City Council

Name: City Council — New Brunswick, NJ
Start: 2024-11-20
End: 2024-11-20
Location: New Brunswick, NJ

Regular Meeting

New Brunswick, NJ · November 20, 2024

Minutes

NOVEMBER 20, 2024 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD ON NOVEMBER 20, 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: Public Information Officer Bert Baron Deputy Clerk Shalon T. Bennett Assistant City Attorney Joseph Catanese Deputy Director of Human Services Edmund DeVeaux Planning Director Daniel Dominguez City Administrator Michael Drulis Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg Deputy Chief of Fire Department Hasahya Hirya NBPD Captain James Hoover Police Officer Jamal James Finance Director Richard Mulrine Fire Official Victor Ortiz City Attorney TK Shamy Fire Department Staff Cheryl Smith Senior Citizen Resource Center Staff Lisa Troulis Director of International Programs Michael Tublin Director of Engineering and Public Works Thomas Valenti Director of Water Department Alexei Walus Law Department Staff Sarah Walus City Clerk Leslie R. Zeledón On motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming and carried, the minutes of the previous Council Meeting held on October 2, 2024 were approved and adopted as engrossed. Meeting called to order by Council President Rebecca Escobar with Council Members Anderson, Ferguson, Fleming and Sicora Ludwig present. Council Member Castaneda and Council Member Gaskins were absent. PUBLIC HEARING DISTANCE WAIVER APPLICATION FOR 436 MAIN STREET, LLC T/A CASA RAGAZZI LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-080-008 TK Shamy gave an overview of the distance waiver. A representative from the proposed restaurant gave an explanation of his plans for the space. The main use would be as a restaurant. Mr. Kratovil and Ms. Moore inquired on the above matter. Mr. Shamy responded. On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the above matter on Public Hearing was closed. Roll Call: Aye: Ferguson, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES O-112401 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 10.20.020 – SCHEDULE 40 – “PARKING SPACES FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS” ADD: 88 HUNTINGTON STREET (TWO LOCATIONS) 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 December 4, 2024 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Ferguson, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-112402 ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH FEES FOR STORMWATER ADJUSTMENT POLICY APPLICATION 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 December 4, 2024 at 5:30P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Ferguson, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS 1. A letter from State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Emergency Management Program regarding Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification NJDEP Case Number 24-11-12-1102-27. 2. A letter from Hladik, Ornato & Federman, LLP regarding a Foreclosure Action for 201 Fulton Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. 3. A letter from Trif & Modugno Attorney at Law regarding Clarification System Improvement New Jersey State Loan Project No. 1214001-005 Contract No.: 285-24W. 4. A letter from Sustainable Jersey regarding eligibility to participate in the FREE Climate Vulnerability Assessment Technical Assistance Grant Program. 5. A letter from Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC Law Offices regarding Foreclosure of property located at 4 Mason Avenue New Brunswick, NJ Lot: 20 Block 356. 6. A letter from Langan regarding Notice in Lieu of Deed Notice PSE&G Former New Brunswick Gas Works Route 18 and NJDOT Right-of-Way New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey NJDEP Program Interest No. G000005485. 7. A letter from EACR, Inc. regarding service agreement to handle electronic and freon appliance recycling. 8. A letter from Langan regarding Response Action Outcome for St. Peter Church at 165 Somerset Street New Brunswick NJ Block: 51 Lot 2.01 Well Permit # E202303864. 9. A letter via Regular and Certified Mail from Mina Ghobrial to request for site plan inspection for release of funds at 20 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ in connection with application No. ZB-2023-03. 10. A letter from French & Parrello Associates regarding Application for Freshwater Wetlands Letter of Interpretation and letter of Interpretation – Partial Site Verification Alec E. Baker Park Improvements. Block 330 Lot 1 FPA No. 22386.001. RESOLUTIONS Public Comment: Council President asked Mr. Walus, Captain Hoover, Mr. Valenti, Mr. Mulrine and Mr. Dominguez to give an overview on R-112443, R-112445, R-112452, R-112453, R-112459 and R-112463. Ms. Moore inquired on R-112443, R-112447, R-112455 and R-112463. Mr. Walus, Mr. Dominguez and Council President Escobar responded. Ms. Cunningham inquired on R-112445. Mr. Kratovil inquired on R-112450, R-112453 and R-112463. Mr. Dominguez and Mr. Drulis responded. A member from the public inquired on R-112445. Council President responded. Resolutions R-112434 through R-112463, moved by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming and carried were adopted, on consent, by the Municipal Council. Roll Call: Aye: Ferguson, Fleming, Sicora Ludwig, Anderson, Escobar Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Council Member Ferguson wished everyone a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. Council President Escobar congratulated Mr. Benito Ortiz on his retirement, as a member of the New Brunswick Board of Education for 27 years. Edmund DeVeaux, Deputy Director for the Human and Community Services Department gave an update on the Code Blue Program and thanked everyone including the council and administration for all the help and support. Council President also wished everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. Charlie Kratovil inquired on a shooting that took place on November 6th, a hit and run that happened on Jersey Avenue and Handy Street, then suggested quarterly police reports. Captain Hoover and Council President responded. Carissa Cunningham spoke about the capacity of the Code Blue center and the number of attendees allowed. Carissa also expressed the need of more money for the homeless. Danielle Moore spoke on being blessed by the Lord, alleging of being tracked, special visions, helping Mr. Dean, her arm in a rag with no movement and the request for body worn camera footage of an incident she was involved in. A concerned citizen inquired on the removal of bus shelters; Mr. Drulis responded the bus shelters have been replaced with leaning benches. Council President made a comment stating the council members are not elected to take insults and be disrespected, but to serve the community. On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6:26 P.M. Leslie R. Zeledón Rebecca Escobar City Clerk Council President

Agenda

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL AGENDA FOR THE NOVEMBER 20, 2024 COUNCIL MEETING. CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW SESSION, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024 @ 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER, OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: OCTOBER 2, 2024 C. REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE BY CITY CLERK D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (OTHER THAN ORDINANCES) DISTANCE WAIVER APPLICATION FOR 436 MAIN STREET, LLC T/A CASA RAGAZZI LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-080-008 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-112401 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 40 – “PARKING SPACES FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS” ADD: 88 HUNTINGTON STREET (TWO LOCATIONS) O-112402 TKS 2 ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH FEES FOR STORMWATER ADJUSTMENT POLICY APPLICATION G. RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION ASSIGNED ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. TO: NO. R-112434 TKS 1 APPROVE AGENDA AMENDMENTS Page 1 of 5 R-112435 FIN 2 APPROVE PAYROLL 10/26/24 – 11/08/24 R-112436 FIN 3 AUTHORIZE REFUND FOR REDEEMED TAX SALE CERTIFICATES R-112437 TKS 4 APPROVE 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE R-112438 CG 5 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR: JONES AVENUE AND DELAVAN STREET WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS SPECIFICATION NO: 1005-24 R-112439 JC 6 APPROVE RELAXATION OF THE CITY NOISE ORDINANCE REQUESTED BY: VERGONA CRANE CO. INC. REASON: PLACE A CRANE ON PROPERTY AT 14 COLLEGE FARM ROAD (RUTGERS UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCE BUILDING) DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024 ALTERNATE DATES: SATURDAYS, NOVEMBER 30, 2024, DECEMBER 7, 2024 AND DECEMBER 14, 2024 TIME: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM R-112440 CG 7 APPROVE RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE/ESCROW DEPOSIT TO: ALEJANDRO PEREZ MARIN FOR: SIDEWALK PERMIT NO. SW-24-00025 AMOUNT: $5,113.18 R-112441 JC 8 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-042414 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $30,000.00 WITH: JOHN DUFFY FUEL COMPANY FOR: FURNISH AND DELIVER DIESEL FUEL FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SPECIFICATION NO.: 247-24P NTE: $30,000.00 APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT R-112442 CG 9 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-082355 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $76,340.00 WITH: MOTT MACDONALD GROUP, INC. D/B/A MOTT MACDONALD, LLC FOR: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2018 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS FOR THE WATER UTILITY NTE: $76,340.00 R-112443 JC 10 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR: 2018 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT—SOMERSET STREET FROM MILE RUN TO LOUIS STREET SPECIFICATION NO: 328-24W R-112444 CG 11 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062424 REASON: SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES OF $39,000.00 WITH: ROBERTS ENGINEERING GROUP, LLC FOR: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RUTGERS VILLAGE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT, PHASE V SPECIFICATION NO.: 995-24RFP NTE: $39,000.00 Page 2 of 5 R-112445 JC 12 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER NJ START CONTRACT 17-FLEET-00767, LAW ENFORCEMENT FIREARMS EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FROM: WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP, INC. FOR: FIREARMS AND ACCESSORIES NTE: $177,353.81 R-112446 CG 13 AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FROM: PARKER FOUNDATION TO: NEW BRUNSWICK SENIOR CITIZEN RESOURCE CENTER FOR: PURCHASING ONE THOUSAND (1,000) TWENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SHOP RITE GIFT CARDS FROM SAKER SHOP RITE INC. TO DISTRIBUTE TO ENROLLED MEMBERS OF THE NEW BRUNSWICK SENIOR CITIZEN RESOURCE CENTER AMOUNT: $25,000.00 R-112447 FIN 14 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION MIDDLESEX COUNTY FOR: 2024 COUNTYWIDE SWIM LESSON PILOT AMOUNT: $16,000.00 R-112448 CG 15 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CANCELLATION OF 2024 TAXES FOR 269 POWERS STREET R-112449 CG 16 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR: RUTGERS VILLAGE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT – PHASE VII SPECIFICATION NO: 334-24W R-112450 FIN 17 APPROVE CHAPTER 159 BUDGET INSERTION STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR: 2024 NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION GRANT AMOUNT: $125,000.00 R-112451 CG 18 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR: JERSEY AVENUE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT – PHASE III SPECIFICATION NO: 336-24W R-112452 JC 19 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE BY POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER NJ START CONTRACT T-0109/83921 - RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES FROM: MICRO STRATEGIES, INC. FOR: STORAGE SYSTEM NTE: $32,909.43 R-112453 TKS 20 RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH AN ADJUSTMENT POLICY MANUAL AND APPLICATION FOR STORMWATER UTILITY FEES R-112454 CG 21 APPROVE REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING REQUESTED BY: PARISH OF THE VISITATION, MICHAEL FRAGOSO FOR: RELIGIOUS PROCESSION – OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE ROUTE: BEGINNING AT SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH ON NEILSON STREET, ABEEL STREET, CARMEN STREET, GEORGE STREET, THROOP AVENUE, SANDFORD STREET, REMSEN AVENUE AND END AT SAINT MARY’S CHURCH DATE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024 TIME: 5:00 PM -- 8:00 PM POLICE EXTRA DUTY Page 3 of 5 R-112455 JC 22 APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: NEW BRUNSWICK TOMORROW FOR: FRENCH STREET/ESPERANZA NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY EVENT AND HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING LOCATION: WAR MEMORIAL PARK DATE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024 TIME: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM POLICE EXTRA DUTY R-112456 CG 23 APPROVE REQUEST FOR ROLLING STREET CLOSURE & USE OF CITY PROPERTY REQUESTED BY: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY RECREATION FOR: “BIG CHILL” 5K CHARITY ROAD RACE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR HOLIDAY TOYS FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN NEW BRUNSWICK, HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY LOCATION: BUCCLEUCH PARK AND VARIOUS STREETS ROLLING STREET CLOSURE: COLLEGE AVENUE TO SOMERSET STREET TO GEORGE STREET TO HUNTINGTON STREET TO COLLEGE AVENUE TO BUCCLEUCH PARK ENTRANCE; AROUND THE PARK LOOP TO WYCKOFF STREET TO RICHARDSON STREET TO SICARD STREET TO STONE STREET TO COLLEGE AVENUE DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024 TIME: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PARK) TIME: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM (ROLLING STREET CLOSURE) POLICE EXTRA DUTY R-112457 JC 24 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-012460 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $75,000.00 WITH: HOAGLAND, LONGO, MORAN, DUNST & DOUKAS, LLP FOR: 2024 SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR TAX APPEALS – DIVISION OF ASSESSMENTS SPECIFICATION NO.: 226-24RFP NTE: $75,000.00 R-112458 CG 25 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-022451 CHANGE ORDER NO. 2-FINAL – CREDIT WITH: UNDERGROUND UTILITIES CORP. FOR: IMPROVEMENTS TO SANDFORD STREET SPECIFICATION NO.: 110-22W AMOUNT: $67,713.64 – CREDIT APPROVAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE OF TWENTY (20%) PERCENT OR MORE OF THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT R-112459 JC 26 AUTHORIZE APPLICATION AND EXECUTION OF GRANT AGREEMENT – 2025 LOCAL FREIGHT IMPACT FUND WITH: NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR: HOME NEWS ROW AND TRIANGLE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS R-112460 CG 27 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062465 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $18,810.00 WITH: GARDEN STATE LABORATORIES, INC. FOR: LABORATORY ANALYSIS FOR THE WATER UTILITY SPECIFICATION NO.: 256-24RFP NTE: $18,810.00 Page 4 of 5 R-112461 JC 28 APPROVE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION R-062466 REASON: ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $11,627.00 WITH: GARDEN STATE LABORATORIES, INC. FOR: CONTAMINANTS ANALYSIS FOR THE WATER UTILITY SPECIFICATION NO.: 272-24RFP NTE: $11,627.00 R-112462 CG 29 APPROVE PERSON-TO-PERSON AND PLACE-TO-PLACE TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE (POCKET) FROM: SLIDER PUB & GRILLE, INC. (POCKET) TO: 436 MAIN STREET, LLC T/A CASA RAGAZZI 378 GEORGE STREET LIQUOR LICENSE NO.: 1214-33-080-008 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 4, 2024 5:30 P.M. 2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AGENDA REVIEW SESSION PREPARED AND EDITED BY: DEPARTMENT OF LAW – SARAH E. WALUS Page 5 of 5

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