Edison Township Combined Council Meeting - February 25, 2026

The Edison Township Council held a combined work session and regular meeting on February 25, 2026, starting at 6:07 PM and adjourning at 7:36 PM. The council addressed several ordinances, including changes to military leave policy, a proposed council salary increase, a drainage project, and public comment time limits. Public testimony highlighted concerns over military benefits, council salaries, and the reduction of public speaking time from six to four minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Work session of February 9, 2026, and regular meeting of February 11, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Volunteer Firefighters: Appointments of Robert Serverdo, Justin Boslett, Sean Weeks, Jake Callodis, and Nicholas Johnstone were approved.
• Consent Agenda Resolutions: All resolutions under item 18 were adopted unanimously after no public comments or council pulls.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ordinance 2273 (Military Leave): Elizabeth Conway and Joy Shibb expressed opposition, arguing the change reduces benefits for employees serving in the military by capping pay and eliminating overtime opportunities. The township attorney and Business Administrator clarified that the ordinance does not reduce existing benefits, extends active duty paid leave from 90 to 150 workdays, and that overtime was never part of the calculation. Council comments indicated some members felt the ordinance was unnecessary or unfair to veterans.
• Ordinance 2275 (Council Salaries): No public comments were taken because the ordinance was tabled before public hearing.
• Ordinance 2276 (Drainage Project): No public comments.
• Ordinance 2277 (Public Speaking Time): Multiple residents (Margot Harris, Thomas Wackey, Elizabeth Conway, Joyce Shibb, Ajit) spoke in favor of restoring the six-minute public comment limit, arguing that four minutes is insufficient for complex issues, that the reduction was a punitive reaction to past disruptions, and that it undermines democratic participation. Some speakers also requested reinstatement of a rebuttal period.
• Oral Petitions: Divakar Gupta, representing the NJ Royals nonprofit (cricket for youth aged 8–16), requested township funding. The Business Administrator stated a funding formula for youth sports is being developed and an ordinance is expected by end of March 2026.
• Additional Public Comments: Margot Harris thanked DPW for snow removal, criticized the council for the 2277 vote, and expressed concern over council salaries. Joyce Shibb criticized spending on the TOAF Center and the Stelton property, and accused the council of controlling the narrative. Thomas Wackey expressed disappointment over the failure of 2277 and criticized the 46% raise proposed for council.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2273 (Military Leave): Council President Coyle supported the ordinance, stating it clarifies definitions and expands combat zone leave. Councilmember Brusher opposed, citing no input from affected military personnel. Councilmember Dima opposed, stating he would never take a dime from veterans. The ordinance was adopted 4-2-1 (Brusher no, Dima yes, Cantos abstain, Patel yes, Petil no, Schmuel yes, Coyle yes).
• Ordinance 2275 (Council Salaries): Councilmembers discussed the proposed raise of $45,000 for council members. Some argued the timing was premature and should be considered during the budget review. A motion to table was approved 6-1 (Brusher no, others yes).
• Ordinance 2276 (Drainage Project): Councilmember Dima praised the project as a "dream come true." The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
• Ordinance 2277 (Public Speaking Time): Councilmember Patel moved to table for further review, but the motion failed due to lack of a second. A motion to adopt failed 3-3-1 (Brusher yes, Dima no, Cantos yes, Patel abstain, Petil yes, Schmuel no, Coyle no). Council President Coyle noted that the time limit can be revisited in future meetings.
• Councilmember Reports:
  • Councilmember Petil requested a speed limit reduction to 25 mph on Talmadge and Grove Avenue, flashing lights at intersections, re-establishment of a farmers market, an update on the Stelton property, and better coordination with the school board on sidewalk snow removal. The Business Administrator reported that 20 warnings were issued that day for sidewalk snow violations near schools.
  • Councilmember Patel discussed AI and smart city initiatives, planning to present a proposal at a future date.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2273 (Military Leave) was adopted (4-2-1).
• Ordinance 2275 (Council Salaries) was tabled (6-1).
• Ordinance 2276 (Drainage Project) was adopted (7-0).
• Ordinance 2277 (Public Speaking Time) was defeated (3-3-1).
• Consent Agenda was adopted unanimously.
• Youth Sports Funding: The Business Administrator will present a funding formula ordinance by end of March 2026.
• Sidewalk Snow Enforcement: 20 warnings issued; continued enforcement planned near schools.
• Speed Limit Study: Request to review and potentially reduce speed limits on Talmadge and Grove Avenue will be addressed by the administration.