Mayor and Council of Princeton

Princeton NJ 400 Witherspoon St Princeton, NJ 08540 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, June 9, 2025 7:00 PM Main Council Chambers Mayor and Council of Princeton Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2025 Page 1 of 1 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2025 I. JOIN MEETING-PLEASE CLICK LINK BELOW https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85823356316 Webinar ID: 858 2335 6316 II. STATEMENT CONCERNING NOTICE OF MEETING Notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act and State regulations governing public meetings, including the time, date and location of the meeting and clear and concise instructions to the public for accessing the meeting and making comments. In addition, the agenda and all related materials were posted electronically and made available to the public on Princeton's meeting portal in advance of the meeting. III. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT "We gather today on the land of the Lenni Lenape. As members of the Princeton community, we aspire to show appreciation, respect, and concern for all peoples and our environment. We honor the Lenape and other Indigenous caretakers of these lands and waters, the elders who lived here before, the Indigenous today, and the generations to come" Councilwoman Leticia Fraga read the Land Acknowledgement. IV. ROLL CALL Present: Council Member Michelle Pirone Lambros, Council Member David Cohen, Council Member Mia Sacks, Council Member Leticia Fraga, Council Member Leighton Newlin, and Mayor Mark Freda Absent: Council Member Brian McDonald V. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros announced the first annual Princeton Cyclovia will take place on Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Walnut Lane, between Houghton and Gyout. The event is a collaborative effort between the Princeton Bicycle Advisory Committee, Sustainable Princeton, and the Arts Council. Councilman David Cohen had no reports or announcements. Council President Mia Sacks had no reports or announcements. Councilwoman Leticia Fraga announced applications for the Youth Advisory Committee are being accepted for the 2025-2026 academic year. Four spots are vacant and the positions are Page 1 of 8 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2025 open for rising sophomores to apply. The only condition is the applicants must be Princeton residents. Applications are available on the municipal website. Councilman Leighton Newlin had no reports or announcements. Mayor Mark Freda announced tomorrow is Election Day and for everyone to be mindful of their time. Staff Reports/Announcements: There were no staff reports or announcements. 1. Annual Report on the Center for Modern Aging Princeton- Drew Dyson, PhD, CEO Drew Dyson, Executive Director, of the Center for Modern Aging Princeton presented a report to Council to provide a glimpse of the things that have been accomplished over the past twelve (12) months and what the future holds for the organization and the older adults in the community. Mr. Dyson shared a Power Point presentation that covered the following subject matters/services: programming in multiple languages, ESL, aging gaily, compassionate social services, Ping Pong Parkinsons, Symposium on Ageism, lifelong learning, On-Stage Seniors, Grandpals, Community Without Walls, looking ahead (AmeriCorps Seniors), and Age-Friendly Princeton 2.0. 2. Experience Princeton Report Offered by Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director Isaac Kremer, Executive Director, provided Council with an update on the progress of Experience Princeton over the last 30 days. Some of the highlights include: on July 31, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. everyone (Council and community members) is invited to attend their business meet up, they will have three interns for the summer and one has already started and is working on a business survey, they received a $150,000 grant and are working on administering it, and there were three (3) new board members voted onto the board. VII. SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BUDGET 1. Public Hearing of the 2025-2026 Budget of the Princeton Special Improvement District-Roll Call Mayor Mark Freda the public hearing on the SID budget, first to those attending the meeting in person and then to those via "Zoom". In Person: Business Owner at 357 Nassau Street, stated she is a local physician (solo, private practice) in town but expressed concern over paying taxes to revitalize the downtown. Her office is located outside of the immediate downtown so she does not see a direct benefit or added enhancements that the funds are being used for. There is no seasonal decorations, no storefront beautification, holiday decor, and plantings. Despite that, she is expected to shoulder the same financial burden as those businesses who do benefit. Page 2 of 8 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2025 Requested Council to re-evaluate how the boundaries are determined and adjust the taxation model that is used. Lance Liverman, Witherspoon Street, stated in the beginning he felt the same way as the previous speaker with regards to having to pay the SID tax. However, he has been converted. The town looks a lot better and it is cleaner. He also noted there has been an increase in the number of individuals applying for rentals. Via "Zoom": There was no public comment. Seeing no one further, Mayor Freda closed public comment. 2. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Adopting the 2025-2026 Budget of the Princeton Special Improvement District RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Michelle Pirone Lambros SECONDER: Leticia Fraga Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 3. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Accepting the Assessment Roll of the 2025-2026 Special Improvement District of the Municipality of Princeton RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: David Cohen SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald VIII. PRESENTATION 1. Presentation of a Proposed Pilot Project on North Harrison Street Between Clearview Avenue and Terhune Road to Create a Road Diet for the Installation of Bicycle Lanes Jim Purcell, Assistant Engineer, presented a Power Point presentation focusing on the road diet for the installation of bike lanes at the Princeton Shopping Center. Mr. Purcell stated four (4) lanes are not needed in front of the shopping center and it is an opportunity repurpose the pavement for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. The proposed Page 3 of 8 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2025 improvements would improve safety and slow down traffic to the posted speed limits. He reviewed the existing arrangement of the road and what the consultant recommended (two travel lanes with an interim bicycle facility and pedestrian facilities in both directions). At each intersection, they are recommending the extension of the center medians, by striping, to create a pedestrian refuge and bicycle boxes for left turning cyclists. Other intersection treatments will be green and white skip lines for bicycle crossing markings across the major intersections and enhanced bicycle lane markings at each intersection to indicate to motor vehicles that the right side is a bike lane. With the longitudinal treatments there will be standard bicycle lane markings, a five-foot-wide buffer with diagonal markings, and white skip lines at residential driveways. At the terminus down by Clearview Avenue skip lines for merging in the transition area between the bicycle lane and shared lane will be installed and sharrows will be added in the shared lane. Lastly, additional intersection treatments will include reflective delineators to prevent encroachment of right-turning motor vehicles. It was noted the pilot program will last until Engineering moves forward with the permanent improvements and it will be a one-way bike lane on each side of the road. A motion was made by Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros, seconded by Council President Mia Sacks, and carried unanimously by all members present to install buffered bike lanes on North Harrison Street and to eliminate the right lanes in the 4-lane sections. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA The Mayor and Council will take comments first from members of the public attending the meeting in person, then from members of the public attending the meeting via Zoom. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes. No immediate action will be taken on any public comment issue. IN-PERSON: Please use the sign-up sheet on the podium. After everyone who signed up has had the opportunity to speak, the Mayor will invite any additional comments from members of the public. Please line up at the podium if you plan to speak. ZOOM: To make a comment or ask a question during the meeting via zoom, raise your hand using one of the following alternatives: 1. Windows or Mac platform: Click on “Participants” at the bottom of the screen, then click on “raise hand” (Windows shortcut: Alt+Y; Mac shortcut: Option+Y). 2. Android or iOS device: Click on “raise hand” in the bottom left corner of your screen. 3. Telephone: Press #9 Page 4 of 8 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2025 Mayor Mark Freda opened public comment for items not on the agenda, first to those attending the meeting in person, then to those via "Zoom" In Person: There was no public comment. Via "Zoom": Dale Meade, 48 Oakland Street, spoke on the pilot program for bike lanes on Harrison Street. When there is a backup of traffic on Harrison Street, individuals divert and use Ewing Street. Asking for study to be conducted during high volume times and to conduct the pilot during school and commuter traffic. The study needs to run through September to get an accurate measurement. Mr. Meade also noted the full impact of the auto traffic from the apartments at the Alice and the shopping center have not been seen yet. Donna Pilenza, 354 Ewing Street, voiced concern with the amount of traffic on Ewing street. With the change to the traffic pattern, she sees it getting worse. Suggested more attention be paid to what is happening on the surrounding streets, not just Harrison Street. Seeing no one further, in person or via "Zoom", Mayor Freda closed public comment. X. RESOLUTIONS 1. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing an Increase of $100,000.00 to the Not to Exceed Amount for the Professional Services Agreement with Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, LLP for Legal Services Related to Affordable Housing, Planning, and Redevelopment for a New Not to Exceed Amount of $200,000.00 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leighton Newlin SECONDER: Leticia Fraga Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 2. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing Release of a Performance Guarantee in the Amount of $1,887,750.00 to the Trustees of Princeton University for East Campus TIGER and Athletic Operations Site Plan, Block 50.01, Lot 18, Zone E-1 T RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leighton Newlin SECONDER: Mia Sacks Page 5 of 8 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2025 Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 3. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing the Award of a Contract to IPS Group, Inc. for Parking Meter Charges for an Amount Not to Exceed $160,000.00 utilizing Omnia Partners National Cooperative Purchasing Contract CW18653 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Michelle Pirone Lambros SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 4. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing Special Event for the Princeton Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PBAC) to hold Ciclovia on Sunday, June 22, 2025 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Michelle Pirone Lambros SECONDER: David Cohen Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald XI. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing the Payment of Bills and Claims RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leticia Fraga SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 2. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing Alcoholic Beverage Page 6 of 8 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2025 License for the Licensing Period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leticia Fraga SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 3. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159-Special Budget Item-National Opioid Settlement Proceeds-$1,648.68 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leticia Fraga SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 4. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159 - Special Budget Item - Recycling Tonnage Grant $36,854.44 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leticia Fraga SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 5. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159 - Special Budget Item - Community Development Block Grant $185,428 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leticia Fraga SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 6. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159 - Special Page 7 of 8 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2025 Budget Item - Clean Communities Grant $78,839.80 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leticia Fraga SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 7. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159- Special Budget Item - Sustainable Jersey $10,000.00 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leticia Fraga SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald XII. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn at 8:01 p.m. was made by Councilman David Cohen, seconded by Councilman Leighton Newlin, and carried unanimously by all members present. Respectfully submitted, Dawn M. Mount Municipal Clerk Page 8 of 8