A major point of focus was the discussion regarding the use of license plate readers, as presented by the police chief. The deployment of these readers aims to address car theft concerns in the borough, with Councilman Al Ribeiro noting the importance of regional coordination, particularly with Bernards Township. The council is contemplating a leasing arrangement for the technology, given the rapid advancements in this area, and is looking into expedited implementation strategies due to the time required for ordering and installing the cameras.

Affordable housing was another topic, with a proposed amendment to the ordinance concerning payment in lieu of constructing affordable units sparking debate. A resident questioned the amendment’s adherence to the settlement agreement and its impact on the actual construction of affordable units. The council deliberated over the interpretation of regulations, especially regarding fractional units and rounding provisions. Councilmember Chad McQueen expressed concerns about the ordinance’s rounding rules, particularly for developments with fewer than ten units, and the borough’s authority to modify mandatory language for larger developments. The municipal attorney confirmed that while there was no specific legal backing for the ordinance, it was consistent with the intent of Mount Laurel decisions.

Main Street Bernardsville’s achievements and plans were highlighted, with a presentation from Olivia detailing the organization’s successful initiatives, including historical walking tours, the Discover Bernardsville app, and the economic vitality team’s engagement with local businesses. The council showed enthusiasm for the app, which has seen a few hundred downloads since its soft launch and is expected to incorporate additional features such as trails maps, restaurant reservations, and push notifications. The app’s geotagging capability offers information on historical buildings and parking. Main Street Bernardsville’s annual report and presentation underscored the collaborative effort in promoting economic growth while preserving the borough’s heritage.

The council also discussed ongoing efforts to understand community needs through a survey, with 110 responses collected to date. The data gathered, including insights from Placer AI technology, will help shape future projects and events for the next three to five years. Despite the cost of accessing the data, there is hope that the Main Street grant will cover these expenses. The council recognized the importance of data-driven strategies and technological platforms to engage both residents and visitors effectively.

Budget considerations were addressed as well, with the council highlighting an increase in funding from Main Street New Jersey and discussing the allocation of funds for various initiatives. An increase in the budget request from the borough was mentioned, seeking an additional $50,000 to support these efforts. The flexibility of the budget was emphasized, with an understanding that the numbers could shift based on the strategic plan and community needs.

Moreover, the council introduced several ordinances for public hearings, including those related to construction code fees and affordable housing set-asides. Multiple resolutions were put forward by Councilmember Christine Zamarra and adopted following a roll call vote. Updates from Mayor Mary Jane Canose included officiating weddings, participating in local events, and appointing advisory committee members. Mayor Canose also answered questions from the previous meeting about ongoing projects, such as the train station waiting area.

In the open session, a request to use a lot across the street by Harrington was debated, ultimately resulting in a recommendation to permit the usage while coordinating with Far Hills due to space shortages. The council concluded with a closed session for contract negotiations, further discussing specific items related to the train station and a property on Claremont Road.