Transcript for Piscataway Council meeting on October 1 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 1 00:00:09 I had like to call this meeting of the Piscataway Township Council to order. 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 a 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 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 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. The Township Council is always available by email and phone, and you can always call the mayor's office during normal operating hours. Speaker 1 00:01:32 Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call Speaker 2 00:01:35 Councilman Cahn Carmichael. Present. Councilman Uhrin Espinosa. Present Councilwoman Lombardi. Here. Councilman Cahn Rouse. Here. Councilman Cahn Shaw. Here. Councilman. Uhrin Rin. Here. Council President Cahill Speaker 1 00:01:50 Here, would you please join me in a salute to our flag? Speaker 3 00:01:55 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God in with liberty and justice for all. Speaker 1 00:02:13 Thank you. That'll bring us to number five. These are comments from administration and counsel. This is regarding adjournment of any matters on this agenda. Are there any comments or concerns about items on the agenda? Scene? None. I'll close number five and that'll bring us to number six. This is open to the public. This is comments regarding item number 13, which are the consent agenda items if anyone would like to speak. Now regarding item number 13, which are the consent agenda items. We'll first open it up to public comment for remote attendees and then we'll open it up for comment for in-person. Attendees. So 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 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 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 2 00:03:33 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 1 00:03:38 Okay, so we'll close the remote attendee public portion. This is regarding items number 13 and we'll open it up to the public for anyone wishing to comment regarding the consent agenda items. 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. Again, these are for the consent agenda items, which are number 13. Speaker 5 00:04:16 Hi 29, red Road pr, Patel. I just have questions on b, E and G. The questions for b and e is who initiated this lawsuit? Was it township initiated it? And if there is a settlement, what is the net result of the settlement in a sense that the companies are getting the money or getting tax abatements or what's the deal there? And then in number G, the professional service contract for affordable housing, is that the same housing that is being built on the river road? And if that's the case, I would just like to highlight like what is the flood zone on that river road that they're building all these apartments. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:05:05 Thank you Mr. Patel. So Raj, did you wanna talk about the subdivision settlements first? I'll, Speaker 6 00:05:12 I'll, I'll Speaker 1 00:05:13 You got that? Speaker 6 00:05:14 Yeah. So relu resolution B is to accept the same question you asked at our last meeting. This is the national settlement for the opioid settlement and this is what McKenzie and it's for $5,345 and 16 cents that they're gonna be paying to us. And this allows us to set up a line item in our budget to accommodate that money. Speaker 1 00:05:40 So that's money received in. Okay. Speaker 6 00:05:49 The next one is a tax settlement from 4 33 River Road and it was for the years 2022 and 2023. Speaker 1 00:06:03 Is that 2 33 Stelton Road? The on there E Speaker 6 00:06:07 Oh right. Yes. 2 33 Stelton Road and it results in a, in a payment a refund of $3,761 and 94 cents. And the rest of 'em were withdrawn and G is for, there's a new, as you know, coa, the new round of COA is coming up, which is round four. So we've had, we're absolutely unfamiliar with the rules 'cause the rules have not been promulgated by the state, but we're gonna be required to follow them. So this is for professional services for a consulting company for affordable housing planner and we put on RFP and we're recommending that it be awarded to Harbor Consultants for a value of not to exceed $35,000. Speaker 5 00:06:53 So are, is that G actually building houses on a land that is already available or is this They're doing a survey of existing houses where people who already are renting and they can afford it Speaker 6 00:07:04 Neither. What they're gonna do is they're gonna look at the regulations that the state proposes for affordable housing and make recommendations for us on how we could comply with them. Speaker 5 00:07:15 And would you happen to know the state bill that talks about all this kind of stuff or no, not Speaker 6 00:07:21 There's, it's not been a bill. Speaker 5 00:07:22 Okay. Thanks. Speaker 1 00:07:24 Thank you Mr. Patel. Is there anyone else in the public wishing to comment regarding items on number 13, which are the consent agenda items? Seeing none, I'm gonna close the public portion. So that will bring us to number seven. This is an ordinance on second reading. It is amend redevelopment plan for block 9 2 0 1 lot 46.20. It is open to the public and it is a resolution adopting ordinance Ms. Cedar, would you please read the resolution Speaker 2 00:07:56 Be it resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled an ordinance authorizing Addendum to Redevelopment Plan for block 9 2 0 1 Lot 46.20. Dale Meadows as shown on the tax map of the township of Piscataway, was introduced on the 10th day of September, 2024 and had passed the first reading and was published on the 15th day of September, 2024. Now therefore be it resolved that the offer said ordinance having had a second reading on October 1st, 2024 be adopted past and after passage be published together with a notice of the date of past approval in the official newspaper, be it further resolved that this ordinance shall be assigned number 2024 dash 23. Speaker 1 00:08:36 Thank you Ms. Cedar. And so now this will be open to the public for any comment. We'll open it up to the remote attendees first, 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 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 council or administration will respond if necessary. After you've completed any comments or questions. Speaker 2 00:09:14 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 1 00:09:19 Thank you. So we'll close the remote attendee public portion. We'll open it up to the public who are here in person. 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. Seeing none, I'm gonna close the public portion on this item, so I'll open it up to the council. Do I have an offer? Speaker 2 00:09:53 Offer? Councilwoman? Lombardi? Speaker 1 00:09:55 Do I have a second? Second. Second, Sean. Okay. Thank you. Ms. C, would you please take the roll Speaker 2 00:10:02 Call vote. Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Uhrin Espinosa? Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Uhrin Rouse. Yes. Councilman Uhrin Shaw? Speaker 8 00:10:12 Yes. Speaker 2 00:10:13 Councilman. Uhrin. Rin? Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 1 00:10:18 Yes. And the ordinance passes on second reading That'll bring us to number eight, which is also an ordinance on second reading. This is acquisition of property block 7 5 0 8. Lot three. Lot three, sorry. It is also open to the public and it is a resolution adopting ordinance. Ms. Cedar, would you please read the resolution? Be Speaker 2 00:10:38 It resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey. Then an ordinance entitled Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of property identified as block 7 5 0 8 Lot three in the township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, state of New Jersey for public use pursuant to Njs. A 23 dash one EC was introduced on the 10th day of September, 2024 and had passed the first reading. It was published on the 15th day of September, 2024. Now therefore be it resolved that the offer said ordinance having had a second reading on October 1st, 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 assigned number 2024 dash 24. Speaker 1 00:11:20 Thank you Ms. Cedars. So we'll open it up to the public and first to the 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 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. Address and if you have three minutes in which to complete your comments or to make your comments, the council or administration will respond if necessary. After you've completed any comments or questions, Speaker 2 00:11:55 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 1 00:12:00 Okay. So I'm gonna close the remote attendee portion. We'll open it up to the public who are here in person. 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 and question or questions in the council or administration will then respond if necessary. Seeing none, I'm gonna close the public portion on this item. I'll open it up to the council. Are there any comments or questions or can we go right to a vote? Okay. So do I have an offer? Speaker 9 00:12:42 Offer Councilman? Uhrin. Oen? Speaker 1 00:12:44 Do I have a second? Second. Speaker 9 00:12:46 Councilman Uhrin. Esp Espino. Speaker 1 00:12:48 Thank you Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call vote Speaker 2 00:12:51 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Cahn Espinosa? Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Cahn Rouse. Yes. Councilman Uhrin Shaw? Speaker 9 00:13:01 Yes. Speaker 2 00:13:02 Councilman. Uhrin. Rin? Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 1 00:13:06 Yes. In the ordinance passes on second reading that'll bring us to number nine, is also an ordinance on second reading. It is authorizing the sale of 1114 Brookside Dr. Road. It will be open to the public and it is a resolution adopting ordinance. Ms. Cedar, would you please read the resolution be Speaker 2 00:13:25 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, New Jersey, authorizing the sale of certain lands owned by the township of Piscataway pursuant to NJ SA 40 A 12 dash 13 B was introduced on the 10th day of September, 2024 and had passed the first reading. It was published on the 15th day of September, 2024. Now therefore be it resolved that the offer said ordinance having had a second reading on October 1st, 2024 be adopted, passed. And after passage be published together with a notice of the date of passage approval in the official newspaper. Be it further resolved that this ordinance shall be assigned number 2024 dash 25. Speaker 1 00:14:04 Thank you Ms. Cedar. And we'll open it up to the public. First for the 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 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 council or administration will respond if necessary. After you've completed any comments or questions. Speaker 2 00:14:37 Council president, there are no remote attendees with our hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 1 00:14:42 Thank you, Ms. Heater. We'll close the remote attendee public portion. We'll open it up to the folks who are here in person. 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. Speaker 5 00:15:04 Yeah. Hi 29 Red Road pr. I just have a question. Is this a land and a building or just a land? And if that's the case, what was the sale price that township agreed to sell this? Speaker 6 00:15:18 So it's a sliver of land approximately 10 feet wide. The adjacent homeowner wants to buy it to make his lot of conforming lot. And the appraised value is $18,500. Speaker 5 00:15:31 18,000 for how many square feet? Speaker 6 00:15:35 It's 10 feet wide by 565 feet long. But it's obviously not buildable since it's only 10 feet wide. So it's, Speaker 5 00:15:45 If I do the math, it's 5,650 square feet, 10 by 5, 6 5. Is that correct? For 18,000, Speaker 6 00:15:55 The minimum, the minimum for building in the zone is 10,000 square feet. Speaker 5 00:15:59 Okay. Alright. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:16:03 Thank you. Mr. Patel. Is there anyone else in the public wishing to comment on this item? None. We're gonna close that to the public and we'll open it up. Are there any comments from the council or can we go straight to a vote? Okay. See none. We'll open it up. Do I have an offer? Speaker 6 00:16:23 We'll flush Council. Speaker 2 00:16:24 Councilwoman Lombardi. Speaker 1 00:16:25 Okay. We have a first and a second. Okay, great. Very good. So we'll take that roll call vote Speaker 2 00:16:31 Councilwoman Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Cahn Espinosa? Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Uhrin Rouse. Yes. Councilman Uhrin Shaw? Yes. Councilman. Uhrin. Rin? Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 1 00:16:47 Yes. And the ordinance passes on second reading. That'll bring us to number 10, which is an ordinance on first reading. This is an adopting ordinance. Oh, I'm sorry. This is authorizing the amendment to redevelopment plan block 3 7 0 2 lots. 1.02 and two, which are 10 Normandy Drive and two Hancock Road. It will be a resolution adopting the ordinance. Ms. Cedar, would you please read the resolution? Speaker 2 00:17:12 Be it resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled An Ordinance Authorizing Amended Redevelopment Plan for Block 3 7 0 2 lots, 1.02 and two 10 Normandy Drive and two Hancock Road. As shown on the tax map of the town chuff Piscataway B is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that his second reading and public hearing be held at 7:30 PM Prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Hose Lane Piscataway, New Jersey on the seventh day of November, 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 1 00:17:59 Thank you Ms. Cedar. Any comments or questions on that item? Seeing none, I'll take an open up for a vote. Do I have an offer Speaker 9 00:18:10 Offer Carmichael? Speaker 1 00:18:12 Do I have a second? Second. Speaker 9 00:18:14 Second. Rouse. Speaker 1 00:18:16 Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call vote. Speaker 2 00:18:18 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Uhrin Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman. Uhrin Rouse. Speaker 9 00:18:25 Yes. Speaker 2 00:18:26 Councilman Uhrin Shaw? Speaker 9 00:18:28 Yes. Speaker 2 00:18:28 Councilman. Uhrin. Rin? Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 1 00:18:33 Yes. And the ordinance passes on second reading. That'll bring us to number 11. This is an ordinance on first reading construction of local improvement sidewalks on Sutton's Lane. Frontage of block 9 1 0 1 lot four 5.01 and block 9 3 0 1 lots. Four 7.0 3, 51 0.0 1, 52 0.02 and 53.03. It is a resolution adopting ordinance. Ms. Cedar, would you please read the resolution? Speaker 2 00:19:03 Be it 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 Suttons lane. Frontage of block 9 1 0 1 Lot 45.01 and block 9 3 0 1 lots, 47.0 3, 51 0.0 1, 52 0.02, and 53.03 Speaker 2 00:19:24 On the township of Piscataway tax map as permitted under Njs. A 40 65 dash one bean is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And that a second reading and public hearing be held at 7:30 PM Prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 Hose Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey on the seventh day of November, 2024. Be of further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within the township prior to the day of the second reading and final passage. And a copy of this ordinance shall be made available at the office of the Township Clerk for any interested member of the public. Speaker 1 00:20:01 Thank you Ms. Cedar. Do I have an offer Speaker 9 00:20:04 Council? An offer? Second. Second. Speaker 2 00:20:06 Councilwoman Lombardi. Speaker 1 00:20:08 Thank you Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call vote Speaker 2 00:20:11 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Uhrin Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman. Uhrin Rouse. Yes. Councilman Uhrin Shaw? Speaker 9 00:20:21 Yes. Speaker 2 00:20:22 Councilman. Uhrin. Rin? Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 1 00:20:26 Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading. That brings us to number 12. This is an ordinance on first reading. This is construction of local improvement sidewalks on Ethel Road West. Frontage block 9,001 lots. 44.1 4, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 0.02 and 60 and block 9 1 0 1 lots. 50 51 0.01 and 53.02. And block 9 2 0 1 lots, 44 and 45. And block 9 3 0 1 lots. 52.0 3, 53 0.01 and 54.05. It is a resolution adopting ordinance. Ms. Cita, would you please read the resolution? Speaker 2 00:21:16 Be it 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 of block 9 0 0 1. That's 44.14. I'm just gonna repeat all the ones you just said. 55 56, 57, 58, 59 0.02 and 60 And block 9 1 0 1 last 51, sorry. 50 51 0.01 and 53.02. And block 9 2 0 1 lots, 44 and 45. And block 9 3 0 1 lots, 52.0 3, 53 0.01 and 54.05 on the township of Piscataway tax map as permitted under NJ SA 40 65 dash one bean 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 on the seventh day of November, 2024. Be of further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within the township prior to the day of the second reading and final passage. And a copy of this ordinance shall be made available at the office of the Township clerk for any interested member of the public. Speaker 1 00:22:31 Thank you. Ms. Cedar, do I have an offer? Offer Carmichael? Do I have a second? Speaker 10 00:22:38 Second. Councilman Uhrin Espino. Speaker 1 00:22:41 Ms. Er, would you please take the roll call vote. Speaker 2 00:22:43 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Cahn Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Uhrin Rouse. Yes. Councilman Cahn Shaw? Speaker 11 00:22:54 Yes. Speaker 2 00:22:54 Yes. Councilman. Cahn Earn? Yes. Council President Cahill. Speaker 1 00:22:59 Thank you. And the ordinance passes on first reading that'll bring us to number 13, which 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? Scene none. I will ask for a vote on this. Do I have an offer? Speaker 11 00:23:34 Also ask Shaw. Speaker 1 00:23:35 Do I have a second? Speaker 12 00:23:37 Second. Ross Speaker 1 00:23:39 Peter, would you please take the roll call vote. Speaker 2 00:23:41 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Uhrin Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Cahn Rouse. Yes. Councilman Cahn Shaw? Yes. Yes. Councilman. Uhrin Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 1 00:23:56 Yes. And the consent agenda. Items pass. This will bring us to number 14. These are announcements and comments from officials. Councilwoman Sharon Carmichael. Speaker 13 00:24:08 Thank you Madam President. I just wanted to say the township has already made this public announcement. Just wanna make sure that people are aware of the anchor programs, the state program for tax relief, property tax relief. And if you have not gotten a notice from the state, then please go to the, what is it? The Division of state, division of Taxation. And get information if you need help. But it's also available to renters and not just homeowners. Thank Speaker 1 00:24:40 You. Yeah, it's a program too for, for all. Councilman Uhrin Espinoza. Speaker 10 00:24:47 Thank you. Yes. First, I wanna thank everyone who came out to the, to the first annual Piscataway Bike tour. It was a great success. All the residents had a good time and, and it was a great day, great sunny day. Not too cold, not too hot. It was a great riding experience. We had over 145 pre-registration plus the onsite registrations. So it was great. It was safe. A lot of feedback came, came that they enjoyed the ride because of the safety that was, that was around them. So it was great. I want to thank our DPW our, our, our police department, Piscataway Police Department, our marshals, our volunteers, everyone who came out, they all did a great job. So looking forward for next year. Also, I would like to wish everyone a, a happy Hispanic Latino Heritage Month and to all our residents, just wanna say, to celebrate your roots and honor your heritage. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:25:50 Thank you so much. Councilman Cahn, Councilwoman Lombardi. Speaker 14 00:25:54 Just wanted to say for all those people that are signed up for the upcoming first annual Piscataway Township Yard sale. I hope you do very well on Saturday and Sunday selling all of the things that you're looking to get rid of. And I hope that maybe somebody might find something interesting and might be worth a lot of money on the Antiques Road Show. So get around and check out all of our 360 houses that have signed up for the township wide yard sale. Speaker 1 00:26:25 Thank you. Councilwoman. Lombardi. I am so sad that I'm not gonna be participating, but I will be going around from home to home. Much to my husband's chagrin and I'm sure he is watching, but I will say what you said that there were over 300 households, that 360 at our first one Speaker 14 00:26:47 Coming in and they're getting their signs and they're excited. And so I think it's a, a really great success. And I wanna especially thank Jen Johnson over in the mayor's office for helping me make this dream come true. Speaker 1 00:27:01 That's wonderful. Jen is awesome. Councilman. Uhrin. Oh my gosh. Rouse. I'm sorry. Comment. Comment. Okay. I'm, you know what it is, is I'm in a, and I'm in, in a daze about going to yard sales. And I can see the mayor's over there looking at me like I'm in, I'm with your husband. No yard deals. So Councilman, Uhrin Shaw Speaker 15 00:27:30 With Carmichael that the anchors rebate. If you have a senior, then there is a extra $400 also you can add that. So you can go online and add as a senior you get more money. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:27:46 Oh, excellent point. Thank you. Councilman Cahn Shaw Councilman Cahn earn Speaker 16 00:27:51 No Speaker 17 00:27:51 Comment at this time. Council president, Speaker 1 00:27:52 Mr. Mayor, Speaker 16 00:27:58 Just a quick progress report on our solar project. They're moving along. They're ahead, ahead of schedule. I wanna publicly thank you know Senator Booker and Congressman Perone for voting for the Deficit Reduction Act, as well as several members of the delegation from New Jersey. This is gonna transform a lot of our facilities where over 40% of our energy needs are gonna be through solar here in this town. And I wanted to publicly thank the members from Congress from New Jersey that did vote for this, this would not have happened, had President Biden with the Deficit Reduction Act right there. And I want to give him credit. And it, it's, it's a good thing we're doing. I think ultimately it's only gonna cost the town of less than a million dollars for a $25 million project. And that includes the upgrading of a lot of our heating and air conditioning systems and the lighting on all of our government facilities. Because in the past, the tax credits, governments couldn't take advantage of it. Now, now we can. So, which, which is a good thing. So we're expecting to have everything fully operational by June of 2025. But they're moving along. Speaker 1 00:29:13 You know, Mr. Mayor, I thought maybe it would be good to comment. So, you know, we know the, the cost isn't anywhere what it should have been because of the Deficit Reduction Act, but in the long run as well, the savings to the township in the cost that we pay for our, our electric. Our electricity, correct. Yes. Speaker 16 00:29:32 That that's what's good. Speaker 1 00:29:34 Yeah. So, Speaker 16 00:29:35 And I I would be very remiss we wanna mention the former President Carter's birthday today. Speaker 1 00:29:41 Oh yeah. 100 years old. Yeah. An impressive, yeah. A life that he has lived for sure. Yeah. Speaker 16 00:29:48 And I, I want to thank also Councilman Uhrin MCC Carmichael for being at the community of block grant hearing today, right there. So as the council knows, we're gonna be spending the money on handicap ramps throughout the town to make it a DA compliant. I know there's another person from the public who wanted just for housing, but you know, with the limited amount of money we have, we, we thought it was best interest that we take care of those folks that need to, that are walking on sidewalks or creating sidewalks to make it accessible for wheelchair accessibility throughout our community. Speaker 1 00:30:24 Yeah, well, very important because I do have a neighbor who takes his wheelchair down to the park. So maybe someday they'll be sidewalks there for him. Business, Administrator, trator daisy, no counselor, Speaker 2 00:30:42 No comments. Thank Speaker 1 00:30:43 You. Okay. And for myself, I'll just reiterate all that was said here, some great township events. I know, Dennis, that event was just fantastic that, and I think somehow maybe the ferry dust that Councilwoman Lombardi has always had for cleanup day is somehow transferred over to you. And we'll see if it happens to for, for our yard sale weekend. But all around just a, a thank you to the township employees, our first responders who make these events happen for our residents. So we wanna thank them very much for that. So Speaker 2 00:31:25 Can I just add, remember to either register to vote by October 15th, send in your mail-in ballot if you've received it or send in your application for the mail-in ballot. And the election is Tuesday, November 5th. Speaker 1 00:31:40 Thank you. And that is appropriate for the clerk to do that. PSA very important to have your vote count. So yes, I already voted 'cause I vote by mail. Yes, the, the, the ballots if you vote by mail, have already arrived. So fill them out, get them into the drop boxes either here in front of the police station or at Westergard Library or drop them in the mail. But do it as soon as possible. Actually is a, a great service too for the Board of Elections who'll be counting all of those vbs. And because our state does a great job at making sure that everyone who is eligible, eligible to vote can vote. Our vote by mail program is, is popular and that means the folks there at the board of elections are doing a lot of work. So it'd be super good help to them. Speaker 1 00:32:37 Okay, so that closes number 14. This will bring us to number 15. So this is the agenda session for the number November 7th, 2024 Piscataway Township Council meeting. The first item is an ordinance on second reading. This is authorizing amendment to redevelopment plan block 37 0 2 lots, 1.02 and two. This is what we spoke about tonight at our first reading. Are there any comments or concerns regarding this item for the next meeting? Seeing none that will be on The next item is the ordinance on second reading. Again, this is what we heard tonight. This is construction of local improvement sidewalks on Sutton's Lane. Frontage of block 9 1 0 1 Lot 45.01 and block 93 0 1 lots, 47.0 3, 51 0.0 1, 52 0.02 and 53.03. It will be also open to the public and it'll be a resolution adopting ordinance. Are there any comments or questions regarding this item? Seeing none that'll be on. The next item will be an ordinance on second reading construction of local improvement sidewalks on Ethel Road West Frontage block 9,001 lots. 44.14. There's a lot of blocks and lots there. I'm not gonna read through all of them. We spoke about 'em tonight. Melissa, read through that. Are there any comments or questions from counsel on this? Seeing none, that'll be on Speaker 7 00:34:08 I. Speaker 1 00:34:14 Okay. The next item will be a resolution for fire district one Commissioner's Compensation. Are there any comments or questions from counsel on this item? Seen none that will be on. The next item is a resolution authorizing award of contract under state contract Patrol Cars and upfit 5 20 25 Ford interceptor winner Ford not to exceed $162,139 and 16 cents. Are there any comments or questions regarding this item? See none that will be on. The next item will be a resolution authorizing award of bid, second year option, fire suppression system testing and maintenance city fire equipment Company not to exceed $133,000 and 7 130 $3,700. Are there any comments or questions from counsel on this item? See none, this will be on. Speaker 1 00:35:19 Okay, that will bring us to the public portion. We'll first open it up to the remote attendees. Sorry about that. Folks, 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 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 council or administration will respond if necessary. After you've completed any comments or questions. Speaker 2 00:35:59 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 1 00:36:04 Thank you Ms. Cedar. We'll now open it up to the folks who are here in 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 and the council or administration will then respond if necessary. Speaker 21 00:36:28 58 K Avenue, New Jersey in front of your beautiful cathie on Lakeview Ave is an all mechanic shop. That's all burnt up gears now. You lost your opportunity Mary. You didn't buy it in time. Now it's gonna cost you 10 times more. Get rid of that rodent infested ordinance violation that's in my face. Justice. Nowhere there. Speaker 1 00:37:25 Thank you. Speaker 19 00:37:33 You don't have to push it, Speaker 5 00:37:34 It's Speaker 1 00:37:35 Just go ahead and talk Mr. Patel. Okay, Speaker 5 00:37:38 I'm just here to talk Few things. First of all, I'd like to thank Ms. Carmichael Based on our last meeting, she did visit our home. She talked with five people and I think based on your concern, I mean you talk with more than me and I didn't think anybody said that the taxes were like easygoing. I mean everybody complained that their taxes were high. So that was the first point that I would like to make. The second point, obviously I I, I kind of que suggested to Ms. Carmichael to, if possible, and I don't know what the legal rigor around is to put this on a ballot, but I would, I would suggest that that in order for this text to go up by a thousand, I would like to put this on a ballot. The second point that I would like to make is obviously kind of in last meeting, Mr. Speaker 5 00:38:24 Meir indicated that whatever the tax assessment and the process is fair, I can actually show you even based on today's data, I think I've showed on computer with Ms. Carmichael. And I'll give you a real example and I put that in my email, but just for everybody else in last year when I looked at Mr. Mayor's house, which is close to 20,000 square feet in land, his TA taxes went up by 400. And our neighbor who allowed inspector to come in or in the house, their taxes up went by a thousand, which is less than, I guess if you look at the square footage is one 10th of the size. So I dunno what goes around in this assessment systems and how they are conducted. Even in today's data, if I just look at this, a township solar, the land for 23,650. And if my math is right, that's $3 and 18 cents a square feet. Speaker 5 00:39:17 Our lands right now are assessed at $49 a square feet. So I dunno, where did this $47 indifference, even in township book today, in today's meeting, it's showing that much of a gap. And how could this fall through when the deeds are overseen by township. So I really don't know how these numbers are coming into the picture, but when the assessment office comes in and just says that the assessment process is fair, I would like to reopen that whole thing because it, it's not fair. And on the, on the, on the brighter side of things, probably I can just say that the certain loan, certain lane roads and everything are doing perfectly fine. I think that's a wonderful job. And we are, we are very thankful for a lot of things. We have raised concern with Miss Carmichael last time where few houses are getting run, run down and, and I think a grid that there are a lot of renters in where we are at, but they don't have money and they don't fix it. Speaker 5 00:40:11 And I have eyesore on the fence, on the garden side, on the park side and all this kind of stuff. So I don't know what the real issue is. Is it because of high taxation people have less money to do repairs in the house or whatever it is, but it's not working. And outside of that I just have just normal things with election, since we are talking about register to vote. Look, I studied constitution and it was a requirement that you have to know English to become a citizen. And if you have citizen then and only then you can vote. Lately what's happening today is people who don't understand English, they're voting. So if, which is fine if you want to create a fanfare for these folks to allow to vote, but if they don't understand our laws and if they don't understand policies, I don't know what they're voting on. And I don't think so. We should have ordinances like this in this town. I know that we have people of different faith and different languages and whatnot, but it is a very fundamental criteria. If you don't know English, then there are night schools, there are county schools. You can go into school and study English. But if that's not an excuse that I don't know any of this. The last thing, Speaker 1 00:41:13 Mr. Patal, sorry Mr. Patel, your time is up. I thank you very much. If I can, is there anyone else in the public who would be wishing to comment? May do so at this time, seeing none, I'm gonna close the public portion. Speaker 16 00:41:28 Council president? Yes, I would. Our, our distinguished township attorney knows that we've explained on numerous occasions to Mr. Patel what the process is. He knows what the process is, he just doesn't wanna file the process and there's nothing we can do at this point. 'cause he doesn't wanna file the process that he knows about. And as far as that last comment he just said about people who don't know, don't, can't speak English, shouldn't be really voting. I, that's part of the ultra nationalist view that he has and has been p preparing over the last four years and the emails coming to the town hall. So this is nothing new. Speaker 22 00:42:08 Yeah, I would just like to add as the assessment processes by a third party independent entity as required by the state. This has nothing to do with our assessment office. This is a third party and it's made that way specifically to take the government out of it. So there is no bias Speaker 23 00:42:26 Can Speaker 1 00:42:27 Thank you. It's Speaker 22 00:42:31 It's not a board. It's Speaker 16 00:42:35 Public ions closed. Speaker 22 00:42:36 Sir, we can talk on offline. It's Sure. Speaker 1 00:42:39 Okay. Thank, thank you Goomer and thank you Mr. Mayor. Yeah, I mean, look, all of us go through the process. We, you know, we have to let them in and that is the process for reassessments and, Speaker 14 00:42:51 And we're not the only towns that do this. Every other town does, does the same thing that we do with having the tax assessor come into the house, assess the house. This is nothing that other towns don't do. I Speaker 23 00:43:03 Don't object to that. The people who allowed the assessment. Speaker 14 00:43:07 Alright, Speaker 23 00:43:08 Mayor is incorrect in that Speaker 1 00:43:10 Statement. Alright, we're not gonna get into discussion that Mr. Goer talked to you meeting Mr. Patel, just to make sure that you're completely clear on the process. And with that, that brings us to the end of the meeting. So I would like to adjourn the meeting. Do I have an offer? Offer? Do I have a second? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. We are adjourned. Speaker 14 00:43:36 Thank you.