Laura’s Notes on the 05/05/2026 Berkeley Heights Town Council Meeting
The Town Council meeting held on 5/5/25 highlighted a few areas of public interest. Mayor Devanney showed up fashionably late, missing a fair amount of the meeting.
The two conferences sessions featured an Eagle Scout project presentation and a Fire Prevention and Fire Inspection fee update.
The next order of business was in regard to the Budget and amendments that were a directive from the State after their thorough review of the Townships Operating Budget.
The amendments that will be made to the Operating Budget are:
1. A reduction of $5,000 for Grant Revenue & Appropriations;
2. A correction for an inaccurately reported Safe Routes Grant (-$5,000) which Ms. Viana cited as being the cause of the Township receiving two separate grant notices;
3. The removal of the Historical Grant for Little Lord as the state requires an executed grant agreement which the Township does not currently possess. As a result, this item has been removed from the Budget and will be added after the final adoption, when the paperwork is complete;
4. State aid was underestimated by $2.
As a result, changes to the overall operating budget were affected and the budget will be amended and re-introduced for adoption.
The eBike ordinance was introduced and ultimately adopted for first reading. The Complete & Green Streets task force in collaboration with the BHPD created the language and ordinance to not only be in compliance with the state mandate but also to focus specifically on the residents of Berkeley Heights, taking into account some of the reported behaviors of persons using these vehicles.
Some key takeaways from the ordinance are;
1. Children under the age of 15 are prohibited to operate, Low-Speed Electric Bikes and Motorized Bikes;
2. Operators of Low-Speed Electric Bikes and Motorized Bikes are required to register their vehicle, have insurance and possess a license or permit. Helmets on both of these vehicles are required at all times, regardless of age;
3. Low-Speed Electric Scooters must have a maximum speed of 19MPH and riders under the age of 17 are required to wear a helmet.
Council urged residents to call police when they observe anyone practicing in dangerous and unlawful behavior such as riding on grass through parks, preforming a pop-a-wheelie or not obeying local traffic laws. Discussions on enforcement and punishment are being discussed and could include required safety classes and fines.
No person who is under 15 years of age shall be permitted to operate a motorized bike or a low-speed electrical bicycle. Operators of both are required to register their vehicle, have insurance and have a license or permit and a helmet is required at all times during operation,
Low-Speed Electric Scooters must be set to a maximum speed of 19mph and riders under the age of 17 are required to wear a helmet when operating.
Council reports focused on events for the World Cup and Mental Health Awareness month. Ms. Viana spoke about the Township anticipating a $50,000 state grant to offset BH events for the World Cup but, as NJ Business Magazine (and other publications) have reported, BH did not receive one of the 34 grants dispersed.
The Council adjourned to Executive Session concluding the public portion of the meeting.
To get a detailed breakdown on the agenda see May 5 Berkeley Heights Council Agenda- Budget Caps, $2.3M Bond, Lower Columbia and New E-Bike Rules
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