Committee approves audit compliance, adopts alarm-ordinance and personnel appointments; ordinances introduced for Fenwick Place and erosion control

At its June 24 meeting the Bernards Township Committee approved several formal actions: it accepted the annual audit report by resolution, adopted an ordinance revising alarm-system rules, approved a volunteer first-aid squad appointment, and introduced two ordinances for first reading.

On the audit, Committee member Anna McCarthy noted that New Jersey law requires an annual audit and reported that the township’s audit "resulted in no deficiencies, no material weaknesses, or instances of noncompliance." The committee adopted Resolution 2025-0273 acknowledging compliance with the applicable state statute.

The committee also held a public hearing and adopted Ordinance 2580 amending chapter 4 (licensing) section 10 (alarm systems) of the township code; no public comment was offered during the hearing. The consent agenda — including annual and competitive grant applications for municipal-alliance youth programs — was approved by single motion.

Personnel and appointments: Resolution 2025-0262 appointing Sakina Lehi as a full member of the Bernards volunteer first-aid squad (Basking Ridge Fire Company No. 1) was moved, seconded and carried. Earlier in the evening the township had recognized internal police promotions and new hires during a swearing-in ceremony (promotions: Chris Baxter to lieutenant; Phil Giacena to sergeant; Dominic Glusamara to corporal; new hires: John Sabol and Tina Hansford) and noted retirements for Chris Hurst and Cindy Kiefer.

The committee introduced Ordinance 2581 (acceptance of Fenwick Place) and Ordinance 2582 (amendments to soil erosion and sediment control) on first reading and scheduled both for public hearings on July 29, 2025. The minutes of the May 27, 2025 open session were approved. The meeting adjourned following a motion and second.

A full list of actions taken at the meeting appears below.