Township Committee — October 13, 2026
The Committee adopted a filming permit ordinance (#2602), school-hours no-stopping rules on Peachtree and Woodstone Roads (#2606) and no-parking zones on Church Street near the Liberty Corner Firehouse (#2607), and accepted the $835,000.00 federal grant for the police communications upgrade, all 5-0. One person spoke.
- Infrastructure
- Government
- Environment
Meeting recording
Recording plays on the township archive
This meeting does not play on this page. The township's recording is complete and plays in full on the township's own channel.
What happened
What the record shows
All five members were present: Asay, Hodges, McNally, Tompkins and Mayor Duarte McCarthy. Attorney Fennelly attended for Attorney Belardo. There was no executive session. Every vote below was 5-0 (aye Asay, Hodges, McNally, Tompkins, Duarte McCarthy). The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
A resolution recognized Community Hope for its service to veterans and noted the Bernards Township Field of Honor at the Municipal Building on November 1, 2026.
Ordinances adopted
- #2602 creates Section 4-14, Filming, citing “growing interest in using the Township of Bernards as a filming location.” A permit from the Municipal Clerk is required when filming uses public property; news filming, one person with a hand-held camera, and wedding or funeral photographers are exempt. Fees run up to $100 for a basic permit, $250 expedited, $25 for nonprofits and student films, and $150 or $500 a day on public property depending on the film’s budget. Filming hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for cameras; neighbors get three days’ written notice. Todd Edelstein of Riverside Drive spoke at the hearing to clarify some details.
- #2606 amends the existing no-stopping or standing rule on Peachtree Road and on Woodstone Road from Peachtree Road to Winding Lane, both directions, to 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. (previously to 3:30 p.m.) on weekdays when school is in session. No one spoke at the hearing.
- #2607 bars parking on Church Street for 450 feet on the north side and 480 feet on the south side, measured east from the west property corner of the Liberty Corner Firehouse. Edelstein spoke in support and to clarify the location.
See roads and paving.
Resolutions
The consent agenda included:
- #2026-0420, accepting the $835,000.00 award from the federal Office of Justice Programs for the 2026 Police Communications Upgrade Project, July 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027, and adding it to the 2026 budget. See police.
- #2026-0416, accepting a $6,000.00 Somerset County youth services grant for the REACH, COPE and Grab and Go programs, and a veteran’s tax refund.
The Mayor appointed Nancy D’Andrea to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the unexpired term of Jamie Herrera, to December 31, 2027, and Michael Mahoney as second alternate. The September 29 minutes were approved.
Committee comments
The minutes record only that members “reported on their appointed boards and recent activities.” NJ Hills reported on October 24, 2026 that during these comments Committee members stated differing views on whether the township should opt in to the Highlands regional plan, with Committeeman McNally opposing an opt-in and Mayor Duarte McCarthy supporting an initial assessment first. See the Highlands.
Public comment
Todd Edelstein was the only member of the public to speak. Besides the two hearings, he commented on enforcement of overnight parking rules and on fall leaves and property maintenance safety.
Records
- Minutes (township document page)
- Agenda (township document page)
- Video on the township’s YouTube channel. This page follows the Committee’s minutes.