New Year Brings New Faces to Bernardsville Council

Two new members of the Bernardsville Borough Council, Michael dePoortere and Jeff DeLeo, were sworn in at Wednesday's annual reorganization, changing the lineup of the governing body even if the council remains all-Republican.

The two, dePoortere and Jeff DeLeo, defeated incumbent Republicans John McCrossan and Charlotte Foster in last June's primary election.

"We have a lot of work to do this year," said Councilman Joe Rossi, who had supported the two challengers in the primary election.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lee Honecker in his New Year's speech referred to the ordeal that Hurricane Sandy had created in October into November by virtually cutting all power in Bernardsville and causing tree damage that blocked some residents in their homes.

Honecker thanked Police Chief Kevin Valentine, other police officers and other first responders, such as the volunteer firefighters and first aid squad, the staff at the Bernardsville Public Library and others for their dedication in dealing with the disaster. He noted the long hours that Janet Murnick and Cheryl Ferrante had put into running a shelter at Bernards High School that had become a regional shelter housing residents from all through Somerset County, and from other counties as well.

"Finally, thank you to our residents for your patience and realization that we were all in this together," Honecker said.

He began his New Year's address by saying that local officials had learned much about preparing and handling disasters from 2011, when Hurricane Irene and the October snowstorm also resulted in long power outages. Among the lessons learned was how to communicate directly with residents with updates, Honecker said.

"Be assured that we learned from this experience as well and will improve should the future need arise," Honecker said. However, he added, "Let's hope that it does not."

Part of the aftermath of Sandy has been the promised curbside collection of fallen trees and other vegetation damaged by the storm. Piles of logs and brush have been growing while the borough and contractor search for a location at which to stage the collection and chipping operation.

Rossi said after the meeting on Wednesday that the borough is hoping to have a location for the operation within the new couple of days.

Work to begin Monday on Mount Airy water main

Also after the meeting, Honecker noted that Mount Airy Road will soon be closed to all but local traffic when Somerset County begins its complete overhaul of that main roadway between Bernardsville and Basking Ridge. He said that work on a water main is scheduled to begin next Monday.

The mayor and other officials said the major renovation of the road also will include road reconstruction and replacement and moving of the retaining walls along the roadway. He said Wednesday he does not know how long the project will last.

Honecker said detours will be set up.