[music] [music] [music] >> Good evening everyone. Thank you for your patience in waiting tonight and thank you all for being here. Uh today's meeting is a regular meeting for Wednesday, June 24th at 7:00 p.m. Can we all please rise to the Pledge of
Allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Bracher.
>> Present. >> Councilman Recio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Gema. >> Here. >> Councilman Kentos. >> Here. >> Councilman Patel. >> Here. >> Councilman Batil. >> Here. >> Councilman Shmuel. >> Here. >> Adequate notice? >> Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the Open Public Meeting Act
of 1975 has been provided by the Home News Tribune, Star Ledger, Desi Talk, and News India Times on November 17th, 2025 and posted in lobby municipal complex on the same date. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you all for being here tonight. For anyone who's here for the first
time, uh there are agendas on the back table for you. If you're looking at any backup on resolutions or ordinances, that is also available on the back table. For those of you watching from home, you can catch this on uh YouTube. Also, you can click on the township website, go to
council, and through the council agenda, you'll see direction to come to this meeting. If you have any further questions or emails, you can send it to myself, Joe Coyle, at jcoyle@edisonnj.gov. Thank you all for joining us. We're going to move forward to four. We
have a resolution of recognition. Clerk, read resolution. >> Whereas on the morning of May 16th, 2026, the Edison Fire Department was dispatched to the Interstate 287 for report of a motor vehicle accident with
an entrapment and fire. Whereas [clears throat] upon arrival, members encountered a tractor trailer containing approximately 8,800 gallons of gasoline with a passenger vehicle pinned through under underneath the rear representing heavy fire conditions, significant exposure
hazards, and fast-spreading flammable liquid fire. And whereas firefighters were flagged down by police on scene and observed a victim trapped in close proximity to the intensive flames. Despite the extreme heat preventing immediate access, these members acted
with exceptional courage by reaching the victim, removing him from the danger zone, and dragging him across two lanes of the highway to a place of safety. And whereas the entire fire first alarm [clears throat] assignment under dangerous conditions to control
the incident, mitigate hazards, and protect protect the public. Whereas it is desire of the Township Council to publicly recognize and honor such acts of heroism and outstanding service for the members of the Edison Fire Department along with Edison Police Department whose actions on the scene
were intricate to the safety and success of the incident response. Whereas the Township Council seeks to commend the collaboration dedicated for both departments in protecting the residents and travelers along Interstate 287. >> And now therefore be resolved by Miss
Council Township of Edison, State of New Jersey, we recognize and commend Battalion Chief Michael Wheeler, >> [clears throat] >> Cap- Captain Michael Duig, Acting Captain Timothy S. Becolis, Firefighter Francis Esso,
Firefighter Patrick Doherty, Firefighter Tom Lin- Lincho, Firefighter Jared Jeffries, Firefighter John Hanson, Firefighter Garrett Ruches, Firefighter Jeffrey Coleman, Firefighter Alex J. Nadick, Firefighter George
Cassell, Firefighter Sam Mo- Molanzo, Officer Carolyn Gomez, Officer Brandon Gaul, Officer Jose Altamont, Officer Brian Hartman, Officer Robert Spadoro, Officer Joshua Solon,
Officer Christina Va- Va- Valdelas- >> Valscapablo. >> Valscapablo, sorry. Officer Ronald Sams, Officer Matthew Turner, Officer Jeffrey Jeff- Jeremy
Jeremy Jeffries, Officer Anthony Pallone, and Sergeant Joseph Di Pasquale. >> [applause] [applause] [laughter] >> Thank you, Madam All right, at this time we're going to open up this resolution to the public. If anybody would like to speak, uh you can come to the podium and
say a few words. >> [clears throat and cough] >> Seeing none, can I have a motion to close the public portion? >> We [clears throat] got one. >> Okay, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there. Sure, please come up. >> Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. >> You're welcome.
>> I could not let it go without talking about my appreciation for all these gentlemen and women that protect our area and ran to a very dramatic situation. I applaud them and I
appreciate you each and every day. >> [applause] [applause] >> And Joyce. >> Joyce Ship, Edison, New Jersey. Um I I applaud and I'm very thankful for our fire department and they go places
where I would never go and that danger that I seen the fire blazing so much, it really takes really brave men to step in and I thank them all for doing the things that they do to keep us safe every day. Thank you. >> And women. >> Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I'm sorry.
And women also, I must say and women also. >> [applause] >> Would anybody like to speak? Yes, sir. >> Kamlesh Patel. Greenwich Road, North Edison. Uh A lot of people provide a lot of different services, but these gentlemen and the fire department provides the
most selfless service you can ever find. To you know, in order to put yourself in complete danger to help others who are in already danger special breed. So, thank you so much. Salute to all of you. >> Thank you. Anybody else from the public would like to have a comment?
Seeing none, can I have a motion to close the public portion? Motion. >> I'll second. >> Second. >> All in favor, say aye. >> Aye. Public portion is closed. >> [clears throat] >> Can I have a motion to adopt? >> Motion to adopt. >> I'll second. >> Second. >> Council comments from my right,
Councilman Breza. >> I I wasn't there that day, but I did read about it and I have heard about it and it is commendable um that you guys were actually able to get up guys and gals were able to get it >> [laughter] >> all under control. Um it was really a
remarkable thing. I mean, I got texts telling me what was going on and the sheer volume of it, you know, made it sound terrifying. So, knowing that you guys were all out there and gals um I'd like to say thank you to to everybody um to all of our first
responders that we have. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Councilwoman Bedoya. >> Um I just wanted to take a moment to uh thank the first responders who served our township during We have the two resolutions um about for both
resolutions. Um in both situations, our first responders acted quickly, professionally, and courageously, working under challenging tre- uh conditions to protect lives and properties and um their training, teamwork, and commitment were on full
display and we're incredibly grateful for your efforts. So, thank you. >> Councilman Esposito Can I just >> [clears throat] >> I just I just want to say it's incidents like these, large incidents like this that remind us how important our first responders are. I mean, a huge
catastrophic fire like this and and to the public and to our first responders. So, I commend them all. I I appreciate our first responders in town and I I want to thank them for doing an excellent job and um and and I pray for their safety all the
time. Thank you. >> Councilman uh Patel. >> Yeah, so on the first one, the 287, I saw the smoke in the air. It definitely looked very scary. Kudos to you all not not only taking care of the issue, but doing a great job in a timely manner. And this
is not the first time you guys always step above and beyond should there be any issue in the town. A lot of residents don't realize that, but it's the amount of effort that you put, your life you put at risk, and you know, that's totally incredible. All these years Edison has been safer and better,
and thanks to you all. Great job. >> Councilman, Patel. >> Thank you, Council President. Uh this was one of the finest, I would say the uh the coordination, the communication between the police, fire, as well as the residents. Also, the administration, they were very quick to inform the
council members what was happening. Kudos to all the firefighters who were involved, including the police officers. I always say that we are the finest and the best police and the fire department in the state of New Jersey. Again, kudos, and keep up the good job. Thank you. >> Councilman, Samel.
>> [clears throat] >> I um I want to say that it's an honor to recognize a group of individuals who don't seek recognition, but certainly deserve it. While most people uh see danger, our brave men and women of the fire department and the police department run
towards it. They demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism, and teamwork under difficult conditions. On behalf of our residents, thank you for your services, your sacrifice, and your unwavering
commitment to protecting our community. >> Thank you, [clears throat] Councilman. Uh just for myself, it's a wonderful to see the turnout for public safety, and uh listening to the situation that happened on Route 27. I I can't imagine being the
chief at that moment of the fire department and being the chief of police to dispatch the different agencies to be there at that time to make what needed to happen for such an explosion like that. If you're
any town surrounded by Edison, you're lucky to have the mutual aid that we can provide for your town. I mean, you are fortunate. What we have here today in front of us and what we have for those who are not here today is is quite amazing. It's impressive. The training
and the time you take and the amount of moves that are happening on the way to a call like this is unimaginable to know what it's like to be in a in in a in a fire truck driving 70 miles an hour in your gear not knowing what
you're going to where you're going to wind up going. I'm truly proud to be a part of Edison and our leadership and passing budgets that matter and knowing that public safety makes Edison great. It truly does and
I'm grateful and thank you for all your time and sacrifice. It's not just you and the time but your families who have to sit at home and wait to to for the unknown call that you're on. Thank you. >> Madam Clerk, roll call. >> Councilman Brutscher.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Dima. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cantos. >> Yes. >> Councilman Patel. >> Yes. >> Councilman Patel. >> Yes. >> Councilman Schmouel. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Coyle. >> Yes. >> We're going to do one more resolution and then we'll have everybody up. So, if
you don't mind, we're just going to go right to the next resolution. Madam Clerk, read resolution. >> Whereas on the night of May 20th, 2026, the dedicated members of the division of fire were dispatched to 149 Marina Drive for reported structural fire with
fast-moving conditions control advising of multiple individuals trapped within numerous apartments. Whereas upon arrival, responding companies encountered a harrowing scene consisting of a working fire in a basement apartment rapidly
venting and exploring upper floors with despite with desperate residents seeking rescue from windows on multiple sides of the burning structure. Whereas under heavy smoke conditions and extreme distress, the responding firefighters executed flawless aggressive rescue
operations on both the A and C sides of the building including utilization of aerial and ground ladders to evacuate a total of five trapped individuals including three children from an upper floor and the daring and the daring entry through a second story story
window to successfully rescue a wheelchair-bound resident. Whereas members of the initial arriving companies simultaneously managed critical water placement to darken the exterior fire, made single-handled internal attacks
within initial backup to hold back the flames and searched high danger zones above the active fire within the protection of the hose line to ensure no life was left behind. Whereas the extreme bravery, rapid coordination, and selfless actions demonstrated by the division of
fire on this night directly prevented a catastrophic life life loss of life exemplifying the highest traditions of the fire service. Now therefore, be it resolved that Township Council hereby is officially recognizing and commends the following for their selflessness and heroic actions:
Battalion Chief Joseph Ensalato, Acting Captain >> [snorts] >> Timothy S. Piccolos, Firefighter Samuel Molzahn, Jeffrey Firefighter Jeffrey Coleman, Firefighter Francis Esso, Firefighter Pat Doherty, Officer Nicholas Muscalo,
Officer Darren Hutchinson, Officer Adrian Shammy, Officer James Duffy, Officer Alfred Bispo, Officer Insania, Officer Michael Kohat, Officer Michael
Pash Push Pushar, Officer Firefighter John Hanson, Firefighter Garrett Ruches, Firefighter Alex J. Nadiak, Firefighter Andy Latham, Firefighter Cody Yorkstone, Firefighter
Nick Campbell, Officer [snorts] Joshua Van Wart, Officer Asmar Kemp, Officer Nicholas Parity, Officer James Wellen, Officer William Kenny, Officer Brandon Gaul, Officer
Alan Esposito, Officer Martina Stewart. >> [applause] [applause] >> At this time we're going to open up to the public for any comments. Would anybody like to raise their hand? Yes, Mr. Masaro. >> Thank you, Council President. My name is Tony Masaro. >> Welcome.
Former Councilman. >> I live at 86 Laurel Hollow Court and I've been a resident of this township for a lot of years. And I've seen a lot of things, especially relative to public safety. I've had the unfortunate task of doing
what you're doing deliberating over a budget. And at that time, you get a lot of complaints, a lot of snide remarks about what members of public safety receive and how much it costs. And it just frosts me when that occurs.
Because as Councilman Schmool mentioned, when there's danger, when there's a problem, we all run away from it. And at the same time we're running away from it, these men and these women are running towards it.
And I've not seen in all my years here any instance of where any member of this township would be less than proud of what these folks do. And that comes from the top of the
organization, that goes to the bottom of the organization. It's just part of the culture of Edison Township. And I for one couldn't be more proud. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Yes, yes. Please come up.
>> Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. >> Welcome. >> It's very timely that we're recognizing these brave firefighters and policemen and [clears throat] two horrific happenings in a row or not in a row, in the same year. But it's uh
rather interesting that there's two resolutions on the docket tonight for tools and equipment for the fire department and the police department. Now, many times I get up and I call you out on spending
too much money, but I'm going to let you know tonight those two resolutions [clears throat] went to good use and we need to continue supporting our fire department and police department. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> I'm looking forward to counting on you coming when we pass the budget.
>> [laughter] >> I still need the whole budget to make it happen. Um Is there anybody else who would like to Yes, sir. >> I have a question. >> Thank you, Council man. All I want to say is another great
example of the selfless service that these um rob >> Excuse me. Don't let her leave. That's [clears throat] part of why we're all here. So, do not leave. >> Okay. Another excellent example of how they save lives for all of us and make our
lives very safe so we can sleep in peace. My request to all of them here, the common men of Edison, to stand up and give them a standing ovation, please. >> [applause] [applause] >> Mr. President >> Mr. President, James Walsh, the
president of the Edison Firefighters Association. >> Thank you, Council President. The Edison Firefighters Association would like to thank the Township Council for recognizing our members who responded to the tanker fire on Interstate 287 and the apartment fire on Marina Drive.
These incidents spotlight the emergencies our firefighters and fire officers face while protecting the community. They also serve as a reminder of the dedication and professionalism our members demonstrate every day to provide the level of protection and service our
community expects and deserves. At the tanker fire, our members worked under challenging conditions to extinguish the blaze, contain fire extinction extension to surrounding areas, and protect nearby property and infrastructure. Their expertise,
training, and teamwork were on full display throughout the incident. At Marina Drive fire, firefighters and fire officers arriving first on scene were confronted with a fire in a fully occupied apartment building. Working alongside our brothers and sisters in the police department, our
members conducted rescue operations that resulted in the safe removal of numerous occupants from the burning building. Some via ground ladders, others from fire department aerial ladders. The teamwork and coordination between the departments played a
critical role in protecting lives during this emergency. We are proud of the actions taken by all those involved and grateful that their courageous efforts are being recognized. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Any of the members of the public would
like to speak? Seeing none, can I have a motion to close the public portion? >> Motion. >> Have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor, say I. >> I. >> The public portion is now closed. Can I have a motion to adopt? >> Motion to adopt.
>> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> [clears throat] >> Any council comments? >> Council President? >> Yes. >> This is one of the finest example uh possibly when people recognize there is a fire
in a first time, you know, I would like to thank uh Chief Toth who gave the demo to this council. Actually, I was fortunate enough, I think the council president as well. We went through the exercise and it was
I don't think even common man can look through that. It was so difficult and you all of you go through this every single situation. So, these residents are counting any day and every day. So, again, thank you for your service. Thank you for saving the life and we can always count on you. Thank
you. >> Thank you. >> Any other council? Thank you. >> Council President. >> Any council? Yes. Council uh member Council Vice President Cantos. >> I I I just want to point out that on May 20th or in this fire we we actually had a council meeting here and um I believe there were two incidents on that day.
This was the later one that took place later in the evening and there was an earlier one um I think somebody might have been trapped cuz I remember Chief Tofel leaving and um you know, just goes to show that you know, they're just not handling one incident a day. They could be handling multiple incidents but they
had two this day that I know of and um just want to commend them again for it and again I pray for all Thank you. >> Thank you. Any Any other members of the council would like to comment? >> Council President. >> Yes, Councilman Brussard. >> I'm going to echo what I said before but
I'd also like to put a little caveat in and to all the men and women you know this but the residents don't know this. When we heard the list of how many people showed up to these fires and we know that our local fire stations don't have all those people.
It's it's a massive coordinated effort to get all these engines down there and all these people down there to make sure that you can save every life that's possibly out there and at the same time I know that our chief works with other
districts in mutual aid to make sure that we're still protected around the rest of the town. So to see that whole thing transpire is kind of and it's a very coordinated event and the public you know, should know
that if you see by that list of of how many people were just at that at that fire it's kind of amazing. But again I'd like to thank everybody that was also here. Um you know, thank you for your service citizen. >> Any of the council members wish to
comment? Okay, I just again want to thank uh the men and women in both the uh fire department and police department. And I want to thank our leadership underneath Chief Brian and Chief Toth. I've known the both of them for a long time.
Uh the chief always had that hair, and I had the same hair back then. But uh both of them have great resources, and I've been uh friendly with him for a long time. I'm truly confident when it comes to an opportunity uh situation for this town, they're the best leadership
to coordinate with everyone in leadership in all departments. And I want to commend all of you for coordinating and communicating together when times are tough and you're flying down the highway, I don't know how you can hear each other on the uh radios, and your adrenaline is
at, you know, 100 miles an hour, arriving at a scene and coordinating an effort to make sure the area is safe by police and fire, making that extra stretch to pull someone out of a a burning building, taking that extra step, that extra risk,
is definitely not something I ever thought of doing. Um I wanted to remind people to stay here, and if their kid is making noise, I I don't care. I want people to know that there are families here who have a member, you know, a husband or a wife
out there doing this job and has to and someone is waiting to hope they come home to their family. And uh and and that is, you know, when you hear a sound of a child child crying, you have to understand what they're out there doing every day. And uh up here at the dais, we get a couple of punches here and there, but we
our adrenaline doesn't go as high as everyone here in this room does. So, I'm going to commend all of you for the great work you do. Thank you for saving lives. Thank you for for stretching that extra mile um into the territories we don't see every day. And thank you,
Chief Brian, and thank you, Chief Toth. Um I couldn't think of any two people that are more resourceful in this town to help us move forward. And look forward I also want to look forward to those who might have come on not to plug our budget, but our meeting is July 20th.
And if you can tell friends how important it is that we pass a budget for public safety and and for fire and how important is this role is for us to be prepared. Uh, truly important. Thank you. M- Madam Clerk, roll call. >> Councilmember Brashaar.
>> Yes. >> Councilmember Dima. >> Yes. >> Councilmember Cantos. >> Yes. >> Councilmember Patel. >> Yes. >> Councilmember Patil. >> Yes. >> Councilmember Schmouel. >> Yes. >> Council President Coyle. >> Yes. >> Um, we're going to ask everyone to come up that has
through the Chiefs both Chiefs recommendation, please come up and the families, everybody come to the as much as you can here and the Chief both Chiefs going to be in the front make some comments and we'll give out the resolution. If all Councilmembers can come up as well. >> And that's turn right.
>> Yes. Perfect. >> Thank you everybody for coming. I want to congratulate all the firemen and women and all the fire policemen and women for this. Working together they save lives. The 287 fire unfortunately somebody succumbed to injuries, but it
was after 24 hours, but they did everything they could. But the Marina Drive fire by far working together save lives. Chief Brian and me talked to the Council and they put this resolution together, but I want to commend everybody here.
>> Thank you, Chief Toth. >> Council President, Council Vice President, and esteemed Council members, thank you very much for the kind words. Very much I want to thank Mayor Joshi and his staff and the council for providing the equipment that we need to succeed.
Police, fire, public safety, we all need the best equipment. We have the best training. We have the best individuals here in Edison Township. I am extremely proud to head this police department. I am extremely proud of each and every one of our members of our police department.
Almost 200 members, men and women, that put that uniform on every single day and put their lives on the line. And the collective effort between our esteemed fire department and the police department together, what they've done is saved lives, cuz that's what they do every day. They're
out there and they save lives. They put their lives at risk to save the lives of people in Edison Township, our great residents. And not only that, the people that visit our great town, Edison Township. So, my sincere thank you to all my officers and also the firefighters. Thank you very much for
your sacrifice. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Chief. Uh where's Chief Toth? Is he He's behind me somewhere. Chief, you can say a few words. Okay. Now, everyone's got to be quiet around here. Okay? >> I said them, but it was when everybody
was walking up. I couldn't be more proud of the fire and the police department working together, the men and women of the fire department. That wasn't your average call. As uh Council Vice President Kentos said on that night, at 6:40 we had that heavy storm and there was a house fire report with people trapped
Luckily, they got there, that wasn't the case. They knocked the fire up at 11:40 p.m. that night. They got the call with multiple people trapped. And when I pulled up, I saw firemen laying down, their bottles were out, and people working together, rescuing people out the windows. And I believe one was paralyzed from the waist
down. So, I commend the police and the fire department working together. Those people know that you made a difference in their lives. So, congratulations to all of you. It means a lot to this township. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you. >> Okay. Before anybody moves, I just want to ask
Kelly to stand here in the chief so we can get a photo op with these resolutions. Councilman Kentos and just the two of you and then chief, would you please come here? Let me stage this photo. Okay. You're going to hold this? >> I'm surprised he doesn't say that I belong to the hair club.
>> Well, well, we weren't going to get into that right now. But um there's been trips to Turkey unknown. >> [laughter] >> Uh All right, just hold this right here. All right. Chief and you two right here. Okay. All right. Did anybody wish to say
something? We covered everybody? Okay, fantastic. Photo time. Jim, Jim, you're not coming up here? How do you not come up here? Jim, Jim wants to Jim, come on up. Come up here. Remind the guy to come up here. He's It's
humble. Too humble. Smiles. Oh, good girl. All right, I got mine. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. She's Okay, we have a stack of resolutions that will be given to each one of you. I'm sorry we're not passing them out, but the clerk has them and
if you want to stay all night, we can pass them out individually, but we have a stack to get to the chief. >> Yeah, just >> Okay, this is yours, but we have copies for each person, each officer, each firefighter. Okay? All right, we're done. >> Yeah, you're good. >> Thank you all for joining us. Thank you
very much. >> [applause] [laughter] >> Hey, can we all please stay just for one more minute, please? We're doing another uh recognition resolution for our clerk. If you just stay for just 2 minutes.
I guess I wasn't supposed to tell you that. >> No, you can tell him now. It's going to be a surprise. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hold on. >> [clears throat] >> Do you know how many votes you need? >> It's not going to be easy. You there? 1 2 1 [clears throat] 2. >> Eight. Should we argue about that now, AJ?
>> [laughter] >> All right, we're going to move forward right here. I just want to first um separately I'd like to discuss a dear friend, colleague, and
clerk of the Township of Edison uh Cheryl Russomanno, who is retiring and today is one of her last days and certainly her last day as clerk next to one of the finest council presidents
around, but soon to be replaced by somebody else in 6 months. But um I I have a few things to say that were written, but I I can't help to say some things I do know about Cheryl. Um I'm pleased to have served uh
at her I'm pleased to serve at her side in the clerk's office along with um deputy clerk Marlena. Um it's been years of history. I think most of you already know I may have met Cheryl about 35 years ago and I'm quite certain she was proud when I finally became a council
member and from that day she certainly uh gave me a warm welcome here at the dais. I can't thank you enough for your hard work. Uh it's been a slightly emotional day. Um many discussions with Cheryl at the same time we are working on many things together
before she leaves. But we haven't had a chance to actually sit back together and think about how long we've known each other and the emotional tie between her job and the life we lived before she got here and the life we hope that she enjoys after.
And I'm hoping to make her cry. That's part of my goal. But we are It's so busy this week with budgeting, talking about bamboo, and uh things that were important. None as important as all of you today here in this resolution for a public
safety. But I hope we get a chance tonight to truly celebrate her final decision to retire, which was not easy. I was there at the moment when she invited me to her office to tell me as council president that she's retiring and it gave me a chill through my, you
know, entire body to my scalp like I just ate some hot jalapeños. And um I am truly pleased that she's made this decision. Not an easy decision when you can probably sit back and, you know, stay in this job for another 2 years. Uh
I think maybe she knew it was time to be a part of living with her family and not sacrificing her sacrificing her family before with work. And that's not an task for any one of you in this room that have to do that every day. Not see your kids, not raise
your kids day to day, not babysit them as much you could, but you have to work a job. And there's a lot of sacrifice before you get in this role. And I truly know the sacrifice that Cheryl has done. So, I just want to say on behalf of the council uh our mayor Sam Joshi, my a council
vice president uh Rob Kentos, we are truly proud uh of this decision you've made. Not easy and look forward to your retirement and enjoying life, vacationing. I almost hope you forget about us for the next 3 months and then come back and
say hello. But, I hope you truly enjoy your life uh what you choose and and every day is about you and your grandkids and your husband and your and your uh family. Um I just before we give out our plaque, I just want to ask for any other council
comments. Thank you. Yes. Mr. President, yep. Yes, sir. >> [clears throat] >> I should we should let the public speak first. Yeah. Yeah, no. Public comment. Okay. >> It's a surprise resolution. >> Okay.
Well, at this time we'll open to public open to the public. Yes. Mark. >> Margo Harris, 43 Oak Hills Road, Edison. Cheryl Cheryl >> Can you speak close to the mic? I'm sorry. >> Cheryl Rusumano.
I have to say that during my four years on council, I consider one of my biggest achievements, and I couldn't have done it without you, was getting you to correctly pronounce Councilman Shmuel's name. >> [laughter] >> I had to put the I I had to put it moo
and then a shoo and a l at the end of it, but you've gotten it. You've gotten it You've gotten it [laughter] down pat. Cheryl, you were during my time on council, you were just steady and always responsive. If we
had questions, we would hear from you, whether email or or a call back. And um sitting next to you last year as council president was an honor and it was a privilege. You've done a wonderful job, a wonderful service. You've earned
this retirement and I hope that you're not a stranger around here. You will be missed tremendously and we cannot thank you enough for your service. You're going to You're going to be very You're You're going to have some big shoes to fill. Thank you for all you've done.
Thank you so much. >> [applause] [clears throat] >> Yes, uh Council Member Massaro. I just want to confirm what This is not a resolution. We're just doing public We're courtesy of open public comments to the retirement. >> Got you. Could knowing Edison Township it couldn't be otherwise, Council
President. >> Uh thank you. My name is Tony Massaro, 86 Laurel Hollow Court, Edison, New Jersey. And I'm here representing the Edison Township Cultural Arts Commission. Cheryl,
congratulations. And I hope the next phase of your life is what you wish it to be. My time and my experiences made the routine look effortless. And she made the difficult look routine.
For you as council members to fill that seat is going to be very difficult. I would suggest though that in my humble opinion, you might not have to look too far because that person
may be in your presence this evening. At this point, Council President, I'd like to use the remainder of my time to have the members of the Cultural Arts Commission come forward and make a presentation to Sheryl Russemanno. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Molly >> Lois Tarr, 52 Ryder Road, Edison, New Jersey. Sheryl, you've always been there whenever we had a question, whenever we had a comment, whenever we had something we needed to get done, you were there to help us. Thank you and you will be missed. Don't make yourself a stranger
to the com- to everybody though. >> Don Tarr, 52 Ryder Road, Edison. Sheryl people don't realize how difficult it is to balance all the jobs that you have to balance from day to day. All the effort it takes, all the skill
it takes and the passion to do the job the way you have done it is remarkable. Not much more I could say there are very few accolades that you probably haven't heard recently but God bless and Godspeed.
>> Hi Sheryl. I wish you I I consider this not a retirement I consider this a graduation and you're on to a whole new chapter of your life. I wish you the best. You were I've known you for many, many years and uh it
seems like you're a part of the fabric of this town and you will always be. And I wish you the best. Have a healthy, happy retirement. >> And on behalf of the Cultural Arts Commission, we wanted to present you
with a token of our esteem. So. >> Yeah, sure good. Why not? >> [laughter] [applause] [snorts] >> I'm sorry. Um Walter Stoessel, please. >> I'm going to run this
>> Stoessel, 2118 Oakhill Road. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um I'd like to thank Cheryl for all the years of service to the to the Township and we appreciate all her work that she's done for the Open Space Committee making sure our meeting dates are um
in line and that we get the rooms that we need to to meet. Uh it's always been very helpful. Uh the clerk's office is a very important office in this uh um government. And public the public really doesn't understand or realize what the clerks do. Um you couldn't have
these meetings. Uh look at all the liquor licenses and other things that you have to vote on. Uh that's all things the clerk does. The voting. It's it's a tremendous job and since I've been coming to meetings, the clerks have always been very helpful to
me looking for information and stuff. And I go back to when Lucille Tucker was the clerk of the Township. So, that's a long time ago. So, I wish you well and thank you for all the things you've done for us. >> Thank you.
And and yes. I I'm Joyce. >> I said Freeman, Edison, New Jersey. At first, this person told me to they're Republican and they love the fact that you're non-political. They said I have a very good part about
you. Noa Wookie told me to give you all her love and that you are an outstanding person in the office of the clerk. And I'm telling you now a lot of things I didn't realize how hard your job was until I sat in in a
seat. And I seen that how you had to schedule this, how you had to do this, how people were always coming up against other people and all the craziness. You know, the dysfunctionalness that you had to sit through. You know, and and you made it through, which is good cuz you deserve a vacation
sitting through all this stuff, especially in Edison. They should Matter of fact, they should pay for your vacation and send you to a spa off someplace just enjoy yourself, your husband, and your children. But, everybody knows if you sit in that seat next to Cheryl
she's very very helpful. Things you think you know, you don't know. And never ever ever did she ever take a side. If you're sitting in that seat, she's very very professional. And I think that's very good. And I think that she's one of the most outstanding
persons whatsoever in this building. And they don't know they're going to miss you until after you're gone cuz a lot of people don't realize what they have until after it's gone. So, best of luck and everything with you and your family. Have a great In fact, start with a good summer.
At all. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ms. Yes, please. >> Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. I've been coming here for a number of years and I realize the difficulty of your job, Cheryl. And I realize the paperwork that goes by you at a regular
basis is astronomical. But the hardest thing from my perspective is dealing with them. And each year dealing with a new president, it reminds me of the catcher of baseball having to deal with each and
every pitcher. Well, now you have to deal with presidents of the council and be able to be ready for every one of their needs and answer all the questions that the councilman and members ask. But
the one thing I'm I'm really going to be sorry about is many times I get up here and I ask a question and I don't usually get the full answer or the assistance that I truly think I should get even though I may not.
But being able to reach out to you and to get an explanation that I truly understand is so worth your weight in gold. And Marlena
she taught you well. So Godspeed to you. Good luck with your family. A new job is becoming. I have a t-shirt that says, "I am not retired. I'm a full-time Gammy."
So, you may not be retired, but whatever they call you will become your full-time job. Your life will change, and it will be different, and you'll love it, and we will miss you. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you. Any other comments from the
public? Uh seeing none, this is not a resolution, so we don't have to have a motion close. This is just comments on her retirement. But, we do have something special for Cheryl, and we have a nice beautiful
plaque, which if we could all We would have We've got comments from our council members. Did we finish our comments? >> No. >> Okay. >> Council comments. >> Oh, right to my right, Council Member Brashear. >> That's to your left. >> Cheryl, listen, I'd like to thank you
for your service to the town. I'd also like to thank you for helping me um as a council member. I know it can be difficult at times. >> [clears throat] >> Yes, most people know I can be difficult, but you've always come through for me.
I will tell you that, but being that you're retiring is good news. Um I I enjoy hearing when people retire because we can't spend their whole lives working, giving it to the town. We We do
need to have a portion of our lives that's just for us. So, I do hope that in your retirement you can go out and get yourself a convertible, and you'll let that wind come down and take them grandkids out.
>> [laughter] >> But, thank you, and and thank you for helping me. I truly appreciate it. >> Council Member Dima? >> It's only been 6 months, but I >> [laughter] [gasps] >> I just wanted to say thank you. You've
been very helpful from the day that, you know, I stepped on board up to the dais, and I want to congratulate you on your retirement, and just thank you. >> Council Vice President. >> Mr. Chair, I want to thank you for your years of service to Edison Township. I
truly appreciate all Edison Township employees and especially you. I I want to thank you for it's only been 6 months like Kelly said for me as well. But um you welcomed me with open arms. You've taught me so much in a short period of time. And you you stand by my
side. Um you're available for anything I need and I just have this weird feeling that I know you're retiring but I still call people who retired from my job for advice. So unfortunately, [clears throat] I probably will be calling you a lot but enjoy your retirement again. Thank you
for serving Edison. >> [clears throat] >> Maybe a fee, processing fee chair. We'll discuss that later. >> [laughter] >> Consulting fee. I'm sorry Councilman Patel. >> Uh Shailesh, you may not remember this but I do obviously because the first time I came
to this town hall 100 Municipal Boulevard, I saw you. As I came for my son's birth certificate and I was going around and I bumped into you at clerk's office and then you showed me the way. This is what you do. You go there and you do this. You were so nice. After that, many years of interactions.
Especially I have noticed your dedication and commitment when time comes for the submission for the election forms. Then I have been poll worker in this town for quite a few cycles. I've seen you on your feet 5:30 in the morning till 8:30 in the night and afterwards I don't know if anyone
has seen that what happens there. The crowd that gathers there and all the work that goes behind the scenes. That's incredible amount of work. I don't know who else can who can fill your shoes. That's That's a big lots of work you put in all these years. So thank you so much for your incredible
services and [clears throat] you know with like Kelly and Rob said, 6 months of our experience with the council was very pleasant, very nice with all your help and support and guidance and everything. And I'm going to do the same thing that council did. I'm going to call you
you're not retired for us. We'll call you. It was a shock when I saw the email share you know about your retirement. I was like, "Oh, this is really happening." But yeah, so I can still digest that. So we're going to keep calling you. But really all the best all the best for your future. Thank
you. >> Thank you, Councilman Piyo. >> I think it's it's very difficult and emotional for to me say something about Cheryl. Uh when she called me first that she's thinking about the retirement and I was stunned. I don't think we'll ever be able to fill
your shoes, Cheryl. Uh I don't think any council president or anybody who sits next to you will be able to perform their duties. What people see is a different picture, but what you put together for that person is incredible. And I was fortunate enough
to sit next to you. And it was a learning lesson even though audience doesn't know what goes through that. But your hard work, commitment, passion, and unbiased willingness to help. Because this town is a political we all
know. There are ups and downs, but you balance so well. I don't think anyone even in next 10 years will be able to fill that shoes. And I would I personally will definitely miss you. I'm not going to say it is a farewell.
It is not the last day for your work. We'll continue to friends. We'll continue to talk. And I hope you know our memories will go along. Again, thank you and congratulations and good luck for your retirement. >> Councilman member Sashmoua. >> [clears throat] >> Cheryl,
this day is not going to be the same without you. I we got so used for you to be there. And and how you finally got my name right, Uh um >> [laughter] >> and how you you help the council president run the meetings by elbowing
and telling what and when you should do things. We see that, Joe. So, don't take all the credit, council president. >> But, a really heartfelt thank you to you because when I came into this position, you brought me up to speed fairly very very quickly.
Uh you told me you taught me about this position and and you were always available uh anytime whenever I called you and I really appreciated it. I appreciate your professionalism um and
congratulations on your retirement. It's it's um it's going to be a a great time for you to enjoy your grandchildren. You earned it. You deserve it. And you'll be missed. Thank you. >> Thank you, council members. Uh
we have a presentation. If members of the council be so kind to come up forward and have Cheryl in the front and center as she says, uh wonderful great speech of her retirement and put her on the spot, it'd be really good.
>> So, can you take a picture for me? All right, Joe. You want to get some pictures of her? >> Sure. >> You got it, Cheryl. >> [applause] >> This happens This happens because of the deputy clerk and her work. But, I just want to hand this microphone to Shola to say a few words, and you can
take as long as you'd like. >> I'm short and sweet. I'm kidding. >> Now, come on. >> I just like to say it's been an honor and a pleasure to serve this town for 14 years. Um I've lived in it for 45 years. I'm a
resident of this town. I raised my children here. My daughter has two businesses here. Um I'm not going anywhere. I love this town. Um and I'll miss all of you. And listen, I couldn't be as good at my
job without my girl. By my side since my last one retired. I didn't even start and I had somebody retire on me, and it was a new career for me. Um and uh Orlando,
you are best. Thank you. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Put all the council which >> Okay, I just want to stage it so that you two can be in >> Uh Councilwoman Medina, uh Council Vice President, want to get in
front of this here. >> And I'll sit in the back over here. >> I want to be following it Rich. Good. >> I said you're perfect. >> Perfect. That's it. >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] [clears throat] [clears throat]
>> If I can have a motion for a 2-minute recess. >> Motion to go in recess for what 5 minutes? >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> It's now 8:22. I just wanted to get a motion to reconvene
our regular meeting. Can I have a motion to reconvene? >> Motion to reconvene. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> It's now 8:23. This motion This order order of council business regular meeting is reconvened. >> Council president. >> Yes.
>> Before you move to the unfinished business or you have the council council president remark, but as soon as that is done, if you can entertain uh new business, that's when would this the ordinance on the agenda as soon as you are done. >> I'll just um
I My brief council president remarks, uh which I've made before, will just be brief. I have no council president remarks. Not nothing more than I said already about Cheryl, our clerk Rosemary, and the great work she's done along by my side. This is my
second time serving as council president. And I think we've worked well together. It was certainly this year was was easier for me working as my second time doing this and I think I could as I could not done it without either one of them.
And it's a good relationship during the day and we as councilman as soft said, he's right. She's doing a lot of work and making me look like I know what I'm doing. >> [laughter] >> She a lot of things are happening behind the scenes and it really is wonderful to
both Marlene and to the clerk. Thank you. Yes, councilman R.J. Patel. You have order of business? >> Yeah, but it's a new business and I would like to move the motion to add the the ordinance number which we don't have
the number. Ordinance amending chapter 25 trees of the Edison Township code to resend chapter 25 section 17 bamboo. >> Okay. Just one moment. Um councilman, I just want to make sure the order of what you're requesting. I'm
going to pass this to the attorney. I think it is your first motion to resend the current bamboo ordinance. >> Right. >> Okay. >> To add on agenda. >> Yeah, okay. And what what number are we going to do what what number are we going to give it? Madam clerk? >> Um
well, you know, I guess 2284-2026. >> [snorts] >> 2284 what? >> -2026. >> Okay. Um >> And [clears throat] this is to resend. >> To resend the bamboo ordinance he has.
Um councilman, do you want to readdress your motion just so we clear you have motion 2284. >> That's correct council president. Again, making it very clear that the intent is not to eliminate the bamboos. The intent is
to codify it correctly that the anyone who has a grandfather should not be punished. Uh anything between the two homeowners should go to the civil court or wherever it is, and that's the reason we need to work through some fine-tuning and not at the
discretion of any zoning officer or the health officer. It should be by law. It should work equally for every single resident. That's the reason, you know, we are resigning at this point in time. Not that we'll be entertaining bamboos. It will be added with some modification. Thank you, Council President. >> Okay.
So, uh Let me just clarify. As far as I know, the motion is to rescind the ordinance that is currently on the books today. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. You have Council comments. Any Council comments? >> Well, uh okay. Um
Yes, I originally did pass the um ordinance because I realized that bamboo is an issue. Um invasive species are an issue. But the whole enforcement aspect and how we were putting the ownership
um it seems to be problematic. And the And simply put, you know, the simplest way to explain it is that if my property has bamboo, my neighbor doesn't complain when my bamboo grows onto their property, and then I move, and somebody else comes in, and
they get rid of my bamboo that was there. Now they can call the code official for the neighbor, but the neighbor never planted the bamboo. So, this just leads to like a problem for us for enforcement. And I I think the
whole, you know, leaving it as like a civil matter um is really a better way to go about it. Um even though I do recognize that the species, you know, that running bamboo is is bad. Um so, that's why I'm I'm supporting
changing this in a way. That would be a Council President. >> you. Uh any other Council comments? >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Yeah, I I just want to say I I I I looked at all the current cases out there. At least I believe I looked at all the
current cases out there. I talked to the zoning officer about this and unfortunately, there's not a a one-size-fits-all. So, I'm just going to echo um my Council colleague AJ Patel's comments as well as um Councilman Brecher's that that the the ordinance
needs to be reworked. Um and hopefully, we can rework it quickly and we we we can make it fit everyone. If not, that probably leave it to the civil courts for this one. So, that's it. Thank you. >> Uh thank you, Councilman. Is there any
Council comments? >> Uh I just wanted to >> I'm sorry, Councilman Shamwell. Yes. >> Echo both my colleagues. I agree this should be a civil matter rather than a township referee. Uh so, I would support this ordinance as well.
>> Thank you, Councilman. Um I think this has been a uh a long debate between Council members and I have to say it's important that each one of us individually has uh their time to put in uh to policy and set forth what they think is best for residents.
Uh my conclusion was to keep this ordinance in place and to wait till July 20th for some further um investigation. From what I've learned, the confusion of this ordinance was whether or not the person [clears throat] the resident who
planted the bamboo would be responsible to mitigate the boundary property of the neighbor. That confusion is evident that it's not true. The responsibility of this ordinance, to be clear,
is that the person who had planted this bamboo prior is obligated to remove it back 10 ft uh from you know, their boundary, 10 ft. Um and mitigate that 10 ft from the property line. They We are not requiring
them to go on anybody's property. Uh but, you know, that was the exact part of this ordinance. I do support my colleagues in trusting why they want to change it, and I see their value. However, I will be voting no. I would prefer this to be waited to the
20th uh to just for some further review. We've gotten pretty far from where we were, and uh I do understand their patience. It's been challenged. I've made them wait about 4 months now uh with this. I would prefer to just wait one more month
to see where we're at with this bamboo. Um that's just my position. Is there any other council comments? >> Council President, >> Yes. >> can I clarify something? So, this is an ordinance change. This is an ordinance that has to be introduced. The vote tonight would be to introduce the ordinance. There wouldn't
be a vote on this ordinance change until the July meeting. >> Yeah, it's a It's a motion to introduce. >> It It has to be, otherwise >> to rescind. Yes, so there there There is some time here. >> But it's a motion to introduce the ordinance that rescinds the bamboo
ordinance. And so, that would be heard for public comment and vote on the July 20th meeting. >> Yeah, I I I clearly understand that. I just wanted it to it to be If I couldn't reach a conclusion with my council members, I wanted to hope to get to the 20th. That was my goal. But, I have to
respect their position in in how they feel as a member, as well. Um no difference. I'll be voting no, but Madam Clerk, uh this is just an introduction. There will be no uh comments from the public for this. It's just introduction, and the hearing date will be set for this for for comments.
Um Madam Clerk, roll call. >> Well, wait. Shouldn't I read the title? >> We'll let them move. >> Okay, you can. Read ordinance. I apologize. >> An ordinance to an ordinance amending chapter 25 trees of the Township code to rescind chapter 25 section 17 bamboo.
>> Okay. >> Now, we need a motion to >> And then I would just going to re-clarify. A motion to Motion to introduce. >> We did that. >> Um you want to just set down to the date? >> Council President, I move this ordinance to be passed on first reading, published
according to law for further consideration, and public hearing set down for July 20th. >> I second. >> Seconded. >> Okay. Madam Clerk, roll call. >> Council member Brashaar. >> Yes. >> Council member Dima. >> Yes, to introduce.
>> Council member Tantos. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes, to introduce. >> Council member Schmuel. >> Yes. >> Council President Quayle. >> No, to introduce. We have um just 1 second.
It's past introduction. >> Which one was this? 22 >> We have a Hold on. 2284 2385 So, if we have another one, it's 2285, right? >> 85 >> Okay. >> So, you have another >> What's going
>> Do you want to do the mirror? Mirror one for the state? >> No. >> Not valid. >> Not at this time. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. Um >> for anyone? >> Yep, that's it. So, we're moving forward. >> Unfinished business. >> Number six, unfinished business.
We're Go ahead. Madam Clerk, read ordinance. >> Ordinance of the Township of Edison authorizing execution of a right-of-way use agreement between Pilot Fiber NJ LLC in the Township of Edison to locate, place, attach, install, operate, maintain fiber optic facilities within
public right-of-ways for purpose of providing telecommunication services. >> Okay, we're going to open this up to the public for any comments. Yes, Ms. Shipp. >> One question. Joyce Shipp, Raymond,
Edison, New Jersey. Um is this about uh the um what is it, Comcast and all the different telecommunication people digging up people's lawns and stuff? Fiber optic facility >> Speak to the microphone, please. I'm
sorry, Ms. Shipp. >> I'm trying to get within within public rights of a way for purposes of providing telecommution telecommunication services. Is this in regard to them putting new stuff in Edison, different fiber optics
[clears throat] for like Comcast and other different companies that want to come here? >> I just want to you finish your questions first. I'll get to you after Yeah, well, yeah. To the BA >> You can't ask part two in here. >> Okay, [laughter] so I just I just want to know if
>> I'm used to being in a class with you. You leave one question, >> To the BA, do you have an answer for the question? >> Yeah, I just want to know if that's, you know, >> Is this related to Comcast? >> Yes. >> It is not. >> It's not. >> I didn't say just Comcast. I meant any
other type of telecommunications. I just like to say Comcast as one name. You know, there's Optimum. There's a a whole bunch of other telecommunication you know, devices going out through Edison through the fiber optics and stuff cuz I wanted to know
how vast it was and what companies we were using. >> Thank you. Any other comments from the public for this uh Yes, Ms. Conway. >> Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. If we got no to the name Comcast, is
Pilot Fiber a new company? That's my question. >> No, this is just a product. I I apologize, Council President. >> I I just wanted to make sure we don't get all count all questions have to go through the Council President, just so we don't get Your question, I'm sorry.
>> Uh the answer to uh Ms. Freeman's was no to Comcast. So, what I was asking is uh Pilot Fiber New Jersey LLC a new company that will be coming in or is it for existing companies?
>> Okay. To the BA, do you have a answer for that? >> It's It's just for commercial um entities. So, what they do is just build the infrastructure. Um our Councilor, if you wants to fill in on exactly what that is. >> So, Pilot Fiber is a uh
CLEC. It's a um I don't keep blanking on what the first C is. >> Fiber. >> Uh CLEC. It's a uh competitive local exchange carrier, which is a competitor business to other uh telecommunications
companies um under the Federal Communications Act. So, it it isn't related to Optimum or Comcast or any of those. It is essentially a >> [snorts] >> uh data transfer company. They put in fiber
optic cable that is used by >> [sighs and gasps] >> the way that it was described in the response to the questions uh from the councilman the other night uh is uh they provide connectivity for uh stock exchanges, AI data centers,
um and enterprise businesses. Enterprise businesses being those large businesses that have thousands of employees and multiple departments. Um essentially they put in fiber fiber optic cable to order to handle whatever bandwidth the
um communications requirements are for the particular business. So if you have a large research and development company that requires a lot of of exchange information with other institutes around the world, they would put that in to
connect that uh that facility. If it's an AI data center that needs to be connected through uh Edison or um and I know that this is always a concern if one eventually does get approved here, um that would require that kind of of infrastructure. They would have the
ability to do that if they have, you know, local connections to stock exchange and other markets um that are required by commercial businesses, that's what this it's a specialty uh high high-speed commercial
servicer. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to close the public portion on this introduction. >> Motion. >> Sorry, on this ordinance. I'll second. >> Second. >> Any council comments?
>> Councilman >> [clears throat] >> Yes. >> Sure. Yeah, sure. >> Okay, I you know, I like I Googled this company. What they seem to do is yes, they they do financial networks. They're they're pulling cable
so that we get to a new world with AI and data centers. Um I happen to be I guess I guess I'm against data centers and I'm against AI just because I look at it like jobs are going to disappear and we're going to be
dependent on the government for our livelihood. And I think it takes away purpose from human beings. So, because of that, I'm not looking to help facilitate that growth, whether it be approving data centers or or
approving fiber being pulled. Um currently, I know many people in the IT world that have been laid off. Um anybody read the papers recently, you probably are going to read that there's another 8,500 jobs that that they're
losing here in New Jersey alone. Okay? And they're losing them because of the AI. The companies now are using the AI as opposed to And everybody that thinks that they're protected, you're not going to be protected. Cuz once this happens, our teachers are going to be gone. It's a
cascade effect. And you can't say that your children could be a plumber because when your IT people and your lawyers and your teachers and all these people don't have jobs, there are no construction for those jobs. So, so it's I look at this as actually like a downfall type of
thing. And and government and elected officials do need to get on top of this, and they're not. So, for the reason like I stated, I don't want to be part of helping facilitate this or moving this forward. Um that would be a council president.
>> Thank you. Any other council comments? Councilman President? >> Yes, Councilman Patel. >> I think there are many towns in state of New Jersey who have banned the data centers in their own town and for obvious reason. I think one of the council meeting I did mention that shortly we should be bringing that
resolution on this council dies to ban the data centers in Edison Township. This is the precursor, you know, laying down. And I I was very specific in my question to administration as well as to attorney last council meeting Mondays. If this is a residential, I'm fine. But
if it is commercial, if it is a T1 [clears throat] line, I'm fine. But if it is for data centers, I'm absolutely not. And there's a reason behind that. So hence I won't be supporting for this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other council comments?
Madam Clerk, roll call. >> I need a motion to a motion. >> May we have a motion? >> To adopt. >> It looks [clears throat] to adopt. I'm sorry. Okay, motion to adopt. Council President. >> Yes. >> I move this ordinance to be passed first
reading. >> This is an option. >> It's already been This is unfinished. This is This is just motion to adopt. >> I'll second. [clears throat] >> Second. >> Madam Clerk, roll call. >> Council member Brutscher. >> No. >> Council member Dima.
>> Yes. >> Council member Cantos. >> No. >> Council member Patel. >> No. >> Council member Patil. >> No. >> Council member Shamwell. >> Yes. >> Council President Quell. >> Yes. >> [clears throat]
>> Failed. So we froze. And [snorts] I just want to comment that this is a [clears throat] This is a BPU approved uh fiber It's so This will return. Our Our This is a formality for us to pass.
And I'm I do support my colleagues. And I definitely have an issue with data centers. However, this is an issue through the BPO. And uh we'll we will look where that goes uh next time for the next uh when it returns.
Thank you. Uh moving forward this is um Clerk, read ordinance. >> An ordinance of Township Council of the Township of Madison accept accepting an easement on a portion of block 124, lot
20- {dot} 04 along Route 27 in the vicinity of 2193-2195 Lincoln Highway, Route 27 for maintenance purposes. >> I'd like to open this up to the public. Any questions or comments? Seeing none, I'll have a motion to close
the public portion. >> Motion. >> Do you have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Any council comments? And I'm sorry. Motion to adopt. >> Motion to adopt. >> Do you have a second? >> Second. >> Any council comments?
Hearing none, Madam Clerk, roll call. >> Councilmember Bracher? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Dima? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Cantos? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Patel? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Patiel? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Shmuel? >> Yes. >> Council President Quayle? >> Yes. >> Okay.
Okay. And now we're going to open up for Uh the first one is now on the resolutions uh underneath eight uh you'll see there listed under eight, they're proposed resolutions for
spending different contracts and so forth. If you don't have an agenda, it is in the back. Uh you can get a copy of that uh that you can comment on that. So right now we're opening up the comments on the resolutions only. If you do want to talk about something else, that is going to happen at the end of this
agenda. Right at um we have it on nine. Okay? Just so you're clear. And please open for comments for resolutions only. Yes. Please come up. >> [snorts] >> Uh resolution 351.
>> Wel- welcome. >> Oh, Joyce Ship, Edison, [clears throat] New Jersey. Uh resolution 351, resolution authorizing tax collector to seek DLGS director's approval for mailing estimated tax bills
after June 30th statutory deadline. So, I'm a senior citizen, so you going to wait till 3/4 of the year go by before you can even tell me what my tax is. I can't even plan for my vacation for next year because of this. And if you don't
pass a budget, how you going to send somebody some tax anyway? Is that a good enough question? If you If you didn't pass a budget, how how you going to assess us and and tax us if it is no budget at that particular time?
>> Thank you. Uh, just to answer the question, this happens every [clears throat] year and it's happened underneath leadership of many council members including council members that were former council members voted for the same thing. So, it's it's it is something that happens
where we have the tax bill sent out before the budget. This is not the first time. Okay, uh, do we have any other comments for the budget? Yes, please. >> Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. I'm talking about the same thing, the
resolution 351 06 2026. Uh, my question is uh, regarding the estimated tax bill that would go out. That would be for the August 1st tax bill if I'm correct.
And I heard that there's going to be a budget uh, presentation or something on July 20th. So, does that mean that the estimated bills wouldn't go out until after July 20th or will they go out before July
20th because it is difficult uh, when families need to have a budget. I know every year I have a line items as to how much I can spend in my budget to make sure that I don't spend more than I have in my
bank account. So, pushing it to after July 20th would be close to almost the deadline for paying the August 1st taxes. So, if that is being extended, will the
tax bill that goes out to the residents be pushed beyond August 1st? To give us an extended period of time to pay because no offense this year we've heard that
the Board of Education has gone up 6% and we don't know what the municipal budget is going up. I heard rumors, but I don't know if rumors are correct. 4.5% so that means it's going to be a decent
increase and it's something that I'm talking about. I need to be able to factor that into my budget. So, am I going to be waiting to pay my taxes
after August 1st because you're extending the estimated bills beyond June 30th. What does it mean beyond June 30th? Does it mean July 20th? Are we waiting for that? Are we waiting after July 20th or
are we talking about July 6th? A week late. So, that's my question. >> I'll wait till your time is up. Do you have anything else? >> Nope. >> Okay. Well, I I think you're I I respect your questions and I think they're great questions. The
I first refer to the BA and I'll answer this as well, as you. But just so the tax increase if this budget is passed, it's about $11.25 a month for the year for this municipal tax. So, if we were to put out an estimated tax bill
and forecast that out, the difference may be another $2 per month. So, I mean, I'll ask them as, but I just wanted to at least share with you something you may have done on the Board of Ed. I'm not sure what you've done there, but it's not the first time we did it here. But I think they're great questions. To the
BA? >> Sure. So, the first question, the August 1st billing, it would reflect the the estimated tax bill. So, um at the prior meeting, and we mentioned on Monday, the the estimated tax bill reflects a 5% um
So, I just want to be clear on that. So, um it may be more more or less depending on what the council, of course, then decides to do. Um tax bills are always due quarterly. The date's not pushed unless otherwise, you know, we get special permission or some some extra
extenuating circumstances. So, um just to answer Ms. Conway's question, uh it is an estimated tax bill. We anticipated before June 30th, but the local government services um requires that we put a resolution on in order to um
if it were to mailed after June 30th. Um so, that that's all I have to Council President. >> yet. >> Uh what we just said 5%. So, the difference of the 4.4% increase, today's estimated quarter is a 5%. So,
that difference is probably $3 if we were less than that. But I think it's a great question. And but it's been done several times, the estimate. No different than your water bill is estimated, even if you don't make use of water, it's still estimated
sometimes. So, this is an estimate. But will correct itself. And and I'm certain uh the taxes are not going to 5% here, that's for sure. Thank you. Any other questions or comments on the resolutions? Hearing none, can I have a motion to close the public portion on resolutions
only? >> Motion to close the public portion. >> a second. >> Second. >> All in favor, say I. >> I. >> Okay, the public portion is closed on the resolutions only. Uh from my right, uh do we have any resolutions [clears throat] to pull? Council member Brusher. >> Uh none this evening.
>> Council member Diema? >> None. >> Council Vice President Cantos? >> None. >> Council I mean Patel? >> None. >> Council member Patil? >> None at this time. >> Council member Schmuel? >> None. >> And there are none for me. Can I have a motion to adopt the consent
resolution, please? >> Motion to adopt the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Okay. >> Madam Clerk, roll call. >> Council member Brusher? >> Yes. >> Council member Diema? >> Yes. >> Council member Cantos? >> Yes. >> Council member Patel? >> Yes. >> Council member Patil?
>> Yes. >> Council member Schmuel? >> Yes. >> Council President Quayle? >> Yes. >> And this is we're at number nine. Thank you, Council members. Uh we're at number nine. Uh this is the part where anyone at any time can come up and speak at on any topic you'd like.
Uh we're going to open up for oral petition remarks, open public comment. Please raise your hand if you'd like to speak. Sure, please come up. >> Hello, I'm My name's Patrick Durick from Greenwich Road. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. Thank you to the Council for
Oops, let me get this microphone up. Thank you for to the Council for your time in listening to >> You're welcome to move it up and if you're not comfortable, please make all the noise you want. You're not You're You're bothering us. >> Much better. Okay. Okay, thank you to the council for
listening to me and I'd like to thank the police officers for keeping us safe. Um I'm here to We're going to change gears a little bit. Uh I represent the Plantsky Park neighborhood group. Um it's we're really
been quite uh shocked by the drastic and um kind of extreme renovation of the quiet grove behind our house. Um we're pretty close and it's kind of a It's a pocket park. People walk their dogs, little kids kick balls. Um
my daughters went out to play uh uh Wiffle ball one day and they said, "There's a giant mound of sand. What's this?" So, we looked into it um told Some of the neighbors talked to uh the director in the of the
in the park and the laborers and they said, "They're making an events place for musical events, loud events." A stage? What? We were never told them. So, we never had a chance to give our own feedback, which as residents close to a park, we've
Many of us bought the our houses because specifically it's quiet. And we all we have busy lives and we enjoy that quiet. So, um the fact that it took us all by surprise you know, galvanized us and
we've been talking, we've been going door-to-door. We've got 90-plus signatures on a petition to restore the Plantsky money on it. Just bring it back to how it was. Um it saves the town money and we're all happy.
Um a few big issues, I know some of my neighbors will talk about it. Um noise is noise, potential for more crime, increased traffic, uh environmental impact, and trust. And I'm not going to go over all of
them, but um the noise it said that it's This is a residential area. Houses are like right against right against this park. Um food trucks 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Um I don't know if you're there, but I think about that. If you'd want to sit on your patio, read a book, or listen to to music of your own choice, you won't be able to. And so um it doesn't seem right to me. That it's that excessive that they put a
burden around Greenwich, Nicholas, Keens, these communities that we we have to bear this excessive burden. And um could understand [clears throat] if it's a one-off, but if it's they you know, 4 days a week, 2 months, that's our summer.
Um potential for crime after We know that the police officers will do a great job making sure it's orderly, but at some point people will leave. And you know, people have to go home, even workers and law enforcement, and some will linger about.
And uh they may look at their houses and say, "Hey, look, that house looks good." So that we're concerned about that. And we hear the town's able to park, you know, they've gotten an approval to park up and down our streets. That's a concern.
>> [sighs and gasps] >> Uh others will say more. Environment. Rats, raccoons from the food trucks, people will drop food, there's porta-johns. Again, not what we thought we were getting when we moved on to this quiet street. And then the trust. We felt We
feel like the mayor's has and the administration has breached our trust. And I've, you know, I went out and put signs for him. So it feels like [clears throat] a betrayal. And we hope you listen and think about this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council >> [applause]
>> Councilor President. Do you want to wait to Do you want to wait to the end or not? >> I just want to, you know, make a not not to address the resident, but, you know, Monday's work session I did ask through council president or administration, have we done the survey? And the answer was yes, right?
>> Yes, the mayor did go and um ask around the neighbors and there was a request for a a space a gathering space. Um so, this these are non-permanent structures, as you know. It is a it is a temporary
um let's see how this works. So, nothing is set in stone. Um there is no band or music, uh just the first um soft opening of it, um which will [clears throat] be this weekend. We'll have an acoustic um
playing person there. So, there's nothing in there that would amplify any any additional noise than a regular, you know, common space park would. >> Okay, but it would would do. >> cuz the reason I raised my concern on Monday morning uh Monday council meeting
was was we received quite a few emails from the residents. And rather than responding one collectively on behalf all of them, I asked that very specific question, if the survey was done, if the consent was taken, why there are complaints. But, I will leave it here and we can hear from the resident. Thank you, councilwoman.
>> Uh Council President, can can I just ask the BA one question? >> Sure. >> Um I I I would classify this as programming, right? Is it an issue? And I I know for tomorrow, right? That would be an issue to to change the venue.
But, moving forward, is it an issue to change the venue to, let's say, Papanani Park? More suited, more conducive, there's more parking um to larger events type of thing, than have it in your little local pocket
park. Um and and the reason why I say that is I'm sure the mayor might have spoke to in in that district there might be 300 people, right? So, he might have spoken to four or five. But, if he went out to 30% of them, you'd have the 30% right here that would have said
absolutely no. Um so, like those little pocket parks, because that is the park where I live, right? It's kind of your little local park where you take your children, your grandchildren, you go [clears throat] for a walk. As you're walking, you know, through the neighborhood. Um it's it's
not the type of thing where people want events to take place. In fact, the only thing that anyone ever asked, okay? And you know I asked this, right? The basketball hoop, right? If there's some [snorts] way that we could fix the basketball hoop there um for the kids.
But, could this be changed, you know, in in the future to a to a different venue? >> To an to answer your question and of course the the concerns of the residents, uh this is a a a pilot program, if you will. Uh we're going to see if it works. Um again,
we're going to we're taking all of the all of the feedback, the concerns. Um we did meet with residents um just a couple days ago here um alongside recreation just to listen to everyone's concerns. We certainly don't want to create an
environment that would affect their quality of life. So, we are certainly looking at into your point being that this is a temporary pilot program, um we want to see exactly what what that would entail for the neighborhood and wouldn't want any cause any harm or concern to the residents if there was any sort of
effect with regards to the trash that they mentioned or any environmental issues. So, we will be staffed um during any programming and our DPW, as you know, is out there on a weekly basis maintaining um the area. So, if there
any other concerns that we see, uh you know, in terms of if there's inappropriate um acts or anything like that, we certainly have our public safety involved, and they've been part of the conversation to know that this is going to be more of a gathering space more than what it used
to be. So, certainly we want to make sure that um everything right now to your point is temporary, and we're we're going to see how the programming's going to take place. >> Okay, so quick question. Just for for that pilot program, we say it's a pilot program.
Um they might not have any issue, right? I mean, if somebody's playing some music on just a guitar, right? No one No one hears it, they might be okay. But, my question is, how long does this pilot program last? Like, let's say that
they're they're they're offended on on tomorrow, right? How long do they have to endure that um before we could possibly change the venue? >> Well, we we certainly wouldn't want them to endure it any more than, you know, if
it becomes a nuisance to the to the neighborhood. But, what I would welcome is that they reach out to our office, and the mayor, you know, is on a very brief paternity leave. >> Yes. >> What we would like is to have all of uh these residents that are here and any
other ones to invite you to meet the mayor next week. So, if you could just reach out to our office, I'll give you my card. We'd like to meet everyone out there um just to explain and be as transparent as possible to see what's going out there. But, as you know, they're just picnic tables, they're Adirondack
chairs. There was sand there, but that's that's just not a place where the uh I guess the if you want to call it the music or any sort of act would go, it would be more so on the south part of
where the pathway is. And so, um certainly we want to invite the residents to to meet with the mayor next week once he returns to to just have an open conversation and get all the feedback that we can get. Um he did he did meet with residents, um but certainly any other residents we
want to do that for them next week. >> Okay. So, could I be invited or or I I know my councilman, uh Patel, he lives right around the corner, too. It's like his park. >> Sure. >> Um >> I'll I'll make sure the mayor if the any council members
would like to >> Thank you. All right, thank you. >> I have a quick question. >> Sure. >> [clears throat] >> Do you know off the top of your head how many tons of sand were dumped there? Cuz I saw this picture and it looked like maybe there were four or five triaxles of sand dumped there. Do you Would you know that number?
>> I don't know that off the top of my head, but I can certainly find that for you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I'm open to listen. Anybody else want to speak? Are you Sir, are you going Okay. Sir, please. >> My name is Steve Rosen, and I live on
Greenwich Road. My wife and I have been living there for 48 years. It's clear to us and to all these people here that the mayor tried to just sneak this thing under the tent. There were plenty of times when people
inquired after we saw the sand and the construction, and never was one of those things addressed by the mayor's office. Couple of days ago, some of us met with the recreation director and a
representative from the mayor's office, Pat. I have to forget his last name. And we had questions about parking, questions about the safety of the sand, questions about the food truck, and all
we got in answer was well we'll just have to see how it goes. In Clark when they have venues they have restricted parking in all the neighborhoods around the park.
No one even considered that in this particular thing and they're not considering it now even after we raised it. We raised it in in writing, we raised it verbally and all we're getting is well we'll just have to wait and see.
And again, this was all done under the tent. They were trying to sneak this through and the residents are very upset. You know when the mayor was running he came around and knocked on everybody's door.
He didn't knock on anybody's door about this. I don't care what they say, nobody came around to talk to the residents. Thank you. >> Thank you for coming up. >> [applause]
>> Sure, please come up, sir. >> [clears throat] >> Hi everybody, Robert Shear at 3 Greenwich Road. >> Welcome. >> You know, I'm living here so long it used to be called Woodland Grove Park back then. In 1990, they wanted to develop this park. We begged them to leave it alone. All we
wanted was passive open space and they agreed. We wanted some security lights because kids would go back there and at one point they were run driving around with ATVs and to all hours of the night and we finally had some security lights back there but somebody told me recently
that why there are no more lights is because a tree fell on something. I'm at the end of Greenwich Road near Livingston Avenue. I'm at the end of the park. I have woods behind me. I get to look at a a um 30-ft stump of a tree that fell last
week during one of the storms. Um the top half of that tree fell a couple of years ago and we had to beg the township to come clean it up cuz it took out our fence. And they had to like they cut it up into pieces and then left it there and we had to get them to come back and get rid of it.
So, we're pretty convinced tell us. All right. So, um there was a swing set in the back there that was made out of plastic that over the years the kids set on fire melted and burned. There's tennis courts that are buried under the the natural,
you know, growth of the the environment. There was a a youth where they put this I don't know. It's It's like a 1,500 square-foot beach they put in. You know, there's already deer poop all over the place. They ran wires with extension
cords all around for their the string lights they have. I don't think anything was inspected yet. The electrical um the electrical box doesn't even have a meter on it and they're supposed to be opening this thing up tomorrow. You know, so there's a lot going on and a lot going on and the mayor, I don't
know who he spoke to, but our property's back up to this. I touch this park. We should have been notified. I had I had a deck put in million years ago. I had to get a variance and the neighbors that had to sign a piece of paper didn't even know where the heck my house was.
And they sneak this in in the middle of the night. We hear trucks backing up dumping all this sand. I thought it was one of the new homes going up around the corner and guess what? It wasn't. So, we're afraid of First of all, and there's all we around two dozen deer living in the back.
And we have like red fox and all the other rodents and animals that live back there. So, you know, it it's this was just supposed to be an open space. Passive, leave it alone. It It was not maintained. We didn't care, but it was quiet. It's like a swamp. It floods.
It's going to be a mess after the next rain. So, I don't know if anybody looked before. There's um 60 parking spaces in the lot where the juniors park, which is the parking lot for here. They put in the swing set near the parking lot. The police can't see what's going on back
there. You can't tell me that the cops going to go back there and keep checking on this area to see that there's no kids making trouble. If you go up Grove, you look into this park, you'll see the parking lot, you'll see the swing set, and then you can't see anything. So, the whole thing is no good. And
actually, we want it out. Pilot program, no pilot program. You know, Woodbridge has events going on. They put in the soccer field. They put in the field where it's out in the open. They don't shove in the back behind people's houses where you can't see it, and you can't maintain it, and you can't pay You can't, you know, the
safety hazards. So, there's a There's a lot, and um I don't want to keep rambling, but you get the message. Thanks. >> [applause] >> Council President I have another question. >> Do you mind if he >> Go ahead. He can
>> Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't >> No, no problem. No problem. >> Council Vice President, please. >> Please, please. >> How many do we have? >> Of course, Council Vice >> I have another question. Do we have a a rendering of what was being done there? Did Did we get a drawing like cuz, you know, I I see these things posted all the time like what we're doing at parks
like Sewell's Park by me they put in um years ago you guys put in a a volleyball net with one of these gigantic sand litter boxes I call cuz it's just a mess. But, um do we have a drawing of this park that of the improvements? >> I can certainly get one for you. Again,
these are temporary. These are not permanent structures. So, uh whatever rendering we get you would be of the park itself and what it would appear. Certainly show you where the sand is placed but we can we can we can give you a short >> Okay.
Okay, that fair enough because if you truck all the sand in and the pilot program fails, then I got to pay somebody to truck all the sand out. Or do we leave the sand behind? Cuz I I'm I'm one of these people who I I am completely against sand in the parks around here. It
I I I'll say it right here on the mic. They turn into giant litter boxes. >> [applause] >> And I know Beach Brusher or Brusher Beach as they're going to call it doesn't want any want to be used as a litter box. That's all I got, Council President.
Thank you. >> So, Council Council Stroh, do you want to just one more comment? >> I just want to comment >> [clears throat] >> on some of the comments that we heard from from the from the residents. The park is opening tomorrow. It's it's it's done. It's a pilot program. Um
I would think that the mayor and the township are going to watch this park a little more now that we made this investment. I think there'll be more security. I think there there will be more upkeep on this at this park.
And if it doesn't work, since it is a pilot program, if it doesn't work, then it it may be reversed. But I would just I would just like to ask the residents to to to give it a chance. >> No.
>> Okay. >> We we live next door to the park and >> Let me just sort of I have to introduce Please introduce Please stop the clock real quick. Reset, please, Marla. Uh yeah, if you'd like to just introduce
yourself if you're dressed if you'd like and >> I'm Karthika Maheswamy, 21 Keen Lane. >> Welcome. You have the floor. >> I live right behind the Plonski Park and before I start like I want to thank the firemen and the police department
for all the work that they do. >> [snorts] >> And like I've been living in this area for like 10 years and we bought the house just for like the backyard and how serene the environment is in the park and
this is like we've been told like you know they went and asked the residents but we have like a petition with like 90 people already and none of us have been asked and I don't think like you know maybe like they went and spoke to like a
couple of people that don't live area but certainly not the people who live in Keen Pace, Greenwich or Livingston or Grove and Nicholas as well. So I'm here to actually like say it's real
concern and Patrick and Steve and everybody spoke before me and have the same exact concern. And even though they're saying like yesterday somebody like Pat was talking to us and he said like it was going to be like just couple of acoustic
guitar but then when we asked like is it going to be amplified and they said yes it's going to be amplified. So like we have like a real concern and we've been told like you know give it a chance but I don't think we have to give it a chance because like we have seen
the softball field that is in the park has already been filled with sand and it's like completely filled with sand and all these like plastic dividers has been put in the middle of the park and the kids like run
around and play there and that's been like obstructed now. And um like we also did like few research and so uh in like our planning board just adopted new
Edison master plan in July 2024 and the fundamental purpose of that plan is to protect the residents' quality of life and manage the traffic congestion. Transforming a quiet neighborhood space like Polansky Park into a high-capacity event destination directly conflicts with the master plan.
And the goal to keep our neighborhood pockets peaceful and safe for our young families and seniors. So, I respectfully ask the council to stop this project and join us for a dialogue on how we can preserve the Polansky as a safe, accessible, and quiet space that our
children, senior citizens, and family can continue to enjoy safely um every day. So, thank you. And I don't think like, you know, we said like we uh need to give it give it a chance, but we are already seeing like all the constructions and the sand being dumped
in and all the artificial uh hedges is being like put up, so I think we have lost our patience already. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Any of the members of the public that wish to comment? Sure, please come up.
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see. I apologize. >> Okay, thank you. Hi, I'm Dr. Isha Thakur. I live at 19 Keen Lane, which is the backyard of 19 Keen Lane uh is adjacent to the Polansky
Park where this I have to say it's a hideous activity what is going on. They are uh cutting the trees, which was the most serene part of the whole park. It's a small park. It's not a big park. It's a very small park. Um they used to have a
baseball practice for the junior varsity team. Uh, so I don't know from where from now onwards where they are going to practice. Um, it uh For Nicholas Court, for Greenwich, it's directly adjacent to their houses.
To come to my house, they have to go through the woods, but JP Stevens is right across the street, and when they do the band practice, we hear everything. But, that's okay. For kids, we can bear that. Having
uh summer concert, having some acoustic guitar with amplifier, it's not going to be good. And the weekend, mind this, starts on Thursday. I don't know if in which book the weekend starts on Thursday. We all are
very hard-working people. We are minding our business, keeping our lives, you know, uh busy. Thursday evening, we have to hear to somebody else playing acoustic guitar on an amplifier. I don't think that's the
idea of summer fun we are going to have. We need We need This is also, as somebody mentioned, that we have a lot of um deers and foxes, and that's the beauty of this whole area. The beauty of this whole area is open lands, all these
trees, beautiful animals. You You go in the morning, I walk my dog every morning, and I see this deer grazing. They are not They're unbothered. You walk right past them, they don't care They don't care. Now, you have to come and see. You have to come and see. They
have plastic hedges, literally plastic hedges. On the name of environment preservation, they have put plastic hedges. It looks so disgusting. And they have If they are saying it's a temporary
uh temporary thing, pilot program. They cannot mess up with the electricity with the pilot program. They have literally put like as if a teenager has put a tripod and they have put electricity right there hanging hanging
there exposed exposed wire on the ground. It is so dangerous. What if your pilot program causes a fire and couple of the houses get burned? What are we looking for here? Well, we we are waiting and watching for houses to get burned?
And that and that's one point. The second point is in the woods there are a couple of incidences have already happened that people have tried to break in through the woods because it's a very very we all know each other. It's a very peaceful
uh, neighborhood. We all get together on a very regular basis. Couple of times there have been a break-in through the woods. So now what are we trying to do? Introduce people and when when we had a meeting with them, uh, they said, "Oh, we are having food
truck for the people who cannot afford to go to restaurant." >> [snorts] >> So yeah, so what what kind of people are we inviting in our feel safe that oh, we are going to have people who cannot go to restaurant, they are going to have eat food truck and then what they are going to do? They are
going to throw the bones on the on the ground and what's going to happen? Rodents, whatever the other things going to come with it. But my concern is they are going to they are going to explore this neighborhood. They are going to come from the woods and they might
you know, so we don't want more police in our area to be like I can I really appreciate that police is going to be there. They are going to 24 hours they are going to watch, but we don't want that. We are we love our neighborhood. We want to keep it like that. Not every
on the name [clears throat] of development >> much. Your time is up. Sorry, your time >> On the name of development, we don't want anything. Just leave it the way it is. Thank you very much. >> Great job. If If all If council members can wait till we're finished with the public and when we close the public portion, if you
wish to comment, you're welcome. As a courtesy, we just I prefer to get through the residents first. But if you wish to interrupt, you choose. Um welcome. >> [clears throat] >> You can You can move that mic. Yeah. You
feel comfortable to move it to your comfortability. Yep. Just Yep. >> My name is Lucia Murphy. >> Welcome. >> We live on We lived on Greenwich Road for about 56 years. Our focus today is on the Woodland Grove
preserved open space. We need to continue to embrace nature. Not just the lives of our few houses surrounding the area, but for our entire community
as a gift to ensure the survival to ensure the survival of our world's treasures, our cultural and historical landscapes.
Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you very much. Any other speakers? Sir, please come up. Oh, I'm sorry. >> Uh Mike Fidanski >> Mike, welcome. >> Greenwich Road >> Welcome. >> Thank you.
Uh 43 years on Greenwich Road, 51 years in Edison. Park is right behind my house. I've watched it for 43 years. Good, the bad, the floods,
the down power lines, the fires, the vandalism, and everything like that. And the neighborhood is stuck together. We work together to keep all of that at a minimum.
I myself has crawled into the drainage pipes when the pipes were clogged to prevent as much over flooding as possible in that area. That area has to be protected to stay
the same way because it is precious area [clears throat] dictated by the state of New Jersey as wetlands. As wetlands, it it holds itself different than just city or municipal property. There's
different laws and regulations that apply to the wetlands. And they have to be followed, and they can't be arbitrarily adjusted for certain things. Now, in regards to the environmental health of the sand,
I have a little background in that. I gave Pat Cornell a packet the other day. This some of us met with them. And it was over 150 citations or references I was able to
find on the internet which related to bacteria, viruses, and fungi in sand areas like that that the water is not removing like at the ocean
stationary stagnant sand becomes as the gentleman said before a litter box. We have hundreds of deer. Hundreds of different animal species. Birds, many many different species of
birds and they use that as a dropping site for their business if you will. That becomes a problem because the stories that are read out or or talked about where babies were put into
sand like that and their diapers had a problem or their wipes were left and buried under the sand. The next person comes with bare feet. If they got a cut on bare foot they're walking into a virus bacteria or
a fungus infection. Because that sand is not being moved but it's collecting the deposits from the animals. So from an environmental health perspective along with what I said before about the
total access to the land because of it being um Green Acres and wetlands by the state of New Jersey we have to protect it. >> [applause] >> Anyone else?
Come up, sir. >> Kamlesh Patel, Greenwich Road. As you heard from many of my fellow neighbors the way to describe the mood right now in the entire neighborhood is confused rattled aggravated
emotionally emotionally stressed and most importantly betrayed. I think there is a lot of great work going around within the township and we are very proud of being part of the Edison Township. I live in that home for last 25 plus years and in Edison for 30 plus years.
There's a lot of great things going on with the support from the council, all of you, lot of great safety work that goes on with the policeman and the firemen. Uh mayor is doing some great work. Uh we have nothing against the mayor here. What we have here is a puzzling
attitude. You have this Polansky Park is a very small piece of land. I don't know how many of you personally know that place. If you don't, please take a drive there. It's a very small piece of land which is surrounded by trees, has been preserved for a long time, and it serves
a very great purpose. There is a baseball field where kids play. We all walk our dogs. Uh people go relax there. Uh the the J.P. Stevens girls team come and practice uh on their uh sports activities. So, the it's it's serving a purpose.
There's an adjoining swing set for kids that town has done that we all appreciate. So, there was a lot of great work that was done and we were all enjoying it. So, our company is not about don't come in my backyard and do something. That's not what we are saying here. What we are saying here is what went into the decision-making
to do an experiment or a trial on a very small piece of land where the vision is or the mission is or whatever that is to draw a magnet of people to come there and buy food from a food truck and walk into a bench and artificially uh housed
set of uh decorative puzzled. What decision process has gone into this? If there was a decision process and some rationale and logic, because to us, like Steve said, seems like it was a hush-hush. Maybe some bunch of money got
got fallen to somebody's lap and and it got funded and all that stuff. So, our request is that if the vision is to have a summer social, that's the wrong place. Absolutely. The vision of our summer
social, I'm all for it. We are all for it. Our challenge and the question is the site that was picked was absolutely a disaster. It's not meant for that. Summer socials are meant where you have plenty of parking, the ground is big where the noise when it gets amplified
is still absorbed within the boundaries of the campus. My house is 5 yd from a stage that's built like from here, that stage where they're going to play guitar is in front of my backyard. So, the other thing that people have mentioned,
the temporary makeshift electrical connections. My house was robbed 3 years ago and I lost all of my jewelry. I submitted five different written requests to the township and to PSE&G for 2 years. Those pole lights, those four lights
that Robert talked about, I've been out for 2 plus years. While everybody talks about summer social, I'm sleeping. The entire park is dark. We As soon as we saw the trucks unloading the sand, we started writing
letters because we are disciplined, obedient citizens. I personally wrote letters that many of my friends here have signed and we are sending to many of you. Hand delivered last Monday. We have met with Dan Reeve and Pat Coyle yesterday.
We are trying to understand what is the mission, what's going on. So, thank you for listening. I'm not going to take a lot more time. I have >> Thank you. Um, anyone else? I I just want to answer, well, not answer, just give the gentleman So, I I believe, and I think Walter in the back will correct me if I'm wrong, but I
believe Plasky Park is 4.8 acres or 4.75. >> No. >> No? What is it? >> Really about 30 acres. >> What? >> Park might be big, but the open space where this is happening is very small. >> Right, the usable area is very
>> area. >> There's a lot of green acres in there. >> Right, but the I'm talking about the what's considered the park itself. I thought it was about 4 acres. >> Oh, yes, the usable area. >> Usable, yeah. That that's what I was referring to. >> Um,
good evening, everybody. Uh, thank you for letting me talk. Uh, I'm Dr. Nima >> Name [clears throat] and address. >> I'm Dr. Nima, and I live in the on six uh, Nicholas Court, six Nicholas Court is to be specific. >> Thank you. >> Fortunately, we are in New Jersey. We
have a lot of beaches. I think everybody can go to beaches and enjoy there rather than in the park areas. Secondly, I wish all of you had houses surrounding us so that you would understand what agony we are going through. That's all. Thank you.
>> [applause] >> Anyone else? Walter. >> Walt Stoshual, 2118 Oak Tree Road. Uh, this week is a very special week here in Edison. It is Independence Week coming up. Edison, um, is a historic town, and
the American Revolution did happen here in Edison, and we are doing things this week to highlight the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution here in Edison with events for everyone around Edison. On Sunday, June 28th, 2026 at
9:30 a.m. I'm leading a hike of the Short Hills Battlefield. We're going to meet at the end of the Hay Duck Lane off of Woodland Avenue. This is the location of the main engagement of the Battle of Short Hills which took place there on June 26, 1777.
On Monday, June 29th, history in the making, making your own time capsule will be held at Minnieville Community Center from 6 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday. On also on Monday, June 29th, the Edison Library on
Plainfield Ave will have New Jersey Revolutionary Rival, a lecture by Rick Gefken, a very good speaker and a very good author. On Thursday, July 2nd here at the Municipal Complex, there'll be a dedication of the new America 250 Edison
Playground and the time capsule at the new playground on Municipal Boulevard right out there. Later on Tuesday Thursday, July 2nd, there'll be fireworks at the Plainfield Country Club at 9:00 p.m. up there in North Edison off of Inman Avenue.
And then on Saturday, July 4th, it starts off with the commemorative reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Piscataway Town Burial Ground, Swales Park at 9:00 a.m. If you know that area, the burial ground is on the Old Post Road and the and on
July 8th, 1776, the declaration was brought through Piscataway Town on its way to New York to be read by the American Army on July 9th. And then later on July 4th, we're having the celebration here at Papaianni Park at
5:30 p.m. with the fireworks at 9:15. On Monday at the Edison Library, there'll be a lecture on the African-Americans during the Revolution at 7:00 p.m. And there'll be other events as the summer goes on throughout throughout Edison.
meeting I mentioned the historic trolley trip we're going to do, and that will be on August 2nd and 16th. So, that that's what's going on. Um, we have a very historic week. We're doing a lot in Edison. I don't think we're any other town is doing as much as we are next week. Uh, we give everybody
July 3rd off. It's the federal holiday and uh, you can go somewhere else and see fireworks that day. Okay, thank you very much. >> Thanks, Walt. Anyone else? Uh, >> Uh, my name is Party. I'm resident of 16
Nicholas Court, and I'm the most impacted person over there. So, I just want to add on few things. About the cleanliness. We have a skate park in the back of Polensky Park in the area of Polensky Park wood. And there is
lot of trash there always. Kids come, high school kids come there, they drink there. There are broken glasses. So, you have maintained this you have flipped this area, and nobody have looked at what's
at the entrance of this park. But, as soon as you enter on the left side, there is that skate park, which is always always filled with trash. So, that skate park is always filled with trash.
And other thing is everybody is moving to AI. We work in office, we come back home, and we have to do lot of trainings and certification. And we need quiet time. We get weekends to do those things and with so much noise
we will need to go into our basements to feel quiet. And I'm right there. That sand is right next to my house. That's it. >> Thank you. >> Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. I know I'm a I repeat myself quite
often, but uh yesterday or the day before on Inman Avenue, we had another uh crash and the fire department was there and the police were there directing traffic and uh the road was pretty well closed
for a while. And again, I did not get a Nixle or Nixle's friend to find out um that I was going to have difficulty getting out of my uh development. So, uh that did turn out to be a problem even though uh the people that had
ability to get through because of the policeman uh said they they were very considerate as to do as much as they could, but Inman Avenue is still a racetrack and from what I hear, someone was just trying to back out of their
driveway and it turned out to be uh a big uh mess. So, um again, I'm going to appeal that Inman Avenue uh be looked into continuously
and every time I pull out of um my block with my husband, uh he brings up Rich Pressure should live right off of Inman Avenue because he doesn't understand what's truly going on. So, uh this is amongst things. I know the
police understand, but we truly need to move on and do something about that. It's a a big pathway for people to go through and it's uh a real racetrack if you want to try and get out of uh the developments along uh in Min Avenue.
And if someone could look into Nixon and the friend, I'd truly appreciate it. Um, the other day, uh changing the subject, I brought my uh three grandsons to Mini Be Well because they wanted to go on the big
park. They love to uh climb. It's much bigger than other parks. And but there's a day camp going on there and the woman was very kind. She came over and said, "I see the boys are having a great time, but in 20 minutes those 70 children are
going to be joining them." And she was afraid about the little 2-year-old. So, I said, "Well, is there a camp at Shamrock Park?" And she said, "No, nobody ever goes to Shamrock Park for uh for anything." So,
we got in the car and we went to Shamrock Park. And you know, it's funny. I was looking around uh at the park. It's got the big field. It's got a parking lot. It's got a long drive. It's got a concession. And I thought to myself, and I didn't know what a big
problem it was causing. I thought to myself, "I wish they utilized this park for uh events at this end of town because it's very well trimmed. It's maintained.
Sometimes when we go there, uh I see the DPW working on it. And my grandsons love it because it's like a private park for uh us when we go there. So, it might be a consideration. I can never get a clear
um answer as to it's a county park but Edison maintains it. I know the shamrocks used to have their field there and I know they do rent it out. So it might be a consideration. So
it would be appropriate. It's not the neighborhood is a little further away than I know Pulanski Park. My daughter played softball there when she was at JP Stevens and I always thought that park was a hidden treasure and I would hope
that it would kind of stay the same. My only other question and I bring it up also is the shuttle service if you could answer me. >> I ran out of my 4 minutes. >> It's a no no it's okay. So first
M and A does the chief over there want to comment on M and A and the traffic? I mean >> I do commonly have my traffic bureau up there and they issue summonses up there. I look at all the statistics. Um but it is a situation where
as we have to try to get with the county to do something up there with the road. We have talked to them in the past. Um we still continue to talk to them about it. Um I'll continue to have selective enforcement up there to obviously try to make the roadway safer with all the motorists that are speeding
there as you as you say. >> It's 40 miles an hour. >> Yeah. But we have given a lot of summonses out there to try to obviously uh curtail the the speeding there. But I'll continue to deploy them there.
>> Thank you, Chief. >> Welcome. >> Joyce. I've listened Joyce Ship Edison, New Jersey. I've listened to the residents. And you know, I really feel like I feel really bad bad for them. You live a place 48 years, 50 years, you want to
sit on your on your porch. You just want to sit on the backyard. You might want to read a book. This is some jazz. As we are seasoned citizens, you just want to do that at this time in your life. You know, and like she said, they got Shamrock Park available down in the other end. And I don't understand why
they wasn't These people were not given opportunity to speak. You know, I just heard something so do this and I'll just do this thing without anybody's knowledge. And then I'm looking at it and I'm saying, wait a minute. You got the library over here. They
extended that library over here. Then you got the school over here where you got this big band playing. Y'all was okay with that cuz there's children back and forth. Then they want to put all these food trucks in front of you. And that's a two-lane road. That's why it takes me like I can get to East
Brunswick quicker than I can get to North Edison. Two-lane road. And I'm like, so where are all these people parking and stuff? What are they going to They're going to use the JP Stevens parking lot or are they going to be like in y'all neighborhood? Like
Nobody thinks of anything. And it's like a crying shame. >> And somebody comes out and says, "Oh, well, I don't have the plans yet for the pilot program. I don't have the Well, where are the plans? Where where is the stuff? Like how you going to have a pilot program and everything? And I would I wish I would have told that to my
principal while I was standing there. Well, I've got a good lesson here, but I don't have the plan. Okay? That doesn't make any sense. And number two, anybody get a chance look up Iron Mountain and look up Edison. And look up data center.
All right? Cuz that's down the street from my house. The toilet is black and gluey [laughter] gooey and all that stuff. The uh internet goes in and out all the time, but they like whatever. They said, "Well, it's supposed to have had the same footprint
as the New York Times." All right? But I looked it up and I looked up lithium batteries. I'm like, "Lithium batteries? That's not paperwork." So did we sneak a data center into Edison that I don't know about that's down the street from me?
Because I'm telling you, look up Iron Mountain. Look up Edison and they are the ones who proposed these data centers all over the place. And I would hate for that for the people who are supposed to service, who we voted for, that lose their souls and
they sell their soul out just to be part of that. Just like I I seen some people when these people were up here talking. Uh they don't care cuz it's cuz it's not their neighborhood. That noise and all that the the the food from the food trucks, the garbage here, the garbage here. You know that. You know people
just drop garbage all over the place now. It's not like it was when I was growing up, "Don't be a litter bug." No, everybody wants to be a litter bug now. You know what I mean? That's very very sad that you're going to have to put up with that. And you know, you're already been patient. You're already been okay.
But I'm sure that if you live that way by a park and that close to a park, you don't want all that noise and all that stuff going on with the amp. And then let me tell you something. So what if somebody's playing an acoustic guitar? The crowds and the people, you think they don't generate noise?
Go somewhere and see if you don't You can see somebody here, you know, and they just generate all that noise. And you know, I just feel very disappointed in people who sit back and say, "Oh, oh, it's a poly. It's a poly." Go to their house. Go to their neighborhood, leave
town, do whatever you want to do, and see how it feels. Just see how it feels when you're trying to read a little book, okay? Or you're trying to listen to a little bit of jazz. Just think about it. >> [applause] >> Council President, just real quick. I just want the
residents of of the area of Pulaski Park to know that I hear you loud and clear. My council colleagues hear you loud and clear, and I'm sure our business administrator will bring your concerns back to the mayor. I can reassure you I will have a conversation with the mayor about this
as well. >> [clears throat] >> Although I may have left the dais, I was listening to each one of you on our YouTube channel. So, I didn't miss much. Thank you for covering me, Council Vice President. Is there anybody else like to make a comment?
Yep. Motion to motion. Did you close the public portion? >> No, not yet. >> Can I have a motion to close the public portion? >> Motion to close. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor, say aye. The public portion is now closed. Did [clears throat] any um We're going to motion to adjourn. I just
I I did not have a chance to make much comments, and I think each member was concerned. Um I was told there were weren't any trees cut there. And again, this is not going to be a back and forth, but we're going to investigate and go there. I can promise you each member of the council
will go there to take a look. And tomorrow morning, I'll try to go there before work uh and and take a look at what you're um putting up with, what has changed. And I'm sorry that has happened. It's definitely a shock to you to have a park that's not active, and all of a sudden all this activity is happening.
And I will go there. And I'm sorry they have to come here and and be disturbed. Some residents have been paying taxes for 56 years. You're you know, you you have a little sanctuary there. I I get that. And and I definitely will look into it, but I do want to share with you
this may not be of interest to you today, but I'm sure you know anybody can rent your park and have an event there. I just want you to be aware of that unless there's something different that I know from Mr. Stolz, which I will look into later. It's a park. It could be rented for any event as long
as they go through the public safety. It's not something we don't have a constitutional right to say you can't have an event in a park. Um and I don't even think you have to be an Edison resident to have an event in a park. I just want to be fair to share that with you. This is something within our control and
I think this council will certainly move to have a discussion with the mayor. The mayor has mentioned to me yesterday he called Councilman Kentos and I and said I'm going to meet with him and address this issue. Tomorrow we're meeting there, I believe. Yeah, we're meeting and then he was going to
speak to you guys after. So, I'm not in his defense for every action, but he did say he was going to speak to you. Well, doesn't mean it's going to your opinion is going to change. But I have to just share to make sure you understand that anyone can rent your park. And some parks that are not that active
can become active. Whether it's with baseball and now with cricket, it's baseball wasn't popular yesterday, cricket will be popular tomorrow. That's a very interesting park. Rich and I have been over there a bunch of times to look at it to see what can be done. I I like quiet and and I support where
you're at. But and I will look into this. I just want to share at least >> Council President, can I just share some history and and a couple of residents brought it up, but it's history that an administration really should listen to.
Um I don't know if it was 12 years ago or 16 years ago. We had a new mayor in Edison. His name was June Choi. And June Choi came down and he said to the residents, "I'd like to meet everybody. I'd like to do whatever you
want for your park. I feel that you guys have been very supportive of me." And he wanted to actually make improvements. We had a meeting at JP Stevens. There's 20 people here and they have signatures of 90. At that meeting were
probably approximately 200, right? Like I know some of the people were there and we took up rows of of seats in there. At the end of the day, the people wanted the park clean, trimmed,
and they didn't want it turned into a circus or a um like a an event planning type place, um of which the mayor was so grateful because budget-wise, right, he didn't
have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars um on that park. So, what's happened here today is it's really the same thing except [snorts] that we didn't have that meeting with all the residents, you know, and that and that's really what I'm hearing is that we haven't heard it. And as one
resident said, I forgot who it was, about the skate park, right? We have a skate park back there. It's not really a skate park. The children built it. But there's been furniture back there. There's been It would be nice if we could go back there and clean that, you
know, on a weekly basis um cuz you're not going to stop the kids at this point. Um [snorts] but I just wanted you to know that that another mayor, you know, did try this, um was offering anything the residents wanted, and the residents wanted the park the way it is. That's
why it's been like that. Um deputy council president. >> Council president. I have an answer for you on the trees if if it's okay. Uh there are two dead trees that were there alongside the pathway and some um
branches. So, there were two dead trees that were removed. Um the mayor is going to have a meeting on July 1st. Um I and if anybody could read will reach out to the residents to to have that public forum. >> Thank you very much.
Hearing all council members who spoke, can I have a motion to adjourn the public meeting? >> Motion to adjourn. >> I'll second. All in favor say aye. >> Aye. >> Meeting's adjourned. It's 9:50. Thank you. >> [music]