Edison Township Council Work Session - June 22, 2026

The Edison Township Council held a work session on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 6:09 PM to 7:24 PM. The meeting focused on reviewing several ordinances and resolutions ahead of the upcoming legislative meeting, with significant discussion on budget approvals, a fiber optic right-of-way ordinance, and a contested bamboo ordinance raised during public comments. Council members raised concerns about spending, data center usage, and procedural transparency.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Thomas Lucky (Resident): Criticized the meeting starting nine minutes late; suggested the township website should have an events page instead of relying on social media; requested hyperlinks in the agenda PDF for each line item to improve transparency; reported unsafe roads, speeding, and lack of construction fencing; asked for a definition of "safe roads." Council noted his concerns and promised follow-up on specific addresses.
• Brenda Eagle (Resident): Questioned the enforcement of the bamboo ordinance, noting it is missing from the current agenda after a proposed repeal; shared photos showing historical absence of bamboo on her property and argued the ordinance is not being enforced against a neighbor whose bamboo has spread. Council members engaged in a lengthy discussion about the ordinance's grandfather clause, civil liability, and the township's role; Council President indicated a possible repeal effort and asked for patience.

Discussion Items

• Fiber Optic Right-of-Way Ordinance (2280-2026): Council President Coyle expressed concern that the company involved may be connecting data centers, which he opposes due to negative economic impacts. The Business Administrator clarified the ordinance only authorizes fiber optic infrastructure for residential/commercial use, not data centers. Councilman Patel requested a written statement that the fiber will not be used for data centers or high-volume traffic. The item may be tabled if answers are not provided by Wednesday's meeting.
• Printing Services Contract (2283-2026): Councilman Patel questioned the need for a $175,000 contract when the township has printers. The Business Administrator explained it is a "not to exceed" amount covering multiple vendors for items like tax bills. Council asked for a breakdown of last year's spending and a list of documents to be printed. The item may be held over if information is not ready by Wednesday.
• Budget and Finance Resolutions: Council discussed the percentage of budget authorized (66.71% general, 68.78% water) and the delayed budget passage. Councilman Bresher moved to pull items D and E from Finance to July 20th, citing lack of a final budget. Council also discussed estimated tax bills (temporary) with a 5% overall increase limit; the county increase was noted at 12%. Councilman Patel requested the finance committee share its report with the whole council.
• Engineering Firm Contract (Item 8A): Council President Coyle proposed pulling the $300,000 contract with a firm he said has been involved in pay-to-play and litigation issues. The Business Administrator agreed to seek quotes from other pre-approved engineering firms to avoid stalling the Safe Streets program. Council supported the pull.
• Bamboo Ordinance: Following public comments, Council members debated the current ordinance's enforcement and fairness. The Township Attorney explained the grandfather clause only applies if bamboo is contained; if it spreads, enforcement actions (fines) can be taken. Councilman Bresher and Councilwoman Kentos expressed concerns about the township acting as judge and jury. Councilman Coyle noted the complexity and asked for more time to educate members; the repeal discussion may continue on Wednesday.
• Councilman Patel's Discussion Items:
  • MRAP Vehicle: Requested specific costs for shipping (none, from East Brunswick), training, maintenance life (15-year-old vehicle), and maintenance history. The Police Captain could not provide dollar figures; Patel asked for answers by Wednesday.
  • Road Paving & Potholes: Asked for a paving schedule and a better pothole reporting mechanism; noted specific roads like Baltic Avenue have not been addressed for years. The Business Administrator asked for specific locations via email.
  • Data Centers: Called for a full prohibition of data centers in Edison.
  • Oak Tree Road Police Substation: Temporarily closed due to officer redeployment; Patel requested at least a police vehicle parked there. The Captain agreed to discuss with the chief.
  • Stormwater Lines: Requested a closed session to discuss cleanup issues on Stevenville Parkway.
  • Polanski Park: Asked whether resident feedback was taken into account for new improvements; Business Administrator said meetings with residents are ongoing.
  • Airbnb Ordinance: Noted the township lacks a specific ordinance; asked the attorney to develop one.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2280-2026 (Fiber Optic): May be tabled if Council does not receive written assurance about data center exclusion by the Wednesday meeting.
• Ordinance 2283-2026 (Printing): May be held over pending detailed spending and document list.
• Finance Resolutions D & E: Pulled from the current agenda and moved to the July 20, 2026 meeting.
• Engineering Firm Contract (Item 8A): Pulled; Business Administrator directed to solicit quotes from other pre-approved firms.
• MRAP Vehicle: Answers on training costs and maintenance costs to be provided by Wednesday.
• Bamboo Ordinance: No action taken; Council President aims to continue discussion and possibly defer repeal until the July 20 meeting.
• General: Several information requests were made (budget spending comparisons, road schedules, stormwater closed session) to be addressed at Wednesday's work session or via email.