City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · September 15, 2021
Minutes
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON SEPTEMBER 15, 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 September 8, 2021 as is required by law.
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 July 21, 2021 were approved and adopted as
engrossed.
Meeting called to order by Council President Sicora Ludwig with Council Members Anderson, Egan,
Escobar and Fleming, present via teleconferencing system.
PUBLIC HEARING
O-092101 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:
74 WRIGHT PLACE
Council President Sicora Ludwig 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 September 15, 2021.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-092102 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
3.28.090
RE: FEES FOR LAND USE PROCEDURES
Council President Sicora Ludwig opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil and Ms. Moore inquired on the above ordinance. Council President
and Michael Drulis responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on September 15, 2021.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
NONE
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A letter from EP Design Services, LLC regarding Raritan Heights Phase II, LLC.
2. A notice from Bristol Myers Squibb regarding the current ongoing environmental
investigation and remediation activities at 1 Squibb Drive.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-092135, R-092144, R-092145. Council President and
Deputy Director Miller responded. Ms. Moore inquired on R-092144 and R-092152. Council
President responded. Ms. Stork inquired on R-092144, R-092146, R-092148, and R-092149. CP
Sicora Ludwig, Mr. Drulis and CM Fleming responded.
Resolutions R-092129 through R-092152, except R-092151, were 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 asked Mr. Valenti to address the public on the recent storm. Mr. Valenti
addressed the council and public. The OEM Report was given by FF Joe Allen. Mr. Allen provided
information regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, relief help given by FEMA and the COVID-
19 update of locations that are available for vaccinations. CP Sicora Ludwig thanked all the city
employees for a safe evacuation and clean up after the storms and also thanked DEVCO for their
community outreach in helping all that were displaced. CP Sicora Ludwig provided an update for
Ms. Spencer, Ms. Moore and Ms. Kerber regarding their previous concerns and comments. She also
addressed Mr. Kratovil’s inquiry on his emails to Fire Director Rawls. CVP Escobar recognized
Captain Michael Bobadilla for remembering September 11th, reminded everyone about the
vaccination day at Recreation Park and publicly acknowledged Danielle Moore for her efforts to
help the residents on Charles Street after Hurricane Ida. CM Anderson thanked all the city
employees for their relief help after Hurricane Ida and wished all his Jewish friends a happy and safe
Yom Kippur. CM Fleming encouraged everyone to reach out to reputable organizations to help
residents that lost everything from Hurricane Ida. Ms. Kerber of 2 Comstock Street spoke about the
Internal affairs incident and emphasized the need of body worn cameras. Ms. Kerber mentioned the
invasion of the lantern flies in New Brunswick, thanked Public Works for picking up all her bulk
items after Hurricane Ida and spoke about the need of sanitation inspectors. Mr. Drulis confirmed
the need of hires for the mentioned position. Mr. Kratovil thanked everyone who helped residents
after the storm and asked how can he be included to receive information for his online paper. He
also inquired on body worn cameras, information on the Make It Count Program and the policy of
information with the Police Department. CP Sicora Ludwig, Mr. Jones and Deputy Director Miller
responded to Mr. Kratovil. Ms. Moore of Somerset Street thanked all the workers who responded to
both storms, suggested a raise for Public Work employees. Cheryl Smith of Powers Street wanted to
remind everyone the Fire Department is running a relief collection for the residents displaced by the
storms. CP Sicora Ludwig thanked the Fire Department and Cheryl Smith for their efforts in
helping residents. Ms. Stork thanked the Fire Department, First Responders and the department of
Public Works for their help after the storms. She also asked about the Parks Department staffing
availability and thanked Deputy Director Miller for his email response.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón Suzanne Sicora Ludwig
City Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 @ 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 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 (224) 501-3412 and enter access code
636-470-845 or you may phone-in by dialing 1 (617) 315-0704 and enter access code 179-143-3509.
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JULY 21, 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-092101 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:
74 WRIGHT PLACE
O-092102 TKS 2 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 3.28.090
RE: FEES FOR LAND USE PROCEDURES
F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
Page 1 of 4
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-092129 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-092130 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
08/21/21 – 09/03/21
R-092131 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-092132 JC 4 APPROVE TRANSFER OF TAXI LICENSE NO. 36
FROM: PEDRO A. JIMENEZ – 50% AND SADAKE GAMEL – 50% TO
THE FOLLOWING:
TO: TONY ABINAJM – 100%
R-092133 CG 5 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: MIDDLESEX COUNTY YOUNG DEMOCRATS
LOCATION: SPRING STREET BETWEEN ALBANY STREET AND
CHURCH STREET
FOR: AWARDS RECEPTION
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021
TIME: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-092134 CG 6 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING & USE OF CITY
SIDEWALK
REQUESTED BY: MOUNT ZION AME CHURCH
STREET LOCATION: NEILSEN STREET BETWEEN NEW STREET AND
MORRIS STREET ONLY
SIDEWALK USE: NEILSEN STREET BETWEEN NEW STREET AND
MORRIS STREET ONLY
FOR: COMMUNITY UNITY/VACCINATION DAY
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021
TIME: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
R-092135 JC 7 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP.
FOR: SOFTWARE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT – CLOUD
COMPUTING SOLUTION
NTE: $16,196.75
SOURCEWELL FORMERLY THE NATIONAL JOINT POWERS ALLIANCE
(NJPA)
R-092136 JC 8 APPROVE TRANSFER OF TAXI LICENSE NO. 19
FROM: MAROUN MAROUN – 100% TO THE FOLLOWING:
TO: ALLO NJ, LLC – 100%
R-092137 JC 9 APPROVE TRANSFER OF TAXI LICENSE NO. 32
FROM: MAROUN MAROUN – 100% TO THE FOLLOWING:
TO: ALLO NJ, LLC – 100%
R-092138 JC 10 APPROVE TRANSFER OF TAXI LICENSE NO. 33
FROM: MAROUN MAROUN – 50% & MUSTAPHA BAGATTI – 50% TO
THE FOLLOWING:
TO: ALLO NJ, LLC – 100%
Page 2 of 4
R-092139 TKS 11 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: REAL AUCTION
FOR: HOSTING ONLINE TAX SALES
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 17,
2021 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
SPECIFICATION NO.: 935-21RFP
FAIR AND OPEN
R-092140 CG 12 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: CHAMPION ELEVATOR CORP.
FOR: ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
TERM: THIRTY-SIX (36) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING SEPTEMBER
17, 2021 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
SPECIFICATION NO.: 938-21P
NTE: $43,556.00
R-092141 CG 13 AUTHORIZE LEASE OF COPY MACHINE FOR THE DIVISION OF
RECREATION
FROM: RICOH USA, INC.
FOR: ONE (1) RICOH MODEL #MP3555SPG DIGITAL COPIER
NTE: $173.34 PER MONTH BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1, 2021 AND
ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2025 – FORTY-EIGHT (48) MONTH CONTRACT
STATE CONTRACT #40467/G-2075-COPIERS, MAINTENANCE & SUPPLIES
R-092142 CG 14 AUTHORIZE LEASE OF COPY MACHINE FOR THE WATER UTILITY
FROM: RICOH USA, INC.
FOR: ONE (1) RICOH MODEL #IMC2500G DIGITAL COPIER
NTE: $186.74 PER MONTH BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1, 2021 AND
ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2025 – FORTY-EIGHT (48) MONTH CONTRACT
STATE CONTRACT #40467/G-2075-COPIERS, MAINTENANCE & SUPPLIES
R-092143 TKS 15 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE AND BALANCE OF ANY SITE
INSPECTION FEES
TO: CRISTINA LACERDA
173 LIVINGSTON AVENUE
BLOCK 187, LOT 2
R-092144 TKS 16 APPROVE TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE AND TRAFFIC PATTERN
CHANGE
ROAD CLOSURE: PLUM STREET BETWEEN SOMERSET STREET AND
THE EXISTING PARKING GARAGE
TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGE: PORTION OF PLUM STREET LOCATED
BETWEEN THE EXISTING PARKING GARAGE AND FRENCH STREET
TEMPORARILY CONVERTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC
REASON: ACCOMMODATE CONSTRUCTION OF PLUM II
TERM: OCTOBER 1, 2021 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
R-092145 JC 17 APPROVE TEMPORARY PATIENT DROP-OFF AREA
LOCATION: SOUTHBOUND SIDE OF FRENCH STREET BETWEEN
PLUM STREET AND PROSPECT STREET
REASON: ACCOMMODATE CONSTRUCTION OF PLUM II
TERM: OCTOBER 1, 2021 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
R-092146 CG 18 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: NEW ME HELP CENTER
LOCATION: RECREATION PARK AND BASKETBALL COURTS
FOR: COMMUNITY OUTREACH
DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2021
RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021
TIME: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Page 3 of 4
R-0921147 CG 19 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: ZIMMERLI ART MUSEUM AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
LOCATION: 71 HAMILTON STREET BETWEEN GEORGE STREET AND
COLLEGE AVENUE
FOR: FREE INDOOR COMMUNITY EVENT “SPARKNIGHT” WITH TWO
FOOD TRUCKS ON THE STREET
DATES: THURSDAYS – OCTOBER 7, 2021; NOVEMBER 4, 2021;
DECEMBER 2, 2021; JANUARY 6, 2022; FEBRUARY 3, 2022; MARCH 3,
2022; APRIL 7, 2022; MAY 5, 2022; JUNE 2, 2022
TIME: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-092148 TKS 20 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF PY2019 ACTION PLAN FOR THE
ALLOCATION OF $250,000.00 OF HOME FUNDS
FOR: DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT 45 REMSEN
AVENUE
R-092149 TKS 21 APPROVE RESOLUTION TO REFER AN AMENDMENT OF THE
ZONING ORDINANCE TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR REVIEW AND
REPORT
RE: MISCELLANEOUS ZONING AMENDMENTS
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, OCTOBER 6, 2021
5:30 P.M.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2021
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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