City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · November 15, 2023
Minutes
NOVEMBER 15, 2023
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON NOVEMBER 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 (6) voting members of the City Council present.
Salute to the Flag.................................................................... Leslie R. Zeledón
Pause for a moment of reflection and silence.
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
Director of Social Services Melanie Ford
Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg
Deputy Fire Chief of Administration Hasahya Hirya
Lieutenant James Hoover
Police Officer Jamal James
Finance Staff Michael Licameli
Finance Staff Angel Roman
City Attorney TK Shamy
Director of Engineering and Public Works Thomas Valenti
Director of Water Department Alexei Walus
City Clerk Leslie R. Zeledón
On motion of Council Vice President Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig and
carried, the minutes of the previous Council Meetings held on October 4, 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.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
Council President Escobar requested a closed session to discuss personnel matters concerning the
Council at 6:07pm.
On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Egan and carried,
the Council went into closed session to discuss personnel matters concerning the Council.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Egan, the session
was reopened at 6:34pm.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
The City Council went into a closed session to engage in Attorney-Client discussions relative to the
law governing the procedure of replacing a council member as a result of a vacancy and the legal
processes, timeframes and considerations relative to same. The discussion also involved the City
Council compensation and benefits and the legal procedures and processes in connection with any
modifications to same. The City Attorney discussed these issues and explained the above.
PUBLIC HEARING
O-102306 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
AMENDED REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
BY R-O- NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 5, BUSINESS LICENSES AND
102306-1 REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 5.09 – “CANNABIS LICENSING AND
REGULATION”
Council President Escobar opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Council President asked Mr. Shamy to give an overview of the ordinance. No
comments from the public.
On a motion of Council Vice President Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on November 15, 2023.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-112301 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE REDEVELOPMENT
PLAN FOR THE NEW BRUNSWICK LOWER GEORGE II
PLAN AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
Council President Escobar opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance.
Public Comment: Council President asked Mr. Dominguez to give an overview of the above
ordinance. Council Member Anderson inquired on the above ordinance. Mr. Dominguez responded.
Ms. Moore, Mr. Kratovil and a member of the public inquired on the above ordinance. Mr.
Dominguez and Council President responded.
On a motion of Council Vice President Egan, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on November 15, 2023.
Roll Call:
Aye: Anderson, Castaneda, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
O-112302 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 JULIET STREET
62 LEE AVENUE, APT. #1
143 REDMOND STREET
On a motion of Council Member Gaskins, seconded by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on
December 6, 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 letter from Terraphase Engineering regarding Response Action Outcome for 14
Home News Row (Block: 597.06 Lot: 11.01 & 11.02)
2. A notice from the Planning Board regarding public hearing on November 13 at 7:00
p.m. in Courtroom 101 located at 25 Kirkpatrick Street, New Brunswick, NJ.
3. A NJ Transit Informational Public Hearing Notice regarding senior citizens & disabled
residents transportation assistance program.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Council President asked Mr. Drulis to provide an overview of R-112338, Mr.
Shamy to provide an overview of R-112345 and Lt. Hoover an overview of R-112355. Ms. Moore
inquired on R-112342 Council President responded. Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-112335, R-112338,
R-112346, R-112350, R-112351 and R-112361. Mr. Licameli, Mr. Drulis, Mr. Goldberg, Mr.
Dominguez, City Clerk and Mr. Shamy responded.
Resolutions R-112332 through R-112364, moved by Council Vice President 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 President provided an update to the public regarding Code Blue, the arrest of a Public
Works employee, the number of bilingual police officers employed by the police department, a
possible resolution in support of the nurses and a grant given from St. Peter’s Hospital.
Danielle Moore thanked the sanitation workers, spoke about racism, sexual assault and violence in
the city. Jessica Aquino, Carol Tanzi and John Shi spoke about the nurses’ strike and asked the
council to support the S304 bill. Mr. Kratovil commented on the closed session not being on the
agenda and the rehiring of JT Miller. Mr. Shamy clarified to the public, closed sessions are not
required to be on the agenda prior to taking place. Mr. Drulis commented on the rehire of JT Miller.
Daniel Alexander spoke about Native American Heritage month and the New Jersey Commission
Native American Affairs. April McClous spoke about the safe staffing legislation, plans for George
Street and affordable housing. A few other members of the public spoke about supporting the
nurses and safe staffing at the hospital. Jess Marigot inquired on R-112342, asking if there was a
requirement for a bilingual candidate. Ms. Marigot also spoke in support of the nurses.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 7:09 P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón Rebecca Escobar
City Clerk Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE NOVEMBER 15, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023 @ 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: OCTOBER 4, 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-102306 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
AMENDED BY GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE
R-O-102306-1 5, BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 5.09 – “CANNABIS LICENSING AND REGULATION”
O-112301 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE
NEW BRUNSWICK LOWER GEORGE II PLAN AREA IN THE CITY OF
NEW BRUNSWICK
F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
O-112302 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 JULIET STREET
62 LEE AVENUE, APT. #1
143 REDMOND STREET
Page 1 of 5
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-112332 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
R-112333 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
10/28/23 – 11/10/23
R-112334 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-112335 TKS 4 APPROVE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AN AGREEMENT WITH
TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN
FOR: WATER SUPPLY AGREEMENT
R-112336 TKS 5 APPROVE 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE
R-112337 JC 6 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: LEXISNEXIS COPLOGIC SOLUTIONS
FOR: ONLINE ACCESS TO ACCIDENT REPORTS FOR THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING NOVEMBER 19,
2023 AND ENDING NOVEMBER 18, 2024
SPECIFICATION NO.: 202-23RFP
FAIR AND OPEN
R-112338 TKS 7 APPROVE PAYMENT TO JOSEPH LICATA
FOR: ARBITRATION FEES
RE: FMBA LOCAL 17
NTE: $3,150.00
R-112339 CG 8 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-022333
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $815.25
WITH: MCMANIMON, SCOTLAND & BAUMANN, LLC
FOR: LEGAL COUNSEL SERVICES FOR HOUSING AND REHABILITATION
MATTERS
NTE: $815.25
R-112340 JC 9 APPROVE TRANSFER OF TAXI LICENSE NO. 42
FROM: SUKHBIR SINGH – 100% TO THE FOLLOWING:
TO: SAHIJPAL SINGH – 100%
R-112341 FIN 10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET TRANSFERS – 2023
MUNICIPAL BUDGET
R-112342 FIN 11 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
SAINT PETER’S HOSPITAL
FOR: HOMELESS PREVENTION OUTREACH GRANT
AMOUNT: $70,000.00
R-112343 CG 12 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062311
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $20,000.00
WITH: SAL ELECTRIC CO., INC.
FOR: ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES FOR THE
DIVISION OF PARKS AND SHADE TREES
SPECIFICATION NO.: 977-22P
NTE: $20,000.00
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
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R-112344 CG 13 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112343
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $10,000.00
WITH: SAL ELECTRIC CO., INC.
FOR: ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES FOR THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
SPECIFICATION NO.: 977-22P
NTE: $10,000.00
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-112345 TKS 14 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-082317
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $15,000.00
WITH: HOAGLAND, LONGO, MORAN, DUNST & DOUKAS, LLP
FOR: REPRESENTATION IN THE MATTER OF CHARLES KRATOVIL
V. CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK AND ANTHONY A. CAPUTO
(DOCKET NO. MID-L-3896-23)
NTE: $15,000.00
R-112346 JC 15 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: ACRISURE LLC D/B/A IMAC INSURANCE AGENCY
FOR: RISK MANAGEMENT
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING NOVEMBER 17,
2023 AND ENDING NOVEMBER 16, 2024 AND THEREAFTER FOR AN
ADDITIONAL TWELVE (12) MONTHS SHOULD THE CITY SO DESIRE
SPECIFICATION NO.: 204-23RFP
FAIR AND OPEN
R-112347 CG 16 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION & ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT
WITH: NJ DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
FOR: AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FIREFIGHTER GRANT FOR FY 2024
RE: PURCHASE OF FIREFIGHTING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
R-112348 JC 17 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE
FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER TWO (2) 2023 OR NEWER FORD
EXPLORERS OR EQUIVALENT FOR THE WATER UTILITY
SPECIFICATION NO.: 238-23W
R-112349 FIN 18 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER OVERPAYMENTS ON
SEVERAL TAX AND UTILITY ACCOUNTS
R-112350 TKS 19 APPROVE RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH MUNICIPAL BILLING RATES
FOR MUNICIPAL PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENT ATTORNEY FOR 2023
R-112351 TKS 20 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE (WITH 12.39 SPECIAL
RULING)
FOR: LUCKY 103 LLC (POCKET)
LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-077-015
2023-2024
R-112352 CG 21 AUTHORIZE RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT
WITH: COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX
FOR: BASIC LIFE SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR 2023
AMOUNT TO BE RECEIVED: $53,000.00
Page 3 of 5
R-112353 JC 22 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE OF $17,416.01 and
$1,920.00 INCLUDING ANY INTEREST DUE AS VERIFIED BY THE CFO
TO: THE STATE THEATRE
FOR: 15 LIVINGSTON AVENUE
BLOCK 12, LOT 24.01
R-112354 TKS 23 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-072347
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $1,500,000.00
WITH: AETNA US HEALTHCARE (TRADITIONAL AND POS)
NTE: $1,500,000.00
R-112355 JC 24 APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
POLICE DEPARTMENT AND MIDDLESEX COUNTY
FOR: SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT 2024
R-112356 JC 25 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112307
REASON: ADD HOURS OF STREET CLOSURE OF LIVINGSTON
AVENUE BETWEEN GEORGE STREET AND ENTRANCE OF THE
HELDRICH FROM 8:00 AM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 THROUGH
11:30 PM ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023
APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING, USE OF MONUMENT
SQUARE PARK & USE OF CITY SIDEWALK
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CITY MARKET
FOR: HOLIDAY CONCERT AND TREE LIGHTING AND INSTALLATION
OF ICE-SKATING RINK
PARK: MONUMENT SQUARE PARK
STREET: LIVINGSTON AVENUE FROM GEORGE STREET TO NEW
STREET; GEORGE STREET FROM NEW STREET TO BAYARD STREET
SIDEWALK: LIVINGSTON AVENUE FROM GEORGE STREET TO THE
STATE THEATRE
DATE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
TIME: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
ICE-SKATING RINK
PARK: MONUMENT SQUARE PARK
STREET CLOSURE: LIVINGSTON AVENUE BETWEEN GEORGE
STREET AND THE DRIVEWAY OF THE HELDRICH FROM 8:00 AM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 THROUGH 11:30 PM SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 3, 2023
DATES AND TIMES FOR USE OF RINK: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
(4:00 PM – 9:00 PM), SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 (12:00 PM – 8:00
PM) & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023 (12:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-112357 JC 26 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING, SIDEWALK USE AND
USE OF MONUMENT SQUARE PARK
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CITY MARKET
FOR: CHRISTMAS TREE INSTALLATION
STREET CLOSURE LOCATION: LIVINGSTON AVENUE BETWEEN
GEORGE STREET AND THE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE TO THE
HELDRICH
SIDEWALK USE: MONUMENT SQUARE PARK SIDEWALK
DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023
TIME: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
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R-112358 CG 27 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112308
REASON: REVISE CARRIAGE RIDE DATES
APPROVE REQUEST FOR ANNUAL HOLIDAY HORSE DRAWN
CARRIAGE RIDES FOR 2023
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CITY MARKET
FOR: FREE HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES THROUGH THE CITY
CENTER BUSINESS DISTRICT
SIDEWALK: NEILSON STREET IN FRONT OF THE HYATT REGENCY
STREET: NEILSON STREET TO CHURCH STREET TO GEORGE
STREET TO LIBERTY STREET, ACROSS TO NEILSON STREET ONTO
RICHMOND STREET TO DENNIS STREET, CONTINUE THROUGH
HIRAM SQUARE AND RETURN TO THE HYATT REGENCY
DATE & TIME: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023, TUESDAY, DECEMBER
12, 2023 AND DECEMBER 19, 2023 FROM 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM AND
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 &
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2023 FROM 4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM
RAIN DATES: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2023 AND TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 19, 2023 – TIMES TO BE DETERMINED
POLICE EXTRA DUTY
R-112359 TKS 28 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND
ROAD CLOSURE
REQUESTED BY: SUPOR CRANE & RIGGING, LLC
REASON: TO PLACE A CRANE ON SOMERSET STREET TO REMOVE THE
CONSTRUCTION HOIST & BEGIN THE RESTORATION OF PLUM STREET
ROAD CLOSURE: SOMERSET STREET FROM PROSPECT STREET TO
PLUM STREET
DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023
ALTERNATE DATES: SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 2 & DECEMBER 9, 2023
HOURS: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
R-112360 TKS 29 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-052348
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $75,000.00
WITH: HOAGLAND, LONGO, MORAN, DUNST & DOUKAS, LLP
FOR: 2023 SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR TAX APPEALS – DIVISION OF
ASSESSMENTS
NTE: $75,000.00
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, DECEMBER 6, 2023
5:30 P.M.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
www.cityofnewbrunswick.org
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