Laura’s Notes on the 12/16/2025 Town Council Meeting
This installment of the BH Town Council threw me for a doozy. The meeting was lively and there was a political party out in full effect taking over the mic during public comments. Amid the stimulation were some incredibly important comments, questions and concerns raised. Peeling back the selfie stick gifts and congratulatory praise to Manny Couto, this meeting was royally important.
The GLHS yearbook, The Claymore, and journalism students were honored with a proclamation from the Mayor and Council for receiving high honors from the State of New Jersey for both publications.
The Mayor then paid tribute to outgoing Councilman Manny Couto. The proclamation was followed by several photos, hugs and a slew of residents paying respects to Manny on his way out.
Manny was presented with gifts and tributes from members of the Republican Municipal Committee including Debbie and Jeff Varnerin, who also presented Manny with gifts from the podium. Why gift giving is now an acceptable spectacle during a Council meeting has left me without words to express my disdain. Julie Lloyd and Jeanne Kingsley rounded out the powerhouse Republican trio, followed by the men of the Republican club sharing their gratitude toward Manny.
After 41 minutes of honoring Manny, not quite as long as was spent on chickens but longer than approving last minute no bid contracts to political campaign donors, the public hearing for ordinances was opened.
A member of the public requested information regarding the second reading of salary minimums and maximums. The unfilled position of Recreation Director was raised as an example. Ironically, this position has stirred speculation, with many wondering if the recently resigned Recreation Commission Chair is up for the role or if a long time recreation employee will receive the appointment. At any rate, the question of how a salary is designated within the minimum and maximum scale was asked.
As a side note, the maximum salary for the Recreation Director is $110,000 and the assistant role is $95,000. I may be applying for this position if there is ever a job posting, but reason tells me this will be an inside job made by mayoral appointment. The Mayor explained that recreation position salaries are set by none other than the Recreation Commission. As we have reported, the entire Recreation Commission does not possess township email accounts, allowing all business to be conducted in secrecy. Ultimately, the majority of township salaries are decided by the Mayor.
All ordinances passed with unanimous support and no discussion, per usual.
The second citizens hearing on agenda items was opened and a resident asked about the awarding of a no bid contract for $111,000 to Harbor Consultants for the sports complex, bringing the total to a little over $140,000 for a field that remains a mystery to the public. Yes, you read that correctly. What was once discussed as a turf field at Lower Columbia has transformed into secretive planning for a sports complex.
The resident asked for details of the proposal and what output the initial $32,000 paid to Harbor Consultants produced. According to Devanney, land surveys and concept drawings were completed and were part of the pre approved $32,000. Documents obtained through OPRA regarding the Lower Columbia property dated December 11, 2025 and addressed to now resigned Recreation Chair Deb Varnerin indicate the design concept was shared in April 2025.
None of this information was shared with or made available to the public.
These documents raise questions about why the Township has been safeguarding details of the proposed sports complex since April. With a Berkeley Heights mayoral election coming up in 2026, I would be remiss not to note that the timing aligns with the Mayor filing earlier this year via NJ ELEC to run for re election.
Former Councilwoman Kingsley questioned a resolution regarding a bid and contract being paid out when the project has not been openly discussed with the public. We are investigating this matter and will report back, as the specific project remains unclear at the time of publication.
Former Councilman D’Aquilla, representing the Mt. Carmel Society, expressed distress and disappointment over receiving a letter stating that the Mt. Carmel sign would be removed because it sits on county property and the space is needed for a new sidewalk. D’Aquilla said this letter was the first and only correspondence the society received regarding the work, despite a planning meeting with the county at the start of the project.
The eyesore of the property was mentioned, lack of communication was cited and help was requested. The future of the feast was discussed, with a desire expressed to bring it back to the Mt. Carmel Society. The lack of communication between the county and township was cited as concerning.
A resident suggested a traffic study on Sherman Avenue due to dangerous conditions created by the narrowing of the road. The resident suggested the Township consider making Sherman Avenue one way and noted that the new roadway design has negatively impacted businesses and consumers. The resident also questioned why the field is now being called a sports complex. The Mayor responded that it is too early to comment. Let’s watch the timing of what may, in fact, be political theater designed to garner votes.
A member of the Historic Preservation Commission shared admiration for the Township’s support in obtaining grants for preservation of the Little Lord Property.
A third resident questioned the resolution regarding Harbor Consultants for Lower Columbia and asked whether the bid specifications were complete. The Mayor replied that once the specifications are completed they will be shared with the public, but no timeline or projected date was provided.
Council reports followed, with members discussing township happenings and offering high praise for their fellow councilman Manny Couto.
The controversial removal of the bricks at Peppertown Park was addressed by Viana. She reported that the Township has a list of names and photos covering approximately 95 percent of donors. Several bricks were saved while others could not be salvaged. The original bricks will not be incorporated into the revitalization of Peppertown Park. Donors will instead be commemorated with a generic plaque to honor their legacy.
Columbia Middle School Field Timeline
- June 27, 2024 BOE Rep. Akiri responds to questions about the CMS field noting uncertainty around scope process and next steps.
- March 21, 2025 NJ21st publishes ‘A Disturbing Abuse of Power’ documenting how a BOE budget meeting was pulled away from academic priorities and toward turf field related issues – highlights concerns about the Mayor’s role and sidelining of student interests.
- March 21 through March 25, 2025 During Town Council meetings and BOE discussions several residents and BOE members raise concerns that the Lower Columbia area may be located in a potential flood zone and question the wisdom of advancing a turf field or other athletic facilities given flooding and drainage risks.
- March 28, 2025 Town Council advances the CMS lease through a special meeting prompting resident concerns about timing transparency and BOE involvement.
- April 1, 2025 NJ21st reports on environmental concerns tied to Lower Columbia including flooding and wetlands risks associated with turf placement.
- April 9, 2025 Harbor Consultants submits its first proposal framing the site as a major drainage project in a 100 year floodplain – scope includes wetlands delineation, flood hazard analysis, surveying and conceptual engineering design. The proposal evaluates multiple field configurations lighting and drainage – anticipates second phase for final engineering and construction management.
- April 12, 2025 NJ21st publishes ‘Turf Fields and Tutoring: Who Gets What in NJ’s Broken System’ examining how funding decisions like turf fields fit into broader state and local budget priorities.
- April through June 2025 Public discussion continues to frame the project primarily as a turf field while engineering work proceeds.
- June 11, 2025 NJ21st publishes ‘Public Only When Convenient? Residents Question Turf Field Transparency’ outlining differences in communication from the Township and Recreation Department before and after the referendum and lease agreement.
- August 13, 2025 NJ21st reports Township Attorney acknowledged CMS agreement was not structured as a traditional lease and stated that the arrangement functioned as a shared services agreement tied to the lease raising questions about how the project had been approved and how it was being legally characterized.
- August 27, 2025 NJ21st publishes No Ordinance No Referendum explaining that the Town approved what it publicly called a lease agreement by resolution rather than ordinance potentially limiting referendum rights and public input.
- September 2 through September 5, 2025 Internal emails reveal the turf field is no longer being pursued. BOE members learn for the first time that environmental and permitting constraints had made the turf plan unlikely.
- September 13 through September 17, 2025 Council moves to advance work ahead of BOE presentations. BOE reps publicly challenge inaccuracies, manufactured urgency and lack of disclosure during Council meetings.
- September 25, 2025 NJ21st publishes Part 1 of its CMS lease series detailing wetlands risks and unanswered questions surrounding the project.
- November 8, 2025 Rec. Commission Chair Varnerin steps down. At Town Council meeting residents voice concerns about transparency and accountability not just on the turf and sports complex issue – but across other public works areas( sewage billing and infrastructure). Some residents also expressed concern directly to NJ21st that Varnerin may be heading for a paid director role in Town government which would raise questions about whether unpaid volunteer leadership is being used as a pathway to compensated positions.
- December 11, 2025 Harbor Consultants submits a second proposal titled Final Engineering Design and Construction Documents for the Sport Complex at Lower Columbia Park detailing multiple athletic fields lighting drainage infrastructure structural replacements and construction oversight.
- December 16, 2025 Township advances a $111000 no bid contract tied to the December proposal. During the Council meeting a resident questions the shift to “sports complex” language. The Mayor characterizes the change as a surprise.
Proposals Submitted by Harbor Consultants In Connection to the CMS Turf Field Field Sport Complex
Wiki Entries on Lower Columbia Controversy
See All Notes on Town Council Agendas and Meetings
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