City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · May 17, 2023
Minutes
MAY 17, 2023
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON MAY 17, 2023 AT 5:00 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 5 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
Planning Director Daniel Dominguez
City Administrator Michael Drulis
Water Department Eric Ekoue
Assistant City Attorney Charly Gayden
Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg
Fire Department Hasahya Hirya
Police Lt. James Hoover
Police Officer Jamal James
Parking Authority Antoine Johnson
Finance Staff Michael Licameli
Police Deputy Director JT Miller
Finance Director Richard Mulrine
City Attorney TK Shamy
Fire Department Staff Cheryl Smith
City Market Director Pam Stefanek
Director of Water Department Alexei Walus
City Clerk Leslie R. Zeledón
On motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming and carried, the
minutes of the previous Council Meeting held on April 5, 2023 were approved and adopted as
engrossed.
Meeting called to order by Council President Rebecca Escobar with Council Members Egan,
Fleming, Gaskins and Sicora Ludwig present. Council Members Anderson and Castaneda were
absent.
PUBLIC HEARING
O-052301 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: 259 HALE STREET, 78 MAY STREET, 92 PAULUS
BOULEVARD,
54 WRIGHT PLACE, 76 WELTON STREET, 224 POWERS
STREET,
117 WRIGHT PLACE, 3 HAY STREET
Council President Escobar 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 May 17, 2023.
Roll Call:
Aye: Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-052302 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
RE: PARKING METERS, ADDITIONAL PARKING AND
CHANGE OF TRAFFIC FLOW ON MORRIS STREET
Council President Escobar opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Ms. Moore and Mr. Kratovil inquired on the above ordinance. Mr. Dominguez
responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Gaskins, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on May 17, 2023.
Roll Call:
Aye: Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-052303 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF
GEORGE STREET BETWEEN ALBANY STREET AND
BAYARD STREET FROM SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023
THROUGH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2023
Council President Escobar opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Council Member Sicora-Ludwig commented on the ordinance. A local resident
stated he was not in favor of the street closing. Ms. Moore spoke against the street closure and
mentioned how the closure impacts emergencies. Mr. Kratovil, Ms. Kerber, Mr. Tublin and Mr.
Hernandez also inquired on the above ordinance. Mr. Dominguez, Council Member Egan
responded. Doug Schneider, City Center Chairman spoke on the overall goal of expanding the
public space, help businesses and the hiring of more employees.
On a motion of Council Member Gaskins, seconded by Council Member Sicora-Ludwig, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on May 17, 2023.
Roll Call:
Aye: Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
O-052304 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 16, LAND DEVELOPMENT
CODE, CHAPTER 16.24 – SITE PLAN REVIEW
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on June 7, 2023 at
5:00P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora-Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-052305 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 17, ZONING
• CHAPTER 17.05 – OFF-STREET PARKING AND
LOADING
• CHAPTER 17.06 – SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS
• CHAPTER 17.08 – ENFORCEMENT AND
COMPLIANCE
On a motion of Council Member Gaskins, seconded by Council Member Castaneda, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on June 7, 2023 at
5:00P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A letter from Tetra Tech and GEI Consultants regarding Public Notification and
Outreach for JB Ross Inc. (aka, 409 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ Pl
#027286 / Case #13-06-13-1639-39 / Activity #LSR130001.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Ms. Moore inquired on R-052336, R-052346 and R-052349. Council President,
Deputy Miller and Mr. Drulis responded. Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-052346, R-052349, R-052355
and R-052356. Deputy Miller, City Clerk Zeledón, Mr. Dominguez and Council President
responded.
Resolutions R-052330 through R-052356, moved by Council Vice President Egan, seconded by
Council Member Fleming and carried were adopted, on consent, by the Municipal Council.
Roll Call:
Aye: Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Council President congratulated Council Member Sicora Ludwig for being named a Power Player by
Industry Magazine and her position in the Taste of New Jersey. CP mentioned Dog Bark Event and
the distribution of free dresses for prom and dresses help citywide organizations. Ms. Moore of 333
Somerset Street complimented a city housing inspector, Samuel Torres, thanked Officer Jamaal
James and Nicole Lewis, stated she was disappointed on the prosecutor’s office and some officers.
Ms. Marge Kerber of Comstock Street spoke of the signs at the treatment plant and mail being sent
to her. Pete Miguel urged the city council to increase social services, asked about public restrooms,
and city parks. Mr. Kratovil inquired on the video posting of the last council meeting, redaction of
an address, freedom of speech, Nixle alerts and incidents that involved shooting and robbery in the
city. Mr. Kratovil also asked of a theft of a police vehicle and the police director’s schedule.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:05P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón Rebecca Escobar
City Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE MAY 17, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023 @ 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: APRIL 5, 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.
O-052301 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: 259 HALE STREET, 78 MAY STREET, 92 PAULUS BOULEVARD,
54 WRIGHT PLACE, 76 WELTON STREET, 224 POWERS STREET,
117 WRIGHT PLACE, 3 HAY STREET
O-052302 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
RE: PARKING METERS, ADDITIONAL PARKING AND CHANGE OF
TRAFFIC FLOW ON MORRIS STREET
O-052303 TKS 3 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF GEORGE
STREET BETWEEN ALBANY STREET AND BAYARD STREET FROM
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023 THROUGH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2023
F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
O-052304 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
16, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 16.24 – SITE PLAN
REVIEW
Page 1 of 6
O-052305 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 17, ZONING
• CHAPTER 17.05 – OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
• CHAPTER 17.06 – SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS
• CHAPTER 17.08 – ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-052330 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-052331 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
04/29/23 – 05/12/23
R-052332 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-052333 FIN 4 AUTHORIZE REFUND OVERPAYMENT TO J. DON CHEN IN THE
TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,181.70 AGAINST UTILITY ACCOUNT# 6018-0,
BLOCK 156, LOT 30.09, 90 TOWNSEND STREET
R-052334 CG 5 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: MCKINLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL/NEW BRUNSWICK
BOARD OF EDUCATION
FOR: UNIFIED GAME DAY FOR PRESCHOOLERS
LOCATION: ALICE JENNINGS ARCHIBALD PARK AND FIELDS
DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023
TIME: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
R-052335 CG 6 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK MIDDLE SCHOOL/NEW
BRUNSWICK BOARD OF EDUCATION
FOR: 8TH GRADE PICNIC EVENT
LOCATION: YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX/ FRONT SOCCER FIELD AREA
DATE: MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2023
RAIN DATE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2023
TIME: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
R-052336 JC 7 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY AND SIDEWALK USE
REQUESTED BY: AISHA WILLIAMS/UPTOWN REUNION COMMITTEE
FOR: OUTDOOR FESTIVAL
LOCATION: FEASTER PARK
SIDEWALK LOCATION: HANDY STREET BETWEEN THROOP AVENUE
AND PAUL ROBESON BOULEVARD
DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2023
TIME: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
R-052337 JC 8 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY AND STREET
CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CULTURAL CENTER
FOR: MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
LOCATION: MONUMENT SQUARE PARK
STREET LOCATION: LIVINGSTON AVENUE BETWEEN GEORGE STREET
AND NEW STREET (ONE LANE TO REMAIN OPEN FOR HELDRICH HOTEL
VEHICULAR TRAFFIC)
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023
TIME: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
Page 2 of 6
R-052338 CG 9 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY AND STREET
CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CULTURAL CENTER
FOR: INAUGURAL MIDDLESEX COUNTY JAZZ FESTIVAL
LOCATION: MONUMENT SQUARE PARK
STREET LOCATION: LIVINGSTON AVENUE BETWEEN GEORGE
STREET & NEW STREET (ONE LANE TO REMAIN OPEN FOR
HELDRICH HOTEL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC)
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
TIME: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-052339 JC 10 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: CARESPARC COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
FOR: SUSTAINABLE HEALTH & WELLNESS VILLAGE FESTIVAL
LOCATION: BOYD PARK
DATES & TIMES: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 (SET UP) FROM
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 (EVENT) FROM 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 (EVENT) FROM 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
EVENT DAYS SET UP HOURS 7:00 AM/EVENT BREAKDOWN (9/16) BY
7:00 PM
RAIN DATE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 (FOR FRIDAY’S EVENT
ONLY)
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-052340 CG 11 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: EMBRACE KIDS FOUNDATION
FOR: FUNDRAISER WALK AND ACTIVITIES
LOCATION: BUCCLEUCH PARK, PAVILION/TRACK/GRASSY AREA
DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
TIME: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023
R-052341 JC 12 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062247
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $30,424.00
WITH: AETNA US HEALTHCARE (TRADITIONAL AND POS)
NTE: $30,424.00
R-052342 CG 13 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: CLEARVIEW HEALTH & SAFETY SERVICES, INC., D/B/A CERTIFIED
HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES
FOR: SAFETY CONSULTANT AND TRAINER FOR THE WATER UTILITY
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING MAY 18, 2023 AND
ENDING MAY 17, 2024
SPECIFICATION NO.: 167-23RFP
NTE: $13,455.00
FAIR AND OPEN
R-052343 JC 14 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: CONSULTING & MUNICIPAL ENGINEERS D/B/A CME
ASSOCIATES
FOR: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RUTGERS VILLAGE WATER
MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT, PHASE VI FOR THE WATER UTILITY
SPECIFICATION NO.: 178-23RFP
NTE: $56,602.00
FAIR AND OPEN
R-052344 FIN 15 APPROVE EMERGENCY TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2023
Page 3 of 6
R-052345 CG 16 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-052262
REASON: ONE (1) YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION
WITH: NORTHEASTERN BENEFIT SERVICES, LLC
FOR: INSURANCE BROKERAGE SERVICES (DENTAL)
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH CONTRACT COMMENCING JUNE 1, 2023
AND ENDING MAY 31, 2024
SPECIFICATION NO.: 996-22RFP
FAIR AND OPEN
R-052346 JC 17 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: LEDGEWOOD POWERSPORTS, INC.
FOR: TWO (2) UTILITY VEHICLES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
NTE: $52,963.69
SOURCEWELL CO-OP CONTRACT
R-052347 CG 18 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-012359
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $35,000.00
WITH: BRB VALUATION AND CONSULTING SERVICES, LLC
FOR: 2023 REAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR TAX
APPEALS – DIVISION OF ASSESSMENTS
NTE: $35,000.00
R-052348 JC 19 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-012356
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $50,000.00
WITH: HOAGLAND, LONGO, MORAN, DUNST & DOUKAS, LLP
FOR: 2023 SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR TAX APPEALS – DIVISION OF
ASSESSMENTS
NTE: $50,000.00
R-052349 TKS 20 SET HEARING DATE RELATIVE TO CONTINUATION/TERMINATION
OF CONDITIONS ON ABC LICENSES
FOR: RHYTHM HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC T/A SOCIAL ROOM BAR
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-079-008
DATE: JUNE 7, 2023
FOR: THE VINE OF NEW BRUNSWICK, LLC., T/A THE VINE
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-028-006
DATE: JUNE 7, 2023
FOR: LA FAMOSA, INC. T/A LA FAMOSA
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-045-003
DATE: JUNE 7, 2023
FOR: D’GALA CAFÉ & RESTAURANT, INC. T/A D’GALA CAFÉ &
RESTAURANT
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-007-003
DATE: JUNE 7, 2023
R-052350 TKS 21 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: SHAUGER PROPERTY SERVICES, INC.
FOR: JULES LANE WATER SYSTEM AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS
SPECIFICATION NO.: 959-22
NTE: $897,968.00
R-052351 JC 22 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: FRENCH AND PARRELLO ASSOCIATES, PA
FOR: SURVEYING SERVICES FOR TWO ROADWAY AND UTILITY
SURVEYS
SPECIFICATION NO.: 972-23RFP
NTE: $15,200.00
FAIR AND OPEN
Page 4 of 6
R-052352 CG 23 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
FOR: LABORATORY ANALYSIS FOR THE WATER UTILITY
WITH: GARDEN STATE LABORATORIES, INC.
NTE: $31,680.00
WITH: PACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES, LLC
NTE: $3,000.00
WITH: EUROFINS EATON ANALYTICAL, INC.
NTE: $1,800.00
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING MAY 21, 2023
AND ENDING MAY 20, 2024
SPECIFICATION NO.: 168-23RFP
FAIR AND OPEN
R-052353 JC 24 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
FOR: CONTAMINANTS ANALYSIS FOR THE WATER UTILITY
WITH: EUROFINS EATON ANALYTICAL, LLC
NTE: $7,504.00
WITH: ANALYTICAL SERVICES, LLC
NTE: $13,200.00
WITH: GARDEN STATE LABORATORIES, INC.
NTE: $9,935.00
WITH: PACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES, INC.
NTE: $15,400.00
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING MAY 21, 2023
AND ENDING MAY 20, 2024, AND THEREAFTER FOR AN ADDITIONAL
TWELVE (12) MONTHS SHOULD THE CITY SO DESIRE
SPECIFICATION NO.: 177-23RFP
FAIR AND OPEN
R-052354 JC 25 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY, STREET
CLOSING AND USE OF CITY SIDEWALK
REQUESTED BY: CIVIC LEAGUE OF GREATER NEW BRUNSWICK
FOR: HEALTH FAIR
LOCATION: RECREATION PARK – ALL FIELDS
STREET AND SIDEWALK LOCATION: PINE STREET
DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023
TIME: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
R-052355 TKS 26 RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS OF TEMPORARY
CLOSURE OF GEORGE STREET FROM SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023
THROUGH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2023
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, JUNE 7, 2023
5:00 P.M.
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2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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