Transcript for Piscataway Council meeting on November 7 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 00:00:01 Ag and I think she practically lives over there. Don't you have over there? Yeah. Yeah. Seriously. Amy gets up early in the morning, she's there over a lot long hours every day over there. But the, the ward that she got from the county, MS. Alliance, well over do all the work that you do. Not only aging population, but more importantly for all the extracurricular activity work. So we're gonna, this right here, Sandra wants to take a picture there. Let's see. Like Steve Lin. So when Amy leaves here, she sent you back over to the senior Speaker 1 00:00:56 Item number on first reading, approving the amendment of redevelopment plan of block 45 1 1 0 2, 1 0 1, and three and unapproved portion of North Randolphville Road to read Speaker 2 00:01:11 Be resolved by the Township Council, the Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance of the Township of Piscataway County, Middlesex, and State of Jersey. Moving an amendment to the redevelopment plan for 4 5 0 1 lot 1.02, formerly lots, 1.01 and three, and the unapproved portion of North Randolphville Road pursuant to njs A 40 A 12 a dash one site. The redevelopment and housing law B is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And then separating and public hearing of seven 30 began prevailing time after Piscataway municipal building 4 55 hose link to scattering New Jersey on the 26th day of November, 2019. We have 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 1 00:02:09 Have a motion. Speaker 0 00:02:10 Motion. Second Speaker 2 00:02:15 Councilman Goomer. Yes. Councilman Caho. Yes. Councilman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President Iman? Yes. Speaker 1 00:02:23 Adam Davis. Item number nine, ordinance on the first reading amending various chapters of the revised general ordinances of the Township of Piscataway is a resolution ordinance. Mr. Speaker 2 00:02:34 Reviewed be resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance Amending Chapter two administration. Chapter three, police Regulations Chapter seven, traffic Chapter 12, parks and Recreation, chapter 17, property Maintenance and chapter 21, zoning of the revised General Ordinances of the Township of Piscataway County of Middlesex, state of New Jersey being is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second rating in public hearing be held at 7:30 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Ley Piscataway, New Jersey on the 26th day of November, 2019. Be further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within a 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 party Speaker 1 00:03:29 Motion. Speaker 2 00:03:31 Second. Speaker 1 00:03:33 Second. Speaker 2 00:03:34 Councilman Goomer. Yes. Councilwoman Cahill. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President Uhrin? Speaker 1 00:03:41 Yes. I don't have this. Item number 10, bottoms First reading 10 million. That's 8,000,008 90 $800,000 providing for various capital improvements resolution about being one suited Speaker 2 00:03:56 Be resolved by the Township counsel of Piscataway Township, New Jersey. That an ordinance entitled Bond Ordinance providing for various capital improvements in and by the Township of Piscataway in the county of Middlesex, New Jersey, appropriating $10 million. Therefore, and authorizing the issuance of $8,802,800. Bonds or notes of the Township to finance part of the cost thereof. Phoenix is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading of public hearing be held at 7:30 PM per prevailing time at the scouting municipal building or 55 rose length, the scattering New Jersey on the 26th day of November, 2019. Be a further resolve 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 Court for any interested member of the public. Speaker 1 00:04:51 Your Honor, motion. Motion. Second seat please take a roll. Speaker 2 00:04:55 Councilman Bullard. Yes. Councilwoman Cahill. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President er? Speaker 1 00:05:03 Yes. Item number 11. Fully funded ness. First reading $2 million from capital improvements funded for various capital improvements is a resolution about Speaker 2 00:05:16 Be resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey That an ordinance entitled Ordinance Appropriating $2 million, all of which is from Capital Improvement Fund for various capital improvements in And by the time of the, in the county of Middlesex, New Jersey being is thereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading in public hearing be held at 7:30 PM for prevailing time at the Pisca Municipal Building 4 55 Rose Lane scattering New Jersey on the 26th day of November, 2019. Be 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 interest in member Speaker 1 00:06:03 Question Speaker 3 00:06:04 Walker. Speaker 2 00:06:05 I'll second Speaker 1 00:06:07 Please. Speaker 2 00:06:09 Councilman Bullard? Yes. Councilwoman Cahill. Yes. Councilman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President er? Speaker 1 00:06:16 Yes. Item passes. Item 12. Consent agenda for 50 items have been consolidated to consent. Agenda to be voted on together. The period of these items have been distributed to the council in advance of the meeting at this time. Are there any items Council agenda on separately? Motion. Speaker 3 00:06:38 Motion. Second Council? Yes. Councilman? Speaker 2 00:06:46 Yes. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President Uhrin? Yes. Speaker 1 00:06:51 Item item number 13, announcements at Thomas? Speaker 2 00:07:00 Yes. Council president. Just like to remind everybody that Monday is Veterans Day. I do believe we have something going on here tomorrow to commemorate our veterans, but it is a good opportunity for, for us to reflect those who sacrificed so much for our freedom and those who are still in active duty. Speaker 3 00:07:22 Thank you Michelle. No, Gabrielle covered it. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:07:36 Item number 14, open to the public. Please state your name, your address. Speaker 3 00:07:52 Hi, my name is, I attend RU University. I'm gonna act as far as the subordinate so it have any effect on the tax rates of next year? No. No. Okay. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:08:18 Hi, my name's Larry Cohen. I live in Fanwood, New Jersey. I'm here as a representative of the Humane side of the United States. I've written to council three times since August, asking you to consider adopting a pet store ordinance. And having not heard back from or thought time I come and speak to you in person so you can see the face behind the person who's been Turing you. New Jersey leads a nation in, in such ordinances with 139 municipalities having passed this. And the goal of it is to end puppy bills. Now you have to understand puppy mills do not exist in New Jersey. They are these large commercial dog breeding facilities out in the Midwest. However, their clients exist in New Jersey and many other states. This is where the dogs go to and absent proper state regulation and enforcement in the states where the mills exist in New Jersey, where the stores are, are getting these dogs from, and frankly at the federal level, this movement has cropped up around the country to try and, and stave off this, this supply by putting it into the domain. Speaker 0 00:09:31 Over 300 municipalities across the country has passed this. Two states have passed it. California, Maryland, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, all kinds of big cities have passed this because people realize that this is a huge problem. It's not going away unless localities take action themselves. I fully understand that Piscataway does not have a store that currently sells dogs and cats. That's a good thing because you don't wanna be in a position to have to deal with this after a store comes into town. In the last several years, 25% of dog selling stores in New Jersey have been forcibly closed by the towns in which they operate for cruelty or health violations. East Hanover was one of four towns that had to close a notorious broker or dealer. The store was called Just Pups and we know the town attorney in East Hanover and, and he told us that they had to spend $90,000 in taxpayer funds in order to close that store. Speaker 0 00:10:34 So this is kind of a no brainer. I I think it certainly is no cost. It will not offend anybody. It is proactive. It is not anti-business. This, this ordinance allows for any kind of pet related store or business to come to your town. It simply says, we're sorry. Our morals and values do not allow us to allow you to sell dogs because we know where they come from. I have, if I may, a copy of the ordinance that I'd like to give each of you and staple to it. I have my business card so you can contact me if you want, but I, my business card is upside down and what I've written on the back is a website that I've created where you can go to get a much fuller explanation and understanding of this issue. Obviously, I can't do it justice in three minutes here, may I bring this up and you can give it to the officer and he'll bring it up. I appreciate your time and I I very much hope that you will consider this. Right now, Carter, south Amboy, east Brunswick, north Brunswick had passed this in in Middlesex County. Highland Park has a second reading next week. Chen has a first reading next week. Sayville is considering it. This is not something that is, you know, out there. It's a mainstream thing and, and I, and I hope that you'll consider it. Thank Speaker 3 00:12:05 You very much. Thank you. Speaker 4 00:12:21 Go ahead. My name is Alan Howard, one 13 Fountain Avenue Skyway. And I would like to speak to all of you in the council in, in reference to the referendum that was just passed by 63% plus. And this is a very large number, as you all know. You're all politicians. You know that very well, that 63% of the populous voted for this referendum. So we have an expectation, and I must say personally, that I was out on the streets in all parts of this town gathering support for this vote. And I can tell you a lot about that. And I'm sure you have are in touch with people too. We wouldn't, we have the expectation that you will pass immediately a very good bill that will activate this referendum that will move toward a hundred percent renewable energy immediately as or as soon as possible. And there is a guideline set up there, 10, 20, 35 at the outset. Speaker 4 00:13:22 But we think you can move much faster. And New Brunswick has moved much faster as you know they want. They entered with a 50% rate, 50% renewable, that's green wind and solar energy. And let me just say few other things. First of all, there's a widespread expectation, Mr. Mayor and all you council people that you lead now in this. And secondly, there's a big expectation that you educate and third, that you open up and democratize with a small deal. There is a big feeling here in this Township that people are wanting. They're, they, they're confused about climate change but they know it's coming. They can feel it all around them and they want you to lead and educate and open up all commissions. And my wife and Brad will speak about one of the commissions and we hope you'll open up. That's the environmental commission. And we hope right away that all commissions, all forums of any sort will be open to the public. And I think that's a very grand expectation. Not on our part as food and water wash people or people who have passed this referendum, but on the part of the citizenry and all the residents in this town. Thank you very much. Speaker 3 00:14:31 Thank you. Speaker 5 00:14:38 Yes, that was my cue. I'm Ann Basian, one 13 Fountain Avenue. And Speaker 5 00:14:45 First I wanna congratulate the whole town, which includes you of course in a really big step forward for environmental progress. I know you had your skepticism about it or reluctance to jump in, but I think the town has spoken clearly and we think that it's actually an opportunity for Piscataway to pick up a leadership position in this climate change transition that we are already underway in New Jersey. It is a chance for you to lead again to enact the referendum ordinance in good faith, to create a win-win program for the residents so that we can lower rates through both purchasing, we can move as quickly as possible towards renewable energy. It's a great opportunity for you to show faith in the citizens of this town who have given you this mandate. And we would like to make sure that you think about the option that New Brunswick considered and gave to its consumers, which was to go immediately to a hundred percent renewable. That was an option under buying into the plan. Speaker 5 00:16:02 We think this is a first step. We know that climate change is descending on all of us quickly, more quickly than people expected. We know that some places are already in crisis and we don't know when the next Sandy's gonna put us in crisis either. So here's some things we'd like you to think about as you go forward implementing the will of the people. We would like you to look at some of the environmental issues that come from this town beyond our energy usage. It includes our air quality and how we mitigate the increased traffic and diesel truck issues that we have. We do have an ozone ground level ozone crisis. We do get an F grade from the American Lung Association and we do have pediatricians around town talking about the increased rate of asthma among children. We do have crisis climate, crisis vulnerability and we know that we've experienced it. Speaker 5 00:17:11 We've come very close. So there's lots of things we can do to be more prepared for the next time and to make sure that the citizens of the town are able to work together and work with you. So I would like to request formally that you convene the environmental commission that is in the structure of the town but not active at this time. And we ask you to activate it to make it open to all voices in the town to make sure that the residents and the Township government can put together in a continuing way. We need a community forum. We need a place people can go with their very local and specific environmental issues, but also with their greater concerns for the future. We need a place where we can have a dialogue because this is apparently not the place we get to have a dialogue. Speaker 5 00:18:07 So why not have a commission that's active and representative and open. Many other towns in our county have an environmental commission and I'm urging you to activate the one that's on paper in this town. I think we have a lot of education to do, but I can tell you from working on this referendum that people are eager to learn that they're open, that they're, they know something's coming, they wanna know more about it. And I think that should overcome skepticism that you felt this summer in not passing the ordinance. So in the spirit of the referendum and of our democracy that allows the people to speak. We have spoken and these are our expectations of what you can do next. Thank you. Thank you. Speaker 6 00:19:03 11. What is street? I want to thank you Mayor Wally for the people that you sent over from public works to clean the ditch out in the back. They really cleaned the ditch out in the back. I want to thank you for that. But I have a problem with the other ditch. I spoke to your engineer about the ditch on my, as I entered my property on my left side, he closed that ditch up. It cannot be closed because the water from my property and my next door neighbor property runs in that ditch and it, he cut the ditch is closed. I spoke to him. I told him the ditch must be open on that side. It has to be, the water has nowhere to go. The water is just standing at my property and my nextdoor neighbor property. Speaker 3 00:19:49 Thank you. I'll let Speaker 6 00:19:51 Mr. D will get in touch with Mr. Speaker 5 00:20:01 Staci Berger 2 33 Ellis Parkway. I just have a couple of, I I have a couple of questions 'cause I didn't have a chance to read the consent agenda while we were getting set up here. So the contract for the YMCA, the contract for the community center for Managing Programs and services is going to the YMCA touch Edison Woodbridge in South Amway for 216, I should remember $216,000 per year. What are the additional incentive fees for year three, four and five. Speaker 7 00:20:31 One and a half to 2%. Speaker 5 00:20:33 What are the, what are the, what are that, what is that based on? What are they getting your incentive to do? Speaker 7 00:20:39 It'll be incentives to increase membership and have revenue incentives that they reach and it's and have 2% of two 16,000. Speaker 5 00:20:50 And is the copy of that contract available yet? Should Speaker 7 00:20:54 Contract has not contracted Cahn available. Speaker 5 00:20:57 And does it have, last time we asked about the set aside or priorities for hiring Skyway residence, what's the percentage goal? Is there a percentage goal? Speaker 7 00:21:06 There's a agreement that they're gonna have an annual job fair at the high school and that they will make more endeavors to hire scouting people. The number of people that they're going to have to employ is gonna be a large number. So they're to work with the schools to provide opportunities for people. Schools, especially in the summertime when we hired, Speaker 5 00:21:32 I'm sorry Ms. Staci, it's hard to, Speaker 7 00:21:34 Especially in the summertime when the kids are outta school and the demand facilities expected to be hired. Speaker 5 00:21:41 And is there an actual goal though? Like do you have a, not a requirement, but you would like at least 30% of the employees to be scatter residents or 25% or two people Like an actual something We can measure Speaker 7 00:21:55 An actual goal Speaker 5 00:21:55 Though. But you have but you but you have goals for for revenue and membership and other things? Speaker 7 00:22:01 Yes. Speaker 5 00:22:02 Okay. So is that something that you could go back to them on it and set a aside goal? It doesn't have to be a requirement, but it can be a goal if you have goals for other things, you can have goals for Speaker 7 00:22:09 This. We, we we're awarding the contract tonight. We just opened the bids. We evaluated the bids. We've not met with them. We're up, we're awarding the bids off their RF ps. The law requires we'll meet with them and we we can discussing the negotiations with the contract and that's something we can negotiate with them. Speaker 5 00:22:27 Okay. I'm not asking about their, that I'm asking about can the council say definitively that they would like to have a percentage requirement that of as a goal? It's a question everyone to get all Speaker 7 00:22:38 Okay. I I answered the question. So, Speaker 5 00:22:40 So it it's like mumbo general that you didn't really know. Speaker 7 00:22:42 No, it's not right. It don't like the answer. So, so we've not had a meeting. We, we, we had a fair and open process according to the law. Sure. Submitted their proposals. The proposals were evaluated. We're making the recommendation to the council tonight. The council will make the decision tonight. Speaker 5 00:23:02 So they, there's no no due diligence prior to tonight about a huge contract that's going to affect, Speaker 7 00:23:07 There's been lots, there's been lots of due diligence. Speaker 5 00:23:09 Well, no, no public discussion. This is the first time. This was not on the, this was not on the agenda at the last meeting. Speaker 7 00:23:15 Bids go out. Speaker 5 00:23:17 Right. I'm just, I'm, I'm trying to understand because people have a lot of, there's a lot of questions. Speaker 7 00:23:20 What, what specific question? Don't you understand Speaker 8 00:23:23 That there is no public discussion about bidding, bidding, bidding? Well Speaker 5 00:23:27 I'm not Speaker 8 00:23:27 Talking about they submit proposals. It's part of the open public contracts law. It's, there's not a public discussion. We don't even get to talk to the bidders during the bid bid process. They can formally submit questions. We can, we can submit answers, but there's no discussions between, Speaker 5 00:23:43 You know, but, but you set aside targeted incentives for certain items. So for certain incentives. So I'm strongly suggesting that Speaker 8 00:23:53 As Mr. Dacy said that there was, there's no, there's no goal that they, they require the job fair as part of the specs and they, and they're gonna talk to the contractor about, about what, you know, how they can increase hiring in Piscataway. But that's gonna be part of the discussion when we're implementing the contract. Yes. Speaker 7 00:24:11 Okay. And the and the contract is not negotiate in a public session. Speaker 5 00:24:14 No. I understand. The contract isn't negotiated in a public session, but the discussion about what should go into a contract could be. So Speaker 7 00:24:20 I don't take your recommendation. Thank you. I sit down with them, we'll Speaker 5 00:24:23 Discuss it. Okay. And so thank you Mr. Da. And the next two questions are related. So are, what is the fee that's going to be charged? Do we know yet? 'cause that's the question everybody wants to know. That's Speaker 7 00:24:33 Gonna be part of our discussions with them based on their, they've got a lots of years of experience and operating civil, Speaker 5 00:24:39 But we can look at, Speaker 7 00:24:40 We'll sit down with them and discuss. That would be part of the Speaker 5 00:24:43 Contract. Okay. And last question, the spray park, which looks awesome and I wish was in play when my people were littler. Is that gonna be open to the public or is that going to be open only to members? Or do you not know that Speaker 7 00:24:56 It's going to be open to members of the community Speaker 5 00:25:01 Center? So it's only open to members of the community center. Speaker 7 00:25:03 So the amenity that belongs to the community center? That's Speaker 5 00:25:05 Correct. Okay. I'm just, people have asked and I don't have an answer, so I don't wanna be able to answer them if they ask. They have, but there Speaker 9 00:25:12 Could be. But there possibly could be a separate spray party possible. Speaker 5 00:25:19 So that, I'm sorry council Speaker 9 00:25:22 To see if maybe we can make a separate membership for that Speaker 10 00:25:26 For like summer, like a partial, like, you know how Rutgers does their, so if you go for like six months, Speaker 5 00:25:31 Like a day pass or Correct or or short term membership. Short term membership. Speaker 9 00:25:35 Nothing definite, but it's being Speaker 5 00:25:37 Considered. Well, and I I, this is the kind of, as Ann pointed out earlier, these are the kind of discussions that people would like to have if they had an opportunity to have 'em. So it's great that, that you're considering those things. I think your constituents would like an opportunity to say what they think about it. I know there's some folks who are concerned about the parking and if it is open to generally anybody, how do you know it's only scattering people? There's just a lot of questions. It looks awesome. Kudos. We're not that far yet. I know. Well you announced it and so people, you know, people ask people questions. Last but not least, the capital improvement, the total I think is 12 million. The 10 and then two. What's that? What are you, what are we improving this time? Roads. Roads and roads. Roads are, roads are good. It might not raise the tax rate as the only from the university asked, but it might have other economic impacts on the budget and the tax and, and taxable rateables rather. What kind of tax impacts? You're just gonna float a bond for $10 million. It's not gonna have any impact. We're probably paying for that. No interest. It's great. Speaker 5 00:26:37 That would be awesome. Speaker 7 00:26:38 Can I answer? Sure. Okay. The $2 million we have in cash, that's in our cash capital account. So we have to do a bond for cash capital, but that money is in our capital budget already. And the 10 million, we'll be borrowing 8.9 million or 8.8 million. And it won't have tax impact on next year's budget because we're retired, we are retiring other debt. Speaker 3 00:27:00 So Speaker 5 00:27:00 You're using other money to pay off the interest on that? Speaker 7 00:27:03 No, we're Speaker 5 00:27:04 You're gonna recapture money. Speaker 11 00:27:05 So Speaker 7 00:27:05 Paying for paying debt down. So we're finishing paying debt this year in 2019. So this will be bonded for 2020. So it will Speaker 5 00:27:15 Have, so the money you were using to pay off the other debt will now pay off this debt. Correct. Right. So that money could have theoretically gone to lower taxes or do something else. But we're choosing to do this. I'm Speaker 0 00:27:24 Just making sure I understand. Speaker 7 00:27:24 We're, we're choosing to have a, a flat capital. Speaker 3 00:27:29 Okay, thanks. Good evening. Speaker 11 00:27:57 I bump him in the public works department on cutting the grass on our second, they finally got around to cleaning the sidewalk. People like me and my dog walking now bad. But who makes the decision? Like last time I, we was here about street repair and I think the Mary said we were in, we're going to get it done. But I think our street was first in Rock Avenue that they just paid up to Lester. Council Speaker 0 00:28:35 President, I may miss you rock. There was a failure of a one block section. I we one and a half block section of Rock Avenue that we paid 10 years ago. Sub base repairs. So we thought we'd take care of that right away. And as far as Curtis tonight, the cash capital ordinances for engineering services Speaker 11 00:28:53 For Hazel Avenue. Okay, the other issue I have, I addressed it with my, my buddy by crime by to Frank. I think it was probably about a month ago it happened, right? Frank, one of my neighbors got a ticket in front of their house. I don't know why, but they bought it and the judge threw it out. Personal opinion. I think it was a retaliation. They came by two days later and change the sign because the sign was blurred. So now you can see the sign. So I think that's what it was. So I in turn called Frank and the sign, I wanted more clarity of the sign first. So Frank came out there, he gave me the clarity. I called the police department and they gave the clarity. As Frank noticed, you cannot park from the corner of Hazelwood. And third down to second, we have a church, a full active church that frank notes that will require them not to park on the street. Now I'm as well, like Frank said, they're going to fix it, ordinance, whatever, however that you want, just take the sign down because it shouldn't be there. 'cause my neighbors are in fear that one day they gonna get that same cop. They come by on a Sunday and take it odd cars to sit at on Sunday. Speaker 11 00:30:40 This has to be fixed like yesterday. This is first time. I'm Speaker 3 00:30:47 Not aware. Curtis. Speaker 11 00:30:49 I talked to Lieutenant Moser on Tuesday night. That sizes going down. My question to you again, coming down when you cannot have this and I cannot have my neighbors fearing that they're going to go in church and come out and have to come fight 25 tickets. So I think it needs to be done before Sunday. It may them if you need help, I have tools. Speaker 3 00:31:17 Don't do that. We have tools to, we know where to look for the sign. Speaker 11 00:31:32 My name is Gusta S 158. Curtis Mayor. My complaint still stands, not a year, I'm mistaken. It stands for 42 years. During that time, that house is damaged. The lot tremendously degraded. Now my complaint produced three sentences. Bobby paid $500, gone, paid $500 and I paid three. Nothing is done. The situation remains the same. I'm going to wait a lifetime. Is that what's going on here? What's the word for this? Can anybody tell me what's going on here? Why are these summonses being demanded? You can tell me. I'm going to get arrested and my license revoked Speaker 3 00:32:56 Because Speaker 11 00:32:58 I cleared down the cherish throat Speaker 3 00:33:04 Council president Speaker 11 00:33:05 And nothing is done. What is this word I'm looking for? What do you call this? I figure it out. Thank you. Speaker 3 00:33:19 You're welcome. Speaker 1 00:33:24 Anyone else, Mr. Speak? I'm gonna close the public portion. Do I have a motion? Motion? Have a second. Second. All in favor? Speaker 3 00:33:33 A Speaker 1 00:33:34 Adjourned. I'd like to call the agenda meeting for November 19th. Speaker 3 00:34:09 Councilman Bullard Councilman. Here. Councilman Cahn. Councilman MCC. Here. Councilman McCullum. Councilman haw. Yes. Council president stands one nation under God, Liberty and justice for all Speaker 1 00:34:40 Five. Refund various six for the following block, 80 associates. 1711 South Second Street. Oh 1 2 0 2. Comments, questions Number seven. Resolution authorizing three year contract with one XA libraries of six. Automation, sodium to provide elaborate automation services as part of an internet local agreement in the amount not exceed 88. Any comments or questions? Item Baker and Taylor to provide books and non-print material to Township library now and non material for salary Township library in the amount not to exceed $50,000. Any comments or questions? 10. Resolution authorizing two 2019 solicitor license applications from Mild Hall and Maryland. Olivia, any comments or questions? Item number 11, budget transfers. Item number 12, resolution authorizing a tax collector to cancel the, for the following cascades to turn replace block 49 0 1 block 1.02. Any comments or questions? Number 13, resolution North Return Street opening Bond. Thomas Tongue block 69 0 3 Block 7 0 2 6 15 Plainfield Avenue. Question number 14, resolution return escrow fees. Internal and used Incorporated 47 0 1 lot. 5 0 5 3 30 South Randolphville Road and TDC Incorporated 51 lot. 12 13, 14 and 2021. 1518 South Washington Avenue. Item number 15, solution authorized return of engineering. Inspect fees. FGC Turner LLC lot 49 0 1 lot one block. 51 lot five two Turner. Any question? Speaker 1 00:37:24 Item 16, resolution retainers. New marked retaining law, parking lot improvements. Phase three, three corporation question and number 17, resolution security deposit. Taylor Department 3 21. Department three 16. Any comments or questions? Ments? Speaker 3 00:38:04 No, not at this. Thank you. Thank you Mayor. No compensation. Speaker 1 00:38:15 No problem. Item number 20, open to the public, please state your name, your address, and know you have three minutes speech to Speaker 5 00:38:30 13,000 Avenue. So I'd like to know why we don't have a functioning environmental commission like many towns. I I'd like you to answer that question. Why don't we, I did hear the Mayor once say that, well, if we have a problem, we should go to the public health department. But I don't think the public health departments can answer the question of how we're prepared for a major climate crisis or a a, a category five storm or any of the other kinds of problems that are mounting up around us. So why don't we just have a commission that people can talk to and they can communicate with you? I, I don't really get it. So just tell me why you don't know. Why do you wanna like, speak to people from other towns that do have them functioning and that, you know, it provides a lively way to have public input in education. You have no answer. How many refers do we have to do that? Come on, you can do this. That's what a to does you in See you next time. Staci Parkway. I was gonna say something very similar to what Anne said without really having known she was going to say it Speaker 5 00:40:19 In other towns. And maybe I'll see some of you with the legal municipalities. You could probably talk to your colleagues there. The commissions meet and then the people on the council give the reports of the commissions so that the public knows what's happening if they're not able to attend the commission meetings. And then you all talk about it and people listen and maybe ask some questions. It, I, I can't understand why you wouldn't want that. The same question about the by Empath Path commission, which I asked about before. Is there a reason why the Bike and Path Commission can't meet? Don't we like bikes? So why wouldn't you want 'em to meet Councilwoman? But what, where's the harm in having people participate in the Democratic process? If you, I am sorry. Speaker 5 00:41:14 I, I I don't, I don't understand what the barrier or obstacle is. Either you care about these things like you say you do or you don't care about them. So you should stop talking about, it's not that hard. You can do this. We, we, the, the people are appointed. The meetings are sometimes some of the commissions meet and that's great. Traffic and safety. We've got a bunch of folks planning on talking to those folks about some of the traffic and safety issues in the heights. There's, you know, we, we talked about speeding before. It's great that there's a traffic safety commission. People have issues. They can go there. They don't have to come here. But there's an opportunity for you to show leadership and, and engage people who wanna be engaged. Three, clearly the residents of Piscataway care about stuff. Over 3000 of them voted in favor of a resolution because you all weren't sure what to do. So you left it up to the voters. Voters participated in that. And if you don't leave, then the people will. And that goes for whether we can have PCTV videotape this. I mean, listen, I, you know, Speaker 5 00:42:19 I'm not, I'm not a great videographer and Tony Wild who's not here is probably, you know, much better than me. But you could educate people about what you're doing if you use the resources next door. I know, I know the Councilman has been, you know, a strong advocate and participant in PCTV. Why wouldn't you put your council meetings Speaker 5 00:42:38 Where people can see them so that they know what you're doing? It, it literally defies logic. And, and so it, it would be helpful to our community if you use the tools that are available to you and engage people. And I, I think that some of you wanna do that and 'cause you look like you might want to. And if you do, you know, we'll, we'll help you out. But you really, you know, you could leave. You have the opportunity to do that. And if you don't, other people can put questions on the ballot and then we're gonna just keep doing this over and over again. And that, you know, that shows a, a real failure of leadership and that's not what we expect from our elected officials. So we hope you'll take the opportunity to, to do the right thing. Speaker 11 00:43:38 58 Curtis, I'm requesting an audience with the board of ethics and the pla the property Maintenance committee. I don't know how to do that. Can anyone help me? Speaker 0 00:43:57 Council president. He has to, as a refresher, this issue goes back when he cut down his tree illegally. And that's what the genesis of the court case was. So that was adjudicated at the local court level. Speaker 3 00:44:18 If Speaker 7 00:44:18 You have a property maintenance problem, send them to me. We can send to Mr. Berg and we will have property maintenance. Look at it. For you to say that we're not doing anything is, is really the wrong message because it Speaker 11 00:44:34 Not the wrong message. Speaker 7 00:44:35 I got the report today. We issued 13 pages of summons in October. So we are out there every day. I've got three inspectors out there issuing summons Speaker 11 00:44:43 Day. I see the lights come by Speaker 7 00:44:44 There. So if you have a particular concern, send to me. We're sent to Mr. To sent to me. I'll pass on to Mr. Bert and we'll follow up on it. On your case. We don't, we cannot get involved because it's been adjudicated by the court. I cannot get involved with a court decision. Mr. Berg can't get involved in a court Speaker 3 00:45:01 Decision. Speaker 11 00:45:02 This is a public committee, public property maintenance committee, right? Speaker 8 00:45:10 Property main, the property maintenance board of appeals handles appeals in regard to resolutions by the code official in regard to abandoned properties, et cetera. It wouldn't be in regard to a court criminal action summons. No. That, that wouldn't, that that's not, Speaker 11 00:45:27 I just want to be hurt by somebody who give me the time so I can put out details Speaker 8 00:45:36 That, that probably a criminal thing that wouldn't be the best venue. As Mr. Dacey said, if you have a property maintenance issue, you can come to him or Mr. Nyberg that, that those would be people that you would talk to. Speaker 11 00:45:45 Well then Mayor, why don't you take Tony down by the hand and have him walk around 58. Curtis, maybe somebody has some common sense. My, excuse me. I am sorry for being so fictitious. Like I said, it's a long term issue. Things get worse by the day. I'm gonna have to blow that whole street all the way down again. Thank you Speaker 0 00:46:21 Council president, if I may, myself and one of the co officials went out in this neighborhood with the exception of maybe one hole with some exterior things that need to run outside. There's really nothing of significance violations out in that neighborhood Speaker 11 00:47:02 Upstairs. Real quick, who makes a decision on how many bags? Speaker 3 00:47:08 How many bags? Speaker 11 00:47:10 Who makes that? Speaker 0 00:47:13 You got two Bumbles, which is 40 bags. Speaker 11 00:47:15 Okay, scenario I have is your backyard is about big as this. My backyard is about as big as four. Why do I only get two bundles? Speaker 0 00:47:27 Curtis? I think my backyard Speaker 11 00:47:31 Got more trees. Now Speaker 7 00:47:33 You're welcome to buy banks from us at a discount price. Speaker 11 00:47:36 That's the question. Why must I buy bags Speaker 7 00:47:37 Where you could go to Lowe's or Home Depot and pay a little bit more than we charge? Speaker 11 00:47:42 But the question I think I'm asking is if my yard is not the average yard, everybody's getting two bags. Why am I getting two bags and not three? Like a couple of my neighbors asked me, I said, oh, ask that question. If that yard is twice the size as your yard, Speaker 7 00:48:00 Right. Historically, that what's been given out, most towns have stopped the leaf bank distribution of free leaf bags. Most have stopped a long time ago. So I, 20 plus years ago, we did it when we were starting with leaf bags. Most of that time about it. We give out woody bags and then we can buy more. Speaker 0 00:48:22 It's Speaker 7 00:48:23 Our, Speaker 11 00:48:25 But you can do like Plainfield. We just, we could just put 'em in the street for you. Speaker 0 00:48:29 Well, that, that council president that's against DEP regulations Speaker 11 00:48:37 Might have to cross that bridge. Speaker 0 00:48:46 Motion. Motion. Second. Second. All in favor? Aye.