City Council

CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES November 25, 2008 CITY HALL – 1:00 PM A joint Conference and Regular Public Meeting of the City Council of the City of Trenton, New Jersey, was held on the above date at 1:26 p.m. in the Council Conference Room, City Hall, 319 East State Street, Trenton, New Jersey. The meeting was called to order by Council 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 Meeting Act. FY 2008-2009 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 November 21, 2008. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella – 6. ABSENT: Mr. Segura – 1. PRESENTATION: UPDATE ON TRENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM Appearance: Kimberly Bray, Executive Director, Trenton Public Library Adrienne Hayling, President of the Trenton Library Board Mrs. Kimberly Bray stated that she was very pleased to announce plans to keep all the Library branches open to the public. She stated that there was a State Law that mandated that at least one of the Library facilities operate for a minimum of 60 hours. The Library went to the State and requested a special dispensation on the operating hours. The State of New Jersey gave the Trenton Public Library a special exemption. Mrs. Bray distributed copies of the new hours schedule approved by the State of New Jersey and the Trenton Library Board, and a copy of the budget covering the new hours. The new hours will go into affect in January 2009, and the Libraries will go from being open for 60 hours to 40 hours per week. The Audit for 2004-2005 will be completed and the Library will have a copy by December 8, 2008. Councilwoman Lartigue requested a meeting to be scheduled in early January, 2009 to discuss the Library 2004-2005 Audit report. A detailed discussion was followed by a question and answer period. Council President Pintella welcomed the Honorable Mayor Palmer to the meeting. Honorable Mayor Douglas H. Palmer wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. The Mayor stated that it should be noted that Administration and this City Council has given three (3) times more in funding to the Library than what the State requires. The Library Board and Mrs. Bray did a great job in getting this exemption. Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 1  Mrs. Bray mentioned that the letter from the New Jersey State Librarian clearly stated that the reason they had approved the exemption was because of the tremendous support the Municipality gives the Library. Councilwoman Lartigue made a request to schedule a workshop regarding the information she collected at a Conference in Atlantic City, NJ at the League of Municipalities on Budget, Ethics, and Purchasing. PRESENTATION: DISCUSSION ON CITY’S VEHICLE POLICY Appearance: Renee Haynes, Chief of Staff Jane Feigenbaum, Business Administrator Councilwoman Lartigue stated that with the City’s financial problems vehicle usage and the expenses should be looked at. Mrs. Lartigue requested the total number of vehicles owned by the City, and also suggested the City look into a car pool program. Ms. Feigenbuam stated that although she did not have a total the Police Department has 150, Public Works has 85, and the Fire Department has 54 vehicles. Department Directors have cars, and some Division Directors that are required to be on the road. Mrs. Haynes stated that the individuals that take cars home are on call and are essential personnel-they are in the Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments. Mrs. Lartigue wanted to schedule a future discussion on the vehicle issue. A meeting was set for January 13, 2008. Honorable Mayor Palmer stated that City Council will get the information they are requesting so they can make an informed decision. DOCKET REVIEW: Appearance: Renee Haynes, Chief of Staff Jane Feigenbaum, Business Administrator The following Resolution was discussed in detail by City Council and Administration: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT THROUGH A FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 ET. SEQ. TO ON TARGET LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY CONSULTANTS, LLC, 933 BIRCH DRIVE, BRIELLE, NEW JERSEY 08730 TO PERFORM THE SERVICES OF A YOUTHSTAT COORDINATOR. (In an amount not to exceed $71,149) Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 2 The following individuals appeared to speak in support of the above resolution: Mrs. Renee Haynes, Chief of Staff Mr. Dennis Gonzales, Assistant Business Administrator Mr. Irving Bradley, Police Director Dr. Dave Weathington, Trenton Board of Education Mr. Howard White, Director of Security, Trenton Board of Education Mr. Bill Young, Coordinator of School Support Services Mr. Robert Fiorelio, PDI Kids Council reviewed the docket items. Motion was made by Councilman Melone, second by Councilwoman Lartigue that the minutes for City Council meetings held October 21, 2008, October 23, 2008 and November 6, 2008, be approved and the reading thereof dispensed with. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mr. Bethea, Mr. Coston, Mrs. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella - 6 Absent: Mr. Segura - 1 Motion was made by Councilman Coston that all Communications, Petitions and Reports be accepted and referred, seconded by Councilwoman Lartigue and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mr. Bethea, Mr. Coston, Mrs. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella - 6 Absent: Mr. Segura - 1 COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS 2a - Donna K. Johnson, 474 W. State Street, Trenton – submitting Claim for Damages against the City of Trenton. (property damage) 2b - Derrick McEady, 32 Wainwright Avenue, Trenton – submitting Claim for Damages against the City of Trenton. (personal injury) 2c - Druza Myers, 124 Oliver Avenue, Trenton – submitting Claim for Damages against the City of Trenton. (personal injury) 2d - Nicole Blackshear, 212 Emory Avenue, Trenton – submitting Claim for Damages against the City of Trenton. (personal injury) 2e - Joyce Baker, 223 Mulberry Street, Trenton – submitting Claim for Damages against the City of Trenton. (property damage) 2f - Civil Action (summons) – in the matter of Floyd and Patricia Needham vs. City of Trenton, et als. 2g - Civil Action (summons) – in the matter of Washington Mutual Bank vs. William H. Wilson, et als. 2h - June G. Angelo, 154 Howell Street, Trenton – submitting Claim for Damages against the City of Trenton. (property damage) Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 3 2i - Civil Action (summons) – in the matter of MD Sass Municipal Finance Partners-V, LLC vs. Janice D. Wilkins, et als. 2j - New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control – submitting Notice of Charges preferred against Chapala II Mexican Grill, Inc., 273 Morris Avenue, Trenton, NJ. 2k - Public Service Electric and Gas – informing of a Solar Loan Webinar for all of the municipalities located in PSE&G electric service territory. 2l - Comcast – advising of programming changes. 2m - Verizon, P.O. Box 60770, Oklahoma City, OK – submitting Claim for Damages against the City of Trenton. (property damages) 2n - New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection – submitting copy of No Further Action Letter and Covenant Not to Sue for Sign Shop, 302 North Broad Street, Trenton, NJ. 2o - Civil Action – in the matter of Clarendon National Insurance Company vs. Theodore Camera, et als. 2p - NJ Transit – informing that the Federal Transit Administration is making funding available to the State of New Jersey for the purchase of equipment for the transportation of senior citizens and people with disabilities. 2q - Mercer County Planning Board – advising of meeting scheduled for November 12, 2008. 2r - Hamilton Township Planning Board – advising of a public hearing scheduled for November 13, 2008. 2s - Capital City Redevelopment Corporation – submitting Agenda for meeting scheduled for November 18, 2008. 2t - Hamilton Township – submitting copy of Ordinance No. 08-070 adopted on November 5, 2008. 2u - Ewing Township – advising of a public hearing scheduled for November 25, 2008. 2v - New Jersey Department of Transportation – advising that the City of Trenton has been selected to receive funding from the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Year 2009 Municipal Aid Program for North Warren Street in the amount of $679,043. 2w - Mercer County Improvement Authority – enclosing the biennial certification report. 2x - Ewing Township Planning Board – advising of public hearing scheduled for November 12, 2008. 2y - Schneck Holtzman LLC, 33 Clinton road, West Caldwell, NJ – enclosing copy of Petition of Appeal submitting to County Board of Taxation for Lalor Storage LLC, 40 Mott Place, Trenton, NJ. 2z - Civil Action (summons) – in the matter of Eugene and Deborah Palazzi vs. Bank of America, et als. 2aa - Civil Action (summons) – in the matter of Ratna and Hirdesh Parasher vs. NJ Division of Taxation, et als. 2bb - Civil Action (summons) – in the matter of Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota NA vs. Viola Dash, et als. 2cc- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection – enclosing copy of No Further Action Letter and Covenant Not to Sue for 99 Pennington Avenue. 2dd - Township of Lawrence – advising of public hearing scheduled for December 1, 2008. Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 4 2ee - New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection – enclosing copy of No Further Action Letter and Covenant Not to Sue for 571 Bellevue Avenue. 2ff - New Jersey Department of Transportation – advising that effective immediately, the District 3 Freehold Office will no longer be administering Local Aid grants for municipalities located within Mercer County. REPORTS 3a - Juanita M. Joyner, Acting City Clerk – advising that the following Raffle and Bingo applications have been approved as of November 25, 2008: March of Dime Birth Defect Foundation NJ Chapter, 5 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ; RAS St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, 411 Adeline Street, Trenton, NJ; St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, 411 Adeline Street, Trenton, NJ. 3b - Juanita M. Joyner, Acting City Clerk – submitting report of receipts of the City Clerk’s Office for the month ending October 30, 2008. Total amount received for October - $3,847.59. APPLICATIONS AND BONDS: None submitted ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS: Motion was made by Councilman Melone to withdraw resolution 5er, seconded by Councilwoman Staton, and carried by the following vote: 5er - RESOLUTION GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE KITTY BOYZ TO HOLD TAG DAYS IN THE CITY OF TRENTON. Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Mrs. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella - 6 Absent: Mr. Segura - 1 Motion was made by Councilman Melone to adopt by consent vote, resolutions 5ar – 5xr, with the exception of resolution 5kr which requires a roll call, seconded by Councilwoman Staton, and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Mrs. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Absent: Mr. Segura 1. RESOLUTION NO. 08-636 - RESOLUTION GRANTING RENEWAL OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION LICENSE FOR REGENCY RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT, INC., T/A BALDASSARI REGENCY FOR THE 2008-2009 LICENSING PERIOD. (Sponsored by Councilman Melone) 2. RESOLUTION NO. 08-637 - RESOLUTION GRANTING RENEWAL OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION LICENSE FOR CHOPPY’S GALLERA, INC., T/A CHOPPY’S GALLERA FOR THE 2008-2009 LICENSING PERIOD. (Sponsored by Councilman Bethea) 3. RESOLUTION NO. 08-638 - RESOLUTION SUSPENDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE NO. 1111-33-037-007 OF GEMINI RESTAURANT LLC, T/A ANTIGUA BAR, 629 WHITTAKER AVENUE, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. (Sponsored by Councilman Coston) 4. RESOLUTION NO. 08-639 - RESOLUTION SUSPENDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE NO. 1111-33-005-005 OF MSOC, LLC, T/A FLAMINGO BAR, 905 ANDERSON STREET, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. (Sponsored by Councilman Coston) Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 5 5. RESOLUTION NO. 08-640 - RESOLUTION GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE SALVATION ARMY TO HOLD TAG DAYS IN THE CITY OF TRENTON. (Sponsored by Councilman Bethea) 6. RESOLUTION NO. 08-641 - RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO AYANA ABDUL- RAHEEM, 712 STUYVESANT AVENUE, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08618 AS A STATION HOUSE ADJUSTMENT COORDINATOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE. (In an amount not to exceed $52,698) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Lartigue) 7. RESOLUTION NO. 08-642 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT THROUGH A FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 ET. SEQ. TO KNAPP, TRIMBOLI & PRUSINOWSKI, 210 PARK AVENUE, THIRD FLOOR, FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY 09732 TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES REGARDING LABOR RELATED MATTERS. (In an amount not to exceed $120,000) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Staton) 8. RESOLUTION NO. 08-643 - RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT TO GREENE GROUNDS KEEPING, 49 SHERBROOKE ROAD, EWING TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY 08638 TO PROVIDE GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICE AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, WATER UTILITY. (In an amount not to exceed $26,475) (Sponsored by Councilman Bethea) 9. RESOLUTION NO. 08-644 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF OFFICE SUPPLIES AND STATIONERY TO BE DELIVERED ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS TO THE VARIOUS DIVISIONS OF THE CITY OF TRENTON FROM W.B. MASON COMPANY, INC., SOUTH RIVER DRIVE, CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY 08512 THROUGH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PROGRAM WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING. (In an amount not to exceed $100,157.52) (Sponsored by Councilman Coston) 10. RESOLUTION NO. 08-646 - RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT TO ARMANDO’S CONSTRUCTION, INC., 311 DICKINSON STREET, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08638 FOR THE FURNISHING AND DELIVERY OF ALL LABOR, EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS FOR CONTRACT 2008-2 FOR REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF SIDEWALKS AND ADJOINING CURBS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS. (In an amount not to exceed $75,000) (Sponsored by Councilmen Melone & Bethea) 11. RESOLUTION NO. 08-647 - RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACTS THROUGH THE COMPETITIVE CONTRACTING PROCESS PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1 TO TWO AGENCIES TO PROVIDE 2008 TRENTON MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE COMMITTEE (T.M.A.C.) SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION/EDUCATION SERVICES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF HEALTH. (Campfire USA - $35,000; Princeton Deliverance Center, Inc. - $35,000; for the total amount not to exceed $70,000) (Sponsored by Councilmen Melone & Bethea) 12. RESOLUTION NO. 08-648 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT THROUGH A FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 ET. SEQ. TO ON TARGET LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY CONSULTANTS, LLC, 933 BIRCH DRIVE, BRIELLE, NEW JERSEY 08730 TO PERFORM THE SERVICES OF A YOUTHSTAT COORDINATOR. (In an amount not to exceed $71,149) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Staton) 13. RESOLUTION NO. 08-649 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO CONNELL FOLEY, LLP, WITH PRINCIPAL OFFICES LOCATED AT 85 LIVINGSTON AVENUE, ROSELAND, NEW JERSEY 07068-3702 TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES IN AN INSURANCE MATTER IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 ET SEQ. (In an amount not to exceed $25,000) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Staton) Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 6 14. RESOLUTION NO. 08-650 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO BALLARD SPAHR ANDREWS & INGERSOLL, LLP, PLAZA 1000 – SUITE 500 MAIN STREET, VOORHEES, NEW JERSEY 08043-4636 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 $25,000) (Sponsored by Councilman Melone) 15. RESOLUTION NO. 08-651 - RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS TO THE SFY 2009 TEMPORARY BUDGET OF THE CITY OF TRENTON CURRENT FUND. (Sponsored by Councilwoman Staton) 16. RESOLUTION NO. 08-652 - RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000,000 FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO REBUILD THE COLLAPSED MARINE TERMINAL BULKHEAD. (Sponsored by Councilman Coston) 17. RESOLUTION NO. 08-653 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A COMMITMENT OF FUNDS TO WIDEN DUNHAM STREET AND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE NEW STREETS FOR THE CATHERINE S. GRAHAM PROJECT. (In the amount of $634,304.64) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Lartigue) 18. RESOLUTION NO. 08-654 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR A CONTRACT WITH USA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, INC., 344 WEST STATE STREET, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08618 WHICH WAS AWARDED ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS FOR THE CLOSURE AND REMOVAL OF A RELICT UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK AT THE FORMER MERCER BUS GARAGE. (In the amount of $17,115) (Sponsored by Councilman Melone) 19. RESOLUTION NO. 08-655 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR A CONTRACT WITH DEWCON, INC., P.O. BOX 439, BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY 07920 WHICH WAS AWARDED ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS FOR THE REPAIR OF WATER MAIN. (In the amount of $38,839.90) (Sponsored by Councilman Bethea) 20. RESOLUTION NO. 08-656 - RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NUMBER 08-211 THAT AWARDED A CONTRACT THROUGH A FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 ET. SEQ. TO RIKER, DANZIG, SCHERER, HYLAND & PERRETTI, 50 WEST STATE STREET, SUITE 1010, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08608 TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES REGARDING WATER SYSTEMS. (In an amount not to exceed $50,000) (Sponsored by Councilman Bethea) 21. RESOLUTION NO. 08-657 - RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM THE COUNTY OF MERCER, COUNTY AT PLAY PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $250,000 FOR THE RENOVATION OF CALHOUN STREET FIELD. (Sponsored by Councilman Bethea) 22. RESOLUTION NO. 08-658 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR A HIGHWAY SAFETY GRANT FROM THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY, OVER THE LIMIT UNDER ARREST 2008 YEAR END CRACKDOWN. (In the amount of $5,000) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Staton) Motion was made by Councilwoman Staton, seconded by Councilman Melone to move the following Resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 08-645 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT THROUGH A FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 ET. SEQ. TO EDMUNDS & ASSOCIATES, INC., 301A TILTON ROAD, NORTHFIELD, NEW JERSEY 08225 TO PROVIDE CONTINUED APPLICATION SOFTWARE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE EDMUNDS & ASSOCIATES FINANCIAL PACKAGE, H/W PERVASIVE SQL III AND MCSAX/SBX/UA SYSTEM UPGRADES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, DIVISION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. (In an amount not to exceed $22,260) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Staton) Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 7 On Roll Call Resolution approved by following vote: Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella - 5 Nay: Mrs. Lartigue - 1 Absent: Mr. Segura - 1 FIRST READING OF THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES: Councilman Coston introduced, presented and authorized publication of an ordinance entitle ”ORDINANCE TERMINATING CERTAIN LEASES WITH THE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGARDING CITY-OWNED PROPERTY IN THE MARINE TERMINAL AREA”. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bethea, and carried. Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Segura Councilman Bethea introduced, presented and authorized publication of an ordinance entitle ”ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EASEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF TRENTON AND ISLES, INC.”. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Staton, and carried. Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Segura WALK ON RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION NO. 08-659 - RESOLUTION GRANTING RENEWAL OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION LICENSE FOR SABOR LATINO BAR AND RESTAURANT INC., T/A SABOR LATINO RESTAURANT FOR THE 2008-2009 LICENSING PERIOD (Sponsored by Councilman Coston) Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Segura The meeting recessed at 4:25 p.m. and reconvened at 4:50 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Adoption of the following resolution to go into executive session was moved by Council President Pintella, seconded by Councilman Bethea and carried by the following vote of Council: Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Segura 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 case of Toni Owens and Rudolph Owens v. City of Trenton, et al., Docket No. MER-L-771-04; and Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 8  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 City Council of the City of Trenton that a discussion be held on November 25, 2008 at or about 1:00 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 shall be memorialized appropriately and adopted at a public meeting as soon as practicable. Council went into Executive Session at 4:50 pm and reconvened in the Council Conference room at 5:07 p.m. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT OF A CIVIL SUIT IN THE MATTER OF TONI OWENS, ET AL v. CITY OF TRENTON, ET AL. IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $600,000.00 Motion was made by Councilman Bethea, seconded by Councilwoman Staton to adopt the above mentioned resolution, carried by the following City Council vote: Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Abstain: Ms. Lartigue Absent: Mr. Segura CIVIC MATTERS: Councilman Coston – 1. Thanked Special Counsel, Joseph Alacqua for a job well done with MEM Bar. 2. Spoke about a letter and e-mails he received regarding a Mr. John Mickelright from the Animal Shelter. Councilwoman Staton – 1. Requested an update on the street paving program. 2. Asked about the outcome of the City Public Auction sale of City owned properties. 3. Gave Council an update on the water leak detection device. Councilwoman Lartigue – 1. Spoke about a Workshop she went to at the League of Municipalities in Atlantic City on Purchasing and Ethics. 2. Council Meeting recessed at 5:20 p.m. and reconvened in the Council Chambers at 5:40 p.m. to begin the Regular Public Meeting session. Council President Pintella congratulated the City Business Administrator, Ms. Jane Feigenbaum for 10 years of service to the City of Trenton on behalf of Trenton City Council. Mrs. Feigenbaum will be leaving the City of Trenton. Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 9 UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND SECOND READING OF THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES: Council President Pintella declared open a public hearing on an ordinance entitled “ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE WITH EAST STATE STREET LIMITED PARTNERSHIP FOR THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS 222 EAST STATE STREET, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08608”, 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 Councilman Melone on behalf of Councilman Segura, seconded by Councilman Pintella, and carried by the following vote of Council. Ayes: Mr. Bethea, Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: Mr. Coston Absent: Mr. Segura Council President Pintella declared open a public hearing on an ordinance entitled “AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE 08-08 AUTHORIZING ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS BLOCK 4502, LOTS 87, 88 AND 89 IN THE CITY OF TRENTON TO ADD LOT 86”, 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 Councilwoman Lartigue, seconded by Councilman Bethea, and carried by the following vote of Council. Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Segura Council President Pintella declared open a public hearing on an ordinance entitled ”ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 06-02 AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTIES IN THE ENTERPRISE REDEVELOPMENT AREA KNOWN AS 300 ENTERPRISE AVENUE, BLOCK 23102, LOT 9 AND ENTERPRISE AVENUE, BLOCK 23004, LOT 3 AND BLOCK 23101, LOT 3”, 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 Councilman Coston, seconded by Councilman Bethea, and carried by the following vote of Council. Ayes: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Mr. Melone, Ms. Staton and Mr. Pintella Nays: None Absent: Mr. Segura PUBLIC COMMENTS: Patricia Stewart, 679 Lamberton Street – President, South Trenton Area Residence Society (STARS), thanked City Council for having the MEM Bar on Centre Street close at 10:00 pm; porch light program for the energy saving light bulbs; spoke in support of the Department of Inspections not being privatized; City vehicle issue; Youth Stat issue. Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 10 Sam Bell, Jr., 9 Melville Lane, Willingboro, NJ – Electrical Contractor, spoke in support of the Department of Inspections not being privatized. Al Tard, 1977 N. Olden Avenue, Ewing, NJ - Electrical Contractor, spoke in support of the Department of Inspections not being privatized. Steven Cohen, 63 Moran Street, Princeton – Licensed Architect, spoke in support of the Department of Inspections not being privatized. Dion Clark, 323 Walnut Avenue – Spoke in support of the Department of Inspections not being privatized. The City should give the Director of Inspection more money to hire more inspectors; City financial problems - what are the tax payers going to pay?; Police coverage for the south and north wards at night. Ken Bullock, 341 Monmouth Street – Spoke regarding the layoff and the Department of Inspections. He asked Council members to support the City Inspectors. Paul Harris, 137 Centre Street – Asked for an explanation on resolution 5rr accepting a Grant for $1,000,000 from the State to rebuild the Marine Terminal Bulkhead. CIVIC MATTERS: Council President Pintella – Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. He congratulated the City for a great job done on the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted ___________________________ __________________________ PAUL M. PINTELLA JUANITA M. JOYNER CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ACTING CITY CLERK Double header Council Meeting: November 25, 2008 11