City Council
Regular MeetingNew Brunswick, NJ · September 18, 2024
Minutes
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD
ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 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 five (5) 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:
Superintendent of Recreation Ivan Adorno
YSS Director Melanie Arent
Public Information Officer Bert Baron
Library Director Robert Belvin
Deputy Clerk Shalon T. Bennett
City Administrator Michael Drulis
Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg
NBPD Captain James Hoover
Finance Director Richard Mulrine
Fire Official Victor Ortiz
City Attorney TK Shamy
Fire Department Staff Cheryl Smith
Executive Director of City Market Pamela Stefanek
Officer Robert Taveras
Senior Citizen Resource Center 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 Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Castaneda and
carried, the minutes of the previous Council Meetings held on August 7, 2024 were approved and
adopted as engrossed.
Meeting called to order by Council Vice President John Anderson with Council Members,
Castaneda, Ferguson, Fleming and Sicora Ludwig present. Council President Escobar and Council
Member Gaskins were absent.
PUBLIC HEARING
None.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
O-092401 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK, TITLE 2, ADMINISTRATION AND
PERSONNEL, CHAPTER 2.64 – DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
RE: UPDATES
On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on
October 2, 2024 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Castaneda, Ferguson, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
O-092402 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW
BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,
CHAPTER 10.12 - TRAFFIC CONTROL REGULATIONS,
SECTIONS 10.12.060 – SCHEDULE 8-B, “LOADING ZONES”
RE: PATERSON STREET
On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and
carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on
October 2, 2024 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Roll Call:
Aye: Castaneda, Ferguson, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A letter from State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Contaminated Site Remediation & Redevelopment Bureau of GroundWater Pollution
Abatement regarding 360 Georges Road, North Brunswick and 320-322 Paul Robeson
Blvd.
2. A letter from Tetra Tech regarding JB Ross Inc. (aka, 409 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, LLC.)
3. A letter from Wiley Lavender Maknoor Attorney at Law regarding a hearing to be held
on September 17 at 7:00pm before the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of
North Brunswick.
4. A letter from Kelso & Burgess regarding 30 Charles Street Block 454, Lot 32.01 Site
Plan & Bulk Variance Approvals.
5. A letter from GES (Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc. regarding Remedial
Action Protectiveness Biennial Certification Form-Ground Water at 182 French Street.
6. A letter from RAS (Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC regarding
Notification of Filing of Summons and Complaint in Mortgage Foreclosure on 12 May
Street, New Brunswick, Lot: 38.01 Block: 338.
7. A letter from City of New Brunswick Zoning Board of Adjustment regarding a public
hearing to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday September 23, 2024 for Majestic Investing
Group, LLC, Application #ZB-2024-02 and Shagun Real Estate, LLC, Application
#ZB-2024-06.
8. A letter from Middlesex County Department of Public Safety & Health regarding an In
Person public hearing to be held at 12 noon on October 2, 2024 in the Middlesex
Borough Courtroom, 1200 Mountain Avenue, Middlesex, NJ 08846.
9. A letter from Law Office of Martone & Uhlmann regarding Reverse Mortgage Funding
LLC v. Kamilla Farkas Tille; United States of America, Docket No.: F-002248-22.
RESOLUTIONS
Public Comment: Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-092425, R-092442 and R-092444. Mr. Adorno, Mr.
Mulrine, Mr. Belvin and Council Vice President responded. Ms. Moore inquired on R-092427, R-
092442 and R-092444. Council Vice President responded.
Resolutions R-092422 through R-092451, 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, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson
Nay:
Abstain:
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Moore stated to please not install portable bathrooms at Pittman Park, which would increase
overdoses and fights. Ms. Moore spoke on the delayed services with the Rutgers Police Dispatch,
gave condolences to a passing from French Street, a request of body worn cameras for an incident
she was involved in and racism. Mr. Kratovil asked if there were any known department heads to
retire, Mr. Drulis responded no. Mr. Kratovil also inquired on the Goodkind Bridge, transparency
with the police department and requested an update regarding an ethics complaint he submitted on
CM Sicora Ludwig. Mr. Shamy responded. Ms. April Nicklaus inquired on the lead service line,
Council Vice President asked Ms. Nicklaus to refer the question to the Council President. Ms.
Stevenson of Renaissance Station stated there is a lot of noise pollution, like an industrial park with a
lot of cars coming in, a lot of partying close to the area of the Renaissance Station, expressed her
concerns on the increase of motorized vehicles and bicycles on sidewalks. Additionally, Ms.
Steveson asked if the library can be lighter and revitalized.
On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:07 P.M.
Leslie R. Zeledón John Anderson
City Clerk Vice Council President
Agenda
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 COUNCIL MEETING.
CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 @ 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: AUGUST 7, 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.
F. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING (REGULAR MATTERS):
ORDINANCE ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
O-092401 TKS 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 2,
ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL, CHAPTER 2.64 – DEPARTMENT
OF POLICE
RE: UPDATES
O-092402 TKS 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10,
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 10.12 - TRAFFIC CONTROL
REGULATIONS, SECTIONS 10.12.060 – SCHEDULE 8-B, “LOADING
ZONES”
RE: PATERSON STREET
G. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO. TO: NO.
R-092422 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS
Page 1 of 5
R-092423 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL
08/31/24 – 09/13/24
R-092424 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES
R-092425 TKS 4 APPROVE AGREEMENT
WITH: RANKINS ROYALTY GROUP, LLC
FOR: RECREATION SERVICES
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH TERM COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2024
AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
R-092426 CG 5 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062413
REASON: ADDITONAL AMOUNT OF $1,553.50
WITH: GEORGE DAPPER, INC.
FOR: BUS TRANSPORTATION FOR 2024 SUMMER FUN PROGRAMS
SPECIFICATION NO.: 262-24P
NTE: $1,553.50
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-092427 JC 6 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: SANITATION EQUIPMENT CORP.
FOR: ONE (1) GARBAGE TRUCK WITH OPTIONS FOR THE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
NTE: $437,593.55
SOURCEWELL CO-OP CONTRACT
R-092428 TKS 7 ADVICE AND CONSENT TO RENT CONTROL BOARD APPOINTMENT
NAME: MICHAEL JOSEPH – STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
EXPIRES: DECEMBER 31, 2024
R-092429 CG 8 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY
REQUESTED BY: GARDEN STATE TRACK CLUB
FOR: MINI-MEET WITH 4-5 TRACK EVENTS
LOCATION: MEMORIAL STADIUM – RUNNING TRACK
DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024
RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024
TIME: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
R-092430 JC 9 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER NJ
START CONTRACT T-0109/83921 - RADIO COMMUNICATION
EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
FROM: MICRO STRATEGIES, INC.
FOR: SOFTWARE – S5-12 TIME-BASED RETENTION
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING OCTOBER 1,
2024 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
NTE: $15,390.00
R-092431 CG 10 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE
REQUESTED BY: PIKE CONSTRUCTION CO., LLC
REASON: NEW CONSTRUCTION AT STIRLINGSIDE RESIDENCES AT 50
NEILSON STREET
DATES: SATURDAYS – OCTOBER 5 & 19, 2024
ALTERNATE DATES: SATURDAYS – OCTOBER 12 & 26, 2024
TIME: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Page 2 of 5
R-092432 JC 11 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062418
CHANGE ORDER NO. 1
WITH: Z BROTHERS CONTRACTORS, INC.
FOR: RUTGERS VILLAGE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT –
PHASE VI
SPECIFICATION NO.: 207-23W
NTE: $484,153.50
APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN
INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT
OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT
R-092433 CG 12 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: REAL AUCTION
FOR: HOSTING ONLINE TAX SALES
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 21,
2024 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
SPECIFICATION NO.: 282-24RFP
FAIR AND OPEN
R-092434 JC 13 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
TO: ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
FOR: RWJUH SOUTH BUILDING EXPANSION
BLOCK 24.01, LOT 1.01
R-092435 CG 14 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE OF $5,700.62 ALONG
WITH ANY ACCRUED INTEREST DUE AS VERIFIED BY THE CFO
TO: BRG MORRELL, LLC
FOR: 57 & 58 MORRELL STREET
BLOCK 77, LOT 30.01 AND 32.01
R-092436 JC 15 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE OF $27,816.00
ALONG WITH ANY ACCRUED INTEREST DUE AS VERIFIED BY THE
CFO
TO: SOS088, LLC
FOR: 106-108 HAMILTON STREET
BLOCK 47, LOTS 19 & 20
R-092437 CG 16 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE OF $13,397.33
ALONG WITH ANY ACCRUED INTEREST DUE AS VERIFIED BY THE
CFO
TO: DELAFIELD ASSOCIATES, LLC
FOR: 11 DELAFIELD STREET
BLOCK 68, LOT 15
R-092438 JC 17 RELEASE OF SITE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES OF $13,618.80
AND $1,153.20 ALONG WITH ANY ACCRUED INTEREST DUE AS
VERIFIED BY THE CFO
TO: 261 LIVINGSTON AVE, LLC
FOR: 261 LIVINGSTON AVENUE
BLOCK 280, LOT 1.01
R-092439 JC 18 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF
GRANT AGREEMENT FOR 2025
FOR: SFY25 SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM
GRANT NO.: 25-1213
AMOUNT: $45,150.00
Page 3 of 5
R-092440 TKS 19 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: SHERWOOD-LOGAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC
FOR: WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT AND APPURTENANCES FOR
THE WATER UTILITY
NTE: $3,137,996.00
R-092441 TKS 20 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-072346
REASON: SECOND YEAR OF CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$4,302.00
WITH: BENEFIT RESOURCE, LLC
FOR: COBRA BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
TERM: SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 – AUGUST 31, 2025 (YEAR 2 OF TERM)
AMOUNT: $4,302.00
R-092442 FIN 21 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION
NATIONAL OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND
FOR: 2024 OPIOID GRANT
AMOUNT: $91,809.46
R-092443 FIN 22 AUTHORIZE ADDITION OF ROTH PROVISIONS TO DEFERRED
COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK EMPLOYEES
R-092444 CG 23 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: TOTAL SECURITY RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
FOR: SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR THE NEW BRUNSWICK
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
TERM: TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 19,
2024 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 AND THEREAFTER FOR AN
ADDITIONAL TWELVE (12) MONTHS SHOULD THE CITY SO DESIRE
SPECIFICATION NO.: 289-24RFP
NTE: $23,300.70
FAIR AND OPEN
R-092445 FIN 24 AUTHORIZE TAX COLLECTOR TO TRANSFER OVERPAYMENTS ON
SEVERAL TAX AND UTILITY ACCOUNTS
R-092446 FIN 25 AUTHORIZE REFUND TO INNOVATION TITLE INC. AGAINST 2024
TAXES IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,162.65 AGAINST BLOCK 79,
LOT 3, 81 MORRELL STREET. PAYMENT MADE IN ERROR.
R-092447 JC 26 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER NJ
START CONTRACT T-0109/83921 - RADIO COMMUNICATION
EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
FROM: MICRO STRATEGIES, INC.
FOR: HPE MAINTENANCE
TERM: THREE (3) YEAR TERM COMMENCING NOVEMBER 21, 2024
AND ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2027
NTE: $15,552.00
R-092448 CG 27 APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT
WITH: BARBATO NURSERY CORP.
FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER TREES FOR THE FALL TREE PLANTING
PROGRAM
SPECIFICATION NO.: 290-24P
NTE: $6,640.00
Page 4 of 5
R-092449 JC 28 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062439
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $46,560.00
WITH: SUBURBAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC.
FOR: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION & INSPECTION SERVICES FOR
WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECTS ON VAN DYKE AVENUE
AND LOUIS STREET/DUKE STREET
SPECIFICATION NO.: 201-23RFP
NTE: $46,560.00
R-092450 TKS 29 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-012262
REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $150,000.00
AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY THE WATER UTILITY UNDER NEW
JERSEY STATE APPROVED CO-OP #65MCESCCPS-THE
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ PRICING SYSTEM
WITH: CORE & MAIN, LP
FOR: INSTALLATION OF COLD WATER METERS AND METER
TRANSCEIVER UNITS (MXU)
NTE: $150,000.00
R-092451 JC 30 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY AND STREET
CLOSING
REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK CULTURAL CENTER
FOR: SECOND ANNUAL 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 28, 2024
TIME: 10:00 AM – 7:00 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, OCTOBER 2, 2024
5:30 P.M.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2024
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION
PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW - KAREN B. CIPOT
Page 5 of 5
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