Township Council
Township Council — June 25, 2026
The Council introduced three bond ordinances for July 9 hearings: $4,205,000 for the county-mandated emergency radio system (5-0), $1,900,000 for road improvements (5-0) and $2,500,000 for drainage (4-1, Kirsh voting no). It adopted the Starbucks traffic ordinance #26-09, renewed 2026–2027 liquor licenses and ratified the Superior Officers' Association contract for 2026–2030.
- Infrastructure
- Government
- Taxes
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 was decided
All five members were present: Bucko, Isla, Kirsh, Ring and Council President Geiger. Administrator Pappas reported for the Mayor. Votes were 5-0 (ayes Bucko, Isla, Kirsh, Ring, Geiger) unless noted.
Ordinances
- #26-09, Chapter 206 §59.3, “Starbucks – 1298 Route 22” — adopted 5-0. No one spoke at the hearing.
- Emergency radio bond ordinance (became #26-10), $4,205,000, with $3,994,750 in bonds or notes, for a Somerset County dispatch mandate covering police, OEM, fire districts, EMS and Public Works, due by January 1 — introduced 5-0. Council members asked for more information on funding, lifecycle, maintenance, agency agreements and cost-sharing among the fire districts. See fire and emergency services.
- Road bond ordinance (became #26-11), $1,900,000, with $1,805,000 in bonds or notes: Country Club Road, Ardsley Lane and Goldfinch Drive (NJDOT FY2025 Municipal Aid), Van Veghten Drive and South Avenue (NJDOT FY2024 Local Transportation Projects Fund), Garretson Road preliminary engineering (NJDOT FY2024 Safe Routes to School) and overlays — introduced 5-0.
- Drainage bond ordinance (became #26-12), $2,500,000, with $2,375,000 in bonds or notes: the Spring Run neighborhood, the 1024 Brown Road area, the Brown Road/Carteret Road area and other work — introduced 4-1 (ayes Bucko, Isla, Ring, Geiger; nay Kirsh). See flooding and stormwater.
Resolutions
- Liquor license renewals for 2026–2027, #26-06-25-145 to -156, in one vote — 5-0.
- Consent agenda #26-06-25-157 to -164 — 5-0, including: the transfer of TGI Fridays’ inactive license to Somerset Liquor L, LLC as a pocket license; Foveonics Imaging Technologies, up to $100,000; the FY2027 Municipal Alliance application, $15,731.50; an NJDOT 2027 Municipal Aid grant application for Frontier Road; Gall’s, LLC uniforms and body armor, up to $40,000; an additional $80,000 to Air Systems Maintenance, LLC for emergency HVAC repairs (total up to $100,000); ratifying the Bridgewater Superior Officers’ Association memorandum of agreement for January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030; and amending the municipal prosecutor’s payment clause.
- The June 4 minutes were approved by voice vote.
Discussion and reports
- Rebuilding after fire: Ring proposed an ordinance letting owners rebuild a nonconforming home destroyed by fire or natural disaster within the existing footprint without a variance, excluding destruction tied to criminal activity; members generally supported review with the planner and attorney. Ring also proposed allowing indoor commercial recreation (bowling, theaters, live venues, pool halls, arcades) in certain commercial zones; consensus to have the planner and attorney draft an ordinance.
- Bogart Drive: Chief Mitzak said a review found two crashes in 3.5 years, neither related to speed or stop signs, and no added controls or four-way stops were recommended; residents can report concerns to police, the Traffic Safety Unit or the township’s Online Citizen Response (OCR) system, without a petition.
- Geiger said Public Works did not find advertising flyers a significant storm-drain problem and no ordinance is needed; residents can opt out with the distributor. She noted residents’ concerns about a proposed development discussed at the Planning Board and said Pappas met with them. Pappas said the 2025 audit was nearly complete.
- Proclamation: Jack’s Kids Day, July 11, 2026. The America 250 township banner was raised, and police will wear a 250th shoulder patch through December 31.
Public comment
- Larry Cohen of Fanwood, a volunteer with Humane World for Animals, asked for an ordinance banning retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores; Kirsh will review it with the Animal Shelter Committee.
- Anda Cytroen of Stangle Road asked which agencies the radio bond covers and whether equipment will work by January 1.
- Cathy Franco of Weemac Road supported township-funded radios and asked about their number, distribution and continued township ownership.
- Allen Kurdyla of Bound Brook, speaking as a Bridgewater resident and Fire Commissioner, supported the radio bond and said the amount was developed over about two years with all agencies.
- Robert Albano of Papen Road supported the radios and said the Martinsville Rescue Squad will work with the township on implementation and training.
- Mayor Onderko of Manville spoke on America’s 250th programs and a Declaration of Independence reading.
Records
- Minutes (township document page)
- Agenda (posted on the township site; LocalWhy has not yet reviewed it)
- Video on the township’s YouTube channel (2:42:06). This page follows the Clerk’s minutes.