You're good. >> One, two. Uh, good evening everyone. Uh, welcome to the Edison Miso Combined Council meeting today is May 6th. Uh, our meeting starts today 6 p.m. Will we all please rise for the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat] >> Madam cler roll call. >> Council member Brusher >> here. >> Council member Coyle
>> here. >> Council member Dimma >> here. >> Council member Kentos >> here. >> Council member Patel >> here. >> Council member Patiel >> here. Council member Schmuel >> here. >> 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 and busy talk on November 17th, 2025 and post the main lobby mimal complex on that same date. >> Thank you everyone. I just wanted some brief remarks for those who are their
first time here. each one of you uh four minutes to speak. Uh we're going to have a work session. Uh there may be some uh comment there as well, but also if uh this is your first time here, you speak on the resolutions only when we open up resolutions. And then there's another
time where you can speak on open public comment. And then you can speak on any subject you want. So if you're here for a particular subject that's not a resolution at that time and we'll announce that you can only speak on those resolutions for spending or whatever is in those resolution. You'll
see that in here as we go through the agenda and I'll do my best to make sure some new people here are aware of that. And for those who are watching from home, if you like to follow the agenda, you could uh go to the council meeting, go to agenda, click on um [clears throat] that and you'll see the entire agenda of
what we're doing here. And if you have a any comments, you can reach any member of the council or you can email me at jcoyilisonenj.gov. [snorts] Okay. We have a resolution of recognition. Clerk read resolution.
>> Whereas Heman Pa a resident of Edison Township is a filmmaker, photographer, and media professional for over three decades of experience across theater, television, and cinema. Whereas as the founder and director of Friday Films LLC, he has created impact visual
content while contributing to major India Indian media platforms in the United States. And whereas Mr. Pandia had is committed to telling [clears throat] socially relevant stories rooted in a real life experience that address issues affecting diverse
communities and his whereas his love his film love laugh and life based on true events explores racism and identity and re and received best short film at the India Film Festival of Cincinnati and recognition as a semi- finalist at
Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival whereas his award award-winning short film Words of Rage highlight highlights anger as a mental health issue and has received multiple international honors and he continues to support meaningful storytelling through
projects such as two-step strengthening independent and women led cinema and he is the founder and director of New Jersey India and international film festival which has successfully completed eight editions promoting global cinema and cultural exchange. Now
therefore, we recognize and commend Mr. Hammet Pandia for his outstanding contributions to film making, arts, and community engagement and extend our best wishes for his continued success. >> Thank you, madam clerk. Uh we're going to open up to the public for any public
comments on the resolution. >> Yes, [clears throat] this is comments on our resolution that we just discussed. If you want to talk about that, you're more than welcome. Anybody can speak and comment on this for four minutes. Thank you. Welcome, >> welcome. Um, thank you. Uh, Ben's from
Edison. I just want to recognize the the film director's appreciation from over the years. Congratulations and I'm looking forward for this uh movie to come true. Thank you very much. And and for everyone else who's attending here, thank you. >> Thank you. Any other members of the
public would like to speak on this resolution? Seeing none, can I have a motion to close the public portion on this resolution? >> Motion to close. >> Have a second. Second. >> All in favor say I. >> Can I have a motion? We're going to do a motion to adopt and then we'll do
council comments. Can I have a motion to adopt? >> Motion to adopt. Second. >> Can we have council comments? >> I know a council member Patiel is going to speak. >> I will make the comment when we are good enough. Okay. So, what we're going to do right now, uh, first do the roll call
now. >> We have no more. >> We can combine. >> No. So, we'll do the roll call. Okay. Madam clerk, roll call. >> Council member Brusher. >> Yes. >> Council member Dimma. >> Yes. >> Council member Kentos. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel? >> Yes. >> Council member Patiel? >> Yes. >> Council member? >> Yes. >> Council President Coyle?
>> Yes. >> Okay. We're going to move uh to the front of the room. >> You going to make the presentation? >> No, we can do the bullet. Okay. You >> want me to read the next one, then you'll present? >> All right. Whereas Nita Pentacar, a resident of Edison Township, began her career in
home [clears throat] in home textile industry as a senior production merchandiser where she strongly [clears throat] developed a strong sense of aesthetics and design and she transitioned into film making bringing a refined understanding of visual
storytelling, texture and mood. Whereas as a New Jersey resident, she is dedicated to creating socially relevant narratives, exploring human relationships and emotion emotional depth where she's contributed as a costume and production
designer on award winning short films including Love, Loft and Life and Words of Rage and where she with her direction debate film two steps she emerges as a promising female filmmaker addressing
ing the psychological impact of bullying and whereas her film has received international recognition including an honorable mention at the real film festival in Milan, Italy and awards at the Bangkok movie awards and she's the founder and director of Marathy
International Film Festival which has completed five successful years in New Jersey. Now therefore, we recognize and commend Nita Pednar for her artistic achievements and contributions to cinema and culture. [clears throat] We have to open up this resolution for public
comment. Does anybody want to speak on this resolution? >> Yes. >> Good evening. Good evening. Ben from Edison. I would like to recognize resolution 225. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else would like to
speak on the resolution? Seeing none, can I motion to close the public portion of the resolution? >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. Any council [clears throat] comments on this resolution? I'll just uh be brief. I know that he's going to give a presentation, but on
behalf of the council and administration, we're truly proud of the hard work and dedication you've done to use your creative side and uh certainly u this entire accomplishment has been unbelievable. So, congratulations to you and the support of your family and anybody who's not here that put up with
your time away from family and the hard work behind it and the someday this will be done. Uh which I'm sure you've heard a hundred times and so congratulations. Um, we're going to move to roll call on this resolution. >> Council member Brusher, >> yes.
>> Council member Dimma, >> yes. >> Council member Kentos, >> yes. >> Council member Patel, >> yes. >> Council member Patiel, >> yes. >> Council member Shuel, >> yes. >> Council President Goyle, >> yes. >> So, >> okay, Council President, you know, let me do one thing. You know, I'll make the comments now and I will have my council colleague.
>> Two of you can join. I would say all of you will join, but two of you will be the part of the presentation. uh that would be better way of uh doing this. So I I'll be very brief and quick and then I will have Nita or Hmon speak uh during the presentation.
It's a what a wonderful journey. He g you know you have been involved I would say all decades as well as Nita Yu in the film industry. You you have worked right from assistant director through the production to writer and the
production uh and director have led several short films and the reason I say short films is it's lot many people focus on the commercial aspects but two of you didn't focus on the commercial aspect but the focus was more on
bringing the sensitive topics that matters a lot and often We as a common person do ignore those and the movie that really touched me. Word of rage. We all know there is a mental health issue in the society. There is an anger
issue in the society but there are very few people who dare to project that as a real issue on the uh through the film and you did an wonderful job of that. You have achieved lot many awards. uh if
I start reading it will take whole night uh we have very busy schedule and that's the reason we thought you know let's recognize you tonight uh of you all your hard work and I also consider this as a success story of an immigrant that also
touches me you know the immigrants coming in here not really focusing on a job as an engineer or doctor or the business but really dedicating their life to the cinema and the photography again thank you and congratulations. So I'd ask my you know for uh Hmon Pandya
recognition council president you and council vice president you if you can honor them with the presentation and for Nita uh councilman Assaf. Sure. >> And >> we can all rise if you please. >> And please uh the families, anybody a
part of this accomplishment, please come up to this stage area. >> [clears throat] [laughter] >> Are you sure? There's too Council member You both? >> Yeah, both of them together. Yeah,
>> that's fine. I didn't separate pictures together. >> Perfect. Thank you. I will have uh Mr. Hman Panda to say a few words. Let me start with the [snorts] name of the god.
I'm basically emotional and I want to thank Mayor Sim Jooshi and the council, every member of council to recognize our hard work and um I feel so proud to be standing
here and uh receiving this acknowledgement and accla for everybody, every single resident of Edison Township, you know, and while I'm talking to you yesterday
evening we received uh you know the K's film festival one of the biggest film festival in the world uh we received uh industry acknowledgement our film festival New
Jersey Indian international film festival and we got accredited as film festival and we are invited to attend the Khan's film festival this here. So it's a proud moment for
each and every one of you and us also that uh we got accreditation as industry professional and as a film festival and [snorts] I'm sure that your township and council support will be there for us
forever and um as you are aware that biggest film industries and the Netflix and everybody is coming to New Jersey it. I think it's time uh Edison Township also
can uh you know uh do much better for the filmmakers and I'm there to be on their board and give some inputs. So how can we bring more and more filmmakers to the
our township? Thank you. Just thank you and again thank you very much. >> [applause] >> Nita, you want to add anything? Nita, you want to add anything? Uh, >> thank you, Councilman. Thank you
everyone. I'm also emotional. I mean, this is an encouragement for us to bring more stories which will show the culture and identity and make a difference in human life. Thank you again. [applause]
>> Thank you. Unbelievable. I'm so happy. Enjoy. One of these chairs at home of these chairs at home. [laughter] >> We bought my wife a new [laughter] Again, congratulations, a round of applause for
your hard work and dedication to this great um [applause] making just to see your emotion gets me emotional and I I don't even know half the story of what you've been through and the hardships and challenges and fundraising to uh you know put a film
together and a festival. Um, so congratulations again and I hope to hear more. Each one of us are available and uh we certainly would love to meet with you individually. Perhaps AJ would help us with that and thanks for inspiring others in Edison to be involved in film and if we can do something in the
future, we certainly would love to. Um, I'm not we're not offended. Uh, we're not taking a break. We're going to go right through this meeting. But if for any reason you want to leave, now's your chance. [laughter] Okay. I mean, but but uh it can be quite interesting. Uh, but you're more than welcome, but we're not
offended if you get up from the front while we leave because you have other things on your agenda. We know you're busy. Again, thank you for being here tonight. Um, for those who are here that are new, did you get an agenda that was in the back? We have some agendas. I just want to make sure you know where we are on this agenda right now. So, we do
have some things to do in our work session. We just finished we just finished this two resolutions on number five and now we're going to uh do number six, which is going into our work session. We're just going to discuss the work session and then we'll be voting. Some of these things you may find
interesting, some things you won't. Uh, but you can read things individually. A lot of spending we do in town on different individual departments and costs and we do refunds for taxes. People have a tax appeal, they overpaid, we do a small refund back, sometimes a large refund back. So that's what you'll
be seeing in here. So, but you're So, there'll be some time and you won't be speaking till I think 16. Is that correct, Cheryl? Well, 13 and 16. >> The comments on 14 >> 14 and 16.
>> So, just I just want to make you aware we will go fast. I will hope our council some of our council members will offer courtesy to not oversp speak their four minutes so that we can move through the meeting. I'm not putting pressure on anybody individually, but sometimes it's
needed and necessary and we appreciate that. So, we're going to move forward here. Um, council members, just a number six, re review of the minutes. Any questions or comments on April 22nd? Seeing none, we're moving forward to number seven, each department. Any
questions or comments? Letter A, business administrator. Go to eight, the planning and finance. Uh, we have letter A, B, C, letter E, and F. Any questions or comments on the following? Hearing
moving to number nine from the department of planning and engineering. We have letter A, B, [clears throat] C, D, and E. Any questions or comments from council members? >> Council President. >> Yes, sir. Um, I'd like to see if for D
um for the Edison Sports Building if we might be able to get a um a list as to still what needs to be done there or purchased or um you know if they have any other equipment or um but right if we can just get a final
list because I think we we should be there about now. >> Sure. We'll get you a punch list. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other council members on A, B, C, D, or E from the Department of Planning and Engineering? Hearing none, moving to 10, Department
of Public Works, A, B, and C. Any question or comments? >> Uh, council president, >> very happy. I'd like to tell you about C. Um, I know that was deteriorating for years now, so it it's this is a good thing that we're actually getting this repaired and we're gonna have this taken
care of now. So I'd like to thank the administration for getting um ahead of this and the department of public works. Thank you >> council person. >> Yes on B you know happy to see the flashing crosswalk. This is a big demand
uh throughout the Edison and you know hopefully we'll have more and more these installed for pedestrian safety as well as you know controlling the speed limit. Again thank you for this. >> Thank you. Okay, moving to the Department of Recreation.
We have A and B. Any questions or comments hearing? None. Moving to number 12, [clears throat] the chief of police, letter A. Any questions or comments? [clears throat] Yeah. Thank you. Um, for those who are watching, we're going to
start the regular meeting. This is where we'll be voting on what we just discussed in the work session. At that time, any council member could have questioned anything on the agenda to the administration if they which they went over with them prior to this meeting, but they could have done that in public as well. So, we're moving uh we're going
to open up the regular [clears throat] meeting. Uh council members approval of the minutes. Have a motion to approve the minutes for April 22nd. >> Council person. >> Yes. >> I was abstained in in this meeting so I'll not be voting. >> Okay. Have a motion to approve the meeting minutes.
>> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay, we're going to move to 14. This is a portion of the public comments on resolutions only. Uh we had a list of spending and different things that you saw in these resolutions that we just
went over. They're listed as from R26 all the way to R 243. Anyone who'd like to speak on them that is new here today. You can speak on any one of them separately. It has nothing to do with your public comments of the purpose of why you came here. This is separate and you may comment on that or ask questions
about that. So, anybody [clears throat] from the public, please sir, come up. >> Good evening, Council President Ben from Medicine. I would like to talk about the last resolution on this agenda will be R4 uh R243.
Uh the purchasing of the word of the flock safety cameras and renew of maintenance software. Uh it's asking not to extend of $33,495. Um can we I I I would like to the chair uh
is is there a way we can get a list of how many of them because I do notice them lately. um right by uh raising canes by the rariton center district. You know, I I have a little bit of
safety concerns um through, you know, that what I was told about safety flock cameras and what they told to the public. It's not what it is, what they told the
public. It's, you know, I think um if if I can have the council can can speak or the public to speak about this, I would like to uh before we approve this, we need to know is our privacy
is is you know our privacy could be at risk. There are hackers who can just hack those cameras and find people and this is why if you know this around
the state things are happening because you got these hackers going into these cameras and then take yeah I can't get into the up and ups into it but you I would like to get a list or or have the council take a look a list and make sure
this is appropriate before we do anything else. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Um just to answer your question, it's a great question. This resolution is for um the license plate readers that are around the town.
Basically, the issues we've had in the past with the different breakins and car theft. If you come through Edison and you have a uh you're unlicensed or you have an unregistered car, we will know [clears throat] immediately and it notifies our 911 dispatch. Uh the question you have is important. We've checked into that as well and I spoke
with Councilman Kentos. Did you want to comment on that, Councilman? >> Um yeah, ju just briefly um the the question was about he he wants a list and um we have these um license plate readers strategically placed around the town so that if a burglar most people
who come into Edison to rob us come in a stolen car. So these are all at the main entrances to Edison. If we give that list out, we might as well just forget about our security. We we're not going to give a list out of to where these license plate readers are because then we're giving them to the potential
criminals. So, um I don't think you'll be getting a list. That's all. >> You're welcome to Oprah one. I I don't know that. But at this time, we we both checked the security. They're not sharing your time is up, but um they're not sharing any data with anyone. And this is something we both looked into.
It's a great question. Um and we're going to move forward. >> Anybody else? Yes. I just want to make the remark actually this is very sensitive. I know you know people might talk about the privacy but the companies who are in this business you know they do understand the safety and the
security and the data breach as well. I can tell you that based on the installation that have done by this administration last I would say four plus years have tremendously helped to track down those criminals and if you
can see the graph has went down. So I don't think anybody would dare now to come in Edison and try to rob our residents. So this is a really great thing for this council to move forward. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Moving uh anybody else from the member of the public like to speak?
Sure. Please come up. >> Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. Um, regarding uh resolution 236 and 237, uh, a word jumped out at me in on both
resolutions, uh, oversight. And my question to you is um haven't we discussed in the past that we are thinking about doing or provided a construction
[snorts] manager that can stand for us uh so that we can save some money uh regarding these oversightes. um it it shouldn't be happening and and the sad thing it's two in in one uh
meeting which really makes it stand out. Uh I think a a town as large as ours uh could really uh benefit from uh hiring someone to save us money and make things
move much more smoothly uh in the future. Uh the second one is uh or third one actually resolution 239 uh regarding the flashing uh crosswalk si uh signage
uh for 136 and it's not to exceed. How many areas are getting these and where are they being placed? Are you uh privy to that information? >> Those two questions. >> You still have more time. Did you want
to ask any more questions? >> Nope. I'll save the rest for later. >> To the administration 236 and 237. Did you want to make any comments on that? >> Sure. Um I understand the point. However, these [clears throat] are just change orders. So this is these are
already projects that were in play and um uh the oversight's already inclusive of all of >> y >> what's what's presented here. >> Okay. Thank Um 239 >> um 239 if you want to you're welcome to comment on that as you will if you want.
>> I do have a list of the locations if you would like I can go over that. Um that is two at Grand View between Roosevelt Terrace and Grand View Apartment one on each side. Um, Ethel near Amy A, Livingston Road between Jonathan and Elmyer side coming off of uh, Wood A to
Grove, Tingley Road and Lily Road, Tingley Road and Matt uh, Madden Court 213 Old Post Road. Uh, New Dover at John Adams Middle School, uh, wooded area by the curve in the round near the baseball field. New Dover between Lamar A and 1042 New
Road and then New Brunswick Aross from Hannah Road. uh 23 Brunswick A. Those are the speed signs. Then on to the pedestrian crossing signs. Those are at Inman and Hemlock, Rawway Road near Marielleen Drive, Brunswick Aav, Mary Mrywood Drive, New Do Road, Anthony
Road, Planefield Road, Woodro Wilson Drive, Grove Aav at Mini Beville Crossing, Central and Stony, and then Glenn uh Glennville Road. [clears throat] >> More to come if it's necessary. >> One more answer.
Uh you're you're you're you still have time. You have another question. >> Well, no. I had a question and I didn't get the answer to that one >> for the construction manager. >> Yes. >> Yeah. We we looked into it, Councilman Brer and I, and we spoke to the administration at this time. There it wouldn't make sense to have someone today full-time to work on what projects
are. We have the projects we have are almost completed and we don't feel it would be necessary. >> Interesting. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Moving forward. Any question or comments from the public on the resolution only? Sure, sir. Please come
up. >> Joel Bassoff, Beach Lane. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. I also have questions about the resolutions dealing with the change orders. So 235 for Hannah Mechanical, it's another $32,000 roughly 9% increase for modifications of
loadbearing walls. Uh my question is uh is that something that we should have known would be necessary when the project was put out to bid that that they were going to put something up there that's so heavy that the the walls need to be modified. Uh and then with uh
236 and 237 uh Lero Engineering uh in both cases um they're responsible for structural design and construction oversight. uh one for the sports building and one for the health center. Um so for the sports building uh you
know it's a simple steel rectangular structure uh what sort of additional uh design and oversight w was necessary for that. In other words um it says additional engineering services. So uh my question is what does that involve
and and has the council been briefed on on what that consists of? And same thing with 237. Uh what sort of additional engineering services were required and and why weren't they anticipated
in in the contract? So I I just wonder if the the council was briefed on that so that you know exactly what it is that you're being asked to authorize and why. And then um I have uh questions about
resolution 226 dispersements. Uh, so there's an item for $13.9 million for the current fund. I'd just like to know what that >> I'm sorry, Mr. Bass off, excuse me, could you repeat that again? >> Yeah. Um, for under the dispersements,
uh, the there's a line item for $13.9 million for the current fund. And I just need a tutorial on municipal finance. I just don't know what that represents. Uh and it looks like you're dispersing a
lot of money without knowing how it fits into an overall budget because uh we don't have a budget yet. Uh so the state law says that that the mayor had to provide you members of the council with a budget by February 28th. And and
that's not discretionary. That that's mandatory under state law. and you as members of the council were were required by state law to introduce the budget no later than the first council meeting in April and that's come and
gone and no budget has been introduced yet we're still seeing all these budgetless dispersements and then this meeting the first meeting in in May this was the deadline for having a public hearing and an adoption of the budget
and and nothing's even been presented and you know, we're we're over onethird of the way through the year. Uh so, you know, as a homeowner, uh I'd like to know what my property tax rate is going to be because I have to plan for my own
dispersements. Uh and and I hope you won't try to deflect attention from this by saying that the budget was even more late under Mayor Lankey because that that's really irrelevant. Um, you know, in terms of dispersements, uh, the
current mayor, uh, is violating state law by by not providing you, the council, and us, the taxpayers, with a budget, and I'd like to know why. [clears throat] >> You have 23 seconds left. I just want to make sure you ask if you have any more
questions. >> No, I'm so eager for answers that [laughter] >> Well, I I'll go over the first one like I've done before, Mr. pass off and I do appreciate you bringing it to our attention about the budget and when it should be presented. My only question to you is you never had a complaint before and that's your priority. Other
administrations, you didn't complain and they presented in August. We're presenting it in May. It's it's a month late. That's my fault. I'll take it as council president completely under me. I've been holding it up because I want to see certain cuts in there. Our committee has been reviewing it. each
council member is reviewing before we present it and then we're going to review it again before we pass it and that may be even more time because we're going to make sure we go through it line by line. I apologize for that delay and if it takes 30 more days from the date that's set by the state we apologize but
no different than before like I've mentioned for the last 8 years on the council when you were also here you didn't complain when it was presented in August I don't know the difference other than you reminding us of the law and I appreciate that very much. Okay. But moving forward. So that's the answer I have for you and I am holding it up. I
want to put the blame on the council president. >> Okay. >> Okay. And I also have questions about >> your time is up. Right. >> But I'm going to answer some more questions. 235. Yeah, absolutely. Sir, >> can we go to the administration for 235, 236, and 237? >> Sure. Uh just to follow up though on the
bill list, the current fund is for the operating budget for uh we are operating under a temporary budget. So we do have a budget off of 26.25 25 of last year's budget and um that 13.9 reflects our operations. >> Um as far as our engineering uh
questions, I'd like to call Mr. Picarillo up if that's okay with you. >> Sure. >> Good evening. Uh the question regarding the change order for Hannah Mechanical. Uh this is not a situation of whether or not the structure could hold the HVAC
equipment, but when the HVAC equipment was installed, it was noticed the orientation of the access panel for the HVAC unit did not line up perfectly with the opening in the uh supporting wall. So the loadbearing wall has to be
modified so access can be gained to the HVAC panel. Uh that being said, this change order also included the structural engineering uh to design those modifications. >> Thank you.
With regards to the change order for Lero Engineering for the sports building, as part, if you recall, as part of uh some of the change orders for the sports building itself, architectural changes were made,
those architectural changes trickled down to change in structural design. Uh after some back and forth with Lero Engineering, this is the uh dollar figure that we agreed was over the original oversight scope.
And then for the to center that ends up being the same reason, the changes in the architectural design had the trickle down effect of having structural design changes as well. So that is the reason for the change order on the to center.
[clears throat] >> Thank you. Thank you very much. And just at last, Mr. Pass, if you also discuss the dispersements. Uh, as you know, in the past, we always have dispersements that happen before the budgets passed. This is no different. I can bring up uh some resolutions of our
history over the last 12 years. And if that helps at all, but this is temporary spending. We're in a temporary spending mode. And the budget will be passed shortly. And I do apologize again. I am holding it up. Uh, moving forward. Joyce, please come up. Council
press Joe. Um Joyce ship Edison, New Jersey. >> You said this. >> Welcome. >> Yeah. The sports Oh, 236 way. You said the sports building is [clears throat] a rectangular a re rectangular
design, right? And long as I noticed that, I was like, we could have called the Amish in and probably got a better deal and and better stuff going on than that because it could that's what when he came up and he spoke
the engineer, it just brought more confusion to the subject. It I know it's clarification and good in engineer language, but it's not a bunch of engineers looking at this meeting tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other questions or
comments on the resolutions only? Seeing none, have a motion to close the public portion on the resolutions only. >> Motion to close. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> We're reaching a portion where we ask council members if they want to pull any one of these resolutions for a question
or a separate vote. Some people have uh a voting issue on a particular resolution they want to abstain. We'll do them all together. But my question to council members right now is would any council member like to pull a resolution for a separate vote? Counciloman pressure?
>> Uh, none at this time here. >> Council member Dimma, >> none at this time. >> Council vice president Kentos, >> none at this time. >> Council member Patel, >> none. >> Council member Patiel, >> none at this time. >> Council member, >> no. >> Thank you. Have a motion to adopt the consent agenda.
>> Motion to adopt. >> Second. >> Second. >> Madam clerk, roll call. Council member Brusher, >> yes. >> Council member Dimma, >> yes. >> Council member Kentos, >> yes. >> Council member Patel, >> yes. >> Council member Patiel, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Coyle,
>> yes. >> Moving forward. Now, this is the point we've all been waiting for. This is 16 where it's oral petition remarks open to the public. At this time, you can speak for four minutes. Every single person can speak for four minutes on any subject they would like. So, please raise your hand if you'd like to speak
for the public portion. Pam, please come up. [snorts] >> I just I just want to warn my council members that I was part of starting inviting Pam to come to the meeting. I didn't think she'd come to the next meeting >> and bring a bunch of people, but I did say welcome. >> I brought everybody.
>> If this goes sour, I'm at fault. >> Yes. >> Pam Smith. Hi, Pam Smith. Monty Road, 34 years. Thank you very much. Um, so I want to thank all the council members and the mayor that showed up to mini beve ve on Saturday. It was lovely to see everybody there. And uh,
Councilman Coyle did play pickle ball that and that's why his hand is all hurt. [laughter] Uh, so I'm here representing the uh, senior Edison pickle ball group. And um, although you know we appreciate the outdoor courts, a lot of us cannot play
outside for certain reasons. you know the wind, the weather, um skin cancer and so on. So we are playing inside at mini beveville veil for one pickle ball court um in the town of this size that's
slightly ridiculous. We have South Planefield has the PAL and they have three indoor courts. Woodbridge has four. Cranford has six. Danellen has three in their high school and Piscataway has three in their middle school. And that's all the research that I've done. I'm sure I could add more on
to that if you would like. And so, as you saw on Saturday, it is extremely packed inside Mini Beville. Um, today, for example, there's 27 people. We um only play till 9 or 7 and um a typical pickle ball game is up to
11. And um so we're asking for obviously more space. Um, we know that you are thinking of doing some kind of an expansion at MiniB. Um, perhaps you can add on or think about maybe adding on maybe two
indoor pickle ball courts or if nothing else, if you can just give us more time or more um more days so we can play inside. [clears throat] Each day we're getting new people playing um at MiniB. It's uh it's
[clears throat] you know it's we're a family. Um on to more of [snorts] I guess the Papani uh youth center. We were told that there are three lined courts already there underneath the turf
field and that we were just waiting on uh court uh on the nets to be put on and then all of a sudden it changed to a complete youth destination I guess. So we were also wondering you know how do we get in?
>> Yeah. >> Excuse [clears throat] me. I just want to point of order if you can speak close to the mic all the time. >> I appreciate just so the people listening can hear you and and watch TV. >> Okay, >> you continue. You have time. >> Okay, thank you. So, we were just wondering how we can get in um it's
already there for us. We understand that the turf is is a problem, but if this building is unoccupied all the day while the kids are in school, there's no reason why you're excluding the seniors um that we can be able to play indoors. So, this is what we're asking for. So,
we're asking for indoor play, three indoor courts at the new uh Pepani Park um sports center. Um we're asking for more indoor spots inside Mini Beville or more playtime because uh we have a large
large, as you can see, a large population. Um there's probably over 400 members in our apps. So, thank you for your time and to your uh time. Thank you very much. >> Yeah, you have [clears throat] 36 seconds left. You can still ask more questions. >> That's okay. Okay. Uh, we we'll we'll
we'll go over this for some time. Uh, and I'm sorry there won't be any back and forth, but we'll try to answer some questions and if someone wants to speak again from your group, they also have four minutes, just so you know. But, uh, to so they can come up after we answer some questions for you. >> Okay. >> So, thank you.
>> I sit down. >> Yeah, you may want to sit. You'll be bored with this conversation, but we will answer some questions. Just council members, I had a chance to visit. As most of you know, the youth center was built and there underneath the turf is three courts. The question on the table is uh from them. It's a growing sport.
Um there's a lot of people that want to utilize it. How do we share that um opportunity and the opportunity in the way is the turf. So uh the turf can't just be picked up and moved. It is process. I think it takes a full day to
move the entire uh all the structure and stack it. So we're just trying to find out how the location can be utilized because it's been built for everyone. And that was the questions I was discussed with when I was so fortunate to be at the Minil Center at the right
time. Nobody was angry. I was spoke to. So that's kind of it. It's not an easy answer. But in between that same time, they're looking to see how we can expand and have more additional courts. So I'll just ask the administration. Is there Dan? I spoke to Dan in length, too. He's not here today. That's our recreation
director. They all know Dan very well. Uh is there anything from the administration we can offer that would give them opportunity on the course that are in the rec center? >> So currently with the rec center the tiles are in placement because we do
have full scheduling there. The summer will also we will we're going to have full scheduling because of a full-time summer camp. So currently our schedule is is is packed. Um and I believe the mayor may have spoken to everyone as well. And right currently we're we don't
have any plans for the pickle ball courts there because of the tiles and the scheduling that's there now. Um including our full-time summer camp that's going to be forthcoming. So we can look at this in the fall. Um this may be another viable option, but um it
it's just a matter of also scheduling and what's going on in that building. >> Council President, yes. Can I ask a question? Um, and I know the youth today are nothing like the youth of the past. Um, but when I was younger and you
wanted to wrestle, the wrestlers brought out the mats and put them there. >> So, [clears throat] I understand that our youth probably don't want to take those tiles and stack them up, right? Because that's work and then put them back. But if you're running a sports
program and you have 30, 40 of our youth there, right? And we got kids that are 14, 15 years old. They should be able to lift up the tiles and stack them and and then restack them, right? They're not bolted together, are they? >> They they are bolted together. They're
they're embedded in one another. Um and they're quite heavy. So, this is a job that DPW specifically does. Um and that it is very cumbersome to do that in one shot as well as just keep putting it on and off.
Do do you think that um yourself or the mayor could have conversations maybe with the board of education on using one of their their gyms somewhere um until we get the addition to Mini Vve or or the Stelton Center? I mean the these
projects will be open right and and we will have programming for it for it. But in the meantime, um, you know, on a temporary basis, if if they could maybe come up with something and share, cuz we have a a shared service agreement with the schools where we run other programs
and stuff through recreation with the schools, >> uh, some programming, not pickle ball specifically. So, if the council would like to engage with the board of ed and then discuss that with the mayor, you know, we'll whatever it is you like us to do, we can certainly [clears throat] bring it to your attention then. Okay,
I'm sorry. You know, again, I agree with Councilman Brer uh that we need to look at the the shared service engagement with the school because they have plenty of room and we should be able to use or utilize some of their gyms for the the seniors. I know the extension of many
people will take a time uh but that could be 2 3 years and we can't wait. The other options would be you know we have many vacant warehouses in Edison. uh if there is a way for us to reach out until they sell it at least we can have
some sort of a I would say short-term solution we can invest at least you know painting the floors and creating those codes there uh that could be another opportunity and we should explore that there are many warehouses especially I see the Talmage road plane road lot many
and I think you know those are good you know 50 60,000t² warehouses that could be an opportunity again let's let's explore the options and you being the part of the chamber of commerce, you'll have more insight uh into that as well. But I want to give shout out to my uh
gym trainer Emily. Thank you. >> So this is wonderful. You know, seniors are engaged into the activities. Thank you, council. >> Are you trying to say that you work out with them? >> Absolutely. >> It was your it's your wife that works out with them. >> Both of us. >> Is that right? Okay. That Okay. um to
just administration and members of the council. I guess the uh discussion I had which was so polite and warm, nobody was rough with me at all. The question uh Sonia was and council members we they were promised that this rec center the
bragging rights of what we accomplished was included pickle ball and I know that we're having a scheduling issue of how much of the season will be football and how much will be cheer. Uh, I didn't in fact check it, but what I'm hearing is
cheer doesn't even want the turf. It's football that wants the turf. So, when cheer is there, uh, they don't need it. Whatever the story may be, how do we schedule part of the season where it's not utilized for football and it's not
utilized for cheer if it's not appropriate? So, when do they get a swing at the plate of the 365 days available? As I mentioned before, I'd look at into the fall because only because right now they have a full schedule and then we'll
have a full schedule for um full full day summer camp. >> Yeah. So, >> I mean I I expected this to be an issue because I think I've heard from other rec centers once you build one everybody wants to be there. But um so I just want to run that through the members and somehow someway we have to speak to see
how we could share this facility. Um, does any other members have any questions from the council? I'm just going to move back to the uh to the public for comments. So, those who are still here on this subject, if you have more questions, you can come up a second time, but other people can. Um,
I'm going to move to Joyce who's waiting to speak. I'm sorry. Just as public comment, you can come up right after. >> Yes. Joyce ship, Edison, New Jersey. I'm I'm glad about the pickle ball and when we do the pickle ball and we bring it inside, could we get some tennis also so
I don't have to drive all the way to East Brunswick? Cuz I do pay taxes here. So, I just figured we gonna put the pickle ball in there a little bit longer out and we can do tennis also if we're if we're doing that. And I do I didn't want to be rude or nothing, but I do
remember the youth and that we have to have something for the roo the youth to do. And then I was listening to Councilman Brasher talking about kids pulling up tiles and stuff. They're not the kids that you were rich. They're not the kids that's going to be pulling up tiles and redecorating the place.
They're not going to do that. I just want us to always keep in mind because when I talk about even when I go to the board of ed meetings, I say let us right now always think about the youth back and forth. So that if nothing else, let us think about them when we're designing
our programs, when we're designing the other programs that we need to have for them and you know, please do that and but there's some people that like to play tennis. >> Thank you. Any of the members of the public like to speak for the first time?
Sir, in the back you're first time please come up. >> I'm Kulindra Dha. >> Welcome sir. 10 Sturgis Road. >> Your address again? I'm sorry. >> 10 Sturgis Road. >> Okay. Welcome. >> My second time I'm here. I've been living here in the town for 15. >> I'm sorry. Can you speak?
>> Sorry. I have to come. >> Yeah. Just can you lift the mic up? It's just You're taller. >> Sure. >> We're going to try to get a taller mic. >> That's fine. Yeah. >> Sure. >> I I was here last month. That was my first time. Today, second time. I'm slightly better prepared. >> Fine. Welcome again.
>> So, I have a question. You know, I just want to make a mention about the senior center. I joined the senior center about a year back and I find it's excellent place and the best part I see is the meal program. So a lot of seniors come they have their lunch there which is a
very good thing town is doing I hope we can do more of >> one second sir just point of what you said the meal program correct meal program yes okay continue >> yeah meal program is very nice and I see a lot of participation almost 80 90% people who come to center they are they
come for a meal and they have a meal there and they spend some time there are clubs so in case we can have more of these senior centers and in case we can have more of the meals for the seniors though I don't eat there I have different timings it doesn't work for me
but I'm very happy to see I see a smile on people they get a fresh food very nice quality of food is served and the pricing is very genuine so I just hope there are more senior centers in the town other thing is I want to talk about the
technology I had to apply for a permit so I went to the township office and I applied it's a manual process. I went to the website, the state website and they have some forms and they have lot of you know
information code everything and it's all it's all documents there. I would say we should have a process which is automated where you can go online and apply for a permit rather than having come over here
because we all know that AI is coming in and it's going to be a huge transition from this paper model to the AI model. When you submit something AI will tell you what you are supposed to do you do that we won't need many people there. So
we should have a small transition and move towards a use technology and I have a thing I want to ask. It's not a very present thing. Do we pay overtime to the employees in the township? You may not have the answer
now but I can come I can wait for a month. Do we pay overtime? Have we how much we paid during the last year 2025? [clears throat] Do we know uh is it is being paid, not paid or you know something we don't want
to talk about? >> No, we're well aware of overtime sir. >> So we have overtime. >> Absolutely. >> We should avoid that. >> We should avoid paying overtime because we have departments we make budgets like you say you know it's fine whatever time it takes and it's been happening every
year. Something new comes up it's okay. You say okay something new we didn't know but if you know of something all the departments have been there so the head of department should be responsible to make sure there's no overtime paid and there are ways of doing it private
companies do it and again you know we have to learn and follow a process and try to eliminate the overtimes we have enough employees the mayor made a mention two years back or sometime that we that he hired 35 employees that year.
So that's good. That is 5% increase. But then if you are hiring employees then we should not be paying overtime and that's my submission. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Thank thank you sir. >> Just to answer your question overtime. Uh every department has a budget and
every partner is held accountable for their overtime. However, when it comes to the storm, we can't you know we can't ever time when we know the storm is coming. landing on a holiday, landing in the middle of the night, and that starts a process. We have unions here and union
rules, I believe, in organized labor, making sure people get proper wages and are compensated for working in a truck 17 hours in the evening. Um, it's a complicated question, but we certainly can get back to and have a separate discussion to make sure you fully
understand why over time is implemented. and sometimes we don't have the same control of that. But I think it's a great question to discuss and we're certainly looking at it right now before we present the budget. Okay, moving forward. Is there anybody else like to speak that hasn't spoken already? Anybody uh from our wonderful pickle
ball group that wants to say anything because I I'm one I'm fine to go with some speakers that come here regularly, but they certainly will yield to you first. You still have time. Anybody miss Conway? Sure. Come up. You're not paying anyone to say
[laughter] [laughter] >> you don't you don't have to harass anybody to speak. We're perfectly fine. >> Yeah. >> Elizabeth comment. >> Welcome. >> Okay. Uh well, you were playing pickle ball on
the other side of town or another part of town. Uh the Edison Human Relations Commission hosted their first kite flying festival. It was a fabulous It was more than we had even expected.
And right from the very beginning when we sat our committee or our commission sat down with the DPW and the wreck department and the police department and the fire department and the permits department. Every one of them sat with
us and it ran so smoothly. We were thrilled uh on that day. Uh Miss uh Councilman Patel was out there. Patiel, sorry. Uh flying a kite. Uh Councilwoman
Dimma was there to give her support to us. Uh the mayor even stopped by uh to say hi and get a picture which was very nice that uh he did that. But it it was just so nice and people came from all
parts of town. In fact, um we had expected maybe 150 people, maybe 200 people to come, you know, with their families. And there had to be between three and 400 people that came and went between the hours of
11 and three. And even the DJ, David Jensen, that came, you know, right away he said, you know, this is a great function. And he gave us a great discount to come and perform for all those hours. So it was it was such a
good thing and it proved that all the different departments could come together especially the human relations commission. This was really our first um big item and I've been on the commission for four years. This is my fourth year.
So I'm so proud of Maria who's our um president of the commission to spearhead something like this. It was instigated by uh Nish Patel and we just ran with it and we were just so glad that it
happened and even um I don't remember his name but the policeman that came he was fabulous because some of the kids were having a hard time getting the the kites up and he was out there helping them and people were just coming
together and it was just a a fabulous day. So, uh we're looking forward to uh getting together and do future events because of the uh working together with all the different departments. >> Do we did you need more kites?
I actually ran out which was uh we didn't expect it and you know people were allowed to bring their own kites but they c they came they put them together the children sat at tables and colored simple t kites so it was really
great so we might have to double or triple our amount for next year uh next thing I'm running out of time I'm not happy um Inman Grove. I know uh it's not Inman Grove. I guess it's still
Inman Grove. Shopping center is still without a supermarket and I know there was a new owner. Has anybody reached out to them or is there something going on that we can push along so we could have a uh some sort of supermarket? Because I
know myself I have to go to either South Planefield or Colonia. Yeah. Uh to to a supermarket. And quick question, these two TVs, do they work? Uh, I went to a planning board meeting um this week, last week,
and I would have have loved to have seen the plans that was facing the planning board members and it doesn't. So, if that could be done and I ran out of time. [clears throat] >> Thank you very much.
>> Okay. Okay. Well, um just wanted to go to the supermarket question. From my understanding, uh there may not have been any action yet in that location. Did anybody else from the administration or council hear of anything? I've been I've been googling to see. I know there's been a transfer
of ownership, but I have yet to see who uh is going in there. Great question. And for the TVs, uh do the do the TVs work? >> Do the TVs work? >> Okay. The question should be brought to the planning board. That's a separate, but I'm sure they're listening. Lenny,
the chair, I'm sure, is very cooperative. Okay, moving forward right here. And congratulations on the kite thing. I I couldn't be there, but I knew I heard you having a great time. Anybody anybody else from the public would like to speak? You have four minutes to speak.
Okay, we won't forget you. I know Council Brusher is eager to play pickle ball with you and each one of them here. I don't want to show them up because you saw what I did last time and and uh >> Yeah. I mean, it's gonna happen. This injury did not happen there. I was
blocking a school bus. A bus, not a school bus, was slowing some traffic down and protecting pedestrians. That's I hurt my thumb. But, um, okay, moving forward. Uh, we have a motion to close the public portion on the, um, opening public comment, please.
>> Motion to close. >> Have a second. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. The public portion is now closed. Um we're going to reports from all council committees. Um can I [clears throat] start from my right? Council member Brusher.
>> None at this time. >> Council member Dimma. >> None at this time. >> Council member Kentos. >> None at this time. >> Council member uh Patil. >> Yeah. Council President. I'll be sending a request to appoint the uh environment commission members to back to the
commission. I think their term expired and the next council agenda we need to put them back. >> Yeah. Um we've asked them to resubmit their application from last year uh to simplify it and or they can fill out a new application but that's happening right now.
>> Okay. >> Council member, >> not in this time. >> Okay. Moving forward. Points of light. Um this is firefighters week. Uh we want to recognize our firefighters and the great work they do 247. Our chief is here now. Chief Toth and the great work
he does leading our team. Uh very proud of the great work he does and the his leadership and team. Teachers week. Happy teachers week for those who are here. There are some teachers in the audience, maybe more than just a few. [gasps] Certainly changed. It's not the same job it was yesterday. And it's certainly
changing every day. I wish anybody who's involved in this a wonderful day of celebration. Happy teachers week. Um, Friday, May 8th is our police unity tour at 11:15 in the front of the police station. Sunday, May 16th is Mother's
Day. Happy Mother's Day to each one of you and your mothers. Uh, it's a >> May 10th. >> May 10th. I say May 10th. >> May 10th. Sunday, May 10th. I'm sorry. That wasn't because I refused to wear glasses. It's um May 10th this weekend.
Um, happy Mother's Day to you, to your mothers, any loved ones you may not have with you today. Uh, and my heart goes out to anybody who's lost a loved one that is a mother. Today I was uh, at the same time I injured my hand. I had to go
to the uh, to the urgent care and I learned of a story of a mother who's there who lost her son. And I learned of a story. I felt like I was meant to be there because my sister lost her son and it is tough. um losing a parent, losing a child and to listen to her story and
on top of that her daughter who donated a kidney to her older brother and it worked for about a year and did not make it. Um there were complications and um it just was a tough story and there's many like that out there. I know you have friends and I'm sorry. So happy Mother's Day to all of you. Um and
congratulations on your day of celebration. Uh moving forward, we have here the mayor's bike tour on May 17th. um starts at municipal complex. Uh the check-in is 8:00, starts at 9:00 a.m. I usually don't go. I'm not big on
exercise and biking, but I know Mr. Brusher takes my place every year, and so will Council Member Kentos. Uh they're always excited to be there every year. Uh and then Saturday, May 23rd, Memorial Day parade at 12:00 noon starts at the Lynen All School. Okay. Anybody else would like to add to the points of
light? Hearing none, we'll go to this discussion items. Uh for those who are here, we don't have any other public portion time. This is just discussion items for each member of the council, which is none listed. You're still welcome to state. Sometimes it goes real quick, [clears throat] sometimes it
doesn't. To my right, council member Brusher. >> Uh none at this time. >> Thank you. Uh council member Dimma. >> None at this time. >> Council member Kentos. Vice President Kentos. [clears throat] >> None at this time. >> Council member Patel. you.
>> Yeah, council president. I have one ask actually. It was wonderful to see a lot many people in the kite festival human relations team did a great job. My only I would say not really complain but how we can help the commission in terms of
the funding. They ended up raising their own money printing you know t-sh getting t-shirts. I kind of felt a little sad that time. I said you know we are the size of the town combined board of ed and the township we
are more than half a billion budget and can't we squeeze maybe five grand or 10 grand something that we can encourage and promote and again not just one commission but we need to holistically look all the commissions where everyone
is working voluntary giving their family time spending time to motivate the citizens of this town uh it it's a great addition and they are doing a wonderful job you know historic commission the human relation commission environment commission all those commission should
get I think the fair treatment in terms of some sort of a not just the moral support showing up the event but also a monetary support uh so if council person the request is to if we can see what potentially we can do I know the fundraising for a smaller commission is
extremely difficult uh people don't want to give the money but if they have to really stand out in the the the society to showcasing the value of the commission that financial support is much needed and I'm not asking 10 15
$20,000 but at least something that that would help them to promote outreach as well as you know have some expenses covered for their events. Thank you council president. >> Great great idea. Uh council member >> not at this time sir. >> Okay. Uh this is where and I have
nothing to comment on my list that is here. I spoke to administration. We also had a great meeting uh just before about the sewer and water and the great accomplishments they've had in their department. Congratulations on the good work you do. I'm still not done, you know, asking questions, but I think I
have enough for today and we have a full report on that. Thank you very much. Um this is where the meeting uh ends. Uh and we're going to ask for a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> And the council members are here to talk
to you right away. Pam, just so you know, we're all here. If you want to engage or speak to anybody, you're more than welcome. Meetings journal.