The meeting, which had a quorum including Committee members Stevenson, Moresi, and Hickey, with Committee member Fernandez absent, kicked off with a notable decision regarding the amendment of off-duty police employment rates. Ordinance number 2023-022 was introduced to address the remuneration of off-duty police officers. The ordinance proposed an increase in the hourly rate to $90 with a four-hour minimum, along with a raise in the administrative fee to $35 per hour. This adjustment was motivated by the need to keep Bedminster’s rates competitive and in line with neighboring jurisdictions. The committee highlighted that there was an agreement with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) on these changes. With no public attendees to comment during the hearing, the ordinance passed without opposition.

Shifting focus to waste management, the committee approved resolution 2023-192, which laid out the 2024 bulky waste disposal fees and schedule. DPW Director Kevin Murray took the lead in presenting the proposal, which included an increase in ticket prices with the objective of minimizing the township’s net cost. The committee agreed on the importance of managing the budget effectively and supported the proposed fee adjustments.

However, the resolution sparked a debate over the maximum number of visits permitted to the bulky waste disposal site, specifically aimed at curbing misuse by commercial entities. Council members deliberated the repercussions of the proposed changes on residents and contemplated allowing exceptions to the maximum visitation limit. It was revealed that commercial users could potentially exploit the system by having their waste disposed of by the township after being turned away on weekends. To address this, the resolution was modified to allow residents up to six visits per year for a fee of $100, with a subsequent charge of $20 for each additional visit. In an effort to maintain flexibility in policy and enforcement, the committee decided that rules and regulations could be amended through future resolutions if necessary.

The council also discussed the disposal of electronics and metal, noting that these items are currently accepted free of charge. This aspect of waste disposal did not result in immediate policy changes but was part of the broader discussion on managing the township’s waste disposal services.

The meeting concluded with the unanimous passing of the consent agenda, which included routine items that did not prompt further discussion. As the session drew to a close, council members exchanged well wishes for the upcoming New Year, signaling the end of the township’s final committee meeting of the year.