Rahway City Council

CITY OF RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES October 10,2023,7 p.m. ROLL CALL Council President Parson called the meeting to order at7 p.m. and asked for a Roll Call PRESENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons Parson ABSENT: CouncilmemberMiles 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. MINUTES September3,2023 Pre-MeetingConference September 11,2023 Regular Meeting A motion was made by Councilmember Gibilisco and seconded by Councilmember Brooks to accept and I approve the above listed minutes. I YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons Parson ABSENT: CouncilmemberMiles Council President Parson declared the motion carried PRESENTATIONS Mayor Giacobbe presented a proclamation declaring October Breast Cancer Awareness Month 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 Parker and seconded by Councilmember Mojica to place Resolution AR-224-23, AR-225-23 and Block Party BP-23-09 on the agenda and consent agenda. YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons Parson ABSENT: CouncilmemberMiles Regular Council Meeting ofOctober 10,2023 I ofll 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. With no one appearing, Council President Parson closed the public hearing. ORDINANCES - FIRST READING 0-42-23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4l l, 6'WATER" TO REQUIRE THE REPLACEMENT OF LEAD SERVICE LINES WITHIN THE CITY OF RAHWAY 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, Timmonso Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. o-43-23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5 ARTICLE XVII DEPARTMENT OF POLICE TO ESTABLISH ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES AND COMPOSITION OF POLICB DEPARTMENT Motion to introduce the above titled Ordinance was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Council President Parson and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. o-44-23 BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZETHE MAKING OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY, NEW COMMLINICATION AND SIGNAL SYSTEMS EQUIPMENT AND NEW AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, INCLUDING ORICINAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, IN, BY AND FOR THE CITY OF RAHWAY, IN THE COUNTY OF UNION, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF [I,422,OOO TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO MAKE A DOWN Regular Council Meeting ofOctober 10,2023 2ofll City of Rahway tr*a PAYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF I BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS Motion to introduce the above titled Ordinance 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 ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. o-45-23 BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZETHE UNDERTAKING OF VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN, BY AND FOR THE SEWER UTILITY OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY, IN THE COLINTY OF LINION, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPzuATE THE SUM OF S2,685,000 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS Motion to introduce the above titled Ordinance 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 ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. o-46-23 BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZETHE UNDERTAKING OF WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM UPGRADES AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN, BY AND FOR THE WATER UTILITY OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY, IN THE COUNTY OF UNION, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $975,000 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FTNANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS Motion to introduce the above titled Ordinance was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Council President Parson, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson L-- Regular Council Meeting of October 10,2023 3 ofll City olRahway  ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. o-47-23 BOND ORDTNANCE TO AUTHORIZETHE REPLACEMENT OF WATER METERS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN, BY AND FOR THE WATER UTILITY OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY, IN THE COLINTY OF UNION, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $5OO,OOO TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS Motion to introduce the above titled Ordinance was made by Councilmember Gibilisco, seconded by Councilmember Gibilisco, and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles 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 November 2l 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 (*) 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 requests. Any item not included on the Consent Agenda will be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda. Motion made by Councilmember Newbury and seconded by Councilmember Gibilisco to adopt the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda was adopted by the following vote. YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons Parson ABSENT: CouncilmemberMiles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. RESOLUTIONS Regular Council Meeting ofOctober 10,2023 4ofll City of Rahway  Department of Public Works *AR-208-23 A RESOLUTION AWARDING A SERVICE CONTRACT FOR REMOVING AND TRANSPORTTNG 5OOO CUBIC YARDS OF LEAVES FROM DPW FACILITY Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Parson, seconded by Council President Parson, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-209-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY IN THE "GREENING LINION COIINTY" GRANT PROGRAM Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Mojica and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles f Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Department of Engineering & Land Use *AR-210-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RAHWAY AND H2M ASSOCIATES FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH A FLOOD HARDENING STUDY FOR THE HAMILTON STAGE Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons seconded by Council President Parson, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-211-23 RESOLUTION RATIFYING PAYMENT TO B&W CONSTRUCTION CO. OF NJ INC., FOR EMERGENCY SANITARY SEWER & SINKHOLE REPAIR AT WEST INMAN AVE. AND JEFFERSON AVE., PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6 Regular Council Meeting ofOctober 10,2023 5of11 City of Rahway  Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Mojica, seconded by Council President Parson, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. t'AR-212-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZTNG THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RAHWAY AND WHITESTONE ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR GROUNDWATER ATTAINMENT MONITORING & REGULATORY REPORTING SERVICES FOR 80 E. MILTON AVE Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Gibilisco, seconded by councilmember Brown, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-213-23 RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE REPETITIVE LOSS ANALYSIS FOR THE CITY OF RAHWAY 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 Brookso Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker. Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-214-23 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT AND CLOSEOUT CHANGE ORDER, ACCEPTANCE OF MAINTENANCE BOND AND RELEASE OF PEMORMANCE BOND TO PICERNO-GIORDANO CONSTRUCTION, LLC FOR THE BRENNAN FIELD SPLASH PARK PROJECT Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Council President Parson, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried' Regular Council Meeting ofOctober 10,2023 6 ofll City of Rahway  Department of Revenue & Finance *AR-215.23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFLTND OF MONEY DUE TO THE REDEMPTION OF TAX SALE CERTIFICATES FOR 2O2I & 2O22TAX LIENS Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Mojica and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Browno Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-2I6-23 RESOLUTION APPOINTING FUND COMMISSIONERS FOR THE GARDEN STATE MLINICIPAL JOINT INSURANCE FLIND (JIF) Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Gibilisco, seconded by Councilmember Parker and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-2I7-23 A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CY 2023 CAPTTAL BUDGET 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 ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried Department of Engineering & Land Use *AR-218-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND AND FINAL PAYMENT TO SEALCRETE CONTRACTING, LLC FOR THE RAHWAY TRANSPORTATION CENTER GARAGE 2023 RESTORATION Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution 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 h -.r Regular Council Meeting ofOctober 10,2023 Tofll City of Rahway  ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-219-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY DETERMINING THAT THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS BLOCK276, LOT IO ON THE CITY OF RAHWAY'S TAX MAP, BE DESIGNATED AS A NON- CONDEMNATION REDEVELOPMENT AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING LAW, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 ET SEQ. AND AUTHORIZTNG AND DIRECTING THE PLANNING BOARD TO PREPARE A REDEVELOPMENTPLAN FOR THE DESIGNATED REDEVELOPMENT AREA 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 ABSENT Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-220-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY DETERMINING THAT THE PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED AS BLOCK3I2, LOTS 1.01, 3, 4.01,4.02,4.03,4.04 ON THE CITY OF RAHWAY'S TAX MAP, BE DESIGNATED AS A CONDEMNATION REDEVELOPMENT AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING LAW, N.J.S.A. 40A:l2A-l ET SEQ. Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council President Parson, seconded by the Entire Council, and adopted by the fbllowing vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-221-23 A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE ACCEPTANCE OF BID FOR THE PROJECT ENTITLED "LSLRP - TEST PIT PROGRAM - PHASE 2" FOR THE CITY OF RAHWAY TO CONQUEST CONSTRUCTION INC. AND AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT WITH UNION COUNTY FOR ROAD OPENING Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was madc by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Parker, and adopted by the following vote: Regular Council Meeting ofOctober 10,2023 8of11 City of Rahway  YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. *AR-222-23 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY, IN THE COLINTY OF LINION, NEW JERSEY AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ENGAGEMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SAME Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Council President Parson, and adopted by the following vote: YES Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Department of Administration *AR-223-23 A RESOLUTION CHANGTNG THE DATE OF THE NOVEMBER COMBINED CITY COI-INCIL MEETING TO TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,2023 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 ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried *4R-224-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACT WITH WHITPR FOR PTIBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution 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 ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried l Regular Council Meeting o[October 10,2023 9 of 1l City of Rahway  *AR-225-23 RESOI,UTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR EFFICIENCY STUDY SERVICES IN THE CITY OF RAHWAY TO JERSEY PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT Motion io atlopi iire above tiiied Resolutioii was iriade by Coui-rcilmember Newb',;iry seconded by councilmember Brooks, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. ORDINANCES - FINAL ADOPTION / SECOND READING 0,-40-23 AN ORDTNANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 401-83, "SCHEDULE XXIV PAID PARKING ZONES'' 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 0-40-23 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 ABSENT: Councilmember Miles 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) Council President Parson opened the Public Hearing on this matter and asked if any citizenwished to be heard and give his/her name and address. Motion to adopt the above titled Ordinance 0-41-23 on second reading was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Mojica and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons, Parson ABSENT: Councilmember Miles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. Regular Council Meeting of October 1A,2023 tn^F1t Ciy of Rahway  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. I MISCELLANEOUS (Unfi nished Business) * Block Party BP-23-29 Liberty Harley-Davidson, Nov. 5, 2023 Motion to adopt the above Block Party was made by Councilmember Mojica seconded by Councilmember Brooks and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brooks, Brown, Gibilisco, Mojica, Newbury, Parker, Timmons Parson ABSENT: CouncilmemberMiles Council President Parson declared the motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS: HEARING OF CITIZENS ON ANY ITEM (Five minutes per speaker) Council President Parson opened the floor for hearing of citizens. Bernice Young 200 E. Milton Ave. Dwight Glenn 1636 Park St. Darlene Plunkett 1362 Witherspoon St. Gail Green 555 E. Hazelwood Ave Police Director Nicholas Breiner responded to some of the issues raised by the speakers. 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 at7:39 p.m. was made by Councilmember Newbury and seconded by Councilmember Brooks. The meeting was officially adjourned at7:39 p.m. without objection on a voice vote. Approved: J City Vannie D. Parson, Council President ii.. Regular Council Meeting olOctober 10,2023 ll of l1 City of Rahway