Okay, everyone. We're about to get started. If we can find our seats, silence our cell phones as I'm doing. We're about to get started for the caucus. Okay, good evening everyone. We are on the record. Today is Tuesday, the 10th
day of February in the year 2026. This is a city council caucus meeting of the Jersey City Municipal Council. We had a scheduled 400 p.m. start. The clock on my cell phone is showing 4:03 p.m. May we have a roll call for the commencement of this caucus. Council
person Brooks here. Council Person Zupa >> here. >> Council Person Efos >> here. Council Person Little. She just waved me. Council Person Gilmore. >> Council Person Singh.
That's okay. >> Council Person Griffin. >> I. >> Council Person Lavaro >> and Council President Ridley. We have all nine council members in attendance at 4:03 p.m. On behalf of
Council President Ridley and the members of the municipal council in the coordinates with New Jersey Public Laws of 1975, Chapter 231, the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the posting on the bulletin board of the first floor of
city hall. The annual notice which is the schedule of meetings and caucuses of municipal council for the calendar year 2026 and filed in the office of the city clerk on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. In addition, at its time of its preparation, the agenda of this meeting
was similarly disseminated on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 7:05 p.m. to the mayor, municipal council, business administrator, corporation council, local newspapers, and posted on the city's website. So, I can certify as to our total compliance with the sunshine
law. And if you haven't known by now, our scheduled caucus was for yesterday, but we did have a pipe that burst in city hall. So, we did not have any water uh in city hall, and we can't operate a public meeting without having water uh
functioning. So, hence the reason why we did a verbiage up on the website, we posted all over city hall that the meeting was cancelled, postponed till today. So, again, we meet the sunshine law. With that being said, I'm going to turn it over to our council president.
>> Okay. Good evening, everyone. We'll jump right in and uh we'll start with planning. Cameron Black. >> Hello. Good evening, council. >> Good evening. >> Uh well, thank you for your service. Uh
there's a lot of new faces up here. Congratulations to everyone. Um, so I'm with the planning uh, city staff and we just are here to give brief comments on the bird friendly design ordinance which
is back before you. Um, so just a brief history, this went to the planning board was approved by resolution um, October 7th of last year and it was recommended up to city council. Uh the
planning board recommendation got rid of language in the um applicability 1A um where these standards would apply. They removed the site plan approval
threshold. So planning staff wanted to keep the site plan threshold in that language which would capture roughly 60 to 70 70 applications per year and the planning board got rid of that site plan
threshold to make it apply to all development in the city. So, the reasoning planning staff wanted to have that threshold was we wanted it to apply to our taller buildings um and to keep
it within planning staff so we could review it and vet it more closely. Um so now that the ordinance is back before you, you you have the freedom to amend it and change that threshold again to the site plan threshold. Um so other
than that um I think uh it's worth noting that there was a lot of talk of how this um change to our zoning ordinance and our design would be a a costly burden on development. Um I just
want to say on the record as a professional planner that is false. Um the uh brick which is what uh the bird friendly designs call for mostly is cheaper, greener and honestly it is
aesthetically part of the character and identity of our city and neighboring cities in this region. So, um, glass it is more costly by $100 per square foot
and it aesthetically is not what we have as far as the character of our city um, goes. So, um, I just wanted to dispel that myth and, um, I I can field any questions if you have any. >> Any questions?
>> Council members, this is item 3.3 on your agenda. So Cameron, um, as it relates to this affecting all new, uh, dwellings, um, what's what's what's the rationale
for one and two families being included in this? So that that was part of the um planning board's recommendation um back in October, the the original uh resolution sent up here and the planning board
determined that they wanted it to apply to everything. They felt that um the site plan threshold that the planning staff suggested went um it it didn't go far enough. um you know planning staff
still stands by our our original recommendation. We we felt the site plan threshold was uh substantial and and could effectively ameliate a lot of the issues we have relating to bird deaths. So uh we stand by that.
>> So h have there been instance where there's been bird strikes at one and two family homes? Um the the short answer is yes. Um but it's it it's an issue that
to to enforce it across the entire city. It it would be easier to roll out if we had this threshold um of the site plan being the threshold. And in your professional opinion, from a
financial standpoint, it's actually cheaper to design because the the glass that they're using costs more than the brick. >> That is correct. >> Using for the actual design. >> Yes.
>> I'm shocked. I actually didn't know. Um I know they had built like these new condos next to my house and we started seeing dead birds and I was really perplexed as to why. Um, so that's why I asked that. I've never visually seen them fly in, but I've seen them um dead
on the ground. So, >> glass has a higher resale value and it tends to attract a luxury market. So, >> Oh, that was that was going to be my question. And there's a a fair amount of data that has been shared with me
leading up to this suggesting um the kind of exorbitant cost this would put on developers with a concern that the cost would be passed down to whether it's condo owners or renters. Um, so are you suggesting just to be clear that
that well one that that data is misleading, but two that there's like a economic incentive uh in kind of pedalling non-bird friendly glass and uh that has some kind of luxury attraction to it.
>> Yes, that's right. um the the implications I think where where they misconstrued um what the ordinance was is
um attempting to fix is is they were insinuating a a retrofitting all of these buildings with like you know the the most expensive like UV uh glass um
fit out. So it it it was it's not an accurate way of assessing the cost of the situation. Thank you so much for this additional information. Um, so, uh, to to recap, it sounds like it's
more expensive for them to build with glass than it is for them to build with brick, but they have a higher they can make more money if they build with glass, so they recoup that investment. So, that's why they prefer to build with glass. >> Correct. >> Okay. Thanks for for clarifying. Um,
I wanted to ask, so I' I've met with the advocates on both sides of this issue. Um, and you know, I it it sounds like your preference if we were to make a change would be to
revert back to only projects that require site plan approval. Um both groups actually on both sides of the issue seem to prefer based on my most recent conversations
with them keeping it applying to all buildings but reducing the height now of course you know like if if we were to make a change right and of course the bird advocates would like to keep that height pretty high still um you know I
will note Newarks is 100 but it has it has it's it's loosely enforced. Um so ours is stronger. Um New York City is 75 and so there was some discussion of maybe between 75 and 100. um in your and and I just wanted to understand better
from the planning department's perspective, your preference would be to have it only apply to projects requiring site plan approval and keep it at 100 because that would be easier to enforce based on staffing levels um than having it apply
to all projects. Is that accurate? >> Yes. uh logistically just the the vetting process through the planning department's more stringent and we would we would have the skilled staff um to
look for those specific design standards. um the not not all the application processes would need to go to the extent that uh
of detail that you need to go to with site plan. Um so it's just an easy easier threshold to review for city staff. Um, if council, you know, uh,
thinks that 75 ft is more reasonable using New York standards, then I I can't I can't argue with that. You know, New York has more skyscrapers than us. Um, but we we did find through our
research that 100 feet was suggested by the American Conservancy. >> Okay. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Um I also wanted to raise the possibility um it sounds like if it applies to every
single project that might be administratively too much of a burden on planning. Um could there be some intermediate threshold because I believe site plan approval is is 10,000 square feet right
and above and could we could we set some intermediate threshold >> um you know to to capture some of you know the the smaller buildings that you know may still be a major cause of bird crashes but you know for example if someone wants to put an ADU in their
backyard they shouldn't be subject to it so so do you think there could be some intermediate threshold that would um both be achievable given your department's staffing levels and like reasonable >> um uh honestly the the site plan
threshold would would be the easiest um if if it goes to zoning for all applications um it's possible it's it's very possible >> so council since this is the first reading if we have any suggestions or
other suggestions for uh thresholds that we want planning to examine. Can we send those over to them so we can kind of dig into it and give you a more firm answer between now and second reading? >> Yeah, that's fine. Um I do have one
question though. How does this affect, if at all, um redevelopment plans in Jersey City? Um it it wouldn't um the the the design standards in the o in our city ordinance
apply to to all all projects. >> Thank you. Ju just two questions uh or or concerns. terms. I think he kind of addressed the first one which was adding
uh additional cost to new projects which theoretically could could limit the number of affordable units we get, but in your estimation that's not something that's likely. Correct. >> Yeah. And the to dispel the myth of this being more costly. Um, the scenarios
that were used were like wild. I fitting out buildings, replacing glass with UV, like uh with these decals on it, it was it's not how you would see this
ordinance effect. Um, so correct, this this would not be a cost burden. >> All right. And and the second issue was I think we're all well at least I am more cognizant of of potential additional burdens on homeowners wanting to renovate their home, right? One to two family
homeowners. Uh what if any onus is put on homeowners if they're trying to uh for example, if they're they want to change something about their home, do they then have to if they're putting an application in with zoning to change something about their house, do they then have to amend their home to include
the bird friendly designs? Well, um the the threshold that city planning recommended it would not capture those, but um uh the American Bird Conservy's designs that they recommend um you know, something as simple as uh blinds um on
the windows would be sufficient for to render that as a space that they can't fly through. Um >> also a window screen, right? wouldn't >> Yeah, actually insect screens are like the number one most recommended. >> Thank you.
>> Any other questions? >> Yes. >> Um I'm going to get more basic because I'm just uh catching up here. So So just so I understand, this ordinance was um adopted by the city council in 2025.
Uh it was vetoed by the mayor. And is this the exact same ordinance coming back before us? >> This this is the exact same ordinance. >> Okay. >> Um then um if I may ask the city clerk um from that
prior meeting uh if I could get the transcripts of um and not not the video. I just want to read the transcripts of the statements that people made so I can see what the history is here. Um, and if there's
something in the planning board, this came before the planning board as well and there were public comments I assume there as well. >> Correct. >> I can get the transcripts on that too. So I can just kind of get up to speed on >> You'll have it by end of business today. >> Sean, and as usual, can you just
circulate that to the entire council so everyone? >> Of course. >> Thank you. >> Sorry, just want to say two things. So to Rolando's point, there were two big concerns. People were saying that we might lose affordable units in these
buildings if we um uh go ahead with that. And the other one was my understanding it the cost will increase by 0.05%. That true? Um, so it when when people
bring up the the cost factor, um, you you can't they're they're working in hypotheticals that um I'm not insure I'm not sure what uh cost they're adding to to what materials. All
I can say is that the the cheapest and best bird friendly building is something built with insect screens, blinds, brick, board wood, which is construction materials that have traditionally, historically been indicative of the
character of our city and have been the most costeffective and environmentally friendly for uh heating and cooling etc. Um the the the cost for glass facads, reflective materials is
$100 per square feet on average more expensive. Um the bird friendly design standards would make construction and buildings more affordable and um it it
would not result in a loss of affordable units in the city. Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, director. >> Thank you. >> I just ask is there is there any sort of call this cost analysis? >> You did planning do a cost analysis of
uh one's one building with bird friendly design and one building with normal >> when when this was first introduced um those numbers and figures were given. Um I can't off the top of my head uh say but um
>> can you just provide us copies of whatever those analyses? >> Okay. Yeah. The the presentation that was given out um originally had scenarios, materials and visuals with uh those prices. >> Are these the exact same materials that
came with the first first time this came around? >> Yes. >> You said there was a presentation because we don't have a presentation in here. That was when it was brought before you back in 2025. >> Was a presentation to the council.
>> It Sophia Pereira originally presented the bird friendly ordinance to >> say again. >> Um Sophia Pereira gave a presentation when she was here back in 2025. >> Can you recirculate that to the council? >> Yeah, certainly.
>> All right. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Um I have a question for corporation council on the bird friendly ordinance. Um I don't know why I had this in my head and maybe it's wrong. Um but I had heard
somewhere that we could not vote on the exact same ordinance that the last administration had vetoed. Is that accurate? I don't have any reason to think that that's the case. I have not heard of such a rule, but we can confirm that and
get back to you. Okay. >> So much I can speak to that a little bit. There there was a when when there was councilman Steve Fulip and he kept putting back ordinances before the city
council um after they failed you keep bringing them back and then the council passed uh a ordinance to require like a I don't know six month or something um period before reintroducing an ordinance unless it was a changed ordinance in
some way. I think when Councilman Fulip became mayor Fulip um he then rescended that ordinance or had >> we we'll wait on the official word from the law department because this was vetoed so right >> it could be a little different. >> It it definitely would be because that
those are items that were defeated that Councilman Fulip was trying to always put back on. This was something that was actually approved by the municipal council and vetoed by the mayor. As far as I know, I mean, I'm not the attorney, but I've been the clerk for
six years and deputy for 18 and been with the city for 33. Um, I don't think there's any rule that I can remember or recall that would prevent the municipal municipality from putting back an ordinance to another council.
>> Thank you. Yeah, my perception was that we would have to make a tweak in order for it to be kosher, but maybe that's not the case. So, thank you. >> Got it. >> All right. Uh Brian Weller. >> Hi. Uh good afternoon, council.
I'm the director of architecture, Brian Weller, and I have one item for your consideration tonight. Agenda item 10.18. Resolution 2660. This is a resolution authorizing award of contract to Adamo Brothers Construction
for improvements to Monaceel Court. Public bids are received December 2nd, 2025 at the Division of Purchasing. After review of the documents, we recommend award to the lowest bidder, Adama Brothers Construction, for $495,138.
And it's funded by Capitol Parks. >> Questions. >> What um what pro what where specifically on Monaceel >> at the intersection of storms and Monaceel? >> Oh, okay. Let that Thank you, Lord. Jesus. Good lord. This has been
>> I've heard similar. Yes. >> Yes. This has been I was working in recreation when they first uh brought this proposal up. Um Oh, I'm I'm thankful to see this on there. That's Storms and more on the side of the basketball court.
>> Okay. >> Uh is is as so um I so the the project 99 Storms Avenue that was built across the street from my understanding they had committed to rehab that park. Are they involved
with this? >> Uh not that I'm aware of. We would have to check with probably planning on that. >> Okay. Right. With this new proposal, are we putting the basketball courts into the
traditional formation versus the Lshape? I can I can circulate the the plan layout. Um, but the site's not big enough for a legal size. So, it is undersized uh to provide the recreational needs for children. >> Okay. And and will it be
interchangeable? No, it will not. Okay. Does the does the contract come with a estimated timeline of the >> uh yeah it will be within six to eight months to eight >> months. The contractor is ready to go
right now. >> Okay. >> Just waiting on the weather. >> My question is not about the project itself. I think it's certainly something that should take place. Uh but was there any consideration given to Adama Brothers not being a qualified bidder?
And what I'm basing that on is several wage violations filed with the state of New Jersey, the Department of Labor as recent as January 6 of this year, failure to pay wages to their workers, not pre not paying prevailing wage. In 2025, they provided false information to
the state. In 2024, they had a non-payment uh non-payment of wages claim made against them by several claimants. We don't have enough union labor working for our city. That's something that's come up before certain certainly with all our our development projects. Uh I would ask the law
department if the D brothers counts a qualified bidder or if anyone investigated these wage violations. >> Yeah, my office is not aware of those stipulations and considerations. >> Can we uh ask the administration to look
into those claims presented by uh Councilman Zupa? And uh can we also find out if if those claims are true, does that uh put us in a position to hold them back from this particular contract?
>> Yes, I'll look into it for you. >> Okay. And if I can ask, is there in general a like a set a rubric that we have in terms of contracts to make sure that when we put out a bid for contracts, we are looking for things
like wage violation claims, other labor, employment. I don't believe it's specific to wage violation claims but there is a set rubric for RF all RFP processes that goes to cost ability to deliver the services the uh previous con
you know previous I guess uh work in the area or experience in the area all those type of indications so I don't think it would be directly one of the criteria but it probably fall under one of the criteria >> okay anything around labor employment relations uh anything around union
status I It's a specific bullet point, but it would fall probably with the general, you know, ability to actually accomplish procedure or experience in the field. >> Would the administration share that with us? Do >> Yes, but depending I can share the
rubric for this project. Every RFP has different kind of criteria and rubrics to it. So, there's not like a standard everyone does this thing. Um, there are standard materials like diversity, things like that always gets considered in it. Cost is always considered in it. But depending what department or what you know uh project it might be involved
there might be slightly different criteria for each department. But I can share this one for you of course. >> Okay. Thank you. Yeah seems like not having wage violations uh >> something that should be included. >> Excuse me. I would just like to add that um uh this contractor has done a lot of
good work for the city and to the best of my knowledge working with EEO they do double check all the payments payment applications far as I know working for city I don't know about the contractor outside of the city but I'm just going to say that they're a good contractor and they do
good work they yeah they did the work at Leonard Gordon Park Mosquito Park I think there's some issues if if you're a union labor I think you have issues with the work done there but uh that's out of my purview and I think the city should look into hiring prevailing wage contractors.
>> Uh question for council president and oran. Um could would the or could we motion to t could we table this tomorrow pending? So, Brian, um, is this time sensitive?
And then to I think we should also, um, I don't know how quickly the BA and the law department could get us this answer, but should be fairly quick. Um, what is our, I guess, rights in regards to not using the contractor based off of
those claims. So one is well for you right now is it times sensitive and BA and law department can get back to us on whether or not we can hold that against them for this. >> It's it's not necessarily timesensitive. It's a relatively small project and we're right now hamstrung by the weather
anyway. >> Right. >> Okay. So let's let's see if we can get the answer by tomorrow and if not then we'll take it from there. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Director Bangart. If I can just ask um
so you're going to look into the council president's inquiry about whether it's disqualifying um >> yes >> okay >> director >> good evening council president and council members Drew Banghard I'm the acting director of the department of
infrastructure um tonight on behalf of traffic engineering I have a second reading ordinance for uh disabled parking, reserve parking, presented at last caucus. This will be six spaces designated in
the city. If you have any questions, >> that's item 4.2. >> 4.2. Any questions? >> Yeah. Hey, Drew. I I do have a question. um just about the um the process
handicap uh placers um or handicap parking in a nutshell. Um, I've seen instance where people were almost on a deathbed and not be able to get handicap placers and then
subsequently I've seen neighbors who look more than more than more than able get them. Um, so I'm just trying to figure out uh as it relates to the the practice of
issuing these reserved parking for individuals like what how does that how does that process look? >> Um, I can explain it. The the intake of the applications comes through our office uh through traffic engineering.
We have um a consultant doctor who reviews those applications for, you know, warrant of being able-bodied or not and gives that recommendation back to the city. And ultimately, there's a
committee set up that has the the final say on if a space is approved or not approved or moves forward to to be presented to council. >> How many people in that committee? There's usually two sitting council members are are part
of that committee and the traffic engineering office. >> The traffic >> the the committee is not there's no standing committee at the moment though. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> Okay. Do we have an estimated time of how long it's going to take to get one
back together? >> Um yeah, I've been, you know, speaking to the administration to get that committee set up. So, if it's something any of you would be interested in, you know, I'm sure reaching out to the BA's office. >> Sure. >> Um, that would be great to to get that
reestablished. >> We still have our our in-house >> Yes. I'm going to volunteer. We only need one more person. >> Yeah, we have our in-house, you know, professionals and and staff that are they're ready to work on it. Um, we do
have the doctor still on uh contract which we'll have to renew later this year, but we're we're kind of ready to go. >> And I guess my final question, Drew, is there any cons is there any consideration taken if like there's I
guess other handicap spaces in the vicinity? >> Yeah, the we so the preference is to have them right in front of the residents. Of course, if there's other spaces that have already been approved, we may have to shift them
around the corner if it's on the corner or across the street, which isn't, you know, optimal. But yeah, it is taken into consideration to not take up a whole stretch of parking for everyone else. We try to lay it out in a reasonable manner. >> And if if there's, you know, if they
have a driveway with off- streetet parking, that factors into it as well. Um, couple different layers. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you. >> Um are there um >> just speaking? >> Oh, one second. >> Oh,
was it a Rando? >> Oh, are we is um traffic looking at the do people have to renew their hand to get parking? Is it an annual thing? How how frequent is that? Now, >> it's a a bi-anual. So every two years
our office reaches out to to each of the permit holders um depending on their anniversary date to reestablish that it's still a viable space and if not we work with DPW to get those signs removed. Um we work with the clerk's office you know for kind of on a monthly
basis for the obituaries to see if there's anything else that needs to be researched. Councilwoman Little, >> just broadly speaking, um, you know, and this ordinance is maybe not the place to
do it, but like broadly speaking, you know, as we're talking about forming this committee, um, you know, I I just would like to suggest that maybe there is a faster way to get people permits need, you know, um, going back to Councilman Gilmore's point about people
being nearly on death store and not able to get a permit or people with a, you know, um, looming surgery date that they need the spot for after their surgery. Um, I would love for us to be able to look into whether this could be expedited and whether we could
streamline it and make it not take as long for folks. >> Of course. Yeah, we're we're open to, you know, any suggestions. I think the the ordinance process is, you know, required by law to set up those spaces.
So, it is a a two meeting operation. Sorry, Michael. I'm >> always struggling with this. Uh, how many applications annually you receive? >> Annually, um, I'd say 500 is a good number to
throw out there. I'd say on a monthly basis, it's easily 20 to 30 a month. >> Okay. So that is possible to it's not insane number in a huge city like Jersey City. >> No, but the process and and going, you
know, having the doctor review them, um it does take time. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You said it was required by law um that it go through that it be an ordinance and that it go through two council meetings. Is that state law or is that
Jersey City Municipal Code? >> Uh, I'm not the traffic expert, but I believe that is state law. Anything that affects the rightway like that does need to go to to ordinance. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you,
>> Danny. Good afternoon, council president, council members. Danny Beijnut with the department of finance. For your consideration this afternoon, I have two items. The first item is
resolution number 26-043, agenda number 10.1. Title of the resolution is a resolution authorizing calendar year 2025 appropriation reserve transfers for various departments
pursuant to NJSA 48 colon 4- 59 cities and municipalities are permitted to process budget transfers during the first two months of the fiscal year and
the first three months of the succeeding here. Kindly note these transfers are from 2025 balances. These transfers are necessary to satisfy, excuse me, contractual obligations incurred through December
31st, 2025. Any questions? >> Yes, you got it. >> I have a question. Hi there. Thank you. Um in the attachment uh there are codes corresponding to
different expenses. What is the difference between SW and OE? >> Very good question. SNW a salary and wages and OE is other expenses. >> Okay. And just I think you said this but just to confirm uh this resolution would
authorize the release of unexpended but budgeted 2025 fiscal year funds. >> Right. So majority of of this transfer is strictly for salary and wages and this is due to retirements um resignations of city employees and where
those position have not been backfilled. So, this would not this is we're spending 2025 reserves, I guess, lack of a better term. Not this is not part of the 2026 budget. >> That is correct. It has nothing to do
with a 2026 budget. >> We like to hear that. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Yeah. >> So, the the operating expenses, the the health benefits line 2,172,600. Um, this is this the mayor has talked
about the the the budget deficit that we have and the health insurance costs that were not budgeted for. Um, is this part of that portion? >> No, this is just for 2025 obligations.
So what happens is is that we also do close to $9 million in rebates. So what whatever we spent on the health benefits portion, this will offset some of those expenses.
>> It's offsetting what expenses? I'm not following >> the health benefits. >> Yeah. So >> Councilman, if I can real quick. >> Yeah, please. To your question, yes, these are 2025 health benefit expenses that they're offsetting through unexpended funds from 2025. So, they're
reallocating where the money was originally to pay any bills that were outstanding from 2025. >> And my question is I I get that. My question is, is that $2,172,600 of um that's being paid for, is that as
a result, as as we've heard through um the mayor's announcements about the this budget problem that we have, budget challenge crisis. Um, is that part of it was talked about the idea that health benefits were under under budgeted um
and um and that um and and could have been a could have been foreseen, right? That is this is this part of that that challenge and that problem? That's what I'm trying to get to. Is this us cleaning that up?
>> Well, it's to clean some of it up. So, it's it's part of that um initial what you just what you just mentioned. >> I think Bill's got to jump in here. >> Good afternoon, Councilman. Uh the short answer to your question is yes. It falls
into the category >> Yeah. >> of underbudget health expenses. >> Hold the mic. >> Hear me? Okay. So, again, I'll repeat what I just said. Uh the short answer to your question is yes. This falls into the category of health benefits that should have been budgeted more
effectively in 2025. Yes. >> So the money coming from salaries and wages that are covering all this were you suggesting that these are uh unexpended funds? >> Correct. >> Correct. >> I have a question um on the line items.
Now, one that jumps out to me is um Jackson Hill and the NPP funds. Now, I'm just a little confused cuz you're saying salary and wages. So, is that is that for salary and wages or is that for the program itself, the neighborhood
preservation program, the line item for $125,000? >> Council, I I think you're referring to the other item. I'm going to Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. what whatever you're you're referring to that's strictly grants. This is just for salary and wages and OE.
>> Gotcha. >> So then the other two large items, electricity and street lighting 884,000. Again, my my question there is I mean that's electricity in our buildings. Is that right?
>> Yeah. So that's correct. So the first one, the 8.84 84 884,000. They're requesting this is for electricity and gas for the 50 plus owned city buildings of facility that the city owns. And one of the reasons why we're requesting that amount is
because there was a se 17% hike within PSENG in July of last year. Um and I do have John Lynch here um if you have any questions regarding that because John monitors these contracts with PSENG. your the explanation for the 884,000
um additional need for additional monies is because of there was a rate increase. Is that >> correct? >> Same thing with the street lighting. >> Same thing with street lighting and and also with the opening of a new public safety building. That's one of the areas why we need the additional funding to
pay these invoices. >> When did the rate increases take take effect? >> I believe July of 2025. >> June 1st. >> Okay. June 1st. >> Is is is there a breakdown of um the
buildings as far as their addresses and how much we're paying per uh property? >> I believe we do have that information, right, John? Okay. We can request that for PSNJ.
>> We don't pay for individual light bulbs. We pay per premises. I'm sorry. I said that we pay what? >> Not calculate a little residential home where you, you know, pay for exact usage. They calculate based on the entire premises.
>> Can I just ask a process question? Under more normal circumstances, when we didn't have a massive potentially $250 million hole uh that we needed to fill, would money not expended in a certain department's budget normally get
reappropriated to the same department for the coming fiscal year? >> That is correct. >> Okay. And so these departments should not be expecting these reserves in the 2026 budget >> coming in because we need to fill >> That's right. >> too many.
>> Saying unexpended funds in 25 would carry over to 26 normally. >> I don't think that's true. No, what I'm saying is that these these funds that have the balances in 2025,
these are we're requesting it through the transfer process right now, right? With the with with authority of the the city council so that we can pay these obligations until December 31st. >> I think the C correct me if I'm wrong, C, you were asking if monies would roll
over from 25 to 26 if it was unexpended. that doesn't happen. >> I think I think what Danny might be referring to is that the money that's in the budget stays in the budget. Meaning that if $100,000 budget for let's say building streets in 2026, that $100,000
would then be in the budget for 20 not the money from last year, but that budget item stays there. So the money doesn't go away permanently. It gets deferred back to the individual departments in the 2026 budget. >> That's I'm I'm sorry. I've got to correct inaccuracies there. it it's there because because the mayor
introduces it as the as the dollar amount. You could literally start from zero and figure out if you wanted 100,000 or 75,000 and put whatever he wants to put in and then the council can amend all of that. Right? So, um my understanding is that unexpended and correct me if I'm wrong because I'm it's been four years since I done this, but
um those unexpended dollars um would go into some sort of reserve that would be available two years from now or something like that. like uh I forget exactly how that all works but um so >> yes one >> we're losing our reserves because of and
I'm glad we're talking about this because this is the impact of of the >> uh budgeting crisis that we're in which is that the reserves that we would be able to carry over into future years two years or three years down the road I forget is not going to be available. this money will not be available and
people will in past administrations have had that money and be able to set up that kind of rainy day fund uh so to speak right to uh um and we won't have that available for for Jury City and we're going to have to live without that emergency fund. >> Yeah. So it depends what the council was referring to. I interpreted what his
question was was if there's a position for let's say uh a laborer for $45,000 in building streets and that money was unsuspended because you know they weren't hired they were retired whatever else that allocation would get put back in the budget for next year barring the
council's approval or you know the administration whatever else. So we're not getting rid of positions that would potentially be located these departments unless you know through the budget process or the council approval we decide to eliminate those. So yes, the money is not automatically put back in those departments as council Lavaro said, but those positions remain in the
budget until the council or the administration decides to eliminate them for the 2026 year. >> Okay. Thank you for clarifying. Thanks, Councilman Lever as well. Thanks, >> Councilman Zupa. >> Sorry, one one question. If this is not uh
appropriate to be directed towards you, please tell me. Uh the community had been promised uh I don't want to get into specific projects necessarily, but there there's the park in Journal Square. The community was told we have a set aside of x amount of dollars for when we take possession of the county
courthouse. Is it fair to say that money is safely there or was it spent or is that what's the status of the city's oblig city's promise to set aside that money? >> You talk about the capital funding for the courthouse parkour park. Yeah. >> I'd have to get the exact uh blitz for
you. I don't have that offh hand, but I believe there was a reserve or a amount set up specifically dedicated to that park. I'll have finance confirm that. >> Okay. Thank you, Peter. >> Thanks. >> I I have one more question. It's um there's a line transferring city clerk
salary wages of 40,000. Um is that just city clerk or is that city clerk and city council? >> City clerk. >> Is that >> city clerk? >> Okay. We're not >> that is that's just for the city clerk's office. with that that amount the 40,000 is not from the municipal council. It's
from the city clerk's office. Okay. >> Any other questions on 10.1? >> Okay. Next one. >> Next one is resolution number 26-044 agenda number 10.2.
It's a resolution authorizing an emergency temporary appropriation. The purpose of this resolution is to establish 11 new grants. This action is necessary to make the grants fund available so that the city may begin incurring current expenses,
processing payments, and continuing services during the temporary budget period. This is permitted under NJSA 48 col 4-20. >> Questions?
>> Uh, yes. Um, on page five, um, UEZ, uh, what does funds to support staff mean? Is that actual staff or is that ancillary funding?
I'm going to call up our GRS director, Vivian, to answer that question, if you don't mind. >> Good afternoon, council. So the uee funds are passed through to Jersey City Economic and um EDC. So it's to support
their budget for their actual staff. >> Thank you. Um and then I'm not actually I'm not sure what page this on, but the the funds for the electric charging stations. Um, do we have locations for those yet or is that
a infrastructure planning? >> Okay, so this is to get the funds and then we'll talk to infrastructure and planning as to the actual locations. Well, actually they presented the application with the um scope of work
and this is just to set up the money so that they can expend it, but we can get information from them in regards to what the um locations are. >> Thank you. Um and then lastly, the Edward Burn program, that's federal
money that's unspent from 2022. So that's police money that um the grant is totally expended. What normally happens with it, it's a reimburseable grant so that the um police department
will um use it for overtime and now we are just reimbursing the overtime to the police department. >> Okay. Yeah. I mean I I Googled this and the I mean it's the Trump administration. What are you going to
do? But um there's like not the pages are dead on this program. So So this is >> we can get you a list of who um received that overtime if you like. >> Well, just to understand that the funding is
um who is reimbursing who I guess for the the lay person, >> right? So it's the federal government reimbursing our officers through our regular payroll. So, those officers were allowed it to work overtime and we're
reimbursing the city's current fund for the overtime that was spent. >> Thank you. >> So, the cost has already been incurred. >> Thank you. >> Questions? >> No. Thank you.
>> Thank you. offer calling. >> Good afternoon, council president, members of city council. I'm over Cohen, division director of food and nutrition at HHS. And tonight we have one item for your consideration,
resolution 26053, agenda number 101. This is a resolution authorizing the cancellation of the unexpected budget appropriation balances of the department of health and human services of the city of Jersey City authorizing the closure
adjustment of grant accounts for the summer food service program. Let me just give you some context as to the summer food service program. Uh this program runs in July and August of every year, feeds about uh more than 3,000 school
children and peaks at about 58 sites throughout the city. Um the first portion of this resolution is essentially cancelelling out the two accounts that have been fully reimbursed in the amounts of $36,191.7 and 101,52035.
Uh this grant also runs from October 1st to September 30th. So before we can accept an award that I'm going to be in front of you probably in about a month, uh we have to close out the 2425 portion of it. So that's the first part. Then we also
received an additional award that we can carry over towards this uh period which will expire in September. the programs July and August and that total amount of carryover is 41,32767 >> questions. >> Yep.
>> Um so in the fourth whereas it talks about we received $195,39.80 80 cents and that the the amount was reduced by the state >> by the department of agriculture. Yes.
So the program there's no there's no additional cost or anywhere that we could spend. It's a very fluid program. The initial award that we got last year of 306,000 is going to be modified as we receive more funds. So then they'll do a review at the end and deem what we can carry over. All the food costs were
covered. All the reimbursements were were covered for these amounts. >> What I'm trying to understand is it says it's reduced by so they they cut our funding. Is that how it >> they didn't cut? It's going to change. So last year we carried over a larger amount coming in. This year at the back
end if we they basically do an estimate off the initial number of sites that we get. So whoever's signed up in March, that's what that 306,000 is going to be. Then they may increase it based on estimates as we peak at 58 sites, but then they'll do a final look and
essentially the program is fully paid for. It's fully reimbursed. So there's not we're not losing anything. We can't use it for other costs. This is this program is probably 90% food costs. So that that portion of it is covered. We have three uh part-time staff seasonals
that work and it covers an allowable portion of our program manager salary. And that's the complete program. >> And then it's the the 41,000 is money still to be spent. >> That is money that is going to be carried over for this next period that
we're going to use for food costs. >> There'll be more added on top of that. Or is that >> Yeah, we're going to get that. Then as I said in March, I'm going to be back in front of you in likely in March. We'll get an award which will probably be if we're if we're consistent with previous years somewhere around $300,000.
And then if that'll be based on who's signed up in March, but as the program peaks, if it's 58, if it's 63 sites, they'll provide an additional award. And then that will probably be modified again to make the program complete basically based on what what we spent,
what was reimbursed. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Director Richardson. Good evening, council. I have uh one item before you. This is 10.14 resolution 26 uh 0-56.
The resolution authorizing the cancellation of grant receivable balances and or grant reserve. Just to give you some context to this, November 18th, November 18, 2025, uh the city of Jersey City received a $1.3 million
grant and this was for lead radiation and abatement. Um originally the grant was 1.3 and then they increased it to 2 million. Uh recently uh they decreased it from 2 million to uh 1.5 million. the grants were re the grant funds were
decreased basically due because of the lack of the participation. Um we have not gotten the number of applications that we would like to receive and out of the applications that we have received we've been having an issue trying to get people qualified. Um during this time we've been working back and forth with the DCA. So we meet with them twice a
month. They've been working with us trying to get more people uh to participate in the grant fund. But unfortunately because this grant runs out in December of this year, it does not appear that we will be able to fulfill the grant when it comes to the 2 million. So that's why they're dropping it down to 1.5 million.
>> What exactly? Uh what exactly is the grant? >> Is this that uh >> it's a state grant uh to help homeowners and with lead remediation and abatement? Oh, >> okay. um what has the outreach looked like um for the potential
individuals who would be eligible? >> So, we've we've done an email blast. We've done do we've done posters, flyers, we've conducted outreach events. We've also partnered with other uh organizations that are doing this type of work. The DCA has actually partnered
partners partnered I'm sorry us up with other people. Uh recently we have a meeting this week because we're trying to get this involved with the uh board of ed education. I found out that there's another program that's been used through the board of education to try to get this information out to parents. So we have a meeting with them so we can
piggyback off of that because my department also does the lead inspections. Every place that we do a lead inspection, we also inform them about this program as well. I think um seeing that this program would be for
homeowners, I think um we will get a cost effective advertising by sending this out with the quarterly tax bills. >> That way we're not overburdened more by paying for postage and stuff like that. Um because anytime I see money that
people can use, you know, we just have to uh just kind of go all out trying to advertise it. Um I know it's it's hard, you know, sometimes to really reach the masses. Um but I think with
this right here, we we we can use the the quarterly tax uh bills to because if you send them a quarterly tax bill, they own the property. They own the property. they need to remedy maybe um the lead pain thing. So that's a suggestion I would have. >> No, I put that down. And another thing,
even speaking with the DCA that unfortunately in the climate that we're in, you have a lot of people that just don't trust government because they're concerned about ICE. And so we we've gone and done inspections where people have been hiding in the closets. So when you tell them you're going to come back, they're just very very skeptical. So a
lot of this is really convincing them that your immigration status is not going to be touched at all. We're just trying to help all that we can. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, thank you. I just had Sorry. Did you have other questions or No.
Okay. Um I just wanted to make sure I understood correctly. You said um this was originally for 2 million. >> So, it was originally 1.3 million cuz at that time the grant was limited to 1 to four units, but then the DCA increased it up to 10 units. So, at that time they
increased the funds up to 2 million. So it started at 1.3, it went to 2 million, but now they cut it back down to 1.5 million. And that's basically because of lack of participation. >> And you said we have until the end of >> December. Correct.
>> December. So my question is why are we preemptively bringing it? >> We didn't make this decision. This came from the state. So we didn't ask them to cut the funds. If if that was your question, I'm sorry. >> Yeah. So the state is cutting our funds no matter what it sounds like. So what
what happens if we don't pass this resolution and we say no, we want to keep the whole >> we haven't gotten that far. So I would not know to I wouldn't be able to tell you that up front. I would have to talk to the state and they they would have to answer that >> because I I really liked Councilman Gilmore's suggestion of sending this out
with um the tax bills so that homeowners so that we could possibly get a higher rate of participation if if that money is still available. >> Absolutely. And then of course you have there's a median income. So there they have to still qualify. It's still a median. So all of those things factor in. But I I wrote that in suggestion and
I'm all for it. >> So So if if we see an uptick in participation after the next quarterly tax bills go out, will the state I I mean is this decision from the state final? And and if we don't pass this resolution,
would we still in theory on paper have the full 2 million from the state? >> That I couldn't I would have to reach out to the state to get that answer for you. >> Okay. Would would you be able to either get that get us that information by email tomorrow or else maybe we could table this till next meeting? Is this
>> Absolutely. I will reach out to them first thing tomorrow to get that final answer for you. Absolutely. >> Because I I would love to be able to assist more homeowners and be able to utilize the full 2 million from the state. >> AB I agree. I agree. >> All right. Thank you so much. >> Yes, sir. Welcome. Director, I have a question. Um, if we pass this and we go
down to 1.5 mil and um, we show the state that um, we can spend the 2 million, would that number go back up or is >> it could go back up because they will re-evaluate this. This has been a yearly thing. So again, right, if we if it does
go down and we can prove that, but again, we have to use it all. >> If we can prove that we can do it, then moving forward, we would apply again and I'm sure that they would up they would uh, increase it. I'm sorry. Okay. >> Do we have a sense of the extent of the problem that needs to be mediated? Like
how widespread lead mediation? >> Um I mean based of course I couldn't give you the final numbers but you know lead paint and it's especially targeted to children under six. So in our inspections we haven't come across a what you would call a large large number
um of people who are dealing with lead poisoning. But again that's per inspection. And so because we haven't inspected every property, I couldn't tell you definitively how many units would are actually being affected by this because this is so reliant upon the inspections or just people knowing that
they have lead issues. Like recently, somebody reached out to us and they just found out that their ch their child uh tested positive for lead poisoning. So at that point, they reached out to us. But again, if that had never happened, there was nothing to say that they would reach out to us. So this is driven by
constituents more. we can put the information out there, but because they have to be the ones to apply for it, we we're pretty much dependent upon them. >> Okay. Thank you. Yeah, I think just data on lead poisoning rates among children in Jersey City could also be a helpful
>> Absolutely. And I can get that. >> Thank you. Yeah. And for homeowner homeowners as well to understand >> the extent that >> Absolutely. And we're doing so if you you'll see within the next week we we've actually done some education seminars where we're actually up we're upping that to at
least twice a month. And the good thing about the educational seminar is that if people can't make it in person, they can be able to go in because we're going to record it and it's going to stay on our website cuz we're just really trying to do all we can to get the word out there and then work with people who may not be able to make it in person but still be able to watch it at home at their
leisure. I ask um some more basic questions. Is this a was the grant uh a competitive grant or formula funding? >> Say that second part. >> Was it a competitive grant or formula funding?
>> A competitive. >> So when did we when did we apply and win this grant? What was the start date? Effective start date for this grant. The effective start date. This is 2025. >> January.
>> January. Yes. 2025. >> We had one year to expend $2 million. >> So, we had two years. So, no. 20 I'm sorry. 20. It was the the September of 2024 going into December 2026. So, roughly about a little bit about
almost two years. >> Almost what? >> Almost two years. About a year and eight months. Okay. Um, so we had a year and eight months to expend $2 million. >> Correct. >> And and our application, it was a competitive application. >> Absolutely.
>> So, so we we contended in our application that we um that there was a need and that we had the correct >> capability to do this. Were the funds only you only to be utilized for the
remediation itself or um or is or could you use it also for staffing and things? >> It was it was 10% I believe it was roughly 10% that was used for staffing but then the rest was used for it was 20% for staffing 80% for remediation. >> Any other questions?
>> Uh just one more. Can renters apply? >> Can renters apply? Yes. Thank you. So, if I can just make a suggestion around this, and it's not a question, but >> um to to the council woman's suggestion about trying to keep these funds,
>> maybe we can connect with our state legislators um on this and see if they can intervene and um >> and then see if we can, >> of course, you'll hear this narrative, but one of the biggest issues we also deal with is my is understaffing. So, we only have two people in my office who is
working on this. one who's doing the administrative side, the other who's doing the inspection. So if we had more people, we could that would also help us to get the word out a little bit more. >> Oh, see I see. >> Wait, so I mean so but the grant allows
you to spend 20% on salaries. Correct. >> Correct. So I guess for legal or BA is there any way we can hire more individuals to help administer if that's probably
one of the deficiencies why we can't utilize the money that's allotted because outreach and then capacity. So is there anything we can do as it relates to that far as getting >> Yeah, we can look into that council man. >> Okay. Well, my question um just to piggyback
off the councilman, can we like cross trainin like uh inspectors from other departments um to to to help out? >> I can actually answer that for the So we do we have the remediation side but we
ask the inspection side. So I do have three inspectors but those two even though those are different we have already started cross trainining. >> Thank you director. >> Thank you >> Dia Staten. >> Good evening council president Widia
Staten for media. Yes, >> finance >> here for one item 10.15 resolution number 260-057. It is an resolution authorizing the award of competitive bid contract to NW
Financial Group LLC for financial advisory services to assist the city with financial planning, cost minimizing, and long-range budget strategies. The contract was approved um under NJSA48-
col1-4. City advertised for proposals October 15th of 2025. We received three bids and the evaluation committee recommended NW Financial Group. It is a contract term for one year with up to four optional
one-year renewals. Contract is about $300,000. Funds available for 105,000 have been encumbered under PO26-000037. >> Yeah. Isn't don't don't we use NW Financial now?
>> They weren't on their contract. I the the contract expired and we were re were we put out new bids for new options and they won the new contract. >> But have we been using them in the past? >> Yes. >> For how long? um
>> 22 years >> since 2004. Councilman, >> since 2004, we've been using them. We've just seen a press release of us being 250 something million in debt. They are the financial consult consultants. Um
aren't these the individuals that applied for the grant for the mental health? Didn't Didn't they didn't they write that the the grant with the mental health? No, that was Millennium. >> Millennium. >> Last millennium. Okay. But the bigger question here is if these if these
individuals been providing financial advisory services for us and if we're in the hole, I'm confused as to the level of confidence we have in their service. >> Hello. Yeah. As per the memo that we
circulated to the council, they'll be utilized for very specific uh applications going forward, you know, with regard to long-term abatements and the pilot programs. The administration tends to do an audit of those programs and because they've been here since 2004, they have an intimate knowledge
that we could not get from any other consultants. So the intention here is that it's an onbasis utilization meaning we don't just pay them you know they when we utilize them we have to pay them for their services but to utilize them for those specific services and the finance department is going out for an RFP to look at a broader spectrum of
applicants that can further guide us with financial you know the future of the city um and diversify what they're looking at for that. >> Okay. So, we're not going to rely on them entirely like we have historically. They're there for a specific purpose that do help us with the audit of those
programs and then the city will be going out to the vendors to find new new vendors that can help us with the financial service going forward. What are the >> Hold on. Rel as it may on as needed basis basis. I'm just of the opinion that if you are part
of a team that performs for poorly, you're not rewarded with that you're not rewarded with any you're part of the problem in essence, right? So I I just I just know for me um given the current
financial climate and situation that the city's in and seeing that these individuals was there, I just don't feel confident on any level of doing it. I know if it was my money personally and I hired someone to do something and they messed up, I don't want them. I don't
want nobody that know them. I don't want nobody that's related to them. I don't want nobody that used to work for them, right? and I just don't think it's is is good. That's that's just my opinion. >> Can I get clarification on that? So to the councilman's point, what was their
role in the past four years? >> So what did they advise us on? >> Good afternoon, Council Kyle Gre. uh they've mainly advised us uh for um debt financing and also assisting with pilot
analysis to >> the last four years. >> Uh yeah, mainly we also have we do have bond counsel um separately to advise legally on any bond issuances and we have a budget and accounting consultant that helps us with our day-to-day operations. So, the last few years
they've really um been focused on the city's debt portfolio and uh abatements and pilots um for the finance department. Not entirely sure what services they provided outside of finance department. I know they assist with the HTC department as well. Um I
just not sure specific projects. >> So, so they're not involved with like the day day-to-day budgeting and the finance or No. Okay. I I have a question. Um
uh acting BA Horton um you mentioned that you know this is for a limited scope that you know for the work they were already doing you know as it pertains to pilots and things like that. Um but that we would also be seeking to um establish a new contract for more a
more broader scope of um financial advisory services um to get us out of the mess that we're in. Um my question is might it be more cost effective to fold fold the work that they would be doing under this contract into that larger contract that we are then seeking
to put out an RFP for. >> So yes and no. Uh it's an as needed basis. So this contract does not guarantee them the full amount right. Whatever we use from it based on our consulting with them that's what they would be paid for it. Um the funds would
still be available broadly. So when we do go out the RFP for any additional services, the money is still in the pot so to call it of the city the city budget. >> Thank you. And um were there any other firms that that bid
on this? >> We're three firms total. >> Would it be possible to share the analysis of the different firms? >> It's attached. So if you look at the uh the document the very end they have the it goes back to the RFP process. Um, just for all the counts, I kind of
rephrase it because I know a lot of uh people are new to this process. We do a request for proposal or an RFP where we put it out to public bid where anyone you know that qualifies could bid on these projects. In this instance, we had three respondents. Those respondents, you know, submit application based on
the criteria set out in the RFP. Once we receive those applications, we elect a team internally, generally a team that would either interact with or oversee, you know, the the bid that we're putting out. And those members score blindly you know based on those different applications how they rank each one
based on a limited set of criteria. Once those scores come in they compile them all and say hey based on the four people in this case you know how they scored each section of those three applications this one ranked number one this one ranked number two and this one they're ranked number three. And then based on those selections purchasing makes a
recommendation to the council saying of our review this one received the highest rank bank of the criteria for the RFP. How many people reviewed it? >> Four people for this application. >> I only see in the review um names two
among city employees unless I'm missing it. >> There was Vivian Webb, John Mercer, uh Ray Singh, and Stanton. Oh, sorry. Cal Greavves.
>> Let's see. Singer among the documents that I have available to me and and the last person you mentioned I see Vivian web I see John Mercer >> it's I'm looking one from right line online right now it says Vivian Mercer saying the statin
>> we're seeing what what page >> if I click on it takes me to me if you want something holding up I can M in a minute. >> Sorry, Councilman, I interrupted you. Did you have something else? >> No. Um and and so Peter, I asked you
offline about this. Um I understand that they're going to be utilized for a different for some of their continuing purposes here, I guess, and more limited in scope with regard to tax abatements and bonding. Um and um I I asked for and
can get a copy for all the council. Um, I asked for their their analysis for all the tax abatements, including the Pompadoo tax abatement. I'd like to see um and what their their review of that was, their analysis and recommendation to the city council at that time, among
other uh tax abatements that they may have uh chimed in on. Um, and I'm just going to share my other um observation for for the as I said in 22 years um on this um uh in this role. Um, and I know
in my my last four years, um, there was an analysis. I think it was for, uh, Jersey Avenue light rail 619 Marin, um, had very different opinions about, uh, kind of their analysis. Um, and if I can get a copy of that analysis, um, to share with the council, um, and how they
analyze that as we were trying to, um, expand affordable housing uh, in Jersey City back then, which I think it was like 2018, 19, I'm not sure exactly. um that year and uh um and and I will say that uh um I found their their analysis
to be uh many of their assumptions and and just going on recollection I don't have this information in front of me. Um if you can pull it up that'd be great and find it. Um I believe the property was 619 Marin and it was uh the Jersey Avenue light rail redevelopment area.
Um, and I I found their their assumptions to be um just illfounded and um and that they they didn't have a good basis for for their analysis. And I and and I as I think I recall saying in the meeting
itself that uh they they were doing the the mayor's bidding at the time. That was my feeling. Um and they were just trying to push the project through. Um I mean not push the project against the project for an opportunity to build affordable housing at the time. Right. So, um I would ask that we share all of
that with the city council um so that they can have all the information about uh NW Financial. >> Absolutely. C I received your request. You know, we're compiling the documents. It might take us a while because there are significant amount of documents that they prepared, but I'll get them to you as soon as I can. And I'll add 319 Mayor to that as well.
>> That was going to be my point. Councilman Gilmore brought up uh our current budget crisis with past advisors. I know that the city has auditors. I think the council was assuming though with in in good faith that the we the city actually listened to the to the auditor's advice or the
financial advice that we received from these adviserss. Uh so I would just echo what council uh uh Lavaro said about uh this particular financial group's reports. I don't want to loop everyone in with with giving us bad advice if if we as a city did not follow it. So uh
anything you have on that would be great. I'm obviously I'm anticipating that there will be other financial uh professionals who come before us for contracts. >> Thank you, >> Director Woodson. Good afternoon, council members. I have
two items in front of you this evening. First being item number 10.17, resolution 26-059. It's a resolution providing local support for Grasshouse Company to operate a class 5 retail cannabis
business at 523 Tunnel Avenue. It was approved by the planning board on April 22nd, 2024 and by the CCB on December 8th, 2025. Um this on Oh, thank you. Thank you,
director. Uh yeah, uh I just wanted to ask generally um if we have a uh account for current licenses open in Ward D. Um any like count of licenses applied for right now in W D. Um, and then if
there's possibility of getting a report for the tax income that the CCB has already taken in uh from licensed dispensaries. >> So far, as far as the uh the tax question, we've collected $982,000
since we started. We've been collecting tax for approximately two years. >> Okay. Thank you. And >> you were asking about the number of approvals for class 5 in W D, >> right? I think this one makes probably number 18. >> Should be the 18th. >> 18th. Not open yet, but 18th that have
been approved by council. >> Okay. Um, sorry, just remind me the I thought there was a eight license, but this is the 18th. >> Yes, cuz those were all grandfathered in before the cap was instituted in April of last year.
>> Okay. And and not understanding that some have closed, of course. Correct. Yes. Three have closed. >> Three have closed. We were notified three were closed, but we just heard yesterday that one's reopening. >> One is reopening. So, this would be the
16th open should it go forward. >> Correct. >> Okay. Um All right. Thank you. I mean, I I'll just say for the record that I've heard no concerns from constituents about this particular location. spoken with the um the business owner and he's
you know been extremely intentional about the social equity uh component of this business. So um I I I've heard no direct concerns about this particular business. I just want to get clarification. So thank you for account of the uh licenses and were there
mic You're not on. >> All right. Finally, I got you're good now. >> Yes. I don't see the light. Mr. Gilmore, >> thank you everyone for teaching me how to use mic. But um so there is one uh
right across the street. Is that true? >> Directly across the street from 523 Tunnel Avenue. >> Yeah. >> No, >> that's not true. >> No. >> Sorry. Thank you. >> There are others on that same side of the street going more north on Tunnel
Avenue. >> Okay. >> There used to be um is there still a rule about distance between each or does that not exist? >> Actually that that rule was removed once we put the cap. So the 600 foot 600 foot
rule no longer applies. And what was >> also note that there was a moratorum. So we stopped taking applications uh from May of 2023 actually April of 2023 through April of 2025.
>> What was the uh rationale for removing that restriction? >> Because the cap. So if a business owner decided that they weren't as concerned about the distance because it was still capped at eight per ward would be their business decision.
But the people who applied were on the that originally applied applied with the the idea that they thought there was a cap, right? Like not that there was a dis there would be somewhat that's that's true, but there was there's the question of when does the pin go in the
map? Um and the pin it was decided that the pen went into the map at the time of council approval and anyone who had applied prior to that pin going to the map would be allowed to continue with the application. Any other questions on 107?
Next one. Next would be item number 10.16, resolution 26-058. It's a resolution providing local support for Beverly Incorporated to operate a class 6 retail cannabis business at 488-492
per Avenue. And just so you know, a class 6 licenses delivery that was approved by uh zoning on February 6th, 2025 and the CCB on December 8th, 2025, >> questions.
Okay. Thank you, director. >> Thank you, >> Deputy Chief Hart. Council President, council members, good evening. My name is Deputy Chief Lauren Hart representing the Jersey City Fire Department for agenda item 10.10,
resolution 26-052. This is a resolution authorizing the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire, to accept funding from the United States Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, under the fisc year 2024
assistance to firefighter grant program. This represents $939,000 for equipment and training that the fire department desperately needs. Uh there is a 10% match for the grant. And just for frame of reference, the fire
department over the past 15 years has relied very heavily on grant funding from FEMA and federal sources. Off the top of my head, I'd say somewhere in the rounds of 20 to $25 million for new hires for equipment such as SCBAs, which
is for this grant, fire trucks, and other training. So, this is a critical grant that we're hoping that you guys will accept. Um, any questions? >> Questions? I I just want to ask um legal because I I noticed um some of the
language in this grant uh spoke towards the cooperation with ICE and we are a sanctuary city. So I'm just thinking by statute does it make us in like how does that work? >> Again let legal correct me if I'm wrong
but the EO that the mayor issued back in January of this year would take precedence over any of these issues. So there's nothing that can compel us to do um that would supersede the EO. >> Oh, so the executive order supersedes anything after that basically.
>> Whereas how employees interact or you know how they would uh somehow cooperate, the EO would supersede what the uh the uh grant would require. So I guess for legal I mean
if if if working with ICE is written in the grant right I'm just trying to you guys don't am I bugging is it a conflict no so we're preparing a memo on this for the council we received a number of questions um the law department is
reviewing it you know probably tonight so tomorrow morning we'll have that to you and we can have some discussions if you have any further question about it. >> I mean, cuz I I like the money, but you know, I just like it just seems like it's conflicting and I'm not exactly >> and and Councilman, you're probably going to see a lot more of this come up
because this language is getting added to almost all federal grants. Um, so that's why I have the memo for you to review. >> Thank you. Which article in this um document is referencing the ICE article 11? >> 11. >> Um, so just to clarify, this is
Councilwoman Little. Um just to clarify, we will hear from corporation council tomorrow um regarding if it is true that the EO would supersede any language in this. >> That's correct. The law department and the administration will send a memo together.
>> Wonderful. Thank you so much. Um I I also wanted to ask I know the EO covers um personnel actions but I want to make sure that um like in terms of data sharing like would would would
the provisions of this enable ICE to come in and access our city data? >> The the EU would precede all of that. So nothing could be shared without a staff member actually complying. So >> so Peter uh and Sarah I guess so the
issue of the EO is only one of the issues though. So it's I don't think anyone up here is saying we're going to be bound by this grant in terms of how our city employees act towards ICE. I think that the the the second issue is more pressing. It's the recipient certifies under the penalty of perjury
that it will comply with the grant requirements and deal with ICE. Uh I'm okay not complying at all with any of these grant applications uh as a city, but uh I think that's the legal issue that needs to be evaluated, not whether the mayor's executive order will
supersede this grant language. We'll have that in the memo for you tomorrow. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you very much. Thank you Laura taxa. >> Good afternoon coer president and council members. I'm Laura Takuri from
the tax assessor office. I'm here for two resolutions with this which are for the same purpose and the same terms. Resolution number one is 26-048 on 10.06 for real property analytics incorporated.
Resolution number two is 26049. Item 10.07 for Integra realy resources LLC. Those resolutions authorize the tax assessor office to retain an appraisal firm that was selected through the public bidding process to assist defending the city property assessments
when appeals are filed with a cotton county board of taxation or the New Jersey tax court. In some cases, particularly commercial and income producing properties require an independent and state certified appraisal and an expert testimony. This
resolution allows my office to obtain those services only when it's necessary. The firms were selected during the pulp and public bidding. The contract doesn't exceed the 80,000 per year for each company for two years term with a three optional one-year extension.
This is a long-standing process and is essential practice that helps that and protects the city tax base and prevents unjustified assessment reductions that will otherwise shift the burden to the tax payers. I respectfully request the council to support and approve those contracts and I'm happy to answer any
questions. Can you please tell me the number again? >> It's 80,000 per year uh each company. >> Oh, 106 or 107? Six and seven. Um Laura, as it relates to um the appeals, is
there any data on like I guess in the last four years, how many appeals we've lost like as it relates to property owners um disagreeing with the assessment we we associated with their uh property. we we
could provide you uh to see how many cases we lost just to keep in mind that we have the COVID um crisis in two years. So it's kind of like uh triggering future years. COVID years was 2020 and 2021. Um I know few council
members are new with assessing. So the co years affected a lot of income producing properties. So we do have uh appeals the multiple years due to the COVID um crisis which affected more the retails um offices spaces and actually
up to today we do have a lot of buildings that have been having like a higher vacancies especially office spaces that's why they filing appeals. >> Okay. Well I mean for the sake of what I'm asking for I don't necessarily need data as it speaks to commercial space.
I'm also concerned about um one and two family homes um even three four bit mainly uh residential. I just want to see just um how much how much money we're allocating to
defend the assessment prices and how successful we are >> in residential properties is not many. I can provide you some documents. It's more about the high um ex buildings the biggest buildings that's the biggest appeals because when it's a small appeals we can defend those internally
because it's do based in compatible sales. >> So usually uh properties from one to four family home is based in compatible sales and five units and up is based in income producing data when it's apartments and apartments is based in like commercial spaces and hotels is
based in income. So I use the appraisals only when it's for big projects with big exposure and assessment and properties that is like over like 80 million $100 million um that needs u an expert uh to be able to testify and provide a place of report for a small claims we do
internally >> oh sort of four and under we are basically >> because usually when we do assessing is based on the market of October 1 of the pre-tax year so we do based on market value so we do have data internally to support our appeals
So small claims are defended um more in-house. So if it's a big exposure that we need support um like is a case for two or three years that I need an expert I might use them but actually for residentials we do internally >> question thank you director can you
clarify as to why and maybe I missed this I'm sorry why there are two separate bids that have gone out >> because of the value cases that we have in tax court currently we have 2,300 cases in tax court so that's why we need two firms um appraisal companies um bas
basically um our expensive report is over could be over $8,000. So that's why we need two firms and I know you're surprised because appeals but just remember that we are the biggest city in lineos in the Jersey city in New Jersey in the state of New Jersey. We're the biggest bigger than New York. So we have
a lot of properties. So that's the reason why we have so many. And also just to make sure that I just like I explained that co we have cases since 2008. So it is multiple years. So that's the reason why we have it. >> Is is it proportional to what other
cities see? I mean is we we're a large city in New Jersey, but >> it's hard to compare Jersey City because we're next to New York. So the market is totally different than other city in the state of New Jersey. Um you can see based on the market how it's happening in the past year and now is it's no
comparison with the two three years ago. So it is it is not a pattern that you can say okay it was the same like two two three years ago. is nothing near close to what it was two three years ago and we do have the revolution back in 2018 which happens based on the market
of 2016 and 17 which is nothing compared with today's market >> okay thank you Laura the so the appeals just growing the number of appeals is just growing >> well >> year over year >> in past two three years has been in the
thousand in the 2000s so it's like multiple years again it's One property can have five five or six years multiple lots. But yeah, because again co was a big big thing in Jersey City for the highrises in Jonal Square and the waterfront um because of the office
space everybody's working from home. So it's a lot of vacancies but people are trying to repurpose those buildings trying to make it now apartments. So it's taking a process to do that. So now it's a rental income market. So it's that's making probably in the two three
years changing what is the waterfront now to move it from the office to apartments. So that might help in the future for raidables. >> Um and and this may be more of a question to to Bill. Um was um part of that budget deficit
included u underfunded uh tax appeals. Was that part of that 254 million a significant portion? Good evening again, council. Yes, tax appeals has been an area where the the city has not done a good job uh
budgeting and uh has consistently under budgeted and we expect to uh make better estimates and and fix that as we uh uh get the 226 budget in order. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Is that the funds that are budgeted for
those tax appeals that comes out of your law your office Laura or someone else? >> The city that's a city that they actually like uh Bill said the prior administration didn't put nothing on the side for bills having history of past three or four years. It was numbers
there. So they they were not put it in the past year or so. So it's not coming from my budget. It's coming from what the city budget is >> refunds. And maybe this is more of a a Bill or Peter question. Who who's the uh um who's responsible for for budgeting
those underfunded bud budget items? Uh the the tax appeal line, I should say. >> Yeah. So, I wouldn't point blame at any one person or entity. Generally in the past the finance department or the BA's office would receive an estimate from the law department at what they think
could be settled that year or could be uh you know adjudicated that year and based on that analysis they would budget you know according to that number. Um and again it's not an exact science. It's just based on, you know, what pending cases we have, the liability of
those cases or potential exposure of those cases, and whether or not that it's reasonable that could be settled in that year and how long that settlement would extend. >> I would just add to that, Councilman, that you know, so best practice would you would always budget some amount and build some reserves. It's not an exact
science. It takes a long time to get through these appeals, but it is best practice to m make your best estimate. If you overshoot, you build a reserve. If you're on the shootute, you use the previous year reserves. >> Michael
C. >> Okay. >> Well, I I'll make one more statement. I'm sorry. Um, so does the number of tax appeals also point to the and I'll say the dirty word uh revaluation um given given the growing number. Are
we we're 10 years from the last or eight years from the last revaluation? I'm not sure exactly when it >> the revolution happens in 2018. Yeah. >> So the peels that were filed is any properties that was after the rebound which was 100% of the market value. So
most of the pills came from 2019 2021 because of the market back then we assess based on 100 of the market. Then when the ratio drops then that's how basically they file appeals and properties that not going to put you on the spot, but are we overdue for a revaluation is what I'm trying to get
at. >> That would be out to the mayor administration, but I if the ratio drops over 85% is supposed to. The last revolution happens in 2018. Prior to it was in 1988. >> Yeah. >> So, >> thank you, Laura.
>> Any other questions? >> Any other questions? Going once, going twice. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Director Dennis. Good evening, council president. Good
evening, council. How are you? Um, I'm here to read for two things at the moment. Uh, the first one is a resolution uh 10.2 two uh 10.12 uh resolution 26-054 is a resolution authorizing the renewal
of the open end contract with Clark Moyahan Landscaping Construction LLC for the 2026 uh general park maintenance of Persing and Gateway for the Department of Recreation Youth Development Division of Park Maintenance. >> Pete, this is the same issue we had the
last meeting, right? It was the is Clark Moahan and Persingfield and Gateway Parks were on separate contracts. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> That's going to go on until we do the >> Yeah. I was a question on that. Um can you remind me why is this one an
open-ended as opposed to the one for the other parks with clerk? That was a threemonth I believe >> extension. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Because we're we're doing a new RFP for the uh uh for the other one. >> Okay. And then just is there a plan to
bring this work inhouse that's started to bubble up since we last met? >> We're doing a we're doing a cost analysis as we speak and then I'll bring it over to uh uh the administration for them to decide. >> Fantastic. Thanks. >> Yeah, that'll be good. >> So, just to clarify, um open-ended means we the city could terminate it at any
time if we were to bring it in house. No, if if if there was a problem with the contract, then we could uh if there's a problem with the contractors, then we could take it away. >> So, open-ended means they're entitled to this contract in perpetuity. O >> open-ended means we budget for, let's
say, $300,000, and if we don't spend that money, we get to keep it back. We don't guarantee them, you know, the the full amount of the money. Again, I hate to use that phrase, but as needed basis. So, we utilize them up to the contract amount. And once we hit that amount, the contract ceases unless the counter
decides to extend it. >> And and just to clarify, it's not an it's not a for cause termination, right, in the contract language. >> Sorry, Tom. >> Uh Keith, you said the we can get rid of them if there's an issue with the contract. >> Yeah. If there's if there's massive
issues, if they're not showing up, if they're not doing the job that that they were contracted for from the scope of work, then we have the right to terminate the contract, >> right? That would be for cause, though. Do we have the right to terminate without cause? >> No. >> Okay. We should look into that for future contracts. All of our employees are at will. Our our contractor should
be too. >> So, Keith, this this uh this contract for two parks. Um what is the what is the the lawn maintenance schedule like? How many times do they mow each?
>> Uh if you don't mind, I'll send that to you um tomorrow if you don't mind. Oh, because they they visit the park once a day. >> Oh, they they they they visit the park once a day. >> They go to each park once a day except for like Sundays, but I'll give you the
exact schedule. I have it on my desk. >> Yeah, I would like to um see the schedule. I haven't I haven't seen any vendor at any of these parks every day. >> Which parts? Which Okay, >> so just to clarify, thank you. Um, thank
you for explaining, Director Donith, and thank you for the clarification, acting DA Horton. Um, this is open-ended in the sense that we can we we keep spending until we hit the dollar amount, and at that point, we would have to issue a new open-ended contract, but there's no time
frame on how long how long it will take us to spend that dollar amount. Do we Sorry, >> sorry to interrupt. There is a certain amount of time frame. Every time we have a contract like this, it always has an expiration date. I believe this one is for one year. So how they do the
analysis is essentially it should take one year to potentially spend that amount of money. You don't have to spend it. If we come in low, then you know we get to keep the the funds from it. If we go over earlier then we have to go to council to have it potentially you know exceed the amount that we originally had intended for it. But there always is a
stop date. We don't we don't have a perpetual contract. >> Okay, great. Thanks. Well, I just want to point out for the administration, the VA's office, um it's not unique to your contract. Actually, I should have said this earlier. Um
looking at all the contracts or most of them, it seems to me the effective start date is January 1st. So, are we we're currently utilizing their services? Is that >> Yeah. So, so we haven't approved this and you're
using the services. Um, I'm going to reiterate my my call that I've made in the past that uh it'd be great if we can get this on December 15th, maybe like two weeks before the actual start of the contract. Um, so that we can take away
kind of the the rubber stamp feel of all of this, right? >> What what specifically are they doing? >> What specifically have they been doing since January 1st? >> Uh, snow removal. Um that's their big their big thing.
>> Just just just the snow >> parks. Yeah, they parks are still being used doing a lot of snow removal. >> Okay. And there's no they're not responsible for cleanliness or anything, right? >> Sure. >> Are they responsible to clean the park, too? >> Oh my god. >> Is there anything specific that you're
talking about that you haven't seen them do? >> I'm just >> I think I sent you the pictures last week about the autobond not being done, but I sent pictures. >> Yeah, it was it was after the aotted time. It was after the time when I was over there. So, they did come afterwards.
Um, but no, I'm just trying to I just know specifically for Autobon Park and Berry Lane Park, like I literally live in those parks. So, do I, >> right? So, I know the conditions like
like the back of my head. Um, so I it's just confusing to me that um that that I would hear that these people are there every day. Um, and I I'm not even talking about weekends. I'm just
talking about every day, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. >> I don't I don't even manage the contract. That's through Vernon and I still see them a lot. >> But you said you're going to send the schedule, right? So keep burn like pretty much the schedule that
that they have over there. But yeah. >> Okay. >> But I just like what what are the issues with Barry Lane? Can you be more specific? >> The issues with Barry Lane. I'm going to send you some pictures. >> Can you just tell me what they are? >> I recommend. >> Sorry, Captain, if you don't mind. I recommend connect with him offline.
Please see my office. I'll be happy to follow up on the issues that that are documented. I can make sure they're abated. >> All right. Yeah, I would love to know the issues. That way we can fix them. But if there are long-standing issues and if anybody has any long-standing issues and they've had it for a while in their pocket,
there's no reason not to send it to us. We want to do what's best for each park. And if there are issues and you're holding on to it, we could easily get that fixed. >> Hey, director. So, we'll send any other issues over. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions on 10.12?
>> And then I have one more. Um um 10.13 is a resolution authorizing the city of Jersey City to apply and accept uh for the New Jersey uh Department of Community Affairs the Local Recreation Improvement Grant.
And then something a little bit unorthodox here. Uh Council President, um we have a we have the opportunity to actually apply for another $70,000 for this grant, but it's due on the 13th. And I'm hoping that we can actually add
this to the agenda. >> It's the same same grant as 13. Okay. >> And when is the deadlines? Is it time sensitive? If we put it on the next agenda, we would lose it. >> Yes. Extremely timesensitive.
>> What's the dollar amount for the grant Keith? >> Uh it's up to 70,000. >> 70,000. And for 1013, what's the grand amount? >> Same thing. >> Same thing. >> Yep. says 75 on the >> Yeah, I mean, yeah, 75,000.
>> Actually, we could probably go up to 100, but I don't for this project. >> Okay. And um one project will be for working on uh a new vandal vandal proof bathroom over at Persingfield and then the other one is
uh a lot of repairs to the splash pads. Um so, the kids have the splash pads for next year. >> Splash pads at Persing. >> Yeah. Uh all over. Yeah. Various parks. Yeah. Throughout >> the city. Yep. So this the um when is the grant period closed, Keith. On you said the 13th.
>> And when did we So how when did it open? >> Uh I'm not sure when it opens. >> And how much? >> How do how do we get to and it's not specifically for recreation, but how do we get close to deadlines for grants? Like it's free
money to upgrade, to improve, to help out, to assist. How do we get so close to deadlines? Because my major concern is the possibility of losing it. We just had a pipe burst yesterday. What happened if that pipe would burst on a
Thursday and then we don't have a meeting until a Friday or the following week? Then we're so for applying for a grant. Um so >> yeah, but uh to to fix a pipe, we wouldn't actually use the grant. That would more be emergency. >> No, no. I'm saying the city we we didn't
have a meeting because of that. >> Oh. Oh. >> And if we don't have a meeting, we can't approve the application to apply. >> So that's what I'm saying. It's just No, I feel pretty confident with this administration that this will not be something. >> Okay. >> I guess the question is, director, why
why is this one so late? >> Yeah. I don't know the answer to that one. >> We just we found it. >> There's a for it. >> There's a consultant who works on this. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So, you're not the one putting together the application. >> I mean, it it if I found out about it,
>> Vivian could have done it, but yeah, >> Vivian, I think she has some information. >> So, what happened was we had the opportunity to apply for the first trunch for the bathrooms. Then the consultant went back and did some more
research and said, "Hey, we can put in two applications." So, that's why this one is so last minute. It was because originally we were under the impression and in the past we only put in one application. Our consultant did more research and said let's try to get two
applications in and that's why we chose to do the splash pads. >> But how how long have the grant been open though? >> The application for I think it was about 30 days. >> Oh, it was only 30 days. >> Right. It's not it wasn't a long
application period. And and and so so this is the second application, >> right? So the first there are two um Elrig um applications that we are going to submit in the next what 10 days >> for the same thing. >> No, one is for bathrooms and
>> splash >> and um >> splash pads >> and the other one's for splash beds. One is for various parts and one is for Persian field. >> So kind of just clarify there is one that's currently on the agenda that's been available to everyone. This one they just handed out was the second one
that they found out about recently. This one will be added to the agenda. Assuming the council approves it tomorrow at the co at the council meeting and then it can be voted on by you. >> Yeah, thank you. Whatever we can get, but the only suggestion will be we I'm
happy that we found out about the second grant but if it can be in advance in future so we have enough time but you know whatever we can get why not right. Thank you. >> It'll definitely be in the future. Um, Chief has actually submitted a wish list of grants that he want to apply for for
the next 12 months. So, we have a plan. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Who are the uh consultants? >> Grant right. >> Grant right. >> Grant right. >> Grant right. >> Grant right. >> Yeah. Okay. >> They're not the same one as mentioned earlier by the councilman.
>> Yeah. Um, and I would add to that that this administration has been very aggressive with grants trying to find additional and alternative funding sources for the city. Um, obviously ideally we like to get it to you as soon as possible, but anyone who works in grants can tell you and they can verify. There's thousands if not hundreds of
thousand grants out there. So it's sometimes if you find something or grant rights finds it and they say you've got 30 days to apply, go for it. It's better to, you know, try to rush it through as quickly as possible to get something than just disqualify yourself in the beginning. So we obviously try to be, you know, as forthright as possible and
bring to as quickly as possible, but we also all telling all department directors to just be very aggressive with locating alternative sources of funding. >> Yes. >> You know, any money we can get in, why not? And especially when we have deficits. So >> yeah, see if they have any grants that uh speaks to like financial
mismanagement that can help us out. >> Yep. you can guess who um does the uh the prioritization of of what's decided here. So the persing field bathroom versus splash pads versus I don't know
um dog park whatever the case is. I'm just asking what who who comes up with the prioritization for >> I would rather go through the administration for most of it but it was so quick that >> it was very quick so I recommended the uh the bathrooms at Persingfield and the
splash pads. Um I'm also going to recommend for a lot pretty much all the other bathrooms public bathrooms that we have. Do we do we have like a a list of deferred maintenance items and things like that that we can like dip into when when these opportunities come up so that
we can immediately >> I actually just sent one over to the I have I keep a running list of all the big projects that we have um whether it be >> actually don't expect it to be you but somebody in our uh facilities or
something who's involved in that should be maintaining >> I I think what might be better for the council because there's a lot of different grants that have different requirements, county grants, state grants, federal grants. If there's project that the councils have near and dear to them or they're like kind of
wish list, it might be beneficial whether it be infrastructure, parks or the administration just to loop in all three, you know, the short bulleted list of hey, here's my top three projects and then as those things come up, we can try to, you know, add those grants and add those projects to the grant funding.
It's just a lot of grants like open space grants have very strict criteria. So it's not a one for one where we can always utilize what your wish list is, but if we have something we can utilize, we definitely want to, you know, try to incribute that as much as possible. >> I'm not I appreciate the idea of
submitting our wish list and so forth. I'm actually just asking if we have a prioritization list. So, um that that the administration is going to create if it's not doesn't currently exist. What are are the the mo the most pressing um improvement projects that we need to to
address here in Jersey City? The those that may have health or safety risks or non-compliance with state code, things of that nature. >> Safety safety is always first. >> Yeah. >> Um but yeah, that's uh I mean, anything you have, any wish lists or anything like that, just send it over. I'll put
it on the list. I'll let you know where it is. Let you know if you've been if it's being worked on or not being worked on. Totally transparent. >> All right. Thank you, director. >> Thank you. Have a good night, everybody. >> Uh Vivian, >> good evening, council. I'm here to
present resolution 26-063, item 10.21. It's a resolution authorizing the city of Jersey City Office of Grant Managements to accept a grant in the amount of $125,000
from the state of New Jersey through the Department of Community Affairs. This is um the Jackson Hill NP grant which we are it's a pass through grant and we're accepting this grant on the behalf of
Jackson Hill SID and there is a $25,000 match that the city is required to um match for the grant on for the um SID >> questions.
Where's the match coming from? >> It's coming from the city's matching fund. >> From the where? >> The city's grant matching fund. >> We have a separate account just for the matching funds. >> Yes, we have a separate account that established for matching funds that we utilize for grant um grants that require
matches. Okay. >> In the current fund. Yes. Can >> can we get the can I get the balance on that? right now. So, how the matching fund account works is while we're in temporary um budget, we're able to just
add it to the budget. So, normally we add as we go to date with this grant, we'll be adding $483,000. Um after we've um after we adopt the
budget, we normally set aside about $750,000 to a million dollars. And what happens is if we don't utilize the money, we have to do a chapter 85 to reduce that amount. Or if we go over that um amount
after the budget is adopted, we then have to do a chapter 85 to raise it. Sorry. Um, what's chapter 85? >> That's a resolution that we have to send over. That's a it's a resolution and it has to go to the um state in order to
allow us to add those amounts to the budget or reduce the amount. >> So, the state requires us to have a matching fund. >> Yes, >> Vivian. Um if you can I know um I guess
for like the last 3 years I was screaming to everyone about the MLK grant. Um do you is I don't know if Peter if you privy uh to the M are we bringing that back before the council?
>> Hello. Is this the one about the road I think or improvements around MLK? Yeah, we we had got two trounes of money, I think 1.3 and 1.7 or something like that. And then they clearly articulated what we were supposed to do with the
grant. Um they said we couldn't hire police officers for the thing, but for whatever reason, we hired police officers and it was for safety upgrades along the corridor of MLK, but somehow a light got installed on Vanver and Grand.
Um, and I know at some point we have to rectify the money because we got to get the money back from the state. Am I understanding that correctly? >> It's probably a reimburseable grant and there is a MLK corridor grant um currently that's open through
infrastructure. I can look into that one for you to see exactly what that um scope of work is for that particular uh for those funds. Yeah, I think the councilman one was unexpended funds. Um, but I can double check to see where that is. >> Yeah, because I I mean if we if we spent
money and we're waiting to get it back at least I mean we're not going to get all of it because we didn't follow all of the grant but at this point we need money from everywhere. >> Yep. Understood. Council, we'll follow up. >> Other questions? >> Yes. With this um and this NP grant
um what what's the total amount of the grant? because I I know it's being paid over years. >> So, there were two tranches of money that we're um referring to to right now. Actually, I have Jillian Sergeant Allen here. She's from the um Jackson Hill SID
and she can speak to it better than I can because she's responsible for the um for the budgeting of the funds. >> Jillian, can you come up and give us a breakdown? Good afternoon, council and council president. Good to see everybody. Yep.
So, the neighborhood preservation uh program for Jackson Hill Special Improvement District was initiated in 2022. It is a fiveyear grant of $125,000 a year for a total of $625,000
to be received from the state with 150 sorry 125 uh,000 coming from the city of Jersey City at $25,000 a year. And that the purpose of the the funds is to as it's you know revitalize the the
community the district and the corridors improve the vitality of the district address um you know safety issues sanitation issues beautifification issues in a specific section of the drive. So we're looking at Orient and
MLK through um Bay View and MLK. So to date we've only received one trunch of the funds. So we're looking to spend all that money really quickly. >> Is lighting um a part of like >> lighting uh garbage cans uh removal of
um the um what do you call that? The the the uh storefronts where they have that all of their advertisements on the window like that's removal. >> Yep. Totally. and lighting. Yes, >> holiday lighting is we're hoping to use it for that as well. >> So,
>> Peter, um I know we were because you guys said you're going to get garbage cans and part the issue with the garbage cans is my concern. I just want to make sure that they're universal throughout the whole corridor. And I know DPW were
>> I guess at one point did they purchase them? They were supposed to purchase them. Is these those garbage cans? >> No, no, no. So, I've been in conversation with your chief of staff, um, Erica, and and director Dublin to figure out there's some money for
garbage cans specifically for MLK Drive. >> Yes. >> Uh, so it we we've got a a long a long district on that end. So, there's about $10,000 is what I was told, but um it looks like they're the advertising um garbage cans. Uh, and I'm not
familiar, so I haven't heard back yet. So if there's a a more clear answer from the VA >> if you know Peter no >> I do not know but I can follow up count >> but with uh director I think she's she's handling that and Jillian how did we
determine which section of the avenue to apply the funds to. So the application when submitted in uh 2021 was um about targeting a a section that had the highest um h highest quality of life
issues to address. That was one but also it was about census tracks and lowincome community member pime primarily for the lowincome census tracks. So that section was about seven blocks along that
stretch. Myrtle a grant, right? So engaging engaging the property owners and the business owners in in uplifting the the community. Yeah. >> Any other questions? >> Yeah, Julian, safety is also part of the
gran. >> Correct. Safety is and the way we're addressing safety to begin um because we've had a lot of um we've had to rework a couple things. Um we are looking at making visible the stores,
making sure folks can see into the stores um and specifically public safety >> um members of public safety, but also we're looking to in we're investigating cameras that we can partner with the um public safety to to kind of install in
the neighborhoods. Um, but that that location is right near the public safety building, which is um an interesting, >> right? >> Yeah. Interesting. >> I thought I was the only one that thought. >> No.
>> Uh, Councilman Brooks, you have a question. >> That's a remarkable eye. Council President, you saw my thumb on the microphone. Um, what are the physical boundaries of the Jackson Hill SID?
>> We begin at um Fair Mount and Monteello and we run to Makadoo and Martin Luther King Drive. >> Okay. All right. So, I have a tiny >> Yes. Yeah. Okay. Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Take it from the top, Sean. Okay, our first reading ordinances item 3.1 city ordinance 26-006 is an ordinance authorizing the use of
up to 3% of payroll taxes collected to be used on administrative expenses and a waiver for entities subject to an outofstate payroll tax in accordance with recent changes to New Jersey law. >> Questions?
>> Yes. Um, are we not paying anyone to administer the collection of these of the payroll tax right now? And is there any estimate of We are paying someone. It's our own staff and it's coming out of our operating fund. >> Okay. So, this would be this was a state law that was passed by
some of our local legislators here that are trying to get us a way to have funding to have someone professionally dedicated to just making sure this is being collected at the highest rate possible, at the most expansive rate possible. So a contracted professional,
>> we could either do contracted or hire in-house. >> It would be our decision. >> Well, the administration would have to do an analysis to see what's the best way to handle it and then we'd present that analysis to council for a vote. >> Okay. And then it might be fairly hard to judge, but is there any estimate of
the uncollected amount of payroll tax that's left on the table? >> Uh, I do not have a current estimate, but I can try to track something down for you. I'd be curious to see if we can >> absolutely >> ballpark. >> Uh, while we're on the subject, we do have an open RFP right now that will uh
be used to help kind of software and, you know, track some of this stuff too. Um, so that will eventually be coming before the council. Um, I'll let you know when the RFP review is done for that. >> Previously, Peter, what um what mechanisms did we have in play to ensure
this was kind of like an honor system at one point? Not not I mean maybe initially a little bit was that but the city has historically tried to do some to uh boost you know I guess payments for these these taxes um generally handled through the uh the auditor city
auditor we have it in house where we would do things where they would compare you know like the county business registry the state business registry whatever public documents we'd have we would compare those lists with people who have paid taxes to us and um try to I guess parse through their data that
would public be available because again these taxes are based on residents that would or from businesses um that have employees that you know either do or do not live in Jerry City. It changes the formula there. So they would have to parse a lot of public information to try to verify what the company might be providing to us is true or not true. So
it's a very complicated kind of procedure to track this money down. It's not exactly straightforward which is partly why this, you know, legislation was passed to kind of give the city more tools to try to tackle that issue. >> All right. Peter, question. How do we come up with 3%.
>> I believe that's what the legislature agreed upon. >> State law. >> Seems like >> is RWJ Barnabas exempt as a not for profofit? >> Yes.
>> Uh I don't want to imply entirely legally on that council or how the law department. Correct me if I'm wrong. There is a exemption for certain nonprofits. RWJ has a nonprofit component and has a profit component. So, it's not as straightforward. They're entirely
exempt, but I think there is a component that might be exempt to them. >> Thank you. Um, and is there a list of the employers who are currently claiming exemptions for uh Jersey City resident employees? Sorry, you have to keep >> No, it's fine. I'm happy to, Councilman.
Um, yeah, we have a we have an absolute list of everyone that is contributing. Um, some companies will have certain exemptions, some companies will claim to be entirely exempt. We hold that broken down to the best ability. We have collected data so far. Obviously, it's not a complete list because there's probably entities out there that we
haven't gotten to yet or have been able to get responses from, but for the data that we do have, I'd be happy to provide it to you. >> Thank you. >> Don't sit Peter. I have a question. >> Get my get my squads in today. >> What's the revenue? How do we decide the
minimum revenue per payroll taxes? >> I mean for the the rate to which we collect for >> so for example dayc carees with like multiple over 100 employees do they come in this category? How do we just define
that? >> I might have to defer to law department for some of it. not intimately familiar with the program, but I believe there's a flat tax that would apply to, you know, any qualifying business based on any exclusion as far as do you have employees that live in Siri City and work in Siri City and things of that
nature. Yeah. So, it is it is a flat tax. You know, there isn't a higher percentage of different companies. That tax was originally, you know, the percentage of that tax was developed prior to my time. Um, but I can get some more information about if you need more detailed
analysis. Thank you. >> Couple of questions here. You can stay seated. Um the state enabling legislation or request here uh the the state enabling legislation. Can we get copies of that? Um >> absolutely
>> that empowers us to do. And then um the second thing was um you're going to 3% up to 3%. I assume this the administration will look to take the 3% right. Um, is that accurate or
>> we're allowed to use the 3% depending what direction we go for as far as in-house versus a third party. That will all factor into, you know, how much money we believe we need to accomplish that and whether or not we'll need the entire 3%. >> Go for three. Go for three. Go for
three. No matter what I check, maybe correct me, but I don't think we can use it for our actual revenue. It has to be allocated just >> Okay, >> that's the desperation. Trust me, we try that too, Councilman. >> So, it's it's it allows you to pay to
administer the payroll tax pro collection program essentially. Is that >> essentially administer the collection program, the uh I guess the um compliance components of it. It's like the whole apparatus. And is there a a look back period as we
talked about tax abatements and things like that to be able to get compliance with folks who have not been paying their payroll taxes? >> I want to say yes, but I want to double check that before I put myself completely on the record for it. >> Well, if there is um I would urge the
administration to uh um to staff up and let's go after them. And we got a 52 $254 million budget deficit. And if we can uh um collect I know all this money goes to the Jersey City public schools, right? But that's a less burden on
taxpayers if the schools have the money that uh um and maybe they can even keep things flat on their side. >> Councilman. >> Okay, Sean. >> Next item, item 3.2, city ordinance 26-007.
It's a franchise ordinance granting permission to have near Westside Square LLC for the installation of a lit protective Ballard at lot 30.01 in block 9301 qualifier 1, also known as 1075 Westside
Avenue into the right of way. If there are any questions, I believe we have the attorney here representing the applicant. >> Questions? >> Who's the attorney? It's true. >> Oh, >> don't have any questions. Don't need any >> No, I was just I know. I was just I
>> Soon as he seen who the attorney was, he had no questions. >> The billable event. So, let let's let's put your up here. >> See, I was only joking. Council members, >> good evening, council president, council
members. Gerard Pazillo from Gova Burns on behalf of the petitioner Aanir Westside Square LLC. >> Council, thank you for for coming up. I I reviewed the application again, franchise agreement just for uh because it's it's going to be in the public right away. Uh and we spoke offline, but just for the record, uh this was because
um planning asked you to put something in to protect the or to delineate pedestrian traffic with vehicular traffic. Correct. >> That's essentially correct, Councilman. This is done in consultation uh as part of a site plan approval obtained in 2019. uh my client engaged and consulted with
PSENG as well as the uh division of infrastructure. Uh and the location of the bottler is going to be essentially a small spot at the corner of FET and Giles Avenue uh as part of a larger streetscape improvement of which there's going to be approximately 30 public
parking spaces along that side of the street. So to the councilman's point, that's correctly that's you're absolutely correct. This just helps delineate that pedestrian versus the uh you know uh vehicular areas so to speak. Uh just for clarification, there is
enough clearance. Uh it's 15 ft uh with the installation of the Ballard. So people, you know, uh those that are disabled or in wheelchairs, uh it's clear access all the way around. So, uh, we made sure, you know, we consulted with the building department, uh, as
well as infrastructure to confirm all those logistics and I'm happy to answer any other questions the members may have. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Thank you everyone. >> See, I was pretty right. They didn't really have.
All right. On to our second reading ordinances. Item 4.1, city ordinance 26-001, is an ordinance amending chapter 3, administration of government, article 11, Department of Public Safety, sub article 1, Division of Police, and
chapter 160 fee schedule established subsection 7 fees for the Department of Public Works of the Municipal Code to reform the offduty and public works rental for nonprofit and cultural events. Item 4.2 two was touched on earlier.
>> Wait, wait, wait. >> What's that? >> I talk 4.1. >> Okay. >> Um, could someone tell me how the number was arrived at for 10% for the administrative cost?
Uh I believe I wasn't intimately involved in the project, but I believe they try to stress as far as how much they think the administration could fairly pay and still, you know, uh not have to be on the hook for too much money of any administrative cost. So
they did an analysis based on, you know, the size of the event and how much they had to cover for those events. Um what would be a burden on the civic part of it and what would be the burden taxpayer as far as a city? um and arise at some kind of a medium to to cover that.
>> I had a few questions. Um on page one, um the new text that is uh underlined is numbered 12. I think that needs to be read numbered 11. >> Does that make sense? >> We'll have the law department correct
it. Great. Um, next on page three, uh, the item about crossing guards at $10 per hour. Uh, is is that going to be struck? >> Yeah, that should have been removed. They'll update it.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um, sorry. You can I feel weird telling you you can rem You can stand, you can stand. It's >> whatever you want. Happy to address you. Council, which line's being struck? >> Um, what line are you striking out?
>> Uh, there's a section that indicates that crossing guards should be paid at $10 an hour. That has not been the city practice. So, we're going to strike that. >> That's 10 overtime, right? >> 10 over, I think, whatever it is. >> Subsection E4.
Um, could you just Okay. So the cost the the the discount um for the cost is 50% over the $10,000. So would that mean that um kind of like a graduated
or progressive system rather? Um anything over $10,01 the discount would be 50%. And then anything under$10,000 the discount would be 25%. That's my understanding.
>> So if an event cost $9,999, the discount would be 25%. >> Yep. >> And if the event was $10,01, the $1 would be discounted by 50% or the total event would be discounted by 50%.
>> Believe the total event >> uh is that the intention of the administration? So that means an event that the cost would be different by $2 would receive a much larger discount. >> I think you have to draw a line
somewhere. You know, practically many of these events will not come to 10,000 versus 9,000. Again, these are the cost of the city side where you have to provide an offduty police, barricades, all that kind of stuff. So most likely, you know, based on the original analysis
to Councilman Lavar's point, they kind of know generally what these different types of events cost, you know, whether it be a smaller event that's more of a block party or a short parade versus your larger, more historic parades like, you know, St. Patrick's Day, the Puerto Rican parade, you know, etc. Um, they know generally how much they would cost
to cover those events. They know where they're going to fall in that kind of criteria. >> Okay. Um subsection F the admin the administrative fee is 10% of the total cost pre-isount or post discount
>> believe it be the total percent of the cost post like no pre-iscount so the the the gross cost >> the gross cost okay and do we know where we are in the three-year cycle that commenced January 1st 2014
>> I do not Oh, okay. Um, that'd be good to know. Uh, subsection G, how does someone approve how does someone prove undue hardship? I can have the law department provide
you a memo on that or a short email. Um, they would probably have more knowledge of how they interpreted that when they originally drafted it. >> Okay. Um and then last question on page five, the discount with DPW. Same question about the um threshold for 25
versus 50%. Same count. I think the intent was they had to draw a line somewhere. So they were trying to find based on their historical data where that kind of boundary would deviate. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I have some questions. Um you can stay
seated. Um I have some questions about how um nonprofit is defined. Um so in subsection F on page three um
it it says that um this additional fee, this administrative cost won't be charged to a nonprofit organization for an event in a city-owned building, nor to the Jersey City Housing Authority. Um, I, you know, I I just wanted to clarify
if nonprofit specifically is referred to registered 501c3 organizations or whether or or whether an organization putting on an event where nothing is bought or sold um could be considered. For example, I'm just thinking I know many neighborhood associations are are
may not be registered as 50 1 C3s. Many of them are, but some of them aren't. Um, and if they wanted to have just like a a community picnic or something where nothing would be bought or sold, would that still be considered a nonprofit event? We can clarify it to, but to the best of
my knowledge, we don't require you to be 501c3. So, that would include um other neighborhood organizations that don't have the specific designations. >> Okay. We'll make sure that >> but it it does say that um like this is to be exempt from the um the
administrative fee. >> So okay. All right. Thank you. >> And to quickly clarify this doesn't apply to any event. This applies to events that require you know traffic enforcement, security guards, that kind of stuff. So it's not contemplated that, you know, a small picnic with friends
would anyway be charged or somehow incorporated into this. >> Okay. Sean, >> so just um I see that the the exemption for marathons that means they pay for paying full freight, right? >> Right.
>> And then 5ks. So, if if it's like a nonprofit doing one of these 5K fundraiser stuff, um they they would also fall under this. >> Correct. As written. Anybody that's
doing marathons and 5Ks, they're exempt. >> Does our temporary budget uh include the the expenses for any parades happening before the full budget for 2026? Uh the temporary budget would incorporate the previous legislation.
This hasn't been enacted yet. So if it needs to be adjusted, we'll have finance adjusted once it's been enacted. >> Any other questions? All right. Sure. >> I have a question. Are we looking to amend this ordinance in any way?
>> Motion. Not not I don't believe anyone uh has a desire to do that at this time but um if so then that >> just wanted to know that's all >> something that needed to be put on the floor tomorrow. >> Okay.
>> All right. Next item 4.2 was touched on earlier. Item 4.3, city ordinance 24 26-004, is an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of block 11612, lot 3, more commonly known at by the street address of 95 Morgan Street from 95 Morgan
Street Development LLC. Any questions? Hearing none. Item 4.4, for city w sorry. Um I I guess this is actually a comment but I have not yet received the environmental report but I did see um
acting BA Horton uh looped in the law department today via email. Um so that I remember that was a concern about whether the site would require remediation possibly and you know we're buying it for $1 but then it could possibly cost us you know $300,000 or
something to remediate. So, I wanted to see the environmental report. I you know, we haven't been able to the council the council has not been given that yet. And um you know, so so if if we're not able to review it before the
meeting, um is is this particular item timesensitive or could we table it to the next meeting? >> Table it. >> Yeah, that's what I'm about to say. >> Yeah, >> we could carry it if necessary. We don't necessarily table it, but we'd carry it.
You >> want me to explain that? So, so and >> that's Yeah, that's a good opportunity to explain the difference. >> Yep. So, I'll I'll be uh the first to explain it. So, in order to carry an ordinance, you don't have to um have the
public hearing. So, you carry it to the next meeting and we would readvertise it for a public hearing for the next meeting date. If you table an ordinance, you can have the public hearing and you can table it after the close of the
public hearing. Um, if you table an ordinance prior to uh the close of the public hearing or even conducting a public hearing, you're basically killing that ordinance and you would have to start from scratch. >> Okay. >> Can you repeat that last part again?
>> Sure. So, if you were to table an ordinance prior to the close of a public hearing or without conducting a public hearing, you're basically killing the ordinance and you would have to start from scratch.
>> Okay. So, if we wish to push it to the next meeting, it would be better to carry it. >> That would be carrying it. Correct. as if you don't get the environmental report and all your colleagues do not receive it and if this in the intention
of the council to carry it, I would just need a simple motion of the council to carry it to the next council meeting >> motion >> tomorrow. >> We don't do that today. >> Caucuses are forformational purposes
only. We do not take any action during our caucuses. >> I'm thinking the day was Monday, Sean. I apologize. hype burst. Anyway, >> next one. Sean, thank you. >> Next and last second reading ordinance item 4.4, 4, city ordinance 26-005
is a franchise ordinance granting permission to 20 VNW LLC by ad managing Hanguan Zang, allowing the installation of concrete stairs that extend into the right of way beyond the boundary lines
of lot 38, block 12003. And for the benefit for lot 38, block 12 003, commonly known as 20 Van Wagon Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey. Have our public request for a hearing.
At this point, we have 48 speakers. H that times three. Anyway, um petitions and communications. Any questions or comments on item 6.1 through 6.20? Hearing none. There are no officer
communications reported directors. We have reported directors 8.1 through 8.15. Any questions or comments on those? >> Uh yeah, Sean. Um >> so two things, just process questions on how 8.1 and 8.2
uh got to this uh yeah got to this agenda. Um, I have some content questions as well, but first just process. How have we landed with two executive orders that were signed by the former mayor? >> Okay, I'm going to have the clerk
address those. So, so the simple explanation is that those items were signed, the two executive orders were signed by the former mayor and were never brought down to my office
in a timely manner. The reason why we wound up finding them is because we had an OPER request that was filed in our office because I believe the former mayor tweeted um something uh regarding those executive orders and once we got
the um request, we had to do some investigation and we wound up finding the executive orders through our law department and then we found the originals and hence the reason why they're placed on as a
report of director because I am obligated to inform the public as well as everybody else. Uh when an executive order is signed by either a previous mayor or the current mayor and if it doesn't make the agenda, I'm required by law to put it on the meeting to to let
everybody know that the mayor did sign this executive order. and also it's placed online under the mayor's page um under executive orders in full. >> Thank you for the clarity and and just um to ask contentwise
um 8.1 uh because we don't have the links to the EOS in the the um agenda itself. Uh just to clarify, 8.1 is essentially Bulip's executive order to bar the city from contracting with any
business uh that engages in boycott divestment sanctions of the state of Israel. Is that correct? To see the original contents of it, I don't think it bars anyone. I think it's just saying that you can't not select someone because of their participation
or their connection to Israel. But it's a non-discrimination. It's saying, you know, if you uh have a interaction or association with the country of Israel that you can't not select that contractor because of that reason. But I can get to the copies.
>> So it's intended to prevent our current city government from uh from practicing boycott divestment sanctions against the state of Israel. >> Yeah. From my understanding. >> Okay. And then the the second executive order uh around um supposedly protecting
the rights of citizens to so on and so forth. There's a um is this in regard to the IRA definition of anti-semitism or is this uh arguing a different >> I would have to look at the original order. I don't have it in front of me, Councilman.
>> Okay. Yeah. I I would just I I talked with the the mayor's office before this. I just wanted to clarify. I know the mayor's office and the administration is reviewing all of the the previous mayor's executive orders and and these are going to be included in their review. I just uh definitely encourage
um our our administration to strike these um because yeah uh >> I think first step is we'll get the the clerk to provide you with copies of them just so you can review them yourselves and make sure that they do or do not comport with any information that you've >> absolutely thank you especially because
they're they were not made public uh in a in a kind of clear way by the former mayor um and now we're here uh with them just as a report of directors. So, thank you though. >> Yeah, I I I'll send them to um not just you, Council Person Efos, but the entire council and again, I'm not making
excuses for anyone any former administration, but you know, when there is a change of administration, some things do get left behind, I guess. And and that's something again, I wouldn't have known about these executive orders unless that Oprah request uh wasn't
filed. So Sean, um, is it fair to say that, uh, social media is not a proper platform to advise someone on such as executive order? No, I'm dead, sir. I'm just trying to Is that fair? Is
>> if you want if you want my humbled opinion, I would just say that our our elected officials should just be careful using social media. >> Okay. Sean, I'm sorry. Can Can I have copies
of 6.15 and 616, please? >> 6.15 and 616. >> Yes, sir. >> You got it. Does the entire council want that or just council person Zupa? >> Send it. Send it to everybody. Whatever
you send, just send to the entire council so everybody's on the same page. >> Sounds good. I was going to request the letters for W B related addresses, but just send an email. Yeah. >> Okay. For for section six. >> So he can keep track if there's something you have there. Sure. That you
want a copy of, just send Sean an email and Sean can circulate it to the entire council. >> Correct. Thank you. I want to make sure there's no funny business at the >> And and then the other thing is just remember council members, we usually have a day in between the um caucus and
the council meeting because we had uh the meeting canceled on Monday. We'll we'll have um well, when I go back downstairs, you'll have everything you asked for tonight, but if there's any kind of uh questions or answers that have to be done by your administration,
just, you know, be prepared that they may do it um a little later in the afternoon tomorrow. >> Just so the uh public is clear, the items that we're discussing are not items that we're voting on. They're just communication that the council is requesting. So, I don't want anybody to
think that anything that they might uh not be in agreement with the council is looking to pass or do any action on at the next meeting. >> Correct. Thank you, council president. >> So, if it wasn't clear, I I like a copy of 8.1 and 8.2.
>> Yes. I'm going to send that to the entire council. >> Then, um I don't need a copy of every letter um for the appoint the acting directors. Um, if I could just get one. I just want to see what what the letter looks like. I assume they're all the
same essentially. Uh, and you can just make >> them all and send them to you. >> I'll take Peter's letter and then and then I do have a question to the administration about uh acting directors. Um, so correct me if I'm
wrong. the the law if my recollection is that uh acting directors are appointed on n for 90 days um by the mayor and >> yes so they're appointed initially for 90 days um if the mayor wishes to you
know reappoint someone else they can for another 90 days not the same person but a different individual or they can go to council and ask council to extend beyond those 90 days >> they can he can extend for 90 days without council approval If they want to extend for the same
individual beyond 90 days, they have to have council approval. Right. >> If they want to pick a new person, then they can do a separate individual for another 90 days without counsel approval. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> So, it could be me, it could be Kevin, it could be Scott, and you can just bounce around. >> Or they can also stall and say that
they're doing a search and then have someone just sit there until >> I can't imagine that would ever happen, Councilman. And and to to that end, I I it's my understanding that in the last administration um at the start of the term that there
was some uh that it was determined that anyone whose holdovers or carryovers um who were going to be on a permanent basis didn't have to go through council um approval um at the time. Um, I I'd like
unless the administration has a completely different opinion about it and just is not going to go that route, I'm going to say every appointment, regardless of whether a permanent appointment um has to come through the council, even if it's a holdover. Uh, and if the administration has a
different opinion, then I'd love for corporation council to um give me some legal uh direction on that and advice so that we make sure that uh all those appointments come before the city council. If for context, and correct me if wrong, councilman, he's saying that when an election is over, so a four-year
term is over and there's another term, there's a question whether or not a director, if the same administration is elected, would have to, you know, be appointed up again for council approval or if they just carry on to the new term, the new 4-year term. Um, we're obviously not there yet. I don't know
the uh administration's full stance on it, but should that time come, I'm sure we'll have some information for you. Councilman, >> what's what's the law on it, though? That's the bigger question. >> I don't know offh hand, Councilman. >> Legal. >> So, can we uh if we don't know off hand,
can we make sure that we research that and let the council know? >> We have the legal research, we'll put it into a more formal memo and give it to the council as well as the administration. >> Thank you. >> Great. Thanks. >> Okay, Sean. Okay, we have our meeting claims and on
to our resolutions. So, items 10.1 and two were touched on earlier. Item 10.3, city resolution 26-045 is a resolution authorizing members of of the city council of Jersey City to
fully staff their offices in accordance with city and state law. >> Yes, Sean. Um I'm going to retract this item uh because we have negotiation with man uh with administration on Thursday set. So
uh I'd like to retract this item. >> So what we what I'll ask you to do councilman is I'll ask for a motion to withdraw and we just need a second and then we'll make a motion to withdraw the item >> at council tomorrow. Correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Okay. Next item 10.4. Four, city resolution 26-046 is a resolution approving the appointment of William Vakura as director of department of finance. He also has a companion resolution on 10.9
act uh making him acting chief financial officer. He is here to answer any questions that you may have on his resume or his experience. Any questions? I have a question that's um not specific to Bill, but it's it's
is it typical to have the director of the department of finance also serve as the chief financial officer or are those two distinct roles? It >> it's not typical to have a director of finance. Um it's not required. Every municipality is required to have a CFO in some capacity, whether you're a small
town or a large town. Um historically, Jerry City has separated the two, but historically Jerry City has not always had a department of finance. Um so in this instance uh I think the administration is tent to do a more robust active search for a CFO but in the meantime we do have to have someone
on record that meets that qualification at the state level. So this is a way of having someone that the council is you know vetted and approved to fulfill that capacity until a more robust search can be conducted. >> So I guess my question um
he won't be getting paid for both roles. >> He will not. >> Okay. I'm just trying to save money. I ain't trying to be hard on nobody. I just know we 250 the other way. That's it. >> Bill, don't run yet.
>> I think the last thing a new director wants to do is incur more money or more debt to the city. >> Can I ask how much overlap between the functions of these roles are and and if it is like feasible for one human to do
both? So, especially in a large municipality like ours, we do have consultants that we use to rely on some of the uh I guess regular or routine materials for this. The CFO's job in any municipality is to kind of be the final financial overseer
to make sure that any actions that are done comport with state laws and regulations that the city has to comply with. So, there is a lot of oversap and overlap in sense of knowledge. So you know the the fancy director conceivably would know what the CFO is doing and how to execute that job. If there's any
administr you know mysterial roles or that need to be done um we'll have consultants or other employees assist with that and then he would certify all documents once they're submitted to the state. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I I have some questions for uh Mr.
Teriff. You don't mind. Thank you. Um I I know we I know we uh chatted before and I appreciate you uh taking the call to talk a little bit, but I did just want to um ask further, you know, you you have a background um that goes from
private equity to finance um to NJ Transit and now acting director here. Can you just talk a little bit for the record on your uh you know approach to managing a city budget and how uh budgeting for public service and the
public good and finance for the public good differs maybe from finance for capital and uh yeah and for private capital specifically. >> Sure. Councilman, thank you for the question. Um I would say first there's I
think a lot of similarities between the role of a head of a finance department in the private sector and public sector and those are things like uh establishing proper controls compliance properly budgeting having quality financial reports that
leadership can use to manage the budget throughout the course of the year. um managing the balance sheet, debt service, capital structure, all important whether it's public sector or private sector. The biggest difference obviously in the private sector and more
so today than probably any point in my lifetime, the singular focus is on maximizing value to shareholders. And that's not why we're here. In fact, quite to the contrary, right, the why we're here is to provide public services, services that in general do
not and cannot generate profit. We're here to provide services to residents. My job is to manage the money and to the hard work that hardworking residents pay and provide to us in the form of taxes
and do that in a as as as diligently as possible. But we're obviously we're not in this to to make a profit. Um I you know I would also just add to that you know for me um being able to apply the financial skills that I learned earlier
in my career at this point in my life in the public sector has been one of the most rewarding things I've been able to do. I I love the experience of being at New Jersey Transit. uh grew to value the uh what public transit is to people uh
more than than ever having despite having been a commuter my entire life on New Jersey Transit. So I I'm excited uh to bring that experience to another uh position where there's there's value
social value to what I'm doing. >> Any other questions? >> Got two over here. Sean. Yep. >> This isn't specific to Bill. Bill, you've been great to work with. Uh question though, um as we get these uh resolutions to to approve appointments,
uh where's the salary guide located if it's not in the resolution? The salary guide is in the ordinance for the city under personnel. It guides all statutory employees, which would include yourselves, your council aids, would include the mayor, um the clerks, you know, different appointments like that.
and the directors. Um, so they can look there for the uh the ordinance and then you know uh all the compensation that comes with it. >> Thank you. >> Hey Bill, how are you? >> I'm well, thank you. How are you, Councilman?
>> Good. Um, I noticed on your resume you h are currently on the board uh for the Gateway project. I I was I submitted that resume uh prior to uh taking on the role here at Jersey City. Um my previous job was a part-time
as a senior adviser to the Gateway Development Commission. I'm no longer involved with Gateway. Okay. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> Um well, um thanks. We we had an opportunity to talk. Appreciate the time that you you gave me and um uh and we we
talked thoroughly through a lot of different things. So, um I I just want to put on the record, I guess, um as we confront this u uh budget deficit and our budget challenges here in Jersey City. um and tackle this. Um
what what's your what's your the administration and you as the director of finance um approach there and um with regard to uh um will you be forming any sort of um
task forces or anything like that or do you foresee that um to be able to really hone in on this and being able to um yeah take by the horns? >> Thank you for the question Councilman. We have not discussed the formation of a task force. I I certainly could bring
that up with the mayor and uh and and discuss whether we should do that. Um you know, as you know, we had spent a fair amount of time trying to understand the history and where we are today and identify, you know, what's the current
state of play for Jersey City's finances. Since since we did that, we've turned kind of aggressively then to okay, what are we going to do about it? uh in that in that process. I mean we have been in contact with all the
constituents that uh you know we we will need to assist us in in getting out of the crisis. So that the administration has been uh very diligent, very aggressive in reaching out to uh our our Hudson County delegation, to representatives of the governor's
office, to the DCA. Um and we have continued to work with CUNI um to formulate a a plan and options for getting ourselves out of uh the crisis. So that's ongoing work. I'm
certainly happy to have a discussion about whether we need uh or should have a a task force or another way of more regularly communicating with the council on the status of the uh and our progress on the on the budget. >> Yeah, I I guess I'll say I'm going to
encourage to communicate that to the administration and to say uh establish a task force of some sort with council um representation um and input. um you know certainly you can bring the the administration can bring solutions to the council and put it on the agenda and
then we'll we'll vote on it. Um but it would um I think be more powerful and uh and get more buy in from the council if council people were sitting at the table. That's not a push for me. Um in fact we want to make sure that that's this is a meeting I don't want to
sunshine not because I don't want to have sunshine but we need to act urgently with um in this process. So having council people at the table before things come to the council agenda like a switch in healthcare uh providers and things like that. Uh um so that way
we're we're well aware of what kind of things that are coming down the pike and if the council president or other members of the council are able to keep us apprised of what's going on there. Um then we'll be able to have a more informed and be great good partners in working together through this crisis.
That's my my soap box on that. understood and I I hope you haven't spent uh a lot of time together or known each other for a long time, but I hope that you uh have gotten the impression that I certainly intend to be transparent and clear in how I communicate with you and my colleagues
in the administration. >> Yeah, thank you, Bill. We did talk about it because we have experience in different fields. We can obviously it can be monthly or bimonthly suggestions
to get some revenue resources, local resources if we can come up with something. So I would really appreciate if you can meet regularly to talk about those so we can take them forward of >> of course and even in the absence of
regular meetings I certainly encourage you to send me or schedule time to talk to me about ideas. We've been having conversations. A lot of people have come forward with uh the similar kinds of comments. I have ideas for generating revenue. No ideas too small and
certainly not no ideas too big. Uh I'm happy to entertain uh those ideas and I think the faster we can act on some of those uh the better off we are even in the adv advance of uh adopting a budget to the extent we can take some action we
will be better off this time next year. And the uh BA is scheduling some time for us to sit with different uh city directors and we will sit with Bill to actually go through uh municipal budgeting just to make sure everybody
has a good idea and knows exactly what they're looking at. But in the meantime, if there are any suggestions that you have, please feel free to send those his way via email now. >> Thanks. Okay. >> Thank you very much. Okay. Next 10.5. City resolution 26-047
is a resolution approving the appointment of Sarah M. Lavine as corporation council and director of the department of law. Do we have any questions for Sarah? >> Yes. >> And Sarah, you can answer them right
there if you want. You can you don't have to go up to the podium. You have a mic. Totally up to you. Yeah, I think she >> podium's fine. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh yeah, we we've also gotten to talk offline, but I just love to get
for the record a sense of um what you feel like the challenges are in the law department and uh as head of the law department, how you're planning on approaching them. The challenge in answering this question is trying to use my time well and time
well this evening. So let me start by giving just a minute of public education about what the law department does and that can inform my comments on what its challenges are and the direction that I hope to go in. Um so there are five core teams within the law department
representing our five core functions. The first team is our governance team and that is the team that you all on council are most familiar with because that is the team that fulfills our mandate to provide legal advice to the mayor, to council persons and to city departments. That's also the team that drafts ordinances, resolutions,
executive orders and the like. Our next team is our transactional team which is advises the city on all contracts. So big contracts like deals and leases, small matters too. That team also handles all of our public records work.
Our third team is our tax appeal team. You heard about some tax appeal matters earlier this evening. Um so both instances where property owners are contesting the valuation and the property taxes they have paid and also what are called reverse tax appeals, which is where the city contests how much property tax a property owner has
paid. We currently have nearly 2,500 pending tax appeals that the law department is handling. Our fourth team is our labor and employment team. The city is a large employer. As a result, we have all matter manner of employment and labor
issues ranging from disciplinary issues to EEO issues. Um that team also oversees much of our union negotiation work. And finally, we have a litigation team. And the litigation team in the law department represents the city and its employees in their official capacity and
departments in all litigation in state and federal court. So that is as compared to the municipal prosecutor which represents the city in municipal court handling things like disorderly persons offenses or misdemeanors and code enforcement. Um currently we have well over a hundred pending litigations
in the city. The vast majority of which are defensive, a small portion of which are affirmative, meaning it is the city acting as the plaintiff seeking to act out its right. We have a lot of challenges. The first one is that across those five functions, just one of which folks on council interact with on a
regular basis, setting aside management, so myself and a first assistant, we currently have 10 full-time attorneys. 10 full-time attorneys is the number that some law firms would deem the appropriate amount for staffing just 100 litigations, setting aside the other
four key functions that the law department serves. So a challenge that we have is that we are incredibly lean. We also in part because staffing has been a real challenge in the law department. There have been a number of vacancies that my predecessor was not able to backfill for various reasons. Um
we have suffered from a der of systems and process and because of that there have been ways uh that the law department has at times through no fault of my predecessors dropped the ball and there are many ways that we can do better. So, for example, I mentioned that there are currently over a 100
pending litigations against the city. It has taken a while to figure out exactly what that number is, which is frightening to me as a litigator. And that is because we don't have basic case management software. We don't have basic software for doing things like keeping track of deadlines in our litigations. And so, the truth is sometimes the law
department has blown them. We have a case that is going to trial in the next two months because we missed the opportunity to file for summary judgement, which is the last chance before trial to dispose of a case. So there are serious challenges in staffing and systems, but that also translates to
serious opportunities to do better to save costs to potentially be revenue generating through things like reverse tax appeals and affirmative litigation with just a modicum of attention management TLC that the law department has not had historically.
>> Sarah, I think you touched on it. Um several years ago this the office was fully staffed and there are currently tremendous litigators and attorneys in your office. Uh but would it be your goal to bring more lawyers in house
similar as we would do with other contractors because it would cut down on costs? For example, uh there will be times when the city wants to contract out either through conflict or for specific expertise prior to me sitting on the council or prior to me running for this council seat. Uh I tried a case
for Jersey City successfully. So I know what it's like to be outside council. Uh but I would like to see more lawyers in the law department. >> I think you baked the answer into the question. Um council member, the answer is yes. It would absolutely be my preference to bring more attorneys in
house. Not only because I would love to have a law department that reflects Jersey City and that takes its advantage of the enormous talent that we have here, but because I think it is more cost-effective. Every time we send out cases to outside council, not only are we paying them, but we also need to
allocate the manpower to supervise them because it is absolutely possible that if we award contracts and we're not overseeing the bills that we're receiving that they will balloon over time. So while it is certainly my preference to staff up the law department and handle as much of our tax work, as much of our litigation work, as
much of our labor work as we possibly can in house, I do want to be transparent with you all that bills are coming. And that is because we have not had the staff to maintain the volume of work that we have and to do it well. And there is no way even if I had the full
support of the council and the administration which may or may not come but certainly won't come in the next three days that we would be able to staff up the law department to adequate levels immediately. And so there will simply need to be an uncomfortable time period where we rebalance and we are
farming out more work to outside council just so that it's getting done and we're not blowing deadlines. But my hope is that I can present a plan to the council and to the administration for how over the next six months, year, two year, four years, we can staff up the law
department with clear indicators about when we get one more litigator, we can take back 20 cases from outside council so that you understand exactly what the cost trade-offs are between staffing up internally or, you know, farming out work to external folks. And something that would benefit
certainly council Labaro is I know the city requires law firms to bill monthly if we can get those bills on a monthly basis as well uh so that we're not paying exorbitant costs three or four months or six months down the line.
And shame on me if I ever ask a question I don't already know the answer to. And if you catch me, please tell me. I understand that this council will be scrutinizing all bills moving forward, including for my department. So, it is my in my best interest to work with you
all to stay on top of the department's finances at the most granular level possible because I would like you all to vote yes to pay the bills of the firms that do important work for us. >> We also have to justify our salary. So if we let it buck
>> um >> Rolando >> Sarah thank you. We had the opportunity to talk just for the record for the for the public and um enjoyed our our discussion and conversation and thank you for your time. Um I have one question only and uh just for the record and you you addressed it with me already
directly and I appreciate that. I learned that uh kind of under the Faulner Act and so forth that uh my my idea of necessarily being a check and balance as a city council isn't necessarily what the Faulner Act uh envisioned. Um it kind of envisions us
to be uh cooperative with the mayor in some way working together towards a common goal which is ideal and what but doesn't necessarily um end up that way in practice. Right. So, so my question is um you know there's going to come
times and uh when council and or or just members of the council will have differing opinions um and um as our as our legal counsel in that with we're differing opinions with the administration or amongst each other and
how you will approach that and in terms of providing uh legal counsel for uh for the city council in those in those moments. I appreciate that very thoughtful and very hard question and you have cut
right to the heart of what is very difficult about the role that I'm stepping into setting aside the staffing and the systems challenges that I mentioned earlier. As you note, the Faulner Act has what I will not call a legal fiction, but
attention that the council and the administration will always be working together towards the policy and the legislative goals of the city. The Faulner Act does not create a structure like our federal government that contemplates three fully independent branches, each of which have their own resources and their own council.
And so I am in the I would submit to you unenviable position of having to provide legal advice to many people who will often be politically at odds with each other. And that is if democracy is working. That is in the best case scenario.
I would never be in the position and no attorney would ever be in the position of being at a firm where it has 10 clients at the same time and those clients are actively adverse to each other. And yet there will be circumstances um in which I would may functionally be in that position. And so
the asurances that I can offer you all are that in this job I will be guided by two sources and all of my decisions. And the first source is my statutory authorization for this role, my role and responsibilities. And the second source
is the rules of professional ethics for attorneys which are just a floor not a ceiling on ethical conduct but are useful nonetheless. And when I look at the statutory authorization for the role of corporation council I see a mandate to provide legal advice to the mayor and
council persons and city departments. I see no basis whatsoever in my role to prioritize any of those individuals or any of those entities or to subordinate any others. And while it is true that I
have been uh selected for your consideration for appointment by the mayor and the mayor may remove me, it is also true that you all may remove me and it is also true that if the mayor wants to remove me, you can stop him from doing that with a two-thirds vote. And so I see all of
that context as underscoring the importance of me taking seriously my ethics as an attorney to render good judgment, good advice, equal attention, equal consideration to all of those entities within the ambit of my role as difficult as that might be. So
practically what that means is if there is anyone on council who wants to work on something that one of your colleagues doesn't want you to work on or the administration doesn't want you to work on, that doesn't matter to me. It is not my job to put my finger on the scale. And many of you knew me in a past life
as an activist. So you understand that I have deep ideological commitments and deep policy values. But the thing that I the only thing perhaps that is more important to me than my personal ideological commitments is the democratic process. And I know that happens through all of you because you represent the will of the people and I
was not elected. I am under no no uh illusions about that. So, this is all to say the best that I can do is commit to each of you my statutory mandate, my ethical mandate to give you all sound legal advice to stay out of the political process and
let you all duke that out in this forum. And I'll uh interject here and just uh similar to what I said when Bill was up here, I have asked Sarah to sit with all of us and to go over rules and
regulations related to the Faulner Act sunshine laws so that the council is aware what our uh duties and our abilities are. A lot of times we will get pressure from the outside asking us to
do certain things to hire um our own attorneys to do certain financial audits and there are rules that we must follow within the law. So she will sit down with all of us to explain all of those so that we know what's within our powers
and what is not under the law. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. Items 10.6 and 7 were touched on earlier. Item 10.8, city resolution 26-050, is a resolution honoring the Lincoln Association of Jersey City on the
occasion of its 160th annual commemoration of President Lincoln's life and legacy. Items 10.9 through 10.18 were touched on earlier. Item 10.19, city resolution 26-061,
is a resolution authorizing a payment of a claim to the law office of Tracy S. Cosby for legal services. And I have the BA that wants to address the council. >> So, we're going to be withdrawing this one tomorrow. Uh, this is actually a claim that was somehow duplicated and paid and authorized by the council at
the last meeting. So, we just have to remove it because it's a duplication of what we already voted on. >> Are we good? Next is item 10.20. City resolution 26-062 is a resolution authorizing a closed
session of the municipal council on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss issues related to pending litigation. Item 10.21 was touched on earlier. Item 10.22, 22 city resolution 26-064
is a resolution authorizing a lean against prop the properties listed in the resolution for the cost of removing litter, debris, etc. in the ordinance with NJSA40 col48-2.14 and Jersey City Code section 287-4.
Any questions on that resolution? Hearing none, item 10.23, 23 city resolution 26-065 is a resolution of the municipal council of the city of Jersey City expressing opposition to the federal immigration
enforcement policies under the current presidential administration and calling for the abolishment of immigration and customs enforcement also known as ICE. This will be a late item. And with the late items, council, just a reminder,
this is something that we'll take a motion to vote on before we move to uh introduce the first reading ordinances. I'll ask for a motion to add this item. And if we are adding the other item that has the grant with recreation, there will be two items added to the agenda.
And I do need six votes in order to add the items. So, I'll ask for a motion and ask for a second. and then we can add the um items. >> Sean, it's it's actually going to be three. Um I've handed out um uh
ordinance to all of my colleagues as it relates to establishing a rent protection special investigation committee that will uh supersede 25-564. Um, I do want to thank Council Person
Rolando, Council Person Ridley, um, and members of the community who've all, you know, participated and gave, uh, their input. And this ordinance have, um, more strict parameters. Um, it has a a date
and time where the ordinance should commence. Um, has a period, have clear directives. um and just have a lot of uh thresholds that's will be identified um versus the
other one. >> Is this ordinance also uploaded into I compass? >> Yes. >> Ordinance or resolution? The resolution. >> I mean the resolution. Excuse me. >> You said ordinance. I'm sorry. I was >> pardon my soul, Sean. >> No problem. >> I'm not used to five wait three
threehour caucuses yet. Uh, >> and there was there was some back and forth with this, right? But everybody's input whatever they wanted to add >> included. Yes. >> So, we'll be adding three items. Is that correct? >> Yes. Hold on. Jake have um >> Yeah, Jake. >> Yeah.
>> I mean, I don't mean to add to the three hours plus, but um I just had a question about the you suggest the final report or the resolution suggests the final report be issued uh is under section 8 within 180 days. Um but that the
committee shall exist for a fixed term of 12 months. Um so I just want to get a sense of you know what we think is a realistic timeline for that final report. Do we think that realistic timeline is that 6 months the 180 days? Um and is the 12 months just to make
sure we have cushion in case that should need to be extended or Yeah. Can you can we just get >> Yeah. Um so the 12 months essentially um because we wanted to give we wanted to give a deadline that if it should exceed
12 months um we have every right to extend it. Um but we did want to put a put a cap on it. We just didn't want it to be to be open like that. Um that is something actually council uh person Rondo had recommend uh that we have a uh
start and stop date. And also I guess the other portion um for the committee it shall have at least five council people. Um so I guess tomorrow everyone who's going to participate on a committee will
essentially um put their names in and then we'll convene the first meeting uh elect the president I mean uh yeah president of the board vice president of the board as well. Um, and the good thing about this, uh, it would
be sunshined. Um, so it'll be open to the public under the open, um, public act. Um, I just think that given all that transpired these last couple years, um, you know, there's a there's a lack
of trust u, as it relates to the public and, you know, rightfully so. Um, so we're looking to try to do everything at our disposal to try to ensure that, you know, these establishment are following the rules that we set as a municipality.
>> Thank you, Councilman. Yeah, I just wanted to make sure you know that final report within the 180 days. Should there be even more to work through beyond that 180 days, that wouldn't necessarily be the end all be all, but we still have further time to continue investigation
and and the other hours under this committee. >> Yes. >> Okay. Mhm. >> I just have a question on section 11 because it says that we will have a public hearing >> and then implement the committee's recommendation. Is that hearing going to
be with the entire council or is that something that the committee is going to do and they're going to come back to us with their rules? >> Yes. >> Okay. I just want to make sure that um language is clear that the committee is going to have that meeting and then come back to the council with their recommendation.
>> Yes. Okay. Does the resolution spell out who the secretary of the uh committee is? >> Does No, it doesn't spell out who's the >> So, it's an automatic clerk position, right? >> I think yeah, it does.
>> The nominee Sean Gallagher >> motion >> actually take action in the caucus and I have two deputy clerks that I can delegate it to. So, okay. >> Okay. I appreciate it. >> It's only joking. I'm only joking. >> Is that official? You the clerk will
serve as secretary. >> Sorry, I nominated myself, but yeah, I'll I'll definitely >> or your designate >> or my designate. We'll we'll make sure that the meetings are sunshine in accordance with the law. >> What I mean by the the clerk is um so
sunshine. And is it are the meetings recorded and um or and andor minutes or record taken of the the proceedings? >> So from what I understood and I I haven't seen the resolution uh in its
entirety. Um are are these meetings going to be in person or are they going to be virtual? >> In person. >> In person. >> Yes. So if they're going to be in person and it's your uh we can live stream the
meetings. So once you live stream the meetings um they're on YouTube it's actually transcribed on YouTube but if you want my court stenographer to come to those meetings I would have to discuss that with our court stenographer
and our contract if you want transcripts. Now Sean, question. Would these meetings be archived and placed on the website? >> They will be placed on the website. Yes. And archived just as the council meetings are and the
caucuses. If you look back at on our website, you can actually take a look at um when we were during the pandemic and like council person Labaro indicated at the last meeting um the rent control um ad
hoc committee we had meetings on we had meetings uh they were all virtual but they're all recorded and you can always uh take a look at them. Um and then we had um another ad hoc committee I believe on the uh water >> inclusionary zoning
>> and and inclusionary zoning. It was three actually that we had >> right >> archive. I'm sorry. Councilman >> Council Gimler just a few questions just to clarify for myself. Um so just kind of going if you can walk me through
what's the official start date of the committee. Is it upon commencement and adoption or is it um on convening of the first meeting? um those 12 months, where does the start and ends begin there?
>> Well, I mean my my my object I mean, excuse me, I said my Lord Jesus, it's been a long day. Um my intentions is to um have us start this immediately. Um and the 12 months should
be from the date of the first meeting. >> The first meeting. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, does that need to be clear clarified at all or is it uh I I defer to other folks, not me on this? Uh, just so we know what the timeline is and
and have clarity on that. Um, >> my recommendation would be it's a council's committee, so what they say, you know, would define it. >> Does it have to be written into resolution or we can just we're fine. Good. Um the the the second thing then is
piggybacking on Councilman Ephro. So the first meeting within 30 days of adoption um and then an interim report within 90 days and a final report within 180 days. Do you envision during this period that
it's largely investigative um or if in the course of those meetings um if we come across uh some if we discover malfeasants, criminal
action or or something that requires um us to be able to take some other action um or to demand that from the administration, Um does that happen during that period or does it happen after report is and is produced the
final report? That's that's a great question. Um and that's why we um reserve the right to always extend the committee because you know we looking for certain things and while you're looking for that you may uncover something else which will you know force
us to go down another avenue which we will need more time to do. Um what I mean is we're in we're in a committee meeting and it's um just as an example and we we uncover a a memo that says um
Steve that that somebody was ordered or instructed to ignore the uh um rent control um ruling or something to that effect, right? and um and we and we find that out and we want to be able to like hold the person uh accountable who may
have uh if something was uh not done or they they there's clear evidence that something was done improperly. Um maybe it's um urging the administration for the removal of someone or um or uh or
taking some other action uh against that person. Um will we be able to do that I say right there in that moment but in that meeting or or are we waiting 180 days when the final report is issued to issue that finding and then say these
are our recommendations to do this. >> Yeah I think we should >> excuse me >> yeah we should wait for the final report um let everything play out um and then we'll you know look to make recommendations and or actions at that
juncture. Um, I just have a quick question like what what is uh corporate council's role in all of this? >> Can can I just add to that too because I think what the councilman's getting at is if we're going to have subpoena power,
uh, law department will have to assign someone of their short staff to to this committee. Yes. >> To to send out those subpoenas. And there's a lot of work here that uh our staff as currently constituted may not be able to accomplish from the council.
>> I have counsel. >> I'll just add to that another wrinkle which is that it is entirely conceivable that situations will arrive arise as this committee progresses depending on
what it chooses to do um where there will be conflicts. So, in the event that you want to subpoena or question certain city employees, we would have an obligation to represent those individuals, we can commit to working with you in good faith to resolve those
challenges as they arise. Um, but there will likely be unchartered territory ahead for us to navigate together. If I can just pose one other example, um, which is just we discover that some
landlord doesn't have, uh, 24/7 security and that they're in violation of that law. Um, I mean, we could wait the 6 months, but wouldn't we want to act more urgently to say to
and I don't know what our authority or power would be as a council. Um, and maybe corporation council or or or Tom could could advise us on this, but um co what what could we take some action that
would then compel the city staff to be able to say um you need to start issuing some fines for violations of the 247 for violation of the 24/7. >> Yeah. I mean I think in in that instance if we let's say we commence the meeting
um and within 60 days we see that um there are potential violations while there's going to be a final report for recommendations. I mean I'm of the opinion that you penalize the violations as they occur you know so
>> and then my last question how how what's the frequency of meetings? I'm just trying to figure out my own sorry. The frequency do you envision for the meetings? >> Um I think at the bare minimum we should try to meet at least every 30 days. Um
just to one because it's something that's been pending so long. It's something that's essentially of dire need. Um and it's something that we've all essentially campaigned on. Right. This is one of the pledges that we took that we will do something um about this
this type of situation in these instance. Um and the unique thing about it is that if we get let's say seven or seven or eight people right all we have to do is have a call everybody don't have to come all the time. So that's the
good thing by having multiple council members sitting on a committee. I'd make a uh suggestion to the members of the committee. Maybe that first initial meeting can uh be somewhat of a planning meeting with just you all to
decide exactly which direction and you know what's the best meeting date etc before we pull in >> the public just to take care of logistics and house. The last question your clerk has for this is uh what time do we intend to
conduct these meetings? >> Um I mean ideally I was thinking before um like you see we have a closed session at 5:00 right before the council meeting. Um two I mean one I want to be respectful of all of the council members
time. So, I would try to stick to, you know, days that we're here either on caucus or at the council meeting. Um, and then also seeing that your office is going to be a part of it. Um, we want to be mindful of the capacity, you know, in
which you guys are helping at. Um, so I'm envisioning before council meetings, but we're open to changing it to whatever day, whatever time, whatever fit the majority of the people. Uh, Peter's standing up. >> Yeah, Cly want to make one suggestion.
Apologize for standing up. Uh, if it's going to involve city employees, I would try to keep it during normal business hours just because you don't want to necessarily care incur overtime costs or things of that nature as well. >> Okay. I I would just um I I have a
comment during business hours is going to be very difficult for me. So, if that's what it has to be, I don't know if I'm going to be able to serve on the committee. Um I also wanted to clarify because this is sunshine
sunshined sunshinable. Um, if we were to just allocate a an hour before council meeting because it is sunshinable, does that mean it necessarily has a public comment period? >> Is it what period?
>> Repeat that again. >> Public comment. >> Does it have a public comment period? Because if it does, an hour is not going to be enough. And and I'd just like to interject if it is before the council meeting that that meeting end at least a half hour before the council meeting as
not to delay our regularly scheduled council caucus meeting. >> I I would be I don't think I can do Monday at 1:00, but I don't like if if you would be willing if someone else would be willing to serve in my place, that's okay. But also,
>> so then I think we should take this conversation offline and have a discussion and figure out what's a good day for everyone. >> Yeah. >> Well, I I don't think we can take it offline because it's sunshineable, right? There's five of us. >> No, no, far as the the time and the
date. >> Okay. >> We can we can >> Yeah, I might add that not every meeting has to be the same exact time. So, if your participation would be better if majority of meetings would not involve city employees, you could do it at a later time. and they're going to accommodate everyone. If there's a period where you have to involve, you
know, city employees, you know, then maybe decide whether or not, you know, that's works for everyone's calendar at that point in time. >> I I could do 4:30 to 5:30 on Wednesdays before council if that works for you. >> All right. >> Like like council president said, I think we should take the uh conversation
offline. we can all talk about, you know, um a date and time where we can um make it a um convenient for all the council members. I I I understand council person Gilmore's intent that the council will all be here, but as you
well know as well as I do, um there is work that has to be done by my office prior to council meetings and sometimes even during caucuses. So, um it it may not be me always uh conducting those meetings. It will probably be uh one of
my uh other deputies if we in if we are intending to have it on either on the Monday or or Wednesday. But uh you know, we'll talk about it more when we get uh closer to it. With that being said, may I have a motion to adjourn at 7:32
p.m.? >> One second, Sean. Oh, sorry. >> Got to say a few things. Um, one, I have a request. I know that a lot of times in the meetings we sometimes take care of the business as we get to it. Can we, if we have anything that we're withdrawing
off of the agenda or any changes to the agenda, can we take care of that at the top of the meeting so that everyone is aware of the current agenda? There might be people here to speak on certain things that no longer need to speak. So, can we knock all of that out at the beginning instead of as we get to those
items? before the pledge preferably. Not >> before the pledge. Why not? >> So, so are you referring to like uh if there's a resolution that needs to be addressed and we don't want somebody
>> Well, we've already said that there are resolutions we want to withdraw. Um Yep. >> I don't know if there's any ordinances that are withdrawing. We're carrying one ordinance. Can we take care of all of that business up front? >> Sure. just make clear for the public because I don't want you know people
waiting and sitting here and everybody on what the agenda is. >> What I would suggest is that we'll do a motion. we can do a compound motion um for the resolutions but as far as the ordinance is concerned um we're going to
carry what is it one of the second reading ordinances that >> and that's fine just the the resolutions more >> the resolutions we can take care of right away but the second reading um unless we defer to it um we can do that right after the resolutions or we can do
that second reading first and just say that we're making a motion to carrying whatever ordinance That is I'm sorry it's been a long evening. Um I believe it's the um
it's resolution, excuse me, ordinance 26-004 item 4.3. Is that the 95 Morgan Street? >> The introductions and seconds we can do as they come, but we can take care of the resolutions before the public. Absolutely. Just so everybody's on the
same page. >> Sure. If I understand correctly, it's item 10.3. Can we move that up to the front end and remove it from the agenda because there's going to be people here to speak on it. >> Again, that's that was the council president's intent. So, I I believe what we're going to do is um all of the
resolutions that are being withdrawn um we'll um bring that right in the beginning of the right after we add the resolutions that we need to add to the agenda. The next will be making a motion to withdraw um the resolutions that are being withdrawn. Motion And if we can
just make that the standard practice, that would be great. >> That's fantastic, council president. >> Um, and I just want to remind the council caucus is for the council. Council meeting is for the public. So, let us give the public their time to speak. Last meeting there were a lot of
questions repeated at the council meeting that were already answered in caucus. So, I just want to remind everybody caucus meeting is a public meeting. The public can see what you ask here. So, we don't necessarily need to ask it twice. and let's make sure that we're working on getting items in on
time for the agenda. And that's all I have. And Councilman Gilmore already gave the motion two times. >> So now we just changed the time. Council person Gilmore made a motion to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. May I have >> second? >> Who made the second?
>> Council person Ephro. >> Was it? >> Yes. >> Thank you. on the motion to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. All council members present by acclamation, please say I. I. >> We are out of here at 7:35 p.m. Thank you so much everyone present and
everyone watching at home. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work. Have a great rest of the night. Stay safe and warm.