Edison Council Meeting Rundown | February 25, 2026
Edison Council Tables Pay Raise, Rejects 6-Minute Public Comment Proposal
Council President Joseph Coyle during the Edison Township Council’s Feb. 25 combined meeting. (Edison Television)
Chris Howell | February 26, 2026
The Edison Township Council tabled a proposed salary increase, rejected an ordinance restoring six-minute public comment, and narrowly approved a revised military leave policy during its Feb. 25 combined meeting.
The meeting also included approval of a $6.25 million bond ordinance, more than $650,000 in professional services contracts, and an $85,000 settlement.
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Pay Raise Ordinance Tabled
The council postponed a vote on Ordinance O.2275-2026, which would raise maximum annual salaries:
- Council President: $18,500 → $27,500
- Council Member: $17,500 → $26,500
During the discussion, Councilmember Richard Brescher said he believes “$45,000 would be a fair number if the council people are doing their job,” but emphasized the need for fiscal oversight.
Councilmember Asaf Shmuel said he could not support the increase at this time because of budget timing concerns.
Council President Joseph Coyle then moved to table the ordinance after it became clear it lacked the votes to pass.
Vote to Table:
YES:
Joseph Coyle
Kelli Dima
Robert Kentos
Biral Patel
Ajay Patil
Asaf Shmuel
NO:
Richard Brescher
The ordinance remains pending and may return at a future meeting.
Former Council President Margot Harris speaks during public comment at the Feb. 25 Edison Township Council meeting as former Councilwoman Joyce Ship Freeman listens. (Edison Television)
Public Comment Proposal Fails, 3–3–1
The council rejected Ordinance O.2277-2026, which would have restored six-minute public comment periods.
The current speaking limit is four minutes.
Vote:
YES:
Richard Brescher
Ajay Patil
Robert Kentos
NO:
Joseph Coyle
Kelli Dima
Asaf Shmuel
ABSTAIN:
Biral Patel
The measure failed due to a lack of majority support.
During public comment, Elizabeth Conway criticized the council’s approach to public participation. Joyce Ship Freeman said residents deserve sufficient time to address their elected officials.
“Shame on you,” said former council president Margot Harris, addressing the council members who voted against the measure.
No extended defense of the four-minute limit was offered during debate.
Military Pay Ordinance Passes 4–2–1
The council approved Ordinance O.2273-2026, revising military leave policies for township employees.
The changes:
- Expand combat zone paid leave provisions.
- Clarify inactive duty training benefits.
- Cap township-paid active duty at 90 work days per year, or 180 days in combat zone cases.
- Allow continuation of health benefits if employees pay premiums.
- Maintain accrual of vacation, personal, and sick time.
Vote:
YES:
Joseph Coyle
Kelli Dima
Biral Patel
Asaf Shmuel
NO:
Richard Brescher
Ajay Patil
ABSTAIN:
Robert Kentos
During public comment, Conway questioned the need for changes, saying the township had previously stood firmly behind military employees. Freeman said she was uncomfortable supporting revisions without direct feedback from service members.
Drainage Project Moves Forward, Includes Property Acquisition Authority
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance O.2276-2026, advancing a $6.25 million drainage project in the areas of Calvert Avenue & Abbott Court and Wayne & Huntington Road.
The ordinance authorizes the township to acquire “real property and/or property interests” needed to complete the project.
That includes the ability to purchase private property or secure easements in neighborhoods where drainage improvements are planned.
Under New Jersey law, if voluntary negotiations with property owners are unsuccessful, the township would have the authority to pursue acquisition through eminent domain. Officials did not indicate on Tuesday how many properties could ultimately be affected.
Councilmember Ajay Patil called the project “a dream come true,” thanking the administration and former councilmember Bob Diehl for working toward the long-planned improvements.
Funding for the project is expected to be reflected in the municipal budget once finalized.
$650K in Professional Services Contracts
The council approved several professional services agreements:
Labor Counsel
Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs, LLC
Not to exceed: $175,000
Engineering Services
CME Associates
Not to exceed: $350,000
Redevelopment Planning
Phillips Preiss Grygiel Leheny & Hughes
Not to exceed: $125,000
Total authorized: more than $650,000.
These were approved with minimal discussion.
Upcoming Events Highlighted
During closing remarks, council members noted:
- Farmers Market at the Toth Center
- Community center programming updates
- Pedestrian safety improvements
- Smart City technology initiatives
- Traffic safety and speed limit reviews
The council is scheduled to meet again for a work session and regular meeting during the second week of March, when the tabled salary ordinance is scheduled to return for a final vote.
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