to do something to fix it. And the answer really lies in the state capital. I think that um our legislators and
executive branch officials recognize that the current situation is unsustainable. It's a question of okay, well, how's it going to be fixed? Well, in order to get it fixed, we have to lend our voices to those uh who are uh advocating for reform. And I'm very
happy that we're doing this. We're in great company along with how many other towns are in this thing still? >> 564. >> 563 other towns there. So yes, thank you. >> Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you. Any other comments, thoughts? >> I just want to again um echo gratitude
um to do this in sort of the coalition perspective and and working with all the others. So hopefully all of the voices collectively um really can make change. So completely align. Thank you. >> May I have a motion?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Hey Christie, roll call, please. Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Approval of
minutes. >> April 14th, 2026, close session minutes. >> May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Thank you. And the open session minutes,
>> April 28th, 2026. May I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. That brings us to our second public comment. Comments are welcome during the second public comment of 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 to ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. Speakers should avoid personal attacks, inflammatory language, or derogatory remarks toward any individual or group. 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 a orderly and respectful meeting. I open second public comment.
Point that clock towards me. Stein Riverside Drive. Thank you. Um, mayor, I was going to address that about the sign problem about people knocking signs down several times before.
It It's kind of annoying. Um, I know on Kier Lane several signs were knocked down there. All I'm going to have to say about that is I'm on the road during the day, at night, and early in the morning. If I
catch somebody touching somebody else's sign, I guarantee you I'll be making a call to the police department with all the information I can and make sure they get their butts locked up for a criminal mischief at the beginning and if not worse, for harassment. It's wrong.
There's no reason to touch somebody else's sign. They put a lot of time and effort and money put with those signs. Just vote. If you don't like the person, just vote against them. Vote for yourself. It makes a difference. But
don't be touching somebody else's signs. Guess April 25th it was um the drug drop off day or DEA day. I sat here for two hours observing what was going on to note how many people were dropping um medication off and you
could tell because they're carrying a little bag into the door and leaving with no bags assumption that they've dropped off medication. I was there for the two hours and
I was say about let's see one two about maybe 15 people within those two hours. So at the end I I decided I before I left I would stop in and look in to see who was handling and there was nobody
there just a box. So in my little head I'm thinking why can't this lobby be open all the time? Obviously, there's no problem people coming in and doing. And I've been saying this for a long time, that door should be unlocked and
let people in there. Why should people only be able to go from 8:30 to 4:30 during the week and nothing during the weekend? Why they have to you know dedicate a Saturday one Saturday how many months apart that you
have to have it or should be unlocked for many reason if not that and if not capable of doing that then I'd like to know exactly why we can't put that box downstairs in the lobby if it's safe enough to put the
drop in for the voting box in there should be safe enough to put that box down Camera's down there so somebody will be seen. The other day I got a a postage card from the health department.
I said the postage cards were mailed not you no tax money was used. It was used by a grant. Well, a grant is a tax money. just don't you know the county or
state or federal a grant is tax money. I would just rather not put that message on there because it going to see it. Just just want to just mention that sometimes
I come up here I'm on fire. Nothing personal. You have a job to do just like I have a job to do. I only wish everybody was sitting back here right now or up here saying something, but they're not. They're not here. They're
at home or doing something. But I've been reading online that other towns have problems going on and people are on fire and they're saying stuff. It's a good thing because you
don't know what's going necessarily going on unless you have people telling you it. Just the couple emails you get really doesn't mean anything because it's not on a public record. Unless you come here personally and say it and have the guts to say it, your name and
address, not being held personally. you know, you have a right to, you know, give your opinion and I think you should do it or I lose my time. I just want to wish uh my wife D a happy birthday. It's her
birthday today and this only shows how important I feel coming in the meeting >> that I would be abused for not being with my wife. But she understands how I do and want to wish her a happy birthday. Thank you. saying a happy
birthday to your wife Todd and also think I shared the uh opinion and value we have for public comment is that as we are for the people and your input does matter. So thank you and again a happy birthday and go home and celebrate
please. >> Happy birthday de >> happy birthday. All right seeing no further individuals I close public comment. Christie any executive session? None this evening. Mayor. >> All right. May I have a motion to adjurnn?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Good evening, everyone.