Pet Waste, Vegan Muffins And No Deliberation on Agenda Items- Another Berkeley Heights Town Council Meeting

The council meeting opened up and proceeded out-of-order following the 11th hour pull of the Connell Zoning Ordinance. 

Council reports focused on lectures from Vice President Poage to pick up pet waste because Lower Columbia park is “disgusting” and filled with pet waste.  She also cautioned that neglecting to pick up after your pet could result in a fine.  

Councilwoman Illis reported that the Greenbrook Flood Commission (responsible for mitigating and planning to reduce flooding for the Green Brook Basin) in collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers has halted operations due to a lack of funding. She followed by reporting on her eating and shopping habits around town urging others to shop local.  

Councilman Machado echoed Illi’s sentiments with his excitement and adoration of the pumpkin muffins from Two Fields, both remarking that ‘it doesn’t event taste vegan!’  Machado also mentioned to be aware that coyote sightings have been more frequent in the area.  He also lectured about the importance of all residents to peacefully co-exist with wildlife. 

The Mayors Wellness Committee will be hosting a “Healthy Habits Workshop” in which Devanney will be teaching MVI she claims will lead to a happier life. 

The Township reports working on grant submissions for flooding remediation. The wastewater treatment facility received “glowing reviews” from the DEP.  

The community owes the DEP and wastewater facility employees a debt for taking the necessary action to get the Township to address the health and safety violations at our plant. 

During the Conference Session an architect provided a presentation on the Little Lord preservation project.  Vice President Poage did not miss the opportunity to inform the public that it was the hard work and determination of her and Liza Viana that made this project possible. For without them, we may have lost the history and property of Little Lord. 

During the citizens hearing, a 50-year resident requested a 5% tax deduction for residents who have sidewalks in front of their homes and the burden the bear in keeping the walkways cleared.  A complaint with snow plowing was made and request for those plowing to be mindful of trapping people back into their driveways and sidewalks, especially after they have been cleaned.  The last comment from the resident was about the cement oasis that is Peppertown Park.  A question was raised regarding the involvement (or lack thereof) of the Environmental Commission in the revitalization project and how all the pavement was recommended over keeping green space.  The Mayor thanked the resident for shoveling. 

Another resident asked several questions on the Connell Zoning, which was pulled, so nothing was answered. The same resident also requested that a more comprehensive language in used in the ordinances so that residents could better comprehend them.  Poage commented that during the conference session for the zoning ordinance, those questions could be addressed. 

 As has been the practice, all resolutions and ordinances pass unanimously with minimal deliberation. 

To read what was on the agenda for this meeting see:

Another “Routine” Agenda: The 2/17 Connell Density Bomb

Following NJ21st Report, Berkeley Heights Scrubs Connell Density Plan from 02/17 Council Agenda