City Council

AUGUST 20, 2025 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK HELD ON AUGUST 20, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE NEW BRUNSWICK MUNICIPAL COURTHOUSE, COURTROOM 101 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 City Administrator Michael Drulis Assistant City Attorney Charly Gayden Assistant City Administrator Brandon Goldberg Deputy Chief of Fire Department Hasahya Hirya NBPD Captain James Hoover Police Officer Jamal James Director, Human & Community Services Keith Jones II Utility Business Manager Michael Licameli Fire Inspector Sherri Miller 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 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 July 16, 2025 were approved and adopted as engrossed. Meeting called to order by Council President John Anderson with Council Members Castaneda, Escobar, Fleming, Gaskins and Sicora Ludwig present. Council Member Ferguson was absent.  PUBLIC HEARING O-082501 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 5, BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 5.46 – “FILMING ON PUBLIC LAND” Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance. Public Comment: None On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Gaskins, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on August 20, 2025. Roll Call: Aye: Escobar, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Castaneda, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-082502 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE NEW BRUNSWICK PARKER LANDING LANE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AREA IN THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance. Public Comment: None On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on August 20, 2025. Roll Call: Aye: Escobar, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Castaneda, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-082503 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: 342 TOWNSEND STREET, APT. 1 304 TOWNSEND STREET. APT. 1 3 SIXTH STREET 189 REDMOND STREET 9 RUTGERS STREET 159 LAWRENCE STREET Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance. Public Comment: None On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on August 20, 2025. Roll Call:  Aye: Escobar, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Castaneda, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-082504 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, TITLE 10, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC -CHAPTER 10.16 – STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING, SECTION 10.16.050 – SCHEDULE 29, “TIME LIMIT PARKING” -CHAPTER 10.28 – RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS, SECTION 10.28.010 – SCHEDULE 41, “PARKING BY PERMIT ONLY IN DESIGNATED RESIDENTIAL AREAS” Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance. Public Comment: None On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on August 20, 2025. Roll Call: Aye: Escobar, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Castaneda, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. O-082505 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE A PARTIAL ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF FINANCIAL AGREEMENT FROM RTF NB URBAN RENEWAL, LLC TO RTF NB URBAN RENEWAL B, LLC WITH RESPECT TO BLOCK 707.04, LOT 7.05 ONLY Council President Anderson opened the Public Hearing on the above ordinance. Public Comment: None On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Fleming, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on Final Reading on August 20, 2025. Roll Call: Aye: Escobar, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Castaneda, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried.  INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES O-082506 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: 55 PLUM STREET 177 HANDY STREET, APT. 1 204 REDMOND STREET 268 SANDFORD STREET On a motion of Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Escobar, and carried, the above ordinance was adopted on first reading and held over for Public Hearing on September 3, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Roll Call: Aye: Escobar, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Castaneda, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS 1. A letter from Gannett LocaliQ regarding Going Paperless this fall 2025. 2. A letter from GDB International, Inc. regarding Initial Application for a Class D Recycling Center General Approval at 5 Home News Row, Lot 6 Block 597.04. 3. A letter from Montrose Environmental regarding Joe’s Service Center on 814 Livingston Avenue. Case #95-10-05-1319-25; PI# 030988. 4. A letter from EnviroTactics regarding a NJDEP permit application for 20 Triangle Road, Block 597.02 Lot 9. 5. A Public notification letter from EnviroTactics regarding 20 Triangle Road, requesting permit approval from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Land Use Regulation/Resource Protection. 6. A letter from Ed O’Donnell regarding Jersey Strong Coastal Coalition (JSCC) NJ Energy Master Plan (EMP). RESOLUTIONS Public Comment: None Resolutions R-082540 through R-082565, moved by Council Member Sicora Ludwig, seconded by Council Member Escobar and carried were adopted, on consent, by the Municipal Council. Roll Call: Aye: Escobar, Fleming, Gaskins, Sicora Ludwig, Castaneda, Anderson Nay: Abstain: Motion carried.  NEW BUSINESS Council President read a statement regarding the shooting of Deborah Terrell by the New Brunswick Police, expressing thoughts and prayers, as well as the process for when police involved shootings take place. Council President provided the information for the Attorney General’s office who will review the incident. Council Vice President Castaneda, Council members Escobar, Fleming, Gaskins and Sicora Ludwig expressed their condolences and provided statements regarding the shooting of Ms. Terrell. Carissa Cunningham expressed her thoughts on police, mental health and the incident. Nona Tyus stated she was born and raised in New Brunswick and mentioned a 12– 15-hour standoff with another elderly person which took place, past situations involving the police department and the incident with Deborah Terrell. Doris Elliot spoke of Shaun Potts, Barry Deloatch, young kids on Harvey Street involved in shootings, stating the incident with Deborah is upsetting. Nicolas Lentil spoke of an incident from the 1980’s with Elenor Bumpers, stating police should be trained for mental health crisis situations and asked why shoot to kill. Portia Auten stated murder cases involving Shaun Potts, Cece Adams, Barry Deloatch and now of Ms. Terrell. Ms. Auten pointed out members of the administration as individuals of New Brunswick, mentioned a council member, stating no amount of money will help the family and asked where was the counselor that should have been there with the police officers, spoke of a witness and hopes everything will be resolved. Rhonda Williams stated Deborah Terrell was a friend. Lawrence Hamm, Peoples Organization of Progress, stating if she was white, she would be alive and should be alive, stating the officers should be fired immediately, suggesting a civilian review board, to send a resolution to the state senate and psychological evaluation for police officers. Kayson Little stated Ms. Terrell didn’t need cops but needed care, arrest the cops, prosecute them and fight for accountability. Valerie Veil stated her brother was killed by police in a matter of 12 seconds, and suggested training and evaluation for the police officers to proceed as officers, that there have been no bills passed since. Charlie Kratovil extended his condolences, thanked all who showed up and asked who killed Ms. Terrell and stated a name of an officer. Mr. Kratovil mentioned a separate incident involving the same officer and invited people to the County Commissioners meeting. CM Gaskins stated she is willing to have a conversation for policy ideas and what is needed. Zayid Muhammed of New Jersey Communities of Accountable Policing, NJ-CAP, suggested the council in passing aa resolution in making a change is accountable policing with the community involved, he mentioned the Seabrooks Washington Bill where people with mental health issues will have a response team not being police. Steven Young, National Action Network of Atlantic County mentioned a letter by CM Gaskins and asked the council to pass a resolution for the Attorney General to release the video of the incident and the names of the officers, asking council to make a motion and the Council President to make a roll. Mr. Shamy provided a legal opinion on compelling the Attorney General to release the video. Tormell Pittman asked the Council President why has the council meeting venue change, CP answered to fit a larger crowd. Mr. Pittman explained how his day went the day of Ms. Terrell’s passing, the Maria Rojas six-hour standoff, saying there is training, then mentioned he approached the desk sergeant for answers, where someone from the attorney general’s office approached him stating it is under investigation. Lisa Davis stated she stands with the family and wants justice, mentioning killings from 1987. Derek stated his family escaped the Palestine and need to stop genocide on black people. Izzy Mayzel extended condolences, feels a loss of humanity and that the police should be abolished. Nava Devile mentioned being appalled, systemic oppression and injustice in the community. Jessica Kratovil inquired on the amount of people in the room and suggested more training hours for police officers, expressing the cosmetologists are required to complete more hours and police officers are mentally unstable. A resident mentioned her day of August 8th, retracing of when she found out of Ms. Terrell’ s passing, stating Shawn said his mom was shot and killed by the police, she mentioned Ms. Terrell was killed in her nightgown in her own home, prior to was with her every day. Statements of modern-day slavery, mental and physical disability at the location with no proper and deescalating training. Ms. Kelly spoke of the Mayor, National Night Outs, killings of Sissy and Barry, statutes, Devco, Johnson and Johnson and Robert Wood Johnson. Ms. Kelly also asked who lives in New Brunswick and wants the police arrested. Tonya Davis stated this is disheartening asked what were the intentions of the police officers, the shooting was not the first time in New Brunswick. Keith Pittman stated what was done to Deborah Terrell was totally wrong, that he is out here saving lives, not killing people. Additionally, other members of the public spoke in regards to the shooting of Deborah Terrell. April Nicklaus inquired on the police chief presence, CP Anderson responded. Andre Showell extended his condolences to the family of Deborah Terrell and stated everyone is accountable. A member of the public stated how would you feel if it was your mother. Jerome Morgan inquired on the protocol of the situation, CP Anderson responded, the case is out of local hands, to be reviewed by the Attorney General’s office. Brooke Maclarene mentioned a public mental health breakdown where the person walked away and have assisted others where it did not result in violence. A member of the public mentioned he grew up in this town and only sees bullies and cowards, no one can escape judgement. Angel Sanchez stated he stands with the family, mentioning his cousin was killed the same way, claiming he had a knife but there was no knife. Anor said what is happening in this country is very disgraceful and that the anger given is misrepresented mourning, questioning the assistance for mental health victims. Minister and Clergy for the Coalition of Liberation stated he is mourning, asking for justice for the family to make the change the community wants to see. Hector said he was born in New Brunswick but has since moved since his family felt it unsafe, questioned the time of suspension for a police officer and position. Damian Stackhouse stated people want change, enforce and don’t allow for a situation like this to happen. Dupri Machallah stated he is a nephew of Ms. Terrell, that Ms. Terrell was a scholar, record holding track and field champion, a talented cosmetologist, dedicated school bus driver and proud senior citizen. Mr. Machallah said Ms. Terrell deserved dignity and was shot and killed. Beverly Marshall, President of the New Brunswick Tenant Association stated she heard the police officers and shooting, that she was previously involved with the Board of Education and politics, but is no longer involved and plans to run for council at 81 years old. CM Gaskins stated she will be available after the meeting, CM Fleming stated he spoke earlier and has been in contact with the family and that he is available for the community, wanting justice. On a motion regularly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.M. Leslie R. Zeledón John Anderson City Clerk Council President