Transcript for Piscataway Council meeting on December 3 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 00:00:00 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 may 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. Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call Speaker 1 00:01:00 Councilwoman Carmichael. Here. Councilman Cahn Espinosa. Present. Councilwoman Lombardi? Here. Councilman. Cahn Rouse. Here. Councilman Shaw? Here. Councilman Uhrin. Here. Council President Cahill Speaker 0 00:01:17 Here. And will you please join me in a ute? To our flag Speaker 2 00:01:21 I flag of the United States of America, Speaker 1 00:01:26 The Speaker 0 00:01:26 Republic for Speaker 1 00:01:27 Which it stands under Speaker 0 00:01:29 God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all they Thank you. That'll bring us to number five. This is comments from administration and counsel regarding adjournment of any matters on the agenda. On the agenda. Speaker 1 00:01:49 Any? None at this time. None. Speaker 0 00:01:50 Okay, great. Thank you. That'll bring us to number six. This will be open to the public. This is comments regarding item number seven, which are the consent agenda items if you wish to speak at this time. This is for the remote attendees. Please raise your hand and 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, 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 00:02:38 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 0 00:02:42 Thank you, Ms. The remote attendee portion and we'll open it up to the public here in person if you wish to speak at this time. This is again regarding number seven, which are the consent agenda items. 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 in-person. Public portion. Okay. And that bring us to number seven, 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 the council would like removed from the consent agenda to be discussed or voted on separately? God bless you. Scene none. I will accept an offer. Speaker 1 00:03:46 Offer Councilwoman. Lombardi. Speaker 0 00:03:48 Do I have a second? Second. Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call vote. Speaker 1 00:03:53 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Cahn Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Cahn Rouse. Yes. Councilman Cahn Shaw? Speaker 3 00:04:03 Yes. Speaker 1 00:04:04 Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:04:08 Yes. And the consent agenda Items pass. That'll bring us to number Oh, are we? Sorry, we're double-sided and I forgot. Okay. That'll bring us to number an ordinance on first reading. This is authorizing acquisition of block 11 3 1 7 lot 23.02. It is a resolution adopting ordinance Ms. Cedar, would you please read the resolution be Speaker 1 00:04:43 Resolved by the township counsel of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of Property identified as Block 1 1 3 1 7 Lot two 3.02 in the township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, state of New Jersey for public use pursuant to Njs A 23 dash one Atec 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 on the 17th day of December, 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 00:05:32 Thank you Ms. Cedar. Do I have an offer Speaker 3 00:05:37 All for? Speaker 0 00:05:39 Okay. I think we have a first and a second. Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll Speaker 1 00:05:43 Call vote Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Speaker 3 00:05:52 Yes. Speaker 1 00:05:53 Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Speaker 0 00:05:56 Cahill? Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading and that'll bring us to number nine. This is an ordinance also on first reading. This is authorizing acquisition of block 3 0 3 lot 17.01 and it is a resolution adopting ordinance Ms. Cedar, would you please read the Resolution be Speaker 1 00:06:14 Resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of Property identified as Block 3 0 3 Lot 17.01 in the township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, state of New Jersey for public use pursuant to NJ SA 23 dash one Ssec Be 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 on the 17th day of December, 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 00:07:01 Thank you. Ms. Cedar, do I have an offer? Offer? Councilman? Arwin? Do I have a second? Second. Councilwoman Lombardi. Thank you Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call vote Speaker 1 00:07:10 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Cahn Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Speaker 5 00:07:21 Yes. Speaker 1 00:07:22 Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:07:25 Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading That'll bring us to number 10, an ordinance on first reading authorizing Execution of financial Agreement for IL 1551 South Washington Urban Renewal LLC Block 53 0 1 Lot 14.04, which is 1551 South Washington Avenue. Ed, would you please read the resolution or that's an ordinance? Go ahead and please read that. Thank you. Speaker 1 00:07:53 Be it Resolved by the Township Council of Piscataway Township, New Jersey that an ordinance entitled Ordinance of the Township of Piscataway, county of Middlesex, New Jersey, authorizing execution of financial Agreement with IDIL 1551 South Washington Urban Renewal LLC. Pursuant to the long-term tax exemption law Njs A 40 a 20 dash one ec being is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And then a second reading of public hearing be held at 7:30 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway Municipal Building 4 55 hose limp scattering New Jersey on the 17th day of December, 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 00:08:41 Thank you Ms. Cedar. And do I have an offer? Speaker 6 00:08:45 Offer Ro? Speaker 0 00:08:47 Do I have a second? Speaker 5 00:08:49 Okay. Councilman Shaw Second. Speaker 0 00:08:52 Thank you Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call vote Speaker 1 00:08:55 Councilwoman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Speaker 5 00:09:04 Yes. Speaker 1 00:09:05 Councilman Rin. Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:09:10 Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading that'll bring us to number 11, which is also an ordinance on first reading. This is amending and supplementing various chapters of the municipal code Part four. It is a resolution adopting ordinance. Ms. Cedar, would you please read the Resolution Speaker 1 00:09:26 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. Adding chapter two administration, section two dash four seven mayoral advisory Commission on Public Relations and chapter 34, water and amending Chapter seven, traffic section seven dash one 15. Parking prohibited during certain hours on certain streets being is hereby adopted on the first reading that it be published in the official newspaper. And then 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 on the 17th day of December, 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 of Final Passage. And a copy of this ordinance shall be made available at the office of the Township Clerk for any interested member of the public. Speaker 0 00:10:19 Thank you. Ms. Cedar, do I have an offer? Offer Speaker 7 00:10:22 Councilman Speaker 0 00:10:23 Owen? Do I have a second? Second Speaker 7 00:10:24 ESP pen. Speaker 0 00:10:25 Thank you. Ms. Cedar, would you please take the roll call Speaker 1 00:10:28 Vote. Councilman Carmichael? Yes. Councilman Espinosa. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Yes. Councilman Rouse. Yes. Councilman Shaw? Speaker 5 00:10:39 Yes. Speaker 1 00:10:40 Councilman. Cahn. Rin? Yes. Council President Cahill? Speaker 0 00:10:44 Yes. And the ordinance passes on first reading that'll bring us to number 12, which are announcements and comments from officials. Councilwoman Carmichael. Speaker 8 00:10:55 Thank you Madam President. Well, it's at time again, the annual Piscataway Township Tree Lighting on this Friday, December 6th at seventh pm Town Hall. All everyone in the town is invited to come. There will be refreshments and we look forward to seeing you. Happy holidays. Speaker 0 00:11:14 Thank you. Councilwoman Councilman Espinoza. Speaker 7 00:11:18 Yes. Just a reminder that the holidays are upon us and just to be careful driving out there, there are a lot of drivers going to holiday parties. Just please be careful. Take an Uber if you need to and have a safe holiday. Speaker 5 00:11:33 Bye. Speaker 0 00:11:34 Thank you Councilman Councilwoman Lombardi. Speaker 9 00:11:36 In continuing with all of our holiday events. If you are anticipating being in the holiday decorating contest, we have moved the registration out a little bit to December 11th. So if you are looking to join in, you have till December 11th to register. And East Jersey Old Town over there on River Road has our holiday traditions this Saturday, 11 o'clock to four o'clock. It's usually a nice event over there. Speaker 0 00:12:06 It's, Speaker 9 00:12:06 And I wanna say Happy Retirement to Councilwoman Carmichael. Speaker 0 00:12:11 Oh, that's lovely. Thank you. Councilwoman Lombardi. Councilwoman Lombardi. Councilman Rouse. Speaker 10 00:12:20 Yes. Everyone have a wonderful holiday season and be safe. God bless you all. Speaker 0 00:12:27 Thank you. Councilman. Councilman Shaw. Speaker 5 00:12:33 No thanks. Speaker 0 00:12:35 Thank you. Councilman rn? Speaker 11 00:12:38 Yes, everyone have a wonderful holiday season. Speaker 0 00:12:41 Thank you. Councilman. Cahn, rn, Mr. Mayor, Speaker 12 00:12:44 I'm gonna do a different mood. I just wanna make the announcement. We're fortunate enough to receive our new rating for the agency for our fiscal stability and it's being upheld to double A plus Stable, which is the second highest that you can get from municipality in the state of New Jersey by Moody's. So they said that basically we're doing all the right things. The reason why we did not get aaa, believe it or not, is because we're at 140% of the mean household income. We need to be over 200% of the state average. So I think there's a little discrepancy with the rating agencies in regards to that. If, if a town is doing all the right things on the road to aaa, they should be aaa. And we can't be held because we, we do have Rutgers University located in our community and that sort of drags down our numbers. But I think there's a little, I'm gonna be polite about it. Little discrepancy. So Speaker 0 00:13:47 Yes, that seems a little bit unfair, but we checked off every other box, which is the most important part. And yeah, I would say there's some discrimination going on there. Business administration. Okay, counselor, Speaker 12 00:14:06 No comments. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:14:07 Okay. And I myself would just like to remind folks about, again, the Christmas tree lighting at seven o'clock. Right? Right. And then on Monday at seven o'clock also is the Mayor's TV show with Santa. So Santa will be there. If you have any young ones who'd like to call in and ask Santa for their special toy for Christmas, he will be available. So he is visiting Piscataway three times. He'll come to the tree lighting, come to the Mayor's show, be, oh actually four times. He'll be around at firehouses and then of course Christmas Eve. So we thank Santa for taking the time out of his very busy schedule for coming to these events. So remind you, yes he is. Yes he is. He can be assured that when he lands here we have enough insurance should something happen to the sled. But we are grateful to have these events. Speaker 0 00:15:12 It'll be a lovely time. As Councilwoman Carmichael said, there will be refreshments there, but there'll also be some sing along choir singing a lot of good times. And the, I think the parents really appreciate the opportunity to take photos with Santa as well. So very excited for this Friday. And then of course this Monday on the mayor show to call in and the information could be found on the website or on our Facebook page. And so with that I'm going to close that portion of the meeting and open it up to the public. Oh, sorry. Oh, I keep forgetting. I'm the backside number 13. That'll bring us to number 13, which is the agenda session for December 10th, 2024. The first item on will be an ordinance in second reading construction of local improvement sidewalks on Sutton's Lane. It'll be open to the public in a resolution adopting ordinance. Speaker 0 00:16:16 Any comments or questions regarding this item? Seeing none that will be on. The next will be an ordinance on second construction of local improvements, sidewalks on Old New Brunswick Road. And it will be the open to the public in a resolution adopting ordinance. Are there any comments or questions from council or administration? Seen none that will be on. The next item will be an ordinance on second reading construction of local improvements. Sidewalks on 11th Street. It will be open to the public in a resolution adopting ordinance. Are there any comments or questions regarding this item? Seeing none that will be on. The next item will be an ordinance on second reading construction of local improvement sidewalks on Centennial Avenue open to the public in a resolution adopting ordinance and any comments or questions regarding this item? Seeing none that will be on. The next item is an ordinance on second reading acquisition of parcel block 11 3 1 9 lot 9.01. Speaker 0 00:17:13 Five 50 hose lane open to the public in a resolution adopting ordinance. Any comments or questions from council or administration on this? Seeing none that will be on. The next item will be an ordinance on second reading authorizing sale of several lots and blocks. It'll be open to the public in a resolution adopting ordinance or any comments or questions regarding this item. Seeing none that will be on. The next item will be an ordinance on second reading, fully funded $1,735,000. Various equipment. It will be open to the public and a resolution adopting ordinance or any comments or questions on this item for next week. Seeing none that will be on the next will be an ordinance on second reading. Fully funded, $2,100,000 street road improvements. It'll be open to the public in a resolution adopting ordinance. Are there any comments or questions from councilor administration on this item? Speaker 0 00:18:09 Seeing none that will be on. The next will be an ordinance on second reading, amending and supplementing various chapters of the municipal code. Part three. It'll be open to the public and a resolution adopting ordinance. And any comments or questions regarding this? Seeing none, this will be on. The next will be an ordinance on second reading, acquisition of rights of way easements and land in fees. Simple for improvements for Meister Street. It is open to the public and a resolution adopting ordinance and I'll say this is awesome for Meister Street. Are there any comments or questions on this item? Seen none that will be on. The next will be an ordinance on second reading authorizing the sale of non-conforming lots 20 and 21 of block 7 3 0 5, which are 51 60 and 51 70 Orchard Street. It'll be open to the public and a resolution adopting ordinance. Are there any comments or questions from council or administration on this one? Speaker 0 00:19:04 Seeing none that will be on. The next will be an ordinance on second reading authorizing contract for sale of real estate blocks 12 7 0 3 lot 27, which is 39 Ross Hall Boulevard and it is open to the public and a resolution adopting ordinance. So there any comments or questions regarding this item? Seeing that on the next will be a resolution authorizing award of professional services amended sanitary sewer extension TWA Permits Highland Avenue Delaware Ton Engineering, Inc. Not to exceed $10,975. Any comments or questions regarding this item? Seeing none that will be on. The next will be a resolution authorizing award of contract for professional services, new Office of Emergency Management OEM building Netta Architects not to exceed $31,500. Another yay from me on that one. Any comments or questions from counsel on this? Speaker 0 00:20:06 See none that will be on. The next will be a resolution to accept acceptance of calendar year ending December 31st, 2023 and the 2022 audit report. Any comments or questions regarding this item seen then that will be on. So that will now bring us to the public portion. I will 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 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 1 00:20:59 Council president, there are no remote attendees with their hand raised regarding this agenda item. Speaker 0 00:21:04 Thank you. Ms. Cedar Will close the remote attendee portion. Open it up to the public. For the folks 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 and administration will then respond if necessary. Speaker 13 00:21:37 Dave? David, do I have to press this? Okay. David Aiken. Sambos Valley Lane on the consent agenda. Item number E for echo. How long a period is that for the 197,001 year, two years, three years, Speaker 14 00:22:02 David. It's one year. Speaker 13 00:22:06 Pretty expensive. Item number eight, the block that it mentions. What's the actual physical address? Speaker 14 00:22:26 So there is none. This is a piece of property that the, that the DOT didn't acquire when they built, built a road. It actually is potentially owned by, based on title searches by the property owner across the road. It's a nonconforming, non-contiguous piece of property that the township actually had as exempt title search. Now believe that that was actually, that's actually owned by the, the property owner. So the township's gonna acquire it to clear up. Title Speaker 12 00:22:56 It. It's Raj just here. It's like 10 feet by 60 feet or something like that. Speaker 14 00:23:02 It's a small strip of land. Speaker 13 00:23:05 Okay. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:23:07 Thank you, Mr. Akins. I hope you have, well, we'll see you again before the holidays, I'm sure. Yes Speaker 13 00:23:13 You will. Speaker 15 00:23:28 Costa S 58. Curtis scatter away. April last year, my neighbor noticed a storm drain that was collapsing. The asphalt was actually collapsing in the stone. I looked at it. He went and found some cones from PSE and Gene. But I'm around there, looked at it from me. $700 job. All I needed was a little winch to pick up the grate. 10 blocks and mortar cut away two by four feet of asphalt, expose the cavity, repair the issue. My neighbor called maintenance and made a complaint. A week later, somebody showed up, put a couple more cones, township cones around it. Two weeks later, four people with a pickup and a winch picked up the grid. Lady, NDA blocks fill in the cavity, huh? We'll come in tomorrow, put some asphalt and it's over. Took some time. My neighbor called up again and made a complaint. Hey, when are you gonna finish that? Then a group of people came in with big dump trucks and everything. They broke away 10 foot of a curb on both sides of the storm drain. For what? I can't even imagine. It stayed like that for something like six months exposed. Speaker 15 00:25:42 My neighbor called up again and said, Hey, what's gonna happen here? Actually, the cherry tree root system was blowing up, shoots like two feet tall, took some time. Finally, she called, oh, there's no work order concerning that job. How can that not be a work order when the work order is already established? I was taking a bed with Stefan and said, Hey Stefan, it'll be done next year. He said, nah, it's gonna be done before Christmas. He won to bet. It took seven months. Speaker 0 00:26:30 Mr. Eston, to complete your three minutes are Speaker 15 00:26:33 A $700 job, Speaker 0 00:26:35 Sir, your three minutes up, sir, Speaker 15 00:26:39 Man hours. Speaker 0 00:26:39 Excuse me on Speaker 15 00:26:40 That $700. Job is impossible. We talking a thousand for the expense. Speaker 0 00:26:50 Thank you very much. Speaker 15 00:26:52 Thanks. Speaker 0 00:26:56 I'm pretty sure every call is logged in, but we can, we can check on that. Is there anyone else in the public Speaker 16 00:27:03 His, his complaint last week, we did check public works and they had no record of it. They didn't? No, we, I sent Jim out and they took the, they took a piece of metal out of the tree and they were gonna take the limb off, but they had no record of it. Anybody following it in. So, but somebody, anytime something like that happens, you can always give our office a call. Right? We have the follow up on it. Right? Speaker 0 00:27:22 I do know every call that comes into the town is logged in into the system. So yeah, call in anytime. Is there anyone else in the public who wish to comment? You may do so at this time by coming 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. Speaker 12 00:27:44 Council president. Mr. Daisy has Speaker 0 00:27:46 Oh, oh, I'm so sorry. Speaker 16 00:27:47 Okay. I want to introduce Paula Elli, who's our new assistant. Business Administrator. She started yesterday and came in today, so it's good. Speaker 0 00:27:56 Oh, you know, Paula, I apologize. She should have asked you if you had any comments. Did you wanna speak now? That'd be lovely. Speaker 17 00:28:03 Sure, sure. I just would like to say thank you so much everyone for giving me the opportunity to serve the residents of Township of Piscataway. I'm very excited to be here day two. Almost done. And thank you so much. So far so good. Everyone's been wonderful. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:28:20 Oh, well we're glad you got a good reception. Welcome, Paula. That's very important. Speaker 12 00:28:25 Just council president. I also wanted to bring up something to ask the township attorney to take a look into doing some research over the course of the last couple of years. Some folks have been that they, some the school board races are getting to a little bit overly partisan because of being bracketed up into November. And then I don't know what the process, somebody to couple residents asked me what the process would be to move it back. I don't, I'm not know what it is for sure, but if I could just have the township attorney do the research and circulate the memo there to see you consider that. So I didn't know if anybody else wanted to weigh in on that. Speaker 0 00:29:05 Anyone else wanna? Counselor? Did you? Speaker 14 00:29:08 Yeah, we'll just we're, we've started working on it a little bit, but once we have a memo prepared, we'll distribute it to the council. Speaker 0 00:29:17 Thank you for that. Will we have it by next meeting or? Speaker 14 00:29:22 Yeah, we should have it in a couple days. Speaker 0 00:29:23 Okay, great. Thank you. All right, Mr. Mayor, was that it? That's it. Okay. Well then that'll take us to number 16, which is an adjournment. Do I have an offer? Offer? Do I have a second? I think that was the first and a second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. No, nays. We are adjourned. Speaker 15 00:29:42 Thank Speaker 14 00:29:43 You. Have a good night.