City Council

MINUTES COUNCIL CONFERENCE JANUARY 9, 2007 CITY HALL 5:00 PM Council President Paul M. Pintella, announced that adequate public notice has been provided to the public specifying the time and place for this meeting in accordance with Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, approved on October 21, 1975 and effective January 19, 1976. The FY 2007 annual notice was mailed to the Times and the Trentonian Newspapers, posted on the first floor bulletin board in City Hall, and filed in the City Clerk’s Office on July 1, 2006 and amended on July 21, 2006 The agenda for the said meeting was mailed, posted and filed on January 8, 2007. A Conference of the City Council of the City of Trenton, New Jersey, was held on the above date at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Conference Room, City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Council President Paul M. Pintella, on roll call, the following Council Members were present: Messrs. Bethea & Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone & Segura (came in at 5:10 pm), Ms. Staton (came in at 5:25 pm), Mr. Pintella, – 7. A portion of this meeting will be set aside for public comment. 5:00 p.m. Subject: Taxi Cab Discussion Appearance: Leonard Pucciatti, Director of Inspection Mike Castiello, Code Enforcement Inspector Councilwoman Lartigue introduced the candidates for the Council Aide Positions Council President Pintella – Asked each candidate to give a brief summary of their self and thanked them for coming in. Mr. Anthony P. Carabelli, Jr., 11 Buckingham Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey Mr. Chaz Fudge, Jr., 104 Perry Street, Trenton, New Jersey Mr. Albert A. Harris, Jr., 244 Inland Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey Ms. Linda D. Kelsey, 29 New Rose Street, Trenton, New Jersey Ms. Jane Feigenbaum, Business Administrator introduced two Resolutions to council for review and approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Staton and second by Councilman Segura to move the following Resolution 07-17 – Moved its adoption. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF TRENTON TO APPLY FOR A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT, PARIS GRANT PROGRAM The above resolution was seconded by Ms. Lartigue and adopted with the following voting aye: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone, Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella - 7 Council President thereupon declared said resolution adopted. JANUARY 9, 2007 Motion was made by Councilman Bethea and second by Councilwoman Staton to move the following Resolution 07-18 – Moved its adoption. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF TRENTON TO APPROPRIATE MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $130,000 FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE EAST TRENTON BRANCH OF THE TRENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY The above resolution was seconded by Ms. Lartigue and adopted with the following voting aye: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone, Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella - 7 Council President thereupon declared said resolution adopted. Taxi Cab Discussion Appearance: Leonard Pucciatti, Director of Inspection Mike Castiello, Code Enforcement Inspector Mr. L. Pucciatti and Mr. M. Castiello gave an update on the problems and situations with the Taxis and Gypsy Cab Companies in the City of Trenton. They are working on a plan to take care of these problems. Council members asked questions concerning the problems and made their recommendations. City Council Vice President Cordelia Staton presided over the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT: Jackie Blakey, 15 Fell Street - spoke to the adverse impact the 6% tax increase will cause seniors on fixed incomes. JB wants to know with all the new homes (owners) in the city now – Why do taxes still have to go up? Aren’t these new properties paying taxes (picking up the slack)? Bea Perry, 27 Sylvester Avenue - spoke about illegal dumping in North Ward (especially behind rental properties), maintenance of Rossi Park, and concerns regarding accessibility to Polling Place on Fell Street (submitted letter from Board of Elections citing her concerns). Dion Clark, 323 Walnut Avenue - spoke about insurance requirement for rental properties. Does the City require proof of insurance before issuance of a landlord license? DC asked if something is in writing to that effect i.e., ordinance? DC is concerned if a fire starts in a rental property and causes damage to his home – what is his recourse. He is certain that a claim to his carrier will cause a cancellation of his homeowner policy. Also, no enforcement of littering laws – police sit by at corner stores and watch illegal activity. James Fouse, 13 Cavell Avenue – Thanked Eric Jackson/James Allen, Councilwoman Staton for attending Coalition meeting and expressed appreciation to E. Jackson for addressing neighbors concerns over increased water bills (ready to use) and why payments are mailed to Newark. JANUARY 9, 2007 CIVIC MATTERS Councilman Bethea – Rising violence in Trenton Schools, specifically North Ward Requests an update from Superintendent which includes the city’s special allocation of funds for safety/security) Complete details of Incentive Plan offered to Administrators i.e., criteria, evaluation process, etc. Councilwoman Lartigue – Requests a combined update on TPD/TBOE Partnership to enhance safety and security in schools. Councilman Melone – Requested an update on development of City’s website. He was concerned that there are still several sites “under construction” Website has the potential to assist local businesses by listing area restaurants, approved taxi services, etc. Also creation of Calendar Events will help to increase public awareness/promote special city programs. Councilwoman Staton – Suggested Website feature pay-online service for Water, Taxes etc., Also user-access to print out forms i.e. permits, applications, etc. Meeting Adjourned: 7:00 p.m. Respectively submitted _______________________ __________________________ PAUL M. PINTELLA PENELOPE S. EDWARDS-CARTER CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ACTING DEPUTY MUNICIPAL CLERK