Edison Township Council Combined Meeting - August 26, 2026

The combined work session and regular meeting of the Edison Township Council was held on August 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting featured a presentation by the Water and Sewer Utility clarifying its obligations to private developments, followed by extensive public comment from Victoria Park residents regarding a water leak and billing disputes. The council also addressed a dispute over towing subcontracting, appointed an acting municipal clerk, and acted on various resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the June 26, 2026 work session meeting.
• Approved three volunteer firefighters.
• Introduced Ordinance 2285-2026 (amending Chapter 17, residential rental units) with a public hearing set for September 9, 2026.
• Adopted the consent agenda with separate votes on Resolutions 465 and 467.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Resolutions: A resident questioned the collision repair contract (Resolution 465) and asked for vendor reports. Another questioned tax sales certifications and redevelopment agreements. The resolution for Menlo Manor (Item 10B) was tabled due to insufficient documentation.
• Towing Dispute: Scott Flowers, owner of Scott's Towing and an authorized township vendor, alleged that a competitor (Falco's) subcontracts 99% of its calls, violating the towing ordinance. He stated that the ordinance prohibits subcontracting but lacks penalty clauses. Council attorney cautioned the council against taking a position without full context. Councilman Brescher noted that the issue could be resolved by checking vehicle plates on police reports. Council President Coyle said a letter would be sent to the administration to review the matter.
• Water Utility & Victoria Park Leak: Multiple residents from Victoria Park (Hanna Road, Victoria Court) spoke at length. They argued that the Edison Water Utility's own website and municipal code (Section 27-2.15) place responsibility for service lines up to the curb stop on the utility. They noted that the leak in question is on a ¾-inch line (less than the 2-inch exception) and that the utility had previously repaired similar leaks at no cost in 2023 and 2025. Residents requested immediate repair of the ongoing leak (active since at least January 2026) and reversal of chargebacks issued to homeowners. Council President Coyle stated that the issue may become a court matter and that the council could not order the utility to act. Several residents also raised concerns about fire hydrant flushing, traffic safety at Ethel Road/Talmadge and Victoria Court intersections, and support for current acting clerk Marlena.
• Other Public Comments: Joyce Nutsbum (Friends of the Edison Public Library) announced a 5K run fundraiser on October 11, 2026. A resident questioned the cost of a 24-hour furlough. Another resident criticized the council's handling of Marlena's appointment. A veteran asked for recognition of deployed military personnel and better pay for service members.

Discussion Items

• Water Utility Presentation: Director Stephen Bloyd, with supervisors Roger Frida and Bat Dara, presented a slideshow showing that the utility's responsibility ends at the curb stop for private developments (HOAs, condos, apartments). Ordinance 27-2.15 was read: the utility maintains lines from the water main to the curb stop; property owners are responsible for lines beyond. Council members questioned the ongoing leak at Victoria Park (Ethel Road side). Councilman Kentos noted that the leak has been running for months, wasting water from the township reservoir. Councilman Brescher argued that the township should install meters at the curb for all HOAs to track water loss and bill accordingly. Councilman Katel asked about sewer line responsibility (similar, except for pump stations owned by the township). Council President Coyle said the council would investigate past practices and the possibility of a separate utility board.
• Acting Municipal Clerk Appointment: Resolution 467 appointed Heidi Peck as acting municipal clerk for one year. Council President Coyle noted that Peck was the only qualified candidate besides Marlena (the current acting clerk). Councilman Brescher moved to postpone the appointment until October to allow Marlena to take the clerk exam, arguing that it was unfair to bring in a new person for a year. The motion to postpone failed, and the resolution passed 6-1, with Councilman Brescher voting no. Council President Coyle stated that the two would work as a team and that Marlena's compensation would be increased in steps.
• Police Vehicle Repair Contract: Resolution 465 amended a previous contract for collision repairs, increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $36,000. Councilman Brescher requested vendor reports listing vehicles and damages, which the business administrator agreed to provide. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Other Items: Resolution 449 (Menlo Manor agreement) was tabled due to lack of documentation. A resolution for 979 Amboy Avenue (Item 10B) was pulled from the agenda. The council discussed the need for a redevelopment agency and economic development hiring.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Consent agenda adopted. Resolution 465 (police vehicle repair) approved 7-0. Resolution 467 (acting clerk) approved 6-1 (Brescher no). Ordinance 2285-2026 introduced unanimously.
• Water Utility: Council agreed to investigate past practices, fire hydrant flushing, and installing meters at HOA curb stops. Council President Coyle stated that the council would not order the utility to make repairs on private property but would apply pressure on the administration. The issue of the Victoria Park leak may require litigation to resolve boundary responsibilities.
• Traffic Safety: Council requested that the administration evaluate Ethel Road/Talmadge intersection and Victoria Court for traffic safety improvements, including consideration of a blinking stop sign (solar-powered) at Brotherhood and Victoria Park.
• Towing Ordinance: Council will send a letter to the administration to review the subcontracting allegations and consider ordinance amendments.
• Meeting Extension: The meeting was extended by 10 minutes to accommodate public comments.
• Next Steps: The council will continue to investigate the water utility issues and hold a separate meeting if needed. The public hearing for Ordinance 2285-2026 is set for September 9, 2026.