City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · April 21, 2021
Minutes
APRIL 21, 2021
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON APRIL 21, 2021 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 April 19, 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 four 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 February 17, 2021 were approved and adopted as
engrossed.
Meeting called to order by Council President Sicora Ludwig with Council Members Anderson, Egan,
Fleming present via teleconferencing system.
PUBLIC HEARING
O-042101 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK, TITLE 16, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,
CHAPTER 16.24 – SITE PLAN REVIEW, SECTION 16.24.270A
– STORMWATER CONTROL
Council President Sicora Ludwig opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil and Ms. Moore inquired on the above ordinance. Mr. Valenti
responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on April 21, 2021.
Roll Call:
Aye: Egan, Fleming, Anderson, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
O-042102 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE VACATION OF A
PORTION OF DUKE STREET IN THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK
On a motion of Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on May 5, 2021 at
5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-042103 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE REDEVELOPMENT
PLAN FOR THE JERSEY HANDY REDEVELOPMENT
AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
On a motion of Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on May 5, 2021 at
5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-042104 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE REDEVELOPMENT
PLAN FOR THE SANDFORD REMSEN REDEVELOPMENT
AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
On a motion of Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on May 5, 2021 at
5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-042105 BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER SYSTEM BY AND IN
THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, IN THE COUNTY OF
MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING
$16,000,000 THEREFORE AND AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUANCE OF $16,000,000 BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE
PART OF THE COST THEREOF
On a motion of Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on May 5, 2021 at
5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A notice of intent from the New Jersey Transit Corporation regarding the Federal
Financial Assistance Program for the Fiscal Year 2021
2. A Notification of Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge from the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection at 1 Squibb Drive, 192 Lawrence and 70 Louis
Street.
3. Two City Council Contact Form submissions from Rafael Augusto.
4. A Notice to Public Service Electric and Gas Company Customers regarding a Petition of
Public Service Electric and Gas Company for Approval of the Next Phase of the Gas
System Modernization Program.
5. A Notice to Public Service Electric and Gas Company Customers regarding a Petition of
Public Service Electric and Gas Company for Approval of Changes in its Electric and
Gas Societal Benefits Charge.
6. A letter from Gary C. Zeitz, LLC Attorneys at Law regarding Tax Sale Certificate Liens
against the property located at 136 Remsen Avenue.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Mr. Moragy commented on R-042144. Council President responded. Mr. Kratovil
asked about R-042126, R-042127, R-042136 and R-042140. Council President and Mr. Miller
responded. Ms. Moore asked about R-042129 and R-042138. Council President, Mr. Walus and Mr.
Miller responded. Ms. Stork inquired about R-042126 and R-042143. Mr. Walus responded.
Resolutions R-042123 through R-042145 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, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Council President thanked John and Kelsey of Archangel Raphaels Mission for their services in the
community and the City Market. Council member Anderson congratulated the wresting team and
thanked the City Clerk’s office for their hard work during the School Board Election. Director
Rawls provided a COVID 19 Report providing information on vaccine availability, testing and
locations. Mr. El Moragy thanked the Council for approving resolution R-042144. Mr. Kratovil of
Suydam Street gave condolences to Mr. DelFino Aparcio Lopez and requested information on
shootings. Deputy Director Miller responded. Ms. Moore of 333 Somerset Street asked about the
Planning Board meeting and spoke about police officers, a liquor store and the proposed school.
Ms. Stork of 2 Park Blvd., asked about gun violence, the Cancer Institute and the City
neighborhoods.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:35 P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón Suzanne Sicora Ludwig
City Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE APRIL 21, 2021 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021 @ 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 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 (571) 317-3122 and enter access code
502-656-053 or you may phone-in by dialing 1 (617) 315-0704 and enter access code 179-063-8243.
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FEBRUARY 17, 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.
O-042101 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
16, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 16.24 – SITE PLAN
REVIEW, SECTION 16.24.270A – STORMWATER CONTROL
F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
O-042102 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE VACATION OF A PORTION OF DUKE
STREET IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
O-042103 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE
JERSEY HANDY REDEVELOPMENT AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK
O-042104 TKS 3 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE
SANDFORD REMSEN REDEVELOPMENT AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK
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O-042105 FIN 4 BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO
THE WATER SYSTEM BY AND IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, IN
THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY;
APPROPRIATING $16,000,000 THEREFORE AND AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUANCE OF $16,000,000 BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE PART OF
THE COST THEREOF
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-042123 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-042124 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
04/03/21 – 04/16/21
R-042125 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-042126 JC 4 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT
STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC
SAFETY, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
FOR: SFY21 BODY-WORN CAMERA GRANT PROGRAM
R-042127 TKS 5 ADVICE AND CONSENT TO RENT CONTROL BOARD RE-APPOINTMENT
NAME: MARIE CATANESE – REGULAR MEMBER
EXPIRES: DECEMBER 31, 2023 (3-YEAR)
R-042128 CG 6 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE
FOR: WATER MAIN VALVE EXERCISING PROGRAM
SPECIFICATION NO.: 913-21W
R-042129 FIN 7 APPROVE EMERGENCY TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2021
R-042130 CG 8 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: BARBATO NURSERY CORP.
FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER TREES FOR SPRING TREE PLANTING
PROGRAM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & SHADE TREES
SPECIFICATION NO.: 911-21P
NTE: $9,881.00
R-042131 JC 9 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER NEW
JERSEY START CONTRACT 17-FLEET-00721/T-0106-LAW
ENFORCEMENT FIREARMS EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
FROM: EAGLE POINT GUN/TJ MORRIS & SON
FOR: PURCHASE OF AMMUNITION
NTE: $18,900.75
R-042132 CG 10 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CULTURAL CENTER, INC.
LOCATION: BOYD PARK
FOR: EARTH DAY TRASH CLEAN UP AT BOYD PARK
DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021
TIME: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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R-042133 JC 11 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER NEW
JERSEY START CONTRACT 85943/T-1776 – DATA
COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK SERVICES
FROM: VERIZON BUSINESS NETWORK SERVICES, INC.
FOR: PRIVATE DATA LINE SERVICE
TERM: APRIL 1, 2021 – FEBRUARY 10, 2022
NTE: $24,123.00
NUNC PRO TUNC
R-042134 JC 12 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: ENVIROLUTIONS, LLC
FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER MEMBRANE MODULES FOR THE
POTABLE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
SPECIFICATION NO.: 904-21W
NTE: $432,803.40
R-042135 CG 13 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE
REQUESTED BY: CLUTCH CONCRETE, LLC
REASON: PERFORM CURB AND SIDEWALK REPAIRS ON 116 AND
118 NEW STREET
DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021
ALTERNATE DATES: SATURDAYS, MAY 1, 2021 & MAY 8, 2021
HOURS: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
R-042136 JC 14 APPROVE SUBMISSION OF RECYCLING ENHANCEMENT GRANT
(REG) APPLICATION
WITH: MIDDLESEX COUNTY DIVISION OF SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT
FOR: SECURITY CAMERAS TO PREVENT ILLEGAL DUMPING
AMOUNT: $7,500.00
R-042137 CG 15 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-122075
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $14,843.62
WITH: MOTT MACDONALD GROUP, INC. D/B/A MOTT MACDONALD,
LLC
FOR: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2018 WATER MAIN
REPLACEMENTS FOR THE WATER UTILITY
NTE: $14,843.62
R-042138 CG 16 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE
FOR: 2018 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS – LIVINGSTON AVENUE
SPECIFICATION NO.: 920-21W
R-042139 FIN 17 AUTHORIZE TRANSFERS ON SEVERAL TAX AND UTILITY
ACCOUNTS
R-042140 TKS 18 APPROVE RESOLUTION TO REFER AN AMENDMENT OF THE
ZONING ORDINANCE TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR REVIEW AND
REPORT
RE: ZONING FOR CANNABIS BUSINESSES
R-042141 JC 19 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: HARRY E. SMITH, III D/B/A CERTIFIED HEALTH AND SAFETY
SERVICES, LLC
FOR: SAFETY CONSULTANT AND TRAINER FOR THE WATER UTILITY
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING APRIL 22, 2021
AND ENDING APRIL 21, 2022
SPECIFICATION NO.: 901-21RFP
NTE: $7,554.00
FAIR AND OPEN
Page 3 of 4
R-042142 TKS 20 AUTHORIZE ACCESS AND USE AGREEMENT
WITH: RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
FOR: NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY GARDEN PROGRAM
(RECREATION PARK)
R-042143 CG 21 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-122027
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $709,002.56
WITH: MONTANA CONSTRUCTION CORP., INC.
FOR: EQUIPMENT AND LABOR
SPECIFICATION NO.: 860-20P
AMOUNT: $709,002.56
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE ORIGINAL
CONTRACT
R-042144 TKS 22 AUTHORIZE UTILIZATION OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
TO: ARCHANGEL RAPHAELS MISSION (ARM)
FOR: MOBILE SHOWERING SERVICES FOR THE UNDERSERVED
COMMUNITY
LOCATION: ABEEL STREET AT ELIJAH’S WAY
TERM: MAY 1, 2021 – OCTOBER 31, 2021
R-042145 JC 23 AUTHORIZE AGREEMENT
WITH: MIDDLESEX COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY (MCIA)
FOR: POOLED CAPITAL EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING
PROGRAM FOR COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES
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, MAY 5, 2021
5:30 P.M.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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