Okay. >> You and I have to share. >> Okay. >> Okay. and compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of New Jersey. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided on December 5th, 2025 by sending written notice and electronic
notice to the Courier News and the Breeze posting on the website and the bulletin board in the municipal building and filing with the municipal clerk. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Bako, >> here. Councilman Councilwoman Isla here. Councilman Kersh >> here. Councilman Ring,
>> good evening. Here. President Gala >> here. We'll now stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic to it stands one nation under God
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Can I have a motion to approve the minutes from March 5th, 2026 regular session? >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor?
>> I I >> opposed. Minutes are approved. Township council report. How about you, Councilman Ring? I've never had you start before. >> Okay. Thank you. Um just a couple items. uh had a meeting last week with the
administration for first look at the proposed 2026 budget and look forward to hearing more from the finance committee on that. Um along with council president Geger uh this afternoon attended a brief uh virtual presentation by some uh high
school students who are looking to change the laws in New Jersey around uh lung cancer screening particularly for first responders. um and look forward to hearing more from them uh in the near future. And then the last item I just wanted to put on uh the radar for the
council. Recently became aware of situation where um resident had their home destroyed uh due to a fire uh and the home is nonconform. It's pre-existing non-conforming meaning does not meet current zoning. Uh the house
was destroyed. So when they tear them down, that pre-existing condition goes away. been speaking to um uh Alex at Mr. Corsini's office potentially looking at uh a ordinance revision that would allow a resident whose home is destroyed due
to natural a fire or other natural weather type events to be allowed to rebuild their existing home in the same footprint without having to go through a variance at a very high level. Um to me it's a disservice to a resident if they
now have the added hassle after losing their home of having to get a variance to rebuild. So we all understand that. Yeah. Thank you. >> It's it's unfortunate it took a situation like this to be aware of it, but I think it's the right thing to do. >> Yeah. >> So we'll have more hopefully at the next
meeting. >> Thank you. >> Just a quick followup. I had thought in instances like that that you know it's typically interpreted if you're using even one foundation wall that it's sufficient to be considered uh you know yes still part of the
original structure. Is that is that a nuance or is that not the case? >> But if your house you have a significant enough fire and then everything in your ba like all the water accumulates in your basement from firefighting, debris, smoke, all of that. you know, do you want to start fresh or do you want to
rebuild? >> Oh, I see what you're saying. >> So, you're saying in a situation like that, even one foundation wall may not be viable. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Just due to the the nature of the fire, the damage, each situation's different, but
>> understood. I'll go second. I never go second. Um I attended my first um ifar celebration with Rijana hosted by the New Jersey Attorney General, the New Jersey State Police and Homeland Security. Um this is
a prayer and meal celebration whereby friends and families often get together to break the evening fast uh on Ramadan even evenings. Um and next year I'm I'm hoping that some of the um law enforcement officers from Bridgewater
will join us. Um [clears throat] members of the community and several um religious leaders in town have expressed an interest in an interfaith fellowship. Anyone interested should contact Assistant Town Administrator Rob Fields. I think he is working on that as well.
Uh Ruana and I attended the New Jersey League of Municipalities seminar. Um we learned a lot. We met the presenters who spoke very highly of our mayor um and several of our Bridgewater policies. So that was nice. I want to thank the mayor and I want to thank Suzanne um for
[clears throat] the inclusion of many of the council's activities in the March bulletin and I hope to have more council coverage in future bulletins. Um we have a [clears throat] very active council and some of us Mr. Kershwana [clears throat]
and myself not all of us um enjoy having our pictures taken more than others on the council. Um [clears throat] the generals uh the five generals tour has been rescheduled to this Sunday, March 22nd. Anyone interested in that
should um go to the Heritage Trail website where they can there's information and you can sign up. And finally, my fun historical fact for the 250th anniversary is the Van Horn House uh in Bridgewater at 941 East Main
Street that was built in 1750. Um is the owner Philip Van Husen was known Philip Van Horn was known for his hospitality and the house was at some point called Conjivial Hall and he I thought this was very interesting. He
even at one point hosted British General Korn Wallace for breakfast in 1777. And that is my report. >> Mr. Kersh, Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. One one item. Uh Mr. Ring may have mentioned this uh on his list, but since
he didn't, I will. uh last uh Thursday evening uh he was the um uh dinner chair for a very successful uh 2026 Toast to Scouting Awards dinner uh sponsored by Scouting America. So congratulations on
a successful event. Uh I was there introducing uh my friend who now lives in Warren uh Township, Nick Kuzo, one of the honores. uh and Mayor Mench was there uh introducing uh another of the nominees uh Jen uh Jen Logrren from our
school board. So uh we we had some good representation at that event. It was an enjoyable evening and congratulations to uh Councilman Ring on a an event wellrun and uh highly successful. And that's my report. >> Congratulations. >> Okay, Councilman Bucko.
>> Yes, thank you very much. Um [clears throat] excuse me. The uh finance committee met with uh the administration the past two uh Tuesdays. Um I think we're we're making uh steady progress towards um uh towards the the
budget. Um the uh I believe it is it is uh due to be um introduced in the uh scheduled uh council meeting after the
31st of uh March. And uh I think um we're we're on track to to get that uh get that done on time this year. Um, also I had the uh uh pleasure of attending uh pasta night at uh the preschool place in kindergarten uh which
is at Temple Shalom on North Bridge Street um this past week. Uh it was a fun event for a a good charity. Thank you, >> Councilwoman. >> Sure. Thank you, uh Council President.
So on governance, as President Guyger already mentioned, we attended the budget conference. It was um very nice talking to the experts, learning about some of the latest tools they're using. There is technology out there to help with some of our budget um uh tracking.
And then in the finance and budget committee, as uh vice president Bucko and I um attended, we did meet with the CFO, the auditor, tax assessor, bond council, financial advisors. So, I really appreciate their input so we can have this disciplined weekly review
ahead of the municipal budget introduction to the public to ensure that every single one of our dollars is spent uh transparently. And my ask is, you know, explain it so that my seven-year-old would even understand where every dollar goes in terms of pennies and cents. And it really does
need to align with our resident needs. And then after that Tuesday meeting this past um uh uh evening on Tuesday, I was actually at the planning board with um uh um uh a few residents uh were here
actually quite a few. We had a very detailed discussion with a lot of concerned residents um and the experts were there, the applicants were there. So, you know, something just process-wise that I had to reiterate that we need to make sure our process is align, it's transparent, whatever we're
presenting to the residents is aligned with what the board members are are seeing and really it's about the long-term well-being of our neighborhoods. So, you know, as we start, this was the first time I was hearing about these concerns, but we'll continue to communicate effectively. And
then this week also I actually joined some Somerset County elected officials for a working session with our current senator Corey Booker and it was really interesting. He brought up the affordable cris affordability crisis but really as an advocate for families in
Bridgewater who are also feeling these rising costs. You know, I want to make sure that we can all continue to work and and raise our children here with some stability and opportunity. I've I've seen some, you know, similar concerns from the BOE, from the budget meeting. We went to the the the state
conference. Um, everyone's mentioning these health insurance costs are number one reason for all of this uh these issues. So, I'm I'm glad that at least our senators and other um government uh leaders are really talking about how do
we actually fix this issue so even the local level is not impacted by it. And then as you can um see here we you know we've been trying to we have we have our police department here but overall I worked on some partnerships that keeps Bridgewater safe united and moving
forward as president Gger already mentioned. Um, I was honored to join the office of attorney general with the New York State Police and Homeland Security for their Ramadan Afdar. And specifically, I spoke directly with our attorney general, Jennifer Davenport,
about standing firmly against hate. And uh that commitment actually um coincidentally continued at that governor's residence ef where governor Mikey Cheryl and Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Calwell
hosted their first Eftar um inviting incredible volunteers. So there's so many people that have been doing this but I'll name one Shaaz from the Eid committee for example who coordinated over 70 crescent moon lightings and Ramadan events around the state. And I know we have our own events in
Bridgewater. So, I'm really e excited to share that it's happening all around the state. And then the Lieutenant Governor actually was just here. I don't know if everyone went to the St. Patrick's Day event. Uh we had the parade right here in Somerset County. We honored Irish traditions, a lot of great food, um and
the profound contributions of Irish immigrants. And it was really nice speaking to uh Lieutenant Governor about celebrating not just the history. All of these communities built something in New Jersey. They arrived with hope. They work with so much dignity and we really
want to celebrate everyone. Um so I'm glad that at the state level, you know, they they see that same type of um direction. We're we're looking at it at locally. Um the most exciting event for me was actually something very new. It is Women's History Month. If everyone is
aware of that, I think um vice president Bucko mentioned it last time. So there was an event I was invited to hosted by our Bridgewater entrepreneurs. So Womania was hosted by Sageel and Freddy from Twin Trail and this was Bridgewwater's I think one of the very
first South Asian um business leaders showcasing their innovation economic strength. They brought in other people again just naming a few Ruchi Mita and even an artist opera Gita whose work is actually currently featured at New York City's affordable art fair. So it's very
exciting that this small group of women they're just uh you know in Bridgewater that live in Bridgewater that have kids growing up in Bridgewater. They're showing us how women are leading in the country in in other states. They're creating and building our local economy at the same time. And to end this, I
also want to recognize another volunteer I met recently, Dr. Gupta. He actually is trying to promote diversity and service during Ramadan. So he physically coordinated donations from that new supermarket, Patidar, and donated them to not just our local moss, Afala, but
all throughout the state, and he joined the communities in prayer, and I was able to join him in in helping with that donation. So I really appreciate these types of very nice altruistic acts. And I really appreciate everyone else that I might have missed for showing up for one
another across all these different levels of government, across sectors, and across all these cultures. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Madam President, if I may ask a follow-up question. There was reference to the planning board. I don't recall a
comment on on what the case was. Can Can you report that, please? >> Yeah. Um, so I think we're just allowed to mention like it was a subdivision hearing. >> Well, I mean, I think you're probably permitted to state anything that was said publicly.
>> Correct. >> The agenda had an error in it. >> It was a 1200 Route 22 East, the Great Mark property. >> Thank you. >> Okay. All right. I you know because the only first of all I think it's terrific that that you are our representative and
I'm sure you're you're um learning the role and doing a great job. Um it bears noting though that um you know I was a representative on the planning board for four of the last six years. Mr. Ring was for two of those years. Uh I was on the
um zoning board six years before that. um you know your the comments about transparency and thoroughess and fairness and everything else that that is not new for 2026 just so that there's no uh miscommunication. That's been the way those boards have operated for
years. Um and and as it relates to the planning board, every member other than the council change is exactly the same. So um you know I I think it's great that you're bringing your own perspectives um and appreciate the time that that takes.
Um but you you know the the the spirit that you that you referenced uh is is one that thankfully we've had for for many many years across both of our land use boards in Bridgewater. >> Yeah. And I appreciate those comments and specifically this was concerning letters the residents currently receive
from the applicant that had a lot of errors in it. So they did come and present to us you know all night. Um there were errors in the agenda. So, I just want to make sure that every time I'm looking at the planning board uh package, it is representative of what we're listening to and there's no
miscommunication there. So, it was very specific to this um specific uh Tuesday meeting that we had. >> I like to think that every applicant that comes before the planning board is um doing things the way we all want them to. Unfortunately, different applicants
handle things differently. And Councilman Kersh mentioned I spent uh two years on the planning board and I will tell you that much like a council meeting the planning board um you know you typically get your packet that Friday beforehand delivered to your house and I always took that time to
look at the packet ahead of time and as well as go out and actually visit sites uh because I think sometimes people present one thing and when you actually go out and look at it in person you see different things. So >> yeah, and again um a lot of us did go look at the place the day of, but again
the residents brought up it's very different when rain happens, flooding issue happens. So you know I did promise the residents I'll go there when it rains again to see what this lake as they called it looks like. >> Um >> but thank you for your comments. I really appreciate it. Worth mentioning
on a different note when uh Councilman Bucker was talking about the uh introduction of the budget, our normal normally our next meeting would be on April 2nd, which is uh Holy Thursday, the eve of Good Friday. So the meeting is actually scheduled for the second
week in April on April 9th, just for the public's benefit. [clears throat] >> Yeah. And I also want to mention that um the administration was kind enough to invite me to a meeting to go over the budget. Um, and I really appreciated it as well. So, I think all of us have been
briefed on the budget at this point. Correct, Councilman Kur? Because you were briefed, too, right? >> Correct. >> So, all of us have um >> um if if I could also just just mention that um uh on uh the St. Patrick's Day
uh parade in uh uh in our neighboring town of Somerville when the uh lieutenant governor uh was able to to join the community. It was actually the acting governor at that particular time. So, it was nice that he was able to take the the time out of what I'm sure is a
very busy schedule to uh join our uh uh greater Somerset County uh community. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Administrator Papis, do you have a report for the mayor? >> Uh yes. Um, I I would like Chief Mitsac if he could come forward to um speak a
little bit about the Citizens Police Academy that started tonight and then I'll have one or two other comments. >> While you're coming forward, I have something for Lieutenant Edwards, the the PowerPoint presentation today. >> We we have it electronically. We just
want to get it to the fire department, work with you. >> Yeah, I'm a paper person, so I I assume other people might be too. So, uh, tonight we started our [clears throat] fourth citizen police academy. It's a interactive, informative, and sometimes
eyepopping, uh, curriculum where we talk about patrol operations, investigations, uh, use of force, uh, crashes, uh, technology. So, it's an 8week course. Um, Council President Guyger attended that, so she's well aware of what we do.
Uh tonight we're talking about the US Constitution which uh gives us our powers as police officers and everyone's rights as US citizens. Uh so we're talking about that. The mayor joined us uh made a couple uh brief remarks and like I said it's an 8week course and I
welcome everybody to uh sign up the next time we have a class. We have uh 20 residents that are taking part. >> Wow. >> Yeah. It's a big class. >> It's a great course. There's another um graduate in the back. Rebecca Huzana. Yeah. So >> that's the third that's the third one,
right? Version three, fourth. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Class 2601. >> It's getting more more and more popular. >> I love it. >> Yeah. It's And I just want to comment um for those of you who don't know, I am an attorney and I was incredibly impressed with the um knowledge that our police
officers have of the law. I kid them and I say I could have taken that course instead of taking criminal law in law school. Probably learned more. >> Thank you for that. and and next year hopefully I won't coincide with our council meeting so we can >> next next. >> Thank you. [laughter]
>> Good. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> And if I could just council president one more thing just uh to elaborate on what counciloman spoke about concerning the agenda uh from Wednesday night. U I did a little further investigation the day after the planning board meeting and
the the information that appeared on the agenda. uh it has been the practice to take that from the applicant's submission and so uh we're not going to do that any longer. Uh we will just cite the name of
the applicant, the location, the uh probably the relief that's being sought but without any editorial commentary that may or may not be totally correct. Uh that information uh it appeared on their application. it appeared on the
notice that they sent to the general public and um applicants can characterize their application however they would choose to. Uh what matters most is the actual filling in the blanks of the actual actual application that
will indicate the specific relief that's being sought. Sections of the ordinance that um they're seeking a waiver from or a variance for and um and the the narrative that uh was uh caused confusion is something that we now
recognize will will no longer be included on the agenda. So, we think that uh moving forward we won't have that problem. >> Yeah, I really appreciate that. >> Thank you. Anything else? [clears throat] >> Okay. Um >> if if I could, would would um would you
characterize that as an typographical error or would it uh be more an incorrect characterization of the um the request?
Um I it's I would not characterize it as a topographical error. Uh again there was some time a number of years ago there were uh individuals on I think one of the land use boards that had suggested that there be uh more of a description a summarization of the
application before that board on the agenda. And what uh was determined at the time is to just take the actual uh verbatim comments that the applicant included in their summary of the
application instead of creating a version that could be subject to debate as to whether it was accurate or not. And so I thought it would be best just not to include it. And if people want information about the
substance of the application, they just can click on the button on the website and they can actually see the entire submission and not have um you know the characterization that could be subject to debate. >> Okay. >> Can can the agenda indicate that a
person can do that? So if someone's reading the it does Okay. Yes. Then >> council agenda. >> Yeah. Okay. So we're all covered. >> Okay. Perfect. And and this is all in in the um the email blast that we put out that people are capable of signing up for for the land use boards. Correct.
>> Yes. And but what we're what I'm speaking of specifically is the actual agenda where where someone can click on the content of that submission for that application. But if certainly if they want to be added to the list uh to get the agenda certainly it's a couple of
clicks and you're there. You're you're trying to eliminate the personal opinion, correct, on the summarization of the not that it's necessarily wrong. It's their interpretation or their opinion or belief. >> And what what really matters is not the narrative because that is a narrative.
It is a summary. It is not the specifics of the relief that's being sought or the the specifics of whether it's a site plan approval or a subdivision. The narrative is really a narrative. It's not substantive and it doesn't really go
to the substance of the actual application. So, hope that clarifies it. >> Anything else? >> Okay. We do not have any proclamations or any presentations. The meeting will be open to the public. Uh uh members of
the public wishing to address the council on any matter will have three minutes to speak which may be extended in the discretion of the council president. An additional minute will be allotted for responses to comments from the deis. And I do have a further comment about that. I would like to
remind all public speakers that pursuant to our council bylaws, it is incumbent upon every public speaker to be quote cooperative, courteous, and respectful. Um, in regard to that, in my opinion,
it's very hard to suggest that name calling or ad hominin arguments are such. However, in the interest of free speech, I will avoid curtailing such behavior to the extent that it is
reasonable. I suggest however that it is beneath the dignity of any person who comes before this body of this governing body to engage in such behavior. This includes current or former elected
officials, licensed professionals and prominent members of the community. And this applies equally in my opinion to social media posts as well. So with that, I would ask anyone that would like to
address the council to please come forward. We have a new policy. Thanks, Councilman Ring. You sign over there and uh then put your name and address and then address the podium and will the well the first person is speaking. The
second person who plans to speak can come up and sign. So in the interest of time, so we're not waiting for you to sign and write your address. >> Would you like a motion to open for public? >> Yes. Can I have a motion to open for public meetings? >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I
>> I >> You can also sign afterwards. >> That's true. >> Then the council president would have to remember to remind the person to sign afterwards. Although I think Councilman Ring would probably do a pretty good job of that.
>> I could be persuaded. You're my person up here, you know. >> You're my person up here. That reminds me of, you know, >> good evening everyone. Um, thank you very much for all the information that you've provided. Um, I had two sort of process related questions and then one
helpful suggestion. So the so I was pleased to hear >> sorry could you state your name before you begin your comment? Thank you. >> And Satroyan Stangle Road Martinsville. Thank you. I'm glad to hear I'm very glad to hear thank you that the budget uh discussions
are actively underway. Um but if you can give maybe a little bit more information on the anticipated timeline because this is only the beginning and part of the process. So if uh there the next regularly scheduled
meeting is April 9th at which point I would guess that it's presented to to you and to the public and it has to be adopted by the end of April. So if you can provide at this point any clarification on whether um the budget process will be included in the regular
meetings or a special meeting added in there um for public input. I think it'd be helpful for us to just be able to anticipate and plan that. >> Right now, we anticipate the budget will be on time. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Um, we don't have any special meetings planned. However, uh, it's a thought and I will discuss it with the other I I don't know what the other council members feel or what's been done in the past, but we had talked about potentially having a workshop. Um
it's just hard with the new council knowing how to do things. Um but it's it we we there's always the potential to have a special meeting. >> Yeah. I mean I think just because your regular meetings are are full and um
depending on what uh what comments or issues are raised by the budget that just might add extra burden to the regular meeting. So, I'm just thinking that I mean back in the day um the department heads would come and do also sort of a topline summary and that there there would be plenty of exchange. If
that's not practical or feasible, that's fine, but it it may not be too early to think about uh a dedicated uh time for that. Um >> can I just make a comment on this? There's also a part of the process where
uh you know we we do a first reading. It's essentially akin to an ordinance um but with extra time required because it has to go to Trenton and they have to approve it. I I believe the minimum on that is 4 weeks. I think we typically schedule four weeks but I think it's
possible that they may take longer. Um so uh you know >> describe that again. So >> when municipalities uh uh uh approve a budget essentially on first reading, it then goes to Trenton,
>> not even approving it. When when the budget is introduced, the council >> I'm sorry, introduced, excuse me, I used the wrong phrase. >> Council is merely acknowledging formal receipt of the budget from the administration >> and then that goes through the county to the state. >> Well, it doesn't go to the county, it goes to the state.
>> Well, via I think via the county. But but regardless, but I think it's that the adoption then is sort of parallel track to that is it not? >> Well, there is a minimum of four weeks between uh uh receipt of the budget and
um formal approval. You know, the the hearing and the formal approval. >> If I may, it's 28 days from the time of introduction is the soonest it could be adopted. >> Right. So the the current guidance from the state has the two dates deadline of
March 31st or the regularly scheduled meeting after that to introduce and then the April 30th date of adoption or or I think the the regularly scheduled meeting after April 30th. >> It still has to be 28 days from the introduction. >> Right.
>> So it would have to be 28 days from April 9th. >> Right. >> Correct. >> I mean it's introduced. >> Right. So that's what I'm saying. The timeline might be used to constitute at this point. >> So it could be that the first meeting in May would be the evening for the public hearing and adoption.
>> That is exactly 28 days >> assuming that we get it back from Trenton. >> Right. >> Right. Okay. Um thank you. The second question just um it's uh nice to see on
the agenda that we have citizens volunteering and stepping up to the advisory groups and committees that you're going to be approving later on in the meeting. But I'm curious as to um what kind of sort of feedback l is. In
other words, I've I'm not aware of a mechanism where those groups can update the public on what they're doing or summary notes or what issues they're looking at or how in fact the cross
pollination of any related work exists depending on if there's a council member who sit happens to sit on one of those groups then sometimes we get a brief update on that but I couldn't find anywhere on the website where there's sort of a a
reporting out or a summary every once in a while on what all of these groups are working on on our behalf. Um just wasn't aware of that. >> Yeah, it goes even further than that. Um these as far as I know, some of them may have a chair and a vice chair and so on,
but some of them really don't even have that. So there's no organization. They do need more organization. Um, I can tell you that, uh, we're trying very hard to revitalize some of these groups. Um, I have a stack
of, um, [clears throat] applications. I believe you, you submitted one, um, tonight. Hopefully, we will finish with the council appointments. Then there's a series of appointments that the mayor um, has to make with the um, advice and consent of the council. There's a lot of
issues with it and and um when you're on this side of the deis you start to realize how complicated it is. There's about a hundred appointments. >> Exactly. >> All the people it's a lot. >> Think about the individuals who are contributing. I sort of feel like it'd
be nice and beneficial to them to hear their collective work reported out whether it's to council also to the public. We have newsletters and things like other venues of communication, but with that many people participating, it'd be nice to sort of hear what
everybody's working on from time to time. I understand that some things are trivial, but presumably each of these groups is meant to uh have a specific charge or focus that benefits the community. So, it'd be nice, I'm thinking, to have that just be reported
out from time to >> Yeah. And I think we can work with that because um we now any person that gets appointed with a a very rare exception that you will hear about tonight um is submitting an application and on that
application is an email and the beauty of an email is it's inexpensive. So, what maybe we can come up with a plan. Maybe I can talk to Grace about coming up with a plan at least for the council appointments um to reach out from time to time on some type of regular schedule
to the people that have been appointed just to say, you know, if you want to come to a council meeting or if you want to submit something that we can advise the public that's going on or just ask them, have they met? Um there is and this is a whole another issue um there
is a directory of of all of the sta there's there is a directory for the town and the people that the appointees to these various committees are in that directory that is not that directory is not public there's reasons for it not being public and we have to other towns
do make theirs public so that is something I am looking into as well you don't want everybody to know everything about everyone. But I think we have to work out a system where at least members of each committee can contact each other so they can meet and do and whatever,
>> right? And for us and for there to be a collective um >> feedback. >> Yeah. It just seems a bit disjointed and and for all of the work and time that these people put in, it'd be nice to have a collective feedback mechanism, I think, to at least the council, if not anything else.
>> Give me a year. Um third >> and and I'm sorry on that point briefly um you know I know I've I've always been diligent in reporting out those committees that I'm on or have relationship with >> to any specific thing but as an overall
concept and and to your point therefore it's a bit uneven. So sometimes we we understand what's happening with some of the groups, but some of the groups we don't really understand their charge or or what issues they're they're handling uh during their meeting time.
>> And I can tell you I'm just learning myself. >> It was not meant to be a disparaging on any on anything. It just an overall thing. Third thing is while um just a a small >> You're way over the three minutes. So, I
know we're back and forth, but >> yeah. Um, >> but there are there is, you know, something very important going on tonight. >> Especially when I'm listening online, uh, it's just a when you, uh, talk to one another and your head may swing a
certain way, all the audio goes out. And so whether it's during discussion or whether it's it's something it's um we can't hear everything even though you're speaking publicly if if uh your head turns or you know you lean over to
someone. So it was just a helpful suggestion because I've had to watch the last few meetings online and um uh hopefully I'm not the only one who experiences that. That's all. >> No, but thank you for watching online. If we just make sure I'm talking into the microphone fully um now now that you
mentioned that uh if we can go back to the um uh boards and commissions, I think that uh for starters uh one thing that uh you know collectively we can do better is to ensure that uh the meetings of those are um put on the township
calendar on uh the township website so that if anyone is interested in attending um the information is out there. Um my understanding now is with the new uh newly deployed website in the the past uh month or so, uh it's easier
to update for um township staff. Uh I hope that um that will also mean that things like the updates of what uh the commissions, boards, committees are doing uh can also be updated and and um
easily uh accessed. um going forward once uh once they meet and have some output. Uh I also um expect that uh we will we will probably be um asking some
of them to to do some uh some work this year um as as they get uh into the swing of things and and you know the the year goes on. So um I think stay tuned for that.
That open the open thanks for the mic reminder but the openness on on the internet is nice even from one group to another they can you know maybe collaborate together so it's important for them to know what else is going on within all of our
various groups like the open space I can already see them working maybe with other groups um that are also getting started so they're not all struggling with the same exact issue at the same I am >> Miss Husana who is a board of education
member. >> I'm not here as a board of education member though. Um first I want to thank you for having me on this committee hopefully the night. Um but I think it'd be a great idea to come here and report out during meetings just during public comment of what we're doing because I
don't know a lot about this because I tried to research and I didn't really see much online. I look forward to doing this. Um, but I'm really here to thank the clerk's office upstairs. Um, because wow, I am a member of the Bridgewater Theater Arts Council. Bridgewater Ron
Theater Arts Council. We are the parent group for the high school theater program. >> Might need to talk into the mic a little bit more. >> Um, I'm a parent with the Bridgewater Ronin Theater Arts Council. We are doing fundraising and things for the theater
program and for the very first time we got a gaming license from the state which is very exciting. We have been planning to have a bingo in January as our first ever big fundraiser. We did not get our license in time. We moved it to February when we got it and then I
learned how hard it is to make that happen. So then we moved to March. I'm happy to say after about 12 trips to the clerk's office and I think I know everybody there well. Um we had a successful fundraiser last Friday and we
are already planning next year's but I want to thank everybody in the office because I know they were tired of me. Um but man, we picked up that license at quarter to 4 on Friday so that we could have our event at six o'clock on Friday. That's really nice. >> Thank you for letting us know. Thank
you. Hi. Um, I already signed so I'm good to go. You >> still have to state your name. >> Uh, hers is awome, 497 Miltown Road, Bridgeor, New Jersey, 08807. Uh, just two really quick points. So, for the open space advisory board, I
don't know if I if I had already asked the council this, but would we be coordinating with the parks department or just a straight up no to that? And then also, um, I was looking at the agenda. Uh, quick catch to my eye for my last name. Uh, my last letter is off by
one letter. It's not an N, it's an M. So, just wanted to keep a a good point on that. Just to fix that typing error or spelling error. That's it pretty much. Thank you. >> Thank you. We'll note it in the meeting minutes. Also, >> well, you know, to answer your question, um, the other appointee is Alan
Cordilla, who's a former councilman and probably knows everything and anything there is to know about open space. So, I imagine any coordination, you'll be able to work with him and and figure that out. But just to dispel any mystery, the open space advisory committee is is I think a
very well-n named um there are instances where we have an opportunity uh to purchase open space and that committee is an important uh way that uh information is gathered and perspectives are gained. Then ultimately um
recommendations come back to us. Uh we do have a small amount of money in in our open space reserve. uh there was a period of time where there was a tax assessed uh that tax sunset and was not approved for
continuation. Um so that is a depleting fund but there is still some money there and you know obviously the challenge that we have as a community is making sure that that limited amount of funds is is spent as um efficiently as possible. It's also important to note that that is
a committee that um when you talk about feedback, they will not come out and say, "Oh, yeah, we're looking at these three properties because we don't then then all of a sudden you're negotiating against others." So, it's the committee when they're looking at properties,
evaluating them, it's done >> behind the scenes because they don't want to get into a situation where now all of a sudden they're bidding against somebody who wants to buy that. >> Yeah. there's a necessary confidentiality, you know, with with that.
>> Um, and um, you know, that committee has had times where it's been very active and times where it is not as active. It really just depends on what is available, uh, you know, out in the community where there is potentially a willing seller. >> And they've come to this council before
with recommendations and the council has said yes to some and no to some. So, >> I have a lot of confidence though with former councilman Cordilla. um being on it. So hopefully right hasn't been passed yet, but I I assume he will.
>> Sorry. >> Hi. Uh my name is Corey Garner. I'm live at 1514 Washington Valley Road here in Bridgewwater. I'm a 26 year resident here. Um [clears throat] uh an email was sent out on May the 9th to some members of the council here as
>> May 9th. >> March 9th. >> March 9th. Okay. >> Thank you. March >> and uh um basically over the last I don't know 18 20 years we have been continually going back to the works department um to to come on out to our
property. Basically in 1989 there was an easement that was awarded by the township of Bridgewater running the entire length of our property on the on the west side. The easement originally was was uh 10 10 feet in width and and three feet in depth. the the easement
now has eroded uh to such a state where it's about 25 to 30 feet wide and in excess of 25 ft deep. Um it actually butts up against Washington Valley Road. So when people walk [clears throat] along the Washington Valley Road in front of our house, they come within
about 10 feet of of this. It's it's not an ement anymore. It's a it's a it's a crevice, right? It's it's it's danger. Um, it's also expanded to such a a width that it's now encroaching on the on our the foundation of our house. Uh, we've
reached multiple times to Bridgewater Township and to Somerset County Works Department. Uh, no one has come out to take a look. They kind of just point fingers both ways. The only response that I have got is you can't do anything to that easement because it doesn't
belong to you. So, I'm kind of stuck now. I I in in the actual award of the easement I have copies of the of the paperwork. It states how there the intention was that there was regular maintenance to be performed on this easement. None has taken place in the
last 26 years that I have been there. So I'm just out here tonight to ask you if you can reach out to the works department. Um like I said there the the email was sent out on March the 9th. It was sent to uh Mr. William Burr and uh
to work department in Somerset. Um and I could provide you with additional paper copies. I said >> I saw the pictures. >> Princ. >> Yeah, we saw the I mean I think everybody saw the pictures, >> right? Um and and you know I haven't
seen the actual property, but I did see the pictures and >> anybody who was willing to come out, I'm I'm you know I'm I'm there. I I I'm fortunate and I work from home. Uh so I can you know accommodate that if somebody wishes to come take a look or you know set up an appointment uh and
you know we can you can examine it for yourself but um >> do you have a copy of the easement? >> Uh I do have a copy. >> You don't have to give me your copy but you could email me the the easement if you want. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> You familiar with it all, Mr. Papis? >> Yeah. Um I did meet with Mr. Burr
regarding this matter. Uh it is under review by me and Mr. Burr. That was just the other day and uh I think I can't I think that's all I can say right now. >> Yeah. I mean any correspondence to let us know that even it's under review. I I I don't have anything. So I >> Well, I'm just telling you I'm just
telling I just I just heard about this and I think it there's some legalities here now that I've entered into it which could affect how we move forward. But and there's a it is a county road involved as well. So it's not just the municipality but again I'm personally
looking into it. >> Okay. That's about all I can say right now. >> Just as an aside, um on December 27th, there was an accident out front of my property. Uh a car struck a pickup truck, a parked pickup truck, um
breached the gas tank, uh 30 gallons of gasoline, released onto the street. It went to the far side of the road and managed to work its way down through the drainage system and back into this into this easement. Uh hazmat folks were out there. uh they
had to scale down uh that night to try and mop it up. So, um it appears that the drainage in that area is not funneling away, you know, storm water or, you know, or or or water on the streets correctly. I mean, it's placing
it in into this drainage ement. So, >> um if you send me a copy of the easement, I will also get it to the township attorney so they can look at it to see what what what the legal responsibility is for the town. If you're, you know, you're saying there might be some responsibility in the
easement, >> you know, I mean, I [clears throat] it states in there I had legal counsel take a look at it and review it from Herald Law. They had sent out a letter two years ago kind of also requesting some action by by the by the township and and
and by Somerset County Works Department. And I have not received any any response. I don't want to take your only copy, but if you have other copies of it, you can if you want to give it to us, we can, you know. >> Yeah. I mean, sure. Like, you can you can have the copies of the of these letters, and I I will send you, you
know, when I get home tonight, I will a copy. Okay. Of the easement as well. >> And what's the closest intersection? Is it Washington Valley Road? >> Uh, Washington Valley Road and between Long Road and Cushing. >> Okay. Yeah, I can drive by and take a look.
>> We're on the south side. 154. Oh, I know. I think I know where I can I can almost picture it. >> Yeah. >> Long road. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's to get on the highway. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Just leave the paperwork here for you. >> Bring it. You can you can approach.
Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else that would like to address the council? Can I are you okay? Did you sign? >> Okay.
>> Um, good evening, uh, council president. Uh, good evening, council members. Um, just want to start by saying, um, um, I put on anonymous on there. Um, I'm not required to give my name and address
because, um, we have freedom of speech. So, as you're asking for my name and address, you're attempting to force my speech in that moment. I have a Fourth Amendment right to remain secure. I don't have to show papers. Um, and I do that as a public demonstration to remind
everybody that we have freedom of speech. >> Just hang on one second. >> Sorry, was I talking? >> The Fourth Amendment doesn't apply. He's in an open public setting. He's not being in any way. For purposes of the minutes, we request that the members of the audience give
their name. Um, if he's not willing to do it, then it's I think up to the council president and if they want to let him proceed with the comment. >> So, let me just say this. Um, a little bit of this issue has come up before uh with people not wanting to give their
addresses for lots of reasons >> and we've solved that problem by saying, "Okay, you know, write it down, but you don't have to say it. You don't have to speak your address." Sure. >> Um, I'm going to allow you to speak at this point and you have three minutes and we'll see we'll see how it goes. If
I feel there's a problem or you know if there's any concern, we'll try to address it. But for now, you have, you know, three minutes. >> Madam President, just for perspective, may we ask if you're a Bridgewater resident? >> I'm not a resident. >> Thank you.
>> As a courtesy, I'll let you know that for sure. Um, you know, well, I want to start off by saying a couple of positive things that I've noticed. Um, I like this meeting so far. This meeting is being ran well. I like that everybody participates during public comment. I
think that's important. Um, I like that we haven't really stuck to a strict threeinut rule. I think it's great how members of the committee, members of the council, you know, engage and speak and respond during the um person's time at
the podium or lectturn. Um I think that's a good thing. You know, I think 3 minutes is, you know, not a lot of time for people who take the time out of their day. So I do I do so far see nothing but good things and I get the sense that you all do care very much
about your role and public service and stuff like that. And I know sometimes jobs like the clerk can be a thankless job. And I want to say I thank you for what you do. Running township business is a good thing. Um and I want to start by saying um
the police here in Bridgewater, good men and women of law enforcement. And I watched the video of the gentleman last year in March who had gotten into the um motor vehicle accident on 22 when he um
hit a tanker truck and it caught on fire and um the actions of the officer was uh courageous and heroic for him to you know go in there and pull this unconscious man out. I saw that and I was um you know I it gave me um gave me
a good feeling about you know law enforcement and um it's a great job to serve the public whether you're someone in law enforcement or somebody on a council or committee or mayor any of these things. Um I thought that was great. And then I recently had just read
in an article um about a North Planefield man who u that same man who was in that accident was recently um given a $15,000 bill for excessive like fire or haz hazardous cleanup if
that had something to do with the that it was a tanker truck and in the video that the gentleman who was driving the tanker truck said it was empty. Um, and now if if that if that gentleman had um let's say let's say he was drinking and driving, right, premeditation to put
other people's lives at risk, I wouldn't be here over that issue. Not at all. You know, I mean, he plead guilty for improper uh lane change and uh seat belt. And from my understanding, then after the fact, he was then foot with
footed with this $15,000 bill for this cleanup, which is an ordinance here in Bridgewater. And it just upset me to no end to read that cuz I'm like it's an accident, you know? I mean it's a
>> sir did you have a chance to um see the actual video of the discussion that the council had about this at the last meeting? >> I didn't. >> I would suggest to you that if you did you might feel much more comfortable uh about the whole situation and I don't
know if our attorney or anyone else on the deis wants to comment but we did we did discuss this at length. >> Did >> we're all Oh yes. Okay. >> We're all very concerned about it. >> Oh okay. Good. Okay. Hear that. >> Um there is often insurance coverage for
these types of In other words, typically if you have insurance, the insurance will cover it. Okay. We're investigating that at this point. Um the the gentleman uh the the gentleman is not it's it's a 99.99%
assurance that he is not going to go to jail. Okay. So that's really off the table and we are looking for ways to just work this out very amicably with him and I don't know if council wants to comment any further if I don't know how well you were briefed on this.
>> No, I would invite you to watch the previous meeting where the council um directly addressed this. >> Um from a legal perspective, the matter remains pending and in the discretion of our municipal prosecutor. Um, and I would just point out that this is an
ordinance that uh, every municipality in the state of New Jersey has similar what they call penalty enforcement ordinances. >> Mhm. >> Okay. And the process works out through the municipal court where the individual
at issue uh resolves the matter with the municipal prosecutor often in a way that's uh amicable and also uh uh supported by both parties and the parties come to an arrangement. This is this specific issue in my view has been
blown out of proportion um and is not accurately reflected in the reporting. So I would suggest you go back and listen to the council meeting previously and also uh again I'll I'll reiterate that the ordinance in question is not a
punitive ordinance towards our residents. It's a common penalty enforcement ordinance that the same language about acrewing fines is found in dozens of sections of our code, whether it be our zoning ordinance, our towing ordinance, similar language is
found all the way through our code and code of every other municipality in the state of New Jersey. So again, I would suggest you >> and county >> and county. So, I would suggest that you go back to the previous meeting and perhaps that will assuage your concerns. >> When you're talking about reports, you
mean like the article, the way it was written, correct? You mean >> Okay. Um Yeah. I didn't know that was spoken at the last council meeting. >> Yeah, it's on YouTube. The the count all the council meetings are Yeah. >> No, I am aware. And and um even though I have my camera here, I appreciate you letting me know that it's on YouTube
because I you don't know. I may not have known. Um, I film these meetings. I put them on my YouTube channel. Uh, sometimes these videos will go in excess of a 100,000 views or more. Um, I'm a government accountability and
transparency advocate. And my main reason for being here was to thank the police, you know, from that off for that officer who did a heroic, courageous act. He didn't have to, but he just sprung into action and saved that man's life most likely. um which was a great
look for the police department, great look for the township and um when I had read that article I was like this is not the America I know you know I mean that's how I interpreted it with the with the minimal amount of information and understand that I had of the
situation. Um and I also want to say um through the chair to Councilwoman Isla, thank you for smiling at me when I came here. Obviously you didn't recognize me. I'm not a resident. And um that's warm. That's welcoming. Um not that the others
weren't welcoming. That's not to say that. >> Well, I was nervous. >> I know cuz the cameras shouldn't make people nervous. You know, I just document. The reason why I have a YouTube channel is to empower people who have a voice. They we all have voices. Come to your meetings. Come to local government. Take part. Participate in
council meetings. Make your make your voice heard. Address whatever your issues are. And this is how we change things. We change things for the better. You know, one township at a time, you know, that's the whole purpose. Um, obviously, as a government accountability and transparency advocate, you know, we highlight when
rights are being violated and stuff like that. And thank you for allowing me to proceed. Um, it's not a requirement under the United States Constitution to provide your name and address under the limited public forum at a council meeting. That's I've been speaking in
meetings ever since 2017. You have about 30 seconds left just in the interest of time. I don't want to cut you off because you're saying all these nice things. So, you know, I want you to keep going with that, but >> we could have said that if I started saying some negative things, but no, I'm here mostly to just be appreciative to
the process and stuff like that. Um, lost my train of thought for a minute. Um, just let me just wrap it up. And um I guess that oh um the other thing too is um to address what council president said in the beginning about um like
behavior and stuff like that to quorum at meetings and everything like that. Um it's a fair request to ask people to behave to be respectful. Um I'm not one to use swear words or call people out and call them names. You lose the effectiveness for members of the public
if you're trying to get them on board with >> That's right. you do >> you know what you're trying to say and what your points are that you're trying to make. You lose half the people the second you drop an Fbomb or whatever. Um with that being said, um if someone does
decide to call names, they're allowed to let it happen, right? And then they kind of, you know, maybe look a certain way for speaking like that. You know when the councils respond in that manner then you now have created a conflict an
unnecessary conflict. When people come here and speak and behave in the manner that they do, right? We all we all have free agency of ourselves. Just let them speak the way they want to. If they want to say bad things and everything like that, you let them look bad, you know,
and it's a real easy solution. Um, so with >> Is there anything else? >> No, I was just about to wrap it up. Um, is it does the mayor come to these meetings or No, not anymore. >> When he can. >> When he can. Okay. Um, all right. Thank you, council president. Thank >> in the school play. So, >> Oh, well, yeah, I'd be there, too, if I
was there. Yeah. Um, all right. Thank you, Council President, committee members. And, um, shout out to Bridgewater Police >> and, uh, >> in the back. You can give a shout out to him. >> Shout out, chief. And, uh, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Would anyone else like to address the
council? Seeing no one, move to close public comment. I >> have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay, moving on. We have uh an introduction of an ordinance, an
ordinance of the township of Bridgewater, amending chapter 182 of the Bridgewater Township Code to require snow and ice removal from private roadways servicing multifamily residential developments. Can I have a motion to introduce the ordinance?
>> So moved. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Do we need a roll call for that? >> Can we have discussion? >> Yeah. Well, just we're just introducing it. Do you want to have discussion before it's introduced or you want to have a discussion after it's introduced? >> Well, I'd like to have that discussion
first if that's permissible. >> No problem. Um, you know, I don't know, maybe first give Councilman, uh, you know, Bucko an opportunity to, you know, provide overall context and a summary of of of his his work that has has gotten us here today.
>> Uh, sure. Uh, thank you very much. Um uh what we what we have in front of us is the um I guess the the uh culmination of of a number of of uh weeks of of work
on a um issue that was uh brought to the council's attention following a a rather severe snowstorm uh earlier this year. Um particularly that um there were some um
multi- uh multifamily uh residential developments um that uh did not have the snow uh and ice adequately cleared from uh the uh private roadway and the walkways within
the the complex. um a review of our uh existing uh chapter 182 um found that I guess I would I would characterize it as as a um
uh inadequacy of um covering uh for that type of situation. Um the the existing township code requires uh property owners who have uh public sidewalks
uh that would be sidewalks along public roads to clear the snow and ice within uh 12 daylight hours uh after snowfall ceases. uh but there's uh not a a similar requirement for the owners of u such
multifamily residential developments and uh that becomes both a a safety uh concern for the residents there uh and also for the school district when um the school buses cannot enter the property
safely to pick up or uh drop off uh school kids um on a daily basis. Um so what we have here is a uh an update to uh our ordinances which would
um which would uh which would change that. It would require um the uh um owners of such complexes to clear the snow and ice from the uh
private roadways and walkways. same as we would require uh property owners to do for uh public sidewalks uh as well. And we would um uh also um enforce it if
if it fails to be done. Um I guess that's uh pretty much the the gist of of it. Um, >> I just want to say that a lot of hard work went into this. I know Councilman
Kersh and um, Councilman Bucko worked on it. I know the law firm worked on it, too. John >> Duca did a lot of work on it. >> Councilman Ring also had some >> Councilman Ring too. Good. Joan, the council president Joan Guyger kept her
mouth shut on this one. And don't don't get used to that, folks. Um, >> but thanks to the residents also. I know it's been a while, but they mentioned I think one of the residents two, three years they've been having these issues with the school bus, with just the safety concerns of these little
children. So, thank you everyone on the council and the legal council for helping address this. >> I think it's important to note that there are some differences. So, our existing sidewalk ordinance actually
provides because it's in the rightway of the roads, there are certain parameters that allow us to if you don't clear your sidewalks where we can clear them and bill you for them. Uh, in this particular case, we actually cannot go in and clear the sidewalks in a private
development such as that. We can invoke fines for not clearing them, but we cannot clear them and bill them as we have the ability to do on along the roadways. I think that's an important, you know, where this is
we we have a particular property for whatever reason has not in good faith conscience uh cleared their snow. And one of my concerns with this is what happens and I did were we ever able to um come up with an approximate cost as
to what it would cost us to go in there. >> Mr. Papis, >> I I do have that. Uh I asked Mr. Shimp to provide an estimate. Uh I'll read his memo to me or email to me. Uh he believes to plow Bellis Court in the 200
parking stalls and sidewalks would be $7,500 per event. He thinks it would take six people, two in snow plows with spreaders, four individuals clearing sidewalks with snow blowers and shovels and salting. Uh
and he believes it would take six to seven hours to clear the lots and the uh the sidewalks. Mhm. >> U obviously there would be extensive coordination needed with residents who would have to move their vehicles. Um
and um he would need two pallets of environmentally friendly salt for the sidewalks. Something I learned we use different salt on sidewalks than we do on roads. >> But so the reason I mentioned that is
what you know obviously these residents I understand they've got some frustration. Um, we run the risk, you know, at $7,500. Let's just, you know, if we have to do it three, four, five times a year, okay, it's been going on for two or three years. We have to understand that we
could be putting leans for 30, $35,000 a year on this property and we might not get paid for years. >> The lean does not write us a check. So, basically, we're going to be, you know, and then I don't know what the costs are for filing the lean. I'm sure a couple
thousand dollars probably. >> No, I mean not not for that. I mean, collect collection would be where the >> legal cost would come. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, we might not get paid for a while. We have to understand even in 10 years we could be expending $300,000 of
taxpayer money for snow removal on private property. >> Uh yes. And and I would I would then I would point out that the the uh proposed changes to the ordinance do not cover the parking spaces. It would only require the private roadways to be
cleared. Um, I I imagine that would um also cut down on much of the um uh expense if the township was uh uh ultimately going to do it in place of the uh the owner and and uh obviously
billing the owner. It would it would not be uh clearing the uh parking spaces themselves. Um that said, um it does also include a fine for uh failing to
uh to do so. And the fine is um yeah, it's a it's a it's a fine. It's not it's enforceable through uh the municipal court. >> Do we know have these homeowners consulted with I mean an attorney? I would assume when they signed a lease,
you know, their lease spells out, hey, this is what you have to do. This is what the landlord's going to do kind of thing. And I'm I'm not a lawyer. I don't purport to be one. But I would think that they've got some legal avenues worth exploring. I imagine that that they would. Although
um you know your ultimately your your recourse if you're you're living in a a rental unit that the uh management is not u maintaining the building and the grounds uh ultimately is is to move and then you know the
expenses uh um incurred with that would would not be recoverable. >> Yeah, understood. don't um uh I I don't um think that that's you know I don't think that's a a reasonable
um uh expectation to to say to somebody well you know if if uh the the property owner is not fulfilling their their side of of the deal um that you should go
through the the expense and hassle and and disrupt ion to somebody's uh lives. Uh including potentially uh having to change schools and and school districts uh simply because they're um they're the
the landlord of of where they live uh is is refusing to u make the um uh make the the property safe to to live on. uh especially when we can do something about that and uh hold the property
owner accountable for uh their failures to uh provide uh a safe environment for the the residents which uh are our residents as well. Madam President, a few thoughts. So, um
first of all, I do compliment you on on a lot of work here. Um I I I I think they're they're potentially between tonight's introduction and and our hearing in a couple of weeks. Um it would be valuable to really look particularly at se at
section uh 8. Um and that's the part that refers to um our uh potentially going in and and and remedying uh situations. Um, I wholly support uh the the the increased fine structure. My
first concern with this was, well, what prevents a property owner from just, you know, brushing off a fine as the cost of doing business. Hey, the town will clear it plus a couple hundred bucks. It's easier than me uh hiring a service to do
it. I think our fine structure has hopefully taken that off the table. um especially because it's it's it's a pretty wide range. I presume that our judge if a person comes in the first time and there's circumstances would probably go on the lower end if it's a
repeat offender would probably start looking at the higher end. I I am though uh you know concerned and again hopefully in in in the period of time between introduction uh and a final vote, we can really get a clear understanding of what we mean and how we
would address um you know the section 8 stating that it that the township may cause such snow or ice to be removed. where I'm I'm I'm I have some discomfort is this open-ended liability
both in terms of the effort that we're going to have to put in as well as the the recovery for that. You know, when we have a storm, you know, espec we've all now learned storms with very very cold temperatures are really hard to clear. Um it took us weeks, Mr. Papis, right?
We had our people out for two weeks or more cleaning that up. Um, you know, I believe as as much as I I want to have compassion for people in one particular neighborhood whose landlord is not doing the right thing, you know, we have 46,000 other residents and roads and and
and our own facilities out here, the library, etc. So, I I just don't know how quickly we could even get to some of these. Um, so, you know, I I like that we are trying to instill a greater level of responsibility.
I I have some discomfort with what we're setting us setting ourselves up to have to do. Um and candidly how quickly we're going to be able to do it. You know, I would not want to see our DPW uh personnel and equipment satisfying, you
know, one private road or one private development until and unless everybody else has been satisfied as part of our public responsibility. So, you know, I you know, I I anticipate voting to introduce uh I am interested in in in
are having a robust conversation about specifically what section 8 means. Um and and what what expectations are set. Um you know, to me, the the operative word is the township may cause such snow
or ice to be removed. I I don't want it to be interpreted as we are in the snow and ice removal business on private lands. >> And is that a oneanddone? Meaning um so we plow the road, but we're not plowing parking spots. And now residents come
out in the morning, they get in their car and they drive their car forward and they push the snow that was in front of their car into the road that's already been plowed. Do we now have to go back and do that again? Well, I I I would I would my my answer to to both those questions is is the the
may cause. Uh, right. It's it's not um shall cause. Um it would be up to the the township on a on a case-to case basis to decide if it is something that's that's warranted. Um, I know, uh,
Councilman Ring did, uh, express concern that this would, um, uh, create liability for, uh, the township to, uh, in in the case that that Bridgewater, uh, cleared the the snow and then, um,
somebody uh, slipped on on on the the snow or ice. um uh the uh uh interpretation of of the uh New Jersey TOR Claims Act uh that um uh our
our council has u uh provided uh is that that would not be the case that um it is still the property owner's responsibility um even even such uh to uh even to to clear
up any confusion. Um he did add some language to it to make it clear that um the uh responsibility still lies with the property owner uh and any liability
still lies uh with them. Um so my my uh firm belief is that uh this is not something that we would uh need to
um go and do on a on a consistent basis. Uh because the the fine uh for non-compliance is enough that um
uh the the property owner should be um uh incentivized to do the the responsible thing and maintain their property. I want to um add to that too with respect to section 9 A and that's the
the fine section to the extent that any of these properties are owned by a corporation um they would be required to appear in court um with an attorney present. So they would not even even if the court waved the fine, even if it got
dismissed, they would still have to pay an attorney to come into municipal court and sit there for multiple hours. It could get very expensive for a property owner that did not comply. Even if they were not a corporation, if it was an
individual that owned it, it's less likely with this with the type of I think it's a three family or more home. um because it's a $500 to $2,000 fine and because there is a potential
imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, most property owners would be foolish not to have an attorney go to court with them on it. And so you're adding to that expense, too. I think there really is a disincentive here uh to not comply. And I want to ask Mr. Papis if you could go
back to Mr. shimp and see if we can find out what the cost is without the um parking spaces involved. >> Sure. I I do have one other question about this if I could. just saw it on the uh section 8. Um the um
the next page uh not not the beginning of section 8, the the page that follows the paragraph that begins in the event that the owner see that uh references the director of public works his title is superintendent. So if we could make that edit.
>> Um and then the other question is um beneath that you see a subsection A and B and then the paragraph after that it says the officer in charge. I'm assuming that means the superintendent of public
works. Correct. That it's my read and I just want to make sure that is what if that's a correct understanding that I have. Uh well to to go back to um section 8
um the existing uh chapter 182 um section 3 uh defines the director of public works. So the the proposed change is based on that. But you know certainly I think that that
just changing the title is a a minor a minor change. it uh certainly uh make that um could you repeat the the second item >> again it the the again on that page that
begin began that I mentioned um there's no page number the there's a sub paragraph A and B begins with such removal may include >> and then you have AB and then the paragraph beneath that paragraph B it says the officer in charge and again my
assumption is the officer in charge again is the superintendent of public works. >> Yeah. It it says um in that paragraph above right where you want to change from director to superintendent. >> It says or such other officer >> is may be designated. It's whoever's
available. >> In that paragraph, I think I asked Mr. Flynn this question. It says the officer in charge of such removal shall certify the cost thereof to the governing body of the township. The governing body shall examine such certificate and if found correct shall cause the cost to be charged against the real property responsible for the removal. Is that a
governing body function? >> I would assume that it would be the same way that let's say a tax collector would certify the amount of taxes owed to the governing body because I think in the next paragraph it does say that it gets added to the property owner's tax bill.
So I think it would be the same way that the tax collector would certify, >> but it it seems to suggest that the governing body has to take action there. And I I >> my understanding is that the um uh the
duly uh [cough] appointed representative of of the township would would present the the cost to the governing body, which would be the council. and the council would then uh either approve or not approve uh
the uh the cost. I will also point out that this again is uh from the existing uh chapter 182-3 that's the existing um uh municipal code. So, um, if there's
any, you know, any concern with with that, it's it's the pre-existing law that's already on the books. >> I I understand that. I just was I was a little confused about by that. Um, and and that in instances
where there are ordinances such as this, I I'd never encountered frankly and maybe it's my lack of um awareness that the governing body had a role in assessing. >> I think part of that question is what is the governing body in the state of New
Jersey? Because as I understand governing body can be interpreted. It is not defined in this ordinance what governing body is and my understanding is the state does not specifically define governing body. We like to think it's the council but there's some questions under a Faulner act form of
government if it is in fact the council. >> That's what I was getting at. Yeah. Because because the form of government is there deserve does that have to be clarified somewhere in the ordinance of what that is? So that would be question that I think and then the last question I have is on the the next page section
10 it lists the enforcement agencies and it lists department of public works health officer department of code enforcement bridgewater township police department andor their design design and I had had a conversation with Chief Mitsac about this right chief and um
felt that it was probably best that the police department would be the one to enforce this for a couple of reasons. One is they are out and about um and to expect a health officer to police this uh would be very difficult and I think
with the police having you know be they're they're in the community and they would see something like this more than a health officer or a code enforcement official. Uh and he was in agreement with that. So would you want to remove health officer and code enforcement and leave
DPW and township police? >> You're asking me my opinion. I would leave it at the police >> only police >> exclusively because I just think there's a practical there's a pract practicality here. public works, they're going to be pushing snow and um if we really wanting
to have an effect, I think I personally think chief, he can speak, but he and I did speak. He's he wants to weigh in. Don't want him to ever think I'm speaking on his behalf. >> Aren't you glad you come to all these meetings?
>> No, I have no problem enforcing that. Um, we have the MVRs and the body wararmware cameras which would support the evidence when we had to go to court with it. So, I think, you know, we're one of the best ones that could >> Yeah, it makes sense. >> Yeah.
>> Thank you. >> I have a question for council. Um, based upon section 8, it says we may. So, we may, we may not. Snowstorm or ice, whatever. for for whatever reason we
choose not to enforce, we choose not to go in and remediate, do we have any liabilities? >> So [clears throat] the torque claims act provides that the township is immune when it engages in
its in discretionary activities which this would be that why it says may cause presumably this was drafted by Mr. Duca of my office. The reason it's phrased that way is to impart that discretionary activity immunity for the township. I
would just caution on one piece that once the township decides to undertake an action if it's done negligently or if a condition of property that the township even if it if private has exercised
control over such as a private roadway and creates a condition let's say a pothole or something else in which someone could be injured that could potentially visiate the normal imal immunity that the township has on premises liability cases. So the
distinction I would make is that although this ordinance would support a discretion discretionary activity immunity, um I would caution against if DPW does go out and does plow what's considered a private roadway and
exercises control over that private roadway and a hazardous condition or as the TOR Claims Act says dangerous condition is created, it's possible that the township could be held liable should somebody get injured. And I would add to that, I would think that this would be a la an absolute last
resort for the town to use section 8. I think we would probably be more inclined to use section 10 or section 9. >> Respectfully disagree because the problem is by issuing a violation notice. Okay. So, police department goes
out and issues a violation that is not going to force the owner to go clean the snow up tonight. >> That's true. that that is going to result in them calling their lawyer to your point earlier h going and hiring a lawyer and having a court date what 30 45 days after a ticket's written is that
average court time. So you know the snow could be long gone before they appear in court. So issuing a $500 fine on a first offense is not I don't think is [snorts] enough of motivation for them to clean their snow right away. >> I think you only have to enforce it
once. Um, you'd be surprised on our township ambulance ordinance. >> Well, we just remember they probably are going to have to get an attorney and that's going to cost them a couple thousand dollars right there. >> Facilities that appear quite regularly and we changed the fine to a minimum of
1,500 and they still get multiple violations a year. >> Should we up the fine? >> I don't think 500 is enough of a deterrent. You're not going to get I don't know that you're going to get an argument from anybody up here if you're suggesting we up the fine.
>> Well, I I maybe we instead of of upping the minimum, maybe we up the maximum because, you know, there I I think in your conversations there there could be instances where you know something occurs and maybe it's not this particular, you know, in individual
location. Um, so you know, I would be willing, you know, maybe if we go with a broader range, maybe 500 to 5,000, and then if Judge House is seeing the same troubling circumstance time after time after time, I would presume that she
would have the discretion to get their attention at 5,000. >> Is the um current number based on the risk to a certain number of people? Like would it be correlated to like a single residence or is it based on multi
residential? Yeah. So like how much is it for like uh not a multi like a single >> uh the the existing ordinance which uh only covers um either clearing the um uh
clearing the public sidewalk or uh another violation would be to uh throw snow into the road. Um uh that is uh up to $500. >> Okay. >> Um so the the the
proposal would be a minimum of $500 uh up to up to 2,000. I don't I don't see any um um any any reason that uh a a a higher maximum is
is unwarranted. >> Yeah. Um you know another another consideration um is should it be relative to the size of the
complex there be a a per um occupied unit be relative to that? I I I don't I think that would be a little bit too complicated and then have to get into the uh definition of what's an occupied
unit and that I think that's that's you know getting a a little ahead of ourselves of what um what uh what we need to do. But I I I have no no problem with a a higher higher maximum if if uh
you know it's if if there's a concern that that is not a high enough uh enough of a deterrent um that was the the um suggestion from from council based on other municipalities.
We also have to be cognizant of the fact that while this is being looked at for one particular situation, this ordinance applies to who knows how many developments in town. >> Mhm. >> We're not even sure what that number of
developments it applies to is my understanding. Well, I mean, obviously the uh we'd hold every property owner of uh multi-unit residential properties to the same standard of of uh ensuring that
the private roadways are are kept uh clear of snow and ice. >> The only reason I bring that up is if the penalties associated with are not significant enough of a deterrent, we could find ourselves where other property owners go, "Oh yeah, I'll just let Bridgewater take care of it. It's
worth the 500 bucks, but >> I'm okay with increasing the fine, both the the lower amount and the and the higher amount. I don't know what anybody else thinks, but >> I I heard I heard a a maximum 5,000. Is
that >> I would think if we're going to make some revisions to this, it's probably best to table this until our next meeting. Um because I think even if we were to introduce it tonight and assuming it
passed in April 9th, I don't think this is something that I'd like to think we're not going to have any snow after April 9th. >> Can Can we Can we do this? Um because I you know I want to be fair to Councilman Bucko because he's put in a lot of time. I know we all have. Um I you know if if
we can have um consensus on what we want the changes to be you know nothing's ever final. We can always change again. But if we you know say hey right now let's decide what's the fine uh is it the police uh the
superintendent change. Um you know if we can pretty you pretty much say those are going to be the changes. Does it then make sense for us to table it just this one more time? take the actions in April and be all set for hopefully when it snows again in 2032, our next snowstorm.
>> Let's hope you're right. >> Is that is that a a reasonable solution? >> Um that that is that is reasonable. >> Okay. And then and then what that what that will also do is it'll it'll it'll allow perhaps additional conversation about
section 8 and exactly what may cause uh means and the fact that like we do not want to be in the private road snow removal business. >> I I Yeah, I agree. Okay. And if we're talking about violations, I guess just
from a consistency, I I reference the ambulance ordinance and that is a minimum $1,500 fine. >> Okay. The business >> does it work >> um for the most part? Yes. >> Increase the minimum because the risk is
higher again. More number of residents, more children. Mhm. >> So, we're talking about tableabling it, reintroducing it with certain changes at the next meeting for introduction.
>> That's what I've heard. Did you c capture Mr. Papis' comments, Andrew? >> Uh, I did. >> Okay. >> Um, like, do you want us to go through them again? No, I I have Okay. >> Do we do we want to have a conversation?
Are we looking at 1500 to 5,000? >> You know, I mean, I think 1500, if there's precedent for that with the ambulance ordinance, that that's a good starting number and 5,000 to me is a big number that would get my attention. Um >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. And and you know, again, I I I would presume that if this were to end up in court, you know, perhaps our judge would have the ability to go toward the lower end at a first offense, but at a second and a third and a fourth, I would presume she's going to see repeat
behavior and is going to be less lenient. >> I am pulling right now. Bear with me. E360 is not loading quickly enough. I was going to give you the range on the ambulance side from a consistency, but I'll get it for you in the interest of
time. I mean that's a that's a um I think a a fair point that the um uh especially that that you had brought up um that uh lacking a minimum
um leaves leaves too much uh uh uh wiggle room for somebody to not be in compliance. And I guess if the reality is there's a five unit multi- multi- a multi- uh unit
with only five and they don't they don't do the right thing. Well then >> 1500 to 5,000. >> Oh wow. [laughter] >> And up to 90 days in jail >> actually in the ambulance but >> Oh okay. Well, there you go. 1,500 to
>> we have some precedent >> and and I I will in you know I will follow up with you on the whole may cause situation so that so that we can all be assured that we're not entering the private snow removal business.
>> Right. I I I will also um just just point out that the the existing the existing ordinance um uh it says shall cause for uh sidewalks.
So um to council's point about um the uh may leaving it to um um a uh a decision by the the township of of what to enforce. I I think that that uh the
change to the language there actually uh gives us more flexibility than the the current law has. >> Is there any further discussion? Can I have a motion to table? >> I will I will make that motion. >> Second.
>> I'll second. >> Do I need a roll call for that? Can we just do all in favor? >> All in favor? >> All in favor? >> All in favor? All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. And just there was one other item potentially to clarify the whole governing body and who the governing body is that we're talking about here just because under Faulner
>> just change governing body to township council. >> Township council. Okay. >> If that's in fact where Okay. >> done. >> Okay. >> So I think there's about four four or five. Okay. >> Okay. Now we're moving on to the um resolutions. The appointment of the
health advisory board. Lynette Andrews to the appointment of the health advisory board. I don't think Lynette Andrews is here. Um, but I've had a chance to look at her resume. It's a sterling resume. Um, >> hardressed to argue against it. I'm happy to move it.
>> Okay, I got a second. >> Awesome. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? Have a roll call. >> Council Councilman Beco. >> Yes. >> Woman Isla. >> Yes. Councilman Kh. >> Yes. Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Geger. >> Yes.
Appointments to the Bridgewater Raritin Municipal Alliance. Daniel O'Harn, Lisa Balduchi, Lauren Kryski, Stacy Freedellander, Rebecca Husana, Michael Manion, John Mitsac, and Tim Pino. Can I
have uh is there any discussion? >> I know there was Sorry. Go ahead. Well, there there seems to be an open question uh about the um uh eligibility for one of these individuals. I don't know if that's been resolved or in the
absence of it being resolved um we can remove that name and potentially consider action once that matter is resolved. >> Well, um I did some research on this. It turns out that at the council meeting
uh the uh the council meeting on January I think it was January 2nd or January 3rd, 2025. The appointments to the Bridgewater Rarity Municipal Alliance included the appointment of a Serena Colada
um who is a White House station resident. She was also not a resident of Bridgewater. She's been appointed as a representative of the of a public or private organization involved in the prevention and treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse. Um, and I would suggest
that this is a similar appointment that the person you're referring to here is the business representative who is not a resident of Bridgewater but does have um conducts her business in Bridgewater. As to Serena Colada, again, she's a
resident of White House Station and that was approved by the council by the prior council. There didn't seem to be any concerns about um her residency. I'm not even sure that um her business is in Bridgewater. It may or may not be. So, I think there is some precedent here.
Precedence here. I would also point out that um the appointment in question, there was only one applicant. There's been no other applicant. Um, so I'm I I'm not really sure what the what the you know given that if there's
really an objection. I think the intent here is to have a business owner and in this case the person in question um is one of the few women business owners and maybe the only female restaurant owner in town. Be nice to have some more
diversity in that regard. >> Well, I mean, Mr. Papus, I know that you provided some citations. I mean, are you satisfied that, you know, we're on firm legal ground here or not? >> I think that's a legal question. My my
uh Yeah, I I think I had gotten the code and I forwarded it to Mr. Corsini. I don't know if he had Mr. um Flynn look at it. Well, I think if we do that, we're going to have to remove Serena Colado, too.
>> I mean, the rule is either going to apply to everybody or it's going to apply to nobody. >> I agree. It's an ambiguity in in the ordinance. It just uses the word from from the township of Bridgewater or from the Burough of Rariton. My understanding
of Mr. Corsini's position that he offered today is that um he referenced was there a past practice and ultimately did not appine one way or the other on the issue. So I think it's at the discretion of the council at this point. >> Oh, we have a past practice.
Is there any further discussion? Can I have a motion to approve the resolution? >> So, be moved. I have a second. >> Second. >> You want to take a roll call on this one? >> Well, I'd actually like additional discussion. Um, uh, the Green Grill has
been the subject of substantial conversation in front of this governing body about its compliance. Um, and I am concerned uh about um the relationship between non-compliance of a business uh and um
placing that business's owner in a position uh of authority such as this. >> There any further discussion? So, I I guess then I will make a motion to uh remove the name uh Lisa Baluchcci
uh and proceed with the um the others. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second it. >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Councilman Bako. >> Uh no. >> Councilwoman Isla? >> No. >> Councilman Kersh? >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring?
>> Yes. >> President Geger? >> No. Um, >> then I I have no choice but to abstain. Um, I I support every one. I I support the appointment of everyone except for Ms. Baluchcci. Um, but since they've all
been included, I can't vote yes. Um, in good conscience, I don't want to vote no because of, you know, the uh my my interest in supporting the others. I'll have no choice but to abstain. >> Any further discussion? Any other comments?
Can we have >> Do you have a motion from So You need a second on the original motion. >> Okay. Can I have a second on You're good. Can I have a second motion? I mean, can I have a motion on Can I have a second on the original motion? >> I'll second it. >> I need a roll call.
>> And I think we need a roll call. Yes. >> Councilman Bako, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> abstain. >> Councilman Ring, >> no. >> President Ger, >> yes. The resolution pass. Um, appointments to the open space advisory
committee. Um, Andrew Bucko, class 2A, that's the council appointment. Michael Kersh, class 2A alternate. Alan Cordilla, class 2B, and her Admillan. Um, just in that regard, I just want to
make a comment that um, we didn't h we don't have an application from Alan Cordella. We have an application from her Sith, but I I think given everyone's knowledge of um council, former councilman Cordill, I didn't think it was necessary to have a specific
application from him. I think we're all familiar with him and know his qualifications. Um can I have uh is there any further discussion? >> Just a reminder that um the last name of the gentleman should be changed to have the M at the end of >> Yes.
Is there any further any any uh >> any further discussion or comments? Can I have a motion to approve? >> Do do we need a motion to amend the uh move to adopt as amended with that change? >> Okay. >> I have a motion to adopt as amended with that change.
>> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I You need a >> Do you want a roll call? I'm sorry. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Bakov. >> Yes. Councilwoman Isla, >> yes Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes.
>> President Gger, >> yes. I want to congratulate all the uh appointees. One of them walked out, but uh congratulations to those appointees who are still here. Um, and now we move on to a resolution
amending resolution 260122037 appointing members to the emergency medical service advisory committee to provide for staggered terms. Uh, Councilman Timothy Ring, Lieutenant James Edwards, Alan Cordilla, Robert
Albano, Caitlyn Soden, and Christopher Ireland. I think >> this is just a pre pre previously everyone has been appointed. They were appointed uh due to an error all with the same expiration date. So this is just reappointing to staggered terms
>> and I think we've resolved the issue of whether >> we believe so. It's subject to change but yes we believe so. >> Okay. All right. Um [snorts] anyway, can I have a motion to accept the resolution? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Well, uh roll call, please.
>> Councilman Beco. Yes. >> Councilwoman Isla. >> Yes. >> Kersh. >> Yes. Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> Geer. >> Yes. Uh and then E. Authorizing execution of an amended agreement for the police services with the Bridgewater Raritton Board of Education for school
resource officers to reflect a revised payment amount. I think the payment amount is like $700. It's a pretty small amount. >> No, it's a $700 reduction. The the payment amount is 131,792.12. It was reduced down to $131,43.33.
A decrease in the approved contract amount of $74879. >> See, you're my person. >> I don't how we've come up with that 74849, but >> it there was just an error, so this is correcting it. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Can I have a motion to accept the resolution?
>> So moved. I have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Bako, >> yes. >> Woman Isla, >> yes. >> Kersh, >> yes. >> Ring, >> yes. >> President Geger, >> yes. And finally, a resolution of the township of Bridgewater in the county of
Somerset, New Jersey, determining the form and other details of its note relating to the water bank construction financing program of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to be issued in the principal amount not to exceed $4,100,000
and providing for the issuance and sale of such note to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and authorizing the execution and delivery of such note by the Township of Bridgewater in favor of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank all pursuant to the water bank construction financing program of the New Jersey
Infrastructure Bank. A lot of infrastructure bank there. Mr. Papis, do you want to make an explanation of this or >> the as as I think you all know the council last year approved a bond ordinance for the sewer utility for the Middle Brook pump station and this
simply as our bond council Mr. Drake Dreitz has advised this just enables the township to uh issue debt and we anticipate at the next meeting uh to propose an award of contract but that's still under final review.
>> Can I have >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> No, no, you go ahead. And it just bears noting um that this is extremely um attractive uh financing uh for this uh and that was the reason why we took this
action or began this action in 2025. Uh you know to restore and and maintain both the fiscal and the physical uh integrity of that system. >> Yeah. I think we know we have to do this. Yeah, but but it bears it just
bears noting that this this mechanism makes it particularly >> it's not going out to the traditional bond market. >> I my my understanding of uh the uh I bank uh finance program there's a
there's a split in um the interest that's charged uh to the debt. Um some of it is interest free and then some of it is at a fairly attractive interest rate. Do we have that split and the um interest rate?
>> I think it turns out to be overall 2%. >> Okay. >> Can't beat that. >> All right. Can I have a motion to accept the resolution? >> So moved. I'll second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Bako. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Isla. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. >> Ring. >> Yes. >> President Geger. >> Yes. >> Is there any discussion about any any new topics? Anything anyone wants to talk about? >> Can I have >> to adjourn? >> See, see, I don't even have to ask.
Second. >> Second. >> I. >> All in favor? >> I I >> Thank you everyone. All right. Big