Bernardsville planning board approves floodgate matter, finds ordinance consistent and OKs $11,947 in bills

The Bernardsville Planning Board approved several administrative items Jan. 23, including a local floodgate-related planning matter, a master plan consistency finding for an ordinance (with one member recusing), and payment of bills totaling $11,947.

The Chair described a floodgate-related planning matter and, after confirming who was present for the item, the board voted to approve the item as drafted. The board then opened new business with an active plan consistency review for an ordinance scheduled for second reading on Jan. 28; the Chair noted that a member recused themself from that matter because they were within 200 feet of the property, and the remaining members concluded the proposal is not inconsistent with the master plan and adopted a resolution to that effect.

Separately, staff and members discussed corrections to invoicing for an affordable development project, noting that three invoice entries had been split across properties and that adjustments were required. The board approved bills in the amount of $11,947 by roll call.

Board members also set scheduling expectations: the board will consider an affordable-housing submission at its Jan. 26 meeting, and applicants were expected to submit documents soon that could enable a July hearing; the recreation plan presentation will be scheduled with input from the recreation department's new director, with September or fall dates discussed as likely.

All votes on the described administrative items were taken by roll call and carried; no public commenters were recorded on these agenda items during the meeting.