Transcript for Piscataway Council meeting on January 1 2021
Note: Transcripts are generated by rev.ai and may not be fully accurate. Please listen to the recording (below) if you feel any text is inaccurate.
Speaker 0 00:05:00 Hi, Jim, how are you, Jim? Good morning. Can you unmute yourself, Jim? So I know that you're in the meeting. Is that okay now? Yes, I can hear you now. Thanks, Jim. And if you could just mute yourself, that would be great. Thank you. Hi, Mr. Dacey, I'd let you in the meeting. Are you there? Hey there, Tim. Hi, Tim. Are you there? Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Hi, Frank. You're in the meeting. I just want to let you know. So if you could just meet yourself until we're ready to start. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:08:03 Okay. Speaker 0 00:08:05 Okay, great. You're here now. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:11:10 That's my fault. Yeah. Hi, Steve. I've let you in the meeting. Okay. Anybody else there? Hi, Steve. How are you? How are you? So Speaker 2 00:11:55 Happy new year geo. So I'm going to be in this whole long spiel that I, that that is the public statement, right? It's this one page. Speaker 0 00:12:05 That's number two on the agenda yet. Speaker 2 00:12:09 Call the meeting order statement for compliance bags. And then I'm going to call for nominations council, president, and then I'm going to remain silent thereafter. IPad's not going to die on me. I, my batteries, well, I got 30% now my only copy of the agendas on my email. I'm sure I'll survive. Speaker 0 00:12:45 Yeah, you're just going to do those parts and then I believe Capela will take over when you get, after you get, or the president will take over after you get there. Fourth, Speaker 2 00:12:57 Do we, do you know if they're members of the public that have called in? Speaker 0 00:13:05 It's going to read that today. Yeah, I'm sorry. There was no one present currently, But it looks like appeal will call for the open to the public portion after he, you hand the meeting over. So you're good, Steve. Speaker 2 00:13:31 Okay. Yeah. That's what he's supposed to do. Well, he's going to handle, he's gonna, he's gonna do nominations for council vice-president to right? Speaker 0 00:13:41 Correct. Yes. Speaker 2 00:13:43 Right. Once, once he's, once he's elected, I, I give up the gavel. Speaker 0 00:13:51 Yes, correct? Speaker 2 00:14:00 Yeah, we can't all go to the span in Speaker 0 00:14:13 I Chanel. I let you in the meeting. Hi Melissa. Happy new year. Happy new year. Thank you. Speaker 2 00:18:12 Hey, Melissa, Melissa, I'm going to call the meeting to order. I'm just going to make sure we get everybody. I mean, in about 30 seconds, I'm just waiting to make sure we have everybody online. I'll let you know when everybody is here, because we're still going through a couple of things here, so I'll let you know when we're ready. Okay. Okay. Thanks. Thanks. Okay, Steve, we're ready. Speaker 2 00:20:21 Okay. Let me just go back to the agenda. Good morning. Good afternoon. Good afternoon, everybody. I'm going to call this meeting to order. So January 1st, 2021, and this is Scott away township, our regular meeting reorganization and regular meeting. Take a moment to read a, a statement. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided as required under chapter 2 31 public law, 1975, specifying the time date, location, or dial in information. And the, to the extent known the agenda by posting a copy of the notice on the municipal building, the municipal court and the two municipal library bulletin boards, as well as the municipal website and providing a copy to the official newspapers of the township and by filing a copy and the office of the township clerk in accordance with a certification by the clerk, which will be entered into the minutes. The tattooed continues to use the telephone meeting format in an effort to mitigate the chance of exposure to COVID-19 as part of the townships ongoing effort to slow the rate of transmission and avoid overwhelming our treatment centers in order to make sure a clear record of the meeting can be made and that all parties are heard in an organized fashion. Speaker 2 00:21:46 All members of the public will be muted during the meeting. If a member of the public wishes to speak during any public comment portion, please press star, not a pressing star. Nine will indicate that you've raised your hand to speak. We will unmute members of the public individually. If they have their hands raised, when it is your turn to speak, you will hear a notification that you will have been un-muted. It is at this time that you should begin to ask any questions you may have. You will have three minutes to speak at the conclusion of which you will be muted again, and the council or administration will respond as necessary. Should you have any further comments or questions that council, the township council is always available by email and phone, and you can always call the mayor's office during normal operating hours. Each member of the public shall have only one opportunity to speak during each public portion. Speaker 2 00:22:39 As the technology does not allow us to know if there are multiple callers on an individual line, we will ask that if you wish to speak that you dial in on a separate line so that we can recognize you as a separate individual, individuals may also submit written comments to the township clerk up to 48 hours prior to the meeting to be read by the township clerk. During the public comment portion of the meeting, these comments shall be limited to three minutes of length and reading. Thank you in advance for your patience as we continue to move the township forward during this health emergency. So the first order of business is the flag salute. You please rise in. I mean the pledge of allegiance, I pledge allegiance, Speaker 2 00:23:44 Us to the first order of business and that first order of business, I, I, I only get, I only get to do every couple of years, cause I've been around long enough to be the senior person, which is shocking. But the first order of business is item. Number four is nominations w to elect a council president the 2021 year. So I'm gonna open it up to the floor. Are there any nominations for council, president? Speaker 4 00:24:13 Yeah, Steve, I would like to nominate to appeal Shaw as council president. Speaker 2 00:24:19 Thank you, council. Councilman Ernie, Councilman urn as nominated Councilman Shaw for council president. Are there any, is there a second? Are there any other nominations from council president? Speaker 5 00:24:33 Yes. So Steve, this is counseling Jim Bullard, and I will secondary second, the for. Speaker 2 00:24:43 Excellent. Thank you, Councilman. Gallard. Are there any other nominations for counsel present hearing none. I'm going to close the nomination process and ask that the clerk would take a roll call. Vote for council president, please. Speaker 0 00:25:01 Sure. Councilman Bullard. Councilwoman Councilman con yes. Councilman Lombardi. Yes, yes, yes, Yes. Speaker 2 00:25:30 And that w with that vote, we've elected Councilman Shaw as council president for 2021. Congratulations could be on. Now. You're going to do a great job and I am now going to turn over the virtual gavel to you to conduct the rest of the business for this meeting. Speaker 6 00:25:49 Thank you too. And thank you all the powerful people who support me and my nomination. And now I opened the , but if you done any offer, Speaker 7 00:26:03 Yes, council president saw, I would like to nominate. This is council woman Kay hill. I would like to nominate Michelle Lombardi as the vice council vice president by president Ken's council. Michelle was born and raised in Piscataway. She was educated in our public schools and she is a successful business woman, strong, faithful, and dedicated to the safety and prosperity of this town and its residents. Mr. Council chair, I nominate to elect Michelle Lombardi to council vice president. Speaker 6 00:26:45 Any another nomination or Speaker 8 00:26:50 Hi council, president appeal, Shaw. This is Councilman schwannoma column. I would like to second the nomination for counseling, Michelle Lombardi to be vice-president. I've grown up in this town with Michelle. We went to high school together. I've had the opportunity as Gabrielle, a gentleman, Gabrielle Cahill that stated to watch Michelle throughout the years, and I'm honored to serve with her. And I'm, I would also like to see her help our current council president KPO shot lead the team this year. So I thank you, Speaker 6 00:27:33 Mr. . Speaker 0 00:27:38 Councilman Bullard, Jim Bullard. I just need your vote for the vice president of council, woman Kao. Yes. Yes. Council woman Lombardi. Yes. Council, woman. McColum yes. Councilman Shaw. Yes. Councilman earn. Speaker 6 00:28:15 Now I called the reorganize meeting to order. Speaker 0 00:28:26 Yeah. Councilman Kao here. Councilman Lombardi here. Councilwoman McColum Councilman RN council, president of Shaw Mayor Brian Waller business administrator from the BBC township attorney. Roger. You're a glimmer here and I'm here. Melissa Cedar, the township clerk. Speaker 6 00:29:19 Okay. Now item number eight, mayor appointed. green MTA to committee advisory commission, meaning shipper, airline substance. Have you stopped for learning board deciding municipal court judge? No. I come in about nine open to public comment regarding item number 14 and set the agenda. If you wish to speak at time, please press nine star nine to raise your hand when it is your turn list, 50 or an announcement that you have been unmuted at this time, please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes and weeks to make you put a comment. The council of administration will respond if necessary after you have completed any comments or questions. Yes. Hello. Speaker 0 00:31:07 I just want to remind everyone that this portion is open to the public for consent agenda items. There will be an open to the public at the end of the meeting for any comments. Thank you. Speaker 6 00:33:04 So this time I want to close the public portion Ordinance. The first reading, I don't think the redevelopment plan for the property. Commonly known as 1 5 7 0 south Washington avenue. And 5 1 0 1 5 0 2 that's 6.2 and 7.02. See the Speaker 1 00:33:40 I read the regularly, Speaker 0 00:33:44 It resolved by the township council scattery township, New Jersey got an ordinance and titled ordinance approving a redevelopment plan for Glock 5 1 0 1 that's 5.0 to 6.02 and 7.02 Venus whereby adopted on the first rating. That'd be published in the official newspaper. And then a second reading and public hearing be held at 7:30 PM. Prevailing time at the Piscataway municipal building New Jersey, as well as by telephonic conference on the 26th day of January, 2021 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 of bottle 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 I'm in Lombardy Speaker 0 00:34:57 Sounds, member alert. Yes. Councilman con yes. Sounds a woman Kao. Yes. Sound tool in Lombardy. Yeah. Councilwoman column. Yes. Councilman Aaron. Yes. Presidential shot. Speaker 6 00:35:22 Yes. Okay. This ordinance passed on proceeding. Okay. Item number 1149. First reading erupting the radio plan for the property. Commonly known as 1 41 and the unit as not 4 1 0 2, 2 reservation. Please Speaker 0 00:35:53 Be it resolved by the time council it's got times with New Jersey that an ordinance untitled or disapproving, a redevelopment plan for block 4 1 0 2 lot to be in here by adopted on the first reading, that'd be published in the official newspaper. And then a second reading of public hearing be held at 7:30 PM. Prevailing time at the municipal building 4 55 hose lane, Piscataway New Jersey, as well as by telephonic conference on the 26th day of January, 2021. You 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. Speaker 6 00:36:36 I do have offer, offer Speaker 0 00:36:48 Counseling. Speaker 6 00:36:51 Let me see the road, please. Speaker 0 00:36:56 Yes, Speaker 6 00:36:59 Yes, Speaker 0 00:37:03 Yes, yes. A woman McCollum. Yes. Councilman urn. Yes. President. Speaker 6 00:37:16 Yes. It's frustrating diseases. And pass on that item. Number 12 ordinance first reading or authority is meant for Adams street road improvement. audience, please. Speaker 0 00:37:43 It was all by the township council, Gatorade, friendships, New Jersey, that an ordinance title affordance for the acquisition of rights of way, easements and land in fee simple for the improvement of Adams street and Piscataway township county of Middlesex, state of New Jersey being shared by adopted on the first reading, that'd be published in the official newspaper. And then a second reading and public hearing be held at 7:30 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway municipal building 4 55, who was linked to SCADA in New Jersey, as well as by telephonic conference on the 26th day of January, 2021, the brother is off 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 district clerk for any interested member of the Speaker 6 00:38:34 Offer Speaker 0 00:38:36 Offer counsel I'm in Lombardy. Speaker 6 00:38:40 Councilman. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:38:49 Yes. Councilman con council, woman Keio. Yeah. Council, woman Lombardi. Yes. A woman. My column. Yes. I'm from an Aaron. Yes. Uncle president of child. Speaker 6 00:39:11 Yes. So they said there was some possible first reading number 13 ordinance first reading for authorizing easement free sample quizzes for Leslie. I want new members and stood and thoughts to Rubin. Mr. please. Speaker 0 00:39:33 It resolved got essential counsel scattered attached with New Jersey that an ordinance and titled ordinance for the acquisition of the rights of way easements and land in fee simple for the improvement of left free avenue, maple street and street and short street and Prescott away township county of Middlesex state of New Jersey being is hereby adopted on the first reason that'd be published in the official new quicker. And then a second reading of public hearing be held at 7:30 PM prevailing upon scattering municipal building 4 55, whose land has got to be New Jersey as well as by telephonic conference on the 26th day of January, 2021, your brother is up 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 of 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 Off-air counsel them in Lombardi. Okay. Speaker 6 00:40:34 Counseling second. Thank you, Mr. Roper. Speaker 0 00:40:41 Yes. Councilman con Councilman Councilman Lombardi. Yeah. Until woman McCollum. Yes. Councilman urban Council. President shot. Speaker 6 00:41:06 Yes. So this is, there was some possible reading number 14 concurrent agent that is relation or efficiency item. the material for this item have been distributed to the council in advance of the meeting at this time. Are there any item that the council would like to remove from the agent to be discussed or wondered separately? Speaker 6 00:42:04 Second counsel on Belarus. Speaker 0 00:42:14 Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, Speaker 6 00:42:35 Yes. So this consent is in the past now item number 15, appointment of counsel committee, Steve Kahn. Chanel public works, finance Jim bowler, Q con chair, Michelle Lombardi and personal Gabrielle Cahill Jr. And Franklin. So item number 16, any announcement comments from officer, Nothing at this time. Thank you con Speaker 2 00:43:49 Yes. Briefly. I just want to wish everybody at, on in the public and my council colleagues and the mayor, and of course Melissa and Tim happy new year, we're all glad that we got through 2020 council woman. Kale did a great job as council president. I'm looking forward to 2021 and I am confident and looking forward to compete, doing a great job as council president. So I, for 1:00 AM optimistic about the coming year. Speaker 0 00:44:26 Yeah. I would like to wish everyone a very happy new Speaker 3 00:44:31 And thank all of those. My council colleagues that worked so hard this year to make this all happen during this very challenging time. And let's also keep in mind any of our community residents that may have lost people due to the virus and things are definitely much more optimistic with the vaccine insight. So I think the future is looking brighter and I look forward to working for 2021 with all of my council colleagues, the new vice, the new president Capela Shaw. And I'd actually like to definitely thank Councilwoman Gabrielle K health for her work this year and making this all happen. Virtual. I know it's been a challenge, but we have gotten through this together as a team. Thank you. Have a great new year happy 2021. Speaker 6 00:45:26 Thank you, Michelle. Speaker 7 00:45:31 Thank you, council president Shaw. I would like to just reiterate, reiterate a lot of what Councilwoman woman Lombardi said, but also to, to mention that I appreciate all the hard work that this townships employees have put in to serving our residents this last year during a global pandemic, I'd like to thank the administration for the hard work that they did, putting behind keeping those employees employed while other towns could not. And I just want to say to the residents of this town is that you are key and vital to the success of this township. And we love to serve you. We are grateful to the serving you and we look forward to 2021 in helping those who may not have the means this year may have lost a job. We do know that there are several organizations that are here in the township that help the underserved and we as a council and administration support those organizations robustly. So happy 20, 21 to all of my colleagues here, Melissa Raj, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Mayor. Thank you very much for all the hard work this last year in 2020, and let's look forward to a time when we all can come together again. Thank you. Speaker 6 00:47:08 Thank you, Ms. Karen, on Speaker 1 00:47:23 Doesn't matter, Speaker 6 00:47:25 Frank, on a Speaker 10 00:47:29 New year. Speaker 6 00:47:33 Thank you. Speaker 8 00:47:36 Thank you, council council, president. I just want to wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe happy 21 20 21. And thanks as council, the previous council, president Gabriel Cahill for her leadership in 2020 and congratulate our new council, president Councilman KPL Shaw and our new, our new vice-president compliment Michelle Lombardi. You know, I had all the faith in both of you and I look forward to working with you in 2021. When I also think my fellow council people, as well as the, the township employees for all of your hard work in 2020, and look forward to working with you in 2021. I also have a comment from our last meeting. There was a resident that mentioned some of the unfortunate issues that the over abundance of deer causing him due to his property. I believe he mentioned that several times his fence and both myself and Councilman Steve Kahn had stated that we would take a look into it and we had requested some information. So just want to go on record and acknowledging that we have received some information from the chief of staff, Dana Accordant and we are currently looking into it and we will get back and, and, and make some official comments in 2021. So wish everyone the best and looking forward to a safe and happy and healthy 2021. And please everyone remember to wear your mask. Thank you. Speaker 10 00:49:19 Thank you, council president. And I just want to reiterate, I agree with all the comments that were just said prior to before one thing for 2021, we're just hoping working with the county board of health and the state board of health about when we're going to have nodulation sites set up, hopefully in our community for the vaccination. So obviously when we get the information, we'll be getting it out to the general public. Secondly, we're gonna just ask the residents to be patient this year coming. There's going to be a lot of infrastructure improvements taking place throughout our community for the betterment as a whole, as well as other infrastructure improvements within our miserable parks and things of that nature. So I want to thank as once again, all the folks who made 2020 as best it could be during this pandemic. And hopefully it's several accounts of members just said, there's gotta be light at the end of the tunnel. So with that that's, that's it council president. Yes. I'd like to thank the mayor and the council, my reappointment, and look forward to working with everyone for the Speaker 1 00:50:27 Next Speaker 6 00:50:27 Four years. Happy new year. Thank you. Ms. Provides, Speaker 11 00:50:34 Yeah, I just wanted to wish everybody a happy new year and looking forward to working with president Camille Shaw and vice president Michelle Lombardi and this incoming year. Thanks. Speaker 6 00:50:50 Yes. Thank you very much. All the back to appoint me for is a precedent and look forward for all this challenge and it looked forward 20, 21 better and safe and a happy new year to everybody and the family. Thank you. Speaker 6 00:51:32 Okay. Item number 17. Agent SSN for January 12th, 2021 is Ellison altering to contract 2021 police vehicle. So yes, E N J 2021 or nine are not to exceed 219 8755. Nope, Nope. None authorizing develop that plan amendment to redevelopment plan 8 57 holes land-based drop 11,901 lot 22 desks to team to site planning, LLC, not to exceed 25 50, 2,550. Any questions or comments? She, none or high water rescue is supplies and equipment company not to exceed 38,210. Any comment or question In non It's, an altering award to contract to? Yes, he N J 1819 desk 25. That's going to 21 diamond power, more DBM, 21 bloom, one more. W dash 44. Let her power place incorporation not to exceed 2,832. Any question comments? None to use NJ 18 slash 19 that's 25, 20 21. John Deere tractor 5 5 0 9 0 M . You are in company, not 65,189 point 23. Any comment or question? Non professional engineering service contract walls link avenue Senators were implemented. CME association dissociate not paying 19,994. Any questions? Comments, None. Okay. Item number 18. Open to the public. If you wish to speak at this time, please star nine. Hands your tongue to strict too. You will hear an announcement that you have been unmuted at that time. Please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in a week. You make your comments, the council or admission will respond if necessary after you have completed any comments or questions, Speaker 6 00:56:48 Please unmute yourself. Not these unmute yourself. Speaker 12 00:57:12 Yes. Hi, this is Mary Hahn, 2 0 1 hillside avenue. Can you hear me? Speaker 6 00:57:18 Yes, Speaker 12 00:57:20 I a new appointee. I received a letter for the civil rights advisory commission. Thanks mayor. Brian just wanted to understand responsibilities. And this commission along myself, along with mushy have been appointed to this civil rights advisory commission. Speaker 10 00:57:42 If I may council president, the chair will be contacting the new members of the commission and filling in when the next meeting is. Okay. Speaker 12 00:57:52 Sounds good. Thank you. Happy new year. Happy new year to all. Thank you. Speaker 6 00:57:57 Thank you. Speaker 1 00:58:00 Okay, Speaker 6 00:58:39 He's on mute. Unmute yourself. Just unmute yourself. Can you hear me Please? Speaker 1 01:01:32 Just hold on a second. Cause we're having a little technical difficulty with an item, so we'll be right back with you. Speaker 0 01:02:49 I would sing to you all, but my voice is not great. Just give us one more minute, please. Speaker 13 01:03:34 Hello. Speaker 0 01:03:36 Hi, Senator Smith. You were at the council meeting. I think we figured out how to let you speak. So go ahead and speak. Speaker 13 01:03:43 Oh good. So listen, this is probably symbolic of the coming year, but not what I necessarily want it to say to the newly sworn in and the other senior members of the council and our reelected mayor. You know, you go back over 2020 and it was an unbelievable year one. Like I hope to some extent we're never going to have again, especially on the pandemic side. The good news of course, is that AstraZeneca has now been approved in Britain and they say they have 3 billion with a B doses ready to go. So I think we're all getting a lot of high hopes on a good year and getting the vaccine out there and getting this under control. Of course the biggest development of 2020 is that we now have new leadership at the national level, starting on January 20th. And I am saying my prayers and lighting candles that they can hit the ground running. Speaker 13 01:04:50 And I know they're doing the best to do that. And I think that's also going to help us with the pandemic and also with a lot of the financial problems around the country and unemployment, et cetera. So I'm, I'm strongly supporting a really good 2021. And with the, the 2020 history, looking at the brighter side, the people at Piscataway township have endorsed and support is a team of individuals who they know are working for them and working hard for them. They supported them both in the primary election and again, overwhelmingly in the general election, right? Think mayor Walla and our at large council people should take great pride in the level of support that they received and use that as an incentive to work even harder for them in 2021. Now I know you're going to do that without me even suggesting it, but you did, you, you really work hard for the people in 2020. Speaker 13 01:05:51 I think the first half of 2021 is going to be difficult, but this is the government in Piscataway township. That is, is really doing what the people need done for our 60,000 residents. So I can grab congratulate you guys and gals for the good job you've done and the good job I know you're going to do. And for all of my constituents in Piscataway and my neighbors be careful out there. You remember hill street blues use to start with the, all of the officers in the room and the Sergeant would say, be careful out there. You know, we really have, if you can live through the next six months, you're going to add another 20 or 40 years to your luck. We just have to do our best to prevent the spread of the virus. So happy, prosperous, healthy, all in capital letters. New year in 2021, God bless everyone. Have a great new year. Speaker 6 01:07:20 It's going to be used to speak at this time. Please raise your hand. So the number 19 is in man. I have an offer for council second counsel. I'm in Lombardi and I'm not. So okay. I want to say this time, the pandemic is not over yet. So please be safe and safe distance. Thank you. And have a happy 20 21, 20 21, everyone.