Bernards Town Council Debates $20,000 Health Department Expenditure Amid Community Concerns
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting of the Bernards Township Committee, a significant topic of discussion was the proposed expenditure of $20,000 for a message board for the health department, which sparked community debate. A resident named Todd raised concerns during the public comment session, questioning the necessity of the purchase given that there are already two unused message boards available in the township, including one at Town Hall. Todd argued for a more cost-effective approach, suggesting that renting equipment could be more practical than owning, particularly due to maintenance considerations.
Todd’s appeal to the council to reconsider the spending decision was part of a broader critique of township resource allocation. He emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and proposed alternative uses for the funds. His comments highlighted a recurring theme of community involvement and oversight in local governance. Todd’s suggestion of renting rather than purchasing equipment was underscored by previous instances where bought light boxes were underutilized.
The township’s public comment session also saw Todd addressing other community issues, such as the importance of residents clearing snow from fire hydrants and maintaining sidewalks post-snow plowing. His remarks stressed community responsibility and safety. Todd encouraged neighbors to support each other, particularly the elderly or those unable to clear snow due to physical limitations.
Moreover, Todd advocated for a second public comment session during council meetings, arguing that the current single session structure limits community engagement. He pointed out that additional opportunities for public input could enrich discussions and lead to more informed decision-making. His suggestion was backed by his own experiences with local infrastructure issues, such as non-functioning streetlights, where he found that citizen reports led to timely repairs.
In the same meeting, the council took the time to recognize the contributions of various individuals and committees within the township. The Deer Management Advisory Committee was commended for its effective handling of the deer population. The Farmstead organization was also praised for its efforts in site improvement through grants and community engagement, with specific acknowledgment of the dedication of its board members.
Attention was also drawn to the Liberty Corner Fire Company for their volunteer service, with the council noting the importance of supporting their efforts through additional resources.
A public hearing on Ordinance 2590, concerning the acceptance of a riparian zone conservation easement from 301 Garrett LLC for property located on Brier Lane, was held during the meeting. Although no public comments were made, the ordinance was adopted unanimously.
Janice M. Fields
City Council Officials:
Andrew J. McNally, Esq. (Deputy Mayor), Jennifer L. Asay (Township Committeewoman), Ana Duarte McCarthy (Township Committeewoman)
-
Meeting Type:
City Council
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
12/23/2025
-
Recording Published:
12/23/2025
-
Duration:
26 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Somerset County
-
Towns:
Bernards
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 12/23/2025
- 12/23/2025
- 17 Minutes
- 12/23/2025
- 12/23/2025
- 25 Minutes
- 12/23/2025
- 12/23/2025
- 39 Minutes