Edison Township Work Session - February 9, 2026
Edison Township Work Session - February 9, 2026
The Edison Township Council held a work session on February 9, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM and adjourning at approximately 6:45 PM. The meeting covered ordinances, departmental reports, public comments, and discussions on snow removal, community center redevelopment, and other municipal matters.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Resident (Brasoff): Praised the Public Works and Fire Departments for their exemplary response to the recent blizzard. Congratulated newly elected Council Members Kentos, Patel, and Dima, and Council President Coyle. Urged the Council to postpone salary increases for themselves, recommending that any raises be applied to the next term. Also commended the Council for reconsidering the ordinance that would reduce compensation for municipal employees serving in the military.
- Resident: Delivered a lengthy statement alleging government misconduct related to the Epstein files and Israel, and criticized proposed legislation against criticizing Israel. Directly questioned Council President Coyle about a photo with President Joe Biden, insinuating complicity in child abuse. Accused the Democratic Party of abusing children.
- Anthony D'Ameron: Discussed the economic potential of hosting wrestling and lacrosse tournaments at the Jets field facility. Inquired about which department oversees event planning. Council President noted the Recreation Committee would be appointed on Wednesday and invited him to submit a proposal.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance 0273-2026 (Military Leave Policy): The Council President announced that the ordinance would be withdrawn and a new version introduced on Wednesday. Councilwoman Kentos noted it affected four employees.
- Ordinance 0275-2026 (Salaries of Officers and Employees): Councilman Brescher requested a comparative salary and benefits report from two larger and two smaller towns. The administration agreed to provide it.
- New Ordinance on Public Speaking Time Limits: Councilman Schmuel moved to add an ordinance limiting public speaking time to the agenda. The motion passed on a roll call vote of 6–1, with Council President Coyle opposed. The ordinance will be considered on Wednesday.
- Calvert Avenue Drainage Project Ordinance: Councilman Dima expressed strong support, noting the project had been awaited for eight years. No opposition was voiced.
- Stilton Community Center (Department of Planning & Engineering): A $357,000 proposal for environmental abatement, demolition documents, laser scanning, and concept layout was presented. Councilman Brescher questioned the high cost and scope, suggesting that demolishing the building might be more economical. The engineer explained the tasks were necessary due to unknown asbestos extent and the building's intended community use. Councilman Schmuel asked about the front facade. The Council agreed to discuss the matter further with the administration before deciding.
- Resolution on Edison Wetlands Association: The Township Clerk added a resolution to confirm a representative to the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preservation. It will be voted on Wednesday.
- Snow Removal and Sidewalk Enforcement: Councilman Patel raised concerns about sidewalk clearance after the blizzard. The Business Administrator stated that Zoning had issued warnings and then summonses for non-compliance; school-area sidewalks are coordinated with the school district; and Metro Park (state highway) issues are handled with NJ DOT. Council President emphasized the DPW's excellent work during a 20-year storm.
- Drainage Issue on Marshall and Highland: Councilman Schmuel followed up on a drainage complaint. Engineering reported that survey work indicated resurfacing and valley gutter restoration could resolve the issue, tentatively scheduled for late spring as part of the paving program.
- Committee Appointments: Council President noted that committees, including Recreation, would be appointed at the Wednesday meeting. Councilwoman Dima volunteered for the Cultural Arts Committee.
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance 0273-2026: Withdrawn; a new version will be introduced on Wednesday.
- Ordinance on Speaking Time Limits: Added to the Wednesday agenda after a 6–1 vote.
- Calvert Avenue Drainage Ordinance: Proceeded without objection.
- Stilton Community Center Proposal: Deferred for further administrative review.
- Resolution on Edison Wetlands Association: Added to the Wednesday agenda.
- Snow Removal Enforcement: Zoning to continue warnings and summonses; coordination with schools and NJ DOT noted.
- Drainage Fix: Engineering to include in late spring paving program.
- Next Meeting: The Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday where formal votes on these items are expected.
Meeting Transcript
This is the work session for February 9th, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m. Can we all please rise for the Pledge Allegiance? Pledge allegiance to the flags. One nation under God with liberty. Liberty and Justice for all uh roll call, Matt Clerk. Council Member Brusher. Here. Councilmember Coyle? Here. Council Member Dima? Here. Council Member Kentos? Here. Council Member Patel? Here. Councilmember Batil? Here. Council Member Schmuel. Here. Adequate notice? Adequate notice of this meeting is required by the Open Public Meeting Act of 1975 has been provided by the notice sent to the Home News Tribune. Starledger, does he talk in News India Times on November 17th, 2025, and post the main lobby missile complex on that same date? This is number 86. Good enough. Any comments for the combined meeting of January 28, 2026? Hearing none, moving to four unfinished business for further reading, consideration, public hearing, and final adoption. Any comments on 0273 2026, an ordinance amending to chapter 4, the personnel policies section 4-3 military leave and 413x of the municipal code of the towns of Vedison. Any questions or comments? Yep. So with that one, uh Council President, uh taking into account the public uh opinion from the last meeting, uh the comments that we received speaking with some of the council members. Um the the legal is is uh recommending that that ordinance actually be withdrawn on Wednesday uh and a new version introduced uh that better addresses uh what the the intention of the township is. Okay, and any questions on that being removed by council members? But I have one other question on this ordinance. But we're gonna remove it though. Yeah, but still I wouldn't blow it up. Okay, sure. Uh just uh you know how many employees the township employees are impacted with this ordinance do we have any number? Five ten fifteen either four. Four, okay. Thank you. Okay, any other questions or comments on uh 2273 hearing hearing none 2274 and ordinance amending the township code update the address list of the personal entitled handicapped parking spots. Any questions or comments hearing none moving to 2020 seventy five an ordinance establishing the to not exceed the salaries of certain officers and departments and heads and employees of the township. Any questions or comments? Council position? Yes, uh just for my information, um, and apologies for missing the last meeting uh because I was not in town. Uh quick question on this, you know, do we have any sort of a report uh that compares the salaries plus benefit or benefit of the towns which are at least two towns which are larger than 87 and two towns which are smaller than 87 so we can compare where it doesn't we can send that to you thank you sir? Thank you. We'll get that to him. Uh I think Marlene's got some send something. Um just number six proposed ordinances council president.
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