City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · July 5, 2023
Minutes
JULY 5, 2023
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON JULY 5, 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 all voting members of the City Council present.
Salute to the Flag.................................................................... Shalon T. Bennett
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
Assistant City Attorney Joseph Catanese
Planning Director Daniel Dominguez
City Administrator Michael Drulis
Water Department Erick Ekoue
Assistant City Attorney Charly Gayden
Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg
City Engineer Antoine Hajjar
Fire Chief of Administration Hasahya Hirya
Police Lt. James Hoover
Police Officer Jamal James
Finance Staff Michael Licameli
Recycling Coordinator Erin Maguire
Finance Director Richard Mulrine
Clerk’s Office Jasmine Sosa
Director of International Programs Michael Tublin
Director of Water Department Alexei Walus
On motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Gaskins and carried, the
minutes of the previous Council Meetings held on May 17, 2023 were approved and adopted as
engrossed.
Meeting called to order by Council President Rebecca Escobar with Council Members Anderson,
Castaneda, Egan, Fleming, Gaskins and Sicora Ludwig present.
PUBLIC HEARING
O-062303 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: 28 CHESTER CIRCLE, APT. 1B
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 Sicora Ludwig, and carried,
the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on July 5, 2023
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-062304 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE GRANTING OF A RIGHT-OF-WAY
EASEMENT AGREEMENT TO 359 GEORGE STREET LLC, ABOVE AND
BELOW A PORTION OF THE CITY’S RIGHT-OF-WAY KNOWN AS
GEORGE STREET
BLOCK 9, LOT 9
Council President Escobar opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Ms. Moore inquired on the above ordinance. Asst. City Attorney Joe Catanese
responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, and carried,
the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on July 5, 2023
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-062305 A SUPPLEMENTAL BOND ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE
O-041501 ORIGINAL APPROPRIATION AND ADD ADDITIONAL FUNDS
IN THE AMOUNT OF $550,000.00
Council President Escobar opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Ms. Danielle Moore inquired on the funds for the ordinance. The City Engineer
Antoine Hajjar responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, and carried,
the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on July 5, 2023.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-062302 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A LONG-TERM TAX EXEMPTION AND
AS AMENDED FINANCIAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
BY AND STIRLINGSIDE URBAN RENEWAL, LLC
R-O-062302 RE: 50 NEILSON STREET & 45 HASSART STREET
BLOCK 121, LOTS 1.01 AND 1.02
Council President Escobar opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired on the above ordinance. Council President Escobar and Mr.
Dominguez responded.
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, and carried,
the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on July 5, 2023
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
O-072301 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT ORDINANCE
O-082007 TO ADD ADDITIONAL FUNDS
AMOUNT: $210,000.00
On a motion of Council Member Egan, seconded by Council Member Gaskins, and carried, the
above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on July 19, 2023 at
5:00P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A letter from Thomas F. Kelso, Esq. regarding Applicant/Owner: 20 Joyce Kilmer Ave.
LLC, Block 143 Lot 9, New Brunswick, NJ Site Plan & Use Variance Application.
2. A letter from Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission (D&R) regarding DRCC#: 23-
6009 dated June 23, 2023. Project Name: 703 Jersey Avenue – Proposed Storage Facility.
3. A letter from DuBois & Associates regarding Freshwater Wetlands Letter of
Interpretation, Regulatory Line Verification, 703 Jersey Avenue. Applicant: Amar US
Holdings Inc. c/o Donner Law Associates Block 597.05 * Lot 2 City of New Brunswick,
Middlesex County, NJ.
4. A letter from State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Emergency
Management Program Bureau of Communications & Response Services dated June 9,
2023 regarding SUSPECTED HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DISCHARGE
NOTIFICATION NJDEP CASE NUMBER: 23-06-08-0942-52.
5. A letter from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Site Remediation
and Waste Management Program regarding Site Name: New Brunswick K-8 School,
Program Interest Number 929952. Case Tracking Number for this submission:
E20130068, LSR210001.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Ms. Moore inquired on R-072317. Recycling Coordinator Erin Maguire
responded. Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-072304, R-072306, R-072314, R-072315, R-072316, R-
072318 and R-072319. Mr. Drulis, Mr. Hirya, Mr. Goldberg and Mrs. Bennett responded.
Resolutions R-072301 through R-072326 except R-072323, moved by Council Member Sicora
Ludwig seconded by Council Member Fleming and carried were adopted, on consent, by the
Municipal Council.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Danielle Moore commented on the closure of George Street, the drugs, overdoses and the lack of
police presence in New Brunswick. April McClous asked when action will be taken on the rent
control ordinance. Council President responded the ordinance is still under review. April also
inquired on air quality protocols and the use of shelter and the George Street closing. Brittany
Richardson spoke about a “Sanitation Strike”, a garbage truck being stolen, discrimination and the
Municipal Employee Contract. Charlie Kratovil spoke about the air quality and shelter being
provided when needed, the death of Markell Williams, the Woodbridge fossil fuel plant, the George
Street closing, pedestrian safety and the censor of the May 3rd council meeting. Council President
explained the video was redacted based on legal advice. A resident commented on re-entry
employment programs, and discrimination.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 5:52P.M.
Shalon T. Bennett Rebecca Escobar
Deputy Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE JULY 5, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023 @ 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MAY 17, 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-062303 CG 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 10.20 – HANDICAPPED
PARKING, SECTION 10.20.010 – SCHEDULE 39 – “PARKING ZONES
FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS”
ADD: 28 CHESTER CIRCLE, APT. 1B
O-062304 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE GRANTING OF A RIGHT-OF-
WAY EASEMENT AGREEMENT TO 359 GEORGE STREET LLC,
ABOVE AND BELOW A PORTION OF THE CITY’S RIGHT-OF-WAY
KNOWN AS GEORGE STREET
BLOCK 9, LOT 9
O-062305 FIN 3 A SUPPLEMENTAL BOND ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE
O-041501 ORIGINAL APPROPRIATION AND ADD ADDITIONAL FUNDS
IN THE AMOUNT OF $550,000.00
O-062302 TKS 4 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A LONG-TERM TAX EXEMPTION AND
AS AMENDED FINANCIAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
BY AND STIRLINGSIDE URBAN RENEWAL, LLC
R-O-062302 RE: 50 NEILSON STREET & 45 HASSART STREET
BLOCK 121, LOTS 1.01 AND 1.02
Page 1 of 5
F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
O-072301 FIN 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT ORDINANCE
O-082007 TO ADD ADDITIONAL FUNDS
AMOUNT: $210,000.00
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-072301 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-072302 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
06/10/23 – 06/23/23
R-072303 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-072304 TKS 4 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: SHOW AND TELL MEDIA, LLC
FOR: PUBLIC INFORMATION SUPPORT AND RELATED SERVICES
NTE: $11,333.32
R-072305 JC 5 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: GOLD TYPE BUSINESS MACHINES D/B/A G.T.B.M.
FOR: PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE LICENSE FOR THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT - ONE (1) E-TICKETING PLUS LICENSING
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING JULY 1, 2023
AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
NTE: $9,944.00
NUNC PRO TUNC
R-072306 CG 6 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE
UNDER NEW JERSEY STATE APPROVED CO-OP #65MCESCCPS-THE
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ PRICING SYSTEM
FROM: WEATHERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
FOR: ACQUIRE ROOF RESTORATION SERVICES
NTE: $174,785.95
R-072307 JC 7 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY/ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON
MEDICAL SCHOOL
LOCATION: PARTIAL CLOSING WITH BARRICADES LEAVING ONE
LANE OPEN ON LIVINGSTON AVENUE BETWEEN GEORGE AND NEW
STREETS
FOR: RWJ MEDICAL SCHOOL “WHITE COAT CEREMONY”
WELCOMING FIRST YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS AT THE STATE
THEATRE
DATE: FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023
TIME: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
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R-072308 CG 8 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL ROMAN CATHOLIC
CHURCH
FOR: PATRONESS PROCESSION
LOCATION: BEGINNING AT 75 MORRIS STREET TO LIVINGSTON AVENUE
TO NEW STREET AND RETURN TO CHURCH PARKING LOT AT 80 NEW
STREET
DATE: SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023
TIME: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-072309 CG 9 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO RE-BID
FOR: EMERGENCY SECURING OF PROPERTIES
RE-BID SPECIFICATION NO: 181-23PR
R-072310 JC 10 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-032342
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $45,165.00
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: $45,165.00
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE
OF TWENTY (20) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF THE
ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-072311 FIN 11 APPROVE REFUND OF RUTGERS DAY VENDOR FEES
TO: VARIOUS VENDORS LISTED IN RESOLUTION
AMOUNT: $405.00
R-072312 JC 12 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-102207
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $7,500.00
WITH: SANITATION EQUIPMENT CORP.
FOR: ONE (1) GARBAGE TRUCK WITH OPTIONS FOR THE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
AMOUNT: $7,500.00
SOURCEWELL CO-OP CONTRACT
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-072313 TKS 13 AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT
WITH: NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DIVISION OF
PLANT INDUSTRY
FOR: SPOTTED LANTERNFLY PROGRAM – 2023 TREATMENT GRANT
R-072314 FIN 14 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
EAST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP
FOR: 2023 SHARED SERVICE – ANIMAL CONTROL
AMOUNT: $36,000.00
R-072315 FIN 15 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
US DEPT OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
FOR: 2023 HOME GRANT
AMOUNT: $628,935.00
R-072316 FIN 16 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
NORTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP
FOR: 2023 SHARED SERVICE – ANIMAL CONTROL
AMOUNT: $84,471.24
Page 3 of 5
R-072317 FIN 17 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
FOR: CLEAN COMMUNITIES GRANT
AMOUNT: $78,073.22
R-072318 JC 18 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE (WITH SPECIAL RULING)
FOR: 2023-2024
FOR: JSM INVESTMENTS AT NEW BRUNSWICK LLC (INACTIVE)
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-014-014
R-072319 JC 19 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE (WITH SPECIAL RULING)
FOR 2023-2024
FOR: SAW INVESTMENTS AT NEW BRUNSWICK LLC (INACTIVE)
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-022-007
R-072320 CG 20 APPROVE REJECTION OF BID AND AUTHORIZATION TO RE-BID
FOR: CITY WIDE MUNICIPAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND
ANNUAL SERVICES
SPECIFICATION NO.: 184-23P
R-072321 CG 21 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: MUNICIPAL MAINTENANCE COMPANY
FOR: MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE AND
EMERGENCY REPAIR WORK AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
AND PUMP STATIONS
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING JULY 22, 2023
AND ENDING JULY 21, 2024
SPECIFICATION NO.: 182-23W
NTE: $150,000.00
R-072322 FIN 22 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER SEVERAL TAX AND
UTILITY OVERPAYMENTS
R-072323 JC 23 PULLED AT THE REQUEST OF THE DIRECTOR OF WATER UTILITY
APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-022315
CHANGE ORDER NO. 2
WITH: UNDERGROUND UTILITIES CORP.
FOR: HANDY STREET WATER MAINS REPLACEMENT FOR THE
WATER UTILITY
SPECIFICATION NO.: 922-21W
NTE: $1,309,732.12
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-072324 FIN 24 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062367
REASON: AMOUNT CHANGE
TO AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO CANCEL CERTIFICATE# 19-
00358, BLOCK 444, LOT 4.01, 61 JEFFERSON AVENUE AND REFUND
LIENHOLDER, PRO CAP 8, LLC DUE TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPT
R-072325 CG 25 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: FISCHER CONTRACTING, INC.
FOR: MILLING OF VARIOUS CITY STREETS FOR THE DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC WORKS AND WATER UTILITY
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH TERM COMMENCING JULY 8, 2023 AND
ENDING JULY 7, 2024
SPECIFICATION NO.: 187-23P
NTE: $69,900.00
Page 4 of 5
R-072326 JC 26 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-102108
REASON: ONE (1) YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION
WITH: THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK AND TOWNSHIP OF NORTH
BRUNSWICK
FOR: ANIMAL CONTROL AND SHELTER SERVICES PROVIDED BY
THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2023
AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2023
NTE: $45,600.00
NUNC PRO TUNC
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, JULY 19, 2023
5:00 P.M.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT-a
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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