City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · November 4, 2020
Minutes
NOVEMBER 4, 2020
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON NOVEMBER 4, 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 November 2, 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 16, 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 conference call.
PUBLIC HEARING
NONE
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
O-112001 AN ORDINANCE TO GRANT AN EASEMENT INTO THE
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK’S RIGHT-OF-WAY ALONG
REDMOND STREET AND REMSEN AVENUE
BLOCK 140, LOT 4.01
On a motion of Council Member Sicora-Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on
November 18 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-112002 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK, TITLE 5, BUSINESS LICENSES AND
REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 5.80, "RENT CONTROL"
RE: VARIOUS SECTIONS
On a motion of Council Member Sicora-Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on
November 18 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-112003 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK, TITLE 15, BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION,
CHAPTER 15.40, "PERIODIC INSPECTION"
RE: AMEND SECTION 15.40.080, “FEES”
On a motion of Council Member Sicora-Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on
November 18 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-112004 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY
PROVIDING FOR A SPECIAL EMERGENCY
APPROPRIATION PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53 (m) IN
THE AMOUNT OF $6,750,000.00 TO FUND A DEFICIT IN
OPERATIONS
On a motion of Council Member Sicora-Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on
November 18 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A letter from French Street Urban Renewal, Corp providing a copy of the December 31,
2019 and 2018 Financial Auditor’s Report for 10 Plum Street.
2. A letter of transmittal from Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
including a Remedial Action Protectiveness/Biennial Certification Form.
3. A letter from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
regarding a request for a letter of interpretation.
4. A legal notice from the Township of Edison regarding a Minor Subdivision application
of 41 Glendale, LLC and J. Scheer Industries, Inc.
5. A letter from Colgate Paper Stock Company, Inc. regarding a request for final inspection
for 12 Industrial Drive.
6. A letter from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
regarding a Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification.
7. A Notice of Hearing regarding an application filed by Joseph Catanese to the Zoning
Board of Adjustment.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired about R-112011, R-112012 and R-112018, Mr. Shamy,
Captain Miller and Mr. Duchesneau responded. Ms. Moore inquired about R-112011 and R-112028,
Mr. Anderson responded.
Resolutions R-112001 through R-112028, 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
OEM Coordinator Rawls provided the Council with a COVID-19 update. The trend of COVID
cases have increased and appointments are of available for testing. Council Vice President Sicora
Ludwig thanked the Administration, Police and Fire for a safe Halloween. CVP also remembered
the Veteran’s and congratulated her fellow colleagues on being reelected. CM Escobar congratulated
her colleagues on being reelected and thanked the Mayor’s office for the Halloween festivities,
mention the Day of the Dead celebration. CM Egan congratulated the Council Members on their
reelection, CP Anderson echoed. Mr. Charlie Kratovil of Suydam Street asked on clarifications on
the hours of the 2021 Council meetings, spoke about the proposed location of Lincoln Annex and
Cold Blue. CP Anderson and Keith Jones responded. Ms. Danielle Moore of Birchwood Terrace
spoke on the need of clean up in the Somerset Street area and Cold Blue. CP Anderson and Mr.
Jones responded. Ms. Linda Stork of Park Blvd. spoke about Cold Blue, shootings in town and the
proposed new school. Capt. Miller and Mr. Mulrine responded.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:37 P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón John Anderson
City Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE NOVEMBER 4, 2020 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020 @ 5:30 P.M COUNCIL
MEETING, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 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 (224) 501-3412 and enter access code
595-412-861 or you may phone-in by dialing 1 (617) 315-0704 and enter access code 173-972-8926.
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 16, 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.
F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
O-112001 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO GRANT AN EASEMENT INTO THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK’S RIGHT-OF-WAY ALONG REDMOND STREET AND
REMSEN AVENUE
BLOCK 140, LOT 4.01
0-112002 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 5,
BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 5.80, "RENT
CONTROL"
RE: VARIOUS SECTIONS
O-112003 TKS 3 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 15.40, "PERIODIC
INSPECTION"
RE: AMEND SECTION 15.40.080, “FEES”
Page 1 of 5
O-112004 TKS 4 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, COUNTY OF
MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY PROVIDING FOR A SPECIAL
EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53 (m) IN
THE AMOUNT OF $6,750,000.00 TO FUND A DEFICIT IN OPERATIONS
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-112001 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-112002 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
10/17/20 – 10/30/20
R-112003 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-112004 TKS 4 AUTHORIZE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT
WITH: FINESTEIN & MALLOY, LLC
FOR: IN THE MATTER OF MO GEO LLC V CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
NTE: $7,500.00
R-112005 JC 5 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: 72 HOUR LLC, D/B/A NATIONAL AUTO FLEET GROUP, CHEVROLET
OF WATSONVILLE
FOR: ONE (1) DUMP TRUCK FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
NTE: $176,184.00
SOURCEWELL FORMERLY THE NATIONAL JOINT POWERS ALLIANCE
(NJPA)
R-112006 JC 6 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY DIVISION OF ANIMAL CONTROL UNDER
NEW JERSEY STATE APPROVED CO-OP #65MCESCCPS-THE
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ PRICING SYSTEM
FROM: UNITED FORD, LLC
FOR: ONE (1) 2021 FORD F350 PICKUP TRUCK WITH OPTIONS
NTE: $33,753.14
R-112007 CG 7 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY DIVISION OF PARKS AND SHADE TREES
UNDER NEW JERSEY STATE APPROVED CO-OP #65MCESCCPS-THE
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ PRICING SYSTEM
FROM: STORR TRACTOR COMPANY
FOR: ONE (1) RIDE ON LAWN MOWER
NTE: $66,846.40
R-112008 JC 8 AUTHORIZE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT
TO: GARDEN STATE VETERINARY SERVICES
FOR: AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY VETERINARIAN SERVICES – DIVISION
OF ANIMAL CONTROL
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING NOVEMBER 5, 2020
AND ENDING NOVEMBER 4, 2021
NTE: $1,000.00
R-112009 JC 9 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY DIVISION OF PARKS AND SHADE TREES
UNDER NEW JERSEY STATE APPROVED CO-OP #65MCESCCPS-THE
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ PRICING SYSTEM
FROM: W.E. TIMMERMAN CO., INC.
FOR: ONE (1) AERIAL LIFT TRUCK
NTE: $137,796.91
Page 2 of 5
R-112010 CG 10 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
(SIDEWALK ONLY)
REQUESTED BY: COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH
LOCATION: SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF TRAIN STATION
FOR: CLOTHING GIVEAWAY AND GIFT CARDS TO DUNKIN DONUTS AND
MCDONALDS TO THE NEEDY AND HOMELESS OF THE COMMUNITY
DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020
RAIN DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020
TIME: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
R-112011 TKS 11 RESCIND RESOLUTION R-061942
FOR: NB CULTURAL CENTER, INC.
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.:1214-33-002-009
R-112012 JC 12 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: LEXISNEXIS RISK SOLUTIONS
FOR: ONLINE ACCESS TO ACCIDENT REPORTS FOR THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING NOVEMBER 19, 2020
AND ENDING NOVEMBER 18, 2021
SPECIFICATION NO.: 859-20RFP
FAIR AND OPEN
R-112013 CG 13 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-042004
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $1,786.00 FOR THE WATER UTILITY
WITH: GARDEN STATE LABORATORIES, INC.
FOR: LABORATORY ANALYSIS FOR THE WATER UTILITY
NTE: $1,786.00
R-112014 TKS 14 AUTHORIZE RENEWAL OF INTERLOCAL SERVICE CONTRACT
AGREEMENT
WITH: MIDDLESEX COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY &
HEALTH
FOR: PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
TERM: JANUARY 1, 2021 – DECEMBER 31, 2021
NTE: $261,499.90
R-112015 JC 15 APPROVE RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE POLICE TRAFFIC CONTROL
OFFICER ALLOCATION
FOR: JERSEY AVENUE WATER MAIN UPGRADE
SPECIFICATION NO.:863-20W
NTE: $25,000.00
R-112016 CG 16 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-091905
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $121.58 TO PAY OUTSTANDING
INVOICES
WITH: BAKER & TAYLOR, LLC – A SUBSIDIARY OF BTAC ACQUISITION
CORP.
FOR: BOOKS PURCHASED FROM A WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE
NEW BRUNSWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
SPECIFICATION NO.: 774-19RFP
NTE: $121.58
R-112017 CG 17 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: FIREHOUSE INNOVATIONS, CORP.
FOR: PROPRIETARY TRAINING APPARATUS FOR THE FIRE
DEPARTMENT
NTE: $7,275.00
Page 3 of 5
R-112018 JC 18 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-082021
REASON: AN ADDITIONAL $70,000.00 TO PAY OUTSTANDING INVOICES
FOR SPECIALIZED LEGAL SERVICES
WITH: HOAGLAND, LONGO, MORAN, DUNST & DOUKAS, LLP
FOR: 2020 SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR TAX APPEALS – DIVISION OF
ASSESSMENTS
NTE: $70,000.00
R-112019 CG 19 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE
FOR: 2018 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS – PHASE II, JOYCE KILMER
AVENUE
SPECIFICATION NO.: 887-20W
R-112020 CG 20 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND ROAD
CLOSURE
REQUESTED BY: CROWN CASTLE FIBER
REASON: INSTALL FIBER OPTIC CABLE TO 108 CHURCH STREET
ROAD CLOSURE: CHURCH STREET FROM SPRING STREET TO GEORGE
STREET
DATES AND TIMES: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020 AT 10:00 PM TO
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 BY 6:00 AM
R-112021 JC 21 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND ROAD
CLOSURE
REQUESTED BY: PJM MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC.
REASON: PLACE A CRANE AT ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY
HOSPITAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF PLACING HVAC EQUIPMENT ON THE
ROOF – CRANE PLACED ON SOMERSET STREET
ROAD CLOSURE: SOMERSET STREET FROM HARDENBERG STREET TO
DIVISION STREET
DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020
ALTERNATE DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020
TIME: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
R-112022 CG 22 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE IN THE AMOUNT OF
$17,127.36 AND BALANCE OF SITE INSPECTION FEES OF $652.29
TO: JAMES PAGANO
49 BARTLETT STREET
BLOCK 7, LOT 7.01
R-112023 TKS 23 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062011
REASON: RELEASE OF SITE INSPECTION FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF
$6,899.97 ALONG WITH ACCRUED INTEREST
TO: 986 JERSEY AVENUE, LLC C/O WICK COMPANIES, LLC
FOR: 986 JERSEY AVENUE
BLOCK 598, LOT 6
R-112024 CG 24 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CULTURAL CENTER, INC.
LOCATION: MONUMENT SQUARE PARK
FOR: DAY OF THE DEAD “DÍA DE MUERTOS” COMMUNITY ALTAR
DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020
TIME: PARK USAGE: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SET UP: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
VIEWING: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
CLEANUP/DISMANTLING: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Page 4 of 5
R-112025 JC 25 APPROVE PURCHASE BY THE DIVISION OF PARKS AND SHADE TREES
UNDER NJ STATE CONTRACT # 83010/T-2080, TRUCKS, 26000 LB. GVWR
MAX. CABOVER/CONVENTIONAL CAB & CHASSIS, WITH 18’ STAKE/DRY
VAN/REFRIGERATED VAN BODIES & 3,000 LB. CAPACITY
LIFTGATE/RAILGATE STATEWIDE
WITH: H.K. TRUCK SERVICES, INC.
FOR: ONE (1) 2021 GARBAGE TRUCK
NTE: $122,360.00
R-112026 TKS 26 APPROVE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF GEORGE STREET BETWEEN
ALBANY STREET AND BAYARD STREET TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY,
SEVEN DAYS A WEEK (24/7), FROM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020
THROUGH FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021
REASON: TO PROVIDE OUTDOOR SEATING FOR RESTAURANTS
R-112027 CG 27 APPROVE PLACEMENT OF LIEN FOR CLEAN UP OF PROPERTY
LOCATION: 133 JONES AVENUE
BLOCK 212, LOT 1.01
AMOUNT: $2,575.00
H. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL:
ACTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
TO: NO.
1 OEM COVID-19 UPDATE
TKS 2 PROPOSED 2021 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE
I. PUBLIC COMMENT:
J. DATES TO REMEMBER:
1. CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
5:30 PM
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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