City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · December 2, 2020
Minutes
DECEMBER 2, 2020
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON DECEMBER 2, 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 30, 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 5 voting members of the City Council 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:
Assistant 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 October 21, 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-112005 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: 275 COMSTOCK STREET
61 THROOP AVENUE
313 SUYDAM STREET
Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil asked for the process of the above ordinance for handicapped
parking. Mr. Shamy responded. Ms. Moore inquired on the ordinance above, Lt. Johnson of the
NBPA responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on December 2, 2020.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Escobar, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
O-122001 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 3, REVENUE
AND FINANCE, CHAPTER 3.28 - FEE SCHEDULE, SECTION 3.28.120 -
PARKS AND RECREATION FEES
RE: AMEND RECREATION PERMIT 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
December 16 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-122002 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 2,
ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL, CHAPTER 2.64 – DEPARTMENT OF
POLICE
RE: POLICE EXTRA DUTY RATES FOR 2021 - 2024
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
December 16 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-122003 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 8, HEALTH AND
SAFETY, CHAPTER 8.40 – SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL,
SECTION 8.40.040-C – REGULATIONS
RE: RECYCLING CONTAINERS
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
December 16 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 Middlesex County Department of Transportation regarding the Agriculture
Development Board 2021 Meeting Schedule.
2. A letter from Fenton Construction Company, Inc. requesting an Engineering Inspection
for the Pentecostal Council Church of God located at 176 Paul Robeson Boulevard.
3. A letter from the State of New Jersey Department of Transportation regarding the 2021
Municipal Aid Program for Sandford Street Roadway Improvements.
4. A letter from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
regarding a notice of Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge.
5. A letter from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
regarding One 550 Gallon #2 Heating Oil Underground Storage Tank System at 22
Delafield Street.
6. A letter from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
regarding One 1000 Gallon #2 Heating Oil Underground Storage Tank System at 8
Seaman Street.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired about R-122016 and R-122017. TK Shamy responded. Ms.
Moore inquired about R-122009 and R-122015. Captain Miller and Mr. Mulrine responded. Ms.
Stork inquired in R-102012, R-102029, and R-102030. Mr. Mulrine and Mr. Dominguez responded.
Resolutions R-122001 through R-122029, 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 Rawls provided the Council with an OEM Report. He reported steady increases in
cases around the City and Country. Testing site still available through the County program.
Mr. Jones provided the Council with a Cold Blue update- the Unity Square Building located on
Remsen Avenue will be a designated space for cold blue. Cold Blue notifications will be sent
through the Nixle alerts, social media and hospitals. Council VP encouraged residents to visit the
City Market website for events, CM Esobar thanked the PD, RWJ for distributing turkeys. CM
Escobar also thanked fellow Council Member Egan and his father for their commitment to the
community and donating over 200 turkeys to residents. CM Fleming asked residents to stay safe, be
alert and if they see something, say something. CP Anderson asked residents to stop by and enjoy
the carriage rides and the event with Santa. Mr. Kratovil of Suydam Street asked how many murders
and shootings have taken place in 2020. Capt. Miller responded. Mr. Kratovil asked about the water
quality, CP Anderson responded. Ms. Moore thanked Mr. Valenti, asked about the park over on
French Street involving overdoses, Capt. Miller responded on the investigations. Ms. Laura Mers of
20 Hiram Square mentioned her and her husband has been enjoying the closure of George Street,
concern of shootings and the update of the latest shooting. Capt. Miller responded the shooting is
still an ongoing investigation. Ms. Pamela Stefanek mentioned Santa will be behind glass at the
Performing Art Center and thanked the City for allowing the outside seating for the local businesses.
Mr. Herb Tarbous of Piscataway asked what are the plans for expanding the Council from 5 to 7
members and spoke about political parties in general. Mr. Shamy responded.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:41 P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón John Anderson
City Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE DECEMBER 2, 2020 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020 @ 5:30 P.M COUNCIL
MEETING, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 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 (786) 535-3211 and enter access code
153-715-061 or you may phone-in by dialing 1 (617) 315-0704 and enter access code 179-477-3927.
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: OCTOBER 21, 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-112005 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: 275 COMSTOCK STREET
61 THROOP AVENUE
313 SUYDAM STREET
F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
O-122001 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 3,
REVENUE AND FINANCE, CHAPTER 3.28 - FEE SCHEDULE, SECTION
3.28.120 - PARKS AND RECREATION FEES
RE: AMEND RECREATION PERMIT FEES
O-122002 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 2,
ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL, CHAPTER 2.64 – DEPARTMENT
OF POLICE
RE: POLICE EXTRA DUTY RATES FOR 2021 - 2024
Page 1 of 5
O-122003 TKS 3 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 8,
HEALTH AND SAFETY, CHAPTER 8.40 – SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
AND DISPOSAL, SECTION 8.40.040-C – REGULATIONS
RE: RECYCLING CONTAINERS
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-122001 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-122002 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
11/14/20 – 11/27/20
R-122003 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-122004 JC 4 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF GRANT
AGREEMENT FOR 2021
FOR: 2021 SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM
GRANT NO.: 21-1213
AMOUNT: $32,400.00
R-122005 JC 5 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: POWER PLACE, INC.
FOR: ONE (1) TRUCK LOADER
NTE: $28,079.99
R-122006 CG 6 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTON R-082044
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $3,000.00 FOR THE DATA
PROCESSING DIVISION
WITH: INSYNC MUNICIPAL SYSTEMS D/B/A FIRST BYTE CORPORATION
FOR: 2020 TAX, WATER & SEWER BILLING AND COLLECTION
SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES
AMOUNT: $3,000.00
R-122007 JC 7 APPROVE PURCHASE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
UNDER NEW JERSEY START CONTRACT 88727/T-2100 – VEHICLES,
TRUCKS, CLASS 2, PICKUP/UTILITY, WITH SNOW PLOW OPTION
FROM: BEYER FORD, LLC
FOR: ONE (1) 2021 FORD F-250 WITH OPTIONS
NTE: $38,397.50
R-122008 CG 8 APPROVE PURCHASE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
UNDER NEW JERSEY START CONTRACT 88214/T-2102 – VEHICLES,
TRUCKS, CLASS 4, UTILITY/DUMP, WITH SNOW PLOW OPTION
FROM: BEYER FORD, LLC
FOR: ONE (1) 2020 F-450 WITH OPTIONS
NTE: $56,656.50
R-122009 FIN 9 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
FOR: SAFE & SECURE COMMUNITIES
AMOUNT: $60,000.00
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R-122010 FIN 10 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
FOR: NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION – COVID-19
AMOUNT: $237,600.00
R-122011 FIN 11 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
FOR: MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE
AMOUNT: $16,802.00
R-122012 FIN 12 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
U.S. BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
FOR: 2020 BULLETPROOF VEST
AMOUNT: $11,652.30
R-122013 FIN 13 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
MIDDLESEX COUNTY OFFICE OF AGING – TITLE III B
FOR: SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS
AMOUNT: $11,927.00
R-122014 JC 14 APPROVE PURCHASE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER GSA
CONTRACT NUMBER 47QSWA19D001F
FROM: MERIDIAN RAPID DEFENSE GROUP, LLC
FOR: EIGHT (8) ANTI-MOBILE VEHICLE BARRIERS
NTE: $54,212.96
R-122015 CG 15 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: MORTON SALT, INC.
FOR: TREATED ROCK SALT FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND WATER UTILITY
DEPARTMENTS
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING DECEMBER 5, 2020
AND ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2021
NTE: $76,000.00
MIDDLESEX COUNTY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM-CK12-
MIDDLESEX FROM MORTON SALT, INC.
R-122016 TKS 16 APPROVE PAYMENT OF COUNSEL FEES IN CONNECTION WITH
CHARLIE KRATOVIL V CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK AND LESLIE R.
ZELEDON (DOCKET NO. MID-L-5162-20)
TO: COHN LIFLAND PEARLMAN HERRMANN & KNOPF
NTE: $5,949.15
R-122017 TKS 17 APPROVE PAYMENT OF COUNSEL FEES IN CONNECTION WITH NEW
BRUNSWICK TODAY, LLC V CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK (DOCKET NO.
MID-L-6004-20)
TO: PASHMAN STEIN, PC
NTE: $9,500.00
R-122018 CG 18 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-102053
REASON: ADD CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR THE WATER UTILITY IN
THE AMOUNT OF $15,000.00
FOR: TEMPERATURE CONTROL/HVAC MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
WITH: UNITEMP, INC.
SPECIFICATION NO.: 815-20P
NTE: $15,000.00
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE
OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
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R-122019 JC 19 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-092034
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $5,000.00 FOR THE
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
WITH: SAL ELECTRIC CO.
FOR: ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES
SPECIFICATION NO.: 734-19P
NTE: $5,000.00
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF
THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-122020 TKS 20 A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A HOTEL/MOTEL
LIQUOR LICENSE AS PROVIDED BY N.J.S.A. 33:1-12.20 PURSUANT TO
N.J.S.A. 33:1-19.3 ET SEQ.
R-122021 FIN 21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET TRANSFERS – 2020
MUNICIPAL BUDGET
R-122022 CG 22 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112055
REASON: ADD RAIN DATES AND ADDITIONAL ROUTES
APPROVE REQUEST FOR ANNUAL HOLIDAY HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE
RIDES FOR 2020
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CITY MARKET
FOR: FREE HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES THROUGH DOWNTOWN
NEW BRUNSWICK
DATES: THURSDAYS: DECEMBER 3, 2020, DECEMBER 10, 2020 &
DECEMBER 17, 2020
TIME: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
RAIN DATES: SUNDAYS: DECEMBER 13, 2020 & DECEMBER 20, 2020
TIME: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-122023 FIN 23 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER OVERPAYMENTS ON
TAXES AND UTILITIES
R-122024 TKS 24 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE (WITH SPECIAL RULING)
FOR 2020-2021
FOR: GEORGE BARROOD (INACTIVE)
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-026-010
R-122025 CG 25 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND ROAD
CLOSURE
REQUESTED BY: MAXIM CRANE WORKS
REASON: TO REPLACE AN EMERGENCY BACK-UP GENERATOR ON THE
ROOFTOP OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
LOCATED AT 75 BAYARD STREET
ROAD CLOSURE: KIRKPATRICK STREET FROM BAYARD STREET TO
PATERSON STREET
DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020
ALTERNATE DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020
HOURS: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
R-122026 JC 26 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE
REQUESTED BY: J. HAUGH CRANES, INC.
REASON: REPLACE THE HVAC SYSTEM ON THE ROOFTOP OF 25 VAN
DYKE AVENUE
DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020
HOURS: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
NUNC PRO TUNC
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R-122027 TKS 27 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: MONTANA CONSTRUCTION CORP., INC.
FOR: EQUIPMENT AND LABOR
TERM: TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING DECEMBER
6, 2020 AND ENDING DECEMBER 5, 2022
SPECIFICATION NO.: 860-20P
NTE: $579,000.00
R-122028 CG 28 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CITY MARKET
LOCATION: GEORGE STREET BETWEEN PATERSON STREET AND
CHURCH STREET AND BETWEEN CHURCH STREET AND ALBANY
STREET
FOR: ICE SCULPTING DEMONSTRATIONS
DATES: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 & 11, 2020 AND THURSDAY, DECEMBER
17, 2020
TIME: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
H. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL:
ACTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
TO: NO.
1 OEM COVID-19 UPDATE
2 CODE BLUE UPDATE
I. PUBLIC COMMENT:
J. DATES TO REMEMBER:
1. CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020
5:30 PM
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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