City Council

NOTE: THE FULL TEXT OF ALL REPORTS, PETITIONS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, MOTIONS, AND OTHER PAPERS WHICH APPEAR HEREIN BY SYNOPSIS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR EXAMINATION AT THE CITY CLERK' S OFFICE DURING THE REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. THESE MINUTES DO NOT PURPORT TO CONTAIN THE FULL CONTENTS OF THE MATTERS DISCUSSED. I East Orange City Council Special Meeting Virtual Meeting Zoom Thursday November 7th, 2024 I. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilman Casim Gomez Councilman Bergson Leneus Councilwoman Amy Lewis Councilwoman Naiima H. Fauntleroy Councilwoman Alicia Holman Councilwoman Tameika Garrett-Ward( arrived at 6: 44 p.m.) Councilman Christopher Awe (arrived at 6: 09 p.m.) Councilman Christopher D. James Chairman Vernon Pullins, Jr. ABSENT: Councilman Sammed R. Monk The City Clerk determined there was a quorum and the meeting commenced at 6: 06 PM. ALSO PRESENT: Tracey S. Cosby., Esq II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG III. SILENT PRAYER IV. SUNSHINE LAW STATEMENT THIS MEETING, WHICH CONFORMS WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW, CHAPTER 213, P. L. 1975, IS A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING. NOTICES HAVE BEEN FILED WITH OUR OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER WITH THE CITY CLERK AND POSTED ON THE REGULAR BULLETIN BOARD. THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED VIRTUALLY, STREAMING ON FACEBOOK LIVE AT FACEBOOK. COM/ EOCITYCOUNCIL. RESIDENTS WERE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS VIA EMAIL TO CITYCOUNCIL(&,EASTORANGE- NJ. GOV 1  BY 5: 30 P.M. TO BE READ DURING THE OPEN HEARING OF THE CITIZENS PORTION OF THE MEETING. REPORT OF COMMITTEES A. FINANCE Councilman James motioned for an executive session on personal, labor, and contractual agreements. Councilman Gomez seconded the motion. A roll call was taken: Aye: Councilman Gomez, Councilman Leneus, Councilwoman Lewis, Councilwoman Fauntleroy, Councilwoman. Holman, Councilwoman Garrett- Ward, Councilman Awe, Councilman James, Chairman Pullins Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Councilman Monk 9- Ayes, 0- Nays, 0- Abstentions, 1- Absent) Entered into Executive Session at 6: 26 p. m. Exited Executive Session at 9: 50 p. m. A roll call was taken: Aye: Councilman Gomez, Councilman Leneus, Councilwoman Lewis, Councilwoman Fauntleroy, Councilwoman Holman, Councilwoman Garrett- Ward, Councilman Awe, Councilman James, Chairman Pullins Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Councilman Monk 9- Ayes, 0- Nays, 0- Abstentions, 1- Absent) X. HEARING OF CITIZENS 1. Virginia Jeffries: Good evening to all attending this virtual Special City Council Meeting. What personnel matters need to be discussed? Are they Contract negotiations? Layoffs? Terminations? East Orange Board of Education shared agreements? East Orange Board of Education budget shortfall impact? Something else? Why are there so many special meetings scheduled? Will any of these meetings be made public, and if so, when? If not, why? 2 2. Mushana K Dunham Bey: First, I wanted to say- that the Harvest Fest/ Halloween Events throughout the City looked very Delightful for the Families and Children! I volunteered for the 1st time ever in my 2nd Ward Trunk or Treat! This Event was in collaboration with Rowley Park- EO Recreational Staff& the EO YMCA. What an exciting Community Event! Great turnout and teamwork with Mr. Constantine Edmonds of EO Rec Dep & Mr.John M. Johnson from the YMCA! That brings me to my main focus for this Public Comment. We residents need EO to do better and be better. Please keep Residents and your constituents updated on all changes IMMEDIATELY and ongoing. For example, very few updates went into the Columbian Park Pool opening, hours, and closures during the Summer Season. When things change, there should be Social Media Posts and Signage at the Pool locations. The biggest concerns are the Summer Programs and After School Rec Smart Programs. More information about enrollment needs to be available ( ongoing enrollment should always be an option). Please let's begin talks to bring back the Autism Summer Camp, whether or not Nassans Place runs it. I understand that Mayor Ted Green sits on the Board of Nassans' s place and has been negligent in getting and keeping the program in the City of EO. In addition, the City of EO has completely and without notice done away with the RecSmart After School Program. These programs were located at Rowley Park house and ECC ( Essex Civic Circle) after school Mon- Fri 330- 6pm. I was under the impression( after many inquiries) that these programs were to be moved to School Locations, but after the Town Rec did not meet deadlines and state regulations at School sites, everything fell through. But everything fell through without updated notice or updates to Families and Residents. Some families, regardless of the number, depended on these Site Program locations. In the past, my nephew, along with many others, enjoyed being able to play in Rowley Park after school, then go in the Park house where they could be safe to be themselves, read, have homework help, go on trips, attend community events and some ate the hot meals provided. But now, abruptly, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, and nowhere for a child who might not be interested in playing a sport. We deserve an explanation, and we should be exploring these options as a Town! What is to come of the Youth with no Recreational after- school programs? How does a Town continue to improve and thrive without such Programs for the Youth in the community? We also want to hear more feedback on the state of the School District from our Representatives. From our City Hall Council members, From District 34 Legislative Assemblywoman Carmen T. Morales, from State Senator Britnee Timberlake, and many others, sooner rather than later. 3. Brother Lamar: I still believe hope exists for our young people in EO! Please remember that I am still asking, pleading, & begging you All to remember All of our young people who have passed away in EO, especially since 1975! Please remember that I still believe we must try to teach our young people to love God, their neighbor, love themselves, & love each other! Please remember that a number of our young people have emotional & mental health issues. Please remember that a number of our young people have family problems. Please remember that a number of them need extra support! Please remember that our young people need their teachers & social workers especially! I apologize for the budget situation with our EOBOE & EOSD family! Please remember that our EOBOE members & EOSD employees are good people! Please remember that they are trying to do the right thing for our young people at EO! Please remember that our young people in EO need their teachers and social workers. again, please! I hope & pray that you all will try to help with the budget situation with our EOBOE & EOSD family, please? Thank you all so much for all that you do for all of our people in EO, especially our young people! 3 XII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Councilwoman Holman moved adjourn. The mo ' on was se nded by Councilman Awe and the meeting was adjo • ed at 10. 16 PM. r, Cynthia S. Brown Verno P llins Jr. City Clerk City Coufc' Chairm. 4