Transcript for Piscataway Council meeting on January 30 2024
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 00:00:18 I'd like to call this meeting of the Piscataway Township Council to order. Speaker 0 00:00:24 Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided as required under chapter 2 31 PL 1975, specifying the time, date, location, login or dial in information and to the extent known the agenda by posting a copy of the notice on the municipal Building municipal court and the two municipal library bulletin boards municipal website, providing a copy to the official newspapers of the Township and by filing a copy in the office of the Township clerk in accordance with certification by the clerk, which will be entered in the minutes, there will be public comment periods for both remote and in-person. Attendees separately, each member of the public shall have only one opportunity to speak during each public portion. As the technology does not allow us to know if there are multiple callers on an individual phone line or logged in user account. We ask that if you wish to speak that you log in or dial in separately so that we can recognize you as a separate individual. Should you have any further comments or questions. That Township council is always available by email and phone and you can always call the mayor's office during normal operating hours. Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call Speaker 1 00:01:46 Councilwoman Carmichael. Speaker 2 00:01:48 President Speaker 1 00:01:49 Councilman Espinosa. Here. Councilwoman Lombardi. Here. Councilman Rouse Councilman Rouse, can you unmute yourself? Star six please. Councilman Rouse. Here. Here. Thank you. Councilman Shah. Here. Councilman Rin. Here. Council President Cahill Speaker 0 00:02:38 Here, would you please join me in a salute to our flag Speaker 2 00:02:43 Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Speaker 0 00:03:02 Okay, are there any comments from administration and counsel regarding adjournment of any matters on this agenda? None at that time. Thank you. We'll go on to number six. Number six is a proclamation Muslim heritage Month. Mr. Mayor. Thank Speaker 3 00:03:20 You counsel President. Whereas Piscataway is a proud of its rich cultural history and diversity and whereas Township of Piscataway is home to a significant Muslim American population from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and is home to the Muslim center of Middlesex County and Nora Academy. And whereas history of Muslims in the United States states back to before the country's founding and whereas Muslim Americans have been making valuable cultural and economic contributions in the fields of medicine, law, business, education, technology, and government just to name a few. And whereas strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and services enriched and enhanced our community. Whereas during this month, we should take time to recommit ourselves to rejecting hate, embracing inclusion through education and awareness. And therefore I Brian Wahler, the Mayor of Piscataway Township in the county of Middle sixth and the state of New Jersey along with the Township Council, recognizes the contributions of the Muslim American community to declare the month of January a Muslim heritage month and encourage all residents to celebrate the strength found in our community's diversity as we work together to foster peace and unity for all. So all yours Councilman? Speaker 0 00:04:54 Yeah, please press on the microphone and you have to hold it down. Okay. Speaker 5 00:05:00 Hey, good evening everybody. I didn't really have anything prepared but now that we're here, I feel compelled to say something. So thank you guys for doing this. I just wanna say thank you for the Township Council and the Mayor for recognizing Muslim Heritage Month because Piscataway is such a diverse town. Just like growing up in this community, being at the high school, just seeing the many diverse perspectives we have, that's what makes Piscataway what it is. And being at the high school just today actually like we, because we are so diverse like that obviously comes with challenges and so we have a task force designated with as representative as possible and we just have discussions every month about such diversity And something that came up was the fact that like everything we've accomplished over the past two years and just the school district in itself getting halal food in the cafeterias recognizing E as a day off for the school community. Speaker 5 00:06:03 And that's such a huge component of MUS for Muslims and it's so great to see that that's happening right in Piscataway and all of this begins with recognition and so this is such a good step in the right direction and I'm super glad that this happened. And something that also came up in the discussions was the fact that religion for many isn't just religion, it's a huge part of their identity. Like personally speaking, I can definitely say like more often than not I represent as Muslim first before anything else. And so by recognizing Muslim heritage month, not only just statewide but also in the town reaffirms that sense of belonging and purpose and I identity for so many Muslim residents throughout Piscataway. So thank you. Speaker 0 00:06:55 Thank you so much. Those just wonderful words. So Speaker 6 00:07:05 Good evening everyone. Is it working? Speaker 0 00:07:07 You have to hold it down and keep it held down. Speaker 6 00:07:09 Yeah, it's Is it working now? Okay. Thank my name is Za. Thank you Mr. Mayor and everyone thank you city council members. This is a great opportunity for us to again to to have this good relationship and we feel welcome here. If you remember me, I, I'm the guy who came in last time, last month and asked for, I requested a passing of a, a resolution calling for ceasefire. I know like you are, you handle most mostly stuff in Piscataway. You don't handle international relations, but it is still important for me as a Palestinian American. One of my relatives got, was killed about a week ago and and Palestine because you know, we Palestinians getting killed every single day. So I really appreciate if you take this opportunity and consider the, the proposal the, to pass a resolution calling for ceasefire. I'm not here, I know this is not, maybe this is, some of you might think this is not the time to talk about this. Speaker 6 00:08:07 You know, you did a great, great thing today for recognizing Muslim heritage month but as, as a Muslim and Palestinian, we are going through a lot in, in a way in Occupy territories. And I'm not asking you to take sides actually even though you should take justice, you know, side beyond the side of justice for humanity. But I did, I do just want to ask you to please consider passing a resolution calling for ceasefire, other townships across United States already done it. So it's not something that you, you cannot do. This will deliver a message that you are want a ceasefire, you want stop of bloodshed. So calling for ceasefire, it's nothing like, you know, you're not like taking one side over the other, you're just asking for the war to stop. And this can be something that we can take on and deliver to the White House and deliver to our representatives in Congress. Speaker 6 00:08:59 We have been trying to push our Congressman Palone to ask him to call for ceasefire but he's not listening to us and it's unfortunate. So I would like to ask you to please, please consider this. I know we talked about this a month ago and I haven't heard back so please consider passing a resolution calling for ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza. 90% of them already became refugees for a second time and you know over the last 24 hours, 300, 300 Palestinians got killed in just one day and 90% of the hospitals destroyed. All the universities in Gaza were completely destroyed. No single universities tell intact and the schools 800, 1000 mosques actually were destroyed. This is not something I'm making up. It's available. You can look up the statistics and people are just dying every single day. I know friends of mine Palestinians from Gaza, I'm not from Gaza, I'm from the West Bank, which you know, basically the town that I'm from is Ramah area in the West Bank but some of my friends are from the Gaza. Speaker 6 00:10:07 They lost. I know a couple of people here in New Jersey that one of them last over 20 people in his family. So it's unfortunate and this is something that opportunity for the city council to take the leadership on this in New Jersey and be one of the first townships to pass a resolution calling for ceasefire and allowing humanitarian aid. If you need any more information about this, I'm not gonna spend too much time talking but I'm wanted to ask you if you wanna talk to me, I'll be available to speak with you after the meeting. Any question, any evidence you need, anything I can tell you please come talk to me. But we need to pass a resolution so please lemme know if you need anything from me. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:10:44 Thank you so much. We're not gonna open this up. That was a special moment there since we were recognizing Muslim heritage month. But for anyone else who'd like to speak publicly, we will have a public portion for you to do so. And so that will bring us to number seven, which is open to the public. This is regarding number 15. So this is for only about number 15, which are the consent agenda items as you see on the agenda so you can look through and if you have any comments regarding that, please come to the podium, state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. Scene none. I'm gonna put council. Speaker 1 00:11:31 Oh we're doing the remote ones. I'm Speaker 0 00:11:33 So sorry. Speaker 1 00:11:34 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Yeah, Speaker 0 00:11:38 I apologize. I forgot. We have two sessions, public and remote and did I do it opposite or are we doing remote? Okay, either or. Okay, great, thank you. Okay, so then we'll close the public portion for both in person and remote for number that will bring us to number eight. This is an ordinance on second reading. It is amending and supplementing chapter 21 zoning open to the public resolution and it is adopting, it is in a resolution adopting ordinance. Ms. Cedar, would you please read the resolution Speaker 1 00:12:14 Be resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, new New Jersey that an ordinance entitled ordinance to amend and supplement the revised general ordinances of the Township of Piscataway, county of unisex, state of New Jersey. Amending chapter 21 zoning was introduced on the second day of January, 2024 and had passed the first reading and was published on the fifth day of January, 2024. Now therefore be it resolved that the offer said ordinance having had a second reading on January 30th, 2024 be adopted past and after passage be published together with a notice of the date of passenger approval in the official newspaper. Be further resolved that this ordinance shall be a signed number 2024 dash zero one. Speaker 0 00:12:53 Thank you Ms. Cedar. And now we'll open it up to the, let me read the attendees, which we'll go to. So wish to. This is for attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on the Zoom app or if by phone by pressing star nine. When it is your turn to speak, you will receive or hear a request. To unmute yourself, please click the prompt or press star six on your phone to unmute yourself at that time please state your name and address and note 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 1 00:13:39 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 0 00:13:43 Okay, so we've closed the remote attendee public portion will open it up to the in-person, public portion. Anyone at this time wishing to comment regarding this item? Please come to the podium, state your name and address and note that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. Scene none. I'm going to close the public portion. Do I have an offer? Speaker 7 00:14:11 Offer Speaker 0 00:14:14 And do I have a second then? Do we have a first and a second? A second. Thank you. Ms. Seater, would you please take the roll call vote. Speaker 1 00:14:21 Councilwoman Carmichael? Speaker 0 00:14:23 Yes. Speaker 1 00:14:23 Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Speaker 8 00:14:30 Yes. Speaker 1 00:14:31 Councilman Shaw? Speaker 7 00:14:32 Yes. Speaker 1 00:14:34 Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:14:38 Yes. And the ordinance passes on second reading. That'll bring us to number nine, which is also an ordinance on second reading. This is amending and sorry. Right Amending and supplementing. Chapter seven, traffic section 40, control for movement and parking of traffic on public and private property to assert Title 39 jurisdiction on 88 Centennial Avenue. It is open to the public and it is a resolution adopting ordinance nato. Would you please read the resolution Speaker 1 00:15:07 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 40, control for the movement and parking of traffic on public and private property to assert Title 39. Jurisdiction on 88 Centennial Avenue was introduced on the second day of January, 2024 and had passed the first reading and was published on the fifth day of January, 2024. Now therefore be it resolved that the opposite ordinance having had a second reading on January 30th, 2024 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 that this ordinance shall be signed. Number 2024 dash zero two. Speaker 0 00:15:53 Thank you Ms. Cedar. So this is now open to the public. We'll open it up to the remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on Zoom app or by phone by pressing star nine. When it is your turn to speak, you'll receive or hear a request to request. To unmute yourself, please click the prompt or press star six on your phone to unmute yourself at that time. Please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. The counsel or administration will respond if necessary. After you've completed any comments or questions. Speaker 1 00:16:30 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 0 00:16:35 Okay, so we'll close the remote attendee public portion. We'll open it up to the in-person public portion if you wish to speak at this time, please come to the podium, state your name and address and note that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. Scene none. I'm gonna close the public portion. Do I have an offer? Speaker 1 00:16:56 Offer? Speaker 0 00:16:57 Do I have a second? Ms. Cita, would you please roll call vote Speaker 1 00:17:03 Councilwoman Carmichael? Speaker 0 00:17:06 Yes. Speaker 1 00:17:06 Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Speaker 8 00:17:13 Yes. Speaker 1 00:17:14 Councilman Shaw? Yes. Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:17:22 Yes. And the ordinance passes on second reading that'll bring us to number 10, which is an ordinance on first reading. This is amending chapter seven, traffic sections 14 and 15 parking prohibited. And it is a resolution adopting ordinance. Ms. Cedar, would you please read the ordinance? Speaker 1 00:17:40 Be It resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance to amend and supplement the revised general ordinances of the Township of Piscataway County of Middlesex State, state of New Jersey, amending Chapter seven traffic Section 14, parking prohibited at all times on certain streets. And Section 15 parking prohibited during certain hours on certain streets B and is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading in public hearing be held at 7:30 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Hose Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey, as well as by remote meeting format on the 13th day of February, 2024. Be it further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within the Township prior to the day of the second 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 00:18:31 Thank you Ms. Cedar, do I have an offer? Speaker 1 00:18:34 Motion? Speaker 0 00:18:35 Do I have a second? Second. Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call vote Speaker 1 00:18:40 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Speaker 8 00:18:49 Yes. Speaker 1 00:18:50 Councilman Shaw? Speaker 9 00:18:52 Yes. Speaker 1 00:18:53 Councilman Ern. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:18:57 Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading that'll bring us to number 11. Ordinance on first reading authorizing sale of certain properties. Block 11 3 0 7 lot 7.0 2 4 81 Park Avenue and it is a resolution adopting ordinance Ed, would you please read the resolution be Speaker 1 00:19:17 Resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled An Ordinance of the Township of Piscataway County of Middlesex, state of New Jersey, authorizing the sale of certain lands owned by the Township of Piscataway pursuant to Njs A 40 a 12 dash 13 BB and is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading in public hearing be held at 7:30 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Hose Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey, as well as by remote meeting format on the 13th day of February, 2024. We 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, the office of the Township Clerk for any interested member of the public. Speaker 0 00:20:06 Thank you Ms. Cedar, do I have an offer? Offer? Do I have a second? Speaker 8 00:20:11 Second. Speaker 9 00:20:12 Second. Speaker 0 00:20:15 Thank you Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call vote Speaker 1 00:20:17 Councilman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Speaker 8 00:20:26 Yes. Speaker 1 00:20:28 Councilman Shaw? Speaker 9 00:20:30 Yes. Speaker 1 00:20:32 Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:20:36 Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading that'll bring us to number 12. Ordinance on first reading. This is a bond ordinance, various capital improvements, five million four million seven hundred fifty thousand res and it is a resolution adopting ordinance Ms. Cedar, would you please read the resolution Speaker 1 00:20:54 Be resolved by the Township Council 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 $5 million. Therefore and authorizing the issuance of $4,750,000 bonds or notes of the Township to finance part of the cost thereof. B. And is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading a public hearing be held at 7:30 PM Prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Hose Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey, as well as by remote meeting format on the 13th day of February, 2024. 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 00:21:48 Thank you Ms. Cedar, do I have an offer? Offer? Do I have a second? Second. Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call Speaker 1 00:21:57 Vote. Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Speaker 8 00:22:05 Yes. Speaker 1 00:22:06 Councilman Shaw? Speaker 7 00:22:11 Yes. Speaker 1 00:22:13 Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:22:18 Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading that'll bring us to number 13, which is an ordinance on first reading. It is a bond ordinance. It is improvements related to the Energy Savings Improvements program. Seven million six million six hundred sixty five thousand dollars. It is a resolution adopting ordinance Ms. Cedar, would you please read the Ordinance Signing Resolution Speaker 1 00:22:42 Be it resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Bond Ordinance providing for certain improvements related to the Energy Savings Improvement Program of the Township of Piscataway in the county of Middlesex, New Jersey, appropriating $7 million. Therefore and authorizing the issuance of $6,665,000 bonds or notes of the Township to finance part of the cost thereof. B. And 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 Hose Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey, as well as by remote meeting format on the 13th day of February, 2024. Be it further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within the Township prior to the day of the second Reading and final passage. And a copy of this ordinance shall be made available at the office of the Township Clerk for any interested member of the public. Speaker 0 00:23:37 Thank you Ms. Cedar, do I have an offer? Offer? Do I have a second? Second. Ms. Hitter, would you please take the role call vote Speaker 1 00:23:46 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Speaker 8 00:23:57 Yes. Speaker 1 00:23:58 Councilman Shaw? Yes. Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:24:07 Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading. Hey, that'll bring us to number 14, which is also an ordinance on first reading and it is a bond ordinance, energy savings obligation refunding bond ordinance, $20 million. It is a resolution adopting ordinance. Ms. Cedar, would you please read the resolution? Speaker 1 00:24:31 Be it resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Energy Savings Obligation Refunding Bond Ordinance of The Township of Piscataway and the county of Middlesex New Jersey, providing for the acquisition, construction and installation of energy conservation improvements, appropriating not to exceed $20 million. Therefore, and authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $20 million Energy savings obligation refunding bonds to provide for such improvements. B. And is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading, public hearing be held at 7:30 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Hose Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey, as well as by remote meeting format on the 13th day of February, 2024. 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 00:25:31 Thank you. Ms. Cedar, do I have an offer? Speaker 1 00:25:36 Offer? Speaker 0 00:25:37 Do I have a second? Second. Ms. Cedar, would you please take the role call vote Speaker 1 00:25:41 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinosa? Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Councilman Rouse? Yes. Yes. Council Councilman Shaw? Yes. Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:25:59 Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading. Speaker 1 00:26:01 Excuse me for one sec. I just wanted to, for the record, there was supposed to be an additional second reading ordinance for portions of Clawson Field, et cetera, that has been pushed to next meeting February 13th instead of this meeting for the second reading. Speaker 0 00:26:19 Okay. Th Thank you very much. All right, so that brings us to number 15. These are the consent agenda. Items for efficiency items have been consolidated into a consent agenda to be voted on together. The materials for 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 consent agenda to be discussed or voted on separately? Okay. Scene. None. Do I have an offer? Speaker 3 00:26:49 Offer, Speaker 0 00:26:50 Offer? Do I have a second or first and second? Well go there. Okay. Thank you Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call vote Speaker 1 00:26:56 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Speaker 10 00:27:04 Yes. Speaker 1 00:27:05 Councilman Shaw? Yes. Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:27:13 Yes. Thank you. And the consent agenda. Items pass I have on here number 16 of Proclamation the retirement of Robert Gore Speaker 3 00:27:24 Thank President. Whereas Township of Piscataway recognized Robert Gore for his distinguished 40 years of service to the Township of Piscataway. And whereas Bob began his career in the Department of Public Works where he held several positions and whereas during his tenure, he served as a special police officer and actually a snowplow driver. And whereas Bob eventually found his home in the Fire Prevention office, where he started out as a fire inspector in 1987 and was ultimately promoted to fire marshal in 1995 and has working hardworking and dedicated public servant Bob Strife to safeguard the public safety for all who visit live and work in Piscataway. Whereas Bob has provided courteous and comprehensive assistance to residents and businesses in Piscataway. And whereas Bob Gore has protected the community as a volunteer firefighter with North Stelton Fire, volunteer Fire Company for over 48 years and served with distinction as Chief and Fire Commissioner. Speaker 3 00:28:17 And whereas during Bob's tenure of exemplary service, he has demonstrated the highest of standards of ethics and values. Whereas Bob has been a valuable asset to Township of Piscataway And I be resolved that Brian Wahler, the Mayor of Piscataway Township in the county. Middlesex standard Drew by congratulate Bob Corp for an outstanding career, honoring him for his loyal service and dedication to residents by scattering all for the best of wishes for happiness, good health, and retire here tonight. 'cause I actually presented the black to him on Monday, but knowing Bob, as many of the council members know, he still will be volunteering at the firehouse. So he's, he's retired, but he's really not retired, so we're gonna leave it at that. So Speaker 0 00:29:03 Yeah, just a great gentleman and his, I I, I don't know if he has more than one child, but I certainly know his son very well, who seems to be, well his son seems to be really following in his dad's footsteps with the, you know, the compassion and the volunteerism for, for Bob. All right, that brings us to announcements and comments from officials. Councilwoman Carmichael. Speaker 10 00:29:34 Thank you Madam President. Yes, I would like to say that Black History Month begins on February 1st through February 29th. And I'm happy to say that Piscataway Civil Rights Advisory Commission is partnering with the Kinneally Library where Black History Program on February 24th and more details will be forthcoming. I also noticed on our calendar that the Piscataway Community Outreach Advisory Commission is doing awareness programs for our middle schools. One is behind the smoke screen and the other is it's just marijuana. So I just want to commend the Piscataway community Outreach on Advisory Commission on doing those things for our youth. Speaker 0 00:30:25 Thank you. Councilwoman Carmichael. Councilman Espinosa? Speaker 11 00:30:29 Yes. Thank you. Madam President would like to congratulate our three new officers to our, our Piscataway Police Department, which we're sworn in today. Congratulations to them and happy Muslim Heritage Month. Speaker 0 00:30:42 Thank you. Councilman Espinoza. Councilwoman Lombardi. Speaker 12 00:30:46 Yes. I'd like to offer my sincerest condolences to the Piscataway family of Marquee Hudson, who died in the line of duty while fighting a fire in Plainfield last week. He is a Piscataway resident, but he is a Plainfield firefighter and he lost his life while fighting a fire in Plainfield last, last week. So my sincerest condolences to the family. It's very hard to absorb a situation like that when you are so closely related to the fire service and know and understand what that family could be going through. So I hope that they get all the love and support that they need. Also, we have an upcoming Fire Commissioner's election that is on Saturday, February 7th, 17th. And for those who receive vote by mails for that election, they should be receiving them in the mail shortly. So keep an eye out for those. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:31:52 Thank you. Councilwoman Lombardi, Councilman Rouse. Speaker 13 00:32:00 No, I don't have any comments at this time. I think any other comment I would've made different from anything has already been mentioned about the depth of the firemen and other things. So I just concur with what they have already said and said, keep the whole, keep the family in our town of Piscataway in prayer. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:32:22 Thank you. Councilman Rouse Councilman Shaw. Speaker 7 00:32:27 Yes. I wanna say I'm very proud Councilman for Diversity Town for Piscataway. And I want to say thank you to Mir and all my colleagues for Mayor Mayor flag hosting Republican Day, India, Republican Day one last Saturday behalf of South Asian community, I would say thank you. Speaker 0 00:32:51 Thank you. Councilman Shah, thank you. Councilman Shah, Councilman, rn. Speaker 14 00:32:56 Yes. I would also like to offer my condolences to family of Marquis Hudson. I've known him for a long time. He was very involved in the sports in Piscataway. I actually coached him in baseball and as of last year he was also one of our t-ball coaches. So he will truly be miss. He was a great guy and he's gonna be missed. Speaker 0 00:33:19 Thank you. Councilman or Mr. Mayor? Speaker 3 00:33:23 I, I just wanna reiterate what everybody just said about Marquis. Speaker 0 00:33:26 So thank you. Speaker 15 00:33:29 We had a very successful rabies clinic this past Saturday. It'll be followed up this Saturday by a second clinic details on our website, Speaker 3 00:33:38 And I actually stopped down there with Duncan and Captain right there. Make sure everything was being every, every, yeah, the boys, everything was being operated correctly there. Oh Speaker 14 00:33:48 Yeah. Ali was supervising as well. Speaker 0 00:33:52 Next 30 will be on the watch. Raj, do you have Speaker 15 00:33:59 No comment? Thank you. Speaker 0 00:34:01 Okay. And I'm, you know, my sentiments are the same as what all of my council members and the Mayor have said right here. There's probably not much more to to be said, but to remember to keep this gentleman's family in your thoughts and prayers and for those who knew, knew him for to do whatever it is that you can do for, for the family. At this time, I'm gonna reserve, well, I already made comments, I guess I can't say I reserve my comments. I wanted to see a few things about one of my council members who is up here and just spoke so eloquently. So Frank RN has been a long time resident, I don't even know how many years here. And Piscataway has raised his family here. He has grandchildren now, a very stalwart part of this community when it comes to the sports in town and the recreation. Speaker 0 00:35:09 Last year Frank was our council president and he led us through a year where there was some trying times, but with dignity, always grace. And you were always here and you always are here, Frank. And so perfect, perfect attendance. Perfect attendance and you know, and that, that has meaning because it means that you have dedication to this town and that it's not just, you know, the, the coming here and and the formalities, but it's your heart that is here in this town. And for all that you've done, we are going to present you with this plaque with the gavel for your service last year. Yay, Frank. Speaker 13 00:36:01 Frank, congratulations. Speaker 0 00:36:58 Okay, so that'll bring us to number 18, which are the agenda, which is the agenda session for February 13th, 2024. So the first item on is an ordinance on second reading, amending chapter seven, traffic sections 14 and 15 parking prohibited. It is open to the public and it'll be a resolution adopting ordinance. Are there any comments or questions from counsel regarding this item? See none. This will be on. The next item is an ordinance on second reading authorizing sale of certain properties. Block 11 3 0 7 lot 7.0 2 4 81 Park Avenue open to the public. It is a resolution adopting ordinance. Any comments or questions regarding this item? Nope, seeing none that will be on. The next item will be an ordinance on second reading the bond ordinance for various capital improvements. 5 million, $4,750,000. It will be open to the public and it is a resolution adopting ordinance. Are there any comments or questions from council administration on this? Speaker 0 00:38:03 Seeing none, this will be on. The next item will be an ordinance on second reading bond ordinance improvements related to the Energy savings improvements program. Seven million six million six hundred sixty five thousand. It is going to be open to the public. It is a resolution adopting ordinance. Any comments or questions from council or administration on this item? Okay, seeing none that will be on. The next item will be an ordinance on second reading. It is a bond to ordinance, energy savings obligation refunding bond ordinance, $20 million. It'll be open to the public and it is a resolution adopting ordinance. Any comments or questions from council administration on this? Seeing none that will be on. The next item is an ordinance on second reading and ordinance releasing extinguishing and vacating the rights of the public in portions of Clawson Street, Brook Avenue and Field Avenue. It will be open to the public and it is a resolution adopting ordinance. Any comments or questions regarding this item? Council or administration? Seeing none that will be on. Speaker 0 00:39:07 The next item is a resolution authorizing return of safety and stabilization guarantee. Block 4 1 0 2 lot 2 1 41 Circle Drive North 21 dash PB dash 0 5 0 8. Any comments or questions regarding this item? Seen none that will be on. The next item will be a resolution authorizing cancellation of taxes due to 100% disabled veteran status block 3 0 2 lot 79. Any comments or questions regarding this item? Seen none. That will be on Next item resolution Authorizing award of contract through E-S-C-N-J 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Touring four wheel drive, Nielsen Ford of Morristown, Inc. Not to exceed $42,871 and 13 cents. Any comments or questions from council administration on this item? Seeing none that will be on the next item. Will resolution authorizing award of contract through source? Well, 2024 Caterpillar backhoe fully incorporated not to exceed $169,000. Are there comments or questions regarding this item from council or administration? Speaker 0 00:40:25 Oh, I did. Sorry people, I skipped one. Yeah, let's get back to that one if we need it. Sorry for being so snarky. The, the item before that, actually I apologize to the folks in the public and on the call I, I skipped a resolution authorizing award of contract through ESCA and J 2024 hanky snowplow for Freightliner 1 0 8 SD Packer Trius Inc. Not to exceed 34,560. Do $586 and 49 cents. Are there any comments or questions regarding this item from council administration? Seeing none that will be on. The next item will be a resolution authorizing return of performance surety and cash bonds block 4 1 0 2 lot 2 1 41 Circle drive North 21 dash PB dash 0 5 0 8. Any comments or questions regarding that item? Scene none that will be on. The next item will be a resolution authorizing award of contract in need of redevelopment study for block 37 0 2 lot two two Hancock Road, foresight planning LLC not to exceed $7,500. Are there any comments or questions regarding that from council or administration? Speaker 0 00:41:48 Seen none. That will be on. Okay, very good. That'll bring us to number 19. This'll be to the public for remote attendees. If you wish to speak at this time, please raise your hand either on the Zoom app or if by phone, by pressing star nine. When it is your turn to speak, you'll receive or hear a, a request To unmute yourself, please click the prompt or press star six on your phone to unmute yourself at that time, please state your name, address and know that you have three minutes in which to make your comments. The council or administration will respond if necessary. After you've completed any comments or questions. Speaker 1 00:42:42 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 0 00:42:46 Thank you Ms. Cedar. We'll close the public portion now. We'll open it up public. 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 in the council or administration will then respond if necessary. Speaker 17 00:43:17 A treasured loving memory. My condolences. Human suffrage will never end. Remember the island of Cyprus, 20% of that population died for what? It got never resolved. His name. It hurts me just to hear this on the news. It does. Speaker 0 00:43:45 Mr. Costas, Speaker 17 00:43:46 I love you for your speech. Young man, you come to the point. Speaker 0 00:43:54 Please state your address, Speaker 17 00:43:55 Mr. Justice. Speaker 0 00:43:57 Mr. Costas, please state your address for the record. Speaker 17 00:44:00 58 Curtis Avenue. Speaker 0 00:44:03 Thank you sir. Speaker 17 00:44:04 I welcome each and every one of you to come and walk around that house and tell these people what you see. Justice picture this Easter Sunday backyard barbecue, great grandmama with an infant in her lap. Mamas and papas and uncles and cousins. A great little barbecue. It was fun and a beautiful day when a squad of police turned the corner of the house with arms ready. Don't anyone move. I froze like a stone of all Vietnam era veteran post-traumatic syndrome to the team. Two naval personnel active dude came to visit grandma to show the baby. Speaker 17 00:45:15 They came over there and harassed the heck outta me. I, we got a nine one one call and we came here to investigate. It's about guns all over this place. I said, what guns no such thing happening? Do you have a gun? Yes I do. Where is it? It's locked in the cabin. In the closet up there. Go get it. After the police did the harassment, they left that little wet puppies with their tails between their legs. And the next door neighbor says, ha ha, police officers to harass me. I demand some kind of justice. Another time, the same neighbor, this my son and three other children playing in the backyard Speaker 0 00:46:21 Saturday. Mr. Costas, your time is up. Speaker 17 00:46:23 Let me finish this point. Saturday I look out the window and the three four children are spread eagle on the ground and a police officer with a gun standing over them. The neighbor called up harassing these children. I went outside and I said, what's wrong officer? Well, we got a 9 1 1 call. Mr. There's people playing with phone. Speaker 0 00:46:56 Mr. Costas, your time is is up now. My Speaker 17 00:46:59 Time is not Speaker 0 00:47:00 Up. What I would ask is that I understand that. Ask after the meeting if you would present your issues to either Mr., Dacey or the Mayor. Thank you so much. Thank you Mr. Costas. Speaker 18 00:47:24 Mr. Mayor Councilman and boom, I'm here just to say thank you very much for the proclamation of I'm Muslim heritage. Speaker 0 00:47:33 Would you mind just stating your name and address for the record? Speaker 18 00:47:35 Yes. My name is Sayeth Hamed Hui. I am from two Ion Co. Piscataway. Speaker 0 00:47:41 Thank you. Thank Speaker 18 00:47:41 You. Once again, I want to thank Mayor and everybody here for proclamation of Muslim heritage and as a Muslim and a part of the Piscataway community will welcome any other same proclamation for any religion and cast or anybody. We all welcome for that and we are here for unity. And to say thank you again for you. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:48:11 Thank you so much. Thank you. We appreciate your words. Speaker 18 00:48:30 Yeah, you have have to hold Speaker 0 00:48:31 It down, have permission, hold it and state your name and address for the record. Speaker 19 00:48:35 I have to keep my finger on it while I'm talking. Yeah, Speaker 0 00:48:39 I'm so sorry. I'm doing, let's have to hold it. Okay. Speaker 19 00:48:43 Alright. Okay. All right. My name is Imam Abdulah Smith. I reside at 6 4 0 hose lane West Piscataway. I I believe that I'm probably the newest member here in Piscataway. And I wanted to reiterate what with, with Amid had mentioned and express my gratitude to the city of Piscataway has in our religion, our prophet. He says, whoever it does not thank the people, then he has not thanked the law. So I wanted to express my gratitude to you all for, for the proclamation and the level of diversity that I have witnessed here in, in the city of Piscataway since, since, since coming here. One of the things that I had mentioned in the MLK program is that our, our work is not just to come here in meetings on special occasions and present plaques and you know, and talk about, you know, you know, throw around buzzwords and have fancy discussions on, on just special occasions. Speaker 19 00:49:53 While this is appreciated, please don't let, please don't misunderstand me. However, our work to understand one another and to build bridges between one another is something that must be continued even after January is, is over. So I hope that we can continue our discussions. We can talk about what your need is from us and then what our need is from you. You know, how can we as the Muslim community, how can we serve Piscataway? And then also how can the leadership of Pisca we serve the Muslim community. I just hope that we can continue those discussions. If there's any need to get in touch with me, please right down the street and you can always meet with me there. You have access to my number in my office and I'm always open for discussion. If we wanna meet here or meet wherever, have some tea or some crackers, we go up to the mayor's house. I heard your living room was quite nice, so we hope, hopefully you'll invite us over for some tea and some crackers. Speaker 3 00:51:00 My wife is a tea person. I never track a thing to you in my life. She's the expert on everything. Speaker 19 00:51:08 So again, I just wanted to say thank you and I just hope that, and I wanted to just to express my appreciation and hope that this conversation and discussions of how we can help one another move forward in unity. Hope that continues into the future. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:51:23 Thank you. Thank mom you. You're my neighbor so I might go knocking on your door. I'm right on River Road around the corner, so I think I know you. Yeah, of course. Just hold the mic button down as you speak and state your name and address for the record. Speaker 20 00:51:39 My name is Gola Rabani. My address is 9 0 1 Gates Avenue Piscataway. So respectable, Mayor and councilmen and women and everyone. I just wanted to thank you again and you know, I moved to Piscataway in 2009 from Bedminster, which was only five minutes from my work. And I have to tell you, after coming here till today, there was not a single day when I was not happy and grateful that, you know, I'm here. So I just wanted to thank every one of you to make it a home for me, for my kids. It's a wonderful place to be and I feel safe, I feel recognized and from my side I recognize each of you, you know, for and, and thank you so much. Let me know if I can do anything for you. I'll be here for your support. Thanks again. And by the way, I also support what Dr. Khali said here about what's going on in the world. We all have to be, you know, I think sensitive and, and and then respectful about people's life. We, everyone is a human being and everyone deserves respect, you know, health, food, shelter. And I think, you know, wherever it is we should speak out and we should support humanity and you know, dignity for human life. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:52:58 Thank you for your comments. Is there, is there anyone else in the public who Yes please. Speaker 21 00:53:12 Good evening everyone. I just want to say thank you, the council members and the Mayor and especially Raj for coordinating the effort for Programmation. Really appreciate for recognizing Muslim Heritage Month. Speaker 0 00:53:25 Could you just state your name and address for the record? We, sorry, do that at all. Public Speaker 21 00:53:29 Meeting and forgot Ed Hashmi, whatever Green Court Piscataway Speaker 0 00:53:34 Mr. Rashmi. Speaker 21 00:53:35 So I really appreciate that you recognize that month and really that means a lot as a Muslim resident here and I see the diversity in our community is great that we see the representation in different areas, in committees, in whatever capacity we can support. And also would like to thank you for your support when the time comes. But I want to say again that what Brother Haha and Mother also said, and we, we were here last time as well. That's something which is really close to our heart as a Muslim, as a human being. What is happening in Za, in FTA, in Palestine or, or anywhere in the part of the world is something which we all come together and then demand something which, which can help the humanity, right? We understand there are some, you know, issues there that recognize, but we really see that as a humanity ground, that what can be done, you know, to, to have that ceasefire, you know, resolution. But again, I really appreciate and I think we are not far from Ramadan, so you all will be there in month of March for the interfaith and I'm sure Brother Amad will invite there as well. So we'll see you there shall thank you. Thank you very much. Thank Speaker 0 00:54:53 You so much for your comments. Anyone else in the public already spoke? I'm so sorry you have only one opport. I'm, I do apologize. There's another gentleman who would like to speak to give you opportunity. Come on. Speaker 6 00:55:16 Thank you everyone. I already, I already said what I needed to say but I just wanted to ask again. You, by the way, you are welcome to come to our interfaith of tar and our brother Ahmed is gonna give you the invitation coming up in March. But I wanted to ask last time we introduced a resolution for ceasefire and I talked about it today. Is it possible that we can get some, is it decision, do we know when a decisions gonna be made regarding this? So we, Speaker 0 00:55:43 If you're gonna make decision, I council does not have a decision made yet, but we have been discussing it and you're more than welcome to reach out to either the mayor's office or here. We can talk about that further. But we've not yet made a firm decision that I could absolutely tell you. Speaker 6 00:56:00 So can, is it possible, are we expecting some decision to be made soon? Like next meeting maybe? Or is just, just, I don't wanna bother you. I sent you an email to Oh Speaker 0 00:56:09 You're not a bother. You're not a bother at all. I would, I would guess hopefully by then we should have, but I think either myself or another person from the council or mayor's office will reach out and we can speak to you directly. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Okay, I'm gonna close the public portion. See no one else. Do I have an offer? Offer? Second? Yeah, second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. We are adjourned. Thank you everyone. Thank you. Have a.