City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · October 21, 2020
Minutes
OCTOBER 21, 2020
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON OCTOBER 21, 2020 AT 5:30 P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Please be advised that the notice requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act have been complied
with and satisfied in that the annual notice, which gave sufficient notice of the time and place, and
conduct of all public meetings of the Municipal Council of the City of New Brunswick, has been
filed with the City Clerk, has been placed on an appropriate bulletin board and posted in the back
vestibule of City Hall visible to the public through the windows in the lobby of City Hall, New
Brunswick, N.J. and has been transmitted to the official newspaper for the City of New Brunswick,
namely The Home News Tribune.
Additionally, a 48-hour notice of the time place and manor of conducting this meeting has been
made by the City Clerk on October 19, 2020 as is required by law.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has issued Executive Orders limiting the size of public
gatherings.
The City Council met with all 5 voting members via conference call.
The City Council intends to meet on a regular schedule and will meet the guidelines of the Open
Public Meetings Act (OPMA) by utilizing teleconferencing systems. Public participation at public
meetings has been revised and the public may participate through a conference call-in system.
The public is encouraged to call into the conference call system through the phone numbers and
access codes transmitted in the 48-HOUR NOTICE and posted in the back vestibule of City Hall
visible to the public through the windows. City employees will also be available via conference call
during this meeting as well. All on the conference call will have the opportunity to hear the City
Council meeting. During the portions of the meetings that are not open for public comment, all
callers from the public will be muted and the Council will not be able to hear any public comment
through the Conference Call system. During the public comment periods those on the conference
call in lines, who have interest in addressing the Council, will first be organized by last name and
then called upon to speak. Public needing assistance accessing the call-in number should call City
Hall at 732-745-5007.
Salute to the Flag.................................................................... Leslie Zeledón
Pause for a moment to honor those American, Iraqis, and Afghanis who have lost their lives in this
current conflict.
Staff in attendance:
Acting City Administrator Michael Drulis
Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg
City Attorney TK Shamy
City Clerk Leslie Zeledón
On motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming and carried, the
minutes of the previous Council Meetings held on September 2, 2020 were approved and adopted as
engrossed.
Meeting called to order by Council President Anderson with Council Members Egan, Escobar,
Fleming, Sicora Ludwig present via teleconferencing system.
PUBLIC HEARING
O-102001 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER
10.20 – HANDICAPPED PARKING, SECTION 10.20.010 –
SCHEDULE 39 – “PARKING ZONES FOR HANDICAPPED
PERSONS”
ADD: 84 PAULUS BOULEVARD
28 LEE AVENUE, APT. 3
456 REMSEN AVENUE
Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil and Ms. Moore inquired on the Ordinance above. City Attorney
Shamy and Council President Anderson responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on October 21, 2020.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-102002 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER
10.41 – ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
RE: VARIOUS PROVISIONS
Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: None
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on October 21, 2020.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-102003 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK, TITLE 5, BUSINESS LICENSES AND
REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 5.20 – BARBERS AND
BEAUTICIANS, SECTION 5.20.010, “REGULATIONS”
RE: HOURS
Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil and Ms. Moore inquired on the ordinance above. Mr. Dominguez
responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on October 21, 2020.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-102004 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK, TITLE 2, ADMINISTRATION AND
PERSONNEL
ADD: CHAPTER 2.68 – DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil and Ms. Moore inquired on the ordinance above. Mr. Drulis and Mr.
Shamy responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on October 21, 2020.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. An ordinance passed by the Township of Franklin to consolidate zoning districts, and to
make associated amendments to the land development ordinance.
2. A letter from Gilberto Mercado requesting a final engineering inspection of 407
Livingston Avenue, and release of the bond associated with the project.
3. A letter from Colgate Paper Stock Company, Inc. requesting the return of the remaining
escrow funds from 6C-52-49 and 6C-52-50.
4. A notification from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
regarding suspected hazardous substance discharge from 9 Industrial Avenue.
5. A notice from PSE&G about upcoming vegetation management work starting on or
after January 1, 2021.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil asked about resolutions R-102037, R-102038, R-102049 and
R-102055. Mr. Mulrine, Mr. Goldberg and Clerk Zeledón responded. Ms. Moore asked about
R-102040, R-102044 and R-102050. Mr. Dominguez and Mr. Valenti responded.
Resolutions R-102033 through R-102055, except R-102046, moved by Council Member Egan,
seconded by Council Member Fleming and carried were adopted, on consent, by the Municipal
Council.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Fire Director and OEM Coordinator Rawls provided an OEM Report. Dir. Rawls stated cases of
COVID-19 are leveling in New Brunswick and the limit to outside dining is unclear. Registration for
testing available. Council VP Sicora Ludwig informed residents of no in person voting due to the
pandemic, Halloween give away at City Hall and spoke about Rutgers Football games. CP Anderson
asked residents to wear their masks under the Halloween masks. CM Escobar mention the virtual
Latino Festival and CM Fleming encouraged residents to support our local businesses. Lindsey
Naugle of 88 Easton Avenue and Claire Montgomery of Michigan inquired about R-102040. Mr.
Dominguez responded. Mr. Kratovil spoke about mail in ballots, a question on the ballot and how
the Council will vote. CM Escobar responded. Mr. Kratovil also asked about the Code Blue
Program and a release of the Continuity Plan. Mr. Shamy and Mr. Jones responded. Mr.
Markopoulos of Middlesex County spoke on the election and urged voters to do the right thing. Ms.
Moore spoke about the need of cleanup, a one-way sign installed by Mr. Valenti and the possibility
of needing additional police. CP urged residents to vote.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón John Anderson
City Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE OCTOBER 21, 2020 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020 @ 5:30 P.M COUNCIL
MEETING, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA
Members of the public will be able to give public comment during public comment portions of the meeting through
telephonic conferencing. To participate you must phone-in by dialing 1 (646) 749-3122 and enter access code
971-533-325 or you may phone-in by dialing 1 (617) 315-0704 and enter access code 173-504-8889.
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
C. REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE BY CITY CLERK
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (OTHER THAN ORDINANCES)
E. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING (REGULAR MATTERS):
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
O-102001 CG 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10,
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 10.20 – HANDICAPPED PARKING,
SECTION 10.20.010 – SCHEDULE 39 – “PARKING ZONES FOR
HANDICAPPED PERSONS”
ADD: 84 PAULUS BOULEVARD
28 LEE AVENUE, APT. 3
456 REMSEN AVENUE
O-102002 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10,
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 10.41 – ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
RE: VARIOUS PROVISIONS
O-102003 TKS 3 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 5,
BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 5.20 – BARBERS
AND BEAUTICIANS, SECTION 5.20.010, “REGULATIONS”
RE: HOURS
O-102004 TKS 4 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 2,
ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
ADD: CHAPTER 2.68 – DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND COMMUNITY
SERVICES
Page 1 of 4
F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-102033 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-102034 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
10/03/20 – 10/16/20
R-102035 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-102036 CG 4 AUTHORIZE RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT
WITH: COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX
FOR: BASIC LIFE SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR 2020
AMOUNT TO BE RECEIVED: $53,000.00
R-102037 TKS 5 RESOLUTION CERTIFYING REVIEW OF THE 2019 ANNUAL AUDIT
R-102038 FIN 6 AUTHORIZE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
RE: 2019 AUDIT
R-102039 FIN 7 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER OVERPAYMENTS ON
TAXES AND UTILITIES
R-102040 FIN 8 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
FOR: HOME GRANT M19-MC340227
AMOUNT: $483,322.00
R-102041 CG 9 APPROVE EXECUTION OF JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT
WITH: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, U.S.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
FOR: NEW JERSEY WATER SCIENCE WATER RESOURCES
INVESTIGATIONS
NTE: $16,900.00
NUNC PRO TUNC
R-102042 TKS 10 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-092037
REASON: TO CORRECT ACCOUNT NUMBER AND CREDIT AMOUNT
WITH: JTG CONSTRUCTION, INC.
FOR: WILCOX ROAD - RUTGERS VILLAGE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT
PROJECT – PHASE II, CONTRACT A
SPECIFICATION NO.: 625-17W
CREDIT AMOUNT: $8,086.44
R-102043 TKS 11 APPROVE ABC LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS
2020 - 2021
R-102044 JC 12 AWARD/REJECT BIDS
FOR: JERSEY AVENUE WATER MAIN UPGRADE
SPECIFICATION NO.: 863-20W
Page 2 of 4
R-102045 JC 13 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-072027
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $329.00
WITH: SUBURBAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC.
FOR: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RUTGERS VILLAGE WATER MAIN
REPLACEMENT PROJECT
SPECIFICATION NO.: 744-19RFP
NTE: $329.00
R-102046 CG 14 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: OLIVE BRANCH BAR AND RESTAURANT
LOCATION: SICARD STREET ADJACENT TO OLIVE BRANCH BAR AND
RESTAURANT
FOR: SOCIALLY DISTANCED RUTGERS FOOTBALL GAME WATCH PARTY
DATE: SATURDAYS: OCTOBER 24, 2020 (12:00 PM GAME TIME);
OCTOBER 31, 2020 (GAME TIME TBD); NOVEMBER 7, 2020 (GAME TIME
TBD); NOVEMBER 14, 2020 (GAME TIME TBD); NOVEMBER 21, 2020
(GAME TIME TBD); AND NOVEMBER 28, 2020 (GAME TIME TBD);
TIMES: FOR ALL 12:00 PM GAME TIMES – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
FOR ALL 3:30 PM GAME TIMES – 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-102047 JC 15 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-082028
CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 - CREDIT
WITH: JO-MED CONTRACTING CORP.
FOR: WILCOX ROAD STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS
SPECIFICATION NO.: 941-20
CREDIT AMOUNT: $11,545.00
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF
THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-102048 CG 16 APPROVE REJECTION OF PROPOSALS AND AUTHORIZATION TO RE-
BID
FOR: EMERGENCY HOUSING SHELTER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
PLANNING, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
RE-BID SPECIFICATION NO.: 855-20RFP
R-102049 TKS 17 RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK EMPLOYEE
HANDBOOK
R-102050 JC 18 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-102021
REASON: NEW DATES
APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND ROAD
CLOSURE
REQUESTED BY: MAXIM CRANE WORKS
REASON: PLACE A CRANE ON FRENCH STREET FOR THE PURPOSE OF
LIFTING HVAC UNITS ON THE ROOF AND REMOVING SUPPORT STEEL
AT ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. FRENCH STREET
WILL BE CLOSED FROM JOYCE KILMER AVENUE TO PATERSON STREET
DATES AND TIMES: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 AT 7:00 PM THROUGH
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 AT 6:00 PM
ALTERNATE DATES AND TIMES: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2020 AT 7:00 PM
THROUGH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020 AT 6:00 PM
R-102051 CG 19 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: ALIMENTA MIS OVEJAS, FEED MY LAMBS
LOCATION: WAR MEMORIAL PARK
FOR: WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020
ALTERNATE DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020
TIME: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Page 3 of 4
R-102052 JC 20 APPROVE REQUEST FROM NEW BRUNSWICK CITY MARKET
FOR: TEMPORARY INSTALLATION OF BLOCK R FLAGS TO ALTERNATE
WITH THE AMERICAN FLAG ALONG GEORGE STREET FOR A THEMED
KICK-OFF WEEKEND CELEBRATING RUTGERS FOOTBALL SEASON
OPENER AGAINST MICHIGAN STATE
DATES: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 THROUGH SUNDAY, OCTOBER
25, 2020
R-102053 JC 21 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-032033
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $2,000.00 FOR THE LIBRARY
FOR: TEMPERATURE CONTROL/HVAC MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
WITH: UNITEMP, INC.
SPECIFICATION NO.: 815-20P
NTE: $2,000.00
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF
THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-102054 TKS 22 AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT
WITH: CGP&H, LLC
FOR: PROGRAM MANAGER FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
TERM: TWO (2) YEARS FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2020 – OCTOBER 31, 2022
H. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL:
ACTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
TO: NO.
1 OEM COVID-19 UPDATE
I. PUBLIC COMMENT:
J. DATES TO REMEMBER:
1. CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020
5:30 PM
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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