City Council

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES October 23, 2008 Trenton Council Chamber 5:30 p.m. A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Trenton, New Jersey, was held on the above date at 5:50 p.m., in the Council Chamber, 319 East State Street, Trenton, New Jersey. The meeting was called to order by President Paul M. 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 2008 Annual Notice was adopted by Trenton City Council by Resolution No. 08-341 on June 19, 2008. The agenda for the said meeting was mailed, posted and filed on October 17, 2008. ROLL CALL: Present: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Absent: Mr. Bethea Invocation and Salute to the Flag was led by Acting City Clerk Juanita M. Joyner. Motion was made by Mr. Melone, seconded by Mr. Segura, that the minutes of the City Council meetings held on September 23, October 7 and October 9, 2008, be approved and the reading thereof dispensed with. Motion carried by unanimous vote of those Council members present. UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND SECOND READING OF THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES: Council President Pintella declared open a public hearing on an ordinance entitled “STATE FISCAL YEAR 2009 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14), and asked if anyone wished to speak to the subject. Jane Feigenbaum, Business Administrator, gave a brief explanation of this ordinance. No one else appeared to speak nor were protests filed with the Clerk. The hearing was closed. A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Mr. Melone, seconded by Mr. Pintella, and carried by the following vote of Council: Ayes: Messrs. Coston, Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella. Nays: Ms. Lartigue Absent: Mr. Bethea City Council Public Meeting Minutes October 23, 2008 1  Council President Pintella declared open a public hearing on an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE VACATING PUBLIC RIGHTS OF A PORTION OF NORTH WALTER AVENUE”, and asked if anyone wished to speak to the subject. No one appeared to speak nor were protests filed with the Clerk. The hearing was closed. A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Mr. Melone, seconded by Mr. Pintella, and carried by the following vote of Council: Ayes: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Bethea Council President Pintella declared open a public hearing on an ordinance entitled “ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF TRENTON, “TRAFFIC, FIFTEEN MINUTE PARKING”, AS IT APPLIES TO CENTRE STREET”, and asked if anyone wished to speak to the subject. Patricia Stewart, 679 Lamberton Street, questioned this ordinance. Eric Jackson, Director of Public Works, informed those present that the Boys and Girls Club on Centre was having an issue with double parking and the safety of the children that were being dropped off. After evaluating the area, the Division of Traffic has recommended the fifteen minute parking for in front of the Boys and Girls Club. No one else appeared to speak nor were protests filed with the Clerk. The hearing was closed. A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Mr. Coston, seconded by Mr. Segura, and carried by the following vote of Council: Ayes: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Bethea Council President Pintella declared open a public hearing on an ordinance entitled “ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADDITIONAL NAME OF META A. GRIFFITH WAY FOR SECOND STREET BETWEEN SOUTH BROAD STREET AND BRIDGE STREET”, and asked if anyone wished to speak to the subject. No one appeared to speak nor were protests filed with the Clerk. The hearing was closed. A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Mr. Coston, seconded by Mr. Melone, and carried by the following vote of Council: Ayes: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Bethea City Council Public Meeting Minutes October 23, 2008 2 NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO. 08-611 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR A CONTRACT WITH TWO BROTHERS CONTRACTING, INC., 250 RUTHERFORD BOULEVARD, CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY 07014 WHICH WAS AWARDED ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS FOR THE REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIAL FROM 25-43 STOKLEY AVENUE, in the amount of $18,867.20. (Sponsored by Mr. Coston) Ayes: Messrs. Coston, Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella Nays: Ms. Lartigue Absent: Mr. Bethea RESOLUTION NO. 08-612 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER ONE TO THE CONTRACT WITH THINK PAVERS HARDSCAPING, LLC, LOCATED AT 44 COOPER STREET, SUITE 203, WOODBURY, NEW JERSEY FOR THE FURNISHING AND DELIVERY OF ALL LABOR, EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PUBLIC PLAZA AT THE CORNER OF PENNINGTON AVENUE AND NORTH WILLOW STREET, for the total net amount of $2,127. (Sponsored by Mr. Coston) Ayes: Messrs. Coston, Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella Nays: Ms. Lartigue Absent: Mr. Bethea FIRST READING OF THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES: Mr. Pintella introduced, presented and authorized publication of an ordinance entitled “ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 06-81 WHICH AUTHORIZED THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE CHAMPALE REDEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS 1014 LAMBERTON STREET, BLOCK 11902, PORTION OF LOT 5 FROM YUSEF B. TAFARI”. The motion was seconded by Ms. Staton, and carried. Ayes: Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella Nays: Mr. Coston Absent: Mr. Bethea City Council Public Meeting Minutes October 23, 2008 3  Mr. Coston introduced, presented and authorized publication of an ordinance entitled “ORDINANCE DETERMINING POSITIONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEFINED CONTRIBUTION RETIREMENT PROGRAM”. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pintella, and carried. Ayes: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Bethea Ms. Lartigue introduced, presented and authorized publication of an ordinance entitled “ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN EXCHANGE OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE CHAMPALE REDEVELOPMENT AREA BETWEEN ERNEST PEREZ, JR. AND PATRICIA K. PEREZ, H/W AND THE CITY OF TRENTON”. The motion was seconded by Ms. Staton, and carried. Ayes: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Bethea Mr. Coston introduced, presented and authorized publication of an ordinance entitled “ORDINANCE DESIGNATING HHG DEVELOPMENT PHASE I, LLC AS DEVELOPER OF CITY OWNED PROPERTIES LOCATED IN THE LAMBERTON STREET REDEVELOPMENT AREA AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SAID PROPERTIES”. The motion was seconded by Mr. Segura, and carried. Ayes: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Bethea Ms. Staton introduced, presented and authorized publication of an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE REVISING WATER RATES FOR THE CITY OF TRENTON AND THE TOWNSHIPS OF EWING, HAMILTON, HOPEWELL AND LAWRENCE”. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pintella, and carried. Ayes: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Bethea City Council Public Meeting Minutes October 23, 2008 4  Ms. Lartigue introduced, presented and authorized publication of an ordinance entitled “ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE HERMITAGE AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT AREA COMMONLY KNOWN AS WESTSIDE PLAZA, BLOCK 2801, LOT 2 AND BLOCK 2802, LOT 25”. The motion was seconded by Mr. Segura, and carried. Ayes: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Bethea RESOLUTION NO. 08-613 - RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE ANNUAL REPORT OF AUDIT FOR THE CITY OF TRENTON, COUNTY OF MERCER. (Sponsored by Mr. Coston) Ayes: Mr. Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Bethea RESOLUTION NO. 08-614 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF WIRELESS SERVICES FOR AIRCARDS AND BLACKBERRIES FROM SPRINT TOGETHER WITH NEXTEL, P.O. BOX 4181, CAROL STREAM, IL 60197-4181 FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE THROUGH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PROGRAM WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING, in an amount not to exceed $95,620.44. (Sponsored by Mr. Segura) Ayes: Messrs. Coston, Melone and Segura, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: Ms. Lartigue Absent: Mr. Bethea RESOLUTION NO. 08-615 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO SINGER & GOGER, 111 MULBERRY STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES – CIVIL RIGHTS AND OTHER SPECIALIZED LITIGATION THROUGH A FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 ET SEQ, in an amount not to exceed $40,000. (Sponsored by Ms. Staton) Ayes: Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: Messrs. Coston and Segura Absent: Mr. Bethea City Council Public Meeting Minutes October 23, 2008 5  RESOLUTION NO. 08-616 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO SALVATORE T. ALFANO, ESQ., P.O. BOX 1450, 55 WASHINGTON STREET, BLOOMFIELD, NEW JERSEY, TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES – CIVIL RIGHTS AND OTHER SPECIALIZED LITIGATION THROUGH A FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 ET SEQ, in an amount not to exceed $20,000. (Sponsored by Ms. Staton) Ayes: Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: Messrs. Coston and Segura Absent: Mr. Bethea PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS: Cleveland Thompson, city employee, and President of Local #2281, 556 Parkway Avenue, informed City Council that the Business Administrator contacted him regarding privatizing the Technical Division of Inspections, and he does not feel that this will benefit the citizens of the City of Trenton. President Pintella informed Mr. Thompson that the privatization of the Technical Division of Inspections has not been brought before City Council. Ms. Lartigue asked the Business Administrator to present the budget to City Council as soon as possible so they have the opportunity to review it or revise it. She also informed Mr. Thompson that he is sharing information that she is not aware of and that she will not support privatizing the Division of Inspections. Mr. Segura was not aware of the talk of privatizing the Division of Inspections. Ms. Staton was also not aware of the talk of privatizing of the Technical Division of Inspections. Mike Collins, 234 S. Cook Avenue, employee of the Division of Inspections, spoke against the privatization of the Technical Division of Inspections. The biggest problem with absentee landlords is that they feel that if they abandon the property, the city will take over the property, which is not true. The Division of Inspections then has to find the owner in order for the property to be maintained. Ms. Lartigue feels that the employees of the Division of Housing Inspections should take classes. She also stated that there is a big problem with absentee landlords. Walt Motchnik, 353 Second Street, representing AFSCME Local 2281, Weights and Measures Official for the City of Trenton, spoke against privatization of the Division of Inspections. Patricia Stewart, 679 Lamberton Street, spoke against privatization of the Division of Inspections. City Council Public Meeting Minutes October 23, 2008 6 John DiVeronica, 17 Windybush Way, spoke against privatization of the Division of Inspections. Dion Clark, 323 Walnut Avenue, spoke of his concern of the abandoned houses on Walnut Avenue. Monroe Laremore, 1446 Stuyvesant Avenue, spoke in support of Director Bradley. Roberto Negron, 7 Malaga Drive, spoke against the privatization of the Division of Inspections. Manuel Hernandez, 178 Buttonwood Drive, spoke against the privatization of the Division of Inspections. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. _____________________ _______________________ PAUL M. PINTELLA JUANITA M. JOYNER President Acting City Clerk City Council Public Meeting Minutes October 23, 2008 7