Transcript for Piscataway Council meeting on June 5 2025

Last updated May 21, 2026

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Jun 5 2025 · Council

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Adequate notice of this meeting has, has been provided as required under chapter 2 31 PL 1975, specifying the time, date, location, login, or dial in information. And to the extent known the agenda by posting a copy of the notice on the municipal Building Municipal court, and the two municipal library bulletin boards municipal website, providing a copy to the official newspapers of the township. And by filing a copy in the, in the office of the township clerk, in accordance with the, a certification by the clerk, which will be entered in the minutes. There will be public comment periods for both remote and in-person attendees separately. Each member of the public shall only have one opportunity to speak during each public portion. As the technology does not allow us to know if there are multiple callers on an individual line, individual phone line, or 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 Township Council is always available by email and phone, and you can always call the mayor's office during normal operating hours.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Ed roll call please.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council Member Cahill here. Council Member Carmichael. Council member Liebowitz. Council Member Lombardi Here. Council Member Rashid Here. Council Member Ern Here. Council President Espinosa here.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Please join me in saluting the flag.

Speaker 3 United States America

Speaker 4 For which it stands, no Nation under God in this school with Liberty and Justice

Speaker 3 Hall.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Are there any comments from, from administration and council regarding their adjournment of any matters on this agenda?

Speaker 0 No.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) I see no one. Thank you. Open to the public comments regarding comments regarding I item number nine, I'm sorry. Number 13, consent Agenda items

Speaker 0 I

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Open to the remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom app or if by phone, by pressing star nine. When it's your turn to speak, you'll 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 will 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. Ms. Cedar, do we have anybody on, on hold?

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Closing to the remote attendees, opening to the in-person attendees, if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion of your comments or questions and the council or administration will then respond if necessary. I see no one on the podium closing to the in-person attendees. Item number eight, ordinance second. Reading authorizing deed If

Brian Wahler (Mayor) I, if I may, council president. We'd like to have the

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Proclamation. Sorry about that. That's okay. I skipped number seven. The important one. Why everybody's here. I

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Promise. Two, I promise two young kids up in the front row that they would be first out of the gate. So

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) I was gonna leave you guys to the end, but I guess we'll, we'll make it out. Okay.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) I'd like to read this proclamation and I wanna thank the collaboration with the school district, our Piscataway Police Department traffic safety division, as well as the young students who started the organization. So let me read the proclamation then. We're gonna have, I wanna recognize assistant superintendent Dr. Laman, where are you Dr. Laman. He's hiding in the back over there. And then obviously their supervisor, Mrs. Ms. Benjamin right there, who's in the front row with her family. So whereas the leadership team at Piscataway High School's newly formed chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions Sad Club has demonstrated exceptional dedication and initiative during the 24 25 school year. And whereas the club was established with the vision of empowering students to work collectively and creating a healthier and safer world through positive decision making. And whereas under ex exemplary leadership of these students, the SAD Club has experienced a remarkable growth reaching membership of nearly four 40 students in its inaugural year.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) And whereas the club is actively participating in the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, you got Brains Championship Schools program dedicated to promoting teen driving safety. And whereas these proactive student leaders surveyed the Piscataway Police Department to identify the traffic safety issues with the most significant negative impact on teen drivers with speeding emerging as the overwhelming concern. And whereas they responded with the creation and the implementation of Pisca PYU know, drive safe, drive slow campaign designed to reduce teen speeding and subsequent collisions. Whereas the student led initiative has successfully partnered with the Piscataway Police Department Traffic Safety division's residential speed enforcement campaign. Piscataway promotes Safe Streets, amplified their collective impact. And whereas these dedicated students have worked alongside police officers to promote teen safety, driving to their peers at Piscataway High School and throughout the community through various outreach events, including hosting a Teen Drive Academy and conducting teen driver education seminars, organizing a chalk the walk events f tilling open public forums on residential speeding, performing community road safety assessments.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) And whereas these students develop distinctive campaign logo featuring a well-recognized slogan P way, you know, and Piscataway black and gold colors is now primarily displayed throughout the community on digital sign car magnets and Piscataway promotes safe streets lawn signs. And whereas these students have proven themselves to be true leaders and role models within Piscataway High School and broader community demonstrating the power of peer-to-peer education and creating lasting change. Now, therefore, I, Brian Wahler, the mayor of Pound township of Piscataway County in Middlesex state of New Jersey, along with the township governing body Dubai, recognize Gabrielle Williams, Josiah Johnson, Tyler West, and Tvar Navarro, I believe I have it correct for their outstanding work in promoting team driving safety and their dedication to making positive difference in our community.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) I, I would be very remiss, one of the biggest complaints my office receives as well as many of the council members up here from residents, is speeding within the individual neighborhoods. It is by far the largest complaint that we as government officials receive. And unfortunately, a lot of times when a traffic safety division goes out and does enforcement or awareness campaigns out there, 90% of the times it's folks that live within their own neighborhoods that are causing the problems. So I run a salute. Those students here at the high school and your colleagues are getting out there for public awareness and helping our police department spread the word. We wanna, we wanna remain things safe here in Piscataway, both for the pedestrians, the bicyclists, and the motoring public. That is the key that we do here in Piscataway Township. And we appreciate you all the hard work. Now, if I can ask the council president to please come forward as well as the students and the police and the police officers and why you're coming up. I'm gonna ask patrolman clues to come up and speak on behalf of the police department.

Speaker 8 We're we're gonna, we're gonna get them there. Andy Warhol's, 50 minutes

Speaker 7 Of paint,

Speaker 9 Right? So, so on behalf of the police department, we would like to thank everybody here. Our mayor, all of our council members, school administration, very, very importantly the club advisor, Mrs. Benjamin. This would not be possible. This whole thing today would not be possible without Mrs. Benjamin. Huge. Yeah. She deserves a round of applause. Give it up for her. And most importantly, our students, Gabby Tovi, Josiah and Tyler, these are some of the best kids.

Speaker 9 These are best, these are some of the best students that you are going to see at Piscataway High School. They are the epitome of leadership at Piscataway High School. I, I go home and I tell my wife that I want my son to grow up like them. If, if that means they are really great students and at such a young age to understand that speeding has such negative consequences, not just on the, not just on, not just as a community problem, but potential life threatening consequences for them to understand that at this age it's really admirable and to all of their peers. 'cause this is just for the students. There's the 30 something other students in this club and to all of their peers that are a part of this, it is very admirable what they're doing. And when we started this Safe Streets campaign a few years ago, we wanted to address that teen related, teen related crashes involving unsafe speed were significantly higher than the state average. That was unacceptable. So over the last couple years we've worked to to, to drop that number. And we have, and this right here, this, this, this combined, this collaborative effort is nonetheless a prime example of, of, of our efforts to in, in fact drop these, these speed related crashes. And I'm sure if I could turn the mic over to Ms. Benjamin for just a minute. Yes.

Speaker 10 Hi. I just have to say I am really, really proud of the four of these kids. There isn't one thing that I haven't asked of them that they have not quickly said yes to. Tyler was super patient with me when he was creating our winning video and all the edits that I requested, Josiah with the creating the slogan and the logo. Everyone has done something. Jojo had once asked in a meeting what it was about each of the four of them. What was the reason that I picked them as the leaders. And I wrote them a nice email. I'm not gonna go into the details for each of them, but I will say each of them has a special, unique quality that I was able to see early on. I've known a lot of them since they were freshmen and I've been able to tap into those special individual qualities and they were able to bring them to the group and let it all shine. They're leaders with their peers and it's a testament, a lot of their peers are here right now to support them. And that just shows the leadership that you guys have.

Speaker 10 So we are super proud of you on behalf of all of sad. We are super proud of you guys. Congratulations

Speaker 7 All Thank you very much for the hard work and the numbers and statistics, the teach in school that where all counts more important. We make sure your efforts and some is it Alright with no preparation.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) We now return to your regular scheduled program. All right, back to agenda item number eight, ordinance second reading authorizing deed of restriction of ecological park open to the public resolution adopting ordinance Smith Cedar

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Be resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey. That an ordinance entitled an Ordinance of the Township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, state of New Jersey, authorizing a declaration of deed restriction for a conservation easement on the ecological park pursuant to nj. A 58 10 dash 23 1 was introduced on the sixth day of May, 2025 and had passed the first reading and was published on the 11th day of May, 2025. Now therefore be it resolved that the adverse had ordinance having had a second rating on June 5th, 2025 be adopted past and after passage be published together with a notice of the date of passenger approval in the official newspaper. Be further resolved that this ordinance shall be assigned number 2025 dash 14.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Ms. The, we're gonna be opening to the remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on the Zoom app or by phone by pressing star nine. When it's your turn to speak, you'll receive or hear a request to unmute yourself, please click the prompt or press star six on your phone to unmute yourself at this. At that time, please state your name and address and know that you would 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. Ms. Cedar, do we have anybody in queue?

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item.

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) I, can I make a comment right now or is it too, I know it should be. Okay. Right. Okay. So I wanted, if we could go over, one of the residents had emailed and wanted to understand what environmental and community impact would have and what studies have been done from the township. So I wanted, if we could share it for the benefit of all the community to understand what environmental studies or any community impacts we have done for the

Gabrielle Cahill Is this what, what is this for?

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) For the redevelopment? I think I'm mixing it up with the open spaces, but I'm,

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) This, this is item number.

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) I am. I am extra fast. 'cause I need to leave early so my brain's a little faster. We'll, we'll come back to this when it's that time.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Okay. Yeah, I know which item you're talking about. Okay.

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) Okay. Thank you.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Okay. I see no one at the podium. Closing to the in-person attendees, may I have a motion please? Motion

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Councilwoman Lombardi.

Gabrielle Cahill Second Councilwoman Cahill.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Roll call please.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Councilwoman Cahill.

Gabrielle Cahill Yes.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Councilwoman Lamberti? Yes. Council member Rashid? Yes. Council member Rin? Yes. Council President Espinosa? Yes.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Item number nine, ordinance second reading. Amending Chapter seven, traffic Section 14, parking prohibited at all times. Fitz Randolph Road, entire length open to the public resolution adopting ordinance opening, I'm sorry, Ms. Cedar,

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Be resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey. That an ordinance entitled Ordinance to amend and supplement the revised general ordinances of the township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, state of New Jersey. Amending Chapter seven traffics. Section 14, parking prohibited at all times on certain streets. Was introduced on the sixth day of May, 2025 and had passed the first reading and was published on the 11th day of May, 2025. Now therefore be resolved that the offer said ordinance having had a second reading on June 5th, 2025 be adopted past and after passage be published together with a notice of the date of passenger approval in the official newspaper. Be it further resolved that this ordinance shall be assigned. Number 20 25 1 5.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Ms. Cedar. We're gonna open to the remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on the Zoom app or by phone by pressing star nine. When it's your turn to speak, you'll 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. Ms. Cedar, do we have anybody in queue?

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council president. There are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Ms. Cedar. Closing to the remote attendees, opening to the in-person attendees, if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, state your name and address and know that you had three minutes in which to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion of your comments or questions and the council or administration would then respond if necessary. I see no one at the podium in-person. Attendees section is closed. May I have motion please?

Gabrielle Cahill Motion Councilwoman Cahill.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Second roll call please.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council member Cahill. Yes. Council member Lombardi. Yes. Council member Rashid. Yes. Council member Rin. Yes. Council President Espinosa? Yes.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Item number 10, ordinance first reading amending Chapter seven, traffic Section 26 and chapter 31, streets and sidewalk, section one point 12 Resolution adopting Ordinance Ms. Eater,

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Be it resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance to amend and supplement the revised general ordinances of the township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, state of New Jersey. Amending Chapter seven traffic, section 26 turn prohibitions and chapter 31, streets and Sidewalks. Section 1.12, removal of inactive Utility lines Bean is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading of public hearing be held at 7:00 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Ley in Piscataway, New Jersey on the first day of July, 2025. Be it further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within the township prior to the day of second reading and final passage. And a copy of this ordinance shall be made available at the office of the Township Clerk for any interested member of the public.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Ms. Cedar, opening to the public for remote. Correct. Sorry, may I have a motion please?

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Motion Councilwoman Lombardi.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Second. Councilman Uhrin. Roll call

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council member Caho. Yes. Council member Lombardi. Yes. Council member Rashid? Yes. Council member Ern? Yes. Council President Espinosa? Yes.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Item number 11, ordinance first reading option of redevelopment plan for block 57 0 1 lots. 11 and 12, 1700 South Washington Avenue Resolution adopting Ordinance MS. Theater

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Be resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled An ordinances Adopting a Redevelopment Plan for Block 5 7 0 1 Lots 11 and 12, 1700 South Washington Avenue. As shown on the tax map of the township of Piscataway being is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading in public hearing be held at seven. At 7:00 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Hose Lane Piscataway, New Jersey on the first day of July, 2025. Be it further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within the township prior to the day of the second reading and final passage. And a copy of this ordinance shall be made available at the office of the township clerk for any interested member of the public.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Ms. Peter, you had a comment for this one?

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) Yes. Correct timing Now just for the information for all residents, because one resident had raised a concern about what are the environmental impacts, what would be the traffic impacts or tra you know, wildlife or wetlands. So just for the information for all residents, if we could share what studies have been done and conducted,

Brian Wahler (Mayor) That is council president. That's required when the applicant goes to file an application before the planning board, they have to submit all due diligence and all information at the planning board time. This is for age restricted housing site. This is one of the properties which we desperately need in this town. The resident in question did write the office and it, it was responded to by the assistant township attorney in regards to that matter. Those residents that abut within the 200 feet of it will be noticed of it. They will have input on, on the planning board, but it is a permitted use in that zone, age restricted. So,

Michele Lombardi (Council President) And there's a big need for it in this community. I have many seniors asking me to please build something like this so they can stay in Piscataway.

Gabrielle Cahill Yeah. If I could Council president, just to add on, we had that opportunity with Ling's Farms, but then that was when Chris Christie was the governor and the economy was such, nobody was buying it. And then they converted that all without actually adjusting the zoning. So they became small pieces of property, but with families. But Councilwoman Rashid, they will come before the planning board and so every resident in that 200 foot area will be noticed and they will be allowed to come. So there's no, like right now that's an approved use, but the developers have to come in and they have to show what the, all of the work that they do is site impact their specialists. So, and the

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Traffic site, they have to do environmental impact.

Gabrielle Cahill Exactly. So I mean, if you're talking to residents, you know they'll be noticed as long as they live in that neighborhood within that and to pay attention to it. But we don't have the studies yet. Right.

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) Thank you. Yeah, it'll

Gabrielle Cahill Be, it's always, it'll be public for sure.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) As an side note, there's two properties involved. This is one of the two,

Gabrielle Cahill Right?

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Right. There'll be a second, I think next month for the other property next door.

Gabrielle Cahill Right. Okay. Right. This is two lots for the one property.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) And I'm, I'm sorry, I just need to ask this question about, back to that one resident. Would, would the residents, the non neighboring residents be allowed to attend the planning board? Okay. Okay. May I have a motion please?

Gabrielle Cahill Motion Councilwoman Cahill.

Michele Lombardi (Council President) Second Councilwoman Lombardi.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Roll call

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council member Cahill. Yes. Council member Lombardi. Yes. Council member Rashid? Yes. Council member Rin. Yes. Council member President Espinosa? Yes.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Item number 12. First reading amended Chapter two administration, section 18, division of Police Resolution adopting ordinance.

Speaker 14 Yes. I have a question on number 11.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Be resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance to Amended Supplement the revised general ordinances of the Township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, state of New Jersey. Amending chapter two administration, section 18 Division of Police Bean is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading in public hearing be held at 7:00 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Hose Lane Piscataway, New Jersey on the 17th day of June, 2025. Be a further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within the township prior to the day of the second reading and final passage. And a copy of this ordinance shall be made available at the office of the Township Clerk for any interested member of the public.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Ms. Cedar, may I have a motion please? Motion please.

Gabrielle Cahill Motion Councilwoman Cahill.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Second. Councilman Uhrin. Thank you. Roll call

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council member Cahill.

Gabrielle Cahill Yes.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council member Lombardi. Yes. Council member Rashid? Yes. Council member Uhrin. Yes. Council President Espinosa?

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Yes. Thank you.

Speaker 14 The last time when I spoke I

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Number 13, consent agenda resolution for efficiencies item 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? Please

Gabrielle Cahill Offer.

Michele Lombardi (Council President) Second Councilwoman Lombardi.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Roll call

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council member Cahill.

Gabrielle Cahill Yes.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council member Lombardi? Yes. Council member Rashid? Yes. Council member Rin. Yes. Council President Espinosa?

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Yes. Item number 14. Resolution amending CCY 2025 Municipal budget. Ms. Cedar

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Resolution to amend calendar year 2025 budget. Whereas the local municipal budget for the calendar year 2025 was approved on the fourth day of March, 2025. And whereas the public hearing on said budget has been held as advertised, and whereas it is desired to amend said approved budget. Now therefore be it resolved by the Mayor and Township Council of the township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, that the following amendments to the approved budget of calendar year 2025 be Mead current fund anticipated revenue, general revenues surplus anticipated from $12 million to $12,064,749 and 22 cents total miscellaneous revenues. Section B State Aid without offsetting appropriations from $6,204,682 and 22 cents to $6,204,682 and 22 cents. Energy receipts tax from $6,204,682 and 22 cents to $5,928,439. Total miscellaneous revenue Section B from $6,204,682 and 22 cents to $5,928,439. Total miscellaneous revenues from $17,951,685 and 47 cents to $17,675,442 and 25 cents sub subtotal general revenues from $86,053,368 and 97 cents to $86,250,687 and 77 cents Amount to be raised by taxes for supportive municipal budget.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Local tax for municipal purposes, including reserve for uncollected taxes from $51,501,677 and 18 cents to $51,578,686 and 86 cents Minimum library tax from $3,850,006 and 32 cents to $3,970,315 and 44 cents. Total amount to be raised for tax for taxes for support of municipal budget from $55,351,683 and 50 cents to $55,549 $549,002 and 30 cents Total general revenues from $86,053,368 and 97 cents to $86,250,687 and 77 cents. Current fund appropriations General appropriations, a operations excluded from CAPS municipal library, other expenses from $3,774,516 to $3,970,315 and 44 cents Total operations, including contingent excluded from caps from $7,847,641 to $8,043,440 and 44 cents Total general appropriations from $86,053,368 and 97 cents to $86,250,687 and 77 cents.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Ms. Cedar. May I have a motion please?

Gabrielle Cahill Motion Councilwoman Cahill.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Second.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Roll call.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council member Cahill. Yes. Council member Lombardi? Yes. Council member Rashid? Yes. Council member Rin? Yes. Council President Espinosa? Yes.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Item number 15 opening. I'm sorry. Public hearing for the amendment to CY 2025. Municipal budget

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Council president. Just for the general public that was accepted. $250,000 more for the library. So, but because of the way the procedure is set up in state, that had to go through the whole thing again. So

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) That's for the library.

Gabrielle Cahill I appreciate that explanation because it's taken us some time here. Okay.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Mayor. Opening to the RAM remote attendees, if you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom app or by phone by pressing star nine. When it's your turn to speak, you'll receive or hear a request. To unmute yourself, please click the prompt, 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. Seated, do we have anybody in queue?

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council president, there are no remote attendees with there are hand raised regarding this agenda item.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Closing to the remote attendees, opening for the in-person attendees, if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, state your name and address and know that you had three minutes in which to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion or, or of your comments or questions and the council or administration will then respond if necessary.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Good evening counsel.

Speaker 0 Good

Speaker 15 Evening. Do I have to press anything now or this has been

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) No, it's, it's a constant. It, it's constant so you don't have to press anything.

Speaker 15 Okay. Item number 11.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) I'm sorry Mr. Akins, it's just for, it's just, this is just for the budget for the CY 2025 budget amendment.

Speaker 15 Then I'll hold my questions till later. Yes, yes. If it's, if it's only pertaining to the budget, have another

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Chance. Yeah. Yep. You sure? Absolutely. Yes. I see one. I see no one at the podium at this time. Closing to the in-person attendees resolution, adoption of CY 2025 Municipal budget cedar. Here we go.

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Be, be OV by the Township Council of the township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex that the budget here in before set forth is hereby adopted and shall constitute an appropriation for the purposes stated of the sums therein set forth as appropriations and authorization of the amount of $51,578,686 and 86 cents for municipal purposes and $3,970,315 and 44 cents. Minimum library tax. General revenue surplus anticipated $12,064,749 and 22 cents. Miscellaneous revenues anticipated $17,886,936 and 25 cents. Receipts from delinquent taxes, $750,000 amount to be raised by taxation for municipal purposes. $51,578,686 and 86 cents. Amount to be raised by taxation, minimum library tax, $3,970,315 and 44 cents. Total revenues $86,250,687 and 77 cents. General appropriations within CAPS operations including contingent $50,353,042. Deferred charges in statutory expenditures. Municipal $6,644,040 Excluded from CAPS operations. Total operations excluded from CAPS $8,043,440 and 44 cents. Capital improvements, 7,200,000 municipal debt service, $9,758,900. Deferred charges municipal $2,662,003 and 25 cents reserve for uncollected taxes. $1,589,262 and 8 cents

Michele Lombardi (Council President) Total

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Appropriations $86,250,687 and 77 cents.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Ms. Cedar. May I have a motion please?

Gabrielle Cahill Motion Councilwoman Cahill.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Second. Councilman Rin. Thank you. Roll call

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council member Caho. Yes. Council member Lombardi. Yes. Council member Rasheed. Yes. Council member Rin. Yes. Council President Espinosa? Yes.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Item item number 17, announcements and comments from the officials. Councilman Mcca?

Gabrielle Cahill Thank you very much. Yes. Remind folks that we are in voting season. Early voting is a JFK library and it and it will be through Sunday. And that's for any Middlesex County employee. And then June 10th. So we, you know, all here believe that we should exercise that, right? That right. So please get out to vote. I also believe we do not meet again until June 17th. So that means Father's Day will be upon us before our next meeting. So I'd like to wish all of the gentlemen here a very happy Father's Day and to the spouses of second Councilwoman Rashid and Councilman Lombardi and our clerk and to all the residents of Piscataway, a very happy Father's Day and graduation SE season is upon us and so best luck to all of our graduates. Thank you.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Council Member Lombardi.

Michele Lombardi (Council President) I would like to thank Councilman Dennis for a very successful bike rodeo last weekend. It was another crummy weather day, but good weather prevailed and many kids came out for the bike rodeo, so that was a big success and thank you for that. And I'd also like to tell people that the street fair is next Saturday rain or shine June 14th. So come out and enjoy the street fair.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you so much, council. I'm sorry Council member Rashid.

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) I wanted to wish everyone the Eden Barak, we are celebrating Eat tomorrow, so I wanted to wish everyone, you know, a safe and happy time with your families and loved ones. The other thing is the Cultural Arts Commission is planning a wonderful lineup of summer concert series in the park. So just giving a heads up, we'll share more details. You know, when the concerts goes by,

Michele Lombardi (Council President) The details are out, the letters out there with all of the, the bands that'll be there.

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) Yes. So looking forward to that. I do have a question. If the administration had reached out to the school board, because last meeting we did decide that we will reach out to them, did we reach out? Has anything been set up? I just wanted to see if there's an update on that.

Paula Cozzarelli (Business Administrator) You know, if you could refresh my memory, what are we talk, what are we talking about?

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) So in the last meeting we were talking about the videos, the property tax, there's been a lot of back and forth. And one of the comments was that we will try to get in touch with the school board and try to see if you know where we could work together because we are a community and we'll work together. I'm just asking if there is any update on that.

Paula Cozzarelli (Business Administrator) I, I myself did not personally speak to an individual at the board of Ed with respect to that. Perhaps maybe some of the other folks might.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) I don't, I don't mind answering. I don't have a problems meeting with the DE administration over there. Send two letters that to the, to the board president, which was never responded to. And the truth of the matter is, oh, there's a lot of people outraged by the increase that the school district did. Listen, I'm not faulting them for doing a budget, but what I can tell you is, is that when they know that they're gonna have the largest tax increase in the history of our community, they should not be put in an additional one point million, 4 million, $5 million into reserve funds. And they're hiring other professional staff if allegedly they're thinking, I mean, you just don't do stuff like that. Wait till people get their tax bill come July. There's gonna be a lot of angry people around here and I don't want to hear from the school district, especially some of the board members that, that they're lacking funds.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) They have more revenue now than they ever had in the history of this town. More they have so much revenue. They already have a $37 million reserve set up for capital improvement funds and you're allowed to do other things. So between all the economic developments, I, I think just alone this year, the assess rateables gave them an additional $11 million. I, I mean, so I don't even want to hear that they're, they're lacking short the state, they got an additional state aid last year at $4.8 million. They took a haircut of $800,000. But what they're not telling you is that they got a, a bump of through the economic development in this town, which is way more than a cancel out that. So I have no problems meeting with anybody over there. But the end of the day is, it's almost like their, their death tone or tone death I should say to what, what's gonna go on.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) And I'm telling you right now, everybody in this day should be outraged at that increase right there. That's gonna, because you know why it's everybody on this day, it's gonna get the questions by the residents when those tax bills hit in July. And once again, I'll reiterate, I have no problems meeting with the administration over there with the acting superintendent and the professional staff and things like that. And col we have a lot of collaborative efforts that we work with the board of Ed over the years. I mean now you got some Board of ed members talk, oh, give us some of the pilot money. No, you're not gonna get any of the pilot money. Anybody up on this day is that votes to give any of that pilot money away is a vote against our community center because that's what's funding the debt service. That's what's gonna fund the ecological park. Any additional. So the answer is no, the

Gabrielle Cahill Property, but they still get revenue from that.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Yeah, they still get the revenue. And if it wasn't for the fact that they wouldn't be getting any revenue like that, I mean, and all the properties that are in redevelopments like are all been most of the environmentally challenged properties where they were getting nothing. Now they're getting something out of it. I I just, it's bizarre. It really is why you have other districts around the state taking in on the chin, financially laying off people, everything. The Scattery school district is increasing personnel, which tells me they have a lot of revenue. So I, you know, I I don't know, I'm just stunned, stunned at the, the insinuation that we're starving the school district of funds. If that was the case, how come they got $11 million more this year? They got 8 million 20, 24 addition they didn't have before and then they got another 9 million in 2023 that they didn't have before because of the assessed rateables.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) So they got a lot of revenue going down in in that, in that school district right now. Which is a good thing 'cause they're allowed to do it on the programming. But you also have to, we as officials up on this board have to look at the overall economics of our community and doing it a $400 hit in one year. I'm telling you right now, there's there people are gonna be in pitchforks out there. And I'll be damned if I'm gonna have everybody in this on this day and myself get the blame for it. I I said my piece on

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) That. Right. The school district is a great, I mean we have a really great school district, amazing kids, no doubt about that. But this was what we discussed last time that we will have a discussion with them. I just wanted an update to see did we make any progress? We should be having constructive discussions. Yes, you have valid points, but they're not the full points. They have their point of view, their, you know, resources that need to be given you, you can choose between teachers and students programs. So this is a discussion we should be having with them.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) I so councilwoman, I have no problems discussing them, but the fact of the matter is they're swimming and money right now. And that is the statistics, that's what's out there. We do a lot of economics with the school district here in town. We share a lot of things. We take care of a lot of things. We allow, they allow some of the rec program to happen free of charge over in the facilities. We do the same over at the community center. So we we're taking care of Green Acres. Now we do, we do a lot of programming. So there's a lot of cross town. But I'm sorry when you have certain board of ed members saying that we're, we're, we're basically hurting the school district left and right when that is simply not the case. Look, listen, there's nobody in this room or in the, in the municipal government or in town want. They wanna see their kids get educated because that's a sign of a good community and we do the right thing. But the end of the day is to be out there demagoguing that stuff. It is just terrible.

Michele Lombardi (Council President) No one denies that the school system is good in Piscataway, that's for sure. And we just, she just wants to open dialogue between us and them. And that's, and there's no problem with that.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) And I think council Councilman, I think that, you know, I think the question should be, and I think I mentioned this on the last meeting, that it's a two-way street, right? So I I have not heard that the board had reached out either.

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) But a meeting that we'll be reaching out, we don't have any problems.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) I think the language, I think it was we will work together on something so, you know, again, a two-way street, right? So I mean there's a gen there's stick scheduling to be made and discussions to be had. Who reaches out to who, you know. I mean if it's a stalemate in that case then it's something, you know, bigger than that president.

Speaker 7 All I know is I sent two letters to the board president. Every time you talk to a board member, you board president, you know, I mean if they're not gonna respond, whatcha gonna do about it. So, and and we'll,

Brian Wahler (Mayor) We'll try to reach out again.

Michele Lombardi (Council President) Councilman Cahn. Transparency is transparency. That's it.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. I'm sorry. Council member Rashed. Was that all?

Sarah Rashid (At-Large Councilmember) That's it. Thank you. No problem.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Council member Uhrin?

Frank Uhrin (Ward 1 Councilmember) Yes. I just want to tell everybody that we had a very successful tee-ball season recreation and on ju June 16th we're gonna be doing our pizza party and our trophy presentation up at Little League seven o'clock. Welcome. And I hope Councilman,

Michele Lombardi (Council President) When is that enjoyable?

Frank Uhrin (Ward 1 Councilmember) I'm summer. I hear the date.

Michele Lombardi (Council President) What's the date? What's the date?

Frank Uhrin (Ward 1 Councilmember) June 16th.

Michele Lombardi (Council President) Thank you.

Frank Uhrin (Ward 1 Councilmember) It's a Monday.

Michele Lombardi (Council President) Thank you. Great job.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Cons. Councilman rn, mayor?

Brian Wahler (Mayor) No, just you're getting ready for preparation for the summer. We're in full swing. We're expecting next week that the Centennial Avenue project's gonna get underway right out there. Long awaited, just asking the residents be please be patient out there. 'cause it's probably gonna take at least 16 months during the construction out there. Just an a side note, Frank on there was a question about Brett Streete. PSEG was filing a gas division was finally out there this week starting to move the services. We're hoping within two weeks that they'll have everything finished up by the end of the month. So public works can go in and finish paving. I know I'm wine at street. Maybe they

Michele Lombardi (Council President) Come to wines.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Yes. So they're supposed to, a PS is supposed to mobilize at the end of this month out on Winnet and also Frank out on the balance of cedarwood out there to get that. So we're hoping by the middle of July, you know, wine, it will be, at least the utility companies will be finished. What they, they're doing now. They're gonna replace the entire gas line with the new PVC line out there on wine. Its, well, which is a good thing for the residents out there. 'cause they're gonna have better pressure. We're gonna be, also the Piscataway sewer Division is gonna be handling the improvements for the sanitary sewer on Washington Avenue and also some Washington Avenue and Carlton Avenue. They're gonna start the reconstruction of that. That should be about a 72 hour job out there. So there'll be intermittent traffic delays out there. We're working with the county engineering department regards to that for detour plans.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) So on top of a lot of the other streets that are under reconstruction right now. So there's a lot of progress out there. We just awarded the contract for Love Guard Street, which is our 2024 local aid project. So we're expecting that'll be underway probably sometime the middle of July out there. So there's a lot of, I'm just asking the residents why all these road projects are underway, just to please be patient about that. So it's a lot of reconstruction out there. And then of course we're out to bid right now on the remediation of the ecological park. So we're hoping at the July meeting we'll be able to award the contract for that, which is gonna be paid for through the pilots. So

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Mayor. Council member, member Rashid. I, I know you have to step away. No problem. Thank

Gabrielle Cahill You. I wish a very happy holiday. Yeah, me too much.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Yeah.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Take you Mayor's

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Big and it was a big food fest afterwards. Thank you.

Gabrielle Cahill Good night. Good night.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Mayor. I, I do have, just to remind the residents that we do have some of the, the street improvement schedule on the site, correct? Like an estimation? Yes, we

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Yes we did. We, I should say.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Okay. Just to remember.

Gabrielle Cahill Oh, I was gonna ask that same question because we know some people on some cul-de-sacs or 10 streets.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) The, the issue is, is that we still have about 15 streets that are left over from the 2323 and then year 24 lists that we're still waiting for utility companies to move the poles or whatever the gas lines public works is ready to go and do that. However, we're gonna be running the same thing with the 25. We've got about eight or nine streets. All we all know right away. So we're, we're, we're, we're working as best we can. I'm just, you know, the good news, at least things are happening. Yeah,

Gabrielle Cahill That's good.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Mayor. Business Administrator Elli.

Paula Cozzarelli (Business Administrator) Thank you. Council president. The mayor just took what I was gonna update. I was gonna say a lot of capital projects are ongoing, so please, please sign up for rave alerts. I have received phone calls where folks are asking me, why didn't anybody tell me? And I say, well, are you signed up for our rave? And they say, well what is that? So please sign up and you'll get notifications as to road closures, detours and such. The other thing that's going on is we're having some work done in our storm water, actually our wastewater lines to minimize, it's called INI inflow and infiltration. So that's ongoing. And that happens when the flows are at their lowest when we're all sleeping. So you might see some work going, going on in the area, like 1:30 AM or so. So that's when they have to line the pipes and, and save us some tax dollars in terms of not treating storm water in our wastewater system. And

Gabrielle Cahill That's good to know.

Paula Cozzarelli (Business Administrator) And that's all I have for tonight. Thank you.

Gabrielle Cahill It's, it's the non stuff that saves us dollars really at the end of the day

Paula Cozzarelli (Business Administrator) And, and a lot. Yeah. And it's good. And, and the township has a very good proactive plan to start to minimize that. So it's, it's excellent.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Ms. Castelli, do you know whether or not we have that re information on our website?

Paula Cozzarelli (Business Administrator) As a matter of fact, it's, it should be right there with the links in front because I just spoke to our public information officer and I said, 'cause I, after I got the phone call, I said, where is the link? So it is right up front on the first page of our website.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Excellent. Thank you. Yeah,

Gabrielle Cahill That's a good idea.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) So for our residents, please visit our website and you probably have all the information that you need there. Tom Ship attorney. Mr. Coer

Speaker 18 Comments. Thank you.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you. Just like council member Michelle was saying that it was a great turnout for the, the rodeo. Thank you for everyone who came out. I would like to thank personally keep Middlesex moving for partnering with us to, to help us throw that event. They, they're excellent in what they do to keep and have the residents aware of public safety, safety when it comes to bicycle riding scooters and everything else. It's becoming more and more popular. We had o we had obstacle courses there and you know, the, our police department, our Piscataway police department was there, community outreach was there. So we had a lot of members there helping everyone out as a community. That's the way it should be. So it was great to see all the kids there enjoying themselves and as well, you know, believe it or not, some of the parents were not wearing helmets and they were there to educate them and, and why it's so important too, wear a helmet when it comes down to bicycle riding. So I was hap I was actually witnessing that. So it was great. So it was great to hear that. So thank you very much everyone for attending.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Oh, one more thing. Please drive carefully. There is the Piscataway High School prom tomorrow, so there will be a lot of cars out there. Please be patient and drive safely, please.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Okay. Item number 18, agenda session for June 17th, ordinance. Second reading, amending chapter two administration, section 18, division of police open to public resolution adopting ordinance. Ordinance First reading, amending various chapters of the revised general ordinances of the Township of Piscataway resolution. Adopting ordinance resolution appointment of of Paula Elli as Business Administrator resolution approving submission of grant application and execution of grant contract New Jersey, DOT for 11th Street Road and Province Resolution. Authorizing Piscataway Township to participate in the N-J-S-B-A co cooperative pricing system resolution authorizing Piscataway Township to participate in the NJ edge.net Inc. Edge market cooperative pricing system resolution authorizing refund of picnic fees. Carol Saunders motion accept council meeting minutes March 4th, 2025 and April 15th, 2025. Item number 19,

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Opening to the public for remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom app or by phone by pressing star nine. When it's your turn to speak, you'll 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. Ms. Cedar, do we have anybody in queue?

Melissa Seader (Clerk) Council president, there are no remote attendees with our hand raised regarding this agenda item.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Ms. Cedar. Closing to the remote attendees, opening to the in-person attendees, if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, state your name and address and you, and know that you have three minutes in which to, to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion of your comments or questions and the council or administration will then respond if necessary. It's a reminder to everyone that's in, in attendance right now that you do have three minutes. We do have a timer. So once you're 10 seconds to your three minutes, I will remind you that you have 10, 10 seconds to speak. Thank you.

Costas X Efthymious Cost 58. Curtis Piscataway, New Jersey. My issue is with property maintenance, the negligence and public embezzlement. Too many people out here, I wish they had all stayed. This is the second time I'm facing a job in judging Piscataway on account of that issue. Negligence Judge says, no, I'm not doing that. It's gotta go to county. No. Said the mayor can't go to the county. You gotta prosecute here. Legal aid fell sorry for me after he heard the, sorry, but he took me to the prosecutor, prosecutor read over my story and says I'm not taking this to the judge. So we standing, the legal lady and I are standing in front of the judge and the judge says, bring all parties involved in my chambers. I'll get to the bottom of this. No, said the mayor. We're taking it out of this court and we sending it to South Plainfield. No legal aid and my complaint, nonexistent justice right here. All these justices at work. Mr. Rin, when was the last time you walked down the neighborhood and saw the ugly? That pavement, that new pavement. Their win on prospect is peeling off on the skirt at Curtis. Great job. We do it again. It's okay. Any pavement and goes on around here. The manhole never bring up the great, they leave us with potholes. Your work ethic

Costas X Efthymious Is nothing but a fla ball. A fle ball, a fag job. That's how you people work. That's where justice is.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Council president, I just let have to let the record reflect. I don't know what court case he's talking about. Nobody from my office has ever called a court over a judge. I just wanna let the record reflect on that. A counselor and I I think you would concur with that.

Speaker 18 Yes. The township does not get involved in court matters. No, they're a separate entity.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you for that clarification, mayor. Anyone else? Sir? Can this your, your moment?

Speaker 0 David Akins, Ambrose

Speaker 15 Valley Lane. I'm gonna be quick. Item number 11. Can you elaborate what's being done or propose to be done for item number 11?

Paula Cozzarelli (Business Administrator) Sure. It's a two phase project. The first phase is senior single families and then the second phase will be multi-families for seniors. So it's senior housing, it's a senior housing project.

Speaker 15 And the idea one that will commence,

Paula Cozzarelli (Business Administrator) They're gonna have to go through the process of the planning board and submit, you know, go through that process. Right now we're just executing the redevelopment plan.

Speaker 15 Okay. Item 13 K, what's the address? This under is under the consent agenda.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) David, some of the properties are along West seventh Street and some of the road projects that we're doing in conjunction with the county and also of our road projects like on 11th Street. David, on the, over on the entrance into Columbus Park, west seventh New Market Road. Correct me if I'm wrong, Raj, there, there's a whole slew of 'em.

Speaker 18 Yeah, I think this is for the, just the, the the four year rotating assessments though I think this one's, this one's for

Speaker 15 13 p what's being done at the Westergard library.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) We're replacing the digital signboard. David, that was hit by a car. Car went off the road and hit, hit the signboard

Speaker 15 13 Q for Quebec change order. One

Speaker 3 E

Speaker 15 Energy savings. Would you just elaborate exactly what that is?

Paula Cozzarelli (Business Administrator) Sure. It's for a warranty on the battery for our solar system. It's for when they, when they were going to install the canopy at Westergard library, they ran into some issues that they had to do spread footings. So they needed to amend the contract to allow for that. And then the last is for additional cameras at the canopy at Sterling Village.

Speaker 15 Okay. That's it. Thank you.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Ms. Kins. Have a good night. I see no one at the podium closing to the in-person attendees. Motion to adjourn.

Brian Wahler (Mayor) Hold on. Council president, I, I I, I would be remiss if I didn't say something. Fortunately I was not here at the last meeting. I was here via phone person from the general public did come up and take a public shot at our police department. I know that individual's running for the state assembly. I respectfully disagreed. She tried to claim that our town is not safe. That is factually incorrect. We live in a very safe community out there. And I, I think what she ought to do is concentrate on more asking herself why she raised taxes by $400 on the average assessed house instead of worrying about everything else. Thank you.

Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2 Councilmember) Thank you Mayor. Motion to adjourn. Motion Second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Meeting adjourned. Thank you. Have a good night. I.