City Council

COUNCIL CONFERENCE MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 2007 CITY HALL – 5:00 p.m. A conference meeting of the City Council of the City of Trenton, New Jersey, was held on the above date at 5:16 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City Hall. The meeting was called to order by President Pintella, who announced that adequate public notice had been provided to the public specifying the time and place for this meeting in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The FY 2007 annual notice was mailed to the Times and the Trentonian, posted on the first floor bulletin board in City Hall, and filed in the City Clerk’s Office on June 22, 2007. The agenda for the said meeting was mailed, posted and filed on October 5, 2007. ROLL CALL: Present: Mr. Bethea, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone, Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Absent: Mr. Coston EXECUTIVE SESSION: Council convened in Executive Session at 5:20 p.m. Adoption of the following resolution to go into Executive Session was moved by Mr. Bethea, seconded by Ms. Staton, and carried by unanimous vote of Council. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO PERMIT DISCUSSION OF PENDING LITIGATION. WHEREAS, the City Council deems it necessary and essential to conduct a discussion concerning pending litigation, specifically the cases of: Addie Campbell v. City of Trenton, Docket No. MER-L-2581-05 Donald Fagans v. City of Trenton, Docket No. MER-L-2538-06; and WHEREAS, the public disclosure of such discussion will be contrary to the interest of the City of Trenton and will not permit the fullest view of said matters; now therefore be it RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Trenton that a discussion be held on October 9, 2007 at or about 5:00 p.m., in the Council Conference Room at which session the public will be excluded pending the discussion of said matters only. The public shall be informed of the determination of the City Council with respect to the final disposition of said pending proceedings, which final disposition will be memorialized appropriately and adopted at a public meeting as soon as practicable. City Council Conference: Minutes October 9, 2007 1 At 5:38 p.m., the Council reconvened into open session. Acting City Clerk Juanita M. Joyner read the following resolution into record: RESOLUTION NO. 07-569 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT OF A CIVIL SUIT IN THE MATTER OF ADDIE CAMPBELL V. CITY OF TRENTON, ET AL. IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $92,500. Adoption of the above resolution was moved by Ms. Staton, seconded by Mr. Segura and adopted with the following vote: Ayes: Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone, Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Coston Abstain: Mr. Bethea CADWALADER PARK MASTER PLAN UPDATE: Samuel Frisby, Director of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture, and Jean Shaddow, Director of the Division of Natural Resources, gave a presentation regarding Cadwalader Park. A question and answer period ensued. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES: 1. A brief discussion was held on the renewal of Mark VI, LLC, t/a Club XL. Motion was made by Mr. Bethea, seconded by Ms. Lartigue and Mr. Segura, not to settle the case under the terms as stated previously by Special Alacqua, and go forth with the hearing), Motion was adopted with the following vote: Ayes: Mr. Bethea, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone, Segura and Ms. Staton Nays: None Absent: Mr. Coston Abstain: Mr. Pintella 2. RESOLUTION NO. 07-570 – RESOLUTION GRANTING RENEWAL OF PLENARY RETAIL CONSUMPTION ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE NO. 1111-33-142-005. Mr. Coston submitted an email stating the following: Dear Council and Clerk’s Office, Having spoken with Mr. Liwacz on Friday, October 5, to discuss some community concerns regarding Dory’s Bar, I have no qualms as to renewing his liquor license 1111-33-142-005. His business closes at 9pm each evening, well before any past trouble has been reported. As well, Mr. Liwacz is selling the business. Having spoken to the prospective buyer regarding increased lighting and security cameras, I ask your support for this transfer in my absence. Sincerely, Jim Coston, Councilman, South Ward, Trenton City Council Conference: Minutes October 9, 2007 2  Adoption of the above resolution was moved by Mr. Segura for Mr. Coston, in his absence, seconded by Mr. Bethea and adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Mr. Bethea, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone, Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Coston Abstain: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: Patricia Stewart, 679 Lamberton Street; appeared and questioned whether the City has painters and contractors on the payroll. She also asked who is responsible for the cleaning up of the Waterfront Park. Dion Clark, Walnut Avenue; appeared and spoke of problems he is having with the landlord of 317 Walnut Avenue. He also suggested a Rental Advisory Committee be formed. Rose Lombardo, 134 Miller Street; appeared and questioned whether a stop sign could be installed on Miller Street. She also issued a complaint about the property located at 132 Miller Street, and questioned Bayville Holdings receiving a tax abatement for 40 years. Beatrice Perry, 27 Sylvester Avenue.; appeared and asked if Bayville Holdings ever defaulted on their loans. Greg Forrester, Jackson Street, appeared and submitted a letter concerning possible violation of the Open Public Meetings Act. Ms. Lartigue responded by requesting a special workshop with regards to the Open Public Meetings Act. Motion was made by Ms. Lartigue, seconded by Mr. Segura, to close public comment. Motion was carried by unanimous vote of Councilmembers present. Mr. Coston was absent from the meeting. CIVIC MATTERS: A. Ms. Lartigue raised the following unresolved issues and requests: 1. Special Council Committee 2. Request for Special Counsel to review the Armed and Dangerous New Jersey Commission of Investigation Report and the submission of a resolution to endorse the findings of the report after review and discussion 3. Landlord ordinance review and the establishment of a resident advisory board 4. Requested date for budget review and Director Santiago’s appearance before City Council by October 16, 2007 5. Look to assist the Trenton Public Library in establishing a foundation for fixed asset donations. 6. Requested copies of all violations listed for the Regency House at 1315 W. State Street, and requested Council to set a date for a workshop to discuss B. Mr. Melone raised the following: 1. He received a letter from the resident of 342 Bert Avenue requesting the repair of the sidewalk apron that was damaged by the City. 2. Requested an executive session with Director Santiago 3. Questioned the use of bird feeders in the City City Council Conference: Minutes October 9, 2007 3 C. Mr. Segura raised the following concern: 1. Retired police officers making threats to residents Ms. Staton questioned how closely landlords are being monitored by the Department of Inspections. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________ ____________________ PAUL M. PINTELLA JUANITA M. JOYNER President Acting City Clerk City Council Conference: Minutes October 9, 2007 4