Mayor and Council of Princeton

Municipality of Princeton, NJ 400 Witherspoon St Princeton, NJ 08540 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, July 28, 2025 7:00 PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83251766451 Webinar ID: 832 5176 6451 Main Council Chambers Mayor and Council of Princeton Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 Page 1 of 1 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 I. JOIN MEETING - PLEASE CLICK LINK BELOW: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83251766451 Webinar ID: 832 5176 6451 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" Mayor Mark Freda read the Land Acknowledgement. IV. ROLL CALL Also Present: Bernard Hvozdovic, Administrator; Deanna Stockton, Deputy Administrator/Municipal Engineer; Jim Purcell, Assistant Engineer; and Trishka Cecil, Municipal Attorney Present: Council Member Michelle Pirone Lambros, Council Member David Cohen, Council Member Mia Sacks, Council Member Leticia Fraga, Council Member Leighton Newlin, Mayor Mark Freda, and Municipal Clerk Dawn M. Mount Absent: Council Member Brian McDonald V. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Mayor and Council of Princeton- Closed Session- May 6, 2025 2:00 p.m. RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: David Cohen SECONDER: Leticia Fraga Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, and Council Member Newlin Page 1 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 Absent: Council Member McDonald Abstain: Council Member Fraga 2. Mayor and Council of Princeton- Regular Meeting- May 12, 2025 7:00 p.m. RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: David Cohen 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. Mayor and Council of Princeton- Regular Meeting- May 27, 2025- 7:00 p.m. RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: David Cohen SECONDER: Leticia Fraga Aye: Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald Abstain: Council Member Pirone Lambros VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros had no reports or announcements. Councilman David Cohen had no reports or announcements. Council President had no reports or announcements. Councilwoman Leticia Fraga, Councilman Leighton Newlin, Council President Mia Sacks, and Mayor Mark Freda shared in the reading of prepared statements on behalf of the Mayor and Council of Princeton, in Spanish and English, regarding the ICE activity in Princeton. Mayor Mark Freda had no reports or announcements. There were no staff reports or announcements. 1. Experience Princeton Report Offered by Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director Isaac Kremer, Executive Director of Experience Princeton, stated in the interest of time and out of respect to the significant amount of people who have showed up for the meeting, he will submit his report in writing. He wanted to notify Council, as by ordinance, Experience Princeton has submitted their annual report in writing. He highlighted the following: in July Page 2 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 they were going to cross the threshold of 10,000 hours of volunteer time contributed since Experience Princeton started in 2022. Financially, that translates into $333,000 of volunteer time. Additionally, there was the distinction of the Main Street New Jersey grant last year (another $150,000), and $68,000 sold in gift cards. Lastly, Mr. Kremer noted there were 26 new businesses that opened in Princeton in the last year, which is nearly double the rate of the year prior. VIII. PROCLAMATION 1. A Proclamation Honoring Kerry Philip on the Occasion of Her Retirement Councilman David Cohen read the proclamation honoring Kerry Philip on the occasion of her retirement. IX. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION 1. Ordinance Appropriating $775,000 from the Sewer Trust Fund to Provide for Various Sewer Improvements in and by Princeton, in the County Of Mercer, New Jersey- Roll Call RESULT: INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING MOVER: David Cohen SECONDER: Michelle Pirone Lambros Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Absent: Council Member McDonald 2. An Ordinance by the Municipality of Princeton Designating No Turn on Red Intersections and Amending Chapter 19 of the “Code of the Borough of Princeton, New Jersey, 1974”- Roll Call RESULT: INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING MOVER: Leighton Newlin SECONDER: Michelle Pirone Lambros Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Nay: Council Member Sacks Absent: Council Member McDonald X. RESOLUTIONS 1. Resolution of the Mayor and Council Authorizing the Award of a Bid Contract to Earle Asphalt Company for Improvements to Mount Lucas Road for $2,055,413.13 Page 3 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leighton Newlin 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 2. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing Amendment #1 to the Contract with WeDriveU, Inc. for the Operation and Maintenance of the Princeton Transit Services in 2025 to Adjust the Authorized Schedule for an Increase of $7,500.00 for a New Amount Not to Exceed $384,664.00 Councilwoman Leticia Fraga stated there was concern from some residents that there was going to be some stops taken away in order to add the additional stops and she asked for clarification. Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros explained the resolution is the authorization to do the pilot and the schedule is still being worked on to try and accommodate everyone. Jim Purcell, Assistant Engineer, noted he has a meeting with the service provider to discuss adjusting the schedule to provide services to residents who are attending some events later in the evenings. Lisa Wu, in attendance with her neighbor, Ella, stated a petition was passed around and 20+ signatures were obtained in protest to the new munibus schedule. Ms. Wu stated there was a 40% cut to the schedule and as a senior apartment complex they cannot afford to not have transportation. She asked Council to reconsider reducing the hours of the munibus. Ms. Wu's neighbor, Ella, provided additional information regarding the exercise schedule at the Y and the need for the bus to be available during those times. Councilman Leighton Newlin expressed concern about the possibility of the negative impacts on the towns most vulnerable residents and did not feel comfortable moving forward without those concerns being addressed. Councilman David Cohen supported the idea of tabling the resolution for now, and made a motion. RESULT: TABLED MOVER: David Cohen SECONDER: Leticia Fraga Aye: Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin Page 4 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 Absent: Council Member McDonald 3. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Correcting the Amount of the Contract Previously Authorized by Princeton Council with Jet Vac Equipment for an 800-HPR Eco Series IV Truck Mounted Jet utilizing Sourcewell National Cooperative Purchasing Contract #101221-SCA from $231,079.01 to $242,640.82 Due to a Pricing Configuration Error RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: David Cohen SECONDER: Michelle Pirone Lambros 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 the Award of a Contract to Allstate Office Interiors for Flooring Materials and Installation at 400 Witherspoon Street for $145,341.86 utilizing New Jersey State Contract 23-FOOD-47764 RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: David Cohen SECONDER: Michelle Pirone Lambros 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 Authorizing an Increase of $45,000.00 to the Professional Services Agreement with Clarke Caton Hintz for Affordable Housing Monitoring and Consulting Services for a New Not to Exceed Amount of $116,000.00 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 6. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the Municipality of Princeton Authorizing the Execution of a Letter of Intent with McCarter Theatre Company, a New Jersey Page 5 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 Nonprofit Corporation, for the Sale and Purchase of a Portion of the Property Located at 101 Walnut Street, Princeton and designated as Block 31.01, Lot 105 on the Municipal Tax Maps Trishka Cecil, Municipal Attorney, recused herself from the discussion on the matter. Martin Miller, Executive Director of McCarter Theatre, explained the resolution presented before Council will give them the supporting document they need to apply for the state program, showing that there is a path for McCarter to use the state funds to help remediate and adaptively reuse several of the historic arts and education buildings on the Westminster site for the same purpose. It is not binding, but it does create an exciting future option for the company and the town to consider. If the tax credits are awarded, they then have a year to participate in the town's planning process for the campus and to come up with a site plan to submit for the council's review and public comment. RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leticia Fraga SECONDER: Mia Sacks 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 Rejecting Bid for the Lease Of Public Property for a Wireless Telecommunications Facility at the Princeton Public Library and Authorizing Revisions to Bidding Materials and Re-Advertising the Lease RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: David Cohen 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 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 Page 6 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 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 the Hiring of Probationary Patrol Officers 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 Authorizing Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees 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 Authorizing Extension of Grace Period for Payment of Third Quarter, 2025 Property Taxes 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 Authorizing Block 7401, Lot 20 to be Added to the Princeton Tax Exempt List RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Leticia Fraga SECONDER: Leighton Newlin Page 7 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 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 Authorizing Tax Exempt Status for Various Properties in said Municipality 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-New Jersey Association of County & City Health Officials-$24,951.00 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 8. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159-Special Budget Item-NJ Department of Health-Strengthening Local Public Health Capacity Program-Outbreak Preparedness-$22,254.00 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 9. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159-Special Budget Item for NJ Department of Health-Strengthening Local Public Health Capacity Program-Public Health Infrastructure Grant-$42,534.00 RESULT: ADOPTED Page 8 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 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 10. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159-Special Budget Item-NJ Department of Law & Public Safety-Body Worn Cameras Grant-$108,014.00 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 11. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159-Special Budget Item-National Opioid Settlement Proceeds-$6,088.90 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 12. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving a Chapter 159-Special Budget Item-NJ DEP Community Based Deer Management Grant-$11,750.00 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 13. Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing the Trinity Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on Thursday, November 27th, 2025 Page 9 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 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. 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 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 and via "Zoom": Members of Resistencia en Accion NJ, residents of the Princeton community, Princeton University and PHS students, community activists, and residents of neighboring communities came out in numbers to passionately urge Council to pass a resolution supporting the Immigrant Trust Act. They shared personal stories, experiences, fears, and the need for urgency in passing a resolution. Page 10 of 11 Mayor and Council of Princeton Meeting Minutes - Final July 28, 2025 Seeing no one further in person or via "Zoom" Mayor Freda closed public comment. XIII. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn at 10:28 p.m. was made by Councilman David Cohen, seconded by Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros, and carried unanimously by all members present. Respectfully submitted, Dawn M. Mount Municipal Clerk Page 11 of 11