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 the website and the bulletin board in the municipal building and filing with
the township clerk. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Beco, >> here. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> here. Councilman Kersh >> here. >> Councilman Ring. >> Good evening. Here. >> President Gger >> here. Would everyone stand for the pledge of allegiance? I
>> pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Has everyone had a chance to review the
minutes of July 9th, 2026? >> Yes. >> Are there any questions, comments, corrections, concerns? Hearing none, can I have a motion to approve the minutes? >> Moved. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Next is the township council reports. Anybody want to go first? I'll go first because I always make everybody else go first. So, I'll make myself go first tonight. Okay. So, I am Joan Guyer, the council
president. Uh, first I want to congratulate I I forgive me if I butcher your name. I don't believe he's here tonight, but uh Jishu Calivan, a rising senior at Bridgewater High School for receiving the
Congressional Award Gold Medal. and I would tell you what it is, but um my eyes got blurry reading everything he had to do in order to get it. But there is an article if anyone wants to see it from the patch about it, and I thought it was worth noting. Um secondly, for
everyone's information, um Somerset County u partners with AARP to assist older adults and low to moderate income residents to prepare their tax returns and apply for um property tax relief through various
state programs for 65 year olds and older. And they are seeking volunteers, especially bilingual ones to um help provide services to these people. So, um, if you need help preparing your taxes or applying for any of the tax
relief available to seniors or you can volunteer, please go to the Somerset County website um and check it out. Uh, I attended the um the uh health fair at the Hindu Temple in Bridgewater together with two Bridgewater um Raritan High
School students. We sat at the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative table which the students put together and prepared and did all of the work. I just sat there and talked to people and we were providing information regarding free early detection um testing for lung
cancer uh potent people were at high risk for lung cancer which would be first responders and vets. Um, the test is non-abasive and it's free. And I do highly recommend the health clinic, the annual health clinic at the temple for anyone who's interested in health
issues. Uh, I also want to give a shout out to our deputy town clerk, Rob Fields. He was working he worked with the DP to install a pet waste bag station at the Alfred Brown Park in Bradley Gardens. Uh, the only cost to the town will be the cost of the
replacement bags. I want to update everyone on the uh Victory Town Plaque project. It's moving along smoothly. Many thanks to Jane Gandalf and Christine Rose for assisting in the plaque wording and
seeking to find the best place to put the plaque. We anticipate there will be a ceremony and the plaque will be installed sometime in the fall. Um, finally, no, not finally, uh, the audit. Uh, in order to get ahead of it, I see
Kathy Franco in the back. I'm going to save you a minute of your time. You don't have to ask about the, um, recommendation in the audit. Um, there is the the we do have the audit. There was only one recommendation. Um, and I'm going to read it to you. It was that
sufficient funds be available in the appropriations prior to the commitment and expenditure of funds. And I want to explain that um that had to do with the excess funds that were needed for snow removal, which I'm I'm very happy and I
I don't mean any disrespect to the recommener here, but um I don't know that we could have possibly anticipated we would need an extra $600,000 for snow removal this year, but we'll try to stay on top of it in the future. >> Last year.
>> Last year. Right. Last year. Um thank you. And lastly, from a fun history fact, um George Washington and Lord Sterling created a sophisticated communication network to track British
troop movements in the area via via a system of beacons. There were 23 in the area. Um and what they were was basically pretty tall wooden towers that they would burn that provided light and
signals. um to all of the troops in the area. Um and one of them was in Middbrook in Bridgewater. And I just want to give a shout out to Lance Guyger. No relation. Um he is he is known as Mr. Local History. He is the
Basking Ridge official historian and he's the one that made me aware of it. And I just want to know does anyone in the audience know about this? Am I like I had never heard of it before and I thought it was fascinating that they did that. So you can you can go to Mr. history's web page and learn more about
it. And that is my report. Um I will pick on Mr. Ring next since he looked ready. >> Thank you. Um since our last meeting received along with some of my fellow council members numerous emails uh
related to the proposed uh self- storage facility on Route 22 saying please don't change the zoning or why is Bridgewater considering this? I think it's important to note that this council is not considering changing the zoning. Um, and the reason why it's being considered is
our zoning does not allow it, but under New Jersey land use laws, land owners or prospective land owners have the right to apply for a variance, a hardship variance, um, which is what's happening. The proposed purchaser is requesting a variance in order to be able to build
the self- storage facility. and we are required by law to hear those applications if they're properly submitted. If we did not hear the application, they could probably go to court and my guess is they'd get a ruling to be able to build without us hearing it. So, um we're not looking to
change the zoning. Someone is following the letters of the law and submitted a hardship application, uh which we are required to hear. Um, I know I said I wasn't going to touch on this piece, council president, but um, few years
back this council did pass a um, dedicated [clears throat] rider for monies collected to fund memorials outside to honor uh, police, fire, and EMS who have served this town. Um, project has been kind of on and off again over the last couple years.
Council President and I met with uh, some of the um, founding members of that committee. I guess about a week or so ago and we hope to have more in the future on that. Uh and then the last item I attended the um business uh
central uh regional partnership sorry I forgot for a moment there regional partnership meeting last week. Big topic of discussion there is trying to finalize the criteria for some upcoming grants. And that's my report. >> Thank you Councilman Issa.
>> Hi. Um thank you so much Councilwoman. Uh, President, Council, um, President Guyger, I wanted to just add, um, that to to that zoning board meeting, I want to thank everyone for showing up and and also the board itself for for the way,
um, they they handled a very big crowd with a very big um um over I think there was a very crowded overflow room as well. And then more recently this week, we had two important meetings. The finance uh, budget committee did meet.
So, it's um uh everyone, the CFO, uh our township administrator um um as well as um Councilman Bucko and I, we had a very good conversation with all the experts, with the auditor uh about the the the
audit that came in, not just on time, but like um President Guyger mentioned with just one um what I call Kappa, a corrective act, you know, um measure. So hopefully, you know, we'll have um fewer
next year. And then also, you know, we did ask, can we make sure we learn from anything around New Jersey so we can avoid um any any big blunders in the future. Hopefully, um you know, we're going in the right direction, I think, but you know, there's there's a lot of
work to be done. And then more recently on Tuesday, we had a long planning board meeting almost I think past 11:30 p.m. So again, wanted to thank everyone that was not just on the planning board, but the residents that showed up from Bridgewwater and Somerville and all of our experts that testified. Um really
appreciate everyone and how they conducted themselves um pretty late into the night. And then um I'll keep it short here. I did want to thank um also on the health commission. So thank you for joining us today. um and um look forward to Kevin Sumner's presentation.
So, thank you so much, >> Councilman Kersh. >> Thank you, President Guyger. Uh as far as uh events attended back on July 11th, uh I um attended the um
lunch and um uh program for the Jack's Kids uh fundraiser. Uh fortunately the weather held out for most of the softball activity in the in the mid to late morning. Um and uh that was a successful event and I can report out
that uh the the proclamation uh that uh we delivered was ultimately signed and uh um and brought over to them. Um want to want to dovetail on a few comments from Councilman Ring on uh the self- storage tectonic uh application. uh
everything he stated was 100% correct. Uh the thing that I just want to add is that um uh when any uh land owner uh submits a complete application and is current on his or her taxes, uh they do in fact have the right to be heard. They
have the right to be heard in a timely manner. They have the right to be heard in an orderly manner. um and uh the and and the board of adjustment or a planning board for that matter uh is not really permitted to uh express an opinion. They like something, they don't
like something. Um the uh the facts need to speak for themselves. Now, a couple people have sometimes asked me, well, how could this even be subject to a hearing? Well, the reason is because there's no there's no prezoning board. um as long as an applicant uh you know
has as I said a completed application and it's current on their taxes they are entitled to a hearing and that's what's occurred there. That's what occurs uh you know throughout Bridgewater and and throughout New Jersey and other states I'm sure. Um other issue I want to acknowledge because I've I've gotten um we've all gotten some correspondence on
this is about paving. Um, and just in the interest of full transparency, want to want to state that the way we've handled uh u road improvements in the past, I presume the way that we're going to handle it on a go forward basis is a collaboration with administration and identification of those roads that are
the highest priority. Uh, and when we say the highest priority, we mean we mean in totality for the town, not just the road that an individual happens to be looking at each and every day. uh as much as people may think that their road is the worst one in town uh and needs immediate attention, for better or
worse, we go through freeze and thaw cycles. We we we scrape the pavement each time uh we u we clear snow. Um you know, it is something that um you know pre the mayor and and at least our previous council made a considerable uh considerable investment doing. I presume
that that in its own way this council will do the same. But it is a collaborative process. Uh and in and over the last several years it's also been data driven um where we've looked at the condition of the road um you know through through a road survey uh through photo through photography. Um so again
it's not just the person that screams the loudest gets to their road. Um I have pledged to everyone who's brought a road to my attention um that uh I will pursue the um improvement of that road as quickly as we can justify it. Um and
again that is within the constraints of of money and within the constraints of uh overall condition of other roads. And then the final comment I wanted to make uh you know I know we're going to discuss the the audit um uh and I just want to be very clear that um th this
this township this government has been moving in the right direction as it relates to finance um the entire time that that at least those of us who are on this day uh have have been here. Um we run a very large complex operation. Uh there are from time to time
recommendations. We abide by those recommendations each and every time and address them as quickly as possible. Um but just so that there is is no miscommunication, we are and continue to be moving in the right direction financially. Our house is in good order and we certainly uh are committed to
making sure that remains the case. And that's my report. Councilman Bucko. Uh >> thank you very much. Um just uh briefly um as uh Councilwoman Nisla had mentioned the finance committee met with the administration to review the audit
which got a copy of right here. Um the public will have the opportunity to to um uh view it uh upon I believe it's upon approval of the resolution that is uh on the agenda this evening. Am I
correct with that? Yes. Okay. Uh thank you. Um uh I I would just like to u thank uh our CFO uh Miss Houseman for uh the hard work in getting the audits
uh uh the financial records available to the auditor so that it could be completed in a in a timely manner. Uh and uh also happy to note that uh from previous years uh there were a number of
uh recommendations and corrective actions that needed to be taken. those were in fact taken and um those those issues were corrected and I am um confident that the uh one item that was
flagged from uh the previous year's audit will also be corrected and and I in the case of of this one I I believe uh we probably have some responsibility with that as well and uh I think there will be further discussion on that that
is um [clears throat] excuse me, the balance of my report, but I would just like to uh dovetail uh the um item that uh President Gger brought up with the history of um the signal towers uh
during the Revolutionary War in Bridgewater that actually uh the tradition of uh signal towers in a way continued in Bridgewater for uh more than a century later where Um,
Bridgewater did have one of the uh uh microwave relay towers that uh connected the country uh together through the uh phone network when uh many of our long-distance calls were were carried by
microwave carrier. Uh so that uh tradition continued from uh before there was a United States through to today. Council President, if I may, um I know we're going to talk later about the audit, but just before public comment, I
think it's worth clarifying since we've all commented about the audit. Um I heard it mentioned, you know, we didn't anticipate $600,000 in expenses. Just to clarify, the audit finding was actually only $18,850
some odd dollars from expenses incurred at the end of the year due to a storm. So while we may have spent several hundred thousands dollars on storm removal, the audit funding is not 600,000. It's only $18,853. >> So how could we have predicted that?
>> We can't. So I guess recommendation like how can we >> well so we'll talk more about it but we do create a um try to have a reserve available for those storms at the end of the year. >> So we didn't have enough of a reserve >> the reserve correct.
>> We had a reserve. >> Yes. It just didn't have enough. >> It was just under >> Yeah. We were $18,853.72 short in the reserve. >> We did pretty good. I would say we did pretty good considering the whole expenditure. >> Dealing with snow removal, you're
rolling the dice as to how much you budget for it because nobody knows how much we're going to get. >> And we know Marie will expect in 2026 we had snow storms already, right? So we can plan better >> and you know sometimes those small storms that you know not the big accumulating but the much smaller storms
are more of a nuisance storm because we still have to go out and clear roads. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Okay, town administrator Papis, you want to give the mayor's report? >> Thank you very much. Um, I do want to
also acknowledge Sarah Hman and Anorie Silva and the finance staff for their hard work as has been mentioned here uh tonight. I do have a a memo that Sarah did prepare that would like to distribute for the council. this at I I
I thought it would be helpful especially for several of you are maybe not as familiar to uh create a memo that delineates the statutes that govern the governing bodies uh involvement in the in the audit and the review and the approval of the audit. So there you have
it. Uh highlighted there is uh legislation that actually extended the uh completion the the deadline for completion of the audit to August 31st. it had been earlier in the year and because uh numerous municipalities through throughout New Jersey could not
make that deadline uh the state did extend it um we didn't need it this year but um uh they did extend it u I I I do want to just also highlight we probably will talk about it more regarding the audit um when when we met with Mr.
Swisser, our auditor earlier in the week, as has been mentioned, he he he talked uh about one of his other clients, a town that was not mentioned by name, but that this particular town had, I think he said 15 or 17
recommendations and many of them recurred year after year after year because they were unable to address those. So, u we're we wish we didn't have one. We did have one. you've all described it in detail and uh that's already been resolved because of the
funding of that in this year's budget. So that that has been resolved already. Um >> question sorry the August 31st is that for all future years or was that just for this year? >> Let's read the stat. >> I I don't know. That's a good question.
Um >> okay. >> Don't know. We'll get back to you on that. >> Thank you. Um the other thing I I want to mention is we had a uh a note sale bond anticipation note sale uh a little over a week ago. That is the rolling
over of bond anticipation notes. Uh the township's strong financial position became quite evident. There were five nationally known uh firms that uh submitted bids. The winner was uh JP
Morgan. The interest rate was less than the interest rate that we were able to get last year. The interest rate this year was 2.6940. Last year's was 2.8963. And why that's significant, not just
because we can tout that uh that that was attractive to investors, but that because of the lower interest rate, there will actually be a net savings of $62,000 because of the lower interest rate. So, uh we're very pleased. Uh numerous
people besides Sarah, uh Mr. Swisser, Mr. Draitz, our bon council, Mr. and verso, our financial adviser, all were involved in this and uh we're very very pleased to to report that. Um Madame President, I I do uh would like to just make a couple of comments about
the presentation if I could. >> Sure. Of course. >> I don't know if there's I guess there's no proclamation. Um the the township uh Bridgewater Township does have a relationship with the Middle Brook Health Commission. Uh up until a few years ago, Bridgewater has had a
full-time health officer and that changed in 2020 when the health officer resigned and we were it was just actually just before the pandemic and it was a very uh challenging time. We were able to get someone to a retired health officer to help us on an interim basis
and then uh we were able to contact the Middle Brook Health Commission and actually retain them on a contractual basis for the balance of 2020. The relationship went well. the delivery of their services was exceptionally good and met the needs that we had. And after
that, I guess it was after that or year or so, we joined as a municipality uh among uh four total of four municipalities that enabled us to have two seats on the board of commissioners table that set policy, approve the
budget and uh obviously approve the agreements with various municipalities that uh want to be a part of that or potentially be uh a contractual uh customer. Um the um
prior to the health officer resigning the health officer report was part the health department is part or health division is part of the department of human services. uh Miss Madrid, Christine Madrid, who's here is the director of human services and in that capacity she would supervise the health
officer and so she is the conduit through which the delivery of health services uh is u directed and certainly she has a very close working relationship with Mr. Sumar and the staff. Uh we have a full-time health inspector Patty Timkco who's does an
exceptional job. She's a Bridgewater employee, full-time employee. And then we have a part-time health inspector that again is part of our contract or membership with the health commission. And that part-time employee works with Miss Timco and carries out uh many of
the same responsibilities, but is an employee of the Middbrook Health Commission, not an employee of Bridgewater Township. So, um I appreciate the preparation that Miss Madrid and Mr. Sumar have undertaken for this presentation. He was with us a few
years ago but uh glad that he can give us an update and uh madam president thank you for allowing me to kind of provide a little introduction. >> Okay I think it's now time for the presentation of the health division by Kevin summer.
>> Welcome to Bridgewater. >> Thank you. Good evening. Thanks for inviting me and indulging me. Um, Papis has given an introduction so saved me a little bit of time. Thank you. Uh,
so Kevin Sumner, health officer and director of the Middle Brook Regional Health Commission. Um, and before I dive into the details, I I want to I I love your history pieces. I was actually a classics major as an undergrad. Um, includ along with my biology. So I love
the history piece. Um but I wanted to I I was recently took my wife to the Bonjovi concert and at that concert I was sitting there reflecting. I was a quai professional uh trumpet and guitar
player in high school and college. um and always you know enjoyed the applause and respect and I was really struck by the agilation that these performers
receive and I'm sure you've all experienced that in some setting and I thought wow that's kind of cool wouldn't it be nice if public health had that same kind of response um which obviously I'm not looking for the agilation but I'm hoping that you know the presentation will garner some
interest um maybe some uh uh value in in what we do. So um I'm going to work on that for the future and how I can create an analogy between music and public health. With that, uh Middlebrook Regional
Health Commission, Mr. Papis gave you this introduction. You have in front of you a blue uh folder that has a copy of this presentation in it as well as my business card. Um our 2025
report to the community and two of our most I think it's two of our most recent um releases to the public. A summer press release uh newsletter and a July newsletter. All of which are available on our website as well. We send them out. They're distributed through email
as well as our social media, but so you have a couple of hard copies there. Um, just a little bit more background into the commission. It was formed in 1970 a as a result of changes in the state statutes which allowed um and encouraged
shared services amongst communities to provide for efficiency as well as some cost savings in u public health services. It resulted in a reduction of nearly 500 local health departments across the state to today where we have about a hundred local health departments
across the state. So really a prime model of the shared services um that we hear about so very often in in New Jersey. Uh I joined the commission in 1985. So that puts me in my 42nd year. I've done the environmental health piece
that uh Mr. Papis referenced when speaking about Miss Tempco and um the part-time inspector. I was the health educator for a short period of time uh and in the uh early 90s got my health officer's license um and uh advanced to
the health officer for uh the commission in the towns that we serve. Um the health commission is the local health department for Bridgewater as well as Greenbrook, Warren, and Waang. Those are the four communities we serve and we serve to provide public health
services. This is uh an abbreviated definition from 1920. Uh CEA Winslow was an epidemiologist and the um one of the original uh staff uh professors at Yale School of Public
Health. And he defined public health as the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical health and efficiency through organized community efforts. And I highlight here the science and the art as well as community because I think
those are the key provisions. Um yes we prevent disease we prolong prolong life promote physical health that's what we do but the way in which we do it is focused on the population as a whole and while recognizing the science and
everybody always talks about the science I think it's also important for us again why I really appreciate the history piece to think about the art of what we do and how we communicate that science so that it's understandable and people can act upon that science as opposed to being
overwhelmed by it, not clearly understanding it. Um, my mother recently asked me, uh, how do you differentiate between healthcare and public health? And we get this often. And so there really two, um, key components, I think, to answering this question. One, public
health prevents and health care treats. And so our purpose and goal is to prevent people from needing health care. And we do that through a number of efforts which I'll talk about in a in a minute. The other difference is that health care focuses on the individual
and again public health focuses on the community at large. So we're really looking at population-based activities. Um we do that not by ourselves but in partnership and collaboration with all sorts of different entities across the
community, across the state and in fact across the nation. I have colleagues that I refer to regularly across the country who are experiencing similar activities or similar issues and we learn from each other. We like to think of the governmental public health at the
center of this model though that's not always the case in New Jersey. It is almost always the case that governmental public health leads this effort considered to be the chief health um strategist. So assessing the needs of the community, identifying what those
needs are, developing programs, partnerships, activities that address those needs and then assuring that those needs are actually being bet being met by the services that we provide. Um on our website, we have a m we maintain an inventory of many of those partners, if
not most of those partners that we work with, as well as others that are available and that we refer folks to. Um so again we we tend to be at the center of this but not working at all um by ourselves working in partnership with others.
If we dive into what governmental public health does this is a somewhat complicated slide um but it really divides our activities into three big buckets. At the base of that bucket are the foundational capabilities. This is the infrastructure of the health
department. We have to have the ability to do disease surveillance and identify infectious diseases in the community and respond to those infectious diseases. Develop those partnerships within the community. Um spend we spend a lot of
time on bolstering our emergency preparedness activities. Recently we had the World Cup that we prepared for. Thankfully we didn't see much of any um anomalies as a result of that which was a pleasant surprise. We had some heat issues um a few times because of the
heat wave, but uh we're still monitoring because infectious diseases have incubation periods and so there's some period after that that we'll be monitoring, but for the most part we had the smoke conditions recently. We had the heat waves, we've had um recent
experiences with uh Ebola uh travelers um and other things. All of that falls into that emergency preparedness piece. So again, the the capabilities, what we have to have in place to be able to function as a health department. The pillars in this are the services and
activities that we provide. And that's what I'll dive into more detail on with a few numbers for you. But it's really about communicable disease control, chronic disease, uh, and injury prevention, which is really where our health education and health promotion activities are most focused. uh
environmental public health um which uh Miss Tempmco and Miss Bonjavani are um responsible for primarily in town and doing the environmental health inspections and follow-ups assisting with access to care. So folks who don't have um providers or health care. This
is one of those places where we partner very closely with our healthc care partners. And then finally, uh the maternal or child and um family health uh practices that we contract with and work very closely with community VNA to provide those services.
Bottom line, we prevent, we promote, and we protect. That's our purpose. Prevent disease, prevent injuries, promote healthy behaviors, healthy environments, protect the public from uh those things that can cause harm. And we do that
um through a number of different programs mostly those pillars that were in that diagram. So first and foremost is the leadership and management. So we have to have that infrastructure in place. I provide the leadership for the department and the commission um assuring that the resources are
available that the staffing is appropriate that we're meeting the state requirements in my opinion even more importantly that we're meeting the needs of the communities that we serve. And so we have to meet those minimum requirements of the state, but much of what we do goes beyond those minimum requirements. Um, health promotion and
health education, we have a full-time health educator on staff. Um, we since uh January, since this is 2026 numbers, we've provided 15 different uh
educational sessions. Not all of those were in Bridgewater. Six of those were in Bridgewater. But for the vast majority of our programs, they're available to all um residents within all the communities. So um a program held in another town would be available to
Bridgewater residents. Uh so six in Bridgewater with about 150 attendees at that with various topics focusing on mental health, falls prevention. Uh we just recently did one in Warren on um providing uh education to caregivers,
how to lift and move, how to uh seek help and assistance in in providing care, cancer education. Uh overall with the 15 sessions providing education and activities um to over 350 uh residents
of the of the commission. Some of them are things like yoga and chair-based exercises. So, physical activity, uh, various various topics. And as we move into the fall, we have a few already scheduled for the balance of the year. Many of them are focused on emergency
preparedness. September is emergency preparedness month. So, we'll do a number of educational activities around uh around that in in the fall. Environmental health is probably what public health is most known for and most recognized for. If you ask somebody,
what does public health do? They'll say we give shots and we inspect restaurants and maybe we chase rodents um every now and then. Um we do a lot more than that. Uh you can see the list here highlighting retail foods and
recreational bathing. Uh we held a um wellwater testing event in the spring. We had uh about 30 people test their private wells at that event. a few that came up with um some contaminants, most
commonly bacteria contamination, which thankfully is usually an easy fix. Uh and then the other most common was the forever chemicals, PFOAs, which I'm sure you've heard about. Um we have about 250 fixed uh retail food
establishments in Bridgewater. They all get inspected at a minimum of once a year. Uh and then on top of that we have 50 to 100 depending upon the year and the activities mobile and temporary events that have to be uh inspected or
and licensed. Um the fixed facilities are actually fairly easy. The the mobile events and the temporary events much more challenging, much more time consuming. We have to identify who's going to be at those events. Make sure that they have not only the um what they
need in place for the mobile truck or the um what they're serving at a fair or event, but that they also have approval to operate from a commissary typically are not in the same town that they're operating in. They're in another town. So, working with other health departments to gather all that
information takes a lot of background work to make those make those events happen. Um in addition we do inspections for all the public pools, uh youth camps, tattoo body art establishments,
um lead investigations, those are very long and timeconuming investigations. It often takes a fair amount of time to identify the source of the um lead exposure. Historically, it's been leaded paint in homes, but more recently, we've
seen that that's transitioned more to consumer type products and other uh exposures than than lead paint. Um, moving on to our infectious disease program. Uh, I have an individual in the commission office, has his medical
degree who does the bulk of our disease investigations. He's assisted by myself and another one of um my environmental health specialists who's got training in infectious diseases. In 2026 thus far we've investigated over 550 infectious
diseases. Um and these are Bridgewater numbers, not commission numbers. Uh about 216 of those have been confirmed cases of infectious disease. Most of those fall within influenza um and Lyme disease and and other
vectorbor diseases are the most frequent. Uh even though we have what is that roughly 50% of the uh investigations as cases the we have to investigate every one whether they turn out to be cases or not to make sure that they're not actually an infectious
disease. Uh by comparison, in 2025 we had over 800 uh cases that were investigated, 722 of them being confirmed. So we're ahead of the the curve this year. Um mostly
because of influenza. We had a pretty challenging influenza season. Um one of our other uh important disease control efforts is auditing the schools for immunization compliance. So assuring that our immunization rates are
maintained um and that students have the proper documentation for immuna immunizations or exemptions from those immunizations in in place. Our nursing services we do not thankfully have a large need for clinical services in our populations. Um
but we do provide some minimal clinical services for particularly childhood vaccinations and for the adult seasonal vaccines, influenza, uh pneumonia, COVID vaccines in the fall. We do offer a monthly child health conference for
those that are um underserved, underinsured, or have no insurance. Children can attend that child health conference. Those are conducted through a contract with the community vis community visiting nurse association and folks can schedule appointments for that. And then finally some of our other
activities also very time consuming activities um massage inspections and lensure. So we license the massage therapy establishments to the health department and the inspectors inspect those. This is uh an ongoing challenge
with um assuring that uh there are legitimate operations and we do that with the focus on preventing infectious diseases particularly sexually transmitted infections. And then uh animal control. We have um animal
control right next door to us, but we are actively involved in following up on all dog bites, cat bites, exposures to wildlife to um for rabies infection. And um in fact, I always like to point out that the uh required licensing of dogs
and cats is actually a public health function to asssure that those animals are vaccinated against rabies. And so we're really focusing on the rabies control. So that's a a very quick overview with some of the, you know, volume of the
work that we do. Um it takes a team approach. It's both the local staff and the commission staff working together along with all of our partners in the community to make sure that things are under control. Um we've been dealing most recently with uh we mentioned the
the World Cup um but cycllosporasis has been in the news a lot and we've been dealing with the recalls and then the confusion and the messaging around that with the lettuce and you know the lab reports lab reports aren't valid but the
epidemiology makes it clear that um what the source is probable and so uh educating the public and and investigating those diseases is um so with that I will stop and
entertain any questions or comments. >> No, I just wanted to thank you and also the radon testing. Thank you for providing us with the radon testing in Bridgewater, >> particularly in the winter months. We don't do them this time of year because homes are open and you don't get a valid
reading. But uh we apply every year through the commission for a grant from the state. Those are actually funded by the state department of environmental protection and we can purchase um radon kits for distribution. >> Madam President, could I just make a comment about Sure, of course,
>> Sar I want to point out that um early on in our receiving the benefit of of his assistance the pandemic he was uh immeasurably helpful uh during that time. There were, as you can imagine,
numerous questions from educators, educational institutions, both private and public, and many organizations. And he spent a tremendous amount of time involved in responding to individual inquiries. I participated in
at least one occasion that I can recall, a telephone conference with two residents that lasted almost 90 minutes. and he answered every single one of their questions and seemed to do so as I'm not an expert uh very thoroughly and
uh with um tremendous knowledge and uh I really appreciate that Kevin. >> Thank you. >> Um [clears throat] about 35% of Bridgewwater's population are people of color. Um about 25% of our
population are Asian and a large percentage of them are South Asian. And I'm told that one of the biggest issues among South Asians is the failure of older people to go to the doctor. Just
simple simple thing. So I'm wondering if um in one of your educational programs you could just consider something along the lines of you know getting the word out there about how how important it is in terms of prevention. just go get your
annual physical. >> Yeah, we can absolutely do that. Um, I would also say, and I didn't mention this, you know, we work um, very closely with Healthier Somerset. I'm not sure if anybody's heard of Healthier Somerset. This is a collaboration across Somerset County, which was originally spearheaded
by the health officers across the county. There's um, six of us now. Um and now over the last decade or so has been um spearheaded by uh Robert Wood Johnson uh hospital uh Somerset Hospital
and their um population health program uh called brings together partners on a monthly basis. I actually sit on their board and that one of and we do an assessment a countywide assessment every three years with them and that's one of the
identified needs across the county. So, it's not unique to to Bridgewater. And so, there is a working group within them, within that organization that also focuses on getting that word out. And so, we can make sure that we're pushing that material out a little bit more as
well. >> Thank you, >> Council President, if I may. >> Um, as administrator Papus mentioned, we do have some seats on the uh commission um for Bridgewater as well as all the other towns. and that those seats are
not necessarily health experts, but much more operate as kind of a board of directors. And I think for the benefit of our newer council members, just so everyone is fully aware, um, and full disclosure, I was the treasurer of the commission last year, but one of the
things is that over the last couple years, there's been a significant decrease in some of the grants coming to the commission. Fortunately, the commission had built up a significant cash reserve that they were able to offset that, but looking long-term, it
was not a sustainable model. Um, if we took the full impact of the cuts in Bridgewater, our share probably would be just under um $100,000 a year. But what the commission has did last year and what the the commissioners voted on is a
phased in approach over eight years. So each year the commission cost tends to go up about 2%. But each year over the next eight years it's just under $12,000 that our costs will go up plus 2%. So what they're doing is they're phasing in
that $100,000 increase over eight years. So just understand in future years when looking at budgets and why is there a 12 why is there more than a 2% increase? It's because of the loss of um grants and a phased in approach where they're
actually spending down their reserves to prevent large increases to the municipalities. >> Were these federal grants, state grants, county grants? >> Combination of both of all >> of all. And is there anything we can do to reapply or apply or get more money?
I'm sure it's it's it's heavy on your mind, but >> yeah. Uh the bulk of those grants were COVID related grants. Um, and they end actually this month. Um, so that cliff is is here. Uh, there was a a short
extension on one of them which allowed us to to go through this month which actually allowed me to put some a few more dollars into the reserve um which was helpful. uh the other dollars um the I would say 90% of the dollars were
federal pass through grants um passed through the state and about 10% um are state grants that that 10% of the state grant is reduced this year um because they took a portion of that instead of giving very small dollar amounts to the
hundred or so health departments they wanted to see larger grants going to regional efforts um And so they took the outbreak preparedness, what they call the outbreak preparedness uh funds and said instead of giving a 100 grants,
we're going to give five. Um Somerset County worked very closely with our neighbors in some of the other counties and we were actually the recipient of one of those grants in Somerset County. So while it will not benefit Bridgewater or any of the individual towns of the commission directly or my budget
unfortunately it will serve um the town for preparedness activities around disease outbreaks and future. So that um is state funding. So that's diluted it a little bit more. I um am actively involved in our national association of
county and city health officials. I'm actually a past president of that organization. So, still sit um on their past president's council and the state association's council for that organization and they are constantly advocating on Capitol Hill for funds and
resources to go down to local health departments. Historically, there were grants that were given. Usually, they're administered through the CDC. Um but there was never any language in those grants that assured that funds got down to the local level. over the past since
just before COVID um some of that language has changed and while it's not a guarantee it's much stronger language to asssure that those whatever funds are approved go through the CDC actually work them way their way down to the local health department so they're still
working to increase that that's always dependent upon the federal budget which is a challenge um but rest assured we're very vocal >> thank too. >> Anyone in the council have many other questions? >> Uh yes, a quick comment and then a
question. So, first, thank you for this very comprehensive report and for the um uh critical services you provide to our residents. um was wondering if you have um either literature or are able to um provide
reference for residents who are um seeing a transition of um care needed for older parents. Um and in my mind that takes on three potential flavors. Either maybe the older parent uh is in Bridgewater and you're in Bridgewater,
so that's great. Um, but it could also be, you know, the parent is still in Bridgewater, but the children may be elsewhere or the reverse. >> Um, so I'm sure that there are articles, you know, this is not a unique problem. Do do are you able to refer people um
to, you know, guidance, help, knowledge, um, you know, you know, not necessarily talking about like, you know, where do I move mom or dad? Um but you know if if if mom or dad is slowing down um you know what recommendations um you know do you have from a public
health standpoint um to ease some of the burdens um and and allow those parents to to continue to age in place. >> Yeah. So that was much of the focus of the the recent caregiver program that we offered in conjunction with I believe it
was I don't I don't want to guess. I don't remember which organization it was. that's my health educator's job. Um, unfortunately, people don't tend to attend those sessions. So, I will go back to her and ask if there were resources um that were
provided at that session or if not, can that organization provide us with some resources? There's some limited information on the state website which we can highlight um and and distribute. uh but probably better to go through that organization we partnered with to
get that and I'll see what we can pull together. >> So you know the reason I asked the question is I I think faced with circumstances like that knowledge, information, resources can bring um you know a sense of calm to what can be an upsetting situation.
>> Yeah. In fact, that caregiver program we ran was at a recommendation of one of the commission members who was dealing with an elderly uh member of the family and was not feeling sure of of what he was doing and thought, well, there should be something that we can provide. And so, that's actually why we offered
that uh specific program. So, you're consistent with our thinking and we'll we'll see what we can find. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Uh I have two items. Uh just like to follow up on something that you had
mentioned. Um you had said that you're seeing that most of the um lead exposure cases are not coming from lead paint. Uh what what are they what are they typically coming from?
uh most often now we're seeing them from uh cosmetics and uh imported or or transported uh international food products. So spices in particular are uh
commonly contaminated with lead and that's related to the demographics that the president mentioned earlier. >> Yeah. Is there something that residents could uh do on their own to uh potentially test for whether they
have contaminated products in their house? >> Probably not. But we can we have that capability. So if there if we get a report, unfortunately this is while it's a little better than it used to be. This is one of those programs where prevention is after the fact as opposed
to before the fact. So we are under the rules only really allowed to take action when we get a report of a a child who has an elevated bloodled level. Um we can provide education and assistance to somebody who approaches us and asks but
we can't go to them and say you need to do this without that elevated bloodled. So in essence we're using children as kind of the canary in the in the coal mine. Uh unfortunately uh again it's better than it used to be. The numbers are much lower. um there's more services out there, but it's still a little bit
unfortunate. But we do have the capacity to test uh consumer products um through we actually maintain those that that equipment in our office, it's available throughout an agreement with all the health departments in Somerset County. So if somebody suspects something or if
we get a report and we're doing an investigation, that's one of the things we will do. >> Okay. Okay. So, so when the average person or average parent takes their child, you know, for their annual physical and they do blood work, will that show up in the blood work? Is that part of the testing?
>> It is supposed to be. And this is another education component that we do and that's educating the health care providers because not all of them test for blood. >> Wow, that's interesting. >> Anything else from the deis? Uh, one one
other one other item and uh I um apologies if I mispronounce this word. Um I think we're we're all learning it. Um the uh cycllosporosis uh outbreak. Um what should residents do
in order to protect themselves from uh eating potentially tainted food? >> Yeah, this I'm sorry. A cycllosporasis is commonly associated with produce. Um
in this particular case it appears to be related to lettuce uh the iceberg lettuce that has been shredded from a particular farm. >> Um which they have recalled all of that product. It shouldn't be out on the market anymore. People shouldn't have to
worry too much about that. But we always encourage because cycllosporasis is not the only um organism that is transmitted through contaminated produce. It's actually produce is even though we encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables, it's also one of the more hazardous things because we often eat it
raw. We don't cook it. Um so cooking, heating is one way to to take care of that, but also washing. And by washing, I don't mean soap and water, but rinsing thoroughly, scrubbing uh under running cold water. um will uh not totally
eliminate but go a long way to prevent uh exposure to those organisms. >> Acetic acid or vinegar that's what I put my fruit in sometimes. >> That's not actually a we don't recommend that >> because it it can alter um and uh some
of the organisms I'm not sure about cycllos um spora uh are not uh impacted by that. That's good to know. Any other questions from the deis?
I'm going to ask you, Mr. Sumar, to stay through the public speaking. I'm I'm going to um so if anyone in the public has any particular comments or questions that you might be able to answer, I would appreciate it. Of >> course. Um
moving on. >> Motion to open public. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I Okay. Um, >> that worked out well. >> It did. See, we're getting good. Members of the public wishing to address the
council on any matter will have three minutes to speak, which may be extended in the discretion of the council president. An additional minute will be allotted for responses to comments from the deis. And I'm going to make a special comment here. Um, there are at least nine people signed up to speak and
I think there may be more than that um who plan to speak tonight. Um, I'm going to ask that you speak in groups. If I think there are people here, there are high school students here that are going to speak about one particular issue. Uh, I think there may be other people here speaking on a particular issue. So, it
might make more sense if everybody spoke in the in the groups that they're um addressing. And because there are so many speakers, um, I am going to I am going to time you. I'm not going to tell you that I'm going to hold you to, you know, exactly, you know, three, you
know, 3 minutes and 1 second, but at 3 minutes, I am going to give you a warning and ask that you then, um, you know, wrap it up. Uh, I'm going to start with, is there anyone here [snorts] that would like to ask any questions related
to the um the, uh, presentation that we just had? Miss Franco, come on up. And that too as well. >> Um I had two three questions. One was um typically as you know health departments
in the past have been very hierarchical state county. >> Can you can you talk more into the mic? Sorry, let me It's okay. It's hard to >> don't want to speak with your back to the [laughter] understood. >> Sorry. Um, typically uh typically health
departments have been very hierarchical in nature, state, county, local. And so it uh this newish model I wasn't quite um clear on how that works in terms of for example um public health emergencies or
situations um statistical information is uh is the township still providing that upwards to the state or is a third party entity doing that? I was just curious it wasn't covered in the presentation. My second
thing was um I'm a member of the municipal alliance and I'm wondering if there's an opportunity here to collaborate on some aspect of the work. Um for example, Unicell Alliance is
about drug abuse prevention. um which we typically think of as as a certain age group but also affects you know a all all age ranges and whether there are some public health presentations or forums that where we
could perhaps work together to provide the public that information. Thank you. >> That one might not be on. You might have to press a button. Um start with the second question first uh
and that's the municipal alliance. The health educator Amelia Dominguez actually sits on the Bridgewater Municipal Alliance. So you can connect with her um and she's direct conduit to me. So we're already in involved in that and and partner um there. With regard to
the the structure, um, New Jersey has a very decentralized public health system. There are some states across the country that have very centralized public health systems. Rhode Island has one health department that covers the whole state.
Um, and uh, Florida has 100 plus county-based health departments that actually all work for the state government. In New Jersey, much like most of the rest of New England and the Northeast, uh because of what we know of
as home rule, um municipalities like to maintain control and uh so the public health system was based on that history. And in New Jersey, as mentioned, there were some statutory changes over the year, which allows a very complicated,
which I won't go into, structure that um really essentially for a local health department, you can have a county health department, you can have a municipal single health department like our neighbors in in Branchburg. Um you can have a contractual health department as
we had originally with Bridgewater. uh or you can have a regional health commission which is a separate governmental unit that is uh created and maintained for the sole purpose of public health services. Each of those is responsible for their municipalities. And so the data that is
collected that is available is addressed at the municipal level that's reported up to the state and ultimately to the CDC um through our efforts. We have to do an annual report to the state. The annual report you have in your packets is nothing as boring as the one that we
provide to the state with just a bunch of numbers and data. Um, in fact, just yesterday, like late last night, I got our annual report back from the state that demonstrated we were in compliance with all the uh requirements of the state and actually exceed most of the
rest of the state and the services we're providing. So, that municipal home rule in New Jersey um is very important and we maintain that. Some of us across the state defend that pretty strongly for public health services while still finding the efficiencies with those
shared services across multiple municipalities. >> Thank you. >> Is that okay um if we hold off on the next comment from Kathy Franco? Um some of the other speakers that signed up early has they have to leave. >> Oh >> we can come back to you if that's okay.
Thank you. [clears throat] >> Okay. So, I think we have a group of high school students here who would like to speak on a specific topic. So, I don't know which one of you wants to go first, but I know you've all signed in.
>> Yeah. Thank you for signing in early. Good evening, members of the township council and members of the public. My name is Guy Krishnan and I live on three. >> Full disclosure, Guyatri does some part-time work for me, just so everybody knows. Go ahead.
>> And I live on three Xander Lane. I'm here on behalf of the Bridgewwater Youth Council to introduce our proposal to lower the voting age to 17 in Bridgewwater municipal elections. Under this proposal, Bridgewwater residents who are at least 17 years old would be permitted to vote for Bridgewwater
mayor, township council members, and members of the Bridgewater Ritan Board of Education. This change would only apply to local elections. 17-year-olds would not be permitted to vote for president, Congress, governor, or any other state or federal office. We are proposing the change in Bridgewater
because the local government makes decisions that directly affects young residents. decisions involving our schools, public spaces, and local services that shape our daily lives. Yet, most high school students have no formal voice in choosing the officials
who make them. 17 is also an important age to begin voting because most eligible students are still living in Bridgewwater and are closely connected to the high school and other community organizations. They are learning about government in their classes, discussing current issues with teachers and
classmates, and developing an understanding of their responsibility as citizens. Allowing students to vote while they're still connected to school-based civic education would give them an opportunity to learn the registration and voting processes with support. Rather than expecting young
people to begin voting after they graduate and may have moved away, Bridgewwater can help them develop the habit of civic participation while there is still active members of this community. This proposal is ultimately about giving young residents a meaningful stake in the town that they
call home. Today, me and five other members from the youth council will be explaining the reasoning behind our proposal, address possible concerns, and discuss some precedents. We would also prefer if all the questions could be held off to the end as well. Thank you.
>> Hi everyone, I'm Anal. I live on 1020 Sunset Ridge, Bridgewwater, New Jersey. So why specifically 17? One of the biggest reason that many 17-year-olds should is because they're very close to the eligible voting age. Within just one year, they'll be able to participate in
state and federal elections. So allowing them to vote locally gives them the opportunity to start building that habit early. What's cool is that 17-year-olds are seniors in high schools, which means they are currently learning about civic engagement in their classes every day. Starting off this habit early ensures that it would be a long-term success and
something that they continue on to their future, whether they choose to go to college or enter the workforce. New Jersey already recognizes that 17-year-olds have a limited role in elections. For example, 17 year olds who turn 18 by the general election are allowed to participate in certain
primary elections already, showing that the state understands that young people approaching the voting age can be involved in the democratic process. Some people may question whether 17-year-olds are ready for this responsibility, but many of them already handle adult operations. 17-year-olds drive, which
requires following laws, making safe decisions, and being responsible for their own actions for themselves and the others in their car. Many also work jobs where they manage schedules, earn income, and even handle their own bank accounts. They have the financial skills and the understanding ready through working. They also contribute to the
society by paying taxes that support important services like schools, libraries, hospitals, and community programs. Beyond work, many of them contribute through volunteering and leadership. They help at food banks, parks, nonprofits, hospitals, and elementary schools. They also take on
leadership roles through schools like student government voting, um, captains of sports teams, clubs, and community organizations, showing that society already trusts 17-year-olds with a lot of great responsibility. With parental consent, some of them can even begin military service before turning 18. This
requires discipline, commitment, and strong decision-m, which are already things that they possess. Overall, they are already active members of their communities. So giving them a voice in decisions that directly affect them only benefits our community in the long run. Thank [snorts] you.
>> Hello everyone. My name is Sohi Shaw and I live at Tenlang and Hollow Road. Many of the decisions made by the local government have a direct impact on the daily lives of 17-year-olds which is why they deserve a voice in local elections. School boards decide curriculum, school policies, and funding for
extracurricular activities. For example, the board of ed recently approved changes to school start times, a decision that directly affects every student. These choices shape students educational experiences every day, influencing the opportunities and resources available to them. Local
governments also determine bus routes, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe walking paths. These choices affect how students travel to school, work, and community activities, as well as their overall safety and independence. In addition, local leaders make decisions about zoning regulations and business permits,
which influence where businesses can open and grow. The recent discussions surrounding efforts to preserve Melik's farm demonstrate how local land use and zoning decisions can have a lasting impact on the community. These decisions also affect the availability of
part-time jobs and work opportunities for many young people. Because local government already plays such a significant role in the education, transportation, and employment opportunities of 17year-olds, it is reasonable that they have a say in electing the officials who make the
decisions. Thank you. Hi everyone, my name is Kamaya Trouble and I live on Five Hughes Road. Lowering the voting age to 17 will impact a significant portion of the youth population in the town and add hundreds of new voters to our community.
With 666 10th graders and 686 11th graders being enrolled in Bridgewater Raridan High School this past school year, there will be around 670 students in Bridgewwater turning 17 soon. Purely based on this age requirement, this means that there could potentially be
600 plus more votes added to the election. While voter participation is not guaranteed, Bridgewwater has a typical voter turnout of about 60%. which means that there will likely be around 300 to 400 17year-olds actually voting in the election. Specifically in
our community, many of these 17-year-olds are already involved in civic life through organizations such as 4, the Martin Luther King youth center, and the Somerset County Youth Services as well as local school clubs like the Young Voters Club. These organizations
can be used to encourage voter registration and campaign for civic engagement in strengthening the voter turnout. Lowering the voting age to 17 can strengthen representation of youth in the Bridgewater government and can bring hundreds of new voices into the democratic process, helping create a
more representative electorate that reflects our entire community. Thank you. I'm really sorry to leave in the middle of the meeting, but I had pres-scheduled conflicts, so I will not be able to stay while questioning, but um I hand it all off to the council. Thank you.
>> Hi, my name is Natalyia Cruz and I live on 195 Short Hills Drive. >> One reason our proposal is feasible is because there are already successful examples of lowering the voting age across the country. The most relevant example is in New York, New Jersey, where in January 2024, the voting age
was lowered to 16 for schoolboard elections. This shows that New Jersey has already begun expanding voting rights to young voters at the local level. Other states have taken similar steps. In California, Berkeley lowered the voting age to 16 for schoolboard elections in 2016, and Oakland followed
in 2020. In Vermont, Battleboro expanded voting rights even further by allowing 16-year-olds to vote in all local elections beginning in 2023. Finally, several cities in Maryland, including Tacoma Park, Hatesville, Green Belt, and Riverdale Park, have allowed 16year-olds
to vote in municipal and board of education elections since 2013. These examples demonstrate that lowering the voting age is not just a theoretical idea. It has already begun being implemented in multiple communities, providing real world evidence that expanding youth voting can be both legal
and practical. Thank you. Hello, my name is Madison D. Rosa. Allowing 17-year-olds to vote will have a beneficial impact on the future of their voting and the town. To start, studies have been conducted to find out the average voting turnout for 17-year-olds when given the chance to
vote. The results showed 17-year-olds on average have a similar voting turnout as adults and regularly have a higher voting turnout than 18 to 21 year olds, proving they want the chance to vote and don't pass it over. Secondly, voting is proven to be habit forming, meaning the younger the habit is in place, the more
likely the person is to continue voting. Studies prove that it is beneficial to allow teenagers to start voting when they become cog cognitively capable, which happens around the age of 16. when they allowed to vote soon after, it strengthens their habit, making voting a routine for years to come. Furthermore,
allowing 17-year-olds to vote gives a fresh new perspective on the topics being discussed. Whatever the topics may be, 17-year-olds give a point of view on how it directly affects the youth of Bridgewwater. Voting gives them a voice in their outlook will favorably benefit the future of the town. Similarly, the
future is in their hands. Allowing them to start young gives the benefit of strengthening their knowledge on politics and allows them to learn more about the town. Giving 17-year-olds the experience now gives them the chance to learn from the present so a strong future is secured. To conclude, 17-year-olds deserve the chance to vote
because it positively benefits their future of voting, gives the town a different lens to look through, and helps reinforce Bridgewater's future. Thank you all for hearing us out today and for considering our proposal. We truly appreciate your time and we would be happy to answer any questions you have.
>> Well, first of all, I want to thank you. I want to tell you how impressive you all were. I don't know who did the right. I guess you all wrote it together. So, do we have any future lawyers in the group? Oh, I I I see a few nods. Um I was aware of the fact and
I think most of the council was aware of the fact that you were going to be here today. Um I can tell you my own personal opinion is I would seriously consider allowing 17 year olds to vote. Um I'm not saying I would, but I'm saying I
would seriously consider it. I would not be in favor of 16 year olds voting yet. I think that's a little too young. >> Um, and that's just me personally. Um, I have been speaking to a few of the board of education members. Um, in terms of voting there, I think as far as the
council is concerned, I don't think that this council should be the ones to say whether or not you should be able to vote in board of education um, elections. And I'm going to let the other council members comment and then I'm going to ask our attorney to comment because I think he has the most
important thing of all to say about this. And I did speak to him before the meeting as well. Does any other council members want to comment? >> Is that a Okay. Thank you very much. Um I think your presentation is very
impressive. I guess do we know of any other municipalities in Somerset County that are allowing anyone under 18 to vote? >> I don't think so in Somerset County, but we have one example in Newark, New
Jersey. >> I understand. The reason I mentioned Somerset County, I'm also, you know, there's a couple pieces to this. One of it is the logistics. So that and when I say the logistics, you know, Bridgewater is very unique in that we only have elections every other year. So every
four years we have an election that also includes the election for governor. Um in every year that we do have an election, we have state legislature as well as uh often federal um folks on the ballot. So the question becomes if we
were to lower the age in Bridgewater, what's the process on the voting machines, the sample ballots, all of that as far as how does it know a 17year-old walked in to vote versus someone over 18? Meaning a 17-year-old
can't vote in the state or federal portion of the election. So I think that is something we need to clearly understand. And I also think not to say that this should be a deterrent. We're charged a pro-rated portion for the elections each year. So if we're undertaking something that nobody else
is, we need to understand and plan for any of those potential financial implications. Um I very much agree with your comments as it relates to the board of education. Um, I would want to see some kind of
resolution from the board of ed fully endorsing this before we touch that. Um, so I don't know if that's a a homework or assignment or a challenge for you, but I, you know, I think you need to consider a similar presentation to the board of ed and get them to to, you
know, take a position on it. Something to think about. Um, and then the other thing I wrestle with, I agree with you. you know, 16, 17, even 18, you know, everyone matures at a different age. Clearly, we have a very mature group
here. On the flip side of that, there are 17 and probably some 18 year olds that you question if they're mature enough to vote. And and and that's something I'm wrestling with, and I'm not saying yes or no, but I'm telling you that's something that I'm thinking
about uh if this progresses further. >> Yeah, that's completely understandable. And to really combat that, like in Bridgewater High School specifically, there's a lot of AP courses that talk about like government, politics, and current issues happening in our society
right now. And I think the people that do want to vote, which is a large chunk of those people, and I know a lot of kids in my grade, they're always talking about stuff happening right now. So, if they had the opportunity to vote, I think they would definitely take that chance. And like you said, the people that maybe on the flip side aren't
really into it, they don't have to. But then we can also use civic engagement like mock elections where we can host it in our gym and then we can simulate that process where kids can come in show their ID and practice how voting works. Okay.
>> And I just as you were speaking I apologize to thought of one more thing and this may be something that Mr. Corsini will touch on but there's the other piece of from a school board election. It's the Bridgewater Raritton Regional School District. So, if
Bridgewater allows people under 18 to vote in schoolboard elections, how does that or not impact the burrow of Ritton and and whether or not they need to take similar action? >> Just if I could address that, Councilman Ring, uh I appreciate the young ladies
here tonight. Uh for to expand the franchise any further than it already has been expanded, which is 18 except 17. I have one right here. >> 18 uh except 17. If you're, as the young lady said, uh, going to [clears throat] be 18 by the general election, to expand
the franchise beyond that would require a state legislative action. Uh, Newark, I think, perhaps has acted beyond what the state legislature has, um, has contemplated, which is fine. I mean, no one has challenged that, but it's just simply impossible to expand the franchise without legislative action. I
would suggest the young ladies write to Governor Cheryl and their state legislators uh to there may already be bills uh you and I spoke about this council president perhaps senator Zwicker or someone in locally uh has introduced a bill and I would suggest that you ladies reach out to him and
encourage him to pursue it but it's not legal for us >> and I I think one of the things we discussed was um if there if there was an election with that had been decided by a couple like a handful of votes then there might be a challenge to it Right. So, you and I spoke had a very
productive discussion about this earlier today. Council President, I think that Newark with the best intentions uh has um has put forward this proposal. Uh I think that if an election were, as you just said, were decided by a handful of votes, I believe the courts would look
at this. >> So, now you're learning how complicated it is and how complex it is when you're on this side of the day. >> It can't be a yes or either yes or no from this body. I'm sure there's some agreement uh and and good discussion,
but it it is purely a matter for the governor and the state legislature who should be engaged. I would recommend each of you take your articulate arguments to them. Uh I don't think there people on this day who could put you in touch with legislators who could help you. >> So um yeah, I'd like to comment. So
first really want to compliment you on on your your passion and preparation. Uh share a brief personal story at the risk of revealing my age um which is public record anyway. Um, I can distinctly recall being involved in um um learning
what was going on in the world at a very young age. Um, specifically watching the CBS evening news of Walter Kronhite. So, I see a couple of people in the audience saying, "Yep, I remember that too." Um, and I can distinctly remember the 1976 election, which obviously I was not
nearly old enough to vote in. Um, but my parents were. Um, and I can recall going to the voting place with them. Um I can recall discussing obviously they made the decision not me. Um you know discussing as a family you know who was on the ballot and what were they going
to do. Um, so independent of this inquiry that you've made, I do encourage that as an alternative in the short term to, you know, make sure that at your kitchen and dinner tables, um, that you actively discuss, um, local, state, county, uh, and any other matters so
that your family can can know and hopefully cultivate your interest. Um, you know, that was noted that I think 60% of Bridgewater, um, residents vote. Well, hopefully if if any of your parents are among that minority that does not, um bringing these issues to
the forefront will we'll get them uh you know on on board with voting. I'll also mention that I was involved in um presidential campaigns as early as uh 1984. Um so certainly getting involved in campaigns at whatever age you may be is
always an option and that includes at the local level. So, I would encourage you um I believe we have a filing deadline coming up soon for school board elections. Uh if it has not already passed, I would certainly encourage you to get to know who those candidates are. And if any of any one or more of them
are to your liking, uh I would imagine that any or all of them would be very willing to have um uh youthful voices uh and youthful legs uh to walk the community um on their behalf. Um as was pointed out by Mr. Corsini. I just don't
think that we have the authority uh on on the municipal side. Um I also think that there are I I personally have considerable concerns about what a registration process would look like. It's been reported in the news this week that um I I don't know 6,000
>> New Jersey residents >> uh uh who are not legally uh permitted to register to vote have in fact been on our voter roles. uh 400 of them voted in a recent election illustrates to me that our state uh infrastructure is not
capable at this point of even identifying uh those who are over 18 uh and meet the requirement. So I would be very concerned about the ability for the for the state voter registration system to differentiate between 18y olds who can or 18 and above who can vote in
every um uh for every office versus some other age that can only vote for certain offices. Um, candidly, I don't think they could manage it. I don't think they could handle it at all. Um, the Newark was pointed out as an example, um, I think was an interesting idea, but I
believe that the number of youth uh, who uh, actually fulfilled and voted was exceptionally low. Um, so while certainly you are all the exceptions and that's outstanding, um, you know, I think the data shows us that in New
Jersey when given the opportunity to vote, you know, young younger younger than 18, they they just didn't do it. Um, so I, you know, I think potentially going to the school board, letting them know of your interest is isn't a good starting point, but but please don't
take that as a as a commitment to action because I I think that there are some other impediments that are there. But in the meantime, certainly being involved, being aware of what's going on in Bridgewater, beyond our borders, nationwide, county, nationwide, um, worldwide is is is wonderful. Hopefully,
it'll lead to a a lifelong, uh, passion for, um, current affairs and and ultimately public service. Thank you so much for your feedback and we really appreciate the thoughts that everybody had and we'll definitely like do our homework and our research a little bit more and we'll probably like
reach out to the person that made the original bill cuz like you guys said you can't really do anything on municipal level and we completely understand that. But thank you so much for your time and we truly appreciate it. >> Oh, thank you very much for coming. It was a pleasure. I I would also like to thank you for the the presentation and
and um just coming up to to speak. Uh I know how uh nerve-wracking that that can be. Um, I I do um I do I do not think that the the uh the technology problem is one that's that
would be insurmountable as far as as presenting to a voter the ballot for uh only the offices that they were uh entitled to to vote for. And I would point to the way that uh Somerset County
has been able to um perform the uh early voting period where um you can a a a voter in Somerset County can go to the the polling place uh anywhere within Somerset County for early voting. Uh
that will have in in the system the offices that they uh can vote for. So that would mean uh their local uh candidates um for local or schoolboard elections. So So that's all all there. I
think that that's >> only work if they voted early. Well, that that's true, but I think it just shows that the the the technology of the voting systems, the the uh voting machines uh can differentiate between uh
different voters and and and what to present them on on the ballot. Um so, I don't think that that is a a problem that uh is insurmountable. I'm I I understand that it it obviously would be a challenge, but I don't think it's one
that that is the the um is unsolvable. Um secondly, uh I know that Newark has been been brought up and and yes, the uh the turnout of uh eligible 16 and
17year-old voters uh was was quite low. However, I believe they did uh turn out greater than 18 and above uh as a as a percentage of those who were were registered. So, when given the the opportunity, obviously um you know, a
motivated um uh population uh will will will vote. Um, and I know we we all uh have probably heard of the um the issue that occurred with uh the uh motor vehicle uh system in incorrectly
registering uh ineligible uh residents as voters. And um I mean I I I know that there are a lot of uh very uh capable um and dedicated people who work for our
our motor motor vehicle uh commission. Um but I mean I I I think that it's it's not a uh um a surprise that that the motor vehicle um uh
messed something up. I mean, I don't know if you've you've received any correspondence from them, but but they are now sending you notices saying that they are going to send you a notice. Um, so, you know, I I I think that
that's that's probably not uh it'll it'll be a problem that that's going to be solved. And generally uh generally speaking, you know, the the difference between a non- adult and an adult is is a very
fine line. One day you you fall asleep, you're 17, the next day you're 18, and now you're suddenly an adult. And um I think that we we as a as as just a a government just from the
local level on up uh need to do a better job in in preparing uh and transitioning uh youth into adulthood because like I said, you wake up one day and now you're you're an adult and and you know it's it's it's changed since I've turned 18.
you you can't buy cigarettes and a couple other things you you can't do anymore that you once were able to do when you were 18. But but still the point is is that you know suddenly you're an adult and the world suddenly changes and and and it's it's kind of
like falling over a cliff and and into you know a whole new world and and I think we can do a better job at at transitioning uh our our young people uh over that uh and preparing them for a successful adulthood. Um, but thank you
very much for for uh the hard work that that went into this and um I I think as as um their other individuals up here has said um don't stop your uh advocacy.
Um you know, keep it up >> and and thank you for all the I think they they have a lot of action items now. So definitely, you know, take all of this advice, you know, BOE, um, similar presentation, um, follow up with
the state legislation, the mock election. So I would suggest, um, contacting the county superintendent and understanding the technology, the sample ballot, the capabilities that we have. So we have, you know, amazing suggestions here. And from my personal
perspective, I remember when I was 17, I had to make a decision to take on really, really expensive student loans to go to an Ivy League school and I decide to go to a public college instead. So, if 17-year-olds are asked
to make lifech changing decisions at six figures plus taking a student loan, you have to pay it back interest or no interest. You know, I think voting is just one other thing that they might be ready for if they're asked to make a decision between going to college or
starting work early. I did both. I work full-time while going to a lot of years in college. So, you know, thank you again for the really nice presentation. >> Thank you very much. >> You'll definitely take all the feedback and keep pushing for what we're trying
to do. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else that would we we've held the health officer here for quite a while. Is there anyone else that has questions uh for Mr. S? >> Thank you both Kathy Franco and Kevin [clears throat and laughter] Sar for
your patience and changing the the order. >> Hi. So this so Kathy Franco u Martinsville this is just about the health presentation and thank you u Mr. Sner for the presentation. It was wonderful. I was wondering if uh the
slideshow that you presented here tonight is available either online with Bridgewater or with Middlebrook um for the public to be able to see because it was not showing during the meeting for you know people at home to watch later on YouTube.
>> Yeah, I can certainly make that available. Um my only concern is that it's very outline driven. >> Yeah. No, no, I appreciate that and I understand that but thank you. Um, also you, you know, you talked about a lot of programs and I've seen those, um, advertised for Warren Township and other
townships because I subscribe to a lot of different townships websites. Um, for those programs, you know, the caregiver program, it was not obvious that it was available to Bridgewater residents and residents of other members of the
consortium. So, is that something that either Middlebrook when it, you know, uh, presents it or, um, you know, or are Bridgewater residents indeed invited to attend those programs if they're being held at the Warren, you know, library? And how do we make that known to
residents in other uh, member of >> Now, I can take that back as a suggestion and see if we can change some of the language. We do distribute them through all of the municipalities as well. also through the local distribution systems. Uh obviously we at
the commission can't control what's distributed by each town. Um but we send them to each town to be distributed. So hopefully that also >> um let people know that they're available to to >> Okay. So hopefully in the future like Bridgewater when it receives that we'll also post it on their website to make it
a knowledge you know make the township knowledgeable that we can attend a program being held in Warren on a health issue. Um okay. Um and uh oh also um you know you talked about low
um attendance at like the caregiver program and I think one of the issues with that might be would it be possible to have it you know available on a Zoom or something where um you know because if you're a caregiver part of the problem is getting out of the house to attend these programs. So, you know,
would that be possible to >> Yeah, that that's really program dependent. We do offer a lot of online uh education and training. Okay. Um it just the part depending on the partner and their availability and the program that they're offering sometime is not
conducive to that online setting. So, that's really program specific. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Appreciate your time. >> Kathy, do you have anything else you want to address while you're at the podium? >> Oh, okay. Well, you're you're you're like close to 3 minutes as it is. So,
I'm going to ask you to just might as well speak while you're here, but try to keep it short because I know we have a lot of other people that want to speak tonight. >> Okay. So, I don't know where to start with this because um so um I know we are
not getting our tax bills yet. Um I uh did want to make a correction to what mayor or uh representative Papis had said. The health officer actually in 20 who was in place in 2019 did not resign
in 2020. The mayor did not renew her employment or her contract. >> That's not correct. That's not correct. She resigned early in 2020 and became the health officer in Branchburg Township. You're speaking of the director of human services is uh
>> No, I'm speaking of the health person. The person >> That's not correct. That's not correct. >> Well, that that's not my understanding or my recollection of it. >> Became the health officer in Branchburg Township. I can't remember her name, but she was here like two or three months and she left. >> No, no. I'm talking about the person who
had been in place for two or three years. Okay. So, let's not make that our that conversation be part of my three minutes, please. Okay. Um I I also want to ask about um you know I
I know that there's a corrective action plan for um you know the audit. I do appreciate the oral response given tonight. Um is there going to be something online with that? And can we also expect the audit to be available
online tomorrow if indeed this council you know approves it, certifies it, whatever it is they do. >> Mr. Trappis. >> Uh, it will be online as soon as possible. We'll hope to have it online tomorrow. Uh, I cannot absolutely guarantee that, but it certainly would
be available for public inspection. >> Is the resolution that outlines the correct or >> Yeah, the corrective action plan would also would be online, but the I I can't at this moment guarantee the audit would be online tomorrow. Got it. >> The only reason I ask about the
corrective action plan is in the past corrective action plans have not appeared online or there have not been links that the public has been readily um able to locate. So um would those be readily able to be located? >> Corrective action plan will be approved
by the governing body by resolution and it's a separate document and certainly it's available. >> Okay. um data centers. Um I've spoken about this before and is this council um looking towards banning these as other
townships have done? I would hope that you would be looking to ban them. Um and um also I have a question about you know we recently had flash flooding again warnings coming from Somerset. I have a wonderful film in my front yard where
flooding was coming into my yard. So, who do I take that to in the township to show them how the road above me um is not properly um you know draining and instead is draining onto my property. So, who would I go visit um and bring a
copy or show that video to >> um >> besides showing it on my Facebook page? >> You can submit it to the office of constituent relations and they would then have a record of it and pass it on probably to public works and engineering. Uh that would be my
request. >> Okay. Thank you. Um and >> in addition to the video, maybe mention when it started if if something that you you know you lived here if you've lived here for a while if it's something >> I've lived in this household for over 35
years. >> This is the first time it happened. >> No, this is not the first time it's happened and it's not the first time that I've got a record of it. However, part of the problem used to be also from Weimac Road down my driveway. Now that part has been resolved and now it's
strictly Hillrest Road which I can demonstrate and I have a rock wall where you can see water flowing through the rocks um onto my front lawn. Um >> a follow quick followup question. Did the water stay on on the lawn and drain
or did it end up in your home? Well, so because the flash because the rain only lasted for about 20 minutes, it was able to go past my garage and down my sideyard where it once again ripped up
my sideyard and then flowed down the hill. Um, in the past I have had to take um, you know those blue um, things that you use to you know keep a keep a I know there's a lot of other
people that want to speak tonight. So, >> well, well, no, he he asked a question, so I'm just And I have had to um use those instead of sandbags in front of my house to prevent water from coming into my house and into my garage. So, um you know, this is not a totally new problem,
but it's a continuing problem. And now I can show that it's from Hillrest Road that is still a problem. >> Thank you very much. All right. Who is next on the signup sheet? >> Is there anybody else for Kevin? >> I'm sorry. Thank you. Is there anybody
else for Kevin? >> Mr. Sner, you can go home. [laughter] >> Thank you so much. >> Unless you want to stay and listen to the rest of it. You're welcome to stay. I don't want to kick you out, but >> have a good night, sir.
And again, hang on a second. Just I am I'm going to ask people to really I mean, I'm not going to cut you off at exactly three minutes, but I know there's a lot of people who want to speak tonight, so I want to make sure everybody has a chance and doesn't have to leave before they have a chance to speak. So,
>> okay. Andy O'Harn, ON, 135 Walters Brook Drive. This statement was written by Howard Tyman, 60 Fairmont Avenue, Bridgewater. [clears throat] and I'm reading it on his behalf as he is unable to attend this meeting.
At the last council meeting, a gentleman from Branchburg got up here to oppose a data center. He said that the proposed data center was expected to be about 400,000 square feet. He also stated that the plan included destruction of the current Greymark office building and its
replacement by a data center. He was interrupted and criticized by council members Ring and Kersh who both said that no plan had been submitted that mentions a data center on this property. These two councilmen said
there was no basis for the 400,000 foot estimate and that the existing building would be retained. Mr. Kersh told the man he should do his homework. Now let's look at the facts. On March 17th, 2026, the planning board considered an
application for preliminary major subdivision approval for this property. The filings by the developer are on the township website. One sheet is labeled a concept plan and identifies a data center with two phases. When I'm
finished speaking, I will hand the clerk a copy of this document. Each of the two phases has two possible sizes for the data center. The larger sizes when added together total approximately 360,000 square ft.
Phase one is for the undeveloped piece of the property. Phase two shows a second data center where the current medical office current medical office building is. I will also hand the clerk copies of a newspaper article written
about the April 24th, 2025 meeting at which the redevelopment plan for this property was adopted by the council. This article states that Michael Sullivan, the planner who prepared the re redevelopment plan for the township, estimated that the data center would be
about 400,000 square feet. The article also quotes an expert in data centers speaking as part of the developers team at the meeting referring to AI artificial intelligence in connection with this data center. The minutes of this meeting, which I have also reviewed, confirm that the statements
were made. Further, the concept plan diagram included in the redevelopment plan adapted by adopted by the council in 2025 shows a proposed building and the first words used to describe the possible uses of that building are in quotes data center. So from an oral and
written submissions of the developer plus the township's own planner on this project, we know that at least two plans have been submitted for a large AI data center. That the estimated size of the proposed data center is 360,000 to 400,000 square feet and that the
developer concept plan includes demolition of the existing office building. We also know that the gentleman from Branchburg is owed an apology by Mr. Ring and Mr. Kersh who need to do their homework and with that I'll present the >> thank you very much I don't know would
anyone from the deis like to respond to that >> just very briefly uh a concept plan is not an actual application >> can can you repeat that right into the microphone very clearly and loudly >> a concept is like a courtesy review it
is not an application it is someone who says hey I have an idea what are your thoughts thoughts about it. >> So there is no active plan as part of the develop the the redevelopment agreement, part of the redevelopment process. There is no
active plan right now for a data center at that or any other location in Bridgewater. >> Is that correct? I think the question is we define the word plan. Typically a site plan application is a formal application that
is considered by a land use board and I think there people are using terms differently. Um concept plan is very very different. Just earlier today there were two property owners who came and met with our planner and engineer uh
with concept plans. They have ideas for particular parcels. This is done uh regularly. We make ourselves available. They have to pay a fee for the time of our professionals. Uh but that is those are concepts. I don't if that helps.
>> There's no site plan and there is a redevelopment. The council declared an area needed redevelopment last year of which there are several uses which one of which is a data center. There is no site plan. And there is no active application
before the planning board. >> Not to my knowledge. I don't I think I would know. >> And but unless there is a there is a plan uh submitted and a hearing and an approval, there would be no construction permits uh issued. Correct.
>> Yeah. You're light years away from that. >> Has the town entered into any agreements with respect to a data center? I mean we we have this is a matter of of active litigation um and there have been discussions um related to that
litigation and I'm not comfortable speaking about it any any further than I already have because the matter isn't an active litigation >> as has always been my opinion on these matters. Anda. >> Uh, good evening. >> By the way, just you you did use a
little bit of time. Um, and again, I'm not going to hold you to it, but I am going to uh be more careful than I usually am about allowing speakers. Okay. >> Um, and Troyan, Martinsville section of Bridgewwater. Um, this statement was
written by Howard Tyman, 60 Fairmont Avenue, Bridgewwater, and I'm reading it on his behalf as he's unable to attend this meeting. This statement concerns the property at 1200 Route 22. In 2025, the township council approved a redevelopment plan that would allow a
large AI data center on this property. An application for a data center would be heard by the planning board as a permitted use. As I will explain, the council can prevent this and it should do so. On April 24th, 2025, the council
adopted ordinance number 25-05. This ordinance approved a redevelopment plan for this property. I have studied both the ordinance and the redevelopment plan very carefully. The next step is for the township to enter into a redevelopment agreement with the
developer with the council's approval. So far, that has not happened. Without a signed and approved redevelopment agreement, this project cannot proceed before the planning board. Therefore, the current council has the power to stop this. I have reviewed many articles
on large AI AI data centers and I believe that the redevelopment plan approved by the 2025 council is inadequate and does not protect the residents of Bridgewater. Articles about the problems caused by these large data centers and the reaction of many communities as well as the state of New
Jersey come out almost every day. The problems include electricity usage and generation, fuel storage, water use, power sourcing from renewable energy, thermal impact and noise. The redevelopment plan concerning 1200 Route 22 seems to address the issue of noise
but deals with none of the other problems. The redevelopment plan upon which a redevelopment agreement would be based is deeply flawed. It is a bad bad plan for Bridgewater. Another deficiency in the redevelopment plan is there are too many unknowns. Under this plan, the
developer could propose a terrible monstrosity of a data center and then the planning board would have to consider it as a permitted use. A better path would be to revert to the existing zoning under which a data center is not a permitted use. That would require the
property owner to apply to the zoning board of adjustment and demonstrate the positive and negative criteria for a D1 use variance that would provide the public with the necessary protection. Therefore, I call on the council to do one of the following. Option one, adopt
a new ordinance repealing ordinance 255, which would require the developer to proceed under the existing zoning. Option two, amend ordinance 255 to delete all references to data centers from the redevelopment plan. Option
three, decline to approve any redevelopment agreement with any developer for this site. I hope you will protect the citizens of Bridgewater by choosing one of these options. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> I think there yeah there are other
people that want to talk about data center I'm assuming. Um so I don't know if anyone from the deis wants to comment now or hold their comments or not. >> In light of Mr. Corsini's comments I don't think we should be commenting further. >> Mr. You agree?
>> Uh, as I previously stated to Council President, I do agree. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Thanks. Um, hi, I'm Sher Russ, 19 Rhymer Street, Somerville. Um, I want to have us consider the power,
water, and air quality impacts of the proposed AI data center in Bridgewater on and the surrounding towns. And I understand it's a concept of a plan. So this is a concept of things you should consider. The developer did propose a 400,000 square foot AI data center as
previously mentioned. And I'm presenting a very high level estimate based on um publicly available information of the impacts of a 400,000 square foot AI data center. Um it will use between 150 and
300 megawatts of electricity. This is enough to power 175,000 to 350,000 average US households. Uh Bridgewater is home to 16,000 55 households. So you can see that we
would have to ramp up significantly um our our use of electricity. Um, this AI data center could consume 486 to 972 million gallons of water annually and that equivocates to um
about 16,500 households. So, in order to support this data center, we have to have the infrastructure available in place for it. Our local electrical delivery would have to increase significantly. Um, so
the power companies, they're just going to make more power, right? So, how could this impact us? Um, but it depends on a myriad of factors, but a solid estimate is at least a 20% kilowatt per hour cost increase. And if the power infrastructure must be built, as
obviously it would have to be here because we've got 16,000 households versus 350,000. um the cost of that will be a capital investment that will have to be picked up by somebody. [snorts]
This cost isn't the only concern and we should learn from those who built before us. Uh the massive energy demands of Nevada's AI data centers caused Liberty Utilities to announce that it's going to just stop providing electricity to 49,000 California residents in the Tahoe
basin by May of 2027. Um, so Tahoe, uh, is home to very wealthy people, but their wealth didn't insulate them from having to deal with this problem. So imagine you've got a year to find an alternative source of power for your home. How would you go
about doing that? AI data centers use diesel generators as backup power, which come with their own set of issues. Diesel exhaust releases immense amounts of fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and these are linked to respiratory diseases and
asthma. Massive banks of generators running during emergencies or during utility demand response creates a disruptive 247 noise that heavily degrades the quality of life and surrounding communities. And I understand we did talk about the noise
ordinance. Um, but I invite any of you to go and visit any AI data center and measure the noise. We also see that the scale of water consumption will cause major depletion in our aquifers and strain our municipal water infrastructure. And this is why we're in
a third year of drought. The water evaporates into the clouds, makes its way back, and is periodically flushed out. But the water that is returned is contaminated with chlorine dioxide, phosphates, heavy metals, and thermal
pollution. So clean water goes in and water that flows out is not usable. I propose that Bridgewater passes an ordinance to ban AI data centers until there are answers to these and other devastating impacts because the downsides far outweigh any possible
benefit. >> Thank you very much. Um, well, I I would I would like to um just say that I I uh I I share your concern about uh the um
uh let's let's say the backup generators that uh would be on site at a at a data center um a AI or not. Um, and the um
the not not the not the chance is that that's I don't think that's the correct word, but that they would be used not just for backup during a a loss of of power to the entire uh area uh but as
a replacement when demand is is high and uh that is a reality. Um, I have uh worked for uh companies who have in the past had on-site generation capacity for backup that the uh local
utility has said, "Hey, um we'll pay you to stop using commercial power for a couple hours today and and run your building off of the generation capacity that they know that that you have." and and um that's a that's a a no-brainer as
far as the dollars and cents go, but the noise and the the pollution is um is is a real uh real problem that that can generate. And I do think that there is some um uh need for us to consider uh
the regulation of uh such generator use when it isn't a uh loss of power emergency. Just quickly, I have a question for Mr. Corsini. If we were to have an uh any site in Bridgewater that required uh
substantial backup generator, would that be considered a uh an auxiliary building or an auxiliary structure of some kind? >> Would just depend on how it was situated on the site. It would just depend on how it was situated in the site on the site. It's a
hard hypothetical to answer. >> All right. Then let me ask a second second question. um independent of of any backup generator, is it fair to say that um anyone who wants to come on online in Bridgewater or any other
community would require uh that would require a certain amount of uh electricity andor water. Uh they'd have to be able to to to draw that from the existing utility. And if they can't draw that from the existing utility, then I guess the plan the plan is is is not
viable. That's that's accurate, but probably more the domain of an engineer. >> You're >> it's on. I mean, I don't I don't I don't really my my microphone is on, guys. So, I really this one. [clears throat]
>> Um, so I guess this one's not working and I apologize. Um, so that seems accurate, Councilman, but I think it would be more the domain of an engineer. Right. Well, I mean that's very fair, but I mean, you know, again, we don't have an engineer on the deis, but I, you know, I think whether you're talking
about any use, you know, if if you c if you want to build something and cannot cannot access the amount of electricity or water or any anything else, if you can't draw that to your to your location, then it's not a viable plan.
You know, I just I just I just think that's that's that's true of any use in any location. Well, I I do want to to point out that there have been um uh there are examples of um specifically AI data center usage
where the local power capacity was insufficient and the uh operators of the facility have brought in uh diesel generator trucks um >> well to power the the facility uh and make up the the difference that the
local util could not provide. So, >> and and and I would think that as part of any application for this or any other use at that or any other property that would need to be part of, you know, part of the of of the planning board's uh consideration and I would presume that
the planning board could and potentially would say that uh you know, bringing on trucks uh you know or other uh other ways to generate power are unacceptable. I I would I would hope so. Uh however,
in in the examples we can we can find and I'll I'll send you um one separately. Um there there have been uh um the attempts by local u um officials to
curtail their use uh have been met with opposition by higher levels of government whether it was the state or the federal government saying that you you know you can't stop this uh um this uh uh firm from from
doing that. But um I just want to remind my colleagues on the on the day here, we have an opinion from our attorney that this property is an active litigation. We should not be commenting on it. So when we comment for or against data centers, we are potentially impacting
litigation before us. I'm very confused because I wasn't aware of the fact that there was any litigation before us that dealt specifically with data centers. >> Well, there's litigation associated with um with this property and a zoning board application. >> Ah, fair enough.
>> And a settlement. >> I'm sorry. You said that there was a settlement. Is that >> settlement discussions? >> Okay. Um, is that are the details of that going to be made public? >> That is not just I'm not commenting further on the
advice of our attorney. >> If and when there is presumably yes, they would be made public. I >> on the advice of council, you will not hear me make any more comments on this subject just so the public is aware.
>> Yeah. And I think we have more people speaking on this. So I I I have a comment not regarding any pending applications litigation. So I'll hold my comment until after everyone's done talking on this topic. Miss Joya Carolyn Joya,
>> those of you wondering after we're done with the data center discussion, we are going to take a fivem minute break. >> Carolyn Joya 1402 Paleley Court. Thank you for at least starting a discussion. Um, I think the idea was
some people were saying that they thought we might need an ordinance. So, we're not talking about any specific property or application or concept of a plan. Um but the idea that if the council would consider the
idea of some sort of ordinance regarding data centers in the future, okay, obviously it wouldn't affect anything that's already agreed to or potentially settling on, but um this is the time to have those conversations because if you wait too long, it's at the planning
board and you wind up with what you had last Tuesday with 500 people participating. That was zoning board. >> Excuse me. >> That was zoning board, not planning board. >> Well, yes, but I'm just saying you would wind up whether it's planning or zoning if you don't address these things early.
>> They're very different circumstances. >> Okay. >> I'd be happy for you to comment after my three minutes. >> Okay. I just really didn't even come up to talk about that, but that sort of transpired while I was I >> I am timing people pretty carefully, so I'm going to ask everybody on the day to hold their comments to so that I can
give the the people a fair amount of time. >> Thank you. I really came up here to say thank you. I wanted to thank the office of constituent relations for handling the zoning board meeting so well, especially Suzanne Mers. She had um the
YouTube um overflow room worked seamlessly. Thank you, Suzanne. You've been fabulous. Um we had 300 people in this building. We had 200 people online and we had 2,000 over 2,000 people have already viewed that meeting online. So
without YouTube and without Suzanne, I don't think this would have been possible. So thank you. Um we had tremendous media coverage. Everything from the patch to USA Today. Uh we even had um a social media post from a congressional candidate who lives in Bridgewater who is now talking about
September 22nd and encouraging people to come. So yes, it's it's out there. And what happened is people realize Bridgewater is this wonderful place where we have, you know, farm stands and agriculture and 4 fairs and that kind of thing. So I think it's positive. I think
it's all positive publicity for Bridgewater. So thank you for everyone who is involved. I do want to mention that regarding data centers, there's currently a petition floating around. I don't know who started it. A couple of days ago they had a goal of 200 names. So that um
they're asking the council to uh consider an AI data center ordinance. Um they're now up to 465 people in like two and a half days. So the interest is there if you want to consider it. Um regarding the health uh comment about
cycllospora, I just want to add one thing we can do is to buy local produce while we still have it. Uh but my main comment here regarding data centers is to sort of take the macro picture. I'm more concerned about the micro picture. Yes, there might be concern of a 400,000
square foot data center, but I don't know if anyone has considered something that's going on right now by a company called Prime Group Holdings. They actually own Prime Storage on Route 28. What's happening there is they have announced publicly that they are going
to aggressively pursue I say aggressively no they are pursuing um the development of a network of edge microAi factories and these would take place in things like storage facilities which
they are very um they own a lot of them 330 over the country across the country it's a 7 billion asset base of this company and what they do is they um are able to repurpose the use of storage facilities that may not um be um up to
capacity and offer other business opportunities. So, it's a way for data centers to try to sort of um become more available in the local communities and you know create a broader network attached to maybe a larger center. So, something to keep in mind these
>> four minutes if you could wrap it up. >> That was it. But I was just going to thank the youth council for coming up here and doing what they did because this is >> well in that case you can keep going. >> This is not easy. And if any of them are here in the room, I would encourage them to just um to continue and come to the zoning meetings too. Come to the
planning board meetings. You'll learn a lot and you'll be 18 before you know it. And also at the federal level um I know Elizabeth Warren is con is pursuing the uh youth voting rights act. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for the extra time. Is there anyone else that wants to address data
centers specifically because Okay. Hi, my name is Don Cohen. I'm actually not a Bridgewater resident. I'm a resident of uh Montgomery, New Jersey. Uh just down the road from you guys. Um I am here to also um urge you to um
prevent the uh the construction of a data center. Um as a you know whatever happens to you guys will spill over into neighboring uh communities in terms of things like water use, electricity use,
air quality, etc. Um I urge you to uh to the extent possible uh do what Montgomery has done which is uh pass an ordinance banning uh data centers as a
use in town. Um we also uh passed an ordinance to prevent uh the construction of uh detention centers in the same ordinance. uh they have many of the same risk factors for the community. So I
would urge you to consider that as well. But um you know data centers are very very impactful and you know people move out to these communities because we are looking for a particular you know
quality of life and the uh the data centers will um definitely impact. So, thank you. >> Thank you very much. Is there anyone else that [applause] anyone else that wants to talk about
this topic? So, I'll add my comment if they're done. Yeah. Okay. So, yeah, I think we see a theme here from starting from when um our health commissioner Kevin Sumar spoke about prevention, right? Um that
the students also talked a little bit about what their concerns are. they mentioned like for example bus routes changing um but I think the biggest one that we recently went through was the the the audit which we'll talk about later but you heard this terminology corrective action plan that's what we
call it in the finance budget committee but in my pharma background we actually call it corrective and preventative action right kappa that's what I mentioned earlier so I think that's the theme here we're trying to prevent what can we do to not just investigate the
root cause um eliminate any defects, but we also want to fix proactively potential problems from happening in Bridgewater. Right? So, I think that's the theme here. And again, I don't want to comment on anything that's currently under review, but that preventative
mindset is very important today tonight. Thank you. >> Motion to take a five minute break. Well, I just Is there anyone else that's that was planning on speaking tonight? You're the only one. Is it your Oh, you know, then we will take the break if
that's okay. Can I have a second? If you were the only one, I was going to not take the I was going to not make us wait for, you know, not make you wait, but there are a couple other people. So, can I have a second to the motion to take a break? I'll second it. All in favor?
>> Opposed? >> Let's take a roll call. No, you don't need to. You voice is f. I mean, unless it's procedural. You can do whatever. >> Is anybody else opposed? >> As a courtesy to the request, I'll vote yes. >> What? You're opposed?
>> No, I'm I'm voting yes to take a break. >> I'm voting yes to take a break of the five of us. >> Andrew, are you will granted? >> Yes, I'll take a break. >> Okay. Thank you. We're going to take a fivem minute break. Okay, we are back on. So, if everyone wants to take their seats
and would the next public speaker want to come and address the council? >> Hello, Mr. Pedro. >> Hi. Good evening. >> Haven't seen you in a while. >> You missed me. >> Did you you signed in, right? I did sign
in. >> Okay. >> All right. Ready? >> Yes, we are ready. >> Good evening. I hope you all had a having a nice summer. Last November, Bridgewater voters made one thing crystal clear. They demanded change.
After six years under Mayor Mch, who earned the title of tax king by raising municipal taxes nearly 30% and sewer bills by 33%, residents had simply had enough. Voters demanded an end to endless tax hikes, outofc control
borrowing, and poor governance. During my time on the council, I I proudly cast a low no votes against those those reckless budgets. And even though that wave of voter frustration cost me my seat, I agreed with the voter sentiment.
Bridgewater desperately needed real change. Like so many of my fellow residents, I waited to see that change. But over six months in, the bitter reality is that things haven't gotten better. They've gotten worse. Instead of relief, this this new Democratic Council
majority has delivered big disappointments. Number one, board appointments. Instead of choosing members based on individual merit and qualifications, appointments are now driven by identity politics and the divisive social considerations that is
in progress. Number two, skyrocketing debt. Before the election, Councilman Buco stood at this microphone preaching fiscal restraint. Today, total silence. Just halfway through this year, this council has already approved over $15
million in new debt bonds for tax king Mayor Mench. To put that in perspective, that's half the total amount raised by taxation for the entire year. Number three, overdevelopment. Residents begged for protect protection against overdevelopment. Yet when when pres
presented with mayor's the mayor's highdensity housing plan, this council rubber stamped over 600 new highdensity and apartment units that will crowd our roads and strain our schools, resulting in increased costs and taxes. Number four, public participation. Before
taking office, council president Gger often often complained about the the strict threeinut time limits on public comment. Now that she holds the gavl, she has tightened the grip even further, strictly enforcing the clock and shutting down public dialogue, especially when she doesn't like what
she's hearing. Number five, your tax bill. Instead of fighting for struggling families, this council approved Mayor Mench's 10% tax increase budget this year without a peep. That brings tax king Mayor Mench's total municip total
municipal tax increase to an astonishing 42% since he took office. Bridgewater voters asked for change, but instead we got more debt, higher taxes, overdevelopment, the prejuditial government, and less of a voice. The new
Democratic majority had every chance to stand up for our town. But they choose to rubber stamp the same failed policies of tax king Mayor Mench. Bridgewater deserves better. I thank you for your time and have a good evening. >> Thank you.
>> Yes. >> You can also do it after you speak though. You can do it after you speak if you want. >> What did you want to? Because you can sign in ahead of time if you want. Um, my name is Curtis Kraut. I live at
199 Adamsville Road. Um I strongly support a lot of the comments that have been made this evening regarding the data center. Uh however, I uh another um longtime open issue with the Greymark
property, which is what is applicable to the redevelopment plan that's been passed that permits a data center and other things as well. is that uh prior to the adoption of the uh redevelopment
plan, there was a uh resolution uh adopted by the council back in 2022 2023 time frame to amend the master plan uh to remove warehouse use from specific
zones within the township. One of those zones is the M1B zone. The M1B zone is the prior designation of the Greymark site which had an open application for
warehouse on that property. Um the basic question for Mr. Corsini and Mr. Papus is whether or not the um resolution at this point in time uh to change the land use ordinance to
remove the warehouse use from the M1B zone and the other applicable zones that were identified in that master plan change has been formally filed and is in effect with uh the county uh and full effect
within the township for future projects. >> Yes. >> So it is not an that is not an open issue >> for future for future projects. Yes. >> Okay. All right. Thank you very much, >> Madam President. Just so that this
constituent is not misled, there is still an active >> the redevelopment zone. The the He asked me if the ordinance was was filed. I didn't ask about litigation or anything. >> I think we're I mean >> but there but just so that it's very
clear there is still an active application with the zoning board that is subject to litigation. >> Right. >> That is unimpacted. I >> think Mr. Crow is aware of that. >> I'm sorry. >> I I just want to make sure that there's no miscommunication that the there is
still an active application before the zoning board. >> There is still an active application. >> Correct. I want to make sure that that's perfectly clear and well known. >> Councilman Kurs is right to make sure we're clear here. I think Mr. Kraut understands, but the the redevelopment
plan that's in place warehouse is a use in that plan that was approved by this council last year. But you asked me if the if the ordinance was properly filed that was proposed and it was so >> independent of the warehouse application. >> Okay. The question was
>> independent of the warehouse >> is the resolution formally adopted and and and in place in the township at this point. In other words, any future application for a warehouse on any M1B zone or whatever in the township uh
would not be done with an authorized use of of installing a warehouse. >> It would need to go to the zone. Minister, I'm just making sure there's no I mean the Yes. Okay. >> There is the site that we're there's the site and then there's the rest of the town which is what you're talking about
and you're Yes, >> it is been filed and the >> there is an existing application for a warehouse. >> I just want to make sure that I agree with council. I want to make sure we're very clear. >> Yeah, I understand. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> I think we have we have another speaker. >> Okay. I do promise to be very very brief. I uh was not really prepared. I did not prepare a statement. I like to make my statements more from the heart. Um tomorrow >> Yeah. Could you just say your name?
>> My name is Jerry Zitch. I'm at 202 Adamsville Road. Um tomorrow I actually go to my friend's um uh family's house in Northern New Jersey. his daughter just had brain surgery and he asked me being that I've been in healthc care for
35 years um he asked me what should he do where should he go and I said look um go to the best person that I've heard of and I sent him to this person and do me a favor when you go to that person please ask them this if this were your
family member what would you do what would you do would you do that surgery you know what would you do this is your family member this is your daughter, this is your son. I ask the same thing of this, and I understand there's a lot of talk hopefully still to go about this data center, but if this was your house,
and if you're across the street or behind this place, how would you feel on a personal level? I mean, really, really think about it. How would you feel about it going up next to your house, across the street from your house, in your neighborhood? That's pretty much it. Thank you.
Thank you sir very much. Is there anyone else have a motion to close public? >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor? >> I I >> um >> All right. There are no uh public
hearing and final action ordinances. That moves us on to the introduction of an ordinance. an ordinance amend uh an ordinance amending chapter 182 snow and ice removal of the municipal code of the township of Bridgewater to require snow
clearance near fire hydrants. Mr. Papis, you want to just give a short brief explanation? >> Sure. Uh the mayor had proposed this uh I think he had spoken at the last meeting. He was contacted by all the fire chiefs from our volunteer fire companies asking that an an ordinance
amendment be considered that would simply require that people who have property owners who have a fire hydrant in front of their property remove the snow to assist in the response time.
>> I'll move to introduce 11 A. >> Is there any discussion first? I think it's pretty basic. I'll second. >> All in favor? You want some discussion? Go ahead. >> Just for a brief discussion. So, first of all, I I I thought this was the law.
Um certainly is common sense, but but I guess a concern that I have um is how we would handle circumstances particularly where um fire hydrants are at intersections. Um because intersections
um you know by their nature have to be cleared you know m much more space uh there isn't a an an immediate curb necessarily to to push the snow to. Uh I know this came up with with with bus stops and things like that where you
know the inter you know the the corners of intersections end up with a particularly large mound of snow. Um so I you know I I certainly support this conceptually. I just would want to make sure that we have discussion about how we would handle situations where um you
know fire hydrants at or near intersections would be uh would be would be approached. That's just an open comment. We don't have to necessarily resolve it right now, but I'm hoping that we can, you know, h have a have have commentary on that in time for two weeks.
>> Well, I don't know the answer to that question, I'll tell you that. So, You know, I wouldn't want to have a resident come to us and say, "I'd love to clear it, but you've just piled 7 feet of snow in front of it. How can I possibly do that?" >> The only way I could respond to that is
where I live, I have a an inlet in front of my house. And a few years ago, we had a lot of snow and there was literally a 7 foot pile of snow that public works had pushed right on top of that inlet. and I took a picture of it and I sent it to
someone and I said, "If you think that I'm going to move this snow, you've got to be crazy." So, uh, I think in those instances, I think it's a point well taken. I think we have to ensure that the relevant public works entity uh does
not uh impede the um ability for these fire hydrants to be cleared. Um, in my office is a a device that it can be attached to fire hydrants that uh or extend the height of a fire hydrant with
a pole of probably five feet and um Chief Driscoll from Green provided it to me. Uh there's only one person that knew what it was when they walked in the office. Now, you all know, but uh that's that's one option that I think we should consider to try to outfit these fire
hydrants if in the event we have large snowfalls. >> You know, I don't want to, you know, seem that I'm opposed to this in any way, shape, or form. I support this. I'm I'm candidly surprised that it wasn't already on the books, but I just want to make sure that we have some accounting
for the downstream consequence, particularly at um at intersections. I will I will also say that um uh upon um uh knowing that this this uh proposed ordinance was was going to be
introduced, I conscientiously made a note of um looking for the fire hydrants as uh I drove down several of the roads in uh in town and um
very few have those uh reflector devices on them and uh quite a few were hidden by brush whether it was tall grass or or weeds or or or something along those lines. But um
uh so you know I think we we would probably should consider expanding uh those uh those markers to to more fire hydrants just so that the visibility is there. Um, I I will uh I
have a a a question that um perhaps uh be able to um have an answer uh for the uh public hearing um at the next council meeting, which is
um how many how many uh fire hydrants, if any, are within in uh Bridgewater that are on lands that are not abudding public streets
and >> in other words uh fire hydrants on private property. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> And would would that or should that be covered by uh such ordinance? It it doesn't seem
that it would be, but um that is I guess the the answer to that probably is how many of them are there? Um and perhaps a uh a
a technical definition of what a fire hydrant qualif is is qualified as under uh this ordinance would um probably be necessary. So there isn't any confusion
that a um you know the uh stand pipe on a building is or is not a fire hydrant. Is there any further discussion hearing? None. >> Can we take a vote on the introduction of the ordinance?
>> Councilman Bako, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> President Geger, >> yes. >> Final action for this ordinance is scheduled for August 6, 2026 at 7 p.m. here in the municipal courtroom. Public
inspection of this ordinance is available on the township website, the bulletin board, and through the clerk's office. >> Can I suggest 12 A and B together? Yes. So moving on to 12 A and B. 12A is certification of the 2025 municipal
audit. 12B is resolution approving the corrective action with regard to the 2025 municipal audit there. Um can I have a uh I need a motion. Any discussion >> these quite a bit. I will gladly move 12 A and B on consent.
>> I'll second. All in favor? Hi. >> You need a roll call. >> Need a roll call. Sorry. For AMB, we need a roll call. >> Grace, are we okay with the certification being uncons with? Okay. >> Yeah. Councilman Bako, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla,
>> yes. Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> President Gger, >> yes. >> All right. Moving on to uh 12C. Request for waiver of permit fees not to exceed $3,445 from the fire construction code and
health departments for the Somerset County 4 Association in connection with the Somerset County 4 fair at North Branch Park 310 310 Miltown Road Bridgewater, New Jersey on August 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2026. I hope everybody is
planning on attending. Um, >> well, they can't if we don't approve this, [laughter] >> so I will move it. I will second. Can I have a roll? Oh, was there any discussion? >> It's something we do every year. >> Can I have a roll call, please?
>> Conversation is hopefully it's dry like uh last year and not wet like darn near every other year. Right. Mr. Papus. >> Councilman Beco. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Isla. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Gger.
>> Yes. D. authorizing the discharge of property rehabilitation mortgage for 1048 Hoffman Road. Uh can I have a motion to uh approve this resolution? >> So moved. >> Second. I have a question before we vote
on it. Um so this this mortgage is being this mortgage should have been released in 2019. It's uh six years seven years old. is do do we not release them until somebody comes before us and says like they're they're going to sell the property and
now they need the lean removed or is this just an oversight? I'm just curious. >> I I think it's when they requested it. Uh I don't recall the council approving many of these and I know that there are more that have been uh approved previously.
>> Okay. I mean, so what would typically happen is somebody goes to sell the property and they do they run a search and they find there's a lean and now they have to they have to go before the council and ask for the the release >> or years. It's the first time I've seen one. >> Okay. >> Or there may be another reason why they're maybe they're not selling and
there may be another reason why they want the lean removed. >> Well, they probably aren't since they got the property rehabilitated. Um, >> okay. I think we need a roll call on this. M >> deas was around in February 2, 2019 than perhaps Mr. Corsini. So I don't know if
we can give you a straight answer. >> I think that would have been maybe Mr. Savo. So >> okay. >> Do we do we know how many um properties have um rehabilitation mortgages? >> I don't have that number here. I could get that for you.
>> The co uh the affordable housing administrator could probably get that number, I would think. >> Okay. And and it's a you know secondary to that do we do we need to have a uh reconciliation of um
how many of them have been um how have been satisfied and should be uh discharged from the property records. I guess that's a that's a general question. Is that is that something we should be proactive at
uh at doing or only upon uh upon request? >> We'll look at that. Um this is the questions never come up. Um it's a good question. Uh this whole uh sphere is highly regulated and there may be some
statutory requirement or regulation. So I will check into that and circle back. Thank you. Councilman Buckle, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> President Gger,
>> yes. All right. A, authorizing the execution of a release of part of mortgage premises for block 230, lot 15, 295 Yorktown Road to facilitate the New Jersey Department of Transportation, NJ do acquisition for road improvements. So
um just by way of explanation this this is a property that had a housing rehabilitative grant. The state is making improvements to the road in front of it and is taking a very small sliver of the road. So this is now going to uh put the rehabilitation mor the mortgage
on the property for the rehabilitation on the remaining part of the property and it's going to remove the mortgage from that little sliver that the state is taking. Did I did I explain that right? >> Yeah. And if we don't do this, they can't sign the property over to the state to improve Route 28. >> There you go. Even further expert.
>> So moved. >> I'll second. Can we have a roll call, please? >> Councilman B. Councilman Beco. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Isla. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kh. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> As in Guyger. >> Yes. Uh F. appointing Shiraag Meta
Esquire as assistant municipal court prosecutor pursuant to section 4-76 of the municipal code for a term commencing July 24th, 2026 and continuing through December 31st, 2026. >> Madam President, uh I think we we had
asked for and maybe you didn't get the version. The effective date we're asking be July 17th >> and and not uh the 24th, but 17th through the end of the year. You might be looking at an old agenda. >> Well, I might be. Yeah. Okay. July 17th.
>> Yes. Okay. >> Please. >> Um, can I have a motion? >> So, moved. >> I'll second. Any discussion? >> A roll call, please. >> Councilman Bako, >> yes. >> Council woman Isla. >> Yes. Councilman Kush, >> yes.
>> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> President Gger, >> yes. >> Moving on to the discussion section. Uh, is there any >> or 12G >> 12G to you? >> Authorizing an extension of the 2026 3rd quarter tax grace period. I did see this
on one of the agendas. Okay. Authorizing extension of the 2026 third quarter tax grace period due to delayed tax rate certification. Can I have a a motion? >> Make the motion. >> I'll second. I think there should be a
little bit of discussion, >> a brief discussion. So, so Mr. Papis, so first of all, >> um, or actually not for Mr. Papis, just in general, first of all, it should be noted that we took the action, we were required to well in advance of any deadline. Um, so the municipal portion
uh is not the reason for this delay. Correct. >> County, that's correct. The county just certified the tax rate and that is allowing all the municipal governments in the county that have adopted their budgets to then prepare
and issue tax bills. Okay. >> So they they have struck the the the rate. >> Yes. >> And what is the rate, please? >> I'm sorry. Was that not a fair question? >> I um one thing I didn't prepare for. So I don't know if it I I I assume it's not
different from what the council has approved previously, but I don't know the precise number. >> All right. But the problem is it was only recently struck and that is what is now allowing us to issue the issue the tax bills. >> Correct. >> So do we know when those tax bills are going to go out?
>> I don't have that date. The tax collector is working with Miss Houseman to establish that date. We will announce that. uh they have to ensure that the printer can have it delivered certain date and so we don't we don't have that date yet.
>> Do we think this extension's sufficient? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. camera. Let's see. >> We have a um we have a motion. We have a second. We need a roll call. Right. >> Counciloman Bako. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Isla? >> Yes.
>> Councilman Kersh? >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring? >> Yes. >> President Gger? >> Yes. >> Is there any discussion? >> I apologize. I do have one item. I apologize. I think well it's minor but
it has some significant ramifications. Something that comes up from time to time is the topic of benefits for elected officials. Um you'll see the the proposed change here in bold. In essence, um it would allow anyone on
this day as currently receiving elected officials on this day as currently receiving benefits to continue to receive them through the remainder of their term. And following the remainder of anyone's term, they would be ineligible moving forward for benefits.
And the September date, September 1st date is assuming we were to introduce it and then approve it in the month of August. Depending upon timing, that might have to be adjusted. I didn't expect silence. >> I think we only have one person. I don't
know and I'm not asking. >> So >> yeah, >> right. >> Yes, absolutely. Prospectively. It's a topic that has been a hot button over the years. This is not targeting
anyone or any individual whatsoever. It's targeting the overall question. >> I I think that it's um not a um it's not a secret. Um I don't think it
it would be that um the uh all of us have uh employment outside of of being up here. and um probably uh receive
um benefits uh through that uh through that employment. Um, I guess the um the concern that I would
would have with with this is and and granted this is not a a full-time a full-time job even though sometimes it it >> it's a lot more than two meetings a month. >> Yes, it's a lot more than two meetings a month. That's that that's correct. Um I
I would be concerned that it it would um discourage individuals who, you know, might not uh have the uh the ability to
have concurrently full-time employment outside of uh the uh the position to to seek uh elected office in in their in their community. And um
obviously that needs to be weighed against the um you know the as you mentioned the hot button issue of of whether elected officials should um
uh should receive uh uh such um health insurance benefits. I I I think that there's a you know a lot of consideration that uh you know we need to we need to uh think about here and
you know you could you could go both ways of you know it it shouldn't be a uh a vehicle to um and and let me let Let me preface this by saying
I am not suggesting anyone up here is is using their their their position. Um this is just hypothetically saying I don't think that the the elected office should be a a means to um enrich yourself. But at the same
time, like I said, I I I I I'm worried that it would discourage uh individuals who are not um who do not have the capacity or capability financially to not uh be able
to do it either. So I I think there's a there's a there's a very uh very uh careful balancing act though that we we need to we need to consider there. That said, I look forward to um
look forward to discussing this further. I just I get I guess I just need to get an idea if there's a consensus to move forward to discuss it because if there's not then there's no reason to move forward. >> I mean >> I don't know that I have any major
objections. I but yeah just want a minute to it's I'm tired and I want a minute to I mean I don't want to read it but yeah >> so what I'm hearing is >> I would say go ahead. Let's bring it up at next meeting. >> Yeah. Or >> or or let's do this. If you have thoughts or feedback between now and the
next meeting, let me know. Do we want a tenative if we plan on it for the next meeting? >> Say if you can get a a um the language drafted. >> Well, see, Mr. Corsini is going would have to
tweak any language to his satisfaction. >> I just want to make sure I understand the proposal. So the proposal is that um essentially effective with with this ordinance passage on or about September 1st um that um
>> anyone that's elected, reelected or even appointed after September >> after that time, >> yeah, would be ineligible. >> So anybody currently on this deis if they're receiving benefits, they would have it for the remainder of their term, assuming they're reelected, they would
no longer have that option. That's the intent. Yeah. >> I guess what I'm confused about is we they don't allow I mean we I think I think a most of I think a lot of us do spend 35 hours a
week doing this, but we don't but I don't think any of us qualify as full-time employees. So, I'm not sure >> this is good. This >> that's confusing me. >> This would clarify it formally. >> I see what you're saying. Okay. Thank you. >> Yes.
There's many weeks I think we would all agree we spend more than 35 hours and there's some weeks maybe not so much >> not too many of them >> and I know I know how much everybody on this day has worked so >> so maybe anyone who has any comments can
get them to council ring >> yeah oh that that sounds right >> thank you >> council just suggested that anybody who has any comments should get them to councilman ring um >> I I did have a question if there's like other hot topics like this that might
come up or have been in the past. >> It's a >> Sorry, is it too much for tonight? Okay. Well, >> well, I I'm sure there are other third rails we can just dive right on. >> I have one, but I'll probably get a lot of push back on it.
>> You want to bring it up now or you want to bring it up some other >> ever? [laughter] Oh, up to you, >> Jamie. >> No, it's okay. Yeah. Yeah. I thought we did, but I don't see that on the >> You can't tease us now. >> Oh, that's on the closed session. All right. >> Yep. >> Um I just want to bring up really these
are just thoughts. Um there's been a there was a request for uh one of the groups that spoke earlier, they wanted to present slides on the screen um ahead of time and I said no and we're not we're not set up for that. If we do it for one, we have to do it
for all. And I don't know that we want the public to come in and do PowerPoint presentations. Um, that would I don't think it could be done within a any kind of reasonable time limit. But I think one of the things we might want to consider is if when people are, you
know, are handing us paper, you know, usually one or two sheets, if there was some way that they could possibly put that up on the screen. Um, that might be just something nice to think about in the future. And I I did speak briefly to Suzanne about it. She thinks it's
doable. I mean, I think there's some logistics involved and I don't want to necessarily make a big discussion of it, but I just wanted to plant a seed. And then tying in with that too is I have had a request um for uh some way for disabled people um who can't attend the
meetings in person, elderly people, disabled people um to somehow have a way to uh participate in the meetings to attend the meetings via Zoom. And again, I'm not sure logistically how that would
work, but I just want to plant a seed and see if there's any thoughts that could go into maybe allowing, you know, some people who can't otherwise come to the meetings participate. >> By participate, you mean to speak during public session? >> Yeah, participate.
>> Because people people can access >> now. Your your your concern is the incremental access to be able to address us. >> Correct. because right other otherwise they just can watch but they can't comment during the public uh comments. >> Well just you know as as some brief
history there um so the system that we have is an upgrade that occurred about three or four years ago. It was placed into the budget um at the insistence of Councilman Ring and myself. Um and that's why we have the improved cameras. We have the system and the monitors and
all this stuff. Um so so we we are in a much better place than we were. Um, we historically have made a decision to either be online as we were during COVID and then I believe during a brief period
of time later in CO um uh we made the decision to either be online or live. Um, and that's placed everybody in in in one of those buckets. We have not previously doesn't mean we can't but we have not previously done a hybrid
circumstance. Um but that's just kind of the history >> and that also opens the question or the door of well if the public's hybrid can what happens when a member of this deis can't physically be here are they allowed to be hybrid
>> and and and related to that um you know because this is this is actually an interesting conversation um uh you know because there there have been instances where where where a member of council you know had had surgery or some other uh you period of of of incapacitation
um and may have had to miss meetings. Um you know, we never really we never really came up with a policy. Um I know there were some instances where where former Councilman Norallas attended some meetings uh uh participated but did not
vote. Um the feeling at the time was voting is a behavior is an activity that you must be in this room. Um because that then opens up a slippery slope. Well, what is your ailment? Why are you not here? Are you not here out of choice or you're not here because you happen to be >> you have to bring a doctor's note?
>> Do do you happen to be in a beach at a beach location? Um, so we kind of chose not to go there. But I think all of this does introduce some some policy questions that certainly we could and should um should consider >> when now when that happened with Councilman Nargalis, was he able to
participate in the discussions and he just didn't vote? He just didn't vote. >> Correct. M madame president uh besides the policy which obviously the council can there is a resource issue and technology issue involved too. >> I assume there would be. Go ahead. >> I think that that is something that
needs to be taken into consideration. There's a potential additional staffing that would be needed uh to uh maintain a system. There is likely a significant investment that would need to be made. um you know we spent I think $115,000
for the system that we have now that works pretty well um and uh you know because of the cost we didn't one of the reasons we didn't pursue anything beyond that um there were other policy reasons that wasn't pursued but um then you have
the question of the land use board hearings frankly I'll weigh in here a little bit [clears throat] you know who's participating from where Mhm. >> People from across the country that are participating that will lengthen meetings and impact the deliberations
that a governing body or a land use board can undertake. So I think you should consider those points as well. Thank you. >> Okay. That's what why I'm asking. >> And also the platform is important. I I I've called into other townships
meetings. Um, there was one I and we got our first crescent moon here, but some other township was talking about it. So, I called in, but it was through Zoom. We have YouTube, right? So, I don't think YouTube might have that capability that Zoom does when there's a caller on hold
trying to call in and speak a public speaker. We might have trouble like connecting on on YouTube that way. But Zoom calls, you know, they're on hold and I don't know how they did it, but it was it was really good. It was really good. participated in other town council meetings via Zoom
>> as a public speaker. Yeah. >> May May >> Oh, as a as a >> public speaker. Yeah. >> Okay. >> In the public speaking portion, I I spoke. >> Well, not as a not as a not as someone standing up to make comments specifically, but you were doing a presentation. >> No, just a public comment.
>> Oh, okay. Like the three minutes that we get, same thing, but it was automatic because it was through Zoom. They pulled me in somehow >> in New Jersey. Yeah. Okay. >> May I suggest that you um consider a twoperson subcommittee um to then also
speak with Mr. Papus or members of the administration um to you know you know do a framework here and and you know identify some of the issues and then you know consider you know solutions. >> Do I have any volunteers?
>> I I'll volunteer if anybody wants to serve on a committee with me. my committee of one here. I guess I am. >> No, you know, I I'll I'll volunteer for that based on, you know, any potential um time constraints, but but
>> thank you, Michael. Thank you very much. >> Okay. Okay. Well, I would I would like to uh actually bring something up and it actually kind of uh intersects with uh a lot of the topics that that we just
mentioned plus um some things that that came up uh ear earlier uh this year. Um and and not to you know um draw draw this out any further about the the audit, but um the uh
recommendation uh from the auditor was uh regarding the uh the approximately $18,000 over expenditure for for snow removal. And obviously that was a that was a um an
emergency situation where there was an unexpected um uh additional snowstorm between the the last uh meeting of the the previous council's term and the
start of the new term. And there was um uh just not a um uh time for a um transfer from from
another uh account. Um and and the u contingency account uh was was drained. So, um there's there's actually uh three three items that that I think we should um consider. One one is is a a analysis
of um how much we should keep in that uh contingency account. um whether there's a there's a minimum to uh be able to cover um number of uh however many snow
clearings that uh might occur in in such a situation. Uh but then should we should should the council have held a emergency meeting to authorize uh
that uh transfer before it uh you know became a a um a problem that the the auditor has has was flagging. Uh so I think that is where and that that's the intersection
with what we just discussed is is I think we need to consider and probably create a um policy around what should happen in in that situation. Do we just let it ride out or do we have
an emergency meeting called? Maybe it's one that that does have to be virtual due to if there's an emergency situation such as the the roads are covered in snow and ice or >> um maybe it's just due to timing that
not everyone could uh make a in-person meeting. But should there be one and and what would that look like and how would we do that? I think that's something we we need to to really uh consider very carefully and uh come up with a a policy
and and process to to follow. There there is precedent by the way for um um emergency uh virtual meeting. >> Yeah. So in that case I guess it goes to
um should we set a policy that that is what should happen in such a situation? >> Was that done by Zoom? Councilman Kersh >> I I don't recall. It may have been before we had the current recording system.
>> I can do on the phone maybe. I don't know how they do it. It was um in 2021. >> I was in Chicago. It was all over >> Hurricane Ida and we had the uh sewer force main rupture near on Route 22, Middlebrook.
>> Yep. >> We had the collapse of the portion of Voselor Avenue embankment. So, the council had to have an emergency meeting for an emergency appropriation to uh generate the funds to be utilized
for these repairs. And an emergency appropriation is just that an emergency situation unanticipated and that that would have to be funded. You had you would have the option of funding it from the next year's budget. >> So, how did they do how did they do the
meeting? Did they have >> it was a virtual meeting? I I I don't know if it was just a phone call or it was Zoom, but it was a it was on a Friday. >> Oh, that one you're referencing was definitely a a phone call. >> It was on a Friday afternoon. It was a few days after the storm and we had, you know, some Bill had put together some estimates
>> day after the storm. >> Okay. I don't remember exactly. >> So, the public couldn't participate in that. >> They could listen. They could listen. >> They could listen. Yeah, they actually did have a chance to comment, but their comments were limited to only because I remember Alex saying
>> it was some kind of fancy phone thing that had to be set up. >> Well, no, but you couldn't you couldn't comment on what anything you wanted to. >> You could only comment on the emergency agenda. Mhm. >> No, I I'm remembering my brain is now
remembering what we did before we had Zoom and we did >> in Ring Central. We called Ring Central where it was a phone call. It may have been that. I don't recall. >> Yeah, you used to have to call the phone company and set up a conference. It was conference. >> It was 2021, September of 2021. I remember it vividly.
>> Okay. All right. Is there any other discussion? >> And I think we're going to go into closed session. I don't believe we're going to take any action after this for the public's benefit. Just FYI. >> So, if anybody uh Well,
>> there's only one person left. [laughter] >> Motion to enter into close session. >> Second. >> Well, I think you need to read it though. >> Oh, okay. So, item number 14, closed session, uh, regarding public safety.
We have a motion. I'll second. All in favor? >> I >> I You need to read. >> I don't have that in front of me. Be it resolved by the Bridgewater Township Council that this body will now hold a closed meeting to discuss public
safety. When and if the matters discussed become public record, this will be made known to the public. At that time, the public is excluded from said meeting and further notice thereof is dispensed with uh all in accordance with section 8 and 4A of the open public
meetings law. I guess we have to have a roll call. >> Do we need a roll call or a voice vote? >> Well, I got the roll call on the sheet. >> It is a resolution. >> Okay, it's a resolution. >> You can do however you want.
>> Councilman Bako. >> Yes. >> Council woman Isla. >> Yes. Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> President Ger. >> Yes. Okay. We are now in close session. one. >> Are we live? >> We are live. >> Second.
>> Session. >> Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Make a motion to adjourn. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> We are adjourned. >> All right. So, so the whole point with the whole so guy who sort of for the ADP, so he's a professional guy was up