Transcript for Piscataway Council meeting on April 20 2021

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    And then there'll be some of the meeting has been provided as required under chapter 2:31 PM, 1975 specific time, the time that they location or dial in information and to the extent known agent by posting a copy of the notice by municipal building municipal court and the two municipal library bulletin board. Let me show you pull the website, providing a copy to the official newspaper of the township and by filing a copy in the office of the township Clark in accordance with the certification by the clock, which will be entered in the minute, the township continue to use the telephone meeting format in an effort to mitigate the chance of exposed to COVID-19 as a part of the township ongoing effort to slow the rate of transmission and avoid what, what do I mean for treatment center in order to make sure your record of the meeting can be made and that all parties are heard in an organized fashion.  
Speaker 0     00:00:57    All members to the public will be muted during the meeting. If a member of the public wish to speak during any public comment or person, please press star nine. In order to raise your hand to speak, we will unmute member of the public in usually they have their hand raised when it is your turn to speak, you will hear a notification that you have been unmuted. It is at that time, you should begin to ask any question you may have. You will have a three minute to speak at that contusion or pitch. You will be repaired again, and the counselor or administrator will respond as necessary. Should you have any further comments or question the township counseling always available by email and phone, and you can always call the mayor's office during the normal operating hours. Each member of the public cell only have one opportunity to speak during each course public person, as the technology does not allow us to know it did add multiple color on any new leader line.  
Speaker 0     00:02:00    We asked that if, if you want to wish to speak that you dial in on separate lines so that we can recognize you as a separate individual individual may also submit written comments that a township in the 48 hours, we're here to them prior to the meeting to be read by the township plan during the public comment person of the meeting. So your comments will be limited to three minutes of the meeting hearing. Thank you. And everyone's for your base. And we we've continued to move the township forward during the health malignancy based here to please  
Speaker 1     00:02:42    Councilman Bullard. Can you unmute your device? And yes. Are you here? I'm here. I can hear you. Okay. I can hear you now. Thank you. Okay. Councilwoman Cahill here. Councilman con Councilwoman Lombardi, Councilwoman McCollum here. Councilman. Aaron, Can you press star six to unmute yourself please? Councilman Irwin,  
Speaker 2     00:03:54    Melissa.  
Speaker 1     00:03:55    Okay. Thank you. Council president shop mayor Brian Wallace. This is administrator Timothy Dacey Township attorney Rajveer glimmer, Deputy township clerk, Monica Orlando here, and I'm here at Moses theater, a tantrum clerk. I pledge allegiance to the flag say that America America   
Speaker 0     00:04:44    Item number five, comment from administration and council regarding quote, it doesn't meant of any matter on this agenda.  
Speaker 2     00:04:59    No comments council present.  
Speaker 0     00:05:01    Thank you. Okay. Item number six, open to the public comments regarding item 13, consent agenda item four efficiency, Efficiency item have been considered into the concern him that to be worked on together. The material for this item have been distributed to the counselor in advance of the meeting at this time. Are there any item that the township would like to remove from the consent agenda to be discussed or what that on separately? Okay. Well, each public comment for some, if you wish to speak at this time, press star nine to your hand. When I use your tongue to speak, you will hear it and then I'll spend that you will have unmuted at that time. Please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which you make your comment, the council, or the administer and release party necessary. After you have completed any comment or question  
Speaker 1     00:06:20    Council, president. I am asking the first individual to unmute themselves for the public portion, with regard to the consent agenda.  
Speaker 4     00:06:32    Yeah. Hi, my name is  2,900 bed road. I'd like to get clarity on I, I, I come in, uh, support for HR 9 46 and stop the attack on local taxpayers act. Um, and also in terms of local pension protection, um, can you also elaborate a little bit more on per capita? What is the load on, on the citizens today or what would be over the course of next 10 to 15 years? Thank you.  
Speaker 3     00:07:11    So this is Tim, uh, item number and the, um, stop the attack. Taxpayers act a bill is sponsored by a con Pascal Congressman Pascrell and a supported by, uh, Congressman Polone and it's to restore the salt, uh, deduction under the Trump tax. Cut. He, uh, there's a $10,000 cap placed on property tax, uh, uh, deductions from your income tax. So this is urging Congress to remove that cap, uh, for the benefit of the Raven highly tax states like New Jersey and the other is to support like Senator Sweeney and the New Jersey legislature to separate as the, um, local and county, uh, purrs, which is the public employees, pension from the state pension. The state pension has been bullied since Christine Todd Whitman was governor while the local and the county governments have been paying and paying. So to help cable local and county employees, Senator Sweeney is proposing breaking it out from the, uh, overall purse budget. Uh, the pers pension at the state has,  
Speaker 4     00:08:38    Yeah, just one addition is that the 9 46, the HR 9 46. Isn't that the stop? The robocall. So I think they're getting mixed up.  
Speaker 3     00:08:53    Yeah. I don't know what, I, I don't know, stop, stop verbal calls. I don't know what that is.  
Speaker 4     00:09:01    Okay. So here's the thing when I does, when folks ward on something, I want to make sure that they understand the bill because the public doesn't understand it. And if council doesn't understand it, I want to make sure that everybody does their homework. Thank you,  
Speaker 0     00:09:14    Sir. Just, uh, just to interrupt HR 9 46 for stopping robocalls. That was from a previous Congress congressional sessions back in 2019. So that's not related to this, this HR though. Think,  
Speaker 2     00:09:43    Okay.  
Speaker 1     00:09:45    Council, president, I'm going to ask the next person I'm Requested to speak to on phone. Okay. They're only listed as calling user one. So if you could unmute yourself, please Calling user one. Can you state your name and address please?  
Speaker 5     00:10:17    David akin. Okay. How are you doing both valley lane? My question is I, I'm not sure if this question was asked item number D for Delta, what is that exactly? Protection of the pensions. Uh, what, what does that consist of?  
Speaker 3     00:10:41    Yeah, David, that's what I just explained. Senator Sweeney's proposed legislation about the state pension. Yes.  
Speaker 5     00:10:48    Okay. You can forget that then. I wasn't quite sure. Um, item number off a Romeo echo, Sierra are good controls on there. Now they're being upgraded. What kind of controls and why Offer Romeo echo Sierra?  
Speaker 3     00:11:12    Yes. David, we're adding, we're adding security cameras in various buildings and parks, uh, throughout the talent. How are we paying for it?  
Speaker 5     00:11:24    Is there any, uh, help from the county or the state on this amount? No. If I wanted the list of the parks that's being added, can I stopped down and get a copy of the list of what park?  
Speaker 3     00:11:41    Uh, you can email me and I'll get it to you. That would be better  
Speaker 2     00:11:49    Poker.  
Speaker 0     00:11:56    Thank you, David.  
Speaker 2     00:11:58    Okay.  
Speaker 1     00:12:07    Council president. There are no other, uh, individuals with their hands raised at this time.  
Speaker 0     00:12:12    Okay. So we want to close the public portion. Item number seven, uh, proclamation municipal flag appreciation week, May 2nd to eight, May, 2021.  
Speaker 1     00:12:32    Anyone going to read it?  
Speaker 2     00:12:48    Go ahead, Michelle. You can read it.  
Speaker 5     00:12:51    Municipal clerks appreciation week, May 2nd to the eighth 2021. Whereas as local government has grown in responsibility and importance throughout the nation's history. So has the role of the municipal clerk. And whereas in New Jersey, the clerk occupies one of the most important and exacting positions in municipal government. And whereas the office of the municipal clerk has many statutory duties, which include acting as secretary to the governing body, chief administration, officer of all elections, custodian of records and issuance of variances, license and permit. And whereas the municipal clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community. And whereas municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality rendering, equal service to all. And whereas throughout the ongoing pandemic, the clerk's office turned to technology and continues to serve the needs of the public. And now therefore be it resolved that I, Brian C while mayor of the township of Piscataway county of Middlesex state of New Jersey recognized the week of May 2nd through eighth, 2021 as municipal clerks week and further re recognize our municipal clerk, Melissa Cedar, deputy clerk, Monica Orlando, and secretary Virginia. She ABI for the vital services they perform and their dedication to the residents of Paskataway. Thank you so much, everyone.  
Speaker 0     00:14:40    Thank you, miss number three, Item number eight, proclamation for Arbor day 2021.  
Speaker 1     00:14:52    Okay. I'm going to read this one. Uh, whereas Arbor day was established in 1872 in an effort to encourage people to practice conservation by planting trees. And whereas the purpose of Arbor day has been expanded to encourage the planting and care of trees across the nation for the benefit of urban community and rural landscapes and to raise awareness of trees and the important role that they play in our environment and whereas trees or renewable natural resources, which provide us with fruit and nuts for food would for construction fuel for warm paper products and a wide variety of other goods and materials. And whereas trees intercept, storm water, reduce runoff and erosion, clean air and water, moderate climate. And whereas neighborhood trees provide habitats for wildlife beautify parks, streets, and residential developments provide buffers from profits. And whereas the township at the Skyway has been recognized as a tree city USA by the Arbor day foundation for 34 years. And whereas tree planting and the maintenance programs are essential to improving the quality of life in each community. Now, therefore be it resolved that Brian Waller the mayor of Piscataway township does hereby recognized April 30th, 2021 as Arbor day and urges all residents to celebrate Arbor day and support the planting of trees to promote the wellbeing of this and future generations.  
Speaker 0     00:16:16    Thank you Mr. To item number nine, ordinance or secondary amending chapter 21 zoning to add sex and 21 that's 1102 is supplement landscape standard open to the public regulation adopting ordinance. Please read please.  
Speaker 1     00:16:38    Spirit resolved by the township council Piscataway township, New Jersey, is that an ordinance and titled ordinance to supplement their lives? General ordinances of the township of the Skagway county of Middlesex state, New Jersey supplementing chapter 21 zoning to add section 21 dash 1 1 0 2, a supplemental landscape standards was introduced on the 23rd day of March, 2021, and it passed the first reading. It was published on the 26th day of March, 2021. Now therefore be it resolved that the said ordinance, having a second reading on April 20th, 2021, the adopted passed and after passage, we published together with a notice of the data passenger approval in the official newspaper. Be it further resolved that this ordinance shall be assigned number 2021 dash zero nine.  
Speaker 0     00:17:26    Thank you, Mr. Turner. Okay. But eight public comment portion. If you went to speak at this time, please press star nine to raise your hand. When it's your turn to speak, really hear an announcement that you have been undertaken at that time. Please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes in which you to make your comments, the council, or administering the, if necessary after you have completed any comment or question  
Speaker 1     00:17:58    Council president I'm unmuting. The first individual with our hand raised with regard to this agenda items for the public portion.  
Speaker 6     00:18:06    Hi, uh, my name is Brian rack, 1247 Brookside road. Uh, I, I understand the goal of this agenda item is to make the businesses screen themselves from the residential lots behind them, but I'm concerned that it applies to about, uh, maybe like 15 residential lots between new Durham road and Haynes app that are seemingly houses. That based on the text of the ordinance would have to comply with this. Was that your intention to make these residential lots have to put in a six foot high fence and a planting bed and trees and stuff, or did you, I'm not, I'm not quite clear why some of these lots are zone .  
Speaker 3     00:19:11    Yeah, this is Tim from my, from my understanding on this is that this will not apply to any of the houses, but there are certain properties that are zoned differently in that area, but they will not have to, this is for businesses to comply with this.  
Speaker 6     00:19:27    I mean, that, that's great, but that's not what the text of the ordinance says. I mean, it doesn't make any distinction between residential lots that are zoned BP one and businesses that are zoned BB one.  
Speaker 0     00:19:40    That's also, um, because it's a zoning application that it would only, they would, they only would be required to comply with any zoning ordinances S and when they, you know, have to do some major renovations or improvements in the light in requiring a site plan application, that's when it would trigger any new zoning requirements. So any of those businesses must, they're doing knocking down their house and rebuilding it, you know, they wouldn't have to do this.  
Speaker 6     00:20:06    Okay. I just mean, I think, I think it's a little unfair to apply that to like half the street and just exempt the other half, because it doesn't have to be BP one, even though it's also residential. I mean, I didn't have anything further here, but I just, I think the unintended side effects here are not great, but thanks,  
Speaker 1     00:20:44    Council president. I am going to unmute the next individual with their hand raised with regard to this agenda item.  
Speaker 4     00:20:57    Yeah. I would just like to get a copy in an email for this. Uh, is there a  
Speaker 0     00:21:02    Need to get your name and address please?  
Speaker 4     00:21:05    Perfect. Patel 29 Redbird road. Uh, is there a way to get a copy of this supplemental standards? The Aina  
Speaker 1     00:21:18    It's currently on the township website Because it's on second reading tonight. It's on a contract website  
Speaker 4     00:21:30    And is there a way to like search it easily because rather than going to the knees, if I just go kicking by supplemental landscape, I wouldn't be able to find it from the main page  
Speaker 1     00:21:43    It's right below where the agenda for tonight's meeting is.  
Speaker 4     00:21:48    Okay, thanks.  
Speaker 1     00:21:50    Hello. It says click here for the agenda for the ordinances that were on first reading on March 23rd.  
Speaker 4     00:21:55    Sounds good. Thank you so much.  
Speaker 0     00:21:57    Thank you. Me too. That  
Speaker 1     00:22:05    Council president, there are no other individuals with their hands raised at this time regarding this agenda item.  
Speaker 0     00:22:18    Sophie we'll have it all, plus Thank you. Second second. Thank you, Mr. Khan.  please.  
Speaker 4     00:22:35    Yes.  
Speaker 1     00:22:37    Councilman Cahill. Yeah. Councilman con yes. Councilman Lombardi. Councilman McColum. Yes. Councilman Aaron. Yes. Council president Shaw.  
Speaker 0     00:22:56    Yes. Thank you. Item number 10 49, secondary board ordinance, uh,  system, an improvement at appropriate date, 49 media and 40 to 45,600 open to the public resolution adopting ordinance. On that piece,  
Speaker 1     00:23:25    They are resolved by the township council, Piscataway township, New Jersey, that inordinate entitled bond ordinance, providing for road rehabilitation and improvements. And by the contract that the Statway and the county of Middlesex New Jersey appropriating 4 million, $900,000, therefore, and authorizing the issuance of 4 million, $245,600 bonds or notes of the township to finance. Part of the cost thereof was introduced on the 23rd day of March, 2021. And I passed the first reading and it was published on the 26th day of March, 2021. Now therefore be it resolved at the opposite ordinance. Having had a second meeting on April 20th, 2021, we adopted passed and after passage be published together with another notice of the date of passage or approval and the official newspaper be further resolved that this ordinance shall be assigned number 2021 dash one zero.  
Speaker 0     00:24:19    Give me a shooter. Okay. The poor public port son, if you wish to speak at this time, please press star nine to raise your hand, then it's your turn to speak. You will hear an announcement that you have been unmuted at that time. Please state your name and address and know that you held three minutes in which you make your comment. The council or ed Mister will respond it necessarily after you have completed any comment or question  
Speaker 1     00:24:55    Council president, I'm asking the first individual unmute themselves to speak with regard to this agenda item Calling user one, please unmute yourself.  
Speaker 5     00:25:15    Uh, David Akins and both valley lane for 10, the passive portion is $245,000, 45 and $600. What's the interest rate. If you know now for that amount, I know incidence rates are pretty low, but do you know what the interest rates are? And how long do we have to put a township to pay that money back?  
Speaker 3     00:25:49    Yeah, David, this is Tim, uh, distressed authorized us. We, we will figure out at the end of the year, what we want to go on bonding for. We've got money set aside, uh, in our budget that we pay for capital improvements with, uh, but you have to authorize them through a bond word. And then so at the end of the year, Daniel, what we want to do if we want to permanently finance any of it right now, uh, out of this money, we've got almost $600,000 of coming from the state local aid grant for this project. So this is only funding the project on paper and we're right now, we don't have to borrow any money to do it.  
Speaker 5     00:26:30    Okay. I have another question pertaining to that. So the township is having a lot of warehouses put up large warehouses, many warehouses, uh, with that many warehouses. Is there any tax relief for the township?  
Speaker 1     00:26:52    Sorry, Mr. Akins, this public portion is limited to the bond ordinance.  
Speaker 5     00:26:57    Okay.  
Speaker 1     00:27:00    You can ask that us open.  
Speaker 5     00:27:03    Thank you.  
Speaker 0     00:27:05    Thank you. Ma'am okay.  
Speaker 1     00:27:12    Council president, there are no other individuals in the queue with their hands raised about this agenda item  
Speaker 0     00:27:17    Part. And can I have it off of this offer? This is counseling. Second. Second counseling will not. Thank you, Michelle. Can you hit roll call please?  
Speaker 1     00:27:32    Councilman Bullard. Yes. Councilwoman Cahill. Yes. Councilman con Councilman Lombardi. Councilwoman McCollum. Yes. Councilman urban council. President Shaw.  
Speaker 0     00:27:52    Yes. Thank you, Mr. D. Okay. Now item number 11, ordinance plus healing chapter seven, Tropic sections 14 and 17.8 is listen, adopting ordinance   
Speaker 1     00:28:11    They're resolved by the township council, Statway township, New Jersey, but an ordinance entitled ordinance to amend and supplement the revised general ordinances of the township of Piscataway county of Middlesex student, New Jersey amending chapter seven, traffic section 14, parking prohibited at all times on certain streets and section 17.8, schedule of residential permit parking areas. The Inn is hereby adopted on the first reading. That'd be published in the official newspaper. And then a second meeting, a public hearing be held at 7:30 PM prevailing time at the Piscataway municipal building 4 55 who's lane, Piscataway New Jersey, as well as by telephonic conference on the 11th day of may, 2021. It further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places have in 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     00:29:05    Thanks for me. Shiver. Why offer  
Speaker 1     00:29:13    Already? So that was a motion by Councilwoman McCall, Councilwoman McCollum, and a second from Councilman Lombardi, correct? Yes. You're correct. Thank you. Councilman Bullard. Yes. Councilman kale. Yeah. Councilman Khan. Yes. Councilman Lombardi. Councilwoman McCollum. Yes.  
Speaker 0     00:29:41    Councilman  
Speaker 1     00:29:41    Aaron. Yes. Council president Shaw.  
Speaker 0     00:29:46    Yes. Thank you. Item number 12. Ordinance plus reading acquisition is met and patient assessment of sidewalk on property located block 5 5 0 1 lot 12.2.  adopting ordinance. Ms. Sheila, can you read the  
Speaker 1     00:30:05    Verizon by the township council? Does Galloway township, New Jersey got an ordinance entitled ordinance provide for the acquisition of rights of way easements and land in fee simple as needed for the improvement of Centennial avenue and the construction of the local improvements. Sidewalks on block 5, 5 0 1 lot. One 2.02 of the township of the Skyway tax map, commonly known as 1 3 0 3 Centennial avenue, Piscataway as permitted under N J S a 40 colon 55 dash two, I'm sorry, dash one B. And is hereby adopted on the first reading that'd 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 Jose in Piscataway, New Jersey, as well as by telephonic conference on the 11th day of may, 2021, we have further resolved that a copy of this ordinance shall be posted in at least two public places within the township prior to the day of the second reading of spinal tap and a copy of this ordinance, 78 available at the office of the township clerk for any interested member of the public.  
Speaker 0     00:31:10    Thank you, me sugar. Do I offer counseling and realize you have my, uh, second counsel woman. Thank you. I should've. Can I have it all complete  
Speaker 1     00:31:31    Councilmember alert?  
Speaker 0     00:31:32    Yes.  
Speaker 1     00:31:34    Councilwoman Teo. Yes. Councilman con yes. Councilman Lombardi. Councilwoman McCollum. Yes. Councilman RN. Yes. Council president Shaw.  
Speaker 0     00:31:52    Yes. Thank you. Okay. Item number 13. Content in the designation for efficiency item had been considered into consent agenda to be working on together. The material for this item have been distributed to the council in advance of the meeting at this time out of there. Any item that for counsel would you like to remove from the consent agenda to be discussed or worded on separately? Thank you. So none who have more sense offer offer. Okay. Second, you can make money. Yes. Can I have a local piece?  
Speaker 1     00:33:08    Sure. Uh, so I put Councilman Bullard as emotion and Councilman con as the second Councilman Bullard. Yes. Councilwoman Cahill. Yes. Councilman con yes. Councilman Lombardi. Councilwoman McCollum.  
Speaker 4     00:33:27    Yes.  
Speaker 1     00:33:29    Councilman RN. Yes. Council president shot.  
Speaker 0     00:33:34    Yes. Thank you, Mr. . Okay. Item number four, pin public hearing for calendar year 2021 budget. Okay. Well probably comment for second. If you wish to speak at this time, press nine. Raise your hand. When it's your turn to speak, you will hear an announcement that you will have unmuted at that time. Please state your name and address and know that you have two minutes in which you make the comment the council or admission will respond. If necessary, after you have completed any comment or question  
Speaker 1     00:34:26    The president, I'm asking you the first individual to unmute themselves to speak with regard to this, uh, public hearing on the calendar year of 2021 municipal budget.  
Speaker 0     00:34:36    Thank you, Michigan. Please state your name and address please.  
Speaker 4     00:34:41    Uh, particular teller 29 drug patrol. Um, just quick question, in terms of, um, Wanda, Wanda, the municipal budget, like what is the whole world size of muni discovery, muni bond today? Um, and yet all you, how much I did it has gone up in terms of, uh, the phase, cause this is, this would be collective muni bond, right? As a, as a Piscataway township of 55,000 members, or this is a separate line item. Thank you.  
Speaker 0     00:35:12    And that's it? Uh, yeah, I'm not really sure what, what you're asking, what questions said.  
Speaker 4     00:35:48    Yeah. The question is when it comes to the moon budget, um, with overall, like for example, if I take Detroit as an example that the township filed bankruptcy for whatever he's in past five years, I've renovated it with dyscalculia as a township electorally representing the interest of 55,000 citizens. Uh, when you look at, uh, the new look at your yearly budget calendar, 2021, um, how much of that is actually bond existing bond refinancing and how much of it is our new issuance of bonds for all the other project that is undertaking? Does that help?  
Speaker 3     00:36:29    Uh, yeah, that's we just connect, we're dealing with the budget. We're not really dealing with issuing issuing of any debt. Um, that, that statement is a separate statement where we are currently with our, with our debt. We do have a, uh, AA plus positive from a standard and Poor's and a double eight plus, uh, AA, one stable from a Moody's and both were read it last fall. Uh, so we believe work that is certainly within a manageable range where you can send me an email and I'll have the CFOs send you what I told him that is.  
Speaker 0     00:37:10    Thank you, Mr.  
Speaker 1     00:37:14    I'm, the president I'm unmuting the next individual with regard to this agenda item for the municipal budget.  
Speaker 0     00:37:22    Thank you.  
Speaker 6     00:37:23    Uh, hello. My name is Brian rag, 1247 Brookside road. Again, am I reading the budget? Correct? In that 26% of the municipal budget is going to the police department, like $12 million.  
Speaker 3     00:37:45    Yeah, it is. It is our largest department and often our police officers in general make more money than the average municipal before.  
Speaker 6     00:37:53    Is there any sort of plans from the township to maybe dispatch social workers to some of these calls or are we just going to send armed police officers and possibly risk? The shooting of someone  
Speaker 3     00:38:09    Are, we are a, uh, accredited police agency. We've just actually received a reaccreditation a few months ago. And if you send in email to the chief from shore, the chief of gloves to discuss it with you. Okay.  
Speaker 6     00:38:23    Do you think the chief would love to discuss the use of force reports where they're 100% people of color ages 18 to 14? I'm sorry, 18 to 24, but yeah, the state released the, uh, police use of force reports and a hundred percent of them for Piscataway are black males ages 18 to 24. So are we really, is, is that $12 million really justified there  
Speaker 8     00:39:15    Can I suggest that you reach out to the chief as, um, the biggest  to help answer some of these questions?  
Speaker 6     00:39:25    I mean, I can reach out to him, but I assume the council would be interested to know that the township police department appears to be using force on exclusively black men, uh, black people, But, okay. That's all I had to say. I mean, I think your silence speaks volumes, but yeah.  
Speaker 1     00:39:56    Council president, I am asking the next individual to unmute themselves speak with regarding the, uh, calendar year 2021 municipal budget Calling user one, please unmute yourself.  
Speaker 5     00:40:15    This is David Akins, handbooks valley lanes and reference guide for team. What can I pick up a copy of the municipal budget we spoke about this last month in April?  
Speaker 3     00:40:31    Uh, yeah, you can, we can email it to you when you get down a little off of our website, David's on the website, went up there for about six weeks.  
Speaker 5     00:40:38    Can I stop and get a copy from the township I would call and let you know I'm coming.  
Speaker 3     00:40:45    Yeah. You call, let me know you're coming and then give me a day. I'll meet you at the door and give it to you. Yeah.  
Speaker 5     00:40:50    Okay. Call you, correct? Yes. Yep. Okay. Thank you, Jesse. Thank you,  
Speaker 1     00:41:02    Council president. I'm asking the next individuals on yet themselves regarding this agenda item and last four digits 8, 9, 6 1. You can unmute yourself please.  
Speaker 9     00:41:13    Hi. Yes, my name's Jessica . I live at 1247 Brookside road. Do you need to swear me in or anything?  
Speaker 5     00:41:20    Nope.  
Speaker 9     00:41:22    Okay. I missed that really concerned about the overall police budget that another person had mentioned approximately $12 million. And I was reading the item that said that $1.28 million of that is overtime and other compensation, 12% overtime rate is quite high and I'm concerned that, uh, the 90 officers time is not being used adequately as so much of it is going to overtime. Do you have any comments on that?  
Speaker 3     00:41:57    Uh, sure. We actually were down, uh, this year in police officers, we were down about 10 or 11 positions that we could not fill because of COVID. They were no, uh, police academies operating. Uh, so we weren't able to recruit people. So we were down for the vast majority of 2020 and leading into 2021. We just hired our first two officers that we've had hired in over a year. And with COVID we did have a lot of overtime that we put out. Um, and most of it was reimbursed. So when the federal government, so it shows up in the budget, but we are entitled to reimburse them, which we, uh, have just received the check for when we received almost a million dollars in reimbursed from the, for last year. So it was all, uh, used in, in dealing with, uh, a lot of it with the COVID situation.  
Speaker 9     00:42:52    Okay. I was also concerned about the total percentage of the, the police budget as a part of the city, given our, our wonderful public safety that we have here. Um, and then I was concerned also about the use of force incidents being only for males African-American ages 18 to 24. Were there any comments about why force is exclusively used on that demographic?  
Speaker 3     00:43:25    Yeah, I'm not sure. I'm not sure what you guys are talking about. I'll talk to the chief. I'll find out what the, it may, if you, unless you've seen something, if you're listening to what another person said, I'm not sure what he said is necessarily driven.  
Speaker 9     00:43:38    I looked at it, the state published, um, use of force incidents. And these are from November 20. Uh, I'm sorry. Yes, November, 2019 until now there were six or seven use of force incidents. I'm sorry, I don't have it in front of me at the moment, but it's published by the state of New Jersey. I'm not just listening to another person. I just happened to be concerned about the same article, a piece of business as he is The president doesn't appear to be any other individuals in the queue with our hands raised for this flood, uh, item  
Speaker 1     00:44:31    The budget.  
Speaker 0     00:44:45    Okay. So now we are closing the public portion and now I don't remember 15. If I send adopting calendar year 2021 reasonable budget,  
Speaker 1     00:45:02    It resolved by the township council of the township of  county is middle-class. But the budget here in before set forth is hereby adopted and shall constitute and appropriation for the purposes, stated of the sums there and set forth as appropriation and authorizations of the amount of 48 million, $11,898 and 68 cents for municipal purposes and $10,877,359 minimum library levy, summary of revenues, general revenues surplus anticipated $11,370,765 and 33 cents. Miscellaneous revenues anticipated $16,663,721 and 30 cents receipts from delinquent taxes. $1 million amount to be raised by taxation for municipal purposes, 48 million, $11,898 and 68 cents. And that to be raised by taxation minimum library levy, $2,877,359 total revenues $79,923,744 and 31 cents. Summary of appropriations general appropriations within caps operations, including contingent 45 million, $141,548 deferred charges and statutory expenditures municipal 7 million, $282,511 excluded from cap operations. Total operations that are excluded from caps $7,976,181 and 47 cents. Capital improvements, 4,670,000 municipal debt service, 10,000,300, $2,879 and 31 cents deferred charges municipal $2,393,107 and 70 cents reserve for uncollected taxes, 2 million, $157,436 and 46 cents. Total appropriation $79,923,743 and 31 cents.  
Speaker 0     00:47:56    Thank you, Ms. Suda, do we have a motion?  
Speaker 10    00:48:02    Well for Councilman con  
Speaker 11    00:48:05    Counseling.  
Speaker 0     00:48:10    Thank you, Mr. Buddha.  
Speaker 1     00:48:13    It was a motion from Councilman con and a second from Councilman Boulevard, correct? Okay. Councilman Bellard. Yes. Councilwoman Teo. Yeah. Councilman Khan. Yes. Councilwoman Lombardi. Councilwoman McCollum. Yes. Councilman RN. Yes. Council president.  
Speaker 0     00:48:42    Yes. Thank you. Okay. I turned number 16 announcement and comment from official  yes. Go ahead.  
Speaker 11    00:48:59    Great to tell the team and that is, I've taken my, uh, explanations. They'll have vaccines, I should say. And my M a heart transplant doctors have given me permission now to go out in the street. So, which means that I could go out and I just have to be careful as to, you know, where I am and brown. So, uh, now I can, I can go out, which is, I've been here. I've been in the house now for close to 11 months.  
Speaker 1     00:49:34    Yeah. Fantastic news, Jim. Yes.  
Speaker 0     00:49:41    Okay. Ms. Cahill,  
Speaker 1     00:49:46    No comment at this  
Speaker 0     00:49:47    Time. Thank you, Mr. Khan.  
Speaker 10    00:49:53    Uh, yes, council president, if you'll indulge me for a moment or two, I want to say a few things about our friend Kenny onboard. Um, I'll do the best I can do to not get overly emotional about it, but there's a few things that I think need to be said, um, about Kenny's passing and, um, his, his, his services, uh, that followed, uh, which we were all at. And, and, uh, I guess the first thing I want to say, just as, um, before I talk about Kenny is to graduate our colleague Chanel, McCollum, Councilwoman McCollum, who it's not going to fill Kenny shoes, but she's going to carry on case work at the county. And I think she's a great choice to do that. Uh, but I, I did want to say things about, um, about Kenny, uh, not as much about Kenny, because I talked about Kenny, if I get too emotional, but I, I just want to thank a few people who, um, helped honor Kenny, after he passed away.  
Speaker 10    00:50:54    Um, of course the governor was there and was really great. The governor came and Congressman Polone came and, uh, Senator Smith went out of his way for, for Kenny and ways that I don't need to make public, but I want to thank my council colleagues who, uh, spent a lot of time, um, Kenny side after he passed away. And I want to thank them there. Sorry, I, I need to get emotional, but I just think there's a few things that need to be said. I want to thank  who, uh, went above and beyond for Kenny who's our friend. And, uh, no, it was a very difficult time for everybody. I'm surprised I'm getting his notional exam, but I guess it's like you folks, I left county. And, uh, but I just thought it needed to be said that the mayor, you know, most people don't know the public doesn't know probably, and many of you, my colleagues may or may not know is that Brian barely left Kenny's side from the time, uh, uh, that he, you know, his, he was turned over to the funeral home and sometime he was buried.  
Speaker 10    00:51:58    Um, and I think I nearly said a lot about, uh, Brian's character and who he was, uh, as a friend to a mechanic. So, uh, there's a lot more I can say. Uh, uh, and you know, I could go on all night, but I, and, uh, you know, I, I can talk about Kenny as most of us could in somebody's personal ways, but he's a friend I'm not talking about his public life. He's a friend, he was a friend. He was somebody who was, you called me at three o'clock in the morning. Cause you got a flat tire, he'd be the first guy to be there to help you. And so, uh, I just wanted to make, make those comments and to acknowledge some of the people who, my colleagues and my friends, uh, who, who went above and beyond for Kenny. So, um, we'll never be forgotten and I hope that all of us, uh, uh, can carry on his work and what he meant. That's the public. Thank you. Thank your customer account.   
Speaker 5     00:53:03    Um, lose a very special piece of our political family. He was a friend more than a political family, was a friend to many, many of us. And if you attended the funeral at the high school, um, did you not realize just how many lives can be touched? So I guess the most important thing would be to move on and  
Speaker 8     00:53:35    Well  
Speaker 5     00:53:37    With steps and do those things for other people that Kenny did, um, or so many. So I think that's what, um, helps me get through to try to, um, follow forward with the type of things that Kenny did for people. So, um, it's very hard for everybody to absorb and it Def definitely a special thank you to all of those people who came together to make such a beautiful service for him. I also, um, wanted to mention that, uh, it is earth day this week, and I am missing my up again. So it's possible everybody should just grab a bag and clean up their neighborhood. And every little piece is a big part of the whole picture. So, um, grab, you know, a bag, if you need one, I would bring it to you, but I'm sure everybody has a bag at home and just clean up around their neighborhood and maybe also speak to your children and teach them the importance of, um, her day and, um,  
Speaker 8     00:54:52    W  
Speaker 5     00:54:55    Um, issues. And, um, thank you so much, everybody.  
Speaker 0     00:55:02    Thank you. Call someone I'm already gone through the women.  
Speaker 8     00:55:07    Thank you, council president. I too want to acknowledge, um, Kenny, our board, our, um, deputy commissioner, um, our friends, um, you know, as the stated, you know, if you attended the funeral, you not only know what a, a great public servant Kenny was, um, but you also found out how many lives you touch and, um, how many people are, um, in a better place as a result of some of the things that Kenny did behind closed doors that many of others did not know. So, um, you know, I just want to thank Kenny, um, for all of your hard work. Uh, uh, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to replace Kenny when, uh, he left the council and moved up to, um, Dan, what was known as the freeholder would a freeholders. And, um, I'm now given the opportunity to, um, you know, I was nominated by the Middlesex county democratic organization to fill his seat.  
Speaker 8     00:56:13    Um, so, um, this, this means a lot to, to all of us. Um, so just wanted to make her comments and also say that this is my last council meeting as a council woman at large for the town she's at the Skyway. Um, if it's truly been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents at this getaway, um, I, I want to thank the residents there Waller, um, my fellow council colleagues or a business administrator, Tim. I want to thank you. Um, our legal counsel. I know Roger here tonight. Um, our clerk, Melissa, or assistant clerk monitor, um, the township employees, um, really want to thank you for working with me and working together, um, over, you know, this last eight years, um, since 2013, that I've been on the council, I will truly miss serving with you, um, and for you, but just know that, you know, I won't be far, um, I'm the resident here of the getaway myself, and it's just, um, another opportunity that I have to serve the residents of Middlesex county as well. So, um, again, thank you for the opportunity and, um, again, I won't be far, but I will truly miss serving intimately. Thank you.  
Speaker 0     00:57:33    Thank you for on approximate on.  
Speaker 12    00:57:36    Yeah, thank you, sir. Council, president. I just want to echo the same word that Steve Michelle and the Chanel said about it is truly going to be invested with them. Very, very grateful. Um, and on another note, I just want to give a shout out to all the coaches and the volunteers that helped me open up the 2021 T-ball season. Uh, we have 10 teams with 13 on each team. We are following the CDC guidelines, social distance, and everybody is having a great time. So if you want to come up there playing Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays up at the little league field. Thank you, council president.  
Speaker 0     00:58:09    Thank you, mayor Dan wallet.  
Speaker 13    00:58:16    Thank you, council president. I'll be very brief. Um, I just like to say echo with, as you know, the council members said about Kenny and we just get, we gave him a great Irish send off. Um, so I, it's very tough for all of us here and then we're going to leave it at that. And then to, uh, our council colleague Chanel, um, you know, we look forward to working you, I, I know Kenny I'll never be replaced, however, um, you know, be a great successor to him. Thank you, council president.  
Speaker 0     00:58:47    Thank you.  uh, no comments. Thank you.  no comment. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, regarding for the county, uh, not today, you and I know him from 1994, it was represented to, and then after the board of education, then come say person. And then I worked with him on 1994. He was work colleague from age of 20, and he does a lot of lights on that time too. And I think, uh, all this year, the 26, 30 years, he worked for the community and he always ready to help everybody. So definitely we miss him and, uh, shut up. Let be you, you always on our doorstep. So most direct of anytime, if you need any help, you are there. Thank you. Thank you.  
Speaker 14    00:59:54    Thank you, counsel, president. This is counsel on. Okay. Hold on. I'm sorry to come in after, um, I'd be remiss not to say anything about Kenny, but you know, March, as everyone knows is an extremely emotional time for me and I, this is not about me, but remembering Kenny, but, um, he is going to be greatly newness and Chanel. Just know that, um, your counsel colleagues are here to support you and we really look forward to what you're going to do. And the great thing she'll do for this county. Thank you.  
Speaker 0     01:00:33    Thank you, Gabrielle. Okay. No item number 18 open. Okay. Item number 17. They get sent for May 11th, 2021 ordinance. Second leading amending chapter seven, graphic sex and 14 and 17.8. Open to the public resolution, adopting audience, general comments, non ordinary second reading event and special assessment of sidewalk or property located at block clarifies. You are one, not 12 point or two. Is there some roping ordinance? Any question or comments?  new improvement bid opening at 3 15, 20 21. Any comment? The Christian None listen, altering acceptance of project. And the leads up Danny . Any question or comments? Um, it a authorized the award, a 2021 township sidewalk. He paid a program to include curbside driveway and handicap ramp. See Brenda downgrade, contractor incorporation not to exist 6 million, $17,670 thirties. Any comment or question  three years purchase of software or purchasing. I own wearable technology and corporation. Any comment or question? Okay. The most impressive except counseling meeting. Minutes of March 23rd and 2021. Okay. Now, so there is no comment on question. I come, nobody Dean open to the public. If you're used to speak at this time, please press star nine to raise your hand. When it is your turn to speak, you will hear an announcement that you will ever be muted at that time. Please state your name and address and know that you have three minutes into wheat to make your comments, the counselor, and Mr. Will respond if necessary that you help them prepare any comment or question  
Speaker 1     01:03:55    Counsel present. I asked the first individual with their hand raised to unmute themselves last four digits 9 6, 9 0. Please unmute yourself.  
Speaker 4     01:04:10    Uh,   
Speaker 0     01:04:15    Go ahead.  
Speaker 4     01:04:16    Yeah, I just, uh, I just thought I'd like to thank and commend me for Arbor day as well as tents to miss Cedar and miss Monica. I, from time and time again, on and off, I read the meeting minutes and I think they are very helpful, uh, to at least guide everybody else and accused, uh, keep people in, in terms of what's going on. So again, thanks to both of you, uh, for, for very clear meeting minutes and in the line item, it's a lot of work, very detailed work, but the way you communicate, uh, it certainly helps the public. So thank you so much for that. The second item that I had was on Washington avenue, I think, um, there is a general, um, disagreement between the office of mayor and the public, uh, in terms of, uh, the debate that, uh, we, as a general public, we are against any progressive work or something like that.  
Speaker 4     01:05:11    That's not the case. Um, I think the office of counseling and near works and consent off public, not proclamation of some Kings. Um, and we all got, you'd like to do is just do some introspection in terms of the decisions that you guys are making today. Um, and see if there is a better way to do this, um, just collectively, and is this the right thing to do? Uh, when many squares bit in their houses are squandered. So, uh, just, just put a note on that, um, that that would be just a might lead to the counselor and mirror. The third part is I think there was a comment about, uh, police policing and their budgets and so on and so forth. I think the scattered police, um, by far, I think they did a fantastic job, um, overall, uh, I, I certainly, I think there was a comment about social work, but I think to a certain extent, uh, the rigor and discipline that is needed in police department, if social workers can adapt to those standards well and good, but I wholeheartedly support our Piscataway police department in terms of the overtime.  
Speaker 4     01:06:18    I think that requires some introspection because the FLMC law, the fair labor standards act was designed to promote full employment and not run up hours. Now I understand if there is, if the salaries are in dispute where the police members feel that they're under compensated for them, that can be opened up for debate, but I'm just burning higher words. And I don't think that that should be a policy of council, uh, nor the office of mayor. Um, and, uh, finally in terms of, I think, uh, uh, somebody man, I mentioned about Kenny, I don't know the person personally, but, um, I've been in this area since 97. And I remember the hard time in 2006, I think collectively, you guys are done wonderful job. Um, and I think if you, if you were leading the charge, certainly his work shows up wherever I drive in the township. So certainly, uh, really debt of gratitude for the work that, uh, that he was instrumental in guiding this township.  thank you so much. And just a suggestion. Um, maybe if we have a designated wall for folks like this, so they're based somewhere along the line, when young folks come to the township, uh, they, they can understand the sacrifices, the path leaders need and, uh, what made this township, where it is today. Thank you so much.  
Speaker 0     01:07:43    Can we slip a big for nice comments and good suggestion. Thank you,  
Speaker 1     01:07:53    Council president, I'm asking the next individual with their hand raised to unmute themselves. The last four digits are 8, 9, 6 1.  
Speaker 0     01:08:04    Yes. Please state your name and address please.  
Speaker 9     01:08:16    Hello, this is Jessica Kratovil again from 1247 Burnside road. Um, I wanted to make a comment. I apologize. I had not had the document in front of me regarding the, uh, New Jersey government website regarding use of force. Um, I do have it in front of me now, and I see that there are nine incidents, um, November of 2020, uh, and the most recent one being the 22nd of February. So it's a much shorter timeframe than I had mentioned in my original comments. Uh, so I do believe that use of force is something that is on everyone's mind, and I would encourage the best gasoline police to look into their use of force policy and be sure that all the officers are following it so that we don't become an area where there's a lot of civil unrest because of something that a few people are doing. I would hate for our wonderful township to be the source of a tragedy, the way that Minneapolis and Brooklyn center and Columbus, Ohio have most recently. Um, so I really would encourage the township to look closely at the police practices and the budget. Not that I've personally had any issues with the police, but I know that that it's very important that we don't overlook what's beyond our usual viewpoint. Um, thank you for the opportunity to comment and I'll see you next month.  
Speaker 14    01:10:12    Counsel counsel present. It's a tempo woman Cahill. Um, I'd like to thank Ms. Credible comments, um, for noting that this is a really wonderful town. Um, our police department, um, is comprised and, you know, we certainly can get more detailed to our residents in terms of how much has done, but we do know that the, uh, that the chief that there is training, um, and we can look into this and we can highlight this, um, and bring it forth. If there is training, you know, no use of force specifically toward one group of people is, is good at all. And we recognize that. Um, however, um, just as a note and, um, you know, it's a very large report, which I looked at as well, myself, um, when it first came out, um, we do have one of the lowest rates as a percentage, um, in a use of force.  
Speaker 14    01:11:10    And I do believe that that, um, can be, um, attributed to the community policing that our township has enjoyed. Um, our, our community policing division is, uh, really probably, um, the star of our police department and, uh, the, the dare, you know, dare, um, to, um, civilian police academy. All of the things that our police department does to try to engage with the residents, um, is, is really important. And I think, um, overall, um, the evidence points to, um, um, the fact that our police department, um, is more in tune with our residents and many others. And, um, although, and I understand Ms  concerns and nobody wants that this town would be far, far compared to any other town. And there are reasons why that, that, you know, we are an extremely diverse town where most of the folks in this town, no matter what your background is, um, you know, uh, have, uh, make a good living, uh, they like to care for their property there.  
Speaker 14    01:12:27    They enjoy what most of us consider, you know, quote unquote, the American dream, right? My thought of Piscataway always was that we Piscataway represent in a very micro way, really what America was meant to represent a melting pot. We have a great diverse community, everyone, um, most mostly gets along and yeah, there are incidents and, and certainly work should never be stopped in order to improve. So thank you for your comment. Um, we do have a great town and I would imagine that the police chief, um, has every intent to keep it that way, but, um, you know, certainly we as a council can, um, talk with the chief just to make sure things are being done there, or if there's more room for improvement that that can be done. Um, Jeff, just as a, as a note here, council president, I do believe that the incidents just so it's on the record here is that there were, uh, I guess four total incidental, six individuals over five months and nine report because multiple officers were involved, there were zero officers or subjects injured. Um, so just, uh, just as a note, the nine Ms. Credible pointed out were not nine, uh, individual uses of force, but rather nine report. And thank you, council president.  
Speaker 14    01:14:06    Oh, that was very well said. You're  
Speaker 1     01:14:11    Welcome. Council president. I'm asking the next individual to unmute themselves. Call-in user one, please unmute yourself.  
Speaker 5     01:14:38    So David, please state your name and address. This is David Akins. I'm not, am I next? Yes. Okay. Because I need to hear the last four of the phone number, but anyway, all the minutes available on the internet  
Speaker 1     01:15:03    Yes.  
Speaker 5     01:15:05    When, or how would I go about as far as timeliness of when they're posted is in your way? I can, I can know. Or what  
Speaker 1     01:15:18    All of the minutes up to March 9th are posted on the website currently, did you obtain the agenda for tonight on the website? Did you obtain tonight's agenda on the website? Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. The minutes are just below that and all of them inclusive of March 9th are on the website just below where you got the, uh, you obtained the agenda for tonight.  
Speaker 5     01:15:47    Oh, really?  
Speaker 1     01:15:50    Can you scroll down, just scroll down a little bit after the agenda where it lists the agendas and then you'll see it if they're listed below they're by date.  
Speaker 5     01:15:59    Okay. Okay. One other question earlier I mentioned about the warehouses and this something, I would like for you guys to at least consider about a modification of taxes, as far as the going down some, what do you think council Melissa Mayer,  
Speaker 13    01:16:19    David, this is not a marijuana. I don't, I don't understand what your question is. W this is the fourth year in a row that we've had a, a static budget where there hasn't been any increase in the tax rate. Um, you know, w right now, David, uh, the, um, tonight, the council authorized, um, uh, for $4.5 million contract to, uh, reconstruct bacon avenue, which is being paid for by the corporations. Um, and then also down David on the older runs of growed in, and, um, south ran right now where currently the improvements are taking place that's been paid for, uh, by the site that's being built right now. That's approximately $2 million worth of improvements right there that we to taxpayers don't have to pick up.  
Speaker 5     01:17:05    Okay. Marilyn, it was a question. Uh, yes, I am aware of the tactics has been pretty much static, but I thought I'd put that out there and see, uh, your comments on it. Okay. That sounds good, David. Thank you. Okay.  
Speaker 0     01:17:22    Thank you, Mr.  
Speaker 1     01:17:28    Council president, I'm asking the next individual to unmute themselves.  
Speaker 6     01:17:35    Uh, yeah. Hello, uh, Brian rag, 1247 Brookside road. Again, I just want it to be sure that the council had a, a link to the use of force website that the state is set up that is www.njohg.gov/force. And if you click on the dashboard link, you can see a list of the use of force or pile. Uh, I'm sorry. Use of force reports filed with the state where all of them are against black people ages 24 to 18. I mean, I understand that these might be the same incidents, but it certainly looks very bad for the township that they're exclusively using force against black people ages 18 to 24. I mean, I understand there might be circumstances that that made this possible, but it's a very bad look, especially today with the, a guilty verdict for Derek Shovin in George voids death. But that's all I had. Thank you.  
Speaker 0     01:18:40    Thank you. Ma'am  
Speaker 6     01:18:45    I'm going to get no response  
Speaker 1     01:18:48    Council president. I'm asking the next individual to unmute themselves. Last four digits are 9 8, 7, 9,  
Speaker 0     01:18:57    Well, nine years 79. Please state your name and address, please.  
Speaker 15    01:19:02    This has said Madison at 1 76 Blackford avenue. Can you hear me? Yes. Uh, after the last meeting, I sent an email, uh, via the clerk to go to the council members and the mayor, et cetera the subject was a resolution, uh, to governor Murphy to immediately enact a moratorium on all fossil fuel infrastructure projects in New Jersey. Uh, and what I was looking forward to was, uh, some kind of action on that resolution if no action has been taken yet, uh, I would like to send in more information, uh, which specifically, uh, uh, denotes how bad a knew how far behind New Jersey is to what, uh, president Biden is doing. And I will send that information, which should supplement the reasoning behind, uh, uh, this resolution to, uh, governor Murphy, uh, is, uh, has action been taken or can I send some additional information? What's the, what's the status?  
Speaker 13    01:20:17    Yeah. Council, president, mayor Walla. If I may, um, said, uh, we, uh, Congressman Polone just released his, uh, package out of his energy and commerce committee, uh, we're going to be, the council will be supportive of that. I'm assuming  
Speaker 15    01:20:36    That's a federal action, correct?  
Speaker 13    01:20:39    You're testing. Correct. But a lot of it filters down to the state level to,  
Speaker 15    01:20:44    Yeah, it'll be too late if we don't stop the fossil fuel projects that are going in right now, we can't, we can't allow more fossil fuel projects to be built when we're supposed to be reducing emissions by 45%. That's the whole, that's the whole bottom line of this is the federal action is, is going to help us remediate what we're doing that we shouldn't be doing. And it should be helping us get from where we are, uh, to, to a clean energy status, but allowing more fossil fuel infrastructure to be built is just insane. And I I'd like to, I like to show people, I don't, are you going to vote on this resolution that I've shown you or, uh, is it dead or can I provide you with more information showing that New Jersey needs to do more? What's the status?  
Speaker 3     01:21:47    Yeah. So you can, you can send it over to send over any more information. We'll make sure we get it. There's a lot of factors here. I was in a meeting today with Bome about the offshore, the offshore, um, wind farm that's that's. The governor is really pushing hard with governor Cuomo and, uh, it looks like Boeing was going to give a fast track approval for it. So that's taken up some energy right now, uh, at the state level, but send it over to us. We'll take a look at it.  
Speaker 15    01:22:16    Okay. I'll send you another set of information without, do I need to resend the information that I sent before? No,  
Speaker 3     01:22:25    That's fine. Whatever it is, stuff you have.  
Speaker 15    01:22:28    Okay. I'll see you on May 11th and thank you. Thank you.  
Speaker 3     01:22:33    Thank goodness you  
Speaker 13    01:22:40    Council president. There are no other individuals with their hands raised county council president. Uh, if I may. Hello? Uh, council president's mayor Waller. Yeah. Sure. Okay.  
Speaker 15    01:22:56    I want to close the public portion. Okay, go ahead.  
Speaker 13    01:23:01    Thank you. Thank you, council president. Um, I would like to, um, with adoption of tonight's budget, I would like to thank the council members for supporting, uh, the budget. Uh, as we all know, and the general public knows that, um, you know, 20, 20 and 2021 have not been the most ideal economic times for our country, the state of New Jersey in our, in our, in our township. Um, you know, we, there was a lot of, uh, thoughtful work from the planning division, the finance department, a team effort on the council members to get where we are today to have a no tax, uh, rate increase, uh, for the fourth year in a row. And, um, a lot of that has to do that. The 2 87 Carter has been our economic lifeline here in Piscataway. Uh, dozens of well-known companies are now in town. Uh, what Piscataway mates the state takes at this point, you know, to take off from what Trenton says, um, we still have the maintaining the second highest rating from standard and Poor's, we're, we've been recognized four times out in the last 11 years by money magazine.  
Speaker 13    01:24:11    Uh, ERP recognizes our senior programming, uh, you know, there's good paying jobs for hardworking residents and these new companies are direct directly, uh, paying for a lot of the traffic improvements, says what I just mentioned to David Akins before just alone on the council action tonight. And then of course, if it wasn't for all these companies moving in town, we wouldn't have been able to build the, uh, uh, the community center, which, you know, no resident's tax money was involved. And I think a lot of people are very much enjoying it, but I think what most people know are the type of companies that have been moving in into our community. Uh, you've heard a lot of the armchair critics out there crying, foul about some of the economic development that's happening in our town. But if you look at the companies that have moved in or expanded their operations with in our community, like take, for instance, the cosmetic field, you have Chanel, uh, REL kids, cosmetics, and Louis Vuitton.  
Speaker 13    01:25:05    Who's obviously a lot of people know through there their, their excessive effects, but like for instance, kids, cosmetics, uh, which is over by where the old, uh, Dow chemical petrochemical site was, uh, they actually throw in the pandemic, donated a lot of, uh, PPE supplies to our, uh, Ms. Full employees, police departments, our first responders. And, uh, we were able to give something to school district during the, uh, 30 started the pandemic, which was very helpful. And I'm very grateful for their leadership at that company to do that. We have a lot of data centers and technology companies that are in our community, uh, that occupy roads, possum town road, Centennial avenue on Ridge road, and a couple of our whale ventures, DuPont Fabros, they're all data centers. Shi is one of the largest worldwide conglomerates and computer accessories and products. And obviously everybody knows Verizon here, uh, in our, in our community and the food industry, uh, unless you were a family that were able to cultivate food 365 days a year by having a greenhouse on your property.  
Speaker 13    01:26:10    And I'm willing to bet that there's very few people that do here in our town. You know, we had Roma foods, proforma foods, Dawn foods, Arizona iced tea, German tonal produce, and rotate flyers, all had foods that were delivered to the super local supermarkets and products that people used within our community. And as far as packaging, uh, you know, we have, uh, cascades industry off of, off of, uh, south Washington avenue off Turner place. Um, but I don't know many know that they manufacture packaging and they produce about 400,000, uh, pizza boxes a day, as well as the boxes that you see at the us postal service when you go to mail something. But, you know, obviously when you go to a restaurant and you gotta to go pizza box, I mean, you're not taking a home in a plastic bag or paper bag, you're taking it home and you have 10 seconds.  
Speaker 13    01:27:07    Aaron in-company, uh, FW Webb Turla news. This meeting is being recorded as well as research and development throughout the United States in the world. And then also you have Hudson holdings company, which produces about 1,000,095 mass a week here in Piscataway, which obviously we all understand that given the pandemic and in the transportation field, you have Strato Inc, uh, on new England avenue, which, uh, deals with, uh, train parts for mass transit. Uh, and, and Kinka Shera, which, uh, baker avenue, which basically built, uh, all the, uh, positive train control system and all NJ transit and all the, all the other transit systems around the Northeast. And then you have talls avionics, which is on Centennial avenue. So if you've ever fallen in a plane, a lot of the, uh, computerized equipment in the cockpits are from the tallest avionics. And then as well as national manufacturing company, I own the Brunswick road.  
Speaker 13    01:28:09    They manufacture aerospace and medical equipment and electronic markets that, that wheat products that we use now, we do have some soft spots in our economy here in town. Uh, the hospitality and the, um, the restaurant industry has taken it on the chin as a lot of, a lot of everybody knows about that. Um, you know, as a matter of fact, we had a, one of our companies ever tied in the hospitality industry. Meritech, um, actually laid off a hundred people and closed shop there. They handled all the, um, uh, apparels and, um, linens cleaning services for a lot of hotels in the state of New Jersey. Um, so, and then the office, the office market has actually basically crashed, not just here, but in the state of New Jersey as a whole. So, um, you know, that's something that we're going to have to, uh, get a challenge over, you know, cause we still have a lot of office space and those industries, those negative industries that I just spoke about, um, you know, we're expecting tax appeals to start coming this year and the next several years on those sites.  
Speaker 13    01:29:12    So that that's something we're going to have to keep an eye on. But with that being said, you know, we were still able to provide a lot of free recreational programming for kids and suffer the seniors. And, you know, with the 27 parks, we have, all of them are now upgraded with the ADA improvements and, you know, we'd still have, um, get getting ready to do our open space park where hopefully we'll be able to start the, uh, environmental cleanup of it. And then with that also in conjunction, we were able to have capital projects where we're basically, we have 30 streets underway that we constructed this year 30 streets. That is a lot of streets to be reconstructed. I don't know of any town in the central New Jersey area. That's even coming near that. And all this is being done because of a lot of the economic development that has taken place over the last several years in our community.  
Speaker 13    01:30:06    And we've diversified our economy enough. So when something like a pandemic hits, we don't have so to speak all of our apples in one basket where a lot of these towns surrounding us, we're laying people off furloughing people, uh, do deficits of financing for operational purposes. We haven't had to do that. And we've also maintained a AA plus stable credit rating with standard. And Poor's, so there's only 30 towns in the state that can say that. But I would like to also say that there's been, you know, a group of folks out there, um, who were part of a political, um, clubs, so to speak and, you know, they just don't feel that there should be economic development within this township. I respectfully understand what they're trying to do, but I disagree with their options. I mean, it's blatantly obvious after, uh, from what I've been told, they had a, uh, I guess a seance form or whatever about, um, there are ideas, economic development, and what it was is that they wanted to see more housing being built in our community, which, which has an impact on the miserable services and costs, uh, here in a township.  
Speaker 13    01:31:15    And, you know, they want to see every, uh, empty, vacant property that's zoned commercial, be open space. And I would never advocate to have the council go in and condemn all these properties for open space. It'd be borderline foolish to do that. Um, so I guess agree with that, uh, analogy, um, what, what open space and what constitutes economic development, um, you know, those types of those types of jobs do not create a lot of, um, jobs, long-term jobs. Uh, I think we've done a pretty good job. We haven't been perfect, but we've done given the fact the economics that's been going on in the state of New Jersey. I think we've done a pretty good job at, um, doing it, um, you know, the best we could. So, um, we're going to continue to look to diversify our economy, to keep things affordable for our community.  
Speaker 13    01:32:13    Um, when I speak with a lot of seniors and young couples out there, especially folks that may have lost their jobs during attempt, uh, during the pandemic and also, um, they're, um, you know, may not have money to put food on the table or, or have, uh, assistance in one shape or form. Um, it's, it's incumbent upon the mayor and council to try to keep this town affordable and watch what type of, uh, development, um, that comes in that might have an impact on the services cause us to have the race taxes for that. So once again, I want, I want to thank the council for putting together this budget, and I really appreciate all the hard work all the council members did with this. And hopefully we'll continue to make a lot of great improvements for our community, uh, there moving forward, uh, for now this year and then the next several years coming and last but not least once again, I want to congratulate, uh, Chanel McComb who will be the freeholder or strike that the county commissioner around, uh, tomorrow. So Chanel, as I said before, you'll never be able to replace Kenny, but, uh, I'm glad that you're going to be there, um, and following in his footsteps. So thank you, council president for allowing me to make this comment.  
Speaker 0     01:33:33    Okay. So thank you very much. Thank you. Can I.