WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=vnKt4lxgAgw NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: vnKt4lxgAgw): - 00:00:06: Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call - 00:00:37: Pledge of Allegiance and Minutes Approval - 00:01:34: Councilwoman Eslo's Earth Day and Community Report - 00:05:09: Councilman Ring's Baseball and FIFA World Cup Report - 00:07:05: Stadium Name Discussion and Transportation Convenience - 00:08:09: Councilman Kersh's Baseball and Small Business Report - 00:10:51: Tree Planting, Campground Anniversary, Animal Shelter Report - 00:12:43: Pizza Preferences and World Cup Travel Information - 00:13:52: Local Baseball, High School Drama, Traffic Concerns - 00:16:51: Mayor's Report: Well Water Testing and Traffic Update - 00:18:13: Police Chief Discusses Vaselor Avenue Traffic Enforcement - 00:21:08: Small Business Visit, Arbor Day, and Green Null Grill - 00:23:36: Proposed Ordinances: Temporary Parking and Housing Amendments - 00:27:10: Green Null Grill Discussion and Full Transparency Request - 00:29:59: Meeting Open to the Public - 00:31:11: Cynthia Blumencrants: History Minute on Revolutionary Era - 00:43:59: Jen Lan: Revolutionary War Hero Oliver Cromwell - 00:47:55: Tim County: Native Plants and Ecological Responsibility - 00:53:41: Rebecca Mik: Concerns About Storage Facility Replacing Farm - 00:57:19: Public Comment is Closed - 00:57:35: Public Hearing on Municipal Budget Appropriation Limit - 00:59:25: Ordinance to Require Snow and Ice Removal on Private Roads - 01:03:56: Discussion: Snow Removal on Private Roads - 01:14:26: Vote for Snow and Ice Removal - 01:14:43: Municipal Alliance Request - 01:20:07: Waiver Fees for Elks Lodge - 01:21:05: Waiver of Fire Fees for Alfala Center and PTO - 01:22:27: Waiver for MLK Youth Center, Fees Passed - 01:22:59: No General Discussion - 01:23:48: Closed Session Resolution - 02:33:00: Meeting Adjournment Part: 1 1 00:00:06.160 --> 00:00:21.920 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 2 00:00:21.920 --> 00:00:37.920 the municipal building and filing with the township clerk. May we have a roll call, please? >> Councilman Becko, >> here. Councilwoman Isla >> here. Councilman Kersh, Councilman Ring, >> good evening here. >> President Gger. 3 00:00:37.920 --> 00:01:16.720 >> Okay. Um, pledge of allegiance time, please stand. liberty for all. >> Okay. Uh approval of uh the minutes. Can I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion to approve the April 9th general I'm sorry, regular session. 4 00:01:16.720 --> 00:01:34.720 >> I'll second regular session. >> Yep. >> Roll call for that. >> Uh all in favor? I >> I >> I opposed. >> All right. Going to pass around minutes from the closed session from April 9th 5 00:01:34.720 --> 00:01:52.240 and move on to the township council reports. Um Councilwoman Eslo, how about if you start? >> Sure. Thank you so much. Um as we celebrate Earth Day, I just wanted to remind everyone that it's not just a single act. Um uh we want to make sure 6 00:01:52.240 --> 00:02:07.759 that Bridgewater looks beautiful even for the people who live here long after us. So this month um I've been engaged in in different ways. Um so uh Councilman Kersh and some of our um county commissioners, Somerset County 7 00:02:07.759 --> 00:02:25.040 Commissioners and I, we actually attended um on it was just this past Saturday the Visions and Pathway 5K run and walk at Duke Island Park. It was a beautiful morning. Uh the sun came out. Um it was it started off kind of gloomy but right before the run uh it cleared 8 00:02:25.040 --> 00:02:42.319 up and we honored health, community and the natural beauty of our shared spaces. And um I also went over after that to the feeding hands the food pantry along with some of our high school students to provide food for almost 150 families. 9 00:02:42.319 --> 00:02:58.800 And some of those students have actually gone back already after they learned um how much help they need. They actually went but some of the kids went back on Tuesday already. So that's the kind of you know future focused leadership that Earth Days really calls us to nurture. And then on Tuesday we had a great 10 00:02:58.800 --> 00:03:16.319 planning board meeting. We looked at the proposal for the uh new administrative building for um our SRSVA. Um we looked at some of the building uh related operations. Uh we discussed some of the D regulations, storm water 11 00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:31.680 requirement. Um it was a very nice conversation on some of the environmental impacts as well uh so that Bridgewater grows responsibly um and we protect our land, our water and our neighborhoods for the future. And then I 12 00:03:31.680 --> 00:03:47.680 also joined some of our mayors uh across New Jersey including Cape May um over the weekend uh and I spoke to them about our coastal resilience as well. So it was just timely with with um Earth Day. Um there are things like the seaw wall 13 00:03:47.680 --> 00:04:02.640 that have been long proposed some some other uh future planning. So we if we you know if there's a next not hurricane but supertorrm level sandy uh hurricane we already have those infrastructures in place um not just in Bridgewater but 14 00:04:02.640 --> 00:04:18.799 especially um where the the coastal defenses are needed mostly. Um and then uh we want to make sure that um there's some you know wind industry concerns there as well. There's a fishing industry that's impacted. So I think you know just thinking about all of that on 15 00:04:18.799 --> 00:04:35.840 Earth Day reminds us that um planting that strong foundation not just for Bridgewater but entire New Jersey is is critical right now. So um I think that that that was it. We did have some other events in town if other people want to talk about it. Uh on Saturday there was 16 00:04:35.840 --> 00:04:49.759 actually four events. So the third event after the the food pantry was actually right here in Hunter Commons way, we had a uh eat celebration that was hosted by our Alfala mosque. Um but there were other folks here too, so I'll let them 17 00:04:49.759 --> 00:05:09.120 speak on that as well. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Uh Councilman Ring, would you like to go next? >> Sure. Thank you. um two weeks ago on April 11th, uh was able to participate in uh uh kind of the passage of spring, 18 00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:24.800 if you will, the opening day for Bridgewater baseball and softball, which is a um long-held tradition here in Bridgewater and a real true family event. Um and had great weather. Uh it was a very nice event. Um earlier this 19 00:05:24.800 --> 00:05:42.160 week I was invited to participate in an elected officials briefing uh as it relates to upcoming FIFA um in particular New Jersey Transit. And for those Bridgewater residents that may be commuting to New York City, um it's 20 00:05:42.160 --> 00:05:58.880 important to note that um New Jersey Transit is recommending avoiding non-essential travel and work from home to the greatest extent possible on in particular on match days. Um, part of 21 00:05:58.880 --> 00:06:15.039 that is that four hours before any game at Metife Stadium, New York Penn Station will be closed to anyone that does not have a New Jersey Transit ticket to the soccer game. So, if you're a commuter in New York City and you want to come home 22 00:06:15.039 --> 00:06:32.240 via New York Penn Station, uh, and it happens to be that there's a day of a soccer game at 8:00 p.m., such as June 22nd, as of 4 p.m. you cannot enter Penn Station for 4 hours. So, the the dates in particular, there's four weekend matches and four weekday matches. The 23 00:06:32.240 --> 00:06:48.479 weekday matches are June 16th at 3 p.m., Monday, June 22nd at 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 25th at 4 p.m., and Tuesday, June 30th at 5:00 p.m. Uh, and then the weekends are June 13th, uh, 24 00:06:48.479 --> 00:07:05.199 June 27th, July 5th, and then the final U championship game is on Sunday, July 19th. But for anybody commuting to and from New York City four hours beforehand, New York Penn Station is closed. So that's my report. 25 00:07:05.199 --> 00:07:20.639 >> Thank you very much. Um I think on on that subject um I don't think we're allowed to call it Metife Stadium during the uh the the FIFA World Cup anymore. It's now the New York New Jersey stadium which >> that is in New Jersey. 26 00:07:20.639 --> 00:07:35.919 >> That is in New Jersey. Yes. and it replaced a stadium that was also in New Jersey. >> Contractually, we signed a contract that requires New York to be listed first. >> Whole another topic. >> Yes, that's a another discussion for another day. Um, but I think it's it's 27 00:07:35.919 --> 00:07:52.720 it's actually um if if you are going to attend, uh, taking the train is is quite convenient. It takes you pretty much to the the door. >> You unless you're a FIFA VIP, you cannot drive. Parking lots are closed. you would have to um or or I think there's a 28 00:07:52.720 --> 00:08:09.840 shuttle bus option. Um thank you very much. Uh Councilman Ren, I'm sorry uh Councilman Kersh. >> Oh, no problem. And I apologize for being a few minutes late, Mr. President. You must have started right on time. Um so first of all, first of all, it'll always be Giant Stadium to me, so you 29 00:08:09.840 --> 00:08:25.919 can call it whatever you want. Um so back on April 11th, this was, I believe, mentioned the Bridgewater baseball softball opening day. Uh I had the privilege of uh doing a a brief welcome speech. Uh also throwing out the first pitch. We don't we don't have that. No. 30 00:08:25.919 --> 00:08:42.959 All right. There is video though uh of me throwing out the first pitch and throwing a strike. And that's in stark contrast to what happened a few years back uh when Mayor Mench threw out a first pitch and practically wiped out uh two-fifths of the council uh in uh Councilman uh former Councilman uh 31 00:08:42.959 --> 00:08:58.880 Norgalis and uh Cordilla. I know Councilman Ring didn't have great uh faith in my ability. He issued a warning. That warning uh was not necessary because I did throw a strike. Um but it was a great event. Also, uh ribbon cutting uh for their new field. 32 00:08:58.880 --> 00:09:16.080 That's a great uh partnership between Bridgewater Baseball, softball, and the township. We own the land. They own the improvements on it. Uh and that continues uh to be a you know, a very good uh relationship for both sides. Uh on the 17th uh I uh had the privilege of 33 00:09:16.080 --> 00:09:32.320 uh attending uh a meeting at Dominic's Pizza uh over near the Somerville Circle. Uh we hosted some um staff members from the Small Business Administration uh and um had a you know very successful meeting both uh you know in terms of the 34 00:09:32.320 --> 00:09:48.880 conversation and uh sharing pizza. Certainly the um uh the mark of a of a of a of a great meeting in New Jersey. Uh uh administrator Papis I know has uh continued to have some connections over there uh and was able to renew uh renew some friendships. Uh the point of the 35 00:09:48.880 --> 00:10:03.600 story is that um you know small business is the backbone of America. It certainly is the backbone of Bridgewater. Uh we have many many good news stories. Uh Dominic's Pizza is simply just one of them. Uh on the 18th uh I attended the 36 00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:19.040 uh Visions and Pathways uh 5K run and walk. I'm sorry. I should mention going back to the SBA that uh Council President Guyger was also there. Uh on the 18th at Visions and Pathways, Councilwoman Ela was also there. Uh I 37 00:10:19.040 --> 00:10:33.839 had the privilege of uh offering brief welcoming remarks. Uh and then also holding the tape for the uh finishers, the top male and female finishes finishers of the 5K. Uh later that day, the Eid celebration out in our courtyard. I affectionately call our 38 00:10:33.839 --> 00:10:51.120 courtyard our community front porch. Uh and it was great to see it used uh for for that celebration. Uh and you know hopefully you know working together we can uh utilize that space frequently. Uh yesterday morning uh uh attended with uh 39 00:10:51.120 --> 00:11:07.120 uh Councilman uh Bucko and with Mayor Mench uh a tree planting uh over near the Bradley Garden School uh in honor of Arbor Day and Earth Day. Um the um also later later last night uh I attended as 40 00:11:07.120 --> 00:11:22.399 a trustee the um Washington Campground Association. Uh suffice it to say that with the 250th anniversary of America coming up in uh just a couple of months. Uh plans are fast and furious. Uh, as I believe everyone knows, they host a very 41 00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:39.600 meaningful uh um celebration at the campground uh raising the h each year raising a new Hopkinson flag there. Uh and uh the board spoke about some some some new ideas, some things that we can uh help make uh 2026 even more special 42 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:55.120 than the past with an eye toward 2027 which is which is their 250th anniversary. Uh and then I also just want to give a brief report on the animal shelter. They're meeting as we speak. Um, the animal shelter board, not the animals, uh, the animal shelter 43 00:11:55.120 --> 00:12:12.399 board is meeting, um, uh, and I spoke to their chairman, Jim Widley. Uh, they have had some some, uh, strong accomplishment over the last several weeks, including, uh, in late March. They, uh, expanded their parking area, and that's the building, uh, just, uh, 44 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:29.440 over my left shoulder. Uh if you if you're looking straight at the animal shelter on the left side, there's some uh additional parking that now allows uh for the convenient placement of all three of their vans. So instead of having to sh shuffle them back and forth, uh they uh can operate much more 45 00:12:29.440 --> 00:12:43.839 efficiently. The shelter paid for that improvement uh as a capital expenditure. And that is my report. >> Uh thank you very much. Do you as a as a New Jersey uh pizza um 46 00:12:43.839 --> 00:13:01.040 consumer, do you fold your slice? >> No, I don't. You >> do not. >> But but I don't use a knife and fork. I'll tell you that. >> Yeah. >> No fold. Huh? >> No fold. >> Uh my reports um uh let's see. 47 00:13:01.040 --> 00:13:17.120 Uh I also attended the uh New Jersey Transit Office and of government and community relations briefing on the World Cup operation. Uh I guess one other thing to add is that if you if you are uh interested in uh utilizing uh New 48 00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:35.160 Jersey Transit for um u going to see a World Cup game uh or are a commuter and are concerned with uh the how it's going to affect you. Uh there's a website specifically for that njtworldcup.com. 49 00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:52.000 So uh if you're a uh if you are so inclined, please visit that that website. Um the uh on the topic of of local uh baseball, the uh Bradley Gardens 50 00:13:52.000 --> 00:14:06.160 baseball uh organization will be holding its opening day Sunday uh this Sunday, April 26th at 1 p.m. at Ardmar Field. Uh that's uh off of uh Old York Road. 51 00:14:06.160 --> 00:14:22.079 um at 1:00 p.m. Um this past uh week I had the uh uh pleasure of attending the uh Bridgewater Raritan High School Drama Club's presentation of Little Shop of Horrors. Uh it was a a fantastic show. 52 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:38.480 Uh and the uh um the high school uh actors and actresses and musicians who put it on uh definitely uh should be commended for uh the great work that they they put into that. Uh as uh Councilman Kersh mentioned uh I also 53 00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:55.199 attended the tree planting uh that was yesterday. Uh I also attended a number of uh two events that the Heritage Trail Association put on uh to commemorate the Battle of Boundbrook at the Van Horn House. Uh and we do have some uh members 54 00:14:55.199 --> 00:15:12.320 of the Heritage Trail Association uh and the uh uh president of the uh association here with us. um they they may be uh sharing some local history with us later. Uh and um in our in our 55 00:15:12.320 --> 00:15:31.199 previous meeting and and prior uh uh prior uh comments have have come into uh the council via email. Uh there is uh seemingly a uh not not seemingly, there is uh I believe a uh an an issue with 56 00:15:31.199 --> 00:15:47.360 speeding on a lot of uh the township roads, especially uh ones that uh seem to make up the borders with our neighboring towns. Uh Vosler Avenue, of course, uh is uh shared with um uh 57 00:15:47.360 --> 00:16:04.079 Boundbrook in some parts. Uh Vanir with Raridan. uh Adamsville uh road uh with um uh Somerville. Uh to that end, I uh have written to the New Jersey Department of Transportation uh asking 58 00:16:04.079 --> 00:16:21.360 for um uh their support in conducting a study of the exit from uh US22 on to um Vassler Avenue to see if uh it warrants changing the yield to a stop uh in hopes 59 00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:35.680 of uh slowing down the traffic exiting the highway there. I've also reached out to the leadership of the uh surrounding municipalities to uh uh make sure that we have a dialogue on these issues because they are shared amongst uh all 60 00:16:35.680 --> 00:16:51.600 of our our community and um uh the the fact that part of some of these roads are outside of of Bridgewater shouldn't be a an uh impairment to um uh looking 61 00:16:51.600 --> 00:17:07.520 for a solution. Uh and with that uh that is the end of my report. Um moving on, we uh have the uh mayor's report. Uh Mr. Papis, thank you. Um I have a number of things here. Uh first 62 00:17:07.520 --> 00:17:24.640 of all, on May the 9th here on the grounds of the municipal building, the Raritan Headquarters Association in conjunction with the Bridgewater Township Health Department will be holding the annual wellwater testing. It runs from 9:00 am to 12 pm and if anyone 63 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:41.200 is interested there will be information about that on our website. Um the uh the next item I'd like to follow up with Council Vice President Bucko uh and ask Chief Mitsac if he could come forward to discuss the uh item about 64 00:17:41.200 --> 00:17:57.120 speeding on Bosler Avenue that was a topic of discussion last week. Captain Thorson was here and he adequately or very adequately handled uh the commentary and response from the public. But since then we've had a number of discussions with Chief Mitsac and uh Mr. 65 00:17:57.120 --> 00:18:13.280 Burr Township Engineer and others to talk about um solutions. The potential replacement of the yield sign to a stop sign as Mr. Buck has said was among those items discussed. But the chief has an update for us about specifically 66 00:18:13.280 --> 00:18:28.480 Vaselor Avenue. >> Yeah. Um just like you said, uh like Vasel Avenue is a multi-jurisdictional road. So I reached out to Chief Gonado from Bound Brook to kind of work with our traffic safety unit to try to see if 67 00:18:28.480 --> 00:18:45.440 we could help each other out with trying to slow people down on that road since it's a very popular road in town. So, we've been on that road since um April 10th. We have conducted 20 directed patrols 68 00:18:45.440 --> 00:19:03.360 uh during uh 13 different days. So, we vary times that we do the directed patrols on that road. We have uh stopped 27 motor vehicles. We have issued 21 summones and gave six warnings out on that road for the last 13 days. Uh we 69 00:19:03.360 --> 00:19:20.960 also we had the speed sign monitoring the southbound traffic and as of yesterday we moved the speed sign now to monitor northbound traffic. So once that's done for another week we we'll take the sign down and then we'll see if any of our uh efforts have caused people 70 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:36.960 to slow down. >> What was the fastest speed that you caught someone? >> I don't know. I don't have that. >> Sorry. >> No need to follow up. I was just curious. >> Yeah. Were the summons all just speeding or were they 71 00:19:36.960 --> 00:19:52.400 >> various? Okay. >> Yeah. Yep. >> I think Chief, if you could just >> We're stopping them for speeding. That doesn't mean we we do have discretion to issue different summones instead of speeding violation. >> Uh could you just touch on something? I think you mentioned to me about how you 72 00:19:52.400 --> 00:20:08.559 were working with the Bound Brook Police about maybe sharing or alternating um monitoring speed on the the two >> jurisdictions. We're just Sergeant Florac who's in charge of our traffic safety unit is working with their 73 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:25.679 traffic officers. So, as we're working one side, they're working the other side. >> Thank you. >> It's working pretty good. >> Targeted enforcement. >> Absolutely. >> Targeted enforcement. >> Yes. Yes. But again, Bridgewater has hundreds of roads and uh we're doing our best, 74 00:20:25.679 --> 00:20:40.799 but just because we're there today and we moved, we're it's going to happen again, >> unfortunately. >> Four officers dedicated to traffic >> at times. Yeah. On Tuesday, actually, we had the whole traffic safety unit in 75 00:20:40.799 --> 00:21:08.000 handling all the speeding issues, speeding complaints in town. So, which is a county, right? It's a county road, >> correct? Yeah, I I was aware of it. Yes. >> Thank you. 76 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:23.919 >> Thank you. >> I I want to just add a commentary about the Friday event at Dominic's Pizza. the uh individual from the two individuals from the small business US small business administration, the deputy administrator of the agency, Bill 77 00:21:23.919 --> 00:21:39.440 Briggs, was here as was the regional administrator for the SBA, Matt Hoffman. And u they expressed an interest in helping businesses uh here in uh Bridgewater Township. Um it was also mentioned that there was the tree 78 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:55.520 planting in the commemoration of Arbor Day at Alfred Brown Park yesterday. Tomorrow is actually Earth Day and there will be um there has been some information. There will be an announcement about a program called trees for tomorrow that we are going to 79 00:21:55.520 --> 00:22:13.039 be promoting. And uh I want to thank Superintendent of Public Works Dicky Shimp for proposing this and for Suzanne Mater for assisting in rolling this out. Um I I do have a a memo that I want to uh 80 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:30.320 share with the council. If I could uh ask the council woman to take one pass pass it down. Um the last council meeting there was there was uh some communication and statements made uh regarding the green old grill and uh it 81 00:22:30.320 --> 00:22:49.520 was I was asked to provide some commentary about that and uh what I've done here is this is the first of a two-part communication with the governing body uh just specifically outlining here the process uh that The 82 00:22:49.520 --> 00:23:05.280 township is involved in processing liquor license uh reviewing and approving liquor license uh renewals uh each year and the role that uh various offices play. Um there will be a 83 00:23:05.280 --> 00:23:21.360 subsequent memo that I'll be producing probably within the next week that will provide some uh specificity about some of the issues that have taken place that originally brought this to the council a few years ago. Uh and so I will share 84 00:23:21.360 --> 00:23:36.720 that with you probably over the next week. U the next item that I'd like to address really two um requests. I guess you would call this a a presentation for two ordinance ordinances that the 85 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:54.000 administration is requesting that the council consider. Uh the first uh documents that I will send you be distributing here is a uh a memo that uh has been prepared by Katherine Sarmat, our planner, that outlines 86 00:23:54.000 --> 00:24:10.720 the specific of the of the proposal. And then the second document I'll be passing out is the proposed ordinance. Um we have many businesses here in Bridgewater. One of them uh the MercedesBenz dealership on Route 22 87 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:26.240 has recently acquired about 11 or 12 acres surrounding the auto dealership. There had been a number of hotels and other uh commercial establishments that had been approved. site plan approval that had been 88 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:41.360 granted. Um, but they are at this point not moving forward and the owner of the Mercedes-Benz dealership is likely looking to expand the uh dealership with perhaps a new structure. On a temporary 89 00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:57.200 basis though, uh he has the need to store vehicles uh for a short period of time until such time as he submits a full-blown site plan application that would have a permanent um 90 00:24:57.200 --> 00:25:12.000 arrangement for these vehicles. And uh what Miss Arment has done is outlined uh this in a in a memo and she has worked with our township attorney in drafting an ordinance that would again allow for 91 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:26.559 a temporary parking permit uh for this particular parcel. And so that is submitted to you for your consideration. Just >> clarify for parking on the adjoining. >> Yes. 92 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:46.880 >> Yes. that he now owns. Yes. So, if you look at it, have questions, you know, today or later. >> Okay. Uh the next uh memo that I would like to distribute is from Bill Savo, our township attorney Emmeritus. Uh this 93 00:25:46.880 --> 00:26:02.880 is and then a draft ordinance. Excuse me. Um this is not the draft ordinance. This is the excuse me, the memo is on one side. The the reverse side is the proposed ordinance amendment. And the other document that I'm going to give you is the an 94 00:26:02.880 --> 00:26:20.000 ordinance that the township council approved in uh May of last year. This was for one of the affordable housing projects on Whitney Court. The planning board a few weeks ago approved the site plan for this five apartment unit uh 95 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:36.240 structure for hearing impaired individuals. U the ordinance amendment that is being proposed is simply to acknowledge the name of the corporate entity that is now uh needing to to own 96 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:52.880 and to operate this facility. There is an urban renewal designation as part of the corporate entity's title that's required due to funding requirements that they obtain from uh either the state or the federal government. And Mr. Savo's memo. Again, the accompanying 97 00:26:52.880 --> 00:27:10.880 ordinance amendment is just that just adjusting the the recognizing or affirming the change in the title uh needed for this particular program. I think that's it. Mr. President, if I may just very 98 00:27:10.880 --> 00:27:28.640 briefly uh comment about Green Null Grill. Uh I don't see Lisa Baluchcci here. I don't see her attorney, David Cassidy, here. So, I'm not looking to have a uh uh you know, a saliloquy on this. Uh but I I do want to mention for the record uh anybody interested in uh 99 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:44.080 hearing comments that were made on this topic for themselves and draw their own conclusion. Uh the original conversation uh occurred on the March 19th meeting between the time marks of 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 seconds and 1 hour 45 100 00:27:44.080 --> 00:28:00.159 minutes and 30 seconds. Uh and then at the meeting on April 9th uh the uh public comment from Miss Baluchcci uh and some uh interplay in exchange with myself occurred at between the time stamps of 1 hour 44 minutes and 50 101 00:28:00.159 --> 00:28:15.840 seconds and 1 hour 51 minutes and 32 seconds. The other thing I want to make sure that the public is aware of is that in the intervening time uh there is an email that was sent uh from Mr. David Cassidy. Uh I'm out of courtesy to him, 102 00:28:15.840 --> 00:28:32.240 I want to get this absolutely correct. Uh it was sent on April 15th, 2026. It was sent to the entire council making it a public record. Uh, and what I would like to do is is I will forward it to uh to uh our our clerk and ask that it be 103 00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:48.240 included in the record of this meeting uh so that the public is aware of uh what was communicating what was communicated on April 15th between Mr. Cassidy and the council. Again, it is a public record. It is available and in the interest of full transparency, I 104 00:28:48.240 --> 00:29:03.520 want to make sure that the public uh is aware of every exchange that has occurred on this subject. Uh I came to this meeting uh prepared uh to to discuss this this matter and hopefully come to a conclusion. I'll simply have to bring my notes back with me uh at the 105 00:29:03.520 --> 00:29:25.440 next meeting. Thank you. >> Is the uh Thank you. is the are the uh two um ordinances um that you've distributed are you asking to have them introduced uh today? 106 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:42.880 >> No. Uh perhaps next meeting if that's possible if you can review it if you have any questions. >> Okay. >> Introducing it the same night to allow council time to digest it and >> perhaps suggest if changes are needed. 107 00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:59.200 >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> These seem very cut and dry though. >> So, so, so basically the homework is speak over the next two weeks uh with with administration if if there's anything uh in need of change. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Um moving along to 108 00:29:59.200 --> 00:30:16.320 the uh next item on the agenda, proclamation. There is none. Um presentation, there is none this week. Um number uh number nine uh meeting open to the public. Members of the public wishing to address the council on any 109 00:30:16.320 --> 00:30:32.000 matter will have three minutes to speak which may be extended at the discretion of the council president. An additional minute will be allotted for responses to comments from the deis. U may I uh have a motion to open the meeting. >> So moved. >> Second. 110 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:46.240 >> Second. Uh all in favor I >> I >> I >> opposed. Okay, the meeting is open. Uh if you wish to speak and address the council, please uh sign in on the uh sheet on the 111 00:30:46.240 --> 00:31:31.679 table and and approach the podium. very much evening, council vice president and council women, council men and staff. Um, my name is real name is Cynthia Blumencrants. Um, I'm the president of Heritage Trail 112 00:31:31.679 --> 00:31:47.840 Association which is located in Bridgewater across the street from the ballpark which is why they're the Patriots. And uh I'm here to give you a a history minute or two. So um first I would like to say thank you very much um Mr. Bucko 113 00:31:47.840 --> 00:32:03.760 for your family um en enjoying our weekend at the battle of Boundbrook. So the 250th anniversary of the United States of America which was coined by an Irishman Colonel Steven Moland who's attached to the Van Horn House through 114 00:32:03.760 --> 00:32:21.120 marriage. Um, it's running actually started last year with the Lexington and Conquered anniversary, 250th anniversary, and it goes until 2033. So, most people are very focused on what's happening this year, which is the 250th 115 00:32:21.120 --> 00:32:37.120 signing of the Declaration of Independence, but it actually goes on, as was mentioned, um, Washington Campground is going to have their their uh, anniversaries, too. So, um, 2027, 116 00:32:37.120 --> 00:32:52.399 Battle of Bound Brook will have its 250th. 2028, um, the Middlebrook Winter Conteonement, which was the winter that Washington and all his staff lived in Somerset County in various places, that will have its 117 00:32:52.399 --> 00:33:08.240 250th anniversary as well. So going back a little bit um in 1775 which was last year the second continental congress sent their olive branch petition to the king. It was already known that we were deciding that 118 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:25.039 we did not want to be part of that group anymore. People forget that we were colonized forund and some odd years 150 years on our own without having really any representation here. and King George III said uh send a warning basically 119 00:33:25.039 --> 00:33:40.320 slapping the the errant children on the wrist and saying okay get your stuff together and remember that you're British. So on May 10th uh the second continental congress began. May 23rd this again 1775 the New 120 00:33:40.320 --> 00:33:54.480 Jersey provincial congress was founded which was integral as an intermediate step between um the British government and the last British governor here in Perth Amboy to um bless you >> bless you 121 00:33:54.480 --> 00:34:13.119 >> to our own um governance. June 14th Congress created the Continental Army. June 14th is also the beginning of 1777 actually um of Flag Day and the Middlebrook flag that was raised over here designed by Francis Hopinson. 122 00:34:13.119 --> 00:34:29.119 Mythbuster Betsy Ross never made a flag in her life. That's fact. And you can go to Francis's Tavern in New York City and see the circle flag dated 1792. So she made shirts and there was a 123 00:34:29.119 --> 00:34:45.520 receipt for that but she did not make a flag. So in June 19th, George Washington takes command of the Continental Army. July 8th, 1775, the second Continental Congress signs the olive branch position with the king. August 23rd, King George 124 00:34:45.520 --> 00:35:02.960 III issued a proclamation of rebellion to the colonies. And October 1375, the Continental Army or sorry, Navy, sorry, Dad. The navy was formed and in 1776 the sent second continental congress argues 125 00:35:02.960 --> 00:35:19.599 and prepares was so unruly the argument that one member bonked another one on the head with his uh head of his cane that was just unheard of because tempers were were high and they prepared the declaration of independence. 126 00:35:19.599 --> 00:35:34.560 So, I know that you know and maybe maybe most of your um residents know that this township was chartered by the king, King George II on April 4th, 1749. 127 00:35:34.560 --> 00:35:52.400 And um that's important. There were a lot of things that happened. The king also mandated that every 10 to 15 miles around any kind of uh where where rivers meet or where people travel 10 to 15 miles there had to be a 128 00:35:52.400 --> 00:36:07.680 tavern. Had to be was was government is law. Also had to have farms and they had to have a way to feed each other. And so with all of that, we'll continue on with uh everything else going on for 129 00:36:07.680 --> 00:36:25.839 the 250th because it's not just the second ever ball drop from New York City. It's a revolutionary crystal ball that will drop on July 3rd. And so that's never happened before. That will happen on July 3rd. And let's see, July 130 00:36:25.839 --> 00:36:43.599 8th is when the re the declaration was actually read. and on the east coast that was at 6 pm. So if you go to Hawaii 250, this is fun. It's free. Anybody can do it. You go to Hawaii 250, you click on the Hawaii 250 declaration. Their 131 00:36:43.599 --> 00:36:59.280 goal is to have the entire Americas, all the territories, everybody there with a little star for their location and a commitment to read out loud the Declaration of Independence to yourself, to your family, to your dog, to your 132 00:36:59.280 --> 00:37:13.760 cat, doesn't matter. You're just going to read it because honestly, most people never ever ever get past we the people. And there are things down in the body of that declaration that spell out exactly 133 00:37:13.760 --> 00:37:29.359 why we wanted to split and those things have crept up again. And so it's important that we read it and that we know what that document says as a founding document. And um I'm going to say that I say that as a naturalized 134 00:37:29.359 --> 00:37:45.599 American and um I take to heart my American um citizenship very strongly. Also July 8th on the courthouse green here we're going to be celebrating uh this 250th reading 135 00:37:45.599 --> 00:38:01.520 of the Declaration of Independence out loud too. And so I am your humble servant and uh hopefully can see you again. And if you have any questions or you want to have some historic fun, the Van Horn House has a lot of things going on just like everybody else. So, please 136 00:38:01.520 --> 00:38:16.480 take advantage of it. Thank you for those of you who have and uh God bless America. >> Thank you. Brief brief comment if I may. First of all, thank you for your efforts. Um, you know, I think I think all of us in our own way have bought 137 00:38:16.480 --> 00:38:32.560 into the importance of of our history and and relaying our history uh and and and you know, the critical connection to Bridgewater, the land that we live on today. Um, you had mentioned uh, and I agree with you that most people do not read or have not recently read the 138 00:38:32.560 --> 00:38:50.800 Declaration of Independence, but people who have read or have had it read for them include anyone who goes to the Washington campground on the morning of July 4th. It is read each year. Um, it is um, it's a moving ceremony. Um, so, 139 00:38:50.800 --> 00:39:06.160 uh, I'll continue to beat the drum, uh, encouraging people to go to that through the Washington Campground Association, through our own efforts here in Bridgewater Township. We'll certainly, uh, make sure that the, uh, event is as robust as possible, but, uh, a highlight definitely is a reading of the 140 00:39:06.160 --> 00:39:21.200 Declaration of Independence. Uh that organization uh provides scholarships uh to a few different local high schools and as has now become a tradition um the uh students the re who receive those scholarships read portions of the 141 00:39:21.200 --> 00:39:36.880 declaration. Uh and then the assembled crowd in unison reads I guess the final paragraph um maybe the punchline if you will. Um and uh you know obviously some some people will be around some people be at the shore some people will be 142 00:39:36.880 --> 00:39:51.680 wherever they in the mountains or wherever they might be but for those who are in or near Bridgewater that weekend it will be a meaningful event. >> Thank you. And friends of of mine and we dress up and we read the declaration after this the 9:30 mass at Immaculate 143 00:39:51.680 --> 00:40:08.240 Conception every year and I've been known to read it in the diner where we go afterwards. Um, so just a quick story, went there the first time to read that, asked permission. They said yes. I went to the group, the big part of the room, and said, "We're going to read the 144 00:40:08.240 --> 00:40:23.680 Declaration of Independence because I bet you've never read the whole thing." And um, who would like us to read it? Raise your hand. Most of the tables raised their hand. Couple tables said no. And I said, "Great." Because in this tavern, that's exactly what happened 145 00:40:23.680 --> 00:40:40.720 when it was being discussed. Some people did, some people didn't. but now we're all going to hear it. And so we read it, everybody was amazed. The other side says, "Please read it to us." So it's an important document. It's a founding document. And uh thank you so much for uplifting that and and keeping our 146 00:40:40.720 --> 00:40:56.960 America going. >> I do I do have a question and you may not know the answer to this and and that's okay. Um but uh we have a um u I don't know is that a a Hopkins flag? Uh, 147 00:40:56.960 --> 00:41:12.079 >> yes it is. >> The uh the flag >> kind of a Hopkinson flag >> kind of >> Hopkinson flag had six pointed stars. >> Well, it's well it's close. We we're we're hosting that. There's a plaque that kind of explains what that is and and why we're hosting it. It's it's 148 00:41:12.079 --> 00:41:28.560 close. >> It's it's >> it's close. >> It's the closest one um that I've seen and I I we did see it unveiled and put up there at the county meeting when we thankfully got a grant. But um it is the Hopkinson flag. Francis Hopkinson. 149 00:41:28.560 --> 00:41:43.359 Okay, here's a quickie if I may. How many signers of the Declaration were from New Jersey? >> Six. >> How many? >> Four. Six. >> Five. >> You were close. You were close. 150 00:41:43.359 --> 00:42:01.520 Hopinson, Clark, Witherspoon, Stanton, and um Hart. Hopkinson created the flag. He also created the seal for the great state of New Jersey. He also worked on the great seal of the United States of America. He also 151 00:42:01.520 --> 00:42:18.240 designed the enen which is the flag for the United States Navy when he was in Washington's cabinet. So he's extremely an important guy and we know that he designed the flag because he asked Congress for a quarter cask of Madiraa which they said no because somebody in 152 00:42:18.240 --> 00:42:35.440 the group didn't like him and so um so we know he did it because they said no you're an employee you don't get to have MadiRaa for doing your job. Mhm. >> So, um anyway, little side note, but thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for um allowing us to speak and 153 00:42:35.440 --> 00:42:50.880 come to the Van Horn House. >> My my my question was actually more that Sorry. No, that's that's okay. Um the the starfield bears a fairly striking resemblance to the standard of General George Washington. Do you know if that 154 00:42:50.880 --> 00:43:06.720 was a coincidence or was that on purpose? And George Washington's standard is six-pointed flag stars as well. Six-ointed stars. So his his um background color is a little different shade of blue was the blue sash that he wore as well, but it was also 155 00:43:06.720 --> 00:43:23.760 six-pointed stars. Um now if if you're thinking another group that has six-ointed stars, that wasn't until pretty recent in history, not way back in the 1700s. So that was a thing. It was their family crest. It was Washington's family crest. It was 156 00:43:23.760 --> 00:43:41.280 Hopinson's family crest. And um so yes, but the layout of Washington is is pretty much like that. And you'll see it wherever uh his excellency is. We'll have his standard out. >> Thank you. >> Anything else? 157 00:43:41.280 --> 00:44:00.000 You know, I could go all day, but you guys have a great night. >> Thank you. >> I'm gonna go to see my friend Jimmy and tell him I'm Sarah Jane and get a meal. Thank you very much. Just ask if there was any other members of the public, but I see we do have another member of the public wishing to 158 00:44:00.000 --> 00:44:24.319 speak. Uh Jen Lan and um Councilman Bucko, you kind of stole my thunder. I was going to I was going to drop the Washington standard fact or info, but you beat me to it. Um, >> sorry about that. >> No, you're fine. Uh, I wanted to again 159 00:44:24.319 --> 00:44:40.160 um bring to the council's attention that there was a Revolutionary War hero. His name was Oliver Cromwell. Um, I actually had no idea he even existed, which is kind of remarkable, um, in and of itself, until I was appointed to parks 160 00:44:40.160 --> 00:44:57.040 and I tried to research the history of Cam Cromwell and where the name Cam Cromwell came from, which we could probably all assume was, you know, um, the other Oliver Cromwell. Um, but in that research, I discovered Oliver 161 00:44:57.040 --> 00:45:13.280 Cromwell and um, he I I'll just give you some of the facts because I'll just go all over the page here. Um, he was a distinguished African-American veteran of the Revolutionary War whose courage and merit earned personal respect and was 162 00:45:13.280 --> 00:45:29.119 honored he was honored by General George Washington himself. He was born in 1752 in col what what is now Columbus, New Jersey. Back then it was Blackhorse. Um he served with Colonel Israel Shre's second New Jersey regiment and he 163 00:45:29.119 --> 00:45:45.760 followed Washington all throughout the war. He uh on he lived to be a hundred years old and in an interview um he could still he would tell everybody that he met he lived in Burlington. He would tell everybody that he met on the street 164 00:45:45.760 --> 00:46:02.079 that he was a revolutionary war drummer. Um, and his his bragging rights was that he crossed the Delaware with Washington. In some earlier renditions of that painting that we all know, uh, there were several members in Washington's 165 00:46:02.079 --> 00:46:18.960 boat that some people believe were uh, could have been him, but um there's no like substantial uh, evidence that he was in the same boat. But he did he did cross on December 25th, 1776. Uh he fought at 166 00:46:18.960 --> 00:46:34.560 Trenton, Princeton, Brandy Wine, Mammoth, and Yorktown. And uh and he was given an honorable I think it's it's the Purple Heart now, but it was called something else then, um by by Washington himself. He was also 167 00:46:34.560 --> 00:46:52.000 the first uh black man to receive a pension from the army, although it was like very very small. Um though I can't find like any confirmed records of him being at Middlebrook. uh because of all of the the different battles and following Washington, it's pretty 168 00:46:52.000 --> 00:47:08.079 conceivable that that he was probably at Middbrook. And um okay, that was all my notes. So um I had mentioned that, you know, had thought that it was a long overlooked um not just a person, but the the free men of the revolution were long 169 00:47:08.079 --> 00:47:24.000 overlooked in recognition. And uh I had also mentioned that I would love to see that happen. So, I don't know if you know that I I work at RBCC now and I'm a the welding instructor over there. Um, and I've been working on a uh sculpture 170 00:47:24.000 --> 00:47:38.960 of a revolutionary war drum in in honor of him. Um, and uh yeah, I hope to be able to to share that with the council. It's pretty it's pretty cool. It's it's it's metal. I mean, metal is always cold, but it actually is um it's it's 171 00:47:38.960 --> 00:47:55.520 titled um drummer of the revolution, which was, you know, one of the last statements that he had made uh on his 100th birthday. And uh and yeah, I look I look forward to sharing it with you guys soon. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Any other members of the public wish to 172 00:47:55.520 --> 00:48:11.599 speak? >> Signed in already. >> Thank you. >> Tim County, 198 Short Hills Drive. Yes. So uh I wanted to speak about the you were planting trees and the one word that was 173 00:48:11.599 --> 00:48:29.760 missing was native plants and according to Ruckers University it was around before the re revolution of course under imperial law. Uh so um uh so they have an article here uh 174 00:48:29.760 --> 00:48:44.240 dedicated to native plants. Before Henry Hudson and the other explorers landed in this continent, there were not just people here. There were trees, flowers, and bushes 175 00:48:44.240 --> 00:49:01.920 that every bug, bird, animal would use for food, for nests, for uh protection. And then we got the great idea, hey, let's go to Japan and bring back cherry 176 00:49:01.920 --> 00:49:17.599 trees and plant them all over Washington and have a festival for them when they bloom. Um, the problem with that is all the native animals are declining. Everything from hummingbirds to bees, 177 00:49:17.599 --> 00:49:36.800 butterflies, and other animals. So, I noticed when I walked in, you'd have a nice lobby there, and not one of the bushes that's out there is native to New Jersey or Somerset County. So, I I I actually emailed uh Councilwoman uh Isla 178 00:49:36.800 --> 00:49:52.720 because I have a list of native trees and some of them are really common like the red oak and the white oak tree. So, if you're planting a tree, make sure it's native. Everything around us is dying because of 179 00:49:52.720 --> 00:50:09.119 us. And if we start being more responsible with what we plant and 80% of the plantings are in residential uh places, but we also have a responsibility because we're renovating parks. So you have to make sure you have 180 00:50:09.119 --> 00:50:26.960 native trees going in and bushes and flowers. And another thing about the flowers, they're all perennial. They don't die because they're used to it, right? So if it's an annual, it's not native. There's nothing wrong with having a few flowers that are not native, but if we all planted native 181 00:50:26.960 --> 00:50:43.359 from here on in, we would have all these other animals that have been interacting with them and counting on them. Uh like for example, a hummingbird is going to go from Canada and they have to stop somewhere to eat, right, and rest. And they're looking for native uh bushes, 182 00:50:43.359 --> 00:50:59.119 right? And they can't find any. So they starve and die and they never make it to Mexico. That's what's happening. So, it's our responsibility as humanity to make sure we're moving forward thinking about is it native every time we think 183 00:50:59.119 --> 00:51:14.640 about planting something. Ruckers has a website, New Jersey Society of Native Plants in uh Somerset County also does. And there's like something like over 1,500 and you can get lost in the sauce very easily. 184 00:51:14.640 --> 00:51:31.280 That's why I made a short list for you with uh common uh what I would call them big boys. Uh that you know trees like a red oak, right? A big tree that's like going to grow to 50 feet high. Yeah. So uh this is a list of them right here. Um I also want to call uh All right. Show 185 00:51:31.280 --> 00:51:47.200 of hands. Who uses Google for their searches here? Oh wow. I thought it was about 90% for the whole world. Okay. Um I use one that my daughter told me about called aosia.org. Um so they just announced uh on Earth uh 186 00:51:47.200 --> 00:52:04.880 yesterday that um they have funded 250 million native tree plantings around the world since they started 10 years ago. So that's a major uh like for example Canada had huge fires that we 187 00:52:04.880 --> 00:52:21.680 had all the smoke that it hit this area. So who went there and funded the trees for Canada? Aosia was one of them. So, if you're going to use a browser, you might want to consider using them. I'm not getting paid by Aosia, but I use it myself. Okay. Um, and if you want to 188 00:52:21.680 --> 00:52:38.240 know what a plant uh is and you're not sure, uh, I use an app called PlantNet. So, that's P L A N T NE T. Um, and that will tell you for free what that plant is. Then you can look up that plant and 189 00:52:38.240 --> 00:52:54.720 see if it's native. Yeah. So, I'm I I have a plan. Um, Bountiful Gardens in Hillsboro is on Rucker's List to be approved by the state uh to sell native plants. Not everybody is. You have to go through, you know, all the loops and all the 190 00:52:54.720 --> 00:53:10.640 documentation to get approved to sell it. And, uh, grays, I go there and like everybody else, they've never heard of this. They carry some that they don't know are native and then other ones that they don't, right? So I had him order Jersey tea bushes for my front yard. 191 00:53:10.640 --> 00:53:26.160 >> Yeah. So I just I just want to make sure that Bridgewater is being responsible moving forward. Those hummingbirds can stop in Bridgewater. Uh eat and rest like a rest stop, right? We'll be the uh Starbucks for for them. Okay. >> Any questions? 192 00:53:26.160 --> 00:53:41.520 >> Thank you for that list. I'll make sure we forwarded um >> I have a paper version of it if you want it, Grace. >> Sure. Thanks. We >> put that in the uh minutes. Yeah. >> Thank you. and thank you for compiling it and giving us the short list. I know that took some time. 193 00:53:41.520 --> 00:54:19.359 >> Yes, it did. >> Oh, thank you. Good evening, council members and staff. My name is Rebecca Mik. I am a resident of Lebanon Township in Hunter County. I am a 10th generation farmer and I have been operating Melik's Town Farm, a 194 00:54:19.359 --> 00:54:35.680 seasonal farm market at 351 Route 28 for 20 years, providing our own homegrown fruits and vegetables and CSA program to the local community. I'm here tonight speaking out because I'm concerned about the proposed storage 195 00:54:35.680 --> 00:54:52.000 unit storage facility planned for this market location. It's currently seeking variances before the zoning board. If this storage facility is approved in its current design, Melixtown Farm will lose its presence in Bridgewater 196 00:54:52.000 --> 00:55:07.359 and residents will lose a seasonal farm market that has served the community for generations. I urge Bridgewater Township to preserve the farm market in any development that is pro it is approved for this location 197 00:55:07.359 --> 00:55:24.240 and that concludes my comments. Thank you >> Mr. President if I may. Um so that is an active uh case before the zoning board. >> Yes. >> Um we are unable to comment on that. We certainly heard what you said. Um but um 198 00:55:24.240 --> 00:55:41.760 the zoning board as I believe you know or sounds like you may know is a quasi judicial board. Um any agrieved parties from any decisions from the zoning board can either go the route of the court or they can come to this township council. Uh so while we remain aware of what uh 199 00:55:41.760 --> 00:55:57.359 is being heard by our zoning board by its nature we we cannot get involved nor uh express opinion. But but you know thank you for letting us know your thoughts. >> Yes. just trying to raise awareness this evening. Thank you. >> Have you Have you been to the zoning board yet? 200 00:55:57.359 --> 00:56:12.400 >> I have not. I've um not being a resident, I've and I'm being as a renter, I'm sort of a precarious um position, but I plan to uh attend next week. >> Well, what we have uh uh is um a 201 00:56:12.400 --> 00:56:29.920 newsletter um which you can sign up for, an e newswsletter. Uh anyone can, whether they live in town or out elsewhere in New Jersey or really anywhere. uh we we publish uh our uh agendas along with the two land use boards. Uh so by uh um getting on to 202 00:56:29.920 --> 00:56:47.200 that distribution, you will be fully alert uh alerted to any um any time that the the uh uh that property is being discussed in front of the zoning board and that's available through our website. >> Yes. Uh thank thank you very much for uh 203 00:56:47.200 --> 00:57:02.480 for that information and thank you for your comments. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Seeing no other >> members of the public wishing to comment, I'll make a motion to close public comment. >> Just before you make that motion, uh just like to remember, uh remind the 204 00:57:02.480 --> 00:57:19.839 public that um Bridgewwater's website is Bridgewwaterj.gov in case you didn't know. Um but we have a motion. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Uh there's been a second. All in favor? I opposed. 205 00:57:19.839 --> 00:57:35.839 Okay, the meeting is uh now uh public comment is closed. Uh moving to the next item on the agenda, public hearing and final action on ordinances. 10A 206 00:57:35.839 --> 00:57:58.240 calendar year 2026 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limit and establish a cap bank under NJSA chapter 4A uh 4-45.14. uh open public comment first or 207 00:57:58.240 --> 00:58:13.599 >> um does the uh township administrator wish to make any uh comments about the ordinance before we open? >> Sure, I could make a brief comment. Uh this is an ordinance that this governing body and just about every other governing body in New Jersey considers 208 00:58:13.599 --> 00:58:31.200 each year. Uh the cap laws provide municipalities the ability to to capture and bank uh an increase uh for a second year if needed. And that's what this ordinance, if adopted, would accomplish. 209 00:58:31.200 --> 00:58:49.200 >> Okay. Thank you. Um did I hear a motion to >> I'll make a motion to open public hearing. >> Hey, is there a second? >> I will second. You can second it. Uh all in favor I say I. I opposed. 210 00:58:49.200 --> 00:59:08.079 Okay. Uh we are open to comments on uh 10A. >> Seeing no member of the public wishing to comment, I move to close uh public hearing and move for final action. >> Okay, I'll second. >> Second. Okay. All in favor to move to 211 00:59:08.079 --> 00:59:25.000 final action. >> Well, you can do a roll call and vote. We don't we don't have on the motion. Okay. Um roll call vote, please. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Vice President Bako, >> yes. 212 00:59:25.200 --> 00:59:40.799 >> Believe that passes. Okay. Uh, moving to 10B, an ordinance of the township of Bridgewater amending chapter 182 of the Bridgewater Township Code to require snow and ice removal from private roadways servicing multifamily 213 00:59:40.799 --> 00:59:58.319 residential developments. Um, uh, since I guess I was the author of this, I'll I'll give some some comments about it before we open uh to uh public comment. Um this uh is 214 00:59:58.319 --> 01:00:16.160 uh this uh would u make set a requirement that uh multifamily residential developments uh clear the uh snow and ice from their interior uh roadways 215 01:00:16.160 --> 01:00:32.960 uh and uh walkways in the same way that um property owners are required to clear snow and ice from um uh public uh sidewalks on uh their own 216 01:00:32.960 --> 01:00:50.640 properties. Um, I think we should um be clear that this is even even though there is a um uh this would allow the the township to 217 01:00:50.640 --> 01:01:08.400 uh as a last resort clear snow and ice from private property. Uh same as for sidewalks. uh it is not something that the township is uh wanting to do or uh intends to do. Uh and that would only be a um a last 218 01:01:08.400 --> 01:01:26.240 resort in case of uh I would I would imagine dire emergency. Um, I also would be remiss if I did not mention that uh there was some uh uh some concern that was uh voiced by um an 219 01:01:26.240 --> 01:01:44.319 individual from the uh uh uh homeowners association of loft farms. Uh the the concern that um was raised is that um their uh agreement with their um 220 01:01:44.319 --> 01:01:59.760 snow removal firm uh requires removal within 24 hours of the uh end of a uh um a snowstorm. Uh the ordinance that we have in front of us uh has a requirement 221 01:01:59.760 --> 01:02:16.240 for uh snow to be cleared within 12 daylight hours uh from the end of a uh snowstorm. Um there uh is the um 222 01:02:16.240 --> 01:02:33.040 uh I I I do think that th those two uh those two align uh actually quite nicely because for uh virtually all of uh winter uh from se uh September 26th 223 01:02:33.040 --> 01:02:49.280 uh through uh March 17th there is less than 12 hours of daylight in any given day. So, um you know, it would the 24 hours on on the clock would uh 224 01:02:49.280 --> 01:03:06.880 more or less correspond with uh 12 hours of of daylight time following the end of a a snowstorm. I I just do want I do want to mention that uh because there was a concern voiced and um I don't want to give the impression that um this was 225 01:03:06.880 --> 01:03:22.960 not uh this was not um you know that concern wasn't heard. Um so uh beyond that um may I have a motion to open public comment on this ordinance? >> You want to make the motion? 226 01:03:22.960 --> 01:03:39.359 >> I will make the motion. >> I'll second. Okay. Uh, all in favor of opening for public comment. >> I I >> opposed. Okay. Uh, we are open to public comment on 10B. If any member of the public wishes to 227 01:03:39.359 --> 01:03:56.000 speak on this. Uh, seeing none, um, I will, uh, make a motion to close the public comment >> and move to final action. >> And move to final action. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Is there a second? >> Yeah. Can I make a comment? 228 01:03:56.000 --> 01:04:12.720 >> You want just to take the second and then we can open for discussion? >> Yeah, I'll second. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um, go ahead. >> Yeah. So, yeah, thank you for bringing up that example from uh law farms. Um, cuz you know, even 229 01:04:12.720 --> 01:04:28.960 in this document, we're seeing that we we mention 12 daylight hours and then we do have mention of just 24 hours um which is just regular. It's not specified as daylight hours. So, we do tend to go, you know, 230 01:04:28.960 --> 01:04:45.680 both ways in some parts of it. If you if you want me to give you an example, um I I caught a couple. So 1882-4 under violations and penalties when we talk about um the last line under a each 231 01:04:45.680 --> 01:05:02.079 and every 24-hour period that such violation continues shall be considered a separate and distinct offense. So I think it's clear and then under B there's another mention of 24hour and then earlier uh in the document also 232 01:05:02.079 --> 01:05:20.160 there's mention of 24 hours. So, um I just want to point that out that we do fluctuate between that daylight rule versus just 24 hours in general. >> And and and Mr. President, just for visibility for the rest of the council, you you and I spoke about this. Um I'm 233 01:05:20.160 --> 01:05:35.839 I'm very comfortable the way it's written. Um I I think the likelihood of there being conflict is very very low. Uh I think in the case of Loft Farms, their likelihood of being compliant is very very high. Um and and my only suggestion is um you know perhaps when 234 01:05:35.839 --> 01:05:51.039 they renegotiate with their uh you know landscaper uh when you know whenever the duration of that contract ends uh that you know perhaps they can you know mirror us. Um so that there's absolutely no possibility of um of 235 01:05:51.039 --> 01:06:06.000 miscommunication. Um I I agree with everything that you've said. I don't need to reiterate any of it. Uh the only thing I will emphasize is that while Bridgewater Township does not intend to get into the business of private uh 236 01:06:06.000 --> 01:06:23.839 property snow and ice removal, uh the part of this ordinance that we are very serious about uh is the increased penalties. Um and uh it is our hope that that will catch the attention uh of anyone who believes that they do not have a responsibility to clear ice and 237 01:06:23.839 --> 01:06:40.960 snow in a in a timely manner. Um uh the the fine structure will I believe catch their attention quickly. Um I I think this is you know a good move. I think for better or worse we learned a lot from the difficult winter that we had. 238 01:06:40.960 --> 01:06:55.520 We learned a lot from the very very cold snow and then the very very high quantity snow. Um I I want to also acknowledge our office of constituent relations for particularly strong communications in advance of the second 239 01:06:55.520 --> 01:07:12.640 storm that hopefully can be a um uh an example in the future. you know, when we're uh expecting substantial snows, advice on people, get cars off the roads and um you know, things like that. And hopefully uh you know, all private land 240 01:07:12.640 --> 01:07:27.119 owners will have sufficient time to make appropriate arrangements to clear the snow once it's once it's uh once it's fallen. I I want to compliment you for leadership on this topic, for taking it on uh taking inputs, and you know, I believe that what we have here is a 241 01:07:27.119 --> 01:07:45.359 strong solution uh for the community. >> Thank you very much. I I just Oh, go ahead. >> Go ahead. I >> I was uh just going to address the the 12 daylight hours versus uh 24 hours uh for uh violation. And um the the 24-hour 242 01:07:45.359 --> 01:08:04.160 um uh violation uh period, I guess, is is the right way to describe it. Um uh first of all, it it it comes from the existing language of of the ordinance that is is currently on the books. Um and and the um the the snow and ice 243 01:08:04.160 --> 01:08:20.239 removal requirement is is 12 daylight hours. And uh once uh a property is in violation of that um potentially that means that they can be uh fined 244 01:08:20.239 --> 01:08:36.239 um for for that at at at that point. uh but then if if they are still in violation 24 hours later then they can be be be fined again uh potentially if if they have not remedied the uh uh uh 245 01:08:36.239 --> 01:08:50.319 situation. So I I don't think that there's any um uh any discrepancy there because um they're uh really talking about two different things. Um the uh uh 246 01:08:50.319 --> 01:09:08.159 the the period of time when uh we would uh expect that that snow and ice is removed or or addressed with uh melting agent as as uh um as necessary uh versus the um time when the the 247 01:09:08.159 --> 01:09:23.520 I for lack of a better term the the clock of a violation resets. Um but uh please go ahead council. I I agree with you. I I don't think there's any concerns of the 12 and 24 and I know 248 01:09:23.520 --> 01:09:39.600 a lot of work has gone into this and I know a lot of changes and I will tell you when this first came out I had a lot of concerns. Uh I'm much more comfortable with where it's at today. But um the one thing I've heard a couple times tonight is we do not intend to get 249 01:09:39.600 --> 01:09:57.600 into the snow removal business on private property. My concern is by including that we have the option to we set up an expectation for um residents in any of these complexes that we will and if we think about that 250 01:09:57.600 --> 01:10:13.280 it's not going to but it snows tomorrow um and it's not cleared and a violation and notice is issued. We're probably, if we're lucky, 30 days before that individual would appear in municipal court and a decision would be made on 251 01:10:13.280 --> 01:10:29.920 that penalty. Meanwhile, the complex is still not allowed. Um, and at some point, those residents are going to be looking for us to invoke our clause that we have the option to clear snow. I think by including it, we set up a false expectation and and will be challenging 252 01:10:29.920 --> 01:10:44.159 for the town to say why we're not going to clear it when we put in the ordinance we will. But that's my opinion. Thank you. >> Well, I guess the the only the only counter um to that uh would probably be to look at the the history of the the 253 01:10:44.159 --> 01:11:02.560 existing ordinance and um has the public works gone out and and cleared uh sidewalks from um private property owners who have not uh cleared snow from from them. I 254 01:11:02.560 --> 01:11:20.400 I don't know if the uh Mr. Papis has has any information about that, but I I don't uh think that that has has happened. >> That's correct. That's correct. Not none not that I'm aware of. >> Right. So, um 255 01:11:20.400 --> 01:11:38.560 uh yes, it's a it's a tool in the toolbox. Um but it's one that uh I uh don't envision being taken out. >> You know, Mr. President, I, you know, just to definitively state um in in the 256 01:11:38.560 --> 01:11:54.960 event that push does come to shove and we are required or there is um you know, compelling reason to use that tool, I think it also bears stating that uh that tool would only be used after every inch 257 01:11:54.960 --> 01:12:10.320 that our DPW is responsible for has been sufficiently cleared. And that includes our roads, the municipal complex, the library, the senior center. You know, if and only if every single inch has been 258 01:12:10.320 --> 01:12:29.040 cleared, uh then and only then would the superintendent even entertain the possibility of utilizing that tool. >> AB: Absolutely. I I would expect that that uh that would not happen until as you said every every other um area that 259 01:12:29.040 --> 01:12:44.480 uh public works is responsible for has been cleared. And at that point um um how how many days did uh it take to fully recover from the previous snowstorm? I believe it was >> a couple of weeks. 260 01:12:44.480 --> 01:12:59.760 >> It was it was at least more than a week. So, um, if if we're at that point, we're we're probably looking at a a property that has been, uh, fined, uh, in the minimum amount 261 01:12:59.760 --> 01:13:17.280 at this point, a couple thousand dollars. Um, that would that would hopefully be a a a strong um a strong uh incentive to uh just take care of your own property. Um, 262 01:13:17.280 --> 01:13:35.679 but I would, you know, I I I guess we wouldn't be here discussing this if that was in fact um the the case. But um in any any any uh case that's um I I think that is is very 263 01:13:35.679 --> 01:13:51.280 important to to reiterate that this is not um turning uh Bridgewater into uh the responsible party for uh clearing the the snow in um in in private uh uh 264 01:13:51.280 --> 01:14:10.640 private u lots u excuse me uh private roads. So you have a motion and a second on the table. >> Yes. So uh if there's any of is there any other uh comments? >> No. Thank you everyone for working on the ordinance. 265 01:14:10.640 --> 01:14:26.880 >> Okay. Uh may we have a roll call vote please? >> Councilwoman Isla. >> Yes. Counciloman Kersh. >> Yes. Councilman Ring. >> No. >> Vice President Bako. >> Yes. That is a pass. >> Yes. 266 01:14:26.880 --> 01:14:43.520 >> Okay. Thank you very much. Uh moving along to the introduction of ordinances and there are none and uh moving to resolutions 12A authorizing submission of the fiscal 267 01:14:43.520 --> 01:15:00.920 year 2027 Bridgewater Ridan Municipal Alliance request for application with Somerset County Board of County Commissioners in the amount of $15,731.50. 50 cents. 268 01:15:02.640 --> 01:15:21.280 Uh, I'll make the motion. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> I have a question. Um, and I know we brought this up last year, but this is the Bridgewater Raritton Municipal Alliance. This is a 5050% funding. Um, 269 01:15:21.280 --> 01:15:37.360 so we get 50% through county commissioners and while not a significant dollar amount, the other $7,865 to fund the Bridgewater Ryan Municipal Alliance is being funded fully by 270 01:15:37.360 --> 01:15:54.719 Bridgewater. >> Yeah, Mr. President, I recall this conversation last year and I recall our desire, you know, I you know, this may seem like um you know uh you know an attempt to just literally split uh a few 271 01:15:54.719 --> 01:16:12.960 dollars uh but I I think there's an important principle here, M and I think that's what you're referring to, Councilman Ring. Yeah. um that you know what whatever our our split is with the school district if it's you know 8020 9010 8515 whatever it is uh it feels 272 01:16:12.960 --> 01:16:28.640 like that principle should apply here um so uh I don't know Mr. perhaps. Do we have the ability without creating any undue harm uh to hold this uh until our next meeting uh get the number, you 273 01:16:28.640 --> 01:16:46.159 know, get the proportionality identified uh and you know, get our our friends in uh Raritan uh Rariten Burrow on board to uh pay their share. >> Uh I don't know uh frankly if there is any deadline uh with regard to this. 274 01:16:46.159 --> 01:17:03.679 Probably not, but I'm not sure. Um I know that members of the council have raised this before. Uh at one point I think I attempted to um research it and um did not complete it and I apologize for that. Um we'll certainly try to do 275 01:17:03.679 --> 01:17:19.199 so. Um I don't recall what uh feedback that I had received. I do recall that the reason I never come back to the council was I think there was 276 01:17:19.199 --> 01:17:36.400 there didn't appear to be any um path for us to to pursue this but I I don't recall the details. So I mean I I suppose you could hold it for the next meeting. U I I don't know that there's a specific deadline. So you could table it 277 01:17:36.400 --> 01:17:52.640 and uh I I cannot commit to have any resolution with the burrow of Ritton frankly in the next two weeks. Just being realistic. I I cannot commit to another municipality's >> understood 278 01:17:52.640 --> 01:18:12.000 >> ability or desire to respond in the manner that you you've proposed. >> But the attempt can be made. Yes. Um, >> so then I I'll I'll make a motion to table 12A uh with an anticipation that 279 01:18:12.000 --> 01:18:29.679 uh we can determine potential proportionality with uh with the burough raritin for this item. >> Okay. Um before you before >> I'll second it. >> Um before you second that um uh Mr. Papus, what does DED stand for? 280 01:18:29.679 --> 01:18:47.520 >> Uh deer. It's an acronym. Um trying to remember. Um I I think this is a fund that um there were fines collected for I think uh fines for those of indiv individuals 281 01:18:47.520 --> 01:19:03.040 that may have been convicted of driving under the influence. I think I'm not positive. I think that's a that's a funding source that's received and and utilized for these purposes and and there are other remember my days with 282 01:19:03.040 --> 01:19:19.120 the county this was something that came up numerous times under various with various um social service agencies. >> Okay. And um the uh uh the inind contributions what what does that amount 283 01:19:19.120 --> 01:19:35.120 >> I think that would amount to our staff time. >> Staff time. Okay. So the I mean not not that staff time is uh free um but the the am I reading this correct that the cash match is the only direct monetary 284 01:19:35.120 --> 01:19:51.120 contribution >> I believe that yes that's correct >> okay all right um we have a motion to was that to >> table table uh >> table till the next meeting >> okay table to the next meeting um is that a >> you have second a second is that a roll 285 01:19:51.120 --> 01:20:07.440 Oh, yes. Okay. Uh, roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Vice President Bako, >> yes. >> Okay. Before you move to 12c, consistent with my past practices, I will be abstaining due to being a member of the 286 01:20:07.440 --> 01:20:28.800 Elks. >> Okay. Uh 12 uh 12B was was taken off the agenda um uh prior to the meeting. 12C resolution authorizing a waiver of fire prevention permit fees in the amount of $100 for the Somerville Elks Lodge 287 01:20:28.800 --> 01:20:45.920 number 1036 in support of the drug awareness program food truck event on May 9th, 2026. I'll make a motion on 12 C. Thank you. I will second that. Uh do we have any uh comments or 288 01:20:45.920 --> 01:21:05.280 questions on this resolution? Okay, seeing none, uh, can we go to a, uh, roll call? >> Woman Isla, >> yes. >> Kersh, >> yes. >> Ring. >> Vice President B. >> Yes. Mr. President, you may be able to to take action collectively on 12DE and 289 01:21:05.280 --> 01:21:22.400 F together given their uh similar nature. >> Okay. Uh, is there just need to read the headings of 12D, E, and F. Then we make a motion on consent. >> Okay. Is no no one would be um uh 290 01:21:22.400 --> 01:21:39.199 abstaining from >> Okay. >> No opposition. >> No. >> Okay. All right. Um in that case, uh is there a motion to combine those? >> You don't need you don't need it. Okay. >> You just read the headings and then you take a motion to do all of >> Okay. Thank you very much. Um All right. 291 01:21:39.199 --> 01:21:55.679 Uh 12D, a resolution authorizing the waiver of fire per uh fire prevention permit fees in the total amount of $340 to the Alfala Center for the ID celebration event held on April 18th, 292 01:21:55.679 --> 01:22:11.360 2026 at the Township Municipal Building. 12E is resolution authorizing a waiver of fire prevention permit fees in the amount of $100 for the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School 293 01:22:11.360 --> 01:22:27.600 SCVTHS PTO in connection with their annual Tricky Trey Fund fundraiser to be held at 14 VOC drive on Saturday May 2nd 2026 and 12F resolution authorizing a waiver 294 01:22:27.600 --> 01:22:45.040 of the summer camp health inspection fee in the amount of $325 for the Martin Luther King Youth Center located at 1298 Prince Rogers Avenue, Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807. >> I'll move 12D through F on consent. 295 01:22:45.040 --> 01:22:59.440 >> I'll second. >> Second. Okay. Um, is that a Is that a roll call? Okay. Uh, roll call, please. >> Woman, >> yes. >> Kersh, yes. Ring, >> yes. >> Vice President B. >> Yes. 296 01:22:59.440 --> 01:23:17.120 Okay. And that ends the resolutions. Is uh the next section is general discussion. Is there any general discussion? No funny stories. 297 01:23:17.120 --> 01:23:31.920 Explanation about why do we don't fold your pizza slices? >> I I don't I no Okay. and in a private conversation we can cover that. >> Okay. Um in that case uh the next item 298 01:23:31.920 --> 01:23:48.960 on the agenda is a closed session. Um in you would need a motion to enter close. Uh may I have a motion to enter close session? Do I think you need to read it? Oh, okay. Uh is that a >> Okay. 299 01:23:48.960 --> 01:24:04.880 A resolution for closed session on April 23rd, 2026. Be it resolved by the Bridgewater Township Council that this body will now convene in a closed session to discuss litigation related to the tax appeals and trash transfer station. When and if 300 01:24:04.880 --> 01:24:21.600 the matters discussed become public record, that information will be made known to the public at the appropriate time. The public is excluded from said meeting and further notice is hereby dispensed with all in accordance with section 8 and 4A of the open public 301 01:24:21.600 --> 01:24:38.320 meetings act. going to make a motion to go into close session with understanding from the administration we will not be taking any action afterwards. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh is there a second? I'll second. >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Council Manisla, 302 01:24:38.320 --> 02:33:00.240 >> yes. >> Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Vice President B. >> Yes. >> We are in close session. >> Just need make sure we're offline. Having reached the end of our agenda, I 303 02:33:00.240 --> 02:33:16.680 make a motion to uh close this meeting. >> Ajourn. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I opposed. >> Okay. Meeting's adjourned. >> Hey, nobody got hurt.