Transcript for Piscataway Council meeting on August 13 2019
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 00:00:02 Excuse I question about last week's second be publication Emma. Thank you Counsel. Speaker 1 00:00:33 If I can have Emma and Gabriel Rodriguez come up, Speaker 0 00:00:38 We'll have Rodriguez Speaker 1 00:00:42 And then we'll have the folks in the Marissa RO Foundation, somebody there representing the foundation. Speaker 0 00:00:55 Biological solutions. Speaker 1 00:01:00 You have to bear with me. There's two separate packs with plaques and two separate names on it. So we're, we're gonna take care of Emma first. Emma was a 2019 graduate of Piscataway High School who earned varsity letters and cross country swimming track and field while excelling in the classroom. Whereas the Marissa Ferro Foundation was established to help pediatric patients in the greater Middlesex County area. And whereas community service is an integral part of the Marissa Ferro Foundation mission. And whereas Emma was inspired to make everyday account by a friend who ultimately succumbed to, I didn't can't even pronounce it. Muster dystrophy. Speaker 0 00:01:39 Yeah. Speaker 1 00:01:40 DE's a type of Dechen. Okay. And whereas Emma has volunteered for and participating in region, various charitable endeavors such as parent project must disagree. And whereas Emma serves as an example to youth in our community throughout the high level of personal achievement, awareness and community service. And whereas Emma has received the deferral foundation GMC Student Athlete Scholarship and whereas it is fitting to recognize the proud accomplishments of Emma as she begins her studies at Rutgers University, good school Miami am honor and chose it. Right. And I therefore Brian Wall and the Mayor of Piscataway and the Council of Township of Piscataway Dubai can hardly graduate Emma bro on all the hard work you did. So we're gonna hold this and we're gonna, we're gonna hold. Speaker 0 00:02:34 Okay. Alright. Speaker 1 00:02:35 So re Gago Rodriguez is a 2019 graduate of Piscataway High School, where he distinguished himself as the cast captain of the Varsity Soccer and wrestling teams president of the chess club and member of the National World Language Honor societies. And whereas after watching, helping his sister win a courageous battle with kidney cancer, Gabrielle wanting to get back to the community, sharing his kindness that his family had received. And whereas Gabrielle volunteered for two summers at Sunrise Day camp, a summer camp for children receiving cancer treatments for whom in remission, traveling an hour each each day to Staten Island. And whereas Gabrielle was favored by the campers due to his phenomenal compassion, enthusiasm. And whereas Gabrielle continues to volunteer at the camp, inspiring campers to move beyond their physical and emotional limitations. And whereas Gabrielle serves as an example to the youth of our community through his high level of personal achievement. And whereas awareness in community service. And whereas Gabrielle has received the Derell Foundation GMC Student Athletes Scholarship also. And whereas it's fitting to recognize Gabrielle wonderful accomplishments as he begins his studies at NYU Strong School of Business. And now George, where I, myself, Brian Wahler, the Mayor of Piscataway in the Township Council of Dubai Saint, congratulations, Gabrielle R Speaker 3 00:04:07 Closer go. They don't bite. Speaker 0 00:04:13 We can't quite figure out why that Speaker 3 00:04:15 They don't bite except on April 15th. Speaker 1 00:04:34 Thank you so much, Mayor. I just want to thank the Mayor of Township Council for recognizing two of Piscataway finest student athletes. The Marissa Tofa Foundation was established just over two years ago in loving memory of my daughter who died two years ago. She was born with a complex cardiac defect, underwent six open heart surgeries, had two life threatening conditions that necessitated a heart transplant, had a successful heart transplant, but unfortunately contracted a rare form of cancer that claimed her life. I also happened to be a sports writer with the whole News Tribune and the Courier News. So I've been privileged to cover Rutgers and Greater Middlesex conference athletics for almost 30 years now. So I've come across thousands and thousands of student athletes and, and I can say with or unequivocally that these two embody all that is outstanding in the classroom, on the field and beyond in their community service is exemplary. And the Township should be so immensely proud of Emma and Gabe and the entire Piscataway high school community, which has supported our foundation, football, wrestling, baseball, swimming, bowling programs, basketball, and so many other sports. So I want to just thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mayor and the Township Council for recognizing these two outstanding student athletes. Thank you so Speaker 4 00:05:56 Much, much. Speaker 0 00:06:19 Item number nine, ordinance on a second reading supplementing chapter 17, property maintenance adding section 17 dash 2.68 dumpsters and containers. This is also open to public resolution of property Cedar. Please read the ordinance Speaker 4 00:06:34 Be resolved by the Township Council, Piscataway Township, New Jersey, then ordinance entitled Ordinance to supplement the revised general ordinances of the Township by Piscataway County of Middlesex, the state of New Jersey supplementing chapter 17, property maintenance adding section 17 dash 2.6 a dumpsters and containers was introduced on the 23rd day of July, 2019, had passed the first reading and was published on the 26th day of July, 2019. Now therefore be resolved that the A ordinance having had a second reading on August 13th, 2019, the adopted past and after passage be published together with the notice of the date of past or approval in the official newspaper. We further resolved that this ordinance shall be assigned number 19 dash 21. Speaker 0 00:07:18 Mr. Comments, do I have a motion? Motion? Second. Second. Speaker 4 00:07:26 Councilman Bullard. Yes. Councilman? Yes. Councilwoman McCollum. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President Uhrin? Speaker 0 00:07:35 Yes, I. This item number 10, ordinance on first reading amended chapter 21 zoning Section two John dash 1102, general parking schedule Resolution Ordinance. Please read the ordinance Speaker 4 00:07:49 Be resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance Supplementing Chapter 21, zoning of the revised General Ordinances of the Township of Pisca County, of Middlesex, state of New Jersey being is hereby adopted on the first review that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading in public hearing be held at 7:30 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Jose Piscataway, New Jersey on the 24th day of September, 2019. Be further result that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within this Township prior to the day of the second meeting 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 0 00:08:32 Do I have a motion? Speaker 4 00:08:34 Motion? Speaker 0 00:08:35 I'm second. Second. Speaker 4 00:08:38 Councilman Bullard? Yes. Councilman Cahill. Yes. Councilman Marty? Yes. Councilman mcc. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President Speaker 0 00:08:46 Howard? Yes. Basis item 11 for efficiency items have been consolidated. Materials of these items have been distributed to the council in the advance of the meeting at this time, are there any items that the council would like removed from agenda should be discussed on separately. You have a motion. Speaker 4 00:09:08 Motion. Second. Second. Councilman Buller. Yes. Councilman Mc Cahill? Yes. Councilman Lombardi. Yes. Councilwoman McCollum. Yes. Councilman Haw. Yes. Councilman Speaker 0 00:09:23 Mcc? Yes. Number 12, purpose of the case. Sufficiency of petition, energy, renewable energy. Speaker 4 00:09:33 Whereas on July 2nd, 2019, a Committee of Petitioners, the committee comprised of Judy Payne, Anthony Wild, Kevin Dikema, and Baston and Alan Howard submitted an initial petition under NJ SA 40 69 a dash 180 4. And whereas as required by NJ SA 69 a dash 180 4, in order for the petition to be submitted to the Township Council, it was required to be signed by a number of legal voters of the Township of Piscataway equal in number to at least 10%, but less than 15% of the total votes cast in the municipality at the last election. At which members of the General Assembly were elected subject to the restrictions set forth in NJSA 40 69 a dash 1 92. And whereas required by NJSA 40 69 a dash 180 7, the Township clerk is required to independently review the petition and within 20 days, determine whether the committee has complied with the requirements of the law to certify to a sufficient petition. Speaker 4 00:10:42 And whereas on July 25th, 2019, the Township clerk notified the committee of of the insufficiency of the petition and informing them of their right to file an amended petition within 10 days correcting the insufficiencies. And whereas on August 2nd, 2019, the committee filed a secondary petition amending the initial, filing the amended petition with the Township clerk. And whereas on August 7th, 2019, the Township clerk notified the Committee of the sufficiency of the amended petition as required by NJSA 40 69 a dash 180 8. And whereas under the applicable law, the Township clerk is required to certify to the sufficiency or insufficiency of the petition, petition or amended petition as the case may be informing the Township counsel of and presenting to them the ordinance. The petition and amended petition seeks the Township counsel's action on and whereas required by NJSA 40 69 a dash one 90. Upon a certification of the sufficiency of the petition, the Township clerk shall submit the ordinance to the Township Council for its consideration. Speaker 4 00:11:46 With that ordinance having been deemed to have already had a first reading and required notice and shall be submitted to the Council for a public hearing. And whereas required by NJSA 40 69 a dash 1 91 if within 20 days of the submission of the certified petition to the Township Council, the council fails to pass the ordinance requested by the amended petition in substantially the same form requested, the municipal clerk shall submit the ordinance to the voters unless at least four fifths of the committee requests an amended petition to view of July. I'm Melissa, a er, municipal clerk of the Township Piscataway hereby certify that the amended petition submitted to my office on August 2nd, 2019 and reviewed by my office, has met the requirements of the applicable law. And I hereby submit the ordinance contained in the amended petition to the Township Council with the ordinance having been deemed to have already met the notice requirements of first reading and shall have a public hearing on, on August 13th, 2019, Speaker 0 00:12:48 Item number 13th ordinance on a second reading, authorizing the establishment of the government energy aggregation program that phases in a hundred percent Preferability regionality source renewable renewables by 2035. This is open to the Public Resolution ordinance. Please review ordinance Speaker 4 00:13:07 Here. The resolved by the Township Council of the Cade Township New Jersey, that an ordinance entitled, authorizing the Establishment of a government energy aggregation program that phases in 100% preferable regional, regionally sourced renewables. By 2035 was introduced by initiative petitioner filed on July 25th, 2019, amended on August 2nd, 2019 and deemed sufficient on August 7th, 2019. And pursuant to MJSA 40 69 8 dash one 90 was deemed to have had first reading upon certification of sufficiency by the Township clerk. Now, there forbid resolved that the ordinance having had a second reading on August 13 be adopted, passed, and after passage be published together with the notice of Date of passage approval in the official newspaper, be it further resolved that this ordinance if passed, shall be assigned to number 19 dash 22. Speaker 5 00:14:04 Mr. President, can you get a little closer to your mic? It's hard to hear you. Yeah, just bring it closer or something. Speaker 0 00:14:12 It's Speaker 5 00:14:14 Talk a little back. Speaker 0 00:14:16 Can't hardly hear you. Speaker 5 00:14:17 Yeah. Speaker 4 00:14:17 So this is Ann Bashkin, one 13 Fountain Avenue. I've been here before on behalf of the environment in Piscataway, and I wanna speak to this resolution as an opportunity for the town to take a leap forward in a time that we have really a climate crisis on our hands. There's such urgency to take action, to move forward and to move other townships forward. So we know that Woodbridge has moved on, this Highland Park is in the process and other towns around us and around the state. It's passed. The ordinance was passed by the council in New Brunswick last year. So Piscataway can help move this all forward and join sizable townships across the state in making sure that we are part of the solution and not part of the problem. And this is a good first step. It's a big first step, and it's one that also allows residents to opt in or out. It allows businesses to join. We could have considerable improvement in our, in our air quality overall as a result. And that is an issue. If you were here last month, every single day, over 90 degrees, had an air quality alert. That's not good. It's not good for our kids, it's not good for seniors or people with health issues, but mostly it's not good for the future and we have to join the future. We have to be part of making this change happen and we cannot delay further. So I urge you to pass the resolution. Speaker 1 00:16:13 Hi, RB four 11 New Market Road. I'm also here to encourage you to adopt this ordinance today rather than put it to the voters in November. That three month delay may be critical. The IPCC report says that we have less than 11 years to reverse or take serious actions to reverse the potential effects of climate change. And additionally, with this, with this ordinance is projected that the cost of the energy will go down and the cost of renewable energy has been dropping rapidly in the marketplace. So I, I feel it's in everyone's best interest to pass this ordinance tonight. Speaker 0 00:16:58 Does Speaker 4 00:16:58 Anybody else come up? But I just, I'm Staci 2 33 Ellis Parkway. And in addition to what Anne mentioned, you know, those of us that have small kids with Asmat, you know, we, we actually checked the Air quality index. You know, you can do it on your, it shows up on your phone on the, on the weather app and you can actually see where it says, and I tracked it last month and it was, there were more days that where we had poor air quality for sensitive groups with health issues than not. And that it's, you know, it's a problem for families, both with small kids with asthma and seniors with respiratory issues. We just think this is a great way for pisca weight to lead and to really make sure that our community is a place that's safe and healthy for everyone. I was out talking to neighbors in our area last night and doing our little community survey and we're asking people, you know, what their concerns about are concerned about. And one of the things that came up over and over and over again was, was climate change, both nationally and whether our elected officials nationally are gonna do something and what we could do here locally together. And this was a, a, we think is a really good first step for our community to take. So we hope that you'll vote for this tonight and not delayed anymore. Speaker 1 00:18:18 Good evening, council, council president, my name's Junior Rome. I'm with Food and Water Watch at 100 Baird Street in New Brunswick. First and foremost, I want to thank Thena Clerk in her office for going through all the petitions. It's not an easy task and it's very laborious, so thank you so much for going, going through that. The council today has an opportunity to do what New Brunswick did last year, which just passed one of the most aggressive progressive local renewable energy ordinances in New Jersey. Transitioning Piscataway towards 100% renewable energy in the next 15 years, which is in line with the climate scientists science that tells us that we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions exponentially in order to adequately fight climate change. What better way in the face of federal in action for Piscataway Township to take bold progressive climate leadership here in town and potentially save money. Speaker 1 00:19:14 New Brunswick, they have an 18 month contract and they're gonna see savings per household with about a hundred dollars a year. It's basically the bulk purchasing, just like going to Costco when you buy in bulk, the single unit is usually cheaper. It's the same with energy, the same community energy aggregation and knocking doors over the last couple of months was not easy. We had consensus from voters, many of your constituents, I believe we knocked in every district here in Piscataway. And the consensus was clear. They wanted Piscataway to take bold action on renewable energy, bold action and fighting climate change, especially in the face of federal inaction. So, you know, this goes to the ballot. We look forward to a spirited campaign. We're ready to get boots on the ground, but we just like Irv echoed, we don't think it should wait till November. We, we think we can take action now. Speaker 1 00:20:12 Think of the many tons of carbon we could be reducing in the three months ahead of putting this on the ballot and taking action today. I'm very happy to see it's on second reading today. We, this council just has a good opportunity to take bold leadership. I believe the Mayor was at a round table with Congressman Palone and the Mayor of New Brunswick, where Congressman Palone and the Mayor of New Brunswick we're talking about how great their New Brunswick energy aggregation program is. We look forward for Piscataway to also getting into that program, whether it's today or in November. So thanks, thanks so much for considering this and we help you vote yes today. Speaker 4 00:20:53 Thank you. Speaker 1 00:20:59 Hello everyone. We know you're here because you wanna serve people, you wanna make things better. You know, we need your name and your, my name's our, my name is Alan Gerber. G-E-R-B-E-R. Like a baby food, unfortunately no relationship, but I missed that on plumbing The knife. And I married from one instead of money. I'm at 24 Westphal Boulevard North in Piscataway, New Jersey. Okay. So seeing who we have in the White House with his administration, we need to go back in the future, not, not a hundred years back in the past. Bad things happen if good people do nothing. That's right. So you are all good people and we need this to get going so we can move on in the future instead of going backwards. Very, very important. Not only just for us, but for our children and grandchildren. So I ask you to make sure we get this thing passed. Thank you very much. Speaker 4 00:22:04 Hello, my name's Sheila Maar. I live at 46th Ley Avenue in Piscataway. I'm here tonight because I am in agreement with this ordinance and I also want to thank the, all the people that have been out collecting signatures in 2018. I was very happy to read about the program initiated in New Brunswick and I was hoping that Piscataway would one day initiate the program as well. So I'm very happy to hear that it's progressing and possibly being passed since our federal government seems to be incapable of finding methods to confront climate change, the climate change crisis, I feel that it's up to our state, county, and municipal governments. So I'm asking you tonight to seriously consider this proposal and pass it after all. This program is a win-win for all Piscataway residents. What Piscataway resident wouldn't like to see a hundred dollars per year drop in their energy costs. And it's also a win-win for our planet. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:23:29 Hi, my name is Noel Masar and I'm with her 36th weekly Avenue. She lets me, and the reason I'm up here taking, I know, making a statement is that I'm not speaking for myself. I'm 72 years old. I'm, I'm here to speak for my children, grandchildren, and the children of the world. Yet on board, we owe them something, we owe them a clean environment. And because of that I also am in favor of this ordinance. Thank you. Speaker 4 00:24:25 Is there any Speaker 1 00:24:28 Good evening? My name is Gusta and I'm at 58. Curtis. I'm here to raise a concern concerning the orate conditions in certain neighborhoods. We need to stay. Speaker 6 00:24:46 This is Speaker 1 00:24:47 More action. Speaker 6 00:24:48 Sorry sir. This is just for the ordinance regarding the renewable energy ordinance, Speaker 1 00:24:52 Ordinance and critical health issues, if you want to call it that. There are homes out there that are junkyards. We need these things taken care of. Speaker 6 00:25:05 Yeah, we can talk about the junkards on the public portion. This is just for specifically for the renewable ordinance. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:25:15 Close the public portion. You can, Speaker 4 00:25:30 I may, I just wanted to mention, oh, sorry folks, mention that I think that the hard work that you folks did is awesome. I think there isn't anyone on this council who doesn't agree that we need to move towards 100% renewables. I do know that we don't know everything involved with the cost in this. However, I would like to see if anyone else on the council wants to, to talk about this now before we just, you know, go to a vote. I do, Gabrielle, so one of the things I would to like to state that, again, I want to thank the public for coming out and, and, you know, voicing your opinion. Many of you have been to many council meetings in the past. And the opportunity to have the, the public vote on it and to hear what it is that, that, that you feel is, is very important to not only myself but to my fellow council colleagues here. Speaker 4 00:26:31 I do think that what we need to do is do some, have some further discussion with some of the towns like New Brunswick. So I know Mr. Romero and Ms. Stelton, I mean, they've come out and Mr. Sid, we, we've seen you at a number of meetings and we thank you for all the literature that you have shared with us. I keep it and I think it's very, very valuable. But I, I will say that I would like the opportunity to, to speak to some of the, the other towns like in New Brunswick and other towns that are, have opted to go down this path. Speaker 4 00:27:10 Yes. Again, I wanna thank you all for coming out and doing all of your hard work. It's very clear that we are on the same page here, but my position as an elected official is to do the due diligence for everybody in this community and make sure that this ordinance is one that's going to work for our entire community here financially. And I, I think we need to do our due diligence, diligence with the towns that have already opted in and make sure that these people are getting that much money back and aren't paying more money. So I think that we have been already sitting down with some of the other towns. We have had meetings with New Brunswick and Highland Park both and I know our Business Administrator and some of the officials have already sat down with them to discuss how it's working for them because we need to do our due diligence for the entire community to make sure that it's gonna work for all of us. I'm sorry, council president, may I just say we're meeting with Highland Park? Is that accurate? Mayor? It is to discuss this Speaker 0 00:28:25 Education Services. Services. Speaker 4 00:28:27 The education services, okay. Speaker 0 00:28:32 Yes. Do I have a motion? Speaker 1 00:28:34 Yes. Due to the, the comments which I've heard and we are very much interested in our community. I would like to propose at this time to table the, the audience or audience? Audience. Speaker 0 00:28:50 Okay. Have to second, Speaker 4 00:28:53 I'll second. Speaker 0 00:28:55 Sue, did you take the roll? Councilman Bullard? Yes. Speaker 4 00:29:00 Councilman Cahill. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman McCollin. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President Speaker 0 00:29:09 Ley? Yes. Item number 14, announcement and comments from officials. Okay. Speaker 1 00:29:17 None. I does know. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:29:19 Thank you. Speaker 4 00:29:20 None at this time. Actually, just one thing. So I, so this will mean that our residents will decide in November. Speaker 0 00:29:29 Go ahead. Yeah, no, yes. Well they could, they could have a special meeting in the next week Speaker 7 00:29:40 And, and vote forth. Then you can still have a special meeting. Yeah. Speaker 4 00:29:43 So we're, so what this actually means, and I'm I'm looking at council, is that we're tabling it so we can get some other, some additional feedback and then we can make a decision. Am I correct Speaker 7 00:29:56 Timing? Speaker 4 00:29:57 Oh, so that's good. Okay. Thank you for the clarification. Speaker 8 00:30:00 Can we get a, have a special meeting by the next council Speaker 7 00:30:03 Session? No, it has to go before can ask a question. You have to go to the mic. Is it possible? Speaker 4 00:30:09 One second. When we get to the, you have one more item and then we Speaker 1 00:30:13 Can you can ask that question. Speaker 7 00:30:13 Alright. It's about this, this item you Yes. We Speaker 1 00:30:15 Can Speaker 8 00:30:16 Close the public abortion for this Speaker 1 00:30:18 Item. We've been the, in the actual open to public portion. You can definitely be compensated. Speaker 7 00:30:22 Alright, I just have a question about this particular, Speaker 1 00:30:28 I don't have any other comments if I may. Council president, we've been working with the, the bond company that deal with the company bankrupt with the curb work for our 2019 road program. They were able to hire a contract, they would finish out the section that was on construction of Park Avenue. We're expected to mill and pay that before school opens. However, the other 20 plus streets that are still outstanding there, they're still working on receiving proposals from other concrete companies, so to speak, to, to finish out the balance of work. So basically what gonna happen is, is we have the contract amount that we authorized the prior one before we went bankrupt. And then that ability, the, the bond company will be paying a difference of whatever, whoever they get to come in and do the balancing work. So fortunately, as much as we tried to get the amount of this work done this year, it's not gonna happen because of the bankruptcy issue. By the way, we're not the only town that's having this problem because this company had other large contracts throughout the county. So there's a lot of towns in the same predicament. Speaker 1 00:31:51 Council, no counsel. Item number 15, open to the public, please state your name, your address, and know you have only three minutes in Lu County, Speaker 8 00:32:05 Anthony, while 2250 Plainfield Avenue North sway. And I would hope that you guys will give strong consideration to this. The money, saving money is a side benefit, saving our children and future generations in the planet's. What really this is about. So I mean it really, and and I really hope that it will not take going to the ballot in November and that you'll actually have the chutzpah to act on it. I would Speaker 1 00:32:38 Greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Thank Speaker 4 00:32:41 You Mr. Mor and Stelton one 13th Hunt Avenue. Speaker 4 00:32:58 I second this idea that we have some urgency here and that it's very important to act. I'm also concerned that this be an open process and one of the things that's great about the Faulkner Act, and it was passed as an anti-corruption measure in New Jersey politics some years back, is that people will know what's going on, when it's gonna happen, how it's gonna happen, and have the right to participate. So I'd like some clarification from the council, if you are tabling this motion, when do you intent to take it up again and what notice will we have of that meeting? Will it be at a public council meeting so that it can be recorded and the discussion can be continued? I wanna know what the process is here so we can make sure this is an open process. So, so I'm looking to, to counsel, would this be something that we could add as an agenda item at our future counsel? Yes, we do. Speaker 1 00:33:56 You you have 20 days from when the cedars, sorry, you have 20 days from when the clerk certified the, the petition as as satisfying the statutory requirements in order to take action. I'm looking at Goomer just to confirm. I've got my dates right, Speaker 4 00:34:14 20 days and what is the date that, is it tonight? The night that it was confirmed, Ms. Speaker 6 00:34:20 Steven? No, it was August 7th. She had to do it within five days of the resubmission. So August 2nd. And I think the committee received a notice on August 7th and that's when the certification was made. This was the formal announcement of the certification at the next public meeting, but it Speaker 4 00:34:35 Was on the seventh. So do you intend to take this up at the next council meeting in a public way? Speaker 1 00:34:40 So a, any consideration of this by the council as a body would have to be done at a public meeting. If a meeting is not scheduled within the 20 days, you'd have to schedule it. You need 48 hours notice through the newspapers to do that. And of course all decisions are in public. If you've completed your due diligence and you're comfortable by that time, you can take action. If you have not completed you due diligence and you're not comfortable with taking action before the 27th of the month, then the item would go on the ballot for the public to decide. Speaker 4 00:35:12 Great, thank you. We're very happy to go to the ballot, but it would be much better if you guys just took the lead. Thank you Speaker 1 00:35:25 Again. Alan Dur 24 Russellville Boulevard north of Piscataway new. Michelle, I had a question for you. You met with the people from Highland Park, correct? You haven't met with anybody yet? No. Oh, Speaker 4 00:35:41 You said Speaker 1 00:35:43 The We was the Township at that Speaker 4 00:35:45 Time. No, I, I, I said our Business Administrator met with her. You didn't, but not with Pilot Park. They've met with Blue Brunswick Speaker 1 00:35:52 And then with the Brunswick. So, Speaker 4 00:35:54 But we are scheduling meetings with other towns to see how it's working for them. Speaker 1 00:36:00 Okay. So, so far what you found from anybody else else? Pass it. What, what, how, how has it bru worked out so far? Speaker 4 00:36:05 Woodbridge, I believe, no, I, I've talked to someone about New Brunswick. Yeah, I, and it was very positive. Speaker 1 00:36:12 I, okay, so it was okay. So I just wanna try to fast track this a little bit to not make it, you know, six months go by and nothing is going on here. So, Speaker 4 00:36:20 Yeah. So when you make a commitment, you have to make a commitment for everybody in our community. Right. Okay. So I think it's only fair that you do your due diligence and find out that it is working for those that are using Speaker 1 00:36:33 It. And how long has this been going on then? With the due diligence to, to check in? I know we talking two months, we talking a week we talking Speaker 1 00:36:43 If I may the professional staff's been meeting with some other communities for the last couple weeks. I would say I couple last couple of weeks. Okay. Alright. So yeah. Okay. Just try to move over. Can I also ask one other thing. The bridge that's going from, from Highland on East Avenue into River Road there, lane Bridge, land Lake Bridge that side, going from that way over to River Road, there's a section of that that's always been horrible. I don't know if it was paid for by the tire companies. How can, how can we get this thing fixed? They, they, they're gonna put a new bridge there. I understand that, but it would like take one, two hours to just put some tar on there or something so that it's not ripping up everybody's tires. And I never know who is responsible for that. There's, there's a many questions in that. Speaker 1 00:37:30 Several questions into one question. The state of New Jersey is responsible for the bridge DR Canal. They are scheduling in 2022 to reconstruct that session section of the bridge, which means it'll be shut down for I think a year. So landing lane bridge is gonna be shut down for a year. Who, what year was that? Mayor? I think 2022. It's the schedule date. Is there some way to ameliorate that situation temporarily? Temporary fixes out there, but the patches coming out. Thus why they're trying to expedite getting the project out to bid. It's a lot more complicated than it is out there because you're, you're dealing with the DNR Canal Commission, historical Commission, the DEP, there's about five different agencies that are involved with that one little small section of the bridge. So what may be common sense to the general public who travel over that or bike or walk every day. However it is, it takes a very long process out there. So 2020, I think spring of 2022. Can they try to make this speed this up a little bit here? I mean, I understand, you know, it's, it's, my advice is I just got a new car so we know that, you know, that's best for the Department of Transportation. I have faith in all of you that you're gonna get this done in a very timely manner. Especially you Megan, you can do anything second please. I'm begging you. Okay, thank you. Speaker 1 00:39:08 Go ahead. Oh, go ahead. No, no, no. I gotta, I want blast. You wanna pass? Okay. Speaker 4 00:39:19 Staci 2 33 Ellis Parkway. So I have a couple of questions about what your due diligence entails. Can you sort of describe what you're looking for to find out what kind of questions you're asking and whether it's just the BA that's going to the meetings or whether you, you are all going to meetings. Well, we all can't go to meetings 'cause that that would not Right, you're not all going to meetings, but some of Right. Don't we? We did. Right. I'm not, I'm asking if you're all, you could, some of you could go to New Brunswick, some of you could go to Woodbridge, some of you could go to Highland Park. I'm not sure what it is that you're looking for that hasn't been available to you for the last May, may 16 months. Right. May I jump in? Can I just one quick second to answer that. Speaker 4 00:39:56 So I don't know what, and I understand that there are contracts that have to be signed and then you're locked into a rate. I don't have all the information to understand, like, I think we as residents get solicitation from these other third party companies like Direct Energy and what have you. I've heard stories from residents that were not good about that. Some stories that were, in other words, they locked into a contract, but after a certain time then the ring went up. I wanna know what does this cost our residents? And I understand they can opt in or, you know, or opt I'm opt out. But if in that contract time and we don't know in advance like what the rate is. I, I think that's where my concern is and that I would like to have more info. All I want is more information. I think everyone on this council wants 100% renewables. I guess the, the challenge we're struggling with in the audience and in the doing public at home is this issue has been brought up here and brought up here and brought up here and brought up here for the last at least a year. So I'm wondering sort of at what point is there due diligence and what point is there Just not, I think Speaker 9 00:41:11 We explained that this evening. We did tell you that we were moving forward. We were having meetings with some of the other Speaker 4 00:41:17 Towns. Right. Well you said you were, but then you said it wasn't you. So I'm trying to understand who is, are you going to the meetings? Council Administrator did the meeting in New Brunwick. I clearly did cite the Business. Administrator had a meeting with New Brun. Okay. I'm asking if you are personally going to any meetings. Is anybody on the council going to any meetings? No. To try to clarify what you're learning. How are you going to get the information? Speaker 1 00:41:38 Council president, this is not a q and A Speaker 4 00:41:40 Here. I'm, I'm, we can get, we'll get it from I was, we'll get it from the Business Administrator. If I can just interrupt. I do wanna make one clarification. Have some need. Right. But this particular movement, which I think we're all in agreement on, that this is the way to move forward. But I didn't have this, Mr. Romero was not in front of me a year ago with this very same ordinance. However, I do know that our town is somewhere plus 30% is it, if I'm correct, 35% maybe or already into renewables. Our Township is, and that is by just some of the things that we've been doing here in town, which is great. It it is. No, absolutely. So I don't think that anyone here is disputing or arguing this point. I think that for me to take this action that represents the entire town, I'd just like an opportunity to get that information from Highland Park and maybe some more details from New Brunswick. Speaker 4 00:42:44 And if it's, and if we can move forward, then let's do it. If we feel that it's more important for the residents to, to vote on it, then let's do that. I, I don't, I don't know what we're, what we disagree upon here. That's, I'm, I guess I would ask it. You can commit to having another meeting before the deadline if you, one way or another. Not until I have all the information. Well, you could decide to vote no, but you, so you won't commit to saying whether or not you'll have another meeting by the 27th. Speaker 1 00:43:16 As I said, council president, this is not a Speaker 4 00:43:18 Q and a. I'm not speaking to you, I'm talking to the council president. So, and he runs the meeting, let him run his meeting. Okay. So that's a no. So then my next question probably is also gonna be a no, do we have any idea what the membership fee's gonna be at the commuter center? We're coming along. Great. We're really super excited that you all have moved forward on it after, if Speaker 1 00:43:38 I may, we're, we're in the process of putting RFQ out for proposals for companies to operate the center. Speaker 4 00:43:47 Okay. If I wasn't QA last question and I'm not sure who answers this one. So maybe Raj knows, are there minutes from these meetings? 'cause there's no approval of the minutes from this in the last meeting here and there's no approval from last week's at last meet month's meeting. There's no minutes from the meeting before. I'm pretty sure you have to have minutes and you have to approve them. Speaker 6 00:44:08 There are minutes. They're not to be, they have to be transcribed by the clerk. Okay. And then they're submitted to the council for approval. Speaker 4 00:44:14 So there weren't any minutes approved today and there weren't any minutes approved at the last meeting. So I'm, I know Melissa's been, Ms. Steve has been very busy reviewing 1500 signatures, but is there a a time at which we might expect to see the minutes? Speaker 6 00:44:28 I'm sure it'll be soon. I know she's a little short, short staffed and a little backed up right now. And Speaker 1 00:44:33 I went back a few agendas and I haven't seen them in in a a long time. I just, I'm wondering they're, Speaker 6 00:44:39 They're usually approved. They're always on the agenda. You'll see them when they, when they're prepared and ready for submission to the council. Speaker 1 00:44:44 Okay, thanks council. Council President Junior Romero, 100 page Street, new Brunswick. I just wanted to, first and foremost, I wanna, I hope that council will consider having a special meeting. It does have to be a special meeting, I believe, because there will not be a regular council meeting in between the deadline. So I really hope the council schedules a meeting so we could have another discussion. Just like we're having a good discussion. I think now on the future of Skyways renewable energy mix and fighting climate change locally, I do wanna clarify something about how these ordinances are rolled out. So if the council were to pass this ordinance, then they would then solicit bids and, or New Brunswick. I believe it was a good energy that they ended up ultimately choosing. But they, they voted on that. They voted on that specific bid and then that contract was set for 18 months. Speaker 1 00:45:49 After that 18 months, the New Brunswick is over, they will solicit more bids or before that, hopefully they're soliciting bids and, and then they will lock, they will lock themselves into another time period. For the most part, they're usually one year bids. New Brunswick took a another measure and went 18 months, but they got a good rate. ifca, which is of a similar size, does even what New Brunswick did. And they went even farther than what the ordinance says. The ordinance says 30% by 2020 renewables is New Brunswick is actually starting at 50% renewables and even has a 100% renewable energy option. And both of those options are still saving rate payers about a hundred dollars a year. So if we're looking at New Brunswick Piscataway, very similar in the demographics, at least in population and households. I have no doubt that if the council were to pass this, they solicit bids and then a couple of months they choose a bidder, they will have a savings of about a hundred dollars a year for residents. Speaker 1 00:46:48 So again, we believe this is a win-win, not only for residents and our climate, what seems to be the decision right now is whether or not our representative democracy will mirror what the voters of Piscataway have done by signing this petition, echoing their support for renewable energy and fighting climate chiefs locally. Or if they're gonna have to show the, the back, the, the option two from the Faulkner Act. When representative democracy fails, direct drop, democracy takes the win. And we believe this is a winning issue in November, we're gonna make sure we get the vote out. We have funders already ready to help us get out the vote out. And I assure you there will be a 50% plus one majority of voters in November. It discuss ballot. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:47:38 8 6 0 7 Alice Parkway. I'd just like to bring up some facts if I may. After one of the June meetings, I had the pleasure of spending a little bit of time with your business manager and he handed me a, a sheep of papers and I looked through it the next day. And what Piscataway is buying for its own uses are under 18 month contracts. And currently you're getting 43% of your energy from nuclear power. Personally, I'd rather have my power from solar panels, batteries, and windmills. But I thought you should be aware of those two facts. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:48:19 Thank you. Speaker 1 00:48:25 Good evening. Bill Irwin, 2 33 Ellis Parkway, Piscataway, New Jersey. I'm currently a member of the Piscataway Township Board of Education. So I should make clear that I'm speaking in my capacity as a private citizen who's interested in the issue of renewable energy and not on behalf of the board. And where am I authorized to represent the board. So that disclaimer said, I think when it comes to climate change, the risk of inaction is greater. The risk, yes, the risk of of doing nothing is greater than the risk of doing something. I do believe that those on the council are interested in the issue of climate change. That you are of the mindset that you would like to see things done to fight what's occurring in our communities and our nation because of climate change. And I also understand that you need to do your due diligence, of course would be responsible of your not to. Apparently we have about two weeks until August 27th, which I think would be the deadline. I would strongly encourage you to get that due diligence done. I believe that it can be done in that timeframe. I can believe that it can be done the two days before that, that would be necessary for the 48 hour notice of the meeting. And that you could have a special meeting on August 27th and adopt this ordinance and really take a leading stance on this issue. And it'd be greatly appreciated by the people of the scheduling. Speaker 1 00:49:56 My name is Al Howard, one 13th Fountain Avenue and I'm married to Ann Ba. We spoke earlier just to clarify that. I just wanna make two points points tomorrow. Happy anniversary and thanks again to Melissa Cedar for all the work that she did in this receiving these petitions. My two points are, first of all, this is a highly democratic measure that we're putting forward tonight. It's democratic in the sense that everyone can opt in and opt out local citizens, residents as well as businesses can opt in and opt out. And then secondly, as junior said, it's democratic in another sense of word. But then beyond that, I think you can also find that local costs are lower through bulk buying. And that's proven. And I give, I looked up some things to give you some evidence of that. There's the ISO, new England, you can look that up. ISO New England. They have a website here. It's a private company. They buy in bulk and they can show you exactly how bulk buying reduces cost for everyone, all citizens, all residents. I Speaker 4 00:50:57 I, I wanna just acknowledge that, you know, I appreciate that because we're looking into the cost Speaker 1 00:51:01 And we just want, so, so thank you. Okay. And then secondly, thank you very much. And secondly, the US EPA and the US Department of of Energy, the U US DOE also has put out on the website and a booklet on lower, it's called Guide to Purchasing Green Power. And it's out of date now, but it also, it gives you evidence as to how, and you can find it online, how bulk buying reduces costs for everyone involved. So here's a democratic measure in number of senses of the word, and here's a way in which lower costs can be obtained for the city itself, for the Township and for all residents who choose to opt in with a democratic procedure. How this cannot be passed, I don't really quite understand. I think Bill Irwin and others have pointed to the green threat, the crisis that we're under right now. And we need to move fast into green energy. Thank you very much. Speaker 1 00:52:12 Good evening again, herb Tarus four 11 new market road with respect to the ordinance. I understand due diligence is important. Sometimes we just need to move forward because we need to move forward. And that's all I'm gonna say about that. The other questions had to do with our, something that was on a consent resolution or consent agenda from last week, and that's the Township membership in the Central Jersey Joint Insurance Fund. So this is something I imagine is a large expense to the Township. I don't know that it's been published exactly what that expense is, but I would like to know what the due diligence is. Due diligence is on that measure because there are multiple Gs that the Township could join. They could join the Middleton County community, Jif, they could join the Garden state Jif. Right? And there's, and and today I was looking briefly at the audited financial statement for Central Jersey Jif. Speaker 1 00:53:06 And so I noticed that there's, there's certain measures that these gifs have, like the claim, the claim history, the administrative cost, history, et cetera. So I think that that's something it's, I'm a little confused now when you talk about due diligence, because that was on the consent agenda. So that means it was basically not much of a hearing. I I'm not familiar with all the, all the me, you know, mechanics of the council, but, so that's, I'm just learning about Jeffs and I'm just curious as to what the due diligence is for that expense because I, I imagine it's about a million dollars a year or so from the, from the Township. Speaker 0 00:53:42 It's 1,000,003. Good. Speaker 1 00:53:46 Okay. I wanted just one other thing. I contacted Army Corps of Engineers today because I believe they own a property of 500 Edwards Avenue, which has not been maintained since they got purchased it. So I I I, they're not gonna respond from it today, but there's a property that is in district, have in board one. Speaker 0 00:54:03 What was that address again? Speaker 1 00:54:04 500. 500 Edwards Avenue. Speaker 0 00:54:13 Excuse me. Council president. Yes. I just wanna make sure that the gentleman in the back that came up that he realizes you can come up now. Yes. Again, we can come. You're good. Okay. I just wanna make sure. I'm Speaker 1 00:54:35 Sid Madison 1 7 6 Blackford Avenue Piscataway. And some of this will be repetitious, but I think it's important to think of the terminology I'm gonna give you to go forward. Even though you're in the right place, you need to be really strongly in the right place. Climate crisis. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. I heard somebody say that earlier tonight. Why is it correct to use the term climate crisis issues before humans take two forms, those where the rules are set by humans and those where the rules are set by nature. In the first case, human issues, if the rules do not get the desired results, the rules are changed. For example, think about the Glass Segal Act of 1933, which separated investment in commercial banking. One of the causes of the depression in 1999, it was repealed and was in part a cause of the great recession of 2008. Speaker 1 00:55:39 In 2010, legislation was passed that intended to limit the damage investment banking can do. Conclusion, human rules can be altered in the second case climate. The rules are set by nature, physics, and chemistry in this case and do not change. We cannot change the rules. We must respond or pay the price. Increasingly worse impact impacts from climate change. The price was defined in October, 2008 by special report 15. Any increase in global warming, the cause of climate change will be detrimental. The report honed in on the increase in damage caused by a rise in temperature between 1.5 and two degrees in 2011. James Hansen said two degrees of warming is actually a prescription for long-term disaster. Special report 15 also reported that the likelihood of staying at or below two degrees is 66%. A 33% chance of long term disaster. Bad odds when you consider the consequences and existential threat to civilization. Let me emphasize the observation of the world's leading climate scientist. Two degrees of warming is actually a prescription for long-term disaster. Climate scientist, Robert Co Rutgers observed the following it and referring to the report, this special report 15 also requires either that CO2 emissions are cut by about half from current levels over the next 12 years, or that we develop and massively to play technologies for accelerating the natural removal of CO2 after 2050. These are both stretch goals to say the least. Speaker 1 00:57:41 The intermediate goal, that was the intermediate goal of providing a chance to reduce emissions for the goal for the two degree goal. One third of a chance of disaster. Therefore the use of the word climate crisis and the need for the saying, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Speaker 0 00:58:12 Anyone else? Do I have a motion? Motion? I have a second. Second. All in favor? Aye. Meeting adjourned I'D for September. This meeting Friday required 30 pm 9 75 Testifying the time, date, location, the extent the agenda by posting a copy of the notice of municipal building municipal court. Two. Municipal library Copy to the official newspapers of the Township by filing a copy of the office of the Township clerk accordance with the certification. Speaker 4 00:58:55 Councilman Bullard. Speaker 0 00:58:58 Here. Council Speaker 4 00:58:59 McCahill? Here. Councilman Cahn. Councilman mc. Here. Councilman McCall. Here. Councilman Haw. Here. Councilman Speaker 0 00:59:07 Here. Item five, warrants on a second. Meeting. 14. Section 1.3 fees. Construction permit fees. This is open to the public resolution. Comments of question item number six, ordinance in a second. Reading. Amen. Chapter 21, zoning section 21, 11 0 2. General parking schedule resolution adopting one. Any comments or questions? Can you actually read Speaker 10 00:59:54 The, what the ordinance says? Not just that there is an ordinance. Speaker 0 01:00:02 This is only the agenda for this is the agenda. Okay. Well, nobody's asking about it. Speaker 10 01:00:10 I know. I want to know what is going to be acted on. Next Speaker 0 01:00:12 Line. You're just reading the agenda. Meeting I didn Number seven, ordinance on a first reading of ending chapter 14. Section 1.3 Fees, construction permits, fees resolution, adopting ordinance. Item number eight, resolution authorizing water bid, municipal building, complex parking lot improvements. Contract one bid opening September 5th, 2019. Any comments or questions? Speaker 4 01:00:41 Council president? Just that's a rebid. Yes. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Speaker 0 01:00:46 Excuse me. Item number nine. Resolution authorizing refund of overpayment of taxes due to duplicate payment. Various blocks and lots. Any comments or questions? Item number 10, motion to accept the clerk account August, 2019. Any comments or questions? Item 11. Motion to accept the report of division of revenue August, 2019. Any questions? Item number 12, motion to receive an enter to minutes disturbance for the month of August, 2019. Any comments or questions? Item number 13, announcements and comments from officials? Nothing at Thank you Gabriel. Speaker 4 01:01:27 Council President, I, I forgot to mention that Councilman Cahn was remiss not to be here tonight, but he did want me to mention that he is in support of, you know, us moving forward with the environmental coordinate and once we do our due diligence. Thank you. Thank Speaker 0 01:01:47 You. Thank you Mayor. Item number 15, open to the public. Please state your name, your address. I know you have three minutes to speak. Speaker 1 01:02:08 Sit Madison. 1 76 Blackford Avenue. Piscataway. I have a list of things that you can do for the climate crisis. There are four things one of 'em has been already spoken about, which is to approve the renewable energy ordinance. And if I understand it correctly, you have to put out a notice by August 25th that you'll have a meeting on August 27th. So that's the next point. I I certainly agree with everybody else, although I did not get stand up and, and say I approve of that. The other things that you can do, one of 'em is to revise the 2017 resolution number 17 dash 3 87, which committed to getaway to the position of the US Conference of Mayors to the position that they have taken in 2019. The most significant change from 2017. The 2017 ACA resolution is the addition of asking Congress to pass a carbon price. The component of carbon dioxide most responsible for global warming. Putting a price on carbon called the tax or fee can be done in a progressive way by returning the collected monies to the public in equal shares by households. Speaker 1 01:03:33 And I mentioned that because progressive tax is very, very unusual and fees are never, fees are always set and they're always regressive. There's proposed legislation in the house called HR 7 63, which would accomplish the above and many other goals. That's one of my four things. The the next one is to pass the resolution, asking Governor Murphy to enact a moratorium on fossil fuel projects in New Jersey. I submitted a draft of a resolution at a previous council meeting and the detail should have been emailed to you. And I'd like to know what the process is for following up on that. My last item is that in addition to the responsibilities that you have for Piscataway in as part of the council, that you also say that I'm gonna be in messenger to stop global warming when I'm outside of the council. You, you all have positions that give you the possibility of having a greater impact outside of your council responsibilities. Thank you. Speaker 4 01:04:56 Dan Baston, one 13 Fountain Avenue. I've been sitting here after the last agenda. Really a little astonished that you tabled this motion that despite your professed support for the goals, you didn't work towards them in the time since. I remember when Junior was here maybe six months ago, handing you the actual ordinance and discussing why we were going forward with this. It's so important. And so the fact that we're now, you know, two weeks out of the deadline, that the due diligence has sort of been not taken too seriously, that the conversations haven't been had yet. That you're tabling something that cannot be tabled. You cannot table climate crisis. That's right. You can't sit as if this were the 20th century because it's the 21st. And let me just add, I, I'm not angry, but I am really upset because your job is to represent us and lead not to di while the planet burns. Speaker 4 01:06:09 And I'd like to finally say, and I know, you think this is some political ploy? It's not. It's a really heartfelt concern about what's gonna happen to the kids who are gonna live through a climate nightmare. And I think in the end, yes, it's a science issue. Yes, it's a cost issue. Yes, it's a good policy issue, but in the end, it is a moral issue. We are asking you to take moral leadership for the future of the planet because you have been given the power to do so from this community. And your failure to act, your failure to act is a moral failure to the future and to the people here. And I think you should go home tonight and plan how you are going to have a meeting on the 27th so that this vote can be taken. And let me assure you, we are plenty ready to go to the election, but why should we have to do that work when you can be doing the work of leading as representatives elected by the people? Speaker 1 01:07:25 Red light 6 0 7 Alice Parkway. I would just like to add that as you do d due diligence, keep in the back of your mind what happened with Hurricane Sandy. I believe that was largely, if not completely due to climate change. I don't think you want to see the disruption in business and education, healthcare that we suffered through from that. I will tell you a little story. Back in the early two thousands, I went to a convention of reinsurance executives, one of the scientists for the reinsurance company. Very large, well-known reinsurance company, by the way, predicted that Hurricane Sandy would hit. And I told my father-in-Law, who at the time lived in Long Island and I said, you ought to sell a house. Well, he didn't. And so the house miraculously didn't suffer as much damage as the neighbors. But the point is that there's, there's no question that the threat that we're facing is large and not going away. Thank you Speaker 1 01:08:39 Council. Council President Junior Romero, 100 Bay Street, new Brunswick. I just want to say that, reiterate that I am more than happy to meet with each of y'all individually. I have offered to previous meetings and that offer slow stands. We also have renewable energy policy experts that we are also happy to set up meetings with each of you all. I think it's great they all are gonna reach out to New Brunswick. I'm glad to hear New Brunswick is very happy with their program. Almost certain their constituents are extremely happy that there's a hundred dollars a year with their program. And also fighting climate change locally. One thing was mentioned about the opt-in opt out process. So yes, everyone will be opting into the program. However, ev everyone is allowed to opt out and is the town's due diligence to also inform people of their right to opt out. Speaker 1 01:09:35 Most ordinances are written where they can opt out at any point during the contract. However, we've seen most towns that have done this, either Woodbridge or New Brunswick or some North Jersey and South Jersey towns that most people don't opt about. They're happy with the savings and they're happy when, if towns do a renewable energy, community energy aggregation, they're happy to use renewable energy, clean energy, solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, not nuclear, not fossil fuels. Nuclear is not renewable energy. Nuclear creates nuclear waste. My family lives in Las Vegas. That's where they want to send all nuclear waste. Just a side note, Yucca Mountains the name of the place. So anyways, I, I really hope that the council will gimme a call. (909) 202-5961 is my cell phone and hold the meeting by the 27th. Thanks so much. Council President, if I could, I want to thank Mr. Romero because we locked eyes when the gentleman said that we could, and we both shook our heads up. I think the confusion may be using the term opt and opt out. You don't opt in, you're automatically included. You have the option to opt Speaker 0 01:10:49 Out. And the opposite for businesses opposite Speaker 1 01:10:55 Everyone else. Mr. Speak, I have a Alan BER 24 Lost Hall Boulevard, north Stanway. I haven't been involved in all this that, that long. But you know, if you've had all these months to do due diligence, I would like to get a confirmation from the, the council tonight that you're gonna be able to get your due diligence and have your meeting on the 27th. So the thing doesn't die out because we're on the same side here, we're all on the same team. Am I correct Mayor? Am I correct? Council, Speaker 4 01:11:31 I think everyone's in favor, Speaker 1 01:11:32 Right? Right. You wanna have information at your bank. Bitcoin just, you gotta give yourself a deadline. Okay? We have to have this done by a certain time. You've had a bunch of months already, so it's time to already get your information, make sure that it doesn't, you know, go past the deadline. I will leave you the last item everyone heard of the, the snows of Kilimanjaro? The book? Yes. Yes. Whether you read it or not, but we all heard of it. Well, there's no more snow left on Kilimanjaro. Think about that. Speaker 4 01:11:59 Okay. Sorry. Thank you. Speaker 1 01:12:03 Oh, oh, just did, did do you all agree that you're gonna be able to have your meeting on the 27th? Speaker 4 01:12:08 No, we, that's what I am. Speaker 1 01:12:10 Can you just tell me, you're gonna be able to get this meeting done by the 27th? I I you're an attorney. I heard earlier. No, I'm a musician. I was gonna, but I was too confused. Know sometimes it takes a long time to get your, your group together and get things worked out. I think the council will work diligently to, to get their due diligence done, but there's no way of knowing ahead of time if they're gonna get all the information. Well, Ms, how long have they had to work on this to get the due diligence? Anybody? How long, how many months? Speaker 4 01:12:41 Six months? Yeah, there's no time here. But our Township, you know, again, I just wanna iterate, our Township has been working towards renewables. And again, correct me if I'm wrong, counselor, but are we close to that 35% or plus potentially, yeah, Speaker 6 01:12:59 Pretty close to 35. So Speaker 4 01:13:00 Did count. We already do that. We haven't done it Speaker 1 01:13:03 Right. I'm not saying that you haven't done anything with all that kind of stuff. Speaker 4 01:13:08 I just want to be very clear that, you know, maybe we didn't advertise it enough. Maybe we didn't publicize it enough to say that the Township has made movement towards that and we are now at least 35% it could be plus 35% renewable. Speaker 1 01:13:26 But that's not the question on the table right now. The question on the table is Speaker 4 01:13:29 You have to make sure that we're gonna do the Speaker 1 01:13:31 Right thing. I understand that, but I'm thinking how long have you had to, to go over all this? You're saying six months? At least. At least. So I mean, you know, it's, you gotta dime limit. You don't want the thing to evaporate because of the timeframe. So do you have another, you should be able to set this meeting up on the 27th. Do you all agree Speaker 6 01:13:54 Until it was certify that the town that I, I mean, I think Junior Romero proposed some documentation to the council prior to that until it certified. It wasn't officially submitted by the clerk to, to the council. So I wouldn't argue that they had awareness of this exact ordinance for months. You know, know, and, and the thing is, they're not allowed to make substantive changes to the ordinances. So if there are minor tweaks that they want to make, it's either a, it's either a yes or no, and that's where they need to do further due diligence. Speaker 4 01:14:22 I think that's where the concern is. Because if this ordinance was certified, correct me if I'm wrong, you're saying on the seventh? Yes. Okay, so today is what date? 13th. 13th. Okay. So that is how many days? Six, six days. I can't change one word to that ordinance. I kind of think if that's a state law, it says state law. I mean, there's inherently something wrong with that because in six days I cannot vote on an ordinance that I don't, I don't know the magnitude of it. Speaker 1 01:14:58 Okay. Remember you gotta watch about what is it the you got, you can't Perfect is the Yeah, you, you can't, you can't not do good for this for the sake of something being perfect. Also, we're all on the same. Yeah, I know, but I'm just No, we're not. I'm Speaker 11 01:15:13 Just saying. Yeah, no, we're not. Speaker 1 01:15:15 Move this up a little bit so we're not Speaker 1 01:15:19 Yeah, because I mean, if you've had six months to think about this, you should have it done due diligence already. So I'm just saying you should try to self-impose a limit as, because you can sit there and debate this for the next five years. You know, you gotta say, okay, we have to have our information by ex just like when you go to school, you have to get a paper done. You can sit there and investigate. You have to get that final examine, you know, gotta get that paper in. So I think you should impose some kind of a limit to sort of move this. Thank you. Thank you. Speaker 4 01:15:48 I really wasn't gonna come back here, but that last discussion. Just, I, I, I'm with Ann. I I'm just disappointed 'cause I really, I saw most of you nodding your heads and, and agreeing with the issue and talking about how we can all do this. And you all live here. You wanna breathe clean air and you want your families and your kids to have healthy com. Have a healthy community. So lead this was Junior, brought the exact ordinance that you're looking at now to you six months ago. We stood two feet away from you at the, at the town fair, right here, collecting signatures. At any point, any of you, any of you could have come over and said, Hey, what's that about? And ask some questions. You're all really smart people. I hope you would be able to look up and some information on by yourself online and do your due diligence before the ordinance gets submitted. Speaker 4 01:16:38 You knew it was coming. Junior has been here, people have been here and has been here. Folks have been here for the last six months or longer. Talking to you about this. If you wanted to draft an ordinance, Councilwoman Cahill, you could have done that and you could have written it yourself. And we would be up, we would already be involved in a community civil program. So to say that you didn't know that this ordinance was coming or that you don't like the language in it and you can't possibly be expected to vote on something that you just saw is really not accurate and, and somewhat disingenuous. I I don't think that's really how you operate. And I'm surprised at the council members who are sort of not going along, not voting on this, but, but clearly you were all told, or you all decided you were gonna say the same thing. Speaker 4 01:17:18 It's a little strange that all of you are saying, do your due diligence when you know that this is, that this was coming, we expect you to leave. That is why you were elected. You have a responsibility to the community to make a decision and to do something. And not dither is really the only word I can, I can't come up with a better word. You're, you're twiddling your thumbs. When our community is at risk for health and safety, you have a responsibility to act. There is no reason why all of you can't come back here on the 27th and commit to folks here and who are watching at home that you're gonna do your due diligence and you're gonna make a decision. The only reason not to do that is a lack of leadership and, and, and cowardice really to make, to stand up for yourselves and do what you believe in, which is just very disappointing. Speaker 4 01:18:06 'cause I think highly of some of you, and I think you're better than that. We, you could have had a green commission. You could have had come, you could have had a hearing, you could have had people come and talk to you about it. At any point you could have done anything. But instead you're sitting here and hiding behind doing your due diligence that you could have done at any point. So do it now. Do it tonight. Go home, do it tonight. Come back tomorrow. No, you don't have to wait till the 27th. You can do it right now. You can adjourn. You could spend an hour. You could talk to Junior. You could call Mayor Cahill in New Brunswick. Get some information and make some choices. But don't sit here and tell us that you can't make a decision in two weeks. Why would people vote for you if you can't make a decision on their behalf? Speaker 0 01:18:55 I have a quick question. You said 35 Piscataway is at 35%. Excuse me, sir, you already spoke to Spoke, just has a question. Know what you're gonna ask. Yeah, that's roughly right. So, so Councilman, Cahill, when you say the Township is at 35% renewable, are you referring to all the residences and businesses of the Township? No. No. Judge just wanted that nuclear power. Thank you. Good. Anyone else wanna close the public portion? Do I have any motion to adjourn? No, I second. Thank you. All in favor? Aye. Adur.