Volume X| June 3, 2020
A Message from Acting Police Chief Paul Payne
Dear Resident,

Over the past few weeks, we as a community, state, and country have seen the shocking video of a Minneapolis Police officer's actions surrounding the tragic death of George Floyd. In my 23 years in law enforcement, I have seen the constant evolution in the profession. As leaders in the organization, it our responsibility to make positive changes, to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community we swore to protect. This incident has set us back, which upsets all of us in the law enforcement community. I cannot condone this officer's actions or the other officers who allowed this to occur, as we all have a duty to act when other officer's actions are not acceptable. 

I want to reassure the Bridgewater community that our Supervisors and Officers are professionals. I know that these Supervisors and Officers have the ability and the integrity to handle any situation both as trained professionals and human beings.  Bridgewater Police Officers will continue to be effective leaders in the community and rise to the standards you expect from us.   

Bridgewater Police Department is always striving to improve law enforcement training for all personnel in the agency, hold officers accountable for their actions, and be transparent with the public. Those are the promises we make to you.

We all need to come together to make things better. This year has been tough on everyone. We at the Bridgewater Police Department share the same pain as our community and nation. We are here for our community and will be here to represent our township with pride and professionalism.  

Sincerely,
 
Paul Payne
Acting Chief, Bridgewater Township Police Department
 
*Mayor Matthew Moench, the Township Council and the Township Administration share the sentiments of Acting Chief Payne. We have confidence in our community and our Police Department that we will move forward in a constructive and meaningful way. 
BRIDGEWATER VETERAN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
We are very proud to invite our active and retired military personnel and families to participate in the Bridgewater Veterans Advisory Committee (BVAC).

The purpose of BVAC is two-fold: 1) to assist and serve military personnel and families in Bridgewater, and 2) to provide them an opportunity for those same personnel to contribute to our community as only they can.

You’re going to hear quite a bit about this committee as we move forward, but right now, our first step is to start networking. So, we’re going to ask you for your help:

If you have served or are serving, please click the button below, and complete our form.

If you know somebody who has served or is serving, please send them this information.

We want to connect with as many active and retired military personnel in Bridgewater as we can, so we can build a network of support and service that is a credit to our town and our country. Look out for more info in the weeks to come.

If you have questions, comments or suggestions for BVAC, please e-mail them OCR@BridgewaterNJ.gov. Scott Maraldo, the Director of OCR, is going to serve as the BVAC Township Liaison.
New COVID-19 FAQ's From Our Public Health Professionals

Please see below for two frequently asked question documents prepared by our public health professionals. They address questions regarding Long Term Care facilities and information on re-inflection.
Long Term Care FAQ
Reinfection FAQ
Join Township Deputy Administrator Wells Winegar for a conversation with Councilman Michael Kirsh. Find out what’s going on with the 2020 Census, why it is important to Bridgewater residents, and how to fill it out online so together, we can make sure that #BridgewaterCounts. For additional 2020 Census information please click here .
ICYMI: BRIDGEWATER'S MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE
Because we could not gather together as a community on Memorial Day, Bridgewater Township was proud to provide this video to our residents, featuring footage and interviews from several different scaled-down Memorial Day ceremonies that have happened over Memorial Day weekend. We thank you for your understanding, and we hope you find the video a fitting tribute to those Americans who have fallen in service to our great nation.

Ceremony footage includes:
American Legion Post 327 - Ardmaer Park, Bradley Gardens

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6588, Chimney Rock Park

Mayor Matthew Moench and Township Council Members with Bridgewater PD Honor Guard, Bridgewater Municipal Complex
In order to practice safe social distancing due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the June 4th Bridgewater Township Council Meeting will be held digitally at 7:30PM, and will be accessible to the public for online viewing. 

Please click the button below  to access Dropbox link which includes the agenda and the draft language for each item.
If you would like to provide comments for the public portion of the meeting,  please click the button below  to fill out an online form. Your comments will be accepted up until the moment that the council President opens for public comment. The Council President will read all of the public comments into the record during the meeting. There will also be an opportunity to provide written comment during the meeting.
Below are the instructions for getting access to the June 4th Bridgewater Township Council Meeting:
 Event: Bridgewater Township Council Meeting
Date/Time: 7:30PM on Thursday, June 4, 2020
Location: Remote online/telephone for the public

Please click the link below to join the Council Meeting:
* Download  may be required

Or iPhone one-tap :
   US: +1(650)2424929,,1492423599# 
          
Or Telephone:   
   US: +1(650)2424929
         
    Webinar ID:  149 242 3599


Please be advised that the Council will be conducting regular scheduled business. 

If you have questions, comments, concerns or requests related to COVID-19 which fall within the scope of the Bridgewater Township government, please e-mail  Coronavirus@Bridgewaternj.gov.
 
Bridgewater Township, as with most of America, is navigating uncharted territory. We are taking every possible measure to ensure that we remain an open, transparent and effective government for our residents during this difficult time. We appreciate your patience as we work to deliver the quality of service that you expect and deserve. Thank you.
SMALL BUSINESS QUESTIONNAIRE
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In a effort to help small businesses that are struggling through this COVID-19 crisis, Bridgewater Township is attempting to aggregate information on businesses that are still open so that residents can patronize these institutions during this difficult time.

If you are a small business owner and are still open, please click the button below and fill out the online form.
If you are a consumer and would like to see the results of the questionnaire, please click below to see a lost of the businesses that have filled it out with their information.

If you know a small business owner, please forward them this email so that they have the opportunity to be included.
*Please note that the business listed here are those who responded to Bridgewater Townships online form. If you are a small business owner and are still open, please click below and fill out the online form. We will aggregate the responses and post them on a daily basis.
HEALTH

The Health Department continues to work with health officials to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, and to keep the public as informed as possible. At this time we will respond to any complaints filed in our office, but we have postponed routine inspections until we can ensure the safety of our residents, businesses, and Township employees. If you encounter an issue that requires immediate attention, you can still reach us by phone or email. Please click the button below for contact information.                                            
 

CLERK

The Township Clerk’s Office is up and running.  We are here to assist with the majority of our daily functions via mail, email or fax.  The building is closed to the public however, we are currently making appointments for those who need specific services.    We are here assisting the governing body with upcoming meetings (via broadcast), available for licensing including but not limited to dogs, cats, raffles, bingo and other games of chance and other duties as imposed by statute, regulation or municipal ordinance. 
 
2020-2021 Cat Licenses are renewed annually during the month of June.
 
Mail–In payment or Drop off payment with a self addressed stamped envelope at the Municipal Building vestibule and place in the Clerk Office box to be processed and returned.
 
Cost: $5.00 Spayed/Neutered; $8.00 if NOT Spayed/Neutered
New cat application forms can be found at  http://www.bridgewaternj.gov/twpclerk.html
 
Rabies must be good for the licensing period which means thru April, 2021 for renewal. Proof of current rabies vaccinations must be provided. Proof of spaying/neutering is required unless previously provided.
 
Rabies is a serious concern of Township Officials. By licensing, we know your pet has been properly vaccinated.  Should you no longer have your cat please note on the reminder card and return to Bridgewater Township Clerk Office at 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, so notices to renew do not continue.
   
For Registrar/Vital Records and Statistics, please see the information below for Marriage or Civil Union applications.
 
 
Although we are not currently open to the public certified copies of birth, marriage and death certificate requests may be processed.
 
Election News:
 
Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 144 ordering the July 7 Primary Election be conducted primarily by vote-by-mail ballots with at least one polling location open in each municipality.

Vote-by-mail ballots will automatically be sent to all “active” registered Democratic and Republican votes without applying for the vote-by-mail ballots. Vote-by-mail applications will automatically be sent to all “active” voters who are registered as Unaffiliated and all “inactive” registered Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated voters. All vote-by-mail applications and return envelopes will have prepaid postage. 

The order also suspends the requirement that vote-by-mail ballots be counted prior to the closing of polls. Instead ballots may continue to be counted beyond the close of polls and continue until the counting is completed. To be considered valid the vote-by-mail ballot must be postmarked on or before July 7, 2020 and received by 8:00 p.m. on July 14, 2020. Please note vote by mail ballots may not be returned to the polling location.

The order also suspends the requirement to mail sample ballots. Instead the appropriate county official will send a notice of the voter’s polling place, information on where to obtain a sample ballot prior the election, a statement indicating that a sample ballot will be available at the polling place on the day of the election, and, if applicable, information on a county website where a sample ballot may be viewed.


MUNICIPAL SERVICES

The Yard Waste and Senior Brush Pick-up services are continuing as scheduled and as man power will allow. There may be changes forthcoming and we will update residents when appropriate.

There are currently no Bulky Trash days scheduled. We will update when we can hold these events safely.

Somerset County is holding an E-waste and household hazardous waste drop event on June 6th in Bridgewater. Please click the link for additonal details. https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/Home/Components/News/News/3814/17?backlist=%2fgovernment%2fpublic-works%2frecycling

Governor Murphy has reopened the State and County Park systems and our trails and parks systems remain open for exercise but social distancing still needs to be practiced. Several amenities in the parks have been temporarily closed off to encourage this practice. We will continue to assess the viability of keeping our parks open but for now, please enjoy them safely.
 
Engineering, Code Enforcement, Planning, DPW and Zoning offices are available by phone and email. Please click the button below for contact information.


POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Police have seen an uptick in scams targeting the elderly and families. Acting Chief Paul Payne has provided the following links so residents can be informed.




To protect the officers and personnel of the Bridgewater Police Department, as well as the community from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we will be implementing a reporting process that allows an officer to contact you by phone after the incident has been reported to Somerset County Communications. Officers will contact you at the number provided to dispatch for crimes/incidents such as Harassment (Phone Calls and non-Domestic Violence), Hit and Run Accidents, Fraud and Financial Crimes, Identity Theft, Thefts, Lost Property, Criminal Mischief, Property Damage, and Threats. Please note that telephone reports are intended for offenses that do not require a police response due to violence or the need to collect evidence. The officer will confirm with the complainant that:

• This is not an emergency.
• The complainant knows that filing a false police report is a crime.
• The incident occurred within the Bridgewater Township limits.
• The complainant understands that the Bridgewater Township Police Department will review this case and may contact them if further information is needed.

After the Report is taken:

• When finished with the call, the officer will give the complainant a case number to reference at a later date and time.
• If documents are needed, such as written statements, have the complainant fax or email them to you, have the complainant bring them to the police department, or lastly, meet the complainant outside in the open.

Please note that telephone reports are intended for offenses that do not require a police response due to violence or the need to collect evidence.

This process allows the public to report crimes in which the complainant does not have access to a computer to utilize the self-reporting system located on our website.

Bridgewater Police Department Records is open. We strongly encourage the public to call ahead to schedule a pick-up for reports. Reports can also be emailed to you by submitting your request to records@bridgewaterpd.com . This method provides you and the records staff with excellent social distancing practices. Make sure you have the case number and your contact information in case we need to notify you regarding the report. If you have any questions, please call our Records Bureau at 908-725-4044 or email them to records@bridgewaterpd.com

Motor Vehicle Crash Reports can be accessed on our web page at bridgewaterpd.com and clicking on the LexisNexis Crash Reports tab located on the left side of the homepage. Follow the prompts on the LexisNexis page to access your report. 

Finger Printing will still be done by appointment only. Notify Robert Hanlon at rhanlon@bridgewaterpd.com .   

We will do our best to assist the public in any way we can. However we need the community to follow the recommendations of the CDC and limited their exposure risks.


RECREATION

Bridgewater Recreation is currently exploring options for summer programs. Any updates, program cancellations, and new programs will be posted on our website https://brd.leagueapps.com .  As always, we are available via email at  recreation@bridgewaternj.gov and by phone (908) 725-6373.

Check out our puzzles, cryptograms and other fun activities on Twitter @BridgewaterRec and be sure to visit the Bridgewater Township Facebook page for news and videos.

Continue to stay well, be active, and stay positive. 



FINANCE

The Finance Department is continuing its full operation.  Residents can submit tax and sewer payments online with the ACH fees waived.

Pay online:

TAX BILL PAYMENT:

SEWER BILL PAYMENT:

Payments can also be mailed either to the Township Lock box in Newark or to the municipal building.

Bridgewater Tax Collector
P.O. Box 24005
Newark, NJ 07101-0406

or

Bridgewater Township
c/o Tax Collector
100 Commons Way
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Taxes can also be dropped off at the building. There is a mail slot marked "Recreation" at the far employee entrance on the Garretson Road side of the building. There are 3 reserved parking spaces for residents for this purpose.

Sewer payments are still due June 1, 2020 and have a 10 day grace period.

To reach Township Finance, Tax Collector or Tax Assessor offices you may send them an email. Please click the button below for contact information. 
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The COVID-19 prevention guidelines for Bridgewater residents can help you stay healthy:

  • Stay at home (unless obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities.)
  • Avoid close contact with people outside your household (within 6 feet).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If they are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, switches, cabinet handles, remotes, tables, counters, sinks, toilets, etc.
 
What should I do if I am sick?

  • Stay home. Avoid close contact with other people (within 6 feet), including family members.
  • Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue or your sleeve, not your hands.
  • Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you have trouble breathing.
 
After I get sick, how do I know that I'm recovered?

  • You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (without using fever-reducing medication)
  • AND
  • your other symptoms have improved (for example, your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
  • AND
  • at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
 
Visit  https://covid19.nj.gov/   or  https://www.coronavirus.gov/   for more information.


Healthcare Workers: For working around the clock and facing this pandemic so bravely on the front lines.

Emergency Responders: For serving our community so bravely especially in these times of uncertainty. Putting yourselves in harms way every single day to ensure that we can stay safe and healthy.

Teachers: For adapting so quickly to this crisis and making sure that our children are still getting the education that they need.

Our Residents: For staying calm and patient in this trying time, following the guidelines set out by the Country's public heath authority and for helping your your neighbors in every way that you can.

This is not the new normal...we WILL be back!
What other information would you like to see? Please click the link below and give us feedback on items that you think should be included.
Matthew C. Moench, Mayor
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