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City Council

Regular Meeting

New Brunswick, NJ · December 6, 2023

AgendaMinutes

Minutes

DECEMBER 6, 2023 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD ON DECEMBER 6, 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 (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 Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg Deputy Fire Chief of Administration Hasahya Hirya Lieutenant James Hoover Police Officer Jamal James Finance Staff Michael Licameli Finance Director Richard Mulrine Fire Official Victor Ortiz City Attorney TK Shamy Fire Department Staff Cheryl Smith Social Services Staff Lisa Troulis 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 October 18, 2023 were approved and adopted as engrossed. Meeting called to order by Council President Rebecca Escobar with Council Members Anderson, Egan, Fleming, Gaskins and Sicora Ludwig present. Council Member Castañeda was absent. PUBLIC HEARING 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 Council President Escobar opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance. Public Comment: None 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 December 6, 2023 Roll Call: Aye: Anderson, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES NONE. COMMUNICATIONS 1. A letter from Youssef Abdou regarding scheduling a final inspection for 12 Laurel Place Lot 1701 in Block 413, Permit #23-0100. 2. An Ordinance from the Township of Piscataway, NJ regarding Ordinance Supplementing Chapter XXI (21), zoning of the revised general ordinances of the township of Piscataway, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey. 3. A letter from State of New Jersey Department of Transportation regarding Pavement Resurfacing Limited Scope Project, Route 27 Neilson Street to Bridge Street-MP 16.5 to MP 20.9, UPC: 233940. 4. A letter from WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. regarding Notification of Ground Water Classification Exception Area Solvay New Brunswick, Block 242, Lot 5.06. 5. A legal notice from 41 Glendale, LLC regarding the Township of Edison Planning Board. 6. A letter from Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission (D&R) regarding N.J. State Highway Route No. 18 Repairs at M.P. 43.5. 7. A letter from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Emergency Management Program Bureau of Communications & Response Services regarding Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification NJDEP Case Number 23-10-30-0027-34. 8. A letter from Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission (D&R) regarding 703 Jersey Avenue – Proposed Container Storage Facility. 9. An Ordinance from The Borough of Highland Park regarding the Amending of Chapter 230. 10. A letter from Geo Environment Management regarding 2023 Annual Inspection for Biennial Certification – UST Area Former Fleet Bank Site on 385 George Street, NJDEP PI: #G000037646. 11. A letter from Suruchi Shah 3M Investors LLC regarding Completion of Construction Work at 42 Joyce Kilmer Ave., New Brunswick, NJ. 12. A letter from Gannett regarding Home News Tribune Affidavit. 13. A letter from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Sustainable Waste Management Bureau of Solid Waste Permitting regarding Final Solid Waste Facility Permit-Permit Renewal for 986 Jersey Avenue, LLC Facility ID No.: 532911, Permit No.: TRP220002 14. A letter from City of New Brunswick Planning Board regarding Public Hearing being held on December 11, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. RESOLUTIONS Public Comment: Council President asked City Attorney TK Shamy to give an overview of R- 122319 and R-122321. Ms. Moore inquired on R-122306, R-122315, R-122319, R-122325 and R- 122329. Ms. Troulis, Lt. Hoover, Council President, and Mr. Dominguez responded. Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-122306, R-122319 and R-122325. Council President, Ms. Troulis, Mr. Shamy, Mr. Dominguez and Council Member Anderson responded. Resolutions R-122301 through R-122338, 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, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Egan, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Council President Escobar announced the retirement of Police Director Caputo and congratulated him of the same. CP also congratulated Deputy Director Vinnie Sabo on his promotion to Police Chief and Captain Michael Bobadilla on his promotion to Deputy Chief. Council President provided an update on the requested resolution to support bill S304, having no consensus to move forward. Danielle Moore thanked Keith Jones for the Code Blue program but suggested a bigger space to be used due to the capacity amount. Ms. Moore also spoke in support of the safe staffing bill, thanked The Parking Authority for giving out parking tickets and thinks NBPD should do the same. Carol Tanzi said the situation is disconcerting and if the council has any questions the nurses are open to discuss. CM Gaskins provided transparency by stating due to her current position with congress and the Code of Ethics, her capacity as a council member she would not be allowed to vote. A member of the public thanked CM Gaskins for her transparency and mentioned how heart filled Christmas tree lighting event was and despite the rain, there was a nice turnout. Charlie Kratovil mentioned the shooting that took place on Remsen Avenue, suggesting the public should be alerted through social media channels. Mr. Kratovil also asked about the last closed session and if the council were considering in receiving a raise. Mr. Shamy stated during the discussions in closed session, the discussion involved the changes in the council and benefits for them. A member of the public asked the council to support the safe staffing bill to support the nurses and NB should stand with them as other nearby towns have. A member of the public spoke of data from California regarding the safe staffing ratio to patients over the last 20 years and asked the council to listen and read the proposed bill. Vera inquired on affordable housing, section 8 and the need of housing. On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:37 P.M. Leslie R. Zeledón Rebecca Escobar City Clerk Council President

Agenda

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE DECEMBER 6, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING. CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023 @ 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: OCTOBER 18, 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-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 F. ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION: FIRST READING: ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. G. RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. R-122301 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS R-122302 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL 11/11/23 – 11/24/23 R-122303 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES Page 1 of 6 R-122304 CG 4 APPROVE REQUEST FOR PARKING OF VEHICLES IN BUCCLEUCH PARK REQUESTED BY: THE FRANCIS E. PARKER MEMORIAL HOME FOR: EMPLOYEE PARKING IN BUCCLEUCH PARK FOR RESIDENT/FAMILY EVENT BEING HELD AT THE EASTON AVENUE FACILITY LOCATION: BUCCLEUCH PARK DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 TIME: 2:00 PM –11:00 PM NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES: 35 R-122305 JC 5 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-092327 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $2,000.00 FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY WITH: CHAMPION ELEVATOR CORP. FOR: ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS NTE: $2,000.00 APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT R-122306 TKS 6 AUTHORIZE RENEWAL OF INTERLOCAL SERVICE CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH: MIDDLESEX COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY & HEALTH FOR: PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES AND PROGRAMS TERM: JANUARY 1, 2024 – DECEMBER 31, 2024 NTE: $277,505.79 R-122307 JC 7 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112356 REASON: EXTENSION OF ROAD CLOSURE OF LIVINGSTON AVENUE FROM 8:00 AM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2023 AT 11 AM FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE CROSS- STREET EDISON LIGHTS 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 11:00 AM MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 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 NUNC PRO TUNC R-122308 FIN 8 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER OVERPAYMENTS ON SEVERAL TAX AND UTILITY ACCOUNTS Page 2 of 6 R-122309 FIN 9 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO LAUREN PAYER FROM UTILITY ACCOUNT #6947-0, 63 PENNINGTON ROAD IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,502.87 DUE TO BILLING ADJUSTMENT R-122310 CG 10 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-012334 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $700,000.00 WITH: CVS PHARMACY NTE: $700,000.00 R-122311 FIN 11 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET TRANSFERS – 2023 MUNICIPAL BUDGET R-122312 CG 12 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112327 REASON: NEW DATES APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE OF MORRIS STREET REQUESTED BY: HUTCH & SON LLC REASON: CRANE PLACEMENT FOR 290 GEORGE STREET (CRANE ON MORRIS STREET) IN ORDER TO LIFT HVAC UNITS TO THE ROOF AT 290 GEORGE STREET DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 ALTERNATE DATES: SATURDAYS: DECEMBER 23, 2023 AND DECEMBER 30, 2023 TIME: 7:00 AM– 3:00 PM R-122313 JC 13 AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION OF GRANT WITH: MIDDLESEX COUNTY FOR: FISCAL YEAR 2025 (JULY 1, 2024 – JUNE 30, 2025) NEW BRUNSWICK ALLIANCE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION GCADA: $24,056.00 CASH MATCH: $ 6,014.00 IN-KIND: $18,042.00 R-122314 CG 14 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-012362 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $20,000.00 FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER BITUMINOUS MATERIALS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND WATER UTILITY WITH: TRAP ROCK INDUSTRIES, LLC SPECIFICATION NO.: 151-22P NTE: $20,000.00 APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT R-122315 JC 15 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER NJ START CONTRACT 17-FLEET-00738, LAW ENFORCEMENT FIREARMS EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FROM: AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. FOR: TASER WITH ACCESSORIES AND SOFTWARE NTE: $45,000.00 R-122316 CG 16 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062313 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $4,407.50 WITH: EUROFINS LANCASTER LABORATORIES ENVIRONMENTAL, LLC FOR: CONTAMINANTS ANALYSIS FOR THE WATER UTILITY SPECIFICATION NO.: 997-22RFP NTE: $4,407.50 Page 3 of 6 R-122317 JC 17 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER NJ STATE CONTRACT 23-FOOD-47764, FLOOR COVERING, SUPPLIES AND INSTALLATION WITH: ALLSTATE OFFICE INTERIORS, INC. FOR: PURCHASE OF CARPETING WITH INSTALLATION SERVICES NTE: $73,921.23 R-122318 CG 18 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH: LAN ASSOCIATES, ENGINEERING, PLANNING ARCHITECTURE, SURVEYING, INC. FOR: ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PREPARATION OF BID DOCUMENTS FOR FIRE ENGINE #5 RENOVATIONS SPECIFICATION NO.: 233-23RFP NTE: $59,210.00 FAIR AND OPEN R-122319 TKS 19 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS APPLICATION AT 270 POWERS STREET AND 54 DRIFT STREET TO THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, NEW JERSEY AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND PROGRAM R-122320 CG 20 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE OF GEORGE STREET REQUESTED BY: SALAD HOUSE REASON: CRANE PLACEMENT FOR 391 GEORGE STREET DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 ALTERNATE DATES: SATURDAYS: DECEMBER 23, 2023 AND DECEMBER 30, 2023 TIME: 7:00 AM– 3:00 PM R-122321 TKS 21 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112339 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $10,000.00 WITH: MCMANIMON, SCOTLAND & BAUMANN, LLC FOR: LEGAL COUNSEL SERVICES FOR HOUSING AND REHABILITATION MATTERS NTE: $10,000.00 R-122322 JC 22 AUTHORIZE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT TO: GARDEN STATE VETERINARY SERVICES FOR: AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY VETERINARIAN SERVICES – DIVISION OF ANIMAL CONTROL TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING DECEMBER 7, 2023 AND ENDING DECEMBER 6, 2024 NTE: $10,000.00 R-122323 CG 23 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: THE URBAN HEALTH COLLABORATIVE FOR: FAMILY EVENT LOCATION: WAR MEMORIAL PARK DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2023 TIME: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Page 4 of 6 R-122324 JC 24 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-122243 REASON: EXTEND THE CONTRACT FOR 12 ADDITIONAL MONTHS WITH: GARRISON ENTERPRISE, INC. FOR: FURNISH, DELIVER & INSTALLATION OF INSERTION VALVES, LINE STOPS, EMERGENCY VALVE REPAIR & REPLACEMENT FOR THE WATER UTILITY TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING DECEMBER 22, 2023 AND ENDING DECEMBER 21, 2024, WHICH CAN BE EXTENDED FOR ONE (1) ADDITIONAL YEAR SHOULD THE CITY SO DESIRE SPECIFICATION NO.: 128-22W NTE: $150,000.00 R-122325 CG 25 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112235 REASON: EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING DECEMBER 7, 2023 AND ENDING DECEMBER 6, 2024 WITH: BRUNSWICK LODGING, LLC D/B/A RED CARPET INN FOR: EMERGENCY HOUSING SHELTER R-122326 JC 26 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING AND USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: THE RESTAURANT GUYS, LLC FOR: NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENT – ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR 2024 – FIREWORKS WILL BE SHOT FROM THE ROOF OF THE HELDRICH HOTEL WITH DJ ENTERTAINMENT AT THE SHOWMOBILE LOCATION: MONUMENT SQUARE PARK STREET CLOSURE LOCATIONS: LIVINGSTON AVENUE BETWEEN NEW AND GEORGE STREETS & GEORGE STREET BETWEEN NEW AND BAYARD STREETS DATES: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2023 TO MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 TIME: 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM (PARK AND STREET CLOSURES) POLICE EXTRA DUTY R-122327 JC 27 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-112330 CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WITH: SANDRA NUNES D/B/A DUMOR CONTRACTING, INC. FOR: RUTGERS VILLAGE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT – PHASE V SPECIFICATION NO.: 111-23W NTE: $161,850.50 APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT R-122328 CG 28 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-032330 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $8,753.56 WITH: AETNA US HEALTHCARE-MIDDLETOWN FOR: MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN TERM: JANUARY 1, 2023 – DECEMBER 31, 2023 NTE: $8,753.56 R-122329 JC 29 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH: SANITATION EQUIPMENT CORP. FOR: ONE (1) GARBAGE TRUCK WITH OPTIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS NTE: $381,994.80 SOURCEWELL CO-OP CONTRACT Page 5 of 6 R-122330 JC 30 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE REQUESTED BY: SHAUGER PROPERTY SERVICES, INC. REASON: PERFORM NIGHT WORK FOR THE JULES LANE WATER SYSTEM AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT DATE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2023 THROUGH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 TIME: 9:00 PM– 5:00 AM NUNC PRO TUNC R-122331 CG 31 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062348 REASON: ADD NEW DATE OF SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2023 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK TOMORROW FOR: MERCADO ESPERANZA EVENT AND HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING LOCATION: WAR MEMORIAL PARK DATE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2023 TIME: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM POLICE EXTRA DUTY 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 20, 2023 5:30 P.M. 2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2023 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT www.cityofnewbrunswick.org Page 6 of 6

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