Residents urge 24-hour police front-desk access, raise e-bike battery fire concerns; police subcommittee to follow up

Two residents used public comment at the June 24 Bernards Township Committee meeting to press public-safety concerns: one asked that the police department restore or otherwise provide 24-hour, staffed access at its front entrance, and both asked the township to examine safety measures for lithium batteries used in e-bikes.

A resident identified as Todd raised the police-front-door issue, saying the door has been locked for years and the call/button that once alerted staff is now a covered metal plate. Todd told the committee, "That door needs to be open and access to somebody who has answers for them or help," and urged that the police subcommittee speak with the police chief about restoring access or replacing the call device.

Todd also urged the township’s fire-prevention officials to study rules for charging and storing lithium batteries used in e-bikes after citing fire incidents elsewhere. "If somebody's house is gonna be burning down or battery blowing up… it’s something that I think should be looked into and sent to the fire prevention to study," he said.

Sue Trapp supported Todd’s concerns and described an incident involving a vulnerable assisted-living resident to illustrate why staffed entry desks matter for public safety. "It's important to have the resources available… 24 by 7," Trapp said, urging the township to consider staffing or other practical responses.

Committee member Anna McCarthy, who serves as a police-subcommittee member, said she would follow up to "better understand the background and current approach around the 24-hour access" and report back to the committee. No formal vote or ordinance was proposed at the meeting; the issue was recorded for subcommittee follow-up. The committee also noted cooling-shelter information and other emergency-preparedness tips related to the ongoing heat wave.