07:24The meeting began with a presentation honoring the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club at Piscataway High School. The council president recognized the club’s collaboration with the school district, police department, and traffic safety division to promote safe driving. The club, which grew to nearly 40 members in its first year, participated in the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey’s program focusing on teen driving safety. They launched the “Pway You Know, Drive Safe, Drive Slow” campaign to address speeding issues identified in surveys with the Piscataway Police Department. This campaign included outreach events, educational seminars, and community road safety assessments.

The council praised the students’ leadership and community engagement, noting that speeding complaints are frequent among residents. A patrolman expressed gratitude to the students and the club advisor, emphasizing that their initiative could help lower speed-related crashes in the community. The club advisor, Mrs. Benjamin, expressed pride in the students. She acknowledged the support from peers present at the meeting.

39:57Following the recognition of the SADD club, the council shifted focus to financial matters, specifically the adoption of the CY 2025 municipal budget. The budget, totaling $86,250,687.77, includes allocations for municipal purposes and a minimum library tax. It anticipates general revenue surplus and miscellaneous revenues, with projections from delinquent taxes contributing to the financial plan. A roll call confirmed unanimous approval of the budget.

22:18During the meeting, the council also discussed amendments to local ordinances, notably those concerning traffic regulations. A motion was made to adopt an ordinance prohibiting parking at all times on Fitz Randolph Road, which passed unanimously. Additionally, the council introduced a new ordinance for a first reading. This ordinance addresses turn prohibitions and the removal of inactive utility lines, scheduled for a public hearing in July 2025.

28:00The council also addressed infrastructure projects, including the replacement of gas lines on WET Street and improvements to sanitary sewer systems on Washington and Carlton Avenues. These projects are expected to cause temporary traffic delays, and the township is coordinating with the county engineering department for detour plans. Additionally, the council awarded a contract for the Loveguard Street project as part of the 2024 local aid initiative, anticipated to begin in mid-July.

01:02:35In the public comment section, residents raised concerns about property maintenance and recent roadwork quality. A resident criticized the condition of new pavement on Prospect Street and misaligned manholes, leading to potholes. The council president clarified that the township does not intervene in court matters, maintaining the separation between municipal and judicial processes.

26:53A resident inquired about a senior housing project, requesting details on its phases and timeline. The planning board will review the redevelopment plan before any construction begins. Further inquiries addressed road projects and the replacement of a digital sign board at the Wester Library, damaged in an accident.

31:21The council member addressed public safety concerns raised by a previous speaker who criticized the police department, defending the township’s safety record. They suggested focusing on financial decisions rather than criticizing community safety, specifically mentioning an increase in taxes on average assessed homes.