City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · September 21, 2022
Minutes
SEPTEMBER 21, 2022
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON SEPTEMBER 21, 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.
The City Council met with four voting members of the City Council present.
Salute to the Flag.................................................................... Leslie R. Zeledón
Pause for a moment to honor those American, Iraqis, and Afghanis who have lost their lives in this
current conflict.
Staff in attendance:
Public Information Officer Bert Baron
Library Director Bob Belvin
Deputy Clerk Shalon T. Bennett
City Engineer Daniel Burke
Planning Director Daniel Dominguez
City Administrator Michael Drulis
Director of Social Services Melanie Ford
Assistant City Attorney Charly Gayden
Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg
Police Officer Jamaal James
Purchasing Agent Marie James
Director of Human and Community Service Keith Jones II
Deputy Director JT Miller
Finance Director Richard Mulrine
Fire Official Victor Ortiz
City Attorney TK Shamy
Fire Department Staff Cheryl Smith
City Clerk Staff Jasmine Sosa
Director of Water Department Alexei Walus
City Clerk Leslie Zeledón
Meeting called to order by Council President Sicora Ludwig with Council Members Anderson, Egan
and Fleming present. Council Vice President Escobar was absent.
On motion of Council Member Fleming, seconded by Council Member Egan and carried, the
minutes of the previous Council Meetings held on August 3, 2022 were approved and adopted as
engrossed.
REPORT OF BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Council President Sicora Ludwig made the public aware of the allegations from the Department of
Public Works, the investigation from a third-party law firm and the Council’s review. She listed the
outcomes and the investigation was considered closed.
PUBLIC HEARING
O-092201 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: PAUL ROBESON BOULEVARD
Council President Sicora Ludwig opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Ms. Moore inquired on the above ordinance. Mr. Burke, Council Member
Anderson and Council President Sicora Ludwig 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 21, 2022.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A letter from Tetra Tech regarding a Soil Remedial Action Protectiveness/Biennial
Certification Form for 409 Joyce Kilmer Avenue.
2. A letter from Intertek PSI/Professional Service Industries, Inc. regarding a Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment for 1122 Somerset Street.
3. A letter from CME Associates regarding an Unrestricted Use Response Action Outcome
for 150 Neilson Street.
4. An ordinance to amend and supplement the revised general ordinance to repeal chapter
XXI (21), zoning, section 8a, flood damage prevention, to adopt new flood plain
management regulations; to adopt flood hazard maps; to designate a floodplain
administrator; and providing for severability and an effective date from the Township of
Piscataway.
5. A letter from the State of New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control regarding
NYS Inc. t/a olive Branch 1214-33-037-005.
6. A letter from NJLM Legislative Alert regarding the NJDEP Public Comment Period and
Virtual Hearing scheduled on September 20, 2022.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Ms. Moore inquired on R-092270. Mr. Jones and Council President Sicora Ludwig
responded.
Resolutions R-092242 through R-092275, 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 Member Anderson thanked the New Brunswick Police department and enforcement
agencies for information given to the public regarding the violence in the city and why certain
information may not be released due to an ongoing investigation. Mr. Kratovil of Suydam Street
stated rest in peace to Barry James. Mr. Kratovil also asked the Council President to look into
notifications not being provided to the public for incidents that occurred in his neighborhood. He
also suggested to hold Public Safety meetings, inquired on the Housing Authority Director,
Middlesex County Joint Insurance Fund and a financial disclosure allegation. Council President
stated she will look into the matters mentioned and advised the public the Administration is at their
disposal. Anne Swerdloff, Chair of the Environmental Commission wanted to follow up on a
suggested proposed resolution. Ms. Moore of Somerset Street spoke about the racism, alleged false
statements and stated “every evil eye against her and her family will have its day”. NJPIRG
Campaign Coordinator, Grace Ginedo, provided a proposed resolution to declare New Brunswick
as a bee friendly city. Tinia, intern of Save the Bees Campaign, spoke of her support of a healthy
environment and described an ecological imbalance due to a pest eradication in China . Mr. Folks
spoke of homelessness and inquired on programs for the homeless. Britney Richardson of
Livingston Avenue spoke of an investigation that took place at the DPW, dangerous traffic between
school buses, students and trucks.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:14 P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón Suzanne Sicora Ludwig
City Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 @ 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: AUGUST 3, 2022
C. REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE BY CITY CLERK
REPORT OF BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL PRESIDENT
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (OTHER THAN ORDINANCES)
E. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING (REGULAR MATTERS):
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
O-092201 CG 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10, VEHICLES
AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 10.12 – TRAFFIC CONTROL REGULATIONS,
SECTION 10.12.160 – SCHEDULE 18, “RIGHT TURN ON RED LIGHT
PROHIBITED”
RE: PAUL ROBESON BOULEVARD
F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-092242 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-092243 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
09/03/22 – 09/16/22
R-092244 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
Page 1 of 6
R-092245 TKS 4 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE (WITH SPECIAL RULING)
FOR: RAVICHANDIRIKA THIAGARAJAH (INACTIVE)
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-033-004
2021 – 2022
R-092246 TKS 5 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE (WITH SPECIAL RULING)
FOR: RAVICHANDIRIKA THIAGARAJAH (INACTIVE)
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-033-004
2022 – 2023
R-092247 FIN 6 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER OVERPAYMENTS ON
SEVERAL TAX AND UTILITY ACCOUNTS
R-092248 JC 7 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
AND NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT
FOR: 20TH ANNUAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MARCH &
RALLY
LOCATION: BEGIN AT 112 PATERSON STREET, BAYARD STREET,
JOYCE KILMER AVENUE, HANDY STREET, FRENCH STREET,
TOWNSEND STREET, JOYCE KILMER AVENUE, BAYARD STREET
AND END AT 112 PATERSON STREET
DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2022
TIME: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
R-092249 CG 8 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY/ALPHA GAMMA DELTA
FOR: BUFF BOWL – CHARITY SOCCER GAME
LOCATION: BUCCLEUCH PARK – OUTFIELD ON FIELD #3
DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2022
TIME: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
R-092250 JC 9 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-072209
REASON: PLACE TWO (2) PORT A JOHNS IN DOWNTOWN CITY CENTER
APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING AND USE OF
MONUMENT SQUARE PARK
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CITY MARKET
FOR: 2022 OKTOBER FEST
LOCATION: MONUMENT SQUARE PARK
STREET CLOSURE LOCATION: LIVINGSTON AVENUE FROM GEORGE
STREET TO NEW STREET; GEORGE STREET FROM NEW STREET TO
BAYARD STREET
DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2022
TIME: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-092251 CG 10 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: GARDEN STATE TRACK CLUB
FOR: CROSS COUNTRY RACE
LOCATION: BUCCLEUCH PARK – RUNNING TRAIL
DATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022
TIME: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Page 2 of 6
R-092252 JC 11 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
FOR: ANNUAL HOMECOMING CHARITY BED RACES
LOCATION: SICARD STREET BETWEEN BARTLETT AND SENIOR
STREETS; MORELL STREET BETWEEN COLLEGE AVENUE AND
SICARD STREET
DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022
TIME: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-092253 JC 12 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: WTH TECHNOLOGY, INC.
FOR: PURCHASE PROPRIETARY SUPPORT SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING NOVEMBER 1,
2022 AND ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2023
NTE: $4,846.80
R-092254 JC 13 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER STATE
CONTRACT #A-83921/T-0109 - RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
AND ACCESSORIES
FROM: MICRO STRATEGIES, INC.
FOR: MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
TERM: NOVEMBER 24, 2022 – NOVEMBER 23, 2023
NTE: $6,831.95
R-092255 CG 14 AUTHORIZE AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT
WITH: EMS ESCHEDULE, INC.
FOR: EMS ESCHEDULE HOSTING AND SUPPORT FOR THE FIRE
DEPARTMENT
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING MAY 28, 2022
AND ENDING MAY 27, 2023
NTE: $5,560.00
NUNC PRO TUNC
R-092256 TKS 15 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF PY 2019 ACTION PLAN FOR THE RE-
ALLOCATION OF $120,000.00 OF CDBG FUNDS TWO (2) PROJECTS
FOR: MICRO ENTERPRISE GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE MICRO
ENTERPRISES IN THE CITY ($70,000.00)
FOR: SIDEWALK REPAIRS FOR ELIGIBLE PERSONS IN THE CITY
($50,000.00)
R-092257 TKS 16 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF PY 2019 ACTION PLAN FOR THE RE-
ALLOCATION OF $200,000.00 OF CDBG-CV FUNDS
FOR: MICRO ENTERPRISE GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE MICRO
ENTERPRISES IN THE CITY
R-092258 TKS 17 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF PY 2019 ACTION PLAN FOR THE RE-
ALLOCATION OF $10,000.00 OF CDBG FUNDS
FOR: FLASHING CROSSWALKS VIA THE PEDESTRIAN, CYCLING,
AND MULTI-MODAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
R-092259 TKS 18 AUTHORIZE SALE OF SURPLUS CITY REAL PROPERTY
Page 3 of 6
R-092260 CG 19 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-082280
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $27,297.00 FOR THE LIBRARY
WITH: SAL ELECTRIC CO., INC.
FOR: ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES
SPECIFICATION NO.: 977-22P
NTE: $27,297.00
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-092261 CG 20 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-042241
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $30,841.55
WITH: JOHN DUFFY FUEL COMPANY
FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER DIESEL FUEL FOR THE DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC WORKS
SPECIFICATION NO.: 989-22P
NTE: $30,841.55
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-092262 JC 21 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE
REQUESTED BY: MONTANA CONSTRUCTION CORP.
REASON: AFFECT REPAIRS TO THE STORMWATER SYSTEM IN THE
DRIVEWAY BETWEEN CITY HALL AND THE CIVIC SQUARE BUILDING
DATES AND TIMES: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 FROM 6:00 PM – 12:00
AM & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 FROM 6:00 AM TO 8:00 PM
ALTERNATE DATES: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 FROM 6:00 PM –
12:00 AM & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2022 FROM 6:00 AM TO 8:00 PM
R-092263 CG 22 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY THE NEW BRUNSWICK FREE PUBLIC
LIBRARY UNDER NEW JERSEY STATE APPROVED CO-OP
#65MCESCCPS-THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ
PRICING SYSTEM
FROM: ASCEND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INC.
FOR: REPLACEMENT OF FRONT STAIRS HANDRAILS FOR THE NEW
BRUNSWICK FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
NTE: $29,241.97
R-092264 TKS 23 APPROVE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO USE
NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION PROGRAM (NPP) FUNDS
THROUGH THE SOMERSET COUNTY COOPERATIVE PRICING
SYSTEM #2-SOCCP
FOR: 12 (12) FLASHING CROSSWALK DEVICES FOR SIX (6) CITY
INTERSECTIONS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
WITH: GARDEN STATE HIGHWAY PRODUCTS, INC.
AMOUNT: $25,478.88
R-092265 TKS 24 APPROVE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO USE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS
THROUGH THE SOMERSET COUNTY COOPERATIVE PRICING
SYSTEM #2-SOCCP
FOR: FOUR (4) FLASHING CROSSWALK DEVICES FOR TWO (2) CITY
INTERSECTIONS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
WITH: GARDEN STATE HIGHWAY PRODUCTS
AMOUNT: $8,492.96
Page 4 of 6
R-092266 FIN 25 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO JUVAHN DUNCAN IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,036.38 FROM UTILITY ACCOUNT #5852-0, BLOCK 110.02, LOT
27.26, 10H NEILSON STREET DUE TO BILLING ADJUSTMENT
R-092267 TKS 26 ADVICE AND CONSENT TO BOARD OF ETHICS APPOINTMENT
NAME: MONICA REYES
EXPIRES: DECEMBER 31, 2024
R-092268 TKS 27 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE (WITH SPECIAL RULING)
FOR 2022-2023
FOR: GEORGE BARROOD (INACTIVE)
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-026-010
R-092269 TKS 28 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 2022-2023 LIQUOR
LICENSE
FOR: LUCKY 103, LLC (INACTIVE)
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-077-014
R-092270 CG 29 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK/DEPARTMENT OF
HUMAN & COMMUNITY SERVICES
FOR: FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
LOCATION: BOYD PARK
DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2022
TIME: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (SET UP/BREAK DOWN)
TIME: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (FESTIVAL)
RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-092271 TKS 30 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 2020-2021 LIQUOR
LICENSE
FOR: GERMANIA UCETA ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF
STEVEN GOMEZ T/A D’PALACE BAR
181 THROOP AVENUE
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-019-005
R-092272 TKS 31 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 2021-2022 LIQUOR
LICENSE
FOR: GERMANIA UCETA ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF
STEVEN GOMEZ T/A D’PALACE BAR
181 THROOP AVENUE
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-019-005
R-092273 TKS 32 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 2022-2023 LIQUOR
LICENSE
FOR: GERMANIA UCETA ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF
STEVEN GOMEZ T/A D’PALACE BAR
181 THROOP AVENUE
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-019-005
R-092274 TKS 33 APPROVE PERSON-TO-PERSON TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE
FROM: GERMANIA UCETA ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF
STEVEN GOMEZ T/A D’PALACE BAR
TO: THE THROOP PALACE LLC
181 THROOP AVENUE
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-019-005
Page 5 of 6
H. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL:
ACTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
TO: NO.
I. PUBLIC COMMENT:
J. DATES TO REMEMBER:
1. CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2022
5:30 P.M.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2022
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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