Edison Township Council Meeting - January 28, 2026

The Edison Township Council held a combined meeting on January 28, 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting included the approval of minutes, adoption of ordinances, introduction of new ordinances, public comments, and council discussions. Key topics included changes to the Technical Review Committee (TRC), a proposed military leave ordinance, a substantial council salary increase ordinance, and public concerns about snow removal and sidewalks.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the combined meeting of December 22, 2025, and the reorganization meeting of January 5, 2026, work session of January 12, 2026, and regular meeting of January 14, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• The consent agenda, including resolutions R-60 through R-79, was adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Octor Nasser (Pleasant Avenue) expressed apprehension about Ordinance 2272, which moves the Technical Review Committee (TRC) meetings to non-public sessions. He argued this would reduce residents' ability to review and prepare for planning board applications, noting that the 10-day statutory notice window under the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) is insufficient. He questioned why the change is beneficial to residents and asked for clarification about availability of minutes. Council members responded that the TRC only reviews completeness of applications and that all information will be public at the planning board level within 45 days.
• Anthony D.A.R.N. (Edison) asked if there was any recent litigation regarding the public nature of TRC meetings. The attorney indicated they would look into it.
• Margot Harris (43 Oak Hills Road) strongly opposed the proposed council salary increase (Ordinance 2275), calling it a 120% raise from $17,500 to $38,500-$39,500. She stated it was "greed, audacity, arrogance, and tone-deaf," especially given the council's reduction of public speaking time from six to four minutes. She noted that as former council president, she refused to place a similar ordinance on the agenda in November 2025 because it would have benefited outgoing members with retroactive pay. She urged a no vote.
• Andrew Sellers (24 Coster, Edison, Marine Corps recruiter) spoke about the military leave ordinance (2273), emphasizing that consistency and strong employer support directly impact military recruitment and retention. He urged the council not to reduce benefits or create uncertainty for service members. He noted that he heard Councilman Schmuel question the ordinance and asked that it be carefully reviewed to ensure no benefits are stripped.
• Elizabeth Conway (20 Netherwood Circle) asked for clarification on the definition of a Class III member of the planning board (for Resolution 79). She also criticized the salary increase as "embarrassing" and questioned the council's reasoning. She inquired about committee assignments for liaisons, particularly the Human Relations Commission.
• A resident (name not given) accused the council of "grift" and criticized the salary increase, comparing it unfavorably to the unpaid work of school board members and the dedication of former councilman Bob Deal. He also expressed frustration with the four-minute speaking limit.
• Anthony Jammer (Edison) supported the mayor's salary increase but questioned the council's raise, suggesting that if salaries are increased, the council should have more responsibilities, such as ward representation or a township-issued cell phone and office. He also commented on snow removal enforcement.
• Dr. Nasser (Pleasant Avenue) returned to speak about the salary increase, stating the argument that higher pay would attract middle-class candidates is flawed because it should have been raised before or during the election cycle. He also raised concerns about incomplete sidewalks near schools, snow removal enforcement, and the lack of response to previous requests. He referenced a prior complaint about snow being moved onto residents' properties.
• A speaker (name not given) criticized the council for targeting a police officer (David Tingle) with Ordinance 2273, alleging it was retaliation for his constitutionally protected activity. He also referenced the council's past ban on the American flag and called the salary increase "disgusting."

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2272 – Technical Review Committee (TRC) Amendment: The council discussed the change to make TRC meetings non-public, limited to administrative completeness review. Council members explained it streamlines the process and does not affect public participation at the planning board level. Public comment expressed concerns about transparency. The ordinance was adopted by a vote of 6-0 (Councilman Brescher not voting? Actually roll call showed all yes: Brescher, Dima, Kentos, Patel, Schmuel, Coyle – all yes).
• Ordinance 2273 – Military Leave: Introduced for first reading. Councilman Schmuel expressed a desire to review the ordinance further before voting. The attorney clarified that the ordinance aligns with state statute, updating definitions and terms (e.g., changing "must" to "shall") without stripping benefits. Council President Coyle and others agreed to allow introduction and then consider tabling at the next meeting. The ordinance was introduced by a vote of 5-1 (Councilman Brescher opposed).
• Ordinance 2274 – Handicapped Parking Spaces: Introduced. Councilman Coyle asked about logistics of updating the list. The chief indicated the list is maintained via DMV verification and staff handles discrepancies. Introduced unanimously.
• Ordinance 2275 – Council Salaries: Introduced amid significant public opposition. Council members debated the justification. Councilman Brescher argued that the job requires thorough budget review and deserves higher pay. Councilman Kentos said he was impartial and noted he answers calls constantly. Council President Coyle stated the increase (from $1,200 in 1966 to $38,500 today) would open the door to younger and middle-class candidates. The BA confirmed retroactive pay to January 1 would be included. Introduced by a vote of 6-0 (all yes).
• Snow Removal and Sidewalks: Multiple public comments and council responses addressed snow removal, enforcement, and missing sidewalks near schools. The chief reported that over 102 summonses were issued on January 27 and 80 on January 28 for violating parking restrictions. The DPW director said they will address specific corners and sidewalks. Councilman Patel raised the possibility of acquiring snow-clearing equipment (e.g., a "dragon" device) for driveways, to be considered in budget planning.
• Speaking Time: Councilman Brescher announced he will make a motion at a future meeting to restore the six-minute public speaking time, and Council President Coyle agreed to place it on the agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimous approval of minutes from December 22, 2025, and January 5, 12, 14, 2026.
• Ordinance 2271 (Boards/Commissions) Adopted: Unanimous vote.
• Ordinance 2272 (TRC) Adopted: Unanimous vote (6-0).
• Ordinance 2273 (Military Leave) Introduced: Passed 5-1 (Brescher opposed) for first reading; second reading and public hearing set for February 11, 2026. Councilman Schmuel will review and may seek to table.
• Ordinance 2274 (Handicapped Parking) Introduced: Unanimous; public hearing February 11, 2026.
• Ordinance 2275 (Council Salaries) Introduced: Unanimous; public hearing February 11, 2026. Retroactive pay to January 1, 2026, is anticipated.
• Consent Agenda Adopted: Unanimous.
• Resolution 79 (Councilman Schmuel appointed Class III to Planning Board) Approved: Part of consent agenda.
• Future Agenda Items: Motion to restore six-minute speaking time will be placed on a future agenda.
• State of the Township Address: Announced for February 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Pines Manor.
• Valentine’s Disability Dance: February 7, 2026, 6-8:30 p.m. at Mini B. Center.