Council pursues more discussions on issues
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK - There will be more discussion of important agenda items at Township Council meetings this year.

Council President Nancy Pinkin said last week that she wants there to be greater discussion of important agenda items before the meetings in which those issues are actually voted upon. This will be done via presentations and discussions at a prior meeting.

The new process is to avoid situations in which council members' questions cannot be answered at the spur of the moment when an issue is coming up for a vote.

Pinkin noted that the council is working on a number of important and complex issues such as construction at both the Golden Triangle and Heavenly Farms, and many people need more information.

"I felt a change was needed," she said.

The added discussion time, Pinkin said, will also involve members of the township's professional staff, who will be called upon to give presentations and answer questions.

Councilman David Stahl said he supports the move.

"I'm always in favor of discussion and getting more information, so there's no doubt about [supporting it]," Stahl said. "Plus, I think it helps get residents more information."

Though the council has traditionally held agenda meetings, they often lacked discussion or did not include members of the township's staff. Often the agenda meetings were combined with action meetings, which is when resolutions and ordinances are passed.

Pinkin said it is difficult for the administration to always have all the answers council members are seeking, so she felt it best to bring in the professional staff.

"The intent is to go back to more agenda-type meetings," Stahl said.

Councilwoman Catherine Diem said she never liked the idea of items coming up for vote without being talked about.

"We'll be implementing a more dialogue-based meeting," she said. "Agenda nights tended to be very short."

Pinkin said she hopes to start taking the new approach this month.

Though the new process was her prerogative as president, Pinkin said she wanted to go over it with the entire council before proceeding. The council accepted the idea during the Jan. 8 meeting.