The focal point of the meeting revolved around the BTLEF, with several committee members and residents expressing concerns about the fund’s transparency and purpose. One committee member openly questioned the fund’s legitimacy, stating uncertainty about its mission and bylaws. This member argued against accepting funds from the BTLEF without a thorough vetting process, highlighting the absence of comprehensive information about the organization’s operations. The debate heated up further when another committee member, alleged to have a conflict of interest due to involvement with the fund, defended their position by indicating prior clearance from John Bolardo.

This exchange underscored the broader debate regarding the township’s funding of its police department. Some committee members expressed a preference for relying solely on taxpayer dollars to support law enforcement, asserting that external funding could complicate the department’s operations and focus. A member emphasized, “We supply the police department with the tools they need,” advocating for public safety to be financed directly through tax revenue. The debate also touched on past instances of the police department accepting donations, which raised questions about the township’s formal policy on such matters.

In an attempt to address the concern about potential conflicts of interest and the lack of information, calls were made for the BTLEF to provide foundational documents, such as a mission statement and bylaws. The committee agreed that the decision to accept or reject funding should be made collectively and with full transparency. The mayor, in turn, reiterated the importance of public safety as a priority and expressed gratitude for the police department’s work.

Aside from the debate on the law enforcement fund, the committee also addressed several other topics. The mayor condemned a recent act of vandalism on Lord Sterling Road, where anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic graffiti was found. The mayor urged residents to report any similar incidents to the police, emphasizing that such acts of bigotry have no place in Bernards Township.

In other community matters, announcements were made regarding upcoming events, such as the township’s 265th-anniversary celebration set for September 20 at the Bernards Township Farmstead. The event aims to honor the township’s historical significance and contributions of local businesses. The mayor also highlighted the success of the recent National Night Out event, thanking first responders and community members for their involvement.

Further discussions addressed traffic safety concerns in the Homestead Village area, particularly during school pickup and drop-off times. Measures such as the addition of a crossing guard and intersection markings were implemented to improve safety.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of several ordinances, including those related to temporary construction and conservation easements, which were passed unanimously. The committee also reminded residents of the upcoming September 11 memorial event at Harry Dunham Park and the return of the New Jersey motor vehicle mobile unit to Bernards Town Hall.