Laura’s Notes on the 09/16/2025 Berkeley Heights Town Council Meeting

Civil discourse is not only normal but essential in governing agencies, as it fosters transparency in an environment that seeks to understand a multitude of opinions, interests, and desires.

Being civil during discourse can be challenging for some, but it is the duty of elected and appointed members of government to navigate their personal feelings and rise above.

The 9/16/25 Town Council Meeting was a showcase of unfiltered emotions, outbursts, and, dare I say, outlandish behavior. I was embarrassed to watch this meeting and see the way in which our elected representatives reacted—and then condoned the behavior.

It is often said that the truest test of character is to put someone in an intense, perhaps uncomfortable, situation and see how they not only act but react. We saw many colors on display, and none of them were pleasant.

The Township has had a rough few months, and last night was par for the course.

Following an unprecedented 45+ minute executive session, a nearly 60-minute public comment on chicken coops ensued. Many of the atendees and viewers I spoke to believe adding this item to the agenda was intentional—to delay the discussion that followed.

Ultimately, the chicken coop and fire fee resolutions were tabled, awaiting further discussion and the creation of ordinance language.

The citizens’ hearing came in like a wrecking ball, and this article will not do justice to how things played out. So please, just go and watch it.

Following a statement from the BH Environmental Commission strongly advising against the installation of synthetic turf, the first set of public comments focused on the field, consultant contract, and lease agreement.

Missing from the meeting were the Chair of the Recreation Commission and the lead Lease Appointee.

Three residents discussed the lease, and one questioned the details of the no-bid contract awarded to Harbor Consultants. Two residents spoke about the legality of the lease being adopted via resolution, while state statute clearly outlines that the process should have been managed via ordinance, not resolution. The Attorney doubled down on his interpretation, loosely confident that everything was handled properly.

NJ21st has reviewed the statute and we do not believe the legal advice being provided is wholly accurate.

A resident highlighted the rushed timeline and lack of progress over the last six months, while expressing frustration about the Township physically removing children from the tennis courts as part of the ruse to get the lease agreement signed.

One resident spoke of partnership and collaboration—“upstanders, not bystanders”—both themes the Mayor and Council members often praise as cornerstones of their governance, while failing to meet basic needs by willfully refusing to respond to difficult questions or share pertinent information.

“How many innocent mistakes before it becomes a pattern?”

That resident sought clarification on the Mayor’s statements about alleged inaccuracies regarding the lease but was refused specifics. The Mayor declined to cite examples or engage in discussion.

Then there was Mrs. Poage. In an outburst no one saw coming, she began yelling at a resident, screaming about giving the field back, and ultimately throwing her arms up and leaving the meeting. Her Democratic ally chimed in, yelling at the resident to stop talking, only adding to the frustration. The Township Administrator joined in, supporting Poage’s statement to “give the BOE their land back.”

The next resident asked questions about the wastewater treatment facility. Remarks from the Plant Manager provided details about upgrades and a science-based approach to governance. Negligence over the last 10 years was cited as the root cause of current problems. Comments regarding odor from the plant were raised, and the Mayor responded that they are working on it, but barometric pressure at this time of year makes odor management difficult.

The next set of comments focused on the July 14 storm. Earlier in the meeting, the Mayor announced she was assembling a Flood Task Force to track issues and resolutions, though no substantive goals were mentioned.

Regarding the flooding—again, go watch. I cannot capture the passion and frustration of the residents here, but to truly understand what our neighbors are going through, you must listen for yourself.

Multiple pleas were once again made to the Mayor and Council for help. Those pleas were met with, “we have been working on this since July 15.” Council and Mayor pointed fingers at the need for permits (none have been filed) and a lack of adequate equipment and DPW staff—more excuses. One resident, reasonably fed up, said: “That’s the problem. We need your help, and you are all dragging your feet.”

Two residents returned to the microphone with concerns about flood response and the lease agreement. One expressed frustration at the rushed lease, pointing out that the basic steps that should have been completed beforehand are only now being addressed. With visible frustration, Mr. Foster responded that the BOE “probably” would not have permitted DEP approvals before the agreement—but the Town never bothered to ask.

The last speaker, from outside the Township, spoke about animal advocacy.

Kudos to Mr. Couto and Mr. Machado for acting like adults—like elected representatives—and controlling their emotions throughout the night.

Closing out the meeting were what many residents described as bizarre and narcissistic comments from Ms. Viana. She began talking about children in Gaza, then pivoted to our community, all while making a plea to end divisiveness and “get along.”

Susan Poage apologized to the community for her behavior—but not to the resident she blew up at. Ms. Viana quickly rationalized the behavior as being “civil” (it was not) and due to a lack of focus.

I had to rewind this part three times. After a grueling three hours, I thought I was hallucinating.

Survey says…contradictory?

Mrs. Illis offered no apology for her behavior.

The meeting closed with the Mayor giving Councilwoman Poage a much-needed hug.

And with that, all is well in Berkeley Heights.]

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