During the public comment session, resident Michelle Hoffman expressed significant concern regarding the township’s management of the affordable housing trust fund. She questioned the re-qualification process, noting that assistance provided in 2016 did not require re-certification, a requirement now enforced. Hoffman urged the council to provide clear documentation about the grant processes and re-qualification criteria. The lack of an affordable housing board or committee, once established but now dissolved, was another point of contention, with Hoffman criticizing the inadequate communication regarding its disbandment.

The council members acknowledged Hoffman’s concerns, emphasizing the need to reassess the spending plan, particularly with upcoming filings for the housing element and fair share plan. This plan, due by June 30, aims to exempt Bedminster from further obligations to build or fund new affordable housing. Discussions also addressed the reimbursement process from the affordable housing fund, which mandates that funds can only be released to income-qualified individuals. Council members agreed on the necessity of providing clearer guidelines and potentially revisiting the allocation of funds to better serve the community’s needs.

Another discussion centered on the re-qualification process managed by consulting firm CGP&H, which oversees the affordable housing program. A participant highlighted the challenges of sustaining affordable housing programs, pointing out that personal circumstances can change, thus affecting eligibility. Concerns were raised about the clarity of the re-qualification process, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of support from local officials. Heather Hodston, an owner of affordable housing in Parkside, cited her difficulties in requalifying for assistance, claiming she received contradictory information from the township and CGP&H. This disconnect between the expectations of residents and the council’s information fueled the contentious dialogue.

In response to these issues, there was a proposal to reconvene an advisory committee on affordable housing, aimed at providing relevant advice, though without decision-making authority. The council discussed potential funding for community projects, like repairing outdoor stairs at Courtland.

Amid these discussions, the council introduced two ordinances. The first, Ordinance number 2025014, amends the township’s administration regarding the police department by establishing a Class Three police officer position, to be funded by the school district and begin in August. The second ordinance addresses the establishment of the Jacobus Vanderveer House Commission, following unsuccessful lease negotiations with the Friends of the JDH. The council plans to maintain the site’s operations and programming, advocating for a new commission structure to increase community engagement and representation.

Further, the council discussed the adoption of an amended housing element and fair share plan, now approved by the planning board and filed with the e-courts. This plan outlines a prospective need for 72 units and a rehabilitation need for six units. If unchallenged by August 30, Bedminster will gain a ten-year immunity from certain lawsuits, provided the municipality adheres to its obligations.

The meeting also covered financial matters, with the auditor presenting the 2024 audit report. Despite issues related to the segregation of duties and a deficit in the animal control account, the township’s financial standing was positive, with a high tax collection rate of 99.3% and an increase in the fund balance to over $11 million. Efforts to address these financial concerns included a new fee schedule for animal control and strategies to improve oversight.