Maybe >> maybe Hello. No. >> Okay, we're good. Okay, great. Everyone ready? >> Yeah. Good. >> Okay, let's go. >> Okay. >> Good evening. This is Wednesday, October
22nd, the regular council meeting, and we are adjourned. I mean, we're not adjourned. In fact, I wish we are we are in session at 7:09 p.m. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance.
I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Madam clerk, could you read could you
call the role? Council member Brusher >> here. >> Council member Coyle >> here. >> Council member Harris here. >> Council member Patel >> here. >> Council member Patiel >> here. >> Council member Pointer. Council member >> here. >> Madam Cler, could you read adequate notice?
>> Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the open public meeting act of 1975 has been provided by the annual notice sent to the home news tribune, Star Ledger, Desi Talk and News India Times on November 18th, 2024 and post main lobby municipal complex on that same date.
>> Thank you very much. Uh council president remarks. A couple of things that have come to my attention. There will be a presentation on the lost history of Lincoln Highway in New York and New Jersey. It's a virtual journey from Times Square to the Delaware River. Uh this is going to be Sunday, October
26th at the Masonic Lodge at 483 Middle Sex Avenue. Presentation begins at 300 p.m. to be followed by refreshments. Uh come for the presentation, stay for the refreshments. And then um also there is going to be a presentation by Dr. Ingga
Aourbacher, Memories of a Child, Survivor of the Holocaust on Tuesday, November 4th from 2 to 3:00 p.m. Book signing to follow the event that will be held at um
Huh. Where is Lom Lumia Amphitheater? Is that Middle Sex College possibly? Oh, yes, it is at Middle Sex College. Okay, let's let's start that again. Tuesday, November 4th, 2 to 3:15 p.m. at the Loma
Amphitheater, LH205. Uh, Middle Sex College, Dr. Eningga Hourbacher, Memories of a Child Survivor of the Holocaust. And that concludes my president's remarks. Uh, we move to approval of the minutes.
Um, I think we have a couple of abstensions here. Correct. >> Yes. Uh, Councilman Brusher, Patil, and we're not at that meeting. >> Okay. All right. Can I get a motion? >> Can I get a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you very much. Uh, new business
proposed ordinance is public hearing set down for Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. Uh, clerk, may you read the ordinance? >> Ordinance amends the public speaking time to six minutes during the public comments portion of the public meetings. >> Thank you very much. Um, can I get a
motion to introduce council person? >> Yes. I move this ordinance be passed on first reading published according to the law for further consideration and public hearing sit down for November 12, 2025. >> Thank you very much. Can I get a second? >> I'll second that. >> Thank you very much. Uh council
comments, >> council president. >> Yes. >> Uh I'll keep my remarks brief. Um I will not be supporting the six minutes. I have said in other conversations amongst council members if it were five I would support
that. What's before us is six. Thank you. >> Okay. Any other council comments? >> Council president. >> Yes. >> Um considering this is an election year and we're probably going to have three new members on this council. I would suggest to defer this um this ordinance.
And as such, I'm I'm going to uh to vote no on introducing it tonight. Anyone else? Um, >> you know, council president, uh, you know, for me it doesn't matter whether it's three minutes or four minutes or six or or 10 because we don't have that
many people. Um, the only time our meetings extend out is is when we have controversial, you know, issues that I see and and that we should listen to the public, you know, whether if there's 100 people here, whatever it is. I mean, I think at that time it would be nice if
there was a way and maybe council president could do it um change the speaking time when when there's quite a few people here. Um I think the board of ed does something um to that effect, but you know, if if we wanted to amend it to
do five, I'm willing to do five also. Um, you know, it's up to the rest of the body, but um I just like I said, you know, I I don't know legally if you could change it if we had like 200 people.
>> Unfortunately, no. Because it's set by ordinance, the council must abide by the ordinance that it adopts. >> Okay. Yeah. I I don't know what the board of ed does, but I I know they had a couple big things that happened over time. Um but yeah, I I wouldn't mind
amending it. I'd support it at six minutes. Um either way, I'm good for this. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Council represent. >> Yes, >> I will definitely support this ordinance because prior I have taken the uh the position that let people speak whether
it is 6 minutes, 8 minutes, it doesn't bother me uh because we do take our time for our own due diligence. So I'm open for uh the option. However, I do agree my council colleague, we will have a new members next year. I would have personally preferred this to be moved to
next year. However, I respect your judgment, your position. So, the respect to the chair and that's the reason I'm supporting this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Okay. For myself, an interesting thing happened to me a
few weeks ago. One of our councilmen approached me and asked if I'd be willing to postpone the ordinances about restoring the six minutes and rebuttal until after the election. I asked him if by doing so he would ultimately vote to approve the ordinances to which he said no. I then stated that under those
circumstances there would be no point in my postponing this vote. Then I asked him if he'd be at least give me the courtesy to of voting to introduce the ordinances to which he once again replied no. The councilman proceeded to declare that he believes that the four minutes is working just fine and that he'd be willing to bet me that if he
walked doortodoor with me in my district to poll the residents as to whether or not they have any issues with the four minutes, 95% of them would say no. When I pointed out that the people who are affected by the four minutes are those who actually take time out of their schedules to attend our council
meetings, he scoffed and said, "You mean the same 14 people who always come?" Yes, councilman. That's exactly who I mean. Ladies and gentlemen, the above conversation would be laughable if it wasn't so absurd. In the first place, I truly wonder how dumb this councilman
thinks I am. His argument about 95% of the residents not caring about restoring the six minutes is a classic red herring argument. A red herring argument is defined as a misleading or distracting piece of information, a false clue, or an irrelevant topic that is intended to
divert attention away from the main subject or the actual problem at hand. In fact, the percentage of people who live in Edison who don't attend council meetings is probably greater than 95%. But that's not the point, is it? It's precisely about those 14 people who always come, as well as those regular
stalwarts who are no longer coming because of their disgust over having had their time taken away. Not to mention the issues with decorum that we were having last year. Well, we're no longer having those issues with decorum. And it's not because of the four minutes. It's because I've made it very clear what the rules of decorum are. And in
fact, no one has been removed from a council meeting on my watch. I have said from day one that it's not about the number of minutes, it's about the way those minutes are managed. But because of the actions of a few, the many have been punished. In addition, the four council members who voted to reduce the
speaking time, eliminate the rebuttal, and change the decorum rules, which infamously became known as the flag ban, would not even show me the respect or courtesy of granting my request to move the vote to approve those ordinances until the meeting following the November 20 November 25th, 2024 meeting since I
was going to be away so that I could at least have a voice and a vote upon my return. No dice, they essentially said, but let me be clear. This is not so much about insulting my intelligence and disrespecting me as it is about blatantly insulting your intelligence and disrespecting you, the public. You,
the public, is who I and all my council colleagues were elected to serve. When I was on the school board, we often had meetings that went to 11 or midnight, and we weren't even paid, but it was our job to stay as long as it took to conduct business and answer questions
from the public. And by the way, the schoolboard meetings, and this is in response to you, Councilman Brcher, uh, at those meetings, the public is given six minutes to speak and a three-minute rebuttal. No issues have arisen. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm afraid you're about to be let down by this council once
again, unless we get a last minute pleasant surprise from any of the council members who pro who previously voted no. I'm not willing to compromise on the six minutes. I'm prepared to die on the six-minute hill if necessary, knowing that the next council will ultimately restore the six minutes. But
despite my pessimism, I will ask this council just this one last time, at the very least to approve both ordinances for introduction at tonight's meeting. Please, fellow council members, ask yourselves if continuing to deny our concerned and engaged residents the
restoration of their six minutes is the best way to serve and show respect for them. Do the right thing and vote to introduce these ordinances tonight. Thank you. >> All right. Um, and with that, we go to a roll call. >> Council member Brusher,
>> yes. >> Council member Coyle, >> no. >> Council member Patel, >> no. >> Council member Patiel, >> yes. >> Council member Pointer, >> no to introduction. >> Council member, >> no. >> Council President Harris, >> yes.
>> There we go. >> Failed. >> There you have it. Now we move >> introduction. >> We uh move to ordinance 2262. >> Ordinance amends rebuttal to the public speaking time during the public comments portion of the public meetings.
>> Okay. Um can I get a motion to introduce >> motion? Council person. >> Mhm. I move this ordinance be passed on first reading published according to law for further consideration and public hearing set down for November 12, 2025.
>> Can I get a second? >> I'll second that. >> Thank you very much. Um before we get to council comments, I'm wondering um attorney, can you explain what the parameters of the of this rebuttal is? What are the limitations? What is what
is this um this boils down to what can the public do? >> Okay. Certainly. Um the it is is my understanding that this ordinance will allow any member of the public to respond to the comments made
by other members of the public uh or members of council uh in opposition to what is pre what has been stated. So for instance, I'll try to give an example. if a member of the public got up um and spoke in favor of some particular piece
of legislation, but an individual from the public never had an opportunity to speak in opposition to that legislation, they would have the opportunity to get up for that purpose only. >> Question certainly. >> So, so if we have
>> 22 resolutions and somebody comes up and they speak about >> the first three >> Mhm. But then somebody else comes up and they say that they want to speak about well the the 20th one um somebody else can
get up and rebut them. >> They would have three minutes to say I I to rebut them by saying they speak in opposition to what they were in favor of or vice versa. Someone spoke in opposition they could get up only for the purpose of speaking in favor. >> That couldn't be made more in a way that
um Let me tell you a problem that I have w that I've seen here was a member of the public comes up, they speak, we give them an answer had nothing to do with really what their question was, you
know, and then they don't get to rebut, so they speak up from the their their seats and then we hit the gavl because technically they're out of order. Um, like I'd like to see that corrected with with this, but I don't know that I want
to see one resident say I rebut another resident. >> That's what they really it what it's a rebuttal is for the purpose of, for instance, a councilman, you hear from a a member of the public and they speak passionately about a specific ordinance. Someone in the audience says, "No, I want to I want the council to hear why
I'm I'm vehemently opposed to that particular piece of legislation, that ordinance." The the goal here is to make sure that someone who didn't get to speak on an item hears something in in public comment and wants to have an opportunity to speak in opposition so that you get a more a fuller picture.
That's the that's the idea behind it. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Uh council comments. >> Okay. Seeing none, let's go to the roll call. Council member Brusher. Uh, yes.
>> Council member Coyle, >> no. >> Council member Patel, >> no. >> Council member Patiel, >> yes. >> Council member Pointer, >> no to introduction. >> No. >> Mhm. >> Council member, >> no. >> Council President Harris, >> yes.
>> Okay. Motion failed. >> Yep. >> All right. We go to ordinance 2263. Madame Clerk, could you read the ordinance? An ordinance amending chapter 7 traffic of the township code to regulate certain electric scooters.
>> Motion to introduce >> one of clarification. >> Yes. >> Uh just confirming that this is in regards to the amended version that went out today and uh yeah just wanted to make sure that that was made
>> made known. Um, council president, I move this ordinance be passed on first reading published according to law for further consideration and public hearing set down for Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. >> Okay. Can I get a second? >> Second.
>> Much uh council comments, questions, >> council president. >> Yes. Uh first I'd like to thank the administration for uh discussing some of the concerns that I had not only on the operation items but the equipment uh
items as well as revising the violation and penalty fee that is on there. Some of just for the public's reference some of those items that were added on uh included that uh you can't do hitching while on the scooter i.e. grabbing another vehicle
and just going along. And if you've ever skateboarded or rollerbladed before, it is actually a thing. Um, if you're operating a a scooter, you have to have both hands essentially on on the handles to make sure that you maintain control. If you're riding at nighttime, having a
light on there just for visibility. Uh, making sure that there's a kickstand equipped just for storage. um having a bell for being able to pass people. And then on the violation aspect, uh a
warning on the this is for under 16 years old. A warning will first be issued. Second offense would be a warning andor a fine up to $100 to the parent and guardian. Third would be a $250 fine again to the parent. Uh and
fourth would be um increased fee from there. I appreciate the adjustment on that because look, kids do stuff like kids make mistakes. So like have penalizing a parent for a potential misunderstanding or potential mistake
from a youth I wasn't in agreement with. So I appreciate the administration and legal for discussing with me to try to iron that out. I'm hoping council is in agreement with those amendments and I hope for your support. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you very much. Anyone else?
Council President. >> Yes. >> You know, I just want have one question. Um and and I don't I'm going to support this either way right now, but this just occurred to me when when you were just speaking, Councilman. um
when a child would get a a warning. Um is is he going to get it or are they going to give it to his parents so that we know that they could take the appropriate um response that they would need as a parent, not that they end up
getting a ticket one day and they go, "We were never told." Um item one under section B says upon a first offense the parent or legal guardian of any person under 16 who operates in violation or otherwise fails
to comply uh shall receive a written warning. So the parent in the guardian should be receiving that that warning to notify them of the >> All right. That's perfectation. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Council President. >> Yes. Does this allow scooters to be
ridden on electric like bike bike bike lanes >> question? Um I would have to defer to the police on that. I that is not a question that's been raised. I do not have an answer for you specifically on that. Um I have
concerns about it. Um, but I would want to confer with the police department about specifically about bike paths and whether it would be permissible. >> I would like I know it's not I mean I would prefer bikes to be on bike lanes, but I would prefer if someone doesn't have a bike
and they have a scooter to commute that could be a kid or could be an adult uh that they do have the option to commute using the bike lanes. >> Understand? My inclination is to say that it is not permissible. Um but I would want to confirm with the police department. I'm okay with introduction, but I will like to an answer.
>> Absolutely. We'll get you an answer on that. Yeah, I think >> Did you want to weigh in or No, >> I'm sorry. I think the business >> I think what we were trying to address is really the immediiacy of again the safety concerns we've had. Um, we can certainly then bring it up to the chief because we have not addressed ebikes
necessarily in this ordinance and that's something that we can discuss later on and then kind of put the two together, but at this point we felt there was an immediate need to put something before the council. I just I'm afraid that you know we're not going to re revisit this for a while
and we're kind of going to forget about this but there is a pos possibility that that we are became becoming too restrictive on this aspect and disallowing u micromobility which might be in the future a possible avenue that a lot of
people are going to use uh simply because of the fact that cars are getting too expensive and you know it's not technically >> and as you know we're introducing our light transit system and So, that's one thing we're going to try to really move forward, especially here. >> But, >> can we have that uh plan that you have
discussed with the chief maybe implement with this one or have something for me to look at before the next meeting? >> We're we're still working on it because there's grant funding tied to it. So, we we're getting some approvals done. So, but you'll have something um we'll we
can discuss you exactly what our plans are for the light transit. What we're trying to identify is routes. >> Okay. So, it's it's still being discussed, but we can share some of that information with you with >> that. Sounds good. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Anyone else? >> Council President.
>> Yes. Um, I recognize that there's a public safety issue with scooters. However, I am not prepared today to introduce this. However, on a different day, perhaps the next meeting, I certainly would support it after going through this uh carefully uh with the
chief and other members of the council. Um, so I'm just not supporting it today for the induction, but on another day I will. If our council does support this today, I will also support as well uh for the ordinance itself. Thank you.
>> Okay. Anyone else? Uh, for myself, I just want to thank council vice president for going over this with such a fine tooth comb. I think these are good additions and amendments to make and I'm fully supporting it. So, thank you, council vice president. Uh, with
that we can go to the roll call. >> Council member Brasher, >> yes. >> Council member Coyle, >> no. >> Council member Patel, >> yes. >> Council member Patiel, >> yes. >> Council member Pointer, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Harris, >> yes.
>> Okay. Um, public comment on the resolutions. Just on the resolutions only. Anyone want? Yes. Joel? Paul Bassoff, Beach Lane. Uh, I have a question about resolution 561, report of
dispersements, and a question about 583, the lease agreement for the police substation. Uh, my question about the report of dispersements is where on that report would we see um the the cost overruns for the sports center uh in
Papani Park? And if it's not there, where where would we see those cost overruns? And my question on the lease agreement is, is there a cost to the township for the lease for the police substation at
Menlo Park Mall? >> Okay. Um cost overruns question with regard to the dispersements with the sports center. So, anything related to the sports center, you're probably going to see under capital. Um, that said, you can certainly go into the section uh
provided there, capital, um, we can certainly turn to that page and we can go over exactly what's dissected through there if that hasn't been done already. But that that's usually where it happens is through capital funding. >> Um, the second question with regard to
the um, Menllo substation, so it is a dollar lease. It's a dollar And so do you have the direct to direct to me sir? Okay that's okay. >> Could you find out if um the administration can provide that number from the the capital account? What to
date have been the cost overruns for the Jets Sports Center? >> Okay. Uh can we get that information? >> So it I just want to be clear. Uh what I can send to you is the latest the last change order that we provided to
council. um of what the costings have been thus far. So it was about 11.7 was I think the one of the last change orders we did Lena or about about 12. >> Well 12 12 point it may have
overextended but um I can send that to you. >> Okay. >> All right. >> If I heard it correctly said the change orders to date have been about $12 million. >> No sir. No that's not what I said. So the accumulation of the project has been
about 12.5. >> So you're you're looking for what the actual cost overrun is on that? >> Well, uh total cost and how much of that is uh change orders overruns? >> Do we know the ch the amount so far of change orders?
>> I want to say it's about 800,000. So that was about eight or nine% of uh the overall costing of the project. >> Okay. >> Overall over $12 million.5, sir. >> Mhm.
>> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else on the resolutions? Okay. Um what's it? Oh. Oh, sorry. Oh, Octar, welcome back. Thank you, Dr. Nasser, Pleasant Avenue.
Um, so I'm not I didn't get a chance to really look at the resolutions. I was focused more on uh what didn't happen at the beginning, but um my question is about um the resolutions 561, 62, 63, 64, and 65. And it's just a question is if there was
>> there's there are refunds that are being given. Was there some kind of a glitch in the system or what happened? waiting for. Okay. >> Yes. Um we have we may have refunds to
do for the credit card system that we have some problem uh with them in the last month starting September the 13. >> Has that issue been resolved? Is it going to happen again to the residents? Well, uh we are trying to resolve their
contract finished on November the 19. We are trying to see how we are going to move forward with them or without them. So, um but there are still some issues with the recreation department. >> And who identified this? I mean, it's great that these refunds are coming out
there and people are going to get their money back, but I just want to make sure that people aren't going to have issues going forward. >> Uh no, but what happens sort of when the accounts are reconciled too? This isn't just a glitch in it's not necessarily a glitch in the system. When the accounts are reconciled, um there there may be
some refunds. So that's what happens. We go about just every other council meeting to the council to get refunds. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else resolutions? Okay. Motion to close public portion. >> Motion to close the public portion.
>> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. Um All right. We go to the consent agenda uh and or we go to the proposed resolution. Anything to be pulled for a separate vote?
>> President. >> Yes. >> 582. >> 582. [Music] Okay. All right. Uh anyone else to pull besides 582? >> 583. >> I'm sorry, which one? >> 583.
>> Three. Okay. 583. Okay. Anything else? >> Councilman 584. >> 584. Is that what you said? I'm sorry. Councilman Patial. Okay. All right. >> So, we have uh that's who >> pulled 584.
>> Uh Councilman Patiel. Okay. All right. So, we have right now pulled 582, 583, 584. So, right now we are looking to approve 561 through 581.
Um, can I get a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. Second. >> All right. And can we get a roll call? >> Council member Brusher. >> Yes. >> Council member Coyle. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Patiel. >> Yes. >> Council member Pointer. >> Yes.
>> Council member? >> Yes. >> Council President Harris? >> Yes. >> Okay. Councilman Coyle number 582. >> Just one question. Administration. Is Fletcher Kramer a part of this emergency contract? >> Oh my god. It's right there. No, >> they're one of them. >> I just want to make sure. Okay,
>> there's a total of three. >> I will be voting to support this. I just wanted to call out I was not happy with Fletcher Kramer in the last emergency we had offage avenue and I was there on scene for about 3 days and I just was not happy with how they approached that.
I think our sewer department did a great job being there for that, but I just I wasn't happy with their experience and what they did and I hope uh it doesn't happen again. That's it. Thank you, Council President. >> I'm going, if it's okay with everyone, I'm going to bundle 582, 583, and 584.
It just makes sense that way. Uh 583. >> Yes. I wanted to find out how much are we going to be paying Menlo Park Mall for this >> lease. Zero. >> You just said this. >> Zero. >> Is zero. >> Yes. And then it's just a it's noted as a dollar, but it's essentially zero.
>> And how long do we have the lease for? >> Five years. >> Nice. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Uh and finally 584. >> Thank you council president. I just pulled this uh resolution to again remind everyone October 25th is the big
celebration Diwali celebration. So thank you this council. Thank you administration for having this firework year over year. This is the fourth year will be the we'll see thousands of residents enjoying this festive season. So please come out. >> Thank you. >> Thank you >> council president. Yes. I would also
like to wish everybody happy Diwali and happy new year to those who celebrate and please be mindful of your neighbors. Uh you know if they're sleeping I wouldn't want them to do fireworks that late at night. Thank you. >> You okay? All right. Can I get a motion to approve 582 583 and 584?
>> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> All in favor? Oh, I'm sorry. Roll call, please. >> Council member Brusher. >> Yes. >> Council member Coyle. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Patiel? >> Yes. >> Council member Pointer? >> Yes. Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Harris,
>> yes. >> Okay. Uh, we move to oral petitions and remarks. >> Joel, I got nothing to say. >> Joel Bassoff, Beach Lane. First of all, at a time when free speech
is under assault on a national level, it's >> speaking of the microphone, >> when when free speech is under assault at a national level, it it's very disappointing that this council didn't see fit to allow more free speech to
flourish in this council chamber. And thank you, council president, for pushing for the right of the public to speak fully. Um, and now I I have to issue a trigger warning because I do have a question about the affordable housing litigation. Um, so the
Department of Community Affairs um calculated that Edison has a fair share obligation of 727 new units. Uh, Edison made a calculation that our obligation should be 682 new new units. So now in January, Edison
could have filed its own numbers with the Department of Community Affairs. Uh Edison's calculation would have had a presumption of validity. Um also we would have had immunity from Bill's remedy lawsuits and if Edison's
number was challenged, it would have been resolved by an arbitrator through the Department of Community Affairs dispute resolution program. But uh Edison didn't follow that path. Um Edison filed an action in superior court for a declaratory judgment. Uh so now
Edison's embroiled in litigation against four different developers plus the Fair Share Housing Center plus the New Jersey Builders Association. And I I looked at the uh filings earlier today. So far the litigation has generated at least 27
motions, briefs, and legal memoranda. Uh the court has already ruled against Edison. Uh the judge issued an order accepting community affairs calculation of 727 units. Uh and the court order
said that Edison does not have immunity from builders remedy lawsuits um against from the the existing lawsuits. Uh so I know that um Edison has asked the court to reconsider that order. Uh but the
fact is the onus is now on Edison to convince the judge to change his mind. And since Edison could have avoided all this by utilizing DCA's dispute resolution program, uh my questions to the chair are number one, how much has
Edison spent on this litigation so far? Uh, and how do you answer members of the public who say that the administration chose litigation rather than dispute resolution because litigation results in more legal fees and it does open Edison
up to a builder's remedy lawsuit? And very simply, what's the advantage to Edison for taking the declaratory judgment route rather than going to the dispute resolution program? Uh, and if the honest answer is that Edison is
actually worse off having taken this route, um, can can we just admit it that the administration made an error in judgment and then just own up to it and move on from there? Questions? >> Uh, question having to do with how much
has been >> and um, if I can just add, it's not enough to say, well, the matter is still in litigation. We don't know what the judge is going to do. and uh in our judgment this was the better path. I've I've heard that but that doesn't answer the question as to how is Edison better
off for having followed this route. Thanks. >> All right. Uh the question about cost to the litigation on the litigation so far is that anything we were able to >> No, I have I have no idea. >> Yeah.
>> All right. Uh and what is the advantage to Edison? Well, uh, council president, the problem is Joel sets up takes his time to set up the question, but the premise is incorrect. So, I think in order to answer the question, I have to detail
all of the things that Joel said that are just not true. So, for instance, Joel just said that the um that the judge ruled that the DCA number of 727 units was was upheld. That's partly true
but not completely true. What the judge said was that the number is 727 but we can take a vacant land adjustment. Okay. So what is a vacant land adjustment? The vacant land adjustment takes into account what is developable within the within the boundaries of Edison and the
number will reduce dramatically even below the number that we had previously suggested to um uh through our through our planners as a number that we would that we found to be more reasonable. So look, saying the number in and of itself
is 727 is inaccurate because that does not take into account the vacant land adjustment. That number has not yet been calculated as we just received the order a number of hours ago. Um there's also in the premise in the question that we are now susceptible to builder's remedy
lawsuits. That is that is completely incorrect. We are not susceptible to builder's remedy lawsuits. There are four developers who have entered into the litigation. Those four individuals have asserted that they are part of a plan that they must be part of a plan.
We will have to negotiate with those four developers. But as to every other potential developer, our immunities are still in place. So that's the prem. So that is the the um the issue the statements that were made by Joel that are just not correct. So I'm happy to
thank you for the opportunity to clear that up. As to how we are better off, council president, we've I've answered that time and again. I've expressed the strategy. Um the director of law, Lurenown, has expressed the strategy and
explained. I don't know what I can offer more than that. What has already been said on this other than to repeat myself for the third or fourth time. So, I just want to take the opportunity to kind of lay out what's going on. I hope the council takes this as uh I think this is good news. Um, and I think we're working
towards making sure that the number that is ultimately adopted is a reasonable number um, based on developable land within the boundaries of Edison. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. >> Council President, >> yes. >> And just a a question and I'll
whether the number for us to build is 750 or 650 or 550 or or 850. Now, I'm going to say that that's irrelevant. Mhm. >> Um, and the reason why I'm saying that is cuz you're talking about what 100
units in in the whole town that maybe we're going to we're going to save Edison, but our past requirements and um my council colleague might know or and it's okay for him to correct me if I come up with the wrong number, but I I
thought we had something like 1,500 units that we had a >> over 2,000. >> Okay. In in the past. So what happened was the the prior administration um had a settlement which involved uh it goes back to the third round where there was actually uh 2,000 units that were
required and what they did is they spread it over a couple of different rounds. Um we are working uh to undo a lot that was done in prior uh settlements. But yes, the number was 2,000 under a prior administration. >> So So here's my concern. We're we're
right now we're arguing about a 100 units or something or or 200 units maybe, right? >> 20 years from now, >> we're going to owe those 1,500 or 2,000 units, whatever that number is, that's going to come up again and we're going to have to do it because it's not in uh
like perpetuity. It's it's only for like a 20 is it a 20-year period or a 30-year period that it has to remain low income. >> Well, I think I think what you're asking is if it's deed- >> Yes. Yeah, that'd be 30 years. However,
we are every round is a 5year round as far as these settlements that we do, >> right? But what I'm saying is so what happens is the state looks at it, they say Edison is x amount of square miles, x amount of people, and you end up with y amount of affordable housing. But if
that 1,500 units falls off our rolls 20 or 30 years from now, it it just perpetuates that problem is where I'm going because it it's only for a 30-year period. So So all we're doing as far as low income here is we're helping people
for a small amount of time. >> And I I think that should just be fixed or corrected somehow. Uh, Council President, I think uh, Lur Real pointed out that we could buy back those deed restrictions. So, in 30 years time when
those expire, we can buy those back and essentially add another 30 years and those count toward the housing. >> He Yes, he did say that and and I thought that was a a good avenue for us to do. But is there anything else that could possibly
um I don't know, rent control? I I don't know what what the what you know what it would really be but is there another avenue so that this doesn't come up in our future because what we end up doing is we allow a developer that could only
build 100 units to build 150 units that then their grandchildren get market rate on. So, so they're benefiting um, you know, off the backs of everybody else in the town who's making up that difference in the um, tax revenue.
>> I think it might be part of a larger conversation. I I I don't know if I have a particular solution for you. >> Would you look look into that? I didn't ask Lou to do that, but I I right. I' I'd like some different alternatives. Um, if we could put them on the table. >> Certainly, we'll take them. Yeah.
>> Thank you. Um, anyone else? Yes, >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Um, I've heard the speaker numerous times about his claim for the what units we should build and what we can build and what we're supposed to build. And
the difference between the 727 and the 682 is 45 units. And um, as most of you know uh, and I'm sure several people up here as well, um, I support affordable housing. I think Edison is expensive to
move to Edison. Um there's 45 more units if it is or does happen. It is across a timeline and it's not happening tomorrow. For instance, if someone built 100 units tomorrow, only 20 units are available
for affordable housing. That's 10 moderate and 10 10 low income. Um it matters to me that people have a chance to afford to live in Edison. Um this is a great opportunity. I'm glad that it happens across the state to push us to to do this. Uh Edison is not affordable.
I mean, a duplex today is $400,000 in Edison to move into. Uh if you're lucky, you may find a bargain for 300, maybe. Um it's important that we care and we support those who can't afford to move here and have an opportunity to send their children through our school system
to live, work, and play in Edison. So whether it's 682 or 727, it doesn't make a difference to me because the timeline for us to get there is going to take a very long time. It's not happening tomorrow. Still, when you build the property, you have to provide parking. You can't just say you're
putting 200 and not have the land and the parking for that. It has to be proven through uh planning to to be built. So same requirements are there. It's just that we have to allow more affordable housing. So I'm in support of it. I I I don't see an argument whether
it's 682 or 727. I heard our attorney. I believe what he has to say, but whether it's 682 or 727 doesn't matter to me because it's going to take a long time and I'm hoping people move to Edison and I hope this is their chance to move to Edison. Making Edison more affordable. Thank you.
>> You Anthony, >> Anthony Damron, uh WY. Um, first of all, I I couldn't all all due respect to the councilman, I couldn't disagree with him anymore. Um, first of all, if the town's not affordable, um, how do you make it more affordable? Who's been, you know,
some of some of you have been up there for quite a quite a long time. So, what have you done about it to make it more affordable? But more importantly, um, the idea that the town is not affordable in ter and and and we have to do something about that. The problem is is
first of all I have so many questions regarding affordable housing because I just disagree with it all. I think it's a disaster. I think the comm it's ch it a lot of all these townships in the state have to deal with this now. Um the the the schools have to deal with it uh with
with an increase in in in enrollment. Um but we don't have a seat at the table though. Am I correct by saying that the it's not like the town has a seat at the table in term in terms of like deciding on who comes. No, that we don't know >> and who gets to like, you know, decide on who's, you know, who's going to take
these homes, you know, who's going to live there. So, it's we should have a a say in that matter then, right? So, it's not, you know, if I wanted to move to Beverly Hills tomorrow and I can't afford to live in Beverly Hills, well, damn, why not? It's the same it's the same
concept. So, you know, when you take merit out of the equation and you just do it because it's it's, you know, it's not affordable to live here is is is just not right. You know, my I come and I was not born with a silver spoon in my hand by any means. I come from originally from Newark. My dad came from
Newark. My mother came from the Bronx. And when we bought the house on Roach Circle, it was the last house left. and my father who went to was going to school part-time at Ruckers uh worked full-time on top of it, busted his ass, and you know, did what he had to do to
get the home. That that's that's I mean, so for the rest of the the residents in this town who do that, who go to work, pay their bills, and are just scathing by um it's the spirit of it. Yeah. In in a perfect world, yeah, you want people to to to to
live, you know, in in harmony, I guess, but that's not that's not reality. And the landscape is changing. are are dem the the the the town has changed. I see it with my own two eyes. You got to be Helen Keller not to see it. Um and it's it's a it's a problem and um I could go into different instances. I'm not going
to get into that now, but I just disagree with that. So um and I think the towns are left. The fact that there was 2,000 that we had the original number is insane. I I didn't even I didn't know that. So um I I just wish that and I don't know Joel was up here. I I'm not a lawyer so I don't know, you
know, uh a lot of that. and I just didn't understand. But I would like to see the town push back on this if they can. And it sounds like they are. We could agree or disagree on how they go about doing it, but I think that's the right move. Um I think if you're going to fight in litigation on on certain
things, there are certain things worth fighting for though it might ultimately not win. But that's these this is one of them in my opinion. Um there might be other avenues that we could have we could go about doing that and I have to be educated on that. So I don't know that. But um you know I always thought
you know how about teaming up with other municipalities and doing a big lawsuit against the state or something like that. Just anything um because this is this is a problem. It's a problem on our police department and and and and manpower and and it just it just there's no I don't think there's a community in
the state that has benefited from this in a sense where how it betters the community. I just don't know. I don't understand it. So it's not a racist thing. It's not it's just it's just a logical thing. So, I I you know, I'll say and that's it. Um I only got a couple seconds left. Um I had a
question. Do we have an ordinance for bicycle helmets uh for like kids? Do they when they ride, do they have to wear bicycle helmets? >> Um if if we know off the top state law, it is okay. It's a state law. >> 14 and under, I think. >> Okay. And as far as the time limit for
the public speaking time, I just want to say this, the whether that passed or not, it did not does not solve the problem at hand, which is the big problem, the underlining problem of of why we got here today. And that needs to be solved that for another day. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Anthony.
>> Council President. >> Yes. >> Can I just uh one remark on the lawsuit just for education purposes? uh several municipalities did file a lawsuit in regards to the recent DCA numbers that were put out. Uh not those that submitted resolutions, those that went
to fight against the actual affordable housing requirement. Uh that lawsuit did fail. So I just wanted to put that out there. Thank Thank you, Council President. >> Council I'm sorry. Sorry, Council. I also just wanted to there was a statement made earlier that Edison chose the litigation route, but either whether
we went under the old law or the new law, it's still litigation. The litigation piece of the affordable housing uh legislative scheme is there, has been there, and continues to be there. So, that was not avoidable. Thank you. Yeah, >> council president. >> Yes.
>> I actually had a question for you. >> Sure. I read somewhere, I'm not sure how true this is, is that Milbour essentially pushed off their affordable housing or some other very wealthy towns and they somehow got away with the builder's remedy law. How did they do that? >> I I'm not aware of what Milbourne has
done, but I can certainly look into it. I'm not I'm not aware. I mean, every municipality is taking a little bit of a different strategy, but >> this was prior to >> Oh, I don't I can certainly look into it. I don't >> because I think that's why they updated this law. This essentially makes it go through arbitration which speeds up that
whole process of uh litigation to delay and I think that was the plan that a lot of the wealthy towns use. They kept litigating to essentially delay forever. Um but I think that's why this was the other second option that they implemented. But please I would like >> certainly clarification. >> I'll look into providing that
information to you. Thank you. Yeah. From public. Yes. Gail. Gail. You >> Gloria Dipman. I'm >> sorry. I'm sorry. Gloria Gloria. >> Gloria. I am so sorry
I couldn't figure it out. >> I have two suggestions. I know you get a lot of suggestions, but I hope you pay attention to this one. I would suggest that everyone speak like the attorney speaks right into the microphone because
us older folks can't hear. It would be greatly appreciated. And secondly, I would appreciate it enormously if people to my right would identify themselves. I have other than Sonia, I have no idea
who these other two love lovely ladies are. and I think we're entitled to know since they're employees of the town. Thank you. I would also like to talk about the six minute, four minute whatever. First of
all, I truly respect and thank you, Madame President, for bringing it up again and for trying to pay attention to the people's wishes. It really is important. That's your job. You're there. You all were there because we
voted for you or some of us voted for you. And you're supposed to listen to us. Whether you personally think it's a good idea or a not so good idea, you're supposed to listen to us. And for the other people who did not vote for it,
you have slipped a rung on my respect ladder. And that is sad. That is very sad. I would like to know what's going on with the North Edison Library. I read something in online that it the work has
stopped. I'm not quite sure as to why the work stopped. So, if someone could give me an explanation, I'd appreciate it. I also saw that the Asian food market was approved
in uh on Route One. The traffic in that area is so congested. I hate to think what it's going to be like once they put an an Asian market in that area. It just it's going to be insane. And our police force
are going to go absolutely nuts. Maybe we should put more police on the streets and that would maybe take care of the situation, but it's going to be a real problem. And as far as the scooter law is concerned,
I don't have that many young children in my neighborhood anymore, which is sad. We love kids, but I do think it's an important law and I'm glad that it's moving forward. The other thing is I was sad to hear
that there were seven fires. I think that's a correct number. Seven fires from um the other night. And you know, for somebody who just wants a little peace and quiet after 9:00 the
fireworks gets annoying. And I'm sure there's a curfew on it, but I don't think that people are paying attention. So maybe we need to take another look at that law. Thank you for your time.
>> Okay. So, u while we're there, Lena, can you can you introduce yourself and uh tell Gloria what you do? >> I I don't think that's necessary. Council President, these lovely, intelligent ladies. Uh this is our CFO.
Um she nearly is my right hand to put the budget together, so I'm very appreciative of her sitting by my side and being of assistance. Um, Miss Liry here. She's our chief administrative officer. Um, she is my other left hand. So, I've got two uh two hands that are
very helpful to me and um that's who they are and they're here from time to time. >> That's great. And but but I think Gloria's question is a is a fair question. Um and so I appreciate you clarifying that. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Uh Liz,
>> oh, what what about the other question? >> Oh, I'm sorry. uh the the about the library, the work stoppage with the library. Um do we know what the situation is with that? >> I'll I'll take a stab at it. >> Okay. >> And this is just from what I've read,
but it looks to be that um one of the subcontractors is not paying >> or has a claim for the prevailing wage. >> There's an allegation. Um and so uh once there's a resolution I can certainly share with that that there
may be founded or unfounded but um it happens from time to time on large projects as you know as a contractor and that we get the you know I we didn't but the library did and as far as I'm aware it's still being investigated >> right well state law says that you have
to pay a prevailing wage and if an employee makes a claim it gets investigated. I was investigated in Manhattan and um after about 4 and 1/2 months of producing documents and payroll and everything else, I was cleared. Um so I
I can't say that they're guilty or not guilty. Um but if it's the guy they have the contract with and he's not working, then it does it will hold up the project until that gets sorted out. >> Thank you. Thank you, uh Liz.
Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. First, I was asked if um we could find out the road resurfacing schedule coming up because uh some of the people I know had asked when is my road going to be
paved. So, I said, well, I know there in the past there has been a schedule. I don't know if there's one right now because my road was paved four years ago, so I'm okay. Uh, number
two, I have a question about rebuttal. I know what a rebuttal is and I understand that, but what happens if I turn around and I ask a question and you don't answer it?
It's not a rebuttal to get up and say, "You didn't answer my question." But when do we get a chance to do that? Because if our four minutes are up and you go through the questions and you
didn't answer all of them and if there's number like Gloria was able to catch the one that was missing, but if there was one that was missing, what chance do we have to get those answers? So if I asked
you a question and I had a number of them and one didn't get an answer, what is my do I have to wait till the next meeting or how can I go about doing that? Um second uh one thing that Gloria did
bring up was about the fireworks. I uh the chief had given um us a thing the other night saying that uh the fireworks that you could purchase at Shopright or Costco were fine because they're legal
now, but any of the fireworks coming from out of state are illegal. And then there was a followup I I want to say I don't remember if it was an email or a a text that came out that showed the rules and regulations. Well, at I want to say
9:30, 10 o'clock, there were bombs going off in one of the streets behind me and it was there were bombs. It wasn't the fizzle of fireworks and I actually called um the short straw. I had uh Andy
Toth's phone number in my contacts and I called him and I said there was something going on and it's really beyond fireworks could and he said we had a list and he would get somebody to check it out but it is getting late and
I just remember also people were complaining about their dogs because uh when I had a dog I had to medicate him the day before July 4th every year or if I knew something was
coming up and and and it's tough. My daughter goes through it right now where she's got the tender jacket and uh everything else for the dogs, but some of it was beyond just fireworks. So, uh if something could be done about
that. Uh the other thing is we talked about the scooters and everything. I know bicycles, uh, if you're 14 or under, you have to wear a helmet, but I didn't hear anything about helmets for the scooters. Uh, is there an age where they have to
wear helmets because they're, from what I'm seeing, I don't see anybody wearing a helmet uh, with scooters. And I'm I'm looking forward to the ebikes further down the line. And my last item, six
minutes to four minutes. Um, yes, I realize that this is a prolonged effort and some of us aren't going to give up, but the sad thing is two out of three of you will be leaving in January
and you're going to be known as the ones that blocked this and not all the good things that you did. >> Thank you. Let me get to your questions. Uh the resurfings resurfacing schedule. When will that be available?
>> The schedule is online um up to date. So there's a question about a specific street, they're all listed on there. >> Okay. All right. Um All right. And you were going to the rebuttal. What happens with if a question has not been >> answered? So, um, the Open Public
Meetings Act, um, is is clear that the this section of the meeting is public comment, not question and answer. Um, you have no right under any law to have your questions answered by council.
>> So, that's the law. I didn't write it. That's what it is. um if a council wishes to extend that courtesy, which they do here, um they can answer your questions. But if you question doesn't get answered, you have no legal right to stand up or say, "Wait, you didn't answer my question."
Because in order for your question to be demand an answer, you'd have to have a legal right to it and you don't. So, it's just a courtesy that's extended in Edison. >> Wow. Okay. And uh John, about the helmets for the scooters? >> Yes. Um, one of the subsessions, u, this
is a general on the e scooter. It says, "No person shall operate or ride upon a low Espeed electric scooter as a driver or passenger unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened protective helmet." So, I believe under the ordinance, it just makes it a cart
blanch like covers everyone. That's >> that's how I'm interpreting it. So, >> thank you, >> Council President. >> Yes. >> I actually had a question for the road projects. I'm looking at the website and I don't see the latest list. Where is it exactly?
Yeah. >> Is it under the engineering projects? Okay. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. You can give your your name and address. Uh that would be helpful. U hi I'm Samiksha Sharma
on the Edison's best interest I would like to have some questions regarding the upcoming fireworks at the uh lake pepani the Diwali festival which has been celebrated. I would like to know the budget, how much we are spending,
how much we are going to give to the police officers, the firefighters and how much we are getting the sponsorship from the Patil brothers because I heard the Patel brothers is sponsoring the fireworks as well as the drone uh show
or something like that. And when I walked in the Patel Brothers recently, they increase the prices on every product. Even though it is said $3.99, they are selling at the Diwali for $4.99. So I would just like to know how much those people are contributing uh
for the fireworks and how the how much we are getting back from the vendors and how the lightings and everything for the accountability for the integrity as claimed by the Joshi administration this fireworks is by Patel brothers. So how much they are
contributing towards it? That's my question. >> Okay. Anything else? Any other questions or comments? Um as far as the um uh another questions regarding the same uh same event is how because you know there
are thousands of people coming and they have been advertising it's been by the same Josh Joo Joshi although it is Edison's recreation who is doing it but apart from that how you are going to control the traffic is there any traffic arrangement is there any advertisement I
haven't seen anything yet where to park what time to park is there any shuttle services or something or it will be just like regular people is parking on the street and in front of the houses and it will be just like that. So that's another question I have.
>> Okay. Um the question about the um who's paying for the fireworks uh the police uh don't uh the amount of donations from Patel Brothers. We start with that. >> So it the fireworks and the drone show they're fully funded by donors. I can
certainly provide those numbers. Um, and certainly they're able to, you know, provide, you know, request, uh, make a request to the clerk's office to get all the numbers. I'd probably recommend do it after Dwali because we have to pay our bills, so to speak, and then we can
give you a final number, um, as to, you know, who our donors are. Um, so certainly could provide that to the council, but the fireworks and the drone show are fully uh, covered by outside donors. >> Okay. Um and then traffic I from from the past
>> how much we are paying to the police officers and the firefighters and everybody regarding this event that should be >> ma'am I don't have that number because it didn't happen it will happen on Saturday that's why I'm suggesting >> there is no budget >> the day after >> so there is no budget for the event that's what you're saying right now you
need to address budget >> you need to address to me and then I we that's the protocol okay um so um she's asking is there budget for this. >> Again, uh the event has not happened. I
can't disclose a safety protocols and how many officers are provided for that day. So, I can't I don't have that information until the actual event happens. >> So, you answered it. So, so I got my answer that there is no uh credibility and we don't know how much we are going
to spend on this event yet. >> Do we do we know what we spent last year? Do we have that as a um can we use that as just a comparison? >> I can certainly provide that to you tomorrow. >> Okay, >> thank you. >> Okay. Um and then the traffic. Now my
recollection is that the that there is a lot of police presence there to direct traffic into the various parking lots. There are several several different parking options. I don't Excuse me. Excuse me, ma'am. >> Um I don't remember. Are there were there shuttles from Were there shuttles
from certain spots? I think there were. >> Yes, there are. So, uh it is a detailed um >> parking if you go to the search feature and put in Dwali the entire parking event and transportation um is outlined in there and it's colorcoded where the
park where to park your car and then where to drop off pickup. >> Okay. Thank you, Sonia. Thank you very much. Okay. Thank you, ma'am. >> Council President. >> Yes, Tom. >> Council President. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I just want to mention um when it comes to traffic under the
direction of our chief and our traffic uh leader, Lieutenant Turner, their team does an excellent job with traffic and since we've done so many events at Papanium Park, it's pretty much a blueprint of what happens here, where they park. We have an agreement with the
with the Crown Plaza using their lot. We have adjacent lots. Uh I think it's has I am surprised on how well it runs when it comes to the 4th of July or Dvali or any event at Papan Park. The traffic division does a phenomenal job and um I think you'll be pleased and I it's a
great question but it is run smooth, very smooth considering how many people come to Edison and how popular this event is. Thank you, Council President. >> Yeah, I agree. I agree with Councilman Coyle. It's been extremely well organized. U Councilman Patiel. Yeah, council. I just want to highlight one
thing. This is the township event. Uh well organized, well planned uh mayor, we have to give the credit to the mayor that he was able to secure a lot many donations from various uh uh the businesses they uh do again it is giving back to the community. It is not
something that somebody will make up it somewhere. So it's a good service to the residents. So again I have to thank mayor and administration for you know celebrating the one of the largest festival in Edison. Thank you, council president. >> Thank you, >> council president. >> Yes, council president. >> I would also have to say that this is one of our most successful uh festival
that we do with one of the largest crowds. So, and I'm proud that we do this and same thing for Christmas and I think this is something that we provide for our residents who celebrate it and I think we should continue doing that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Yes, Tom.
>> Thomas Lucky Netherwood Circle. I'd like to if I could get some clarification on this uh the citizen request and any feedback protocol that is afforded back to the uh the requesttor. Uh in the past
I've gone and uh voiced my displeasure that the citizens are are have to basically you know bring up deficiencies that they see with their neighbors or on the road or what have you. it it it pits
neighbor against neighbor and all and I don't believe I believe that's that's a town function and uh that should be handled by either the health department building and or code enforcement about the town but as it is now
a citizen puts in a request go and you see no action no action because you assume you well you assume nothing's been done because you don't see that issue being resolved or being addressed by the by the person that it was written
on. Is there any feedback that the town calls back? I mean, right now it's a it's a crapshoot if you're if you're going to any feedback from back from the the town. And I think that's wrong
because like I say, you don't know if a the person is ignoring the the uh the the the the township coming and talking to them or if there or if it hasn't been done.
Typically, in my mind, no action breeds breeds a wildfire and it and you I assume that nothing's been wrong. And that that aggravates me. And what do I have to do? Do I have to put in another request? There's no feedback from the town back to the
individual requesttor that this this problem has been addressed. That's wrong. You need you need to have that feedback loop put it back into put into the procedure. So that's the one that's that's what I'm what I'm asking for.
Fireworks. the town was the town went and they put out on Nixol what what's allowed and what's not allowed uh on the Edison website what fireworks are allowed what aren't allowed and it's okay it's okay
check we did what we need check we did what we needed to do what we did 9 10 11 o'clock the fireworks are going off like it like it's you know the Macy's uh July 4th celebration.
You don't need to have an ornance for a Diwali festival with fireworks over here. Just come to North Edison. It was it was spectacular. And you know, so I just wonder, you know, we need some enforcement. you
you don't necessar you just don't I know it's it's virtually impossible but it's there is a chance that you may if you see if the patrol cars are driving around they see fireworks going off
drive over to that area try to try to you know put a put a stop to it because like I said nine o'clock at 10 o'clock 11 o'clock at night fireworks are going off It's it's it's ridiculous.
Last I want to now I want to give a thank you. Last time I was here I talked I got I talked about the people in the tax collector's office. Zero personality. Don't don't say hello. Don't say good morning. Don't say good afternoon. I don't want to know their
life story. But I want to know. But they you know they they don't there no people skills. I got a call and I got a thank you. I got I got I got a call from the township uh clerk's office basically to rectify that situation which I thought
was admirable and I appreciate it and I hope going forward there's a little bit more people skills at the uh at the tax collector's office when >> Thank you, sir. Thank you. Um to do the original >> Okay. All right. Um
>> council president. >> Yes. I wanted to address some of the things that Tom brought up. Um, one, uh, was the, uh, the pop-up with the Diwali fireworks. I am very appreciative that the township did that. Uh, I think that is a nice touch. I think it's a good
communication and feedback loop. But one of the things that when we approved the website, what that was an advertised feature that I was really looking forward to was that let's say someone runs into a pothole, they will be able to take a picture of it and then they will be able to track that issue and the
township will be able to update them through an app or some sort of website. >> Yes, we have that. >> We have that. So, I think that was the one of the feedback mechanism that Tom was looking for. Um and then the other thing I wanted to discuss was uh the
part um the road uh tracking. Were you able to give was that updated on the website? >> Uh I did notice that the last list is 22. So we'll make sure it gets up first thing in the morning. >> Okay. And I know we have Violytics track
the road condition and we have up toate uh records of the the conditions of our roads. We do that is plays a portion that plays a part into uh the list not entirely everything that's on there is by priority.
>> That's fine. But would that be possible to have that publicly available? Because I believe that it's better to have that data since we have it. I would like to know which roads are the worst and why are we prioritizing something else over the other. Maybe it's just that that one's not, you know, commute.
It's not a throughway where there's a lot of traffic on that road. I understand that we might choose something else over the other even if it's not in the greatest condition, but I would like that data publicly available. >> I'd have to check with our town attorney because that's information that we work through. >> Okay. All right. And then couple of
other things. Uh do we do we for the attorney, do we have the firework policies in terms of what's the timeline as to when we can or cannot use or do fireworks? I I think it would probably be subject to the the noise ordinance. >> Noise ordinance. Okay.
>> Yeah. I mean, as long as it's a legal firework. Obviously, there are state laws on what fireworks are legal, but as far as like timing, I think it would just be subject to noise. But I think if we just put it in a I mean I'll look at the noise ordinance because I'm not sure how I don't think it's particularly
targeted that you know fireworks has to be because we don't necessarily put that in the verbiage but I think if we have that in the language we can put it in the next pop-up saying hey fireworks are allowed until this time because I think most people follow the laws last year when we had the whole drought not many people did fireworks because they were
respectful. As long as we have something up I think people will follow through. Thank you. >> Thank you. Yes, Octar. >> Council President. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> I just wanted to mention um as far as the complaint of the tax collector's office. I was confused because I know
it's not our clerk's office. They're very polite, but I've had a great experience with the uh tax collector's office. Um I've never had that problem. I will look into it for you. Uh it's the first I've heard. Uh they've been nothing but wonderful to the community. I mean, we have a lot of Edison residents who work in that department.
I've been working with that department probably for 30 years back and forth. Although not all of us are happy to go and pay our taxes, but um they're there just to receive your money and collect payment. Uh I think it's there's not much of a gray area. It's a bill. They receive the payment and they process it.
But I will look into it and I'm sorry to hear that, but it's the first complaint I've ever heard. Um they seem to be wonderful people. Thank you, >> Octar. Dr. Nasser, Pleasant Avenue. So, I came here to talk about myself and boards, but I'm going to put that at the end. I
have like eight things to talk about. Only four minutes, so I don't know how I'm going to do this, but I'm going to put myself last. So, um it seems I heard something in the beginning um councilwoman uh that you said about um one council person saying things about um 95% of people would agree with, you
know, that it's a great thing that the four minutes are still there. I would love to see any campaign mailers that have that bullet there because I I like collecting them like Pokemon cards. That would be a rare one. So, if you have one of those, I would love to see it. Um, I have questions on Amboy Avenue. It's
been almost a year since we had the Grandbond. So, the manholes and the repaving, I'm wondering when that's going to happen. It's going to be winter, so I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon. I've been walking down Amboy Avenue, um, and I'm a tall guy. I hit branches all the time. I'm wondering who's responsible for cutting those
branches. There's also a certain section by Vincy's that there's very little sidewalk that's there. And uh so I was hoping that that can also be addressed as well. So why it's not um cleaned up and wide enough for people to walk by. There are missing street signs for Amboy
Avenue, Little Avenue. I've requested that those be um fixed, but I don't see them being fixed. Who's responsible for reporting the street lights on Amboy Avenue? If it wasn't for me, it would be dark. So, I voluntarily do that. Uh, it's a lot of work, but it shouldn't be
my job. On Calvert Avenue, um, I think that there's an idea that should be put out there. Um, it is a very wide road. People speed there. I know you tried doing this, um, 25 mph. It would be good if you maybe put a shoulder there so it gives the, um, impression that the road
is less wide. Um, have we defined warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers? I haven't been watching the council meetings that much. I haven't been here for a while. It has changed a lot. There's really not anyone here anymore. The master plan passed. Have we had any ordinances that we have
created or amended to align with it? Another question uh came across when I went to I've been going to library board meetings a lot and um I started investigating a couple things. As council members and future council members that will be coming here, um I know that you guys have planning board
um assigned roles there in the library. Does every one of you have an assigned role? And if not, I'm wondering why. And then getting to myself. So, I've applied for a lot of different boards in the last year. Um, as of December of
last year, I applied for the library board. I have not heard anything. So, I'm assuming that means that I'm not going to be somebody who's going to be put on board. Now, I don't understand why. As I said, I'm going to every single library board. missed one because I wasn't feeling well. That might be more than some of the new members that
actually went. I actually do my research as you guys know. Um I've also applied for the human relations committee, the environmental commission, the citizens advisory committee. Now I understand that some of these are at the mayor's discretion. Um but again, it should be
about who can do the job, who's going to do the research, who's committed to being on these boards or attending before you even get on the boards. And I I just don't understand why I'm not being accepted or being put forth as one of those members that is there. Uh even
in the EDO, u things didn't work out my way. I did help for the first time and I mean Kentos did do a lot of leg work too, but I had to do a lot of work too with that organization. We got the bylaws finally passed. I want to do much more, but I didn't want to put in something that would cause it not to
pass because it was from the 1990s. Um, another thing is we were talking about the library that there is something that's going on in North Library. I feel like Pat Massie was somebody who was a scapegoat and she wasn't brought back for or whatever reason. But again, if there's anything that can be told about
why maybe I'm not being put forward, I can only think of it as being political. >> That's a lot of questions, Actara. I could not keep up with them and I'm not sure what to do as your time is up right now. Um, >> I wrote down I wrote down as many as I could. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Could you
>> I mean I'll just to you. His first question was Amboy Avenue repaving. >> Amboy Avenue. What? >> Repaving of Amboy Avenue. And uh >> Thank you. Okay. >> Uh we're looking for the springtime to start construction. >> I'm sorry I missed that. What was that?
>> Springtime. >> Springtime. Okay. All right. >> And then we have a maintenance issue. branches near the Vincences and the sidewalk in front of Vinces is narrow. Um >> Okay, >> we we'll take that up with engineering. >> Okay.
>> Missing street signs. Um one on Little Avenue and other ones to look at. I don't know which ones, but they missing street signs. >> Missing street signs. Okay. >> Okay. Well, that's with DPW. Again, I would recommend putting these on the Q alert. they do get responded to and
addressed. Um it's it's great to hear from uh folks, but we do have a process in place. I'd love for that to be followed. >> Calvert Avenue uh the widening of Calvert Avenue Calvert Avenue. Some
question about the Calvert Avenue. >> I Yeah, >> the width of it. >> Yeah. >> Can you have engineering look into that distribution centers? um the definition of distribution centers um
and warehouses have we have we defined a definition and I'll just do a combination here for you uh definition of distribution centers their role and the master plan and how that has um been completed and
are there any new ordinances that match the master plan? So, uh, you what you're referring to is not so much the master plan, but the execution of what's been, uh, recommended in the master plan. So, that's being worked on.
>> And I'm doing okay, doctor. >> Amazing. Actually, >> thank you, council president. >> Um, the resident has applied for several boards, has not been selected for one. He's applied for the um, library board, the environmental commission, a few
others. I'm sorry I did not write down. and uh he's done well with different committees in the past, personal and professional, and is looking to be considered. >> Okay. >> Also, there was the master plan since that has passed. Uh what have we done to
change it? >> Okay. >> All right. >> Yes, council vice president. We actually authorized a resolution uh with BFJ planning who did the master plan to work on the ordinance revisions to line up with the master plan. That's not just
zoning includes uh trees, includes signs, includes noise and other components as well. But they were uh I want to say it was back in end of July, we authorized a resolution hiring them to formulate ordinances for our
consideration uh that would align our ordinances with the master plan. >> Okay. Councilman Patiel, where do things stand with the resident advisory committee? >> Actually, we we only have three rumies.
>> Mhm. And that's what we wanted to get in one shot, you know, interview everyone and appoint the board. And >> and are the applications they're not from all three different sections? >> That's correct. >> Okay. Okay. Yeah. Um, in terms of I'm I'm with you on this, Octar. I'm I don't
know why this one position has been left open for as long as it has. It's going to be going on a year come the end of the year. And I don't I don't understand why. So, I'm going to I'm going to ask that question to the mayor. All right.
Um, did we miss >> last street lights on Amboy Avenue? Um, I've heard that complaint before. Uh, I think there's a timer that could also could be an issue when it's a combination of lights being out and also the timer, but that question is for DPW.
>> Well, we're also working through PSCG with some of the lighting issues. >> I hope I did a good job. >> Did great. That was that was awesome. Really good. Uh, Councilman Brusher. >> Yes. Um, as far as uh council people and they're they're a liaison to the different committees there. There's a
couple of them that we have. We have the planning board. We have the library um board of ed I believe and I probably missed one or two. Um, but there's a list for everyone like myself, let's say. Um, I was originally asked by council president if I would serve for
the library. And it sounded like a a great thing. I was never on the library. Um but then what happened was the uh the president of the library because he was president decided he was going to change um how the meeting was
run. So the way the meeting was run before um actually when the mayor was a councilman um I watched many videos where he was able to um articulate his feelings on certain things during the meeting. Well, I I went there. In fact,
I you might have been there that evening and they told me that I'm not allowed to speak. >> So, if I'm not allowed to speak and I'm not allowed to vote, tell me why am I there? I mean, I'll
just sit home and watch it. Um, you know, so it just made no sense. So until the library gets a new president or something of that nature, I don't think there's a council person up here that just wants to go there and sit there >> um and kind of write notes, you know
what I mean? So, uh that one I think is just a dead appointment at this point. >> Yes. Um, and to piggyback on what Councilman Brusher said and you were there for the one the when I stood in for a meeting a couple of months ago and
I f I was shocked because I'd been the leazison for the the two years previous and was welcomed in terms of input was was allowed into the closed session meetings was was welcomed for my input. It's a whole different situation now.
And I after that meeting and I know you know how frustrated I was after that I spoke to the mayor and I said honestly right now the way things are running I don't see a reason for there to be a council leazison to the library board to for a council leazison to sit there as a
potted plant I don't think is is is serving anyone's purpose. So, I agree with Councilman Brusher that unless there's a change in the protocol there or change in the leadership or whatever, um it's it's it's very frustrating, but I do want to follow up and find out
about that uh that vacant spot that's been vacant for a full 10 months now. Okay. Thank you, >> Council President. >> Yes. >> I just want to add to uh to this. There's two two sides of an argument some days. Um, as a council
member, you're we're the liaison to a committee. Uh, one would say it's important that we have time to weigh in and one would say that we have too much influence to weigh in. So, there's some balance there and I I think the definition sits with itself. We're
liaons to the committee. Although different um presidents have weighed in more than others today, I think the leadership is is wonderful. I think it's a good choice to have turnover. Um, I think the the past administration and leadership also did a great job, but
like anything else on this council, some council members are leaving, some council members are staying, and no different than any board. There's turnover. So, uh, it's important that we have that and that's just how it works. Uh, but as far as the board itself, I think it's doing a great job. Rich, I am
sorry that you we're not treated the same as other boards, but uh, we are liaons. So, one can argue we have too much influence and one can argue we need to have too much. So, it's just a two-headed coin there. So, >> and it's the truth. The definition of liaison is liaison.
>> Thank you. >> And and Russer. >> Okay. Um, Councilman Coyle, can you tell me in just in your own mind, right, what does a liaison do? >> Well, we can ask the the counselor. Oh,
he's leaving now. >> Okay. Well, we can go back to that question. He comes back. >> Well, I mean, I'm just saying, do you just sit there like a potted plant? You >> You're the liazison. You're not a voting member. >> You're not. But do you able to have part of a discussion? Are you able to give an
opinion? Are you able to speak? Could Could you speak without having to leave my chair, go into the public, and then speak as a resident? So when you say that it's run correctly, right, I
disagree. I disagree because I don't think that a potted plant is a liaison. And that's what you do there. You don't get to speak. You don't get to weigh in. You don't get to I I don't even think I can smile. I think if I smiled, I'd
probably be chastised for it. Um but they're doing a great job there at the library, right? libraries held up probably over budget. Um but they're doing great. So yeah. Yeah. Change is change is pretty good there. Councilman.
>> Thank you, >> Council President. >> Yes, >> I do agree with Councilman Brusher. Leaison should be able to cooperate with the other boards because there's no other communication otherwise. What's the point of going there? >> Exactly. Yes. I'm the leazison to the cultural arts commission and I'm not a
voting member but uh my my input is welcomed and requested there and um and uh and the liaison is the leaison from that board to the the administration. That's what a leazison that is what a
liazison does. So um uh all right uh I think we've covered everybody from the public. Can I get a motion to close the public portion? >> Motion to close the public portion. >> Got a second. >> Second. >> Okay. Um before we adjourn, I just want to remind everyone the next meeting is
going to be a combined meeting on Wednesday, November 12th. And I would be remiss if I didn't uh at the end of this meeting thank all of the public who do does come out here, who does take the time out of their schedules. I'm so sorry that we could not get you back
from on this council the six minutes. you're going to get it back next year, but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time out of your schedules to come and I hope you will continue to do so. And with that, um, I would like a motion to adjourn.
>> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> This motion, this meeting is adjourned. 8:39 p.m. [Applause] I'll give All right.