Edison Township Reorganization Meeting – January 5, 2026

The Edison Township Council held its annual reorganization meeting on January 5, 2026, to elect leadership for the year, adopt a consent agenda, and receive public comment. All council members were present. The meeting included the swearing-in of a new council president and vice president, the approval of several resolutions, and extensive public testimony on a range of local issues.

Key Votes & Elections

• Council President: Councilmember Joe Coyle was nominated and elected unanimously by all eight council members, then sworn in. He delivered remarks emphasizing teamwork, public engagement, and legacy projects such as parks and infrastructure.
• Council Vice President: Councilmember Robert J. Kentos was nominated and elected unanimously, then sworn in. He thanked colleagues and family, highlighting his commitment to serving residents and his role in planning the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Consent Calendar

• The council voted to amend the consent agenda by adding three resolutions for reappointments to the Zoning Board: R008 (Dan O'Gorman), R009 (Douglas Schneider), and R010 (Kevin …). The amendment passed unanimously.
• The full consent agenda, including the three added resolutions and other routine items (R001 cash management plan, R003 temporary budget), was adopted by a unanimous roll-call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joel Bassoff questioned the temporary budget (R003), noting that appropriations appeared to exceed the statutory 26.25% limit when compared to the 2025 budget. The business administrator explained that the 26.25% applies to the entire municipal operations, including salaries and expenses, and that the temporary budget figures are consistent with that limit.
• Margot Harris (former council president) apologized for omitting clerks and the Recreation Department in her closing remarks at the last meeting, welcomed new council members, and congratulated Coyle and Kentos. She also inquired about the Ferrante House project; the business administrator reported that DPW is developing an action plan addressing environmental issues.
• Dr. Nasser extended New Year’s wishes, apologized for missing the inauguration, and questioned committee assignments for council liaisons, specifically whether attendance is required and how library liaison is selected. Council President Coyle and the town attorney responded that committee assignments are at the president’s discretion and attendance requirements depend on the specific body.
• Elizabeth Conway requested that public comment time be restored to six minutes, praised the new council, and advocated for fuller representation on municipal committees. She also raised concerns about congestion on Inman Avenue from a water main construction project. Council President Coyle committed to investigating and improving communication.
• Anthony D’Amore suggested on-screen contact information for council members during broadcasts, raised the possibility of a municipal utilities advisory board, and renewed a request for a crosswalk on Woodbridge Avenue near the Greenway to improve safety for students. Council President Coyle noted the road is county jurisdiction but agreed to follow up.
• Maria Orchid congratulated new members and asked for updates on the deer population, utility rate assistance programs, and a centralized events calendar. Council President Coyle acknowledged the suggestions.
• Aj Nagarajan welcomed new members, urged live TV streaming on platforms like YouTube (not just cable), requested traffic enforcement on Grove Avenue, and voiced concerns about traffic impacts from a proposed Inman Avenue golf course development. Council President Coyle promised to look into the streaming issue and noted that traffic studies are part of planning board reviews. Police Chief confirmed ongoing enforcement on Grove Avenue but deemed one-way conversion infeasible.
• Benz requested restoration of six-minute public comment time and better snow plow information. Council Vice President Kentos provided snow plow route details (approximately 37 routes, 40+ trucks).

Discussion Items

• Council President’s Remarks: Coyle thanked colleagues, acknowledged the outgoing council president Margot Harris, and stressed the importance of listening to residents who cannot attend meetings. He left his email for public contact.
• Council Vice President’s Remarks: Kentos thanked family, the mayor, and former councilmembers for their support, noting the historic 250th anniversary year.
• Committee Assignments: In response to Dr. Nasser’s question, Coyle stated that assignments will be made after council members submit preferences; the town attorney added that liaison responsibilities vary.

Key Outcomes

• Joe Coyle sworn in as Council President for 2026.
• Robert J. Kentos sworn in as Council Vice President.
• Consent agenda (including three zoning board reappointments) adopted unanimously.
• Council committed to reviewing committee assignments, exploring live TV streaming options, and following up on public concerns regarding traffic, sidewalks, the Ferrante House, and deer management.
• The meeting adjourned without further business.