City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · March 3, 2021
Minutes
MARCH 3, 2021
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON MARCH 3, 2021AT 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 March 1, 2021 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 voting members of the City Council present 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:
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 January 6, 2021 were approved and adopted as
engrossed.
Meeting called to order by Council President Sicora Ludwig with Council Members Anderson, Egan,
Escobar, Fleming present via teleconferencing system.
PUBLIC HEARING
None.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
O-032101 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING,
SECTION 10.16.210 – SCHEDULE 38, “TIME LIMIT PARKING AREAS”
AND SECTION 10.16.050 – SCHEDULE 29, “TIME LIMIT PARKING –
PARKING METERS”
RE: EASTON AVENUE
On a motion of Council Member Escobar, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on March 17, 2021
at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-032102 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 10.12 – TRAFFIC CONTROL
REGULATIONS, SECTION 10.12.160 – SCHEDULE 18, “RIGHT TURN
ON RED LIGHT PROHIBITED”
RE: HAMILTON STREET AND LOUIS STREET
On a motion of Council Member Escobar, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on March 17, 2021
at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-032103 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
17, ZONING
RE: IMPLEMENTATION OF RE-EXAMINATION RECOMMENDATIONS
On a motion of Council Member Escobar, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on March 17, 2021
at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A letter from Churchill Corporate Headquarters regarding a complete Statewide Multi-
Permit application packet for NJTA Project Number 040E00059.
2. A notice from Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland and Perretti Attorneys at Law regarding
the Intention to Commence Action Pursuant to the Environmental Rights Act for 760
Jersey Avenue.
3. A letter from Churchill Consulting Engineers regarding a Statewide Multi-Permit
Application for NJTA Maintenance and Repair Activities.
4. A notice from the Federal Communications Commission regarding an updated Section
106 filing from T-Mobile Northeast, LLC located at 119 Livingston Avenue.
5. A letter from PennJersey Environmental Consulting regarding a Remedial Action
Protectiveness/Biennial Certification Form for the property located at 70 New Street.
6. A Site Remediation and Waste Management Program form from the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection for the property at 50 Easton Avenue.
7. A notice of revision and amendment to the Dunellen Downtown Redevelopment Plan
from the Borough of Dunellen.
8. An Ordinance to Revise the General Ordinances Supplementing Chapter XXI (21),
Zoning to Add Section 21-1102.a – Supplemental Landscape Standards from the
Township of Piscataway
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired about R-032106, R-032111, R-032116, R-032117 (pulled),
and R-032120. Council President, Mr. Drulis, Ms. Zeledón and Mr. Valenti responded. Ms. Moore
inquired on R-032120 and R-032122. Mr. Valenti and Council President responded.
Resolutions R-032101 through R-032123 except R-032117 moved by Council Member Egan,
seconded by Council Member Fleming and carried were adopted, on consent, by the Municipal
Council.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
CP Sicora Ludwig provided an update of a shooting that took place on February 27th. Mr. Joseph
Allen of the OEM provided a COVID-19 update stating the transmission rate has decreased,
vaccines available by appointments only and free testing is available. Ms. Marge Kerber of 2
Comstock Street thanked Mr. Barber for his assistance and complained about a vehicle not being
towed. Mr. Kratovil of Suydam Street mentioned the passing of a resident, asked about the State of
the City Address, sanitation workers, snow removal and gun violence. Mr. Moore of Somerset Street
asked about window inspections, recycling and Cold Blue.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:20 P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón Suzanne Sicora Ludwig
City Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE MARCH 3, 2021 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021 @ 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021 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 (408) 650-3123 and enter access code
176-552-317 or you may phone-in by dialing 1 (617) 315-0704 and enter access code 179-523-1666.
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 6, 2021
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-032101 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING,
SECTION 10.16.210 – SCHEDULE 38, “TIME LIMIT PARKING AREAS”
AND SECTION 10.16.050 – SCHEDULE 29, “TIME LIMIT PARKING –
PARKING METERS”
RE: EASTON AVENUE
O-032102 CG 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 10.12 – TRAFFIC CONTROL
REGULATIONS, SECTION 10.12.160 – SCHEDULE 18, “RIGHT TURN
ON RED LIGHT PROHIBITED”
RE: HAMILTON STREET AND LOUIS STREET
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O-032103 TKS 3 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
17, ZONING
RE: IMPLEMENTATION OF RE-EXAMINATION RECOMMENDATIONS
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-032101 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-032102 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
02/06/21 – 02/19/21
R-032103 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-032104 CG 4 AUTHORIZE LEASE OF COPY MACHINE FOR THE TAX ASSESSOR
FROM: RICOH USA, INC.
FOR: ONE (1) RICOH MODEL #IMC2500G DIGITAL COPIER
NTE: $205.62 PER MONTH COMMENCING APRIL 1, 2021 AND ENDING
MARCH 31, 2025 – FORTY-EIGHT (48) MONTH CONTRACT
STATE CONTRACT NO. 40467/G-2075-COPIERS, MAINTENANCE AND
SUPPLIES
R-032105 JC 5 APPROVE AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION R-022104
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $933.10
WITH: MCMANIMON, SCOTLAND & BAUMANN, LLC
FOR: LEGAL COUNSEL SERVICES FOR HOUSING AND
REHABILITATION MATTERS
NTE: $933.10
R-032106 TKS 6 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT FOR 911 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
AND RADIO DISPATCHING SERVICES FOR THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT
WITH: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY
TERM: COMMENCING JANUARY 2021 AND ENDING DECEMBER 2021
NTE: $1,001,081.50
R-032107 JC 7 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF
GRANT FOR FY2022 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
FOR: FY2022 HTS STATE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ENFORCEMENT AND
EDUCATION FUND GRANT
R-032108 TKS 8 APPROVE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE “EQUALITY ACT”
R-032109 JC 9 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: THE RODGERS GROUP, LLC
FOR: POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCREDITATION POLICY MAINTENANCE
AND COMPLIANCE
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING MARCH 5, 2021
AND ENDING MARCH 4, 2022 AND THEREAFTER FOR AN
ADDITIONAL TWELVE (12) MONTHS SHOULD THE CITY SO DESIRE
SPECIFICATION NO.: 897-21RFP
NTE: $5,865.00
FAIR AND OPEN
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R-032110 CG 10 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-032030
REASON: EXTEND CONTRACT FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWELVE (12)
MONTHS
WITH: ELIJAH’S PROMISE, INC.
FOR: FOOD PREPARATION SERVICES FOR THE NEW BRUNSWICK
SENIOR CITIZEN RESOURCE CENTER
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING MARCH 5, 2021
AND ENDING MARCH 4, 2022
NTE: $2,500.00
R-032111 CG 11 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTON R-122006
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $199.00 TO PAY FINAL INVOICE
WITH: INSYNC MUNICIPAL SYSTEMS D/B/A FIRST BYTE
CORPORATION
FOR: 2020 TAX, WATER & SEWER BILLING AND COLLECTION
SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES
AMOUNT: $199.00
R-032112 JC 12 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-012156
CHANGE ORDER NO. 1
WITH: LUCAS BROTHERS, INC.
FOR: 2018 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS – PHASE II
JOYCE KILMER AVENUE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT
SPECIFICATION NO.: 887-20W
AMOUNT: $57,160.00
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-032113 CG 13 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
FOR: TEMPERATURE CONTROL/HVAC MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
WITH: PETERSON SERVICE COMPANY, INC.
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING MARCH 16, 2021
AND ENDING MARCH 15, 2022, WHICH CAN BE EXTENDED ON A
YEARLY BASIS FOR UP TO TWO (2) ADDITIONAL YEARS
SPECIFICATION NO.: 903-21P
NTE: $84,000.00
R-032114 JC 14 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-022042
CHANGE ORDER NO. 1
WITH: M.S.P. CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
FOR: 2018 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT – PHASE I
SPECIFICATION NO.: 813-20W
AMOUNT: $88,703.22
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-032115 JC 15 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE IN THE AMOUNT
OF $11,084.40 AND BALANCE OF SITE INSPECTION FEES OF
$1,748.73
TO: COLGATE PAPER STOCK, INC.
12 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE
BLOCK 597.03, LOT 1
Page 3 of 5
R-032116 TKS 16 APPROVE PERSON-TO-PERSON AND PLACE-TO-PLACE TRANSFER
OF LIQUOR LICENSE (POCKET)
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-078-008
FROM: THASOS ISLAND RESTAURANT, LLC
TO: USA 108, LLC
R-032117 TKS 17 APPROVE RESOLUTION TO REFER AN AMENDMENT OF THE
ZONING ORDINANCE TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR REVIEW AND
REPORT
RE: LEGAL RETAIL SALE OF CANNABIS
R-032118 CG 18 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY HOUSING INSPECTIONS UNDER NEW
JERSEY STATE APPROVED CO-OP #65MCESCCPS-THE
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ PRICING SYSTEM
FROM: BEYER FORD, LLC
FOR: ONE (1) 2021 FORD EXPLORER WITH OPTIONS
NTE: $29,833.25
R-032119 FIN 19 APPROVE EMERGENCY TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2021
R-032120 CG 20 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND
ROAD CLOSURE
REQUESTED BY: VERGONA CRANE CO., INC.
REASON: SET NEW HVAC EQUIPMENT ON THE ROOF OF ROBERT
WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
ROAD CLOSURE: FRENCH STREET BETWEEN SCOTT STREET AND
JOYCE KILMER AVENUE
DATES AND TIMES: BEGINNING AT 8:00 PM ON FRIDAY, MARCH 26,
2021 CONTINUING THROUGH 8:00 PM ON SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021
ALTERNATE DATES AND TIMES: BEGINNING AT 8:00 PM ON FRIDAY,
APRIL 2, 2021 AND CONTINUING THROUGH 8:00 PM ON SUNDAY,
APRIL 4, 2021
R-032121 TKS 21 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-051623
REASON: AMEND SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES RENDERED BY MUNICIPALITIES
FOR: SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT TO CITY ENGINEER PURSUANT TO
MUNICIPAL LAW USE LAW
R-032122 JC 22 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-101957
REASON: ADD CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR HOUSING
INSPECTIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00
WITH: BEST CLEANING BUILDING SERVICE, INC.
FOR: CLEANING OF LOTS SERVICES
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-032123 TKS 23 AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT GRANT FROM COUNTY OF
MIDDLESEX
FOR: CODE BLUE WARMING CENTER
AMOUNT: $90,000.00
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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, MARCH 17, 2021
5:30 P.M.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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