WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=VDm9pYOvmFw NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: VDm9pYOvmFw): - 00:00:01: Meeting Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance - 00:01:18: Councilman Bucko's Report: Rising Scams and Victim Awareness - 00:05:59: Councilman Kersh: Bulky Trash, Visions, Chick-Fil-A - 00:10:24: Council President Guyger: Condolences, Victory Towns, ALS - 00:13:59: Councilman Ring: Scams, Police Thanks, OEM Report - 00:16:27: Mayor Mench: Women's Club, Police Appreciation, Hill Lane - 00:20:27: Mayor Mench Proclaims May ALS Awareness Month - 00:23:54: Police Chief and Mayor: Citizen Police Academy Graduation - 00:35:52: Opening Public Comment: Police Academy Graduates First - 00:37:19: Mary Gallagher: Residential Lighting Ordinance Needed - 00:47:29: Mr. Pedroso: Critique of Bridgewater Budget and Taxes - 00:50:19: Miss Franco: Police Support and Data Center Ban? - 00:52:50: Chris Drew: Bridgewater Flooding Issue with Neighbor - 01:04:23: Anonymous: Thanking Bridgewater Police Department - 01:04:56: Closing Public Comment: Moving onto Ordinances - 01:05:15: Ordinance 10A: Amending Sale of Property on Whitney - 01:07:38: Ordinance 10B: Temporary Parking, 460 Route 22 - 01:21:59: Resolution 12A: Approving fireworks Display - 01:23:02: Resolution 12B: Approving Developer Agreement - 01:27:32: Adjournment Part: 1 1 00:00:01.360 --> 00:00:20.800 Mayor, we're starting >> in 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 2 00:00:20.800 --> 00:00:37.440 the website and the bulletin board in the municipal building and filing with the township clerk. Roll call, please. Councilman Bucko >> here. >> Councilwoman Isla. >> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. Here. >> Councilman Ring. >> Good evening. Here. >> Council President Ger 3 00:00:37.440 --> 00:00:57.440 >> here. Uh Councilwoman Isla is at a wedding in Canada. That's why she's not here tonight. If we could all stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation 4 00:00:57.440 --> 00:01:18.479 under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> The um minutes for the May 7th, 2026 um meeting have not been finalized yet. So that will be moved until June 4th, 2026. 5 00:01:18.479 --> 00:01:34.000 Uh township council reports. I'm going in order this time so I don't miss anybody. Councilman Bucko. >> Uh good evening. Uh I do not have uh anything to uh report this evening, but I would like to um uh bring the public's 6 00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:49.920 attention to the uh rising incidents in um in scams that uh unfortunately are preying on on Americans. The FBI estimates that uh $21 billion uh was 7 00:01:49.920 --> 00:02:06.479 lost to scams in 2025 and uh victims over uh cyber um enabled uh scams uh should clarify and uh victims over the age of 60 um lost uh 8 00:02:06.479 --> 00:02:21.360 collectively $7.7 billion which is up from uh 30 up 37% from 2024. for um uh I was uh I was actually reminded of this because my uh my phone this week 9 00:02:21.360 --> 00:02:40.080 has been ringing off the hook with a uh a scam uh trying to convince me that I have unpaid taxes that I have to immediately run down to uh convenience store and buy uh uh gift cards for uh 10 00:02:40.080 --> 00:02:55.599 online stores in order to fulfill the uh the the tax debt that I allegedly have. Um and uh one one of the hallmarks of of these types of scams is uh to create a sense of urgency, right? They 11 00:02:55.599 --> 00:03:13.120 say, "Oh, we have a a warrant out for you because you missed a jury duty assignment and if you don't uh immediately pay up uh $1,000, uh you're going to be arrested." or the aforementioned uh tax uh uh scam that uh 12 00:03:13.120 --> 00:03:30.319 you know um IRS agents are going to come breaking down your door. Uh or uh one that's uh also uh praise on uh senior citizens, which is to uh claim to be a uh grandchild that is uh has uh been 13 00:03:30.319 --> 00:03:47.760 arrested and is need of uh bailing out of jail. And uh if only you uh run down to uh CVS and and buy a bunch of uh uh iTunes gift cards and uh uh you the the the grandchild will be uh let out of 14 00:03:47.760 --> 00:04:05.680 jail. Um one of the uh one of the uh hallmarks of this is also that uh the the scammer uh will instruct the victim not to tell the clerk at the store what they're purchasing. the gift cards for. Um, 15 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:24.479 presumably because many uh sales clerks at stores uh will know that someone running in to buy 10 $500 gift cards for a uh online marketplace is probably getting victimized for a scam. So, um 16 00:04:24.479 --> 00:04:43.600 the uh uh the the best the best um uh advice I think is to slow down if somebody contacts you trying to get you to uh make uh uh a deposit uh at a at an ATM or uh withdraw money from your bank 17 00:04:43.600 --> 00:04:59.040 account to funnel to them. Um ask somebody you trust, is this does this smell right? Um there is there is not going to be any situation where if you don't immediately pay uh somebody's going to be breaking down your door to 18 00:04:59.040 --> 00:05:14.880 arrest you. Uh so so slow down. Uh don't be uh don't be a victim. And if you think you have been um uh don't uh don't be afraid to report that. Uh unfortunately, victims of scams often 19 00:05:14.880 --> 00:05:32.160 are victimized once again when uh the scammers then uh pose as dogooders saying, "Well, I'll help you get your money back if only you give me $500 more dollars." Um those recovery scams uh do not recover 20 00:05:32.160 --> 00:05:48.800 any money, but they just uh sap more uh out of the the victim. So, um, if you think you're being scammed or you're not sure, ask somebody. Ask somebody that you trust. And if if somebody's telling you to, uh, conceal the reason for what 21 00:05:48.800 --> 00:06:05.919 they've asked you to do, it is probably a scam. Thank you, >> Councilman Kersh. >> Uh, thank you. A version of that, it's also um, uh, you know, call to a senior citizen. Uh, your grandchild's been injured. Um, that call comes to my 22 00:06:05.919 --> 00:06:21.440 93-year-old mother, our children's grandmother. Um, and she's a lifelong New York, New Jersey resident, so, you know, she she's a lifelong New Jersey New York resident, let's just say. Um, so she typically will say, "Oh, that's such a shame. Good luck." And then she'll hang 23 00:06:21.440 --> 00:06:36.639 up. Um, but no, that's that's that's good advice. So, a few a few items. Um uh back on May 9th, so a couple of Saturdays ago, uh I was at uh the bulky trash uh drop off. Um was able to meet 24 00:06:36.639 --> 00:06:54.720 probably 50 to 60 residents. Uh most of whom are always quite happy because they're dropping off stuff from their garage or their basement. Um a few, you know, good suggestions and and you know, always interested in having my ear to the ground. So I enjoy events like that. 25 00:06:54.720 --> 00:07:10.880 Uh on uh May 12th, I met with David Walker, the uh executive director of Visions and Pathways. I've had a relationship with him for a couple of years. I helped out at their um fundraising uh walk and run a few a few weeks back. We agreed to sit down, did 26 00:07:10.880 --> 00:07:25.680 some brainstorming. Um, we have an interesting and important partnership with Visions and Pathways because they represent uh a few uh of our affordable housing units uh that are uh anticipated to be built in the next few years. Uh as 27 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:42.080 with many nonprofits, um you know, fundraising is a challenge, but as soon as they can get their funds raised, they'll be uh they'll be building Bridge House, uh which will be uh uh 10 studio apartments for uh individuals over the 28 00:07:42.080 --> 00:07:58.319 age of 21. Uh and um you know, I believe we get double credit because they're rentals. So that's 20 of our affordable uh housing units. Uh, also wanted to report out animal shelter. Uh, I think I'd mentioned they've had a few uh, 29 00:07:58.319 --> 00:08:15.360 accomplishments lately, so I just like to to mention a second one uh, in this regard. Uh, they recently completed uh, a u what's called a dog runner uh, for larger dogs. Uh, a refurbishment of that area, including an upgrade of the doors 30 00:08:15.360 --> 00:08:31.280 to get in and out of that. that is an improvement to uh compliance and safety. Uh it was done through a restricted donation made via family foundation. Uh and that that organization continues to do outstanding work on behalf of our uh 31 00:08:31.280 --> 00:08:48.800 I guess four-legged and other animal uh animal friends in the community. Um earlier today uh I spoke I spoke with the owner operator uh of the Chick-fil-A. Um they are uh interviewing people uh for key positions at the 32 00:08:48.800 --> 00:09:03.279 Chick-fil-A which will be at the Bridgewater Town Center uh over near the Wegman's and the Home Depot. Uh they're not quite ready to announce their grand opening, but if all continues to go well, it will be fairly soon. Uh and 33 00:09:03.279 --> 00:09:20.720 they are employing uh approximately 85 to 90 people. Um so that's you know certainly a nice little um you know a little boost for um for those uh individuals and families. And then the other thing I wanted to mention uh proactively is uh plans continue in 34 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:35.680 conjunction with the Washington Campground Association uh which I'm on the board of trustees. Um we're looking to do uh a flag raising uh over on Garrettson Road a Hopkinson version flag. uh we're going to do it the day 35 00:09:35.680 --> 00:09:52.560 after Flag Day because Flag Day is on a Sunday this year, June 15th. And we hope that that'll be a new tradition that is essentially the beginning of the uh Fourth of July holiday season. Uh and indicate to people that there is something just a little bit different uh going on in Bridgewater based on our 36 00:09:52.560 --> 00:10:09.360 history uh as being the location where the first American flag was raised uh at the Middlebrook encampment. Uh, and then on the agenda, um, we have the, um, uh, ALS, uh, proclamation. I'm not sure if Katherine um, Katherine Brower is here 37 00:10:09.360 --> 00:10:24.240 yet. Okay. All right. Good. So, uh, we'll we'll get to that in the in the agenda shortly. And that's my report. >> Thank you, Councilman Kersh. Um, I'm Joan Guyger. I am your council president. Um, first of all, I would 38 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:41.040 like to on behalf of the council extend um our condolences to the people of the mosque in San Diego where three people were shot today and I believe the two perpetrators committed suicide. Um, if you have not had a chance to listen to 39 00:10:41.040 --> 00:10:57.839 the words of the imam, he gave some uh very very heartfelt um words about houses of worship and and how we all have to look out for each other. Um, I would also like to announce that Bridgewater will be joining Manville, 40 00:10:57.839 --> 00:11:13.200 Franklin, Rocky Hill, Trenton, Princeton, um, so far and Hillsboro uh, in be in participating in the Victory Towns 250th celebration. Um, this encompasses 41 00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:30.000 historic sites uh from the American Revolution in towns that witnessed the 700mile march of American and French troops to Yorktown, Virginia. Um, Bridgewater is one of less than 1% of towns in the country that witnessed this 42 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:46.640 and is along the route. The march occurred in 1781 and led to the Battle of Yorktown where General Cornwallis surrendered to the American and French troops. Uh locally, our portion of the route um is known to many of you as the 43 00:11:46.640 --> 00:12:04.640 Washington Ro Shambo route. Um and so for those of you that are history buffs, we're proud to participate in that as part of our 250th celebration. I would also like to um let the public know that I met with Chief Mitsac and Captain Thorson to discuss speeding issues in 44 00:12:04.640 --> 00:12:22.160 town. They gave me a list of too many streets to count uh where there are speeding problems. We are working on it. Um with uh and I also want to acknowledge that township administrator Papis met with us and we're aware of the fact that it is a problem in many many 45 00:12:22.160 --> 00:12:38.800 streets and we are looking at ways to uh mitigate it. Uh, I would just like to note in terms of the ALS proclamation, um, I learned a lot by reading the proclamation, mayor. Um, I got some new 46 00:12:38.800 --> 00:12:55.360 information about it. Um, I didn't know that it particularly affected veterans. Um, and I think like other people on the Deis there, we had a close family friend who died from ALS. So, um, I'm glad that we're acknowledging this. Um, this week 47 00:12:55.360 --> 00:13:11.680 is EMS appreciation week. We will be issuing a proclamation for our EMS workers at the next council meeting on June 4th. We delayed it in order to have time to give notice to our EMS workers so they could be here for it. And I do um want to make it clear that our 48 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:27.279 firefighters and police officers are also more than welcome. uh you may technically not be EMS workers, but um you oftentimes do have to respond and and offer emergency aid to people on the scene. So, we want to include you as 49 00:13:27.279 --> 00:13:42.720 well, and I don't think that our rescue squad workers will mind very much. Um lastly, my fun fact, um New Jersey has 75 victory towns, way more than any other state in the country. Bridgewater 50 00:13:42.720 --> 00:13:59.279 sites along the victory towns includes um passage of the armies of the French and the Americans by the Vanveton House of course the Washington roambo route and the national historic uh the Washington roambo route national 51 00:13:59.279 --> 00:14:15.839 historic trail and the Van Horn House. Thank you Councilman Ring. >> Thank you Councilman Bucko. I'm sorry to hear about your challenges with your taxes if it's any help. I received a text tonight that if I click on the link, I have $20,000 coming to me from the federal government. So perhaps you 52 00:14:15.839 --> 00:14:32.480 could use it to uh pay your taxes. You just have to click on that link. >> Congratulations. >> Yes. I also uh received last week the New Jersey District Court jurisdiction, which does not exist for my traffic violations that I have to go to court for, but there's no court date. But of 53 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:48.800 course, there is a link to click >> in Newark, right? >> No, there is no such thing. >> Oh, no. I No. I I think you have to go to Newark. >> No. >> And pay some money. >> This is you. Click on the link and pay some money. But anyway, um many people know uh following our last 54 00:14:48.800 --> 00:15:06.079 council meeting. Um guess it was about a week and a half ago. Uh literally that night, uh an incident unfolded down the road on Garrison Road that led to almost 36 hours uh of non-stop Bridgewater police involvement. 55 00:15:06.079 --> 00:15:21.360 I think everyone's familiar with that. Um, I know Chief Mitsac actually left the council meeting and went there and spent countless hours down there. And I I would be remiss if I didn't say to Chief Mitsac and all of his officers, I know several standing in the back of the 56 00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:38.639 room were there for quite some time, thank you for what you did for Bridgewater over those 36 hours. Um, this past weekend, I had an opportunity to attend a PBA wine tasting event. Um, if anyone is into challenge coins, uh, 57 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:54.880 the PBA has a America's 250th special edition challenge coin that looks really neat. Um, and I'm sure if you reach out to the PBA, they can help with that. Uh, earlier today, I attended the local emergency management council meeting 58 00:15:54.880 --> 00:16:10.800 hosted by Bridgewater OEM. uh number of events. You can tell summer's upon us starting with the Memorial Day parade this coming weekend in Bradley Gardens. Between that and the 4 fair in August, there's currently nine large special 59 00:16:10.800 --> 00:16:27.920 events scheduled in Bridgewater that the office of emergency management's involved in. Um in addition to still working to collect money from some of the winter storms that uh disaster declarations were issued. So that's my report. Thank you. Thank you very much, 60 00:16:27.920 --> 00:16:44.000 Councilman. Mayor, your report. >> Yes, thank you. Just a few uh brief items tonight. Um first, I do want to just note uh for everyone here that the um the Bridgewater Women's Club celebrated its 50th anniversary um last 61 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:59.199 week. I unfortunately was unable to attend, but um we had somebody from the administration uh go in my place to make some remarks and to read a proclamation. And uh you know it's really an accomplishment for that organization to be thriving after 50 years. You don't 62 00:16:59.199 --> 00:17:14.640 have a lot of organizations that still have the same involvement for that long and have that much continued impact on the community as the Bridgewater Women's Club has done and continues to do. So congratulations to them on celebrating their 50th anniversary. Um I uh 63 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:32.559 following on Councilman Ring's comments, um I think it's fitting tonight that in a few moments we will do the um police academy this the um civilian police academy graduation and um when we on the heels of um the an incident on Hill Lane 64 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:49.600 where uh it was about 36 hours and you you hear the stories from the officers and you know that at any given time you never know what call is going to come through on on the radio and um what that's going to mean. I think uh officer uh Kennedy was there for I don't know 65 00:17:49.600 --> 00:18:06.480 how many hours. I won't put him on spot, but uh I know he was uh >> they ended the police academy early that night. >> Yeah. And uh and was back out on the road, you know, um you know, back out on the road not that long after uh from the from our conversation on Friday. Um and 66 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:21.760 uh and on top of that, you know, you're dealing with a situation where uh in addition to just being exhausted and being stressed, you have somebody who needs help, who's a danger to himself and others, but is also somebody who is ill and needs help. And the officer is trying to figure out a way of bringing 67 00:18:21.760 --> 00:18:38.880 it to a conclusion without harm coming to anybody. Um and the diligence that they put into it is remarkable. And even more poignant, the success that they had in doing that um is a is a real testament to all the officers uh who were there. Um the captains, the chief, 68 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:55.600 everybody, the command staff, thank you all for for your work. And I'd also like to comment that the um Somerset County Prosecutor's Office and the Middle Sex County Prosecutor's Office also lended significant support with the county SWAT team as well as the resources from both of those um those offices uh to assist 69 00:18:55.600 --> 00:19:12.559 all of our folks locally. So, thank you to those organizations as well and for any of the organizations that uh provided support, our EMS, all of the uh folks on standby for that. And um thank you for the officers for everything you do every day. So, with that, that's the conclusion of my report. And since this 70 00:19:12.559 --> 00:19:29.840 segus very well into um asking the chief to come up and just give a brief explanation to the public of what had occurred um and I hope the public understands were very limited in the information that we can release both due to privacy concerns and legal issues but 71 00:19:29.840 --> 00:19:50.960 chief I believe you are prepared to give a statement about it. If not I will read the article from the newspaper. Okay. So then I would refer um anyone in the public who wants to know. There was an article um in the paper uh about it 72 00:19:50.960 --> 00:20:05.600 by Audrey Bloomberg and you can it was published on May 9th uh 2026. If you want more information, you can get it there. And I want to join um in the other council members in just thanking our police department and all the 73 00:20:05.600 --> 00:20:27.120 emergency responders for the fine job that was done. Um could have been a lot worse. >> And with that we can move on to the proclamation. And mayor since it's your proclamation you get to read it. >> I will do that. I'm going to come down and we have a representative here. So I 74 00:20:27.120 --> 00:21:02.880 will read it and then we can present it. Surprised Suzanne's letting me do this on my own because they don't usually trust me to do that kind of that kind of stuff. Yeah. Okay. ALS awareness month. Whereas ALS also 75 00:21:02.880 --> 00:21:18.240 commonly known as Lug Garrick's disease is a progressive fatal neurodeenerative disease which a person's brain loses connection with their muscles slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. And whereas thousands of new ALS cases are 76 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:34.320 reported every year and estimates show that every 90 minutes somebody is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes away from ALS. And whereas on average patients diagnosed with ALS survive only 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. And whereas the exact causes of ALS are 77 00:21:34.320 --> 00:21:49.919 unknown and there is no known cure for ALS. And whereas people who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die from the disease and those with no history of military service. And whereas securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication 78 00:21:49.919 --> 00:22:06.480 technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS. Whereas clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS. Whereas the ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funer of ALS 79 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:23.679 research globally and has committed more than 154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries. And whereas the ALS association is committed to make ALS livable and cure it for everyone everywhere. Whereas ALS awareness month 80 00:22:23.679 --> 00:22:39.919 provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS, acknowledge the terrible impact this disease has on those individuals and their families and support research to eradicate this disease. Now therefore, I, Mayor Matthew Mench, Township of Bridgewater, do hereby proclaim the 81 00:22:39.919 --> 00:22:55.840 month of May 2026 as ALS awareness month. I call upon all Americans to join supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease. And we have a representative here. I'll give you the proclamation. And I wanted to say thank you very much for bringing this to our 82 00:22:55.840 --> 00:23:11.360 attention. And uh because of these proclamations, I know as council president mentioned, uh it really does help bring awareness for folks like me who have not had um been touched by uh this disease to learn more about it through preparing this proclamation and the information that we receive. So thank you very much for allowing us to 83 00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:54.000 do that. So I'll do the proclamation. I'll stay on here because I think uh >> Yes. for a presentation for the police academy graduation. >> I'm an alumni. I just want you to know. >> That's right. >> Okay. So, good evening everyone. uh to 84 00:23:54.000 --> 00:24:09.440 Mayor Mench, the council, our residents, and most importantly the citizen police academy graduates. Tonight, we recognize a group of individuals who committed the last eight weeks of gaining a better understanding of modern policing and the 85 00:24:09.440 --> 00:24:24.640 daily operations of the Bridgewater Township Police Department. Citizen Police Academy is designed to provide transparency, education, and open communication between the police department and the community we serve. Over the course of this program, our 86 00:24:24.640 --> 00:24:39.520 participants had the opportunity to learn about patrol operations, investigations, traffic safety, use of force, emergency response, and many of the challenges officers face every single day. Uh, this part is like why I 87 00:24:39.520 --> 00:24:55.279 like to go first because the mayor and the council always steal my thunder. But here we go. Um, a perfect example of that was um the night you all had the use of force training and we had to cut that use of force session uh short because our 88 00:24:55.279 --> 00:25:10.880 officers were called to respond to an armed barricaded subject. While that interruption may have been unexpected, it actually became a real life example of exactly what this academy is is designed to show. Police work is unpredictable. 89 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:26.720 situations can escalate and officers must be prepared at any moment to respond to dangerous and rapidly rapidly evolving events. The same principles we discussed in the classroom over the last last eight weeks such as decision-m 90 00:25:26.720 --> 00:25:44.400 under stress, teamwork, communications, tactics, and public safety were immediately being put into action by officers in the field that night. Our hope is that each graduate leaves with a deeper understanding of not only what we do, but why we do it. Policing 91 00:25:44.400 --> 00:26:00.480 is built on trust, communication, and partnerships with the community, and programs like this helping strengthen those relationships. I also hope you gained a greater appreciation for the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of the men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department 92 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:15.919 who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. I want to acknowledge Sergeant John Kennedy for coordinating the academy and making sure everything got into place what we were going to be doing. Um he did a great job and thank you for that Jack. Um I also want to 93 00:26:15.919 --> 00:26:31.600 thank the officers who volunteer volunteered their time to teach the class uh on the topics of their uh specialty or expertise. So on behalf of the the Bridgewwater Police Department, I want to sincerely thank all of you for participating over the last eight weeks. 94 00:26:31.600 --> 00:26:48.080 Your willingness to give your time, ask questions, and engage with us means a great deal to us. Congratulations to tonight's graduates, and thank you for helping advance a stronger partnership between the Bridgewater Township community and its police department. So, thank you very much. 95 00:26:48.080 --> 00:28:09.600 Congratulations. Hey, Serge. I think the mayor's going to present. You could call the name and the mayor will present the uh >> Okay. do one at a time or Okay, you got it. I'm here. Jack, use the mic so the people watching 96 00:28:09.600 --> 00:29:38.039 online can hear you. >> Is this better? >> Uh, Maria Father Larry, come on up. Muhammad Coach Kevin Roman, >> my son's wrestling coach. Nina and Anthony, another package deal. 97 00:29:53.840 --> 00:31:17.279 Linda, come on up. one of our interns, Justin. All right, last one. Eddie Lynn. few quick words. Uh first of all, congratulations to all of you. Um it as I mentioned when I stopped in the class uh at the beginning, you know, this to do this takes commitment. It's not just 98 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:33.679 you show up for as you know for one time and get a quick uh 30 minute overview and go on your way. Um, it takes people who are dedicated enough to their community to commit eight weeks to doing this and to learning and to engaging in 99 00:31:33.679 --> 00:31:50.320 dialogue about topics which um, some people know nothing about, some people know a lot of things about, and some people have a lot of opinions on. Um, it was very important to me um, when I became mayor that we made sure that whatever the topic was, we try to make sure people are are debating based on facts or understanding what's happening 100 00:31:50.320 --> 00:32:04.559 based on facts. So you can have different opinions about what should or shouldn't occur, but if you don't have a basic understanding of how something operates or uh what the parameters are, it makes it very hard to be able to interpret what you read in the news, what you see on Facebook. And um one of 101 00:32:04.559 --> 00:32:20.720 our uh the goals here is one to make sure people get a chance to meet our officers, to get chance to build relationships with those officers. So that way you know if you ever have an issue in Bridgewater, hopefully you know that there's somebody out there you can trust that you can go to, that you can say, "I don't know where to go, but I know I can go to Sergeant Kenny. I know 102 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:36.880 I could go to Chief Mitsac and they'll direct me and they're good people and and um you know they can help me. Um the other thing too is to make sure that uh as you learn as as you have about some of the parameters that when you read something or you hear people talking in the community, you can say well no that 103 00:32:36.880 --> 00:32:52.399 that's how it is supposed to be done. Or the converse if you're out there and you see something happen and you say that doesn't look right to me. You know I went to that class. I know what you're supposed to do and that looks wrong that you know then how to step up and and speak out if you see something that shouldn't be occurring. So, it's 104 00:32:52.399 --> 00:33:08.399 important for us to build relationship community to have that dialogue um both between from the department out but also from the community back in. So, uh thank you all so much for taking the time to do that for being an important part of uh the police department in our community. And uh we hope that we will 105 00:33:08.399 --> 00:33:34.200 see you back engaged in any number of ways here in Bridgewater, whether you live here, work here, or in the surrounding towns, that you will continue to be an active part of our of our extended community. So, thank you and congratulations on completing this project. Photograph >> Chief, when's the next class? 106 00:33:36.240 --> 00:34:22.200 Next year self-defense. >> If you have never been here for a picture, just do what she say. That's a lot easier, >> including the ones with guns. You're >> want 107 00:34:56.399 --> 00:35:52.480 Okay. Mhm. Do you want your feet? Oh, wait, wait, wait. Before everybody goes. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Nobody leave yet? Um, I'm going to open the meeting to the public and I'm going to ask that if there's anyone from the 108 00:35:52.480 --> 00:36:08.720 police academy that would like to say a few words that the other members of the public just give them a chance to speak first. Um, so with that, >> need a motion to open to public. >> I'll make it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. 109 00:36:08.720 --> 00:36:25.839 >> All right. So, 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. Um, and I'm going to if you if you are planning on 110 00:36:25.839 --> 00:36:41.359 speaking, there is a signin sheet. You sign your name and your address. When you come up to the podium, if you would give your name, you don't have to give your address, but if you would just say whether or not you're a resident of Bridgewater, it would be appreciated. So, if there's anyone from the police 111 00:36:41.359 --> 00:36:57.920 academy that wanted or in in reference to the police academy that would like to say a word, I would ask them to come up first. >> Okay. Yes. Silent. our night back. >> Well, when I when I did it last year, we were a loud group. A bunch of us got up. 112 00:36:57.920 --> 00:37:19.040 Um, is there anyone else any other member of the public that would like to speak? >> Um, I know you asked the police academy to stay. They don't have to stay any longer. >> That's right. You don't have to stay now. You can all go. Um, I'm Mary Gallagher 113 00:37:19.040 --> 00:37:36.160 and I'm here um 102 Highland Avenue. I think you need There's no paper here. I don't >> Oh, you have to sign over there. >> You can sign afterwards. >> Yeah. >> Um, I'm here um briefly. I wanted to tell you that recently I had a new 114 00:37:36.160 --> 00:37:53.520 neighbor move into my ha into the house ac across the street from me doing development um uh after he's got established. He's putting tons of light um on his lawn and he's got little 115 00:37:53.520 --> 00:38:11.119 monuments on his driveway with lights. Anyway, I'm getting obnoxious lights into my house and it's the front lawn. I open the door and it's nothing but lights. He leaves them on all night. I came to the zoning people um and Kevin I 116 00:38:11.119 --> 00:38:28.720 talked to Kevin and he said I asked him about residential lighting and he said two things. there's not much guidance. And the second thing was that most of the complaints he's getting from residents in Bridgewater are about um 117 00:38:28.720 --> 00:38:47.520 invasive lighting uh leading to very angry discussions um and not pleasant outcomes. Um so he I said to him, I said, "Well, what what rights do I have?" And he said, "Take it to the town council." So here I am. And 118 00:38:47.520 --> 00:39:04.160 what I'd like to see is if we could do some more shoring up on an ordinance on lighting, both commercial and residential. I feel like we've almost become almost like a homeowners association. We're so developed now that 119 00:39:04.160 --> 00:39:21.599 everybody is blending into one another. And I think we really need to get something hardcore in the books so we know what's going on. And like I said, Kevin's gets one complaint after another. he's overwhelmed with complaints, he said. And I was like really surprised to hear that, but um 120 00:39:21.599 --> 00:39:39.200 it's ev evidently becoming an issue. And one of the biggest issues is the LED lights. Um maybe the old stuff did not was not geared for the LEDs. They're very blinding lights and the pillars that he has is right on the curbs and it 121 00:39:39.200 --> 00:39:55.040 just shines out all over. So there has to be some control over this because it just is so invasive. And I know some people the ne that's next door to them. He's taken down tons of trees and shrubs 122 00:39:55.040 --> 00:40:11.440 as well. And they they're looking at the backyard with his the pool he's putting together with more lighting and stuff and that's going to glare into their backyard. So they're upset, too. So, I I 123 00:40:11.440 --> 00:40:27.520 think that there's to stop this from escalating into something of a war between people, I think we need to get something more hardcore down in the books. That's basically what I was looking for. I there's some guidance on 124 00:40:27.520 --> 00:40:45.359 this. Um I have talked to him in the past when he first moved in. I thought it was all right and I welcomed him. He never mentioned lights and how he was developing or anything. That came later. But in the meantime, he did, >> if you wouldn't mind wrapping it up. 125 00:40:45.359 --> 00:41:00.960 You're coming on the three minutes. >> Yeah. Okay. Just so you know, there was a history that um when I reported to zoning, he did um have to get penalized for digging with u backho near a gas line. >> Okay. 126 00:41:00.960 --> 00:41:17.040 >> So, this is what I'm looking for some help. >> So, I want to say thank you. Uh, I was not aware of this as being a problem other than the fact that I remember my elderly father complaining about a neighbor's light shining in his window. So, it does happen, but I had not really 127 00:41:17.040 --> 00:41:32.880 seen it as being uh as big of a problem as you're describing throughout town. I would talk to Kevin about it because >> it has come up from time to time and it's a hard one because who is going to at 10 o'clock 11:00 at 128 00:41:32.880 --> 00:41:51.040 night drive around and be the light police but I think as I listen to Mrs. Gallagher and um it's good to see you. It's been a while but welcome back. Um, I think it's something we should look at saying after I don't know 1000 p.m. 129 00:41:51.040 --> 00:42:06.240 outdoor lights will come on because of security motion sensors and stuff, but we something to say that they can only be on for a period of 2 minutes or something to that. They cannot be on non-stop after a certain time at night. Um, that might be something we could 130 00:42:06.240 --> 00:42:22.640 look at that is a little bit easier to enforce. I don't know. Thank you. >> Township attorney to see if he can research that. >> Council, >> I'm sorry, Council President. Just a real quick, the um the master plan that was passed last year by the council uh contains several recommendations with 131 00:42:22.640 --> 00:42:37.440 regard to residential lighting standards. Okay. The planner has prepared a report that is um currently with the administration with regard to trying to implement some of the recommendations within the master plan that would result in ordinances coming before the council to try to implement 132 00:42:37.440 --> 00:42:52.480 the master plan recommendations on residential lighting standards. So, it has been an issue. Um it's one that has been uh taken into account in the in the master plan process last year because there are um some of these issues are um really significant. I mean there are 133 00:42:52.480 --> 00:43:09.200 some really bad instances where it's really impacting people's quality of life u more so than just a passing nuisance on a given day. Um and so we've taken some time to try to figure out how to balance not trying to have a workable standard or enforcement mechanism with 134 00:43:09.200 --> 00:43:25.920 regard and but also not be out there every single time you know we we can't fix every issue and I I don't know I am familiar with your situation. Um, I don't know specifically, you know, how it would play out if the ordinance passed and then, you know, impacted on on yours, but certainly the idea is to 135 00:43:25.920 --> 00:43:41.599 make sure that residential lighting standards are reasonable within the community, that they're there for security, they're there for safety, um, but they're not impacting um, the surrounding homeowners quality of life and enjoyment of their property. Um and uh you know right now as Miss Gallagher 136 00:43:41.599 --> 00:43:58.079 mentioned the ordinances do have like kind of a generic like nuisance you know something that's very if it's so over the top it may be enforceable but it's a very vague provision uh kind of catchall provision which um as we noted really doesn't 137 00:43:58.079 --> 00:44:14.240 provide much um in a way of of um enforcement mechanism right now. So >> it's it's re it really does impact the quality of life. So, um, and you know what? It also impacts the animals like the lightning bug. >> Yeah, it does. 138 00:44:14.240 --> 00:44:31.200 >> And it's it's really a nuisance. Again, it's also LED lights are much worse than what we used to have. And limiting some of the lights, light bulbs or whatever might help. >> Um, we'll be in we'll definitely keep 139 00:44:31.200 --> 00:44:47.520 you in apprised. And of course, you'll see when ordinances come up, you'll see them, but we'll make sure that we >> I've sent some to Kevin. I have them. I've seen them. And uh you know, we're certainly aware and as you've mentioned, we're you know, only so much we can do right now. >> Thank you, ma. >> Madam President, just a brief comment. Um this this does come up from time to 140 00:44:47.520 --> 00:45:03.520 time in various neighborhoods. Um and I would be interested if if the law firm can can can do a due diligence here in what is in the municipal land use law. Um how is it interpreted? How can it be interpreted? What do other communities 141 00:45:03.520 --> 00:45:18.240 do? you know, clearly we're not the only ones with this with this challenge. There was one comment that you made though that that really troubles me. Uh you talked about removal of trees. Uh and then um we we do have uh ordinance 142 00:45:18.240 --> 00:45:34.319 related to uh tree removal and what can be removed and what can be removed two at a time and what can't be removed. Uh and I' I'd be very interested, Mr. Papus uh if we could, you know, make sure that uh the standards were prop were have 143 00:45:34.319 --> 00:45:49.839 been and will be followed in that area. >> Yeah, that that one's been looked at and the permits were pulled uh that that particular property owner did have the right permits and as far as we know um did the work in accordance with the permits. >> Well, that would be one of the few that did. 144 00:45:49.839 --> 00:46:05.280 >> Yeah. >> Well, I think by the time we got to that already gotten >> Yeah. But but but I do understand, you know, there is a difference between a person with a 75 or 100 watt bulb at or near an entrance, you know, protecting or attempting to protect the safety of 145 00:46:05.280 --> 00:46:21.440 their property as compared to uh you know, the type of nuisance that that you're you're describing. >> He has his um garage motion light. It it every time a car passes on the road, it flares up. I mean, he needs to get it in a little bit more. Right. >> Yeah. 146 00:46:21.440 --> 00:46:38.560 >> Now, you can direct them down and on the property, but when an outside car on the road goes by, it shouldn't go off. >> Anyway, >> I should have likely said 75 or 100 watt equivalent bulbs because nobody uses incandescent anymore, >> right? >> Some of some of us know what that means. >> As long as you're aware the issue 147 00:46:38.560 --> 00:46:53.599 because it's probably growing. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Mrs. Gallagher. Councilman Kersh, just if you just give me a minute. Um, if you wouldn't mind repeating what you had said earlier about Chick-fil-A hiring. 148 00:46:53.599 --> 00:47:09.599 >> Chick-fil-A is hiring. Yes, >> Harry. >> Chick-fil-A is hiring. Uh, actively hiring. They're doing interviews and, uh, they expect to have a full full staff of 85 to 90 people over the next couple of weeks. >> Listening. You listening? Yeah. Okay. 149 00:47:09.599 --> 00:47:29.359 All right. Mr. Pedroso, I think you're up next. >> Did you have your Is that your children say? Oh, yes. >> Thank you. >> I signed them. >> At the last uh meeting, this council approved a budget that raised municipal 150 00:47:29.359 --> 00:47:45.839 taxes on Bridgewater residents by 10%. In the past November election, voters were promised something uh very different. The three elected Democrats promised affordability. They promised the voters responsible government. They promised change. Instead, Bridgewater 151 00:47:45.839 --> 00:48:01.599 residents received one of the largest tax increases Bridgewater has seen in recent history. This did not happen by accident. It happened because this mayor uh chose bloated budgets over fiscal discipline. And with a Democratic council majority fully aligned with the 152 00:48:01.599 --> 00:48:18.319 mayor, there was no longer anyone willing to seriously challenge it. For years, I stood as the lone dissenting vote against tax king mayor mentions, inflated budgets, reckless borrowing, and repeated tax increases. I warned residents that despite the Republican 153 00:48:18.319 --> 00:48:34.160 label, this mayor governed with a philosophy of a tax and spend Democrat. Today, the numbers speak for themselves. Since Mayor Mench took office, municipal taxes have increased by approximately 42%. Sewer bills have risen more than 35%. 154 00:48:34.160 --> 00:48:50.800 Township debt has expanded dramatically. Mayor Mch truly has earned the title of tax king. The the council's role is not to rubber stamp the mayor's agenda. It is supposed to serve as a check and balance, ask difficult questions, challenge excessive spending, and 155 00:48:50.800 --> 00:49:06.240 protect taxpayers. When I served on the budget and finance committee, but while on this council, that responsibility was taken seriously. I spent hundreds of hours reviewing budgets line by line, identifying savings, making adjustments, and insisting on restraint. As a result, 156 00:49:06.240 --> 00:49:22.240 from 2013 through the end of 2019, Bridgewater experienced a long period of municipal tax stability with an averaged annual increase of less than 1% while achieving the lowest municipal tax rate in Somerset County. Those days are long 157 00:49:22.240 --> 00:49:38.720 gone since tax king Marench took charge. What happened at the at the last meeting was more than the passage of a budget. It was a betrayal of the voters who were promised affordability and a continuation of the reckless fiscal policies that have made Bridgewwater 158 00:49:38.720 --> 00:49:53.760 less affordable year after year. Residents who voted for affordability were betrayed with a 10% tax increase. Residents who voted for change were betrayed with more spending, more debt, and bigger government. This budget vote 159 00:49:53.760 --> 00:50:19.280 made one thing clear. 30 seconds. >> This budget though made one thing clear. Affordability was simply a campaign slogan, not a governing priority. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Miss Franco, we haven't seen you in a long time. 160 00:50:19.280 --> 00:50:33.920 >> I know. >> Did you sign in? I I I will do that at at great finish. Um good evening. Uh couple things. One, I would also like to thank the police department and EMS for the 36 hours of service during the 161 00:50:33.920 --> 00:50:50.640 standoff um last week. Um I thank you all for your dedication and service and for coming to a resolution where nobody there were no significant injuries. Um, next thing is I don't know whether or 162 00:50:50.640 --> 00:51:06.640 not the council would consider an ordinance similar to that which the town of Warren um just introduced which has to do with banning of data centers within the town. Um I would hope that this council looks at that ordinance. Um 163 00:51:06.640 --> 00:51:22.559 it was recently introduced in the township of Warren right next door neighbor and I would hope that we would consider that. Um item 10B on the agenda um was introduced as a temporary use for 164 00:51:22.559 --> 00:51:38.480 block 222 left. >> Sorry, Miss Franco, just be aware there's going to be a public hearing on that item. >> Okay. I'm I'm just saying that um and and I'll get back to the rest of my issues on that, but um I was disappointed that it did not clearly identify the location of that property, 165 00:51:38.480 --> 00:51:54.480 which is 1260 Route 22. And it's the property adjacent to the Mercedes dealer. >> I'm sorry I didn't pick that up when I read the agenda. >> Okay. Um and uh on 12B, 166 00:51:54.480 --> 00:52:10.079 um is there any change to what was approved? There's an authorizing execution of a developers agreement on Eminem route 26 which was for manufacturing facility. So is there any change to what had been approved? 167 00:52:10.079 --> 00:52:27.520 developers agreement doesn't change anything. It can't change anything that's approved. The execution of a developer agreement actually gives greater uh strength to the township to enforce the terms and conditions and the agreements that were agreed to during 168 00:52:27.520 --> 00:52:43.640 the hearing. >> Okay. Thank you very much. I appreciate that explanation. >> Thank you. It's >> actually a very good thing for us. >> Is there anyone else that would like to address the council? Come on up, sir. 169 00:52:50.400 --> 00:53:07.680 >> Hello, council members. My name is Chris Drew. I live at 755 Dale Road and as you can probably hear from my accent, I'm from England. Okay. I would like to wish this great country a happy 250th year. I think it's absolutely amazing what 170 00:53:07.680 --> 00:53:25.440 America's achieved over the last 250 years. I became um an American citizen about seven or eight years ago and for the record there was probably 150 people at the Newark office and I would say the majority of them were all waving 171 00:53:25.440 --> 00:53:41.839 American flags and they all had tears in their eyes and that just shows what a lifechanging experience it was for everyone there becoming an American citizen and I don't think that people in America really appreciate 172 00:53:41.839 --> 00:53:58.319 how good they have it. Okay. And America is still the most popular country anyone wants to immigrate to. Me being one of them. I've lived in Bridgewater for 24 years. I have a son and a daughter. My 173 00:53:58.319 --> 00:54:14.480 daughter is an RN nurse, okay, down in Florida now. And my son is a CEO of a company. So, we've had some great experiences in Bridgewater. We pay our taxes regularly. Unfortunately, back in 174 00:54:14.480 --> 00:54:28.960 2024, we had a major flood at our house. I contacted your department. Okay. And I spoke with Kyle. Um, and also I've also spoken to Dan and Scott Morano. They've 175 00:54:28.960 --> 00:54:46.480 been uh Kyle's visited our our property. Unfortunately, our neighbor had put in a illegal pipe which ran down our property boundary which went across your paper road. Okay. And led into the fire 176 00:54:46.480 --> 00:55:01.839 department. Yeah. When Carl visited, he said, "Mr. Drew, he shouldn't have put that pipe in." He then sent our neighbor a letter. the labor that the neighbor took the pipe away and that caused me 177 00:55:01.839 --> 00:55:27.119 even more flooding. And if you want to see pictures, I have the pictures here. Okay. So, your department had turned around and said there's nothing they can do. And I said, well, look, you wrote the neighbor the letter. Okay. So therefore, 178 00:55:27.119 --> 00:55:44.880 by just removing the pipe, surely they should have actually recommended some sort of extra remedial work to prevent our property from flooding. In the meantime, I've spent over $10,000 building a burm, okay, to prevent our 179 00:55:44.880 --> 00:56:02.240 neighbors water coming into our property. I've spoken to the fire department. They don't seem to be that particularly bothered about it. Um, I just feel that something needs to be done. Okay. And and I' and I'll be honest, obviously I I did speak to the 180 00:56:02.240 --> 00:56:18.640 Well, I didn't actually speak to the previous mayor in never even bothered to respond to my emails. Yeah. But I know that Bridgewater has flooding issues. This is a total, in my opinion, someone totally doing something as a lady said 181 00:56:18.640 --> 00:56:34.960 back there about lighting and and whatever. Yeah. If we don't enforce the laws at a local level, what hope have we got with regards to a national level? And perhaps that's why not just in America, but all over the world, 182 00:56:34.960 --> 00:56:52.319 everyone's suffering now because it should start at home first. >> You have 30 seconds. Just go ahead. >> I'm just hoping that someone here can actually do something about it. I'm not even concerned about the money. It's the pure principle that he's literally got 183 00:56:52.319 --> 00:57:07.599 away well I hate to use the word with murder and no one can do or can't seem to do anything about it. Um this council president uh just briefly to John's comments um this is another in general 184 00:57:07.599 --> 00:57:23.599 these kind of um is it general matter kind of pipe issues or um similar to lighting in a way where when it's commercial development and commercial regulations there's a lot of strict requirements on drainage on all that kind of stuff. Um there are this 185 00:57:23.599 --> 00:57:40.640 property is not alone instance where people are trying to address on their own residential properties their own flooding issues and they take you know they they come up with their own remedy and often times it's them offloading water sometimes illegally into our sewer pipes which is one issue or directing it 186 00:57:40.640 --> 00:57:56.400 other places off of their property which then often times means it goes onto somebody else's property. So as a at a macro level, this is another one of these issues of how do we uh how do we craft regulations and how do we craft ordinances and and guidance so that way um we can try to address these 187 00:57:56.400 --> 00:58:11.920 situations. This particular matter specifically it's it'd be more too complicated to go into here. The administration is aware of it. There's a whole bunch of um complicated issues with regard to property rights and who owns which property and how everything's flowing. U but the administration is 188 00:58:11.920 --> 00:58:27.760 aware of this. I mean it's something that um as mentioned before it's been brought to various people's attention um and uh certainly sir you can certainly if you haven't had updates you know we'll we'll um we'll make sure that there's anything new or there's anything 189 00:58:27.760 --> 00:58:44.640 that we can look at we'll do that and get back to you on kind of the status um but uh it's so for your property Mr. Papis will will follow up with you to just get you an update and see if there's anything new. Um, wise and council, this is another one of these kind of big picture uh issues that 190 00:58:44.640 --> 00:59:02.720 impacts, you know, certain properties. And when it does impact it, it can be pretty dramatic when you have neighbors that are pumping water. Um, >> we we had a basement flood, okay, and it cost the insurance company $50,000. Yeah. >> It was only after the insurance job. 191 00:59:02.720 --> 00:59:18.319 Okay. I do I do a lot of traveling all across the world. Okay. I came back and and I just suddenly saw I walked the property with a when it was pouring down with rain and I saw this bubbling and I and I started to dig a hole and that's 192 00:59:18.319 --> 00:59:35.520 when I noticed the pipe. I'd never even seen it there before. And what the neighbor had done, he had obviously realized and and I don't know if anyone from the township had contacted him previously, but where the pipe goes across the page paper road that you 193 00:59:35.520 --> 00:59:51.280 owned. Yeah. He cut the pipe there. So obviously all the water just then flooded onto my property. So he knew exactly what he was doing. It was 100% intentional. Okay. Me being a citizen of 194 00:59:51.280 --> 01:00:07.599 Bridgewater, I I did the I think the proper thing. I came to the township and said, "Look, I've got this problem and it's basically bit me right in the backside." Okay. No one's done anything about it. No one. >> Is it an ongoing problem? It is it 195 01:00:07.599 --> 01:00:23.200 continuing to happen or did you >> It's cost me over $10,000 to build the burm. >> Did that Did that solve the problem or No, >> not really. No, because where the burm is that there's still again we had that last storm about a month ago. Yeah. 196 01:00:23.200 --> 01:00:40.240 Where the burm stops. Yeah. I had a big fur tree and that's now blown over. >> So the mayor said Mr. Papis is going to follow up with you regarding your issue. >> Good. >> Can I will you promise me you do that because I've been told so many times 197 01:00:40.240 --> 01:00:56.240 we're doing this, we're doing that. >> I I I guarantee you I guarantee you we'll make sure that we we follow up. give you the current status. I don't know while I'm sitting here right now that I can guarantee you that you know what the resolution will be and if it will be as as to to get you as far as you want to go in terms of resolving it. 198 01:00:56.240 --> 01:01:11.440 Um it would be premature and I'd be speaking uh too off the cuff to to be able to say that and not you know come back to you and say that I had to look I've even look again with regards to um Scott Morano. Yeah. He turned around and 199 01:01:11.440 --> 01:01:26.640 said there's nothing more we can do. You've got to contact the environmental dete protection people. I've spent hours and hours on the phone with them and again they threw it back at Bridgewater Township. Bridgewater Township wrote the letter they should be responsible. 200 01:01:26.640 --> 01:01:43.200 >> We'll sort through it and make sure that uh we get you a clear answer and if it is the D um we can also advocate to the DP for you on your behalf. If it's out of our control then uh we don't have to just leave it to you to do. We can do it in junction with you on behalf of our residents. So we'll get to the bottom of it. >> Yeah. if if you would, I'd really 201 01:01:43.200 --> 01:01:58.960 appreciate it. Yeah. M >> Madam President, just a quick comment. Um so, thank you for bringing this to to our attention. This is the first I've heard of this specific concern, although things like this happen all over town. Um there is an important principle. >> There is an important principle for you 202 01:01:58.960 --> 01:02:15.040 to be aware of. You know, I look at the deis, you know, Mayor Mench has been on the planning board and previous to that zoning board. Mr. Papus many years on land use boards. Mr. Ring, myself. Um you know there there there is a principle in play here uh which is that 203 01:02:15.040 --> 01:02:31.920 uh uh property owners have responsibility for managing their own water. Um and you know this is a case where this neighborhood was built many many years ago. So this is not you know you know a new application by any stretch but the principle still exists that you as a homeowner certainly have 204 01:02:31.920 --> 01:02:48.720 have the right to do what you reasonably can within your property. um you know I channel water as far away from my foundation as I can but still on my property. Uh and I think that's what many people do. Um that is a very important principle uh of land use. Uh 205 01:02:48.720 --> 01:03:04.480 and you know it's my hope that you know as some additional uh research is done that that uh this this other land owner can find a way of managing water on that property without negatively impacting yours. 206 01:03:04.480 --> 01:03:20.960 >> Right. that there's a reason why you did it. >> Oh, >> yeah. >> Uh could I I just clarification um just just to be clear, I think it's it's been implied and and especially by the the the pictures that you uh provided. 207 01:03:20.960 --> 01:03:38.079 This is from storm water runoff. >> Correct. Okay. >> Look, we've lived there for like say for 24 years. Yeah. This has only been an issue for the last well since 2024. >> Okay. >> Okay. There's a and again we do a lot of traveling. All of this work was done 208 01:03:38.079 --> 01:03:53.359 when we weren't at at the property. It was done behind our backs. >> Mr. Drew, I'm just going to >> No, I appreciate it. >> We've we've been going on for quite a while now. It is a new issue. It's never been brought up before this specific issue, so I I let it go for a while, but 209 01:03:53.359 --> 01:04:23.920 um we do have to move on with the meeting if that's okay. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Oh, did you sign in? >> I did. >> Good. Thank you. Is there anyone else wishing to address the public? >> Uh, hi council. Um, just want to make a 210 01:04:23.920 --> 01:04:39.760 really quick uh comment. Um, I just want to thank the police department for their really quick work and the way that they were able to resolve that situation without anyone else coming to any harm. So, I just want to put that out and just thank them really quick. That's all. >> Thank you very much. Is there any 211 01:04:39.760 --> 01:04:56.480 followup to that? >> No. Uh, any other members of the public wish to speak? >> Seeing no one, I move to close public comment. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. Uh, all in favor? >> I say I. I opposed. 212 01:04:56.480 --> 01:05:15.200 Okay. Uh we're going to move on to uh number 10, which is public hearing and final ordinances. So uh 10 A is uh do I need a motion to introduce this? 213 01:05:15.200 --> 01:05:29.839 >> You need to just read it. >> Read it. >> Uh okay. Uh 10A is an ordinance amending ordinance 25-04 adopted on May 8th, 2025, authorizing the sale of property known as block 511, 214 01:05:29.839 --> 01:05:46.079 lot 3 on the Bridgewater Township Tax Map and located at Whitney Court, Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807, east of Shastra Drive to TripleC Housing Incorporated, 1520 Route 130 North, Sweet 2011, North 215 01:05:46.079 --> 01:06:02.720 Brunswick, New Jersey 08902 uh the buyer for a nominal consideration of $100 pursuant to NJSA chapter 42A section 12-21 uh subsection 1 to construct affordable 216 01:06:02.720 --> 01:06:18.640 housing subject to potential uh explanation from the administrator. I'll make a motion that we uh open uh the uh consideration of 10A for a public hearing. >> Second. Uh, is that a voice vote or a roll? 217 01:06:18.640 --> 01:06:34.160 >> You can vote. Okay. Voice. >> All right. Uh, all in favor for that, please say I. I opposed. >> Okay. The meeting is open. >> This is just public an a recnaming of the corporate entity in order for it to 218 01:06:34.160 --> 01:06:50.079 receive certain affordable housing funds from state entities. They have to have an urban renewal LLC. And that's the purpose. There's no other change. It has been subject to a site plan review and approval by the planning board. There's 219 01:06:50.079 --> 01:07:05.839 really no change other than this minor legal matter. >> Okay. Um since there does not appear to be any interest from the public, uh I'll make a motion to close the hearing to the public. Move to final action on 10A 220 01:07:05.839 --> 01:07:21.920 subject to potential, uh commentary from council before the vote. >> Second. >> Okay. Um it's a roll call. >> Roll call vote. Uh, please. >> Councilman Bucko, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Gger, 221 01:07:21.920 --> 01:07:38.880 >> yes. >> Okay. Moving on to uh the second ordinance, an ordinance of the township of Bridgewater to permit a temporary use for the portion of block 222, lot 3.01 for temporary parking subject to 222 01:07:38.880 --> 01:07:55.440 specific conditions. And that is 460 Route 22, Bridgewater, New Jersey. >> Um >> motion to open public hearing. >> Second. >> Second. >> Second. >> Would anyone Miss Franco, would you like to address this specific issue or anyone 223 01:07:55.440 --> 01:08:10.000 else for that? Before uh before Miss Franco's comments, I would like to um uh apologize to the public uh for uh not noticing that there is not a street address in uh this ordinance when it was 224 01:08:10.000 --> 01:08:24.799 uh introduced. That is uh something I um u feel that when when possible, we should always include. Uh so my apologies to anyone who uh 225 01:08:24.799 --> 01:08:47.920 noticed that or or did not notice that. >> Hello again. Um so I my big concern is really that you know I I know um this property needs to be utilized but I also know that previously um this property had been 226 01:08:47.920 --> 01:09:05.040 designated to have a number of hotels and other commercial establishments which would have brought significant more um revenue tax revenue um to the township not only in the value of hotels or restaurants but also in hotel taxes. 227 01:09:05.040 --> 01:09:21.759 Um, you know, now it seems like we're pushing through um this temporary ordinance, whatever temporary permit to allow parking um on the property. And I can't pull up the ordinance right now uh for whatever reason. Um 228 01:09:21.759 --> 01:09:39.520 and and I don't know, I don't recall this going before zoning or planning because this seems like it's a zoning change. Um that it's not zoned for strictly a parking lot. Um, so I wonder why um the council >> the the law allows it to happen for one 229 01:09:39.520 --> 01:09:55.199 sixmonth period. >> Um, there are provisions this was discussed when it was introduced. There are provisions that allow this, but it cannot it's 6 months. It cannot be extended. It's literally it's one >> and you know what? I'll be really honest. I truly believe that this is 230 01:09:55.199 --> 01:10:10.880 going to be pushed through planning and zoning within the next six months because you know what I I mean I know I haven't been here or anywhere else in this township in the past three months because I've been busy with life. Um, but I've also watched how things get pushed through planning and zoning in 231 01:10:10.880 --> 01:10:28.080 this town in order for things to get accomplished. Um, to the way in which the mayor wants and and I noticed in the bridge in the TAP article that the mayor is very pleased about the prospect of the Mercedes dealership putting parking on this empty lot. I am 232 01:10:28.080 --> 01:10:44.640 >> regarding your comment on on hotels generally speaking across the country besides Bridgewater because we at one point in time you go back five or six years ago we had six hotels being at various stages of approval in this township and not one of them has been 233 01:10:44.640 --> 01:11:02.560 built. Uh in the postco world generally across the country there is very few new hotels actually being built. And you know, I also noticed that um in the past six years that um business has left Bridgewater and new um 234 01:11:02.560 --> 01:11:17.840 businesses that would attract hotel occupancy um has not moved in. So those are my observations and I will >> mad madam president you know first of all thank you for coming back and and expressing your thoughts. Um, you know, 235 01:11:17.840 --> 01:11:34.960 in this case, I I I the township would love to see the development on that property as was intended, but market conditions are such uh that thing things are different. Um, things in Bridgewater are different, particularly since 2020, the pandemic and the results after the 236 01:11:34.960 --> 01:11:51.600 pandemic in in in Bridgewater, in Somerset, in New Jersey, in the Northeast, across the United States, conditions have changed. Um I believe that we have uh pivoted appropriately uh to continue to make ourselves an attractive place to do business. But I 237 01:11:51.600 --> 01:12:08.000 know there are many people that say, "Oh, you know what? Why can't we attract a 5,000 employee biofarmaceutical that's going to cure cancer tomorrow?" Well, of course, we all want that, but so does every other town. So does Morristown. So does Princeton. So does Pennsylvania. So 238 01:12:08.000 --> 01:12:24.640 does South Carolina, you know, >> and and Morristown is attracting them. and they're leaving >> and Marstown is probably attracting them through uh uh public private partnerships including pilot >> and we're doing we're doing uh pilot agreements with organizations as well. So you know talk about public private 239 01:12:24.640 --> 01:12:41.760 partnerships um you know you know I I know I've been absent but I'm not um unaware. Okay. So I I'm just leaving you all with my comments. M >> you know I just I want to be honest with you. Um, so I just I just consulted with council and he suggested that I keep my 240 01:12:41.760 --> 01:12:58.239 comments limited to the next six months and not comment beyond that. But um, certainly for the next six months, I had no problem, you know, with this particular usage. I didn't think it was the worst thing in the world. And I I'm concerned about other other things that might happen. 241 01:12:58.239 --> 01:13:13.440 >> The I I can give a little little background, Miss Franco. Um, the and this property uh, as you you noted, it had approval for hotels. I like hotels. I wish more hotels would come to Bridgewater as a general matter. Um because to your point, they're great tax ratables. We get a hotel occupy tax on 242 01:13:13.440 --> 01:13:29.840 top of it. There's no kids. There's no I mean, so for me, I if I could bring in more hotels, uh I spoke to somebody uh recently. There's a couple other projects that have been looking at, you know, more boutiquey type hotels like um the AC uh you know, the um AC Marriott. Um so, so that is something as a general 243 01:13:29.840 --> 01:13:46.480 matter that I support hotels. Again, has to be the right brand. There's a whole lot of, you know, qualifications to that, but it's certainly hotel uses are something that I think is generally >> and I and I understand I mean recently I have stayed in two different centers 244 01:13:46.480 --> 01:14:02.239 where there's been a hotel surrounded corporate buildings >> as well as retail and restaurants, okay, within a singue walkable uh location. Okay, and this has been in Washington DC and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. So, you 245 01:14:02.239 --> 01:14:18.800 know, I think that um you know, we need to be sure that as we look at growth in this township that we don't chase away um opportunities. Absolutely. Yeah. Which I think we did back in 2019 and 2020. Thank you. >> Um Councilman, just if I can just finish 246 01:14:18.800 --> 01:14:34.560 briefly just for the record on on this property, um the the uh um development that was proposed is that that that's dead. Um that is not going to happen in any instance. the uh prior owners um the hotel deals that they had fell apart. They couldn't find replacement uh you 247 01:14:34.560 --> 01:14:50.800 know um franchises to come in. So um that was not happening. The adjacent uh owner um bought the property. So right now the property is purchased and owned by the Mercedes dealership owner. So it is their property to do whatever they want with um or 248 01:14:50.800 --> 01:15:06.080 >> whatever they want to within their zoning. >> Right. But my point is that they could they could leave it vacant. I mean they don't have to build hotels there. So obviously they bought it for the hope of being able to expand or use it for their um for the car dealership and uh we could certainly tell them no. Um but 249 01:15:06.080 --> 01:15:21.679 then that you know may not put that utility that property back into utility because they could sit on it and say well we'll just wait until you know in the future when we can do it. So um right now uh I do support ultimately um you know looking at the zoning there I do support an expansion as a general 250 01:15:21.679 --> 01:15:36.960 matter of the um of the Mercedes dealership there. Um and uh but this ordinance here gives us a an opportunity which we don't actually have in a lot of instances to see how a proposed use um 251 01:15:36.960 --> 01:15:53.280 how does it work or not work if we come into you know developers run a risk of this too because if if they start parking cars there and it becomes a nuisance and becomes a problem for homeowners and we're getting all kinds of complaints before the zoning is is addressed by this council and the planning board. Now it's not 252 01:15:53.280 --> 01:16:10.239 hypothetical. it's not, you know, we have experts coming in, we all argue about what the traffic impacts going to be and what the lights are and everything else. We're now going to have real facts. Um, I think the facts are going to show that, you know, it's not an issue and and I would then, you know, with the recommendations of the planners when they do their reports and engineers. Um but obviously the risk 253 01:16:10.239 --> 01:16:26.960 here for the you know for the owner of the of the Mercedes dealership is they start parking cars there they cause a problem and you know we get all kinds of complaints and then this council says yeah sounded nice today but uh 6 months from now when we have data to support it if not then it won't go through >> and and they will not be doing any 254 01:16:26.960 --> 01:16:44.080 improvements to that land while park >> no just just whatever is necessary to secure the property if anything. So if there's uh you know to make sure it's secure you know safe wise but not going to be doing any kind of permanent um >> paving things like that. >> No I don't think no no permanent uh >> Yeah. Yeah. If they Yeah. So and and if 255 01:16:44.080 --> 01:17:01.360 they if they if there's anything that's they try to be done they have to comply with other codes. I mean in terms of uh you know flooding or anything else and if they doesn't get approved they'd have to remove anything to put in there. >> Well but well okay. So, if they plan on even putting expanding a gravel lot, 256 01:17:01.360 --> 01:17:18.320 would that have to go before planning? >> Yeah, they have to they have to come in and get a planning, you know, submit plans to any other any other property owner who wants to construct something. They'd have to come in and say, "Well, we want to put pavement here and if it's not compliant with the bulk standards in terms of impervious coverage or anything 257 01:17:18.320 --> 01:17:37.600 else, they'd have to deal with that." Okay. >> In the meantime, >> thank you very much. >> Yeah. It's not cart launch to just go in and do what they want. You're welcome. >> Thank you, Councilman Ray. >> Um, >> anyone else wishing to >> Thank you very much. >> We do have a um uh later on the agenda 258 01:17:37.600 --> 01:17:55.280 um a developers agreement for a different property. Was there a developer agreement for this property when it was previously planned for different uses? >> I don't know if it got that far in the process. So that was >> it was a while ago that it did go before 259 01:17:55.280 --> 01:18:11.280 the planning board. >> Well, that was the So part of it. Yes, this was approved back in 2018 or 2019 or prior this it was approved prior to my time on the council and then about a year or a year and a half ago the 260 01:18:11.280 --> 01:18:28.080 developer decided to in the effort to try to make it more viable switched the hotel brand at the property >> um >> via the planning board >> via the planning because then we had to come back to the planning board specifically for that one piece. I don't think there was a developers agreement 261 01:18:28.080 --> 01:18:43.280 for that one piece. I don't know if there was one done originally, but that would correct me if I'm wrong. Once the land was sold and the different use is in play, that developers agreement is null and void because not building 262 01:18:43.280 --> 01:18:59.520 according to what was a planned >> approved. Yeah. if if if the circumstances changed or if there's any you know I'd have to look at the agreement to find any uh termination clause but uh certainly um you know that approval is not indefinite. It only 263 01:18:59.520 --> 01:19:16.000 protects you against um changes in zoning for a certain period of time. >> But if it changed hands and the use changed >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So it's out. >> Seeing nobody else I move to close public comment barring any or pending any comments move for final action. I'll 264 01:19:16.000 --> 01:19:31.840 second. >> All in favor? Oh, I need a roll call on that. Yeah, roll call >> or any comment first. >> Well, comments. >> No comment. Um hearing >> um >> Okay, go ahead. Yeah, I was I was just the the the 265 01:19:31.840 --> 01:19:46.960 reason that that I asked about the developers agreement is um uh you know, like I said, we have one on the on the agenda and and I assume it's it's probably not been um completely 266 01:19:46.960 --> 01:20:05.199 drafted from zero uh specific for um that particular property. So there's there's I'm sure at least some of it is boilerplate. Um and it does contain some requirements for uh what um 267 01:20:05.199 --> 01:20:23.199 should happen to the the property uh in the case of uh work not uh commencing within within a certain uh time frame. And um my my my concern is that if we if we had a such an agreement that was not 268 01:20:23.199 --> 01:20:39.360 followed but if we if we don't know if there was an agreement um I cannot >> I think once the property was sold that agreement would be null and void. >> I I I think it's two separate issues. So, so one would be uh what do we do 269 01:20:39.360 --> 01:20:55.280 with you know if there wasn't a developers agreement um you know uh if there is any damages or anything that that they obligations that they owe to the township that are still enforceable then uh I think the issue council would be for us to if we do locate one as far as I know there's not one but I I you 270 01:20:55.280 --> 01:21:11.760 know I only know that from the absence of having one not be able to firmly you know determine that there wasn't but um obviously if that developer owes any obligations under it then we could you know presumably um enforced or follow up on it. Um but we wouldn't be able to use it to force the development in a sense 271 01:21:11.760 --> 01:21:27.520 of saying well you have to build um you know that wouldn't be uh they wouldn't give us that level of um uh enforcement. Um the flip side to that is is uh you know then separately from that is okay now they're gone they're not coming back. Um, and uh, you know, what do we 272 01:21:27.520 --> 01:21:43.360 do at least in the meantime to put the property to use? And as as of course we discussed, then is that a long-term permanent use of the property? Um, or does the council say, "Hey, we're going to let you do it for, you know, now, but we want you to come up with a better plan or or, you know, some other use that we like better." And, you know, 273 01:21:43.360 --> 01:21:59.360 work with the property owner on that. >> Sure. I I would just like to, you know, if we can if we can find out if there was one and and what >> we'll double check it. We'll see if we can run that down further. >> All right. Thank you very much. There any further discussion or comments? >> Roll call, please. 274 01:21:59.360 --> 01:22:15.440 >> Councilman Bucko. >> Uh, yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Ger, >> yes. >> There are no ordinances to be introduced. So, we are now moving on to the 275 01:22:15.440 --> 01:22:29.760 resolutions. A, a resolution uh authorizing a fireworks display at Raron Valley Country Club located at 747 State Route 28. See, we did remember there uh Bridgewater, New Jersey on Saturday, 276 01:22:29.760 --> 01:22:46.080 June 27th, 2026 with a rain date of Sunday, June 28th, 2026. Is there any >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Any comments? Can we have a roll call? Councilman 277 01:22:46.080 --> 01:23:02.960 Bucko, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Gger, >> yes. Uh, resolution number 12B authorizing execution of a developers agreement between the township of Bridgewater and Eminem at Route 206 LLC 278 01:23:02.960 --> 01:23:18.719 pursuant to planning board approval for a manufacturing facility located on 476 lot 22, also known as 721, Route 202-206 in the township of Bridgewater. 279 01:23:18.719 --> 01:23:35.199 Can I have a motion? I'll make a motion to approve. >> I'll second it, but I have a comment. Go >> ahead. >> I know, Mr. Papis. Sorry, real quick. Um I know there was an issue with the retention pond with this property. Did that ever get resolved with the D? 280 01:23:35.199 --> 01:23:53.520 >> Yes. uh they actually had to uh shrink the size of the structure uh to comply with the DP requirements and because the uh amount of the alteration was so minor it could be approved by the township engineer through a um uh design waiver. 281 01:23:53.520 --> 01:24:09.679 So it is it is a smaller building than what the planning board originally had approved. >> They D signed off >> and this obviously reinforces the need to comply with the D requirements. So, thank you. >> All right. It's my We don't know what type of light manufacturing they plan on 282 01:24:09.679 --> 01:24:25.199 at this point. It just they'll be compliant with our master plan and and with our all our regulations. >> Yeah. My my understanding is that they're still they're still looking for uh tenants there and been in conversations with various folks, including some, you know, existing businesses and and businesses in the 283 01:24:25.199 --> 01:24:40.880 area that may want to potentially expand there or locate some of their facilities there. There's nothing as far as I know. Last information is that they're still looking for for tenants. >> Okay. >> Just so the public might want to know and I was curious myself. >> Your flashlight's on on your pen. 284 01:24:40.880 --> 01:24:57.920 >> There you go. >> I do I do have uh two items and and uh my apologies for not uh getting these questions uh or concerns um uh to to the administration before now. I picked it up while while rereading it. 285 01:24:57.920 --> 01:25:16.159 um uh before the beginning of the meeting. Um on page 11, there appears to be a negative dollar amount for the landscape maintenance guarantee. Is that a typo? I I would think so. 286 01:25:16.159 --> 01:25:33.679 >> We'll have council double check that and make sure that >> Okay. >> We're not paying them money. Okay. >> So, um I'm that I can that I know for sure. Okay. Um the the second item is is actually um I got a follow-ups and and 287 01:25:33.679 --> 01:25:50.719 is is uh uh the reason I I asked uh about the um uh the Route 22 property uh that the ordinance change uh the ordinances for which is um on page 13 uh 288 01:25:50.719 --> 01:26:07.040 part 6 paragraph 23 section H uh if a site is to be left unworked for more than >> page 13 part six. >> Yeah, it's part of the page before. >> Yeah, it's I'm sorry. It's continued from a previous page. Um uh section H. 289 01:26:07.040 --> 01:26:23.199 Uh if a site is to be left unworked for more than 30 days, that site must be graded and and seated. Um when does that commence? >> The the time frame that that's required for? >> Yeah, I believe that that commences once they actually get construction permits 290 01:26:23.199 --> 01:26:39.120 to begin work on the site. So, if you just own the property and it's sitting there, you still have an obligation to, you know, keep your property secured and not be a nuisance. But, um, if you get your construction permits, begin work, and then you stop work for whatever 291 01:26:39.120 --> 01:26:55.280 reason in the process, um, then it would require you to not make sure you're not having dirt flowing off or or have other um, landscaping drainage issues. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Is there any further comments? 292 01:26:55.280 --> 01:27:15.600 Roa, >> are we are we open to the public? >> We're not really. No, we're not. Resolution comment. I just wanted to say that stinks because you can contaminate my Yeah, we're not open for public comment. 293 01:27:15.600 --> 01:27:32.320 I'm sorry, ma'am. >> Okay. Can I have Roll call, please? Councilman Bucko. >> Uh, yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Ger, >> yes. 294 01:27:32.320 --> 01:27:46.239 >> Is there any discussion? It's about anything else. >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> I. >> All in favor? Opposed? >> Meeting is closed. >> Who seconded that? >> Yeah, I did. Oh, 295 01:27:46.239 --> 01:27:50.199 >> I did. I second.