Chief Bernardo led a special presentation to acknowledge Officer McCann’s bravery during a burglary incident on May 14th. Officer McCann, acting alone, managed to apprehend two suspects despite being outnumbered. Chief Bernardo’s remarks praised Officer McCann’s calmness and professionalism, attributing the successful resolution to his training and courage.

Shifting focus to community engagement, the council discussed the local farmers market, noting a remarkable increase in attendance. Starting with 865 visitors on a rainy Memorial Day weekend, the numbers grew to 1,718 visitors in subsequent weeks. This increase was seen as a strong indicator of community involvement, with many families incorporating the market into their Saturday routines. The council expressed enthusiasm about the market’s role in fostering community spirit.

Financial health was a point of discussion, with a detailed financial overview highlighting the township’s fiscal status. The report noted $1.1 million in revenues, $695,000 in expenses, and an ending fund balance over $2.3 million in the utility operating fund. The council reviewed audit recommendations that included segregating duties within treasury functions and ensuring purchase orders are prepared prior to purchases. Corrective actions were already underway to address these issues, with resolutions passed to approve the audit review and corrective action plan.

The meeting also highlighted the successful acquisition of a $50,000 grant from the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission for roof repairs at the Jacobus Vanderveer House. This funding ensured the project was fully covered. The council also approved several permits for upcoming community events, including a fireworks display and a social affair permit for the Liv Golf Tournament.

During the committee reports, updates were provided on various initiatives. One member highlighted the recreation department’s preparations for summer camps, with 115 to 125 campers registered, alongside progress on the dog park at Burnt Mills nearing completion. Another member detailed the Department of Public Works’ ongoing maintenance activities, including the setup of the Field of Honor flags and work on street lights. Upcoming community events such as a styrofoam recycling event and a reptile night were also announced, encouraging community participation and collaboration.

Further discussions included updates from the land use board, with no new hearings but ongoing discussions about prior resolutions. An upcoming meeting with property owners and business operators in Pluckemin was scheduled to ensure awareness of local developments and gather input on land use ordinances and codes.

The meeting concluded with an update on the New Jersey American Water issue, which involved redirecting Bedminster residents’ inquiries for water billing and service issues. The council assured efforts were underway to inform the water company of this misunderstanding, with plans to continue fielding customer calls until a resolution was found.