I open the Bernard's Township Committee meeting for April 14, 2026. Please stand for the flag salute, United States, justice for all. Adequate notice of the meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building on the township
website filed with the township clerk and transmitted to the burners 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 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 five minutes. All meetings shall adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. Christie, roll call, please. >> Mr. Hodes >> here. >> Mr. McN >> here. >> Mr. Tomkins >> here. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy >> here. Miss AC is excused this evening.
>> Christy, executive session. >> Resolution 2026-0220 authorizing an executive session meeting of the Burns Township Committee. Following approval of the resolution, the meeting will temporarily adjourn to executive close session. Upon conclusion of the executive portion of the meeting,
the township committee will stay in recess and resume the open session at 7:30 p.m. Formal action may be taken at that time. May I have a motion to temporarily adjourn to executive session? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Christie, roll call, please.
>> Mr. Hodes. >> I. >> Mr. McN. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. All right. Move into executive session. Okay, Chrissy, we are at item six,
>> presentations. >> Resolution 2026-211, proclaiming Arbor Day in Burns Township. >> Thank you, Christie. Well, tonight we have three resolutions to present and we are very honored and happy to have representatives involved with each area
to receive the resolutions and share brief remarks. And we're going to begin with our first resolution recognizing Arbor Day. Um, and rather than read the whole resolution, what I'll do are share some of the key points. The resolution reflects that in 1872,
J. Sterling Wharton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees and that this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. This resolution is
well aligned to Bernard's Township's history. We have a longstanding shade tree commission that has been in existence for 90 years established by ordinance in octo August 24th 1933. So, a little bit more than 90 years. And the
mission has been to maintain and promote a healthy, safe, and sustainable shade tree resource that will physically and aesthetically benefit the community and its resident in the most coste effective manner possible. The shade tree commission along with the member from
the environmental commission and engineering are part of the shade tree protection committee which reviews and makes recommendations on the health removal and replacement of trees. The Shade Tree Commission also annually puts forward an application describing the
community's efforts that has resulted in Bernard's Township being named Tree City USA for the past 20 years. This year, the Shade Tree Commission recommended we also recognize three organizations, including the Environmental Education
Center, the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, and the Somerset County Park Foundation for their leadership and partnership with Bernard's Township, not only on Arbor Day, but throughout the year. So, at this time, I would like to invite my colleagues if they'd like to
make any comments. >> Uh, thank you, mayor. Um, the only thing I'd like to add to to your very uh uh well read and encompassing um resolution is that the Somerset County Park Commission, we mentioned Environmental Education Center on April 24th. They are
hosting a native woody plant giveaway from 10:30 to 1:30. you can while supplies last, you can go there and receive one free tree or tr or shrub seedling per household on April 24th.
>> Thank you, Brett. Committee McN. >> Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I'd like to salute the organizations that are represented here tonight. Um, Shade Tree Commission, plus uh, you know, the EEC, my kids go to their camp, huge fans of
the EEC. um the the park foundation, our own environmental commission because a and also private residents that take good care of their trees because when I first arrived in Burner Township, one of the things that sold me on this place was really the trees and how beautiful
they are. And so that is largely attributable to the time and effort that you all put into that. And I just wanted to say thank you because you helped to make Bernards a special place by making sure that our trees are where they're supposed to be. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor.
>> Yeah. Um, Arbor Day is a bittersweet day for me. Uh, my father was a huge huge FL fan of trees and we had all sorts of trees in our yard growing up and every Arbor Day I had to dig the hole for
those trees. So, It was uh it was a a bittersweet day. And as I got older and I saw the trees as they as they matured and just how beautiful they were, it gave me a real appreciation for it. And you look around this town and it is a beautiful town and
no small part because of your work. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Uh before asking for a vote, I'd like to read the last two sentences of the resolution. Now therefore, be it further resolved that the township committee recognizes and commends the Bernard's Township Shade
Tree Commission, the Somerset County Park Commission, EEC, the Somerset County Park Foundation, and the Somerset County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey for their efforts supporting the celebration of Arbor Day and Bernard's Township. And now
therefore, be it finally resolved, we urge all citizens to plant trees to promote the well-being of present and future generations. May I have a motion? >> I'll move to >> second. >> Thank you. All in favor?
>> I. >> Wonderful. Congratulations. And now I would like to invite our honores to come up and share brief remarks. And I'll start with our chair who has been a member of the shade tree commission for 20 plus years and I believe the chair
for 20 years Randy right I am so happy that I am the liazison to the shade tree commission and you you're just extraordinary so if you want to come up and and share some remarks be wonderful >> I'll be brief I know uh a lot of you are
partaking in Well, thank you, Randy. And I was going to see if Valerie or Nancy, would you like to share brief remarks? Wonderful. Thank you, Randy. Thank you. Well said. And if you could all join us at the day that we'll do is we'll present the resolutions and take
some pictures. Thank you. Sorry. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Right. Thank you so much for all you do and for your eloquent remarks. All right. Uh Christie,
item B, >> resolution 2026-233, recognizing April 11th, 2026 as World Parkinson's Day. >> Thank you, Christie. Well, as you'd read in the resolution, Parkinson's disease affects more than 1 million Americans
and is the second most common neurodeenerative condition in the United States and this number is growing. A recent study from the American Parkinson's Disease Association shares that by 2045, the number of people living with Parkinson's or related
conditions in the United States is projected to reach nearly 1.7 million. Locally, residents and organizations are advocating for awareness, legislation, programs, and resources in support of those with Parkinson disease. One
initiative is Spark the Night, a global movement where buildings, bridges, skylines, front porches, desk lamps, anything that glows, light up blue for Parkinson's awareness on April 11th. The Spark the Night lighting campaign is
organized by the PD Avengers, a patient-led global alliance united to end Parkinson's disease. Together, they raise awareness, drive engagement, and create urgency toward a future without Parkinson. We will consider lighting up
town hall in the future, and in the meantime, we wanted to recognize the efforts in support of individuals with Parkinson and build awareness through this resolution. This includes my friend and uh really a hero, Karen Malcin, who's here tonight, a Basking Ridge
resident who received her Parkinson diagnosis in 2017. Karen left her teaching position at the New York City Board of Education to become a life coach and Parkinson advocate. Over the past eight years, Karen has planned and organized
Parkinson conferences throughout New Jersey and served as an ambassador for the Parkinson and Movement Disorder Alliance. She also helps to mentor newly diagnosed patients to support them in their journey. The Somerset Hills YMCA also here this evening has its and
within its mission of healthy living a set of programs and offerings including total Parkinson helping those with the disease to gain control over health and improve their quality of life. So at this point I'd like to see if any of my colleagues would like to comment.
>> I I certainly would. I I realized how little I knew about Parkinson's when I started trying to do some research because it has not touched my immediate family. So, I just wasn't as aware and I was blown away to to learn that it's the fastest growing neurodeenerative disease
in the world. And anything that can be done to raise awareness, which then leads to once you raise awareness and people understand that there's an issue that needs to be addressed, then people can better gather up their resources to to get that
done. So, anything we can do to raise awareness, I'm totally a fan of and I am very much a fan of of Karen and the YMCA who have done so much to help in our local community. >> Thank you, Committeeman. >> Thank you, mayor. Um, I'll echo what Mr.
Hajes had to say and also add you know I think everyone knows somebody who's affected by Parkinson's even if they don't know what that is exactly um and it can be you know a debilitating disease as I think everyone knows but
I'm heartened to know about the caregivers and and and and you know program at the YMCA knowing that you know um the life and and and joy that people get out of uh daily life uh uh can be restored even if they have this
diagnosis. So I want to salute everybody involved in that. I'm very happy that we're doing this resolution. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> Um like my two colleagues, um I very much appreciate everything you guys have done. Um I had an aunt uh that had
Parkinson's. um kind of see firsthand just how cruel it is and um lengthy it can be and anything that can be done to um bring it to the forefront to make people aware to um move people to do
something about it um is is a fabulous thing and I hope the uh 2045 stats that uh the mayor quoted um turn out to be wildly wrong and that sometime in the next uh 5 to 10 years there's some sort
of medical breakthrough to stop this. >> Thank you. And you know just personally I've known Karen and Lisa for a number of years and I think I first met Karen when we were working on a committee on a cultural u community engagement and I
said wow this woman can really get things done. I think there were five people in the committee and there were two or three getting stuff done and Karen was among them and Lisa differently has just you know the heart of the YMCA and if there's a need for something you get it done. So it is a
real honor to have you and the community here tonight uh to build awareness around something that is as my colleagues have said it's growing and it is among all of us. So, thank you for all that you do uh to be heroes and to
shepherd that there is a cure, that there's impact, and that you're making a difference um for everyone. So, with that, I want to read the last two statements in the resolution. Whereas light light lighting buildings, bridges, and other landmarks in vibrant blue on
April 11th, recognized globally as World Parkinson's Day serves as a visible symbol of hope and unity for individuals and families impacted by Parkinson disease. Now therefore be it resolved by the township committee of the township of Bernard's County of Somerset, state
of New Jersey that April 11th, 2026 be recognized as World Parkinson Day in Bernard's Township and encourage residents, community organizations, and health care professionals to observe this day with appropriate activities to raise awareness and inspire action
toward ending Parkinson disease. With that, may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. The resolution is approved. And at this time, if I could invite um first uh Lisa Pensone, senior director
of wellness, Somerset Hills YNCA, and then we'll have Karen. And if you could speak into the microphone, I know it's that so that those watching can hear as well. So, thank you so much. Sure. Um hi, my name is Lisa Pensini. I'm the senior director of wellness at the YMCA.
Um and I am proud to represent um the YMCA and our total Parkinson's program. Um this program is designed to support individuals living with Parkinson's disease not just physically but socially, emotionally as well. What makes this program truly special um is the resilience and determination of the
people who participate in it every day. They inspire us. They remind us that Parkinson's does not define a person. It's just one part of their story. We are grateful to be a part of a community that recognizes the importance of programs like this and we're honored to
support individuals and families impacted by Parkinson's. So, thank you again for recognizing for this recognition and for helping raise awareness on World's Parkinson's Day. >> Thank you, Lisa. Thank you. And Karen Malcin. >> Good evening. I'm Karen Malcin and I
could literally give you definitions. I can give you statistics. I can even give you this much chemistry if I consult with my husband and then I'm not sure about it. But a visual in my mind is so much more impactful.
I do this journey not by myself but with this village. All of you in this If you're a librarian, a local that disseminates information. Washington DC
for the Parkinson bill. join you. Yes. It does. You can do it. Let's I put it on the Avengers. Thank you very much for the eloquent remarks and for all of you for being
here. Um Christie, item C, >> resolution 2026-234 recognizing April as autism acceptance month. Well, as we heard statistics in the last resolution, I'm going to share other statistics, but also compelling.
Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today. And New Jersey has one of the highest autism prevalence rates in the nation with approximately 1 in 29 children. There is a critical need for effective appropriate programs for individuals
with autism along with their families and caregivers. Last month, we recognized Parents for Exceptional Children for the organization's work to provide the support that families, educators, and community organizations need to help individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities reach their full potential. As children age out of the schools, they will have different needs, including opportunities for employment, recreation, and a place to call home. One of these solutions has been the development of six group homes in
Bernard's Township in partnership with our house foundation supporting adults with disabilities including adults with autism. We also have a new set of adaptive programs offered through our parks and recck department. And last year at the suggestion of a local
resident Sue Trap, we pursued offering a golf clinic which the New Jersey golf foundation which operates the Inspiration Golf Range was happy to provide. These are just a few of the examples of some of the programs and solutions being put in place to support
individuals with autism and their families. While there's been progress, there is more to do. And as such, we are pleased that we are presenting this resolution to recognize autism acceptance month and hopefully continue to build awareness. And now I'd like to
invite my colleagues if they have comments. Committee Hodes. >> Thank you, Mayor. you you said everything so well. I just wanted to add in when you talked about the uh some of the adaptive programs that we have through the parks and recreation department. Just want to
point out to folks that there is a adaptive pickle ball which is on Sundays from 12 to 1 and that's at Pleasant Valley Park and there's adaptive basketball on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7 at William Anna Middle School and those are
for ages 15 plus. >> Wonderful. Thank you, Command Hodes. Human McNal. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I'd just like to salute um all the individual caregivers um family members um and folks in the ID
community that are working to um ensure that those with autism, you know, have these full joyful lives um uh that they all deserve. I'd especially like to salute our house for what they do in our community.
>> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Um, I can't tell you how how happy this is or how happy this makes me um to see this recognition. Uh, until recently, I owned a business where once a month or once a week, um, we would have kids from the
transition program at the Randolph High School come in and work for us. And when they first came in, I had no clue what was going on. And, um, either did these kids when they came in. And after about two weeks, it was amazing. Absolutely
amazing. I got so much joy from these kids. Um, they're just fantastic. And they adapted, they engaged, and they were fantastic, fantastic workers. And since then, I've told anybody who owns a small business or any business for that
matter, if you have the opportunity to engage young adults with special needs, do so. It's the best thing. It's the best part of your uh your work you're going to have on uh a a financial perspective. These kids were great. On an emotional perspective, these kids
were g were great. And the rest of the employees love those days because uh it was usually a pretty crazy guy. He had a candy company and uh those were the days where everybody was happy up there. So um they you know events like this or
recognition like this is so important because I came from knowing nothing to knowing a fair amount and it just it I got so much out of it. So um thank you. >> That's great. And uh you know just personally u you know we talked about
being on a journey. So when we moved to Bernard's Township nearly 30 years ago, a neighbor moved in probably not well actually about 30 years ago as well. And they had a 2-year-old son and at that time u they did not know the diagnosis
would come later that he was an individual with autism. And that individual um a very very dear friend went on to introduce me to our house uh because she became very involved and wanted to advocate for her son and for
so many that age out of school programs and are looking for a place to live. They're looking for programs. They're looking for employment and our house is an extraordinary partner as Andrew said in this community. Um we have six group homes. It creates an important place for
people to be part of our community. Um, not only for themselves, their families, their caregivers, the staff, and you know, I'm looking at you, Lisa. The YMCA is part of that providing programming at the Y among other resources here in the community. So, uh, we're really pleased
to have Michelle Droano here tonight, which we'll introduce in a moment to share remarks. But this is an important resolution um in that it continues to emphasize the importance of inclusion in our community and the need to do more to be advocates.
So with that um I would read the last statement. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards that we do proclaim April as autism acceptance month in the township of Bernards and encourage all residents to support autism acceptance,
promote inclusion, and increase understandings of autism spectrum disorders throughout our community and recognizes and commends our house foundation for their efforts and impact supporting individuals with autism in Bernard's Township. With that, may I
have a motion? >> Moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> All right. And at this time, I'd like to invite Michelle Del Corsano, president and CEO of our house, to say a few words.
>> Thank you so much for this meaningful recognition. And also, it's so nice to be surrounded by so many amazing stories here. What you guys all do is just touches my heart. And thank you for making our communities better. Each one of us touches our communities and contributes in different ways to make it
beautiful in so many ways. So, thank you so much for letting me be us tonight. Um, on behalf of everybody at our house, especially the individuals that we support at our six houses and then all throughout our house, the 300 other people that we support, I'm truly
honored to be um here to receive this this proclamation for autism acceptance month. This community has been an incredible partner to us. You have always welcomed our house with open arms and that support makes all the difference in what we've
been able to accomplish together. Our six homes here are safe, supportive, and truly beautiful places for adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. But most importantly not, they're not just houses, they're homes. Um recently we
had our ribbon cutting about I don't know eight months ago uh for our newest house here and everybody came in and said wow this you know like I want to live here. We make sure our houses feel like home and that has become because of your support. Um there are places where
our people can build independence to develop meaningful relationships and become be a part of this community. I keep trying to get our guys to go to pickle ball but it conflicts with botchi ball which they are like totally into. So someday they'll make it there. Um,
but autism awareness, autism acceptance month is all about the awareness. It's about recognizing everybody's abilities, embracing their differences, and ensuring that everybody has an opportunity to live a full and meaningful life. And that inclusion doesn't happen by accident. It happens
because communities like Bernard's Township make it a priority. So, thank you so so very much. um you always show up whether it's supporting our ribbon cutings, engaging with uh our residents or coming to our events like our 5K which will take place in Pleasant Valley
Park on May 9th if anybody wants to come. We have more runners than we've ever had signed up. So I think it's Bernard's Township that's drawing them here. Um but those are the moments that connect us visibly. Um and thank you so much for your ongoing partnership and
your commitment to the people that we serve. Thank you so much. Thank you, Michelle, for all you do. Thank you. And we're going to join you down here for All right. And at this time, unless you want to stay for the rest of the meeting, you are welcome to leave. But thank you so much for being here. Thank you for all
you guys. >> Thank you for all you do. Thank you, Michelle. Okay. >> All right. All right. That brings us to item seven. 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, state his or
her 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 cooperation and adherence to these rules of order will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. I open public comment. Tiny Riverside Drive.
Start with the Arbor Day. Do have a tree protection um ordinance. I like to have a nug. Well, I see a lot of trees being taken down. I don't think there's permits for these trees being taken down because when we hear about it
from the U protection committee, they only have like one or two applications. Well, I know a lot of trees have been taken down lately and either the zoning officer, whoever was supposed to be monitoring, they drive around, they
should be looking for this. They should be looking at these tree companies coming through and asking them if they have the permits to take these trees down. Otherwise, it's just a ordinance with no teeth. Next,
need to get the people who modify the township website for these agendas. Need every person who has their hands on these computers have a meeting with IT and go over what's hap what goes on.
Okay. I call Friday because the agenda wasn't correct. If you go on the calendar, you keep on hitting it. Kept on saying March 12th of last month even though it said April 14th
highlighted as a link. Did all weekend and finally I said let me just take a look at something and I went to the homepage to um the committee um part for agendas and
that's where I found it. Even though on the calendar it's totally different and it's wrong. And I'm not going to throw hand grenades at everybody, but everybody needs to get on this. It's not just the clerk's office and it's not that some people are very good about
putting the agendas up and linking it correctly and stuff. There's other committees. These people, you don't even know what's going on. You look, there's nothing. people are getting paid on these committees to do through the minutes and
to to do this stuff and there shouldn't be a problem putting those agendas up correctly and linking them correctly. It it's not it can't be that hard. The same thing with the um as we're talking about the the website, you have
road on work. Well, that thing's a waste of time. You might as well wipe it off. Right now, there's something in from March for road work. Before that, there was nothing. Even though Pondill Road was closed today and I don't know what if the police department goes in there
or not, but if they don't, they're getting paid by the contractor, which basically comes out of our pocket because we pay the contractors to do their road work, then the police department should get involved and and update these on road closings.
Otherwise, remove it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Todd. They appreciate that. actually on the we have a shade tree commission meeting tomorrow. Be sure to bring that up again in terms of the
permits that are being u submitted for tree removal. So appreciated. Okay, seeing no other I close public comment. Next we will invite staff comments, township committee comments, including board and liaison reports. Mr.
Monica, would you like to start? >> Nothing this evening mayor. Thank you. Right. Christie, >> none this evening. Thank you, >> Mr. Sordillo. >> Uh, nothing, but thank you for having me today. >> Of course. And those of you who do not know, Joseph Sordillo is our standing attorney for the evening. So, welcome.
Okay. Uh, Mr. Hodgeges. >> Thank you, Mayor. Wanted to remind people that uh during this week of spring break for many people in town that uh our parks and recreation department has things to keep you busy if you're looking for such. Tomorrow from 12:30 to 1:30, there's a free
tennis lesson at Pleasant Valley Park for ages 5 to 14. Thursday 12:30 to 1:30, there's free arts and crafts at Dunham Park. And April is April 18th, uh, excuse me, this coming Saturday is Burners Township annual fishing derby at
Southern Park. So, we we hope that those bring lots of fun for for those participants and their families. And if you could please, what I'll put in there is at the fishing derby, if you could please make sure when you're done and have caught all
your fill, any extra fishing line or any extra equipment that you may have put down, if you would kindly pick up and bring with you, that would be awesome. We would love that. Um, for our municipal alliance, uh, I would like to to note that this Saturday, April 25th,
from 10 to 2 is National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. Um, so clean out your medicine cabinet. Uh, syringes, liquids, and illegal drugs are not accepted. This is uh on April 25th for National Drug Takeback Day, but I just want to remind
folks that residents can drop off their medicines Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 at our local police department. So that's always available to them. And the last thing I just wanted to say is that random acts of kindness are not gone.
And I know sometimes I don't know about anybody listening or in the in the gallery, but sometimes it's hard to feel that there are good things that happen in this world. And two weeks ago, when I was doing errands, my cell phone dropped out of my pocket in in a a parking lot
here in the township and somebody found it >> and they returned they took time out of their day to go to the police department to turn it in. And when I called the police department as as a last hail Mary uh
looking for it, they actually had it. And it was so nice when little acts of kindness can do so much to make somebody's day. Thank you very much, Mayor. >> Very lucky. And I'm happy to hear that. Um, Committeeman McN.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Um, like to salute um the police department as well as Liberty Corner Fire Company uh on their response to a recent house fire. Um thankfully everyone got out safely. Um
some property damage of course, but pets got out, people got out, and that's great. And it's just a good reminder of what our first responders, in this case, the police department and Liberty Corner Fire, you know, do for us uh each and every day. We always hope we never need
the services uh that they provide. Uh but um knowing that they're there and the wonderful job they do uh is very comforting. That's all I have. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um Brett, that was me that turned your wall or your phone in.
I was told there was going to be a reward. Last week, uh myself and um Councilwoman um AC went uh through the downtown uh district um engaging in um conversation
with as many business owners as we could uh we could get. Um essentially, we're starting off a economic development campaign for the town. um trying to get it organized, but we want to have a listening session with all of the
existing businesses in town. And we will be hosting this uh Monday um the first such meeting at 8:30. Um it's specifically targeted for the downtown um businesses, but we have identified
seven economic zones within Basking Ridge, and we'll be doing the exact same thing with all of those zones. We want to get uh business feedback, owners feedback on how the town um can do a better job um enhancing their business,
attracting business, attracting um people into uh their business districts and allowing them to uh get their businesses to grow. So, we're at the very beginning of it. We've had wonderful response from people and uh I'm looking forward to uh moving this thing forward. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Um, so a couple of things. Uh, at the end of the month at March 30th, the township hosted JD Brighten from Congressman Kaine Junior's staff who presented on ways to address common challenges dealing with what he labeled federal bureaucracy, including
key programs around Social Security, Medicaid, and related healthcare support. That segment was taped and is available on our website. So hopefully it's easy to find and to that extent. Uh but it's really a great resource and he just emphasized over and over if you
have a problem please contact our office. Uh this past Saturday was the townwide yard green townwide spring yard green yard sale. Um and it looked like there was good engagement within the community. At least three of my neighbors participated. And to that end,
speaking of yard sales, do you have more items in your house that you love but should probably go? If so, I highly encourage you to go to Treasure or Trash, the Farmstead Arts antique appraisal event on Saturday, May 9th from 10:30 10:00 a.m. to 3. Clean out
your closets and bring your fines to the barn for an appraisal with an expert. And there's a lowcost donation to have your item appraised. It's Farmst Farmstead held this event last year in September and the appraiser is fantastic. He's very knowledgeable. I
highly recommend folks go. Um, and staying on Farmstead, I joined the trustees for their public meeting on Saturday and stayed for part of their board meeting. And as all of you know, the Kennedy Martin Stell Farmstead dates back to 1717 and is named for three of its most
prominent residents and is home to our Farmstead Art Center. It was a positive meeting. Revenue is up year-over-year from programs, rentals, and donations. However, they have a continued need for resources funding largely attained through state and county grants and
volunteers. If you're interested in volunteering, you can reach out to me or to the farmstead trustees and we would be happy to connect you. And a big thank you to the dedicated trustees uh in particular Lesie Workman who is president who give their time and talent
to our community. A few other updates. Earlier in the year, Congressman Tom Kaine announced that he had secured 3.8 8 million in federal funding for communities. And Bernard's Township is among the municipalities um receiving an award which is 835,000 for our police
department communications upgrade. And this investment will fund 89 radios for the police department, 50 triband portal radios, and 39 triband mobile radios. And this is great support for our police department. And as Andrew said, you know, whether it's responding to
emergencies or just connectivity, um this is wonderful support for those who serve us. In addition, Congressman Kaine is submitting the Burner Pleasant Valley Park Culver and Paths project for 1.8 million to the House Appropriations
Committee for consideration. The community project funding application process was extremely competitive with more than 100 applications this cycle and 20 have been selected to move forward including Bernards. This is the first step in the process. However, it's
an important one and we want to thank everyone involved in the application process including Tom Timkco who was head of engineering and Pat Monaco and our township committee and elected officials who supported our application. Uh, moving on. At the prior township
committee meetings, I've talked about the award made to the Somerset Hills YMCA in partnership with Bernest Township through the New Jersey Department of Human Services Age Friendly Grants Program. We have just launched a survey for those 55 years of
age and older and this will be available in hard copy and online and it is available on our burns.org website in the U. Where's Christie? It is on the fabric of grards and we're going to put it on the main page. And also we sent
out a rave alert. This is a grant program supporting local efforts to build more inclusive, supportive, and livable communities for older adults. And we appreciate those residents and Y members who are participating in the committee. So if you are 55 or older and
voluntarily wish to participate, please check our website. And we will also have hard copies available in the municipal building in a couple days. And then lastly, um, we had our budget introduction last week and a review of the budget. One of the things that our
CFO Sean McCarthy spoke about was the escalating increase in costs of the state healthc care benefits program. And at that time, we talked about the advocacy that we could consider. And I had shared that I'm part of the conference of mayors legislative committee. Well, following our meeting,
the group met on April 1st, and during the meeting, it was confirmed that ad advocacy regarding the state healthcare benefits plan is a priority for the group. Um, letters were sent in June 2025 to the governor's office on behalf of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors
to express deep concern regarding the growing structural and financial challenges facing the state healthcare benefits program for local governments. The Conference of Mayors has been meeting regularly since July to negotiate with all parties involved to find a solution and Bernard's Catchup is
joining the efforts from the Conference of Mayors and League of Municipalities advocating among nearly 400 municipal and county organizations trying to make these changes. And that's all I have tonight.
Thank you. Um, so moving on, item 11, Christy, fire and rescue appointments, >> resolution 2026-221, appointment to membership in Township of Bernard's volunteer first aid squad of Basking Ridge Fire Company number one, Jaden Mandola, junior member.
>> Thank you. May I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Christie, roll call, please. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Item B,
>> resolution 2026-238, appointment to membership in Township of Bernards, volunteer first aid squad of the Basking Ridge Fire Company number one, Ayana Kowala, junior member. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Christy, roll call, please. >> Mr. Hodgees, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Any unfinish unfinished business? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> thank you. That brings us to new
business and our consent agenda. The items listed within the consent agenda portion of the meeting have been referred to the township committee for reading and study. 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. >> Thank you. May I have a motion?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. McN. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tomkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Item B.
>> And if you go ahead and read the ordinance by title. >> Ordinance 2595. accepting a repairarian zone conservation easement on property located at 34 Cherry Lane block 1101 lot 6 from Kevin Murn and Joanna Murn to the
township of Bernards and this is introduction. >> Thank you. Any discussion? May I have a motion? >> I move that ordinance 2595 be introduced on first reading advertised as required by law and scheduled for a public
hearing on April 28th, 2026. Second, Christie, roll call, please. >> Mr. Hodgees, >> yes. >> Mr. McN, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. That brings us to township committee appointments. Christie,
>> township committee recommendation to the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Committee. Leslie Workman, two-year term, expiring December 31st, 2027. >> And Leslie is delighted to do this again, and they are delighted to have her. So, um, may I have a motion?
>> So, moved. >> Second, >> Christie. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Hodes. >> Yes. >> Mr. McN. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tomkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Approval of minutes.
>> March 24th, 2026. Open session minutes. >> May I have a motion? Move the minutes. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. All right, that brings us to second public comment.
Correct. Comments are welcome during the second public comment period of this meeting on any matter over which the township committee has jurisdiction. The public comment portion of the agenda is not structured as a question and answer session but offers an opportunity to
share your thoughts with the township committee. The committee may or may not address these comments during the meeting. However, all comments are considered. To address this body, the speaker must come forward to the microphone and state their name and address for the record. To ensure an orderly and respectful meeting, speakers
should avoid personal attacks, inflammatory language, or derogatory comments toward any individual or group. Each speaker is limited to 5 minutes. The clerk will keep time. Promptly yield the floor when the 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. Nancy Dandrea, three Vander Drive. Um, this is really for Mr. Monaco. So, I'm going to talk about Douglas Road again.
So, um, Douglas Road, part of it got paved the side from Leighton to Allen, but from Leighton to Liberty Corner, it's a disaster. It's really bad. Have you driven it recently? It's bad bad.
So, um I'm as a person who lives right next door to it and and goes through it a lot. Um I'm asking for Douglas Road to be reviewed from Leighton to Liberty Corner and hopefully it will be paved and and Far Hills will pave their half
too. Thank you. >> Thank you, Nancy. Anyone else? Seeing none, I close public comment. >> Christie, any further executive session? >> None this evening, Mayor. >> Very good. May I have a motion to
adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> Thank you. Thank you, everyone. >> Thank you, Mayor.