Yeah. Well, there we go. Okay. All right. Good evening. The municipal council combined meeting of Monday, December 8th, 2025 is now in session. It's 6:05
p.m. and could you please join me in the pledge a 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. >> Thank you. Uh, Madame Clerk, could you read the roll call, please? >> Council member Brusher, >> here. >> Council member Coyle. Council member Harris >> here. >> Council member Patel
>> here. Oh, >> he's gonna be late like Joe. >> Oh, he's gonna be late. Okay. Sorry. Uh, Council Member Patiel, 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 star ledger desi talk on november November 18th 2024 and past posted in mimos missible complex on that same date
>> very much um council president remarks first of all I hope everybody had a nice Thanksgiving and I want to thank council vice president pointer for filling in I was able to watch some of the meeting and he did his usual excellent job. Um
also um I want to encourage people to we have many vacancies on boards and committees and I would like to encourage people to to to consider applying for
some of these committees. Um I'm looking for the committees. Uh where are they? One second. Give me a moment. Uh, um, where did that go? Here. I'm looking. It was under
ethics. No, housing. Where's the one from you? Council appointments. Oh, is this the is that the >> Yes. Okay. Very good. >> Thank you. Okay. So, for the committees that are appointed by council, we have a vacancy on the ethics committee. We and
we need a Republican for that particular vacancy. Uh housing authority, we have one term that's up for reappointment, but if that person does not apply for reappointment, we certainly would welcome someone to apply. Open space, the entire board expired in 2024.
Zoning, we have three terms up for reappoint. And once again, whether or not these people reapply, we would certainly encourage you to consider applying. Smart City, six terms up for reappoint and one actual vacancy. And
finally, the Veterans Memorial. There are seven vacancies on the Veterans Memorial Committee. And you know, that's going to be, I think, an important one, especially as we're coming up on the 250th anniversary of this country. I think it's it's going to be more important than ever. So, I would really
encourage people if you want to have a voice, if you really want to be able to make a difference and make a contribution to our community, this is a great way to do it. So, I thank you for your attention to that. And with that,
um, let's see. Oh, and the last uh the last item is that the ordinance 20 2268 has to be removed because the newspaper failed to advertise. And I want to thank in in attendance tonight Joel Bassoff
for having pointed that out. He had the eagle eye to be able to see that and brought it to the attention of council clerk. Um and um Attorney Burns, you want to anything else you want to to say about why that needs to be pulled because
>> just in order for us to actually pass it, consider it do anything with it, it's got to be published otherwise it wouldn't be legal to pass it. So >> So it >> plenty of time to get it done before the 22nd. >> So it will be put back on the agenda for
uh for the December 22nd meeting. And with that um we go to unfinished business ordinances for further consider and oh and then the the other un so ordinances for further consideration public hearing and final adoption. We
have we also have an item 2267 that is being pulled and council vice president can you uh tell the people why this is being pulled? >> Thank you council president. Uh in short it was brought to my attention that how the the wording of the ordinance is.
[clears throat] Uh it in short it makes the requirement a little too um expansive as to when the environmental impact statement would be required. My intention which has been discussed in the sense of you know the intents of
ordinances is that when it when [clears throat] an application gets to the TRC um after it's been approved as an application that's when it would actually be uh required for the boards to then consider um how it is written is
that this would be required even before the application was approved or denied. uh I think that that could have negative impacts um widespread around uh application developments. So I've
requested that it be pulled and I am hopeful I I did send updated language for legal to consider in amending for the next council uh coming up. So I'm hopeful that the next council will uh take this up. Thank you council
president. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh, so the one ordinance that we will be voting on for final adoption tonight is 2266. And um, and Madame Clerk, could you read the ordinance?
>> Oh, that's right. I'm sorry. All right. Want to know maybe by December 22nd I'll get this right. I don't know. Um, right. Okay. So, are there any comments though to these ordinances?
Okay. Seeing none, we will move on to the proposed ordinances. And so we have 2269. [clears throat] Um, and 2269 and 2270. Any council comments on 2269 for
starters. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Um, just to the administration. I know I sent a plethora of questions. I'm hopeful to get those responses before the 22nd. Thank you, Council President. All right. Any updates on that? Uh, all
right. >> Give me one minute. I'll pull it up for you. Uh, Mr. Northgate actually answered these questions, so I will provide those uh to you. So, um,
so the conventional taxes or is a community center. So, it's private ownership. So, we wouldn't have anything um we wouldn't be able it's not a public space. So, that would be a no. Um >> um LTE law.
>> Sonia, can you speak a little closer to the microphone? Thank you. Sorry [clears throat] about that. The LTTE law um and this agreement requires requires an annual audit. So there's an administrative fee built in uh into this agreement which equals 2% of the pilot.
Um one of the purposes of the fee is to pay uh NW or similar financial adviser to review and verify the annual gross revenue. Um the annual service charge start date occurs when the project or portion thereof is sufficiently complete such
that it can be occupied for its intended purpose. Um for example when the first tenants move in the um reassessment um let me just the reassessment would
not affect the pilot during that during those terms. Um we can per N and W can they can perform that calculation that you were looking into there is a typo in one of the units um but uh he believes only two of the uh
there's a typo on only two of the units the unit uh count would be governed by the RDA and the redevelopment plan to the extent that the two of them are in conflict the redevelopment plan governs Okay. Hope that answers some of it. >> Yeah, there's a couple of other open
ones. I'm I'm okay with introducing um but I would like a hard copy of those responses. >> Sure. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Okay. Any other comments or questions on that particular ordinance? Okay. We move on to 2270.
Any questions or comments on 2270? Okay, seeing on review of the minutes, any comments, November 24th. Okay. Um, from the business administrator, number
8A, the resolution permitting the authorization for use of a procurement card. Questions, comments? Number nine, A through G. Okay. Number 10, uh, A and B.
Right. 11, Department of Public Works, A through D. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Uh, 11 B and C. These [clears throat] are final payments for uh for Edison Courts 2 and three.
What is [clears throat] our uh what is our warranty >> for the work? How long how many how how many years? >> The warranty is usually for two years, but I'll double check for you. >> Okay. [clears throat] Thank you. >> Anything else? All right. 12 from the township clerk A
and B. All right. We move into the regular meeting. Hopefully now I'll get it right. Um, all right. So, we go we go to the approval of the minutes um for
November 24th. I would be abstaining. I was not here. Um, so can I get a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Um, all right. So, we're back to the
ordinances for further consideration and um we are looking at 2266. Madame Clerk, could you read the ordinance? >> An ordinance amending chapter 25 trees by amending subsections 25-6.1
exemptions from tree replacement. >> Okay. I'm going to open it for the public for any any comments or questions about this ordinance. Yes. Bass off Beach Lane. Um, glad to see that the township is going to be more
stringent in protecting Edison's tree coverage and tree canopy. Good job. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Anyone else want to comment on or question this ordinance? [snorts] All right. Um,
motion to close the public. Motion to close the public comment. >> Second. Second. >> Thank you. >> Sorry. >> 20 2266 >> the ordinance. Uh can I get a motion to
adopt? >> Motion to adopt. Second. [clears throat] >> All right. And uh can we get a roll call, please? Council member Brasher. >> Yes. >> Council member Coyle. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Pointer. >> Yes. >> Council memberel.
>> Yes. Council President Harris. >> Yes. All right. So for for [clears throat] 2267 in order to we're we are removing that. Um do we need to do anything with that >> table?
>> No. Is that it's not being tabled? >> Yeah. It's it's not being tabled. It's it's being pulled from the agenda >> entirely. So uh you don't have to do anything. >> Okay. >> All right. Uh for 2268 that is being tabled to the 22nd. We do need to make a
motion in order to do so. Correct. >> All right. So, can I get a motion to table ordinance 2268 to the December 22nd meeting? >> Council President, I motion to uh table the ordinance until Monday, December 22nd. >> Thank you. A second, please.
>> Second. >> Thank you. Um, and can I get a roll call, please? Council member Brusher. >> Yes. >> Council member Coyle. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Patiel. Oh, council member Pointer. >> Yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Harris,
>> yes. All right, we move on to the new business of the ordinance 2269. And uh, Madame Cler, could you read the ordinance? ordinance approving the application for long-term exemption and authorizing the execution of a financial agreement with
Fairway Country Club Urban Renewal LLC concerning the property known as proposed block 412 lot 5.04, commonly known as 1000 IM Avenue. >> Thank you. Uh can I get a motion to introduce?
Motion to introduce. Yeah, >> I think this one needs the >> the meeting. Yeah. >> Actually, I should memorize this by now. This one be passed on first. [laughter] We don't have our cheat sheets here. >> Without it, I am >> Oh, well, you forgot to put the cheat
sheet [laughter] in. >> You expect us to memorize this? Oh my gosh. Um, give it to to Thanks, Marina. >> Thank you, Marina. Now, council president, I move this
ordinance be passed on first reading, published according to law for further consideration and public hearing set down for December 22nd, uh, Monday. >> That was splendid. That was splendid. Can I get a second, please?
>> Get a second. >> I was talking. I didn't hear. >> Uh, >> you're going to have to stay after class. Second. >> I second it. >> Thank you. Okay. Um, can I can I get uh council comments? Any council comments
on this ordinance? Council president, I did have some uh question. This is the one with the country. Yeah. Uh I did have some questions that I did ask the administration uh whether the need for the pilot also how we are going to alleviate the board
of ed of any revenues that we are taking away from them and I'm looking forward to those answers and but I am okay to introductions. Thank you. >> Uh council president I did forward it to uh both council uh councilman uh and council vice president. So, um, with
regard to the concept of the loss of revenue for the schools, um, it's it's a bit I guess it's, uh, it could be taken out of context. So, the board has a budget. It's funded. No money is deducted from the school because the new project coming online
which had not contributed any revenue in the first place. So, it does not take any revenue away from the school. In addition, this project will not add a single penny to what the school would need to spend. [clears throat] Any other council comments or questions?
>> Okay. Um, can we get a roll call? >> Council member Brusher? >> Yes. >> Council member Coyle? >> Yes. >> Council member Patel? >> Yes. >> Council member Pointer, >> yes to introduction. >> Council member, >> yes to introduce. >> Council President Harris,
>> yes to introduce. Okay. Um and 2270. Uh madame clerk, can you read the ordinance? >> An ordinance amending article 5 boards, commissions, committees, and agencies of chapter 2, administration of the
municipal code. >> All right. Thank you. Uh once again, any Oh, can I get a motion to introduce? Council President, I move this ordinance be passed on first reading published according to law for further consideration and public hearing set
down from Monday, December 22nd, 2025. >> Thank you. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Um, do we have any council comments on this ordinance? Seeing none, can we get a roll call?
>> Council member Brusher. >> Yes. >> Council member Coyle. >> Yes. Council member Patel, >> yes. >> Council member Pointer, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Harris, >> yes. >> Thank you very much. Um, now we go to >> Council President. >> Yes.
>> Uh, just point of order, I'd like to revisit 2268 and make a motion to put this back on the agenda. >> Oh, so what happened is that it the ordinances were sent to the newspaper uh for the required publication. The newspaper apparently did not publish
that ordinance. So, we can't actually move forward with it tonight, which is why it's being moved to the >> Okay. I didn't have the reason. Okay. Thank you for that. I didn't hear that comment before. I apologize. >> All right. Um Oh, we move to public comment on the resolutions. The
resolutions only. Any public comment? >> Yes, Joel. >> Joel Bassoff, Beach Lane. Um, can we get uh some background information on resolution >> the one pertaining to the purchase of uh
a new garbage collection truck? Um, >> you know, do you have the number on that one? >> Hold on. >> 673. >> It's um 673. >> Okay. Thank you. >> First of all, it's um it seems like a lot of money. uh over a third of a
million dollars for one vehicle and I was just wondering why we need to purchase one at this point. Uh as far [clears throat] as I know, we haven't expanded our garbage collection district. So I just like some information as to why the township is
purchasing a garbage truck and how competitive is that price for vehicles of that nature. >> Okay. Any other questions? >> That's it. >> Okay. All right. Uh Sonia. >> Sure. So, this replaces actually an old loader. So, this is part of our uh general capital replacement program.
>> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else on the resolutions only? >> All right. Um, >> yes. Go ahead, Crystal. >> Thank you. Am I recognized? >> You are recognized. >> Thank you. Uh before I get on the
resolution, ordinance 2270 was never on the posted agenda. >> We're not We can't talk about the ordinances now. This is only this is only the resolutions. >> I'll I'll come back to it, but it wasn't on the posted agenda and you voted for it. It's illegal. So,
>> I didn't know it was a combined meeting. I was ready to record the comments at the start. So, no meeting Wednesday, >> correct? On today. >> Well, just on the last one, R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R 675 and I'm going to I'm going to talk to
through the chair to Councilman Brer on that one and you two, but no one else listens, so I'll talk to you too. [clears throat] Um, so on R 675, you're authorizing a permit fee waiver to St. James Church for hot
water heater. >> That's the White Church. >> It's I'm sorry, the what church? >> The White Church on Woodbridge Avenue. >> On Woodbridge Avenue, I believe. Yeah. >> Okay. Well, I hope we start we start buying things for for all the other
churches in Edison, too, not just St. James Church. This is a good start. >> I think we wave all fees. >> Wave all fees. >> Yeah. >> Why Why is this the only only church on here? >> It's the only one that needs the water heater at the moment. >> Yes, that's exactly why. >> All right. [snorts]
Well, [clears throat] well, 2270 wasn't on the agenda and he voted for it. So, I want to see what you guys are going to do about that. How you going to fix that? Thank you. Okay. Anyone else on the resolutions?
All right. Um motion to close the public portion. >> Motion to close the public comment. >> Second. >> Right. Thank you. Um All right. So, we go to the resolutions. And do we have anything to pull for a separate vote?
Councilman Coyle, Councilman Brusher, anything to pull for a separate vote on the resolutions? No, council president, but can I just make a comment on the uh the garbage truck item? Sure. Just for a [clears throat] a point of information, uh it's being purchased through uh the
co-op and the co-op is generally very competitive in terms of their pricing because of the um you know, buying in an abundance from uh several uh municipalities and such. Uh any of times that I've researched, retail prices versus co-op prices has
always been competitive. Um, and in terms of the turnover of vehicles, I've seen some of the conditions of our older vehicles, it's needed. So, thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. Um, all right. So, nothing to pull for a separate vote.
All right. In which case, we then are needing a um we need a motion to approve the consent agenda 660 through 675. >> Motion to approve the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Okay. Okay, thank you. Roll call,
please. >> Council member Brusher, >> yes. >> Council member Coyle, >> yes. >> Council member Patel, >> yes. >> Council member Pointer, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Harris, >> yes. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, we move on to oral petitions and remarks.
>> Yes. Joel [clears throat] Joel Bassoff, Beach Lane. Um, I want to comment on the salary ordinance. I understand that it was removed from tonight's agenda because uh public notice wasn't published, but it it's going to come up at a subsequent meeting
and my suggestion is that the item pertaining to the mayor's salary be be severed from the ordinance pertaining to public officials. Uh we all understand that uh township employees uh might be
entitled to cost of living or longevity increases, but when it comes to the salary for the mayor, it's not a good look for lame duck council to be approving a 32% $48,000 salary increase
for a mayor right after the election. Um, the last time that the mayor's salary was increased, uh, it was Councilman Brresser who pointed out that when you're considering a salary increase for the mayor, it's not
supposed to be for the person, it's supposed to be for the office. Uh so my question would be what has changed about the office of mayor of Edison to justify such a a massive increase uh barely 3
years after the the previous increase. uh if if it was truly for the office and not for the person, then the issue of a salary increase would have been put on the agenda before the election so that whoever might be elected to that office
would get the increase. Uh that's the way the state does it for the governor. Um we're proposing an increase of the mayor's salary to $198,000. The governor of New Jersey, a state of nine and a half million people,
currently gets only 175,000 to run the entire state and that's going to be going up for the next governor to 210,000. Uh Governor Murphy did not give himself a raise. Uh the legislature
authorized a raise for whoever might be elected to that office because it was supposed to pertain not to the person but to the office. And I'd like to know how anyone could justify that the office
of the mayor of Edison calls for a salary that's almost as much as the office of governor of New Jersey. And if this goes through, then the mayor of Edison is going to be getting a salary that's higher than the mayor of
any other township in New Jersey. it'll be probably maybe the the the third highest mayoral salary in in the entire state. So, my suggestion would be that if you truly believe that there's
something now uh in 2025 about the office of the mayor of Edison that calls for a raise of that magnitude, then maybe wait until before the next election so that it can be part of the
agenda of whoever's running for mayor that that well, this is something that Edison needs and requires. Otherwise, doing it this way, it just likes looks like a a blatant, greedy money grab by the incumbent, and it looks like the
council is just being puppets of the incumbent, and it's not a good look for the council [clears throat] or for the mayor. So, please consider uh when the ordinance is up for adoption, sever that part of it and consider it separately.
Um, so my final question is, if you can answer it, um, what do you think has changed about the office of the mayor that that justifies such a massive increase? >> Okay. Uh, let me just address [clears throat] a couple of points.
First of all, I'm not crazy about the timing of this either. to be pushed into the very the second to last meeting of the in what's now going to be the last meeting of the uh of of this council is uh I would have preferred that it would have come on earlier. So I agree with
you with that. However, um just by comparison, Mayor McCormack of Woodbridge makes over $200,000 as a full-time mayor and Mayor Johi is a full-time mayor. Now the salary increase
that he got before was when this position be went to full-time and so he is just simply being in going to I think it's 199,000 something like that is putting him on par if you're going to do apples to apples with a township of a
similar size and it's going to put him on par with that particular mayor. So um and to the puppet thing I I don't consider myself a puppet on this. I'm I I personally am in favor of this. I think it makes sense in view of making
the comparison to what Mayor McCormack makes in Woodbridge Township with the same basically the same population. So those are my comments on it. [clears throat] >> Yeah. Councilman Co. >> Is he finished with his questions? >> Were you finished? [clears throat] >> My time's up. >> Oh, okay.
>> Okay. Um >> I follow the rules. Council President, I couldn't agree with you uh anymore and thank you for supporting the mayor's uh salary increase. Let's let's face it, in the beginning of this change, uh you're quite aware we've had part-time me mayors forever who've had multiple jobs
with this important part-time job, which now is a full-time job. It's [clears throat] most people would believe that this mayor's done a great job. There's a lot going on in each department. He's involved full-time. He has no other job. This is his full-time job. And I'd say
he has a full-time job here and a part-time job here. He's here a lot. He's available to all the council here and every department. Aside from infrastructure, sewer, water, emergency response, snow plowing, maintenance, he's up day and night for that alone.
Let's face it, everybody has seen him out uh garbage trucks, snow trucks, out in the middle of a blizzard. He's available for the township. public safety alone. We've increased our our staff in public safety and the police department, fire department. He's in on every meeting. He's in on every meeting
with directors, DPW, parks department. Uh it there's been a significant involvement from mayors before. And we are very helpful and thankful of all the mayors who've brought us to this point, but no mayor has been full-time. And and Mayor Johi has proven that time
management matters. Look at all the accomplishments we've had so far. We built turf fields. Okay, we built a splash park. We've improved over 29 parks. I mean, the list goes on and on. It's justifiable. I I'm fine with him
making $275,000. He's running a $200 million company. He's handling all of our bonds, consulting, refinancing in our in our finance department in in in a thousand employees. I think it's very fair what the mayor gets considering this is his
sole responsibility. Um, and I'm and I'm grateful and I'm and and I'm really truly happy for the those who are listening and for the residents who are watching right now. You're getting your value. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay, >> council president. >> Yes. >> Just uh two remarks on my end. one, if
you just go based on uh CPI inflation, the one of the original ordinances back in 93, the mayor's salary was 75,000, right? Adjusted for inflation from 93 to today, that would be 170,000. Now, you ask
what's the differences from before versus now? Like, personally, I've been on site to see the extracurricular stuff that happens. So, for example, when the water mane break is there, you know, I met out with I met him out there 10:00
at night, 11:00 at night to like see what was actually going on. This is not just like a 9 toive job. It is something that is constant. There's disruptions on it. It's not a typical type of position. So, that's why I personally am in favor of it. Thank you, Council President.
>> Thank you. Any other comments? >> Okay. Thank you, Joel. And yes, soup. That's true. >> Hi everyone. Sumalone Barber, Pleasant Avenue. Um, I also have comments on ordinance 2268.
Um, and uh, well, I'll just read what I put together. In 2022, when we moved to a full-time mayor, we doubled the salary completely, $250,000. [snorts] Completely reasonable and
understandable. Now, within just four years, we are raising the salary another 32%. I'm not sure how we justify that. Uh, nobody gets a 32% increase for doing the same job. So I ask why do the taxpayers of Edison need to support such
an increase? Uh with this proposed increase the cost to the taxpayers for our mayor will have increased 132% in four years. Um the salary for the mayor of Edison will be more than the mayors of Newark
and Patterson. Um whose populations are triple Edison's. Um and he's very close. He will be very close to Jersey City which is also triple. [snorts] Um so I'm wondering why
Woodbridge was the only measure. Uh Edison taxpayers will be paying almost as much for our mayor as the entire state of New Jersey pays for the governor. The governor's salary going into next year will be 210,000,
just 12,000 more than the Edison mayor. I appreciate that the job is not an easy job, but I also appreciate that when one is applying for a job, if they don't like the salary, they don't accept the
position. So, um let's let's um let's talk about there is an argument to be made that there has been no cost of living increases. That's perfectly acceptable. I was in business, had a big
job for a major corporation. Um, and uh, we we gave cost of living increases every year from between two and 5%. If someone was extraordinary, 7%, if they
got a promotion, 10%. Um, so let's do some math with those percentages. If we had increased the mayor's salary range by giving a generous 5% cost of living increase over the last four years, the compounded increases each year would bring the
salary to $160,000 going into 2026. Even if we had given an unheard of 10% cost of living [laughter] over the last four years, every year over four years, the salary would only be $177,000
going into 2026. A salary increase of $50,000, $48,000 in four years is just way out of whack. Nobody gets that kind of raise for the same job. um as stewards of our money, please
explain how the justification for increasing the taxpayer burden um is by such a large amount and why is there no top range on the salary where all the other salaries have top ranges?
Um I feel personally it's irresponsible to do this especially in this economy when affordability is on everybody's mind. Other questions I have are again, why weren't these increases part of the budget process? Um, and why don't we
factor in cost of living increases? So, it's not like this one kind of a madeup number compared to a neighboring township, one township. The highest um pop populated towns are Newark in this order. Newark, Jersey
City, Patterson, three times the size of Edison, Elizabeth, then Edison, then Woodbridge. So, I feel like the the it's not not really justified. >> Thank you. >> And I ask you to think long
[clears throat] and hard about it before just rubber stamping. >> Thank you, >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Just a point of clarification. The four municipalities, as she mentioned before here, are a different form of government. They are all cities. They are not townships. So they have different
>> I would argue the jobs a lot. >> Excuse me. Your time is up. >> All right. >> Council President, >> was I just wanted to add with regard to the budget, we do add we do consider the cost of living adjustments. >> I'm sorry. >> The budget is
>> the cost of living adjustments are in the budget. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Every year we do budget for them. >> Thank you. Thank you. Okay, Tom. [clears throat] >> Good evening. Thomas Lucky, Netherwood Circle. I'd like to talk to shed a
little bit of light on ordinance uh 2269, which is the uh I call it the driving range off of Inman Avenue, Thousand Inman Avenue. Uh I tried reading the ordinance or the attachment to the uh
uh council agenda this evening and there's no term there's no term shown as for tax exemption. Excuse me if I'm excuse my ignorance but uh how long is that supposed to go on also uh it's kind of vague and ambiguous on how it's
written. even an attachment. The attachment I think is missing from the the support documents that were that were was in that was in the uh the follow-up information on the uh council agenda. But that area to put two it says
two fivestory buildings plus a community center. That's it took I I live across the street from that area. It took me over five minutes just to pull out onto Inman Avenue to come over to come to the
meeting this evening. The uh which also took me a half an hour to get from Inman Avenue to door to door, [cough] you know, to get to the meeting. Getting a couple lights green actually, you know. So, I mean, you talk about
improving quality of life, you talk about, you know, making things better. It's going to put putting those f two fivestory office buildings, however large or small they may be. You're you're going to you're you're taxing the
infrastructure. I know there's going to be a traffic uh traffic study done and I know how people manipulate numbers and it's going to be just like when they first did the Costco over there and they said that's not going to really it's not going to really be a hardship. It's
just, you know, your your roads are going to be overt taxed. Your your infra your complete infrastructure, water, sewer, you uh power, gas, etc. is going to all be taxed. Schools, if I don't, it
doesn't say anything about age restricted or that the schools are going to be overcrowded, then you're going to get the knock-on effect of building additions to the schools, etc. talks about a community center. Is that for
the complex or is that for Edison? There's it's it's written in such generalities that it's it's hard to understand, you know, in my simple mind how it's how it's how it's actually
going to be. I would just, you know, please take that into consideration when you think about that. Talking about salaries, let's just throw this out out for uh a little food for thought. You know, you pass
[clears throat] a comment. Mayor uh Mayor McCormack makes uh you know, x amount of dollars a year and uh Mayor Josie's not making that. Well, maybe may maybe [laughter] not saying he is,
maybe he's overpaid. Anybody think about that? Let's look about controlling cost. And uh I think you're just like you're you're letting you're you're you're opening ourselves up to where salaries are going to go up up up up. You know,
in the early on in in in years the uh p public sector jobs, the the salaries were pretty low uh right and the benefits made up for the made up for the low salaries. Right now they're getting the best of both worlds. We need to be
we need to be responsible in how we spend our taxpayers money. Thank you. >> Thank you, Tim. Just a point of of clarification for you that these units on inmen are going to be, I believe, 55 and older units.
Okay. Um, anyone else? >> Council president. >> Yes. >> Can I just address a couple of the questions? >> Sure. >> Um, as far as the term of the pilot program that's proposed, it would be a 30-year program. uh the attachments that are missing. We we get those
attachments. Many of those are application documents that have uh items of confidentiality for lack of better words that are included on there. So that would be my understanding as to why it's not published, you know, for everyone to
see. um in terms of what's like just the development of the land, it's one of the largest contaminated pieces of land in the township. Um so that's one of the reasons why the request for the pilot program is there is because there's going to be uh a lot of remediation
costs associated with it on top of the actual development costs. additional traffic. Any development that that goes there is going to have a have a traffic impact on that on IM. Um in terms of size of the structures that's
guided by the redevelopment plan that was approved that sets like the buffers, the the height maximums and all of that. So hope that answers some of your questions. Thank you council president. >> Thank you council vice president. Anyone else? >> Council president. >> Yes. [clears throat] There was also the
question that similar to you I had regarding to whether or not this pilot was necessary and it was answered that without this pilot we would not have this dilapidated spot be built upon and it's important because as of right now we're not getting much revenue from that
spot. Uh now with this pilot project hopefully we can convert that project into something that helps the rest of the residents out as well makes it a more useful uh land. Uh also in terms of as it is a pilot and is it is age restricted there will not be any kids
going into schools. So that should not be an issue that we should be uh worried about at least at this particular project. Um so yeah I think there is some benefits that we are getting. Obviously there will be some downsides which will be the traffics but that is something that we'll have to balance in
the long term. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? [clears throat] Just by comparison, the project that's going up and it's almost finished on New Durham by no on Durham, I'm sorry, in Matuchen where the old Gulen pro
property is huge and that is not age restricted and I am very concerned about what the traffic is going to look like there because and and what and that's going to be Matuchen's problem, but then the school situation as well, but for that stretch of New Durham, I mean of
Durham, it's uh this I I see a nightmare happening. So that that point is certainly well taken. But I think given the differences in the populations, I think this is not going to be quite as quite as much of an having as much of an impact as it will in the Matuchen
situation. Um, >> counc. >> Yes. >> I just want to add to the uh property [clears throat] uh just discussed. I think as long as I known Bob Deal, that property has been sitting for 30 years plus. Um, we have a property that
has an environmental issue, uh, unknown that could impact the environment and the surrounding neighbors. Finally, there's an investor that wants to put the time and energy into cleaning it up. Uh, it sat for 30 years. I think I remember in the com administration, was
it Visco? Does it sound like Visco owned or something? Does that sound right? It went back that far. So finally today, someone is taking the risk of putting money into a project to make it for the common good, which is for 55 and up,
which I think is great. We argue we don't want uh kids in our school system. They're giving us that. Some argue we want a pilot. They're giving us that. Um I think it's a win-win. I mean, for a property that just sat forever. I'm 56 today, so I think I knew about that
property in my 20s. That's how long. And I don't want to talk I don't want to say how old Councilman Deal is, but it goes back that far and probably further than the time I'm talking today. So, uh, you know, they're risktakers. God bless
them. If they can get it done, I think it's a wonderful commitment for the town to finally see our property come together. No different than the property on Planefield Avenue, which when I first met uh the clerk uh Rossmano next to me, we volunteered to clean up that site in
1995. This administration today, finally, it's cleaned up that site. It's proved to be something great. It sat forever. Who talked about it from this council or anybody who showed up? Nobody. Nobody complained that it just sat there
abandoned. I don't think I've ever heard a complaint about it. So, it's it's wonderful to see some things finally come together. I'm looking forward to uh more things happening. [clears throat] Thank you. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Yes. Just wanted to add one point. If we developed that property 30 years ago, we
would had over the time $30 million added to our budget that we potentially lost out. So, that's a significant amount of change that we could use for the benefits. Okay. >> Thank you. Um Yes, sir.
Am I recognized? >> You're recognized. >> Okay. >> Uh, I'm going to speak to you, Marggo Harris. I'll speak to you. I'll speak to Councilman Brasher. Maybe Revel and and and the chief, maybe
they can, too, as well. Um, who approved the funding for the new private bathroom in the mayor's office with his own private shower? I'd like to know that. Um, why hasn't the mayor came out and made a statement about what
happened a kill kill list at Thomas Jefferson Middle School? Why hasn't he come out with the threat that came out at Middle Sex County College? And people want to are are asking, are the two connected? People want to know. Um,
he could at least came out with some kind of message of calm. He didn't want to do that. and you guys want to give him a raise. I'm against the mayor and you guys giving him a raise. The same people that are going to vote to give him a raise
are the same people that voted to ban the American flag. Yes, you did ban the American flag, Councilman Coyle, because he banned props. And you guys insinuated and said that people waving the American flag, that's a prop. And they were
thrown out. You threw out Joel Bass off. You threw out two uh senior citizen uh women. One of them used to be on the council. So, it goes to show, hey, you guys don't even respect yourselves. Shame on you guys for throwing out Joyce
ship Freeman. That that really did not need to happen. Uh there's no excuse for that. But again, you weren't throwing people out because of the American flag. You you threw those people out because at the time you were targeting me. You never targeted the American flag. You
never targeted props. Councilman Brasher, they were targeting me the whole the whole entire time. We know this. And Joel Bassoff and the other two ladies, they got caught in the net. And it's a shame they got caught in the net.
Uh especially Joyce Ship Freeman. Um you guys should apologize to them for that. Uh but the public safety director, Councilman Brasher, created a public safety risk when when How many people
came in here from out of state? Some of them came in here um trying to sell ghost guns, 3D guns. And that wasn't my doing. I think that was the doing of you guys. And the way you guys came after
me, I'll I'll talk to uh Rell right now. Uh if you see what's going on in Westfield or I don't know what's that other town that they're going to those council meetings doing that stupid and they're getting kicked out dancing. They're doing every stupid imaginable.
Okay. And they're allowed to do it because they're they're put through a lawsuit. Why were you guys coming after me for the mask? People go all across America. They wear costumes and they go to the meetings. I mean, you guys knew this,
but you guys had to gaslight me the entire year. Okay. Um, think about it. If what you did to Joyce Ship Freeman, one of your own, she's one of you guys, a few later few years later down the line, that's going to be done to you,
Margo, or you Joe. Now, the difference is I hope it gets done to you, Joe. Um, and yeah, I'm disgusted. um disgusted in himself giving himself a raise. He doesn't deserve it.
He hasn't done nothing. And when we had part-time Mayor Tom Lankey, he did a lot more than Mayor Sam Joy. Every resident that came for an appointment, he saw them. He respected them. He had courtesy. He understand. He had compassion. Everything. Mayor Johi
has none of it. >> Thank you, sir. Okay. >> Um, anyone else? >> All right. Can I get a motion to close? >> Motion to close the public portion. >> I could second. >> Second. >> Um, all right. We move to the from the
council member to the planning board. [clears throat] >> I'm sorry. I have nothing to report. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh, reports from all council committees. Uh, starting from my right. Uh, Councilman Brusher. >> Not at this time. Uh, Councilman Coyle,
>> uh, I'm setting up a meeting with DPW to discuss the, uh, yearly planning for 2026. We also had a light discussion like we have every year, um, about being prepared for the snow and, uh, we are fully prepared, salt, trucks, snow
plows, uh, man, uh, truck power and also staff power. So, very, very pleased to be prepared for the snow when and if it comes. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Moving on, I'll ask uh Council Vice President, >> not at this time. Thank you, Council.
>> Councilman Patel, >> not at this time. >> And Councilman, >> not at this time. >> All right. For myself, uh the um the uh animal shelter, uh again, a very productive month in November. Adopted
were 33 felines, 18 canines. Reclaimed by their owners were three felines and 13 canines. currently in the shelter and I think this is actually le for the canines it's less and there were two dogs that were adopted over the weekend. So, but as of November it was 13 kines
that are still in the shelter and 34 felines in the shelter. So, I just want to say that um I I am so proud of the shelter. I think they've been doing a wonderful job and they've been they've been really cooking. So, I'm I'm very happy to have been the leazison to them
and they're doing a wonderful the wonderful job. Uh thank you. And we now go to Oh, and the um uh cultural arts commission did not meet this month because we did not have a quorum. The next meeting will be January 6th. I'm
hoping at that point I will no longer be a leazison. I'm hoping I will become a permanent member or a regular member of that commission. Um we go to points of light. Um let me just start with um a few announcements. Holiday House
Decorating Contest. Register by December 10th through Edison Recreation. Judging will take place on December 12th, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Winners will be announced on December 15th. Do we know what the prizes are? Anyone know what the prizes are for this? All right. Um, uh,
December 12th, Edison Recreation along with Edison Visionary annual holiday dance for teens and adults with disability. 6:30 p.m. at Mini Bville V. December 13th, the winter wonderland at Papani Park, 4 to 8:30 p.m. Entry is free. Tons of winter activities to
enjoy. December 16th, the lighting of the manora at the JCC on Oak Tree Road starting at 700 p.m. And December 20th, parents night out 5 to 9:00 p.m. at Mini V mini beve ve $10 per child, grades K through five, pre-registration required
by December 17th. Uh, anyone else for any points of light? Does that say anything? >> Okay. Okay. Oh. Oh, and there's also uh there is a community health assessment um to participate in in our anonymous
survey by January 16th. You can there's this long I mean there's there's this um code that you can scan. Um otherwise there's uh this is this is a long this is a very long https
um >> it's on our website >> it's on so it's on the website so you can scan the QR code um or you can just go on the website so it's a community health assessment um which I I would I I already took part in this but I would I would encourage people to take part in
this um with that any other points of [clears throat] light. All right, we move on to discussion items. Um, we let's go to you, council vice president. >> Thank you, council president. The only item uh for resident concerns um the
residents on Brower Avenue, we're saying that there's still speeding occurring from the uh school buses that traverse it to go the back way to Herbert Hoover. So, if we can just communicate with the board of ed on that, I'd appreciate it. >> Thank you, council president. >> Okay. Anyone else? No one else besides
myself [clears throat] is on here. Anyone else wanted to add anything to council discussion items? I see none. For myself, we removed I removed the proposed ordinance about council salaries and gave this long and
hard thought. This again being given to us at the end of the year was not exactly something I had an appetite for and and also given that Councilman Patel, Council Vice President Pointer, and myself are no
longer going to be on council as of January 1st. Um, we didn't feel comfortable having this put in our laps. For myself, I can only speak for myself on this. I really wrestle with this
because the proposal is for what is close to a 100% increase in the council salaries and I have a hard time justifying that. I would I don't have a problem with a raise in the council salaries, but a but a a almost 100%
raise is just something that I have a hard time with. And again, now I'm going to use Woodbridge as a as a comparison. which while the mayor is is making as I said about $200,000 council there is making maybe 14 or
$15,000 and they probably should be they should be making more but I just have a hard time and I I especially have a hard time and I find it I guess I would use the word arrogant that this council the same
council who took away onethird of the public speaking time would be getting 100% increase in their salary. I have a very very hard time justifying that. So we so we we are not going to be voting
on this during this council and the future council can take this up if they so desire. But this is why this this is why it was decided to remove this particular ordinance. That's all I have to [clears throat] say. Um with that uh
I want to wish everybody a happy Hanukkah. people who celebrate. And um we can get a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> this this council is adjourned at 7:04
p.m. Thank you very much.