Transcript for Piscataway Council meeting on May 2 2023
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 00:00:09 To order adequate notice of this meeting has been provided as required under chapter 2 31 19 75, specifying the time, date, location, log in or dial in information and to the extent known the agenda by posting a copy of the notice of the ad, municipal building municipal court, and two municipal library bulletin boards municipal website providing a copy to the official newspapers of the Township and by filing a copy in the office of the Township clerk in accordance with the certification by the clerk, which will be entered into the minutes. In order to ensure a clear record of the meeting can be made and that all parties are heard in an organized fashion. All members of the public that are participating remotely will be muted during the meeting. The Township will provide for public comment periods for both remote and in-person attendees separately. If a member of the public wishes to speak during any public comment portion of the remote attendees, please raise your hand. Speaker 0 00:01:02 This can be done either to the Zoom app or pressing star nine on your phone. When it is your turn to speak, you'll receive a prompt or request to unmute. Please click on the on the prompt or press star six star six on your phone to unmute and begin making your comments. All members of the public will have three minutes to speak and should ask any and all questions that they may have during that period. At the conclusion of your three minutes remote attendees will be muted in person. Attendees will also receive three minutes to ask any and all questions and may then take a seat at which time the council or administration will respond as necessary. Do you have any further comments or questions? At Township council is always available by email and phone and that you can always call the mayor's office during normal operating hours. Each member of the public shall only have one opportunity to speak during each public portion. As the technology does not allow us to know. If there are multiple colors on the individual phone line or log in user account, we ask that you speak, you wish to speak that you log in or dial in separately so that we can recognize you as a separate individual Speaker 0 00:02:14 State. Would you please take the roll? Speaker 1 00:02:17 Councilwoman Cahill Councilwoman Carmichael. Here. Councilman Esposa. Present Councilwoman Lombardi. Here. Councilman Rouse. Here. Councilman Shaw. Here. Council President Uhrin. Speaker 0 00:02:36 Here please stand for flag salute pledge flag of the United States of Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God invisible with liberty and justice for all. Moving to item number five, comments for administration and counsel regarding any adjourn of any matters on this agenda. No Speaker 3 00:03:11 Comments counsel, president, Speaker 1 00:03:12 None here. Speaker 0 00:03:13 No. Item number six, open to the public comments regarding item number 13, consent agenda. Consent agenda items with a remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on the Zoom app or by by phone by pressing star nine. When it's your turn to speak, you will receive or hear or request to unmute yourself. Please click the prompt or press star six on your phone to unmute yourself at that time, please state your name at address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. The council administration will respond if necessary after you have completed any comments or questions. And this is on the consent agenda. Item number 13, Speaker 1 00:03:56 Council president. I'm asking the first individual with our hand raised to unmute themself. Speaker 5 00:04:12 David Akin Oak Valley Lane, item 13 A D for delta, E for echo, H for L. Speaker 1 00:04:35 David, what was the last one? D Delta E Echo. What was the last one? I'm sorry. Speaker 5 00:04:40 H for hotel. Speaker 1 00:04:47 Okay. And you wanted clarification Speaker 5 00:04:51 As for as reference to the chapter 1 59 grant money, where does that come from? The state, the county where, Speaker 3 00:05:05 Hey Speaker 0 00:05:05 David, is that all? All you're asking Speaker 5 00:05:09 Other than the other two letters I gave you? Delta Echo and Hotel. That's it. Speaker 0 00:05:17 Okay. Speaker 3 00:05:20 Okay. David Delta. Delta is a $5,000 grant from the county of Middlesex Department of Economic Development and it's for 2023 Art and History grant. So that's where we're taking that money in for. He is for a $8,750 grant from the state of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety Division of Highway Traffic Safety. And it's for a 2023 distracted driver crackdown. You drive, you text, you pay, and that gets used for overtime for special duties on distracted driving, and H is for stump removal and tree and stump removal for a rich tree service. That's for D P W to take down trees throughout the Township not to exceed $175,000. Speaker 0 00:06:32 Thank you Tim. Speaker 1 00:06:34 Council president, there are no remote individuals with their hand raised at this time. Speaker 0 00:06:39 Okay, I'm gonna close the remote portion for in-person attendees, if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comment. You may take a seat after completion of your comments or questions and the council or administration will then respond if necessary. This is on the consent agenda. Item number 13, Speaker 6 00:07:04 My name is Gusta and I live at 58 Curtis. It goes back to Mr. Lipinski's time at property. Speaker 0 00:07:18 This is about the consent agenda. Item number 13, Speaker 6 00:07:22 Well, lemme just finish my thing and I'll go on and I just won't bother you no more. Speaker 0 00:07:27 No, this is about the consent agenda. Item number 13, you'll have a public portion to make other comment. Speaker 6 00:07:37 I'll stand down Speaker 0 00:07:43 And we're gonna close the public portion. Item number seven, ordinance on a second reading providing for the construction of local improvements sidewalks on Ethel Road West. This is open to the public resolution adopting ordinance state. Did you please read the ordinance Speaker 1 00:07:58 Be resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled ordinance to provide for the construction of local improvement sidewalks on the Ethel Road West frontage block 9 0 1 Lot 55 block 9 1 0 1 lots, 45.0 1, 50 53 0.02 and 54.02 block 9 2 0 1 lot 44.06 and block 9 3 0 1 lots, 54.0 5, 55 0.04, and 55.05 on the Township of Skyway tax map as permitted under NJ S A 40 65 dash one was introduced on the 28th day of February, 2023 and had passed the first reading and was published on the third day of March, 2023. Neither for be resolved that the opposite ordinance having had a second reading on May 2nd, 2023 be adopted past an after passage be published together with a notice of the date of passage or approval in the official newspaper. Be further resolved that this ordinance shall sign number 2023 dash 10. Speaker 0 00:08:59 Okay. This is open to the public for remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom app or by phone by pressing star nine. When is your turn to speak? You'll receive or hear a request to unmute yourself, please click to prompt or press star six on your phone to unmute yourself at that time. Please state your name, address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. The council administration will respond if necessary after you have completed any comments or questions. This is item number seven on the ordinance. Speaker 1 00:09:27 Council president, I'm asking the first individual with our hand raised regarding this agenda item to unmute themself. Speaker 7 00:09:35 Yes. Hello, can you hear me? Speaker 0 00:09:37 Yes, we can. Speaker 7 00:09:39 Yeah. Hi. Hello, my name is Dia Serene. I'm calling from J M D Investments 120 at the Road West Piscataway, New Jersey. So I have a few concerns regarding this proposal. One being it's saying that if we don't complete this within a 30 day period will be required to pay for these installations and improvements. Do we get any benefits out of this? Because if this goes through, all I'm seeing is extra cost for maintenance and higher regard of liabilities in case you know, someone falls down or the, you know, sidewalks, crack or anything. Speaker 8 00:10:20 Yeah. Hey. Yeah. So head council president, take that essentially the, the township's actually gonna be doing the reconstruction of the road and we'll do it for you on, on your behalf as part of it. So, so you don't have to worry about actually constructing it yourself. The actual assessment would then be certified and it'll be spread over a number of years. You can work with a tax assessor. There's a variation of years that you're allowed to, to spread it over. You do get the, you do get the added value. Sidewalks and curbing do, do add to the property value. But yes, you would have to maintain it after it's after it's installed. Speaker 1 00:11:10 Council president, there are no in in other individuals with their hand raises at this time. Speaker 0 00:11:14 Okay, I'm gonna close a more portion or person and attendees if you wish to speak at this time. Please come to the podium, state your name and address now that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion of your comments or questions and counsel or administration will respond if necessary. I see none. I'm gonna close the public portion. Do I have a motion? Speaker 8 00:11:39 Motion Speaker 0 00:11:41 Second. Second please take the roll. Speaker 1 00:11:46 Councilwoman Carmichael. Yes. Councilman Esposa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Speaker 9 00:11:56 Yes. Speaker 1 00:11:57 Councilman Shaw? Speaker 9 00:11:58 Yes. Speaker 1 00:11:58 Council President Uhrin? Speaker 0 00:12:00 Yes. Item passes on a second reading item number eight, ordinance on a second reading authorizing the sale of 1762 South second Street, block 2 0 3 lock 22. And this is open to the public resolution adopting Ordinance C. Did you please read the ordinance? Speaker 1 00:12:15 It resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled An Ordinance of the Township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, new State of New Jersey, authorizing the sale of certain lands owned by the Township of Piscataway pursuant to Njs, A 48 12 13 was introduced on the 18th day of April, 2023 and had passed the first reading was published on the 21st day of April, 2023. Now therefore be it resolved at the opposite ordinance having had a second reading on May 2nd, 2023 be adopted, passed, and after passage be published together with a notice of the date of passenger approval in the official newspaper. Be further resolved that this ordinance shall be signed. Number 20 23 11 Speaker 0 00:12:55 For remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom app or by phone by pressing star nine. When is your turn to speak? You receive or hear a request to unmute yourself, please click the prompt or press star six on your phone to unmute yourself. And at that time please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. The council administration will respond if necessary. After you have completed any com comments or questions, Speaker 1 00:13:24 Council president, I'm asking the first individual with their hand raised to unmute themself. Speaker 5 00:13:39 Akins stand both Valley Lane. Item number eight, what is purpose of that? Speaker 9 00:13:48 Raj, do you want me to handle it Or David, if I may, this property is on the corner of South second and and Hazelwood. It's a vacant lot next to a piece of property, an undersized lot we're the purchase. The person next door has requested to buy that to make a conforming lot to build a new house right there at the, on the corner of South Second Street and Hazelwood. If I may, council president, instead of having application to the zoning board for an undersized lot, this would be a conforming lot you that's the idea. You wanna try and make things into conforming. Speaker 0 00:14:32 Thank you Mayor. Speaker 1 00:14:36 Council president, there are no other individuals with their hand raised at this time. Speaker 0 00:14:40 I'm gonna close the more portion for in-person attendees, if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion of your, your comments or questions and the council or administration will respond if necessary. I see none. I'm gonna close the public portion. Do I have a motion? Motion? Do I have a second? Speaker 8 00:15:10 Second. Speaker 0 00:15:11 State you please take the role. Speaker 1 00:15:13 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Esposa? Speaker 0 00:15:18 Yes. Speaker 1 00:15:18 Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman S Chaill? Yes. Council President Uhrin? Speaker 0 00:15:27 Yes. Item passes. Item number nine, ordinance on a second reading Amended sec. Section two dash 18 Division of police of the Township code. And this is open to the public resolution adopting ordinance. Mr. Did you please read the ordinance be Speaker 1 00:15:40 Resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey That an ordinance entitled Ordinance to amend the revised general ordinances of the Township of Piscataway County of Middlesex, state of New Jersey. Amending chapter two administration, section two 18 Division of Police was introduced on the 18th day of April, 2023 and had passed the first reading and was published on the 21st day of April, 2023. Now therefore be it resolved that the opposite ordinance having had a second reading on May, 2023 be adopted, passed an after passage be published together with a notice of the date of past your approval in the official newspaper. Be further resolved that this ordinance shall be signed. Number 20 23 12. Speaker 0 00:16:18 Okay, this is open to the public for remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom app or pressing star nine on your phone. What is your turn to speak? You'll receive or hear a request to unmute yourself, please click to prompt or press six on your phone to unmute yourself at that time. Please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. The council administration will respond if necessary. After you have completed any comments or questions. Speaker 1 00:16:50 Council president, I'm asking the first individual with our hand raised, unmute themselves. Speaker 5 00:17:01 David Akins and Lane, how this does this new proposal different from what's on the books now? Speaker 8 00:17:13 You want me to say that this is division? Speaker 0 00:17:18 Is that all your question David? Speaker 8 00:17:23 Yeah, so this ordinance is just actually bringing the Township code to be consistent with what we've had in terms of the police department structure for a number of years. I think it's over 10 years. So it's just modifying it to, to correct those numbers to what we, what our current structure is. Speaker 1 00:17:47 Council president, there are no other individuals with their hand raised. Speaker 0 00:17:51 I'm gonna close a remote portion for in-person attendees if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, say your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion of your comments or questions and the council administration will then respond if necessary. None. I'm gonna close the public portion. Do I have a motion? Speaker 1 00:18:17 So move Carmichael. Speaker 0 00:18:19 I have a second. Second Espino Sir, you please take the roll. Speaker 1 00:18:24 Councilwoman Carmichael. Yes. Councilman Espinoza? Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President Uhrin? Speaker 0 00:18:38 Yes. Item passes. Item number 10, ordinance on a second reading authorizing acquisition of property block 34 0 2 lots, 5.01 and 12.01. This is open to the public resolution adopting ordinance seated you please read the ordinance Speaker 1 00:18:52 Be it resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of certain properties identified as block 3 4 3 4 0 2 lot 5.01 and Lot 12.01 in the Township of Piscataway County of S city, New Jersey for public purpose pursuant to njs, A 23 1 ETK was introduced on the 18th day of April, 2023 and in passed the first reading was published on the 21st day of April, 2023. Now therefore be resolved that the offer said ordinance having had a second reading on May 2nd, 2023 be adopted, pass an after passage be published together with a notice of the data past approval in the official newspaper. Be further resolved that this ordinance shall be sent. Number 20 23 13 Speaker 0 00:19:40 For remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom app or by pressing phone by pressing star nine one is your turn to speak. You receive or hear or request to unmute yourself. Please click the prompt or press six on your phone to unmute yourself at that time please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. The council or administration will respond if necessary after you have completed any comments or questions. Speaker 9 00:20:06 Council present While you're waiting for the public. These are two pieces of property that are really shaped that are inside the fire training grounds. So what we're doing is acquiring it. So we own all the property inside the Fire Training Ground Speaker 1 00:20:23 Council president. There are no individuals with their hand raises at this time. I'm Speaker 0 00:20:26 Gonna close a more portion, portion for in-person attendees if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion of your comments or questions and the council or administration will then respond if necessary. See none. I'm gonna close the public portion. Do I have a motion? Motion? Do I have a second? Second Sir, you please take the roll. Speaker 1 00:20:55 Councilwoman Carmichael. Yes. Councilman Esposa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman Shaw Yet. Council President Uhrin? Speaker 0 00:21:07 Yes. Item passes Item number 11 on a second reading amending section four dash 12 rotating vehicles tow record services for the Township Police of the Township Code. It's open to the public resolution adopting ordinance Mr. Dacey. Please read the ordinance Be Speaker 1 00:21:23 Resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey. That an ordinance entitled Ordinance to amend the revised general ordinances of the Township of Piscataway County of Middlesex, state of New Jersey. Amending Chapter four, licensing and Business Regulations Section 12 Rotating Vehicle Towing Wrecker Services for for the Township Police was introduced on the 18th day of April, 2023 and had passed the first reading. It was published on the 21st day of April, 2023. Now therefore be resolved that the offer said ordinance having had a second reading on May, 2023 be adopted, passed, and after passage be published together with a notice of the date of passage or approval in the official newspaper. Be further resolved at this ordinance shall number 20 23 14 Speaker 0 00:22:06 For remote attendees, if you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom map or if by phone by pressing star nine. What is your turn to speak? You'll receive or hear or custom unmute yourself. Please click the prompt or press star six on your phone to unmute yourself at that time. Please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. The council administration will respond if necessary. After you have completed any comments or questions. Speaker 1 00:22:38 Council President, there are no individuals with their hand raised. You Speaker 0 00:22:41 Honor, close the remote portion for in-person attendees if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion of your comments or questions and the council or administration will then respond if necessary. See none. I'm gonna close the public portion. Do I have a motion? Speaker 1 00:23:03 Councilman Motion? Speaker 0 00:23:06 Do I have a second? Second. Espino city, did you please take the role? Speaker 1 00:23:12 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Esposa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President Uhrin? Speaker 0 00:23:25 Yes. Item passes Item number 12, ordinance on the first reading amendment. Chapter seven, traffic Section 14. Parking prohibitor at all times on certain streets. And Section 23 One-Way Streets is a resolution adopting ordinance. Would you please read the Ordinance Speaker 1 00:23:41 Be Resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey That an ordinance entitled Ordinance to amend and supplement the revised general ordinances of the Township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, state of New Jersey. Amending Chapter seven traffic Section 14, parking prohibited at all times on certain streets. And Section 23 one-Way Streets B 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 prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Ho Lane Piscataway, New Jersey as well as by remote meeting format on the eighth day of June, 2023. 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 interested member of the public. Speaker 0 00:24:28 Do I have a motion? Speaker 1 00:24:31 Motion? Speaker 0 00:24:32 Do I have a second? Speaker 1 00:24:33 Second Speaker 9 00:24:34 Carmichael Speaker 0 00:24:35 Sir, you please take the roll. Speaker 1 00:24:37 Councilwoman Carmichael. Yes. Councilman Esposa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman Shaw Yet? Council President Uhrin? Speaker 0 00:24:51 Yes. Item passes on the first reading item number 13, consent agenda. Resolutions for efficiency items have been consolidated into consent Agenda to be voted on together. The materials of these items have been distributed to the council in advance of the meeting at this time. Are there any items that the council would like removed from the possess agenda to be discussed or voted on separately? Speaker 1 00:25:13 None. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:25:16 Do I have a motion? Speaker 1 00:25:18 Motion Speaker 9 00:25:19 Second. Speaker 0 00:25:20 Steve, did you please take the role? Speaker 1 00:25:23 Councilman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinoza. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Yes. Council President Uhrin? Speaker 0 00:25:36 Yes. Item passes. Item number 14, commission two. American heritage month. Speaker 9 00:25:43 Bear me Council president. This is gonna be a long one. So whereas the Establi established AF resolutions passed unanimously by both houses of Congress, president George Bush proclaim May as Jewish American Heritage month at the annual recognition of the Amer Jewish community, which has contributed substantially to the fabric of American history and culture and society. And whereas the rich heritage of Jewish American community and the Township of Piscataway includes the two Yeshivas and a historical marker on Davidson Road commemorating the Jewish Agricultural Society, which in the 1930s enabled Jewish families to to poultry farm while man by maintaining jobs in New York and become a model for similar new deal programs. And whereas American Jews have served United States military with great bravery and PR patriotism in its wars, including approximately 550,000 Jewish men and women in World War ii. And whereas present day efforts to remedy the recognition of Jewish American military service continues with operation be Benjamin for which American Jews buried with non-Jewish markers and the American military cemeteries throughout the world are now having to star David Markers installed at the burial sites. Speaker 9 00:26:57 And whereas 18 American Jews have been awarded the medal of honor of our country's highest honor, including Colonel Jack Jacobs, who lives lived in Middlesex County and graduated from Rutgers University for his valor in the Vietnam War. And whereas American Jews are now facing increasing bigotry, hostility and violence fermented by domestic mis credence engaged in burgeoning fascism and whereas the dangerous parallel exists between the pro-Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden in February, 1936. And and why White supremacist and the Wright rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August of 2017. And where is our country's commitment to religious freedom and acceptance of ethnic heritage obligates us to root out prejudice and com combat anti-racism. And whereas during the month we should take to remembering the lessons of the Holocaust and recognize the contributions of American Jews have made to his civil rights and social justice movements. And now therefore I Brian Wallen, the Mayor of Piscataway Township in the county of Middlesex and the state of New Jersey, along with the Township governing body, declared a month of May to be Jewish American Heritage Month and encourage all residents to celebrate our diverse heritage and cultural and work together to guarantee peace inequality for all. Speaker 9 00:28:13 Thank you Council President. Thank Speaker 0 00:28:15 You Mayor. Item number 15, proclamation Municipal Courts. A municipal Clerk's Appreciation Week, May 1st to sixth 2023. Michelle? Speaker 10 00:28:29 Yes, we'd like to acknowledge that it is municipal clerk's appreciation week whereas the office of a municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants. And whereas as local government has grown in responsibility and importance throughout the nation's history, so has the role of the municipal clerk. And whereas in New Jersey, the clerk occupies one of the most important and exacting positions in municipal government. And whereas the Office of Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community. And whereas in Piscataway a few of the responsibilities of the clerk's office include issuance of licenses, preservation of vital records, maintaining minutes, ordinances and resolutions adopted by the governing body overseeing elections and providing information to public inquiries. And whereas municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality rendering equal service to all, now therefore be it resolved that I, Brian c Wahler Mayor of the Township of Piscataway, council of Middle County of Middlesex, state of New Jersey, along with the Township Council, recognized the week of April 30th through May 6th, 2023 as Mu Municipal Clerk's Week. The further recognized our municipal clerk, Melissa Cedar, deputy Clerk Kelly, Mitch and senior office Assistant Bunny Sud for the vital services they perform and their dedication to the residents of Piscataway. Thank you to our municipal clerk's office. Speaker 0 00:30:09 Thank you Michelle. Thank you girls. If anyone knows about justice item number 16 announcements and comments from our officials. Council, I Speaker 11 00:30:25 Just want to again, just echo my thanks to Melissa and the other clerks that are supporting us this town and helping to keep us on point. I do thank you Melissa so much for getting all, for doing all you do and it's greatly appreciated. Speaker 0 00:30:46 Councilman Espinosa? Speaker 8 00:30:49 Yes. Just a reminder that this Saturday May 6th is the Piscataway Soccer Club tri travel tryouts. It will start at one 30. It looks like it's the weather's gonna hold up for finally a nice weekend. Thank goodness no rain. So we're, we're, we're gonna be there so hopefully we'll, we'll see everybody there. Thank you Speaker 0 00:31:10 Councilwoman Lombardi Speaker 10 00:31:12 Again thank you to the clerk's office for all that you guys do for us. And I'd like to publicly commend all of our police department, fire department emergency services and Office of Emergency Management. We've had multiple working structure fires within the Township within the last couple of weeks, whereas we actually had the police department rescue a woman out of the top floor of one of the homes and we did have a fatal at one of the other working house fires. So we commend our entire emergency services personnel for all of their hard work. Speaker 0 00:31:55 Thank you. Michelle Councilman, Shaw Councilman, Rouse Else. Councilman. Speaker 6 00:32:13 I have one comment for the speeding signs is good response for our residents in my street. Almost like 15 people call and they put a sign in front of their loan. So this town is not for racetrack and children's playing. So if anybody interested still there is a sign there if you want in front of your loan you can call the police department and ask for the, they will come and drop the sign and second thing the one way street and on one side on a way street because I am witness there couple times in the morning school start Norwood and when school finish the all parents park both side and just run like a crazy open the door. They don't look the traffic. So I think the one side, no parking is help for the traffic. And in case of emergency, thank you Speaker 0 00:33:12 Business. Administrator nothing Speaker 6 00:33:15 Tonight. Thank you Speaker 0 00:33:17 Mayor Wahler. Speaker 9 00:33:18 Very briefly, council president, I was fortunate enough to attend the Citizen Police Academy graduation tonight. Prior to the meeting I might want to thank the residents for being involved with our police department and see the, the behind the scenes day-to-day operation of our department and how they go about protecting and serving our citizens of our town. Speaker 0 00:33:40 Thank Thank you Mayor. Any comments? Speaker 8 00:33:48 Yeah, I just wanna thank our two clerks cuz they helped me out a lot and and save me when we were dealing with dealing with some fires. So thank you. Speaker 0 00:33:57 Thank you Raj. And I just also want to thank Kelly and Melissa, the all of great work you guys do. Appreciate it. Speaker 0 00:34:06 Item number 17, agenda session for June 8th, 2023. Ordinance on a second reading amended chapter seven, traffic section 14 parking prohibit at all times on certain streets in section 23 1 way streets is open to the public resolution adopting audience A resolution authorizing 2023. 2024 liquor license renewals resolution authorizing refund of overpayment of fire prevention fee resolution authorizing refund of adult tennis license fee resolution authorizing refund of one day temporary food license fee. And then we have motion to accept the minutes. Council meeting. April 18th, 2023. Motion to accept the report of clerk's account. 2020 April, 2023. Motion to accept the report of the division of revenue, April, 2023 and motion to receive and enter into the minutes disturbments for the month of April, 2023. Moving to number 18, open to the public for remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom app or by phone by pressing star nine on a juror turn to speak, you receive or hear a request to unmute yourself, please click the prompt or press six on your phone to unmute yourself at that time please state your name and address. Know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. The council or administration will respond if necessary. After you completed any comments or questions. Speaker 1 00:35:35 Counsel president, I'm asking the first individual with their hand raised to unmute themselves. Please unmute yourself. Okay, I'm gonna come back to that person cuz they're not unmuting themselves. So I'm going to the next person. Speaker 7 00:36:31 Hello? Go ahead. Yeah, hi. I was, I spoke before. I'm calling from J M D Investments. So my question before was what benefits do we get in and for this sidewalk improvement, you guys stated that yeah, it increases our property value in the future, but if we have to pay more expenses for the maintenance and the liabilities, how is that beneficial to us? Commercial property owners, Speaker 9 00:37:01 If I may Raj all the businesses are gonna have it out there. That is a major collector street out there, an AC section of North Shelton section of town. There's bike lanes out there, there's already a couple businesses have sidewalks. We're connecting enough from Stelton Road, which has a very robust pedestrian and circulation element of, of bicycles out there. Connect up towards Sutton's Lane. It has to happen and will happen for safety purposes for people that are walking out on the street out there. I don't wanna see somebody get hit out there in the street walking when they're jogging at night and things like that. So if anything, for safety purposes, it has to happen. Speaker 0 00:37:46 Thank you Mayor. Speaker 1 00:37:49 Council president, I'm asking the next individual with their hand raised to unmute themself. Speaker 5 00:38:04 David Akins and Valley Lane. Can you hear me? Speaker 0 00:38:09 Yes we can. David. Speaker 5 00:38:12 Resolution, resolution authorizing refund of overpayment of fire prevention. Question second and last question. When will the public be able to attend five meetings? Speaker 0 00:38:33 Is that all your questions? David, could you hear me? Yes. Speaker 3 00:38:42 So David, so the resolution on the fire prevention fees, we do not have that in front of us because that's for our next meeting. But that it was an overpayment that a company did a, they paid their fee twice, so we're just gonna refund them once and the meetings are open to the public. They've been open now for several months. So love to see you down here. Speaker 0 00:39:07 Thank you Tim. Speaker 1 00:39:10 Council president, I'm asking the next individual with their hand raised tend unmute themself. Speaker 12 00:39:17 Good evening, can you hear me? Speaker 0 00:39:20 Yes we can. Speaker 12 00:39:21 Hi, this is Addie Deepens six star Drive East. First of all, I'd like to commend you on item number 14. I continue to appreciate that I live in such a diverse and inclusive Township, so thank you for that calling this evening. Regarding a green space behind my house, which is between Drake Lane and Starbridge Drive East, where some trees are being cut down. Yesterday we saw a few trees marked with an orange ribbon and today there were workers cutting down trees towards the end of Starbridge East. So I called a public works department today to ask about what was going on and unfortunately was answered by a very rude employee. You know, I did not appreciate being spoken to in such a rude manner. I expect better from tax, you know, as a tax paying resident of this town that when we call with a concern, you know, we get a a, a decent response anyway. Speaker 12 00:40:22 Regarding the trees, I was under the impression that this stretch of trees was protected under Green Acres. However, when I called the public works number today, I was told that it was not and that it was Township property. So when I asked why these trees are being cut down, I was put on hold, she came back and said that it was at the mayor's request to create a 15 foot buffer between the private properties and the Township land so the trees wouldn't fall on private properties. Now I, I kind of find it hard to understand why we would want to cut down healthy trees when there are so few green spaces left in the Township. Also, I'd like clarification on if this area was ever under Green Acres at any point and if it was not re renewed and if so, why was that? So that's one of my questions. Speaker 12 00:41:16 And then the other thing is maybe Mayor Wahler, can you say, if the reason that I was given for the trees being cut down, is that true? And if the concern is really the trees do not fall under Township on private properties, then I invite you to please drive down Sturbridge Drive and take a look at the behemoths in front of the houses on Sturbridge East, which are falling down because their roots were cut up when the sidewalks were replaced. There have been numerous trees in front of the houses that have fallen during heavy rains or winds since the new sidewalks were put in. So please Mayor, if you or someone on the council can address these concerns, I would truly appreciate that. Speaker 9 00:41:57 Well, I, I wanna thank you if you don't mind Council president I'll, I'll, I'll add that the buffer zone is being created there because we've had issues throughout the towns with our conservation easements where very large trees have been coming down and hitting houses. It is an insurance liability for the Township. Many of the trees in that conservation area are dead Now some of 'em are not, but a lot of 'em are dead. And in regards to her, her street, it's true we've been fixing the sidewalks in her area that are uplifted by Township Street trees. However, if there's a tripping hazard, somebody falls, the homeowner gets sued in a Township. So we can't, we try to keep the trees in place where we can and fix things. If in the future the neighborhood doesn't want us to fix the sidewalks out there, we'd be more than happy to have them sign a waiver that you don't want to fix. Speaker 9 00:42:47 But if there's gonna be a liability, if somebody falls and gets hurt, then it's gonna be on the homeowner and we don't wanna see anybody to get hurt. We have a very robust taking care of a lot of our street trees throughout our community. We also have over net neck in the woods and the North Stelton region. We've had a lot of trees that have to come down because they were diseased by the Ebo disease. We have been replanting the trees as they've been coming down cuz a lot of them, we preemptively took 'em down because they were hauled out and dead. And you know, if you know there, there's a liability out there. You don't wait until somebody gets hurt out there. And once we've known through our landscape architect that there's a lot of trees that are diseased or if there's a problem that'll come down in the future, it's incumbent upon us. Insurance wise, correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Des, that we have to act and take care of it. So we will take a look at that right now. Along that end of the proper line of the conservation easement, there will be an additional 15 foot buffer. So the remaining trees there, if they were to fall near the homeowners, they won't hit the houses. Speaker 0 00:43:56 Thank you Mayor. Speaker 1 00:43:59 Council president. There are no other individuals with their hand raised. Speaker 0 00:44:02 Yeah. I'm gonna close the remote session. We're in person attendees, if you wish to speak at this time. Please come to the podium, state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. You may take a seat after completion of your comments or questions. And the council administration will respo respond if necessary. Sorry, it's Speaker 6 00:44:30 A shame we don't have too many residents here. We only got a few, but we got more council people. So I'll talk to you. My name is Costas, good old veteran, honored veteran. 58 Curtis Avenue. Piscataway, a district leader s walked with me around that neighborhood and saw my complaint. Mayor, you have a copy of it. Mind you, my complaint goes back to 75, obviously 75. I was in grade school then. Great, fine. But Mr. Lebinski was in office. Now you got my complaint. You know what the outcome of that complaint was? 1975. You know what my complaint was? The one you have in your hand in your office. You know what the outcome of it was? No. Well, I'll let you know. Speaker 6 00:45:37 I was given a bogus summons by our property maintenance office. Paul came out there with a little camera and took a picture of a bush and called it a Piscataway tree. He didn't take a picture of the rest of the stuff along the fence line that were already cut down that I cleared up someone else cut 'em down. But I brung them here. I'm a good Samaritan. I love my neighbors. I love my neighborhood. I was discharged in Piscataway from military service. Pay my taxes every day. I don't get that services for what I pay. Now. The complaint, the outcome of the complaint is Paul came over there, took the picture, sent me a bogus summits bogus, called it a Piscataway treat, didn't even know what kind of tree he was. I go to our, what do you call him? Prosecutor. Prosecutor says, Hey, give me $200, forget about the whole thing. I said, no, you come and take a look at what this picture is all about before you prosecute me, sir. He gave me 30 seconds to speak and that was it. I couldn't say another word. We're gonna take it into court. Fine. Don't get into court. Mind you, the judge gave me an opportunity to object to some questioning, but I didn't see it. Okay, I was fine. $200 on a bogus summits Speaker 0 00:47:33 Come Speaker 6 00:47:35 Our district leader, Mr.. Dacey, come again. Take a look at that. Please tell me if it's not worse than when you last saw it. You the only one that walked around 58. Curtis Avenue, that lock. Speaker 0 00:47:49 Excuse me sir. Excuse me sir. But your three minutes are up. Thank you very much. Thank you. Anyone else wish to make a comment? If not, I'm gonna close the public portion. I close the public portion. Speaker 13 00:48:25 That's what brings me here. Otherwise here, this is a little okay, but we were in the Speaker 14 00:48:47 Pandemic and during the pandemic you didn't get your plaque for being president. So at this point we're now gonna present Kail Chaill with this 2021 Piscataway. Township. Council President. Speaker 6 00:49:02 Thank you. Speaker 13 00:49:16 Thank you Cap. Speaker 6 00:49:17 Thank you to all my colleagues to Speaker 0 00:49:19 Support me for the two years. Thank you Cap. Moving into number 20. Adjournment. Do I have a motion? Do I have a motion to adjourn? motion to adjourn. Esp do I have a second? Second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Adjourn. Thank you very much. Have a good night. Can I Thank you.