Edison Township Council Meeting – September 9, 2026
Edison Township Council Meeting – September 9, 2026
The Edison Township Council held a combined work session and regular meeting on September 9, 2026. The meeting included a resolution recognizing September as National Library Card Sign Up Month, a vote to rescind the bamboo ordinance, the introduction and adoption of a revised rental registration ordinance, and introduction of a bond ordinance for property acquisition. Public comments addressed library services, bamboo enforcement, rental inspections, tax bills, HOA water pipe responsibilities, data centers, and other local concerns.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution Recognizing National Library Card Sign Up Month: Unanimously adopted. The council praised the library’s growth and services, including new museum pass programs and high circulation numbers.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Library Resolution Public Comments:
- Elizabeth Conway praised the library’s museum pass program and suggested more promotion.
- Joy Ship (Edison resident) thanked the library for not banning books and for hosting jazz events.
- Alan (Library Director) announced recent renovations, a new bookmobile, and a strategic plan; noted the library is one of the busiest in the region with half a million items circulated annually.
- Bamboo Ordinance Comments:
- A resident suggested the township hire a contractor to remove bamboo at its own expense; council responded that entering private property with machinery poses liability issues.
- Bart Mercer (Edison resident since 1959) expressed concern about the two-foot trench requirement and potential liability for children falling in; requested clear communication and time to comply.
- Rental Registration Ordinance Comments:
- Joy Ship asked who would conduct inspections and what fines would be for violations; the council responded that code enforcement would handle inspections, with fines from $100 to $2,000.
- Public Oral Petitions:
- Kulbender Tamidha requested tangible support for deployed military families (e.g., tax rebates, gift cards) and asked for property tax reduction from $180M to $150M; criticized training expenses. Council noted the approved veteran tax exemption (resolution 471) and said they would research veterans’ support.
- Ann Persner (Lions Club) promoted a fundraiser dance for the deaf and blind on October 17.
- Elizabeth Conway asked about tax bill delivery (BA said October) and requested improvement to Mini B. Veel playground’s rubber surface (BA said they will consider replacing with turf during expansion).
- Joy Ship thanked DPW for bulk pickups, questioned the success of the $110,000 “Brescia Beach” project, expressed concerns about lithium batteries at the Iron Mountain facility, and asked about a proposed water tank on Tingley Lane.
- Thomas Lucky requested transparency on the Edison Sports Building cost (~$12M) and the Stelton Community Center status; BA said the sports building is at $12.2M, not $17M, and the Stelton center is in concept phase with asbestos remediation quotes being evaluated.
- Mayur Mundada (Victoria Park HOA) complained about being billed for water repairs on common area pipes; council acknowledged the dispute and said they are investigating ownership and agreements.
- Michaeline Wakerling (Victoria Park) asked for a meeting of all HOAs to address pipe maintenance responsibilities, and reported that Xfinity/Comcast does not carry the Edison Community Channel; council promised to follow up.
Discussion Items
- Resolution Recognizing Library Card Sign-Up Month: Unanimously adopted. Council members praised library leadership and staff, highlighted the North Edison branch expansion, and urged residents to get library cards.
- Bamboo Ordinance (rescission): Council debated the existing bamboo ordinance, with Council President Coyle and Councilmember Petil supporting rescission to allow time for revision (adding species like poison ivy, clarifying enforcement). Councilmember Schmuel opposed rescission, arguing the ordinance was workable and only needed minor amendments. Final vote: 4-3 in favor of rescission (Councilmembers Bresher, Dima, Patel, Batil voted yes; Councilmembers Kantos, Schmuel, Coyle voted no). The rescinded ordinance will be replaced with a new version within 30-60 days.
- Rental Registration Ordinance (Amendment): Ordinance 2285-2026 was adopted unanimously. The ordinance updates definitions and inspection requirements for residential rental units, resulting from a negotiated settlement with landlord groups. The settlement provides a sustainable inspection schedule, clear violation guidelines, and reasonable fees.
- Property Acquisition (Eminent Domain): Bond ordinance 2286-2026 introduced for acquisition of property near Thomas Jefferson High School (vacant commercial lot) for $600,000, with $570,000 in bonds. The property is intended for a parking lot expansion of the Stelton Community Center. Council members expressed concerns about eminent domain but supported the introduction; passed unanimously for first reading.
- Second Property Acquisition (Ordinance 2287-2026): Authorizing acquisition of block 82.14 lot 3.02 for public purposes, passed unanimously on first reading.
Key Outcomes
- Library Resolution: Adopted unanimously.
- Bamboo Ordinance Rescission: Adopted 4-3. Immediate effect; no enforcement until new ordinance introduced (expected within 30-60 days).
- Rental Registration Ordinance (Amendment): Adopted unanimously.
- Bond Ordinance for Property Acquisition (2286-2026): Introduced on first reading; public hearing set for September 23, 2026.
- Second Property Acquisition (2287-2026): Introduced on first reading; public hearing set for September 23, 2026.
- Consent Agenda (Resolutions): Adopted except 471 (withdrawn for discussion). Resolution 471 (Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption) adopted separately, granting $35,000 exemption to nine veterans.
- Commitments: BA will provide breakdown of property tax increases by entity; council will investigate Comcast/Xfinity missing community channel; research data center ordinance; and address HOA water pipe disputes.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Uh today is the combined meeting of September 9th. Can we all please rise for the Pledge Allegiance? Congratulations. Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God is visible with liberty and justice. Councilmember Brasher? Here. Councilmember Dima. Here. Councilmember Kantos. Here. Councilmember Petal? Yeah. Councilmember Patel. Here. Councilmember Schmuel. Here. Councilmember Coyle. Here. Adequate notice. Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the Open Public Meeting Act of 1975 has been provided by an annual notice sent to the Home News Tribune, the Star Ledger and Desi Talk on November 17th, 2025, and posted in the main lobby at a municipal complex on that same date. Thank you. Uh good evening, everyone. For those who are attending for the first time, welcome. You may follow along the agenda provided at the back table. You will have four minutes to speak on the public comments and on and on their resolutions and on the oral petition remarks portion of the agenda. If you're watching for the first time from home, please visit Edison NJ dot Edison, NJ.gov. Click on departments, then council, and select council agenda. So you can then follow along with the meeting. If you have any further questions, you may contact any council member or email me personally at JCOIL at EdisonNJ.gov. Thank you. Uh we're just gonna go through the clerk, read resolution. Whereas the Edison Public Library serves as an important community resource, providing residents of all ages with access to books, digital records, educational programs, technology, cultural activities, and various of other services. And whereas September is recognized nationally as National Library Card Sign Up Month, an annual observation that encourages individuals and family to obtain a library card and take advantage of their valuable services and opportunities available through the local library. Whereas a library card provides Edison residents with free access to a wide range of educational, informational, recreational, and cultural resources. Whereas the Edison Township Council recognizes the important role of the Edison uh Edison Public Library plays in strengthening our community, supporting lifetime learning, encouraging literacy, and providing opportunities for residents of all ages. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Edison Township Council hereby recognizes September as National Library Card Sign Up Month in the Township of Edison. Be it further resolved that the Edison Council urges each Edison resident to obtain their free library card and to avail themselves of the many educational, cultural, technology, technological and recreational resources, programs, and services offered by the Edison Public Library. Motion to adopt a second. Second. Aye. Any names? Okay, it's uh the resolution is approved. Uh before we begin is any council comments. Council president. Yes, councilman. Library part is very important uh for everyone, all the residents, but it's about the youths. It's not just for the kids, but it's youth, it's adults, uh, it's the you know, people who are in the their last leg of uh with the life. It's important.
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