0:27The council meeting began with a special presentation by retired Command Art Mags, who introduced the “Seven Seals Award,” a commendation from the Department of Defense. This award recognized Bernardsville as a military-friendly borough. Mags shared his personal journey in the Coast Guard and expressed gratitude for the borough’s past support, which included rectifying a pay discrepancy during his service. The awards segment honored both the police chief with a “Patriot Award” and the entire borough council with an “Above and Beyond Award,” acknowledging their efforts in supporting military personnel.

Following the awards, attention turned to the council vacancy left by Chad Has D’s resignation. The Republican Committee was tasked with proposing three candidates for the council to evaluate. One candidate, Mike Swag, highlighted his deep ties to the borough and expressed a keen interest in addressing community issues like speeding. Swag underscored the need for traffic calming measures on roads like Liberty and Dayton Crescent, where speeding poses a risk to residents, particularly children.

Swag also discussed the borough’s redevelopment approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating community feedback into development projects. He suggested tangible benefits from developers, such as acquiring new fire trucks or police vehicles, rather than merely financial incentives. Swag proposed conducting thorough infrastructure assessments before any redevelopment. He stressed the importance of preserving Bernardsville’s historic character amidst new developments, advocating for structures that blend rather than clash with the town’s aesthetic.

20:53During the public comments segment, several residents shared their visions for Bernardsville’s future. A resident with finance and volunteer experience in recreation proposed initiatives to enhance local children’s activities. Another speaker praised Bernardsville as a quintessential American community, emphasizing the need to balance character preservation with development, especially given the housing challenges new families face. A third commenter, with a background in corporate development, advocated for data-driven decision-making to guide community discussions and development initiatives.

35:32Additionally, a member of the board expressed their enthusiasm for ongoing redevelopment projects, such as those around the train station, but lamented perceived setbacks, like the zoning board’s decision on the Palmer project. They emphasized the importance of maintaining developer interest and proactive council efforts in fostering a welcoming investment environment. Recreation improvements, including park upgrades and high school lighting enhancements, were also discussed, highlighting the need for fiscal responsibility.

1:16:38The council meeting also addressed federal immigration policy concerns, with a resident inquiring about local law enforcement’s interactions with immigrants and requesting assurances of lawful rights protection under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. A library representative updated the council on community events, like a mini-golf fundraiser and a “Coffee with a Police Officer” event, aimed at community engagement and safety awareness.

Council business included a public hearing on an ordinance related to non-contractual employee salaries and the introduction of another ordinance concerning Bernard Street. The meeting concluded with discussions on community initiatives, such as addressing parking issues, participating in the Mayor’s Wellness campaign, and exploring drone use for emergency response.