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City Council

Regular Meeting

New Brunswick, NJ · August 21, 2024

AgendaMinutes

Minutes

AUGUST 21, 2024 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD ON AUGUST 21, 2024 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 four (4) 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: YSS Director Melanie Arent Public Information Officer Bert Baron Deputy Clerk Shalon T. Bennett Parking Authority Harry Delgado Planning Director Daniel Dominguez Superintendent of the Water Utility Eric Ekoue Social Services Director Melanie Ford Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg Deputy Chief of Fire Department Hasahya Hirya Captain James Hoover (NBPD) Officer Jamaal James Utility Business Manager Michael Licameli Assistant Director of YSS Cierra McGhee Finance Director Richard Mulrine 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 Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Castaneda and carried, the minutes of the previous Council Meeting held on July 3, 2024 were approved and adopted as engrossed. Meeting called to order by Council Vice President John Anderson with Council Members Castaneda, Ferguson and Sicora Ludwig present. Council Members Fleming, Gaskins and Council President Rebecca Escobar were absent. City Clerk Zeledón read her certification for the Initiative Petition submitted on July 19, 2024 and the supplementary petition submitted on August 12, 2024. PUBLIC HEARING O-082401 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: 90 HARVEY STREET 23 NORTH WARD STREET 148 COMSTOCK STREET 64 REMSEN AVENUE Council Vice President opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance. Public Comment: None. On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Castaneda, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on August 21, 2024. Roll Call: Aye: Castaneda, Ferguson, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-082402 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A LONG TERM TAX EXEMPTION AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK AND 11 SPRING STREET URBAN RENEWAL LLC 11 SPRING STREET BLOCK 16, LOT 4.01 Council Vice President opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance. Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired on the above ordinance. Mr. Shamy and Mr. Dominguez responded. On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Castaneda, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on August 21, 2024. Roll Call: Aye: Castaneda, Ferguson, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES O-082403 ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT O-022304 FOR AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NTE $34,000,000.00 FOR: WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADES On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Castaneda, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on September 4, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Castaneda, Ferguson, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-082404 BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER UTILITY IN AND BY THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK NTE $12,425,000.00 FOR: LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Castaneda, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on September 4, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Castaneda, Ferguson, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS 1. A letter from Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission (D&R) regarding 501 Jersey Avenue—Roadway Improvements. 2. A letter from 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: 24-08-06- 0634-54, 24-08-07-0908-01, 24-08-13-0549-24, 24-08-16-1327-08, 24-08-12-1014-15. 3. A letter from InterBrain, LLC regarding Revised Groundwater Classification Esception Area, Former General Cable at 25 Van Dyke Avenue, New Brunswick NJ Block 596, Lot 7.04 NJDEP PI# 0044271 Case Tracking #5173. 4. A letter from T.K. Shamy regarding a notice of abandoned property for 10 Llewellyn Place and 340 Paul Robeson Blvd. 5. A letter from Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC regarding Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee, on behalf of The Holders of The Contimortgage Home Equity Loan Trust 1996-1 Certificates v. Clarice E. Jackson, et al, 135 Lee Ave, New Brunswick Docket No. F-004833-24. 6. A letter from Dynamic Earth, LLC regarding Notification of Environmental Investigation and Cleanup of Former Willette Corporation Facility at 705 Joyce Kilmer Avenue Block 321, Lot 10 New Brunswick, NJ, NJDEP Program Interest No. 024492. 7. A letter from Terraphase Engineering regarding Response Action Outcome for 14 Home News Row in New Brunswick, Block: 597.06 Lot: 11.01 & 11.02 ISRA Case#:E2024217709. 8. A letter from State of New Jersey Office of The Attorney General Department of Law and Public Safety Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control regarding License No.: 1214- 33-034-006. 9. A letter from Parker McCay regarding a foreclosure action on 266 Sanford Street. 10. A letter from ERM regarding Brintec Corporation and Brintec Systems Corporation Site Block 598 Lot 1. ISRA Case Nos. 89808 and 89378. 11. A letter from Brock & Scott PLLC regarding Filing Action to Foreclose on a Mortgage at 97 Throop Avenue, New Brunswick Lot: 3 Block: 178. 12. A notice to PSE&G electric and gas customers regarding the Matter of 2024/2025 Annual Compliance Filing. 13. A notice to PSE&G and Gas Company Electric customers regarding Notice of Filing and Public Hearing for Basic Generation Service (BGS) charges. 14. A notice to PSE&G and Gas Company Gas customers in the Matter of the Petition for Approval of changes in its Gas Conservation Incentive Program. 15. A notice to PSE&G company gas customers regarding the Matter of Public Service Electric and Gas Company’s 2024/2025 Annual BGSS Commodity Charge filing for its residential gas customers under its periodic pricing mechanism and for changes in its balancing charge. 16. A letter from Ronbir Thakur owner of Easton Fuel LLC requesting release of construction/engineering bonds. 17. Received Supplementary Initiative Petition on August 12, 2024 from Committee of Petitioners including Carissa A. Cunningham, Ethan E. Cunningham, Alena L. Chekanov, Alexander Nicholas Vargas and David A. Pressler. RESOLUTIONS Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-082449, R-082457, R-082458, R-082459 and R- 082474. Mr. Goldberg, Mr. Dominguez and City Clerk Zeledón responded. Ms. Moore inquired on R-082458, R-082459 and R-082460. Mr. Dominguez responded. Resolutions R-082445 through R-082474, moved by Council Member Sicora Ludwig seconded by Council Member Castaneda and carried were adopted, on consent, by the Municipal Council. Roll Call: Aye: Castaneda, Ferguson, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Council Member Sicora Ludwig wished everyone a safe and happy Labor Day, thanked the employees of the city, including the New Brunswick Police and Fire Department. Council Vice President Anderson reminded the public of the school session soon to begin, asked everyone to be careful and to keep the children safe. April Nicklaus asked for clarification on an initiative petition recently submitted to the City Clerk. City Attorney Shamy provided an explanation. Carissa Cuningham spoke in support of the initiative petition that she submitted and inquired on the same. Mr. Shamy responded. Ms. Moore spoke about the prosecutor’s office, police officers, the request of body cameras, Mr. Dean and Pittman Park. Mr. Kratovil inquired on the private security guards placed at the downtown area, the possible ordinance regulating fireworks, a recreation department employee and a recent fire. CM Sicora Ludwig and Mr. Shamy responded. Carlos Ramirez mentioned a situation involving graffiti taking place with police presence patrolling. On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 5:55 P.M. Leslie R. Zeledón John Anderson City Clerk Council Vice President

Agenda

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE AUGUST 21, 2024 COUNCIL MEETING. CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2024 @ 5:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2024 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JULY 3, 2024 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-082401 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: 90 HARVEY STREET 23 NORTH WARD STREET 148 COMSTOCK STREET 64 REMSEN AVENUE O-082402 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A LONG TERM TAX EXEMPTION AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK AND 11 SPRING STREET URBAN RENEWAL LLC 11 SPRING STREET BLOCK 16, LOT 4.01 F. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING (REGULAR MATTERS): ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. O-082403 FIN 1 ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT O-022304 FOR AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NTE $34,000,000.00 FOR: WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADES O-082404 FIN 2 BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER UTILITY IN AND BY THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK NTE $12,425,000.00 FOR: LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT Page 1 of 6 G. RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. R-082445 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS R-082446 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL 08/03/24 – 08/16/24 R-082447 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES R-082448 JC 4 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING REQUESTED BY: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY – STUDENT CENTERS & ACTIVITIES FOR: ANNUAL HOMECOMING CHARITY BED RACES LOCATION: SICARD STREET BETWEEN BARTLETT STREET AND SENIOR STREET AND MORELL STREET BETWEEN COLLEGE AVENUE AND SICARD STREET DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 TIME: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024 POLICE EXTRA DUTY R-082449 TKS 5 APPROVE RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH: CIGNA HEALTH CARE (HMO) TERM: JULY 1, 2024 – JUNE 30, 2025 NUNC PRO TUNC R-082450 JC 6 APPROVE TITLE 39 AGREEMENT BETWEEN 88 LOUIS ST LLC AND THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK FOR: NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT’S ENFORCEMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC REGULATIONS LOCATION: 88 LOUIS STREET BLOCK 414, LOT 19.01 R-082451 CG 7 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE AND TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE REQUESTED BY: YOGI GROUP LLC REASON: ROAD CLOSURE OF BAYARD STREET TO DISCONNECT AND INSTALL NEW WATER, SANITARY SEWER AND FIRE LINE. KIRKPATRICK STREET WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO INSTALL A NEW STORM DRAIN (BOTH STREETS WILL BE CLOSED AT DIFFERENT TIMES) DATES: FRIDAY, SATURDAY, & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 14 & 15, 2024 ALTERNATE DATES: FRIDAY, SATURDAY, & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 21 & 22, 2024 AND OCTOBER 4, 5 & 6, 2024 TIMES: FRIDAY FROM 6:00 PM – 12 AM, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Page 2 of 6 R-082452 JC 8 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE REQUESTED BY: MAXIM CRANE WORKS REASON: PLACE A CRANE IN THE PARKING LOT OF 429 JOYCE KILMER AVENUE TO REPLACE AN HVAC UNIT TO THE ROOFTOP OF THE GREATER BRUNSWICK CHARTER SCHOOL DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2024 ALTERNATE DATES: SATURDAYS, AUGUST 31, 2024 AND SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 HOURS: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM R-082453 CG 9 APPROVE RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE/ESCROW DEPOSIT TO: JC AND D C H CONSTRUCTION FOR: SIDEWALK PERMIT NO. 17859 AMOUNT: $6,689.05 R-082454 JC 10 APPROVE RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE/ESCROW DEPOSIT TO: FAIR MATE NORTH EAST LLC/ANAND N. THAKAR FOR: SIDEWALK PERMIT NO. 17821 AMOUNT: $8,302.92 R-082455 TKS 11 APPROVE ABC LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL FOR 2024-2025 FOR: ANI NEW BRUNSWICK LLC/ANI RAMEN HOUSE LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-029-012 R-082456 JC 12 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-092321 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $6,000.00 WITH: INSTITUTE FOR FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY FOR: PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SPECIFICATION NO.: 197-23RFP NTE: $6,000.00 R-082457 CG 13 APPROVE REJECTION OF BIDS FOR: ELECTRIC VEHICLE CURBSIDE CHARGING SPECIFICATION NO.: 265-24RFP R-082458 TKS 14 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE UEZ CLEAN TEAM CONTRACT WITH NBPA FOR 2024 – 2025 FOR: CLEAN TEAM SERVICES OUTSIDE OF THE SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT TERM: JULY 1, 2024 – JUNE 30, 2025 CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK AMOUNT: $155,000.00 NUNC PRO TUNC R-082459 TKS 15 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CLEAN TEAM CONTRACT WITH NBPA FOR 2024 - 2025 FOR: CLEAN TEAM SERVICES ALONG PORTIONS OF EASTON AVENUE, FRENCH STREET, REMSEN AVENUE AND GEORGE STREET (CLEAN TEAM PROJECT) TERM: AUGUST 1, 2024 THROUGH JULY 31, 2025 CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK AMOUNT: $67,314.89 NUNC PRO TUNC Page 3 of 6 R-082460 FIN 16 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR: 2024 UEZ GRANT – CLEAN TEAM AMOUNT: $155,000.00 R-082461 CG 17 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: EL TORO ENTERTAINMENT FOR: FESTIVAL FOR MEXICO’S INDEPENDENCE DAY LOCATION: JOYCE KILMER PARK DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2024 TIME: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM POLICE EXTRA DUTY R-082462 JC 18 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: CARESPARC COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS FOR: SUSTAINABLE HEALTH & WELLNESS VILLAGE FESTIVAL (SHWV) LOCATION: ARCHIBALD PARK DATES & TIMES: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 (SET UP) FROM 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 (EVENT) FROM 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM RAIN DATE: NO RAIN DATE BUT USE OF MCKINLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL IN THE EVENT OF RAIN POLICE EXTRA DUTY R-082463 CG 19 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING REQUESTED BY: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY FOR: SCARLET DAY OF SERVICE LOCATION: GEORGE STREET BETWEEN BISHOP PLACE AND HUNTINGTON STREET DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 TIME: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM POLICE EXTRA DUTY R-082464 FIN 20 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER OVERPAYMENTS ON SEVERAL TAX AND UTILITY ACCOUNTS R-082465 JC 21 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH: BRENT MATERIAL COMPANY FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER GATE VALVES AND APPURTENANCES FOR THE WATER UTILITY TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING AUGUST 22, 2024 AND ENDING AUGUST 21, 2025 SPECIFICATION NO.: 276-24W NTE: $100,000.00 R-082466 CG 22 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH: J. SWANTON FUEL OIL CO., INC. FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER FUEL OIL & DIESEL TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING AUGUST 22, 2024 AND ENDING AUGUST 21, 2025 SPECIFICATION NO.: 273-24P NTE: $19,000.00 R-082467 FIN 23 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO TOWER DB XIII TRUST 2023-1, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $543.41 AGAINST UTILITY ACCOUNT# 4720- 0, BLOCK 251, LOT 21.01, 113 HOWARD STREET. PAYMENT MADE IN ERROR. Page 4 of 6 R-082468 CG 24 APPROVE REQUEST TO RESERVE PARKING SPACES REQUESTED BY: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY – STUDENT AFFAIRS FOR: CULTURE FEST AND MEET THE GREEKS LOCATION: PARKING SPACES ON MORRELL STREET DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 TIME: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM R-082469 JC 25 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH: WIRELESS ELECTRONICS, INC. D/B/A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS & ELECTRONICS FOR: RADIO MAINTENANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING AUGUST 22, 2024 AND ENDING AUGUST 21, 2025 WHICH CAN BE EXTENDED ON A YEARLY BASIS FOR UP TO TWO (2) ADDITIONAL YEARS SPECIFICATION NO.: 274-24P NTE: $19,440.00 R-082470 CG 26 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-092324 CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 WITH: TOP LINE CONSTRUCTION CORP. FOR: VAN DYKE AVENUE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS SPECIFICATION NO.: 973-23 NTE: $5,183.90 APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE IN TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT R-082471 FIN 27 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO PRO CAP 8, LLC IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $150.27 AGAINST UTILITY ACCOUNT# 3823-0, BLOCK 407, LOT 18, 4 WOODBRIDGE STREET. PAYMENT MADE IN ERROR. R-082472 FIN 28 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO NEW BRUNSWICK PARKING AUTHORITY, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $794.24 AGAINST UTILITY ACCOUNT# 6141-0, BLOCK 145.01, LOT 11.01, 337 TOWNSEND STREET. PAYMENT MADE IN ERROR. R-082473 CG 29 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: JOSHUA JONES FOR: KICK IT WITH KIDS LOCATION: BUCCLEUCH PARK – SOFTBALL FIELDS #4 & #5 DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2024 TIME: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM R-082474 TKS 30 APPROVE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE (WITH SPECIAL RULING) 2024 – 2025 FOR: 253 RT 27 INC (INACTIVE) LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-013-007 H. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL: ACTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION TO: NO. Page 5 of 6 I. PUBLIC COMMENT: J. DATES TO REMEMBER: 1. CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 5:00 P.M. 2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT Page 6 of 6

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