City Council

Name: City Council — New Brunswick, NJ
Start: 2023-03-15
End: 2023-03-15
Location: New Brunswick, NJ

Regular Meeting

New Brunswick, NJ · March 15, 2023

Minutes

MARCH 15, 2023 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD ON MARCH 15, 2023 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 in City Hall and has been transmitted to the official newspaper for the City of New Brunswick, namely The Home News Tribune. The City Council met with six 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 Deputy Clerk Shalon T. Bennett Library Director Robert Belvin Planning Director Daniel Dominguez City Administrator Michael Drulis Superintendent of the Water Department Erick Ekoue Assistant City Attorney Charly Gayden Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg Fire Department Hasahya Hirya Police Officer Jamal James Finance Staff Michael Licameli Deputy Director JT Miller Finance Director Richard Mulrine Fire Official Victor Ortiz City Attorney TK Shamy Fire Department Staff Cheryl Smith Director of Engineering and Public Works Thomas Valenti Director of Water Department Alexei Walus City Clerk Leslie R. Zeledón On motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig and carried, the minutes of the previous Council Meetings held on February 1, 2023 were approved and adopted as engrossed. Meeting called to order by Council President Rebecca Escobar with Council Members Anderson, Castaneda, Egan, Gaskins and Sicora Ludwig present. Council Member Fleming was absent. PUBLIC HEARING None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES O-032301 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE NB DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on April 5, 2023 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-032302 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC -CHAPTER 10.16 – STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING, SECTION 10.16.050 – SCHEDULE 29, “TIME LIMIT PARKING – PARKING METERS” -CHAPTER 10.28 – RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS, SECTION 10.28.010 – SCHEDULE 41, “PARKING BY PERMIT ONLY IN DESIGNATED RESIDENTIAL AREAS” On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on April 5, 2023 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-032303 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 12, STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES, CHAPTER 12.28 – PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS ADD A NEW SECTION: 12.28.370 DOG PARKS On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on April 5, 2023 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS 1. A certified letter from MidAtlantic Engineering Partners regarding an application submitted by Hoffman Housing Urban Renewal Associates, LLC regarding property at: 75 Neilson Street Block 106.02, Lot 1.03 for a flood hazard area individual permit. 2. A letter from Middlesex County Department of Transportation Office of Public Works regarding the 2023 Middlesex County Proposed Resurfacing Program. 3. A letter from State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Emergency Management Program regarding a Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification NJDEP Case Number 23-03-09-1628-35. 4. A letter from the State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Department of Law and Public Safety Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control regarding License No.:1214-33-080-008, Slider Pub and Grille Inc. t/a George Street Ale House. 5. A letter from Envocare Environmental & Facility Management regarding a Summary of Biennial Certifications & Inspections – February 2023 for 986 Jersey Avenue (aka Hwy 91) RESOLUTIONS Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-032340 and R-032343. City Clerk and Mr. Valenti responded. Ms. Moore inquired on R-032326, R-032327, R-032328 and R-032340. Council President and the City Clerk responded. Mr. Jules inquired on R-032328. Council President responded and asked that he be escorted out of the meeting. Resolutions R-032324 through R-032345, moved by Council Member Egan seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig and carried were adopted, on consent, by the Municipal Council. Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Council member Sicora Ludwig mentioned the protocol she had in place, as a past Council President. CM Gaskins stated she was in support of Resolution R-032328 for the grant funding application submitted by the police department and its different aspects. Danielle Moore of 333 Somerset Street spoke of about right and wrong, an injury she had encountered and being a resident for 46 years. Milltown Resident, Eric Middle spoke of Code Blue concerns, social services for the homeless and the Dignity Center. Holly of Highland Park spoke about the City’s website pages regarding the Dignity Center, the Dignity Center’s hours, and social services. Mr. Kratovil of 143 Suydam Street inquired on current COVID policies with limited access, City Administrator Drulis responded. Mr. Kratovil mentioned legal matters concerning a council member, the Historical Association meetings, public information platform and a matter concerning a police officer. Britney Richardson of Livingston Avenue and DPW employee mentioned a pending suspension comparison between a police officer and her position. Ms. Richardson also described her responsibility as a DPW employee and the amount of bulk garbage in the city. Ms. Richardson raised a concern on the areas by the schools, when the students are entering or leaving the school during the time of picking up the garbage. On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 P.M. Leslie R. Zeledón Rebecca Escobar City Clerk Council President

Agenda

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE MARCH 15, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING. CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2023 @ 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2023 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FEBRUARY 1, 2023 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. F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING: ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. O-032301 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE NB DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK O-032302 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC -CHAPTER 10.16 – STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING, SECTION 10.16.050 – SCHEDULE 29, “TIME LIMIT PARKING – PARKING METERS” -CHAPTER 10.28 – RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS, SECTION 10.28.010 – SCHEDULE 41, “PARKING BY PERMIT ONLY IN DESIGNATED RESIDENTIAL AREAS” O-032303 TKS 3 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 12, STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES, CHAPTER 12.28 – PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS ADD A NEW SECTION: 12.28.370 DOG PARKS Page 1 of 5 G. RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. R-032324 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS R-032325 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL 02/18/23 – 03/03/23 R-032326 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES R-032327 JC 4 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF GRANT AGREEMENT FOR FY2024 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH: NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY FOR: HTS FEDERAL HIGHWAY SAFETY GRANT FY2024 R-032328 JC 5 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF GRANT AGREEMENT FOR 2023 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH: NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY, DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR: 2023 DISTRACTED DRIVING CRACKDOWN. U DRIVE. U TEXT. U PAY. AMOUNT: $14,000.00 R-032329 JC 6 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF GRANT FOR FY2024 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH: NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY, DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR: FY2024 STATE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION FUND GRANT R-032330 CG 7 APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH: AETNA US HEALTHCARE-MIDDLETOWN FOR: MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN TERM: JANUARY 1, 2023 – DECEMBER 31, 2023 NUNC PRO TUNC R-032331 JC 8 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY AND STREET CLOSURE REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK RECREATION DEPARTMENT/NJ SKATE FOR: SKATEBOARD CLINIC PARK LOCATION: RECREATION PARK STREET LOCATION: RECREATION PARK LANE (SANDFORD STREET) DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023 TIME: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM R-032332 CG 9 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING REQUESTED BY: OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH FOR: GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION STREET LOCATION: MORRIS ST., GEORGE ST., LIVINGSTON AVENUE DATE: FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023 TIME: 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM POLICE EXTRA DUTY Page 2 of 5 R-032333 CG 10 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY AND USE OF CITY SIDEWALK REQUESTED BY: LINCOLN ANNEX SCHOOL/NEW BRUNSWICK BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR: LINCOLN ANNEX SCHOOL FIELD DAY PARK LOCATION: ALICE JENNINGS ARCHIBALD PARK SIDEWALK USE: STUDENTS & STAFF WILL WALK TO AND FROM THE SCHOOL AND PARK ON VAN DYKE AVENUE FROM 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM DATE: FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023 RAIN DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2023 PARK USE TIME: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM R-032334 JC 11 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY AND STREET CLOSURE REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CULTURAL CENTER, INC. FOR: HUB CITY SOUNDS: 4TH ANNUAL HEART FESTIVAL/PHOTOSHOOT FOR PROMOTIONS PARK LOCATION: MONUMENT SQUARE PARK STREET LOCATION: LIVINGSTON AVENUE BETWEEN GEORGE STREET AND NEW STREET (ONE SIDE TO REMAIN OPEN FOR HELDRICH HOTEL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC) AND GEORGE STREET BETWEEN NEW STREET AND BAYARD STREET DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023 TIME: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM POLICE EXTRA DUTY R-032335 CG 12 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: LINCOLN ANNEX SCHOOL/NEW BRUNSWICK BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR: 8TH GRADE PICNIC PARK LOCATION: BUCCLEUCH PARK - PAVILION, FIELDS, PLAYGROUND, BASKETBALL COURT, SWINGS DATE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2023 RAIN DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 TIME: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM R-032336 CG 13 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH FOR: CHURCH SERVICE AND FELLOWSHIP LOCATION: BOYD PARK, AMPHITHEATER AND FIELDS DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2023 TIME: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM R-032337 TKS 14 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF PY 2019 ACTION PLAN FOR THE REPROGRAMMING AND RE-ALLOCATION OF CDBG FUNDS FOR TWO (2) PROJECTS FOR: PURCHASE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT ($334,332.01) FOR: SENIOR CENTER CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY ($300,000.00) R-032338 JC 15 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER TREES FOR SPRING TREE PLANTING PROGRAM FOR THE DIVISION OF PARKS & SHADE TREE WITH: BARBATO NURSERY CORP. – ITEMS B, C & G NTE: $2,390.00 WITH: SITE ONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY, LLC – ITEMS F, I & L NTE: $4,694.48 WITH: SCHICHTEL’S NURSERY, INC. – ITEMS A, D, E, H, J & K NTE: $7,274.00 SPECIFICATION NO.: 170-23P Page 3 of 5 R-032339 CG 16 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH: FILMTEC CORPORATION FOR: PROPRIETARY MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR THE MEMCOR MEMBRANE FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR THE WATER UTILITY TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING MARCH 17, 2023 AND ENDING MARCH 16, 2024 NTE: $33,990.00 R-032340 JC 17 APPROVE PERSON-TO-PERSON TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE FROM: KELLY’S KORNER, INC. TO: THE VINE OF NEW BRUNSWICK, LLC. T/A THE VINE 75 MORRELL STREET LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-028-006 R-032341 CG 18 AUTHORIZE LEASE OF COPY MACHINE FOR LAW DEPARTMENT FROM: RICOH USA, INC. FOR: ONE (1) RICOH MODEL #IM7000 COPIER SYSTEM NTE: $360.15 PER MONTH COMMENCING MAY 1, 2023 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2027; FORTY-EIGHT (48) MONTH CONTRACT NJ STATE CONTRACT #40467/G-2075-COPIERS, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPLIES R-032342 JC 19 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-032261 REASON: EXTEND CONTRACT AN ADDITIONAL (12) TWELVE MONTHS WITH: PETERSON SERVICE COMPANY, INC. FOR: TEMPERATURE CONTROL/HVAC MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING MARCH 17, 2023 AND ENDING MARCH 16, 2024 SPECIFICATION NO.: 994-22P NTE: $82,000.00 R-032343 CG 20 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-032312 REASON: ADDITIONAL DATES APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND ROAD CLOSURE REQUESTED BY: VERGONA CRANE CO., INC. REASON: SET NEW HVAC EQUIPMENT ON THE ROOF OF ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ROAD CLOSURE: FRENCH STREET BETWEEN PATERSON STREET AND JOYCE KILMER AVENUE DATES AND TIMES: STARTING AT 8:00 PM FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 AND CONTINUING THROUGH 8:00 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023 ALTERNATE DATES: STARTING AT 8:00 PM FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023 AND CONTINUING THROUGH 8:00 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 R-032344 JC 21 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND ROAD CLOSURE REQUESTED BY: SHAMROCK CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC. REASON: INSTALLATION OF INFILL ROOF STEEL AT THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SOUTH EXPANSION PROJECT ROAD CLOSURE: FRENCH STREET BETWEEN PATERSON STREET AND JOYCE KILMER AVENUE DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 TIME: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM R-032345 FIN 22 APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH: STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS FOR: LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLD WATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Page 4 of 5 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, APRIL 5, 2023 5:30 P.M. 2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023 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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