Edison Township Council Combined Meeting - December 22, 2025

The combined meeting of the Edison Township Council convened on December 22, 2025, at 6:09 PM. The meeting included the adoption of two ordinances, tabling of a third, approval of multiple resolutions, and closing remarks from outgoing council members. Key topics included a controversial 32% salary increase for the mayor, a 30-year tax abatement for a senior housing development, and public comments on various township matters.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joel Bassoff (Beach Lane, Edison) spoke against the mayor's salary ordinance (2268), arguing that the notice was defective (lacking time of meeting) and that a 32% raise for Mayor Joshi was “cynical, greedy, and a money grab.” He urged the council to delete the mayor's raise from the ordinance and defer any increase to the next term.
• Elizabeth Conway (20 Netherwood Circle) asked whether the 32% raise was a one-time increase or spread over four years. She noted that the mayor of New York City’s salary was $172,000, making the Edison mayor’s proposed raise seem high.
• Bruce Seits (Parquet Drive) called for a structured salary policy with guidelines, noting that private-sector raises are typically 3–9%. He also asked about the sports center cost overruns and recycling contracts.
• Gloria Dittman (Midland Road) criticized the 32% raise as unheard of in the private sector and noted the mayor's absence from a Veterans Day program. She also called for a stronger statement against anti-Semitism.
• Joyce Ship Freeman (Edison, NJ) questioned whether the mayor's salary was being made comparable to directors' salaries. She expressed concern that high salaries for officials come at the expense of residents struggling with taxes and insurance.
• Sue Malone Barber (85 Pleasant Avenue) argued that the mayor is an elected official, not an employee, and that a 32% raise is inappropriate. She compared the salary to the governor’s ($210,000) and mayors of larger cities like Newark ($140,000) and Paterson ($140,000), urging the council not to “rubber stamp” the increase.
• Anonymous speaker (Mikey) opposed the mayor's raise, stating that the mayor should be happy with his current salary and that the public's voice is often disregarded.
• Elizabeth Conway (second appearance) questioned the benefit to the township from the Fairway Country Club pilot program (ordinance 2269), asking what the township gains versus loses.
• Bruce Seits (second appearance) commented on the pilot program, saying the developer will make money and the tax break should be indexed to profitability. He also asked about the sports center cost overruns.
• Sue Malone Barber (second appearance) asked about the library board appointments (resolutions 686 & 687), questioning why the appointments were being approved simultaneously without public review of resumes. She also asked about the sports building change order (695) and the Toats Center increase (699).
• Joyce Ship Freeman (second appearance) asked about the cancellation of grants (resolution 682) and noted that the old paint factory site on Inman Avenue was previously a golf range, not just an eyesore.
• AJ (Ben’s from Edison) spoke in favor of the council's work, thanked the outgoing members, and jokingly tied the mayor's raise to restoring six-minute public speaking time.
• Anonymous speaker (final public comment) thanked Council President Margot Harris for her service and her stance on the six-minute rule, and apologized to council members for past disagreements.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2268 – Salary Ordinance (Mayor's Raise): The ordinance establishes salaries for officers, department heads, and employees, including a 32% increase for the mayor (from approximately $150,000 to $198,000). Council members (Brusher, Patel, Pointer, Coyle, Harris) expressed support, arguing that the position is full-time, demanding, and comparable to directors' salaries. They noted that the raise is for the position, not for the current mayor. Councilman Brusher stated that $200,000 is a fair amount for the mayor of Edison. Councilman Patel emphasized that the mayor works full-time and deserves a competitive salary. Council President Harris noted that the salary would attract candidates who can afford to serve full-time. The public opposed the raise, calling it excessive and poorly timed.
• Ordinance 2269 – Fairway Country Club Pilot Program: This ordinance authorizes a 30-year tax abatement (pilot) for a 250-unit age-restricted senior housing development on a contaminated site. Projections show the township will receive more revenue over 30 years than the current $61,000 in taxes. 20% of units will be affordable. Council members supported the project, citing environmental remediation, senior housing needs, and no impact on schools. Councilman Brusher noted the original base tax continues to the school district. Councilman Coyle stated that the site has sat idle for 35+ years and the pilot will bring investment. Councilman Patel called it a win for the community. Some public speakers questioned the length of the abatement and the lack of direct benefit to the school district.
• Ordinance 2270 – Municipal Alliance Amendment: The ordinance would have removed sections of the municipal code related to the Municipal Alliance. After public comments emphasizing the importance of the alliance, Councilman Coyle moved to table the ordinance for further review. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
• Resolutions: A large block of resolutions (676-694, 696-715) was approved en bloc. Resolution 695 (change order for the sports building, approximately $600,000) was pulled for a separate vote and approved unanimously. Council members discussed the need for independent construction management to avoid cost overruns.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2268 (Salary Ordinance) was adopted by a roll call vote of 7-0 (all present in favor).
• Ordinance 2269 (Fairway Country Club Pilot Program) was adopted by a roll call vote of 7-0.
• Ordinance 2270 (Municipal Alliance Amendment) was tabled by a roll call vote of 7-0.
• Resolutions 676-694 and 696-715 were approved en bloc by a roll call vote of 7-0.
• Resolution 695 (sports center change order) was approved by a roll call vote of 7-0.
• The meeting concluded with farewell remarks and presentations to outgoing Council Members Margot Harris, John Pointer, and Nish Patel, who each reflected on their service and thanked the community.
• The meeting adjourned at 9:21 PM.