Bridgewater Council Exonerates Officer Following Investigation

At the latest Bridgewater Town Council meeting, members addressed a series of issues ranging from an investigation into allegations against a police officer, to concerns about stormwater management and water supply contaminants. Among these, one notable issue was the outcome of an investigation involving a police officer accused of racism, prejudice, and profiling. The Chief of Police reported that these allegations, stemming from an incident in December 2023 where the officer responded to a burglar alarm, were unfounded according to a review by the Somerset County Prosecutors’ office. The Chief emphasized the dissemination of accurate information and the ramifications of spreading falsehoods.

The meeting continued with the Chief of Police providing assurance about the transparency of the police department by stating that body-worn camera footage was available for public review.

A resident brought to the council’s attention the damage and financial loss they suffered due to storm drains that failed to manage heavy rainfall effectively.

Another public health concern was raised by a resident regarding potential contaminants in the local water supply, referencing a report by the Environmental Working Group. This prompted discussions on the safety and quality of the drinking water provided to the community.

The municipal budget was also a topic of discussion, with inquiries about the availability of the proposed budget for public review and the date set for a public hearing. The council debated details of a recent note sale, which reportedly had the lowest rate in the state, and deliberated on the potential impact of a zoning change related to electronic billboards.

An ordinance was introduced concerning the release of affordability controls attached to certain affordable housing units. This legislative action could have implications for the availability and management of affordable housing within the town.

Technical issues with the live stream of the meeting were mentioned by a resident.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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