Rahway City Council

CITY OF RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES September ll, 2023, 7 p.m. ROLL CALL Council President Parson called the meeting to order at7:01p.m. and asked for a Roll Call. PRESENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Parson ABSENT: CouncilmemberTimmons PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE and INVOCATION Council President Parson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Brown offered an Invocation. OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT: Notice of this meeting has been sent to the official newspapers and adequate and electronic notice has been provided in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act as required by law. Councilmember Timmons arrived at7:02 p.m. MINUTES August 7,2023 Combined Meeting A motion was made by Councilmember Gibilisco and seconded by Councilmember Brooks to accept and approve the above listed minutes. YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. PRESENTATIONS Councilmember Brooks presented a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing Rev. Rudolph P. Gibbs, Sr. to Ebenezer AME Pastor Reverend Dr. Marti Robinson, Esq. COMMUNICATIONS: MAYOR, REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND BILL PAYMENT REPORTS OF COUNCIL COMMITTEES No reports from council committees were offered. A motion was made by Councilmember Brown and seconded by Councilmember Parson to place Block Party BP-23-08 on the agenda and consent agenda. YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Regular Council Meeting of September 11,2023 I of10 City of Rahway Council President Parson declared the motion carried. HEARING OF CITIZENS: ITEMS ON AGENDA Except ordinances on Second Reading (five minutes per speaker) Council President Parson opened the floor for hearing of citizens. Andrew Garcia Philips 1470 Campbell St. AR-190-23 Rev. Dr. Marti Robinson 253 Central Ave. Presentation of Proclamation With no one appearing, Council President Parson closed the public hearing. ORDINANCES _ FIRST READING o-40-23 AN ORDTNANCE AMENDTNG CHAPTER 401-83, "SCHEDULE XXIV PAID PARKING ZONES" OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) Motion to introduce the above titled Ordinance was made by Councilmember Parker, seconded by Councilmember Mojica and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. o-41-23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 401-3, "VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES" OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) Motion to introduce the above titled Ordinance was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Council President Parson: these Ordinances are declared adopted on first reading and the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to advertise said notice of its introduction and passage according to law. These Ordinances will come up for Public Hearing and further action at a Council Meeting on October 10 at 7 p.m. or at any time and place to which the meeting for the further consideration of the ordinances shall be adjourned. CONSENT AGENDA All items marked with an asterisk (t) are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council Member or citizen Regular Council Meeting of September 1l,2023 2of10 City of Rahway  requests. Any item not included on the Consent Agenda will be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda. Motion made by CouncilmemberNewbury and seconded by Councilmember Brooks to adopt the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda was adopted by the following vote. YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. RE,SOLUTIONS Department of Administration *AR-188-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RAHWAY'S BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR OR THEIR DESIGNEE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR BEAUTIFICATION OF CITY PROPERTIES Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by the Entire Council and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried t *AR-189-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RAHWAY TO ENTER INTO A RELEASE AGREEMENT AND APPROVING A SETTLEMENT PAYMENT Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by the Entire Council and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-190-23 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY, COLINTY OF UNION, STATE OF NEW JERSEY RESOLUTION OF NEED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FORTY-TWO (42) LINIT RESIDENTIAL SENIOR APARTMENT HOUSING PROJECT AND APPROVAL OF PILOT AGREEMENT Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by the Councilmember Newbury and adopted by the following vote: Regular Council Meeting of September 1 l, 2023 3of10 City of Rahway  YES: Brown' Gibilisco' Miles' Mojica' Newbury' ;""riHHffiH:,?.T:l Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Department of Engineering & Land Use *AR-191-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 TO PICERNO GIORDANO CONSTRUCTION FOR THE BRENNAN FIELD SPLASH PARK PROJECT IN THE CITY OF RAHWAY, LINION COLINTY, NEW JERSEY Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by Councilmember Brooks and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried' *AR-192-23 RESOLUTION RATIFYING PAYMENT TO BERTO CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR EMERGENCY SANITARY SEWER REPAIR AT 746 AUDREY DRIVE, PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A 40A:11-6 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker' Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried *AR-193-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RAHWAY AND T&M ASSOCIATES FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH BERZINEC PARK TENNIS COURTS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Newbury, seconded by Councilmember Mojica and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Regular Council Meeting of September 1 1 " 2023 4ofl0 City of Rahway  *AR-194-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RAHWAY AND T&M ASSOCIATES FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOWARD FIELD PARK BASKETBALL COURT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Brooks and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-195-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT AND CLOSE OUT OF THE MADDEN FIELD IMPROVEMENTS- PRESS BOX PROJECT TO DANT CLAYTON CORPORATION Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson I Council President Parson declared the motion carried. i I I *AR-196-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RAHWAY AND COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN FOR PROFES SIONAL ENGINEERING S ERVICES AS SOCIATED WITH RAHWAY PAVEMENT INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Moj ica,.Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-l97-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN ACCESS AGREEMENT WITH ALLSTATE POWER VAC. AND WHITMAN COMPANY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SOIL BORINGS/TEMPORARY MONITORING WELLS ON MUNICIPAL PROPERTY Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Newbury, seconded by Councilmember Parker and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Regular Council Meeting ofSeptember 11,2023 5of10 City of Rahway  Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-198-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER TO DLS CONTRACTING INC. FOR ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CDBG YR 48 WINFIELD STREET, HEATON PLACE, BEACON STREET AND HENRY STREET PROJECT FOR THE CITY OF RAHWAY, UNION COUNTY, NEW JERSEY Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by the Entire Council and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-199-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT AND CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER TO VALVETEK UTILITY SERVICES, INC. FOR THE LEAD SERVICE LINE TEST PIT PROGRAM PHASE 1 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by the Entire Council and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury' Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Department of Health *AR-200-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZTNG THE MAYOR AND CITY COLINCIL OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY TO APPLY FOR THE UNION COUNTY LOCAL ARTS GRANT PROGRAM AND ENTER TNTO A CONTRACT THERETO Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Newbury, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Department of Recreation *AR-201-23 A RESOLUTION AWARDTNG A SERVICE CONTRACT FOR CUTTING AND CONTROL OF VEGETATION ON THE RAHWAY FLOOD CONTROL LEVEE Regular Council Meeting of September i I , 2023 6of10 City of Rahway  Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parsono seconded by the Entire Council and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmonso Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Department of Revenue & Finance *4R.202-23 A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE BUDGET OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948) NJ DEP Community Based Art Grant Program 522,000 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by the Entire Council and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-203.23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF MONEY DUE TO THE REDEMPTION OF TAX SALE CERTIFICATES FOR 2OI9 &2O22TAX LIENS Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by the Entire Council and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmonso Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-204-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFI-IND OF MONEY DUE TO THE REDEMPTION OF TAX SALE CERTIFICATES FOR 2OI9 &2O22TAX LIENS Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by Councilmember Brown and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Regular Council Meeting ofSeptember 11,2023 7ofl0 City of Rahway Department of Public Works *AR-205.23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO FORD F15O PICKUP TRUCKS UNDER THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Parker, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Department of Engineering & Land Use *AR.2O6-23 RESOLUTION RATIFYING PAYMENT TO BERTO CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR EMERGENCY SANITARY SEWER REPAIR AT 344 SEMINARY AVENUE, PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Newbury, seconded by Councilmember Brooks and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Department of Administration *AR-207-23 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY, COLINTY OF UNION, STATE OF NEW JERSEY RESOLUTION OF NEED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FIFTY- EIGHT (5S) UNIT RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT HOUSING PROJECT AND APPROVAL OF PILOT AGREEMENT Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by Councilmember Brown and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Regular Council Meeting of September I l, 2023 8ofl0 City of Rahway  r-r ORDINANCES - F'INAL ADOPTION / SECOND READING 0.37-23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4OI OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) Council President Parson opened the Public Hearing on this matter and asked if any citizen wished to be heard and give his/her name and address. Motion to adopt the above titled Ordinance O-37-23 was made by Councilmember Parker, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. o-38-23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 203 OF CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY "FILMING" Council President Parson opened the Public Hearing on this matter and asked if any citizen wished to be heard and give hisftrer name and address. Motion to adopt the above titled Ordinance 0-39-23 on second reading was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Brooks and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried. o-39-23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDTNG CHAPTER 401 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) - HANDICAPPED PARKING (704 JAQUES AVE.) Motion to adopt the above titled Ordinance 0-40-23 on second reading was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Gibilisco and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson Council President Parson declared the motion carried Council President Parson: These Ordinances having been read on two separate days and having achieved the vote required by law is declared adopted. The City Clerk is directed to deliver same to the Mayor for his approval or disapproval. It",,- Regular Council Meeting of September I l, 2023 9of10 City of Rahway MISCELLANEOUS (Unfinished Business) Block Party BP-23-08 Ruta Padulo 1427 New Church St. Saturday, October 28,2023 Motion to adopt the above Block Party was made by Councilmember Brown seconded by Councilmember Parsin and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parso Council President Parson declared the motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS: IIEARING OF CITIZENS ON ANY ITEM (Five minutes per speaker) Council President Parson opened the floor for hearing of citizens' Michael Smanko 1015 Richard Blvd. Ronald McRae 840 E. Hazelwood Ave. Darlene Plunkett 1362 Witherspoon St. Wilbert Jackson, Jr. 1368 Witherspoon St. Andrew Garcia Philips 1470 Campbell St. With no one else appearing, Council President Parson closed the public hearing. COUNCIL COMMENTS (Three minutes per member) The Councilmembers offered their comments. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 p.m. was made by Councilmember Brooks and seconded by Councilmembei Uiles. The meeting was ofhcially adjoumed at 7:52 p.m. without objection on a voice vote. Approved (d /\\4, J City Vannie D. Parson, Council President Regular Council Meeting of Septembsr I l. 2023 10 of l0 City of Rahway