Rahway City Council

CITY OF RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES August 12, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Council Vice President Gibilisco called the meeting to order at 7:23 p.m. and asked for a Roll Call. PRESENT: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles (called-in), Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE and INVOCATION Council Vice President Gibilisco led the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Brown offered an Invocation. OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT: City Clerk Capone read: 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES July 3, 2024 Special Meeting July 8, 2024 Combined Meeting A motion was made by Councilmember Brown and seconded by Councilmember Timmons to accept and approve the above-listed minutes. YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS: MAYOR, REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND BILL PAYMENT City Clerk Capone stated that the Council received the Payment of Bills for July, Police Report for July and the Fire Reports for June and July. REPORTS OF COUNCIL COMMITTEES City Clerk Capone stated that the Council received the Monthly SID Report and a Public Safety update. PUBLIC HEARING – CY 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET Council Vice President Gibilisco opened the floor for hearing of citizens on the 2024 Calendar Year Municipal Budget. Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 1 of 14 City of Rahway Lisa Vandever, 254 Oak Street Ms. Vandever stated that she does not quite understand the introduction process of the budget. Attorney Rainone explained that there are two readings of the budget. It was introduced in June and is up for adoption and public hearing tonight. It is a statutory process. Ms. Vandever questioned increases within budget expenses. Administrator Parham stated that he will set up a meeting with her to explain the budget. With no one else appearing, Council Vice President Gibilisco closed the public hearing on the 2024 Calendar Year Municipal Budget. ADOPTION OF 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET RESOLUTIONS Revenue & Finance AR-189-24 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY, IN THE COUNTY OF UNION, NEW JERSEY, TO AMEND THE 2024 BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-9 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Mojica, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. AR-190-24 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY, IN THE COUNTY OF UNION, NEW JERSEY, TO AMEND THE 2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Parker, seconded by Councilmember Brown and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. AR-191-24 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CY 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET AS AMENDED Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 2 of 14 City of Rahway  YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. HEARING OF CITIZENS: ITEMS ON AGENDA Except ordinances on Second Reading (five minutes per speaker) Council Vice President Gibilisco opened the floor for hearing of citizens. Lisa Vandever, 254 Oak Street Ms. Vandever asked for clarification regarding Ordinance O-30-24. The change from 30 days to 45 days, is that from when the mail in ballots are mailed out or from when they are due. Attorney Rainone explained that it is 45 days from when the ballots are mailed out. Ms. Vandever would like to know who will be enforcing this law. Attorney Rainone stated the Zoning Department will be enforcing this law. Jeffrey Robinson, 244 Stanton Street Mr. Robinson commented on AR-187-24. Happy the County still participates in the Greening Union County Program and that Rahway is participating in it. Also seeking information regarding Resolution AR-185-24 pertaining to the proposed Wheatana Dog Park. With no one else appearing, Council Vice President Gibilisco closed the public hearing portion of the meeting. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING O-27-24 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 401 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC)-HANDICAPPED PARKING (1663 OLIVER STREET) Motion to introduce the above title Ordinance was made by Councilmember Mojica, seconded by Councilmember Brown and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. O-28-24 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 401 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) – HANDICAPPED PARKING (1708 IRVING STREET) Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 3 of 14 City of Rahway  Motion to introduce the above title Ordinance was made by Councilmember Parker, seconded by the Councilmember Timmons and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. O-29-24 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY AMENDING SECTION 401- 73 OF CHAPTER 401, ARTICLE 10 TITLED “SCHEDULES” TO MODIFY THE PARKING HOURS ON BROAD STREET Motion to introduce the above title Ordinance was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Brown and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. O-30-24 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 429-49 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY “SIGNS” Motion to introduce the above title Ordinance was made by Councilmember Parker, seconded by Councilmember Timmons and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. O-31-24 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE “PARTS OF BLOCK 226, 227 AND BLOCK 228 REDEVELOPMENT PLAN” PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING LAW, N.J.S.A. 40A: 12A-1 ET SEQ. Motion to introduce the above title Ordinance was made by Councilmember Mojica, seconded by Councilmember Brown and adopted by the following vote: Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 4 of 14 City of Rahway  YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Council Vice President Gibilisco: 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 September 9, 2024 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 Mojica and seconded by Councilmember Brown to adopt the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda was adopted by the following vote. YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. RESOLUTIONS Engineering & Land Use *AR-169-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND MUNICIPAL CLERK OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF RAHWAY TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF UNION TO MODIFY THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 2014, AS AMENDED SEPTEMBER 2017 AND ACCEPT FUNDING ALLOCATIONS Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 5 of 14 City of Rahway  *AR-170-24 A RESOLUTION OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH MERCK & CO. INC FOR GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELLS Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Mojica and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. *AR-171-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE ORDER TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RAHWAY AND CONQUEST CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE WATER QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM – TEST PIT AND LEAD SERVICE REPLACEMENT – PHASE 2 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by the Councilmember Parker, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Code Enforcement *AR-172-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF LIENS AGAINST CERTAIN PROPERTIES TO RECOVER CLEANUP COSTS INCURRED BY THE CITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 151-4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY AND N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.14 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Miles, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Recreation Department *AR-173-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY TO APPLY FOR THE UNION COUNTY KIDS RECREATION TRUST FUND GRANT AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT THERETO Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 6 of 14 City of Rahway  Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Parker, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Revenue & Finance *AR-174-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF MONEY DUE TO THE REDEMPTION OF TAX SALE CERTIFICATES FOR 2021-2023 TAX LIENS Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. *AR-175-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF AR-121-24 “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SURVIVING SPOUSE OF A DISABLED VETERAN EXEMPTION DEDUCTION” (Jane Savard) Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Council Vice President Gibilisco, seconded by the Entire Council, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. *AR-176-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF PAYMENT OF TAXES DUE TO THE GRANTING OF A SENIOR DEDUCTION FOR THE CY 2024 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Mojica, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 7 of 14 City of Rahway  *AR-177-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF PAYMENT OF TAXES DUE TO THE GRANTING OF A WINDOW OF A VETERAN DEDUCTION FOR THE CY 2024 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Parker, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Health Department *AR-178-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR CLERK TO ENTER INTO A SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RAHWAY AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY FOR NURSING SERVICES FOR NONPUBLIC SCHOOL PUPILS Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Timmons, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Administration *AR-179-24 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE HIGHEST BID FOR THE PUBLIC SALE OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT LAWRENCE STREET, RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY DESIGNATED ON THE RAHWAY TAX MAPS AS BLOCK 331, LOT 28 Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Mojica, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. *AR-180-24 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A FUND COMMISSIONER FOR THE CENTRAL JERSEY MUNICIPAL JOINT INSURANCE FUND (JIF) Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Parker, seconded by Councilmember Mojica, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 8 of 14 City of Rahway  ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Department of Public Works *AR-181-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW VEHICLES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FROM THE CRANFORD POLICE COOPERATIVE PRICING SYSTEM Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Timmons, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Engineering & Land Use *AR-182-24 A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO T&M ASSOCIATES FOR PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR MADDEN FIELD Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Parker, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. *AR-183-24 A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE TO EXECUTE ALL NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TREATMENT WORKS APPROVAL PERMIT AND BUREAU OF WATER SYSTEM ENGINEERING PERMIT APPLICATION ENDORSEMENTS, AS REQUIRED Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Mojica, seconded by Councilmember Miles, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Administration Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 9 of 14 City of Rahway  *AR-184-24 A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO THE UNION COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, INC. FOR THE PRESENTATION OF TEMPORARY ARTWORK IN THE HISTORIC THEATRE LOCATED AT 1602 IRVING STREET Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Parker, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Engineering & Land Use *AR-185-24 A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO NAJARIAN ASSOCIATES FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE WHEATANA PARK DOG PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Mojica, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Administration *AR-186-24 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH RSC ARCHITECTS FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF RAHWAY Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Miles, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Department of Public Works *AR-187-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY IN THE “GREENING UNION COUNTY” GRANT PROGRAM Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Mojica, seconded by Councilmember Parker, and adopted by the following vote: Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 10 of 14 City of Rahway  YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Administration *AR-188-24 A RESOLUTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR LABOR AND OPERATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES IN THE CITY OF RAHWAY TO LANDOLFI & ASSOCIATES, LLC Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Engineering & Land Use *AR-192-24 A RESOLUTION ADDRESSING THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PLANNING BOARD FOR ORDINANCE NO. O-12-24 “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE “PARTS OF BLOCK 226, 227 AND BLOCK 228 REDEVELOPMENT PLAN” PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING LAW, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 ET SEQ. Motion to adopt the above titled Resolution was made by Councilmember Timmons, seconded by Councilmember Mojica, and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. ORDINANCES – FINAL ADOPTION / SECOND READING O-23-24 AN ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14) Council Vice President Gibilisco opened the Public Hearing on this matter and asked if any citizen wished to be heard and give his/her name and address. Seeing none, Council Vice President Gibilisco closed the Public Hearing for Ordinance O- 23-24. Motion to adopt the above titled Ordinance O-23-24 was made by Councilmember Newbury, seconded by Councilmember Miles and adopted by the following vote: Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 11 of 14 City of Rahway  YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons NO: None ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. O-24-24 AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF RAHWAY AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF A FOUR WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF JEFFERSON AVENUE AND STONE STREET AND AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY Council Vice President Gibilisco opened the Public Hearing on this matter and asked if any citizen wished to be heard and give his/her name and address. Seeing none, Council Vice President Gibilisco closed the Public Hearing for Ordinance O- 24-24. Motion to adopt the above titled Ordinance O-24-24 was made by Councilmember Newbury, seconded by Councilmember Gibilisco and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vie President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. O-25-24 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 401 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF RAHWAY (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) – TENEYKE PLACE Council Vice President Gibilisco opened the Public Hearing on this matter and asked if any citizen wished to be heard and give his/her name and address. Seeing none, Council Vice President Gibilisco closed the Public Hearing for Ordinance O- 25-24. Motion to adopt the above titled Ordinance O-25-24 was made by Council President Parson, seconded by the Entire Council and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson Council Vice President Gibilisco declared the motion carried. Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 12 of 14 City of Rahway  O-26-24 REMOVED FROM AGENDA Council Vice President Gibilisco: 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. MISCELLANEOUS (Unfinished Business) Block Party BP-24-06; Angela Baker; Sycamore Street; Event Date: 08-25-2024 Motion to adopt the above Block Party was made by Councilmember Parker seconded by Councilmember Brown and adopted by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Brown, Gibilisco, Miles, Mojica, Parker, Timmons ABSENT: Councilmembers Brooks, Newbury, Parson COMMUNICATIONS: HEARING OF CITIZENS ON ANY ITEM (Five minutes per speaker) Council President Parson opened the floor for hearing of citizens. Bob Markey (Rahway Garden Club)/Judah Garcia Phillips (Boy Scout) Mr. Markey discussed a proposed Boy Scout project to improve Rahway’s native raingarden located at St. Georges Avenue and Central Avenue. Mr. Phillips spoke about the proposed garden project. Asked for Council’s permission to proceed with certain aspects of the project. Would appreciate any advice from the Council as to how he can proceed with the project. Travis Armstrong, 1375 Maple Terrace Mr. Armstrong spoke about the resurfacing of city streets. Mentioned emergency no parking signs that were placed in his neighborhood without giving notice to the residents. Discussed the pruning of city trees and the need for a street sweeping schedule for residents to follow. Paul Ridgway, 1394 Bryant Avenue Mr. Ridgway discussed a quality-of-life issue regarding dogs defecating at Veterans Field. Asked Council what can be done to keep the area clean. Michael McFarlane, 239 Central Avenue Mr. McFarlane spoke about parking tickets being issued in his neighborhood because there is not enough parking in the lot. Would like to have permit parking on Central Avenue for the residents. Alan R. Levy, 254 Oak Street Mr. Levy shamed the council for voting in favor of Ordinance O-20-24. Questioned when the last SID Corporation meeting was and when the next meeting will be. Spoke about the history of the SID Corporation. Stated that a separate meeting needs to be held for the SID. Attorney Rainone explained that the SID meets every time the Council has a meeting since they make up the SID Board. Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 13 of 14 City of Rahway CFO Ruggerio explained that the previous administration was responsible for expanding the SID district. Andrew Garcia Phillips, 1470 Campbell Street Mr. Phillips stated that the SID Corporation must have its own separate meeting. Mentioned that it was done that way in the past. Attorney Rainone explained that the Council makes up the SID Corporation so every time they meet it is legally considered a meeting of the SID Corporation. Bernice Young, 200 E. Milton Avenue Ms. Young mentioned that the water fountains at the library are not on. Spoke about an issue she had with the senior bus schedule. Lisa Vandever, 254 Oak Street Ms. Vandever does not feel encapsulating the SID meeting within a Council Meeting does not suffice as a meeting. Questioned who is generating the SID reports and making the decisions. Mynerva Jean, 239 Central Avenue Ms. Jean questioned how residents can get residential permit parking for her apartment building because there is not enough parking in the building’s lot. Harrison Warren, 239 Central Avenue Mr. Warren questioned how the public hearing portion of the meeting is conducted. Administrator Parham invited residents to stay after the meeting to discuss issues they may have. With no one else appearing, Council Vice President Gibilisco closed the public hearing. COUNCIL COMMENTS (Three minutes per member) The Councilmembers offered their comments. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilmember Brown and seconded by Councilmember Timmons. The meeting was officially adjourned at 8:30 pm without objection on a voice vote. Approved: _____________________________ _______________________________________ Heather Capone RMC, City Clerk Joseph Gibilisco, Council Vice President Combined Council Meeting of August 12, 2024 14 of 14 City of Rahway