City Council

Name: City Council — New Brunswick, NJ
Start: 2022-01-05
End: 2022-01-05
Location: New Brunswick, NJ

Regular Meeting

New Brunswick, NJ · January 5, 2022

Minutes

JANUARY 5, 2022 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD ON JANUARY 5, 2022 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 December 27, 2021 as is required by law. The City Council met with four voting members of the City Council present via conference call. Council Member Fleming was absent. 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 Meeting called to order by Council President Sicora Ludwig with Council Members Anderson, Egan and Escobar present via teleconferencing system. Council Member Fleming was absent. REPORT OF BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL PRESIDENT Council President Sicora Ludwig described the report of business from the Council President will be used as a follow up section during the Council Meeting. CP stated body cameras will be deployed over a two-week period, the initiation from the Mayor’s Executive Order and information on how to OPT in for Nixle alerts. Also updated was information on in person meetings. PUBLIC HEARING None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES O-012201 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE VACATION OF A PORTION OF CHURCH STREET IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK On a motion of Council Member Escobar, seconded by Council Member Egan, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on January 19, 2022 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Egan, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-012202 AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE DEDICATION OF A STORMWATER DRAINPIPE EASEMENT IN AND ACROSS A PORTION OF BLOCK 280, LOT 1.01, 261 LIVINGSTON AVENUE On a motion of Council Member Escobar, seconded by Council Member Egan, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on January 19, 2022 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Egan, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-012203 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE FERREN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK On a motion of Council Member Escobar, seconded by Council Member Egan, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on January 19, 2022 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Egan, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig Nay: Abstain: Motion carried O-012204 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK On a motion of Council Member Escobar, seconded by Council Member Egan, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on January 19, 2022 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Egan, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS 1. A letter from the New Jersey Food Council regarding certain policies and procedures to protect the employees in the retail industry during the current COVID-19 pandemic. 2. A suspected hazardous substance discharge notification at 19 Duke Street and at the intersection of George Street and Johnson Drive. RESOLUTIONS Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-012201, R-012228. Council President, Ms. Zeledón and Mr. Shamy responded. Regarding R-012201, the Council will continue to meet through telephonic conferencing system. Ms. Moore inquired on R-012222. Mr. Valenti responded what the traffic pattern would be. Ms. Stork inquired on R-012218 and R-012222. Mr. Valenti and Council President responded. Resolutions R-012201through R-012228 except R-012224, moved by Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Vice President Escobar and carried were adopted, on consent, by the Municipal Council. Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Egan, Escobar, Sicora Ludwig Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS CP announced the Mayor’s Executive Order for a mask mandate until January 31, 2022. Council members wished everyone a Happy New Year. Director Rawls wished everyone a Happ New Year and provided a COVID- 19 update listing locations available for vaccinations and testing. Ms. Kerber of 2 Comstock Street inquired about Handicap Parking. Mr. Kratovil of 143 Suydam Street asked about body worn cameras, murders and the Middlesex County Joint Insurance Fund. Ms. Danielle Moore of Somerset Street thanked Keith Jones and Tom Valenti, and inquired on COVID cases in the Police Department and the mask mandate. Ms. Stork spoke about gun violence and excessive traffic. CVP Escobar addressed Ms. Stork with information on community efforts including meetings and police rallies against violence. On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:21 P.M. Leslie R. Zeledón Suzanne Sicora Ludwig City Clerk Council President

Agenda

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE JANUARY 5, 2022 COUNCIL MEETING. THERE MAY BE CHANGES TO THE FINAL AGENDA BEFORE OR AT THE MEETING OF JANUARY 5TH AS PROVIDED BY LAW. CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2022 @ 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2022 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 (617) 315-0704 and enter access code 234-814-23511 or you may phone-in by dialing 1 (571) 317-3122 and enter access code 151-286-493. A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: C. REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE BY CITY CLERK D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (OTHER THAN ORDINANCES): NONE E. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING (REGULAR MATTERS): NONE F. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING (REGULAR MATTERS): ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. O-012201 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE VACATION OF A PORTION OF CHURCH STREET IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK O-012202 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE DEDICATION OF A STORMWATER DRAINPIPE EASEMENT IN AND ACROSS A PORTION OF BLOCK 280, LOT 1.01, 261 LIVINGSTON AVENUE O-012203 TKS 3 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE FERREN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK O-012204 TKS 4 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK Page 1 of 4 G. RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. R-012201 TKS 1 RE-ADOPT 2022 MEETING SCHEDULE R-012202 TKS 2 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS R-012203 TKS 3 COUNCIL DESIGNATION OF LIAISONS TO VARIOUS AUTHORITIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS FOR 2022 Board of Education Council Member Glenn Fleming Housing Authority Council Vice-President Rebecca Escobar Human Relations Council Member John Anderson Parking Authority Council Member Kevin P. Egan Citizens Recreation Council Member Glenn Fleming R-012204 TKS 4 DESIGNATION OF COUNCIL MEMBER TO PLANNING BOARD (CLASS III) 2022 Council President Suzanne M. Sicora Ludwig R-012205 TKS 5 DESIGNATION OF COUNCIL MEMBER TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CITY MARKET, INC. FOR 2022 Council President Suzanne M. Sicora Ludwig R-012206 FIN 6 APPROVE 2022 TEMPORARY CITY BUDGET R-012207 FIN 7 DESIGNATION OF BANK DEPOSITORIES AND CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 2022 R-012208 TKS 8 FIX INTEREST RATE ON DELINQUENT TAXES AND WATER AND SEWER CHARGES FOR 2022 R-012209 TKS 9 AUTHORIZE CANCELLATION OF TAX DELINQUENCIES OF LESS THAN TEN ($10.00) DOLLARS IN 2022 R-012210 TKS 10 AUTHORIZE DIRECT MAILING CHARGES AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH TAX SALE R-012211 TKS 11 AUTHORIZE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO SELL BOND ANTICIPATION OR CAPITAL NOTES AT PRIVATE SALE FOR 2022 R-012212 TKS 12 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO MAKE TAX REFUNDS LESS THAN TEN ($10.00) DOLLARS FOR 2022 R-012213 TKS 13 AUTHORIZE CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE LAND USE REGULATORY PERMIT-1'S (LURP), TWA FORMS AND SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL APPLICATIONS IN 2022 R-012214 TKS 14 AUTHORIZE CITY ENGINEER AND MAYOR TO EXECUTE RIGHT OF ENTRY PERMIT FORMS IN 2022 R-012215 TKS 15 AUTHORIZE CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE HOLD HARMLESS/INDEMNITY AGREEMENTS IN 2022 Page 2 of 4 R-012216 TKS 16 AUTHORIZE TAX ASSESSOR TO FILE TAX APPEALS AND WITH SPECIAL COUNSEL FILE COUNTERCLAIMS BEFORE THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY TAX BOARD AND/OR THE NEW JERSEY TAX COURT R-012217 TKS 17 DESIGNATE PUBLIC AGENCY COMPLIANCE OFFICER MARIE JAMES FOR 2022 R-012218 TKS 18 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACTS WITH CERTAIN APPROVED STATE CONTRACT AND CO-OP VENDORS FOR CONTRACTING UNITS PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12A BY THE PURCHASING AGENT R-012219 TKS 19 AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT AND RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR: VARIOUS GOODS, SUPPLIES AND SERVICES IN 2022 R-012220 TKS 20 AUTHORIZE CITY ENGINEER TO SIGN SITE REMEDIATION PROJECT DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO NJDEP R-012221 FIN 21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CANCELLATION OF VARIOUS OUTSTANDING CHECKS R-012222 TKS 22 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND ROAD CLOSURE REQUESTED BY: KEMSCO CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT CO., INC. REASON: TO INSTALL PRECAST MANHOLE VAULTS IN ORDER TO BRING POWER TO THE NEW CANCER PAVILION DEVELOPMENT ROAD CLOSURE: AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOMERSET STREET AND LOUIS STREET DATES: THURSDAY, FRIDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY – JANUARY 13, 2022, JANUARY 14, 2022, JANUARY 17, 2022 & JANUARY 18, 2022 HOURS: 6:00 PM – 7:00 AM R-012223 FIN 23 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES R-012224 FIN 24 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER CREDITS ON SEVERAL TAX AND UTILITY ACCOUNTS R-012225 FIN 25 APPROVE REFUND OF PERMIT FEES TO: NIKOLAOS LIKAKIS FOR: DUPLICATE PAYMENT AMOUNT: $161.00 R-012226 FIN 26 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO CANCEL CERTIFICATE #21-00030 ON BLOCK 127.01, LOT 1.02 QUALIFIER C1104 AND AUTHORIZE REFUND TO LB HONEY BADGER SB MUNI CUSTODIAN IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,391.24 R-012227 FIN 27 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO CANCEL CERTIFICATE #21-00278 ON BLOCK 320, LOT 44, 52 ELLEN STREET AND TRANSFER $259.05 FROM UTILITY ACCOUNT #2791-0 TO UTILITY ACCOUNT #2971-0 R-012228 TKS 28 APPROVE PERSON-TO-PERSON TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE FROM: MARK DANIEL HOSPITALITY LLC TO: DARRYL LLC (POCKET) 302 GEORGE STREET LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-32-102-010 Page 3 of 4 H. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL: ACTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION TO: NO. 1 COVID-19 UPDATE I. PUBLIC COMMENT: J. DATES TO REMEMBER: 1. CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022 5:30 P.M. 2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT www.cityofnewbrunswick.org Page 4 of 4

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