Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Bridgewater Township Council meeting on Tuesday, November 6th. uh notice of for the meeting in compliance with the open public meetings act of New Jersey. The adequate notice of this meeting was provided on December
10th, 2024 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 township clerk. Madame clerk, may we have the roll call, please? >> Councilman Kersh
>> here. Councilman Codilla >> here. Councilman Pedroso. Councilman Ring >> here. >> President Ogalis. >> Yes. We have minutes for approval of September 18th. >> Allegiance. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. The pledge will be led by by Tim R.
One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Tim. Uh, minutes for approval, September 18th, 2025 and October 6th, 2025, regular sessions. >> I'll make a motion.
>> Second, >> I would just ask if we could separate those because I was not present on September 18th. >> Uh, okay. So, you're going to recuse for September 18th? I >> I would. Yes. Okay. Uh noted. All right. So, we'll take a vote on October 6th.
All those in favor signal by saying I >> I uh vote on September >> motion to approve September 18th. >> Okay. Second from Allen. >> Uh all those in favor? >> I opposed. You're recusing. Okay, good. Uh township council reports. Let's start
with Councilman Ring, please. >> Thank you, sir. I'll be very brief. uh to all of the candidates that uh ran in this election cycle. Um I think we thank you to them. Running for office. Um win or lose is never an easy process.
Campaigning is very taxing uh not only on the candidate but their friends and family. So to everyone who ran, thank you. Uh with a special congratulations to all of the winners uh in the recent election. Um, and then on a side note related to the elections, I just ask
everyone, whether a candidate or a supporter, uh, if you put a sign out, please make sure you go retrieve the sign you put out and help clean up the signs around town. That's my report. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Councilman Kersh, please. >> Thank you. I I'll have a number of
items. I'll try to be brief on each one. uh do do want to issue congratulations uh you know particularly to our uh council members elect uh Joan Guyer, Andrew Bucko uh and Ridana Isla. Uh so congratulations and um I've reached out
uh to each of you and and my uh uh my comment is sincere uh and um you know in congratulating you and welcoming you uh to the club so to speak and uh um you know we'll have our adventure uh together. Uh on October 7th the planning
board met uh discussed the uh the quarry plan which is on our agenda tonight. On the 14th, uh the PL the zoning board met uh approved a pool application uh hardship because of the size of the property uh on Gates Head Drive um and
and approved that with uh some appropriate uh concessions that were made. Uh also a new lot was approved on the corner or near the corner of Country Club and Eisenhower also with appropriate concessions. Uh next on the
21st, the planning board met, heard the clubhouse of Somerset County, not just golf. That's been publicized and will be a very um uh positive um uh addition to the community. Uh they are looking to hopefully be up and running like late
spring. Uh they do have a considerable amount of work to do on the property. uh on the 26th uh attended uh the uh Diwali uh celebration uh at at the temple. Uh that was uh you know an an annual event.
Certainly always happy to represent the community and also benefit from uh that cultural uh exchange cultural experience personally. Uh let me just try to stay on my list here. October 28th, uh, I
attended the, uh, Somerset County Commissioners meeting, uh, as did a number of other residents. Uh, and I just want to acknowledge the area of concern that I particularly raised, um, was what is the plan, uh, for Washington Valley Park. Uh, what is it and when
will it be communicated and how will it be communicated? Uh, a road was built. Whether it was smart or not smart, I leave it to people to come to their own decision. But the question that I ask is what is that road leading to ultimately? like what's going to be there? Um that's a question that seems to be um you know
still up in the air. Uh on later that night uh the zone the zoning board met uh heard a case on uh Harding Road. Uh and that was um it's a general contracting business that's occurring there and with appropriate concessions
uh use and bulk variances for a pre-existing condition were approved. On the 30th, we had our Halloween celebration, which I guess we're now calling uh uh blues and booze, right? Is that booze, not booze, like you drink,
like boss. Um I did go as a pirate, so you know, I kind of went with the whole eye patch thing. And um you know, cuz sometimes you just have to go with the thing that makes the most sense. Uh I'm sorry, going back also on the 20th, I missed this in my notes. Um uh also the um Bridgewater self storage uh that was
um that will next be heard in dis in uh I believe early December. Uh election day was a couple days ago. Um I already talked about the winners, but want to acknowledge the hard work of our staff that made made that day possible as they always do. Our clerk staff, Grace
Jaguna, uh Juliana Qualo, uh Natalie Triosce, uh and Ally Gust. Uh others who have participated from administration, Patty Bueno from engineering, Kunal Dash from planning, Maria D. Simone from tax collection, Nicole Smith. Um and and
several members of our DPW um clearly a village was required that day. We also hosted early voting. Robust amount of early voting occurred. Uh and then on uh earlier today, I met with um Congressman Kaine. Um we were uh up we were over at
the uh Mera v Mira assisted living facility uh discussing some uh relevant issues to them some at the state some at the federal and state level and and also build a build built started the building of a bridge uh to discuss local matters
as well and that is my report. >> Thank you Councilman Cordella please. Thank you. Uh during the past few weeks, uh
certainly been an adventure any way you look at it. Uh but uh as far as township activity goes, I attended the Diwali celebration of light and good uh which is certainly a an interesting festival
and uh just an enjoy enjoyable thing to attend. I also attended the township uh night out for Halloween. Uh looking at all the kids and the parents and costumes and our own pirate. Um it was
very interesting. Um and I it's one of those things that brings helps bring the township together. I also received uh what we received here was a virtual public information center letter from uh the New Jersey Department of
Transportation that is talking about the long-term improvements on Route 22 for the uh sustainable corridor uh stating that between November 10th and November 17th, there's going to be a
U website that you could access. And I would believe Mr. for papis. We'll have that on our township website uh for the public to take a look at it. Um last last evening uh
there was a uh fire in Bradley Gardens on Lake Horn Avenue. And as usual, our volunteer companies responded. And if you look at the Bridgewater Patch and look at the the house on fire, you you wonder
uh oh my gosh, is that looks it looks terrible. But the good news is the fire was put out and the, you know, it looks like the the multiple township fire departments working with Bradley Gardens did a tremendous job to control the
damage to what looked like, in my opinion, a pretty serious fire. Now, regarding the past few days with the election, I would certainly be remiss if I didn't congratulate the our new uh upcoming council members. Uh,
you know, it's don't kid yourself. If I could change the numbers, I would, but I can't. So, certainly congratulations. Um, I do have one thing to say, and I don't want to make my congratulations
sound bad with it, but uh, I read an article in the patch and, u stated, "We should all celebrate that the council will finally look like the people it represents." Now, I I think it's it's okay, but I
would just want to make sure that everybody understands that over the years, for all the time that I've had on this governing body, every council person that I've worked with had one thing in mind, that was to to represent
all race, all creed, all religion. Basically, every person who lives in Bridgewater Township, however you sit. and our decisions apply to all residents. I believe Miss EA's LA's
comments may be taken out of context a little, but please allow me to offer my opinion on it. I still wish you all the best in the world. In some regards, I know you're going to have some sleepless nights. There will be discussions where
there will be disagreements. Uh but at the end of the day, you're all here for one purpose and that is for the residents of Bridgewater and I do believe you will do a good job. So uh best wishes to each each one of you and
the uh the sun did come up on Wednesday. So even though it was a bad Tuesday night for me, the sun did come up. So best wishes. Thank you. >> Thank you, Alan. I'm going to depart from the traditional report format. Instead, talk about the
council transition into 2026. As the election results have clearly shown, the residents of Bridgewater have spoken and are altering the council membership for next year. I have been in contact with Joan Guyger, the top Democratic vote getter, and assured her
of my complete cooperation in providing Joan and her group with details needed to be ironed out so that we have a fruitful and wellorganized reorganization meeting during the first 10 days or so in January. The specific date for that has not yet been
announced. I want to thank Allan and Phipe who'll be leaving their council seats at the end of the year for their long service to Bridgewater Township. In Allen's case, over 20 years. Speaking of Allen, I'd be remiss if I did not mention his more than 50 years as a
firefighter and many of those as chief. Our open space program has been his baby since it was been v voter approved many years ago. But getting back to the transition, I will be setting up walkthroughs of the complex and introduc introduction of department heads uh for
our newest council folks as well as packets of information to help ground them for the township township business that goes on in the background and unseen by the public. A mayor's report, please, Mr. Papis.
>> Thank you. Um my report will be brief. Uh I would like Katherine Sarmment to come forward, our township planner. Uh we have a a very brief presentation uh for her that has some time sensitivity uh and um she will um
Thank you. >> Thank you. >> As um as the the the council knows uh planning board has been very active on a number of different fronts. uh she will be discussing some actions that the planning board will be considering early
next month and a companion set of ordinances that would need council consideration. Katherine, >> thank you, Mr. Good evening, council members. Um so I one I apologize the memo I somehow dated it tomorrow's date. I don't know if my word did that or
what, but it's supposed to be November 6th. It says November 7th. Um that memo is related to the Somerset Corporate Center um which is in the BRCC zone. We received a request um you know that's mostly office building um office use
there um in the BRCC zone and um it does permit office uses, professional offices, um health and wellness uses or fitness uses um and uh as well as hotel and restaurant use. And the um as you've
heard over the years, the office market and office demand in New Jersey um has changed over time um not only due to um corporations um at headquarters leaving the state um but also due to workforce
trend changes um due to remote work and hybrid work um situations. And so um the office market is not what it used to be and there is probably a about a million square feet um in that in that corporate center and there are some um anticipated
significant vacancies um that are um that we were alerted to from the property owner. But um there are interest from um medical office use tenants um to um tenant those buildings
um in particular Roman numeral 5 on that map um which is the Qualcomm the former Qualcomm building um has about 150,000 square feet of office space and the request really is not to reszone the area not to change the zoning designation but to simply permit an
additional use uh which would be a medical office use and um laboratory use um with ancillary um types of medical uses like um radiation therapy, uh medical imaging, uh diagnostic and
laboratory um facilities. And um this is not the first time that, you know, Bridgewater has seen office spaces transformed to more biotech or medical uses. Um up on 202, the Solaris building is a biotech company. um the uh in the
retail in the village of Bridgewater Commons, the oldraton barrel is now a summit medical facility. Um and so we are seeing this trend even within our own community and statewide. Um and so um the the memo that was provided basically includes everything I just
said, but there is um a request to and and this presentation is intended to inform the council um of just that potential change to include an additional permitted use. Um medical office use um and laboratory use tends to have very similar parking demands as
normal office use. Um and in addition to that that um the corporate center has an existing number of surface parking spaces as well as structured parking um that would could facilitate this use. Um so I just wanted to bring this to the
council's attention. Um and there is a potential that um the planning board is undertaking a master plan re-examination report, a very brief report compared to the master plan that we just adopted. um and that this could could end up being um a recommendation as part of that uh
re-examination report. >> Yes. >> Part of what the reason that we're here tonight is council's practice to have a presentation prior to any consideration of an introduction of an ordinance at the >> next meeting. at the next meeting. So the planning board will be meeting on December the 2nd. We'll be considering
this uh well this no uh yes >> they'll be considering it considering it through a master plan reexamination >> and then the council will meet yet the next night. So we're the administration is is presenting this for the council's consideration. The the documents haven't been fully drafted. We would hope to get
them to you uh within the next several days but uh we would certainly appreciate your consideration. council schedule over the next couple of meetings. Uh the December 3rd meeting uh was originally December
4th and the 18th meeting is now going to be the 17th. So there was a one-day pull up from the Thursday to the Wednesday before uh at the request of of the administration. Uh so I anticipate that this issue will be before us in its
totality at the next session. Okay. Does anybody have any questions? >> Well, I mean, I just have a comment. Um, and you know, I am the representative on the planning board, so certainly we'll take a very active interest on both December 2nd and December 3rd. Generally
speaking, I think that reasonable flexibility um is important um and and you know, I presume that we'll walk that through on both December 2nd and December 3rd. A concern that I have though is um you know while there
is and appears to be a need for additional medical um you know medical is not the panacea for every location in every municipality across New Jersey and the United States. So you know at a certain point there will be saturation.
um you know if this if this land owner believes that that that is a good use here and there is demand that's that's certainly something we should be discussing on the second and the third but I think it is important to note that every office building and every vacant
space everywhere in Bridgewater um there unless I'm wrong there couldn't possibly be enough need uh for for for for medical offices at least in the near future so uh I think we just need to be very careful in understanding where that may be approp appropriate and where it
might be a pipe dream. >> Okay, there is intense competition in the medical field right now, whether it's Summit Health and RJ RWJ or or any of the other hospitals or things. So, and and if you need a specialty, you
want it to be close by. So, we'll see. Okay. All right. Uh any other comments? Okay, sir. Uh the proclamation for Veterans Day will be read by Tim Ring. Do we have any other veterans here?
Any other veterans? Come on up. an army and navy. >> Thank you for your service. Thank you. So whereas since the founding of our nation, brave men and women have stepped forward to defend the freedoms, values,
and principles that define the United States of America. And whereas Veterans Day provides us with a solemn opportunity to honor all who have served in the armed forces of the United States
in times of war and in times of peace and to recognize the immeasurable sacrifices they families have made in service to our nation. And whereas the veterans of Bridgewater Township are part of a proud legacy of courage and
commitment from the patriots who gathered at Middlebrook during our nation's birth to the service members who continue to protect liberty around the world today. And whereas we are forever indebted to those who have worn the uniform for their strength, their
devotion to duty, and their willingness to place country above self. And whereas it is fitting that all residents pause on this day to reflect and express gratitude to the veterans for the peace and freedom we enjoy. On behalf of Mayor
Mench has now therefore resolved that Township of Bridgewater along with the township council do hereby proclaim Tuesday November 11th 2025 as Veterans Day in the township of Bridgewater. and we urge all citizens to honor and thank
our veterans for their service to our community and our country. Behalf of the township, I will present that to you. >> Thank you. We're going to do a picture. >> Get to do a picture. One thing I can tell you
It's all right. It's all good. Moving to item eight, presentations. We have none. Meeting open to the public and item nine, uh, members of the public wishing to address the council on any matter. Will be allowed three minutes to speak unless there are specific circumstances. May I have a motion open
to the public, please? >> Make the motion. >> I had a second, please. I'll second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I Okay, folks. We're open to the public. Please come forward. Uh sign your name and address and uh tell us who you are.
Okay. I don't see um I don't see a paper to sign my name. I'll tell you my name. >> Hold the mic down so we can really hear you. >> Hi, my name is Carolyn Joya. I live at 1402 Paleley Court in Bridgewwater. Good
to see you all again. Um, couple things. One, I guess I'll start with um, Councilman Cordella's comment about uh, Ruana Isla's quote, and I just wanted to tell you my perspective on
that. When I read that quote, um, actually, first of all, if anyone would mind raising their hands if they're of the female persuasion. No, I took it to mean females. So, in that sense, let's be complete in in how
this um would be better representing all of the residents of Bridgewwater. Um secondly, I was at the commissioner's meeting um that the mayor invited us to and I found it very interesting, very informative.
Um, I also would like to know if anyone in the room here is currently serving on the Shade Tree board for Bridgewater. No. Okay. I think there are three members. There's supposed to be seven. Um, and what I thought might be a good
idea is if we could engage them a little more in this discussion. Um, I was even thinking what might be nice is to sort of bring everyone together for the 250th anniversary to propose that Bridgewater
and the Shade Tree Commission would work on a fundraiser for um, putting out 250 trees in honor of our anniversary. Um, and I would like to get in touch with them if possible. maybe I can discuss some of this with
them if it's something that it's something in their purview to do. So, I thought I would just suggest that might be a nice community um sort of healing um exercise to all come together and and do something positive. And then finally,
uh I was reading about one of the resolutions for tonight and it was about the newcomers club or newcomers $6,000 appropriations. I didn't know we had a newcomers group in a past life. Um I was president of a
newcomers club in Bridgewater and we never received any funding um from the town. Never asked for any funding. And I did a quick search online and AI doesn't seem to recognize any sort of Bridgewater Newcomers um organization. So if I could get a little more clarity
on what that is and what they do. >> I believe that's a high school function. Is it not for for welcome? I I'm not sure, but I it it's I believe it's a high school. We'll check. We'll ask Mr. Papus to check on that one. How's that? >> Maybe we should do that before we
approve the $6,000. >> Sorry. >> Can we do that before we approve the $6,000? No. >> So we know what it's going for. I think it's a great idea. >> Yeah. It's it's not it's not the newcomers in terms of residents welcome new ones. Years and years ago, I was
part of a newcomers thing where you had dinners at one another's house. This was not that. >> I know. It is a it is a grant that we're receiving. >> Oh, we're receiving a grant for it. >> Grant. Yes. Re receipt of a grant. >> Well, maybe that can go towards trees.
>> I I I I don't have all the details here, but I I do know that it is a grant that we're receiving. And when when a grant is received, the council has to adopt a resolution to insert it as a budget item that hadn't been anticipated. >> Interesting. >> Okay. Thank you. Those were my comments.
>> Nice day. Thank you for coming up. >> Next person, please. And as the Troyan Stangle Road um just a few items um in terms of under the heading of lessons learned it's um could you describe what efforts that the
township uh leader leadership is taking in terms of finding and keeping a breast of the um the county's project up in Washington Valley Park. >> This is a time for you to tell us what's
on your mind, but not to ask us to respond back because we may have no idea what the question involves. So, don't >> look for answers tonight. You >> My question is to what extent is there collaboration? Let me rephrase. To what
extent is there going forward collaboration, communication so that residents aren't quite as blindsided as as we have been in the last few weeks regarding the overall scope of project? I also attended the commission meeting
and it certainly sounded like there was more in the offing in terms of what's happening there. I can certainly attend those meetings, but what I'm hoping to see is perhaps some higher level of engagement and communication. Is that appropriately questioned?
>> That's that's a good question. >> So, I don't know if there's so this council. I think the relationship Sorry, I don't think that's something for this council. I think >> well, many of you attended, you know, several of you attended. The relationship between the township and
the county is really one that sits within the administration. The county government's a little bit different. They don't have a chief elected officer like a township does. So, I don't know that we're the best place for your question. >> Okay. So,
>> I think Mr. Papis has the question now. And and Tim is right. It it is a case of the administration, meaning mayor, administrator, and and the county. This this body politic does not interface with the county directly.
>> But you oversee the administration. >> You work closely with the administration. >> We are the judiciary branch of government. We have exactly four employees. The the administration meaning the mayor and administrator have
all the DPW people. They fix the roads. They plow the roads. Uh, and the >> underce under under the law, we are governed under what's called the Faulner Act. And if you actually look it up, it defines the Faulner Act defines strong mayor, weak council.
>> Those are exactly the words. They're insulting words, but those are exactly the words. So, we don't we don't have a lot of authority. So, I understand that, but I also understand from the presentation that there were communications and meetings going on
throughout 2025. So forgive me for my confusion at this point because I'm just I was sort of using that as a launch point that if there were communications notifications I'm not exactly sure of the nature of them that I was now looking forward and saying okay since
there was such a sort of um uh public presence at the meeting several of you attended just wanted to know sort of what comes next what you're saying and I >> the one you mentioned was kind of unique in that the township ship decided to
suggest that our residents attend that meeting. That is that is very atypical. But then this situation was atypical where uh they were taking down trees that in our opinion far exceeded the number uh that they were originally talking about.
>> So >> we like trees. So am I understand then going forward the county will continue to do what it's doing up in Washington Valley Park and provide whatever necessary notifications to the township. >> I was disappointed that after the lawsuit was filed they didn't stop work
>> and and have the thing immediately adjudicated on an emergency basis. That did not happen. Uh but then everyone should understand there there is a a pyramid of a reverse pyramid where the feds trump everybody state trumps county
county trumps the local municipality. So >> uh there's one more you know so so I sort of feel like the county is taking out of my left pocket you and the township takes what it needs out of my right pocket but the both bodies serve the public. And so what I was hoping to
hear was perhaps a different tone of communication, but I I certainly understand the legalities and jur jurisdictional issues. I was just hoping for an update. Um the second question is sort of relevant to what was what was presented uh earlier in the meeting in
terms of now that there is a master plan that provides a framework for as guidance going forward. Um, I think it would be helpful for the residents to understand how that master plan plays into decision makingaking, whether it's zoning or planning or you
yourselves. How how do how is that document used when things like that were presented come up? I'm just curious because I I honestly don't know how it's used, how it's referenced. It >> it's basically the land development
guide, if you will, right? Says what can be built, where and when. In this particular case, someone has come forth that has expressed a desire for something that according to the master plan is not allowed there. So they ask us to re-examine that. That's the master plan re-examination report. And then
ultimately we the planning board will look at that, prepare a recommendation that comes to the council to say yay or nay. >> Master plan is basically it's your planning document. It says what you can build where and what the requirements
are for it. But individual land owners have the ability even though it might not be listed in the master plan to appeal the process. >> Master plan is a living document and it changes over years. Just as
>> in this particular case, someone's coming saying, "Hey, will you change will you consider changing your master plan?" There's other situations where someone goes before the zoning board and says, "I have a hardship. I want an exception from your master plan." Okay. All right. Uh Okay. And hopefully
when there are different balances that to be struck that that that can serve as a reference. >> It's sort of like a dance, >> you know what I mean? >> Depends on what kind of dance I suppose. Um my last two questions really are are finance related. So again, I ask as to
the status of the 2024 finance audit which was supposed to be completed by statute by June 30th. >> This council has not seen it. >> Okay. Is there an expectation that it'll be seen before the calendar year end? >> I would have to defer that question to
Mr. Papus. >> And may I ask why the delay? Why the the quite quite substantial delay? >> As I said previously, we're still waiting for the final draft from the auditor and I had expected it by now, but we should get it very soon.
>> So, it's supposed to be completed by June and you you're still awaiting a final draft? >> Yes. >> And to to what? So you you do expect it by the end of the calendar year to be presented to the council and the public and has the so has the delay been by the
company that we contracted with? >> Well, I'm just trying I think Well, I just I do want to understand where the responsibility lies and how how high a priority is it for this township to to to comply with what is set out. And so
I'm trying to figure out if it's a problem with the the firm that's been contracted or you know wh what's going on. I mean it it's I've heard delay delay delay delay and the council deserves the firm that conducts the audit is a very
accomplished firm. They do work all across the state. Uh yes, it is a a complex document and so we expect council will get it uh certainly well in advance of the end of the calendar year. >> So you have a working draft would you
say you don't you don't have a final >> that's my answer. >> Um my last question relates to resolution number 12 L the snow removal. So I I'm reading this and I'm just again this is just to get a better
understanding of the finances and the budget. So $60,000 has been allocated for the 20 25 26 season. Um I couldn't tell but I presume it's coming out of the operating budget but I it's not clear. Um based
>> it 12 alpha >> 12 L the snow snow >> 12 L I'm sorry >> 12 L I thought >> 12 L. Okay >> 12 L is the snow removal issue. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. 12 unless it's changed. It was 12 L on the >> Yep. No, it is still. >> Okay. Um
>> right. So there um so it outlines that I believe we're allocating at this point 60,000 tonight to the snow removal. Um and that may or may not be enough.
And obviously the details of the contract I I don't have the details of the contract but can you describe generally the scope of work that is contracted is very common >> all the roads is it >> it's very common uh Somerset County does
New Jersey does something very similar you have a public works department but when it snows you need all hands-on right >> um and if you hired enough people to plow there's other times of the year you would not have work for them So they supplement it. Uh and in this particular
case, it goes out to public bid. Uh there was two vendors that bid on it this year. Um RJM was the low bidder. Um and there's a line item in the budget for snow removal contractual services that that will come from
>> and and it's one of these ones where it's a as needed. So if right if we don't need it, you know, it it's basically an on call. We don't pay anything if we don't use them. >> It's an on call basis. >> Snow knows we want to move it.
>> So the scope of the work is to sort of augment the resources of the township. >> It's not automatic. Our >> augment. Yes. It's to augment. They're given a series of streets to plow. >> Has a nucleus of trucks, snow plows, and
certified drivers. Right. for a very small snowfall, a couple inches, uh that may be sufficient, but there is always a backup to make sure that we have enough people. It's like if you go down State Highway and and it's threat of snow and
you'll see 15 trucks lined up and all of them are private contractors, right? State does the same thing, but they they uh have a bigger budget for it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> There's actually two parts. So it's to augment but it's not a specific um >> plowing and also the sanding and salting
which is a different issue. Those are the supplies that we that we have to keep. >> Okay. Thank you for that. So it's not just for example the municipality properties like the senior center or this it's wherever. >> No these are our municipal streets all
220 miles of them. Uh okay. Now it this is a small subset of that. there are primary responsibilities for our DPW people, right? And and this is the supplemental force uh that we call upon. >> Okay. Thank you for that. Um while I was
researching this, I went to Bernard's Township and they handle the snow removal a little differently. I just wanted to bring it to your attention. So, from what I can understand, they have a multi-year contract with the same
vendor and their pricing and um and how they lay out the cost is much more detailed and included in the resolution. So, I just wanted to actually physically share this with you to bear in mind that if we're if we're doing this every year
and because of the unknown total amount, there may be a better way to structure the contract and with more explicit language in the resolution so that it it's just clearer for everybody. Okay. >> Thank you for sharing that insight. If
you want to >> Thank you very much. Anyone else wishing to address the council? >> Joan, this is Joan. This is for you. You can take that and take both of them. Okay.
Joan Guyger, 154 Hillside Avenue, Bridgewater, New Jersey. Um, first of all, I want to thank um all of you. Um, just about almost everyone on the Deis um has reached out to me or someone uh on behalf of you have reached out to me
and to my running mates. Um, we really really appreciate the graciousness. Um, and we are very much looking forward to a smooth transition and we're very much looking forward to working with all of you. And as you know, I come here a lot and I'm pretty tough on you
sometimes. I know. I see the looks on your faces sometimes when you see me coming up. And I heard you one time say, "Oh boy, here she comes." Um, but I want you to know that's because I respect you and because, you know, I know you're
tough and I know you can take it. Um, and I know you'll you'll be giving it back to me one of these days and that's fine. Um, Councilman Cordillo, I know how you feel losing when you're when you're a Democrat and you've lost 37
years in a row. You can be very sympathetic to how someone might feel. Um, I also want to thank all the voters. Um, I think we had a record turnout in voting and regardless of who you voted for, whether you voted for um, Democrats
or Republicans or you wrote somebody in, um, I think it's great that people, as many people came out and voted as they did. It's good for democracy. It's good for all of us. And once again, I think we're all looking forward to a very smooth transition and to working
together. Thank you. Hi, good evening. Andrew Bucko, 543 Barrywood Lane. Um, I would just like to echo what uh Miss Guyger had uh said about thanking the uh the the um uh members of of the council for their service and also the voters for uh
participating in the election um uh that was uh just a couple days ago. But I would like to bring to the um the council's attention uh something that was um also uh a recent current event and that is that um in the in the past
week on um November 1st uh the approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, other otherwise known as SNAP or food stamps, uh found that they did not receive any assistance
this month um uh thanks to the uh current uh administration in Washington deciding not to uh use the uh uh funds that uh are there for paying uh into the program. Um you you might think to
yourself, gosh, you know, Bridgewwater is a a fairly affluent uh town and uh Somerset County is a is a is a pretty affluent county as well, so it's not really a problem for us. Um but the the reality is is that uh it absolutely can
happen here and it it does happen here that um more than 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Uh so a loss of a job um could be uh quite frankly
devastating and cause families to uh require uh the tough choice of of do they pay for the roof over their heads? Do they pay for electricity? Do they pay for heating? Or do they pay to put food on the the table? And that's where um
SNAP is supposed to come into play and and help out uh those who uh those who need it. And in fact, in Somerset County, as of uh the uh August 2025 report from the state, um 6,894
uh families rely on SNAP. uh and that includes uh 4,790 children, 3,172 seniors, and 4,290 individuals with a disability. Um, in
other words, the unlike how some um commentators have have suggested that uh SNAP recipients are lazy freehole uh freeloaders, uh most of them are either working adults, children or those who
cannot work. And and so um I I would ask that um those who are able uh if you are fortunate enough to um to do so uh please help out your neighbors. Please
contribute to the uh food bank however you can. Whether it's through cash uh donations, whether it's through food donations, hold a a food drive. um help out, help your neighbors. Uh because frankly,
we're all Americans. We're all in this together. And um it's it's uh a shame that so many uh Americans in in the greatest country in the world, unfortunately, um struggle with putting food on the
table. Um but um you know, aside from fixing fixing that uh problem, at least we can we can help out. So, so if you are able to do so, uh, please do so. Thank you very much, >> Mr. President. May I comment briefly? Um,
>> so, so, you know, as you become, you know, more familiar with, with township operations. Um, you you'll know that this is a very generous community. Um, and in that specific way, it there is a history of our being generous. Um, specifically, our soccer uh
organization, uh, I don't know if they do it on an annual basis, but they do it on a close annual basis. They do a food drive >> um and we collect a considerable amount. Um I've had the privilege of uh working with our DPW to drive it on over there.
Um uh I've personally volunteered at the the food bank uh which is um in Bridgewater Township >> as have I. Yes. >> And I think that um you know bringing additional um uh uh visibility to that is is a good thing. I think, you know,
there are people in every community that are suffering uh whether or not SNAP benefits uh are are in place. Um you know, we are approaching holiday seasons and and you know, I think it's a it's a good message. People who who are blessed with excess uh who have the ability to
share it. Um you know, I think it it's important for all of us to consider that. >> Yes. Thank thank you very much. Thank you for those words. And anyone who uses the public library in Bridgewater, there are collection baskets right inside the gate. Uh, and generally they're pretty full and DPW
helps empty them. Um, hello to the council. Um, this is my first time being here. So, um, just one quick question I have for all of you. >> Name and address, please. >> Hers, 497 Milttown Road, Bridgewwater, New Jersey, San County. Um, so just a
quick question. Uh, I don't know if this point has been raised in prior meetings. Uh this has nothing to do with the current agenda right now, but um being a longtime resident of terms of county in Burgor Township, um I've seen a lot of underutilized and empty like lots around town and a lot of those have been
staying empty for a very long time. So just my general concern as a question is to the council if if you are going to take up this point um what would what would you be good willing to do going forward considering that there are a lot of empty underutilized areas of town
that that are not being used you know for I don't know other uses like retail or mixed use you know um you know shopping centers or just general stuff like that you know >> it's very difficult without talking about a specific lot in that there could
be a piece a property that's empty, but for example, it's wetlands and the state says you can't build there or prior owner is sold off and it's open space and therefore, you know, there could be many different reasons why a piece of property is vacant. Um, it could be
privately owned and somebody's holding it as an investment. You know, without talking a specific property and doing some research, it's very difficult. Um, but you know, certainly anybody that owns property that comes forth to the town with a proposal, the town I think is always I don't want to speak for the
administration, but I think guys are always pretty willing to listen to them. >> Okay. Um, actually just the one empty area that I could that I have at the top of my mind is the empty lot that sits right between the Stone Tavern Inn and the Mercedes-Benz dealership right on 22
when you're going up to Costco. that that there's a propo that developer has been before the town uh previously. There's plans for a hotel to be built there. >> Okay. >> Commercial center that's proposed for that lot. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um
>> in some cases, you know, that particular case developer has approval. The developer has to go out and obtain financing and then you know actually start construction which is obviously not something we can control. >> Okay. Um and just another quick question that I had. So, I used to work at the
old Ruby Tuesday that sits where the Waggman's and that shopping complex is. Um, but they've been closed for quite a while now since that building is closed down. Um, I was just wondering when that that new business, you know, Chick-fil-A has said that they're going to come through and and open in that building.
That >> Well, well, I I'll answer that cuz uh that appeared before the planning board. Um, they do have full approval. Um, I believe it is their intention during calendar year 2026. uh to be doing that work. But again, that is market conditions and financing.
I mean, that's that's a private that's private land, you know, it's it's uh they they have the approvals that they need from us and we'll be working through our construction office. It's really, you know, it's in their hands. >> Okay. Yeah, that that's pretty much all the questions that I had. So, thank you very much.
>> Next person, please. Ruana Isla 32 Timberline Drive. I just came in today from another meeting, rushed here just to thank both Councilman Pedroso, who's not here today, and Councilman Cordelloo for your service. And I also uh wanted to thank
all of the voters for participating in our democratic um um process this year. And uh as a part of that, I did want to share a small story that a resident had asked me to share had I you know received a platform like this. So um
just a promise to keep. I know um a lot of people uh are concerned about things like SNAP benefits. I do want to mention healthc care is also on everyone's mind. Um this resident lost someone who was dear to them, somebody who was
hardworking. They did not choose not to work. They were just going between jobs. They decide to ch change careers. So while changing careers, a lot of us have to be consultants or contractors. In that middle um limbo stage, you don't get
health care. You're not lazy. That's why you don't have health care. Your insurance just hasn't kicked in. a person died because they got an ear infection and they didn't go into the office uh to the doctor's office. And as some of us might be familiar with
sepsis, you do have a very small window of opportunity before that infection, a very simple bacterial infection turns deadly. Unfortunately, she ended up losing this friend, this colleague, this um employee employee. Um, so just, you
know, if you have loved ones who are sick and might be in that same situation, friends, neighbors, please tell them to go to the doctor. Doesn't matter what the situation is, go to the doctor immediately. An ear infection is not just for little kids. An adult can die from any kind of infection. So, um,
just keeping up promise from one of the residents that I cried with when I met her randomly. Thank you so much for everything. >> Next person, please. Seeing no one motion to close public comment. I'll >> second it. All
>> those in favor? I I All right, we are closed for public input. >> Uh public hearing and final actions. We have none. Under item 10, moving to 11, which is introduction of ordinance bond ordinance providing an appropriation of $4,100,000
for Middlebrook sanitary sewer pumping station improvements phase 2 in and by the township of Bridgewater in the county of Somerset, New Jersey, and authorizing the issuance of 4,ou 4,100,000 bonds or notes of the township for
financing part of the appropriation. Uh this is an issue that's been a long time in coming. Uh we have discussed it uh at this on this day numerous times uh over at least the past year. Uh Councilman uh
Kersh and I have both then been down in the bowels of of this pumping station. Uh not a pretty place, but a very necessary place. Uh Mr. purpose. I don't mean to steal your thunder on this, but but this is an issue that that I feel very passionate about because although
you don't see it when you ride along, you may see a manhole cover and you'll know there's something down there, but this represents the guts of the process that takes the effluent, whatever it is, whatever drain it goes down in your house. >> Mr. Gova's presentation.
>> Pardon? Let's move on. >> He's not making a presentation. >> He's not. >> Do Do you want to Do you want to move the introduction? I will be happy to move the introduction because I feel this is something uh that that's a little pricey uh and it is bond. Uh but I I will move the introduction.
>> I'll second. >> Okay. And I just to make a a brief comment um and a compliment um to our to our council president. Um he has taken a a a great interest in our sewer utility in understanding it in understanding the
finances behind it over many many years in anticipation of of his uh retiring uh from the council. I I have taken it upon myself uh to to to to step in and and and gather that knowledge so that we can
have uh you know a continuation um you know of success with the sewer utility. You know we all pay the tax. People wonder well what is it and why does it matter and why is it so much and um you know you know there's answers for all those questions. Um the staff have them,
the council has them. our new council members in time will learn the answers to those questions. Um it is a critically important infrastructure. It's infrastructure you don't want to see. Um when you're seeing it, there's a problem with it. And the reason uh why uh we hope residents will never see it
is a proactive investment such as this to make sure that this pumping station uh is now going to be up and running and appropriate for the next generation. Thank you.
>> Tom could not have said it better. >> Sorry. >> Tom couldn't have said it better. >> Okay. Super. Okay. Uh, roll call, please. >> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kodiller. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Ogalas. >> Yes. >> Okay.
>> Would you read your >> Yes. Final action for this ordinance is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. here in the municipal courtroom. Public inspection of this ordinance is available on the township website bulletin board and in the
clerk's office. >> And at that meeting, there will of course be public input should you desire any. Uh moving to ordinance uh intent uh 11B, an ordinance amending chapter 138, massage and bodywork therapy of the
municipal code of the township of Bridgewater to clarify certain provisions thereof. >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have uh beat this one to death. Uh this has been uh I'll just make a brief comment. Uh the police have have briefed
us in detail about the background and need for this particular change in provide pro prevent. >> Mr. Practice, did you have anything else? >> Yeah, just uh one uh additional comment besides the police department. The health department has a very important role in monitoring and inspecting these
facilities. Uh uh they have been intimately involved in preparing this. a number of other people on the staff. We've probably been working on this for a year and appreciate the council's consideration. >> Roll call. >> Well, and just a very quick comment, you know, because perhaps some of the
comments are seem a little cryptic. Um, we believe that a way of better managing and handling the concerns about massage parlors that may not be operating within the full effect of the law uh is to take an administrative approach. uh it will
give us the opportunity uh to go in and through inspection and additional enforcement. Now, another alternative way to get there uh is is through law enforcement. Um and uh at at the and by law enforcement, I mean the prosecutor, I don't mean the police department. Um
and you know, sadly that has not been successful. So the approach that we're now taking um is from an administrative standpoint essentially giving additional teeth uh to our inspector uh to our court system so that if and when um uh uh
um any business is not operating uh within the scope of this ordinance uh there there there there will be additional uh consequence available and over time uh hopefully um legal businesses will um will uh succeed and prosper and businesses that are not
legal. We'll hopefully find a different place to locate. >> Mr. President, if I can just add one comment, please. Um, this uh ordinance, these ordinance amendments um are um in some instances um copied from
other municipalities who have had similar concerns that we've had and u have proved to be successful in other communities. >> Thank you. >> Let's honorably borrow when we take it from somebody else. working. Give him credit though. >> Working smarter not harder. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. >> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. >> Councilman Codella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Ogalas. >> Yes. >> Final action for this ordinance is once again scheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. here in the
municipal courtroom. Public inspection of this ordinance is available on the township website, the bulletin board, and in the clerk's office. >> Thank you. Next, we have an ordinance amending chapter 216, recorder roster section 216-7, issuance
of license, denial, suspension, termination of the municipal code of the township of Bridgewater to create a new suspension provision. Mr. Papus, your comments, please, sir. Yes, we as you know uh have an ordinance that um
regulates the u towing uh companies and uh this is an enhancement to ensure that the towing companies that are providing the service for the general public are acting properly. Uh there have been instances unfortunately where some
companies have uh not always carried out their uh duties properly and this we believe will help uh ensure that that is minimized if not eliminated. Thank you. your car was towed. you have
you're having a bad day and when you try to get access to it so you can take it with you or have it shipped someplace else and the towing company is not responsive and says we can't get to you today or tomorrow or maybe the next day
and the daily fees go up up and this is to recognize that we've had some issues in the past and we're trying to codify them to the point where they will stop. Okay. Uh any other comments if uh motion please on
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Anyone else wishing to speak? >> Oh no. No speak. >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. >> Codella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Ogalis. >> Yes. >> Final action is scheduled for Wednesday,
December 3rd, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. here in the courtroom, municipal courtroom. public inspection um is available on the township website, the bulletin board, and in the clerk's office. >> Thank you. Last ordinance for tonight, an ordinance amending chapter 94 fees to
amend and reconfigure subsection F health there thereof of the municipal code of the township of Bridgewater. Uh Mr. Papus uh be before you make a comment on it. Um basically uh our
health department in part our health services in part are provided by the Middlebrook health commission. Uh these are the rates that basically parallel what they use in the other three or four towns that that they administer. And our
health office uh our health inspector who is an employee has asked that we we use the same one because there is some trading of of personnel back and forth between our employee and the health
commission and it's best that they all work off the same piece of architecture. How's that? There's there's also a recommendation from the Bridgewater Health Advisory Board for this new fee structure as well.
>> Okay. Uh motion, please. >> So moved. >> Second. >> I'll second it. >> Any last minute questions? Roll call, please. >> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. >> Councilman Codilla. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Ogalas. >> Yes. Final action scheduled for
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 here in the municipal courtroom at 7:30 p.m. Public inspection will be available on the township website, the bulletin board, and in the clerk's office. >> Thank you. We are now up to resolutions. And the first one, 12A, is the 2026
Devola Quarry operating license for block 7-Eleven, lots two, I'm sorry, 3, 4, and 6, Jimny Rock Road, Bridgewater, New Jersey, 0807, Somerset County. Now, I'm gonna ask Tom Branch, who is the vice president of Stavola, one of them
anyway, uh to say a few words about what's happening because I I've sort of grilled Tom about this before uh before today's meeting. I said, uh in looking for the this is the mining license only. There there's one word I don't want to
hear tonight at all, and that's reclamation. And that's an entirely different topic and is not to be uh muddied into the the quarrying license. Uh and basically the question I asked Tom is are you still uh coloring within the lines? In other words, the
parameters of the of the mining area that has been previously established, are you still working within that? And he said yes. Tom, the the mic is yours. Tell us in in just a couple of minutes. Okay.
Thank you, Mr. Cadilla. Yes, my name is Tom. >> He's Credilla. I'm Noralis. Sorry, but you know looking at Hey, in in six weeks it won't make you won't make that mistake again. Won't make any difference. >> So, thank you, Mr. Ngalis. Um, as Howard said, my name is Thomas Branch. I'm with
the company Stavola Arosa. We are the operators owners of the quarry as everyone would know. Um, as Mr. Nargala said, "Each year we're required to uh submit an application for renewal of our mining license." Uh that application
package was completed on October 7th. It was handed to Mr. Gova's office. Um we believe that that has been now deemed administratively complete. Um the information that's submitted each year is a plan for rock extraction,
earthwork, grading, as well as additional information on survey, mine registration from the state and storm water management. Um as Mr. uh Norgalis said, there has been no mining beyond the limits that have been previously
approved during pre prior years, specifically last year. We don't anticipate seeking any further limits of what was previously approved last year. So again, this is a repeat of any prior approval that was granted as far as our
mining limits. Um what I would like to highlight as part of our efforts is an ongoing flood control study that's been initiated uh at the suggestion of the D. uh they've approached us uh two years ago, wanted to know if we would be
interested in working with them on a flood control project to better control flooding downstream during times of high rainfall events and such. We've worked with now the Somerset County um Joe Scoopian, if you're familiar with him,
he is the county storm water guru. Uh we've had initial reports come back from him that say such a project would have a benefit of diverting certain amount of water from the middle brook into the quarry and then allowing it as we do uh with other detention retention basins
out during times of low flow. Um so we're very excited about working together with the state and the county on that level. Other than that, um I can say that of the 40 shots or blast events that we've had this year so far, all of
them been have been within the DE I'm sorry, Department of Labor standards uh for both air over pressure and ground vibration. So with that said, Mr. Gallas, I would ask you and the council to consider uh approval of our 2026 mining license.
>> I'd ask for a motion on this. >> I'll make that motion. I will second it with just a brief comment that >> now now is the comment time. We've got a motion in a second. Go ahead. >> Um for the public's benefit, I think it's very important to note that what Mr. Branch said about the 40 detonations
this year in compliance with the state standards. While we are tasked with granting a license, we do not have authority over the um for the lack of better term we're going to say the size or the impact of the blast. I know that it comes up from time to time. That is
something that is set by the state. So I just think it's important to remind the public of that. But I'll second it. >> It is the Department of Labor that monitors every one of their shots and part of their process is to set up I guess it's a seismograph or whatever it
is on the closest residential property to the blast. >> My mother's backyard. >> Okay, there you go. And and that gets looked at after every blast to make sure it is within the parameters established by the state. But as Tim said, we have
no control over that. That is a state thing. Uh Stavola has been a a great uh participant in our township uh and has worked very hard. They have telephone numbers set up so that if people want to be notified in advance that there are
going to be blasts, they can they can be on a website or telephone exchange, whatever it is. Uh and and and Tom has has always said, hey, if people have individual questions, they can reach out to he and his office and they are very
responsive. With that in mind, uh we have a motion and a second. >> Anman Kush, >> yes. >> Codella, >> yes. >> Ring, >> yes. >> President Ogalis, >> yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Tom.
>> Representatives of Sabola, thank you for sharing time with us tonight. You're welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting uh if you like. Uh for resolutions, >> we're welcome to come to their next blast. Right. >> Resolutions B and C. I'd like to do by consent. Resolution uh B is resolution
requesting approval of items of revenue and appropriation. NJSA484 col87 bring out your best $10,000 budget chapter 159. And the second one is resolution requesting approval of items
of revenue and appropriation NJSA48 uh colon 4 col 87 newcomers club $6,000 budget chapter 159 and Mr. Papis will get additional uh information on that newcomers comp uh but >> coming from the Somerset County
Municipal Youth Services Commission. >> This is incoming money folks, money that we take and put in the coffers. >> I'll move them on consent. >> Okay. Second. >> Second. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Codella, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> President Ogalas,
>> yes. Uh E, uh D, a resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to cancel trust account reserve balances in the amount of $23,488.22 and transfer the funds to the current fund, MRNA, trust reserve canceled. Uh
basically these are unused funds that have been uh sitting around in places and we're doing a a cleanup so to speak. Is that sufficient Mr. >> Yes. It's uh these accounts have not had any activity in at least 10 years.
>> Okay. Could I have a motion please on >> that motion? >> Second. Sure. Okay. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Kush. >> Yes. >> Councilman Codella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> Gawas. >> Yes. Uh, next one. Authorizing Bridgewater tax
collector Blanca Lions to conduct electronic tax sale. Mr. Papus, would you provide additional insight on that, please? >> Yes. Uh each year the township has a tax sale and uh uh with technology it is uh
there's an option to conduct it electronically and this merely authorizes the tax collector to do so and it would be uh I think uh early December. I don't remember the exact date. >> So it's something we do every year as part of the process. >> Apologize. I just realized this. If it's
electronic tax sale, why is there a $25 mailing fee? I don't know the answer to that. Okay. >> I don't know. I motion, please. >> I'll move it. Second. >> Second it. >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Kush. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Codilla. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Ogalas. >> Yes. Uh, next is authorizing budget transfer for fiscal year 2025 appropriations in the amount of $38,496.98 in the current fund. uh each year in
November and December, we are authorized by the state to move monies around to to meet uh circumstances that we didn't know of before. Uh and probably the the largest one uh in this year is the electric uh the the cost of
electricity has gone out of state out of sight. Anyway, any any questions on this? Otherwise, may I have a motion, please? >> Well, I Well, I'll make the motion. >> Okay. Second. I'll second it >> and brief discussion. You know, you know, I I raised this from the moment um
that I saw my own electric uh bill shockingly high in the June July time frame, realizing that uh the municipality uses a lot more electricity than my individual home. Um you know, again, I think that this is a this is a consequence of poor state management,
but we don't have any choice but to pay our electric bill. Um I have had conversation with Senator Steinhardt about this. this issue unfortunately is not going away. Um and I am um you know interested in potentially um you know pursuing his support uh for how the
state can help us out. They made this problem while certainly we can you know solve it right now. We have no choice but to solve it right now as this becomes an ongoing challenge for municipalities ac across New Jersey. This to me is not all that different from a state mandate. Um their lack of action created this problem. They need
to help us solve it. Um, obviously tonight we need to solve it ourselves. >> I I'm very hopeful that the results of the uh incoming governor uh will have some traction on this issue, but we'll see. >> They should drop January her first day in office.
>> We're going to lower utility costs. >> Yes. Carry >> not costs. Costs. >> We're going to carry candles. Okay. Uh motion, please. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Kush. Yes. >> Councilman Kodiller.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Ogalis. >> Yes. Uh the next three I'd like to do by consent. G uh H and I. Uh G is authorizing an additional 15,000 to Kier's Engineering and Design 53
Frontage Road, Sweet 110, Hampton, New Jersey 08827 for Township Engineer Professional Service contract for the year 2024 for a total amount not to exceed $135,000. So this is to add 15 to make it up as
high as 135. The next one is authorizing an additional 15,000 to Darlene Green professional planner AICP of Kier's Engineering and Design as affordable housing planner for the professional service contract for the year 2025 for a
total amount not to exceed $55,000. And as everybody knows, we've got lots of affordable housing uh changes over the past. Lastly, in this batch, authorizing an additional $10,000 to Sarmad Planning Group, LLC, 26 King
George Road, Warren, New Jersey 0807059 for professional planning services in conjunction with the master plan update for the year of 2025 for a total amount not to exceed $30,000. >> So moved on consent. >> All those a second, please on consent.
Uh roll call, please. >> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. Councilman Codella R. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Ogalis. >> Yes. Uh, next is authorizing submission of the fiscal year 202526 Bridgewater Raritan Municipal Alliance
request for application with Somerset County Board of Commissioners in the amount of $22,575.36. Uh, could I have a motion on that one, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. Second. Yeah. Brief brief discussion. Um >> Sure.
>> Just want to make sure that I I fully understand this. This is our contribution, >> right? >> And Braritton is taking a similar action. >> Yes. I don't know their amount, but they have a similar action. >> Okay. And has it been determined that
the you know the the the money being allocated is, you know, appropriate based on um the municipality size? Uh >> so just to clarify though this is not our costs. This is a submission. Yeah.
>> For an application. So the the 1128768 would be funds that would come to us. We provide a cash match of 2821 and in kind of 8465. So it's it's it's a submission.
>> Okay. I mean, but I I just want to make sure that on a go forward basis with whatever uh uh areas we're discussing that when we are in a partnership with Ryan and they are a valued partner >> and it it is proportional based on the parameters that have been established.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh motion please. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Kush. >> Yes. >> Councilman Codilla. >> Yes. >> Councilman Green. >> Yes. Representative Gallas.
>> Yes. Author. Next one is authorizing dispersal of $44,300 from the affordable housing trust fund for renovations and repair for two low and moderate income properties through the Bridgewater Housing Rehab
Rehabilitation Program. Mr. Papus, can you provide just a sound bite on that one, please? >> Yes. These are two property owners who have uh um properties have undergone inspections. Uh uh there are um
renovations that in uh every instance are would make the properties code compliant. Um I I forgot to bring the reports with me but I there were windows there were >> they were the reports were distributed to the
>> Okay. Yeah. So this is a you know a typical example of the kinds of uh repairs are made through this rehab program and and it is not widely used. We we try to advertise this and uh it's
not as widely used as we would hope but it uh it does provide assistance to many people >> and it's to make these homes code compliant which means li safe and livable. >> Correct. >> Uh motion please. >> I'll make that motion. Thank you.
Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Codella, >> yes. >> Ring, >> yes. >> President Ogalas, >> yes. Next is award of contract to RJM Landscape and Design LLC of 821
Parsonage Hill DR Drive Drive, Branchburg, New Jersey 08876 for snow removal services in the amount not to exceed $60,000 for the 2025-2026 snow season. I >> think we talked about this enough. I'll
move it one to to death. I'll I'll second it. Uh roll call, please. >> M Kersh. Yes. Councilman Codella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> Cres. >> Yes. >> When's the resolution requesting less snow?
>> Uh, that's called a prayer. >> Next. This resolution requesting approval of items of revenue and appropriation in NJSA4A 4 col 87 universal drainage assessment $156,000
budget chapter 159. Mr. Papus, would you comment on that, please? >> Mr. Bur, Township Engineer found a grant, and this simply accepts the uh $156,000 grant. Uh, as we saw earlier in the
agenda, two other items revenue of revenue that were uh added to the municipal budget. >> Good. >> I think this is long overdue and I would make a motion to support it. >> Okay. Second. Second.
>> Roll call, please. >> As Kersh, >> yes. As >> Codiller, >> yes. >> As ring, >> yes. >> Ogallis, >> yes. Next is resolution requesting approval of items of revenue and appropriation NJSA48 col4 col 87 Plymouth Road, Ryan Way and
Jeffrey Lane improvement project in the amount of $44,652 budget chapter 159. Um, this is money coming in. >> I found myself on Plymouth Road the other day. This is much needed. I will gladly move it.
>> Second. >> I'll second it. All >> roll call, please. >> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. >> Codella. >> Yes. >> Ring. >> Yes. >> President Gallas. >> Yes. Next is award of contract to Topline Construction Corp. 225th Street, Somerville, New Jersey 08876 for the
Plymouth Road, Ryan Way, and Jeffrey Lane roadway improvement project, which was awarded in fiscal year 2024 under NJ dot municipal aid grant in the amount of $44,652
for the entire lengths of Primise Road, Ryan Wei, and Jeffrey Lane in the sum of 642,997,20 22 cents uh funded through the 2025 Capitol Road Fund. That was a lot of words. Uh Mr. Papis, is there anything
you'd like to share for the class? >> No, just that this is a grant uh from the DOT. As you can see, uh about twothirds of it of this project is covered by the grant. The balances through the bond ordinance adopted by the council earlier this year.
>> Okay. A motion, please. >> I'll make that motion. Second. I'll second. And just a a brief roll call >> just a brief comment. Um I should have mentioned this during my council comments uh compliment to topline uh as well as our engineering staff in the intervening last few weeks. Uh my
street, Danbury Lane, Villa Drive, uh Villa, it's uh uh Villa uh it's uh drive and Hinrich Way were all done uh and done extremely well. Okay. Roll call.
>> Councilman Kush. >> Yes. Councilman >> Codiller. >> Yes. Councilman >> Ring. >> Yes. President Ogalas. >> Yes. Next is project res resolution for professional services for the universal drainage assessment project to Kala's engineering and design incorporated. Uh
too many incorporates there. uh Shelbourne at Hun Hunterton 53 Frontage Road Sweet 110 Hampton, New Jersey 08827 in the amount of 156,000 funded through the FEMA hazard mitigation grant program
uh abbreviated as HMG >> money we just approved. I'll >> motion to approve. >> Second. >> I'll second it. But could I make a comment please? >> Sure. Uh I think this is a tremendous benefit to the township, but we also
heard uh Tom talking about Stola Quarry working with it with the state also. >> Yeah. for a flood control project on their site. And I would ask that the their work and this work be sort of
combined somehow so that the uh you know every for transparency everybody knows what's going on and we can maybe get a better benefit out of the studies being done on both sides. >> Okay. uh the the reference uh made to the
Stavola quarry uh back in 1997 Peters Brookke coming down uh the road coming down parallel to Chimney Rock Road there was a small dam there and at one point due to the hurricane effect uh that dam burst which particip which helped the
major flooding and loss of life in the town of Bound Brook. Uh the the process that the county then considered was basically during times of of high water diverting that stream into the back of
the quarry uh to retain what they call acre feet. They don't talk about it in thousands of gallons or mill. They talk about it as acre feet which is an acre in size one foot deep of water uh which is something like 287,000
gallons. Uh but if that pro as that project comes to fruition, uh there will be a lot of people downstream who will breathe a sigh of relief uh knowing that some water is being uh impacted along the way. Um now, do we have
>> You have a motion. You have a second. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Codeller, >> yes. >> Green, >> yes. >> President Gallas, >> yes. Uh we're up to item 10, which is authorizing the fireworks display schedule uh for Somerset Patriots games
at the TD Bank Ballpark. Uh I'll I'll move that schedule. >> I'll second I'll second and make a just a brief comment. Um during the 2025 season, uh my son uh worked select games as part of the game day staff. Um, I
don't believe that represents any any conflict or reason why I can't vote on this, but want to make sure that that is is known. >> I can't believe anyone would consider that a conflict. >> Okay. >> But I I'm just in the interest of full trans. >> Thank you for disclosing it. >> Get a free hot dog.
>> Does he get Does he or dog then that's a problem? >> No. Um, and again, he he he may or may not work the 2026 season. >> Okay. U motion. Are we Are we ready to vote? No, you have another comment over here. >> Okay.
>> Uh, in the resolution, there's also a reference to the approval by the Fender Fire Department and the I just want to advise you that I have checked with the fire department and they are aware of the schedule and do not object
>> and there is a uh a massive insurance uh protecting the township uh for these things. Okay, roll call, please. >> Man Kush. Yes. >> Codeller. >> Yes. >> Ring. >> Yes. >> President Gallas. >> Yes. Uh consenting to the installation
of two new turf fields at the Prince Rogers Ball PL Baseball Complex by Bridgewater Baseball and Softball Incorporated at no cost to the township. Mr. Papus, would you want to say a few words about that? >> Sure. Uh as you know, this facility has
been in existence many years. is the property is actually owned by the township and therefore the governing body is uh appropriate for the governing body to officially consent to it. Uh there is documentation that uh indicates that Bridgewater Baseball is uh assuming
the uh costs of this. Uh Mr. Burner has reviewed the plans and has approved them and um they have indicated that they would maintain these facilities. Uh before we uh Okay. U motion, please.
>> I'll make that motion. >> Okay. >> Second. >> I'll have I have a question before we vote. >> Yes, sir. >> The one concern I have on this project is okay. They're going to go in and build the field and maybe around 5 years
from now or 10 years from now, they'll have to be replaced. Uh if I understand uh line number six, the consent to construct the field shall not be construed as a joint venture or
partnership with the township. Now if I understand that correctly, that means in the future when it comes time to replace the fields, Bridgewater Township does not have a liability responsibility to replace. >> That's true. We're not on the hook for
replacing. we're maintaining. >> Yeah. The the purpose of this is it's their improvement on our land. Yeah. Um that that's really the purpose here. Um that the the current field lasted I got to do the you know well I think it was over 10 years. I know I know my son
who's now um you know 19 he played on it you know as an 8 nyear-old. So um you do get 10 years but no matter how much or how little they get it's their improvement on our land. They are fully responsible. Bridgewater Baseball has been a tremendous asset to this township
in providing one whale of a lot of money for projects like this. Um, could I have a uh a motion, please? >> Oh, then roll call. >> Kersh, >> yes. >> Codella, >> yes. >> Ring, >> yes. >> President Ois,
>> yes. Okay. There will be no action following uh the close session. But before I move to vote move for the close session, I want to reannounce again that our ne there this is the only meeting in November. Uh in the week after next,
there'll be the League of Municipalities which many people will be participating in. So our next meeting will be December 3rd which is a Wednesday and then the week the the the very last meeting of the year will be December 17th which is
also a Wednesday. Uh we're now going to move to close session. Be it resolved by the Bridgewater Township Council that this body will now convene in a closed session uh to discuss the following uh and there's a whole series of them uh to
include uh emergency services contract public safety and emergency services contract negotiations for health insurance litigation Fleer versus Bridgewater Township litigation Warren Township litigation for affordable housing contract negotiations for
affordable housing Um, >> so moved. >> Oh, I'm sorry. You're not done reading. >> Yeah, I'm not done. My bad. >> Uh, when and if uh matters discussed uh become public record, the information will be known to the public at that time. Public is excluded from said
meeting and further notice is hereby dispensed with all in accordance with sections 8 and eight and 4 A of the open public meetings act. Uh motion, please. >> So moved. >> Second. Okay. All those in favor of going to close session I >> I >> opposed.
>> Now give me one second to verify that we are offline. >> Have a good night. Roman doesn't even have. >> Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we're back online. We have completed the close session. We are now in open session. I want to make sure everybody knows there
are 46 shopping days until Christmas and exactly two council meetings before the end of the year. Could I have a motion to adjourn this body? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. All those in favor of adjourning signify by saying I. I. The eyes have
it. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for participating. Good day. >> Thank you.