Yeah. Okay, ladies and gentlemen, if we can find our seats, silence our cell phones as I am doing as well. We're about to get started. Actually, do not close any of the doors cuz we don't want everybody to freeze
tonight. So, the doors left open. We'll get the heat from the hallway. Just got to be quiet when we go outside. Okay. Good evening everyone. We are on the record. Today is Wednesday, the 28th day of January in the year 2026. This is
a regular meeting of the Jersey City Municipal Council. We had a scheduled 6 p.m. start. The clock on my cell phone is showing 6:07 p.m. May I have a roll call for the commencement of this meeting? Council person Brooks, >> present. >> Council person Zupa,
>> here. >> Here. >> Council person Efos, >> present. >> Council person Little, >> present. >> Council person Gilmore, not here yet. Council person Singh, >> here. >> Council person Griffin, here. Council
Person Lavaro and Council President Ridley >> here. >> We have eight council members in attendance at 6:07 p.m. Can we kindly rise for a moment of silence, please? Caroline Oliver
of Reverend Caroline Nelson. I'd also like to dedicate this moment of silence to Renee Good and Alex Prey. The flag algiance to the flag of the United States.
Thank you very much on behalf of Council President Ridley and the members of the municipal council in accordance 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 the 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, January 23rd, 2026 at 9:05 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. Okay. So, council members, before we move on to our regular business, we do have an item that is marked late on the agenda
that was discussed at the caucus last night, and that would be item 10.34, city resolution 26-042. This is a resolution awarding a contract with Meridian Health, Inc. for the
provision of the employee and retirement health plan third-party administrative provider network services self-funded plan as an extraordinary unspecifiable service also known as an EU council members may I have a motion to add item
10.34 resolution 26-042 to the agenda motion >> who made the motion council >> thank Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Council President Ridley. On
the motion to add item 10.34 to the agenda. Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> I. >> Council Person Efos. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore.
>> I. and we'll mark you present at 6:11 p.m. So we now have all nine council members present. Council person Singh >> I. >> Council person Griffin >> I. >> Council person Labaro >> I.
>> And council president Ridley >> I. >> Motion carries 90 to add item 10.34 to the agenda. Okay. Council members, in our regular order of business, I'm going to start with the first reading ordinances.
>> Sean, >> yes. >> We pause for uh one second. I just want to address something. Um today, the council has been getting a lot of calls in regards to uh sightings of ICE in the city. And I just want to let the public
know we did reach out to public safety and I'd ask if our uh BA can uh give the official response from public safety. >> Yes. So those are false reports. So there has been no ICE activity that's been reported in Jerry City. I confirmed that with the public safety director. There were warrants being issued and
warrant squads going around to do certain business related to the state and state police, but it had no involvement of immigration and no involvement with ICE. >> Thank you. I just wanted to make sure that we said that publicly um because there's a lot circulating on social media. Go ahead, Sean.
>> Okay, if you would just allow me to read them into the record. So, we're going to start with item 3.1, city ordinance 26-00001 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 3.2, 2. City Ordinance 26-002 is an ordinance supplementing chapter 332, vehicles and traffic, article 9, parking for the disabled of the Jersey City code designating reserve parking space at various locations throughout
the city. Item 3.3, I believe the BA would like to address the council. >> Yes, for item 3.3, as discussed at caucus, we'll be withdrawing that. >> Thank you. So, item 3.3 has been withdrawn. No need to read it into the
record. Skipping on to item 3.4, city ordinance 26-004 is an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of block 11612 lot 3, more commonly known by the street address of 95 Morgan Street from 95 Morgan Street
Development LLC. And item 3.5 BA as discussed at caucus, their attorney was not present to answer any questions that that council may have. So, we are going to withdraw that as well. >> Peter and Sean, if I may, uh, thank you for that consideration, but since then, I met with the applicant and I withdraw
my own objection. You can stay on the agenda if you're okay with it. >> We're all clear that the council's okay with it. >> Okay, >> we're good. >> Yes, >> I'll read it into the record. Item three, and I appreciate it, council members. Item 3.5, city, get the camera on me.
Item 3.5, city ordinance 26-005 is a franchise ordinance granting permission to 20 VNW LLC by it managing member Huan Zang. I could be mispronouncing that and I apologize. allowing the installation of concrete
stairs that extend into the right of way beyond the boundary lines of lot 38 block 120003 and are for the benefit of lot 38 block 12003 commonly known as 20 bandwagon Avenue Jersey City New Jersey council
members I'm going to be taking a vote on items 3.1 through 3.5 with the exception of 3.3 which has been withdrawn. Council person Brooks. I all
council person Zupa. >> Uh I on all and just for my colleagues benefit 3.5 is a franchise uh granting the extension into the right of way. Uh yesterday I didn't have the benefit of speaking with the applicant but who I spoke with this evening. Uh the sidewalk will not be infringed more than it
already is. The sidewalk's clear and to the residents of Van Wagen Avenue in that neighborhood. Uh there's going to be no change at all, just that there will be new stairs that look nicer than what's there currently. So, uh I vote I on all. >> Thank you, Council Person Efos.
>> I vote I on all. Council Person Little. >> Um I I vote I on um 3.1, 3.2, and 3.5. Um am I allowed to ask questions about 3.4? Sorry, this is my first meeting with first reading ordinances on the
agenda. Of course you can. >> Okay. Um, a constituent brought up to me a possible concern with this that it may have used to be a site for, I believe, a a gas station or a car repair shop or something like that and may require site
remediation. Um, this is this is a property being sold to the city for a nominal fee of $1, but I I wanted to know whether the council would be provided with the environmental report um prior to the sale. >> And also, just so we're all clear on the
uh council, these are all first reading ordinances, so your vote isn't your final vote, just to be clear. And if the BA can get us that information before the next council meeting, that would be great before we take an affirmative or negative vote.
>> So, just to explain to the council, um, first readings, it takes one vote to introduce an ordinance, but then we need to publicly advertise the ordinance and for a public hearing and final consideration of adoption, and that's usually at the next council meeting.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Um, thank you. Thank you for that clarification. I do understand that. Um I'm just I wanted to ask this question and if anyone is able to provide an answer about whether we will receive an environmental report before the next meeting. >> Believe I believe it was already provided to the city. I think it might
have gone to the old council, but I'll make sure with the new emails and all your accounts set up. We'll make sure you have a copy as well. >> Okay. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Then then I vote I on 3.4 as well. Thank you. So you're voting I and all with the exception of 3.3 which has been withdrawn. Correct.
>> Correct. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council person Gilmore. >> I for introduction. >> Council person Singh. >> I for all. >> Council person Griffin. >> I.
>> Council person Lavaro. >> I for introduction. >> Council President Ridley. >> I for introduction. Items 3.1 through 3.5 with the exception of 3.3 which has been withdrawn are all introduced
unanimously 90. Hey council members before we move on to the regular scheduled agenda as discussed in the caucus we do have a motion to defer to item 10.4 for
resolution 26-012 and I believe the motion is being made by council person Zuper. Is that correct? >> Uh yes, Mr. Clerk. I move I so moved. >> Thank you. And may I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by >> Council President Ridley on the motion
to defer to item 10.4 city resolution 26-012. Council person Brooks >> I. >> Council person Zupa >> I. Council person Ephro. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore.
>> I. >> Council Person Singh. >> Hi. >> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> I. >> And council president Ridley. >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously 90 to defer
to item 10.4 city resolution 26-012. So, with that being said, I'm going to ask Council Person Zupa to read the resolution into the record. >> Yes. And it's an honor to offer this resolution, and I thank my colleagues
for continuing to celebrate our diversity here in our city. It's a resolution observing and celebrating the third annual Muslim Heritage Month in here in Jersey City. Uh whereas in the spring of 2023, the state of New Jersey established January as Muslim Heritage
Month. And whereas this marks the third annual observance of Muslim Heritage Month in the state which celebrates the traditions, contributions, history, patriotism, advocacy, civic engagement, and philanthropy of the Muslim community. And whereas Jersey City is
renowned for its diversity and inclusivity with a population that reflects a rich tapestry of cultures and communities. And it is fitting that the city acknowledges and celebrates the contrib contributions of its Muslim residents. And whereas New Jersey has the fourth largest Muslim population of
any state with approximately 320,000 Muslims representing 3% of the total state population and Jersey City alone is home to between 25,000 and 30,000 Muslim residents. And whereas the primary goal of Muslim Heritage Month is to combat stereotypes and prejudice
against Muslims by highlighting their positive contributions and profound impact on society. And whereas the Muslim population has been growing in the United States and today's Muslim American population is a tapestry of ethnic, racial, linguistic, social, and
economic groups. And whereas in the United States, nearly 50% of Muslim Americans have reported experiencing religious discrimination with that number rising to 64% for Muslim Americans whose appearance identifies them as Muslim such as women who wear the hijab or headscarf. And whereas
there's a need for public education, awareness, and policies that help people be culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts that Muslim Americans have on all aspects of the society of the United States. And whereas the incredible contributions and heritage of Muslim
Americans have helped to build a both a better New Jersey and a better United States. And now therefore, be it resolved by the city council of Jersey City, that the Jersey City Municipal Council hereby recognizes and observes January 2026 as the third annual Muslim Heritage Month in Jersey City. And be it
further resolved that Jersey City will promote awareness of of Muslim Heritage Month through community events, educational programs, and collaborations with local organizations to highlight the rich cultural, historical, and societal contributions of the Muslim community, and encourages all residents
to join in the celebration and recognition of Muslim Heritage Month to foster greater understanding, unity, and appreciation for the diverse heritage of our community. And I just want to acknowledge Arjaman Jeria who's uh I've worked with very closely. She went
around Hudson County to bring these resolutions before each governing body and is the reason why we have the third uh annual Muslim Heritage Celebration here in Jersey City. So thank you. So be before we give the big big clap
and congratulations, let's take a vote on the resolution first to make sure it passes the city council. So with that being said, council person Brooks, >> I council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Efi. >> Council person Little.
>> Hi. >> Council Person Gilmore. >> Hi. I think it's always great for us to highlight and acknowledge all the different diversity um here in Jersey City. So, I proudly vote I.
>> Council Person >> I, >> Council Person Griffin, >> when I was a child, my father converted to Islam and when I was 17, I took my shahada. And you know, um I understand
uh the need for this. Um I I know my father is pretty happy that his hometown is is is is recognizing um the Muslim community and I proudly vote I
>> you council person Labaro. Just want to acknowledge Ajamand and uh for bringing this resolution to the city council and to Councilman Zupa for uh his as I said first to the key the first resolution and the city council from a city council person. So um and to all the community
leaders thank you all for coming out. Thank you for your contributions to Jur City. Um you make Juria City a stronger and richer uh community because of everything that you do in the Muslim among the Muslim leadership in the community. Let's thank you all. I vote I.
>> And Council President Ridley, >> always happy to celebrate our diversity here in Jersey City. I vote I. >> City Resolution 26-012 is approved unanimously. 90. Congratulations.
Arjimon, would you like to come up to the podium and and the council? Would you like to come down and take a picture with >> selfie time? >> Yes. It's going to be your first selfie time. >> You going up now or you coming?
>> I want you have a few words. >> Have a few words. Are you going to say or no? >> Yeah, she got some words. >> You can if you want. >> Good evening, honorable council president Dennis Redley.
Esteemed council members, especially my w council member Tom Zupa and fellow residents of Jersey City, today is a truly remarkable day, a day that fills our heart hearts with immense joy and gratitude. I stand before you as a proud
member of the Muslim community, but also a dedicated community activist and a longtime resident of Jerus. My name is Arjuman Jaria and I'm deeply honored uh as a pharmacist and community activist. Now I'm working with
Councilman Tom Zupa as a eight in community relations and a proud recipient of the presidential lifetime achievement award from our former president Joe Biden. New Jersey Governor's Medallion Award from Governor Phil Murphy. Women of action award from Jersey City and also daily point of
light award founded by our former President George HW Bush and over 26 echolytes local, state, national and international internationally. Welcome to this momentous occasion as we gather to celebrate the proclamation
resolution and proclamation of Muslim Heritage Month here in Jeric City led by our esteemed councilman uh Tom Zupa as well as all council members and also today we are proud to say that mayor
James Salman issued proclamation for Muslim Heritage Month as well. So this celebration is not just a formality. It is a powerful testament to our collective commitment to acknowledging and honoring the rich tapestry of our Muslim heritage and its remarkable
contributions of our society. I would like to extend my warm welcome to all the community leaders, respected imams, board members of our mosques and our beloved residents of Jesus city. Your presence here today signifies our shared dedication of to building a vibrant and
inclusive community. Last year in September 2023, I embarked on a mission across Hudson County, reaching out to all 12 towns of to advocate for the approval of this important bill. Through countless emails, personal visits, and discussions with mayors and council
members, I passionately reminded them of the significance of recognizing Muslim Heritage Month in their respective rounds. I'm proud to share that my efforts resulted in the approval of this bill in 10 out of 12 towns. This year, after engaging in constructive dialogue
with Councilman Tom Zupa, we took uh and Mayor James Salman, we took decisive step to ensure the approval of this bill and now we stand here united in celebration. This achievement reflects our resilience and unwavering dedication to fostering understanding and
inclusivity within our community. Let this proclamation and resolution serve as a powerful message that we honor our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to future enriched by diversity and mutual respect. Muslim Heritage
Month is a time for us to reflect on the profound impact of the Muslim community on our culture, economy, and social fabric. It is an opportunity to recognize the vital role that Muslims have played and continue to play in shaping our society. Together, let us
build bridges, foster dialogue, and create a society where every culture is celebrated and valued. Let us use this occasion to educate ourself and others about the beauty and richness of our diverse backgrounds, promoting empathy and understanding among all. Thank you
all for being here today and for your continued support in making our community a beacon of inclusivity and understanding. Let us carry the spirit of this understanding of the celebration into our daily lives promoting the values of unity, respect and love for
one another. Thank you so much. Now I'll invite the council to come down and take their very first selfie. It's an RC. so much. >> Thank you so much. Yeah, >> I mean resolution
resolution. >> That's the resolution. >> I think you got over there. >> Okay. She's moved. Don't worry about >> we present the other one. We can just >> Yeah, we will hold it. Right.
>> What the paper you agenda? Come on. >> Oh, this this >> Yeah, they had a blue. >> No, it's not blue. >> Okay. >> Okay. Just bring that. >> Hold on. >> No, no, no, no. That is not that.
>> Okay, we have to start. >> Then we get >> Now, how's the clerk supposed to take responsibility for that? Thank you. >> Congratulations again. >> Make it quick. Make it quick. Come on.
Congratulations again. >> All right, council members, while we're making our way back to the deis, just a little housekeeping rules. We're keeping the doors open so we can stay warm in the council chambers. Um, we do have a
little issue with the HVAC system, so we want to keep the doors open so we can get that warm air from the hallway. So, if you are exiting the council chambers, please do it in a quiet manner and remember that we're still discussing business. So, with that being said, council members, there are no second
reading ordinances. We're going to move on to our public request for a hearing. I'm going to be calling the number and the first name of the individual. So everyone here and everyone watching at home please follow along with your agenda. First speaker 5.1 Leverne
and I don't see her. Next 5.2 too. Dana, >> whenever you're ready, then. >> Okay, great. >> You just got to bring the mic up. It's tucked in. Yeah, you go. >> Okay. Hi, I'm Dana Patton. I've been involved
in Jersey City for more than 20 years. Welcome to new council people and new city employees. I'm here to highlight challenges caused in part by policy created in this building and the hope that we can change direction. There's been a systemic systematic
removal of poor people from our city, not by addressing poverty, but by pushing people out. Hauling Gardens, where people were asked to uproot their entire lives and relocate for several years because the former administration said they didn't have relationships with
mega landlords downtown, so they couldn't help keep people in their neighborhood. The housing on Brunswick by 99 Ranch that recently had renovations done. People's belongings were ruined. Promises were broken. Some were given new leases that raised their
rent. And others said they were offered money to vacate their homes forever. Next is the kidnapping of our immigrant neighbors. A group documented at least 30 kidnappings in December in Hudson County alone. I'm not sure exactly which
instances were referred to earlier, but there have been confirmed ICE sightings in Jersey City. parents taken to be deported, families left without loved ones and without income. 90% of the people in Delaney Hall have
no criminal convictions. So that framing is a complete lie. The recent protections put forth here against local government being complicit are a start, but people will need money for lawyers, for rent, for groceries.
Which brings us to our budget. It's upside down. spending the most to police and punish people instead of supporting them. We haven't really changed anything since Andrew Washington was killed two and a half years ago. Homeowners that look like me with reliable income are
always going to complain about taxes. But if instead you focus budget and policy priorities at people who are struggling the most, then everyone can be okay. I voted for James Solomon, but accountability begins day one. So, I'll
start with the words that have really been bothering me. The people, not the powerful, because that implies that the people aren't powerful. But all power belongs to the people. And that's not a slogan. It's a material truth. Mega
landlords derive their power from the rent that 70% of people in Jersey City pay. Corporations here get their power from our labor and politicians get their power from consent or apathy of the people of Jersey City. In the past 200
years, maybe we've forgotten. But as fascism increases, we the people must take that power back. Thank you. Our next speaker 5.3 Finnegan.
Hello, my name is Finnegan Patton and I'm here to address some issues that I think the new city council and mayor should be focusing on. First off, I want to address the homeless. I think that this year people should pay attention to those less fortunate than they are and
provide them with basic necessities such as food and shelter. I believe that the city should give those in need safe places to sleep and daily nutrition for free without any extra costs. I would also like to encourage everyone else to
do their part and help out someone they see on the street or asking for money on a train and give them assistance. whether that be offering money or directing them to a shelter. Whatever the case, I think it is important to do our part and care for our fellow peoples.
Secondly, I would like to talk about an issue that is very important in our community. I remember I was in one school one day and I heard that the parent of a kid from the grade above me was going to be deported. So, the family had to flee the country. If you hadn't
already guessed, the issue I would like to talk about is ICE. They've been breaking apart families and ruining lives. For what? For a paycheck? For racism? It's just not right. We need to be doing something to stop our fellow
citizens from being se separated from their families on a weekly basis. Without them, Jersey City wouldn't have the same community as it does. We have to do our part to keep these people safe. Thank you.
>> Finnegan, how old are you now? How old are you now? >> 12. Well, don't rush to get 13. I'm proud of you, Finnegan. >> 12, man. >> Thank you so much, Finnegan. >> So, the council's already stealing my
thunder. I was going to give him a big compliment, but council person Gilmore beat me to it. I was just going to say, Finnegan, well done. It's not easy doing public speaking, especially someone at your age. So, congrats.
So, I still said it anyway. All right, our next speaker, 5.4, Leslie. Good luck topping that. I have a 13 or 14year-old also, so I do commend you and being socially aware. We need this generation, of course. Um, my
name is Leslie Spurerber and um, resident of Jersey City. Good evening. Congratulations on your job. Um, looking forward to the next few years. So, I'm here tonight to talk about school crossing guards. It's a citywide public safety issue that I believe is run
through the police department. Please don't confuse it with the school board. I want to note that I am here tonight alone, but I am representing many um parents who cannot make it tonight. So, this is just planting a seed. You'll hear more, I'm sure. I have two points to make on this topic of school crossing
guards. The first topic, school crossing guards are equipped with a whistle, a handheld stop sign, and a fluorescent vest. They are stationed at the busiest intersections throughout Jersey City where they're expected to stop traffic
during the morning rush hour when school begins. The school crossing guards are doing the job of traffic cops once the um cars enter. However, they are not traffic cops. Their job is to safely cross kids
and families going to school and leaving school. They aren't trained to stop the cars. They aren't paid to stop cars and they did not sign up for a job to stop cars. And the reason why I'm speaking about this is not just an as an observer. My kids have been in New Jersey public schools. I've lived here
for 16 years and I have become friends with them. Um so I do talk to them um quite frequently and see where they move around. I urge you to pair all station school crossing guards with a traffic cop or better yet consider a partnership with the Hudson County Deputy Sheriff's to
help protect them and the kids that they cross. Now, my second uh point is the chronic absence and intersections without station guards. Snder High School has a cop sometimes. However, students report that it's inconsistent. Grand and Jersey intersection sometimes
have cops with the crossing guard, but there's documentation of them leaning on their cars during the morning rush hour while kids are trying to cross from the light rail to MS4. Bergen and Baswick also does has not had a guard in years. And when a cop does
come, they stay for about 20 minutes. That's not the full shift. PS3 uh near Hamilton Park. It's been a struggle to have c uh have crossing guards stay uh when traffic is going down Eerie Street to uh Holland Tunnel.
There needs to be a solid plan to ensure consistent coverage and for the kids walking to and from school are safely crossed. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker 5.5 Paula Paula here. No.
Next. 5.6. Janita. >> No. 5.7. Gina. >> I didn't see Gina. >> Edward's not here. >> 5.8. You didn't see Edward, did you? No.
Tina was here. Is Tina here? >> Well, she's not here now. >> Okay. Councilman Gilmore, you're going to have to deal with her. Uh, by point 10, Bill. >> Bill's not here neither.
>> Oh, he's here. >> Oh, Bill's here. Oh, trying to get through this agenda. >> Thank you, coach. So, my name is Bill Lilis. I'm a resident of Jersey City, a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, and also a member of the Jersey
City Public Health and Safety Committee. Those who are previous elected have heard me and my uh fellow member Anie talk on this issue time and time again. So our committee, the Jersey City Public
Health and Safety Committee has been advocating for the hiring of outreach workers to go out on emergency calls involving individuals experiencing either a mental health andor substance abuse issue.
We've been pushing for this even before George Floyd was murdered. We were pushing for this even before Andrew Washington, a resident of Jersey City, was shot by a Jersey City police officer. Those of you that know the
incident, Mr. Washington was having a crisis, but it says something when law one law enforcement officer shot the individual and the other individual used a taser. That to me proves there was
inadequate training for those officers. So, uh, we, as I said, this committee has been pushing for this, and we look forward to working with you, working with the mayor and working with the
newly elected director of public safety to get this on the ground. We know there is an arrive together program, but that has proven inadequate. We know there was state funding awarded to the Hudson County Antiviolence Coalition, but money
for that was not issued. So, here's what we're pushing for in next budget. Right. The mayor has made this clearly stated this is one of his goals to make happen. Okay. And I've been impressed by reading
about the newly elected safety director. He seems to be on board for this. So instead of hiring another 15 officers, what we're advocating for is hiring these outreach workers in the next
budget. Put this program on the on the ground. The Washington family has been advocating for this for years. The residents of Jersey City deserve this and it serves the needs of the city financially and from a health
perspective. So, uh, Mr. Gilmore, we have worked with you in the past. Councilman Solomon, when he was in office, we worked with him. We look forward to seeing this happen. And sad to say, right, we in America are seeing
very clearly that law enforcement improperly trained causes death to American citizens. We don't need to have this happen anymore. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker 5.11,
>> excuse me, Sean just say, Bill, thank you so much. We campaigned on this in our campaign in Ward D. Um, and so this is near and dear to um the work that we have going on in the Heights and Slopes especially. I'll have one of my council aids talk to you, but I would love to work together to build out this program
and commit to this with you. >> Uh this is Councilwoman Little and board E. I also want to share in the commitment um to this uh I am actually very disappointed to hear from you that um that the CBrooks Washington Act grant
funding has not come through for the Jersey City Anti Violence Coalition Movement. Um and that's that's a real problem. But even, you know, e even if and when it is it does come through, my understanding is
that was a two-year pilot and and we need to be looking into sustained funding. So, thank you for raising that issue. >> Hi, Bill. Michael Griffin here. Um, thank you for your support in our community. Um, you know, born and raised
in in the Monaceel and Greenville area. Um we witnessed a lot um growing up and um what a lot of people don't know is that um Mr. Washington. That was the second incident with police
um where where where they used their guns. And um you know if we have the right um people out there um professionals uh to assist uh with people having
crisis, I I think that um you know we can we can definitely um stop a lot of of the um killing in our community by law enforcement. Okay. Sure. >> Okay.
>> Our next speaker 5.11 Kevin Davis. >> See Kevin. >> Next speaker 5.12 Laura. >> Good evening. My name is Laura Moss and I'm the president of the Courthouse Park Advocacy Group. On behalf of our organization, I want to welcome the
newly elected council members and to thank the returning members who have supported our efforts over the years. For those of you who aren't familiar with us, the Courthouse Park Advocacy Group is a local nonprofit formed in 2020 by the residents of Journal Square.
Our mission is to ensure that the entire parcel of land at 595 Newark Avenue in the Hilltop neighborhood of Ward C becomes a public park for the community once the Hudson County Administrative Building is demolished. With the cooperation of the previous
administration, the project's already made substantial progress. The property's been subdivided. Consultants have been hired to design the park. Additional consultants are in place to prepare demolition and construction bids and the city has committed funding
towards the project. So, while there's still hurdles ahead, we're moving along really well and we're in a good place. So, we're also looking forward to working with Mayor Solomon, who was engaged in this while he was on the council and is still supportive. We expect several milestones to be reached
in 2026 and our role as community advocates is to keep this project on track. We meet monthly with the representatives from Hudson County, the current owners of 595 Newark to ensure transparency and that our community
remains part of the prog process. The future courthouse park represents our only chance to create substantial public green space in Journal Square, a neighborhood that unless you've been living under a rock for the past 5 10 years, you might have noticed has
undergone a pretty substantial transformation. This council will be in office as the project moves forward through its next phases. and you get to be here for the fun part, the actual buildout and the the groundbreaking and
the actual park. So, we hope we have your support going forward. I also want to acknowledge my new councilman Tom Zupa who has been involved with this since its early days is and is well up to speed taking over from Councilman Bajano and also Councilman at large
Lavaro who played a critical part when he was council president while we were still finding our footing back in 2019. So, we appreciate that. And finally, we're happy to meet with any council member individually to answer questions or walk through details of the project.
Thank you for your time and we look forward to working with you on making Courthouse Park a reality and good luck to you all too. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker 5.13, Amarie.
>> Hi, I'm Ann Marie Nazaro. I'm a parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows Church over on Claremont and Ocean and I actually did all my grammar school years in that school of that church. I am also a
member of Jersey City Together. It's a coalition of over 30 faith-based organizations and nonprofits and we work in a number of areas. My particular area is with Bill Lillis, whom you've heard
from on the public health and public safety committee. So those are my roles and I live over on the west side and walk in Lincoln Park or occasionally come down to Liberty Park to walk. But I
want to I'm so full of hope tonight and I want to say that to all of you. I'm full of hope as I say congratulations and a heartfelt congratulations to President Ridley. Congratulations to
Councelor Lavaro. We are so glad to have you back. Congratulations and welcome to counselors Griffin, Singh, Brooks, Zupa, Ephro, and Little. And of course to the old hand. Good to have you here.
Councelor Gilmore. That's the hopeful part. I want you to walk with me to the end of this year and say I'm here again January 2027. I can barely say such a big number, but
I want us to be here in 27. Hope rewarded. I want us to be saying in 2027, congratulations. You had a magnificent first year. You did open the windows and the doors and
you gave us the light and the air we needed and you saved lives. No more Andrew Washingtons, please. We must do that together. We believe in Mayor Solomon and we believe in every one of
you. And I am so tired of Aunt Denise who has to sit here and come to so many council meetings and not know that programs have been fully effectuated. We
helped and supported the application of the Hudson County Antiviolence Coalition. And we are so sick that no money came to support what needs to be done. We're not alone. The other
counties that had cities being awarded, they didn't get money either. We need to get a bus or get down there somehow. And we must have the money. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I'll see you before a year,
but in a year we'll have champagne. I guess I couldn't mute her having that, right? The champagne. Uh, next speaker 5.14, Eve. >> Hi, I'm Eve Taylor from W E. I don't live at Portside Towers. That's exactly
why I'm here. Last year's council unanimously passed resolution 25-564, creating a renter protection protection special investigation committee with subpoena power. That committee was for every tenant in Jersey City, and last year it failed every single one of us. Tonight, I'm asking you to investigate,
please, why tenants have no protection from harassment. Section 260-7 is our anti-harassment law. It says, and I quote, "Any tenants desiring to remain in their units may do so without provocation or retaliation from landlords. Harassment includes no heat, inadequate security, frivolous eviction
filings, and any action that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their life property or their home. Director Richardson's office exists to enforce chapter 260, all of it. But that office is choosing which provisions to enforce and which to ignore. This council writes the laws. The landlord tenant office and
municipal court do not get to rewrite them. We searched for evidence if Linl Tenant has ever filed any summons under 260-7. When we asked why there aren't any found, we were told it's the prosecutor's job, but they can't prosecute what they never receive. And the complaint office where tenants are
directed instead is closed half the week. The complaints that get through are automatically dismissed. Everyone points somewhere else. Landlords harass tenants out of their homes and no one is accountable. It gets worse. Smodyy Brisk 96 summons issued, only one fine paid.
14 months later, nothing is moved. Summons are adjourned for 4 years, dumped into phantom courtrooms with no dates. Fines are assigned, cases closed, and money is never collected. And after Equity Residential plead guilty to 71 counts for failing to disclose the superintendent at 100 Warren Street, the
prosecutor said Richardson's department confirmed compliance, but nothing in that building actually changed. Something is deeply wrong. Councilman Gilmore told me last summer he would look into the ticket fixing at municipal court. Please take action now. You have the subpoena power. Please use it. Map
the process. Show the city where violations go to die. Because right now the only people who understand the system are the landlords who profit from it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh Sean, if I >> Sure. Uh Council Person Brooks Ward B. I
just want to say I was a rent control tenant for 8 years and was elected um to make sure that every tenant can live uh under lawful and dignified conditions. Um and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Solomon
administration to make sure that uh no tenant experiences what you've described. Thank you. >> Our next speaker 5.15 Danielle It's not here. Oh, okay. 516 air.
Good evening, president and members of council. Before I get started, just like to say thank you for your service. Um, my name is Amir Esmail. I was born and raised in Jersey City in the Heights. Currently live um on Monlet Street um in between third and fourth. I'm here today to talk about the proposed Warrior Weed
dispensary on Monmouth Street. I know that you are all probably in receipt of the email about it and they um hold their application so they're not here and it's not on the resolution list anymore. Um but today I just wanted to briefly summarize what we've heard directly from the community regarding
this application through our petition. At a high level, the objection to this proposal is broad, consistent, and deeply felt. This isn't an opposition to cannabis as a policy. about the location, the saturation, and the neighborhood fit. The residents unanimously felt that this particular
block, which is predominantly residential, family oriented, is not the right place for another cannabis dispensary, especially given how many already exist within a walking distance. Second, I wanted to talk briefly about what we experienced while canvasing the neighborhood because I think it helps
paint a picture that the signatures in the petition probably don't do on their own. When we spoke with neighbors, the reaction was pretty consistent. Everyone we spoke to was visibly annoyed. Some of them rolled their eyes. Some of them took a deep inhale and exhaled in annoyance um with great frustration.
Everyone was disappointed that another dispensary was being proposed in this neighborhood. Over and over, we heard the same version, another one. We already have plenty. This isn't the right play for this. Importantly, not a single person we spoke to expressed support for the dispensary. I was
actually kind of nervous going out and talking to strangers and neighbors that I might run into someone who's like, "Wait a minute, I'm pro dispensary." And kind of have like an awkward stance. Um, but I actually didn't run into that. And after a while, I found that the opposition was almost a guarantee and
that anyone in the neighborhood you spoke to was visibly frustrated with it and in strong opposition. This kind of consistent reaction, not apathy, not mixed views, but genuine annoyance and fatigue, perfectly sums up the community's thoughts on this
proposal. Finally, if I can end on an ironic note and take a moment to acknowledge someone who actually has a dispensary up for approval tonight. I don't know if he's here. Michael Price of Grass House Company. Oh, you're here. Okay. I wanted to acknowledge him because I was at the cannabis control
board where Warrior Weed was petitioning to get a license and so was Mr. Price. When I listened to Mr. Price's testimony, he said that he um had the opportunity to open up a dispensary in the Heights where he lived and he intentionally chose not to do that and
open up a cafe instead. I'm sorry if I'm paraphrasing, Michael. Um he said that he didn't want um to introduce a dispensary into his own community and it wasn't until he secured a property on Hunterly Avenue, a more appropriate location that he moved forward. I'm not
aware of the rest of the circumstances. >> Mayor, thank you. Your time is up. >> Okay. Sorry. >> No worries. Thank you, >> Sean. Can I say something? >> Yes. >> Thank you, Air. Um while I was canvasing in downtown Jersey City, this is the concern we have been hearing especially
from young parents young families that we have lot of dispensaries in one block three or multiple. So this is something we talked about it yesterday but thank you for doing the research. Thanks Samir.
>> No problem. Thank you guys. Okay. Our next speaker 5.17 Josephine Josephine Paige. No. Our next speaker 5.18 Kevin >> Kevin's not here. What? Here. I'm
kidding. I wanted to get in on the on the Councilman Gilmore's, you know. artist. >> I was same thing. >> Good evening, county. Does that say you are a lawyer? No, I'm sorry. >> I'm still not a lawyer, >> but keep an eye out when that sign might
change. >> All I see all I can read is attorney. Maybe I need a new lenses prescription. >> It says uh I am not an attorney. >> Good evening, council president and city council. On inauguration day, each of
you raised your hand and said, "I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. And I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in the United States and in this state under
the authority of the people." It was hard to hear that after everything we've been through, and I should acknowledge that this is largely a new council, but not entirely. Two of you have heard us for years while
we asked for help. Help which never came. I'm sure you can understand why that is still very upsetting to us. But we are choosing to move forward in good faith again. And in that spirit, I want to reflect on some of those words
together from two weeks ago. The United States Constitution guarantees due process and equal protection of the law. The New Jersey Constitution goes even further. Article 1, paragraph 1 describes that all persons have unalienable rights. Among them, enjoying
life, protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness. We are not safe. We are not happy. And our property is not protected. And in case anyone thinks property doesn't apply to renters, a lease
creates what the law calls a leasehold estate, a recognized property right. Every dollar illegally taken from us is our property. The constitution protects us too. And paragraph 2 says that all
political power is inherent in the people. And that government is instituted for the protection, security, and benefit of the people. Protection, security, benefit the people. Not the pompadoo, not the pilot agreement, the
people. It was the closing of your oath that stuck with me the most. You swore to uphold these constitutions under the authority of the people. One year ago today, most of you were standing where I'm standing now. You spoke at the first ever Jersey City people's state of the
city address. You stood with the people and then the people elected you. Now you sit on the other side of this room. You have our votes. You have our trust. And you have our hope. We ask that you always remember the oath you took 13 days ago. Do what the
previous council did not do. protect our homes, ensure our safety, and govern for the benefit of the people under the authority of the people who sent you here. How many more meetings of this council will it take for the housing
violations to stop? Thank you. Our next speaker, 5.19, Tom Good evening, council. Uh, two pieces of paper are being handed out. There are actually two copies of the same document. Actually, this is the certificate posted in the
lobby of 100 Warren Street. The state document from the DCA listing the property owner, the manager, the maintenance contact. Jersey City has its own requirements, three of them. In 1991, this board, the city's board of adjustment granted a variance to build
these towers, docket 9025. That variance specifically approved the construction of two superintendent apartments. It was a condition of approval. The building I live in exists because the city bound my landlord to provide an on-site superintendent. Chapter 254 of your code
requires buildings like ours to have a resident superintendent. And ordinance 260-2F1E requires landlords to disclose quote the name and address of the superintendent unquote. Not a janitor, not a maintenance company, the superintendent they are required to have. If the state
certificate does not include that disclosure, there must be a separate posting that does. There is not one. Look at this certificate. It covers a different building. And look at who is listed for 100 Warren Street. No one. Not a single person is designated a
superintendent for my building. There is only a maintenance service provider, quote unquote, and his address, 155 Washington Street, the other building. No unit number, no phone number. A phantom super for the wrong building without the unit number ordinance 260 requires.
They're playing hide the super. One person listed for both buildings. Called something other than a superintendent. Address at a different building. You no unit number proving residency. no phone number for emergencies. They pleaded guilty to 71 counts for failing to disclose a superintendent of 100
warrant. And this certificate still does not list anyone for 100 warrant. The copy on the left is from May 2025. 71 guilty counts came in August. The court gave them until January to fix it. $2,000 per count. That is $142,000.
In December, Director Richardson asked us to photograph what was posted. We did. We sent those photos on December 16th. The certificate was unchanged. Then came January 8th. Over 50 of us were on the court Zoom. The prosecutor told the judge that Director
Richardson's office had verified compliance. The copy on the right is from today, January 28th, 2026. Look at it. Identical. Same document. Same missing information. Nothing has changed. On the
left, 71 guilty counts. on the right. Free to go. Same paper, same game, different outcome. Please, we ask you to investigate. Thank you. Our next speaker, 5.20, Daniel. To start, I wanted to thank Councilman
Efos, Councilwoman Little, Councilman Gilmore, and Councilman Lavaro for all volunteering to be on the new renter protection special investigation committee. This committee was created to conduct a serious and thorough review of how renter protection ordinances are enforced across our city. It is not a
symbolic body. It has the authority to request documents, issue subpoenas, and compel testimony under oath from city departments where necessary. Those powers exist to ensure transparency, accountability, and a full understanding of how enforcement operates in practice.
Now, with that being said, we are still without 247 unicorn security guards at Portside Towers, despite the fact that chapter 18, 218, article 1 of the Jersey City Code of Ordinances states that every owner or agent of an owner of a multiple dwelling of 100 or more dwelling units shall furnish a minimum of one uniform security guard for each
residential building. As I've discussed previously, uh just September of this past year, a young woman residing at Port Side was traumatized after while standing in front of Port Side Towers East at 155 Washington Street. She realized there was a man behind her standing with his pants unzipped touching himself. He sped away on a
scooter scooter, but then came back and hid behind a parked car, staring at her. And when the police finally arrived, they were not able to find the man who had since sped off again on his scooter. And just last summer, one of my fellow tenants had their car window smashed in right in front of 100 Warren Street.
Earlier than that, in late 2024, an attacker entered our building, chasing a woman whom he was attacking, leaving a trail of blood, putting all of us tenants at risk. That same year, a bullet pierced a child's window in our building. Further, I often walk past the Korean War Memorial at night, and I
don't feel particularly safe when doing so. Many of us have witnessed drug deals outside the Korean War Memorial. Um, I very often, at least when it's warmer, uh, spell weed in that area, which, uh, for one, uh, seems pretty disrespectful to our veterans and fallen soldiers. And moreover, the entrance to the Korean War
Memorial is supposed to be guarded with a chain every night from 8:00 p.m. to 800 a.m. per Ordinance 07-153, adopted in 2007. And yet, in over 18 years, it has not been guarded once because our uniform security at Portide
is supposed to do it. to uniform security that does not exist for NJAC1 13 col55A uniform security guards must be trained in homeland security in counterterrorism communications and emergency response theft protection detention of suspects first aid CPR and
more with continued training every two two years neither a concierge nor security camera can do any of that or offer that level of protection this is basic safety the law requires that we have 24/7 unicorn security guards I ask that this council and especially the members Members of the renter protection
special investigation committee, use your investigative powers to ensure that these city's laws are enforced properly for the safety of myself and my fellow tenants. Thank you. Our next speaker, 5.21, Marshall. Good evening. My name is Marshall Fight
and I'm a tenant at Portside Towers. Like many residents, I have watched the same issues persist for years at Portside. We continue to experience the absence of an on-site superintendent and the lack of the required uniform security guard. These are not minor
inconveniences. They affect resident safety, maintenance response, and our overall quality of life. What's most troubling is these issues continue despite existing laws and ordinances meant to protect us as tenants. The problem is not a lack of rules. It's a
lack of enforcement. As a tenant, it's discouraging to see these violations go unressed while residents are expected to comply without question. When enforcement is inconsistent or in some cases non-existent, it sends a message that tenant protection is optional. With
the new council in place, I'm hopeful. But we need meaningful enforcement, real transparency, and a real investigation into ongoing violations, not just a continued discussion. I'm speaking tonight in support of the Portside Tenant Association and the many
residents who just want the laws on the books to be enforced. Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing you all act you. >> Our next speaker 5.22 Connor. >> Good evening city council. My name is
Connor Sears and I'm a tenant at Portide Towers. This is my second time speaking before the city council this year. Since this council turned over on January 15th, I want to acknowledge something important. This new council appears more engaged and more willing to take action
on long-standing issues in Jersey City. Residents noticed that and we appreciate it. I'm here tonight not because conditions at Port Side have improved, but because many of the same issues have persisted for years.
Like many residents, I've watched ongoing violations continue without meaningful enforcement. Portide lacks an on-site superintendent and required uniform security guard. Service and maintenance requests routinely take weeks or even months to resolve, if
they're even addressed at all. Tenants are also charged separately for water, sewer, and trash through rubs. Under Jersey City rent control, rent is supposed to cover all housing costs as set forth. This creates serious transparency and compliance concerns and
reflects a broader pattern of withholding information from tenants. Over the past year, the city passed strong tenant protection ordinances banning algorithmic rent setting, requiring disclosure of how rent increases are calculated, and clarifying
that claimed exemptions do not excuse transparency, and strengthening enforcement. These ordinance are not abstract. They determine whether rent increases are lawful and whether tenants can trust the notices we receive.
What we're asking for now is simple. Follow through. Enforce. This new council has an opportunity to restore confidence. Not by passing more laws, but by enforcing the ones already on the books, setting clear
expectations, and holding large landlords accountable. I'm speaking tonight in support of the Portside Tenant Association and residents who are exhausted from asking for the same basic protections year after year. I urge this council and the
administration to match your stated commitment with real enforcement and measurable action. Thank you for your time and your service to Jersey City. Our next speaker, 5.23, Jessica Good evening, council. It is such a
pleasure to see you all here on the dis tonight. Um, my name is Jessica Bran and I'm a tenant at Portide Towers in Ward F. And tonight I want to address comments made by our councilman, Councilman Frank Gilmore. Um, he made an important point at recent meetings that
we should hold council members accountable only for the powers they possess. Very logical and I agree. So, let's do that. On August 20th, 2025, the previous council voted 800 on resolution 25-564 to create the renter protection special
investig investigation committee. Councilman Gilmore voted yes to approve the resolution and was appointed to that committee. That resolution granted him powers beyond those of an ordinary, excuse the language, not ordinary
council member. Under NJSA 404825, committee members can issue subpoenas to compel testimony under oath and to compel document production. Testimony and document production. The New Jersey Supreme Court confirmed this
authority in 1983. And that committee that was established had the same subpoena power as the Watergate committee had, right? Testimony and document production. The committee met once, maybe twice. Some emails were exchanged and then on January 15th with
a new council being sworn in and the committee's imal membership was over. So that lifespan of that committee was 148 days during which we submitted 2,72 additional Cclick fix tickets and a
single email each day to the council with links to each ticket and a daily violation summary and in 148 days not a single subpoena was issued. The committee could have compelled our building management to disclose who the resident superintendent is, what unit they live in, and how long they've held
that role. Because right now, we don't know. And in emergencies like fires, which actually happened, our distress calls land in a call center in the Philippines. The committee could have subpoenaed Director Gerson to explain why mandatory fines on a per tenant per day basis aren't being summoned. It could have
called the municipal prosecutor to explain why those fines aren't being collected and why taxpayers are on the hook while millions millions in mandatory housing violation penalties go uncollected. If our daily emails and cclick fix tickets were not enough, we also came to
every city council meeting to ask for help. These violations were hard to miss and those of you in the council with listed city email addresses received your first daily violation email today. Councilman Gilmore says government moves slowly. He's contrasted that with what happens when someone doesn't pay a
parking ticket. That system works fast. But 282 days of documented violations by a billion dollar landlord, that system doesn't seem to work at all. I'm asking you to convene the committee and issue the subpoenas. Get the documents. Get
the answers. Thank you. >> Next speaker. 5.24. Nia Vana. Oh, >> get there. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay, >> Vana. >> Um, it's like Uncle Vana. >> Yeah. >> Okay, got it.
>> Um, good evening, council. Nice to meet you all. Um, I'm here to ask a simple question. Where's the money? The city's money and our money. Let me start with the city's money. In August 2025, our landlord pleaded guilty to 71 counts of
failing to disclose a resident superintendent at 100 Warren Street. The court gave them a deadline, January. Comply or play $2,000 per count. 71* 2,000 is $142,000.
That money was supposed to go to Jersey City revenue for municipal services, but the landlord didn't comply. The certificate is unchanged and somehow the court was told compliance was verified. So where is the $142,000?
Who decided Jersey City shouldn't collect it? Now let me tell you about our money, the tenants money. No resident superintendent means a reduction in services. A reduction in services means a reduction in rent. That's money owed back to tenants. But it's bigger than that. Under New
Jersey's landlord identity law, landlords must disclose the superintendent's name, unit number, and phone number when it is required by law. If you don't disclose the zooper, you're not in compliance with state law. And under city ordinance 2260-3,
if you're not in compliance with the landlord identity law, you don't qualify for any rent increase. Any rent increase. And here's what's important. This is true whether or not a 100 warren was ever subject to rent control. The landlord identity law is state law. It
applies to every landlord. There's no federal litigation standing in the way of this enforcement. None. So every increase our landlord has imposed while hiding the superintendent. Illegal. Not just the fine, the increases themselves. And there's nothing stopping this city
from enforcing that right now. So, when I ask where is the money, I'm asking about the city's $142,000 in uncollected fines. I'm asking about the rent reductions tenants are owed for services not provided. And I'm asking about every illegal rent increase
imposed while our landlord refused to tell us who our superintendent is. And I'll say this to the admin to the administration. Until this city collects that $142,000 it's owed, don't take one more dime and pool fees from residents. Don't charge
us for parade permits. Don't raise taxes to cover budget shortfalls created by the city's own deliberate inaction. You want revenue, it's sitting right there. $142,000 exposed by 71 guilty pleased by an
unchanged certificate. We have the emails, we have the photos. Find out who knew what and when they knew it. then collect the city's money and direct our landlord to issue the refunds to us as ordinance 260 mandates. Equal protection
under the law as each of you swore to just two weeks ago. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker 5.25, Susan. >> Good evening, city council members. My name is Susan Roka and I'm a portside tenant. specifically an East Tower
tenant. And while the distinction may not matter much in the larger larger scope of our tenant association and what we're trying to advocate for, it does matter in the story I want to share tonight. Some people say a picture is worth a thousand words. Others say showing is better than telling. And some
people rely on a metaphor. Tonight, I'd like to use all three. Firstly, a photo. If someone could hand this to Shan. I only have one. Earlier this evening, I t took this photo just outside the entrance to the east tower. The panel
you pressed to enter the vestibule before unlocking the door, or if you're lucky, have the concierge, if they're there, buzz you in. The panel has looked the same for the last 6 to 8 months. The plate hangs crooked to the left, loose,
unscrewed, uns unsecured, and visibly broken. And all it would take to fix is a single screw. A repair that would take less than five minutes. And yet daytoday, month after month, building maintenance staff walk past it. Equity
residential personnel whose office is right in our lobby walk past it and it's still there dangling. I once asked a maintenance worker why it hadn't been fixed. He smiled very earnestly and said, "Oh yeah, that's bad." And the
broken panel remains. Now, of course, the panel is the least of our concerns at Portside. It doesn't even make the list, but it tells a very clear story. If Equity Residential cannot or will not fix the smallest
problems that cost almost nothing, then tenants have no reason to believe they will address the issues that really matter. What matters most is this. livein a live-in superintendent and 24-hour security as required by Jersey
City law. Not optional, not negotiable, required. At the last meeting, we heard something new. You asked questions. You asked for information. You stepped forward and offered to organize a committee. And we appreciate it. It was exciting to hear
that. So, now comes the next step. We are asking you to act where the previous council did not. To enforce the fines that were already been levied, to collect them, and to enforce change, to make it clear that large corporate
landlords are not above the city's laws. Because when a company ignores a missing screw for months, what they're really testing is whether anyone is paying attention. Tonight, we are asking you to prove that you are. Thank you.
Can I say something Susan and Kevin and team thank you for doing what you guys have been doing for months or maybe years. I have actually sat with you guys there. I remember uh I'm really hoping for a solution as soon as I hope all of
us can figure it out. But thank you for doing it. >> Join the committee. >> I'm sorry. Yes. Yes. I would after they are done. That's what I want to suggest. I would love to get invested with you guys. Thank you.
>> Do you need that photo back? Do you want that photo back? >> Can Can I ask a question of um corporation council? Um we had four members of the council interested in being on this committee um and were interested in um ideally next meeting
having it on the agenda um to amend uh the previous resolution 25-564 which only allowed for three members. Um since council member Singh just said she was also interested in being on the committee. Will having a fifth member
result in our um being subject to the open public meetings act? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Department. >> Now you have to choose the council if you like me or not. >> No. No. No. We can have them. We can
have five. >> If I if I can comment. >> Let's let the uh law department respond and give us >> Okay. I'll let the law department respond and then I'll say my piece. >> Um the corporation council uh is enjoying her second day on the job. So
the answer to your question with respect to five people in a room is um yes that would be a violation of the sunshine laws. With respect to your first question I am going to defer to my predecessor who is very helpfully facilitating the transition in the law
department. We just need to update the resolution. We can do that next meeting. But there can be maximum four. Can't have five or else. >> No, that's not that's not accurate, is it? I mean, you can have five members in a committee. We had a we had an
inclusionary zoning committee and a rent control committee that had literally the the inclusionary zoning had seven members. We had to sunshine all the meetings. And for my part, I would want given that they've been coming for years and their skepticism about the kind of
results and what actions we're taking, I would be more than open to sunshining the meetings and allowing that to be seen in in transparency and in the light for everybody. Yeah. um and uh so that they can see whether
we're taking action or not and from and I hope we can fulfill on your expectations and be able to take action on all these uh violations and enforce the laws. >> So law department would that would that then create we would have to create an
ordinance for that or is just amending the resolution? We can amend the resolution but we do have to include um sunshine include all that >> and we would also have to make sure that staff is available for those meetings
right our clerk and stenographer etc. >> So I'm getting volunteered already. Okay, good. That's nice. >> I think all the efforts are absolutely worth it. You guys have been taking out time pretty much two times a month. So, whatever we have to do.
>> Okay. >> I think >> so we'll we'll discuss as a council offline um how everyone wants to agree to set this up and wants to be on it >> and and I see if it's something that needs legal advice, we wouldn't be able to provide that in an open uh sunshine
meeting. Can can we just make sure we commit to getting it on the agenda for the next city council session? >> Sure. >> I commit to that. >> Thanks so much. >> Thank you. And um so if if we are moving forward with a sunshinable
um which which I which I support as well um you know I think then other council members also we're not capped at for. So if that is something that we're doing then if if others are interested you know I guess we can discuss And point of information, Madame
President, uh, since the resolution will be on the next council and caucus agenda, can we have as a director, the municipal prosecutor come and just answer our questions while we wait for this committee to to form? >> Uh, definitely. And we can also include
um courtside litigation in our close session when we schedule that as well, so that everybody's up to date. So, we'll make sure that everybody's up to date on the issues. Um, and then as a council, we'll talk offline about how we want to set up these committees.
>> All right. >> Just to be clear, we are not bored with your faces. It's just that we want to make sure that we can do something about it. >> All right, Sean, let's go. >> What was that? >> I said, "Okay, Sean."
>> Oh, I'm sorry. Um, but just another thing I just wanted to know since I know we're going to talk offline. Um, but council person Lavaro alluded to the rent control and the inclusionary uh committees that we had that we we were
meeting when during a pandemic. So, am I to assume that we're going to meet here in the council chambers in person? Well, if you if you recall, my recollection is that the inclusionary zoning committee started in 2019 and
then it um as it was getting towards the end of its life there, it stopped because of the pandemic and then we resumed it in July. So, we were meeting in person and then ultimately uh as well as the rent control committee was also meeting in person and then the rent control never resumed after after uh the
pandemic hit. See, I stand corrected. I'm not always right, but I'm seldomly wrong. No. Anyway, uh uh I do remember that now. Thanks, council person Lavaro. So, when you met in person, it was here in the chambers. >> No, we had the uh the caucus room.
>> Caucus room at that time. So, >> so we'll discuss. Okay. >> Yeah. So, >> very good. >> Would it would it be more convenient though for this to I mean, we can discuss offline, but maybe it might be more convenient to do it virtually. Okay. Yeah, let's just we'll we'll talk offline. Everybody has a lot of
questions. Let's uh not hold up the public. >> Nope. Nope. >> All right. Our next speaker, 5.26, Suzanne. >> Good evening, everyone. Um firstly, >> sorry for the delay. >> No, thank you for all your words and actions that you're looking to take. Um,
you know, most of you are in new roles on the council and you have a real moment to make a true defining, you know, pivotal moment in your careers. So, we hope that that starts with this and that you will impact 70% of your voting population. So, thank
you. Um, I'm still going to talk about your power though. So, um, Jersey City operates under the Faulner Act. It's the state law that defines exactly what this council can do. And I think it's worth walking through those powers together because you have more power than you
might realize. First, the power of investigation. So, under NJSA 4069A-37, this council can investigate any department, office or agency of the municipal government. You can form an investigating committee and that
committee under NJSA 4048-25 can issue subpoenas. It can compel witnesses to appear. It can compel the production of documents. This isn't symbolic. The New Jersey Supreme Court has confirmed this is real legal authority. If you want to know why a
department isn't enforcing the law, you have the power to put the director under oath and ask. Second, the power of advice and consent. Under NJSA469A-43, when the mayor appoints a department head, you confirm them. That means
you're not a rubber stamp. You have the authority to question those appointments. And once you've confirmed a director, you share responsibility for their performance. You can call them back. You can ask hard questions. That is your role. Third, the power of the
purse. Under MJSA 4069-36, you approve the municipal budget. Every department that comes to you asking for funding can be asked to account for their performance. You can tie resorts resources to results. You can demand
accountability before you write the check. Fourth, the power of removal. Under NJSA469A-37, this council can remove any municipal officer other than the mayor by a twothirds vote for cause with notice and
an opportunity to be heard. If a director is failing to do their job, you don't have to wait for the mayor to act. You have the votes to act yourselves. Investigation, confirmation, budget, and removal. These
aren't abstract concepts. They're levers. The Faulner Act put them in your hands for a reason so that when something goes wrong in this city, you have the tools to fix it. For years, we have come to this chamber documenting failures. Failures of enforcement, failures of response, failures of
accountability. We've done our part. We have built the record. We have shown you exactly where the problems are. Now we're asking you to do your part. Use the levers you have. Launch the investigations. Question the appointments. Scrutinize the budgets. Remove those who fail. The law gives you
these powers. Thank you. >> Our next speaker 5.27 Mark. Is Mark here? Not here today. 5.28 Ezekiel. Um uh first and foremost, um I'd like to congratulate the council members on
starting their term. Um and I'm hopeful that this term and the term of the new mayor will be one that makes Jersey City a fairer place for all of its residents. Um my name is Ezekiel Mabin and I've been a tenant in Portide Towers for almost 2 years. Um, this is my first
time speaking at a city council meeting and uh, anyone who knows me will tell you I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things. Um, but I'll spare you those and focus my remarks on the situation at Portside. My wife and I have been grateful to be a part of the Jersey City community and living at Portide allows us to do that.
Um, in part because of the rent control that was restored by the hard work of the tenants union and um, the other tenants in the building. And rent stabilization is often maligned. Um, but it helps people stay in the neighborhoods they love and know what their next rent payment will be, which
is a very valuable thing in an very uncertain world. And while I love living in the community, I've been tremendously frustrated by Equity Residential and its refusal to follow the law, not only on rent control, but on the numerous violations that I and my fellow tenants face every day. Um, as my fellow
attendants speaking at this meeting have noted, our building is required to have both a uniform security guard and a resident super, but has neither despite frequent reports of these violations. And requests for repairs often go um unresolved. Uh, I'm myself had a screen
door that was broken in my apartment building that was not repaired for 6 months despite numerous um numerous requests and many of my fellow tenants had faced far worse. Um and uh we also face opaque charges for amenities as
many have described uh which is illegal under Jersey city law and it's often very difficult to get in touch with management over the phone uh when you have an emergency. Many of you campaigned on helping to protect tenants and stand up to landlords who ask for tax breaks and then do not give back to the community.
Um and I believed in you and the new mayor and and actually volunteered for many of you. And I'm hopeful that you and the new administration will push to see the laws already on the books enforced. Again, there's not much new that needs to be passed, just uh see the existing laws enforced. And I'm hopeful that by the end of your term, we'll see
violations that we face every day ended. And we'll be able to uh work constructively with you to see the violations of tenants all around um the city addressed. And um it looks like I have a little bit of time. So I actually will break my promise to focus solely on port side and say that um I want to urge
you and your colleagues to strike while the iron is hot and work to turn the land behind the Colgate clock over to the city as a park because now at the start of both the new administration here and the new administration in Trenton, there'll never be a better time to do it. So thank you and um thank you especially to my fellow tenants who I'm I would not be able to live in Portide
if it weren't for their hard work. So I just want to say thank you to all of you. Our next speaker, 5.29, Shannon. >> Good evening, council. Um, I my heart is moved by the discussion that was had a few moments ago, and um, my speech will
be especially relevant um, given these new developments. On January 8th, over 50 tenants logged into the municipal court Zoom. Our legal council was on the Zoom. The press was on the Zoom. I think our councilman was on that Zoom. and we thank you for that. We all heard what
the prosecutor said and as you have heard multiple times tonight, he told the judge that Director Richardson's office had verified compliance with the resident superintendent requirements at Portide Towers. We know that's not true. We walked through our lobbies that
morning. Nothing had changed. Same certificate, the same missing information. The court was told something that contradicted the physical evidence in public with dozens of witnesses watching. That's not a misunderstanding. That is a court being
misled and there must be consequences. This council has subpoena power under the Falner Act and as we know the Udated resolution related to the investigative committee will be read at the next council meeting. That means you can hit the ground running. You can have
subpoenas ready to issue in hand at that very meeting. Call us. I'll raise my right hand and testify to exactly what I heard and exactly what's posted in my lobby that morning. Dozens of my neighbors will do the same. Call our landlord. Put the local management under
oath. Ask them, "Did you hire a resident superintendent? What unit do they live in? What's their phone number? When did you clo disclose this information to the to tenants?" Call anyone named on that certificate. But that might be difficult. When we call the numbers
listed during emergencies, we are routed to the Philippines. But you can have the Jersey City Police serve whoever is in the leasing office, the manager, the maintenance provider. Put them under oath. Ask them where is the superintendent for 100 Warren
Street. Ask them for security logs proving whether they secure the Korean War Memorial each night. And this is important. Before anyone claims that that question is stayed by litigation over ordinance 218, it is not. That is a separate contract with the city. If
anything, their failure to perform this should result in having that stay lifted immediately. Call Director Richardson. Ask him what his office investigated. Ask him what he told the prosecutor. Ask him how he verified compliance when nothing in our office had changed. In our lobby had
changed. Call the prosecutor. Ask him where he got his information. Get to the bottom of what happened because right now it looks like a municipal court was given false information in public and a landlord walked away from mandatory fines because of it. If that's what happens, somebody needs to answer for
it. You have the power. You have the willing witnesses. You have the clear path to the truth. Please use it. And thank you so much. >> Our next speaker 530, David Good evening, Council President Ridley and members of the council.
First, I want to say congratulations. Um, I am going to depart from my prepared remarks because what I've seen here tonight has really uh has uh kind of turned my whole world upside down. I've never like this sort
of engagement uh between the council and the people have who have spoken not just us from port side but it's like it is night and day from the previous council and um and from any experience I've had working with local government before and it
really does raise my expectations and it does raise my level of hope. Um I don't think I need to tell anybody this is a very difficult moment. um in our nation's history and I feel good about
the representation that we have in Jersey City to help meet that moment. Um having said that, um I think we've also seen tonight that we at Port Side are not going to kind of
sit on our hands and just hope for the best, right? We're going to actively engage. And um I want to say as quick as I'm going to be to voice my objection if I think that you all are getting off
track, I'm going to be just as quick and just as vocal in support if I see that you are working to enforce tenant law and and to pass protenant legislation. Um, I used to I had a friend who worked
for Senator Paul Wellstone and she used to say if your representative does something that you agree with, call their office and tell them because typically no one contacts the representative unless they want to complain. Um,
so, um, I want to say one further thing, which is that I'm going to, you know, as with the rest of us, I'm going to be back here either way. Um, but if I am as as happy as I am tonight, if I feel good
about the direction that we're going, I will finish my speeches in under three minutes. Thank you. >> We will hold you to that. 5.31 Barbara Good evening, city council. I'm sorry to tell you, but I'm a believe it I'll
believe it when I see it person. So, you're going to have to hear the prepared speech. As you've heard endlessly tonight and at your meeting two weeks ago, and in fact, for the last three years, some of you tenants are begging the Jersey City
Council to do the job you promised voters you would do. Enforce the laws of this city. So until that happens, I'm going to just keep recycling the speeches I've delivered over the past three years. I've got plenty of them,
sadly. Here's one from last autumn. Good evening, city council. If I was asked to sum up in a word this city council, after watching it for three years since I moved into Portide Towers in 2022,
it would be this single word. Still. The word still has many meanings, so let me use my three minutes to be clear. Not the still that describes the calm, reassuring feeling that a tenant gets knowing your home is secure from
intruders, your rent is stable, and your apartment equipment or structural breakdowns will be repaired relatively soon after reporting what is sometimes an emergency. No, not that kind of still.
still in as in the kind of still that I hear from so many of my journalist friends who have covered city councils nationwide and know that it has been three years since tenants of Portide Towers won a ruling by the
Jersey City Rent Leveling Board confirming that our buildings are indeed protected by Jersey City's rent control law under ordinance 260. Yet tenants are still seeking enforcement.
So my journalist friends asked incredulously, "Still, city law mandates buildings like portside towers have 247 uniform security." Yet we still don't have that
247 uniform security. City law mandates that buildings like to port side towers have an outside superintendent. Yet, we still don't have an on-site superintendent in either of our buildings. Two buildings means two
supers. My ask tonight is still the same ask that I've made for the past three years. Please do the job you promised residents you would do when you asked them for their votes. Enforce the laws of this
city. I'm an optimist, so I'm looking forward to the day when I have a different single word to sum up the city council. I hope someday I can say to sum it up in a word, finally.
Thank you. >> Our next speaker, 5.32, Michelle, >> something different. Good evening. regarding executive order two 2026-00002 establishing a citywide audit of all tax
abatements. 13 days ago, Mayor Solomon and you all took an oath to serve the people of Jersey City. Will you keep it? Mayor Solomon, during your campaign, you promised accountability. You said the days of giving cover to large developers
were over, but your executive order on pilot audits may be telling a different story. Let me share some facts every taxpayer should know. In 2019, an independent audit found Jersey City was losing
$74 million a year because pilot properties weren't paying their fair share. When auditors asked for records, the city couldn't produce them. Not for 2018 and barely
for 2017. The city was billing developers based on outdated numbers and hoping nobody would notice. But Mayor Solomon, you noticed in 2017 when you served on this council, you and
Councilman Yu, Yun and Lavaro demanded answers about whether developers were paying the profits they owed under their pilot agreements. You got, in Councilman Lavaro's words, quote, false assurances, empty rhetoric, and wasted tax dollars.
So why does your executive order now exclude the worst offenders? For example, the worst of the worst offenders, Portide Towers, owned by my landlord, Equity Residential, operated under a 30-year pilot that expired in
September 2022. Their financial agreement required profit limitations. It required annual certified audits. It required them to pay excess profits to the city for 24 years. Did anyone check? Did anyone
enforce? Did anyone collect what we were owed? Your executive order will never answer those questions because it only covers active abatements. Council members, New Jersey give this gives the city six years to pursue
contract claims. That window is still open. However, every month we wait, equity, residential, and other pilot offenders move further from accountability. When a municipality knowingly fails to collect debts owed by specific developers while ordinary
taxpayers pay full freight, that's selective enforcement. It's a breach of fiduciary duty to every resident of the city. If it's intentional, that would be corruption. But Mayor Solomon, I don't believe that's your intention. You have
a choice to address the issue, amend your executive order, and expand the audit to include recently expired pilot. >> Thank you, >> Sean. If I can just make a comment to to the administration. Um, if you could
that that's pretty insightful. If we could bring that to the mayor's office and their attention. Um, to the mayor. I don't know if he did. I don't think it was intentional. So I think uh maybe there's a need for to amend that order uh because those are uncollected monies
and desperately needed monies that the city needs. Okay. >> And just for clarity that six years is essentially a statute of limitations during which we can retroactively audit the 30 years of Okay. >> Just the statute for contract claims.
>> Statue for contract claims. Okay. Britney, um if if someone from legal can speak just as it relates to um who we can call um when we doing these investigations as it
relates to if they're in the state of New Jersey, if they're in the country. So our what is like our subpoena powers, how far do they go? because I would imagine a lot of these higherups from EC equity residential are not in New
Jersey. Um, so I want to see if we can kind of like safeguard to where we can get to who we need to talk to. >> It's anybody within the state. Um, they should have a registered agent within the state as we've talked about before. Um, we can speak about that and we're also just going to have to speak about
how the committee is going to operate as a whole particularly when it's when it's open. So it's anyone in this what? Anyone that have an address or anyone that's physically in the state? >> Well, they would need to be physically in the state to get them to get the
person there to serve them. >> But if let's say John Jackson, he's the president of EC Residential. Um, and so I guess my point is we can't send the
subpoena to the establishment and use that as I guess confirmation that they were served. >> You can try to ask for an agent or to ask for somebody to represent the corporation. We can talk about the specifics of that, but you can try that to the registered agent in the state and
see if they're able to produce anybody if you don't have a specific person or somebody within the state, but we can talk about that. Also, anyone register, anyone doing business in the state, we can ask another entity to domesticate a subpoena out of state, but if they're doing business in New Jersey, they have to register in New Jersey uh with a
someone with an address in New Jersey to accept service. >> So, we do have somewhere to send it. It's just >> see what the response >> up here, too. >> The record note that someone actually said it was good that I'm a lawyer. It was Councilman Gilmore. Got you.
Uh uh Peter um question um with with the um the tax abatements. Is there a database where we can find all of these expired tax abatements that have been expired less than 6 years.
>> So the tax collector in Jerry City has a record of all the information. I don't know if it's a specific database, but they have records that would identify what tax payments have historically been in jury city, which ones are expired, which ones are ongoing, the different payment plans for them.
>> All right, Sean. >> Okay, our next speaker, 5.33, Thomas H. Is Thomas here? Okay. Next speaker 5.34 James Carol. I don't
see James. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Next speaker 5.35 Karen. >> Karen said she's >> Yes. Y'all can stand in unison. >> You can stand together. But are you
listed one after the other? >> Perfect. You can stand right up there. We'll just let Karen go first. >> Good evening. Good evening, Councilman Joe Brooks and the members of the Jersey City Council.
My name is Karen Kerini and I live at Boy Beninis, 2555 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City. I'm here tonight because I'm worried. My biggest fear is that we could lose our HUD
subsidy. This building could ever become a market rate and I'm a I'm a senior on a limited income. I could not afford to stay and I cannot afford to move.
This is my home and I needed to remain affordable for the seniors. I lived there. here for 40 years. This is this is where my life is. And now I'm getting older and I use a walker
and that changes everything. When you have mobility issues, you feel every crack, every door that's hard to open and every unsafe area. The elevators when they don't work or right is not
just inconvenient, it's frightening. Seniors can feel trapped in their own homes. So we hear the there maybe a new ownership. We just don't think new owner we think
will be protected and we be able to age safely. That's why I'm supporting this purchase. We've been told the new owners will keep this HUD subsidized and affordability and that they will make the building
safer and more livable for seniors. Ple please support this. Please help protect our homes and our affordability. Thank you. >> Thank you. speak. >> Karen. Hi, Council Member Brooks. Karen,
thank you for making the trip. Nice to see you. Used to be your neighbor. Um, I just want to let everyone know that the prospective buyer has reached out. Um, we were supposed to meet on Monday, but
we were hit with the snowstorm. So, I've committed to meet with the prospective buyer. and um before committing to support their bid, I want to make sure that they're going to do right by the residents. Um so, you know, you have an
elevator that's been out for you tell me how long it's been out. Um so, we want to make sure that they're going to do right by you. So, um I appreciate you making the time to come down and uh thank you. Our next speaker 5.36 Michelle
want >> Good evening council president and council members. My name is Michelle Stenmark and I'm a flight attendant and I'm also a resident at Portside Towers Ward F.
And I'm excited about our new crew. In my job, we get to know our crew members and we do an orientation. We show them around. We show them safety equipment and we tell them about their responsibilities before we even leave the ground. So consider this your
orientation. Welcome aboard Jersey City Flight 2026. We know you all had a chance. Excuse me. We you we know you all had a choice of elections and we thank you for choosing to serve the people. Before takeoff, please locate
your safety information card in your seat back pocket. That's your city charter, the Faulner Act, the oath of office. We recommend you review it carefully. Some of the previous crew did not.
Our flight has been delayed significantly. We originally were scheduled to depart for enforcement back in 2022, then 2023, then 2024, and 2025.
And we've been sitting on the tarmac for quite a few years now, watching flights take off and we were told to remain seated. But tonight, we have a new crew and and we're hoping you actually know
where we're going. In the event of emergency, you should know your tenants have no emergency exits. We can't just open the door and walk away. These are our homes. So we need this crew to keep the aircraft safe.
Your oxidative masks are powers under the Faulner Act. Investigation, budget, removal. If cabin pressure drops, secure your own mask first. Use your tools you have. You can't help passengers if you won't
use them. Our destination this evening is a place called Justice. I heard it's really beautiful and I really like to see it. So, new crew, welcome aboard. We're glad you're here.
Now, let's get this flight off the ground. Thank you so much and congratulations on your new positions. Thank you for being so creative with this speech, Michelle. All right, we're gonna let that go on a
little bit. Tina, that you're shouting out because we didn't get you to speak. So 5.37, Maria. >> Maria, >> is Maria here? 5.3. Okay, take your time. Take your time.
>> Sorry, I could only see with one eye. Oh, no, no worries. No worries. >> Okay. My name is Maria Smith and I reside at 2555 Johnf Kennedy Boulevard. Been there 20 years
and I love it. One elevator, it doesn't matter. I love it. All my friends or my old friends used to hang out. I think this only out of all of us maybe
three left. I'm one of them alive. I I'm afraid that if I lose HUD, I will not be able to afford
to live anywhere else. I work part-time to make ends meet. I I just love my building. I don't want to move and I can't afford
to move. We all get together in the hallways, in the lobbies, and we talk talk talk. We love We love each other. We take care of each other. We cook. And if you like my chicken
soup, I give you chicken soup. I We We're family. We are family. Even with the management, we bake, we cook, we give. And
please, we want to keep our building. We We can't afford to move at all. None of us. I have
notes here. I suffer from Swiss cheese memory. It comes in and out. The idea we've been told the new owners will continue the HUD subsidi and keep this affordable to seniors.
Yes. >> Speaking of the microphone. >> Yeah, I'm trying to read. Okay. Remember only one way. What else? I Yeah, >> just so you know, you're so adorable. So,
>> well, I'll be 77 in July. >> God bless you. >> Yeah. Upsid. We're friends. We're family. Even with one elevator, it's like me, you know, something goes wrong,
you limp along until you get better and then you wait for the other one to get approved. You know, the other elevator. That's it. >> Thank you so much. >> You Thank you very much. >> God bless. >> Thank you for making the trip, Miss
Smith. And um Chris, if you could get their contact information. Thank you. Uh and again, we we'll be meeting with this the prospective buyers and to make sure that everybody can stay in their homes and that uh the new buyer, the new owner
does right by you. And there's devils in the details. So, we look forward to sitting down with them. >> Are we here tonight? Good evening, Council President Denise Ridley, Councilman Joel Brooks, and members of the Jersey City Council. My name is Sandra Rodriguez. I am the property
manager at Boy McInness in Jersey City. I'm here tonight in the support of the purchase of the buildings. I want to start with what I hear most residents fear about losing affordability um their subsidies. Um many residents
are seniors on fixed incomes. And even though some of them do work, they cannot afford Jersey City market rents. Residents need the stability of the continuing of HUD subsidies and long-term affordability.
At this at the same time, residents live every day with the impact of a aging building. You already know the issues with the elevators. We have one elevator up, the other one is in process of being fixed and hopefully running soon. um
which creates uh problems and safety concerns for all the seniors. The the new ownerships uh they did plan their plan is um very important to us because they are telling the seniors and and telling us a lot of
changes will be made which is great for for the seniors. My main concern are the seniors. Uh the elevators upgrading the units with new kitchens, appliances, and flooring. Uh common areas and updated
community spaces like a library, gym, and resident lounges, which would be excellent because the residents right now they have no place to we have a community room. We play bingo, but that's about it. So, we're looking forward to having more activities for
the tenants um and uh everything working correctly how it should be. Um so, I respectfully ask for the council to support this purchase. Um I will protect the seniors as much as I can and I will continue to
do everything with them. um and stay at Boy McInness with my seniors and just look forward to the changes that the new ownership is saying that they're going to do. So, please consider it and thank you for listening to us.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Excuse me, Sandra. Um I have a question. Um I know I hear you guys keep mentioning HUD. So, what are we are we talking section 8? >> Yeah, it's a subsidized. Yeah, it's rent control. um it goes by their income. So
they're scared that new ownership is going to come in and the rent is going to turn into market rent. >> Okay. Um >> they all the tenants are telling me, "No, I'm scared. I hear this. I hear that." And I keep telling them that nothing's going to change. Um I don't
think they're allowed to do any of that. I think it continues to stay HUD, you know, subsidized, >> so their income won't change with the new buyers. Um they did tell us that they will make changes um as far as a gym and a library and
things for for the tenants, but as far as their income changing to market rent, no that that would not change. >> Thank you. >> That is not fair. >> 2555 is deed restricted seniors and uh
it's companion building uh 2540 is deed restricted section 8 families. Yes. So, >> well, we have three. >> Yep. >> And how long is the deed restriction? >> Uh, I don't have that info. Um, we were supposed to meet with the prospective buyers on Monday, but the storm
happened. So, we we will be meeting with them and um if any other Yep. >> Councilman Brooks, after you uh meet with them, if you can kind of give the council a wrap-up. I'm I'm supposed to meet with them, I think, next week also. Um, and I would encourage them, I'll
reach out and encourage them to reach out to the rest of the council as well, especially the atlares. Yeah. Uh, so that everyone can be briefed on the situation. >> Thank you. If I can, um, thank you to the folks from Boyd McGinness. Definitely do what we can to protect uh,
and make sure that you still have affordable homes and be able to live peaceibly here in Jersey City and continue to hear. But I I really want to direct my comment to the administration and just ask um who which uh office is now respon or or
is there an office responsible for monitoring the affordability restrictions or is tracking the affordability restrictions because my concern here is that we may have lots of properties coming off of um their deed
restrictions and affordability and um what we're doing proactively to maintain our affordable housing stock here in Jersey City. >> Yes, council. We do have an office affordability. Uh GG Gone is the director of it and she monitors the the different agreements we have and works
with them to make sure that they're in compliance of all the agreements. >> Who who is that? >> GG. I'll send the information for if you'd like, Councilman. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. Sure.
>> All right. Next speaker. 5.39 Jamie Jamie M. >> No, next speaker 5.40 Moren. >> So >> going to pass Moren. Okay, thank you.
5.41 Brett. Brett's not here. Thank you. 5.42. Michael. >> Michael's coming. Yep. >> Good evening, council president and members of the council. Thank you for
the opportunity to speak tonight. Um, I'd like to thank Amir first and foremost because I've never met him before and uh I was not expecting that at all. um a little reluctant to even raise my hand and cuz us cannabis companies are tend to get grouped
together and kind of hated on. So, thank you Amir. Um as he was saying, I had control of a commercial property located at South and Kennedy Boulevard and I made the choice I didn't want to put the cannabis business in my neighborhood. So, I secured a property on the highway on Tunnel Avenue. With that being said,
I'd like to acknow acknowledge a concern that is understandably top of mind that three cannabis businesses on Tunnel Avenue were not successful for a variety of reasons. I do not take that lightly and I do not diminish it. But I believe it's important to distinguish the location from the operator. Unlike all
of those prior applicants, I was born and raised here. I have never left this community. This is not just a business opportunity for me. This is home. I know the people, the rhythm of the neighborhood, and the expectations residents have for businesses operating here. I understand what works here, and
just as importantly, what doesn't. I am aware that the cannabis resolutions, including the one related to this application, were pulled at yesterday's caucus. I understand with a new council, there may be a need for additional information, clarification, or time to fully evaluate the proposal. Even after
investing my entire life savings and two and a half year local process consisting of constant postponements of hearings both by the prior local CCB and planning. I respected that process and I'm here tonight to be transparent, available, and responsive to any
questions or concerns you may have. What sets my application apart is not only compliance, but commitment. I'm a social equity applicant who is determined to bring real value back to the city through local hiring responsibility. responsible but through local hiring, responsible operations, and a business
model designed for long-term stability and not a short-term game. Previous failures should not disqualify a location when the operator approach and accountability are entirely different. I am here for the long haul. I am accountable to this community because it raised me and I intend to build something here that reflects that
responsibility. In short, not only am I the only applicant approved by the CCB on Tunnel Avenue who is social equity, who was born and raised here and still residing in Georgia City, I'm the only applicant on the opposite side of the highway. And the location in question, unlike the others, has a proven track
record of being retail friendly. And the plan is to put a beautiful building in a dilapitated area of Jersey City that for decades Jersey City has been trying to revitalize. I respectfully ask the council to evaluate this application on its own merits, on my record, my roots, and my commitment to doing this the
right way. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> I if I may, Councilman Efos in Ward D, um, thanks so much for the intentionality you're putting forward here. We definitely be happy to chat a bit about the project. This is the grass house um, dispensary. Okay, great. Uh,
yeah, thank you so much. I would be happy uh to connect um and chat about this. >> Thank you. Um, can I ask you how many people you intend to hire from Jersey City? >> Oh, >> what's the number? >> 8 to 10. >> Just give me an idea.
>> He said 8 to 10. >> Okay. Sorry, I did not hear that. >> Competition. >> Oh, >> thank you. >> Thank you, Mike. >> Thank you. >> Okay, our next speaker 5.43, Katherine Hello, my name is Katherine Moore. Um,
I'm the person that spoke with with Elena um asking about uh ordinance 264. Um, I'm just kind of hoping I can get a couple there'll be some answers um for the second reading in in regards to uh
this um ordinance. Uh just as looking at the the the document is saying that it's been used as a parking lot. It hasn't been a parking lot for uh at least 20 since 2020. It's been used as the Boys and Girls Club um clubhouse uh garden.
And uh basically it's just a property that's been that was abandoned and reused. We're concerned that um the um infrastructure around it and the trees that are in front of it all die because of whatever is underneath the underneath
the asphalt uh and under the concrete. And since if it was used as a garage, um there's still a lot of um plumbing and things that are kind of sticking out of it. So, kind of hoping that when they do pass this property on, they're going to
um clean up all the the the the the stuff that's around it um and have it a clean lot um uh before it becomes a playground for kids. Um as far as the environmental report, it would be really nice if that kind of information is
available to the public and any kind of other uh documents before the second reading so we can take a look at that and and and review it. Um, when looking in the Powerhouse Arts District development plan, I see nothing mentioned about this lot, lot three on
this block. Um, I'm not sure if it was used as a bonus for 107 Morgan Street like 335 Washington Street was. So, we're just kind of curious if it has the same um uh details uh for any kind of
bonus. Um, and when this does finally come and happen, the community would love to be involved when the with the plans as it's being created. Um, but we do feel that, um, we need to take a look at the remediation and make sure that
everything underneath it is good because, you know, they plant new trees, the trees die. Um, you know, so there's definitely something wrong with the land that's underneath it. Um, and uh, that's it. And hopefully that when when the
city does take over, they will be um finally somebody uh getting rid of the snow removal. U it's always uh it's always one of those sort places. Thank you. >> Uh Catherine, what I'm sorry, which um redevelopment plan did you reference? >> The Powerhouse Arts District
redevelopment plan? >> It's within that redevelopment plan. >> Yes. Yes. There's there's three lots. This is lot three in particular. Um and no one in in the redevelopment plan, nothing is mentioned in particular as a requirement of what it's supposed to be.
Um as they were saying, you know, in the caucus yesterday that it was um uh too small and there's, you know, a a building, a condo building that's right next to it. It's very very close. >> So anything larger, you know,
>> um would be impossible to to build. Um, but it was a garage, I guess, at some point, and it was demolished in 2005, but it wasn't really completely demolished. And I believe there are some outstanding uh permit extensions that
will need to be remedied. Any kind of legal um uh effects to this property probably should be taken care of before the city takes over. >> Thank you. >> One next to lively. >> Uh no, no, no. It's it's it's next to Washington Commons. Um right there, you
know, there's 333 Washington Street. 88 Morgan is Kitty Corner. You've got the big empty lot um across the street >> where they have compost or community garden. >> Yeah. Yeah. The Boys and Girls Club is right there. Okay. Yes. >> They've been there since 2020 >> and they have been maintaining the
>> and they well they they're just basically their project is on top of the concrete that was left. It was never really completely demolished. whatever business that was there before. I can't find any photos, so I don't really know what it looked like in 2005, but um it
sat uh empty for about 10 years. Sometimes there was some parking on it, but I don't know if they even ever had a license. >> Okay. >> So, >> thank you, C. You >> okay? Our next speaker, 5.44, Frank
R. No. 5.45. 45 Diana. >> Good evening, council. My name is Diana. I live at 415 Monmouth Street in downtown Jersey City, the proposed site for Warrior Weeds cannabis store. I
understand the application was withdrawn from today's agenda, but given the applicant's multiple attempts to gain municipal approval without community awareness and outreach, I will still use this time to voice my concerns. A central issue throughout Warrior Weed's application process has been the
applicant's approach to community engagement, especially with her most immediate community. That is the building the store sits in. The applicant first went to the cannabis control board in 2023 and 2024, but she did not inform any of the other owners
at 415 Monmouth that she was pursuing a cannabis license. In fact, after she received CCB approval, months passed by before our HOA heard about it from a third party. Our building only has five units and is a tight-knit community, and
we were shocked to learn that the applicant had kept her plans from us. That was just one of many examples of a continuous pattern of deficient community engagement. There was a conference call that the HOA requested in September 2024 to learn about the
business plans which the applicant and her council joined, but they didn't say much other than repeat that they were not legally obligated to tell the HOA anything. Early last month, the CCB granted the applicant approval on the condition that she works out insurance and quality of
life issues with the HOA. And the applicant and council sent a letter to our HOA that was received on January 16th, over a full month later around 5:00 p.m., leaving only six business days prior to today's hearing um to
schedule a meeting for 10 people. We responded immediately the next day and still have not heard back. The consistent theme is not a single incident, but a pattern of limited and reactive community engagement rather than transparent goodfaith outreach to those most directly impacted. And it's
important to note the concerns of the next most directly impacted parties, those who live on the block and in the immediate neighborhood. Of the 153 community members who signed the petition opposing a cannabis store at 415 Monmouth,
126 are located in Ward E. 87 people are within 1,000 ft of the location and 66 people within 500 ft. There are three churches and a robust daycare within a oneb block radius of this location. A cannabis store here just doesn't fit and
we ask this council to consider the concerns of our neighborhood. Thanks. Okay, our last speaker 5.46 46. Micah. >> Good evening, President and members of the council. My name is Micah Charles. I live at the building attached to the proposed Warrior Weed Dispensary. I'm here tonight to summarize what we've
heard directly from the neighbors in the petition. Um, as Amir and Diane have said, uh, objection to this proposal is broad, consistent, and deeply felt. This isn't uh in opposition to cannabis as a policy. It's about the location, the saturation, and neighborhood fit. Um, as
everyone has said so far, the block is predominantly residential and family oriented. Uh, residents overwhelmingly feel it's not the right place for another dispensary, especially when so many operate within walking distance. According to the cannabis retailer, city council approved MAP. Uh, as of January
21st, 20, 2026, Jersey City Council has already approved eight cannabis retailers within WE, which meets the Aper Ward limit uh for class 5 retailers under ordinance uh 25-045. Moreover, Warrior Weed's proposed location, 415 Monmouth, is only 250 ft
away from 270 Newark Avenue, a site that already has full city approval. Multiple petitioners commented that there's already too many enough plenty dispensaries in the neighborhood. Um, as Diana has shared, this application is also not being reviewed in a vacuum. In December 2024, this project went before
the Jersey City Planning Board. And while the ordinance has since changed and the planning board approval is no longer needed, the site surrounding residential context remains the same. Before the hearing, when we consulted Councilman Solomon and his staff, they advised the planning board would likely focus on technical matters such as
security and signage. For that reason, there uh the unanimous denial of the planning board was especially striking and surprising to us. The board based its decision on three findings. Poor neighborhood fit, lack of neighborly behavior, and deficient community outreach. Commissioner Torres
summarized this well on the record with the following. It just doesn't fit into the community, the process you took, not talking to neighbors, the size of the space, it does not just does not fit. And with that, I vote no. That conclusion remains valid today. We respectfully ask you consider the
residents who live here, raise families here, and invest in this neighborhood. Thank you for your time and we urge you to deny the proposed license at 415 Mom Street when it comes in front of the council. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, Council Member Brooks, I have a question for um either BA or law
department. um this particular dispensary, where does it fit in in terms of the timeline of grandfathered applications? And then second question, um in terms of the number of dispensaries per ward,
I'd have to contact the director of commerce to get that information for it. I don't know off the top of my head. Um but we're going to pull those cannabis resolutions so we have time to get for next meeting. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um sorry, new guy here. I I just heard
it sounded like he said it was it was it was uh denied by planning. Is that correct? So h how's how is it back on? Did it is it a certain amount of time before it can go back on? Uh
>> again, I don't have the background of that. So I want to verify that before I provide any information publicly about it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. council members that will can I just make a comment um now that everyone's spoken just uh I just wanted to acknowledge I know that most of them
have left or all of them have left um to the Portside Towers residents again just uh thank you for your advocacy and for coming out um and moving this council to action um and we will do our best to make sure that uh we live up to your um
your expectations and the work that you've done to lay the groundwork for us to be able to hopefully uh do what's right for people of Jersey City. I truly think this is a groundbreaking opportunity um transformative opportunity for Jersey City um to be able to transform affordability here in
Jersey City and u tenants and rent and renters uh all across Jersey City and maybe across the state of New Jersey. So, >> all right, council members, that will conclude our public speaking portion of the meeting. We're now going to our petitions and communications. Any
questions or comments on communication 6.1 through 6.27? Hearing none, there are no officer communications. Any questions or comments on reported directors 8.1 through 8.3? May I yeah ask some questions about 8.2
just for clarification. Um just, you know, we brought up the active versus uh any um audits that we might be able to do. um or active contracts versus any contracts. I am also just
curious um the self audits are supposed to be given to Jersey City uh from the businesses responsible for these contracts, right? Or who we're contracting with. Correct. >> Yeah. They provide annual financial statements to the city.
>> Okay. and uh the administration is putting forward this executive order which I I think is is very important. Um but just to get clarity, it's because that we don't trust the information that the reports are showing. Um they're
insufficient. They're not being done. Uh c can we just get clarity on the scope and of the Yeah, I wouldn't hesitate to say that it's insufficient or we don't trust them. These pilot agreements are very complicated agreements that involve multiaceted parts of the city,
assessments of the buildings, the land, things of that nature. So I think the audits are to make sure that the calculations and that the review and then result of those calculations based on the taxes or the money they' pay for the pilots are being properly administered by the city and the
information provided by the pilot is accurate at the time they provided it. >> Okay. and the the agencies responsible for undergoing these audits or for yeah doing these audits, excuse me, that I don't have all of the, you know, technical language um for speaking to this, but the agencies
responsible for these audits uh are usually hired by the um businesses we're contracting with the the businesses that receive these pilots. Correct. >> So, they provide their financial statements. I don't think it's really an audit on their side. Okay. or they just,
you know, have their internal uh mechanisms, whether it be a third party vendor or someone that's hired in house that provides the information to the city. The city then reviews it, verify verifies it with the agreement that we have on file and, you know, make sure that we agree with their assessment and
agree with the amount that they included in those those reports. And will we be putting out a request for proposals for a third party vendor to do the audit for us or are we as a city going to be doing that running that in-house? >> I believe the current intention is to
have a third party conduct those reviews but we're in the very preliminary stages of >> Okay. And if it were a third party I maybe you don't have this information but is a question for the administration. If this were to be a third-party vendor to conduct this to yeah conduct this audit, could we make sure that it's not any third party
vendor that has also been contracted by any of the the pilot recipients? >> Yeah. Any any example of this, we always have conflict forms. We make sure they're not going to be conflicted before they're obviously doing the work we're contracting to do. Um, there'll probably also be a level of oversight either at the city, through the law
department or administration to ensure that, you know, any information they need to obtain for these organizations, they have with the authority of the city and that we're helping them obtain it. >> Okay, great. Thank you very much. >> And and Peter, I have a question about the language um because it was brought
up uh tonight about um expired abatements. Now, here it says all abatements. Are we talking about every abatement, even the ones that are expired that can be audited or this is
just active abatements? >> So, I have to clarify exactly what you're looking at, Councilman. >> We're looking at 8.2, right? >> Right. I I don't have the letter in front of me myself. I >> Oh, okay. So, it says Okay, he's looking
at the title. So, executive order 26-002 dated January 20 uh 1st, 2026 from James Solomon, mayor of Jersey City. Reason establishing a citywide audit of all tax abatements
is that past and present the ones that we can >> What I'm saying is I want to look at the exact order. Okay, got you. Got you. I believe the intention is to do all of them. I don't know if there's a cut off or what exactly the order said, but I'll get the information to you, uh, tomorrow.
>> Okay. Appreciate it. Before we put move on, um, city clerk, uh, I report to directors, it's actually not on the list, but, um, I understand that there are, uh, acting director appointments and that there were letters issued. Um, if we get copies of that as
well. >> I don't have any of those letters, just so you know. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. >> Okay. On to our claims and addendums number one, two, and three. So, council members
are going to be taking a vote on claims and addendums number one, two, and three. Council person Brooks. Uh, abstain. >> Abstain. You said council person Zupa. Uh, Mr. Clerk, my hesitency, and I think
Joel's hesitency too is it was not part of our uh packet from yesterday, but if we take two seconds to look at it, I'm sure it's a a quick review the same way it was or as the BA it's payment of claims that were already submitted bills
for reimbursement. That is correct. So Sean, just to uh can we just clarify for uh new council members in regards to the claims? We don't usually um they're not usually typically printed out, but there is a link there uh that we can
access with all the claims. >> Yeah. As soon as I receive them from a council control, I attach them to the agenda. um we try to get them before we publish the agenda, but sometimes because of the the um the amount of claims that are going on, sometimes that
doesn't happen. So, as soon as I get them, I usually get them by the caucus, but with the snowstorm and everything, uh I think that held things up. Um and it is an attachment. You can click on it and you can see all the claims. Um if you have your tablet with you or your
phone with you, you can actually open it up now to look at It's all the bills. >> It's all bills. >> Bills. Bills. All the bills from >> bills for services. >> Yeah. If I can just ask ask a clarifying
question because last night at council caucus we had some discussion about the process of being able to budget out our expenses in advance um proactively as opposed to paying bills retroactively.
Is this uh remain to the same conversation that we were having or is this a separate >> it's um >> process payment process? Okay. >> Yeah. The resolutions were approved by the council and then they paid the checks basically from those. >> Okay. Yeah. Just to clarify the council,
the claims are any bills the city owed. It could either be a payment like the councilman said based on resolution or it could be some things that do not require resolution based on local finance rule or local purchasing rules. If it's under a certain threshold, it does not need to go before council. However, everything has to be in the
budget. So, these aren't anything that can be paid that were not already encountered for in the temporary budget that the council approved. And just to clarify, Peter, if the payment get delayed, we'll be paying interest on that, right? >> Depending what payment would be. Yes. Or service could get shut off, you know, a
lot of things that happen. Don't pay your bills. >> Yeah. Also, um, a lot of these claims, while they may not be any interest associated, a lot of the services we do receive are from small businesses. um
like the food you guys ate that's um that could I don't know if it's in this it could be in the um it could be in a claims paying the bills right um Peter >> Johnson is correct yes >> and I'll point out I'm just looking at
um the first set of claims and uh I guess it's page 20 of 31 um the allocation to the Jersey Public Library $5.4 $4 million. It's kind of standard kind of allocations to them that keep them running and so forth. So,
understand the reservations around this, but uh >> and we are council, we are we do have a session that we're scheduling uh with our clerk and we'll go into more detail uh in that session about claims and any other questions that you might have
agenda wise, but they will be on each council agenda. claims are standard. >> Okay, Sean. >> Okay. So, um >> I I I think we're still on me. >> Yes. >> Thank you for the delay and the ability
to review the addendums. They do appear to all be claims or for services rendered. I I vote I. >> Thank you. Council person Brooks, you're good with your abstension, correct?
I can call back seis is that >> I'm only asking because it was explained and was looked over. So, >> um I will if I'm permitted uh I will I will I I will vote I I just want for the
record I don't want to make a habit of um so this the public is watching voting on things that I have not sufficiently studied. I thank you, Councilman Zupa, for taking the time to uh review that. And um for the next meeting, make sure
that we that we ward B reads receives and reads all addendum. Thank you. >> I very good. You are permitted to change your vote. >> You are to do back seats.
Next, Council Person Efos. >> With similar sentiments as Councilman Brooks, I vote I. >> Before I go any further, uh the business administrator and I will make sure that a council control is uh made aware of
your requirements and we'll make sure that uh for the next meeting we get them before we publish the agenda. >> Thank you, >> Council Person Little. >> Thank you. Thank you for the commitment to um sharing them earlier. I was able to
review them on on my computer. Um I vote I. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Person Gilmore. >> Did he say I? >> Yes. >> Said it too quick. Council Person Singh. >> I vote I. Thank you.
>> Council Person Griffin. Um, yeah, I'm going to echo the same sentiments as uh, Councilman Brooks and and Ephro, but I vote I >> Thank you, Council Person Lavaro. >> So, to my um, new council colleagues, I
appreciate your new view on this and it's a um, and you know, past councils have just kind of taken it for granted. I think it's good to ask for it to make sure it's uh, it's all reviewed very carefully. Um in the past um I normally
voted affirmatively but I would check it because if there were resolutions just for your uh your edification and I'll share what my past experience is if I voted against the resolution in the past um for a contract or something like that and then that bill came up again to be
paid I would vote against it. Right. So and I think you can do a line item vote against. Right. Correct. Uh um Sean, am I correct on that? >> Say that again. I'm sorry. a line item vote um against something on >> Yes, you can. >> So, for example, and I'm just making it
up. If there was a um if >> you would just have to give me provide me with the page number and the claim. >> Yeah. >> And and who the claim was for, I would mark it down as you voting no on that item. >> Correct. >> In those cases, I would vote no just to
be consistent with my vote from a previous vote. Um but but I also in terms of getting it earlier um as I think this through it's a you know if there's some way maybe to restructure these reports so that we can see what
has been approved by resolution and what are below the resolution threshold for for review right so >> because we we've that's our first time seeing it and I don't know if that's possible but if they could structure that somehow um then that'd be great um
but if not Um, we'll just do the hard work of trying to figure it out ourselves. I guess >> I'll look into it, Councilman, but a lot of these are uploaded into our new finance software called Edmmonds and become a direct report. So, I just don't know what flexibility they have with that, but I'll check into it. >> Okay.
>> That being said, I vote I. >> Thank you. And Council President Ridley, >> I. >> Claims and addendums number one, two, and three are approved unanimously. 90. On to our resolutions.
Can I ask questions before we ask our cast the votes? Council president ask away. >> Can we um can we ask them as we get to each section of the resolution? Like if we're doing 1 through 10 and you have a question on those? >> Yeah. So, we're actually going to do that. We're going to go from 10.1
through 10.10 with the exception of 10.4 which was voted in affirmative earlier. >> Do you have any questions on those council? >> Not. Okay. So, with that being said, again, items 10.1 through 10.10, 10. Council person Brooks
>> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> I. >> Council person Efos. >> I uh with just a a caveat that on 10.7 resolution authorizing amendment uh with um to the agreement with New York Waterways. Uh I think just you know
continuing to get clarity on what the future of this relationship between the city um and this private company that we're giving money to to operate this service is. I think that's going to be necessary, but I vote I.
>> Thank you, Council Person Little. >> Um, I will abstain on 10.7 um for the reasons Councilman Efos gave. Um, you know, I want to make sure that they have a plan to be financially feasible um without our continued subsidy. Um, and I
want, you know, I I would like to continue the discussion and to see that moving forward. Uh, but I vote I on all the rest. Thank you. >> Thank you, council person Gilmore. >> I, >> Council Person saying, >> um, I vote I on pretty much everything
other than 10.7. Same thing. I would really like to dig deeper in that what is the plan for future and if we can get involved where we can get in figure it out uh if the funding can be through the developers. So, thank you. Are you
voting I on all >> on other than 10.7? >> How are you voting on 10.7? >> I'm not voting on 10.7. >> So you're abstaining? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Council person Griffin >> I.
>> Council person Labaro. >> I don't. >> And Council President Ridley >> I. >> Okay. If you can just allow me to recap. Items 10.1 through 10.6 are approved
unanimously. 90. Item 10.7 is approved. 702 with council members little and sing abstaining. Items 10.8 through 10.10 are approved unanimously. 90.
On to our next set of resolutions. Items 10.11 through 10.23. But before we take that vote, I believe 10.14,5 and 16 are being withdrawn. I just want to confirm that with our business administrator. >> That is correct.
>> Peter, do we have an update on 101? I know we um talked about it at limbs during the uh caucus meeting yesterday. >> Yes, I believe the director >> Yeah, director Anderson did circulate something, but I think the council was a
little unsure. Um I think they had were under the impression that she was willing to have a conversation about it and it's still on the agenda. So are there any I guess specific deadlines or what's the stance from community development? >> Yes. So the the explanation the director
provided you also indicated that there's a deadline of January 31st for these federal funds. The um are subject to a draw down requirement from the federal government. If we do not meet that deadline, then we may be subject to penalties to them with, you know, taking
back the money um to a litany of issues. Um I will remind the council that this is back from believe 2023 funding. So, uh it did take substance amount of time to put this together. I do not think we'd be able to get anything completed in any kind of timeless to have another vote on it. You know, obviously we don't
have any other council apply for that date as well. Um, but it doesn't mean that other funds that we currently have for 2024 or beyond could not be put into the allocations that the council would prefer. Um, and I would leave the director to have those conversations with the council to discuss what the best use of those funds would be.
>> The the director's uh report that um she provided us between last night and today indicated that a consequence of not making good on that draw down by January 31st um could include sanctions. is could you just describe the consequences
of not making go down the draw down? >> I don't know the specific consequences as far as what the sanctions could represent. Um however she did mention to me that there could be uh penalties meaning that they could you know not withhold future funding from us. They could withdraw that money back so we
might lose it entirely. Um those are all options that she mentioned. There might be more of them. I just don't know the exhaustive list. Okay. Thank you. Okay, council members. So, I'm going to be taking a vote on items 10.11 through
10.23 with the exception of 14,15 and 16 which have been withdrawn by the administration. Council person Brooks. >> Uh before I vote, I just want to comment on 10.11. I did reach out to someone in
in the department who told me that uh this was a grant that could have been um fulfilled in a previous fiscal year and the cost of equipment is rising um year after year. So there is a a note I think
the the um I'm not sure the correct terminology but the allocated amount is $515,000. >> Yeah. for that particular vehicle, which I had sticker shock. Um, but I did learn that fire trucks and fire engines cost
over $1 million for a new um a new rig. Uh, we do have an aging fleet. Uh, we have substitute um, trucks and engines. Um, we also, uh, buy uh, my understanding is used trucks
and and engines from uh, volunteer companies. less wear and tear. They don't have the um famous Jersey City roads uh that uh put wear and tear on our trucks and and engines. That's separate from this issue, but uh it was
helpful to reach out to the department. Um and you know, I do remember Hurricane Ida. We had significant flooding on the west side. Uh climate change is unpredictable. Um and we might need this vehicle. It's not coming out of the
public safety budget. So, um I will be voting yes um on 10.11 through 10.23. Um and that's all I have to say on that. Thank you.
>> Council person Zupa. >> Yes. On on 10.11, I had uh reservations initially. The Skeer high water rescue vehicle is meant for evacuation in flooding areas. Uh, but I appreciate Councilman Brooks's conversation with me today. He uh, and sharing his
conversations uh, because it's not coming out of the city budget because it's something that that I I trust the representation from the director on um, giving access to those with disabilities in the case of emergencies. Uh, I'm short on that. On 10.13,
it's a citywide contract for snow removal as opposed to snow shoveling. It's an as needed contract. So, as the BA pointed out to us in yesterday's caucus, it is something we don't pay into until or pay for until used, and it's clearly something needed based on
our experience with the weekend's storm uh on 10.18. Uh the fact that we have to pay for an emergency contract for salt. I think I shared Councilman Ephro's concerns about uh getting recompense from Morton for
their failure to provide uh services timely and to the extent that there was any issue with our own failure to order assault, I encouraged the DPW to look into that. Uh and on 10.20, 20 the the payment for Twin Brow Physical Therapy.
I would just echo my concern yesterday that the VA's office and the city administration encourage our vendors to bill monthly instead of um 6 or 8 months later so that we can each department can keep an a proper accounting of their own budget and we can serve our role in that
as well. With that uh I vote I on 10.11 to 10.23 23 uh with the three that were withdrawn. >> Thank you, Council Person Efos. >> Uh yeah, similarly with 10.11, um I would ideally love to see the CDBG
uh monies going to other kinds of um organizations. I understand uh seems like there was a a limit to the nonprofit monies that could be allocated, but um you know this this is a seemingly really important vehicle.
Wish that we could find different monies to um fund it. Uh but uh considering the urgency uh with the draw down deadline being January 31st, I um I will support it. And and just yeah on on 1013 and
1018 regarding snow removal and salt. Um just want to take the opportunity to echo the frustration of so many residents especially in Ward D heights and slopes who um are continuing to struggle with just roads that are are
you know not what we deserve. uh this far into uh the storm or this far out of the storm I should say. So um you know just what is preventing us from purchasing and stockpiling salt in warmer months when it would be cheaper
to buy. Um and also you know what is our plan for holding Morton accountable? Uh you know there's a a difference in the amount of money that we uh would spend on the Morton shipment that should have come I I believe it was in December. um
and that never came. And then the amount of money we spent on Atlantic, which we had to emergency spend during the storm, like the the difference should be given back to us by Morton. In my opinion, I I would love to see the administration's plan for holding them accountable and
making sure we can um be made whole there. Uh g given those uh caveats, I I vote um I on uh this page 10.11 through 10.23 23 with 14 through 16 uh being pulled.
>> Thank you, Council Person Little. >> Um on the high water rescue vehicle, I appreciated Director Anderson's um willingness to share that information and um Gallagher, thank you for forwarding that to us today. Um
you know, I I was able to take a look at that and read through it. I vote I on 10.11. Um, and you know, similar comments to council members Zippa and Ephro on the snow and the salt. Uh, really want to
see us recoup those funds from Morton if at all possible. Um, that being said, I vote I on all. >> Thank you, Council Person Gilmore. Um yeah, as it relates to 10.11,
um what what always frustrates me, one is when we spend allocated money from previous years, two and three years later, that's problematic in a nutshell. Um and then not only that, you know, it's like
you almost forced to vote. Yeah. Because there penalties, you may lose the grant or whatever it is. three days away. I just think that sets a bad precedent for how a city should operate. Ideally, if it come in in 23, there should be
conversations last quarter 23 at the latest first quarter 24 to talk about what are the eligible items that can be obtained via the grant, what are the best uses for the grant. Um, so my vote no is not saying that we don't utilize
this. we we we wouldn't be able to utilize this vehicle. My no is essentially saying that there's there's processes that need to be in place to ensure that there's clear communication and transparency during the whole
process. Um like I said, I typically I hate to receive anything to day of because sometimes I got to do due diligence to my due diligence and I and I question myself all the time. Um, so I'll vote no on 10.11 just for, you
know, logistical reasons basically. Um, and I vote I on arrest. >> Okay. Council person Singh. >> Thank you uh, Councilman Joel uh, for the clarification on 101 and um, I was
quite confused uh, yesterday. So I think I I feel comfortable voting yes on that. But 10.13 uh lot of complaints about snow removal and I understand that we are new administration trying to you
know get dig deeper in all these issues but uh we have to do a better job next time for sure I'll vote I for this and then salt same thing we know snow um storm will be happening and I think we
have to do a better job so Having said that, I'll vote I on all of them. 10 11 to 10:23. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Person Griffin. >> On 10.11, um I just want to express my
disappointment and um the disconnect between uh this department and our underserved communities. Um, you know, we we have a lot of stakeholders in Jersey City um in
need of funding to continue the good work that they do. And, you know, to uh look at, you know, look at funding that should have been spent 3 years ago and now it comes to us and we're saying
the deadline is next week or Saturday. Um, it's extremely disappointing. Um, and you know, for the sake of that, I'm voting no on it. Um, and I'll vote I on everything else.
>> Thank you, Council Person Lavaro. >> Let me begin with um 10.18, the snow uh the salt rather. Um to the BA. Um, so w with this emergency contract, do do we
already have the salt for the next snowstorm or is it uh still still on its way? >> I think as the director explained at Caucus, they are replenishing the salt as we need it. Of course, we're still salting the roads because there are uh safety concern where the individual is throwing the snow back in the road,
which you know involves more plowing and more salting. Um, but we will have a full reserve of salt going into this weekend if there is any potential storm that would develop. Um, and we'll be prepared to have a emergency contract to order more should we need to in the middle of the storm.
>> So that that you're telling me we're going to have that salt this weekend for the snow this snow storm coming up. >> That is correct. >> I'm going to hold you to that. Um, and then this this open end contract is under underway on 10.13. Is that
correct? What do you mean by underway? >> Um, meaning this the snow removals. Is this >> not until it's approved? As you know, councilmen, if we don't approve it, we don't like to spend the money on it. >> But we actually do. But
>> I trying to follow your orders, council. >> Contracts on this. >> Just trying to follow your orders, Councilman. >> I know. I know. But if uh um and then um you know, I forgot. I wanted to say something else um to to to Britney. Um,
I wanted to offer my apologies. Um, earlier regarding the whole conversation with the committees, um, uh, I I snapped in response to you and I and I don't want that to be the the norm for the relationship there. So, I apologize um,
to you. Um, >> no, no worries, Councilman. You were correct and I misspoke. >> Obviously, we can have the committee. We just need to sunshine it. So, >> absolutely. My apologies. I don't want you >> and I look forward to you snapping at me
in the future. >> Good trouble. >> Um, >> usually they snap at me first. So >> with with these claims, it's nothing personal on this. Uh, I I voted on against these before. Um, I will vote against them now. Um, just to send the
message and clarify that uh um these claims in my opinion are were financial. It's it's mismanagement and we need to correct that. And so I'm going to vote no on 1019 and 1020.
>> I'm sorry. I'm going to vote no on 1020 and 1022. >> Um, so wait, >> vote yes on 1019. uh because Bob Baker seemed to explain that there was another rationale for why this claim came before us as opposed to
it uh um not renewing the contract in that sense. >> Um right. Yeah. >> Then lastly, I just want to say on 10.11 um is that uh on 10.11, as I said, um I voted no on these before. Um
the these funds could be used for other purposes. It could be used for an antiviolence facility. It could be used for a youth center, as we talked about, half a million dollars. It could be used more productively for something else. Um, for the purposes that CDBG dollars
are intended for. Um, and there's nothing against having a Skeer high water rescue vehicle. Um, and want to make sure our firefighters are well equipped and they have the vehicles, equipment that they need. Um but um
again we need to start establishing some good presidents and as Councilman Gilmore also pointed out this is program money from 2023 and bringing it to us with a deadline of January 30th um is again mismanagement of some sort going
on that we need to correct and it only corrects if we start to hold people accountable. That's one of the things that we've talked about throughout the evening. um holding landlords accountable, holding city officials accountable. Um and this is what most of
these everyone in this city council I think ran on as well. So I'm going to vote no on 1011 as well. Um and I will vote yes on all the rest. >> Okay. I I have a question because you changed your vote on 1019. Which ones are you voting no against?
1020 and 21 >> 101. >> That I know. >> 1020. Okay. >> 10:22. >> So it's 1011, 1020, and 10:22. Voting no and I on all the rest. >> Correct. >> Yes.
>> Thank you. Council President Ridley. >> I for all. >> Okay. If I can just recap, item 10.11 is approved. 63 with council members Gilmore, Griffin, and Lavaro voting no. Items
10.12 and 13 are approved unanimously. 90. Item 10 point items 10.17 through 10.19 are approved unanimously 90. Item 10.20
is approved 71 with council person Labaro voting no. Item 10.21 is approved unanimously 90. And item 10.22 is approved. Excuse me. 81. Yes.
>> 1020 is 81 and 1022 is 81 with council person Lavaro voting no. And item 10.23 is approved unanimously 90. On to the balance of our resolutions and that will be items 10.24 24 through 10.34
with the exception if we are withdrawing 10.32 and 33 just want to confirm that with the BA >> that is correct as stated at caucus 1032 10:33 we will be withdrawing until the next meeting >> then >> okay
>> president I have a question >> I have questions on this this row right >> y 10.34 just the maritain health Um, >> uh, is that going to you, Peter, or is
someone here >> here? >> Peter's that's >> me now. >> Yeah, with >> you're it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, it's my understanding there's um a
clause in here around um performance um and being able to kind of opt out if performance is not achieved. Um can can you speak to that directly yourself or or anyone at the table? >> Which clause specifically are you
speaking about? Do you have it in front of you, Councilman? >> I I don't know where it's located. That's the problem. So, >> so it's generally there's a breach of some kind of contract or they did not meet the performance, then we always have the option to withdraw from that. That would go for almost all of our contracts. Um, there's usually a cure
period, but in this case, everything they're providing is at a standard of equal to or better. So, if they weren't providing any kind of performance to us, the first step would be to identify where they did not think that performance was adequate. If it was an
obscure claim or something that uh was a benefit that's not accessed regularly by our employees and for some reason was coded wrong, the first option would be to have them to contact us or the employee would contact us and the third party administrator, the broker identify where the issue is. They would do a
review and then because of that equal to or better clause, they would have to reimburse everything to the employee. Um so we wouldn't be on the hook for it and there would be no change in benefits to the actual employee. >> So so in terms of um
ensuring that it's equal to or better who who is going to be responsible for ensuring that services are equal to or better for our employees and retirees? >> Well, initially they do a review. So they we have multiple different plans
for all the different employees. Those plans are provided to the new provider Etna. They have to you know review them plan themselves. You know some of these plans are hundreds of pages long. So it's not a uh small process but they review them. They set the actual standards within the organization to
provide those benefits and then if there's anything that pops up the an employee would identify that there is not an issue and brings to our attention we would correct it. But the plans initially get reviewed by our broker and by Etna who you know make sure they code
the system to equal the plans that we had previously under the old uh provider and that are guaranteed by the individual contracts. >> I I have a question. Um last night at caucus I asked the administration
um so so they were going to be having a meet virtual town hall meeting I believe with city employees today and um they were also going to be meeting with union leadership today and I asked if they could provide the union leadership with
our emails um if they had any concerns that they wanted to reach out to us about. Um, can someone verify whether or not that happened? And was anyone at either of those meetings and can sort of fill us in?
>> So, yes, yes, and yes. Uh, the union leadership meeting actually occurred on Monday. There were two virtual meetings with the uniform officer unions, which are police, fire, etc. We also had a meeting with the civilian unions, 246, 245, 641, the whole gambit. Um, those
meetings had individual presentations. Our broker, Robert Paresi, also followed up those units with any questions they may have, have provided them documentation and has continued to do so. Today, the mayor had a citywide town hall for all employees where he answered
questions, you know, had the broker explain the benefits to them in detail, um, and explain that we have a system with a email and phone number set up for any employees that might have additional questions going forward. And then lastly, yes, I did provide the unions with all the council members emails. I
try to BCC everyone. I think your email might not still be working, so we'll have to figure that one out for you, councilwoman. Um, but yes, everyone, all those things are provided. >> Uh, Peter, um, I'm sorry. Um, so I heard from >> Oh, go ahead.
>> Sorry. Um, thank you, Peter. Um, since my city email is not working yet, can I ask my council colleagues if any of the union leadership reached out to you with any concerns? >> Well, I reach I reached out to the union people uh personally because you know I
know um a few of them um I guess the it I mean the sentiment is like they they're not for or against it. Um, I guess the the bigger thing like it's such a it's just a it's it's a hard decision.
But I mean, is there any way what if anything would happen if we would say, "All right, we'll do the contract, but we want to do a year and a half versus three or two versus three. Does that drastically change anything?" >> So, the RFP that was originally provided back in 2025
>> structured for a threeyear >> right there. >> The expert has arrived. However, I'll answer your question, Councilman. Uh, the RFP that originally went out was for a three-year term with an option to renew. Um however again if there's a issue with the benefit of breaching the
contractings of that nature that the councilman alluded to we could always revisit that through the city but you know I do not anticipate that happening because of the equal to or better clause which is like the gold standard of you know the seal from these you know the organizations because when you have that they are guaranteed to provide the same
benefits or better benefits and if they aren't we have a recourse to get them corrected from the uh providers. Well, I mean, I'm I'm thankful for the dialogue we did have, but just so me and
administration is on the same pl page, when there's things that can be considered drastic change to employees, um, for me to vote year, I would have to
be comfortable with not just a meeting taking place with the union, but understanding the impact I mean understanding their input and their concerns and I would really like time to iron this stuff out. Um like I said I am
thankful that you know the meetings were called they explained to us in detail they reached out to employees but you know that 72hour time frame that we call it the uh knee-jerk reaction >> right um so if we can just have more
time to have the dialogue um it would be really >> I understand that councilman unfortunately time is the one that we don't have with this um as you know this process started publicly back in 2025 with the RFP uh those response received I think in July or August of 2025 for whatever
reasons the previous administration did not want to move on them which could have given the council the public the employees more time to digest this and properly roll it out starting in January however because that was not done uh every day we do not act on this we are
potentially spending additional $2.5 million that the city wouldn't have to spend um if we delayed any further um again the backside of this is not just the switch happening but the provider has to do a lot of things on their end to make it happen and they can't really do that until they have this certainty
that we've been moving forward in that direction. So by delaying it you know it could lead a delay into when it would actually start instead of the March 1st date and then again we'd be on the hook for an extra $2.5 million we wouldn't have to spend otherwise. Yeah, I I understand all of that, but in the
interest of public input, which is extremely important, um we just have to have things done in a reasonable time. It's just a huge decision. Healthc care is like the number one important
thing in the world, you know, so we just need to, you know, have times to to vet the process. That's that's all I'm asking. >> Okay. Can I ask what kinds of concerns came up from Jersey City employees during the meeting earlier today? And um
you know, were there any outstanding concerns that uh folks felt like were not getting answered by uh administration um by our insurance broker? I can only speak to what questions were asked and answered. Every question that
was asked that we had during that meeting was answered. any question that couldn't be answered, which I don't really think there were any, but Rob correct me. Um, Rob, who was our broker, committed to following up with them directly through email and through phone calls. So, every question that was answered during the meeting, Rob or the
team answered, I think satisfactoryy. Um, uh, and any question that come forward, his team's committed to providing answers for. >> Um, okay. So, uh, >> oh, um, so several several of us, if not
all of us, heard from, um, a retired employee and his concern was that he's under an old contract and he feel like he's going to lose his insurance
because the city's under a new contract or something like that. >> So, that might be a question better for Rob. Yeah, Rob, I reached out earlier about that because we did receive an email or two from retirees. I believe that that was the only people that reached out at least to me. Um, so how
are we handling that with retirees? And I know it could be maybe difficult to reach them since they're no longer here, but how is that process? >> And real quick, Rob before you start, can you just introduce yourself and kind of explain? >> Yeah, I was going to start by first apologizing. I I you moved through your agenda faster than I thought you did. I
I apologize for being a little late tonight, Council President. My name is Robert Paresi. I work uh represent the city in their employee benefits as as a consultant to work with the administration of the employees medical and prescription coverage. So, to your
question of the retirees, and you mentioned it, sometimes they're hard to connect with because sometimes emails we have aren't as accurate. Sometimes they move without letting the city know of new addresses. Um, so we already started the process of reaching out to retirees. We actually have, I believe, two
webinars scheduled with retirees that they're being invited to. A mailing is scheduled to go out pending council approval. So, we've worked with in the short time we've worked with the city, we've worked with the retirees on a few other projects. So, we've improved the database and the communication ability,
and we're going to we're going to work that aggressively any way we can to uh to keep them informed as to what's happening. >> Hey, Rob, quick question, Rob. um what if anything would happen if a individual
who's receiving I don't know dialysis, chemo or any one of those type of procedures um and that provider is not in the new network. How does that like how does that play out? are they allowed to
continue that that treatment or or or that procedure um under that care provider even though they're not in network? What what happens in that instance? >> So great question council and so yes that is uh and it's been one of the
questions that have come up with some of the discussions with employees. So under the continuity of care provision that care would continue and even if a provider happened to be out of network it gets recognized as in network. So no one if a procedures maybe already
scheduled for March 2nd it's going to be honored. It's going to the pre-authorization is going to be accepted. There's not going to have to start over. And even if the provider is not in network, it gets recognized as in network at least for the first 12 months. If care is ongoing, it would extend beyond that.
>> Okay. >> So, no, no one has to be concerned and we we've tried to stress this with all the employee communication. No one has to worry about that. If even if they're not, it gets recognized as if they are >> because I wanted to keep my same psych
interest. So, that's >> you might want to >> usually out of network. I have a question. Uh, council member Brooks. Uh, thanks Mr. Py. Um, the retiree health care, is that supplemental to Medicare?
How how does that work? I'm not familiar. >> The retirees are structured in two different ways. There's the pre65, as as you know, a lot of employees can retire with full benefits prior to 65. And then there's the post 65, and that's kind of how the plans are broken up. And yes, to your point, at the post 65,
Medicare acts as the primary and the city's coverage acts as the supplemental. That's true for Horizon now and then >> yes. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> What some entities have done and the city's looked at uh is to replace the
post65 coverage with the Medicare advantage program which coordinates better with Medicare and that's quite honestly something we would want to look at in the future because it can be it can provide actually a better more seamless coverage for those retirees at
a savings to the city. So something uh we'd like to look at in the future. >> Can you explain again how you handle the pre65? >> So the pre65 they're just um you know again retirees that we're communicating with. Their coverage is a lot more closely in line with the activives
because um they don't have the Medicare as as as the primary coverage. So we're working with communicating with them as well. So when I say retirees in terms of communication it's both the pre65 and the post 65. And that population in
total is about 2400 retirees. >> Before you arrived, I'd ask a question and Peter respond. I'd like to hear your response on it. So this idea that what's the terminology? Better or equal something like that. >> Equal to or better than >> equal to or better than um so equal to
or better than services be provided by me. Um and so who is um evaluating that on what what what um basis is equal to or better than defined? Um and then and
and who is doing that for us to ensure that we're getting equal to or better to? Um and ultimately monitoring is that an ongoing process of monitoring um equal to or better than per services or performance?
Is it services or performance or what what is it or better? >> It would mostly be benefits to be honest with you or you could say services too but but so the initial question is who monitors it on behalf of the city and that's that's us. So we're already working with meritane to make sure they
have the proper documentation the benefit summaries or what's referred to as the SPDs the summary plan documents which is the official document that any carrier in New Jersey would create as the official plan document. So, we would make sure that the plans they structure
match each of those plans. I think there's about 11 or 12 different plans that the city offers. So, we would make sure they all be identical. And in this case, not uncommon, some of the unions and some of the unions have even banded together. They've they're working with some of consultants in the industry to
make sure what we produce is the same. So, they have another set of eyes on it just like we're doing. So, not uncommon that um that everyone wants to make sure. I think I mentioned last night or at least when we when we had a chance to meet that the equal to or better than standard.
That's like that's that's gospel. That that's most important. So everyone's going to do everything they can to make sure for March 1st every benefit every every you know everything's perfect. But even if we were to find six months later that some co-ayment for, you know, maybe
a not overused procedure is wrong, we correct it. So they have the right to have the benefits they have. We're going to do everything possible and I think 100% it'll be 100% by March 1st. But if some
reason something gets detected even a year from now, it gets corrected because the equal to or better than standard, especially in New Jersey, that's the standard. So the benefits are going to match. We'll do everything we can to make them comfortable that they will. And as I mentioned, some of them have are working with consultants to to
doublech checkck our work, but that's the standard and we're going to live up to that. What about service delivery? So, like what if um somebody gets their their claim denied and then um you know they're trying to get their reimbursement and um they're not able to
to get that or or it gets denied by the the provider at in this case. uh and then um and they go through a process and and they're fed up and they're they're pissed off. um who's monitoring that to know whether and then ultimately they they they they do cover it after
like putting them through the ringer and you know people hate insurance companies frankly it's just a >> well we've had murders literally right so that happens people >> um and so um who who's monitoring that like I know
for myself when I was a city councilman express scripts and and I a lot of different ailments and I was trying to get my medication Um, and it was so frustrating to be on the phone with them. I think I swore at a city council caucus meeting when the
folks came in about that and I swore that if you ever came before me again for renewal, I would never I would never vote for it. I said because my experience and I can just imagine what other Jersey City employees went through um of trying to get my my medication
renewed at the time and I'm not even I was a younger man then. Yeah, now I'm not frankly, but uh um so so who's monitoring that to see how that level of performance is and whether it's worth us staying in the system because our our
city employees, retirees and others are are feeling like they're not getting adequate service. So to a large extent our office does now we're only working with the city about a year and three or four months but you know outside of work this RFP process and you know this may
be more formal process the day-to-day activity in our office is getting calls most often enough of complaints from active or retirees having issues with claims. So, I don't want to say that there's never going to be problems, but at the same time, I don't want to say that there hasn't been problems with
Horizon. Like, you know, is it hard to poke holes in health insurance in America? No, not really. So, that's going to happen, but to a large extent, that's that's what our job is. So, we hear from different employees almost every day, whether it's Express Scripts, as you mentioned. You know, there's
often problems with with prescriptions. So, to a large extent, that's what our job would be to monitor. And I think I mentioned I don't know if I've mentioned last night, I apologize if I didn't, but the contract requires and provides a 20% service guarantee. So if we really find
after 6 months that the issues are bad, I'm going to come back to the council and say, "Let's exercise this clause in the contract and take back 20% of their they're going to owe us 20% back of their fees." So it's part of the RFP, but the carriers have to commit and guarantee a certain level of quality
that is in a way arbitrary. we get to decide if they're just not living up to the promises and they're going to owe the city back 20% of of the fees. So, um there is a level of protection and carriers have to commit to providing good service or they're going to have to
pay a 20% fee. What if we think they're not living up to their obligation, the level of service, but they think they are, right? We have the same thing with regional and our trash collector. They think they're doing a bangup job, right? and uh and we think they're not like how
do we uh what what h how do we ensure that we're getting back our money or um canceling that contract or whatever we need to do. >> I can't speak to what the garbage contract might be, but with but with health insurance, you know, again, we we
would be right back here saying let's get rid of Meritane and bring back Horizon or let's let's talk to United or talk to Signis. they're going to be motivated candidly to keep the case. So, um, if there are issues to the point where the council feels we want to enact that fee,
won't speak for them, but I'm pretty sure they're going to want to do everything they can to make you happy. So, um, and that's been my experience with Meritan. Quite honestly, all carriers, they're all they're all trying. It's not an it's not an easy task uh to you know keep people happy in
what is a very complicated complex medical system uh in America. So I think there's going to be issues. There are issues now. Um you know as I mentioned it's not a knock on horizon. It's just the health insurance industry as a whole. We we feel calls from employees
for all our clients every day you know with other carriers. But so we're going to if that happens we're going to do everything we can to help them as we do now. And if it really got to the point where we think it was excessive and we came back to the council, my gut is meane would be standing right next to me doing everything they could to fix the
problem or you know pay the fine that they're guaranteeing. >> We got a couple other council people want >> just one uh comment I have Rob. We hope to >> Ma one second. Mike has been waiting for a second. Um, was there an analysis done to tell us
how many employees are using doctors out of the network? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, um, that's really what drives the savings. So what we found in looking at 18 months of data,
we identified 2,114 doctors that Jersey City employees and their dependents are using that are not in network with Horizon but will be in network with Etna. That's a huge cost
swing in the favor of the city. So right now that amounted to about 50 million say that again 50 million in billable charges at a network that would be in network. So that's a huge reason why
this we recommend this and feel so strongly that this is a big savings providing the same benefits to the employees at a savings to the city because a lot of the doctors your employees are using are in network with Etna but they're not with Horizon. >> Yeah.
>> And I didn't hear you. >> You got to speak into the mic and only one person at a time. >> Jake and >> thank you. And I just wanted to clarify and about 200 city employees have doctors they've used in the past year
was it that would be out of network with the new Etna plan if we were to go with it. But it would be they would be treated as if they were in network. Is that correct? >> It wasn't 200 employees. It was 200 doctors. >> 200 doctors. Excuse me. >> 200 doctors. So yes, there was 214
and it was and 200 in the other way. So again, in both cases, let's let's be candid. a lot of those doctors and we looked at the data some of it was a member used the doctor once never went back so it wasn't ongoing treatments but to your point if it is ongoing treatments they're going to be
recognized as in network and what's important too keep in mind and this isn't this isn't meant only any carrier does this when they take over a plan if there's a provider that is used frequently by the members of that entity they're going to do everything they can to get them in network and generally
speaking a provider who sees a lot of Jersey City patients who might not be in Etna but it's in Horizon if the city changes to meritane that doctor is going to want to join Etna. So what happens often when we we you know work on these transitions a lot
of the doctors who are not in the network end up joining because they want to keep patients and and merit will work on you know I work on recruiting them. I have a question, Manta. Sure. Thank you.
>> No worries, Rob. Quick question. Um, we hope that we'll be happy with Edna, but if we decide to change after 6 months as you were telling Councilman Rolando, um, are there going to be penalties,
fines, or the process going to be smooth? How would it how would that happen? >> No. So it would I would say it would be smoother to go back but honestly um because uh you know it's again look keep in mind good thing about technology
these processes are much easier than they were even seven eight years ago. So the enrollment is really a file that's completely uploaded so there's no forms. So moving back would not be a problem. Um and though even though there's a contract I'm not a lawyer but your
lawyers can tell you municipalities have a lot of leverage in getting out of contract. So, if it's really not working out, the lawyers can weigh in, but the city has the right to terminate the contract and and move to another carrier. >> Going to take Councilman Brooks and then
we're going to call for the vote. Councilman Brooks. >> Thank you. Um, so looking at the attachment to the resolution, um, it appears that some, uh, let's see here. uh some of the cost
information and the pricing was redacted. Um I'm guessing that's just a standard business practice that it's kind of proprietary trade information. Um can you speak to that?
>> Yes. So part of the evaluation is not only evaluating the providers that your members are using, which is a big driver as I mentioned, but it's also what happens when they go to in network providers and what discounts have those providers contracted with Etna or United
or Sigma or or the Blues. So part of the RFP process is asking the carriers to disclose what their discounts are in geographic regions. Some of them have different sized regions. Some of them have very tight regions. And part of the evaluation was looking at that that
information is provided as part of the RFP listed as confidential. But part of that evaluation showed that candidly the Etna discounts are far superior to what Horizons are. And I'm not saying that to be derogatory to Horizon. They're an important carrier in New Jersey. But
based on their own submissions, Etna's numbers were superior. So that's a big part of our recommendation because not only are a lot of you is a lot of utilization going to go from out of network to in network but now it's going to be discounted at a greater rate for the city. So the employees are still going to pay their same co-ayments.
Someone's got to pay the balance and that's what the city pays. And in this case that balance is going to be less than it's been with Horizon. So again I'm not here to talk disparage anything about Horizon. They're a big carrier important to New Jersey. I have a lot of clients with Horizon. I just think after
spending a lot of months looking at this data, in my professional opinion, the city's plan is is not functioning well and it might be providing care and that's important, but there's a financial component to
this and I think the city can do much better while providing the same care that the employees not only are guaranteed, but like I mentioned yesterday that all of you, you know, you can't help but feel a moral obligation that your employees get good coverage. I think this is going to provide them good coverage
under with the tools to perform better financially. >> Thank you. I just sorry the last if I may. >> Okay, council members remember the caucus is for the questions. >> Yes. And this and for the public that's watching, we did not get a copy of this
resolution. It was a late item. Um so we're looking at it in real time and want to make sure that we look under the hood. Um, so just for and for the record, um, I don't know if it's BA or law department, can you stipulate that
the redacted sections have been reviewed by the administration? >> Yes. So when we have the RFP process, when it's returned, we reveal that data internally. We meet with our broker, we have discussions about it, and we make a decision based on that data and based on
the full analysis provided by the broker. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Two things from me. Two >> last two I promise. Um >> okay. >> So cost is the cost savings is driving us.
Um and then better or equal to volume service or benefits rather. Can you pro and you're you're the one monitoring the ser this for us. Can you commit to returning to this council on
at least a quarterly basis? um the cost savings that the city is realizing um and um the some assessment of the the better
and uh equal to benefits but also as I mentioned earlier these employees um and if we're capturing and getting feedback because as Councilman Gilmore said this is a big shift for a lot of people um who've been on Horizon Blue Cross, Blue
Shield, which I' i talked to employees who say and retirees who say it's the gold standard. We got the Cadillac here in Jersey City for for health insurance and they feel like they're not driving the Caddy anymore. So, um can you guarantee that for us and to come back
and provide us a quarterly report or progress update um on those two two metrics or two standards? Councilman, with the council's permission, I I'd happy to come back on a quarterly basis to give you a review of of numbers and of how things are going. I'm happy to do that. >> What's the second one? Rolanda.
>> Um the last one, no last one was um the the the Better Business Bureau um for me, not Edna, Meritane. Um it seemed to me some records there that they don't they're not rated very very well by business bureau. Can you speak to that
at all or do you with that? >> Yeah, that's fine. I I actually spoke to me about that today and I guess a couple things. I don't really know how the Better Business Bureau works, but insurance carriers aren't even registered with the Better Business Bureau. You know, generally speaking, and I think we could all, you know, kind of respect this. The Better Business Bureau is more like for small
businesses. You know, it's not something that really rates the insurance industry. There are other services that rate the insurance industry with candidly, you know, merit rates very well. Um, but I think in fairness, um, I don't think it's hard to imagine that people would criticize insurance
companies. So, I don't really know. I I don't want to minimize the role the Better Business Bureau plays in plays in our world, but I don't know that reviews about insurance companies are necessarily valid. There are a number of organizations that
judge and rate the insurance industry that might be more valuable. Um, and those, you know, rate Meritane and Horizon, you know, well, so I don't I didn't see the >> like Google reviews don't. Just kidding. >> I'm joking. >> Yeah. I just I'm not I don't want to minimize it and I certainly not
minimizing the question. I just think it's >> it's not hard for any of us to imagine that it's easy to criticize health insurance companies, you know. Got it. >> I think council just quickly add to that that >> every plan, every private company, every public institution that has them, they have all different structured plans. So
just because you know a person reviewed it online or gave a opinion of it doesn't mean they have the plans to be administered to JW city specifically especially with that language of equal to or better. So they might have a different experience because their employer switched to Etna but if they didn't have the same plans or didn't
weren't providing the same package they were providing to us it's really apples to oranges. >> And Peter and I don't want to belabor it. Sorry council president but that that's a great point. The article some of those articles themselves they reference prescriptions that they can get prescriptions. In this case, we're not moving prescriptions and a couple of them mentioned that their co-ayments
were different. So, in this case, that's not the issue because the the benefits are going to be the same. >> Y those just were some of the the points I saw in what I I saw. I didn't read the whole thing. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for your consideration. >> Are we sure?
>> Yep. >> Anyway, all right. >> You better take it while it's an opportunity. >> I'm going to do it right now. All right. Council members, we're going to be taking a vote on items 10.24 24 through 10.34 with the exception of 10.32 and 33 which has been withdrawn. Council person Brooks,
>> I vote I on all and I just want to make a a brief statement on 10.34 uh to union members watching this meeting. You know, refer to your collective bargaining agreements. Um and I think there's been some questions around what
can be done if the benefits are not equal to or better than. So you heard from Mr. Perezy that he's that's part of his role is to make sure that the benefits are equal to or better than but if your union disagrees they have a contractual right to to contest that as
well. So um I vote I >> council person Zupa >> just briefly on 1028 eagle-eyed observer will see that Persing Field is not mentioned but as we discussed yesterday Persingfield is taking care of and landscaping by a different contract and
I share my colleagues concerns that we should bring in landscaping services inhouse. We have a lot of Jersey City residents who uh would be great uh employees and we should be doing that. uh to 10.34. The fact that it says late item in bold obviously gives me caution. I was
critical of the prior administration for putting forward items to the point where the public in this case our employees could not organize in time to come speak to us or speak to the council. Uh that was true in our conversation my conversation today with one of the
retirees who told me that he learned through social media about the the change. So that certainly gives me caution when we're voting on something of this magnitude. Uh I'm concerned. Uh that concern is is alleviated slightly by the fact that uh through the
presentation that Mr. Paresi gave and thank you for that um earlier this week. Uh it's not just that the city will be saving money. It's it's more importantly our our employees will be better off. Um the cost of health care has increased year after year since 2022 statewide but
also for our employees. Uh based on the numbers I saw it was almost 79% that the employees have been paying more for health care under Horizon since 2021. And under the new Etna plan they'll be saving 8% this year which is uh huge. uh
of the providers that our employees see, 88% of them are in network with Etna as opposed to only 69% with Horizon. Uh and there are 2,15 providers that our employees see that are will be in network with uh Etna and they're not
currently in network with Horizon. Our employees will have the same co-pays and deductibles. And this is very important. the lawyer and me uh was satisfied with this that the city can terminate the contract with Etna with 30 days notice to Meridian without cause, meaning the
city can uh if it's not working for our employees and we hear back, the city can take action to cancel the contract. And I would of course ask our law department to stay on top of that uh in in the event that this is not as good as it seems to be. Um this is no criticism of
the the current administration. uh they had to act quickly to make this work and I vote I on all 10.24 to 10.34. >> Council person Efos uh just want to echo the sentiments around 10.28. Uh we really should be getting uh moving
on having in-house landscaping for our parks. Um, and I would I hope that this can be the kind of last 3month extension uh that we do with a private contractor. Um, on 10.34,
um, just I'll try and be brief here. Uh, a good moment to remember that in 2021 at the end of that year, uh, this city council or the former city council passed a resolution in support of Medicare for all. Medicare for all would
um be one of the most uh cost-saving things that we could uh do as as a people and uh we should renew our efforts to fight and for people who have been fighting for Medicare for all disability rights advocates and healthcare advocates um you know commend
you salute you because this is just one of the most transformative policies that as a state or as a country we could undergo to save our cities um and uh our union members uh incredible headache when trying to navigate these plans. Um,
on the timeline of this, obviously, um, yeah, city employees and and unions, I I wish, uh, they had some more time. Um, and I I understand any frustration that folks might have. Um, as council, uh, we
need staff to be able to review proposed policy from the administration. Um, while also making good on the many constituent service demands, uh, out there. Um, and just to note, for the past days, uh, while this proposal has
been given to us from administration, our offices have been in a position of mitigating an incredibly frustrating snowstorm effort, answering just countless calls, emails, texts, Instagram, DMs, Facebook comments, you name it. Um, and we're really not put in
a position to do serious independent analysis outside of what I, you know, do commend the the really in-depth presentations we've been given from administration. So, I do want to appreciate that. But, um, you know, just shout out to to my staff, Zephu and and
Zeke, for handling just a a flurry or blizzard, uh, pun intended, of constituent concerns the past days. Right. Um, with that being said, I am going to take a leap of faith based on my confidence in and respect for the
administration um that this plan is going to save us money and uh we are going to make good on providing equal or better benefits um for our city employees. Um, and I would hope that the $2.5 million uh that we
save in the next month by acting on this now can be put toward covering and then some uh each of our council offices to have the maximum amount of staff that we are legally allowed under state law so that we can continue to do our jobs and
do our due diligence as the legislative body of this city government. So with that, I vote I on all. Council person Little. >> Um I want to echo the comments on 10.28
about bringing um these services inhouse as we discussed extensively at caucus yesterday as well. Um you know my hope is that we can move towards bringing these services inhouse. um creating good
city jobs for Jersey City residents and um also by bringing them in house, we will have more ability to um you know train workers in in horicultural expertise and things of that matter instead of relying on the landscaping
companies um possible limitations. You know, I I remember when the native plant garden in Riverview Park was was shut um top down um due to a miscommunication and uh would hate to see a repeat of that. Um so I I also support looking
into bringing these in-house both for cost savings and for greater oversight. Um but that being said, I I do um support extending the 3-month contract um that is put forward in 10.28. 28. As for 10.34,
I too wish we had more time to review this. Um, if it were not for the um 2.5 million expense to if we were to push this towards the next meeting, I would be
clamoring to push this to the next meeting. Um, I am relieved to hear that, um, you know, that city employees and union members, union rep union representatives were met with. Um, I'm
grateful for, um, my council colleagues and Councilman Gilmore for sharing that the unions are neither for nor against this. Um, and and there's not, you know, it's there's there there is a lot of uncertainty. Um, but that being said, I
appreciated the detailed presentation we were given. Um, again, wish we could have had more time to review this and, um, between the, um, equal or better provision
and, um, the immense cost savings to the city, to the taxpayers. Um, I I do fall on the side of in favor of this. Um, you know, again, with those reservations that we've expressed, I also want to echo Council Member Lavaro's um request
for quarterly updates on this. Um, Mr. Paresi, if you'd be willing to come before us. Um, I I think that would be a really positive thing so that we can um, you know, continue to monitor this because this is a big change. Um, and finally, before I cast my vote, I I too
would like to echo Councilman Ephro's calls for Medicare for all, um, which would solve a lot of these problems. On that note, I vote I for all. Thank you, >> Council Parson Gilmore. Um yeah, as it
relates to 28, um like I said previously, I just would like to see as many uh services provided in house as possible. As it relates to 1034, Bill, I hope you got room in your office. You're going to be my new best
friend for this next year. Um just so we watch this transition to make sure um because I know the phones are going to be blowing up. Um, and I just want to be able to provide my constituency with
responses as it relates to the nuance and everything that's going on. Um, so in light of all that, I'll vote I. >> Council person Singh. >> So I'll vote I for 1024 to 10:34. And I
want to add change is always difficult in the beginning but we will be positive. current administration is trying everything possible to save taxpayers money and I think all of us want to do that. Um yes the time would
have been great but right now the the decision has been we are making the decision because it's 2.5 monthly and we have to start this by March 1st and the presentation by uh Rob it was great he
he answered lot of questions we had I would like to be positive about it and I love the idea that quarterly review would give us insight and if we hear lot of uh residents complaining and employees uh for that matter complaining
then we can obviously connect with Rob to answer the question. So I'll vote I for the 10342. Thank you. >> Council person Griffin. >> Um okay. So for 1024 uh the same sentiment I had for the um
SKA truck. Um, I think there's a disconnect here with with um the city and uh residents here in the city because this is an opportunity to uh bring jobs to the communities um in
our city um to young adults to people who would like to be engaged with the city and in landscaping and and things like that. Um, so we definitely need to uh look more into doing things like that. Um,
and for 34 10:34 um I mean yes we we we are moving fast. Um I I think that the presentation and the answers that we got tonight um
were well they satisfied u me um and I think um my colleagues so I'm going to go ahead and vote I all the way down. >> Council person Lavaro.
Uh let me start with uh 1024 1026 20 1027. Uh those are claims as I did previously. I'll vote no on those claims. I'm sorry. And 10 1024 to 1027. So that's 1024, 1025,
1026, 1027. >> You're voting no on them. >> No. Y um and so to 1034, a couple of things. First of all, um just uh I I I had asked for uh a copy of the presentation. I
never got that. So I I'd asked that you still furnish me with that that presentation. >> Sorry, Councilman. I provided it to the administration. I guess uh maybe >> you guys email it. >> Okay. Um, and then the second thing I
asked for was um a copy of the uh recording of the call with the um the employees. I was told it might be done. It might have been recorded. I'm not sure, but uh um if if that's still available, if that's available, I'd like a copy of that. >> It was recorded. The intend is to put it
on the website. That way, anyone who couldn't participate could review it. Um, as I go through, I have an email from a local 246 employee at 9:15 p.m. saying that they weren't able to
participate in that uh that call. They couldn't log in. Um, so there were some breakdowns at least from one one account. Um, and um, you know, I I do this with great uh, hesitancy and trepidation.
um the the the rush nature of all this um is uh disconcerting. It's just difficult for me. So um that that being said, as everyone has cited, there's there's the
major thing here is the cost savings and the promise of equal and better um quality benefits. Um and so um we will monitor this and make sure that uh um
Jersey City employees and retirees um get the service that they deserve. Um our retirees um in uniformed officers um who put their lives on the line and their risk um and they count on these benefits. They've always counted on
these benefits as as employees. um particularly that we all do count on them but uh um particularly our police and firefighters who uh um depend on this because of the nature of their job. So um
uh the the big driver here is the cost savings of $2.5 million per month has been cited. Um but that in and of itself is not it. It's not and and and we'll find out more and members of this
council know that there's uh that we have budget problems and people across the table here would know we have budget problems and that's we've got $2.5 million savings with a potential of $30 million savings annually, right? Or more, right? So, um and so we've got
serious budget problems in Jur City and we need to to start addressing that and take urgent action. And so this is the first step and and so while I wouldn't normally uh take this step um um just given the urgency and the uh crisis that
uh um we we we may be meeting um I will commend the administration for moving quickly um to try to get whatever savings we can get um while still preserving quality services which we hope will be maintained and um but we
will also uh ensure and monitor that to make sure that it is maintained. Um so with that, I'll vote I and all the rest. Um and um hope for the best for our city employees and retirees.
>> Council Person Ridley, Council President Ridley, sorry I'm tired. >> That's okay. Still my name. Um, uh, I would say that as was mentioned by
other council people, we know this was rush and kudos to the administration for making sure that they reached out to each council member individually, that they set up presentations uh, with Rob for each of the council members that they did a town hall. I did attend the
town hall. They did answer questions that were posed by the employees. They answered everything on that call. Um, and yes, this is moving very quickly, but as of right now, based on all the information, I believe it is the right decision. Uh, and with that, I vote I
for all. Thank you. Just to recap, items 10.24 is approved 81 with council person Lavaro voting no. Item 10.25 is approved 81, council person Lavaro voting no.
10.26, 26 same vote 8 81 with council person Lavaro voting no and 10.27 81 council person Labaro voting no. Items 10.28 through 10.31 are approved
unanimously 90 and 10.34 is approved unanimously 90. With that being said, may I have a motion to adjourn at 9:54 p.m. >> Motion. Motion made by council person Griffin. May I have a second?
>> Second by council person >> Zupa. >> Zupa. All in favor of the motion to adjourn at 9:54 p.m. All council members present by acclamation, please say I. >> I. >> We are out of here at 9:54 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. kills.