Departments & Services

Municipal Clerk

• Perform the core duties of the Municipal Clerk as defined in N.J.S.A. 40A:9-133, while at all times working in the present, thinking in the future, maintaining high ethical standards and remaining impartial and apolitical in dealing with public officials and citizens.
• Act as the secretary to the municipal corporation and custodian of the municipal seal and of all minutes, books, deeds, bonds, contracts, and archival records of the municipal corporation.
• Act as secretary to the governing body, prepare meeting agendas at the discretion of the governing body, be present at all meetings of the governing body, keep a journal of proceedings of every meeting, retain the original copies of all ordinances and resolutions, and record the minutes of every meeting.
• Serve as the chief administrative officer in all elections held in the municipality, subject to the requirements of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes.
• Serve as the chief registrar of voters in the municipality, subject to the requirements of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes.
• Serve as the administrative officer responsible for the acceptance of applications for licenses and permits and the issuance of licenses and permits, except where statute or municipal ordinance has delegated that responsibility to some other municipal officer.
• Serve as coordinator and records manager responsible for implementing local archives and records retention programs as mandated pursuant to Title 47 of the Revised Statutes.
• Perform such other duties as are now or hereafter imposed by statute, regulation or by municipal ordinance or regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q:How can I contact the Township Committee?
• A:The best way to contact the Township Committee is by e-mailing them at townshipcommittee@bernards.org.
• Q:I can't always attend Township Committee meetings. How can I keep abreast of what is going on?
• A:Township Committee meetings are broadcast live on Channel 15, and also video-streamed live over the township website. After a meeting, video clip links will be integrated to the related township committee agenda on the website.
• Q:My neighborhood wants to have a block party, is a permit required?
• A:Yes, to temporarily close a road for a block party, you need a permit issued by the Municipal Clerk and approved by the Township Committee. There is no charge for the permit but you must submit your application at least 5 weeks prior to the event.
• Q:My organization wants to have a fund raising raffle or 50/50, what do I need to do?
• A:You must apply to the NJ Legalized Games of Chance Control to obtain an ID number. After your ID number is issued, you need a license issued by the Municipal Clerk. Application fees vary. Submit your application at least 6 weeks prior to the event.
• Q:My organization is thinking of sponsoring a fund raising event such as a bike race, walk-a-thon, or parade, what do I need to do?
• A:Depending on the size, scope and location of your event, you may need a license for a Special Event Permit issued by the Municipal Clerk and approved by the Township Committee. Applicants must reimburse the township if township staff is required in connection with the event. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event.
• Q: What utility companies service Bernards Township and how do I contact them?
• A:Cable: Cablevision 732-356-1300
  Electric: JCP&L 800-545-7741
  Garbage:
     K.W.S. 908-903-9031
     Midco 800-273-7539
     Pinto Brothers - 908-561-8231
     Raritan Valley Disposal - 800-342-5783
  Gas:PSE&G - 800-436-7734
  Water: N.J. American Water Co. 800-652-6987
  Recycling: Somerset County 732-469-3363
• Q:Where can I find a notary?
• A:Notaries are on staff in the Municipal Clerk's Office during normal business hours 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Please bring two forms of ID.
• Q:How do I obtain a parking decal for the township's commuter parking lots at the Lyons Train Station (off Thomson Way behind the Lyons Shopping Mall), the Basking Ridge Train Station and the Stonehouse Road Bus Lot?
• A:Annual decals are sold in the Municipal Clerk's Office.
• Q:Do I need a decal to park in the NJ Transit's commuter parking lot at Lyons (Cross Road)?
• A:There are a limited number of daily spaces available for which no decal is required. You deposit your daily payment into a drop box on the site. You can also obtain a decal for more frequent use by contacting Park America who maintains the lot (800-523-1026).
• Q:I recently moved to Bernards Township, do I need to re-register to vote?
• A:If you moved from another county or state you must re-register. If you moved within the county or have had a name change, you must change your address and name. Please visit our website at www.bernards.org to download the form, or call us at (908) 204-3002.

Important Links

Departmental Contacts

Thank you for visiting our website. Please contact us whenever an issue is important to you. The Township Committee and Administrator depend on your thoughts and comments, to ensure that at all times our service offerings are community driven.