Township Council — February 5, 2026

What was decided

All five members were present: Bucko, Isla, Kirsh, Ring and Council President Geiger. Administrator Pappas reported for the Mayor.

• #26-02-05-051, supporting continued funding of the Hudson Tunnel (Gateway) project — 5-0.
• #26-02-05-052, the final 2025 LOSAP list for volunteer first aid and rescue squad members, who qualify for contributions, “$1,557.38 for the year 2025,” from the 2025 LOSAP account — 5-0. Geiger said the township’s contribution was just over $40,000. See fire and emergency services.
• #26-02-05-053, an application for a NJ DCA Local Recreation Improvement Grant for the Bradley Gardens tennis courts at Alfred E. Brown Park: up to $75,000, plus $75,000 from the Open Space Fund, $150,000 in all — 5-0.
• #26-02-05-054, adding Mr. Baig to the 2026 CERT roster (Kirsh/Ring) — 5-0.
• Professional appointments, failed 2-3. Councilman Ring moved by consent the Redevelopment Planner (Michael Sullivan, Clark Caton Hintz, up to $20,000), the Savo Schalk fee schedules (up to $460,000 general, $100,000 affordable housing, $40,000 tax appeals), Carlin, Ward, Ash & Heiart as special tax counsel (contingent), Labor Counsel Matthew Giacobbe (up to $120,000), Prosecutor John Lanza (up to $80,000) and Public Defender Scott Mitzner (up to $40,000). Ayes: Kirsh, Ring. Nays: Bucko, Isla, Geiger. The items were pulled to the next meeting. Geiger had said most professional appointments were being postponed to give candidates time to respond to RFPs, and that they were mainly alternate positions that would not displace current appointees.
• Tabled by unanimous voice vote: procedures for federal-aid highway projects; staggered terms for the EMS Advisory Committee; the 2026 Somerset County recycling agreement (up to $477,537.28, at $28.16 for up to 16,958 households); and Jordan R. Volk, P.E. (Colliers), for sewer engineering, construction management and NJ Water Bank loan administration, up to $327,225.00.
• The January 22 minutes were approved by voice vote, Ring abstaining (he was absent that night).

Reports

• Snow: Pappas said 42 township and contracted vehicles were deployed; salt is ineffective below 20 degrees and statewide supply is limited, so it is used first on steep and high-risk roads; and the Governor’s Executive Order lets unanticipated snow costs sit outside budget caps. The Mayor hand-delivered a letter to Bridgewater Square Apartments management about snow removal. Kirsh suggested allowing temporary lawn parking beside driveways in major storms and revisiting snow emergency routes; Pappas said parking restrictions and alternate-side options were being considered.
• Pappas said the $25 delinquent-tax fee reimburses the cost of delinquency notices and is unrelated to the electronic tax sale, and that the Zoning Board would continue the Rockland APV lithium battery storage application in Finderne on February 10.
• Geiger said bylaw amendments requiring a letter of intent for volunteer applications were expected at the next meeting. Isla reported on snowmelt flooding, drought status, the Health Commission’s World Cup preparedness and radon testing. Kirsh said he would meet State Senator Steinhardt on public-notice rules for development applications.

Public comment

• Hursith Adimulam of Milltown Road asked about the Redstone American Grill closure at the Commons (Ring explained inactive “pocket” liquor-license rules), the vacant Tectonic property on Route 22 (before the Zoning Board, so the Council cannot comment) and the township-owned Voorhees House (Pappas: County grant funds remain and historic preservation rules apply).
• Katie Kachmar of Berrywood Lane said “Flaggers Ahead” signs go up without flaggers during utility and tree work on Foothill Road, Country Club Road and North Bridge Street; Pappas asked residents to call police in real time.
• Claudia Bateman of Catherine Lane asked whether Middlebrook Public Health’s information on an unregulated substance was shared with the Council, and how many committees and seats exist and whether appointments will reflect each voting district.
• Samantha Alley of Manville Boulevard opposed the lithium battery storage application near East Main Street and Finderne Avenue, citing flooding, fire and environmental hazards and existing American Cyanamid contamination. Ring and Kirsh said the matter is before the Zoning Board, which resumes Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., and the Council cannot discuss its merits because of a possible appeal to the Council. See battery storage.
• Tim Kenny of Short Hills Drive asked the township to promote native plantings; Bucko suggested the Environmental Commission consider a native-seed program and Pappas said an Arbor Day event is planned.
• Marlaina Mykytok of Cedar Street said her son was struck by a vehicle that left the scene at the high school crosswalk on Garretson Road, near the student lot, after track practice, and that the 25-mph flashing school-zone sign was not active; she asked for after-school activation, speed humps or pedestrian-activated signals, and for AEDs at parks.
• Filipe Pedroso of Yohn Drive said board appointments should be based on qualifications, character and service.
• Manjunath Rao of Murphy Drive asked for a rule keeping cars off streets during snow; Kirsh said options were under review.
• Ayaz Baig of Fairway Court spoke about his pending CERT application and his volunteer background.
• Jennifer Loughran of Falcon Court suggested recognizing Oliver Cromwell, a Black Continental Army soldier from the Middlebrook area, supported education on kratom, and asked for safer youth routes on John Christian Road.
• Michael Pepe, Board of Education president, thanked the Council and the Bridgewater and Raritan public works departments.

Records

• Minutes (township document page)
• Agenda (posted on the township site; LocalWhy has not yet reviewed it)
• Video on the township’s YouTube channel (1:39:06). This page follows the Clerk’s minutes.