WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=NwRLE8JNXAM

Part: 1

1
00:00:11.061 --> 00:00:43.093
Needed
to speak during each public portion, as the technology does
not allow us to know if there are multiple callers on an individual phone line
or a logged in user account. We ask that if you wish to speak,
that you log in or dial in separately so that we can recognize you
as a separate individual, should you have any further comments
or questions. The town council is always available
by email and phone, and you could always call the mayor's office during,
not the normal operating hours. So I'm calling this meeting to order.

2
00:00:43.093 --> 00:01:22.098
Could you please call the roll? Mr.. Council member Cahill. Here. Council member. Carmichael. Here. Council member. Espinosa. Here. Council member. Liebowitz. Here. Council member. Rashid. Here. Council member. Uhrin. Here. Council president Lombardi here. And would you all
join me in the flag salute? United
States of America and to the Republic. To the flag. one nation
 under God, indivisible,

3
00:01:22.549 --> 00:02:17.053
with liberty and justice for all. Do we have any comments
from the administration and Council regarding adjournment of any matters
on this agenda? Seeing none, we'll move to number six. Number six, will be open to the public
for comments regarding item number 12,
the consent agenda items. Again, we will be opening to the public
for comments for just recess for the consent agenda items only for each public comment portion
for remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time,
please raise your hand on zoom app

4
00:02:17.053 --> 00:02:53.590
or if by pressing phone
by pressing star nine when it's your turn to speak, you will receive
or hear a request to unmute yourself. Please click the prompt or press star
six on your phone to unmute yourself. At that time,
please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes
in which to make your comments. The council or administration will respond
if necessary. After you have completed
any comments or questions were now opened for remote attendees. Council president there are no remote attendees with their hand
raised regarding this agenda item. The remote attendee portion is closed.

5
00:02:53.590 --> 00:03:31.461
Will now open for public comment
for in-person attendees. Anyone wishing to speak at this time,
please come up to the podium. State your name and address
and know that you have three minutes in which to speak. Seeing none, I'll close the in-person attendees. Number seven is an ordinance second
reading to exceed the municipal budget
appropriations and establish a Cap bank. It will be open to the public. A resolution adopting ordinance. Miss Seader,
can you please read the ordinance? Be it resolved by the township
council of Piscataway

6
00:03:31.461 --> 00:04:04.210
Township, new Jersey,
that an ordinance entitled calendar Year 2026 ordinance to exceed
the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a Cap Bank
and GSA for a colon for Dash 4 or 5.14, was introduced on
the 12th day of March 2026, and it passed the first reading and was published
on the 18th day of March 2026. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the aforesaid ordinance,
having had a second reading on April 14th, 2026, be adopted, passed,
and after passage be published together

7
00:04:04.210 --> 00:04:42.432
with a notice of the date of passenger
approval in the official newspaper. Be it further resolved that this ordinance
shall be assigned number 2020 6-08. Thank you Ms Seader. And this is something that we do
every year at this time prior to adopting the budget. So I'm going to open this to the public
for the remote attendees. We're now open for remote attendees. Council president
there are no remote attendees with their hand
raised regarding this agenda item. We'll close the remote attendee portion
and we'll now open to the public

8
00:04:42.432 --> 00:05:17.784
for anyone in person. Seeing none, we're now closed for the in-person. Can I have an offer? Offer. Espinosa. Can I have a second? Lebowitz. Miss Seader,
can you please call the roll? Council member Cahill. Yes. Council member. Carmichael. Yes. Council member. Espinosa. Yes. Council member. Lebowitz. Yes. Council member. Rashid. Yes. Council member Uhrin. Yes.

9
00:05:17.784 --> 00:06:01.794
Council. President. Lombardi. Yes. And the ordinance passes. We'll now move to number eight, which is the public hearing
for the calendar year 2026. Municipal budget. So we are now open to the remote attendees
for the public hearing on the budget. Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand
raised regarding this agenda item. We'll now close that
for the remote attendees and we'll open it for the in-person attendees. Seeing none, we'll close that.

10
00:06:02.528 --> 00:06:38.264
We'll now move to number nine, a resolution the adoption of the calendar
year 2026 municipal budget. Miss Seader.  Be it resolved by the council members of the Township
of Piscataway, County of Middlesex, Middlesex, that the budget hearing
before set forth is hereby adopted and shall constitute
an appropriation for the purposes stated of the sums
therein set forth as appropriations, and the authorization of the amount
of $52,725,270.31 for municipal purposes,

11
00:06:38.931 --> 00:07:12.765
and $4,318,060.60 minimum library tax. Summary of revenues. General revenues. Surplus. Anticipated 17,500,000. Miscellaneous. Revenues anticipated $23,022,702.70. Receipts from delinquent taxes $1,100,000. Amount to be raised by taxation
for municipal purposes

12
00:07:12.999 --> 00:07:50.720
$52,725,270.31 amount to be raised by taxation. Minimum library tax $4,318,060.60. Total revenues $98,666,033.61. Summary of appropriations. General appropriations within Caps
operations, including contingent $51,599,398.96.

13
00:07:51.370 --> 00:08:24.136
Deferred charges and statutory
expenditures. Municipal $7,743,851.20 excluded from Caps operations. Total operations that are excluded
from Caps $12,760,365.75. Capital improvements $11,102,891. Municipal debt service $12,976,800.70.

14
00:08:24.620 --> 00:09:01.374
Reserve for uncollected taxes $2,482,726. Total appropriations $98,666,033.31. Thank you. Ms Seader. I have an offer to accept the budget. Offer. Espinosa. Second, Councilman Uhrin. Ms Seader, can you please call the roll? Council member Cahill. Yes. Council member. Carmichael. Yes.

15
00:09:01.374 --> 00:09:38.961
Council member. Espinosa. Yes. Council member. Liebowitz. Yes. Council member. Rashid. Yes. Council member. Uhrin. Yes. Council. President. Lombardi. Yes. And the calendar
year 2026 municipal budget passes. And I'd like to thank everyone over
in the finance office for their diligent
and hard work in working on this budget. Number ten is an ordinance second reading replacing
chapter 21 zoning section 21 Affordable Housing and repealing the section 23 collection, maintenance
and expenditure of Development fees.

16
00:09:39.195 --> 00:10:11.811
This will be open to the public. It's a resolution adopting ordinance. Miss Seader,
can you please read the ordinance? Be it resolved by the township Council
of Piscataway Township, new Jersey, that an ordinance entitled ordinance
to amend the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Piscataway,
County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, repealing and replacing
chapter 21 zoning section 21 Affordable Housing and repealing
chapter 21 zoning. Section 23 collection, maintenance
and expenditure of development fees was introduced on
the 12th day of March 2026, and it passed

17
00:10:11.811 --> 00:10:43.993
the first reading and was published
on the 22nd day of March 2026. Now, therefore, be it resolved,
that the aforesaid ordinance, having had a second reading on April
14th, 2026, be adopted, passed, and after passage be published together
with a notice of the date of pastor
approval in the official newspaper. Be it further resolved that this ordinance shall be assigned
number 2026, dash zero nine. Thank you Ms Seader. We'll now open this to the public. We're going to be opening
for the remote attendees at this time. Anyone wanting to speak remotely.

18
00:10:43.993 --> 00:11:32.858
We are now open to the public. Council president. There are no remote attendees
with their hand raised regarding this agenda item will close to the remote
attendees and we'll open to in-person. Anyone wishing to comment on this item
please come up at this time. Seeing none, I'll close the public portion. Have an offer? Lebowitz, can I have a second, please? Do I have a second? Cahill. Cahill. That. Councilwoman Cahill. Thank you. Miss Seader, can you please call the roll?

19
00:11:32.858 --> 00:12:11.831
Council member Cahill. Yes. Council member. Carmichael. Yes. Council member. Espinosa. Yes. Council member. Liebowitz. Yes. Council member. Rashid. Abstain. Council member. Uhrin. Yes. Council member. Council. President. Lombardi. Yes. And the ordinance passes
second reading. Number 11 is an ordinance. Second
reading, amending and supplementing. Chapter 21 zoning. Open to the public. It's a resolution adopting ordinance. Miss Seader,
can you please read the ordinance?

20
00:12:12.264 --> 00:12:46.449
Be it resolved by the township
council of Piscataway Township, new Jersey, that an ordinance entitled an Ordinance to
Amend and Supplement the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Piscataway,
County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, amending and supplementing chapter 21 zoning was introduced on
the 12th day of March, 2026, and it passed the first reading and was published
on the 22nd day of March, 2026. Now, therefore, be it resolved,
that the aforesaid ordinance, having had a second reading on April
14th, 2026, be adopted, passed,
and after passage be published together with a notice of the date of approval
in the official newspaper,

21
00:12:46.899 --> 00:13:31.360
be a further resolved that this ordinance
shall be assigned number 2020 6-10. Thank you, Miss Seader. We're now open for remote attendees to comment on this ordinance. Council president
there are no remote attendees with their hand
raised regarding this agenda item. We're now close to the remote attendees. We're open to the public at this point. If anyone wishes to speak on this
ordinance, please come up at this time. Seeing none, we'll close the public portion
and have an ordinance. Can I have a offer, please? Council member Uhrin, offer.

22
00:13:32.511 --> 00:14:06.312
Can I have a second? Liebowitz. Second. Miss Seader, can you please call the roll? Council member. Cahill. Yeah. Yes. Council member. Carmichael. Yes. Council member. Espinosa. Yes. Council member. Liebowitz. Yes. Council member. Rashid. Abstain. Council member. Uhrin. Yes. Council. President. Lombardi. Yes. And the ordinance passes. Number 12 are the consent agenda.

23
00:14:06.312 --> 00:14:42.464
Resolutions for efficiency
items have been consolidated into a consent agenda
to be voted on together, and the materials for these items have been distributed
to the council in advance of the meeting. Do I have a motion to accept the consent agenda items. Motion to accept motion. Council women, a second, Cahill then. Thank you. Miss Seader, can you please call the roll? Council member Cahill. Yes. Council member. Carmichael. Yes.

24
00:14:42.464 --> 00:15:17.149
Council member. Espinosa. Yes. Council member. Liebowitz. Yes. Council member. Rashid. Yes. Council member. Uhrin. Yes. Council. President. Lombardi. Yes. And the consent agenda passes. Number 13 is announcements and comments from officials. Do we have any announcements
from Gabrielle Cahill? I'm going to be short. Because I'm on the road. But I just want to reiterate,
Council president,

25
00:15:17.149 --> 00:15:54.970
your gratitude toward the, administration, to our CFO, to our pay for for everyone who really participated
to help us with our budget. To really be looking at the numbers
and finding ways to, keep us flat. In light of, you know, our house
values, it's really important that we do what we can to find ways
not to impact our, our residents, process, terribly. And, I just want to say, you know, a big
thank you to all of them, and I'll,

26
00:15:54.970 --> 00:16:28.721
I'll leave it to everyone else
to talk about the things going on in town. Thank you. Sharon Carmichael. No announcements. Dennis Espinosa. Ah, yes. So it's coming right around the corner. So we have a lot of events coming up. So I would like to remind everyone
on Saturday, May 30th, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Little League complex,
we have our annual Piscataway bike rodeo, which I will be there and
and so with a lot of residents and,

27
00:16:28.721 --> 00:17:03.072
participants,
this is a really geared for, youngsters that are just starting to ride their bikes
for bicycle safety knowledge. We also have some, 
the raffle is going on for helmets. They show you
how to how to strap on a helmet correctly. What protection
you need, how to actually go and, navigate through an obstacle course
using your hand signals. Abiding by the the soft signals, etc.. So it's really nice event, and it's
a really learning experience for everyone.

28
00:17:03.072 --> 00:17:36.171
And the parents also have fun. They're watching their kids roll around. So I hope to see everybody there. Laura Leibowitz. Good evening. I have a few questions and a comment. So first of all, I'm just curious
as to what the policy or process
is for being informed. Not specifically. But in general when we are in litigation. So I did not find out about the motel
six lawsuit until I saw it on social media

29
00:17:36.472 --> 00:18:08.904
and actually quoted in the lawsuit. So I know on other boards
there are just legal updates. Again, not about the specifics,
but just curious about how that operates here on the council. I'll leave that up to our attorney. Yeah, I can handle that. When we get an initial complaint, first
it has to, there's a process before he gets assigned to council,
and we actually file an answer. We can look into a procedure
to notify the council about it, but usually we won't give the council
an update

30
00:18:08.904 --> 00:18:46.658
until we actually get assigned counsel and actually start looking
at the complaint and preparing an answer. Okay. Thank you. Secondly, I want to reach out. Can I? Please. Most of the time, these complaints don't
get leaked to the public until. And we actually make comments
on pending litigation. So usually I you found out about it
through the public because someone leaked the complaint to the public
for whatever political reasons. Normally you'll find out about complaints
way before the public does,

31
00:18:46.658 --> 00:19:21.710
because as we go through our process,
we will notify our council. Okay. I just do know that on other boards
there are opportunities for council to just be updated. What's in litigation,
what's coming down the pike? Again, not specifics
of course, to protect the case. But you know. All right. Secondly, I want to thank those members of the council
that came to the Autism Resource Fair. I really appreciate it. But I do want to address a concern
about an inequity of resources towards council events.

32
00:19:22.728 --> 00:19:58.847
This event was a great event. It was not named. While many of our council
events are specifically named. There were pop up ads for other council
events. There are reals. There is a lot of disparity between and across the different events
and who they're run by. And it's really not fair. It's not right. And so I think it's something
that we need to look into. We have a communication director. We have these events
that are great for everybody in town, no matter which council member
is hosting them or coordinating them.

33
00:19:59.448 --> 00:20:38.537
And I just really want to make that point. I don't really think it's fair or right. The last point, the the last point that I have. Well, I do also want to for my last point, we did have an Arts Commission Cultural
Arts Commission meeting last week, and we have several summer events
getting ready. One of them is a juried art show with the theme of,
of course, first fourth in Piscataway. 250th anniversary, 4th of July.

34
00:20:38.770 --> 00:21:14.539
So our painters, our photographers,
our charcoal artists, our watercolors, all of our amazing artists in town
keep an eye out for that. The last piece that I have in my remarks
is a resolution promoting and protecting resident rights and public safety
regarding immigration enforcement action. Governor Sherrill put into play, protection for residents and guests in the state of new Jersey
regarding masked Ice agents.

35
00:21:14.840 --> 00:21:48.290
And unfortunately, we did have a masked Ice agent in town last Saturday. From the pictures that were posted on social media,
there was a masked ice agent. Was it a full mask? No, it was a partial mask. And I understand
that this is a new legislation and that as a state,
we need to sort it out. But I think to protect ourselves
for the police so that they are properly trained,
that our residents and guests

36
00:21:48.290 --> 00:22:28.180
can understand that they will have
the full protection of the law. I have shared with our resident, with our Council this resolution, and I would like to make a motion
that we pass this resolution. So, Council,
I just actually looked at this just now. I, I'd request the council
to hold off on passing the resolution. And I'd spoken to Councilwoman Liebowitz
about it. I we have concerns. We when the state statute,
a bill was passed, it required guidance from the DOJ on
how to implement, the bill

37
00:22:28.547 --> 00:23:02.414
and how to be able to enforce the statute
against federal agencies. There is a certain portion
in terms of what we can hold
federal agencies accountable for. I had reached out to the DOJ,
our public safety director reached out to our county prosecutor. We have not gotten any guidance. I have, we are waiting for it. I, I actually haven't gotten a response
from the DOJ office. And I assume it's because they probably
got a barrage of phone calls on how to even implement
and enforce this, bill.

38
00:23:02.864 --> 00:23:37.365
I think it's a little, premature
in terms of, of requiring training on, on, on something
that we don't have guidance yet. From the DOJ. I think we should wait
to see what the DOJ puts out. Also, whether this bill doesn't it does or doesn't get challenged,
in the courts. So I'd request this. There's also minor other changes that I think we should also, modify
in terms of language. So, I, I'd request the council
just to hold off on, on passing this item.

39
00:23:39.351 --> 00:24:11.800
I appreciate the feedback. Hopefully new language will include a lot of the components
that are in this resolution. Regular training for our municipal
departments, agencies, officers, employees, training with federal civil immigration enforcement,
written policies that are consistent with the resolution
for responding to requests and inquiries. Designating a supervisory employee for handling communication with the feds and making sure
that all of this information

40
00:24:11.800 --> 00:24:48.069
is accessible in multiple languages. You know, sometimes you have to kind of
poke and prod to get things moving. And so I appreciate that feedback. And, I look forward to the revision and of course, messaging from the DOJ. So I withdraw the motion at this time. Thank you for that. And thank you for Council for your advice. We did just receive it this evening,
so I haven't even had the opportunity to read it yet. So I clearly understand,
we have to look at it.

41
00:24:48.887 --> 00:25:23.838
Thank you, Miss Liebowitz. Sarah Rashid. Good evening. Well, the resolution we passed last month, on similar language. I didn't get to see the language
till we were actually sitting on the council bench, and it was just read to us,
but we supported it and voted for it. So I hope that we would get
similar support. I know you're waiting for language,
but it would be good to have a timeline and a commitment to get an update
and actually follow through on this,

42
00:25:27.008 --> 00:25:59.507
So since our last meeting, we celebrated many diverse
holidays in our community. Happy Holi, Passover, Easter,
and Orthodox Easter. Today is actually the Tamil New Year,
and it's a celebration that marks a fresh start
focusing on hope and family bonds. I wanted to congratulate, Councilwoman Liebowitz for a successful autism resource
fair. Also, Council member Lombardi, your cleanup is coming up
April 18th.

43
00:25:59.841 --> 00:26:33.892
Looking forward to that. I do, a sister litter pick up in the fall. So it's a good spring and a fall clean up
community event. I also wanted to speak about
a little few things. That might be a little more serious. I attended a water quality
policy workshop. It was hosted by the lower Raritan
Watershed Partnership. They focus on testing
and informing the public about the water quality
for recreational use.

44
00:26:34.492 --> 00:27:10.061
One concerning fact
that they shared with us was that the Riverside Park testing location is one of the most polluted sites
on the whole river, and it has been consistently, really, high score for fecal matter for over 5 to 8 years. They've been trying to figure it out. They're open and eager to work
with all stakeholders to figure it out. They've put in additional testing sites. Up river. But they are looking to us
also to get involved for the community.

45
00:27:10.061 --> 00:27:44.663
And they're open to any stakeholders
that would be willing to work with them. I encourage,
everybody to visit the township website. There is a list of ordinances
for stormwater management that are already listed there. If there are any questions
you can reach out to the township. We also voted on a county health services
contract today that, supports environmental programs. And maybe that's something
that we can look into. For this kind of initiative. The other thing that I wanted to bring up
is some community members reached out,

46
00:27:44.663 --> 00:28:17.829
and they were upset that they are not able
to use the library meeting rooms. And that was a policy
that was put in place in the Covid times, where the meeting rooms were not supposed to be sent out to anybody,
you know, any outside group. But at this time, you know,
social distancing rules are not applicable anymore. So I urge the administration
to look into those policies. And if we can allow the taxpayers to have a free
space for community meetings.

47
00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:50.311
Lastly, I'm also part of the Cultural Arts Committee, and,
we're finalizing the summer concert series,
so look out for information about that. That should be exciting. Thank you. Thank you. Council president,
can I just say, in regard to the side park, I did talk to the administration
this week about that. Just wanted to let the council know
a majority of contamination in the river. And partially, I have that experience
because we also represent other entities up and downstream.

48
00:28:50.311 --> 00:29:23.812
And a majority of contamination that occurs in the river, 
is usually upstream. It's not localized to the township. We have regularly
and updated our stormwater regulations
and continue to to do a lot of work there. I know, because I had to do some of it. And so we will. The township doesn't actually run
any stormwater into that river. It's all it's all, 
closed system and and runs. It doesn't run into the river. So, in terms of what that contamination
is, I'm not sure.

49
00:29:24.045 --> 00:29:57.979
We can definitely look into it
and happy to, but I'm not sure what the township can do. It's really a state and NJ dep issue
with upstream contaminates. But you know, we'll we'll definitely,
you know, see.  And it's no way, you know, none of the organizations were
ever pointing the finger at Piscataway. It's not that. It's just
this is a shared resource. It's a river that's running through. It's our river. It's
everybody in new Jersey. You know, we share this resource. So if we find something that is dirty,
we can all work together to clean it.

50
00:29:57.979 --> 00:30:32.313
It's not saying that Piscataway
is the one causing that pollution in any way whatsoever. You. Yeah. Just just to clarify it
because it's a river, it's hard to clean it
because it's a flowing river. So, you know, in terms of of contaminants, we also would have to get permits
from the DEP, which I think would probably be nearly impossible, in terms to,
to do any type of cleanup in that area. But we'll definitely,
you know, do some research. I'll have I'll have one of my coworkers,
you know, at least look into it. Yes. Thank you. The score for the fecal matter.

51
00:30:32.313 --> 00:31:06.614
This is the worst by the whole river,
so I'm sorry. Close to it. I told Rashid that you were saying that
they weren't pointing fingers at anyone. I just wanted to reiterate that. So they're trying to pinpoint the cause. So right now, it's at the point
where it's in the research. They have a lot of data,
and they want to work with all the stakeholders
to figure out the real root cause. So what they do,
they think it's a township issue. No, they did not say that. They don't think it's a township issue.
Okay. They are saying that
we need to all get together. All stakeholders work together

52
00:31:06.614 --> 00:31:37.579
to figure out
what is actually causing the problem. I agree with that. I agree. As long as as long as they're not
putting blame onto the township and you don't think
that is the township to blame? We can definitely. I would love to work with them. Correct. If I may, Council President, it would be
helpful that if some members on this dais wouldn't
point the finger at Sharon Carmichael as what's being done in a campaign. Well, unfortunately, what's happening
is that that this county, this organization,
the Raritan River, has been trying to work with the township
for a while on this issue.

53
00:31:37.879 --> 00:32:12.330
Yes. Because okay. Well,
that's not what I heard. I don't want to go back and forth from when we will go back and forth,
because there's a bunch of B.S. because the plain fact of the matter
is we've been bending over backwards. I know Heather very well,
and the plain fact of the matter is our Department of Public Works,
our engineering departments, all assets been working with that organization long
before you became a council member. But to have your yourself
and your councilwoman, she get up along with your supporters
and blame Councilwoman Carmichael that there's an alleged beach down there
and it's causing all the problems.

54
00:32:12.347 --> 00:32:47.081
I'm sorry, I got a huge problem with that. Well, number one,
I was on a DEP, so I saw it. Number two, we did speak with Sharon,
and she said that she spoke with you and you were not really prepared
to hear it at that time. So again, I don't want to do what the
he said he said she said it's not appropriate. I look forward
to working to clean the river. Sorry. I have a habit of throwing hand
grenades out there. Okay. And do you? Well, now I have to say thank you. All right. Yeah. With Heather. Heather, talk to me. A couple months ago,
and so did, Sarah Rashid.

55
00:32:47.081 --> 00:33:28.639
And what I said was they should
go to the county and take their findings and let the county direct further, further investigation
and further testing. I did not say
the mayor was not interested. So we were we both agree
that they should take it to the county. It's not, start with the county. It's not, a Piscataway issue. Okay. Are you done? Okay. Thank you. You're welcome.

56
00:33:28.639 --> 00:34:06.711
Councilman Frank Uhrin. Yes. I just want to say
Saturday was opening day for challengers T-ball and Little League,
and it was a huge success. We have over
350 children playing this year, and I want to give a shout out
to all the coaches and volunteers. They did an excellent job. It was a very, very nice day. Kudos. Mayor. Business administrator Paula Cozzarelli. Thank you. Council president, I just would like to
say, to the council and the public. Thank you so much for your support
for the 2026 annual budget.

57
00:34:06.711 --> 00:34:38.359
A lot of time and effort goes into this. And, the department heads and,
we work very well together in terms of ensuring that whatever numbers
are put in that budget document are what's needed, are,
we do not, add anything. This is what's needed in order
to continue our services. And I would like to say that, given
all of the increases of which we have no control over
benefits, health benefits, pension, cost of, supplies, goods and services,
we are still able to continue

58
00:34:38.359 --> 00:35:09.824
to deliver the same level of services
and have increased. I just would like to say in this budget,
there's been earmarked for additional $2 million
for the ecological park. There is money in there
the most, for capital improvements. This township is able to use,
because of the fiscal responsibility, it's own cash to do many,
many capital projects. I just want to alert the residents
that, yes, we're very busy all the time,
but now we're really going to kick it up. This is when a lot of contracts
will be awarded. So thank you for your patience for that.

59
00:35:09.824 --> 00:35:41.289
And, I just want to give a quick update
with the ecological park. This township put a lot of time
and effort into acquiring that property and then also getting Green Acres
involved to support that endeavor. I have since picked that up
with Green Acres, and they have agreed to continue
to release the remaining funding. I think it's somewhere around $1.4
million. If we continue to provide the LSP reports
with our remediation, and we're going to continue moving forward with the phasing of this project
is very excited, exciting,

60
00:35:41.289 --> 00:36:21.495
and I'm very excited to continue moving, and we're going to start
to see some real development soon. Thank you so much. That's great news. Attorney Raj Kumar yeah. Just, happy Vaisakhi to the Sikh community
that's today also, and then, happy to Ugadi, which is the Telugu
New Year. Thank you. And that leaves me and leaves it to me
what's left? So I'd like to personally thank,
all of our emergency services personnel for the,
working structure fire that we had last

61
00:36:21.495 --> 00:36:57.832
Friday evening over in the Arbor section. They did a fantastic job over there. And I'd like to, 
thank them for all of their hard work. The community cleanup
is this Saturday morning. We are up to 350 volunteers, and all of our parks will be cleaned,
plus some. So that's exciting. Everything is ready to go. And, again,
this is Autism Awareness Month. And thank you to Sarah Laura Liebowitz for her, autism fair.

62
00:36:57.832 --> 00:37:40.041
Yes. It was a very good event. And other than that, I think we're good. Will now move to number 14,
which is the agenda session for May 14th, 2026,
which we don't have anything on at this point. Number 15 will now open to the public for remote attendees on at this time. Anybody remotely online. We're now open to the public Council president, 
asking the first individual

63
00:37:40.041 --> 00:38:14.175
with their hand
raised to unmute themselves. Go ahead. Hello. Brian Rak, 1247 Brookside Road. Before I begin my comments,
I just want to read something from the dictionary leaked of a document
to be produced by a company, an organization
intended to be confidential, but having been released to the public
or the press. Now hearing that, Raj, I'd really like
to you to explain what you mean. A public court
document can be leaked to the public. As an attorney, I'm sure you're aware there all publicly available
was filed on the court website. You can go look it up right now. Please ask all your questions.

64
00:38:14.508 --> 00:38:48.859
Okay. I was hoping to get an answer to that,
but I guess that's all I have for now. I don't even know. I mean, it was intentionally disclosed
to the public outside of someone just searching it to the press to
publicize prior to the definition within, within a day of, within a literally
a day of us receiving the complaint. So, it didn't give us an opportunity
to even notify the council or even talk
to the administration about it. I think I talked to the mayor
after actually, it hit the press.

65
00:38:49.210 --> 00:39:27.798
So that's that's what I meant by leaked that it was intentionally,
you know, released to the press. Council
president, I'm asking the next individual with their hand
raised to unmute themselves. Go ahead. Hello? Can you hear me? Yes we can. This is Sarah Radford. I live at 13 Dunbar AV. And I just wanted to make a quick comment. I mean, it looks like the mayor has left,
but he's the one I wanted to address. And I'm really embarrassed
by the mayor's behavior in these meetings.

66
00:39:27.798 --> 00:40:00.281
I just find it really disrespectful
the way that he treats some of the people on the council
and the public. And I'm just, you know,
I've lived in Piscataway for 19 years, and it's just
I want to be proud of living in this town. And it's really embarrassing
to personally attack people on the on the, up there
and in the, in the public. So I was at that, water
restoration meeting, and I felt like it was a very, 
supportive and, positive experience.

67
00:40:00.281 --> 00:40:50.815
And for somebody to bring something
like that to the council and then have it, you know, just sort of be dumped all over
it, I'm just kind of embarrassed. So that's, that's it. Thank you. Council president, I'm
asking the next individual with their hand
raised to unmute themselves. Hi there. This is Jessica
Bell from 1247 Brookside Road. Are you able to hear me? Yes, we are great. So I wanted to, thank Councilperson
Liebowitz, first of all, for bringing up, about getting an ordinance passed about
what the police should do about masking.

68
00:40:51.081 --> 00:41:25.299
I participate with a rapid response group, that tries to document
ice activity in the county. And I went out early. It was last week. I was out and following up on somebody
at a quick check in Piscataway,
and there was actually a scout away, PD officer observing some CMG work, for safety, the road closure
so that they could do work, and said that he saw the people he assumed they were ice
because they weren't

69
00:41:26.000 --> 00:41:59.984
Piscataway PD or South Plainfield PD, but it could have been any old person
that kidnaped that poor person out of their car,
because they were wearing a mask. And the officer I spoke to
did not have confirmation of who that was. So I think it's really important
that we defend our friends and neighbors against masked federal agents. Probably, or any other people
who want to kidnap them off the street. And I did also want to bring up, 
thank you so much, Councilperson Rashid, for coming to the lower
Raritan Water Partnership meeting.

70
00:42:00.234 --> 00:42:33.167
I also attended,
and I thought that they were very, in a very collaborative spirit. There was no finger pointing of any kind,
but it is very disappointing to hear our elected officials
say that somebody else's pollution, I can't do anything about it,
not even assist this volunteer
run organization focused on clean water, to help them contact
the right people at the county or the DEP or any of these other
organizations that you think

71
00:42:34.134 --> 00:43:07.518
should take responsibility for this. And what about notifying
people in the public who want to use Riverside Park for recreation
and don't know that it's contaminated and may make them
ill take no responsibility for it? And to say that our stormwater doesn't go into the Raritan
River is actually laughable. I'm not sure where you think it goes with all roads
lead to the Raritan River in this area. So I would really appreciate the council people and the administration

72
00:43:08.052 --> 00:43:49.843
really taking responsibility
and acting like leaders. And I thank you for the time this evening,
I am finished. Thank you, Mr. Granville. Council president,
I'm asking the next individual with their hand
raised to unmute themselves. Go ahead. Hi, Craig. Going back three Lake Park Drive. In regard to the Riverside Park water quality issue,
I attended the talk as well and spoke to the people from the rarity
in River organization. I haven't heard anybody suggest
that it's the township

73
00:43:49.843 --> 00:44:24.828
that has any sort of responsibility
for the high fecal coliform counts. It's pretty clearly coming
from upstream somewhere. Even the river people don't really seem
to know where it's coming from. But Riverside Park is a township park, and people do use it for recreation. Kayaking. There's even a boat launch.
They're fishing. Wading, trout fishermen are,
you know, in the water. There's people
that occasionally swim in the water.

74
00:44:24.978 --> 00:44:57.711
The counts here are very high for
for for fecal coliform. I mean, that's not something
that you want to get. And a lot of these people
don't even know it. You can't see it. The water looks clear, until you wind up
septic on a ventilator and then. Oh, gee, maybe we got it from the river. So I think it's at minimum,
the township should be putting up a sign recommending that people not swim there
due to, you know, water quality issues. Does it have to be specific? It doesn't have to be updated regularly,
but there should be some sort of notice

75
00:44:57.878 --> 00:45:32.479
that, hey, this is a hazard
and it is a real hazard 80% of the time. The, fecal coliform counts are that location of Riverside
Park are high. They're above the recommended water usage. Threshold. And it's not by a little. It's
by, like, a lot. So nobody's recommending
or suggesting that the township has any culpability in it. But you certainly have a responsibility
to let people know there's an issue. And it's kind of disappointing that, you know, we hear the, the,

76
00:45:33.614 --> 00:46:06.947
the attitude from the town
that this isn't our problem. It's somebody else's problem. And that's maybe true, but township's problem
that you should be notifying your residents that there's a hazard. And also, the township attorney,
I think, stated that the township doesn't discharge
any stormwater to the river. What do we do with it, then? Because I'm pretty sure
it all goes to the river. Maybe he meant sanitary sewer.

77
00:46:06.947 --> 00:46:43.150
Well, that would certainly be true.
That's a closed system. It goes to the water
treatment plant in Centerville, but we pretty much discharge
all of our stormwater into the river. Correct me if I'm wrong,
unless we do something else with our stormwater,
but I'm pretty sure it goes on the river. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Omak. Council president,
there are no other remote attendees with their hand
raised regarding this agenda item. We're now closed for the remote attendees
and we're open for the in-person attendees.

78
00:46:43.150 --> 00:47:31.131
Anyone wishing to speak on any matter
is welcome to come up at this time. Go stars if they meals 58 Curtis Avenue. Yeah, the subject is already there. Township is in bad shape. How many people here? Property maintenance committee? None. Anybody here? Property maintenance? None. Do you people care? Hey! Finally, they.

79
00:47:31.131 --> 00:48:08.268
They prune down
those cherry trees in the parking lot. Thank God
I'm complaining about them for two years. How about the front of the courthouse? They need some work to. You don't care. You don't even bother to look at it. Potholes. Oh, God. Clinton and seventh. Okay, it's not to township responsibility, but it's a mud hole. And it's very dangerous. And it's in the township.

80
00:48:08.268 --> 00:48:46.006
And all of these dead trees
between the walkway and the curb. They hurt people. Are you people going to do anything
about it? Property maintenance committee. Who are these people? Seventh and Mansfield, seventh and Curtis line in the middle of Curtis
between 710 Washington. Dangerous issues
that drive way into Dunkin Donuts

81
00:48:46.006 --> 00:49:30.684
between Curtis and Washington. An ordinance violation. All these ordinance violations
you people don't see because property maintenance is not there, not non-existent like me. My complaint is non existent. 58 Curtis Avenue. Come and take a look at that property. Thank you. Anyone else about it? Mr. Grubbs?

82
00:49:32.302 --> 00:50:06.653
Oh boy. My neighbor, Curtis Grubbs, 1750 West Third. I was going to talk about the street. Hazelwood. Get them. But we're going to put this on the back
burner. This is back. We just got there in the back. I wanted to know. And we talked about Hazelwood Park. The park I want to know
is there any money coming for upgrade? If so, how much and when we need to redo the park. Second, we need to get over there
and start drinking across.

83
00:50:07.120 --> 00:50:40.153
We're not going to wait for the street
to get down there. We need this done. Now. We need to know
is there a date on the docket or in the books
when you guys or the county? Because now I found out that
we don't do it. The county
does it spray for the mosquitoes. Every time I call, you know, it's time to spray. Let's pray. We need to, 
Someone needs to come out there and fix the sidewalks.

84
00:50:40.153 --> 00:51:13.603
That's been broke for a while. I've been giving them a chance
to do other stuff, but now I'm going to pinpoint
and pickle everything. Now because I'm not worried
about the street. Street gets done when it gets done. If it gets stuck, I'm going to ask, oh, last week I, the lady on Pearl Street, someone I'm going to tell you
the best thing to get this off. Someone needs to go out to her where a spray paint can
and just spray paint. What's going to get done

85
00:51:13.603 --> 00:51:46.970
talking and send it a piece of paper? Some people don't understand. I said, just go out, make an appointment. I talk to a twice, then just take a cash spray paint,
say this is what we're going to do. I'm quite sure she will buy,
but she don't feel this is going to get behind her
and stop this if we can. What's the problem? There? One of the acquisitions
we need for the road improvements, will definitely get one of the engineers
out there to mark out the easements. And, I'll have one of my associates
go out there to to me with her.

86
00:51:47.571 --> 00:52:27.344
I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Grubbs. Just as an aside, no council president. The property in question is talking
on the other side of the park that is privately owned property in Dunella
and property in Dunella. Mayor, I can't think of the guy's name
that was cleaning that side of that park. I think it was Whitey. I come all the way from the council. They Clint that piece of park, that ditch every year until he retired. We technically

87
00:52:27.344 --> 00:53:02.596
there is clearing the way
the obstruction from the pipe. But that is private property over there. We're hoping that when the, that's
going to be part of a redevelopment site, hopefully going to have to try to clean all that. Down,
because they have to for. So who are we looking for to clean it
as now with the trees down it would be trees down. It would be the property owner
on South second Street. I guess you will inform them
to get this cleaned up also. And, we're still
we can't put the project out to bid

88
00:53:02.596 --> 00:53:48.825
until we acquire all the temporary
construction easements and everything. Thank you. Okay. Hi. My name is Dawn weeks,
and I live at 215 Wyckoff Avenue. Welcome. Thank you. I work as a certified peer recovery
specialist in the state of new Jersey. I'm at a peer recovery center
in Somerset County, but I recently became involved with SAG,
which is the opiate settlement, advocacy group, and I researched
Piscataway, and I saw that we have approximately $125,000 of unspent
opioid settlement funds.

89
00:53:49.342 --> 00:54:23.860
And I wanted to come in here
because I did look into the initiatives that happened between 2024 and 2025. Most of it was prevention,
which can be effective. But there was also one
that was life coaching, but it was not recovery coaching. It was life coaching,
which is completely different. I can tell you as a peer recovery
specialist. And I was just wondering,
what are the current plans for these opioid settlement funds? And I would like to get involved and help. If there are no current plans
and you would like suggestions? Council
president I'll answer that question.

90
00:54:23.860 --> 00:54:57.744
So we do have, plans for the monies
we're using it for. Of course, education prevention. We continue to host programs
at the high school level, to have professional speakers
and grade school, actually all grades at the school system, having professionals
come and speak to the students with respect to drug use prevention, ways to deal with, peer pressure
when it comes to drug use. We are using that money
to educate the public, via ads and whatnot in our newsletters
and postage.

91
00:54:57.744 --> 00:55:33.229
And we're going to continue to reach out to recovery and rehab centers to partner with them, to help them with folks
in the community that have a need for rehab, to use those monies
to help those that are most in need. Thank you. And I love
that y'all are using it for prevention. But what are specific plans for recovery support for people
who are either in active use or who are attempting to abate their use
of opioids and other drugs? Yes. That's
what that was the last comment I made. So we are looking into partnering
with Recovery Rehabs to help

92
00:55:33.229 --> 00:56:06.262
those that are actively in a situation
that need help and need rehabilitation. So we are
we are partnering and trying to partner with some recovery centers
and rehab centers to help those in need. Specifically, as you know
in your profession, most of these folks don't have the insurance
to cover for the expenses. So that is why we're doing that. So that would involve what, free admission into rehabs? Or would there be some other sort of peer
support happening outside of that? Well, right now we're going to develop

93
00:56:06.262 --> 00:56:47.237
a framework in order to make connections
for the people that need it. So a lot of these folks, as you know, in your profession,
don't have that network established. So that's why we're here to do that. So we're going to start at the foundation. We're going to continue to build upon it okay. Thank you. Thank you. We'll now closed the public portion. If I may I would we may missed I know publicly there's still people out
there that think that some of the,

94
00:56:47.754 --> 00:57:23.356
crime issues that are going on in
some of the motels are fake news. But as of a half hour ago, we just had a, stabbing,
several stabbings over at, motel six. And, persons been arrested. Yeah. The person to persons who were stabbed
went to the hospital. Evidently folks at all
that were staying there. So I know that there are some folks here
that were anti against that ordinance and who were saying it was fake news and
continue to say that it's not fake news.

95
00:57:23.356 --> 00:57:58.508
We have a serious problem out there
and we need to get all the council members in line on this one,
because if we continue to let that crime go on abate in our town,
we don't have a community. And it's really disgusting out there
that you have members of the public who willfully know that there's a problem
out there and are spreading fake news, that saying that there's no problem
there, it's shameful what they're doing. Council president. And in line with that, because it's been
brought up, by Councilman Lee.

96
00:57:58.508 --> 00:58:29.722
But it's, we don't normally
talk about pending litigation, but it's been put out in the media. Just wanted to to give the council
a couple of items on that to complain, that they consider is one of the issues
on that complaint is that they they're alleging
that there are no crime issues, at motel six and other hotels. Another
another item on the complaint includes, the fact that,
the summons was dismissed. When in regard to their excessive call,

97
00:58:29.923 --> 00:59:06.709
code violations, that was inaccurate. There was an administrative hearing. The, hotel owner actually did not appear,
even though they were provided notice did not appear at that meeting. Only the property owner. And and so they basically, did not engage and did not respond
to the township in the many, many times the township tried to work with them
or contact them, prior to that. So working through the complaint,
we're preparing, sir. But there are factual, 
inconsistencies in that. Me that's the part of the problem
is that these folks that were stabbed

98
00:59:07.093 --> 00:59:39.759
and the folks the perpetrator
that was arrested were all frequent fliers who were continuing
crime series over the time. So they're not new. They get they get arrested,
they go back over there and they commit more crimes,
or they're or they're victims themselves. And the fact that there's been over 130
domestic violence issue against women
over there over the last two years is unacceptable. I don't care what your political stripes
are, it is unacceptable.

99
00:59:39.759 --> 01:00:16.029
But when we have folks in the public
that got up here at the meeting and try to say that it was fake
news and are continuing to say it's fake news out in the general public,
that is unacceptable. Public public safety is a quality of life
issue here in Piscataway. And believe me,
I took a tour of motel six yesterday. Okay, you would not want to stay there. I am telling you, there's no one in
this room that would stay in that hotel. Okay, see, about four people in this room
right here that they're going spreading.

100
01:00:16.029 --> 01:00:48.995
The rumors said it was fake news. On that note, can I just point out
that all and agencies that came to speak to us were really housing advocates
and specialists? I am obviously deeply troubled
and saddened to hear about that terrible stabbing. Horrible. So there is a balance
that has to be brought where you know,
we have school children that live there. I get it, we have families,
there are domestic violence victims that unfortunately,
because of a variety of issues

101
01:00:49.012 --> 01:01:21.094
need, this is where they can live. This is all they can afford. But somewhere between what
a lot of housing advocates came forward to share with us and keeping our place
safe and putting frameworks into place, there has to be some type
of middle ground. If there's no middle ground, when people
are committing crimes and stabbing people and raping people, prostitution, yes,
those are all crimes that are illegal. Correct. So we're going to,
you know, prosecute those. But the problem is enough for folks out.

102
01:01:21.094 --> 01:01:53.776
They're out there
telling the general public it doesn't happen when there's substantial
police records verifying which both you and Councilmember
Rashid and and and right there. So thank you. I'm sorry
you're perpetuating this nonsense out there
when those people are victims out there. The issue is this is a problem
that's pertinent to Piscataway that we are trying to solve here in town. It's a problem that is affecting us
locally, and it's our job to solve that problem
as council people and mayor.

103
01:01:54.077 --> 01:02:28.244
That is the problem. It's public safety
and it's public safety here in Piscataway. That is the issue that council president, I'm
so sorry to add on to this conversation, because I'm sure you're ready to,
you know, close out. But, this is Councilwoman
Cahill, so I'm going to wholeheartedly agree with what
you just said. Council president. But I also agree that misinformation
is getting spread out there

104
01:02:29.295 --> 01:03:05.748
by very responsible
and intelligent people. And that's wrong, I agree. I would also just say that, like Abby,
I'll go ahead and not go against colleagues who are trying to do the right thing
for the town here. Let's state the facts and folks
who want to come in from town and randomly make up things, point
fingers, accuse good, public servant

105
01:03:06.082 --> 01:03:39.949
of being racist or biased in any way is not constructive. And so I am here to ask that the council, all members of the council, regardless of the political affiliation,
is that when misinformation is spread out there, that it is
corrected. And, you know, obviously
the mayor is very passionate about this and folks want to say how he speaks this
or that, but,

106
01:03:39.999 --> 01:04:13.032
you know, in fact, he's
trying to convey a message here is that there is a way to do business with each
other, to work together for our residents. And I would just ask that, our council colleagues do that, who aren't necessarily part of the part
of the same political party, but maybe not the same faction is reconsider
the conversation about what's right
for the township in its entirety. Everybody.

107
01:04:13.032 --> 01:04:45.264
That's who we govern. Everybody,
no matter their political stripe. We don't govern one group
or another group. We govern for all. And not everything can be one way. It's not my way or the highway. It's got to be worked out together. And it concerns me if we can't do that. And I'm very proud of the folks
who did vote yes on the pop up parties and yes on the motels, because it was
the step in the right direction. And just one other comment.

108
01:04:45.264 --> 01:05:19.031
Council president,
and I do apologize for butting in here. I don't usually do this,
but one other thing when it is out in the public sphere. Oh, look,
of course they filed a suit against us. I'm going to tell you right now,
I am not a lawyer, but there if there were to be anybody
who would look at that complaint and say, we are wrong,
that's an LLC. People speaking to our residents, that's a limited liability corporation.

109
01:05:19.215 --> 01:05:53.349
That means they don't give a you know what to this town, the residents, the unhoused women there
who are at high risk. They do not care. And in it is a frivolous suit, as many other frivolous suits
have been brought against the town by highly intelligent people
who understand that those frivolous suits cost
our taxpayer dollars, are going to be thrown out of court
and not found with any merit,

110
01:05:54.500 --> 01:06:30.586
who probably don't have to pay the lawyer
bill. But our township residents pay for those frivolous lawsuits
every time one is filed. Remember that council members frivolous lawsuits cost our taxpayers. Thank you. And that is all I have to say. It is very upsetting to me
that highly intelligent people would would agree that a that
a report out of our police department would come to a consensus that it's false,

111
01:06:31.270 --> 01:07:05.688
and that you have people who call in here who act like they know everything. We govern for every resident in this town, not just the select few. And it is very important
that our residents know that we have their back. Please thank Council President
I God, you're very welcome. Thank you. Very well. Council Member Cahill, I appreciate that. And I would love to have
these conversations outside and away from

112
01:07:06.172 --> 01:07:40.222
this forum where we have opportunities
to speak as council members on any number of these issues
with the mayor or without them. You. Thank you. Thank you know, we all have each other's telephone
numbers, Councilman Liebowitz, thank you. Thank you very much. I'm now going to adjourn this meeting. And in honor of Earth Week, be the change you wish to see in this world. Can I have a motion to close the meeting? Motion?

113
01:07:40.222 --> 01:07:47.630
I have a second. Second? All those in favor, please say I. I I I I.