Somerset County

The Somerset County EV Study outlines the county's strategy to facilitate the transition to Electric Vehicles. Key initiatives include developing a roadmap for county fleet conversion, identifying and evaluating secondary EV charging corridors, and establishing public charging locations on county-owned sites. The study incorporates feedback from public meetings, surveys, and focus groups to inform recommendations for infrastructure development and addressing user needs.

The meeting included informational updates from the SADC regarding finalized Soil and Water Rules and increased interest in farmland preservation statewide. Updates were also provided on upcoming agricultural events. Discussion and action items focused on several farm matters: Axcel Farm, Naturally Nurturing, RTF Howard Farm, and Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm, all scheduled for further discussion in closed session. The Board reviewed and adopted a new GIS monitoring application for site visits, established the 2026 meeting dates and committee assignments. Following closed session, actions included issuing violation letters to Axcel Farm landowners regarding roadway stabilization, to Mueller regarding unapproved materials on site, and to Howard Farm regarding commercial vehicles on preserved ground. A letter was also sent to Hillsborough Township and the landowner of 840 Amwell Road confirming compliance with local zoning.

The meeting included the presentation of a resolution of appreciation to a past Board Member. Informational items covered an offer from the SADC to present at future meetings, with the Board suggesting a discussion on the new Formula Value process, and an update on the upcoming state board Agrotourism grant. Committee assignments and the 2026 Board Roster review were also addressed. Action items included scheduling site visits for Axcel Farm and Naturally Nurturing to review cleanup processes and onsite practices, respectively, both to be discussed further in closed session. The Board approved the Commercial Farm Certification for Kafka Farms. Additionally, the Board voted to send a follow-up letter regarding site clean-up progress for a specific entity and unanimously approved sending a Notice of Violation to Los Amigos Ranch concerning unapproved structures and food trucks onsite.

Key discussions focused heavily on the Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary preparations. Staff reported on developing a special 250th website, event calendar, and tourism guide, as well as the planned 'Hues of History' art project and the 'History on the Green' event scheduled for July. Progress on the Somerset County Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping for historic sites and the Lord Stirling Manor Archeology Project were also reviewed. The Commission finalized the 2026 meeting dates and preliminary committee assignments. Commissioners discussed incorporating narratives of native populations and enslaved persons into the 250th celebrations, referencing specific speakers and resources addressing this theme. Additionally, updates were provided on the Docent Training Program, library partnerships for history programs, and details regarding upcoming events like the Middlebrook Symposium and the Five Generals Bus Tour.

The meeting included public comment regarding concerns at 840 Amwell Road, specifically citing excessive traffic, noise, dust, and light disturbance from Airbnb activity and gatherings, inconsistent with agricultural use. Informational updates covered the finalization of State Agriculture Development Committee Soil and Water Rules, the resumption of farmland closings, significant statewide interest in farmland preservation, and upcoming agricultural events. Staff also provided updates on committee sign-ups, the return of an administrative assistant, and the Chair's progress in rehabilitation. Discussion items, deferred to closed session, involved Axcel Farm, Naturally Nurturing, Mueller Farm, RTF Howard Farm, and 840 Amwell Road. Following closed session, the Board authorized sending violation letters concerning roadway stabilization at Axcel Farm, millings and site pad revisions at Mueller Farm, and commercial vehicles on preserved ground at Howard Farm. A letter was sent to Hillsborough Township and the landowner of 840 Amwell Road, concluding that the farm was in compliance with local zoning and no agricultural violations were found.