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Yes. >> One, two, one, two. Good evening everyone. Today is August 3rd, 6 p.m. Our meeting will begin. This is a special meeting. Can we all please rise for the pledge of allegiance? Pledge allegiance to the flag of the

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United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> On clerk, roll call. >> Council member Brasher, >> yes. >> Council member Dimma, >> here.

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>> Council member Kentos, >> here. >> Council member Patel, >> here. >> Council member Patiel, >> here. >> Council member, >> here. Council President Coyle >> here. Adequate notice. >> Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the Open Public Meeting Act of 1975 has been provided by a special

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notice posted to the township website on July 30th, 2026 and posted in the main lobby of the municipal complex on that same date. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Thank you, Council Member, for joining us. And thank you residents who are here today. For those attending for the first time,

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welcome. You may follow along the agenda provided at the back table. You will have four minutes to speak during public comment on the resolutions only and oral petition remarks portion of the agenda. If you're watching from home, please visit edisonenj.gov,

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click on departments, then council, then select agenda. You can also follow along for the meeting. If you have any further questions, you're more than welcome to email me at jcoy edisonenj.gov. Thank you all for joining us. As you know, today's um

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is the budget day for us to vote on the budget. I assume that's why most of us are here today. We're going to do our best to answer all your questions. When we get to public comments, you're welcome to speak for four minutes, as you know. And if you each one of you choose to speak, you can. If you have a represent that wants to speak for your

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union, that is perfectly fine. That's up to you. But in no way uh are we saying that you cannot speak. So if you choose to, please do so. the deputy clerk will look out in the hallway and call our last round for public comments and then we'll move to a vote. So, I just ask

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that you um not repeat the same questions if you can as a courtesy that we move the meeting along. Okay. Thank you very much. So, today we have the 2026 um item five, the 2026 calendar year budget and solid weights budget A, B,

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and C. motion. >> Okay, it's for public comment now. >> The adoption of the >> So, council president, there is a just um um add to your comments. There are a

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number of places for the public to speak. There is a separate public hearing on the budget. Um before we adopt the budget, the appropriate order would be the uh resolution 436-072026, which is the amendment that contains the corrections from the Department of

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Community Affairs. Is that correct? >> Yes. So the the order of order of business therefore is a um the adoption of the resolution with the DCA amendments and then the public hearing on the budget as adopted by the DCA amendments. >> Okay. So, first we're going to hear a

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motion to approve the amendments of a uh that we discussed in the last meeting. Have a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Item clerk roll call. >> Council member Brasher.

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U >> council member Dimma. >> Yes. >> Council member Kentos. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Batiel. >> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. Council President Coyle. >> Yes.

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Now we're getting to the adoption of the budget. It's B is a public hearing and final adoption of the budget budget. We're going to open up to the public for public comment. Please uh if there's a line can be formed behind the gentleman in the green shirt right there. I'm pointing to you. I'm just using you as a

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person. I apologize. Anybody wants to line up behind him and he would like to have a open public comment, please come to the podium. And Kitty, Madam Cler, can you have our deputy go outside just to make sure if there's anybody in the hallway that we

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can call in case it comes to a uh quick Yes. Welcome. >> Thank you, Council President. Before I begin, is it okay just to hand my questions to the deputy clerk just so you guys grab his question? If I got a chance to speak at the last meeting, I

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might known to do that this time. >> I think I got a brand new microphone. I feel like I'm in church. >> All right. >> Thank you, Council President. John Pointer, Roosevelt Boulevard. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. Uh questions that I have.

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First, sheet 10 has $5 million in revenue allocated from the utility operating surplus. How much of that surplus remains? And if you can give me a percentage, I would prefer that. Uh, and is this surplus

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from fees collected by the water and sewer department or is it something different? Uh, if it is by chance from the water and sewer department, it would be my preference that those funds are allocated to those departments and not part of the general ledger.

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Uh, question in regards to the recreation department. We have a new program for the summer camp at the Edison Sports Complex. Since we didn't have that program last year, does this

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budget contain any revenue that the township would see from that program currently coming or currently in progress? Because if that if it's not accounted for, that's additional revenue that we should expect once everything happens, right? And my understanding is

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that if it didn't wasn't in the budget last year, you can't allocate it for it this year. Uh bonding, the budget shows for approximately $25 million or so in bonding for this year. First, can you describe the three main

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projects that the bonds will uh figure to be funded? And second, if all the bonds are approved, can you give me what the bond valuation ratio would be after that approval? So right now we're at about 1% compared to our tax base. That

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was the level that I was comfortable when I was up at in your position. I think going above that is a little bit of a slippery slope. Surplus. Uh, a question that I asked when I was in your position last year

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was, is the surplus going to be replenished to the same degree that it was the previous year? We had $19 million in the surplus at the end of 2024. We had $15 million at the end of 2025. So, at the minimum, are we

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confident that the surplus is going to be about $15 million at the end of 2026? And then as a general comment, if the council is going to put up to up its salary,

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don't do it separately. Have it accounted for in the budget so that it is before us straight from the get-go. If you're able to answer now, I'd appreciate it. And I wrote down the questions just in case. >> You have you have 50 seconds left. Do

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you want to add any other questions? Uh >> let's see. No, I'll >> Okay. Um, we'll start from the beginning. Sonia, did you receive a copy of the questions? >> Okay. Do you want to start in order?

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>> Council President, uh, the $5 million for utility surplus anticipated in the budget comes from the sore utility. After the $5 million, we will have uh just under $15 million remaining and we

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are confident that the sewer utility this year will again be self-liquidating and therefore we anticipate the level of fund balance to remain at least at around $15 million.

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>> Thank you. The second question regarding the programming, it is not in the budget. Um, we can't necessarily put that into the budget to anticipate it being that it's a new program, but we will certainly um account for it for next

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year's budget. Bonding projects, uh, that would be up again on another agenda with the council. So, most of the projects you're looking at are streets, road uh road resurfacing and public works projects

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and then our surplus replenishment. I'll just yield to Mr. Roberts. anticip we anticipate the results from operation being consistent with what we had in 2025 and don't anticipate any major problems.

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Uh again, we structured the this budget so that we try to maintain financial equilibrium so that we do not have big problems going into the 2027 budget. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, President. >> Thank you.

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Please come forward. Any public comments? >> Thomas Ley, Netherwood Circle. >> Welcome. >> I have I have comments, concerns about present budget versus future budgets. And it's just the

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proper time to talk about it. I I'm, you know, tell me when I'm out of out of line. But what I but I believe that the township needs to urgently reduce our spending. From my perspective, the town is out of control and spending tax

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mayors money at an uncontrollable pace. Additional funding expenses. Additionally, funded expenses are overspent as reflected in the sports facility originally budgeted for five turns out to be at 1718 million. The town can only can only go to the well so

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long before the well runs dry. I realize costs are rising, but the township needs to develop some outofthe- box ideas on how to curtail expenses such as combining common services with the board of ed and possibly other county municipalities.

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We too as residents are facing huge increases in our bills, but we need to work within the monies we get to balance our budget. The township needs to follow suit. Recently, I received my senior freeze, which equated to two weeks

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against my estimated tax increase, which I think is horrible. The budget debacle, as you had called at the last meeting, needs to be corrected and corrected immediately. I realize there are four council seats up for reelection this November, but we need to act now to

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prevent what happened this year from repeating itself next year. The town needs to develop or amend its resolution. I'm not privy to how it's done and submit its budget listing what I what I would propose is listing the

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required budget meetings and stick to it after introduction. Mandatory meetings need to be attended by all council members, mayor, BA, and township supervisors as applicable to review all budget line items. If a line item is

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unknown at the time or unavailable, it can be left open till the information is available and then a final mandatory meeting needs to be presented to all in attendance. The budget needs to be de developed into

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what I believe in simple terms three categories. Mandatory expenses, that's your police, your fire, your DPW, your municipal utilities, etc. needed but not urgent. Nice to have based on required expenses.

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If monies are still available, then costs associated with needed but not urgent items can be budgeted and then and only then the nice to have items are included only when monies are available. Don't keep on raising the bottom line.

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It may be necessary to reduce activities items as they are not core needs to the operation of the township as what the board of ed had proposed to the presidents. Unforeseen costs as noted this year snowstorms and fuel costs. I don't know if how they're paid, but they

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pay should be paid from what I call the contingency account and not included in the following year's budgets line items. These costs not may not be annual costs and should not be treated as one. In closing, Edison needs to reign in its costs and not overt tax their residents.

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I look forward to a smoother budget cycle next year. Can't have this show as it was described last meeting. Thank you, >> Mr. President. >> Thank you. Just uh just as a courtesy,

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he has 16 seconds left. Did you want to speak? Have any more questions or comments? >> I got no more. Just say as a courtesy if the council can wait till we're done with the public portion for questions that would just be a request. It's not mandatory. If you choose to override my request that's up to you but if we can

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wait to the end I don't think we're going to have as many. >> It's related to what the speaker spoke. So I would like to ask a question. >> Sure. Go ahead. >> Not to speaker. So related to what this gentleman said uh question for the administration contingency for the storms. So what is

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the exact number we had this year in this year's budget and what is the number dollar amount for next year for the storm for the that includes snowstorm and all the other windstorms, hail storms, the thunderstorms, everything.

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>> So you're referring to >> in the upcoming budget is it 500,000 is the overtime budget for >> so that that all depends. I mean, we have allocated in our line items on our operating account. Um, typically what we do on a day-to-day um,

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we can't predict what the storms may of course bring us, but just for example, the last beginning of the year we had three storms. So, you're looking about a million dollars worth of storm recovery. So, again, it all depends because some of that stuff could be FEMA uh

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reimburseable, which is about 70%. So, um it it's within the budget. Um if you're asking for a specific line item, what we would >> compared to this year's budget, what how much more are we allocating for next

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year? Because we have seen significant storms this year. Significant difference. So, how much more are we allocating? I I should have specified that clearly earlier. >> So, what we've uh more or less have seen is about a million dollars just currently now. But you're getting into

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hurricane season, so I can't predict what that may or may not look like. Um, I have a public works director here who can provide you with a number if you're looking for a specific number as far as a line item for recovery. >> Yeah, it couldn't be a rough number. >> Mr. Cost,

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>> Council President, is that okay? >> I I'd prefer him not to speak. Councilman, I I just don't want to be We'd be holding a crystal ball to what he would feel the weather may be or not be tomorrow. I mean, I just think what she >> I don't have to have that information now. >> Are you okay with that or

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>> I can get the information later? That's fine. Yeah. >> Okay. Fine. >> That's cool. >> Good. Thank you. Um, all right. Moving forward. Sure. Please come forward. >> Marggo Harris, 43 Oak Hills Road. Quick question. This has to do with the Cultural Arts Commission, and we are

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wondering where do we fall in the budget? We don't have a line item. If I'm correct, we don't have a line item for ourselves. Do we fall under recreation? Um, can you clarify? So, last year's discussion around the cultural arts commission was that a

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trust would be set up, which we did, and there would be some sort of um events or fundraising that the commission themselves would be able to to do during that time. So I don't know what kind of activity has taken place since then, but there is a trust account open. Uh right

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now there is no funding in there other than it being set up in the event that there's funding to come. >> Will it be possible going forward that we can get a specific cutout line item for ourselves? We would love to be doing

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a lot more than what we're doing. Um, but we really are limited and so it would be great if there could be a line item put in there for us. Is that possible going forward? >> Miss Miss Harris, if you don't mind, you have two and a half minutes left. Could

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you finish all your questions? >> That's my question. >> That's the last one. Okay, great. >> Could you answer, please? >> So, council president, I would uh typically um it would run through a trust account. Um, I don't know that the council at this point being that it's within the council's uh purview to

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change or review the budget alto together that you would add a line item for that. >> I think it's a great idea, Miss Harris, uh, that we move forward. Unfortunately, I just don't know where the money is coming from. I hope through grants it comes and at that time I'd have more

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information, but I just don't have that today. >> Yeah, we're just we are and I I think I'm speaking on behalf of my fellow members who are here. We're just all dressed up with with really very little place to go. And so much of that has to do with the lack of funding. And yeah,

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there are things we could do. There are various I small item kinds of fundraisers we can do, but um but without without help from the outside, we're really kind of strapped. So I I'm hoping we can continue this discussion

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going forward. Thank you. >> Oh, thank you. Please come. Thanks speaker. >> Evening. >> Yes, >> my name is Gurbinder Damija. >> Welcome. >> Attent surges road. Can I ask you a question? What is the

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what is the purpose of this meetings? What how do you set the agenda for this meeting and what's the process? What's the proc okay I got? What's the process for which you follow to come for this meetings? Who sets the agenda >> and how do you go about doing it? Okay.

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So th this this meeting um sir is simply a meeting that was cancelled because there wasn't a quorum. So the agenda for that meeting was put on was just made a special meeting for tonight. So it's the exact same agenda that was set and actually before this meeting agenda was

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set that was actually a workshop session that council went through and went over the agenda. There are >> Okay, thank you. >> I believe I believe that there are three items on that were not on that that were added. One has >> Please hold. Can you stop the time? Is is my time being used for his answer,

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>> sir? So, yeah, you could you could do one of two things, sir. >> Um, we normally have you ask all your questions and when you're finished in four minutes, we answer your questions. Okay, fine. >> So, if you'd prefer I'd prefer that. >> Sure. >> But for this first question, I allowed it because you asking the procedure. So

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the procedure right now is we have a budget in front of you as a resident and you can make comments on right now. >> Okay. Sure. I'll go ahead with my question now. >> So point of order, please stop. >> Council President, can we give back 30 seconds? I mean >> my time is going. We're going to give

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you time back. Sir, I'm going to give you time back. >> Sorry. Three minutes. No problem. Uh moving forward. Uh please ask all your questions and we'll answer them when you're finished with your four minutes. Sure. >> What questions do you have, sir? >> Yeah. So first question is about the agenda what what is it the council how

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what is the process of coming to agenda not this meeting in general the council decides what's going to be discussed in the agenda and what's the process of getting all the points you you have 40 points in the agenda who gives you those points are they coming from you or from the administration that is one second is

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about the budget process what is the budget process what's the role of council and the mayor or administration so how they come about and I have coming here for last 3 months I couldn't make out you know what it is and the next

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question is do you have the power to take out some line items can you tell them that especially for the easy pass a lot of questions can you say no easy pass for you for the township employees only the police and the fire vehicles

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they have a easy pass rest use their own easy pass and they claim if it is legitimate claim That's one. Second thing for overtime. Can you say zero overtime? Does the council has the power authority to tell the township, the administration,

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whatever the terminology is, hey, you don't get overtime next year or this year. What you got, you got and other item like training. Training. Why do people have to go for training somewhere? You train from your computers. Technology has improved so

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much. On your desk, you can do all the training. No need to go anywhere. If someone doesn't know how to do it, I will help them out. So there are couple of questions like this, you know, does the council has the power to stall Tom shape? Hey, don't no money for this. At

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the same time, you can have some fund set aside with the mayor and the council which can be given out could be 5 million, 10 million, whatever it is. And um let me I have one more. Yeah, one

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more item about the vendors. See when we are proposing something like a resolution go especially for copier for making a ram for seniors now after a year they say oh we need more money oh something happens and we need extend to

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center going on for indefinitely I don't know how many years it takes I keep saying I go for a walk I live in the area so is there a control on that to me what can be done is any employee head of department whatever you call them when they give a proposal they sign off. This price will not

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increase. The timeline won't decrease. Can council control that. These are my questions. >> Okay. Thank you. Your time is up. >> Yeah. >> This is the >> the 30 seconds. >> This is your extra 30 seconds. You have 30 seconds mark. Continue. >> No, it's okay. I given the gist. I have

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a lot of points I can make. I don't want to use more time of the council or the residents here. I've conveyed my thoughts. I can sit with the department. I have time. I don't work. I have all the time. I can sit with a department, work with them free of cost. I can make

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it do, but that will come as a cost. >> Thank you. >> Your time is up sir. First, you asked about the council process. As I mentioned, this is a public hearing for final adoption of the budget. The budget was given to the council more than 90 days ago. It's our budget. You asked

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about line items on the budget. We basically authorize spending for the mayor. Everything we do is authorized by us, which is why the government last month had a problem because we authorize spending. So every dollar that comes through this

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is on a spending list which is on the back table and it's in the budget. We decide on that. So yes, any item can be removed from here by a council member. It's our spending item. As far as overtime, overtime is contractually by, you know, written contract with each

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department. So, we cannot control overtime. It's based, you know, on the accountability and the need for that job at that particular time and circumstances that we can't control. Right. And last, as far as, you know, training, I would object to ever not giving our men and women enough

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training. I mean, I don't think training is ever uh enough, but we're also in compliance to make sure they are trained and they're prepared. So, these are things you just can't strike from um the agenda and the line item because it's possible contractually we're obligated to make sure our men and women are

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trained. So, I hope that helped you. Thank you very much. Next speaker, >> Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. >> Welcome. I excuse myself for being late to the show, but sad to say while I was

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away, I tried watching YouTube and I tried looking at uh the municipal budget as best as I could, which is truly sad according to my husband. But the thing that bothers me the most is that from the very beginning, everything was in

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question. public and obviously some of the council were unaware what was in the budget and still to the other day reading what was on your website regarding the budget it was as clear as mud other expenses $11

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million well what does that represent and other expenses there that I truly did not understand and I know Mr. call, you're going to say, "Well, it's always been done that way." Well, done always done that way is not acceptable. And to fill this room with employees and to

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basically tell them they may lose their job and be furoughed was a sin and you should all be ashamed of yourselves because it's your fault. Well, maybe not your fault fully, but it's the administration's fault for doing everything haphazardly.

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And to boot, I wanted to be the right citizen and go pay my taxes. Well, guess what? I don't have a tax bill. And when I called, they said, "Well, you can go on to the website and get your tax bill." Well, there's a flat number with

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no explanation, which is part of the cost, part of the core of what we're dealing with this year. What am I supposed to pay? Oh, yeah. There's a there's a fee with a few hundred dollar more than I paid last year. What does

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that represent? What went up? I know the board of ed went up. I'm sure yours went up, but by how much and why? When you look at the budget for an explanation, I still don't see it. I don't understand why we can't have an open hearing to

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find out what we're spending our money on. I believe we should have an open hearing so that the employees know where they stand, that they don't have to come here one night and basically plead for their jobs.

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Would you like to? You're telling them they're being furled and they're not being paid. Are you guys being paid? Is the mayor being furled to go along with it? It should be across the board. Yes. emergency

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personnel were not furoughed. But how many people had that over their heads and why? Because the inefficiency in the administration to follow the rules. I would like a better explanation of our budget. I went to the back. It's this

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thick. I'm sure you don't want me to take that home. But we need to get ourselves back in the right order of doing things. We're talking about a lot of money.

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On my street, there's a big hole in the street. Well, I can't ask anybody if they're still furoughed. I wouldn't even know who to ask. But it's sad because we're in so much turmoil and we shouldn't be. We have

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great people working for us, but we're not being utilized correctly so that the whole township is satisfied with the workings of our township. And I'll give you 22 seconds. >> Thank you. Next speaker,

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>> Grace Freeman, Edison, New Jersey. Um, first of all, >> welcome. >> How you doing? First of all, um I can tell uh Councilman Brusher, Councilman Patil and them, you can't beat the mayor because he owns the TV station. He owns

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the text, the mail that I get from the mail, every form of media that stir the town up, he owns it. So you can't get there's never two sides to any story here. So that's why it's an embarrassment when we go on television

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and you were supposed to have the meeting on Wednesday night. So how would you furlow that morning? How did you not budget up to that day? So everybody knows they think it's the most silliest thing you did >> in order to get everybody out and get everybody hemped up with this budget.

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But I know about the budget because most of the people are in it for me. You know why they in it for me? Because I'll be at this council meetings. I don't see these people. Nobody comes out until it hurts their pocketbook. That's the only time they come out. Now, about the the

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budget amendment and stuff like, do you know how much pork is in that budget? You guys ain't not really cutting the real pork in there. I know they talk about the cars and they talk about the easy pass and all that. You know, I got a easy pass the other day, you know, so it's easy to get easy pass. It's not

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that hard. But if you only know about the rest of their pork in there. So somebody asked me, "Well, how did they get $110,000 for the Grove?" I saw it's all under the umbrella stuff is under the umbrella and you have

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all these little things inside. When you put the umbrella of the recreation department, then you do all these little sneaky things with it. That's what I'm disappointed with. And the most thing I'm disappointed with is how everybody screamed and everybody was yelling. Everybody's at the board ahead of me

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screaming about the money there. What you you didn't have time to study your budget and how much money you were wasting. How many things that you were doing with money that that's unnecessary. And I know we'll we'll have a what they have one of them house music

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dances. How much that's going to cost? You know, anything for publicity. All right. And I resent the fact that I'm paying for the publicity. I'm paying for it. That's something fat that should be cut out of there. All right. Now, nobody

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has a problem with people's uh money and what they should have. But, you know, people open up contracts and they give them extra more money for uh overtime. They open up contract. They open up contracts to what they want to open up contracts to. Okay. But I know three

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little boys, Don Ship's boys. They not uh I guess that don't matter to people. They say they care about kids, but they don't. But they don't care about their health. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker. >> Good evening. My name is Bimal Josie, 11

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Myrtle Street, committee man from >> Welcome. Welcome, sir. >> Okay. Committeeman from District 22 and chairman of Edo Edison Democratic Organization. Council President, I have a very quick

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question to you. Okay. When there was no meeting and next day morning, what was the date? Yeah. July 23, you called me at uh 9. What was the Yeah, you called me at 10:36.

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We spoke about 48 minute. Okay. We spoke about 48 minute and we discussed a lot of issues and it was you who told me on the phone yes you can do it. Okay. It was you who told me said that yes I'll do this that and all I

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will do it. Now during the you got the number one you said council got budget for 90 days. No it was not 90 days. It's only 72 days. Okay. And from May 20th to till today, how many council member you discuss with

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about this budget or on the line item what you can do? >> I'm sorry. Wait, you have 2 minutes and 44 seconds. I I'll go for you to finish. I I'll definitely go for >> wait for your time to be up. >> You know, it doesn't look nice. It doesn't look nice on a town like Edison,

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you know, the sixth largest town. And when we have to put up the truck outside and we have to do this. These are the elected people. You should have talked to them. You should have to spend little time with them. Which you did not.

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And then next day you got your appropriation money and you said no now I don't want anything. I have the fifth vote. What was the fifth vote? How you are getting that fifth vote? Are you bribing some councilmen? Are you offering them something? So that's why

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you are getting it. You talked to me for five times on that day. We spoke for 48 minute. We postpoke for 16 minute. We spoke for 15 minute, 52nd and 18 second. That many times we we spoke and next day you got the

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appropriation then you forgot never talked to anybody till today's meeting. Why? These are all elected people. they they are educated and they are here for the public service. Every point okay every point you try to work out on and some

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money from here to there you want to transfer from here to reserve. I'm not going to mention line item. But one thing I'm telling you that you have failed your responsibility. You haven't done your job right. If you have to say something, I'm here. I'll hear. Don't worry. Give me my

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answer. Why you did not talk to the council? Why? Then you said that you don't want to talk to the EDO chairman. I don't want to have that practice. Then why you call me? I did not call you. You called me to interfere in this and convince the council which I did my

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best. Why you did that? Why you are playing around with the people of this town? I mean yes I know that we have a police officer. We have fire fire people. We have township employee. Yes they they were getting furled but that was a wrong furlow. Again I'm repeating the same

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thing what people are people has told you. This is not the way we run the town sir. This town has a very good reputation. Don't spoil the reputation of this town. Thank you. You have answer for me. >> I'm waiting for your time to be up sir. You have 26 seconds left.

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>> No, no, you can. I'm I'm not going to talk after that. Go ahead. Answer me. >> I'm going to wait for your time to be up and I'll answer your questions. >> Okay, that's fine. I'm okay with that. Only thing is don't don't bribe any councilman. Period. That's what I'm

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telling you. I now you can answer mine. >> Chairman, I think your question is absurd and I have no answers for you. Thank you very much. Next speaker. >> My equities up. Council president. Council President. >> Yes. >> If I may. >> Um I think what he was talking about is like collaboration and cohesiveness up

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here. And I'll tell everybody right now. I probably should have said this at the beginning of the meeting, but I'll just tell everybody here right now. You can't buy me. So, you know what? I'm the first vote. I'll vote for the budget. I'm going to vote for the budget. I gave no less than 25 copies that out to

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residents who asked me. 25 copies. I bindered them just like that and they said some of them said we got problems with it. Brought the questions to the mayor, some of them said we didn't have problems with it, oddly. And um I just want everybody to know I'll

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reserve the rest of my comments for later. I don't want to take up the public's time, but I'm the first yes vote. And as far as uh how we operate here and process the budget, every council member has had a chance to review the budget. For the

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first time in 11 years, uh Councilman Patiel and I have postpone this budget for 90 days. So there's been more than enough time to go through this budget and ask questions or amendments. Whether you need to speak to some onetoone or you need to call the council president

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individually each member as its own stands for the self and the constituency represent which is the entire town. So at any given time a member of the council can ask a question. So the council president is here today as you

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see to keep the meeting together and to referee each person who speaks and gets a chance to speak including the members here of the council. I'm not a magician to decide on when people want to make an amendment or not. And if in the ninth inning they choose to do so, they can. A

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member can come up with an amendment at any given time. But to think that one person is responsible for adults in a in a township such as this with a 200 plus million dollar budget to pass, it's absurd. Okay. Each member here is educated. They work in a professional

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job and they know that at will they can make a comment at any given time. In 11 years, I have yet to see any chairman of any party ever come to the podium and talk about a budget. Okay? So, I can listen. All I can do is the actions of

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what our council members do, which I'm certain we'll pass this budget. So, whatever happens in theatrics between now and and June of next year is the normal course of action I've seen for the last 11 years and the last 35 years. So, it's it's going to be what it's going to be. What I can say is this

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administration and council does a great job looking through this budget and making sure that we fulfill the obligations for the residents and the taxpayers here and corporations to make sure we have public safety and all the services we need in this town. I commend my council colleague for passing out,

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you know, all the books to different members. I have not done that. I've never done that. The copy of the the it's in it's in the record at the clerk and get a copy of this budget if you want to choose to go through it. Um and the time has been you know welcome for anybody. So here today is an open forum

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to discuss the budget. It's nothing new to a lot of people that are in this room that you've heard just now today. This is the time you can ask questions of the budget. >> Please continue sir. Welcome. >> No that wasn't me. Yeah. This is Anthony first time. Go ahead. >> Anthony start the clock.

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>> Anthony Damron. Uh Edison. Um council president. I I just uh I can't help but wonder and think all the time that was wasted. I'm not a budget expert, but all the time that was wasted over the last several months, you know, the mayor, speaking of the way you run a town, the

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may, you know, the mayor was throwing bombs over at the board of education over the last three or four months, lecturing, putting out video after video about how irresponsible they were um because of a tax increase that had to do with more about state losing state

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funding than anything else. Meanwhile, all of this was brewing. this was brewing. He knew it was brewing and if he spent that time more wisely and secured votes and secure made sure everything you needed to do behind the scenes that is not sexy that's you know

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people are not going to see you know you're not going to get clicks on and stuff like that um what could have been prevented because when you you know for me I draw the line of public safety as you you mentioned public safety when you're laying off 11 10 11 cops is unacceptable to me

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unacceptable actually as a matter of fact you know I'm a perfect example. Uh I know the importance of having every single one of those officers I think available and and working. We I don't think we could afford to lose a single one to be quite honest with you. All right. Um I saw when I when when when I

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had an incident in February, I'll tell you these officers there was I don't know how many were in my house. Every single one was had something was doing something that contributed to solving that crime. And I'm telling you to to afford to even lose and play games with or politics with public safety is a

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major concern. That's where you should draw the line. So going forward, I would think that the mayor should be a little bit more responsible on his end and keep his noses in his own plate and uh and worry about his own problems and if anything, if he's going to, you know, if he's going to speak to the board of ed,

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he should go there and help them. How about working together finally and helping secure state funding for the damn schools. Okay, he knows what to do. He knows how to do it. Oh, I think he would. So, that's what I wanted to say. Just next time around, let's worry about

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our own plate. Let's secure the votes. Make sure everybody was here. All the every all the works. The whole works. All right. To make sure that doesn't happen again because it honestly it's it's not even forget about how it looks. It's not safe. It's dangerous when you do that. We can't afford to lose a

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single officer on this road. So uh or firemen DP any of them but specifically when it comes to public safety. Thank you council president. >> Thank you very much. We are going to move to a vote. Council president we have council brusher first. >> Councilman Brer.

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>> Right. I ju just wanted to comment um maybe um Mr. D. Roberts can help me. Um the board of education right they're on a um they're not on a calendar year budget. They're on a fiscal year budget. Is that correct? >> Correct. So the board of ed raised taxes

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on a fiscal year budget of 6%. But technically from January to June they were a zero and then from July to December they're a six. So the board of eds budget to the taxpayers this year is

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only 3%. >> Correct. >> Okay. So the board of eds 3%. We're talking about 4.5 yet. And and I I believe it was Sonia, but I'm not going to put words in her mouth. Somebody mentioned once that our tax in total might be like 6%. And when

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we when we asked, I heard that the county tax went up 12%. Is that correct? >> 18. I think you're referring to the open space, but 18% was the increase for the county. The updated the updated sheet

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shows 186 the original. >> Council mayor, please speak to the council president still has the floor. >> No council president. >> Council brusher still has the floor. >> Oh. >> So, you know, my my question is listen, we all want our taxes less. But because we got tangled up, you know, in in this

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whole budgetary mess here, um I personally believe that yes, this was theatrics because the real question here should be going to the county as to why we went up 18% when I heard Woodbridge is flat and other towns in Middle Sex

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County are flat. So I don't know how the county could charge Edison and maybe Mr. D. Roberts could explain how the county charges Edison 18% but other towns are are flat. How does that work? Cuz we can't decide to say, you know, uh, Mr.

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Kentos is having a hard time, so we're going to, you know, not tax him this year. You know, >> that's a that's a good question. The county aortions their taxes amongst all the uh constituent municipalities and

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they do it based upon an equalized valuation basis where the state establishes a ratio of everybody's assessed value to market value. Edison. The consequence of Edison being

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a highly desirable community. Our ratio changed significantly from 24 to 25 and therefore it is reflective of the significant increase of value of real estate primarily residential real estate

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values here in town. So unfortunately, towns that are thriving and have uh and that are more desirable pay more in county taxes than others. >> So my my question is who verified

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those calculations? Was that your firm or the BA council president? I mean, who verifi? Because I would want it verified, right? to make sure that what the county is doing and and the numbers and the equations that they're using for each of the towns is equalized like

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throughout the county and that we're just not being singled out overall because I can't see how our valuations went up that much compared to our neighbors. Correct. >> Um because I I can go buy the same house in Woodbridge and it's about the same price. You know, Woodbridge is all

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million-dollar homes, too. My son couldn't afford to buy a house there because Woodbridge homes were $650,000. >> It's it's actually council president if I can't it's actually done by the state. So the state issues a table of equalized values and um it's available online

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councilman but I can send it to you and it shows there's a series of columns that shows a lot of information but all of the municipalities what their uh what their ratable bases and the equalized value and the way it's the way it's done

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at the state level is that they get reports of all of our sales and they that it's a computerized program, right? It's a way that they they calculate based upon our sales and they look they look at each individual sale. So they say your house sold for a million dollar

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but it was assessed at $500,000. So it's it's at 50%. So that's what they do. And they do that with all every sale that we have in the town. And then they use that methodology to set the equalized rate. I it's not much more complicated than that. Um the system is called mod 4. Um

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that's the computer terminal. uh um the the computer name for it, but that that's how it's done. So, all all that the county does is the county strikes its budget, they apply the equalized values that are set by the state, they come up with a percentage, they send us

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they send us a bill literally, and we raise it in taxes. That's the way it works, >> right? My my question is is like who verifies this? And and maybe maybe you don't know, but on the school board, our school board was underfunded by the state. We were going to have a class

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action lawsuit, but instead of doing that, the governor said, you know, we're going to make that money back up to you. So, the state obviously made calculated errors um to Edison for over 20 years until I was on the board and we caught that. So, what I'm saying is who reviews

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that on the township side here to make sure that that those numbers and equations are correct and that they balance out correctly. When I look at, you know, my my brother's home in Woodbridge, I don't see that much of a difference in valuation. Um, if he were to sell his in the same size home here in >> council members, just point of order. I

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mean, I think your questions are respectful, but I think we're off track now. We're just voting on the budget right now in place and I think >> okay >> whatever answer I give you right now I think that's that that time has passed. I mean we're just voting on the operation of the budget and the spending lines of the budget. Could we wait

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>> for for ours? But right this whole >> you're not going to make any recalculation this minute from the state. What's in front of us is the budget and those who are waiting for us to vote on the budget for this particular question. Could we wait on that? >> Um sure. I mean I'd like to get the data

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and see what it looks like and We'll get it. We'll get it for you, council. >> All right. Thank you. >> Council, I'm sure you have the floor. He's finished. You have the floor. >> Yeah, just just a correction. So, um the county tax was uh raised 12.39%. The county open space is 1860. On one of

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the original spreadsheets, it was flipped and I guess at some point it got corrected. Um that was handed to me. That's why um some people say the county tax is 18%. It's really not. That's the open space. The county tax was only 1239. >> Only 12. Well, well, >> oh, okay.

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>> Versus the 18. I mean, you know, >> is any other questions from council members? Uh, next speaker, >> Joel Bassoff, Beach Lane. >> Welcome. >> So, regarding the budget, Edison has

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been in the news now for all the wrong reasons. Um, but one of the things that I like about living in Edison, aside from the budgetary uh, madness is that we're protected by professional,

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dedicated police officers and firefighters. And I'm glad to see that the budget does not cut the people that are ensuring our well-being. Uh what's reprehensible though is that here we are

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in in August and the people that that do a wonderful job of protecting me and and the other people in this township felt the need to come here because somebody apparently conveyed to them that their jobs and their careers were in jeopardy.

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Uh now obviously it wasn't the members of the council that did that because you have a budget that doesn't cut them. But maybe someone in the administration was spreading rumors that unless they show up on mass, they will be cut. And it's reprehensible that the people that are

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protecting us would be exploited in that way. That they should be able if they want to come here, fine. If they want to be home with their families at the height of summer, uh that should be their prerogative. So, I I hope going forward that there won't be any more

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games played with the people that dedicate their careers to to protecting us. Now, on to some of the specifics with the budget. Um, my understanding is that the amendment that you voted on was simply to uh change revenues and

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expenditures by a whopping $2,000. Um, my understanding is that that actually nothing was cut. Uh I know a big issue at the last meeting was a lot of money being spent unnecessarily on

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vehicles uh that were being taken home by employees. Uh many of them way outside the township and that we were spending a fortune in vehicle expenses and even tolls. Uh obviously if vehicles are used within Edison there shouldn't

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be any tolls involved. So my question on that is, have the members of the council gotten answers to those questions regarding vehicles to their satisfaction? And now the fact that we're standing here in April in August at the height of

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summer, um the budget was supposed to have been put to bed months ago. All of this should have been resolved back in the spring. uh under the law, the budget was supposed to have been submitted to the council so that the council could begin its review by the end of February,

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but the administration, for some reason, an explanation of which we haven't gotten, for some reason, it took the administration 2 and a half months past that deadline to finally get the budget to the council. And in the answer to that question, I don't want to hear that

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under Mayor Lanke it was introduced or submitted to the council or approved well into the year that that we should be proud of ourselves because we've only messed up on the deadlines by two and a half months when we used to mess up the

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deadlines by by four or five months. You know, those days are gone. And I also don't want to hear that who am I to ask these questions because I wasn't there back then asking Mayor Lankey those questions. I' I'd like to hear answers from the council president and the

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sitting members of the council and possibly the administration as to why we're standing here in in August, why this wasn't all put to to bed back in in the spring when the budget should have been introduced and finally approved.

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Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Bassoff. This is probably the ninth time you've come here and asked the same question. I think your question is a great question. And as I mentioned before, which I'll repeat is what you don't want to hear is this is has happened before. A budget's been

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adopted in September in the past. And and I'm and I know what you're thinking. You're caring about today and why it wasn't done correctly today. and you have brought up to our attention numerous times on how you would like it presented in April. And I had mentioned

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before to you that I held up the budget discussing it with the mayor with other council members and it was delayed and there was one time period we specifically delayed it until it was well put together and presented. So, it was presented two months late and we're

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sorry for that and we had brought it to the council as you know and the council asked to extend that hearing until July which you were aware of. So, what's changed between July and your question today is that we came to order to a vote

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and we didn't have all members of the council a vote. So, that was about 20 days ago, less than 20 days ago and today we're here today to pass the budget. So, I hope you'll be happy with that. Thank you for for coming. Next speaker, >> council president. >> Yes sir.

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>> Um can can you ask Sonia or the um or uh Ken when uh when do we start working on the budget? Like are they working on next year's budget now? I would hope that in the next couple months we'd be starting to work on next year's budget. >> Absolutely. We can we can Yeah. To the

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BA. When are you going to start on next year's budget? >> So we usually start around November. Okay. uh we get all the worksheets um and get the departments to fill them out, review at that point. It's nearly the last quarter, so we can have a proper projection.

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>> Well, can we start that process maybe in September and then we don't, you know, maybe start it earlier this year if we're having problems. >> Council members, look for you to start in September. Is that something we can have a separate discussion on after this meeting? >> Sure. Sure. We can do that with the finance committee. Absolutely. >> Good points, Councilman. Uh just before

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you begin, Octo uh for those who are waiting to speak, we are trying to come to a vote uh for this budget, which is probably the biggest reason why most of you are here. I ask if you do want to speak, certainly get in line, form a line to speak. If you don't have an issue in speaking and your rep may speak for you or as part of your union, you're

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more more than welcome to have that. If you don't have any questions, we'll move to a vote, which you may be happy to see, and we'll get this uh this budget approved. Um, so can we look into the hallway to make sure if there's anybody out there that may want to speak? Could

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could an officer just look to see if anybody's out there? If it's clear, we're sure c certainly going to go to close the public portion shortly. Um, and at this time we're only speaking on the budget only at this time and there'll be public comments after this as well. >> Welcome Octar. How are you?

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>> Good. How are you doing? Octasser, Pleasant Avenue. Um, so before I start any of my questions, um, are the people that ask questions going to get questions answered before you guys vote? >> There's a good possibility they'll get all their answers. The emails have been sent to each member of the council for

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the questions they have had. >> Okay. So, from listening to you and looking at social media, I'm trying to understand the procedure here, and I like um, Councilman Kentos what he's saying that maybe start the budget preparation earlier. I think we have to find some solutions where I don't care

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that Mayor Lanki had things done, you know, late. There is a law that we have to follow. We should follow the laws. That's something that, you know, that I brought up to attention that there's ordinances that we don't follow and we just can't go ahead and look the other way. Now, for the people that are here, I feel bad that they have to come here

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yet again because there's a scare that the firefighters, the police, and the other workers might lose their jobs. So, I'm hoping we do come to something that will, you know, make sure that they can enjoy their summers. But, so from what I heard that the council owns the budget, and this is where I'm confused. So, then

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why is it that we have questions that are being brought back to the mayor about the budget? Why can't the council itself talk amongst themselves and say, "Hey, let's change this or that." You can answer that later on. That's why I'm a little confused with this. Um, with the BOE, it was interesting to see that

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everyone in town seemed to be interested in that budget. They went from 12% down to 6%. And the reason I bring this up is because you guys have a 4.5% budget and we were looking for you guys to cut something. I'm not sure why you can't. One year we had a 1% budget. Now, if the

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reason is because, you know, there were snowstorms and overtime, things like that, well, the BOE had the same kind of concerns, too. So, how did they manage that? So I'm just wondering why our budget is higher and we can't reduce anything. Are there any pennies that we can remove? I mean a penny saved is a

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penny earned is what I heard. So I'm looking for some cuts here of any kind if there can be like for instance if there's a magazine that goes out does it have to be you know mailed? Can it be you know emailed or something like that? Anything. The other questions that I have and hopefully this is the right

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time to ask it. When does T when did T number three end? because that seemed to be a contentious issue there. And I'm not sure I got the answer. When does T number four end? Because as far as I understand that people here don't have to be here because they're going to be paid, you know, past August is what I

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understood. Um, so how can we make sure that the budget doesn't become so dramatic? So, as I said, Councilman Kentos brought up an interesting idea. Would it be helpful to have all of admin here so that we can have the conversation inhouse versus on

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social media, on the news? It's a little ridiculous how we're dragging Edison's name through the mud. Is there for those people that I think in the last meeting I heard that maybe the questions weren't asked early enough or they're being asked during the meeting. Is there like a form of somebody so we can have a

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physical evidence that the council did ask for something and that they're not just asking on the spur of the moment? Because if they are asking on the spur of the moment, that's not fair to any of you here and it drags on the process. Um let's see. Would having

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council meetings, work sessions, and um regular sessions instead of having combined sessions be helpful so that you guys can actually talk to each other? Almost 50% of the meetings this year have been combined meetings and that's not fair to the public here because this is going to be a very long meeting here for people and this wasn't even a

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meeting that was expected to begin with. So those are the questions that I have and I'm hoping that the public questions will be answered. Thank you. Well, thank you for your questions. Um, you mentioned the budget between our 4.5% and the board of education and

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their their difference and they had the same issues. I'd have to disagree with you. Um, if you were compare our overtime in snow versus the board of education, I think you're looking at two different football fields. I mean, the township of Edison is responsible for

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750 lane miles of roads just to plow. So, I'll end it there that there's no comparison uh to the board of education and what we do when it comes to overtime. But I I think this budget was thoughtful and I think every member had a chance. And if you're looking for a

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crystal ball for everybody to come together in the ninth inning, I'd like that too. I mean, I'd like everybody to sit down at a table and decide the same thing to eat. And I can't even get that to happen. Um, but you know, it's it's wonderful what you have to say and I we'll continue to work on that. There's no question. But every council member

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has a chance at any time in this budget to ask a question. Now, whether they feel their question should be answered and they can't make a decision on the budget over a 10 or $15,000 expenditure when we're passing a $181 million budget, that's up to them. If they feel that one question is unanswered and they

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cannot make a decision, that's up to them. But we also can just move to a vote. whether we move to a vote. If we have the votes, we move to a vote and we move forward. So maybe that question is menial to some council members and important to others. Important to some residents and maybe not important at all to the people in this room today because

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this room is more for public safety and and other issues and DPW and administration. I get that. But it's we try to cut pennies and that is important. But as you try to move the eightball, it really comes down to insurance, uniform services, and so many other things that are big costs. You

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know, it's $60 million to run this town just in public safety. So, if you want to move the needle, you know, moving the needle on what what copier we buy or how we spend easy pass is not moving the needle. And if you're going to move the needle, you're going to move the needle for corporations. So, every dollar you

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cut in this budget, I save the residents probably 20 cents, but I'm saving, you know, a corporation 80 cents. So I'm I'm happy that we have this corporate tax and this industrial tax and warehouse tax that comes to us. We're super lucky.

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So uh that's just to answer that part of the question. And the T3, when does the T3 end for the >> T4 takes us through August 31st. >> Okay. T4 August 31st. Okay. Thank you. Next speaker, >> council president. >> Oh, sorry. Yes.

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>> Um two things. One, he asked about T3 when that ended. That was July. >> Yeah, >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah, T3 took us through the end of July which covered the July 22nd payroll period.

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>> Okay. Um and then that would be it. >> Thank you. Next speaker, you good? Did you want to say something? >> Yeah. Yeah, I did. Sorry, Council President. Um, no. He also asked about um he asked if it was our it's our budget. Now, it is our budget, but we still collaborate with everybody. We try

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to collaborate with everybody here and the mayor as well. And um unfortunately, you know, it still takes four votes up here to move something. C >> council president, if I can, I you know, I sit at these meetings all the time and we get asked that question. So the way

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the Faulner act works, that's the form of government that we have or the mayor council form. The mayor proposes the budget and once the council introduces it, it becomes the council's budget. But as a practical matter, just like the governor and the legislature and the president and the congress, the

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administration is the one who has all the information, right? We we have the finance department and all of those things. So the process that goes that happens is that the council gets budget books. And by the way, the the budget is 40 pages long. The council's budget book

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is 550 pages long. And when they have more questions, we answer more questions. When it comes to amending the budget, once the budget is introduced, it's the council's budget. So all of the amendments then come from So the mayor can't walk in here and say, "Well, I'm going to change the budget." It's not

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his budget anymore. So that's that's the I I think somebody asked that question. That's kind of the process. >> Thank you. Welcome sir. How are you? >> Council person. >> Sure. >> Can I make a comment? >> Yes, please. >> Uh just for your information, the seven members they work d they they their due

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diligence. Not necessarily. They communicate to each other. You know there could be two members or four members, three members. It's up to them. But I can tell you that I sent at least two dozen emails Sonia to you and mayor and I can tell you that the response was

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fairly quick. You know even at the last minute I did receive response from mayor from Sonia from you know whoever you know they were needed to get those inputs to personally to me to make the decision. Having said that, I also have forwarded some of the emails to my

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council colleagues because we cannot have four members, council members to be part of that email chain. And again, it's very transparent to all of them what my questions were and the same thing when they ask question to administration. We get to know or we get to forward get forward up that message.

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So it is not that it's like oneway road. It does you know we do our job in terms of reviewing the budget. Hey, we we not necessarily agree on every single line item. I might have some personal preferences or my style of financial

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management versus you know councilman uh council president might have different way of working. So those are based on your experiences on this das outside of this das based on talking to the residents of this town you know what they feel is appropriate. Having said that it is not just we don't do anything

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we do a lot behind the scene. Thank you sir. >> Thank you for clarification council pat. Welcome sir. Okay. Hello. >> Four minutes is we're starting your four minutes now. >> No. Okay. Uh Patrick Durk, Greenwich Road. Um thanks to the council for hearing my

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uh what I've got to say and again thanks to the police officers and fire department. Uh we rely on every day and it's easy to forget, but the most essential thing is funding the first responders to to uh safety and and fire. So, I've got

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another thing to talk about though. I represent the Palansky Park Restoration Society. >> Point of order, sir. >> Yeah. >> This is only at this time. Yeah. And again, you can come up right after this. We're going to vote on the budget momentarily, I hope. >> But this particular time, it's only for the budget. You can speak

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>> only the budget. >> Only items on the budget. >> I can propose an amendment. >> Sure. >> Okay. So, I'm I'd like to propose, you know, people are talking about ways of saving pennies, at least nickels, if we can't save pennies anymore. Um,

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I'm proposing to at least cut the expenses on some of these pocket parks that have been overburdened. I'm not going to focus on that now, but everything that that's cut, it also shows a gesture that you hear us, you're listening, and we do appreciate when you

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do cut things that can be cut. Um, in this case, we're still hearing loud music four nights a week. Um, it's it's there's still rattling generators and pollution from the uh

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from them in the the park. So, it's not improving our lives. People love walking their park in the park. Kids love playing and uh they work great. So, this is one park. So, we've got what 32 parks. I mean, I'd see the ones where you can cut down on spending.

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We'll appreciate the gesture. I mean, we were here at the end of June, here again, now August. So, it's an amendment I'm proposing. You can work out the details if you can, but it's a gesture. I think that would help also

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save a few nickels to the town and also show that you're you're hearing us, okay? Because we've got a lot. We've got over over 100. We got 150 signatures. And then we've also got a community group that speaks every day. Okay. And

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we've talked to people in other parks. We've connected with the same things. Take care of the parks. Repave it. That's great. Mow the lawns, but cut the pennies. We don't need gimmicky stuff. That's all I've got to that's all I've got to say about this right now. But thanks for listening.

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>> Thank you. I understand completely. Uh uh council president do we do he was talking about that park. Do we have any authority to change anything over at um Brusher Beach or the Palansky Park? >> Okay. We're going to leave that for a separate comment at this time.

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>> I'm going to move to the next speaker. Thank you, council vice president. Uh again, this may be one of our last speakers. If you guys choose to want to go to a vote, but I please line up behind um this speaker. If you do want to speak, we're trying to bring to a vote. Please, you do have four minutes.

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If you'd like to speak on the budget and have a line item that you support or do not support, please come forward now. And we'll also call out to the hallway if there's anybody downstairs. Thank you for your patience. Welcome. How are you today? >> Hi. Um I'm Dr. Aishadhakar coming from

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Bleski Park Restoration Society. Sorry. Um because we have been trying to um sign the petition. We are writing emails to mayor but we are not getting a response from him. So we have to come here just to on the same same uh note

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how to save pennies maybe it will help with the Edison budget too the park they have spent a lot of money I believe they got some grant from the federal government but to maintain the park it's a lot of money going to maintain the park there is a from Thursday to Sunday

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there is somebody who is putting the cushions on the on the benches taking out the cushions uh there loud music playing. There's somebody always there. At least three or four family members are there. Like I I feel like they are

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the regulars who come there. Um there are not many people who come to the park. Uh I see on a mayor's um Instagram like he's calling his advertising please come to Pleski Park with your friends with your family and nobody shows up. So

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it's a wastage of money. Uh and I think Edison Township can save some money. Uh there are a lot of things we can concentrate on spending our money. This was a sheer waste of money. Uh nobody is enjoying it. I guess people who are just

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working there are the one who are coming. Uh the neighborhood is not enjoying it. I think even the mayor because he's having a hard time getting people in there. Uh I see his advertisement all the time like and nobody still comes. So maybe penny saved

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is penny earned. Um let's focus on what we really need and there are a lot of parts. Let's let's restore them rather than coming to people's into people's backyard putting some plastic hedges and playing music right in their backyard.

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People are really really unhappy about it. And we tried to reach to him and we have not got answers. And I'm I'm not a political person. I have better things to do, trust me, like everybody else. But this has made me so

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>> Dr. Just point of order. I I I'm hearing you loud and clear. >> Okay. >> However, >> at this particular time, you can only talk about the line item in the budget and make your point to and you you've already done you can do it again. You can say it 20 times. Remove the line

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item for spending on the public park for Plansky Park. >> Yes. I can't have you go into, you know, an pontificate on what you prefer to have for your private park, which is a public park for, but I just I have to keep you in the middle. This is this

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particular time. After this, you can talk all you want about the park, but right now I just need you to comment on the budget. >> Got it. Got it. >> And I'm sorry to do this to you, doctor. >> That's to totally fine. I appreciate you guys giving an opportunity for us to come here and speak. I really appreciate

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that. And let's just you you heard me loud and clear. >> You want to remove the spending of the plans park budget from the budget and we hear that loud and clear. >> Yes. Thank you very much. >> I'm sorry, but you'll come back up again. We're going to have >> Yeah, I'm loving this. So, I'm going to come and you can say a lot more.

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>> Yes. Thank you. >> There's going to be public comment in a few minutes on anything you want to speak about. Thank you. >> Sounds good. Thank you. >> Thank you, doctor. >> Okay, next speaker. >> How are you? Hi, my name is Valen Martini. Um, speaking on behalf of uh

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summer um Edison summer camp, the new full um day camp. um speaking on behalf of the previous staffs, uh current staff and parents and we would like to know if

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um why did you cut um the payroll uh why did you furlow them at the end of payroll of July 22nd and when will be refunded for the two days of July 22nd to July 23rd?

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um for that um because some of the parents and staff are very upset. So that you cut down and that um that recreation. >> Okay. Um at this time we're only talking about the budget itself. Uh you're

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speaking of the temporary budget that we approved already. >> I do have answers for you, but the counselor asked that we could move forward and we'll answer this after the public portion of the budget. So we're going to move to that in about five minutes. So I apologize. At this typical time, we're not answering questions

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about the park, about recreation, and the spending, but he'll have an answer for you. If you have time to wait, we'll call you up first to ask questions on that during the public portion. >> But we're not going to end the summer camp for the kids this year, right? >> No, it's in the budget to be in the budget. That's for sure. That was a

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temporary, but please stay if you could. And if you're leaving, please uh have the deputy clerk. She'll step over and get your email address and we can communicate by email. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> We're just voting for the budget now. So, >> okay, >> give me 10 minutes. >> Well, maybe more than 10 minutes.

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Next speaker. >> I guess I guess I'm will be last. Andrew M. Ben Sanga, best known as Ben Beny. So, council president, I think everybody's here. Well, at least New 12 is here,

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but not anyone else. But here's the thing. Uh, I think it's time to just pass this budget once and for all. Uh, it's been way overdue after hearing this from the first speaker to John to the

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next from So, I think it's time to pass it and let's just get it done and over with. So, thank you. I have nothing else to say. >> Thank you. Any of the members of the public that would like to speak? >> Anybody in the hallway that would like to speak? Seeing none can have a motion to close

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the public portion for the budget. >> Motion to close. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> The public portion is now closed. Have a motion to adopt the the budget. >> Council president. >> Yes. >> I'd like to propose one amendment.

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>> You need to introduce. >> You have a motion to adopt the budget. >> Council president. >> Yes. >> To adopt the budget. >> Have a second. >> Second. have council comments. Well, >> that right that's not right. I'd like to propose an amendment to >> reduce

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>> I just want to be clear. You may hear several amendments from council members and then we'll call a vote. Uh if we call a vote, those amendments will not happen, M council president, cuz Thank you. Continue. >> Right. I I' I'd like to propose an

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amendment where we reduce $300,000 from the gas line item. um given the data that I received from the administration um not looking at easy pass. I'm not looking at you know extending it and

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saying that it's worth $500,000 but I think a very simple $300,000 is a is a simple adjustment to the budget. So I'd propose to make that $300,000 reduction. >> And where is that coming from? >> Uh fuel

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>> to the BA. Do you do you understand the line item he's discussing? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Next. Council member. >> Council person. I'm not necessarily I want to you know pull any line item uh out of this but just need a confirmation from administration that you know some

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of the expenses we did not incur as of today. They will be moved towards the uh reserve not reserve surplus. so that we build the surplus more than $10 million which we are at the lowest in last four five years. So my questions are the

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you know consent uh if may if may you may allow me the second deputy chief position which is $259,000 which we never filled in last 15 years it will be moved to surplus if we're not

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going to fill the position. So it would just be a vacant position at this point for the last three years um if you will and uh we would just uh you if we don't fill the position obviously um unless the council wishes to do something else with the line item then it would just go

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into transfer or um surplus. >> It will go into surplus. Right. >> Okay. My next one is on the since we are now in seven months in the the budget process. There are probably this is outside of the deputy second

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deputy chief not the current deputy chief probably there are more than 50 vacancies that includes police, fire, uh DPW across the board and it's more than a million dollar again as per rough my

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evaluation. Will those funds will also be moved if they are not filled by the end of the year? But not just the end of the year as of July end 7 months even if I say a million worth of those vacancies

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they are not filled those $700,000 will they be transferred to other account and will be spent or they will be moved to surplus. It it could happen either or I mean as you know in November we do the transfers and or and then we can pass them on to

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surplus. Um so are you propo uh so your question is with regard to what do we do with the leftover funding? Not not yes the lepto funding because the whole idea here is if we build a surplus in fact we should not be in the business of you know building the surplus but in order

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to have the healthy surplus so that we can keep offsetting the uh cost of living increase or any contractual obligation. So we have some funds there. Yes. >> Right now we have $10 million. So my whole ask is any of those vacancies they

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are not filled in as of today if it is a million dollar assumption $700,000 if we move to the surplus we are getting close to one second deputy chief and this one we're adding a million dollar into surplus but the ask is here is not to spend that money just move in another

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account and spend that money but build a surplus so we can use that next year >> uh we could potentially do that >> okay thank you and my last one is is there a possibility ility of freezing the multiple vacancies they even don't exist but they are part of the budget

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again can that money which is allocated to the budget be moved to the surplus again my again the whole idea here is how do we build a surplus >> to your point yes essentially it'd be a hiring freeze or something like that of which uh every time there is a vacancy

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uh depending on the department of course we don't want to hinder operations >> um we we do take that into account and not fill those positions but sometimes uh spread the duties amongst other staff within that department. >> Understood. As long as you know we are

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on the same theme of rebuilding the surplus or spend that money for some emergency like snowstorm or something or maybe over time that happens, I'm perfectly fine and I'll support this budget. Thank you. >> Thank you, council member. >> Council President, um along the same

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lines because I asked some of the questions uh Councilman Patiel just asked. What would council, maybe this for the attorney, what would council have to do to say all of our vacant positions that we keep vacant, the money gets transferred to surplus and it

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doesn't go into some other bucket. Could we do that? Do we have the authority to do that? >> So, so I think that the answer is this is that you have the authority to put it in the other buckets because it requires a budget transfer. If you don't, it goes

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in the surplus. So, so if there was X in the police department budget and that when you got to November and December, you're going to make budget transfers in the last two months of the year and the first two months of the next year. So, you get to December and you see X wasn't spent.

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It if you don't move it into another bucket, it stays there. And if it's not spent, then it goes it automatically goes into surplus. >> Great. >> So, the answer is it's council's budget. You control it. >> Perfect. Ken, can we get those numbers? >> Not now, but >> in November when

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>> you'll get them in November. Yeah, in November. Remember me. >> Provide budget reports and so forth. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Moving any other council members? >> Just council person one point is you know uh SA before moving anything to or the internal transfer to any other uh

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department if you can give the total amount that we possibly could have moved to surplus but we need to expend somewhere else will be helpful. Just to an example, don't expect a resolution next month saying, "Hey, we need $200,000." Just to an example,

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recreation, right? There has to be some number saying as of today, we have $3 million in surplus because we didn't spend as of say September. I'm talking about the next month. Out of that, we expect

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$200,000 to be moved to recreation. We're okay as long as we know what's the current for the year. I'm not talking about the total the number. We are aware about the surplus. >> I would say we'll we can have that done for you by the end of September. So there's a real projection now once the

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budget does get adopted and we have real expenditure reports. >> Sounds good. And it will be helpful rather than you know getting to this point. If you can get I don't expect monthly but if you can get quarterly any idea about the surplus that is being generated within the current budget will

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be really helpful this this council. >> Sure we couldn't definitely do that with the finance committee have a quarterly report so that it recaptures uh where we are in terms of um our spending. >> Thank you. And last but not least again thank you for last four or five days you

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know responding to my dozens of emails. So again, thank you to the administration and thank you to the mayor. Thank you. >> Thanks. Thank you, Council Member Patiel, for your uh logic and your explanation of your questions. And that we're moving forward with the budget. I'd like to ask uh that the council um make a new motion and to override the

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motion that we just had before. And uh a motion to accept the budget with one amendment from Council Brer for $300,000 on fuel. Have a motion. >> Motion to accept. >> Have a second. I just want I I'm trying I'm trying trying to get the process.

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>> We're amending just the one line item on fuel for >> Council Councilman Brusher made a motion. I didn't hear anybody second it. So I didn't hear a clerk. >> If there's no second, then you just go to the budget. >> We We're going to I was going to start from the beginning and make a motion

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with the amendment. >> Well, let's stop for a second. So you have the budget. The councilman made a motion to amend the budget. He needs a second. And if he doesn't get a second then there is no motion. Do >> you have a second on the amendment? >> Council again the same remark on my

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side. I would prefer to second it but again Sonia do we acknowledge that 300,000 exist in that budget that we can move to surplus >> and and and I also Sonia when you as answer that question I have one I have a question that you also need to answer and that question is this is that if

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there is a change of more than an increase or decrease of more than 10% in a in a line item it would trigger the need for a new public hearing and you could not adopt the budget tonight. So my question, one of the questions that you need to answer, usually I ask the auditor, but you probably can answer

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that question, is whether or not removing $300,000 is that line item less than $3 million. >> So I so I can calculate that very quickly. Uh however, let me just clarify what we received from the state because we had the same question with regard to

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any changes and they stated to us that if there are any changes then this budget would need to um we would need to uh adopt that at a later date. So it would not be able to occur today. >> I'm not

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sure. My question is my question is are we acknowledging that we have $300,000 that we can move from that line item to the surplus the budget remains same as is we are not cutting anything. >> Okay. >> Yes. Go ahead.

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>> So the answer to that question is is simply right. Fuel is a fuel is done based upon consumption. So if in fact there's $300,000 that are then it would go extra there then it would go in the surplus once

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again unless you once again an answer to Councilman Kentos's question unless you moved it someplace. >> Go ahead. Could Could we move that? >> Can't uh >> No. Just to let you know, just to put into perspective, uh, in 2025, we

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budgeted 1.5 million for fuel and, uh, by into 2026, we spent more than that. 2026 budget also contains $1.5 million in fuel. Since January, fuel cost, gasoline, we

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feel it at the pump, is up 46%. So I can't sit here and say with any degree of certainty that we're going to have any excess funds in our fuel oil line. >> Council President Council Council just point of order just as Councilman Patiel

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mentioned before Mr. Brasher is that when that line item is transferred it'll come to the council for a vote and at that time we'll make that decision. >> No my comments had to do more with Mr. D Roberts. >> Okay. Go ahead. Um he you stated something that that the cost in fuel

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went up 46%. Do you buy our fuel from California? Because I I'll be honest with you, I've been buying fuel for probably a year now. It did go up, but it has come back down. And when I say it went back up,

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you know, it went from like 389, 395 to like 460, but we're down to 3.99 now. So when you say 46% increase in in what we pay per gallon,

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especially since you're a math guy, you know what I mean? >> Yeah. Well, it earlier this year, January, December, uh we were at about 280 290 retail for gas and now we're up around the $4 level, over $4 in some areas. So, uh that's that's a relative

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perspective, >> right? And December was last year's budget, right? So, we're talking about January. >> Yeah. So, I'm saying this year fuel fuel costs are up 46%. And you know, and unless until the situation in the Middle East subsides,

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we have no idea where the upside is going to further. >> Yeah. I mean, just so you know, I I didn't use those numbers. I just used the numbers of total gallons that we used in the prior administration, total gallons now, and used it by the dollar

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amount at the pump. Um, and I didn't even use the dollar amount at the pump. I actually discounted that by 20%. Um, but yeah, I mean, listen, I guess if what you're saying is we can't cut anything, right, in the budget. Um, inherently, I guess that's the problem

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we have in this town, right? It's the administration, it's the staff, then if we can't do it, right, or it's our vendors. Um, I I think it was a small minor token. Um, and just to hear that

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kind of push back tells me where where the problem really is. But I guess I can speak about this at um, every meeting, right? And I'm sure I will. Um, thank you, >> Council President. Thank you, Councilman Brer. Can we proceed with a vote if we can't make any amendments?

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>> I mean, I think we've council members have had some clear remarks on the budget. >> Yeah. Um, I had asked um earlier this year if a township can hedge its fuel. Did anybody ever look into that? >> And we're not allowed to. We can't buy

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futures. >> We can >> we can't invest in futures. >> Uh council members, we we have a motion on the floor. >> Just one comment. I think in a conser the right way to do is introduce an ordinance to restrict you know who can take the cars at home and that will

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ultimately bring down the the gallons that we are consuming so that you know we don't have to talk about take 200 or $300,000. It's going to be simply math and the if we introduce next council meeting you'll have my full support of you know limiting the take-home cars that would help the situation.

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>> Councilman that's that's like a token. Um, the 300,000 I believe is a token, right? And and I think the Edison residents deserved that after we told them it was going to be a 3%. Now we're up to a 4.45, right? Well, you pointed out we have

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many vacant positions and all this money is going to do is to go into surplus, right? Yet council people are concerned that we're going to spend it and we spend it out of the surplus. We spent it um as my council colleague said right Brusher Beach we're playing music, sand,

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bugs and uh noise, right? So the residents aren't even happy with how we spend that money. So I I really don't see how bad it is. But you know, right, if you're looking for a 70 vote, we remove the 300,000. I don't know how

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this had to go to another meeting. I was told that once it was a council's budget that we could do line item cuts and then that's what the budget would be. But, you know, now I'm being told that we'd have to push it off for other meetings. >> So, the answer the answer is is it it is

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the council's budget. This is not it's not an administration thing. It's the state budget law that says that you're you're decreasing just make sure we understand you're decreasing the gas line item by $300,000. And I'm not the math guy in the room, but that's 20%,

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right? 300 of 1.5 million. So, it's more than 10%. It would mean you not only couldn't you adopt the budget, you couldn't adopt it this week because you'd have to give you'd have to notice another public hearing on the budget as amended and that would have to be at least a 3 days notice which means you're

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effectively would be adopting it next week. Um, that's that that's the problem. Um, so and I and I don't I I wasn't privy to whatever advice we got from DCA. DCA always reserves the right to require its review before it allows

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you to adopt a budget. So, that's something that's I I don't know. I'm just I'm just reading for you what the provisions of the New Jersey um state local budget law and I think the section is 484- 9.

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Council members, we have roll call. We have a vote on the floor and we have an amendment on the floor. Do we have a second on the amendment? Hearing no second on amendment. The amendment fails. Can we have a vote on the budget? I had a second to approve. Madam clerk,

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roll call on the budget to be adopted. >> Council member Brasher, >> no. >> Council member Dimma, >> yes. >> Council member Kentos, >> yes. >> Council member Patel, >> yes. >> Council member Patiel, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Coyle,

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>> yes. >> Budget approved. He lost my I just want to thank my council colleagues. Each one on the day is here including my council vice president, counciloman Patel, council Patiel, council safl, counciloman dimma and counciloman brasher for working with

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me at this last ninth inning here. It has not been easy. Each one of us have been on the phone different times of the day. they've caucused with each other. I'm happy we've come uh to an understanding for the residents and for public safety. Thank you. Uh moving forward, we have a public hearing and

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adoption on solid waste. Uh opening for public hearing. Any questions on solid waste? Any public comments? Seeing no com anybody raise your hand for public comments on solid waste. >> Motion to see. >> Motion to close the public portion on solid solid waste.

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>> Council president. >> Motion move. Motion to close the border. >> Mr. President, >> since since nobody seems to care about solid waste, could we cut something from there? >> I don't even know. I don't even know. >> Hold on. No one's going to leave if you're going to cut from solid waste.

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>> Hold on now. >> I think everybody's leaving up the solid. >> All in favor say I to close the public portion on solid waste. >> I I >> Who was a second on the >> Wait, we have a resident. >> Councilman Kentos was a second. Okay, >> we we have

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>> you commenting on solid waste. >> Yes. >> Okay. I'm sorry. Um, we closed the Okay, I closed it already. >> You did. It's closed. Joe, >> did he raise his hand? I'm sorry. I didn't feel I feel guilty. >> It's closed already. >> It's closed already. I apologize, Mr.

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Pointer. >> It's closed. >> All right. >> Okay. Can I have a Can I have a motion to approve the budget for solid waste? >> Motion to approve. >> Have a second. >> Second, >> Madam This is for solid waste.

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>> Okay, we can wait for the room to be cleared. Not a problem. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Can I go with the votes? >> Yes. >> There was a first made by council member Thiel, second made by council uh council member Kentos. Roll call. Council member Brasher.

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>> Yes. >> Council member Dimma. >> Yes. >> Council member Kentos. >> Yes. >> Council member Patil. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> And Council President Coyle. >> Yes. >> Sorry.

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>> Thank you. Um, >> shut that. >> If we can close that back door, please. Thank you. CV. Um, number six here. Approve of the minutes. Motion approve the M minutes for July 10th. >> Motion. >> Have a second. >> Seconded. >> All in favor say I. >> The one we have.

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>> All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Thank you. Seven. Approval of firefighter. Uh motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. Public comment on resolutions uh

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set forth here. Please form a line if anybody like to speak on the resolutions only. Uh um this would be for the resolutions only, not for the budget. Unless an item is specific to the budget and speak on the budget. Please come forward. You have four minutes.

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Okay. Sorry, Mr. Poorer, of that mishap there. >> No worries. I thought the uh I didn't hear if there was a second, I didn't hear it, so >> Okay, not a problem. >> Uh thank you, Council President. I had printed out my questions because I have several. Um so hopefully you'll be able

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to help me through them. Um resolution 289, Safe Street to School Contract. Originally, this was tabled for consideration of a different vendor. This is the same vendor at the same cost. I was just wondering if any

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additional information could be presented as to why it's the same or why no other vendor was uh offered. Resolution 399, Harts Mountain refund. Uh can anyone explain the rationale for their appeal? I obviously understand

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with COVID that could be a factor, but 2024, 25, and 26, I I don't really get it. And will their valuation go back to the 7.4 that it previously was, or will it be at the new 4.97?

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Uh, resolution 411, bleachers. Are these new bleachers, replacement bleachers? I appreciate the council leaving right now. Great job. Um, and where are these bleachers going? Resolution 415, fences.

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Uh, where are these fences located? Are any of them some of the new fences that have been purchased over the past four years? Uh, resolution 417 979 Amboy Avenue redevelopment amendment. Can you explain what that amendment is actually doing? I

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know the property was approved for the construction of a building there. Uh but any insight to what the amendment on the agreement would be appreciated. Resolution 418, 10 Brunswick Avenue. Uh what is prompting this redevelopment

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study? Resolutions 435, 1021, and 1027 Amboy Avenue. Uh likewise, what is prompting this redevelopment study request? Uh and a general question in regards to

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the temporary appropriations which are now on the agenda. Um more of a procedural aspect since the budget has been passed are those two resolutions going to be removed? Yes. And since and from a general consens

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standpoint, since it wasn't on the original date, this is just general again, if since it wasn't on the original July 20th meeting, would the council have had to motion to add it to the agenda since

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this is a continuation? No, because this is a special meeting and it was in the published notice of the special meeting on uh July 30th. >> Okay. And I know temporary appropriations are technically off of the agenda. So if if I'm out of order,

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let me know. But from temporary appropriations, uh they were on the July 20th meeting. Obviously, that was not able to happen at that time. What were those temporary appropriations in terms of how much it

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would have covered? And also temporary appropriations, you only need you need a majority of council to approve it or a majority of the voting membership that's there. >> You need a majority of the membership for the temporary emergency appropriations.

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>> You need twothirds of the authorized membership of council. Five votes. >> It's a point of order. I just want to wait till the end. He has 30 seconds left. Any other questions you have? >> Those are my questions. I printed them out to help because I know that they were uh there were a lot. Thank you, Counc. >> Did you want these answered

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>> by email or do you want them all answered now? >> Whatever you're willing to offer. >> Well, we'll get we'll get through we'll get through some of them now. Uh do you have a copy of this? >> I do, sir. >> Okay. Do you want to go from the top, Sonia? >> Um sure. The first question that I I'm able to answer the engineering one uh

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where for the safe streets. So, we did get multiple quotes. The other quote that we did receive um was $93,000 above this price. So, we felt that um doing the same thing. This was the uh Remington Verick was the appropriate

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vendor to go through. Um as far as the bleachers, those are new replacements. They're ADA compliant, which uh the ones we are replacing are no are not ADA compliant. And so, that's going to go through our several of our parks. Uh mini BVL five at town hall. So

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throughout the fields as you noticed that some although some of the fields are new the bleachers were not new and uh thanks to this previous council you were able to do that but this is just another part of the uh project that we have to cover. Um

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and with regard to the tax appeal I have our tax assessor here if that's okay council president >> that's okay >> council vice president. Good evening, uh, Council Vice President, with regards to the Bradstone Revlon tax appeal. Um, uh, former

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Councilman Pointer, uh, the assessment would go back to the original 7 million. Um, the that appeal had been filed by the tenant, which is no longer there. >> Thank you. >> Next. >> Hello. again. Thomas Ley still at

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Netherwood Circle in it. >> You're recognized. >> Okay. Uh I'm questioning R289. It seems like we're spending a lot of money giving it to an engineering company for safe roads and all that.

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There's I I tried to meander around the do, you know, go around the company uh the the township website trying to find a request for proposal just to put some meat behind it because I mean I don't

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know what an engineering company's going to do for $300,000. Uh I believe that money should be is better well spent by putting police on the streets to give them the opportunity to enforce the laws. A while ago, I

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asked could could you hyperlink and you know I as I repeating myself I'm terribly sorry but I think it's important hyperlink the resolution and the RFP to the to the resolution so that people

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like like like myself could could go and find this stuff. I was told after the meeting when I also asked for the bid tab on that that was that was you know couldn't be put on until after the meeting what it was was done and the resolution was

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adopted but we need but you need to put the link to the RFP and a link to the resolution itself so that we can understand what we're getting for $300,000. The other one that I I I'm I'm

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a little concerned about is R 403 for financial management. Is that in con in addition to what the BA provides us like I said we don't have any links to explain in detail what we have but

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basically it looks like you know a nice salary you know and and I think that's your the business close to the business administrator salary. Where can we get the details? That's all I'm that if I can have information on 289

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and 405, I'd appreciate it. Thank you. The the details are in the resolution um for each number you've mentioned. And as far as uh government strategies, that that is Kender Roberts, who's to my left here. I think several members of the

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council have interviewed with him on finance over the last 10 years and have been very very um happy with the service he provides and what he brings to the table and his expertise in multiple municipalities across the state. Um

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so in the resolution is is what states his government contract. I understand you'd like to see some links to that as well and that's something we can work on. However, every RFP, anyone right now can go on their tablet and go to purchasing and through purchasing,

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you'll see bids and approval. And right there, you can see all the bid links and everything attached to that bid link. So, you right now on your phone or on a tablet can go right to that and see everything we've done. Not just for today, but you can go back probably two

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years, I think it's on there. You can see anything that's been up for bid and you can see the bid results and you'll see the difference between any engineer that's put forward and what they've bid and the difference between who were approved and picking the lowest bidder.

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Okay. So, thank you >> council president. Yeah, I just I just want to add on 289 um the administration gave me information about the status of the company as well as other bids and as um Sonia just mentioned before our BA um the other bids were about $100,000

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higher approximately like around 90,000 higher in regards to 403. I just want to thank Ken for being here at the last two meetings for free since we pulled this contract. >> That's all council. Now council vice

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president >> yes >> you know I also acknowledge the contribution of you know Ken Robertson you know he's a wonderful asset to the town and I think uh this is money well spent on his services he's the here to answer any question this council or this

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body has very quick and person you know he has given a detailed discussion whoever has the question on that again thank you for your service and happy to support >> I just want to clarify So 289. So 80% of

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that funding is covered through the grants, >> correct? >> That you're approving. So we're only responsible for 20% of that spending. >> Thank you. >> You're recognized, Joyce. >> Thank you. Joyce Ship Freeman, Edison,

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New Jersey. Believe it or not, I don't know how all these budgets and all this stuff is done. I headed the finance committee. All right. So, um, Don, uh, spoke about the park and

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installation of bleachers. Does that come under the broad umbrella as recreation when it's on the budget? Okay, answers, but looking for a good one. All right, got another one for you. Um,

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>> BA's taking notes. >> All right, let's do accepting bid. I used to work with Morin all the time. Resolution accepting a bid. All right. For retread tires. Retread tires. Are those the ones I see busted all along the route one while I'm

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coming in? Okay. I want to know why retread tires rather than regular tires. You know, I got a problem with retread. Sorry. At all. And good. I think it's a good thing about uh

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416 about the community block grant funds and stuff distribute out to worthy people that need that type of money, keep their stuff going. And then I'm not sure if you answered the question on 417 about the improving the authorization

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execution of an amendment to the redevelopment agreement with 979 Amboy Avenue. I want I want to know what's that's going to become or whatever, you know, why are they changing that? Okay. Uh the agreement with

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435. I think you answered that one. I I'm not sure if I heard it. I was in the back about the um all this new stuff that you're changing on Amboy Avenue, you know, and the uh property identify the planning board or township and you

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know, the proposed study area like what's going to be studied on there because I know they have that little paper street there. So, I don't know how much stuff in case something happens for the people to come out from back there. There's a lot of senior citizen stuff back in the background. And two

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questions. 438 and 439 temporary emergency appropriations for what? >> Got my questions? >> No, the the 438 and 439 are off the budget. They they were there as placeholders in case the budget didn't get adopted. >> Okay. >> So there Yeah, they're oblivious. >> I knew the budget was going to get

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adopted. All they needed was four votes. So I knew that was I I knew that was a done deal before we came here before the show. >> Okay. The rest of the questions you can please answer. >> Thank you, Joyce. I'll go to the BA. um the bleachers, they are coming out of a

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recreation capital improvement account. >> And um she also had a question on 435. What's going on on Amboy A? Let me just pull the agreement up and I'll get back to you on that one >> because it's my understanding amboy that

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area down there is a rehabilitation district. So it looks like they we need to make it a area in need for some reason. We're changing the course for this particular property. So if you can get that information that'd be great. >> Yes. So I'll get you the agreement. >> Thank you.

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>> She she answered that. She said it was under that Thank you, Joyce. Marggo Harris, you're recognized. >> Thank you. Margot Harris, 43 Oak Hills Road. Actually, uh, my former council colleague, John Pointer, asked all the questions I was going to ask, but what I

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want to add to that is, uh, when it comes to locations for some of these projects, whether it's bleachers, fencing, or whatever it is, would it be possible to put on the agenda where these where these pl where

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where the venues are and where the locations are? It I think it would save some time for the public. I I look in the backup information and I don't see it there either. So, would it be possible to add that to the agenda? >> Sure. It it typically is and it's in

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there, but it's embedded in the quote. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, I apologize it wasn't explicitly listed. I I know when I was on council last year, um I often had the same I often had the same questions as to where these things were being were being placed. So

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just but for the public especially, I think it would be valuable if that could be upfront when you put down the resolutions. Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah, that that would be real helpful. I know in the past this year alone, and I'm new on council, I asked where the location of some of these things we were buying was going. And also Joyce Ship

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Freeman had a question on why we're buying uh retread tires. I guess I I know a little bit about that. Normally you save money and some tires can only be retreaded like agricultural and stuff like that. >> Correct. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Octar, you're recognized.

407
02:18:50.639 --> 02:19:06.000
>> Oct Pleasant Avenue. So I'm also asking about same thing that John asked and Joyce asked and maybe somebody else. Uh resolution 417. It's about the Delta gas station which is a four-story building which is no longer permitted by the way. So that's the reason why we ask is we and I'll get into it later on but

408
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according to MLUL um they give two years when something is a finalized document with the uh construction of uh that building and then there are threeear one-year extensions. So they are about to hit their 5-year mark probably August 15th. So we do need to have answers and

409
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since we are having technically a combined council meeting that means you're probably going to decide today. So we do need to know for the next speakers or myself what is going on with there. So, I wanted to know if the council could clarify the conditions of I believe that we're extending it. Um, what must an applicant demonstrate to

410
02:19:40.399 --> 02:19:56.560
receive these extensions? When last checked, I was shown that there were no open permits. So, in 5 years, they haven't really done anything. Also, I'm wondering if the grounds have been cleaned of the contamination from the gas. So, once the 5 years have expired,

411
02:19:56.560 --> 02:20:12.880
what in general, what should happen? Um, again, it looks like we're extending it. Does municipal MLUL allow additional extensions for a typical project from Y research? I didn't see anything. So, if no further approval is allowed, then my understanding is that the ordinance that

412
02:20:12.880 --> 02:20:30.479
this council did in uh 2024 would be what they'd have to agree to redesign to. Then I also have 435 again was something else that was asked as well and it's about the future of Amboy Avenue. And I'm just going to read this just because of time and to give you some background. In 2016, the Amboy

413
02:20:30.479 --> 02:20:46.000
Avenue was designed was designated as an area of need of rehabilitation due to aging conditions and other concerns of the stock. Hyen Grul and associates developed a form-based code to create a cohesive quarter with consistent design standards, pedestrian safety,

414
02:20:46.000 --> 02:21:01.920
pedestrians friendly streets and buildings that fit the area to character. Over the past decade, however, we've seen multiple variances for any buildings that have been there. for instance, the 979 Amboy Avenue gas station I just talked about and the 1037 Amboy Avenue, which is the four-story

415
02:21:01.920 --> 02:21:17.200
building that was also built as well. So residents after this came together. We met with the council, we met with the mayor and the planning board, and at least when we first met with the mayor, he agreed to three stories and then the council uh decided to agree with us when

416
02:21:17.200 --> 02:21:32.080
they voted on that ordinance. So again, it was to address setbacks, architecture, and design. So I want to emphasize that the residents I spoke with and who have been coming to the council meetings, master plan meetings and planning board meetings have always been behind that. At no meeting did you

417
02:21:32.080 --> 02:21:47.840
hear anyone that was on this side of dis say that they were against the ordinance or that they wanted four-story buildings. So we wanted to maintain the character of Amboy Avenue uh as per the studies from higher rural and from the 2024 ordinance. So our concern today is

418
02:21:47.840 --> 02:22:03.520
simple. Residents are asking that the standards already adopted in 2024 be followed. The purpose of this ordinance was to reduce ongoing disputes over what is appropriate for each part of the quarter, each property. We don't have the time, and I'm sure you don't want to hear us every single time talk about

419
02:22:03.520 --> 02:22:19.120
every single building that's there. We generally don't want to come here to talk about this. It's a bore. It's not fun. We'd like to enjoy our summer. So regarding 1021 which is PM studios and 1027 which is just for hair residents are concerned that combined these buildings would create a project that is

420
02:22:19.120 --> 02:22:36.960
outside the scope of the ordinance 2024. Now given that the owner of 1027 which is just for hair purchased 1021 in February there is it looks like they're trying to build something that is skirting the ordinance. And in speaking of this 1027 Amboy Avenue, you guys know

421
02:22:36.960 --> 02:22:53.160
that I've had an issue with parking. That particular project has the parking that goes over the sidewalk. So, I'm hoping that you will not allow that to be compromised again as we allowed for another property. So, I'm hoping that you guys will let us know what's going on here.

422
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>> I'm going to go to the BA. Um, I have a question, too, but if you can answer um Mr. Nassar's questions. about 417 and 435. >> 417 uh which is 979 Amboy Avenue is a

423
02:23:10.960 --> 02:23:27.359
study in need of redevelopment. My understanding >> well let me actually let me see if I can answer it. 417 just extends a redevelopment agreement that's already in place. So it's just extending time. That's that's what 47 that's what 417

424
02:23:27.359 --> 02:23:43.200
is. 435 is just asking the planning board to determine whether or not it's area in need of redevelopment. It doesn't change any ordinance. It doesn't change the zoning on the property. Um it just deter it just is asking the planning board to make that determination

425
02:23:43.200 --> 02:24:00.000
um that that conduct that investigation. Should the planning board ma make a determination or advise the council that they believe that it is an area in need of redevelopment, it then comes back to the council. council can decide whether or not to designate it as an area in need of redevelopment and then they can

426
02:24:00.000 --> 02:24:15.840
decide whether they want to adopt a a redevelopment plan. Um so it just redevelopment is a tool uh that it's used in land use. Um it it actually is a tool that gives the council um much more control over what happens on a property.

427
02:24:15.840 --> 02:24:33.200
So we're just this is just kind of the first step in the process. >> Um I have a question for you counselor. um on the uh 417 if we table that do they run out of time like are they in jeopardy if we table it?

428
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>> I yes >> well I I'd have to take the answer is yes because they are out of time so we do need to do it. I don't know what two weeks would do in terms of the change as as you know I'm not redevelopment council Mr. um Northgrave is. So I and I

429
02:24:48.479 --> 02:25:03.520
and I don't know what the answer would be if we didn't do it. And um how how long has this how long have they had they they've been sitting on this for five years on a redevelopment plan or over five years? >> Over five years. >> So why if you sit on your hands, why

430
02:25:03.520 --> 02:25:18.399
should we care? That that's how I look at this. I'm I I'll pull I'm going to pull this for a separate vote. What you you come here, you get permits from us, you get something from us. You ask our town to do something, then you sit on your hands for 5 years for whatever the reason.

431
02:25:18.399 --> 02:25:34.479
Snooze, you lose. Thank you. >> Just just a just a comment on that. From what I understand, the um there are two brothers that own the property. One brother had a heart attack. They have another project that is ongoing in another town. Um they're aware of their

432
02:25:34.479 --> 02:25:50.000
extension. Uh obviously, uh the extension provided I think is still goodwill. I mean, they made a huge investment to build on the block. Although we have some opposition in the room, it's still someone who came to the table to spend about $9 million to build a building on the block. So, uh, the

433
02:25:50.000 --> 02:26:06.479
extension has a community benefit tied into it and, um, you know, you can sit in in weather on, you know, taking a right away from someone who spent 300,000 getting it approved and just assume someone's going to come in there tomorrow morning and make that

434
02:26:06.479 --> 02:26:22.960
investment. It's for those who are objectors who think they win. I would believe you're going to lose because it'll take another period of time before someone goes back in to reinvest and you're going to look at a gas station again with cars everywhere, parked everywhere, smash trucks in front of the

435
02:26:22.960 --> 02:26:39.120
place. >> So, it's it's what it is. And again, that's that's you know, it's you know, you have a right to speak and believe in what you feel is right for the community. So, but we all live in Edison, so we'll see what comes to

436
02:26:39.120 --> 02:26:59.920
it. I was mostly asking about legally. Is it allowed? >> Your your time is up so I apologize. Thank you. >> Sumalone Barber, Pleasant Avenue. Um, >> welcome. >> Pardon? >> Welcome. >> Thank you.

437
02:26:59.920 --> 02:27:17.040
Um, regarding 417, the actual ordinance says um, the township requested and the developer has agreed to certain amendments to the red redevelopment agreement as set forth herein. And then it says uh, exhibit A and exhibit A is

438
02:27:17.040 --> 02:27:32.000
not attached to the agenda. So I would like to know like what were the changes to those to the um original uh what was amended. Okay that is 417. Now I want to talk

439
02:27:32.000 --> 02:27:49.760
about 435 and >> no surprises there I'm sure. Okay. So, >> okay. >> I would carry it. >> In uh 2016 >> of June June 2016,

440
02:27:49.760 --> 02:28:05.359
um the council adopted the Amboy Avenue redevelopment plan. Um, in 2024, thanks to former Councilman John Pointer, we um

441
02:28:05.359 --> 02:28:23.760
he put forth uh a new um ordinance that um modified several sections of that 2016 plan um which was called the Amboy Avenue redevelopment plan. It covered a lot of things, building heights, parking

442
02:28:23.760 --> 02:28:41.200
setbacks, uh third floor setbacks, and it wasn't perfect, but it was the best um ordinance we'd had to date that protected the character of the neighborhood. So, I am unclear why

443
02:28:41.200 --> 02:28:57.120
we need to single out two properties and declare them in need of redevelopment. I am against even starting this process with the planning board because we know how that goes. They'll send it back. It'll get approved. And because it's

444
02:28:57.120 --> 02:29:12.720
been those two properties have been declared in need of redevelopment, new zoning that applies to just those properties could take hold. We all know that's true. Um I am going on record. I am against

445
02:29:12.720 --> 02:29:29.439
it. Um, I don't see any any reason to do it. Those properties are well-maintained. Um, and I would like to know, my two questions are why are we why is this something we're doing and who does it

446
02:29:29.439 --> 02:29:46.240
benefit? Um, I feel like it's setting a very bad precedent because every single lot on Amboy Avenue could be declared redevelopment and have its own zoning. It's a way to get around spot zoning. We all know that.

447
02:29:46.240 --> 02:30:03.120
I urge this council not to approve this ordinance until they understand exactly why it's being brought forward and who it's benefiting. It doesn't make sense to approve it. If it's going to go to the planning board,

448
02:30:03.120 --> 02:30:18.560
who's going to say yes? And get that ball rolling. I urge you not to approve this ordinance until you know more about it. If you don't know more about it and you you

449
02:30:18.560 --> 02:30:34.080
vote yes, that vote can be considered arbitrary and capriccious and done in favor to serve a developer and that won't be lost on anyone. Thank you. I'd like my two questions answered if you can. Why are we doing it and who

450
02:30:34.080 --> 02:30:51.359
does it benefit? I'm just waiting for your time to be up. You have 15 seconds left. >> Um, >> have any more questions? >> I've covered it. Yeah, thanks. >> And then I had one on on the other one, too, like what's in exhibit A? What changes

451
02:30:51.359 --> 02:31:07.760
uh were made to the original? Um, >> your time your time is up. Um, first uh it it appears we were going to carry that uh resolution to the next meeting. Okay, that see that that seems to be uh

452
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we may we may carry it to the next meeting. But >> which one, Joe? 417. >> Yeah, for 979 Amboy Avenue. It looks there's a strong possibility we're going to carry it. >> Okay. So, >> um >> so we'll have further information for you on that. >> Okay. So, two questions on 43.

453
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>> Your time is up. So, we're not going to do the back and forth. Do you want to sit down or do you want to stand there? >> I'll stand there while you answer the question. >> Okay. But, um just for point of order, I apologize. You can't speak. We can't go back and forth. >> Yes, I know. >> Okay. So, your other question was for

454
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1021 and 1027 whether um that property isn't deserving to be in an area of need a redevelopment, whether it will circumvent the current current ordinance in place. I don't have the answer for that. It's first going to be sent to the

455
02:31:53.840 --> 02:32:10.640
planning board as you would know. Uh I would think that if there is a minimous change uh to the property that may be granted. I don't have the answer. You've seen this before. You've seen many studies go to the township. I wouldn't living in

456
02:32:10.640 --> 02:32:27.760
the neighborhood. I wouldn't support anything that would be other than what's in the plan itself, give or take an inch left or right. Uh, I'm not going to support as a council member someone who wants to do something atrocious to that property and build seven stories when

457
02:32:27.760 --> 02:32:42.720
the zone is three and a half. So, um, but the professionals at the planning board will make that determination of what they're requesting and that's just a normal fundamental thing we've done before and you've seen that here. And yes, other properties could request

458
02:32:42.720 --> 02:32:58.800
that, but it it is a cost. So, as you may believe that people just come to the table, they come to the table spending real dollars to make an improvement to your community, which I think is great. You know, as much as you don't don't like Dr. Oell's building, God rest his

459
02:32:58.800 --> 02:33:14.800
soul. He passed away. Um, and that's a beautiful building. It's a beautiful building that'll be there for decades. And and you cannot and it's nine units. And still today, you can't see an ounce of traffic that comes out of there that you've argued about before

460
02:33:14.800 --> 02:33:31.200
in the past. And I'll stand there in front of the building anytime you want. It's a there's no traffic coming out of there that that obstructs the community. >> That wasn't my question. >> Now that you don't I'm sorry. We're not going back and forth. The question I answered for you is it will go to the planning board. All right. It will go to the planning board and he'll make a

461
02:33:31.200 --> 02:33:49.280
determination for that property. Thank you. Next speaker. >> Hi, good evening everybody. Karen Halo. Um I live in the >> Welcome Karen. >> Hi Karen Halo. I live in the Clarvartan section of Edison. So um couple things. Uh Joe made a comment something about

462
02:33:49.280 --> 02:34:04.080
417. I realize it's been tabled for further research. >> I have I have no promise for that, but it looks looks like >> possibly. >> Yeah, a good possibility we're going to table it. >> Further research. And you just said something about well if it doesn't get built by these developers, we could have

463
02:34:04.080 --> 02:34:21.200
a gas station that's pretty horrible. I have news for you. We have lines of people trying to develop in this town without a conscience. They're just developers develop. Okay? It's just that's what they do. So I think if these people have been non-active or

464
02:34:21.200 --> 02:34:38.800
nonproactive in 5 years, you would find someone else. Secondly, the um height difference in the building has changed lesser 10 feet. I think that one was approved for 45 and now it's 35. So that has all changed. I also wanted to know

465
02:34:38.800 --> 02:34:54.240
is it um say a building does deck develop and the council runs it through. Is there anything that says a council member should be excluded from buying a building and that development? Um I'm just curious because I know we had some development issues where seemed like a

466
02:34:54.240 --> 02:35:09.520
tiein to me. So just curious about that. Um 1021 to 1027 Amboy Avenue resolution. Um that's the last little green space we have in Clarabarton. There's literally a little lawn there next to the next to

467
02:35:09.520 --> 02:35:26.880
the school. So, do we have like a density issue or something or I'm just curious how that all works? I know redevelopment's great and we want to see the neighborhood move forward. Uh do we have any green space figured in? Do we have any cohesiveness with the

468
02:35:26.880 --> 02:35:45.280
um the other buildings so we kind of have a vibe in Clara Barton section? So, um that was the questions I have for tonight. Um thank you for your time. You you have two minutes left. >> I'm good. I'm good.

469
02:35:45.280 --> 02:36:02.960
>> So, um to your first question, um the property at 10:21 would be the same answer. It's going to redevelopment. It's going to be given to the planning board for an area redevelopment study. And that would professional study given back to us and

470
02:36:02.960 --> 02:36:18.560
the council will look at that. They will then go to the planning board and have a full planning board hearing that you'll attend and see like every other planning board hearing and you can object like you have in the past. Um I don't see uh

471
02:36:18.560 --> 02:36:34.319
them having opportunity to build something larger than what the scale of the ordinance would be, give or take some minor minimous things they may ask for. Uh but today I don't have the answer. I haven't seen the plan, but you will see the plan of what they're trying to accomplish at the planning board. as

472
02:36:34.319 --> 02:36:50.720
far as whether council people could tie it. Could you reiterate that question? You still have time. >> I'm just curious, you know, if people vote on something in a town and it seems like if they buy a piece of property on it, maybe it's a controversial issue in our town or a controversial development,

473
02:36:50.720 --> 02:37:06.640
um, should council members be able to buy into that development even though it's controversial? >> And counselor, >> just a question. >> Councilmen cannot vote on matters in which they have a personal interest. Okay. Okay. Thanks.

474
02:37:06.640 --> 02:37:33.920
>> Okay. Thank you. Next speaker. Good evening everyone. Um Koney Edison, New Jersey. I've come out to talk about um what John Pointer has talked about.

475
02:37:33.920 --> 02:37:52.000
Same thing that Joyce has speak about. >> Same thing that came out to speak about Christine Sue. >> Point of order. >> Thank you for coming. Um, if you can speak directly to the microphone, this people need to hear. That's all.

476
02:37:52.000 --> 02:38:09.280
>> But from what I heard so far, you're here to speak about the same things that Dr. Nasser spoke about and Miss Ship, correct? >> Okay. if you can tell us what questions you may have. >> The same question. The one you tried to dodge by talking about the building that

477
02:38:09.280 --> 02:38:26.800
we did not agree with. So just asked you a question now. You live around that area. We from Clarabatin happens to be the only people that are always here coming to talk about things promised that is not

478
02:38:26.800 --> 02:38:43.760
fulfilled. things that are written down that people don't work on and you'll be very bored sitting down there asking them do you want the question to be answered now and if you want to ask answer the question

479
02:38:43.760 --> 02:39:00.560
you'll be talking about the question we didn't even ask about what happened to your conscience you now was talking about oh you live around that area you can't be looking and allow things to work We don't believe you again.

480
02:39:00.560 --> 02:39:17.600
We really do not believe you. Other council men are sitting down. I can make both to say that nobody has ever come to talk about that where is leaving him him only us from Clarabatin and when

481
02:39:17.600 --> 02:39:35.040
question asked you just leave whatever question that is being asked from you and pick up a topic that particular building that you were talking about do you know that over that house people are looking into the bedroom of other people that live beside

482
02:39:35.040 --> 02:39:52.840
the house. Do you know how difficult is it for children to pass in front of that building go to going to um uh Habatuba the middle school? What happened to you? What happened to your conscience?

483
02:39:52.960 --> 02:40:09.520
Position should be used at least to make wherever you live better. We are ashamed of coming here every time to ask for promises that will not be done. People are sitting at home and looking at you. You got to work on your

484
02:40:09.520 --> 02:40:26.240
integrity. I'm really tired and I'm quite sure they are tired and this is not good on your name. Thank you everybody. Thank you. Any other speakers uh for the public portion?

485
02:40:26.240 --> 02:40:51.359
Seeing none, have a motion to close the public portion. Motion. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. We're um going to have a motion to >> First, I'm going to pull for a separate vote for my right. Councilman Brresser.

486
02:40:51.359 --> 02:41:48.399
>> 417, 418, and 435. Okay. Um, council member Dimma. >> None at this time. >> Council member Sash. >> No. >> Council Patil. >> I just need a clarification 289, but I'll pull that for a separate vote if those clarifications are answered. Uh,

487
02:41:48.399 --> 02:42:42.640
417 and 435. Counc. >> Yeah. Um 417 418 435. >> One second. Kevin, uh, first, can we have a separate roll call on 417?

488
02:42:42.640 --> 02:42:58.960
Have a motion. Uh, >> council, we should just pass the rest of the agenda and then we go back to the the line. >> Sure. >> Motion to adopt a consent agenda. Motion >> withholding 417, 418, 435. >> Motion to adopt. Second. >> Second.

489
02:42:58.960 --> 02:43:14.399
Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Madam clerk, roll call. >> Council member Brasher, >> yes. >> Council member Dimma, >> yes. >> Council member Kentos, >> yes. >> Council member Patel, >> yes. >> Council member Patiel, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes.

490
02:43:14.399 --> 02:43:33.439
>> Council President Coyle, >> yes. >> No, the answer is you just go go through each one of them. Okay. >> So on 417, there's a motion to table. >> Okay. 417 is a motion to table. Can I have a second? >> Second. >> This is the one

491
02:43:33.439 --> 02:43:50.560
>> the 417. This is This is not for This is >> Yes. >> The only one I agree with to table >> who made the first >> for 979. Correct. Amway Avenue. >> Yes. Correct. >> Okay. >> And who made the first? >> Uh Kentos made the first. Second was >> Kentos again. That's why I'm calling. >> Okay. Motion.

492
02:43:50.560 --> 02:44:06.640
>> Oh, I was the first. >> You were. >> And who's the second for 417? >> Second. >> Dimma. Do you have a second? Okay. >> And this is being motioned to table to August 26. >> Correct. >> That would be the next meeting. Okay.

493
02:44:06.640 --> 02:44:27.279
>> 26. We have roll call. No. >> Council member Brasher. >> Yes. >> Council member Dimma. >> Yes. >> Council member Kentos. >> Yes. >> Council member Patel. >> Yes. >> Council member Patiel. >> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. Council member Coyle.

494
02:44:27.279 --> 02:44:47.520
>> Yes. >> 418. No one had a discussion on 418. Um, this is for 10 Brunswick Avenue. Is that correct? >> Yeah. I'm I'm I'm look I I got a lot of I got some questions about that, but I didn't have time to send them to the administration that that I believe the rehabilitation centers there right now

495
02:44:47.520 --> 02:45:03.960
or something like that. There's some questions from some residents. So, I'm just ask I'm going to ask it to be tabled. I need to learn more. >> Motion to table from Kentos. Can council Kos have a second?

496
02:45:04.640 --> 02:45:21.120
>> No second. The motion fails to table. Uh 435. Have a motion to table. >> Motion to table. >> Have a second. >> No motion to table. Motion to fail the table. Uh both are on the agenda. Can I

497
02:45:21.120 --> 02:45:38.720
have a motion to adopt um 417435 for uh added to the consent agenda? >> 417 table. >> I'm 418 418 435. >> Correct. >> Can I have a motion? >> Have a second. >> Second.

498
02:45:38.720 --> 02:45:55.040
>> Okay. Madam clerk, roll call. Uh this is voting on 418 and 435 to the consent agenda. >> Council President, don't we normally get to adopt? There's just motions to adopt. >> Just motion to adopt. There's no council comments >> as to why we pulled it.

499
02:45:55.040 --> 02:46:12.160
>> Well, the discussion was already is it was this is for 10 Brunswick AV and this is for >> Right. But normally when we pull stuff for a separate vote um there's a time for us to speak about why we pulled it. >> Yeah, I kind of wrapped that into why I

500
02:46:12.160 --> 02:46:27.920
was >> we just went just a point of word. We went through an entire >> I think Rich wanted to speak. We went to entire discussion >> and public comment on the two locations. >> One is >> we always got a time. >> If you choose to, it's fine. The you lost the motion to pull it from the

501
02:46:27.920 --> 02:46:43.120
table. If you want to clarify and continue, it's fine. >> President, you're you're entirely wrong. I I didn't lose any. >> I'm sorry. You didn't pull that. I apologize. But the motion has been lost on the table. Not for you. >> I I table I asked for it to be pulled.

502
02:46:43.120 --> 02:46:59.120
>> It's been voted in. And then typically we make a comment about it. That's all that I was asking. Wasn't asking whether I couldn't table it or any other things. It was just that that was what we normally do is that when we pull something, we get to speak about it. >> Do you wish to comment, Mr. Brusher?

503
02:46:59.120 --> 02:47:15.040
>> Yes. >> Continue. >> And that goes to the three items that I pulled. Um, unfortunately, I myself didn't get enough information. Well, I might have the information. I didn't have the time to look at it because my real concern

504
02:47:15.040 --> 02:47:32.960
was about the budget. Um, and just to state this moving forward to be perfectly honest with you, seeing how haphazardly we I feel right we approve things in the town um unless we end up getting like an economic development

505
02:47:32.960 --> 02:47:49.120
officer of which numerous council people have told me have was going to happen for years and years and years. but nobody can seem to deliver on it, even though they vote yes on everything the mayor asked for, including his overburdened budget.

506
02:47:49.120 --> 02:48:04.880
Um, I just don't feel it's appropriate that I vote yes to any redevelopment projects. Until we get an economic development person brought in here. Um, otherwise it just seems like a waste of time. Public's always upset. No matter what we do, we can't even really defend

507
02:48:04.880 --> 02:48:20.720
it. Um, so that's just where I stand on it. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. Council present. >> Yes. >> You know, I was expecting a separate vote for 4 35 and 418.

508
02:48:20.720 --> 02:48:37.200
I think we clubed it. >> Okay, I can do a separate vote. Not a problem. I'll I'll we'll let's finish council comments and I'll reintroduce the u the vote >> for 435. My comments is very simple. You know, this area was studied for long

509
02:48:37.200 --> 02:48:51.840
enough. Five, six, seven, eight years. I'm on this council. We all know what should be developed here. I'm not in favor of doing any or giving any specific treatment to any lot and block in that neighborhood. And consult person

510
02:48:51.840 --> 02:49:08.319
you know very well. We had dozens of meetings here. Residents came in. We finally you know chocked down the plan including the appearance and how it should look like and this council adopted the ordinance. In fact it is also recorded in our master plan. It

511
02:49:08.319 --> 02:49:24.640
cannot be more than three and a half story. So I'm not sure why this resolution is in front of this council asking to send it to the planning board when they pretty much know what they can build there >> and that's the reason I will not be supporting this resolution. Council mat,

512
02:49:24.640 --> 02:49:41.520
I think uh what you've said stated is is true to your opinion, but we are going to see that ordinance that's going to come to us and we'll have a chance to vote on that as a council and at that time we can vote it down. >> Are you aware of that? >> I know that but this is a resolution we are already sending to the planning

513
02:49:41.520 --> 02:49:58.479
board. Again, planning board is going to send it. I'm pretty sure we'll continue to vote on yes or no and this will again go back to planning board and this process will be endless loop and I don't expect the residents to be here and keep you know talking about this. My only thing is if we spend enough money and

514
02:49:58.479 --> 02:50:18.720
time in rehashing what can be developed in that neighborhood let's stick to those plans and let's get it moving. Thank you sir. Okay. So, um, can I have a motion? Do we have any of the council comments on 418? Yes. >> I I don't see an issue with with sending

515
02:50:18.720 --> 02:50:34.240
this back to the planning board to look over this resolution. I mean, we're not committing to any development. We're we're simply looking to to get some feedback from the planning board. And before any development commences, it's going to come before this board. Um, and

516
02:50:34.240 --> 02:50:49.040
then this board will decide if development should proceed. Um so voting on something so dim the minimous um I don't think is an issue. >> Thank you. >> Thank you council. >> Council comments. >> I only say that it's an attempt to make

517
02:50:49.040 --> 02:51:06.479
it the spot zoning which can just have a point of order. >> Um is the council comments? >> Con I said that this is an attempt to spot zone that particular lot and block. That's the that's the reservation I have. >> Okay. Thank you for your comments. Uh, can I have a motion to adopt 418 added

518
02:51:06.479 --> 02:51:28.080
to the consent agenda? >> No, it's not a it's a motion to adopt. >> Motion to adopt. >> Oh, motion to adopt 418. Council members, I'm thinking for a motion to adopt 418 hearing. Hearing no motion to adopt 418.

519
02:51:28.080 --> 02:51:44.319
The motion fails. Motion to adopt 435. Motion to adopt 435. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> Madam clerk, roll call. >> Council member Brasher,

520
02:51:44.319 --> 02:52:00.720
>> no. >> Council member Dimma, >> yes. >> Council member Kentos, >> no. >> Council member Patel, >> yes. >> Council member Patiel, >> no. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council member Coyle, >> yes.

521
02:52:00.720 --> 02:52:20.160
>> Passes. Okay. Okay, we're going to move to oral petition remarks. Any from the public who'd like to come up and speak? Now's your time to speak. >> The one that we just >> welcome. >> Okay. Hi, Margot Harris, 43 Oakills

522
02:52:20.160 --> 02:52:36.319
Road. You know, >> Miss Harris, just a microphone. If you can pull it to you. Sure. >> Okay. Um, I hated on July 20th that Councilman Kentos, Councilman Patel, and Councilman

523
02:52:36.319 --> 02:52:53.200
Patiel weren't here. But what I hate even more is being lied to as to why they weren't here. And I'm referring to you, Councilman Kentos, where you told me that your plane was delayed coming back from Puntaana.

524
02:52:53.200 --> 02:53:08.800
And yet in doing some research, I look on Facebook and there on July 20th, you posted photos from your garden, lovely photos of your bounty from your garden and flowers and all of that. But that would indicate that if you took those

525
02:53:08.800 --> 02:53:23.840
pictures and posted them on July 20th because you were away before then, then you weren't delay. The the problem was you weren't delayed from your flight. You chose not to come to the meeting. Councilman Patel, you and I spoke on the

526
02:53:23.840 --> 02:53:40.000
phone for quite a while and you told me that you were having s dent dental surgery. Um, what I'm hearing is that it wasn't really dental surgery. You had cavities filled. Big difference between having a cavity filled and dental

527
02:53:40.000 --> 02:53:57.600
surgery. And so that was that was a lie. Um, now Councilman Patil, you and I really didn't speak until briefly outside of council chambers when we were coming in tonight. Um, for you, you admitted and and to your credit admitted that you just decided to stay home

528
02:53:57.600 --> 02:54:12.399
because you weren't happy with the process. So, I respect that you were honest about that. I still don't like the fact that you didn't come here and talk about your grievances about what was going on. I think that would have been much more valuable for the public.

529
02:54:12.399 --> 02:54:28.479
So, um, so I'm I'm disturbed. I'm disturbed about the original crime and I'm disturbed about the cover-ups that went on with this. For you, Council President Coyle, I do want to commend you and I did this with uh texting you when we spoke also, but I wanted the

530
02:54:28.479 --> 02:54:45.040
public to know I appreciated the way you handled the the the that Thursday emergency meeting. I think it was a very that was a very difficult meeting and I think you handled it with dignity and somehow we got through all of that and

531
02:54:45.040 --> 02:55:00.640
so I wanted to compliment you on that. So that's really my comments about my my own grievances. >> If you could please carry your conversation outside. I'm sorry point of order. I just >> Okay. They're speaking >> finally completely separate and I know

532
02:55:00.640 --> 02:55:17.439
it's on on the uh events coming up that will come up after council comments but I want to stress that the uh cultural cultural arts committee is is going to be sponsoring the jazz festival that's going to be at the Edison main library 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. this coming

533
02:55:17.439 --> 02:55:33.520
Thursday. We're going to have a dance performance and we're going to have a pianist with a vocalist and it promises to be really nice. It's free and so we're hoping that all of you will will come out and uh enjoy this. We had a great turnout last year. This is going to be indoors so that we don't have to

534
02:55:33.520 --> 02:55:50.640
worry anymore about weather conditions. So come on out. Thank you everybody. >> President Council members, I just want to be clear first. Uh Miss Harris, thank you for your comments. I appreciate you recognizing uh the leadership here at the council, but I also want to say to my colleagues, you you do not have to

535
02:55:50.640 --> 02:56:06.560
answer any questions. Uh and I don't recommend it. Although you're not going to like me saying that, Miss Harris, but I I don't want to go into a back and forth on what you feel you should have been here or not been here for. >> I didn't ask any questions. >> Okay. >> I didn't ask any question. >> You were asking members of the count. Okay. There's no questions. Okay, great.

536
02:56:06.560 --> 02:56:20.800
>> Ask no question. >> Just come. Okay, great. That's even better. Okay. But I am thankful for those members who've come here for the emergency meeting. All members came. And for the members that are here tonight, which are all members, we did the right thing for Edison. And at the end of the

537
02:56:20.800 --> 02:56:37.120
day, you know, for the confusion of whatever issue they had with the budget with the mayor, we're here today. So, I'm thankful for that. You know, if you choose to comment, that's your choice. But I >> council president and uh Mr. Renon, if I

538
02:56:37.120 --> 02:56:54.319
am off the line anywhere, just please stop me, okay? >> Because this is very personal. Some resident, former council woman came and questioned my health here. All the people sitting on this das knows what what I went through that week. Council president you saw me in Warren you came to someone here gave me right someone

539
02:56:54.319 --> 02:57:11.120
here checked on some other things I had four treatments going on that day and you want to I don't want to go deep into what kind of surgery there were members from the administration the me they know about it the situation that I go through in my personal life and this resident

540
02:57:11.120 --> 02:57:28.000
who commented about my health knows about what I go through every single day every single week five six blood test the cardiology test the stress test the nuclear stress test and what not I have went through last couple of weeks abdomen ultrasound last Thursday I have gone through numerous medical procedures

541
02:57:28.000 --> 02:57:43.680
last couple of weeks and I told in the last council meeting here that should I have known that this would be the repercussions no matter what my situation would have been I would have came and voted on the budget I said that in the last council meeting it is so

542
02:57:43.680 --> 02:57:59.520
disgraceful we do service over here for the residents we try our best like councilman party and Mr. Council President Cole and everyone said we have worked tirelessly all of us on this budget. Some council members ask a lot of questions, some did not. Everyone

543
02:57:59.520 --> 02:58:15.120
here has put lot of time and efforts. There were lot of discussions outside of the council meetings in the in the health situation. I may be smiling right now. I'm upset right now because someone someone chooses to come here for the service that we do over here for the residents that we serve to attack and

544
02:58:15.120 --> 02:58:32.080
question our health over here. Right. A lot of people in on this das, the mayor, the administration, many of them know what I go through in my life every day. You also know what I go through, right? This is this is utterly disgraceful for us to go through this to

545
02:58:32.080 --> 02:58:48.720
go through someone coming and saying you have this kind of surgery or that kind of surgery when I have going through all these medical treatments. Very disgustful and very disappointed and and very very sad that this day has to come. >> Thank you for your comments, council member, but I'm sorry. Um, next speaker,

546
02:58:48.720 --> 02:59:04.960
>> Dr. Nasser, Pleasant Avenue. So, I'm going to talk about a couple things. >> Thank you. So, I want to talk about Amboy Avenue and about the repaving, raised manholes, new sidewalks, the drainage, possibly new trash cans, um, seating or whatever. Um, I was told that maybe it's going to be starting next

547
02:59:04.960 --> 02:59:22.000
month. I was wondering if I could get information about that. I asked the engineer and secretary, but I haven't got any information. So, if that can be something that's addressed later on. Um, speaking of the penny save penny earned last year, I was asking and telling the traffic uh department to hold off on

548
02:59:22.000 --> 02:59:38.479
striping because I knew that we were going to possibly repave and again that was somewhere I was looking for us to save money but it was done and thankfully it was because the repaving didn't get done. Now again I did ask earlier about the combined council meetings. As we can see there's a lot of resolutions that go by. There were

549
02:59:38.479 --> 02:59:53.760
questions that were not able to be answered today. So things have to be tabled. Um, I think that it's best to try to split these meetings, especially when we're getting close to 50% of combined council meet, this very long meeting to go ahead and attend. And apparently from one of the votes that

550
02:59:53.760 --> 03:00:09.680
you had here, you want me to come back. Uh, so you're welcoming me back. I guess I'd rather not come here and not be at this mic, but that's what you're asking me to do. So, the other thing is 417. I was trying to make a comment, and I know I was out of time, but this is why a back and forth would actually be better.

551
03:00:09.680 --> 03:00:25.840
I'm torn with that one. I was asking legally, can they ask for another extension? Just are they able to do that? Now, I do like that something's going to be built there and I'd rather have something there than nothing. But again, I was looking for a legal answer

552
03:00:25.840 --> 03:00:42.319
on that. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. Again, something is better than that dilapidated gas station over there. It'd be better if it could follow the other ordinance that we passed, but you know, there's you never know what's going to be able to put there. As for 435 Amboy Avenue, I'm taking note of

553
03:00:42.319 --> 03:00:58.479
some of the votes that keep happening from the last council, this council over here. I'm going to wait until it comes back from the planning board then, I guess, and then look at your vote. But it seems like there's always a play on Amboy Avenue. Is it coming from above

554
03:00:58.479 --> 03:01:14.960
and you just have to agree with it? What is going on exactly? I've asked questions. I probably shouldn't have been here tonight as well because I've had other things going on as well as other people too. I'm not going to discuss them but um with the doctor's um building the one that was adjacent to

555
03:01:14.960 --> 03:01:31.279
him and again he passed away. I feel bad spoke about it at great length at the first meeting that our ordinances are not being followed and that's the reason why that building has parking where a sidewalk should be next to a school. We put all our arguments at that planning

556
03:01:31.279 --> 03:01:47.920
board and we go planning board to planning board. They don't listen to us unless we have an attorney. Whatever I say does not matter. And I can't believe I'm going to again give you the opportunity to correct the mistake

557
03:01:47.920 --> 03:02:03.520
possibly if it is. I can't believe that you're going to make Clarab Barn go to the planning board meeting again, waste our time, do our due diligence, and we're going to lose. But maybe that's the play there. But I'm going to hope that this area of redevelopment

558
03:02:03.520 --> 03:02:19.520
is and they're trying to actually make it um yeah, they're trying to make it to an area of redevelopment right now. What are the reasons for allowing it to be a area of redevelopment from rehabilitation? Do we meet the criteria for that? For rehabilitation, it's old

559
03:02:19.520 --> 03:02:35.439
stock. Are we meeting the criteria for redevelopment? >> Counselor. So, this a couple of questions. First, I just want to um apologize for not being able to answer the questions about 417. Um all of this information was in

560
03:02:35.439 --> 03:02:50.479
council's packet for the meeting of July 20th. So on 417 it was an amendment to include an affordable housing component which is 20% and for $150 contribution $150,000 contribution to

561
03:02:50.479 --> 03:03:08.000
sidewalks as well as extending now because they were delayed in their planning board approval uh extending the time for completion for 24 months. So those were the changes to that agreement. So so everybody knows what what that is as to the second part of it. The point, and I think Councilman

562
03:03:08.000 --> 03:03:23.359
Schmol made this point, the point of asking the planning board to conduct the study is for the planning board to determine whether or not those conditions exist. There are nine, I believe, separate categories of conditions. Uh, any one of which can uh result in an area in need of

563
03:03:23.359 --> 03:03:40.640
redevelopment designation under the law. But what we're asking, we're not predetermining what it is. We're not telling the planning board, does this condition exist? We're asking the planning board to take a look at it. Tell us whether or not the building is in such a condition it has building

564
03:03:40.640 --> 03:03:57.200
violations. It's u functionally obsolescent. Those kind of issues which would lead to a designation. So we're just as at this point in time I think you're assuming we've pre preosed what the what the result is but we really haven't. All we're doing now is just

565
03:03:57.200 --> 03:04:13.279
asking them to do it. Um, it's, you know, it's it's it's a reasonable and and and frequent occurrence here when we ask the planning board those questions. And by the way, if the planning board comes back and says yes, those conditions exist, it still requires the council to take a vote to make the

566
03:04:13.279 --> 03:04:30.240
designation. So, we're it's just it's just a it's almost like we're it's almost like being against conducting a study. It's just conducting a study. So th those are the I I hope that I was able to answer those two questions and I apologize I wasn't able to answer the question on 417 fast enough.

567
03:04:30.240 --> 03:04:45.840
>> Dr. And I think you've done a great job enforcing you know the criteria of the ordinance to make sure we get every point um for the residents. I mean you lost on the sidewalks but you also won

568
03:04:45.840 --> 03:05:02.080
on a smaller building and less units. You know, I I can't promise what the planning board does when it gets to the planning board. And I know I know you're well aware. I'm you know, I'm for seeing positive growth on the block and and and

569
03:05:02.080 --> 03:05:17.439
you know, to to this point today for this particular building, you know, it's going to the point where it's going to come back. Soft said, we're going to look at I'll look at it with you. You've been in contact with me. When you're not here, I've offered a courtesy to sit down with you and and I like that

570
03:05:17.439 --> 03:05:34.479
dialogue. I'm not going to agree to just anything. Um, but I just hope that we can respect the opportunity of what the investment is and how it makes the the neighborhood better. If it doesn't, I'm all for it hearing that. I my ship has sailed on Amway Avenue to do much. It's,

571
03:05:34.479 --> 03:05:49.600
you know, they don't want to develop the J. They don't want to develop certain things. It's fine. It's it's, you know, I'm I'm way past um that that horizon is is well over. But for those who are coming to the table, we'll listen to them and we'll see what what happens. And I'm open to sit down with each and

572
03:05:49.600 --> 03:06:04.800
every one of you and and and see where the criteria doesn't fit or it's expanding. So, uh this is just a first swing at the table with this property. Uh it is a combined property. It's not an ugly site like the gas station. It's

573
03:06:04.800 --> 03:06:21.200
still decent. Has some frontage like another resident said. So, I'm here. I'm listening. So, and but for today it's going to be 90 days before anything happens. You know that. So, if anything, it gave us more time to prepare ourselves and sit down with council

574
03:06:21.200 --> 03:06:36.240
member Pointer who rewrote some of the ordinance who probably has the most knowledge of what can and can't be done there. Uh, as I mentioned, he's probably your best person to speak to sometimes because he rewrote it with uh Councilman Member Nish, well, himself or whomever.

575
03:06:36.240 --> 03:06:51.600
So, I I hope that helps you. I mean, and I know most people think I have a different opinion, but I'm here to see some things come together, but if they don't, I'm fine looking at, you know, the PM Studios, whatever it is. >> And I got answers to repaving.

576
03:06:51.600 --> 03:07:08.160
>> The repaving. Oh, we're talking about the You had questions on the sidewalks. >> The entire Amway Avenue is supposed to be repaved and the flooding and all that stuff. >> Yeah. Um, unfortunately the engineer just left and I was hoping we can discuss that and I don't want to make this a back and forth

577
03:07:08.160 --> 03:07:24.800
dialogue. Do you have some comments? >> Um, I do. We're working on the design portion of it, but I will get an actual update to and I have Mr. Actar's uh email. I'll send him the exact details of where we are with the design work. >> Yeah. and for the restriping. I I get

578
03:07:24.800 --> 03:07:40.560
phone calls, people want to see the crosswalks um properly striped whether we were paving or not. So, as much as I don't want to put good money on top of bad money, but for those safety, it just matters that we keep them looking bright. So, that's going to happen no

579
03:07:40.560 --> 03:07:57.439
matter what. Um, but the paving I'm I'm hoping to have a meeting next week or the end of this week about that. So, uh, that's I'm more concerned what what's going on with the redevelopment of the curbing and the beds, and that's something I spoke to Mr. Porter about as well. That's going to be exciting.

580
03:07:57.439 --> 03:08:14.319
That's actually the best improvement for us to keep an eye on is how we how and what we do with the improvements of the curbing and flooding. So, but I will promise to sit down with you as first I know. >> Thank you, >> Councilman Coyle. >> Yes. Can can I ask um Amboy Avenue? How

581
03:08:14.319 --> 03:08:30.960
many times have been repaved >> in like the last eight years? I mean, and what's the problem that we have to keep on repaving it? Is there a structural sinkhole like up in North Jersey with shoddy workmanship? Um, nobody's watching the store. Oh,

582
03:08:30.960 --> 03:08:47.920
come on. I mean, I'm just saying why. I mean, I'm not an expert councilman, but I think it's been paved at least two times in five years, six years, >> right? And the county came through and paved it. But at the end of the day, it's a it's it serves about 20,000, you

583
03:08:47.920 --> 03:09:04.240
know, commuters. Um, >> no, but I'm just saying that it seems like it's problematic because we don't have that running and happening on the other roads in the town. >> I can ask for a study. I'm not an expert in >> We had a problem with the manholes. I mean multitude of problems down there

584
03:09:04.240 --> 03:09:20.640
and we do is you know we just grind it up we repave it millions of dollars gone right but we approve the budget to approve the millions of dollars like Sonia said before um but right I guess we don't really want to solve the real problem

585
03:09:20.640 --> 03:09:37.279
>> it's okay council thank you very much >> I'd love to speak to you offline about that but both of us are not experts on paving and I don't think you can possibly debate paving because you're not an expert in paving and neither am I. But if you want to be a doctor tomorrow, I'm I'll listen to that, too.

586
03:09:37.279 --> 03:09:52.880
>> But you make a point. We got to do some stuff there. We have to improve the manholes. I held it up last year. I could have had it paved and I wanted to lift the manholes. So, that mistake was on me. We could have had it and and but I want to make sure it lifted so we don't keep hitting the manholes and

587
03:09:52.880 --> 03:10:09.680
sinking down. So, so cost of good work and delayed paving. I apologize, Miss Miss Ship, how are you? >> Not bad, Coyle. You know, I I I know and I see the disappointment in the people. They know that. >> Welcome.

588
03:10:09.680 --> 03:10:26.080
>> They know. They know from their street and the people know from Palansky Park that I spoke to earlier. They know like this is just redundant. They just come in here just to come because nothing nothing's really going to change back and forth because and I I saying it too because I told them all I said that

589
03:10:26.080 --> 03:10:41.600
whole show about the furlow and all that was nothing but a big show. You knew good and well that the budget was going to pass. You know how you know the budget was going to pass? Cuz I sat here and I watched people and I noticed that uh the police person that was here oh I

590
03:10:41.600 --> 03:10:58.240
got to have that um that armored truck that armored truck. They didn't read one paper, get a drop of information on it. Love that pork. Love the pork at all. I've watched them back and forth with the pork. You know what I mean? So, we can scream and yell and say, "Oh, this

591
03:10:58.240 --> 03:11:13.359
council person wasn't there. This council person was sick. This person didn't, you know, we can just we can say that." But, you know, let's talk about all the people that vote for the pork the whole time. Nobody was not going to fund the police. Nobody was going to fund the fire department. The mayor and

592
03:11:13.359 --> 03:11:28.240
his administration wanted to put on this whole big show so we could be known all over. People was calling me from Texas saying, "What are y'all doing there?" I said, "We're putting on a show. That's what we doing, Edison. We like the craziness. We live for the craziness."

593
03:11:28.240 --> 03:11:46.720
But you telling me that you're doing the street and the Amboy Avenue section and making sure it doesn't flood and stuff. Yeah, I want my money spent there making unnecessary parks, buying unnecessary stuff, giving people 24 hours of police

594
03:11:46.720 --> 03:12:03.120
protection, all that kind of stuff. All All that kind of stuff is just pork. All right? So, I just want us to do the right thing and pay for the right things because you know what? The police and the fire department don't have to worry about it. If you guys cut back on the

595
03:12:03.120 --> 03:12:20.399
pork, they never have to sit back in again. All right? I don't you know I don't really see anything that they're moving forward in different information I remember because somebody asked me choice how are they able to do X Y and Z

596
03:12:20.399 --> 03:12:35.920
I told him I said in the budget it's under umbrella but I know for a fact when I was doing the budget on the finance committee I met with the head of the police department what you need what's the different what the different percentage was I met with the chief of

597
03:12:35.920 --> 03:12:51.439
the fire department. That's what you do for a real budget. You have your finance committee. You meet with each group and you see what they need. You see the finances and you never have to come to this and what you're doing right now. But most the most of the people, they

598
03:12:51.439 --> 03:13:06.479
don't even understand the budget. They just say, "Oh, we got to spend that for public safety. Oh, we got to spend that for recreation." And this year, out of the blue, all of a sudden, they start getting into the education business. All right. Now, that's my specialty,

599
03:13:06.479 --> 03:13:22.960
education. So, I know that. So, I don't know why people took and jumped into the education thing. If your house is not in order, you can't go next door and clean somebody else's house. You need to clean your own house first. And the amount of time, cuz I kept asking for this budget.

600
03:13:22.960 --> 03:13:38.720
This budget didn't come till about April. And then they kept telling me, "Oh, well, you know, the budget was late." Yeah, the budget was late in my year. You know why the budget was late? Co. Co. Everybody was had to be inside. Well, one thing I respect and I'll say

601
03:13:38.720 --> 03:13:55.840
it again about Mayor Lanky, he sat well for like almost three hours and he took questions from the whole town of Edison. He found out what everybody wanted. But I'm going to tell you most of y'all if it's not in your neighborhood, you don't care if the whole building falls down.

602
03:13:55.840 --> 03:14:12.000
Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Council President. >> Sure. >> Yeah. I'd just like to comment >> and just point of order for those who are standing up you could if you sat down down I can keep you in order know you're next and just so you don't have to stand and relax I apologize uh the

603
03:14:12.000 --> 03:14:27.600
the line was important before council member Ber >> yes um a lot of what our ex- councilwoman uh Miss Joyce ship Freeman >> council president please >> she was council president also uh said is true but

604
03:14:27.600 --> 03:14:42.399
I would like to commend and this council body that sits here today and and I want to tell you why. In 13 years, I believe it was 13, might be 14 years, the

605
03:14:42.399 --> 03:15:01.600
council body has never cut a budget in this town. Just has given free will to every mayor that we've had. But this council body actually took it serious about cutting approximately $300,000

606
03:15:01.600 --> 03:15:19.920
which on a $181 million budget was a big ask of mine. I know it's 165%. We couldn't even cut it like a 20th of a percent. And I do hope that maybe next year this

607
03:15:19.920 --> 03:15:37.040
council body could look at making some kind of cut to a budget. And did we spend time? An inordinate amount of time. We had to bring the press here. If the press didn't come, I I'll bet you we wouldn't even have entertained a 165

608
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budget cut. But this council body actually did that. So, I'd like to commend my um colleagues in this um you know, thinking about cutting it and maybe we can do it next year. Um maybe we can get to like 1.7 or

609
03:15:53.439 --> 03:16:09.279
something. But thank you, Council. >> Thank you, Councilman Brasher. Good point. Welcome. How are you today? >> Hello again, Tom Thomas Lucky, Netherwood Circle, Edison. Uh earlier tonight, Elizabeth Conway asked about a St. Paul on Netherwood Circle. I just

610
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want to say that on July 14th, I submitted a citizen request ID 12128004 regarding the sinkhole at 25 Netherwood Circle. At the same time, uh, Council President Coyle, I as you want to be

611
03:16:26.640 --> 03:16:40.880
kept a breast and if there's any comments and all the I emailed you that citizen request. Two weeks went by, still heard crickets. I emailed you again.

612
03:16:40.880 --> 03:16:56.720
Crickets again. Okay. Earlier when I was standing in line, I saw gentleman go and talk to Elizabeth Conway. Turns out that's the director of DPW.

613
03:16:56.720 --> 03:17:13.040
Aren't they supposed to as your website says the you know to provide updates of when you know of per the citizen request on the progress of it it's nothing there's

614
03:17:13.040 --> 03:17:29.200
the system has a has a internal flaw I get I get information from the police department when I put in a citizen request I get information but it's haphazard It's haphazard and it's wrong. You should do what you say you're going to

615
03:17:29.200 --> 03:17:48.319
do. So, I was I was assured and I'll use that term loosely that that'll be addressed tomorrow. But it's that's not more than just putting a patch in. You're going now you it's gotten bigger over time and now you're going to have to do some major surgery on the road.

616
03:17:48.319 --> 03:18:04.160
Earlier today, you talked about you you wish you had a crystal ball for for the budget. you do. It's called historical data. I worked in the engineering arena as I've professed many times and when I put

617
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together budgets a lot more a lot less than what this town is operating on for a project that I was doing a lot of times we didn't work in that area for a long time but we knew the historical data. We took that data and we applied it and that's how we

618
03:18:21.439 --> 03:18:39.439
developed our budget. So yes, you do have a crystal ball when I see the and next when I see that you've adopted a budget for the you know the township as well as the sewer department as well as the uh solid waste

619
03:18:39.439 --> 03:18:54.640
are they going to or is the solid waste now going to be handled as a separate uh separate budget like the or bill like the sewer or is that going to be blended into the uh township budget because then our taxes have gone up a little bit more

620
03:18:54.640 --> 03:19:10.160
even. And lastly, I want to talk I, you know, I think a while ago, a couple time a couple meetings ago, I talked about the Netherwood 500. I had a police officer come up to me from the uh from the

621
03:19:10.160 --> 03:19:25.200
traffic division and he he said, "Where exactly do you live?" I told him. He came over to my house the next morning on Thursday morning and uh he he he agreed you need to put more police on

622
03:19:25.200 --> 03:19:42.000
the road. I you know in in addition to the rank and file of the patrolman you need to put you know I don't know if you do but your lieutenants your your captains whoever they need to go out on the road and

623
03:19:42.000 --> 03:20:00.399
enforce the enforce the uh the laws as I've said and I'll repeat again red lights are just a suggestion people blow through stop signs there's rampid speeding you talk about taking Grove Avenue and dropping it down to 25 miles

624
03:20:00.399 --> 03:20:17.520
an hour. Don't see that where that's going to help. Thank you. Wait for your response. >> Thank you. Um, as far as can we have an answer for the solid waste budget and why it's separate, please. >> Yes. Part of the community is covered by

625
03:20:17.520 --> 03:20:37.200
uh the sanitation district and the people who live within that district receive a separate bill. All other taxpayers solid waste collection is funded through the budget. >> Okay. As far as your uh complaint uh for 12800425

626
03:20:37.200 --> 03:20:53.840
Neverwood uh circle for the pod hall, I'm surprised someone hasn't gone out there. I mean, I will get your report on how responsive we are to those requests. I mean, I bet we're batting, you know, nine out of 10 complaints are handled.

627
03:20:53.840 --> 03:21:09.040
I'll provide you a report and listen, I I understand that your complaint was not handled because you're here, but to state that nothing happens or that we need to revamp the system. It's better than it's ever been. And that's my

628
03:21:09.040 --> 03:21:24.319
opinion. It, you know, Dana has left that department. She's in recreation now. There's been a change of staff in there. I'll find out when we'll get to the bottom of it. We're going to patch uh your hole. You've still the director here tonight. I'm sure he's going to go out there and take care of it. Um you

629
03:21:24.319 --> 03:21:40.160
know, plenty of people have contact with all of us here, including Miss Conway. And a lot of people can reach out to a council member to fix a pothole is simple. Anyone here on the council would reach out to the director and make that happen. I understand you went through the citizens complaint and it's better

630
03:21:40.160 --> 03:21:56.479
for all of us, but I can promise you um I'll provide your report and we'll get on this right away. That's all the questions you had. >> You need to close. >> Okay, we're going to just want to make one one remark because you know the question was and Ken, correct me if I'm wrong.

631
03:21:56.479 --> 03:22:12.319
>> Will there be a separate bill? I think it's a part of the tax. It's a garbage district. No, the so the answer is is that for the properties that are in the uh solid waste district, they get a separate there's a solid >> I'm also in the same district. You know, it's

632
03:22:12.319 --> 03:22:27.840
>> so you get a sep you get a separate bill. >> It's a part of the tax. It's a separate tax there. >> It's it's on it's on your tax bill, but it's a it's a separate tax. So I I shouldn't say it's a separate bill. It's on your tax bill. Yes. >> For everyone else they pay for their solid waste they paid to a private hauler. True.

633
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>> So I just want to make the distinction between the two. It's not that some people are taxed and some people aren't. Some people are taxed and get a service. Other people are not taxed and they pay for the services themselves. >> It's one bill. That's just one to clarify. >> Yep. We have another speaker. Please

634
03:22:44.000 --> 03:23:00.479
come up. I apologize. You waited a lot longer than 10 minutes. >> Yeah. I was >> and I should have just let you continue about this one issue and I apologize. Um >> No, I'm really speaking on behalf of the recreation. you have four minutes to talk about all you want on this subject which is the

635
03:23:00.479 --> 03:23:16.880
>> sure um I've spoken with um my mother-in-law and my husband is also in an accounting so um we spoke a lot on this issue so um I just want to they have a question that why was the furlows happened not at the end of the pay

636
03:23:16.880 --> 03:23:34.239
period of July 22nd and why uh were they getting paid um the furled um uh people Were they paid on that July 22nd because it's the last day of the pay period and when will the $150 tax increase happen?

637
03:23:34.239 --> 03:23:49.359
When will it apply and will will it apply to senior citizens? And I just do want to note that I do see the changes that I like in Edison. I do appreciate that. I just we weren't happy with

638
03:23:49.359 --> 03:24:06.640
what had happened. Um just because everybody else has summer camp, everybody else gets their things taken care of, but not our town. You know what I mean? So, um that's all I have to say. I'm waiting for your response.

639
03:24:06.640 --> 03:24:20.560
>> And I mean, how many days were you without care? >> Two days. >> Two days. And I actually on a side note I'm actually a therapist at Roosevelt Care Center and I was very upset because I

640
03:24:20.560 --> 03:24:36.239
serve the community every single day and um how am I able to serve the community, the elderly if um if I have no no care for my child? So that's

641
03:24:36.239 --> 03:24:51.439
>> I'm sorry. Uh I mean you we still have plenty of time. I'm sorry that happened. And again, you know, in defense of my council members, I don't think they intended to not come to a vote for the temporary budget. The temporary budget was on the agenda. They would have voted

642
03:24:51.439 --> 03:25:08.880
for that and that was the impact it had. Um, let me move to get some answers for you through our ABA BA. Would you answer some questions, please? >> Sure. Um, there was another question previously that she had asked and I noted. So, for the furloss, those part-time staffers, they will get paid.

643
03:25:08.880 --> 03:25:24.880
uh this upcoming pay period. Uh secondly, all of the refunds will be at the August council meeting. So resolution needs to go to the body in order to get all of the refunds applied to the parents for those two days.

644
03:25:24.880 --> 03:25:44.560
>> And when will the we voted on the budget? When will the tax increase? Uh when can you expect that the difference in taxes is >> estimated tax bills went out for the third quarter which was due August 1st. Uh so the adjustment will be made

645
03:25:44.560 --> 03:26:01.840
beginning with the uh fourth quarter tax bill starting November 1st. >> Okay. And um does that answer all your questions? You still have time. You have a minute. >> Yeah. And also my other question about um when will the $150 tax increase

646
03:26:01.840 --> 03:26:19.000
happen for the you know per resident? >> I think he just said it's in the November 1st tax. It's November 1st. >> November 1st of this year. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> I apolog

647
03:26:21.760 --> 03:26:38.960
$150 tax increase. Well, she she was just giving an approximate. It's not 150 at all, but she was asking for what when the amount will impact. >> And I also have a >> it's inaccurate. >> And when will the senior citizens have a

648
03:26:38.960 --> 03:26:54.319
discount on that um tax increase? Thank you very much. >> Okay, she has seven minutes left. Um are the are the seniors impacted? So, >> so the seniors who have the freeze aren't and of course there's also the

649
03:26:54.319 --> 03:27:10.960
stay NJ that they'd get back depending on their um depending on their uh income qualification. Um so those are the two things that that impact seniors. >> Okay, our time is up. We're going to

650
03:27:10.960 --> 03:27:28.160
move to the next speaker. Thank you very much. I didn't know that. >> My name is Kulbander Dhija. I hope after some time you will remember my name. Keep coming here unless you remember my name. >> Welcome.

651
03:27:28.160 --> 03:27:43.279
>> Thank you sir. I want to again talk about the about the budget what happened all those happening one week back and what I gather what I hear what I see what my thinking is that everybody on the council the mayor the

652
03:27:43.279 --> 03:27:58.000
administration everybody was keen that everybody gets all the employees get the pay. So why this happened? We could come up with a process where it never happens again. And I would expect I would request that if the president could

653
03:27:58.000 --> 03:28:14.720
share with us what he can do, he can do in one month, two month, whatever time it takes. Talk to the council, talk to the union leaders, talk to the employees, talk to me. I'll give you a solution. Any problems you have in the town, talk to me. I have time. I have

654
03:28:14.720 --> 03:28:29.920
certain amount of brain. I'll spend time with you and figure out a solution. So please find one so this doesn't happen again. And again what I hear is people who are required who are required in emergency they all worked and they got

655
03:28:29.920 --> 03:28:44.640
paid for those two days and people who were not required they didn't work they were furoughed and they got paid. So what is happening? People don't work they get paid. People who work and they are working you know whatever it is in

656
03:28:44.640 --> 03:29:01.680
storms they just got paid. To me that's not in equilibrium. That's not right. So that's why we need a process where that doesn't happen and there should be no distinction. To me every employee is a employee and for that family that

657
03:29:01.680 --> 03:29:17.680
employes job is a emergency. The that family needs the money coming from that person who's employed. So to me there should be no distinction made. Every employee is important. They should be assured of their jobs and they nobody

658
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should be taken out or removed from the job position or fired whatever you call it for lack of budget. I even last time spoke that every employes job should be sacred. It should be protected. So first line item should have always is 80

659
03:29:32.640 --> 03:29:48.399
million whatever number is for next year that is protected and there is a way of doing it and even if the budget doesn't pass this should be the first line item every time to extend the budget for next one year for those employees. That is one thing. Second thing I've been

660
03:29:48.399 --> 03:30:04.880
thinking about I heard a lot about police officers doing a good job. Yes they are doing of course I agree emergency workers firefighters employees. I never heard in last three months anyone talking about the military people who are deployed. So I am sorry

661
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that you know either Edison doesn't care that is not acceptable to me at least. So to me there should be of the council or administration I ask this is my question to you. Do you have a list of the residents whose family member is

662
03:30:21.520 --> 03:30:37.920
deployed? Please answer me after my time is over. And of course, I don't know if the township knows, you know. So that's very important. People who are deployed, their families are here. It could be a dozen, could be a hundred, could be five, I don't know. I know of one family

663
03:30:37.920 --> 03:30:54.399
at least, you know. So please spend some time on this and take care of the families cuz a person is out, person is deployed, whether it's a him or she, doesn't matter. The person is deployed, look after their families over here. and

664
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take care of the township employees and make sure their jobs are secure. They sleep peacefully for the whole year and not depend on what goes on here. You all have the best intentions. I heard I I I agree. I agree with you that you have

665
03:31:11.200 --> 03:31:29.520
the best intentions and I also believe that you do your best for the township and I hope that people get some reward for that. Thank you. >> Thank you for your time. Um I think some of your statement is not accurate. Um Sonia, did everybody get paid uh who

666
03:31:29.520 --> 03:31:45.600
did not come to work? That >> the answer is yes. >> Okay. Did anybody stay home? He he made a statement that people >> got paid and they were home. >> There were some

667
03:31:45.600 --> 03:32:02.000
>> the people who were furoughed got paid for those days. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> So >> they got paid. They didn't get charged six days. They got paid for that day. >> You can't charge >> pursuant to their union contract. So that's the answer and the township policy. >> There's no misunderstanding between >> but there's not any misunderstanding. I

668
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don't want anybody to think anything other than that. >> Okay. >> Council President. >> Okay. And and wait, I think he just said he also had Okay, that was his questions. Yes, sir. >> Yeah. Just one comment. when you talked about the military um in in this town here, what we do is

669
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we we can put a lot of sand down and play a lot of music for young people to go to and disturb all the neighbors. But what we can't seem to get straight, and we have council people in this audience here, ex- councsil people that sat here and tried to get this administration to

670
03:32:35.359 --> 03:32:52.319
do things. But we have a veterans memorial, I believe, that was proposed some four years ago. It's it's a matter of putting some headstones, a flag pole, right? Some lights um right across the street on Route 27. And um we c we can't

671
03:32:52.319 --> 03:33:09.279
do that for our military. In fact, I believe we have a committee for our veterans committee and we can't even get veterans that want to serve on the committee appointed because of so every other administration could appoint people but now we have

672
03:33:09.279 --> 03:33:26.560
issues because of technicalities and who can appoint the council and the mayor both appoint but get the work done for the veterans. But what I see here in Edison because we're the ones that did the flag ban, right? is that we are anti-military just about, right?

673
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Anti-American. Um, that's just my my opinion. Or we get that Veterans Park done and it would be done before the next holiday we have. Um, after Bob Deal left, I think that thing just fell into a big dark deep

674
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hole. Um, but that would be it. Council President. >> Thank you, Council Brusher. Next speaker, please. >> Hi. Um, so I just have a couple comments. Those that those two properties that are going to the planning board now will come back as

675
03:34:01.359 --> 03:34:17.279
needing redevelopment. They're beautifully maintained. There's a lot of green mature trees on both those properties, but they will come back as needing redevelopment because they meet the criteria for the age of the structure.

676
03:34:17.279 --> 03:34:34.160
Next year, my house will be 100 years old. I right in Clarab Barton. I defy anyone to tell me my house is in need and my property is in need of rehabilitation. But um my question is maybe this is for

677
03:34:34.160 --> 03:34:52.080
council. Anybody can build on Amboy Avenue. If they have the means, the zoning's there, they could build. They want to combine lots. That's a ordinance that they can apply for a zone a zoning ordinance. Um

678
03:34:52.080 --> 03:35:13.600
so what is what is the advantage to property owners andor developers to have properties declared redevelopment in need of redevelopment? >> What I don't wait for just wait for >> want me to repeat it. >> I heard you. I just going to write down

679
03:35:13.600 --> 03:35:28.399
your questions. You can repeat it again. Sure. >> So any these two the property owners can build today, take their make their plan, go to the planning board, apply for their variances. Hopefully

680
03:35:28.399 --> 03:35:43.040
they're not granted or they're not too egregious and build within the context of the Amboy Avenue redevelopment plan. So what what are the advantages to a developer

681
03:35:43.040 --> 03:35:59.200
or property owner to have their property declared in need of redevelopment? >> You have any other questions? >> No. >> Okay. Councelor, >> the answer is is actually the benefit is to the municipality because it gives you

682
03:35:59.200 --> 03:36:15.279
more control on how the development gets completed, who completes the development, and you're actually able to enter into redevelopment agreements that control all all of those aspects. So, we we largely do that because it gives the

683
03:36:15.279 --> 03:36:32.080
town council and the mayor the ability to negotiate. For instance, I'll give you the the greatest example. You can now um negotiate redevelopment fees like like as mentioned on item 417 from

684
03:36:32.080 --> 03:36:49.840
redevelopers, but you cannot get them from um just somebody who has a development application. So, for that reason alone, there's a huge advantage to municipalities to do that. So that's why mayors and councils all across the state look to use redevelopment as a

685
03:36:49.840 --> 03:37:06.640
tool because it gives you the ability to negotiate the terms of an approval that are much greater than what you would have if somebody just applied to a planning board. So that's the answer. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Thanks. >> Yeah. And again, Sue, I I plan I know we

686
03:37:06.640 --> 03:37:22.160
don't speak every week and I know you haven't sent I know you haven't sent flowers to my house in a long time. But uh but I am open and my ship has sailed for what I thought Amway Avenue can be. When this comes back to us, I'm

687
03:37:22.160 --> 03:37:36.880
willing to sit down with you and uh John Pointer and Octar. I think John knows most about the town, what can be done. And if there's opportunities that Mr. uh Renown said that can be sandwiched into this, I'm all for it. >> Okay. >> So, >> thank you very much.

688
03:37:36.880 --> 03:37:52.640
>> And Okay. Thank you. Next speaker. I'm sorry. We you you you weren't next. >> You jumped in front of Mr. Pointer. >> He he let you go. Okay. Just double checking. >> Got it. >> He's wearing, you know.

689
03:37:52.640 --> 03:38:08.319
>> Okay. Two. Elizabeth Conway, 20 Netherwood Circle. Uh just two items. And uh the one item is regarding my tax bill. I have yet to get a tax bill for August 1st. And when I called to

690
03:38:08.319 --> 03:38:25.359
question it, they told me to go on to the website. When I went on the website, it just has the total amount that's due August 1st with no breakdown. And I just wasn't sure, did I not get something or

691
03:38:25.359 --> 03:38:41.840
was this what everyone is just taking that they're paying the top number uh with no other breakdown? 20 Netherwood Circle. >> Do you have any other questions? Yes. Uh while sitting here and I realize uh from

692
03:38:41.840 --> 03:38:59.279
listening to the people in Clara Barton and at a different part uh of the year some another part of the town would be uh requesting help. Uh is the public advocate item completely dead or are we

693
03:38:59.279 --> 03:39:15.600
ever going to realize that as Mr. Renown said, you know, the township will be more helpful. Well, I think we'd be even more helpful if we had a public advocate to help the different groups. It might move things along and be a little bit

694
03:39:15.600 --> 03:39:33.760
more uh protective of uh our residences and our uh areas in the township. That's my second thing. >> Okay, let me get to your first question. I uh tax bills. Has everyone received uh Council Patil, let me just let her. Has

695
03:39:33.760 --> 03:39:49.600
everybody received their tax bill? Can you walk me through the tax bill and what she should have expected and what people have expected? >> Estimated tax bills were mailed to all property owners. Uh I I'm not disputing that you said you did

696
03:39:49.600 --> 03:40:07.200
not receive it. So, we've uh requested the tax collector look into that to explain why you have not received one. >> Okay. But it's August 3rd. >> Yes. So, we'll get that to you. Somebody will be in touch with you tomorrow.

697
03:40:07.200 --> 03:40:24.560
>> And and and for her concern, um what is the difference she should expect I mean to pay from she has a tax bill from last year. What what more should she anticipate? >> Well, the top tax bill >> the top number was a little almost $300.

698
03:40:24.560 --> 03:40:41.279
>> So, the estimated tax bills they were 5%. Okay. Oh, 5%. That's what that's what you frontloaded it. >> Okay. No problem. >> May I? >> Yeah, sure. >> Um, >> she just has one more question to answer for if you could. Uh, you had the

699
03:40:41.279 --> 03:40:57.279
question on that and then you also tax bill. Oh, the public advocate. Um, as you know, I'm not a supporter of the public advocate and neither was the council prior to that. We have two we have new members on the council. >> I hope to convince him not to. >> So, it's not completely different. You

700
03:40:57.279 --> 03:41:13.760
could certainly caucus with them to try to provide that. I I don't think it's a is good. So that's just my opinion, but we have seven members. >> President, if I could interrupt you for a second, I I tried to get buy in on the public advocate and the um six minutes, but I haven't been able to so far, but I

701
03:41:13.760 --> 03:41:28.720
will keep trying for you. >> Uh that's all I want to hear. We keep trying. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Council, just a tax bill question. You know, I just pulled your record. It's $3,541.25. You have that number. But if you click

702
03:41:28.720 --> 03:41:44.000
on the view current bill, there is a button there. It will pop up the PDF document and you can see the details of that. Thank you, Council President. >> Yes, sir. >> Um I I just like Miss Conway to um make

703
03:41:44.000 --> 03:41:59.120
sure that she's counting properly. We we tried the public advocate and currently up here, I think myself and Mr. Betil were the only ones in favor of it. Um it was just enlightening to hear Councilman

704
03:41:59.120 --> 03:42:16.239
Kento say that he's in favor of it. But that still leaves two other new council people that the public hasn't approached. So if you don't approach them and they're not for it, your request is um how do they call it? Dead on arrival.

705
03:42:16.239 --> 03:42:32.399
>> Thank you, Councilman Pressure. Next speaker. and and and and in in lie of conversations if we could later close the public portion then make uh council comments that's something we did in the past I hope we can certainly look at in the future. Thank you.

706
03:42:32.399 --> 03:42:48.880
>> Thank you council President John Pointer Roosevelt Boulevard. Uh before I begin three questions to council if I can which may affect my statements. First question, I just want to make sure. Temporary appropriations. Would you have needed four votes for a temporary

707
03:42:48.880 --> 03:43:04.399
appropriation or five votes? >> Five. >> Uh, could council have started the budget hearing or done the amendments after and then done a continuation at another meeting? >> Yes.

708
03:43:04.399 --> 03:43:21.279
>> Yes. Then finally, could the council have set the special meeting with uh four members present? >> Could council have set well council can four members of council could always set a special meeting. Is that the question?

709
03:43:21.279 --> 03:43:37.680
>> Kind of. Yes. So the what I'm trying to get at is that with Councilman Brusher leaving on the July 20th meeting, we could have avoided a lot of hoopla that happened. We could have known that the budget hearing could have been pushed

710
03:43:37.680 --> 03:43:54.239
off to another meeting. We know that the council then and there could have established a special meeting. No. >> After the fact. >> But there weren't there weren't four council people here. >> No, I'm saying if he had stayed. >> Oh, if he had stayed. Sure. >> Right. So, we could have avoided this

711
03:43:54.239 --> 03:44:11.439
whole mayor, council, administration back and forth if people just came here and did their job. And respectfully, I'm quoting you from this very podium from a couple years ago. What I am most disappointed in, and this

712
03:44:11.439 --> 03:44:26.960
is coming from someone that supported the reduction speaking time and the decorum ordinance, is that Councilman Brusher's actions that night took away my ability to petition and to speak my

713
03:44:26.960 --> 03:44:44.239
grievances to my governing body. While you may not have enjoyed or liked what my stances were on those two ordinances, I never said, "Hey, you do not have the ability to speak to me." Always offered myself.

714
03:44:44.239 --> 03:45:01.120
And unfortunately, your actions that night left me unable to petition my government. I agree. The administration should have provided you a line item by line item ledger of the qu of the

715
03:45:01.120 --> 03:45:17.600
answers of the questions that you have. I agree. Query them, come to your decisions and do what you do what you must, right? But the fact is is that you had residents that were here. You had residents that took a time out of their

716
03:45:17.600 --> 03:45:33.840
day. They were not afforded the opportunity. And we as residents, that's at minimum what we should expect from our governing body is to at least give us the opportunity to be heard. And believe me,

717
03:45:33.840 --> 03:45:50.399
I know that the 4minute ordinance that I supported is going to cut my time. I get it. Right. With that said, couple questions. Last year in June, the council approved

718
03:45:50.399 --> 03:46:07.199
for BFJ planning to write ordinances to update our zoning. Can we get an update as to when that may be forth? Because that time frame was originally 6 months. In regards to Amboy Avenue,

719
03:46:07.199 --> 03:46:24.000
Jackson Avenue, one of the purposes for the repaving item last year or two years ago was that the substrate was in such disrepair that just constant repaving would happen over and over and over. And to the amendment of the budget, you

720
03:46:24.000 --> 03:46:40.960
could have just done 130,000 under the 10% threshold and not have to worry about renoticing for a new hearing. Thank you. >> Okay, >> council president, I know you'd like um to hear everybody. >> Can we answer his questions first?

721
03:46:40.960 --> 03:46:58.160
>> Not really. I'd like to >> Okay, sure. >> Well, cuz he started with me. >> I know. Listen, it's you know, listen, uh you want >> want to buy into it. I mean, this is uh >> No, it was really It's been really simple. We funded the township until the end of July. The administration chose

722
03:46:58.160 --> 03:47:15.040
to do it to a pay cycle. That's up to them. They could have cut separate checks. They could have put it in the assistant. They could have approved it. Whatever it was. Um, and to the resident that just spoke, um, who was our councilman here and he was a

723
03:47:15.040 --> 03:47:33.040
council president, right? You understand that if we can't get the information, then you can't make an intelligent decision, right? So, where I'm going is an abstain. An abstain would have approved the

724
03:47:33.040 --> 03:47:49.279
budget at that time. So because the budget vote if we were here, right? If it was 3 to one, what would happen to the budget then? >> Fails. >> It would have failed. So then we would have reintroduced the budget, right? Like we were trying tonight.

725
03:47:49.279 --> 03:48:05.040
>> You wouldn't have reintroduced it. You would have had to reschedule for another public hearing because the state won't allow you not to have a budget, >> right? So, so we would have to you would have to reschedule the public hearing and vote again >> and do the whole thing over again because it failed. >> You'd have to re you'd have to keep voting on the budget until you adopted

726
03:48:05.040 --> 03:48:20.560
one and then and if you didn't adopt it. >> But if we changed it, we were just told we had to reintroduce the whole thing because we changed one line item by 10%. >> I don't think that that was his issue was you would have been able to schedule a meeting to do that and you

727
03:48:20.560 --> 03:48:36.880
didn't have you lost the ability to do that. I think that's the point. Uh the the point here that I'm trying to make is that this budget would have exceeded and would have went on and we wouldn't have done nothing when when the other council was here before these new members we had if they would have held

728
03:48:36.880 --> 03:48:52.000
the administration accountable to getting all the information we needed. We wouldn't be in this mess that we're in today. So I do hold other council people accountable for it. Like I said, this council right here came the closest

729
03:48:52.000 --> 03:49:10.560
to ever trimming a budget and they should be commended on that even though it's only.167%. Um, and if you were inconvenienced and you had to come back to another meeting, you being council president, right, that you made the people with the flag and

730
03:49:10.560 --> 03:49:26.000
everything else that we had, right, these people had to keep on coming back. So there was no consideration for them when you sat on the dis and now you're complaining because you had to come to another meeting. Well, well that's what

731
03:49:26.000 --> 03:49:41.279
happens at council meetings, right? It happens at planning board meetings. They have multiple meetings about this stuff on Amboy Avenue. Multiple meetings that you can go to. If one gets postponed, it gets adjourned. You know, I I'll be honest with you, it's it's what happens

732
03:49:41.279 --> 03:49:57.520
to everybody in the town. um because you were a sitting councilman doesn't make you any different because I am a councilman doesn't make me any different. I go to meetings, they get postponed, right? They gets postponed for good reasons or bad reasons. I seem

733
03:49:57.520 --> 03:50:15.600
to feel that my reasons were well worth to bring the spotlight to the budget that we finally had that we actually looked at the budget that council people here asked dozens of questions. Okay, that was a good thing for this town.

734
03:50:15.600 --> 03:50:30.800
People are starting to wake up. News organizations are waking up. They're looking at what we're doing. We're trying to control the taxes for the town, right? I I know our ex councsil uh president also is requesting money for

735
03:50:30.800 --> 03:50:48.399
an organization that she belongs to. Well, if we just keep on shelling out money and we're not cutting money, we can't even cut the sand out of the the beach that we're building. There are so many places that we propose cuts. We we're talking $1.5 to $2.5 million that

736
03:50:48.399 --> 03:51:04.560
we could have easily cut, but there wasn't the stomach to make those cuts. So yet we we get requests for for additional funds. I mean, at what point do we say that we're not Rumson, okay? That we actually live on budgets here

737
03:51:04.560 --> 03:51:21.120
because I do know Edison is very affluent um by our attorney's own standpoint here. Somehow we're being taxed 12% by the county because we're so affluent. We have so much money, right? So, we should just get the rest. >> Can we Can we wrap up and just finish this last speaker and you can speak

738
03:51:21.120 --> 03:51:39.199
again? You can speak again if you want. >> I was going to try. >> I mean, I think you did pretty good there. >> All right. All right. All right. I'm sorry. I think you uh >> you're very good. >> Okay. Good. Thank you, sir. Sir, please come. >> Raj Nagarajin, Heritage Drive, Edison, New Jersey. >> Welcome. >> Thank you.

739
03:51:39.199 --> 03:51:55.680
I am very sad to be here talking to you all. Okay. I'm a 26 year resident of Edison. I follow Edison. I have followed Ellison Edison politics from George Pedro's time. Okay. This is the first

740
03:51:55.680 --> 03:52:10.800
time I understand right. I mean you guys are doing awesome job. I'm looking around. I'm looking at Woodbridge. I'm looking at Matachin. I'm looking at Piscataway. You guys are really awesome. Okay. You guys are doing a better job. Democracy lives in our town. It doesn't live in most of the other towns around

741
03:52:10.800 --> 03:52:27.279
us. Okay? Look at the quality of life. It's really awesome. Okay? And each one of you are here to do service to the public. Okay? I mean, the peanuts that you get for spending hours and hours here does not compensate for how the much of hard work you're putting in.

742
03:52:27.279 --> 03:52:44.239
Okay? We all have day jobs. Okay? I want to thank you all for that. And uh I I don't think anybody should get personal about why people or the council people did not attend the la the budget meeting right what I'm very sad about is I watched

743
03:52:44.239 --> 03:53:00.000
budget pass political games being played during Lankey's time Padero's time every time right it's it's between council and the mayor okay I've never seen where pe the employees had to be furlared okay

744
03:53:00.000 --> 03:53:16.800
this is the first time I'm seeing this right and I understand right that the administration gave you two months budget two months late but it doesn't give you an excuse to sleep for 2 months okay I did an interview with uh the

745
03:53:16.800 --> 03:53:32.880
mayor right June 1st week a week after he submitted the budget right through his BA and he was very open he said I'm I'm okay if the council cuts I don't care and this is the same 3 to 4% Right. Lanke used to do this during his

746
03:53:32.880 --> 03:53:48.720
administration over and over again and still services were cut. Okay. Today the town is much better because I have extra services for the money I pay. Okay. This 4% is not like what BOE did, right? Which is like 6 12% and then came down

747
03:53:48.720 --> 03:54:04.239
to 6%. It was not outrageous, right? You are trying to nickel and dime. You could have done this in the 60 days you had since the budget was submitted. Right? I I don't understand. Right? Even at work, you don't put off stuff till the last

748
03:54:04.239 --> 03:54:18.720
minute. So, I request each one of you to not find excuses, right? Because the the chaos that has happened is really terrible. Okay? I work with the residents in this town. I got several calls saying, "Hey, why did the council

749
03:54:18.720 --> 03:54:45.600
and uh you know the mayor >> stop the clock, please? Okay, you can hear me, right? >> Continue the clock, please. >> Yeah. So, they call me and they're like, "Why did the council raise the taxes by 5%." I said, "No, because I explained to

750
03:54:45.600 --> 03:55:01.760
them that the council portion is only 23 to 25%." Okay, it is the BOE that raised it to 6 whatever percent, which is 3%, right? Even if you do it at 4 something, it's just 1% more. It's 25% of the total taxes, right? There was chaos. I I got

751
03:55:01.760 --> 03:55:18.399
several calls and this is not needed. We don't need the news organizations coming here, right? And talking to us about it, right? Like just like the flag disaster. We should be known for what is good and not what is bad. So please get your act together, right? I appreciate what all you do and everybody now is holding the

752
03:55:18.399 --> 03:55:35.840
blame on the council. And that's what I'm sad about. Okay? And I'm here to tell you that just work it out because it's never happened in the history of Edison and I don't want it to happen again, right? And all of your intention is good, right? You didn't want to really have people laid off. So, thank

753
03:55:35.840 --> 03:55:52.319
you so much for giving me the podium. And as always, I'm so proud of my council and the mayor. Thank you, >> Council President. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. Can we anybody else speak from >> Mr. President? I just want to clear something. >> Could we just Would you now There's been I'm going to go Point my discussion.

754
03:55:52.319 --> 03:56:08.640
>> Point of order. We just have right here. >> Anybody else that would like to speak? Correct. Anybody like to speak? Have a motion to close the public portion. >> Motion to close. >> But then he's going to >> All in favor say I. >> I. Second. >> Okay. Good. Okay. The public portion is

755
03:56:08.640 --> 03:56:24.880
now closed. >> Mr. Brush, you have the floor. >> Okay. Um, Roger, I I I know you have a good heart. I really do. But I do believe that you get manipulated. Okay. And I believe that you don't actually look at the numbers. So I'm just going to ask a

756
03:56:24.880 --> 03:56:44.319
question from our finance guy. The township right now currently is going to raise the taxes in Edison how much this year percentage >> the municipal portion is 4.42%.

757
03:56:44.319 --> 03:57:04.239
>> And how much of the total taxes is the municipal side approximately? About 20%. >> About 20%. The county is going to raise our taxes. How much? >> 1239. >> 12 12%.

758
03:57:04.239 --> 03:57:21.920
>> 12%. And how much of our bill is left to the county? >> How much is the county? >> Where's my cheat sheet? >> Just under 20%. around 20%. The board of education,

759
03:57:21.920 --> 03:57:40.160
which everybody seems to make out as the bad guy, how much are they raising our taxes this year? >> 3%. >> Wait, can you please repeat that number for me? >> 3%. >> 3%. So, Rajan, like I told you, you just

760
03:57:40.160 --> 03:57:56.479
heard this from our financial guy. Yet I hear people running around town going 6% 12% blah blah. The county is 12, they're 20% of the budget. The township is 4.45 roughly and we're like 20 something 20%

761
03:57:56.479 --> 03:58:13.760
or 21%. The board of education is 3%. >> 60% of our budget >> and they're 60% of our budget. Correct. So So the one that lowered our taxes the least by our financial guy is the board of education. I was trying to bring ours

762
03:58:13.760 --> 03:58:29.199
down to the 3% that I was told by the mayor and council president. That's all that we were trying to do was to reduce the taxes without affecting anybody in the town, without affecting

763
03:58:29.199 --> 03:58:45.760
any department. Um and and if you listen to what we were talking about when we had the the crowd here and we just talked about, you know, we could talk about police budget. That's just one portion, right? police last year spent $27 million, but we approved 31 million.

764
03:58:45.760 --> 03:59:01.520
But now this year, we're increasing it to 33 million because that money that's left over, if I'm not mistaken, um Sonia, that would go into either you would transfer that, right? Or it would go into the >> surplus >> general fund, right? >> Surplus. >> Surplus.

765
03:59:01.520 --> 03:59:16.960
>> So into the surplus. So So that money is just kind of being saved and banked. Um, all we were talking about was reducing that a little bit. Okay. Without reducing any services. So, so to strip away the narrative that people get told

766
03:59:16.960 --> 03:59:34.080
or or the lie or whatever it is to make >> One second. Point of order. Taxes for Board of Ed were 6% not 3%. 3%. >> No. No. Council President, I our financial guy knows what he's talking about. Trust me. >> They're on a fiscal year which starts

767
03:59:34.080 --> 03:59:50.720
July 1. So the budget their budget went up 6%. However, when you overlay it on a calendar year, it's 3%. Right. So no, but but the but but no, I just want to compare apples and apples, right?

768
03:59:50.720 --> 04:00:08.080
>> We increased the municipal budget 4.5% and the board increased their budget 6%. >> Correct. >> The fact that some of it, by the way, next year they start off with 3% before they before they walk out the door. So if next year they if next year they increase their budget 3% then it'll be

769
04:00:08.080 --> 04:00:22.960
6% next year. Right. >> Right. So so this year >> So it's a 6% increase. It's not a I don't know. I don't know how that math doesn't matter. >> Wait. President. Wait. I have point. He has a floor. I'm sorry. I just want to correct that. >> Attorney is trying to wait.

770
04:00:22.960 --> 04:00:38.560
>> That came from me. You have the floor. >> You know if you if you have the floor, >> it's all yours. Go ahead, Rich. Okay. Back to Mr. D. Roberts. The residents want to know how much the board of ed is

771
04:00:38.560 --> 04:00:55.199
raising their taxes this year in our tax bill that Sonia's administration's going to send out to them. Now, our attorney, would you like to answer how much that tax? >> I'm going to answer the question. They raised the budget 6%.

772
04:00:55.199 --> 04:01:12.960
>> In theory, you're in in theory only. You're only going to pay half of that this year because you're only going to pay two quarters. But the that's for instance that's like >> wait wait wait one question I asked you question and you you gave a different answer. >> No no I'm g they raised they raised it

773
04:01:12.960 --> 04:01:29.920
6% but you what you're saying is well you're only going to pay 3% of it this year because there's only two quarters left. But they actually they had the same budget problems that the town had u uh uh health insurance and all those

774
04:01:29.920 --> 04:01:46.239
other things. Their budget went up 6%. Okay. Now, now wait. Now, now I'm just gonna step back because you're 100% wrong. Their budget was cut 10 million by Mickey Cheryl. Okay. >> By the way, it's Mikey Cheryl. >> Mikey. >> I don't know who Mickey Cheryl is, but Mikey Cheryl. >> Maybe that's why Maybe that's why she's

775
04:01:46.239 --> 04:02:00.880
cutting our thing. >> But But that's why, >> by the way, that was $3 million, not $10 million. >> That's why we're short. It's But you want to debate it. It was $3 million and not >> $10 million because $3 million is the maximum. >> They got they got five last year and they got now hit again. So they never

776
04:02:00.880 --> 04:02:17.520
got that back money. >> Well, from last year, >> right? But where I'm going is their taxes that you're being raised this year unequivocally is only 3%. Okay? The attorney can say it's 6% for the year all he wants, but they're not charging for the whole year. They're only

777
04:02:17.520 --> 04:02:34.479
charging you for their half of the year. So your taxes in your tax bill this year only goes up 3%. If the board of ed, to his point, raises taxes again, then it could be 6% next year. But if the board of ed does a zero next year, then their

778
04:02:34.479 --> 04:02:50.399
portion next year will only be 3% again next year. >> And if the town does a zero next year, does that mean this year we're only 2.2%. >> No, because we're on a calendar year, right? We're on a calendar year and they're on a fiscal year. >> So this is where I go with the

779
04:02:50.399 --> 04:03:06.560
propaganda, right? where you try and blame an entity that your tax bill, you find it in your tax bill, you're only going to see 3% from them this year. That's all you're going to see. That's a fact. What happens next year? Who knows?

780
04:03:06.560 --> 04:03:24.160
Councilman Brasher, um maybe um Raj can do a um like instead of fireside like a ice cold chat with you or something like that. >> Oh, no. No, >> you don't want to do that. >> Well, I don't think they want the facts. Um, you know, that's it. There's facts

781
04:03:24.160 --> 04:03:40.800
and then there's a story line. He's good at the story line. I I have noticed, but the facts and the numbers don't lie. So, the board of ed has only gone up 3% again this year in your tax bills. You know, you can say that they're raising at 6% overall. They're on a different year.

782
04:03:40.800 --> 04:03:56.960
So, that's all I got on that one. Councelor before you close just want to make sure that everyone understand municipal is 27.97% school is 53.4% and county is 20 18.63%.

783
04:03:56.960 --> 04:04:12.560
So it's not 20% it's not 60%. I'm giving the precise numbers. Thank you. >> Thank you Councilman. Okay. Um we're going to move on to Points of Light. Thank you for the um the public service announcement. Yeah,

784
04:04:12.560 --> 04:04:29.600
>> we do points of light. >> We're going to skip that. >> Okay. >> All right. Points of light. Uh, tomorrow is National Night Out, August 4th at Lake Papana from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. I may be making a special guest star appearance there walking around. So, if you want to see me and yell at me about

785
04:04:29.600 --> 04:04:47.520
the budget or something, feel free. Um, we also have the uh summer concert, the jazz concert coming up on August 6 at um the Edison Main Library from 6:00 to 8:30. Another summer concert, the India Rock at um I'm sorry, at August

786
04:04:47.520 --> 04:05:03.439
August 13th at uh Linquist Park, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. And we also have the summer concert of the 60s,7s, and 80s music. August 20th at Thomas Edison Center at Menllo Park from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. You want to take over, Joe?

787
04:05:03.439 --> 04:05:19.600
>> Thank you very much. >> Moving forward, can we have a motion during the meeting? >> What about our our comments? >> I thought we had enough comments tonight. You don't think so? >> Well, they're listed. I mean, I think the public they've come here for it. Why

788
04:05:19.600 --> 04:05:34.640
do you think they're sitting there? They're not sitting there for >> They're here >> for the budget to be adopted. the budget that was done a while ago as a >> courtesy as a courtesy. Would you yield this to the next meeting or would you like to discuss it now? >> Well, I because it's it's 10:00.

789
04:05:34.640 --> 04:05:49.439
>> Right. I'll do these three. I think you did a great job. I >> I could do these three right now real quick. >> Okay. >> If you give me give me give me a minute and a half. >> Okay. Well, listen. If I can start the clock. Start the clock. No, I wouldn't do that to you. 90 seconds short. >> Okay. >> Start the clock.

790
04:05:49.439 --> 04:06:05.520
>> Palansky Park. I've talked about that numerous times at the meeting. If you notice, I put that in there, right? Um about the beach, so I don't think I need to talk about that. The taxes with the town, the board of ed county was tax rates that I I've brought up now twice

791
04:06:05.520 --> 04:06:21.279
during the meeting, so I don't need to talk about that. And the roads blocked by Woodsro Wilson and the barricade. Um from what I understand, the administration worked with the residents over there and they came to some sort of an agreement. So therefore, it's a non-issue. Um, that would be it. Council President,

792
04:06:21.279 --> 04:06:37.920
>> that was 25 seconds. Thank you very much. I still got time. >> Council member Dimma. >> Council member Kentos. >> None at this. >> Council member Patel. >> None. >> And council member Patiel. >> I'll move it to the next meeting. >> Okay. Thank you. I appreciate the courtesy. Council member Savol.

793
04:06:37.920 --> 04:06:48.880
>> No. Have a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> To adjourn. Second. A >> second. All in favor say I. I. >> This meeting is adjourned. Budget is