Okay, we're good. All right, everyone ready? >> Okay, >> good evening everyone. This is the combined council meeting of Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. The time is 6:06. We're going to call
it. And uh let's uh all stand for the pledge, please. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. It stands
one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> Madame Clerk, could you recall the call? >> Council member Brasher >> here. Council member Coyle. Council member Harris. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel >> here.
>> Council member Patiel >> here. >> Council member Pointer >> present. >> Council member >> here. Madam clerk, could you read adequate notice? >> Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the open public meeting act of 1975 has been provided by the annual notice sent to the home news tribune
ledger desi talk on November 18th 2024 and post main lobby municipal complex on that same date. >> You uh council president's remarks. Uh, one one event coming up, uh, the Fowl, that's Fowl, shooting competition,
Saturday, November 15th at 10:00 a.m. at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Uh, Edison Elks National Freethrow Hoop Shoot Contest will be held during this event for boys and girls age 8 to 13. All participants age 8 to 13 will be eligible for the Hoop Shoot contest. Uh
for more information contact Tina Bartco 732-9832699 or Tina Barkgo B A R K. So it's Tina B A R K T Ogmail.com. There are three categories. Uh number one is three grades three three through
five. Two grades 6 to 8. Three grades 9 to 12. There will be an individual prize winner in each category. Please bring a non-p perishable item of food for the day of the event. Pre-registration required by tomorrow. Um so, uh will
this be posted on is this going to be posted some or it's on the website? Okay. Thank you. Um next I wanted to congratulate the winners of last Tuesday's election. That would be uh that would be Mayor Johi. Uh that will be Councilman elect Rob Kentos.
Councilman elect uh uh be uh Berl Patel and Councilwoman elect uh Kelly Dimma. And I also want to thank the other coun the other mayor and council candidates. So that would be Lieutenant David
Tingle, that would be Gloria Ditman, Elizabeth Conway, and Samia Chararmas. Want to thank them for stepping up and running. It's not easy to do this. It's not easy to run for election. There's a lot involved. It's not just it's not fundraising. It's exhaustive in terms of
going doortodoor and uh and uh the rigors of a campaign are pretty tough. And so I salute anybody who steps up to do it. So I want to congratulate them for a race wellrun and for stepping up to do that. Uh lastly, I want to say
since I'm not going to be at the next meeting on November 24th, I think we said I think yeah, November 24th, it's another combined meeting on that Monday. Today I'm not going to be here. I want to maybe preemptively wish everybody a very happy Thanksgiving. Thank you. Um
we now go to a resolution of recognition. Madame Clerk, whereas the township is fortunate to be served by dedicated municipal departments and personnel who consistently demonstrate professionalism, courage, and compassion in their service to the community. And
whereas on November 9th, the Edison Animal Shelter, Edison Fire Department, Edison Police Department, and the Edison Office of Emergency Management responded swiftly and probably to an emergency involving animals in distress. And whereas through this through their coord
coordinated efforts, these departments acted decisively to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals involved resulting in the rescue of over 60 chickens, 14 dogs, 34 rabbits, three parakeetses, and nine pigeons while also safeguarding the public
and migrating mun multiple potential hazards. The Edison Animal Shelter staff and volunteers provide immediate care, rehabilitation, and shelter for the rescued animals. Their ongoing commitment to human treatment and community service. The Edison Police
Department, Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management demonstrated especially team work, resourceful and dedication in executing the rescue and maintaining public safety under the challenging conditions. And whereas the combined efforts of these departments reflect the highest standards of public
service and embody the spirit of cooperation that defines the township of Edison. Now therefore be resolved that Edison Township Council hereby recognize and commends the Edison Animal Shelter Police Department, Edison Fire Department, Edison Office Emergency Management for their outstanding
services and animal rescue efforts on November 9th, 2025. Be it further resolved that this resolution be presented to representatives of each department as a token of the township's appreciation for their performance, compassion, and continued dedication to the people and
animals of Edison. >> Very much uh open to the public for any public remarks about this resolution. Okay, seeing none, uh motion to close public portion. >> Motion to close the public portion. >> Second.
>> Okay. Um um uh now I need a motion to adopt. >> Motion to adopt. Second. >> Okay. And let's go to council comments on this resolution. >> Council person. >> Yes.
>> We always say that Edison Police Department, Fire Department, OEM, they are the one of the finest and the best departments in the state of New Jersey and we all are proud. But this is the first time you know animal shelter is in news. Uh again kudos to the entire team
who stepped up to the level working shoulderto-shoulder with police and fire and OEM department to rescue those animals and save them from the cruelty. Again, congratulations and keep up the good job. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Council President.
>> Yes, Council President. >> Likewise, I just want to say thank you to all the individuals, departments that played a role in um correcting the situation that happened. Um, many people may remember and I'm going to pivot to
speaking on the animal shelter in particular because many people may remember about two years ago uh there was a lot of discussion about the animal shelter and how things were operating. I have not heard anything bad in recent
time about the animal shelter. All I've heard are uh compliments, um gratitude to to the amazing work that's been happening. Uh council president gives constant updates about how much adoptions have have occurred
and such. We got um recognized as a no kill shelter. These are all fantastic items that we as a township should be proud of that we have that for our animal shelter because not many other townships have uh that type of
capability or facility. So with that again I just want to say thank you uh in particular to the animal shelter but obviously also to police, fire, OEM and everyone else that um participated in this rescue. Thank you council president.
>> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Yes. I also want to just say thank you what my council member said. It is amazing that it takes a lot of effort and teamwork to get this right and I am glad Edison has a cohesive unit that can
work together and get this done. Thank you again. >> Okay. >> Yes, >> council president. Yes. I I I was one of the people I guess a couple years ago that started really looking into the animal shelter and and I have to tell you the turnaround overall in that
department and what they've done um is remarkable like my colleague has stated that I don't hear anything bad coming from there. I only hear good things. um and how they were able to kind of get right on board and and take care of um
the incident that we had here, you know, in town um speaks to that. So, I I'd like to thank everybody there just for myself personally besides with this resolution. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Anyone else? All right.
For myself, I want to thank the Edison Animal Shelter and the control officers for being absolutely fearless in using their training and expertise to contribute to the successful rescue, care, and ongoing placement of the animals from the Stony Road Horde. Also,
I want to thank OEM, MCART, police, hazmat, and fire for locking down the scene immediately while providing muchneeded hands-on support. Most importantly, we would like to recognize Officer Vargas, who went on a medical call and immediately picked up on the
animals in the home being in danger. Without his urgent and swift response, we would not have been able to get all the animals out so quickly and safely. Lastly, to the rescues that stepped up immediately to support the safe transport and medical care for the animals. Pigeons and diamond doves went
to the Raptor Trust. Parakeetses went to the Amwell Animal Rescue. Bunnies have been picked up by Willy's Wabbits and Kindhe Heart Rescue. It's hard to say that with a straight face. Um, chickens went to a private farm where they will be off quarantine on Sunday and will
roam outside for the first time in their lives. The 14 dogs have been vetted and are going five at a time to New Jersey dog barbers where they have volunteered their time to shave them and give them a clean and fresh start. Applications are currently being accepted. This has been
the very epitome of teamwork and on behalf of all of us we extend our appreciation. So please join me in uh in giving these extraordinary people a standing ovation. Thank you. Thank you very much. And now let's have
a roll call. >> Council member Brusher. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. Council member Patiel, >> yes. >> Council member Pointer, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Harris, >> yes. All right. Motion adopted. And uh
now for the presentation. Can we have everybody come up and uh what's it? >> Oh, thank you. >> Yes. No, I wanted you to say it while we're Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. And uh and if there are county people
here, please come please come up and join us from the county if you're here from the county. >> Okay. Real quick, I just wanted to say while they come up, uh, Officer Vargas went to the EMS call and he, uh, was made aware of the situation which called
the health department, which called, uh, the animal control and OEM Ken Shrek. Come up here, too. He's a deputy coordinator. >> But a lot of people don't know. >> We then go through the county through the director Jack Kramer and Eric Martin. and they came out with the cart
team and if it wasn't for them uh our animal control working with them and their uh team we wouldn't be able to rescue these animals. So the our animal shelter did a a tremendous job working alongside with the county and without the county we couldn't do this. So we also on top of this we want to thank the
county for coming out too. You guys should come up here and take a round of applause too. >> But thank you for everybody that doing that. >> Thank you. Anyone else want to say something? No. You sure? Anyone else want to >> say anything? No, no. >> Oh, okay.
>> I'll just say one more time that there was a great job by all. It was a really good event. Made a lot of news and a lot of people happy. Thank you again. >> I need representatives. You will get the full thing, but you're getting the cover of this. So, who are the representatives that that uh we have
>> right here? I need them back. >> We have got these You get one. All right. Whoops. Uh, we have I think that's all we have. >> What? >> Oh, okay.
>> Over here. >> There's only four, right? But I mean, I'm going to take them back. If you need more, just let me know. >> All right. >> Take them back. >> God bless you people. I couldn't do Thanks again.
Great job. Andy, you have them. >> Collect them back. I need them. Can I have it back? >> Okay. Oh, all right. Okay. All right. Um,
all right. We've done that. Oh, I I'll let them get out. [Laughter] texted him back. >> Okay. All right. We can proceed with the regular agenda.
Um going on to unfinished business. The ordinance is for consideration, public hearing, and final adoption. Uh that would be ordinance 2263. Any comments from council members? Okay. Seeing none,
um we move to proposed ordinances and those are 2264, 2265. Is there 2266? No, 22h 64 and 2265. Any council comments on these ordinances?
Okay. Um, all right. Uh, review of the minutes uh for the work session of October 20th and October 22nd regular meeting. Any any comments? All right. From the business
administrator 9 A through C. Any questions or comments? Um, quick question uh for A. Is this due to that that we're kind of switching over trying to make stuff into
this um bring our technology up to like this AI type of um computers and everything else we have going. >> Um this is just to simply rewire um the sports building and some of our other uh buildings. This is just wiring that we're doing in-house.
>> Okay. Well, we're doing this in-house or we're sub we're going to subcontract this out. >> We're doing this in house. >> Okay. our it folks. >> Okay, very good. >> Okay. Uh, anyone else? 9 A through C.
Okay. 10 from the Department of Finance, A 10 A through K. Questions or comments? >> Council President. >> Yes, Council Vice President. >> Uh, in regards to item H, I just want to
um give kudos to our tax assessor. um they do a phenomenal job with these appeals. So, I just wanted to make it known that uh I'm appreciative of the good work. In regards to item I uh to the administration, um will this
information be posted online? I I believe you said it would be in regards to just notifying people of the extension. >> Yes. Uh once the resolution is adopted, we'll post it online. We'll we'll put it on the front page as well just so that uh with being that taxes are due next
week, people are going to start asking and wondering. So, we'll certainly put that information on there. >> Great to hear and I I think this is obviously the right thing to do given the uh federal shutdown. Thank you, Council President. >> Okay. Anyone else? 10 A through K.
All right. 11. Department of Health A and B. All right. Uh 12 from the Department of Planning and Engineering. A through N. >> Council President. >> Yes.
>> Uh for item N, the uh additional grant funds for the Stton Community Center. Uh I think obviously it's a good thing to have additional funds for the completion of the project and I look forward uh to things moving along. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. Anyone else?
>> Okay. 13 from the Department of Public Works A through D. All right. 14, Department of Recreation, uh, letters A through B. Um, 15 from the Department of Water and
Sewer, A through D. [Music] >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Uh, on item A, I'm happy to see that this is on the agenda for tonight. Um this will help in regards to detecting
water leaks in our water system uh going forward. This is for the smart hydrants to be placed throughout the uh throughout the areas that uh service Edison water if I recall correctly. So uh I know that this is been a long time
coming. I'm happy to see that before us to approve. I'm hopeful that there will be the support and I look forward to the continued improvements of our water system. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Council President, just a question to administration. This for a uh will this
cover the HOAs or the town houses? >> This is completely separate. >> Completely separate >> from the HOAs. Correct. No, the fire hers which exist currently in HOA, they won't be covered. >> They would not. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Anyone else? Um, >> council president. >> Yes, Councilman Brusher. >> Just a quick question about the B for the um like the I guess I they're going to do hydraulic calculations, but don't we know what that is there
already? Council President, I'll get someone here from engineering to come up to the podium if that's okay. >> Okay, sure. >> Engineering, water, sue, utility, they're all working in combination with making sure the funding gets across across the finish line. So, we'll have
Mr. Smith come up. >> We do not have any information on that. That station is old. We don't have any any records of anything like that. And do we have we had problems with that pump station not being able to handle the flow? >> Yes, >> we have.
>> Yes. And flooding and Yes. >> Okay. Because I know we've had that in the past um where the pumps can't just can't keep up with the amount of water that we're having. >> Um All right. >> And that's part of the ACL. That station is part of the ACL. So, we have to address it. >> Yeah. I just thought that we would have
had those calculations like that. They would have been done when it first came in. um >> maybe but they're nowhere to be found. We we've never located anything. I don't believe engineering. >> And listen, I'm all for taking care of
our problem. Um it >> ongoing. All right. Thank you very much. >> You anyone else? >> Right. Moving on to 16 from the chief of police A and B.
Right. 17. Chief of Fire A. Okay. Finally, number 18 from the township clerk A through D. All right. That concludes the work session part of the meeting. We now go
on to the regular meeting and we start with the approval of the minutes. Megan, a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. All right. Uh, unfinished business.
Ordinance is for further consideration, public hearing, and final adoption. Madam clerk, could you read the ordinance? >> An ordinance amending chapter 7, traffic of the township code to regulate certain electric scooters. >> Thank you. Um,
and now we're open to public comments about the ordinance. Yes, Walt >> Walt Stocial, 2118 Oak Tree Road. I support this ordinance. It's about time we start regulating these uh vehicles. Our sidewalks are for ped pedestrians,
not for motor vehicles. And imagine going out to get your mail one day and you walk to your mailbox and here is a vehicle coming down the sidewalk at 30 miles an hour. Uh they should be on the streets. They should be regulated. Uh the kids need to wear helmets and uh
people who use them need to know that you can't don't wear black at night while you're riding it because nobody can see your black scooter with your black outfit on. Um these vehicles need to be regulated and the state hasn't stepped up to do their job in regulating
these or ebikes. So uh I think the towns need to do this. So I I support this. Thank you. >> Thank you, Walt. Anyone else? Okay. Uh motion to close the public portion. >> Motion to close the public portion. >> Second.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um and uh now a motion to adopt. >> Motion to adopt. >> Second. >> Okay. Any council comments? >> Council president. >> Yes. Council vice president. Again, I just wanted to say thank you to the administration for adding some of the
additional language that I had asked to uh be included. Um I know ironically, it's kind of like when you get a a new car and then you notice everyone other similar cars out when you're driving, right? This is before us and all of a sudden I started noticing exactly how
many low-speed electric scooters are are that are out there. And I make mention of this because in one night um about I had asked about having the light requirement of the lights on it. Uh in one night I had one electric scooter
that crossed across the street. I almost hit them. I couldn't see them because they had no lights. Then another same instance happened, but I was able to stop ahead of time because they had proper lights and reflections. So small little tweaks to it that I think will have huge dividends and I'm happy to
support this. Thank you, council president. >> Thank you, council vice president. Anyone else? >> The council president. >> Yes, council. >> So, right after our last meeting, as I was driving home, I saw a kid riding a scooter on the sidewalk going somewhere.
And while I support this 100% and I do agree that safety is a must and they should he wasn't wearing a helmet first of all. He needs to wear he should have been wearing a helmet. So, I'm glad it addresses certain things, but I also want to be mindful that we don't completely limit the options c certain
people have such as kids or people who do not have vehicles. Um, and I think this one doesn't necessarily ban them from sidewalks. It only bans them from u uh the the bike lanes and the roads. The
sidewalks, I think we haven't worded it as as far as I understand. My understanding actually is with respect to the sidewalks, they're governed under the same rules that you have uh for normal bicycles which prohibits you from doing so. Um so they're they're already regulated that
way. Now it's just a matter of bringing attention to it, enforcing it and making sure that people operate safely. >> Okay. Yes, I do agree it was much needed regulations, but uh I will be supporting it. But again, I think just with everything else, I think we should be
mindful of how it impacts the community. And if it hinders more than it helps, then maybe we need to re look at it later. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Okay. Um, let's get a uh roll call then.
>> Council member Brusher, >> yes. >> Council member Patel, >> yes. >> Council member Patiel, >> yes. >> Council member Pointer, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. Council President Harris. >> Yes. Motion is the ordinance is adopted. Uh we now go on to new business. The
proposed ordinance is public hearing set down for Wednesday, November. Is that right? Is Wednesday, November 24th? >> It's Monday, November. >> It's Monday. Yeah. Monday. >> Yeah. >> Yep. Monday, November 22nd. >> The 24th. Monday. >> It's the 24th. >> Oh, it is the 24th. Okay. It's the right
date, the wrong day of the week. >> Okay. So, that's Monday, November 24th. Uh, madame clerk, could you read the ordinance 2264? >> An ordinance amending chapter 11 titled general licensing and business regulations section 11-34 titled filming
and videotaping to comply with regulations of the film ready New Jersey program. >> Okay. Um, can I get a motion to introduce >> Council President? >> Yes. I move this ordinance be passed on first reading published according to law for further consideration and public
hearing set down from Monday November 24th 2025. >> Thank you. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> You uh council comments on this ordinance. Okay. Seeing none, can we go to a roll call? >> Council member Brusher.
>> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Patiel. >> Yes. For introduction. Council member Pointer, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Harris, >> yes. Motion, the ordinance is
uh we go on to ordinance 2265. Madame Clerk, could you read the ordinance? >> Ordinance authorizing the town of Edison to accept dedication a right of way of links drive on the property in the development known as the links drive at Edison LLC, block 557, lot 16.22, 22 as
shown on the primary and final subdivision plans. >> Okay. Can I get an a motion to introduce >> council president? >> Yes. >> I move this ordinance be passed on first reading published according to late law for further consideration and public hearing set down for Monday, November
24th. >> Thank you. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Right. Very good. Council comments. >> Council President. >> Yes, Council. >> Just a a question. I just want to make sure I'm recalling correctly. The the right way. Is this on the street itself
or is there another area that I'm not recalling? I I don't recall the the map off the top of my head. >> It's just a street itself. No development. >> I I figure I just want to make sure. Thank you, Council President. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions or comments? >> Okay. Can we get a roll call?
>> Council member Brusher. Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Batiel. >> Yes. >> Council member Pointer. Council member Shuel. >> Yes. >> Council President Harris. >> Yes. All right. That motion ordinance is introduced. Public comment on the resolutions. Just
the resolutions only. Uh any comment on the resolutions from the public. Okay. Seeing none. And again a motion to close the public portion. >> Motion to close the public portion. >> Second. >> All right. Thank you. Uh we go to the
resolutions. Anything to pull for a separate vote on resolutions 585 through 631. >> Um 631. >> Okay. Got that.
Anyone else? >> Council 619. >> Uh 619. Did you say? >> Yeah. >> All right. Second. >> 619. >> All right. >> 619. >> Okay. Uh anything else? We have 619 and 631. Anything else?
Okay. All right. So then let's vote to uh make the motion to approve 585 through 618 and then 620 through 630. Can we do those together? >> Motion to approve.
>> Yes. Okay. Um Okay. Motion. That was AJ and second. >> Second. >> Okay. Uh, can we get a roll call? >> Council member Brusher. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Patiel. >> Yes. >> Council member Pointer. >> Yes.
>> Council member. >> Yes. >> Council President Harris. >> Yes. Okay. We go to we'll go in in order here of um the numbers. Uh 619. Yes. Council. >> Council President. I will definitely support this resolution in order to make the progress. Uh however I would have
preferred to include every single fire hydrant that is connected to Edison water utility uh because that's because this will come from the water utility budget and we don't want to exclude anyone but the way it is stated and the answer I
received it's not at least we need to inform the uh the communities that uh we will not be touching to inform them that hey this is what the initiatives from the township decide if they would like to participate and if there is any fees involved, we should be able to work on
that. >> I do have a response for you because we are working with legal on updating all of the agreements that have since expired. So, we can certainly bring this up for discussion. >> Thank you. Thank you, council person. >> Okay. All right. Uh and we'll do 619 and
631 together. Um and uh Councilman Brer 631. >> Yes. I' I'd like to um I'd like to thank I guess the administration for looking into this. Um, I know that that we had a um event where we lost a officer
and um I mean my my heart breaks for the family, but but technically what happened to them um afterwards and I and I understand you know what happens in business, you know, where when somebody passes,
but with a township that has a budget as large as ours for us to not try and take care of the men and women that take care of the residents and and then look out for their families afterwards I find is wrong. Um and and I think this
you know this change here is is very good. Now is is this for it said local 75 is that all of our like officers? >> Yes, it's a for both for the superior officers and our uh uh regular officers. >> And our fire already has this.
>> They've already have it. Exactly. >> Okay. I I mean I I'm not even against something like this for or ask me or you know I just think and and even if there was a date put on it like two years or something you know what I mean where we're they don't have to worry about
that when they're going through such a difficult time in their life. Um but I'd like to thank the administration and I'd like to thank the unions for bringing this to their attention. Um so I'd be happy to support this. Um thank you very much. >> Thank you Councilman Brcher. I could not
agree more. This is uh this is long overdue and I'm glad that this wrong is being writed. So uh I I agree wholeheartedly. All right, let's put um get a motion to approve uh resolutions 619 and 631.
>> Motion to approve. Second. >> Okay. Uh roll call, please. >> Council member Brusher. >> Yes. >> Council member Battel. >> Yes. >> Council member Batiel. >> Yes. >> Council member Pointer. >> Yes. Yes. Council member. >> Yes. >> Council President Harris. >> Yes.
>> All right. Uh we move on to oral petitions and remarks. Anyone from the public? You got four minutes. Yes, sir. If you can state your name and town, please. >> Uh Matthew Smith in Edison. >> Okay. >> Um I do have some printouts here if you
all want that. >> Oh, okay. So, I came here tonight to talk about >> Can you just speak a little bit more into the microphone, please? Thank you. >> So, I came here tonight to talk about
flock safety. Um, and for those that are unaware, flock safety is a system of cameras that are installed across the United States. uh they generally contract with different governments, different different police forces and uh private
businesses. I should have mentioned uh Flock is a private company and they installed these cameras generally pointing at roadways uh recording license plates, cars, but if you read through their patent
applications, you can see that they are capable of tracking down to race, ethnicity, height and weight of individuals in cars walking around on the street. Um,
so this and and you can understand as these cameras as these cameras are um uploading this information of video and picture data to a cloud service owned by a private
company. This is a bit of a concern. It creates a bit of a surveillance state. Um, and there's already been a number of controversies. Uh, and you can take a look at the printouts I provided. Um,
there's been cases of ICE using it for their raids to hunt down people that they believe that they believe are here illegally. and they have been used by the state of Texas to hunt down women that have had
abortions in states where it's legal. And my concern is that um with the So, so what I'm asking is uh I found that Edison does have
these cameras installed on public locations. Uh it seems like there's 24 of those cameras and there is an open records request um I didn't submit it but I found it uh you know on the Oprah machine and found that
it's been open since September asking for the public release of the Flock contract that the township has with Flock and the locations of the cameras. Um, and I've seen it. It's been delayed
a couple of times. Um, so what I'm asking is I'm asking for a public release of those documents. And I'd also ask that you sever your contract with Flock and uninstall those cameras wherever possible. Thank you.
>> Thank you, sir. Thank you. >> You know, council president. >> Yes. >> Um, I I just like to comment. I do understand your concern, you know, with um surveillance, but unfortunately, it is part of our world that we live in and I'm sure you
will agree because it's probably happened to you also when like myself and my father, you know, we're talking about uh whatever could be buying a boat, right? And then all of a sudden in ads and everything on my computer and
I think it's Alexa, okay, but I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but somehow corporations have been listening to us. And I I think that's of a larger issue. But if they
get away with that, where are we with this? >> I should say I'm not >> Oh, so I'm so sorry, sir. You're speaking time. your speaking time is up. Um, go ahead, Councilman Brer. >> Right. That's just where I was going. I mean, it to me it just seems like this is the new world. Um, unless they make
some kind of laws on a federal level, I don't know how we stop large corporations from abusing our data, which I believe they actually do currently. Um, but I I think that's like a federal type of um thing. As far as us
locally, I know the cameras themselves have helped um our law enforcement, you know, in in solving crimes. Um I do know that I think it was East Orange or West Orange, they installed a system like 15 years ago and it dramatically reduced uh
the crime because they were able to track from one camera to another camera to another camera until they could finally figure out who the person was and where they were and get their actual license plate. Um, so for law enforcement and to keep the residents
protected, you know, I I don't think our township is doing anything nefarious with that information. Now, is that corporation? That goes back to that bigger problem, which I think is really like a federal um type of thing. So, I I don't have an answer for you on that
one, but thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman. Council President. >> Yes. Uh this actually ties into one of my discussion items I had on there for the smart city advisory committee. Uh to tie it in the the mayor had sent out uh communication just about the role of
technology within departments um going forward into the second term. Uh when I had started the smart city advisory committee, I actually had several people contact out because of interest in terms of
what legislative items that we may want to consider in terms of best management practices for those items because of what you brought up, right? Uh whether it's personal data in terms of your location or just in in general. Um, so with that, I would request the
administration to look into best management practices for um for artificial intelligence and advanced technological items such as this. And I'm I'm sure that you will. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you, >> Council President. >> Yes,
>> I agree with you. I think privacy is a valuable aspect and we need to keep it if we can. Um, at the same time, I do agree the necessity that we need for surveillance. Um but that does not mean that we can't update the regulation as
to how far we can go as a township is a question that I think I would like to ask legal like is there a possibility of stating something like kipa that you know you can only release certain information about individual um if there are like legitimate reasons
and within like the police departments or they can't be sold something along that line. So you're you're kind of um you're kind of mixing two different aspects of this. Um Councilman Brerer is is correct in that a lot of this would have to be done on a
federal level. Uh we can't control what a corporation does with the data that they collect. Uh here at the municipal level, our I guess our options are limited to whether or not we want to do business with a corporation that does
that, right? um or if we want to try to incorporate aspects of that into whatever contract that we have with them, that would be a way to try to to begin to address some of those privacy concerns. Um but from a from a a a strictly utilitarian
point of view, um data is big business. Um you know, I don't think that that M Councilman Brusher is spouting conspiracy theories when he talks about Alexa. Um there have been lawsuits over it, you know. Um it's it's it's it's a
big problem. It's it's a big issue. Um and certainly something that that we can address in small ways. Uh but there isn't a lot that we can do to try to regulate um that usage and how that gets released. Uh information that the
township has that's governed by OPRA. No, we can't make changes to that. Information that the corporation has that's governed by federal law, federal communications issues. um we can't do something at at this level as sweeping as HIPPA um other than try to work it into some of our
contracts with some of these these folks that provide these services. And whether or not they'd be willing to do that, that's that's a mutual exchange. It's not something we can legislate. >> I was uh sorry, I was speaking in terms of the terms that we signed with them. Maybe we can do those. Okay. But I think
that'll be on the next level when next time we do. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? >> Okay. Thank you very much, sir. Um, anyone else from the public? >> Anthony, >> Anthony Damron, uh, wy a, you know, one,
just thinking of something. Um, one concern I think I would have is, um, I don't know if it's ever happened in a municipality, but is ransom. you know, them just hacking into our our accounts and, you know, somebody some pirate somewhere, some kid 16-year-old holding us ransom for, you know, God knows what
it is. So, um, you know, but as far as, you know, security is concerned, I mean, they could they could basically hack into your if you had a smart refrigerator, they could watch you from your kitchen. I mean, they can it's crazy what they can do. So, um, but, uh,
that's beyond my pay grade. I I I just wanted to bring up a couple uh couple things. Number one is um Council President, you mentioned some of the uh uh victors uh from Tuesday's um election. I I I just want to add another name in that I just just want to throw
out there that's just continues just to win time and time again is Shannon Pang. I mean, she uh I got to I don't know if there's been a female elected official who has won more than Shannon Pang. She's great. I actually personally I like her. Um, but she deserves some
recognition. I would even give her a proclamation for to to be honest with you. I mean, she just year after, you know, term after term, she just they just she does a great job. So, uh, her Jerry, but specifically her. Uh, so she should be recognized as well. I just wanted to give her a shout out. Um, and
she did not send me up here. I was just was thinking of this just while I sat there. Um the uh the speaking of uh Tuesday's election and come January, I I I'd like to see I don't know, maybe I brought this up before, like the swearing in I I feel like they should
probably be at Edison Tower. I I'd like to utilize that. I mentioned this before, utilize Edison Tower, light tower more and more if we can. I we used they used to do a uh a Christmas tree lighting there, right? I don't know if they still do it anymore, but our swearing in should be up there. I feel
like it it's just so I mean it's just it gets having them here is you you lose the whole Edison thing, you know what I mean? And and I think that we should promote the Edison Light Tower a lot more. Um we take we take the kids
up there as often as we can. Not as often as we like, but we've we've been up there uh quite a few times over the last couple years, but um I I feel like we need to do a better job promoting that. I I've mentioned that before, but I like to see the swearing in there. uh if we if we can if it's a nice nice
weather day, but that beats in here. Um I don't know. Is there usually a council meeting right afterwards? Oh, maybe that's why there's a council meeting that usually follows, right? >> Oh, he bust them back. I mean, it was the big deal. I mean, you know, it's it's not it's not the end of the world, but I I'd like to see that utilized, actually. Well, the the mayor swearing
in was at JP Stevens. They we they did it that way. Oh, he was the mayor, though. Maybe. Yeah. Not council. I don't know. Just wasn't haven't been feeling good this week. Sorry. So, um, planning board, uh, is there, uh, is there any planning board seats open? Do we know, uh, how many seats are do we
know? Has anybody been anybody been, uh, appointed by the administration? >> Um, any any more questions that you have answer everything at once? >> Sorry. Um, so yeah, that's one. And then, um,
up, you know what I want to mention? Um, and I don't like doing this too often. I I honestly I don't because I I I support, you know, small business and stuff, but there are there there there are certain businesses in this, especially in South Edison. I was just that one re I I'll just call him out.
7-Eleven on Vineyard Road. The behind 7-Eleven is a dump. Like that I don't know what happened to that place that used to be my my spot years ago. I knew the old old owner and then one before that. Great guys. But um it it the the the house that is right directly across
is a well-kept house and he's got to see this stuff. they should put up some type of like vinyl fencing or something. You shouldn't have to see that. They just they don't upkeep their their their property there. They're they're they're just not um they don't maintain it very well. So, something to look into. I don't know whoever we could send out there. >> Okay. Thanks, Anthony. Um, with regard
to the swearing in, uh, back in 2020, in 2022 when the mayor and the three of us were sworn in, that was at JP Stevens and it was right, it was still just the very end of the COVID scare
and, um, so, uh, and so I'm sorry, uh, Ryan, can you just can you just hold off for a second? >> Thanks. Um, and the problem I see with the tower is that right now until they expand it right now, that's a pretty
small space. And if you're talking about the 1st of January for the inaugurations, it's pretty chancy as far as the weather and having it outside. I think that maybe that might be a that might be an idea worth considering once they've expanded the space there. Um, planning
board, any seats? Uh, I would check with our town clerk, but I think there's one. Is there one or two? I know there's at least one, but we'll >> Okay, >> council president. >> Yes. >> Uh, there's a vacancy for the second
alternate member and then there are two terms for class 4 members that uh expire at the end of this year. There are two other ones. A class two member which is a member of the municip mun municipality if I recall correctly and then a class three member which is a representative
from the council. >> Okay. Thank you. Very good. Thank you. Uh anyone else from the public? >> Okay. Can we get a motion to close public portion? >> Motion to close public comment. >> Second. >> Okay. Um the member to the planning
board, speaking of planning board, is not here tonight. That is Councilman Coyle. Uh reports from all council committees. Uh I'm going to start this time from my left. Uh Councilmanuel, anything? >> Not at this time. >> Okay. Councilman Patiel? >> No, not at this time.
>> Councilman Patel. >> Uh open space committee meeting did happen, but I missed it. Uh so I do not have anything to report. >> Okay. Uh council council go to council vice president. >> Not at this time. Thank you. >> Okay. Councilman Brresser.
>> Not at this time. you people. Um, let's see. I do have one. The um the um cultural arts commission unfortunately was not able to meet this past month because uh we did not have a quorum. We will meet I believe it's December 9th.
Um the shelter report is um again they've been doing a a fabulous job and especially under these very trying circumstances. Uh for the month of October, adoptions were there were six dog adoptions, 35 cat adoptions, one bird adoption. There were five cats and
one dog that were redeemed. Currently in the shelter, we have uh 43 cats and she and Tina revised the dog total to I believe it's 31. And there were a couple of strays that were found today that were brought in today and she says 20
bunnies, but I do think the bunnies unless some of the bunnies were left behind. Um then I I think they went to that uh that farm or they went to that uh whatever wly wabbit or whatever the thing is called. Um so I'm not sure
about the bunnies, but that's the situation. But again um they have been doing a bang-up job in terms of managing the shelter. So, that's my those are my reports. Um, any points of light?
All right. Okay. Uh, discussion items at this point, unless anyone has something to add that you didn't put down here, we go to you, council vice president. >> Uh, thank you, uh, council president. And I thought you were going to cover on the points of light, but with Veterans
Day yesterday, just recognizing the veterans. I know you said uh Thanksgiving earlier and uh just in thinking I do want to make mention um November is often referred to as men's mental health month. So just putting it out there um men's mental health uh is a
is a thing and reach out to your friends check in doesn't hurt. Um to the administration, I just wanted to follow up. Earlier this year we passed or updated the adopt a spot ordinance. Um, I think there was a development
happening for applications uh for people that may be interested. I just wanted to see if there was any update that I could share with >> I will have to check to see if we've received any applications and get back to you. >> Is there a form that's I my question was
more is there a form that's available because I wasn't aware that there was a form ready to for people to check out. >> There was a form when we introduced it. I do recall seeing a form. Okay. If you if you can just send that to me, I'll I'll share it with the people that had reached out to me. Sure.
>> Thank you. Um >> to the administration, I guess this would be through to engineering potentially. Are there any updates on Brower Avenue for some of the other items I had brought brought up, which again, they are very appreciative
of the uh the paving that happened. If the residents who are on TCOs, I believe there's only two of them, uh, if they email myself or they can do ENG inspections and more more people in my office can get back to them, let them
know what is left on their property. I believe it's only some plantings for both of them. >> Okay. All done. >> I'll I'll make sure that they reach out to to you guys. Thank you. Um, I had reached out to my colleagues about
the environmental impact study. Thank you, Sonia, for following up on that. I'm hoping to have uh that up for consideration at the next meeting. Uh, and I will discuss offline any concerns that were brought up by my colleagues. Uh, sports complex. Um, I submitted this
prior to the resolutions that are up, but I'm presuming based on the the food equipment and the fact that the swearing in is happening at the sports complex that we are very near completion. >> We are the notice to proceed actually um
had an October target date. So, technically it's it's it's there except we need to do the fittings for the the kitchen. Yeah, I for me I'm I'm viewing the shell as like what the change orders and such were and then this is like the >> not fill in work but the last leg of it,
>> right? So December you'll have everything completed and and if any council member wants to walk through it, I'd w um welcome you to come on over and we'll walk you through it. I mean it is a pretty fabulous building. It's the multilevel. It's uh a great facility. So I'd welcome many of you to come and and
we'll take a walk over there. >> Looking forward to it. Um I mentioned about the smart city advisory committee. Uh just something going going forward. Uh I'm hoping that the next council will take advantage of that committee and use
that for not only um utilizing residents knowledge that we have uh but to communicate with the administration on the items that were discussed before. And then my final question uh we had hired BFJ to work on zoning updates. I was just wondering if there was any
update on those updates. >> I don't know how to phrase it. >> Met with sorry met with them a week and a half ago. Uh they were asking for some feedback. Uh we provided some guidance. Ultimately hopefully by end of January right now
we'll have everything kind of laid out. >> All right. Sounds true. I appreciate it. Thank you, council president. >> Thank you. And with that, um, >> council president. >> Yes. >> Just couple of question for administration. So, if you can have someone look at the Kilmer court, uh,
resident did reach out to me about the lighting and couple of potholes. That's just a request. I did ask them to open a service ticket, but while we do that, you know, if you can have someone take a Thank you, council. Okay. >> All right. Uh, with that, can I get a
motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Second. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I This meeting is adjourned at 7:0 We're going to call it 7:02 p.m. Thank you very much. We'll see you on Well, you'll
be you will be seen on November 24th, Monday, November 24th. Happy Thanksgiving again.