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City Council

Regular Meeting

New Brunswick, NJ · October 5, 2022

AgendaMinutes

Minutes

OCTOBER 5, 2022 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD ON OCTOBER 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. The City Council met with all 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 Assistant City Attorney Joseph Catanese Planning Director Daniel Dominguez City Administrator Michael Drulis Superintendent of Water Department Eric Ekoue Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg Police Officer Jamal James Finance Director Richard Mulrine City Attorney TK Shamy Senior Citizen Resource Center Staff Lisa Troulis Director of Engineering and Public Works Thomas Valenti City Clerk Leslie R. Zeledón Meeting called to order by Council President Sicora Ludwig with Council Members Anderson, Egan, Escobar and Fleming present. On motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming and carried, the minutes of the previous Council Meetings held on August 17, 2022 were approved and adopted as engrossed. REPORT OF BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL PRESIDENT Council President addressed the 2022 Financial Disclosure inquiry regarding Brandon Goldberg and spoke about Contract Law and jurisdiction regarding legally owed fees from MCJIF members. CP also commented the Housing Authority is a separate entity from the City Council. Lastly, she spoke about a special interest group that brought forth a proposed resolution from another town and the council not having the expertise to move forward. PUBLIC HEARING None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES O-102201 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: 78 THROOP AVENUE 15 SIXTH STREET 19 OAK 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 October 19, 2022 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-102202 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 10.12.100 – SCHEDULE 11, “BUS STOPS” ADD: ALONG NEW STREET, NORTHBOUND ON THE EASTERLY SIDE 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 October 19, 2022 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-102203 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK APPROPRIATING $2,000,000.00 FROM REGIONAL CONTRIBUTION FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE TOWNSHIPS OF PISCATAWAY AND NORTH BRUNSWICK IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE HOMEOWNER AFFORDABLE REHABILITATION PROGRAM 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 October 19, 2022 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 Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission regarding a Multi-Family Residential Development at 159-161 Throop Avenue. 2. A letter from ACER Associates, LLC regarding Cellular Antenna Facility at 10 Landing Lane. 3. A letter from Weiner Law Group regarding a Notice of Supplemental Assessment within the Borough of Metuchen. 4. A Certification of the Table of Equalized Valuations from the State of New Jersey Department of Treasury Division of Taxation. 5. A letter from VHB regarding a NJDEP Freshwater Wetlands General Permit for Rutgers Cook Student Center at 59 Biel Road. 6. A letter from Wick Companies, LLC regarding a Demolition of Structure at 159 New Street. 7. A letter from the Land Resource Protection Program's Technical Support Center regarding a Land Use Authorization Permit for Rutgers Cook Student Center. 8. A letter from Angela Newton inquiring on the rules and procedures within the City of New Brunswick Police Department and Department of Inspections. RESOLUTIONS Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-102207, R-102215, R-102218, R-102223, R-102228, R- 102229 and R-102230. Mr. Valenti, Mr. Drulis, Mr. Shamy and Council President responded. Ms. Moore inquired on R-102205 and R-102211. Council President responded. Mr. Donsel, a Rutgers Student inquired on R-102208. Mr. Drulis and Council President responded. Mr. Zebulong, a Rutgers student inquired on R-102204. Council President responded. Resolutions R-102201 through R-102231 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 Council Vice President Escobar congratulated all involved in the Domestic Violence Annual March/Rally and for those who participated in the Wash and Learn Program. Council Member Fleming spoke on October being Breast Cancer Awareness month and advised the public to get tested. Ms. Moore of Suydam Street, spoke in regards to an ordinance previously passed for Paul Robeson Blvd. Ms. Moore also thanked members of the New Brunswick Police Department and the Fire Department for responding so quickly to calls she made on the non-emergency line and suggested 911 calls to be dispatched from the New Brunswick Police Department, not Rutgers. Ms. Susan Kramer Mills of the Town Clock read a correspondence about Domestic Violence and asked for transparency of all candidates who are running for office and suggested past issues should be made public. Nathan inquired on homelessness issues and if the council can look into the availability of a shower on Abeel Street in New Brunswick. Mr. Kratovil thanked the DPW for the mini clean up in his neighborhood from the Block Captain program and the installation of eight new bus shelters on Livingston Avenue. Mr. Kratovil also asked about an allegation of medical waste dumping on county land and inquired about the Director of the Housing Authority having multiple jobs, the MCJIF and the public safety of New Brunswick residents. On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:08 P.M. Leslie R. Zeledón Suzanne Sicora Ludwig City Clerk Council President

Agenda

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE OCTOBER 5, 2022 COUNCIL MEETING. CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2022 @ 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2022 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: AUGUST 17, 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. F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING: ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. O-102201 JC 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: 78 THROOP AVENUE 15 SIXTH STREET 19 OAK STREET O-102202 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 10.12.100 – SCHEDULE 11, “BUS STOPS” ADD: ALONG NEW STREET, NORTHBOUND ON THE EASTERLY SIDE O-102203 TKS 3 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK APPROPRIATING $2,000,000.00 FROM REGIONAL CONTRIBUTION FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE TOWNSHIPS OF PISCATAWAY AND NORTH BRUNSWICK IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE HOMEOWNER AFFORDABLE REHABILITATION PROGRAM Page 1 of 5 G. RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. R-102201 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS R-102202 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL 09/17/22 – 09/30/22 R-102203 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES R-102204 CG 4 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112147 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $77,700.00 FOR THE WATER UTILITY WITH: MOTT MACDONALD GROUP, INC. D/B/A MOTT MACDONALD, LLC FOR: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR HANDY STREET WATER MAINS REPLACEMENT PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO.: 853-20RFP NTE: $77,700.00 R-102205 JC 5 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH: SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP. FOR: SOFTWARE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT – CLOUD COMPUTING SOLUTION TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 AND ENDING AUGUST 31, 2023 NTE: $17,205.00 SOURCEWELL CO-OP CONTRACT NUNC PRO TUNC R-102206 CG 6 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH: 72 HOUR LLC, D/B/A NATIONAL AUTO FLEET GROUP, CHEVROLET OF WATSONVILLE FOR: ONE (1) 2024 FREIGHTLINER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS NTE: $258,868.00 SOURCEWELL CO-OP CONTRACT R-102207 JC 7 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH: SANITATION EQUIPMENT CORP. FOR: ONE (1) GARBAGE TRUCK WITH OPTIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS NTE: $386,977.87 SOURCEWELL CO-OP CONTRACT R-102208 CG 8 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: PHI SIGMA SIGMA FOUNDATION FOR: 5K RUN LOCATION: BUCCLEUCH PARK AND TRACK DATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022 TIME: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Page 2 of 5 R-102209 JC 9 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING REQUESTED BY: HIRAM SQUARE ASSOCIATION FOR: BLOCK PARTY STREET LOCATION: HIRAM SQUARE – WESTBOUND SIDE BETWEEN DENNIS STREET AND NEILSON STREET (WILL NOT IMPEDE ANY CROSSWALKS) DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022 TIME: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM R-102210 CG 10 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: CENTRAL JERSEY FAMILY HEALTH CONSORTIUM FOR: FALL FESTIVAL LOCATION: RECREATION PARK DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022 RAIN DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2022 TIME: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM R-102211 JC 11 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF GRANT STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY, NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR: 2022 DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER – YEAR END HOLIDAY GRANT AMOUNT: $12,250.00 R-102212 FIN 12 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION MIDDLESEX COUNTY DEPT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR: 2022-23 MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GRANT AMOUNT: $22,056.00 R-102213 FIN 13 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION MIDDLESEX COUNTY ARTS & HISTORY FOR: MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL AMOUNT: $4,000.00 R-102214 FIN 14 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION MIDDLESEX COUNTY OFFICE OF AGING FOR: TITLE IIIB - SUPPLEMENT AMOUNT: $12,000.00 R-102215 CG 15 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO RE-BID FOR: EMERGENCY HOUSING SHELTER RE-BID SPECIFICATION NO: 121-22RFP R-102216 JC 16 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-072232 REASON: REVISED DATES APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE REQUESTED BY: CHRIS ANDERSON ROOFING REASON: CRANE PLACEMENT AT 25 KIRKPATRICK STREET (CIVIC SQUARE BUILDING) AND 120 NEW STREET (FAMILY COURT BUILDING) IN ORDER TO INSTALL A NEW ROOFING SYSTEM ON BOTH BUILDINGS DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2022 ALTERNATE DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2022 TIME: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM: 25 KIRKPATRICK STREET, CIVIC SQUARE BUILDING 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: 120 NEW STREET, FAMILY COURT BUILDING Page 3 of 5 R-1022017 CG 17 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062250 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $18,859.00 WITH: GEORGE DAPPER, INC. FOR: BUS TRANSPORTATION FOR 2022 SUMMER FUN PROGRAMS SPECIFICATION NO.: 999-22P NTE: $18,859.00 APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT R-102218 TKS 18 APPROVE RE-APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL NAME: J. PETER JOST, ESQ. FOR: BOARD OF ETHICS SPECIAL CONFLICT COUNSEL NTE: $10,000.00 R-102219 FIN 19 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER OVERPAYMENTS ON SEVERAL TAX AND UTILITY ACCOUNTS R-102220 FIN 20 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO DONGYU WANG IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $910.00 DUE TO OVERBILLING ON BLOCK 171, LOT 25, 84 REMSEN AVENUE, AGAINST UTILITY ACCOUNT #4412-0 R-102221 FIN 21 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO WEI ZHANG IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $657.22 DUE TO OVERBILLING ON BLOCK 237, LOT 2.06 QUALIFIER C0042, 120 FULTON COURT, AGAINST UTILITY ACCOUNT #7023-0. PROPERTY SOLD AUGUST 26, 2022. R-102222 FIN 22 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO MAGYAR BANK IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $7,407.92 AGAINST 2022 TAX YEAR ON BLOCK 240, LOT 014.01, 255 POWERS STREET. PROPERTY EXEMPT AS OF 2022 TAX YEAR. R-102223 FIN 23 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO ROCKOFF URBAN RENEWAL LLC IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $90,190.00 AGAINST 2022 TAX YEAR ON BLOCK 129, LOT 1.01 QUALIFIER X, 290 GEORGE STREET. PROPERTY EXEMPT AS OF 2021 TAX YEAR. R-102224 JC 24 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-072142 CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 WITH: PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION, LLC FOR: REMSEN AVENUE WATER MAIN UPGRADE FOR THE WATER UTILITY SPECIFICATION NO.: 924-21W NTE: $532,985.09 APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT R-102225 CG 25 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND ROAD CLOSURE REQUESTED BY: KENVIL CRANE REASON: DISMANTLE THE TOWER CRANE UTILIZED FOR THE PLUM II PROJECT SITE DATES & TIMES: OCTOBER 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30, 2022 FROM 12:00 AM TO 7:00 AM ALTERNATE DATES & TIMES: NOVEMBER 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13, 2022 OR NOVEMBER 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27, 2022 FROM 12:00 AM TO 7:00 AM Page 4 of 5 R-102226 TKS 26 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE - LETTER OF CREDIT TO: PETER CAMAMIS/1002 JERSEY AVENUE LLC FOR: 1002 JERSEY AVENUE BLOCK 598, LOT 16 R-102227 TKS 27 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE BOND TO: FULTON SQUARE URBAN RENEWAL, LLC BLOCK 296.01, LOT 1/-1 R-102228 TKS 28 APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE (UEZ) AUTHORITY FOR THE FIRST GENERATION ENTERPRISE ZONE ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR GRANT ADMINISTRATION AMOUNT: $240,000.00 R-102229 TKS 29 APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE (UEZ) AUTHORITY FOR THE FIRST GENERATION ENTERPRISE ZONE ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR IMPROVED WAYFINDING SIGNAGE AMOUNT: $230,000.00 R-102230 TKS 30 APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE (UEZ) AUTHORITY FOR THE FIRST GENERATION ENTERPRISE ZONE ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR BUSINESS TRAINING AMOUNT: 100,000.00 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 19, 2022 5:30 P.M. 2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT www.cityofnewbrunswick.org Page 5 of 5

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