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Good evening everyone. Today is Wednesday, the 24th day of June, 2026. This is a regularly scheduled meeting of the Jersey City Municipal Council. We had a planned 6 p.m. start. My watch

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shows 6:05 p.m. I will now call the role. Council person Brooks >> present. >> Council person Zupa, Council Person Efos, >> present. >> Council person Little, >> present.

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>> Council person Gilmore, Council Person Griffin, >> here. >> Council person Lavaro, >> here. >> Council person Singh, >> I'm here. >> And council president Ridley >> here. >> We have se seven council members present at 6:06 p.m.

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We have reached a quorum. kindly rise for a moment of silence and please remain standing as we salute the flag. Sophia Donath, Kimberly Hadcock, Dorothy Johnson, Frank Garulo,

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Father Joseph Parks, former president of St. Peter's Prep, and Congressman Frank Garini. Flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with

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liberty and justice for all. On behalf of Council President Ridley, in accordance with chapter 231 of the New Jersey Public Laws of 1975, officially known as the Senator Byron M. Bay Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate

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notice of this meeting was provided by posting the annual notice listing the schedule of municipal council meetings for the calendar year 2026 on the bulletin board on the first floor of city hall. In addition, the annual notice was also filed in the office of

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the city clerk on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. The agenda of this meeting was disseminated to the municipal council, mayor, business administrator, corporation council, and local newspapers on Friday, June 19th, 2026 at

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8:42 p.m. The agenda was concurrently posted on the city's website. Consequently, I can certify as to our complete compliance with the Sunshine Law. Before we proceed, there are some housekeeping matters that must be attended to. It is my understanding that

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the administration wishes to withdraw items 10.1, 10.14, 10.15, 1016, 10.33, and 10.43. I see we have the mayor here in

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attendance. So, I will direct the question to the mayor or the assistant business. >> Confirmed. We're withdrawing all those items. >> Very well. Agenda items 101,14, 15, 16, and 1043 will be withdrawn from the agenda. It is also my understanding that

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the council will entertain a motion to carry agenda items 4.8, 4.11, 4.13, and 4.14 to the July 15th council meeting, but we will entertain that motion once we reach that part of the council agenda.

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There is also one late item which the council has been asked to consider for addition to this agenda. That would be a resolution honoring brother Basil for his outstanding contributions to music, culture, and the advancement of Jersey City's musical legacy in recognition of

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Black Music Month. It is listed as agenda item 10.61 and is designated as resolution 26-423. Council members, please recall that the addition of a late item requires a six vote majority. That said, may entertain

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a motion to add agenda item 10.61. >> Motion. >> Motion made by Councilman Gilmore is here. >> Second. >> Councilman Gilmore made the motion. Second by Councilman Griffin. On the motion to add agenda item 6

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10.61, how do you vote? Councilman Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. Not still in here. Council Person Efos. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council Person Gilmore. >> Hi. >> Council Person Griffin.

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>> Council Person Lavaro. >> I. And John. Can you recap the uh withdrawns after we're done with the vote? >> Yes. Council Person Singh. >> I. >> And Council President Ridley. >> I. >> Motion passes. 80.

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Agenda item 10.61 61 is hereby added to the agenda. At the behest of council person Lavaro, I'm just going to read back into the record those items which have been withdrawn from the agenda. That would be resolutions 10.1,

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10.14, 10.15, 1016, 10.33, and 10.43. Okay, moving back to housekeeping matters. Uh,

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I understand that the council wishes to defer to agenda items 10.2, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, and 10.43. Is that correct, Madam President? >> Correct.

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>> Okay. Very well. So, in that case, may entertain a motion to defer to those agenda items. >> Motion. Motion made by >> I motion made by Gilmore and second by >> Lavaro >> on the motion to defer to agenda items

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10.2 10.3 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 and 10.34. How do you vote? Councilman Brooks >> I. >> Council person Zupa is not here. Council person Efos. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. >> Hi.

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>> Council person Gilmore. I, >> Council Person Griffin, >> I, >> Council Person Lavaro, >> I, >> Council Person Singh, >> I, >> and Council President Riddle. >> Motion passes. 8 Z. Uh, Council President, shall we vote on these

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ceremonial resolutions first and then have the council take pictures? >> Yes. So, we have a number of ceremonial resolutions tonight. Uh we are going to vote on each resolution and then uh once

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we get through all of the ceremonial resolutions, well, we'll vote on the resolution. If someone is here to speak on that resolution, you have three minutes to do so, one person at 3 minutes. Uh after all of the ceremonial resolutions are complete, the council will come down at one time and take a

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picture with each individual recipient instead of us coming up and down, up and down. So, we will take all the pictures at the end of all the ceremonial resolutions and we will start the ceremonial resolution with the um resolutions from Councilman Gilmore for

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Black Music Month and then I believe Councilman Lavaro has the remainder of the ceremonial resolutions. If I'm missing any ceremonial resolutions, please let me know. He was going to read them into the record. Is

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going to be doing that? >> No, you you can read them in the record. Uh do you have them? >> I I do. I just uh So, which one should we start with then? Are we going in order? I was going to start with >> I think it's going to be five. >> Yeah, that's what I'm about to see. We

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We can just go from >> order. You have all of them? >> Yes. But >> yeah, we're just going >> So, I'll just do order. Okay. So, in that case, we'll begin with agenda item 10.2, 2, which is resolution 26-364, a resolution honoring Osan Shiinuya.

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Is that correct? Okay. I do apologize for my friend's pronunciation. >> Uh, she has been crowned Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2025. I will read that into the record now. >> So, this one will go down in

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the end. Everybody >> gota >> whereas Oen Kin Fua a sophomore >> I'm gonna interrupt it's >> Oen Cayenne A

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sophomore at McNair Academic High School in Jersey City, New Jersey has brought great pride and distinction to the city of Jersey City by being crowned Miss New Jersey Teen USA. And whereas as a first generation American of French and

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Chinese heritage, she exemplifies academic excellence, cultural fluency, and leadership, speaking five languages, including French, Chinese, Spanish, and earning a gold award in the national Latin exam. Whereas Oshan has demonstrated a deep commitment to

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service and advocacy through her aspiration to become an environmental advocate. Her interest in sustainable policy and international relations and her participation in programs and initiatives that promote a more just and sustainable future. where she founded

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GLOW, which stands for Girls Leading Our World, a confidence camp dedicated to teaching young girls self-confidence, public speaking, self-love, and leadership development, thereby empowering the next generation of young women in Jersey City and beyond. And

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whereas OEEN has also used art and public engagement as tools for social good, creating artwork for UN women events, volunteering at the Encore Center to inspire creativity in seniors, and demonstrating that artistic expression can advance awareness of

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global issues. And whereas through her achievements in academics, public speaking, advocacy, art, and leadership, OAN serves as an outstanding role model for the youth of Jersey City and an inspiring ambassador for the state of New Jersey. Now therefore, be it

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resolved by the municipal council of the city of Jersey City that the council hereby recognizes and honors us Fuya on being crowned Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2025 and congratulates her on

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this exceptional achievement and extends its best wishes for continued success as she represents New Jersey on the national stage. With regard to agenda item 10.2, 2 resolution 26-364. Council members, how do you vote?

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Council person Brooks. >> I congratulations. >> Council person Zupa not here. Council person Ephro. >> I congratulations. >> Council person Little. >> I. Congratulations. >> Council person Gilmore. >> Congratulations. Young lady, I vote I.

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>> Council person Griffin. >> Congratulations. Especially a congratulations to the parents because parents never get that much credit. And happy father's day to dad. >> Council person Lavaro. >> So I'll say thank you. Thank you, Mr.

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City Clerk. Um deputy city clerk. Tonight it's my honor uh to recognize a remarkable young woman who calls Jersey City home. Um, OEN Cheyenne Bay

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is Miss New Jersey Teen USA. Uh, OEN is a sophomore at McNair Academic High School right here in our city. She's a first generation American, proud of both her French and Chinese heritage, and as he said, speaks five languages. That alone tells you

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something about her drive. But a crown isn't what brings her here today. What impresses me is what she does with the platform. OCN is an aspiring environmental advocate. She's an artist who's created work for UN women events and volunteers with seniors

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at the Encore Center. And she founded Glow, Girls Leading Our World to Teach Young Girls confidence, public speaking, and leadership. And that's the part that's worth honoring. A teenager, which I don't know what I was doing when I was a sophomore in high school. um a

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teenager who in instead of waiting her turn is already lifting others up. So, OEN, thank you. You represent the very best of Jersey City. You've made your hometown proud. On behalf of the entire municipality, thank you and

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congratulations. I proudly vote I council person Singh >> congratulations Orian Jersey City is proud of you and I vote I >> and council president Ridley >> congratulations you have made us all proud I vote I

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>> resolution 26-364 passes is 80. Moving on to agenda item 10.3, resolution 26. >> Yes. >> Let's ask Miss New Jersey if she has any words after the vote. If she'd like to say a few words, she can do so at this

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time. >> You go right up here. Thank you so much. I am so incredibly honored to be able to represent Jersey City um as a city at Miss New Jersey, Teen USA, and also the state of New

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Jersey at Miss Teen USA, which I made top 10. And I am just so honored to represent Jersey City, such a diverse community and super inspiring. um coming from first generation half French and half Chinese American. I also love thank

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you so much to Miss Hart for her incredible guidance at McNair and for my journey at Miss New Jersey Team USA. I've organized Globe Girls Leading Our World working alongside Girls Inc. for the past year. And last

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month, I organized a sustainable fashion show called Stitch Don't Ditch, raising over $3,000 for Girls, Inc. workshops and for educational programs. So, it is so inspiring to be able to be recognized

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as Miss New Jersey Teen USA. Thank you so much. view. >> We will take a photo after everybody's been honored and we'll bring you up along. >> Thank you. >> Okay, John. >> Moving on to agenda item 10.3,

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resolution 26-365. a resolution of the city council of Jersey City honoring and celebrating the outstanding academic and engineering achievements of team Jersey City scholars. Shall I read this into the record or?

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>> Um, sure. We'll read it into the record. Yeah. >> Yes. >> This is sponsored by myself and councilwoman Ma Singh. So, we're so honored to have uh some honoring team Jersey City scholars for their outstanding academic and engineering achievements. And so the resolution

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reads, "Whereas 10 extraordinary students from Jersey City in grades four through seven competing collectively as team Jersey City Scholars represented our community on the national stage at the 2026 International Academic

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Competition US Nationals, Institute of Competition Sciences, and the NAQT National Middle School Championship. And whereas these rigorous academic circuits feature the most elite schools and competitive minds in the United States, requiring each student to earn their PA

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place at the national finals by placing at the top of rigorous regional qualifying competitions. And whereas Tanish Meta, seventh grade, achieved the extraordinary honor of becoming a dual national champion, capturing first place in both the

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National History B and the National US History B alongside an all-star award as one of the highest individual scorers. And whereas the brilliant STEM engineering team of Arya Hegdi, Alina Kthari and Umabar Singh won first place

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and best in show in the middle school division of the build the moon challenge an international engineering and design competition where their project was reviewed and praised by a panel of NASA scientists. Whereas the core quiz bold eye team

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consisting of Tandisha Maha, Aryia Hagde, Rohin Vadada, Uma Bower Singh placed 21st out of 192 elite team uh at the NAQT National Middle School Championship and whereas individual team

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members achieved stellar national rankings across humanities, science, diplomacy, natural science including Aria Hagre Surya Goa, Uma Bowers Singh, Karun Bower

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Singh, Rohin Vada, Sonali Vada, Charles NG, Elena Kotari and Kesv Jooshi. And whereas these teen these 10 young scholars have brought immense pride, distinction and honor to Jersey City

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providing that our youth can successfully compete with the outshine the best academic institute in the nation. Now therefore, be it resolved that the city council of Jersey City

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does hereby officially command, congratulate, celebrate team Jersey City scholars for their historic academic terms. With regard to agenda item 10.3, resolution 26-365, council members, how do you vote?

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Council person Brooks, >> I. >> Council person Zupa, >> I. >> Council person Efos, >> I. >> Council person Little, >> hi. >> Council person Gilmore. >> Um, just want to briefly say congratulations to all of the young

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scholars. So enlightening seeing so much of our young people take education seriously. Thank you to my council colleagues Rolando and Sing for bringing this to light uh excuse me light and I proudly

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vote I. >> Council person Griffin. >> Hi. Congratulations. >> Council person Lavaro. >> I'll just want to quickly acknowledge my um my aid uh Lauren for helping to bring everyone together around this. Thank you

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to my co-sponsor uh Councilwoman Ma Singh. Um, so I'm proud to honor our 10 10 of our city's brightest young minds, team Jersey City Scholars. Um, here's what makes them special. These students in grades through four through seven,

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competing at the national level. They came home with a dual national history champion, a first place best in show engineering win judged by NASA scientists, and a top finish against nearly 200 of the best teams in the country. grades four through seven going

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up against the best in the nation from here from Jersey City and winning to all 10 scholars and especially to the families and the parents and the teachers who believed in them. You've made Jersey City proud and you've shown the whole country um what Jersey City

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young people can do. Congratulations and keep aiming for the moon. >> In your vote, sir. I did you >> well they got reli >> well I feel when I look at them I see Jersey City has a bright future so

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congratulations and parents thank you for all the efforts you have been making for years I vote I >> and Council President Ridley >> congratulations we're very proud of you all I vote I

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>> resolution 26- Uh 365 passes 90. Presume someone wishes to speak. >> What? Um Aperna would you like to say a few words? Thank you.

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Aperna Vasuv one of the parents. Her name Good evening, Mayor Solomon, Council President, uh, Councilwoman Singh, Councilman Lavaro, and distinguished members of the city council. My name is Apernna Vasuan. I'm here tonight as a

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parent, as a coach, and most importantly, as someone who has watched the city show up for the children in the most extraordinary way. Um, these kids are middle and elementary school students from Jersey. They walked into

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these national competitions held in Florida and Chicago. And these are some of the prestigious academic and quizball tournaments in the country. They were not representing any private academy. They were representing us, Jersey City.

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And they finished top honors in the nation amongst about 193 school teams. And I think that is really wonderful. These kids studied on weekends. They practiced on school nights. They traveled across the country. They held

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this city's name with pride in every single step of the way. Tonight, I want to speak on behalf of every parent and every student on this team when I say we are moved beyond words by this resolution. Thank you so much, city

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council. When I told the kids about the recognition, they didn't just smile and say thank you. They asked what can we do for Jesus city? These are 10, 12, and 13 year old kids. And their first instinct was to give back. They want to run

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quizball clinics for younger students across the city. They want to mentor kids in the underserved schools who have never heard of these academic competitions. They want to prove that through their actions, not just their trophies, that Jersey City can build a

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pipeline of young scholars that this entire region looks up to. whom you have honored tonight. Not just champions but citizens in information on behalf of Tanish, Arya, Elina, Uma, Surya, Sonali,

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Rohin, Charles, Quesa, Karun and every family standing behind them. Thank you so much. Ma'am, Ma'am, can we just get the spelling of your name for the for the record? you could just explain it to the court reporter. She just wants to get your

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name for the record. Yeah. Um I would also note that Councilman Oh, go maybe just do it then. I'm sorry. If you just Oh, she's going to write it down. Okay, that works even better. I would note the uh arrival of Councilman Zupa at 720 at 6:22. So, with that said,

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may I ask Councilman to get your vote on uh the previous resolution, resolution 26364 honoring Miss Teen New Jersey? >> Absolutely. Uh vote I and just apologies to the public. My godaughter is graduating middle school today. I wanted to watch it on FaceTime before entering chambers. Uh so, I apologize for being

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late. >> Okay, moving on to the next resolution. Agenda item 10.5, resolution 26-367, a resolution honoring Daria Jones for her outstanding contributions to music, education, and community empowerment in

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recognition of Black Music Month. Okay. >> So, I'll be reading it into the record. >> Erica Walker will be reading this into the record. Correct. sir. And then um due to time constraints, we have to jump

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to Ward before the next one after Daria. >> Okay, we'll read that in the record and then we'll >> uh he's uh we'll jump to Ward after Daria, which is 10:34. >> Okay. a resolution honoring Daria Jones for

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Black Music Month 2026. Whereas, Black Music Month celebrates the enduring influence and cultural significance of black artists whose talents have inspired generations and enriched communities through music and service. Daria Jones, a proud Jersey City native

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and graduate of Lincoln High School, began her musical journey at Zion Baptist Church, where she developed the gifts that would launch an accomplished career in the performing arts. Recognized early as one of Hal Jackson's talented teens, Daria has built an impressive career as a singer,

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songwriter, actress, educator, entrepreneur, and mentor while proudly representing Jersey City wherever her talents have taken her. As a United States musical arts ambassador, Daria has performed throughout the United States and abroad, using music to

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promote cultural exchange and inspire audiences across the globe. Throughout her career, she has shared the stage with acclaimed artists including Lauren Hill, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Josh Groin, Bootsie Collins, Ben Harper, and Eddie Levert. While appearing on nationally

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recognized television and entertainment platforms, her original music, including Smile, Last Dance, and Do It Again, reflects her commitment to creating uplifting and inspiring works that resonate with audiences of all ages. Beyond her artistic achievements, Daria founded Dollhouse, deserving

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opportunities for love, lovely ladies, empowering young women through mentorship, leadership development, education, and personal growth. Her dedication to lifelong learning, community service, and youth empowerment, together with her work as an educator and advocate, exemplifies the values of excellence, compassion,

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and leadership that strengthen Jersey City. Daria's commitment to artistic excellence, continues today through her original music, including her uplifting single, Do It Again, which remains in regular rotation on WBLS and other radio stations across the nation. a testament

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to her enduring talent, perseverance, and ability to connect with audiences through messages of hope, faith, and inspiration. Through her artistry, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others, Daria Jones has become a source of pride for her whole hometown and an inspiring example of black

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excellence in music and community service. Now, therefore, be it resolved on this 24th day of June, 2026, the Jersey City Municipal Council hereby honors Diaria Jones in recognition of Black Music Month for her exceptional contributions to music education, mentorship, community empowerment, and

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for proudly representing the city of Jersey City with distinction. With regard to agenda item 10.5, resolution 26-367, council members, how do you vote? Council person Brooks, >> I. >> Council person Zufa, >> hi. Congratulations and thank you very

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much. >> Council person Efos. >> I congratulations. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. Congratulations and thank you. >> Council person Gilmore. >> Yes. I just want to congratulate Daria, one of my childhood friends. It's been

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many years since that little house on Wana Avenue and you was bullying me. Um, but I am so thankful to be honoring you and your contribution to music and all that you do. You're such a lovely soul.

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I didn't see Oh, there's mom. Thank you, mom, for pouring so much into her. I'll probably vote I. Thank you, Council Person Griffin. >> Yes. Um, first of all, I would like to say congratulations. Uh, thank you for

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the singing lesson at the library. Um, Councilman Gilmore was scared. Maybe we can get him to sing tonight. Uh, but congratulations and thank you very much and continue doing what you do. Council >> Person Lavaro.

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M. Jones, uh, congratulations and thank you for all you do to, uh, bring music and empowerment, uh, to communities in Jersey City and and beyond. Um, proud to vote vote I and thank you for representing Jersey City. >> Council person Singh,

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>> congratulations and I vote I >> and Council President Ridley. Congratulations to our Jersey City song bird, Miss Daria. I um I proudly vote I and if you have not heard this young lady sing, I

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suggest you get somewhere and make sure that you do. I vote I. So, resolution 26-367 passes 90 and get away. Camera's on you. >> Thank you so much. Thank you to the city

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of Jersey City. Thank you, Councilman Gilmore, and to everyone else here. Jersey City raised me, and so my heart is always here, and I'm very grateful for the things that Jersey City has taught me through love, through culture,

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through community. Um, and I'm remaining committed to pouring back into Jersey City as I continue to grow. So, I'm just scratching the surface, Jersey City. I want you to know that. And I'm putting us on a map. Thank you so much. I love

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each and every one of you. >> As I understand, we have to go to uh resolution 10.34. Is that correct, sir? Okay. So, I'm going to read that into into the record. Uh, agenda item 10.34, resolution 26-396,

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a resolution honoring Hyram Winard Harper for his outstanding contributions to jazz and community enrichment in recognition in recognition of Black Music Month and Erica Walker will be reading the resolution to the record.

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Whereas internationally acclaimed jazz drummer Wernard Harper, born in Baltimore and raised in Washington DC, has dedicated his life to preserving and advancing the rich tradition of jazz while making Jersey City his home and an important center of his artistic work.

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Recognized as a musical musical prodigy from an early age, Harper developed his craft under the influence of the jazz greats he encountered as a child and went on to build a distinguished career spanning more than four decades. Throughout his career, Harper has performed and recorded with legendary

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artists including Betty Carter, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Ray Bryant, Abdullah Ibraham, Pharaoh Sanders, Clifford Jordan, and numerous other icons of jazz. Alongside his brother, acclaimed trumpeter Philip Harper, he co-founded the Harper Brothers, earning

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international recognition through acclaimed recordings and performances that helped carry the tradition of modern jazz to audiences around the world. As a founder and musical director of the acclaimed ensemble, Jelly Posi, Harper has spent more than a decade

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mentoring and developing emerging artists, helping launch the careers of celebrated musicians, including Jasmia Horn, Josh Evans, and Bruce Williams. While continuing to bring world-class jazz performances to audiences across the United States, as a band leader and

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recording artist, Harper has released multiple albums under his own name while continuing to mentor emerging musicians and champion the evolution of jazz through performance and education. Through his long-standing residency and weekly jazz series at Moors Lounge, as

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well as countless free concerts and neighborhood performances, Harper has made live jazz accessible to residents of all ages and backgrounds, strengthening Jersey City's cultural life and inspiring future generations of artists. Even during times of

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extraordinary challenge, including the CO 19 pandemic, Harper demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the community by bringing socially distanced pop up jazz performances directly to neighborhood streets in Jersey City,

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ensuring that music continued to unite and uplift the public. Through his exceptional artistry, community leadership, and dedication to preserving one of America's greatest musical traditions, Renard Harper has become an invaluable cultural ambassador whose

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impact extends far beyond the stage. Now therefore, be it resolved that on this 24th day of June, 2026, the Jersey City Municipal Council hereby honors Renard Harper in recognition of Black Music Month for his outstanding contributions to jazz music, his steadfast commitment

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to arts education and community engagement, and his lasting enrichment of Jersey City's cultural landscape. Accepting his honor is Ward's brother, Hi, I'm Neil Khaled. I'm not um Ward Harbor. I can't even whistle. >> One second. We have to We have to take

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the vote. >> We have to take the vote, sir. Hold on one second. >> So, regard to agenda item 10.34, resolution 26-396. Council members, how do you vote? Council person Brooks. Hi, and thank you for all that you've done for Jersey

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City's music community, especially the socially distanced concerts during the pandemic. Those were really, really special. Thank you, >> Council President Zu. >> Say, I'm sorry to interrupt. This is Ward's brother. Will Can we get his name for the record? >> Oh, >> Neil Khaled from I'm a lifelong Jersey

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City resident, friend. A a friend and a fan. >> Council person Zupa. >> I I vote I congratulations and thank you. And and again for all the honores today uh it's a wonderful reminder that while we have very difficult conversations for this meeting and future meetings that the people of

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Georgia City make this city great and this is exhibited today. So thank you very much >> council person Efos. >> Uh congratulations to Ward. Glad I got to um see him downstairs briefly and just his generosity in his music that he gives and in the jam sessions at Moors

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Lounge allowed even me a mediocre harmonica player to come up and play a little tune. So, um, yeah, really appreciate him and his contribution. >> Council person Little, >> I congratulations and thank you to all your for all your contributions to Jersey City.

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>> Council person Gilmore, >> um, I proudly vote I am so thankful of Ward and all his contributions. I remember out there during COVID with the social distance jazz. um during a time where we found out cabin fever was real,

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he felt it in his heart to still entertain us during that pandemic. Um so I proudly vote I >> council person Griffin. >> Yes. So um you know Ward Ward means a

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lot to me and and and my family. Um, you know, my my godmother, Ruth Moore, opened her doors to Jazz, to Ward, and um, you know, Ward, he just comes in with a tip bucket. He he he didn't, you

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know, pressure uh, Mama Ruth into um, paying him. Um, the community contributed um, and and and Ward every Sunday. every Friday and Sunday you could catch Ward Harper there. Um with with children tap dancing, playing

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drums, uh playing the bass. It's it's amazing. And if you have not been to Moors Lounge, you should check it out on Sundays. And that's my plug. AOD. >> Council person Lavaro. >> U Mr. Khaled. Um please extend your

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congratulations from council and and our thanks. uh your your brother is a amazing uh incredible legendary musician and um I I I will admit an admission here that I'm I'm not very musically inclined but um your brother perform and

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he's amazing and just gets even a guy like me who has zero rhythm moving. So uh congratulations and thank thank him for his legendary impacts in Jersey City but throughout the throughout the world. I vote I >> council person Singh. Congratulations to

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you and your brother. I vote I >> and Council President Ridley. >> I vote I. Congratulations and thank you for keeping jazz music alive in Jersey City for uh all these years. It is

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always a pleasure to listen uh to Ward Harper, to the band uh and then the musical soundtrack that he brings to the city uh is one that we definitely appreciate. So, congratulations.

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>> Resolution 26396 passes unanimously 90 and the floor is yours, sir. >> Well, the one opportunity I had to sit in from I missed I blew it. I jumped the resolution. Um he he he forwarded a few remarks and

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in the true interest of jazz I guarantee that it is not chat GTP. He says, "Greetings and thanks to all of you. I I am truly honored and thankful. This won't take long, but I must thank and recognize some of the people who have helped and supported me in this

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work. The praises to God. First and foremost, I thank my wife Alexis, my uh and Miss Ruth Moore Dawood, and and Barbara Wilson, Barbara Williams. May they rest in peace. My children, M. Mr.

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Tracy Simmons, James Pensella, Miss Mary Akens, Masid Muhammad, and Masid Ali Eman of Jersey City. All of the family, especially in crew of Moore's Place. This art form we call jazz coming from a

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people enslaved, abused, used, and misused is one of the greatest examples of democracy that we have. It is my pleasure and honor and duty along with others to help a blackowned business and serve the community with this ancestral

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legacy we refer to as jazz. This art form unifies and bridges gaps, c crosses political spectrums, religions, creed, and color. It is a great honor to promote and force to one of the indigenous musical art forms of the

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United States that started as spirituals during slavery. As a matter of survival, a language created by and for humans in bondage and evolved from there. It is Black History Month in Jersey City. One of the best ways to foster and keep the music going

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is to support your local musicians by attending the shows. We have seen and experienced the loss of of quite a few jazz venues and especially blackowned ones. We need all of you to support us and encourage others to do the same so that Moore's Place along with other

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venues can continue and we continue the ministry of jazz. Many thanks to Mr. Frank Gilmore and Miss Erica Walker. Thank you. I'll take it. Wait, and and um this is Councilman Griffin. I would like to uh state for the record

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Morris Place, that's 189 Monttoello Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey, Fridays and Saturdays, 700 p.m. >> We're going to be going back in order, right? So, we're back up to 10. Okay. So, the next resolution on the agenda is

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agenda item 10.6, resolution 26-368, a resolution honoring PM Dawn during Black Music Month for their for their groundbreaking contributions to music and their lasting legacy as Jersey City pioneers. And

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Erica Walker will read that into the record. a resolution honoring PM Dawn during Black Music Month. Whereas PM Dawn is a groundbreaking hiphop and R&B group founded in Jersey

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City, New Jersey in 1988 by brothers Atrell 7, Steven Cordez Jr., known professionally as Prince B, and Jared Cordez, known as DJ Minute Mix and later as Eternal. Born and raised in Jersey City and inspired by the city's

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rich musical heritage, Prince B and DJ Minutemix developed a distinctive artistic style that blended hiphop, soul, R&B, spirituality, mysticism, and introspective lyricism, helping to expand the artistic possibilities of rap

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music and challenge conventional ex expectations of the genre. PM Dawn achieved international acclaim with the release of their debut album of the hearten of the soul of the cross and the utopian experience and the chart topping

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single set a drift on me memory bliss which became the first rap single by a black group to reach number one on a Billboard Hot 100 chart and the first number one song and the first number one song for Billboard of the Neielson sounds scan

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era ushering in a new and more accurate method of measuring during music sales and chart performance, marking a historic turning point in both hip hop and Billboard chart history. The group's success continued with beloved hits including I'd die without you, looking

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through patient eyes, paper doll and reality used to be my a friend of mine, earning critical acclaim and introducing millions of listeners to a more melodic, thoughtful, and emotionally expressive form of hip-hop. PM Dawn's music was distinguished by its unique fusion of

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spirituality and mysticism. Dawn's PM Dawn's influence extended far beyond the charts through collaborations and creative work associated with legendary artists including Elton John, George Michael, Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, and Fire and the Beeges, as well as

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major film and television placements including Eddie Murphy's film Boomerang and a Nike Super Bowl commercial appearance. PM Dawn's innovative fusion of rap, melody, and spirituality influenced generations of artists across multiple genres and established the

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groups at the group as one of the most unique and influential acts of the 1990s. Prince B and DJ Minutem mix later known as Eternal remained proud sons of Jersey City throughout their careers, bringing international recognition to their hometown throughout their

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creativity, innovation, and groundbreaking contributions to contemporary music. Prince B, born in Jersey City on May 15th, 1970, was widely recognized for his vision, artistry, and influence before his passing on June 17th, 2016, leaving

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behind a lasting musical legacy that continues to inspire audiences around the world. PM Dawn's extraordinary accomplishments stand as a testament to the talent, creativity, and innovation that have long existed within Jersey City and continue to inspire artists and

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dreamers from every neighborhood of our community. During Black Music Month, it is fitting that Jersey City recognize those artists who work as in has whose work has enriched our cultural landscape and whose influence extends far beyond our city's borders. Therefore, now be it

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resolved that on this 24th day of June, 2026, the Jersey City Municipal Council hereby honors PM Dawn for their pioneering contributions to music, their enduring influence on hiphop and popular culture, and their proud representation of Jersey City on the national and

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international stage. With regard to agenda item 10.6, resolution 26-368, council members, how do you vote? Council member Brooks, >> this is a really special thing to see you guys here in the flesh. Hi. Congratulations,

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>> council. Council person Zupa. >> Absolutely. I is wonderful. Thank you, >> Council Person Efos. >> Congratulations. I >> Council Person Little, >> I. Congratulations, >> Council Person Gilmore. >> Um, I proudly vote I. I recall being a

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young lad trying to lace my tracks. Um, listen to you guys, man. Um, thank you for your contribution to music. Thank you for putting Jersey City on the map. Um, and thank you just for letting others in the community know you have a chance. So, I'll probably vote I

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>> Council Person Griffin, >> you know, seeing seeing kids from Jersey City on MTV when they weren't playing black artists was amazing, right? So, you know, and if I'm not mistaken, I think these are Belmont boys. Uh, you

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guys you guys who grew up on Belmont? >> Harrison Harrison. >> Harrison. I'm close. I'm close. I knew I knew I knew you were around the corner. Um and and you know um I'm proud you know proud proud to vote I for you guys. >> You thank you.

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>> Council person Council person Lavaro. >> Guys, I didn't know you had PM Dawn in the house. >> Oh my gosh. >> I am a fan. I'm honored. I had no idea you were actually going to be here. Wow. I'm um I'm stunned. Um I am happy to

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vote I and um you guys are amazing. I love your music and uh um congratulations. Thank you so much. >> You thank you. Thank you. >> Council person Singh. >> I need your autograph.

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>> You got it. You got it >> right here. >> You got it. >> I vote I congratulations. >> Thank you. and Council President Ridley, >> I proudly vote I. Thank you for helping to keep Jersey City on the map in the

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musical scene. Um, we are extremely proud of the legacy that you have laid. Rest in peace to Prince B and I I vote. Congratulations. >> Thank you. Thank you. Resolution

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26-368 passes unanimously 90 and the floor is yours. Wow. This this is an incredible honor to be here and to be honored by your own city, right? It's who who would

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have known that two kids from Jersey City would be finding themselves sitting in front of Elton John bouncing song ideas. Like what do you think? That's crazy. Like even when when my brother passed, Elton John stopped his show and

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literally said a speech about my brother and his talent, which is that's big. That's crazy. So, I want to all glory to God. I want to say that first. I want to say um thank you to the council. Thank you for your vote and making it real.

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Like, it's real. Thank you so much. Like, my mom is here. My mom Janice, I want to thank mom because Mom. Yes. Yes. >> Mom worked Mom worked like three jobs

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and her two kids are doing music and she's coming home and she's tired and she's hearing loud music all night. Like she really sacrificed for it. >> Ma, I appreciate that. You know, um I I have a statement from um Prince Bee's children and his uh and

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my sister-in-law couldn't make it, but they gave a statement. They sent me a statement that I want to read. Um, this is on uh on behalf of Mary Cordez, my sister-in-law, uh, Christian, Brandon, and Mia, Prince

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Be's children. Um, on behalf of Prince V's estate, we wish we could be here in person, but out of town. This means the world to us. Be was incredibly proud of his hometown and always maintained his roots here.

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We always treasure raising our children on Barrow Street, right down the street, y'all. On Barrow Street. Memories that I will cherish forever. Thank you sincerely on behalf of Prince Bee's estate. So, I just um I want to give a

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shout out to the architect of PM Dawn, Prince B. You know, he um when we sat down as children, he literally was like, "What do we what do you want to do in life? like what do you want to wear a suit all day or whatever. So, we decided

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to do music cuz it was so prevalent in our household. My mom playing gospel music and singing, she actually showed us how to write songs and craft and craft melodies. So, thank you, mom, for that too because now the world shares

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now the world shares what you gave. For real. For real. So, I just I want to thank you all. I want to thank Jersey City because the atmosphere that propelled us to be who we are now is

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straight from here and now the world knows it forever and forever. Like it's it's weird. I found myself um when we were working with the Beeges, Barry Gibb was like he he couldn't he

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just kept saying you guys your song crafting is just insane. And I'm like, "Yours is like what are you talking about?" Like this was crazy. So we're like, it was just I just I pinched myself all the time. And I just two kids

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from Jersey City made it out and um and made their mark in the world forever. And I will I will always be forever grateful to Jersey City for that. I got my wife here. All my kids is here. Some of my grandkids is here.

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Uh, my mom is here. My two brothers, my two brothers right here. I'm just I'm I'm I'm I'm happier than happy can be. I'm I'm just I'm just happy. So, I just if if if these two want to say something

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real quick, I'm I'm complete, but I just thank you guys for um for this wonderful recognition and I will cherish this forever. This is my city. Thank you guys. real quick because I know you guys got business to conduct here. I just want to

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say congratulations to the other honores that you guys acknowledged and also give a shout out to you guys as well. I see some some familiar faces up there, Mr. Gilmore. Um, we were peers at Lincoln

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High School back in the day. So, um, and also a special shout out to Miss Daria Jones. Um, yeah. So, we're all kids from Lincoln. We're all kids from Jersey City. And I just want to thank you guys again for honoring my family.

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>> Yeah, mine is real quick and brief. I watched my two brothers, teenagers at the time, work real hard on music. Didn't give up. you know, a lot of challenges around them, you know, dealing with people,

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you know, dealing with people and jealousy and envy and they made it and they knew what they wanted to do since they were teenagers and follow through. Well, thank you. We did it, y'all. Thank you so much.

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Thank you. Wow. another Lincoln High School uh graduate. By the way, >> the next resolution on the agenda is agenda item 10.7, resolution 26-369,

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a resol a resolution recognizing Renee Walker for her extraordinary contributions to music, faith, faith-based theater, and community service during Black Music Month 2026. Erica will be reading that into the record. Honoring Renee Connell Adams Walker.

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Whereas Renee Walker, a proud native of Jersey City, New Jersey, was born and raised in the city and educated at PS12 St. Patrick's Lincoln High School and her where her passion for music and the performing arts began to flourish and laid the foundation for a

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remarkable career. Whereas from an early age, Renee pursued formal training in violin, piano, drama, musicals, ballet, jazz, dance, and vocal performance, cultivating the exceptional talents that would carry her to stages across the

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nation and around the world. Renee has made significant contributions in Jersey City's rich musical heritage throughout her association as a member of Something Sweet backup vocalist for legendary R&B and funk group Cool in a Gang whose influence continues to resonate around

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the world while also performing alongside acclaimed artists including Paul Simon and Donald Malloy, entertaining audiences throughout the United States and internationally in both secular and gospel settings. As a recording artist, Renee released the

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disco single Dancing in the Street and the gospel album You Are a Shield for Me, demonstrating the versatility of her artistry and her enduring commitment to using music as a source of inspiration, joy, and faith. Her creative vision extended beyond music and her through

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writing, producing, and directing the award-winning gospel play, The Candle Party, earning the prestigious Lorraine Hanssbury Award, and showcasing her ability to tell stories that uplift communities while exploring themes of redemption, perseverance, and hope.

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Rene's distinguished performing career also included acclaimed theatrical productions, television appearances and screen performances including uh Delo award nom nominated role in a live 55 plus and kicking appearances on

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powerbook 3 raisin Kanan and let the right one in and continued work as an actress in screenwriting student dedication to honoring and sorry um and continued work as an actress and screenwriting student dedicated ated to

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honoring her craft. In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Renee faithfully served the children and families of Jersey City through Jersey City public schools for 41 years before retiring as an administrative analyst while also contributing to the community as choir director at Christ the King

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Church and co-host of the former Jersey City cable television program Cable Beat. We need to bring that back. Renee continues to share her love of music as lead singer of the female vocal group LRIN and remains an active member of distinguished professional organizations

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including BMI, Actors Equity Association and SAG AFRA, reflecting a lifelong dedication to artistic excellence and professionalism achievement. Through her accomplishments as vocalist, playwright, actress, educator, public servant, and proud daughter of Jersey City, Renee

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Walker exemplifies the spirit of Black Music Month and serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and future generations throughout her community. Now therefore, be it resolved that the municipal council of the city of Jersey City hereby honors Renee Walker in celebration of Black Music Month and extends its sincere gratitude for her

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outstanding contributions to music, theater, education, and public service, recognizing her enduring legacy as an artist whose work has brought distinction to Jersey City and enriched the cultural fabric of our nation. With regard to agenda item 10.7,

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resolution 26-369, council members, how do you vote? Council person Brooks, >> I congratulations. >> Council person Zufa, >> I congratulations. >> Council person Efos, >> thank you so much. I congrats. >> Council person Little,

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>> I congratulations. Council person Gilmore. >> M Walker, I just want to say congratulations. Thank you for your contribution to music and thank you for putting on for Jersey City. I proudly vote I. >> Council Person Griffin,

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>> I would like to say thank you for your contributions. Um it's great that I get to vote on a fellow alumni from Julia A. Barnes, which is great. Um you know, cooling the gang, everybody. You know, you you worked with a lot. You helped a lot of

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people. So, I will kindly vote I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> Yeah, Miss Walker. Uh, congratulations and thank you for all of your contributions. I'm proudly vote I. >> Council person Singh. Oh, she stepped away.

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>> Oh, okay. Sorry. She stepped away. And Council President Ridley, >> turn my mic on. I uh want to say congratulations. Thank you for your contributions to the music world and I proudly vote I.

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>> Resolution 26-369 passes 80 unanimously and the floor is yours. >> Thank you. Of course, first I have to thank God

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for the the gifts that he's given me that I do not take lightly. And thank you to Ward F Councilman Frank Gilmore Gilman. I'm from Ward F. My mother was committee

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woman in Ward F, many years. um but a long time ago and it her name was Shirley Connell and um I thank Erica Walker, my niece and the city of Jersey

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City for this recognition today and congratulations to all of the honores. I am humbled to be honored alongside all of all of you. Um, Jersey City is a is a connectional city.

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We're all connected and I'm connected to Totty and Daria and Ward and I had the pleasure of meeting Jared today. So, congratulations. I'm just humbled to be um in the same room with you and

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receiving recognition at the same time as all of you. And like I said, Jersey City is a connected kind of city. We're all connected to each other. And everybody knows everybody. And if they don't know you, they know somebody that knows you.

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And Jersey City extends far beyond Jersey City because yes, I started out with Cooling the Gang right on Grand Street. We used to rehearse upstairs um from the Junction Lounge. Some of you may be too

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young to remember the Junction Lounge, but right on um on Grand Street. And I've traveled all over the world and almost everywhere I go, I run into somebody from Jersey City. No matter

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where I go and it's it's amazing. So, I'm proud to say that yes, I grew up here. I went to school here. I got married here. I had my children here. I worked here for 41 years for the board of education

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and anything that I've achieved in my lifetime is because I'm a product of Jersey City and I I thank you. And lastly, we have agenda item 10.8, resolution 26-370,

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a resolution recognizing Charlene Totty Cox Sheriff, for her music journalism, preservation of black music history, community service, and education during Black Music Month. And Erica Walker will be reading that into the record.

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Charlene Todd Cox Sharief, a proud Jersey City educator, journalist, and community advocate, has devoted decades of service to documenting and celebrating the achievements of black artist whose work has shaped the cultural identity of a nation. As a

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freelance writer and member of the press for calling a gang from 1969 through 2003 tw I'm sorry through 2023. Totty has helped preserve the remarkable history of one of Jersey City's most influential music groups ensuring that future generations understand and

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appreciate the global impact of their contributions to R&B funk and popular music. Her published works chronicling the stories and achievements of cool and a gang have appeared in the publications including the Jersey Journal and NJ.com. While her broader body of work has

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highlighted the lives and careers of distinguished artists such as Richard Prior, Roy Ayes, the brothers Johnson, Glattis Knight and the Pips, Glenn Thurman, the Otis Tremble and others. TDI played an instrumental role through the community friends organization in

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coordinating the historic recognition of Koul and the Gang and Wanda Hayes by Mayor Anthony Coochie during which Koolin Gang received their first key to the city of Jersey City celebrating their extraordinary contributions to music and hometown pride. Totty's commitment to education has been equally

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impactful, having served as a special education instructor within Jersey City Public Schools District for 21 years, inspiring and empowering countless students through her dedication to learning and service. A graduate of New Jersey City University, where she earned

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degrees in media arts and special education, Tatty has successfully combined her passions for journalism, education, and community engagement throughout her distinguished career. Her service to the community extends beyond the classroom through her work mentoring scholarship recipients, supporting youth

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initiatives, participating in food pantry outreach efforts, and collaborating with organizations dedicated to uplifting the next generation of leaders. Toddy's contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including a letter of recognition from the First Lady Michelle Obama, a letter of

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appreciation from President Jimmy Carter, and of the Reverend Elijah Henden Memorial Teachers Award, reflecting a lifetime of service and commitment to others through her tireless efforts to document black musical history, elevate the stories of legendary performers, support

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educational opportunities, and strengthen the Jersey City community. Toddi embodies the spirit of Black Music Month and the enduring power of preserving our collective cultural legacy. Now therefore, be it resolved that on this 24th day of June, 2026, the

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Georgia City Municipal Council hereby honors Charlene Totty Cox Sharif in celebration of Black Music Month for her outstanding contributions as a music journalist, educator, historian, and community advocate, and for her unwavering dedication to preserving and

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promoting Jersey City's rich musical heritage. with regard to agenda item 10.8 resolution 26-370. Council members, how do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> Congratulations. I vote I.

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>> Council person Zupa, >> vote I. Thank you to Councilman Gilmore's office and mostly to Erica and your staff for doing all the work. No, I'm kidding. Congratulations to Frank for uh in your office for for a wonderful presentation today. >> Council person Efos, >> proud to vote I on this and all of the

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honores tonight. Congratulations to you. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. Congratulations. >> Council person Gilmore. >> Thank you so much Charlene um for your contribution. Uh for me when it comes to you know just acknowledging heritage and

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contribution and representing the diversification of Jersey City is truly uh I mean this site what we going to talk about later but at this junction this is a great time to just honor the legacy and the contribution to so many of our beautiful city residents. prov

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Griffin. >> Hey, um you know just just celebrating uh our our residents who would what we look at them we just see ordinary

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people, everyday people, family and and you know not taking into account how accomplished they are. you know, we take that for granted. And, you know, I think it's I think it's great um what what Councilman Gilmore and his office put

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together this evening um you know, celebrating the the rich heritage and culture in our communities. Um so, I apparently vote I. Council person Lavaro, >> Miss Cox, Sharief, uh, thank you for preserving the Jersey City's history

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and, um, and, uh, the amazing Kang. Um, so, thank you for all that you do to, uh, continue to keep Jersey City's, uh, musical legacy alive. I vote I proudly. Thank you, Council Person Singh.

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Congratulations and I vote I >> and Council President Ridley, >> I vote I. Thank you for your contributions. We are honored to uh recognize you during Black Music Month. Uh congratulations.

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>> Agenda item 10.8, resolution 26-370 is approved unanimously 90. Thank you. I didn't come with a prepared speech. Imagine that. But as I look around the room and I see

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those that grew up from children now sitting on your committee, I see the picture of Anna Cooi on the wall and she's one of my greatest inspirations. I am happy that I'm one of three

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educators in Jersey City that got a letter from First Lady Michelle Obama. That brings my respect to my city. Born and raised here even though I traveled

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all the way South Africa Wang and it's been mentioned I am that associate writer who's always been there. We started out as 13-year-old young teenagers, but we've done so many things.

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And I would like to definitely thank Miss Walker because she tried her best, and I'm going to say it again, she tried her best to get Mr. Robert Bell here from cooling the gang, but his schedule didn't allow it. But we are working on

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next year to bring him to these council chambers. Getting them the first key to the city was an honor and that's all due to Miss Anna Coochie. I started out in 29 school, went to 14

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school, went to Snyder High School, Jersey City State College, and then on the road and tooured the world. But there's no place like home. No matter where you go, there's no place

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like home. Mr. Brunson had the museum or has the museum on Kennedy Boulevard and I was the youngest person on his staff and I had the honor of introducing the princess first one coming to Jersey City

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and I had to learn her name and I'll say it in these chambers. Her name is Princess Elizabeth Baga Naabango from Tori Uganda. Because by taking a whole week to pronounce her name and then being able

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to introduce her, it let me know how people felt about Queen Elizabeth. I had that feeling. And for each one of you here, I thank you. I respect you. And I said,

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"My camera has changed. My tape recorder has changed, but my ink pen stays the same." >> Thank you. Council person saying if I could just get your

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vote on agenda item 10.7 resolution 26-369. >> I vote I thanks John. >> Sure. Okay. Council members, do you want to >> photographs now or? >> We have um one request from Councilman

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Brooks. This is not a uh ceremonial resolution, but there are some members of the public here. Councilman Brooks is going to say a few words on behalf of that resolution. And if you are here regarding that resolution, you can also um come up and have a picture with the

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council as we take pictures with our honores. >> No, we're not voting. Okay, >> we're not voting. >> Yeah. So, uh, just wanted to speak briefly on item 10.59, uh, which is a resolution recognizing

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child care as an essential public infrastructure and calling for the full funding, reopening, and expansion of the New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program. Um, one of the first calls our office got was a city employee, a single

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mom, behind on her rent, struggling to pay for struggling to pay for child care. Um, this is in support of a of state legislation um that would expand child care um access uh to probably

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hundreds if not thousands of Jersey City families. So, this is in support of state legislation. Um, and I do ask, you know, for the support of my my colleagues when we get to that point in the agenda. Um, so thank you, Madam President, for allowing me to say a few words.

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>> Okay. And now if our honores uh would like to begin to gather, we'll go in the order uh that they were honored. The council will come down to the front and we will take a photo with all of you. If there are any family members who would like to join the photo with them, please

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feel free. over. Yes. Got it. >> Who is next? 10.3. Erica. Oh, Dar. Daria. Come on. Thank you.

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That's Next to him. Get the It's it's all That's everybody, right? >> Yeah. Let me get out of here. You got to Hey.

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>> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. >> I'm going to I'm going to ask that everybody please uh quiet down and exit the council chambers. If you're exiting quietly, we have a lot of agenda to get through and

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we are about to start the business of the night. >> M A M. >> Yeah. All right. What's on? >> M A M T. >> M A N >> T. >> Okay. For the folks leaving, please make your exit quietly. We're going to be moving on to the agenda. Next agenda

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item. Nothing. >> We got a couple of bio breaks. >> That's okay. Well, they'll catch up when they get back. one of these. Yes. >> Okay.

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>> Okay. >> The Could the council members start making their way back to their seats? >> Can we have all council members back to the deis? Councilwoman saying after you get your autographs, >> thank you. Thank you.

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>> Oh yeah. Yeah. >> You know, the more you are, the more blind you are. I feel right. >> Yes. For real. >> For real. >> Okay. That's all right. We We'll We'll start.

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Yep. Start reading. >> We're going to ask that you close the door in the back. Close the door in the back. >> Okay, ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be moving on to consideration of the first reading

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ordinances whose titles I will now read into the record. Agenda item 3.1, ordinance 26-049, an ordinance adopting amendments to the Jackson Hill redevelopment plan regarding the expansion of the transit

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proximity bonus. Agenda item 3.2, 2 ordinance 25-050 and ordinance amending chapter 31 environmental commission and establishing article 2 environmental

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justice task force to enable the municipality to take further actions toward environmental justice. Agenda item 3.3, ordinance 25 26-051,

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an ordinance of the municipal council of the city of Jersey City amending chapter 160, fees and charges with any associated chapters for fees. Agenda item 3.4, Four, Ordinance 26-052,

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an ordinance amending chapter 122, section 4, regarding the required bonds for special event permits. Agenda item 3.5, ordinance 26-053,

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an ordinance amending chapter 160, section 1, regarding reduced license fees for nonprofit organizations. Agenda item 3.6, Six. Ordinance 26-054,

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an ordinance repealing chapter 304, Taxation, Article 10, Medical Cannabis Transfer Tax, in its entirety. Agenda item 3.7, Ordinance 26-055,

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an ordinance supplementing chapter 332, vehicles and traffic, article 2, traffic regulations, amending section 332-9, stop intersections, to designate various intersections into multi-way stop

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intersections. And lastly, agenda item 3.8, 8 ordinance 26-056 an ordinance supplementing chapter 332 vehicles and traffic article 9 parking for the disabled of the Jersey City Code

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designated a reserved parking space at various locations throughout the city. Council members, I'm going to be taking a vote to introduce agenda items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, and 3.8. 8 to

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introduce these ordinances. >> One second. I'm just going to ask that we quiet down in the chambers so that the council can hear so that we can get through the uh business of the agenda. >> Go ahead, John. Okay. To introduce these ordinances, how do you vote? Council

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person Brooks. >> I for introduction on all. >> Council person Zupa. >> I for introduction. I just want to note on the um reserve parking that uh thank you for your patience. The committee meets essentially weekly now to go through the backlog. It consists of myself, Councilman Brooks as chair, and

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Councilman Gilmore. So, thank you for your patience. >> Council person Ephro, >> I for introduction on all. >> Council Person Little, >> I for introduction on all. >> Council person Gilmore, >> I for introduction.

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>> Council person Griffin. So with the with the Jackson Hill redevelopment plan, if that needs to be extended from if if someone is out like let's say 200 feet outside of this, would they need a variance or would we need to open this up if we wanted to get

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density for affordable housing? You're asking if it goes beyond what's already being designated in the ordinance. >> Sorry, >> you're asking if it would go beyond what's already been extended in the ordinance. If if we're looking to build affordable housing two blocks away from the 15 from

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the 1750 ft, would we need a variance or will this have to be opened up again? >> I believe you have to open this up again. >> Okay, thank you. I for all >> Well, Council Person Lavaro.

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>> Yeah. Um, I just want to draw everyone's attention to um, ordinance 26-054. Um, that's an ordinance uh, regarding the cannabis transfer tax. Um, so everyone in this room is here. A lot of

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people are in this room because of taxes um, and the potential um, tax increase that's looming here in Jersey City. um several months ago and I want to thank the corporation council um when the subject of cannabis revenues and taxes

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um was on the agenda uh previous agenda. Um I I asked to see if this is if these monies that the city receives cannabis revenues um tax tax revenue whether it could be directed and diverted to um the

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general operating budget. Um, and so this ordinance that's being introduced tonight, um, does something about our tax situation. It doesn't solve it, not by not by a long shot. It frees up over $1 million in cannabis tax revenue and directs it to our general operating

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budget. Dollars that will help close our deficit without raising um tax taxpayers uh taxes on our Jersey City residents. Um, we are in a budget crisis and we owe it to the people of Jersey City to think creatively, to think out of the box and

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think differently and turn over every stone before we ever ask taxpayers to pay more. Um, this ordinance turns over Thank you. This this ordinance turns over one of those sto stones. I ask my colleagues to

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thank you for the introduction. Um and hope that you will pass this on second reading. Um again, it's only a little over a million dollars. Um but uh um but every dollar dollar makes a difference. And I will I tell everybody here as well as the public at large that I intend to

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keep turning over every stone until we've exhausted every single option available to us. I vote I on. >> Council person Singh. I vote I on all uh for 3.4

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and 3.5. If my council colleagues have any question, I'm here to answer. Thank you. Okay. >> And council president Ridley >> I for introduction >> and items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6,

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3.7, and 3.8 have all been introduced unanimously 90. We will now be moving on to our second reading ordinances. Uh madame council president, I understand you wish to make a motion to carry agenda items 4.8, 4.11, 4.13, and 4.14

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to the July 15th council meeting. Is that correct? >> That's correct. Motion to carry before the public hearing. >> Second. >> Okay. So that motion motion made by Ridley, seconded by council person Gilmore. Okay. Okay. So, on the motion to carry agenda on the motion to carry

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agenda items 4.8, 4.11, 4.13, and 4.14 to the July 15th council meeting. How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I to carry all. >> Council person Zupa. >> I to carry all. >> Council person Ephro. >> I to carry these items.

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>> Council person Little. Um, just for clarification, we're carrying 4.152.15, I believe. >> 11 13 and 14. >> 4. >> Okay. I I misheard you, John. That's okay. >> Okay. Cuz I was Okay. Um I Thank you. >> Okay. Council person Gilmore.

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>> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> I. >> Council person Singh. >> I. >> And Council President Ridley. >> I. >> Motion passes unanimously. 90. Agenda items 4.8, 4.11, 4.13, and 4.14 will be

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carried to the July 15th council meeting. With regard to the remaining second reading ordinances, members of the public, please be advised that there will be a public hearing on everyone. Anyone wishing to speak on an ordinance may do so, and each speaker will have three minutes to address the council,

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but their remarks must be limited to the ordinance that is under consideration. We will be going in order. So, if you wish to speak, please line up behind the podium and wait to be called. If the council members don't see anyone lined up, they will assume that no one wants to speak and they'll make a motion to close the public hearing. So, don't be

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bashful. That said, the first agenda item is agenda item 4.1, ordinance 26-033, an ordinance to exceed the calendar year 2026 municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank pursuant

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to NJSA4A 4-45.14. We'll be having a public meeting, a public hearing on this ordinance and in wishing to speak. And I do see we have council we have uh but I'm going to ask her to say it into the record your name.

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Ma'am >> Ivon Bolston. I understand that the caps are usually like 2%. So I would like to know we're going to exceed the caps on certain areas. How much will we receive the caps? Because that will also increase our budget because could

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someone give me the information please? The caps that are being exceeded by what margin? bits administrator here. >> Can we speak to uh the cap or can we explain 4.1 for the public?

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>> Yeah, this is allows us to exceed the cap bank. It doesn't necessarily exceed it. It just allows us to if we were need to for the uh budget adoption, >> but I'm asking for how much. I understand about the caps. I've been going to meetings since the 1970s. I understand that. How much are we

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exceeding the caps is my question. There is no they there is no set uh amount at this time. It's we're voting to give us the ability to exceed it, but they don't have a set amount that >> we could have a budget even larger than we expect to have because you're exceeding the caps right now with no cap

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on these caps. What I'm trying to say, I mean, the public should be aware of what's going on. what I'm trying to say. You can't vote on something and say we're going to exceed something without ex giving the public a parameter because it's going to be on my tax bill

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according to the assessment of my property and everyone else here. So, you know, when you do something like this, at least be a little more forthcoming. That's all I'm trying to say. >> I know what the caps are, >> right? Let her let let's let uh let's let Miss Falser finish her time before

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we uh cut her off. I I understand that there's things in the caps and things outside the caps. So, what exactly are you going to exceed that is outside the caps? Exactly. What are you going to um what is outside the caps you plan on raising?

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>> Someone tell me, >> Mr. V, um thank you for raising this. Just to clarify, it's uh increasing by 3.5%. >> Thank you very much. Absolutely. What you're is increasing it by. And what are you increasing? like what are you

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increasing outside the caps because I know there's certain things you can't you know touch I am aware of that but what areas are you going to increase outside the caps >> if the BA or the council uh can correct me but um this is a general increase in

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the budget uh possibility and the possibility of the extent of the budget instead of the cap amount of increasing it by 2% overall hypothetically it would hypothetically be able to be increased by 3.5% overall. So it does not get into any specific

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>> doesn't because I do know there are certain things you cannot increase that I'm aware of but I think you know this information should be in the ordinance just that's all messy. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Please state your name for the record. >> Uh Jean Dailyaly.

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>> Jean >> J E A N E Daily is D A L Y. Oh, uh, good evening. Yeah, I'm a little late on this, uh, about the caps and stuff because I'm not too familiar with it, but my my understanding is obviously

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you're going to go over the budget and apparently it's limited right now to that 3 point some odd percent that you had uh, mentioned. Is that correct? >> Normally, uh, year after year, it could only go up by 2%. >> Correct. With this resolution, uh,

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pursuant to New Jersey state law, we are able to raise it, um, the last year's budget to this year's budget size by 3.5%. No more than that. >> Okay. Um, so, for example, next year though, are you just going to automatically take the allowable um

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increase or does it have to go through the um the council again? If you want next year, you you're already taking this. What about next year? Does it have to go in front of the council again or you just automatically going to just keep on rolling that number higher,

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higher, higher and exceed the budget more and more and more? >> I think um if if these are some great questions. If the administration can just explain as it relates to um the increase um as I understand it, it like

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it's done yearly. It's an annual cap that you look to either exceed or stay within. Um, so if the administration can just I mean numbers aren't finalized, but in light of the community concerns and all of this stuff going on as it

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relates to these increases, if they can just in simplest terms explain the increase of the cap, the purpose of it, and I guess divulge as much information as possible. >> Yeah. So, this is an annual thing that the council votes on. Generally, it's

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capped at 2%. we're allowed to increase it. This is not the tax levy or anything related to the tax levy. This is about spending for the budget if necessary. Because of the expenses that we inherited from the last administration and what we'd have to be doing in this budget, it allows us to spend over.

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>> Switch to the other mic for me. That one sounds like you're underwater. >> Feels like it sometimes. Um, this allows us to go beyond the 2% for the operating expenses, not the tax levy, but if because the the amount of money we and

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the debt we inherited income last year, if we have to spend more, this allows us to go over that normal 2%. Oh, you can put the clock back on. Yeah, I appreciate you holding the clock. Uh that still doesn't quite answer the question as to next year. Is this going

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to come before the council? Is this an automatic thing that comes up like >> No, it's annual. We vote on itual year. Okay. So this year is this. Okay. Is there a point in time that you could say for hypothetically if you're allowed say 2% whatever it is next year you would

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actually choose to go less than that and actually give us a defined number the percentage and what that means financially dollar signs is that possible >> yeah my my understanding I think this sounds like the budget hearing process

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where we work through the actual budget uh that will get introduced and then voted on this this summer Um, in terms of next year, I think and even this year, it's possible that we have less than a 2% increase in budget size, but

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only up to a 3.5%. Okay. That could be inclusive of the spending the state aid that correct grant money. >> Appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you. I'd just like to um remind everyone that, you know, the uh public

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speaking portion is not a back and forth between the council and the public, but I know we are here to make sure that we give residents as much information as possible. So, I'd ask that the speakers be given their allotted time of 3 minutes to speak. And if there's something that we want to respond to, we

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let them finish their statements first and then uh if there is something you would like to respond to, we respond then so we won't stop their time or interrupt their time. >> Apologies, council president. >> That's okay. >> Please just state your name. >> Yes. My name is Vita Green Wheatley and

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um >> Could you spell that? I'm sorry. >> The court reporter GDC. >> What is it that spell your name please for the >> Yes. V I T A G R E E N E W H E A T L E Y.

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Okay. Yes, I'm here. I just wanted to talk about the um the tax increase and I know that you had mentioned something about extending the uh the budget and uh we need to make Jersey City affordable

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and we need to uh maintain that integrity because there are people that have lived here for years. There's seniors that have uh that have homes here and that have lived here and houses that have been passed on to from generation to generation. And we need to

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have that. We need to be motivated in that direction also. And uh we need to have more creative spending. uh we need to put uh an agenda together where there's a focus group where ordinary people get together and they are

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discussing how to um how to spend when people have massive salaries it you there's so much that could be done I know they have responsibilities but we need to include more AI in some of these

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uh expenditures and uh these analysises uh we had something about uh I was at a meeting and they were talking about rendering and it was like $100,000 for a render and I said wow you could get AI

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and that's like $10 a month. So you have various ways that we could approach a budget and I'm sure that there could be so much more included in it if you're looking at uh the at creative spending

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and we have to be more creative in the way that we spend and that's what I want to tell you all that we do not need to raise those taxes. Thank you. Thank you. Before the next speaker, I just want to remind the public that we

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need to stick to the ordinance that uh we're on. We are on ordinance 4.1 and this is an ordinance to exceed the calendar year 2026 municipal budget appropriation limits. So, while it is budget related, this is not uh this is

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not a uh ordinance for the tax increase. So I ask that we stick to the ordinance that we are on at that time. >> Okay. Motion >> motion to close motion. Motion to close the public hearing made by Ripley.

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>> One second. If you guys are going to speak, can you please line up so they can acknowledge that you're going to speak because we don't want to cut anybody off, but we do want to make sure uh we have enough time to get the city business done. >> Okay. >> Your name, sir?

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>> Salvatore Pearro. >> You spell that for the court reporter? >> S A L V A T O R E Paro. P E C O R A R O. There should be no no need to increase

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the city budget. It's already I I've been trying to take a look at the information that's been provided. It seems as though there's very little information provided even in the report that the mayor released a couple months ago. There's not enough detail. One

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specific item I found is that there's an a, and I could be misreading this, but this is how it I interpret it as it was reported, is that there's an average of $50,000 in health care costs for

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families uh that are uh for for for family for the cost of families uh under the health care that's provided. Um it may be 10,000 for an individual up to 50,000 a person. Uh so health care

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costs are beyond are out of control and the I mean honestly when de Democrats run a city there's never never going to be enough money.

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Uh right you're always going to want to see increases. When uh Governor Mc McGrev was running, he advocated a zerobased accounting and so a budget should never be increased based on previous spending. I have lots of

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friends who have worked uh who work at the government and all a lot of government employees and agencies always rely on uh assuming that they can get more money and if they don't need the money they

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have to imagine and pretend to use what they use. So the the issue is not a income problem. It's a spending problem. And so they should I don't and and and I don't care. I it

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it it it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter whether there are tax abatements or not. The city makes enough money and you should only be spending what you're taking in. We've already gone through we've already gone through 50 60

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70% increases in the past 10 years. And as I look forward to the next 10, 20, 30 years, I'm looking at a city whose budget is under control. What the the the you if you if you cannot operate the

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city under budget, then we should go bankrupt. Go bankrupt and start from zero. you have the authority to go bankrupt. And if you need more laws to adjust spending, we can we we can ask for those

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laws or even investigate those laws. >> There's no reason to increase spending. >> Thank you. Again, this is a public hearing on ordinance 4.1, an ordinance to exceed the calendar year 2026 municipal budget appropriation

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limits and establish a cap bank. Hi, I'm Jason Berg. Haven't been here in about six years. Uh, you know, the thing about caps, uh, they have a tendency to get lost. I've given this council over the years opportunities to make capital like

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recycling, being smart. The real problem is when it comes to smarts, it's found in the toilet. I've given example. You can make energy out of anything. You want to cut your cost, look at your energy costs. There are many ways to cut your cost. That's

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there's two things that really kill any institution. It's employees and its cost of its insurance. The most important thing you want to keep your cost down. Health is the most

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important thing and h being healthy is uh doing things that will preserve your income. Right now we lose thousands of dollars every time a a recycling day comes along. We have individuals coming around in MercedesBenz

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taking our recyclables. Now, back in the '90s, I tried to get the senator to uh in in Jersey City to do a recycling thing where you have like New York. >> Jason, we need you to stay on topic. We need you to stay to the establishment of a cap. >> The cap, if you want to get the cap

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taken care of, look at ways you can fill it up. Remember, a net is only good as the holes are thick or thin. You lose what you got if you don't call the net in. And you're losing it. You have to be

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have either think about the box look the box be smart use as someone said use AI I've done research on on topics of energy even before AI came in and the real thing is we can do better if we are

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smart what we do I'm not asking you to be be miracle workers I'm just asking you to be smart working with the community without the community there is nothing apathy is created when there's alienation among the council. As much as

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you think you are doing bad at your best, you're not because who's pulling your tri who's pulling the trigger? Who's pulling the strings? Are you independent minded or are you grounded by a slug? Thank you.

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Ma'am, are you looking to speak again? Ordinance 4.1. If this is in regards to tax increase or general uh budget, I'm going to ask that you speak during the public speaking portion. We are speaking on ordinance 4.1. >> Just state state and spell your name.

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>> Yes, sure. Aayita Meascll, AI DA, last name Mes Kl. Um, I know we're not voting on the budget tonight, but tied to 4.1, we are effectively asking to increase the cap so we can spend more money and at some

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point that money has to be paid back, which will inherently go into paying your taxes. So while the reality is we may have to increase the cap because we have to pay bills, it is really important that we understand to what

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amount specifically and scrutinize that that number because if we keep doing this where we're passing the buck, we will never get to the point where you guys have really taken a hard position which is probably the correct one that we need to correct the budget. So that means numbers should be scrutinized so

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we know the exact amount that a cap needs to be increased to so that it's not exceeding and it's not open-ended. I think that's important because they are directly linked to what your tax payment will be. >> Thank you.

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Thanks, >> Council. Council President, may I just um point to the uh ordained clause? Um because I I appreciate the desire for scrutiny here and the desire for um precision. The increase of 3.5% would

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amount to uh an increase of 20,840,824. Um, that's the maximum amount that this year's budget would need would be able to be higher by as compared to last year's budget. So, I just want to say that for the record. Thank you all for the questions here.

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>> Hi everyone. My name is Christine with the CH. My last name is Hoy Hui. >> Christine, you can pull the mic up a little bit if you need to. Um, so in tying to 4.1,

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I looked at the 2024 audit report because the 2025 was not available yet. The first material finding from the 2024 audit report is over expenditures. Um, which I would like to point out that Mayor Solomon did also sign off on on

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the report. Um, there were planned actions to address this finding. The first one being to strengthen budgetary controls. The second to be adjust appropriation reserves appropriately. Third, timely transfers and emergency

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appro appropriations. Review and process any necessary budget transfers or emergency appropriations before year end to address shortfalls in key areas like employee health insurance. Um there's also a lack of training and oversight. Um so the plan

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there was to provide training to department heads and budget officers. Um and then also to implement automated monitoring tools. The anticipated completion date per the report is December 31st, 2025. So, now that we're halfway through the year, I was

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wondering if there's any response or updates on the remediation efforts because this is directly linked to um the municipal budget appropriation limits and also um if there isn't, can

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we expect this to be off the report once the 2025 one is published? I believe this is an root cause of many of these issues and need to be addressed. Thank you. >> Thank you. there are any more speakers, we're going to ask that you line up behind uh this

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young lady so that we know uh who's next so we'll know when to close. Um I'll let uh Mayor Solomon has uh something to say in response to the last speaker. >> Sure. I I um we'll we'll speak a little bit before public speaking and and give some more context there, but just the

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person who asked the question has some more time. So, I thought I could could >> get that that other mic. Mayor, >> I I thought I could briefly answer in her final minute. So, appreciate you flagging that question. So, um what the audit what you're referring to found was the prior administration, you know,

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would budget take health insurance uh would budget $150 million for health insurance and then at the end of the year they would spend above that number. So they would spend 150, they would budget 150, but then they would spend $180 and then the $30 million is an overexpenditure. That often happened

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with our police department as well. Uh so it would budget for a certain amount for overtime and then you'd overexpend. Um so what our uh finance director has done is he's taken each one of those audit findings and he is working on basically a plan to make sure that

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doesn't happen. for over expenditures. The obvious way you stop that is you basically do a monthly report compared to what you've spent versus what you've budgeted. It's very >> Could you use the good mic, please? We can >> that we already switched both mics. Mayor, if you don't mind, can you go to

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the podium? >> Having technical difficulties tonight. >> Yeah, we'll see if we can get better mics before uh the future. >> It's not in the budget. >> It's not in the budget. But thank you. All righty. I I I

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appreciate that. So, apologize. I I'll start over. So, thank you uh uh Miss Hugh for for bringing that up. So, just briefly to explain what that is. Uh the audit finding the prior administration would budget a certain amount and then they'd spend more. So, they budgeted say 150 million for healthcare but then spend 180 or they'd budget 8 million for

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uh police overtime but then they'd spend 12 or 13 or 14. And then what happens is that money you have to pay back the next year. Uh so part of what this budget is and and I'll talk more about we're paying back all of those over expenditures uh from the prior year and the prior years plural. Uh what we do

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now to to address the audit finding is our finance director has gone finding by finding including that one and put in structures to stop that from happening. So in this case you're basically talking about a simple report. It's called a variance report. So every month you basically say how much did we budget, how much did we spend and if you're over

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then you have to take actions to prevent an over expenditure at the end. Uh so when you ask will be re reported so next year in the 2020 20 the audit of 2025 yes it will be reported because that covers last year the prior administration uh but what we are committed to doing is when you get your

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2026 audit that finding won't be repeated and there won't be over expenditures we'll basically spend according to what the budget allows us to spend. So hopefully that answers the question there for the appropriation. >> You my name is Sarah Bernal.

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>> Could you spell that real quick? >> Bernal, last name B E R N A L. So good evening, mayor and council members. This is a little bit of a difficult topic to actually discuss. So I'm a little bit baffled. I don't under quite understand the math, but I'm a

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little bit taken back that the simple questions the public had about the budget cap being 3.5% and the actual budget, it was kind of not not clear to the council members. And so it kind of brings me up here to

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say that I am deeply concerned about the def direction of our city's finances and the growing burden being placed on Jersey City residents, property owners, and small businesses. We are being told that the city is facing significant budget challenges like you explained,

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mayor. Um I I just think that we don't have the transparency of what that budget is. So because math is not a stronghold for everyone, we want to see, we want to have it explained. So we have to observe substantial property

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tax increase. While I understand that even with this cap that we're trying to vote on tonight, that difficult financial decision sometimes has to be made, taxpayers deserve the transparency, accountability, and a clear explanation before being asked to pay more or increase a cap when we

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should be managing our current budget. Many families are already struggling with rising housing costs, the inflation, insurance, utilities, and everyday expenses. Small businesses continue to face increasing operation costs. every additional tax increase or budget cap for next year to I guess

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itemize and approve the overspending from my understanding from tonight um increases and makes Jersey City less affordable and makes places a greater burden on homeowners, renters, seniors, veterans, and working families. What

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concerns me most is the city's approach to fiscal responsibility. If you're facing a significant budget deficit, why did we even vote on and I understand that some of you abstained from voting for this um to increase um senior

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officials salary. Residents are being asked to tighten their belts by city hall. And this is not a blow. It's just it's just we're increasing but we need to manage what we have. Um, residents are being asked to tighten

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their belts while city hall appears willing to increase its own cost. Before asking taxpayers to sacrifice more, the administration should explain why these increases were prioritized during a period of fiscal stress, which you did just now, but I think we need to know

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more of it. I also have a fundamental question regarding the proposed increase of the budget cap. If the city is already struggling to balance its budget, how can the council justify expanding its spending authority? Residents

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residents are expected to live within their means and they expect their government to do the same before increasing the budget cap or approving additional tax. >> Ma'am, ma'am, your three minutes is off. >> The city should demonstrate that every reasonable cost, >> your three minutes is off. unnecessary

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but has been reduced and essential services has been priority. >> Ma'am, your time is up. Thank you very much. We can't allow you to go past the three minutes. We have to stick to it. We don't allow anybody to go past it. Okay. But you're welcome to come back and speak again during public speaking if you're on the list.

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>> Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you. >> Uh thank you. I I just wanted to explain something on the budget cap just to to hopefully I think will be helpful. And again, I'm trying not to speak for the most part for the meeting, but I but I do think it'll be important for what we're doing. So, we have not introduced the budget yet because we don't know how

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much money we're getting from Trenton. Um, we're obviously asking for 120 million, but until Trenton passes their budget, we don't know what we're getting. And it's impossible for us to develop a budget and introduce it without knowing what that number is. So, I understand and completely respect their requests for, hey, we haven't been able, you're asking for this tax

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increase, but you haven't been able to explain to us what the budget even looks like. It's to totally fair. um we are in a really tough spot when it comes to being unable to anticipate what Trenton gives us, but also having to move forward quickly uh on on this third quarter uh because we don't want the entire burden to fall on the fourth

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quarter, which is very difficult. Uh but when it comes to the appropriation cap, it was a little bit what what Miss Hugh mentioned earlier, which is um we have to pay back all of these bills from last year. So those get put on the budget, so you have to pay more um this year. So that's why you have we are asking and

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have to increase the appropriation cap. Uh when we introduce our budget um we have a draft that we're waiting for Trenton to to provide on us to provide for us. Um we have compared it to the prior budget. When you take out the credit card bills so you take out the $110 million we have to pay from bills

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from last year and the years before we are introducing a budget that cuts spending by at least 16 million. It will probably be significantly more than 16 million. Uh so the budget will have a significantly lower appropriation than last year. what will increase it and what you'll say why we put this ordinance forward is paying back all of

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the bills. So we have to pay $110 million of bills the prior administration put on the budget. So that that just hope explains the appropriation cap that this is not a request to authorize the city to spend more on government services. It is an authorization that we have to pay back bills and that requires the

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appropriation to increase. But on a applesto apples comparison our budget is cutting spending from last year's budget. So, I just want to hopefully get just that context of of where we're at and why this is before the council. >> Are you looking to speak? >> Bring the mic to you, Karen.

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>> Good. >> Yes. >> All right. Uh, my name is Haron Fontinet spelled H E R R I N. Fontinet. F O N T E N E T E from Ward F. Councilman Gilmore

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looking at you. Um so uh with regard to this ordinance, I just had a clarifying question. How would the city establish a CAT bank and uh once it is established, how can equitable city spending be

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insured? >> That's your only your only question. I don't want to interrupt your time. That's my only question. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, how Say that again, young lady. >> Yes. So, how will a CAT bank be established? Um, and then as a result of

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that, how will equitable spending be insured by the city? >> So, we'll we'll have uh our BA police or explain to the public how we establish our cap bank. >> So, there's always a cap bank. You can

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go up to 2% by statute. If we're going to exceed that, then we need to bring this before council to have the council approve it. Um, the council has read the memo that's in the, you know, attached ordinance. So, I know the council is aware of what's going on here, um, and has reviewed it thoroughly. Again, as

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the mayor indicated because of the prior expenses or lack of proper budgeting, we have to be prepared going future that we may have to cover bills that came from last year. So, this is just giving us the tools and giving the council the tools that you guys would need when we do introduce the budget to potentially

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address any problems that were raised by the previous administration. >> Wonderful. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> There's anyone else that would like to speak, we ask that you please line up behind uh Charlene.

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>> Good evening, council. I would just like to say that when the you're your state and spell your name. Oh, Charlene Burke and spell it. C H A R L E N E B U R K E. Um, good evening, council. Good evening,

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mayor. I would like to make a request that when any of our budget issues, whether this ordinance or any of our resolutions, and we have public speaking, such as the special meeting next week, that you remove the threeinut

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time frame. It's a big issue. We need to say our piece. Some people come up here with very educated comments or questions and you need to hear them.

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We all need to hear them. And I really take it as an offense that when it's a big issue like that that you keep democracy contained to 3 minutes. So really decide differently and take it

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off. Thank you, >> Charlene. >> Just for the uh for the record, when we do have public speaking on the budget, the limit I believe is five. It's not three. So just to be clear, >> Charlene, also um I mean I get it. I

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understand your frustration because these are some really important matters. It's life and death at this point. Um, so I mean I would urge you and that's the reason why we do the the Saturday caucus, right? Because as council

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members, we want to be as entrenched with the constituency as possible. Um, so I know for Ward F, we always encourage people to bring their concerns so I can be their voice. Um, because the system is what it is. Um, so being that

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we know the rules, how do we maximize the representation with the set of rules that's there? I don't want that the set of rules to be a determined from people coming out and being able to articulate themselves. So I would encourage everyone, whatever ward you in to reach

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out to your council members, um, reach out to at large council members and you're welcome to attend the Ward F community caucus for this very reason. Sir, you're looking to speak. It seems that the budget has a shortfall and the

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administration is coming to the constituents close that budget. I'm in the category of people of a fixed income. Fixed income just means just that

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or food vendor, healthc care vendor, tax is going to go up, gas up. I want to bring out his lowest common denominator. If you meet the shortfall

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and the budget becomes doable, the question is, wasn't it for me or wasn't it for the constituents? Meaning that if the if it goes beyond, are they going to give us a budget cut or a tax cut at some point?

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And if they don't, are they going to come back again to us and ask us for more money or to be of to be of more of assistance? You see, as I just stated, everything keep raising. If you have a a steady

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fixed income, that's what it is. You don't get any more money. If everything keep rising, how are you going to meet your shortfall if you're assisting the city to make their shortfall? See, one lady say that she bought a

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house in Jersey City 6 years ago. Her taxes went up 85% in six years. Mine went up 500% in the last 20, 30 years. So I I don't get a tax break or tax cut. I keep getting

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statements I need we you need to assist the city to meet their shortfall or we keep catching hell. At some point the constituents have to get something out of this. We need clarity. Question is if you make

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the budget, if you ever balance it, what's in it for me or people or my category? Thank you, >> Daniel Feldman. To spell it, we're familiar. >> Okay, thanks. Um, I'll keep it quick for

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you guys. Um, I just wanted to say as the city considers increasing its appropriation authority, obviously you've yet to vote on it. Um, I would encourage this city council to consider or the city in general to consider dedicating a portion of any additional

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resources towards strengthening housing code enforcement. Investing in additional inspectors, enforcement staff, or legal resources could help ensure that large landlords who repeatedly violate city ordinances are held accountable and that assessed

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fines are consistently collected. Not only would this better protect residents, but increased enforcement could also generate additional revenue for the city through improved compliance and fine collection. That's all I have to say. Thank you.

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>> Thank you. >> Evening, council. My name is Kevin Weller. Just have three sentences for you guys. Um, you're here to lift the spending cap and I appreciate the mayor's clarification. My ask is tied to how to fund it. Please

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also lift the cap on housing fine collection. Collect what's owed before you ask for more from the taxpayers. Thank you very much and thank you. >> Thank you. >> Second >> motion made to close the public hearing

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made by Gilmore. I believe the second was Council President Ridley. Is that correct? >> Right. >> Correct. On the motion to close the public hearing, how do you vote? Council person Brooks >> I. Council >> person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Efos. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> I.

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>> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> I. >> Council person Singh. >> I. >> Council person Ridley. >> I. Motion to close a public hearing passes 90 for final consideration and

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adoption of ordinance 26-033. How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> As I said in my community meeting yesterday, um we certainly need to see the budget, but just keep in mind that we're trying to do what's responsible in this particular case, which means that

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there are one-time bills that need to be repaid left from the prior administration. So that that's what this cap ordinance is about. But make no mistake, obviously when we get the budget, it needs to show significant spending cuts from 2025 to 2026 and then onward. But but uh in order to pay the

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bills, we do need to increase the cap. I vote I >> Council person Ephro. >> Yeah, just ditto. We need to be able to pay these bills and we need to be able to hopefully accept a whole lot of money in state uh aiden loans um which would

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increase the amount in our budget as well. So I vote I on the spending cap, budget cap. >> Council person Little, >> the administration has proposed an operating budget that is lower than last year's budget and through the budget process in July. I am committed to

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working with my council colleagues to identify future areas for cost savings and increase revenue. Um I hear your concerns. However, as the mayor had said earlier, we do have bills that are due now that

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we need to pay. Um, and we are committed to lowering the operating budget. Um, but we need to increase the cap to pay the bills that are due now. So, I vote I. Council person Gilmore. >> Um, yes. So, I mean, I get it. I get the

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the outrage because one hand you have the administration trying to rectify a problem that was left but for the general problem for the general public we really don't give a damn because it's our money and we don't want to care

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whose fault it is because ultimately we are paying it. So I get that frustration but in all of that we have to consider we have to be responsible. Um so you cannot raise the levy and the bills remain outstanding and accumulate

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interest but at some point we are going to have to pay those outstanding bills because it was services that were rendered. This is not uh a handouts for us to go and spend the money per se. It's more of a a a due diligence to pay

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the outstanding balance. But like I said, I get your concern because you're not necessarily concerned about who's charging you the money and and whose fault it is. You're concerned because it's your money and you have to

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pay it. Um so I understand that. Um but the responsible thing is the responsible thing. So how will I, >> Council Person Griffin? Yes. Um I would actually like to add to that what what Councilman uh Gilmore

447
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just mentioned. I mean, you know, uh we were left with something um that we're trying to fix. Um but yeah, so with that being said, you know, these are past bills. Um and and you know, uh the administration is is, you know, trying,

448
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but we're all trying, right? because, you know, we don't want to see um our communities taxed out um you know, so we will be working uh closely with the administration um to ensure that you know um bills are

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being paid and that we're not voting on you know hopefully uh raising caps in the future. So I vote I >> It's an I. Correct. >> I >> council person Lavaro. >> I just want to I I could understand why

450
02:15:37.520 --> 02:15:53.599
the the public would be um um disconcerted by uh the idea of raising a spending cap. um it doesn't naturally intuitively um seem appropriate when you're having

451
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midst of a budget crisis to be able to extend the the budget gap. Um but um it's been explained to me um that uh the 109 billion million dollars in unpaid bills cannot literally be paid unless um

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we are able to have the ability to extend uh the the cap on spending to be able to pay that 109 bill million. So before I cast my vote, I just want to put something on the record. I know the mayor already spoke to it, but um I just would like to make it as clear as day um

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for folks and I'm not asking the mayor to say it. It's um anyone from the administration can speak to this um to just confirm that the cap that passing this cap. Um, without passing this cap, we will not be

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able to pay the $ 109 million in unpaid bills from prior years, which include healthc care bills, retirement expenses, comp time, tax appeals, um, etc. Um, can can someone affirm that uh for me on the

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record? testing. There we go. Uh yes. So without increasing the cap, um we'd be limited to, you know, pay that and kind of clean up all the actions that were left behind and make sure, you know, we're putting the city on the right fiscal note going

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forward. >> Okay. Uh I will share with members of the public. I'm I'm the the senior guy on this city council 10 years previously from 2011 to 2021. Um maybe I shouldn't have shared that. I don't know exactly. But uh um that being said um

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uh this was routinely passed in previous uh administrations um two administrations previously um that I that I served on the city council um at the time. So, u the one thing I will just add in my my final statement here

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is that those unpaid bills um that by me approving this that I am not approving that those unpaid bills all need to be paid in one shot. Um I've already expressed this and shared this on the record um that retirement payouts um

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that we can use bonding capabilities to be able to pay those those obligations. um tax appeals I believe we can as well and there may be many other things here that um fall into that unpaid bills of 109 million. Um I'm going to look at

460
02:18:36.000 --> 02:18:52.719
them all very carefully and make sure that um if if there's some way for us um what some people might interpret as kicking the can down the road. um I would interpret as uh um trying to make sure that uh we're we're not uh jacking

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up taxes on Jersey City residents. So I'm going to vote yes on this. Um that concludes my my time. >> Council person Singh. Um just the same thing that if there are pending bills,

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invoices, if we do not pay them, then we have to pay penalties and I do not think anybody would like to see that. So please understand that. I vote I for that. Thank you. >> And council person, council president

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Ridley, I >> ordinance 26-033 is adopted unanimously. 90. >> All right. >> Okay. We ask we we we don't call out

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from the floor. We'll ask that everybody please remain cordial. We don't call out from the floor. >> The next The next agenda item is item 4.2. >> Yes. >> I'm going to ask that we defer to item

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again. I need everybody to quiet down. I'm going to ask that we defer to item 4.10. We have uh some young people in our audience and I'd like to make sure they get home at a reasonable hour. >> Okay. So, we're just motion to defer to

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uh you said item 4.10, >> correct? >> Okay. And that's by uh Ridley. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Gilmore. All in favor of uh deferring to item 10 4.10. How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I.

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>> Council person Zupa. >> Council person Efos. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. I I I have to vote nay because I have I know people are waiting to speak on other items as well. Okay. Council person Gilmore. >> I.

468
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>> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> I. >> Council person Singh. >> I. >> And council president Ridley. >> I. >> Motion passes 81. Little voting no. Uh motion carries the I'll read it matter

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into the record. It's agenda item 4.10 ordinance 26-042 an ordinance of the municipal council of the city of Jersey City establishing chapter 346 youth liaison council of the Jersey City Municipal Code creating the

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Jersey City Youth Liaison Council. Uh this is a public hearing. All members wishing to speak, please line up at the podium. Uh, let me just adjust the camera. Okay. Uh, please state your name for the record.

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>> Um, my name is Pavet Takar. Um, do you need me to spell that? >> Uh, yes, please. >> P A V I T H A K A R. >> Okay. And your time begins now. Good evening, council president and the

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city council. Thank you council president relief for that motion. Um I want to start by saying uh Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said faith is taking the first step even when we can't see the whole staircase.

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In February I stood here with a request to take a step to form a Jersey City youth liaison council. one that empowers youth to share their ideas and their contributions with the city. Today, I want to thank the council for taking the

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next step and having faith in Jersey City's youth. Last week, on June 18th, at the opening of his presidential center, President Obama reflected on what first drew him to public service. He said that he believed that if we

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could give people more of a say in the forces that govern their lives, then we could build an America where everyone counts and where everyone has a fair shot and everyone belongs. This is exactly what this ordinance does for the

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youth of Jersey City to share their ideas and contribute. A special thank you to council person for sponsoring this ordinance and everyone involved for their invaluable work on this ordinance. Four months ago,

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this was merely an idea. With your support today, it can become something real, a win for all of the youth of Jersey City. Thank you for your support. Kindly state and spell your name for the record. Um,

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>> my name is Ritzik Muanti. Uh, first name R I T V I K, last name M O H A N T Y. Um I would just like to say good evening to uh all the councilmen here and

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council and women and thanking me for giving this opportunity to speak. Now something I was told just a few months ago by my social studies teacher was the world is your oyster. Now this is a saying that I've heard many times and some would even say that it's a cliche

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but me personally I've always taken this to heart and I see this youth leasin as a way of me being able to take my first step as a student who is in middle school opportunities are often rare to come by and an officialized format of having the

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chance to spread these opportunities to receive these opportunities and to be able to grow from these opportunities is something invaluable experiences of many of the youth today. This youth leasen is bringing something that should have been implemented a long

482
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time ago in my belief to lead to a democracy where everyone is represented and I believe that the um that because the youth are expected to carry the next generation forward that we should have as much as an equal say as many other representatives have today. And I would

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just like to say that this opportunity and this chance to reflect for the youths to decide and to collectively clamor for one belief or multiple beliefs is something that would greatly benefit the community as a whole. In conclusion, I would just like to say

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that this ordainment is something that would greatly benefit the youth as in general because having an organized way of developing our thoughts, our motives, and our ideas will something that will greatly um benefit and develop what can

485
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be a more collective youth. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Siman Marwaha. S I M R A N M A R W A H A Good evening, Council President, Mayor Solomon, and the City Council. My name

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is Simmon Marwaha, and I am proud to stand before you today as one of the student founders of the Jersey City Youth Council. The Jersey City Youth Council would create a bridge between students and city government, giving young people a voice in their discussions that impact their lives

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while encouraging civic engagement and leadership. Over my own high school experience, I have worked with many students across Jersey City through community service, leadership, and volunteer initiatives. I have seen firsthand how passionate and innovative

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young people are when given the opportunity to contribute. The JCYC would bring together students from different schools, different backgrounds, and different neighborhoods to discuss issues facing our community to work alongside city leaders just like

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you to develop solutions by supporting the creation of JCLC. We are investing in a stronger, more engaged future for our city. I've seen firsthand how powerful youth are when students are trusted with responsibility and when

490
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they can rise to the occasion. The Jersey City Youth Council would provide a platform for these voices to be heard and for students to work alongside city leaders in building a stronger community. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Tisha Patel. Do I need to spell that?

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>> You said Tisha. >> Twisha. >> Could you please? >> Okay. T W I S H A P A T E L Okay. Good evening, council members, council president, and mayor Solomon. My name is

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Tisha Patel, and I'm a student at County Prep High School and a proud founding member of Jersey City Youth Leaison Council. And I am speaking today in favor of the Jersey City Youth Leazison Council because I think the youth should have a say in discussions and choices

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that affect our city. Whether it's education, mental health, public safety, recreation, transit, or opportunities for the youth, students in Jersey City are passionately concerned about challenges in their communities. But a lot of young people

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frequently feel disconnected from local government and don't know how to get their voices heard. Through this council, students can work through city officials, engage in civ civic engagement and represent viewpoints from various schools, neighborhoods, and neighborhoods across Jersey City. And it

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promotes leadership, accountability, and sustained community involvement in addition to giving young people a seat at the table. We already witnessed instances of how Jersey how youth leadership initiatives may benefit local communities. For example, the Bayon

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Youth Center offers high school students the chance to take part in youth focused projects, cultural events, community service, and advocacy such as programs. Such programs demonstrate how young people become more involved, more connected to their community and more

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driven toward achieving positive change when they are trusted with leadership ch changes chances and include in included in important conversations. Given how diverse and community focused Jersey City is, a youth council has the chance to create something equally significant.

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The youth of Jersey City come from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and many life experiences. And by bringing these viewpoints together through these through this council, the relationship between young people and the local government can be strengthened. Thank you for your time.

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>> Good evening. My name is Gwennneth Freriedman spelled G W N Y T H F R I E D M- an N. Good evening, council members and Mayor Solomon. My name is Gwennneth Freriedman. I'm a rising senior at McNair Academic High School, student

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representative to the Jersey City Board of Education and chair of the Youth Foundation of Jersey City's Junior Board. And I'm here today to speak in support of the ordinance establishing a Jersey City Youth Council. I believe it is impossible to adequately represent

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the young people of this city without inviting them into the conversation. Too often, whether at the board of education meetings or within broader municipal policy discussion, students are spoken about rather than spoken with. We discuss our classrooms, our parks, our

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extracurricular activities, and our opportunities as though the youth impacted by these decisions are external to the discussion. Yet behind every decision is a young person whose daily life and future will be shaped by the decisions of this government. While the

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city council is undoubtedly a political institution, this issue transcends politics. It concerns the future of one of the most important and underrepresented populations in our community. The decisions made in this chamber affect the quality of our

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schools, the safety of our neighborhoods, and the accessibility of our recre recreational spaces. It affects the opportunities available to young people across Jersey City. Yet, the students absent from these conversations are the ones most critically impacted by the decisions

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made. I urge the council to support this ordinance and create a platform through which Jersey City's youth can represent themselves, share their perspectives, and work alongside city leaders to build a stronger community. As students, we recognize that this city works

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diligently to protect us. However, we urge that this protection does not become synonymous with pacificity and that student perspectives continue to be amplified where decisions are being made. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Good evening, council. My name is

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Sadari. S A A D H A N A K A R R I. Good evening, council and mayor Solomon. My name is Sad Nakari. I'm a student at McNair Academic High School, rising

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senior, and over the past couple of months, I've had the honor of serving as a founding member of the Jersey City Youth Liaison Council. When I first emailed Mayor Solomon in December of 2025 about a small little idea of a

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youth council, I honestly wasn't expecting much. And it wasn't because I lacked faith in our incoming administration, but I just didn't know the extent to which my youth voice could actually ma make an impact on city

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government. But that extent became so much more clear to me over the months as I, a first generation student belonging to a family of South Asian immigrants, got to speak and work with city leaders, legislative directors, and other

511
02:33:02.720 --> 02:33:18.960
talented youth to determine the vision of this council. being 16 and drafting preliminary ordinance language or 14 and brainstorming pilot project events or even 12 and having conversations with

512
02:33:18.960 --> 02:33:36.160
city leaders such as yourselves. Those are crazy unimaginable feats that this council has already made possible without it even formally being launched as of yet. And in fact, all across America, major cities like Boston or New

513
02:33:36.160 --> 02:33:52.479
York City or Los Angeles, they have youth councils that advise city leaders on policies and issues affecting youth. And they raise thousands of dollars and raise so much for youth homelessness, nutrition, the mental health crises that

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we have going on. So much. And it just goes to show how capable we as youth are. We as Jersey City youth are so so capable and this passage of the ordinance will ensure that the needs of young people across all wards of Jersey

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City are adequately represented by a group of diverse and talented youth that will grow up to become, you know, our next change makers. Thank you so much. Hello everyone. I hope you all are doing well. My name is Aris Zoho. That is

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02:34:34.479 --> 02:34:49.840
spelled A A R I Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z O H E B. Good evening, city hall, and greetings to all council people and Mayor Solomon. My name is Aris Zohib and I bring

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02:34:49.840 --> 02:35:06.080
forward a timely issue specifically given the discussion of the future of Jersey City. To put into perspective the ethicacy of the youth liaison council, I want to consult what many call the best teacher

518
02:35:06.080 --> 02:35:20.720
history. In New York City during the year 1945, the city's welfare council and civilian defense volunteer office established advisory committees that comprised of

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02:35:20.720 --> 02:35:39.200
primarily 15 to 17 year olds. Given the unforeseen success that this committee faced in maintenance of order in New York City, the point stands that structure youthled councils are not merely theaters of imagination.

520
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If a major city like our neighbors are able to formally integrate teens into city hall in one of the most tumultuous times in American history, then this proves that we are we are more than

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equipped to do so. When modern cities such as ours implement youth opinion and consideration into government decisions, we find that our actions are more considerate of the general population.

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Since youth bring forward valuable information on the impacts of government actions onto the youth, it is imperative that they must be considered when embarking on a new chapter of Jersey City. Given all this, I ask of you all

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to please pass this ordinance. Thank you very much. Hello. My name is Louisis Leon. I need to spell that. >> No, it's fine. >> All right. Hello. Good evening, Council President Ridley, City Council, and

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Mayor Solomon. Um, a Jersey City Youth Liaison Council is necessary in order to bridge the gap of representation between the local government and the city's youngest residents. By establishing this platform, Jersey City can ensure that

525
02:37:06.080 --> 02:37:22.240
municipal policies regarding education and recreation are directly shaped by the demographic that they impact the most. The council provides young people with an active voice in city decisions while cultivating the next generation of

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02:37:22.240 --> 02:37:39.760
local leaders through hands-on civic engagement. Our feedback will be able to transform the ideas and the ideas of what will be put into this city and the feedback will be able to turn into tangible community action not only for

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02:37:39.760 --> 02:37:55.680
the residents in Jersey City but for also the future people going into this and being able to cultivate and progress the city even further. The implementation of a youth liaison council will be able to continue the pattern of diversity in Jersey City,

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fostering a more inclusive and safe community where the youth is now involved in investing in its own future. Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Vivana Leon and I'll be recognizing ordinance 4.10 10 of establishing chapter 346, the youth len

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council. >> Would you can I guess your last name? Can you spell it? >> L E L N. >> I am a rising senior at Beloved Community High School and the introduction of a youth leen council means an introduction of youth in

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02:38:36.800 --> 02:38:51.920
politics. We need more people in civic engagement that not only benefit from the youth but also give back to them. the youth of Jersey City and are people that deserve and have shown time again that they can represent themselves

531
02:38:51.920 --> 02:39:08.880
politically and socially. We are a progressive city and the addition of this youth movement will create a domino effect of youth engagement and giving back to our city. Our youth with this addition can take a direct step forward to a new wave of advocacy and

532
02:39:08.880 --> 02:39:25.439
volunteering. This will help influence or further education and careers that we wish to pursue. The youth of Jersey City will go on to create influence, decisions, pathways of

533
02:39:25.439 --> 02:39:39.840
our future, and we are future voters. The council will help uplift our future generation. And what better way than to start now. Jersey City Youth has worked so hard for this and we deserve a seat

534
02:39:39.840 --> 02:40:03.840
at the table. Thank you for your time. >> Hi. Uh, my name is Carlos Pana. Uh, do you need me to spell that out? >> Last name if you could. >> P I N E D A. Right. Okay. Uh, good evening, Council President Ridley. Uh, members of City

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Council, and most importantly, residents of Jersey City. Uh my name is Carlos Peneda and I'm a recent graduate of Innovation High School and a lifelong resident of Ward A, the best ward. Um so

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I'm here today in support of establishing the youth liaison council because we often tell young people uh that they're the future. We tell them to lead. We tell them to uh you know care about our neighborhoods and to um help

537
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in our communities. But when decisions are made about our schools, our parks, our transportation, and our neighborhoods, too often those same young people are left outside of the room. Uh and if we truly believe that Jersey City that the youth of

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02:40:50.960 --> 02:41:06.720
Jersey City are the future, then we must also believe they deserve a voice and is present, which is why I'm here in support of the Youth Leazison Council. Uh several months back I had the opportunity to work with the connected vine project, an initiative dedicated to strengthening the connection between

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02:41:06.720 --> 02:41:23.040
Jersey City's youth and its government. In our meetings, middle school and high school students from across the district uh came together to discuss civic engagement and the challenges they face when participating in our democracy. Uh when asked the simple question, why

540
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are you not interested in government? Far too many gave the same answer. They said it was inaccessible. Many felt that their that their voices being heard was out of reach. That the decisions affecting their life were made outside of room were made in rooms they

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could never enter. And I think it's time we change that. A youth is on council is not about creating another committee or another after school program. It's about creating a pathway. A pathway for young people to engage with their government. A pathway to lead. And tonight I urge

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the council to support and adopt the resolution establishing a youth leazison on council for Jersey City. Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Janita Veracheni. I can spell that for you if you'd like.

543
02:42:16.800 --> 02:42:35.760
My first name is J A N H I T H A. And my last name is B E E R A M A C H A N E N I. It's long. I know. Sorry. Okay,

544
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>> that's your fault. >> Good evening, everyone. Good evening, members of the council. Good evening, mayor. Good evening, members of the administration. And most importantly, good evening to the residents of Jersey City. Young people are often told that we are

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the future. But if we are the future, why aren't we already a part of the conversation? The decisions made in this room by all of you and around this building are impacting young people. Young people should have a voice in

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02:43:10.319 --> 02:43:25.920
those decisions. And that is why a youth liaison council matters. Today's youth can figure out a new app in the matter of five minutes. We can learn new technology and solve problems in creative ways. We can always speak up

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for what is important to us and but many of us probably couldn't tell all of you who approves a city budget because I know that's what we're all talking about and how decisions at city hall get made. And I see that and we all see that to be a real problem. So the issue isn't

548
02:43:42.560 --> 02:44:00.000
whether young people are capable. The issue is whether we are given the chance. And that's why a youth council matters. A few years ago, I had questions about how the government works. Who describes when problems take place? Who fixes

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roads when issues occur? And what does our city council even do? And you know, they were questions coming from someone who wanted to be involved but really did not know how to do so. And that's why a youth less on council matters because

550
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when decisions are made about young people, young people deserve to have a seat at the table because sometimes the best ideas come from the people experiencing the problems themselves. You know, when I was in high school, I used to wonder why like big trucks and

551
02:44:33.680 --> 02:44:49.279
like they would start construction from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. blocking the roads when kids have to go to school and residents have to go to work. And it's simply stuff like that, which is the reason for why young people deserve to have a seat at the table because young

552
02:44:49.279 --> 02:45:06.000
people are watching everything that you all do and we're learning and we deserve to have an equal voice in that. You know, the problems that I was experiencing and that we all were experiencing weren't just problems. They were a pathway. And I also do want to highlight something. I know that of

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tonight's discussion it's the budget is a big deal but one of the most important things that I can say about this youth council in correlation with the budget is that a youth council is not a costly program it's an investment in ideas it

554
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creates a space for young people to contribute positive solution to solutions to our city government it allows us to share perspectives and help the city Think creatively in times like this. It shouldn't be a burden. It should be a reality. Thank

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you so much. We applaud our young people for being out here tonight for a youth council. I'm a name real quick. We know for the run a summer camp for youth and this is beautiful. The only thing I got

556
02:46:04.080 --> 02:46:20.399
a problem with I want this to be extended. This is beautiful and it needs to be extended to W F W A W E. We need to extend this program. This is a beautiful thing and our youth need to be involved. Our youth need to know what's going on

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in city hall because when I start my summer program the 6th of July, I'm going bring the kids here to a council meeting. The kids that I work with for five weeks during the summer. This is beautiful. It should be extended and

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approved. God bless you all. >> I see. >> Hello everyone. My name is Lorenzo Losspanos. Would you like me to spell that? >> Sure. >> First name is Lorenza. L O R E N Z O. Last name is Los Banos. L O S B

559
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O S. I want to share a story. I, as many of you know, I'm a K through 12 native here in Jersey City. Basically, fully raised here and educated. Um, I'm also an accountant and former corporate financial controller, all

560
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still with the skills and also an author and a writer. The story I want to share is that children and teenagers listen to us. Us the adults, they watch us. They see how we lie. They see how we manipulate the

561
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system. There are still incoherence. They still experience life as it is without the agendas, the systems forces upon us when we become adults. Now, the cute story I have is I remember as a sixth grader back when I was 12 years

562
02:47:49.359 --> 02:48:04.399
old during the 2000 presidential election, my school James F. Marie PS38 had the entire school they they had the entire school us take a survey on who we would vote for

563
02:48:04.399 --> 02:48:20.960
between Al Gore and George W. Bush. The teachers including then principal Mrs. Morsy I loved Mrs. Morsy. She was amazing. She facilitated it. And for those who know PS38 Joel Brooks he

564
02:48:20.960 --> 02:48:38.800
in ward B west side the best side. It has a huge auditorium. That stage has held so many truly legendary events, including events rooted in policy and politics. Even as children, we felt the weight of that space. We knew we were

565
02:48:38.800 --> 02:48:53.680
part of something larger. For me, it was a big marker in my memory in politics, in decision-m, and in where adults take our country. And I remember thinking, "Wow, we the

566
02:48:53.680 --> 02:49:11.279
youth of Jersey City were being asked. Our voices were being counted." Even then, I knew something mattered. That is why they, the youth, deserve a serious seat at this table. Not a symbolic one, but a real one. And I am striving for

567
02:49:11.279 --> 02:49:33.120
the future of youth here in Jersey City and all over this nation and the world. Their voices, I believe, should be and must be heard. Thank you. >> Name is Himali Go. Good evening everybody. Um, I certainly think we

568
02:49:33.120 --> 02:49:48.080
should spell your name for the record. >> Sure. Himali is H E M A L E. My last name is Goldand G O V I N D. Um, I would just like to say that I think this is an absolutely wonderful idea to have a

569
02:49:48.080 --> 02:50:04.560
youth liaison council and most specifically I would like to speak to the young lady who last spoke. Um, I think she is a wonderful representation of what we need in our town and I would like her I would like very much to

570
02:50:04.560 --> 02:50:22.000
charge her with taking on this particular issue that all parents in Jersey City are quite concerned with right now that directly affects the youth. And yes, we are concerned about art. We are concerned about our environment. We are concerned about our

571
02:50:22.000 --> 02:50:38.240
education. But our young people also need to be concerned with the fiscal accountability and responsibility of our council and our government. And I therefore charge this young lady because I see her passion. I see her

572
02:50:38.240 --> 02:50:54.479
sensibility and I ask her to please start a focus group that holds our government here in Jersey City accountable and help us make some sense of what's going on.

573
02:50:54.479 --> 02:51:09.520
And we need our children to understand that this is as important to them as it is to us. because if we cannot pay our taxes today when we have jobs, it's going to be very much more difficult for them as they enter a workforce with AI

574
02:51:09.520 --> 02:51:25.680
and what is going on right now. Having said that, I think the starting question for this council, this youth leaison council, and I really hope that you will take this on is to help us make sense of what's been

575
02:51:25.680 --> 02:51:42.000
explained here about $109 million of unpaid bills that we the taxpayers, the parents of the youth leazison council are being asked to pay. I'd like to ask you to think about how that makes any

576
02:51:42.000 --> 02:52:07.840
sense because I know that if I make purchases more than I can afford this year, I certainly cannot go to my boss and ask them to give me more money. Thank you very much. Good evening, Jason Harley. I'm really

577
02:52:07.840 --> 02:52:23.359
glad that they're including our children, our future, and that's important. The real thing is about who feeds you. When you wait on uh on the community service uh block grants, you

578
02:52:23.359 --> 02:52:40.399
are on a string. How many times uh we've been not able to get grant money because of shortness in our federal services. The real thing is is we create our own community trust

579
02:52:40.399 --> 02:52:55.439
commonwealth and include it into the community service block grant will have more money. >> Jason, let's make sure we're connected. >> Yeah. Talking about this is about the inclusion, but I'm just adding a little

580
02:52:55.439 --> 02:53:10.240
thing is that when you >> about the youth council, right? >> It's a youth council. Okay. But I'm just saying you you're saying you're increasing uh you're reviscing the membership and revising powers. The thing is is that

581
02:53:10.240 --> 02:53:27.680
I'm just saying if you go one mile more which Jesus said and everyone was was uh objecting to the more that we put into a farm the more it will grow and the more we put in our children and they will grow. I'm also a 38 school uh graduate

582
02:53:27.680 --> 02:53:45.359
in 1969 57 years ago. And the real thing here is is that we in order to make change, we have to see it. The real problem with government, it's a blind man looking at an elephant. Seven different views on seven different things. They're all right, all wrong,

583
02:53:45.359 --> 02:54:04.800
but when you put it all together, you get an elephant in the room. Hopefully, it doesn't stump on you. Thank you very much. I'm also I want to state the obvious. You're creating a new board and I was on the first ethics board in Jersey City. So when you create a new board like this

584
02:54:04.800 --> 02:54:20.960
board and the women's board, you're going to have to hire a lawyer. You're going to have to hire personnel to do the agenda. I'm not against having a board, but we are in a financial crisis and every board has to follow certain rules. You're going to have to hire the

585
02:54:20.960 --> 02:54:37.359
supporting people for these boards to function because the these young people who speak very eloquently, they're not going to be the one making the agenda. They're not going to be one transcribing what's going on. They're not going to be the attorney there to advise them. So, we're doing these things where we're

586
02:54:37.359 --> 02:54:54.880
having a financial crisis. And I'm not going to come up here for the women's board because it's exactly the same thing I would say. I'm I'll spare you in my my comments. But you're doing something where you have to hire personnel when we're having a financial crisis. I don't think you guys really

587
02:54:54.880 --> 02:55:10.640
understand why we're in this problem cuz you don't think of the dollar amount. We're talking about people like me going up 20% with the city, 17% with the board of ed, 14% with the county,

588
02:55:10.640 --> 02:55:27.120
and I'm supposed to, you know, say, "Gee, this is a great idea." Well, you know what? If we were not having financial problems, I wouldn't care. But we are having the financial problems and it's not the time for this. So should children speak their mind? Why not? They

589
02:55:27.120 --> 02:55:48.800
have school for that. But you you create a board which you you have to use taxpayers money to supervise it. No. Just just so everyone knows I I spent my weekend clarifying misinformation including like that. This is an advisory board like the women's advisory board.

590
02:55:48.800 --> 02:56:04.800
They don't take action on behalf of the city. There's no constitutional officer required. The the the very well- educated young adults who were here are going to meet on council time without requiring any taxpayer dollars to be used. Okay? So so so there's no there's

591
02:56:04.800 --> 02:56:25.359
no additional hiring to be do. I'm proud to stand with our young people and meet with you. I'll meet with you on the weekends. I'll meet with you on time. I'll meet with you anytime. Okay? And as I said in my community meeting, as I say almost every time, if you take time to come to us, I will respond to you whether it's on social media or in

592
02:56:25.359 --> 02:56:44.960
person. But you facts do matter and and and this is a situation where there are factual things here that that matter and this doesn't cost a dime to the city. So just just rely on that. Uh, hi. My name is Simon Zeb. Um, I

593
02:56:44.960 --> 02:57:05.760
spell it out S A M A N Z B. Um, and I just wanted to say that I'm actually an intern with the mayor, Mr. James Solomon, and today is my first day and and this is the first internship program

594
02:57:05.760 --> 02:57:21.920
that the mayor is having himself. And on my first day, I came in and I never would have thought to be able to get a tour of it. And on when I first came in here, I my eyes just like sparkled. I I this place felt like a mansion. And this

595
02:57:21.920 --> 02:57:39.040
place just felt incredible. I never would have expected to be speaking up here. I never would have known that I could have had that opportunity. I thought even being able to enter this room was an incredible opportunity. And now I'm here speaking in front of the mayor himself, speaking in front of the

596
02:57:39.040 --> 02:57:54.560
council members. And it just means so much to me. It I never would have It's like a dream come true when I um when when my intern um um boss when she brought me through the departments, when

597
02:57:54.560 --> 02:58:10.720
she helped me meet the council people, she helped me um meet the deputy chief, she helped me meet like the chief of staff of the mayor. It was something that I never would have been I never would have thought in my life I'd be able to do. And to have this opportunity

598
02:58:10.720 --> 02:58:25.040
means so much to me and I'm so incredibly thankful for you guys. I am incredibly thankful for the work that you do and like creating this like spark in young people because we are the future of this generation. We are the

599
02:58:25.040 --> 02:58:42.000
future. Um, and you know, like the the the amount of enormous gratitude I have to you today. I want my fellow high schoolers to be able to feel that with this youth advisory council for them to know that they have this opportunity

600
02:58:42.000 --> 02:58:58.240
where they can make change, where they can make impact, they can meet with you guys, their opinions matter. I feel like often two times in society, young people especially, they don't feel like they're heard. They feel like there's little to nothing we can do. And with especially

601
02:58:58.240 --> 02:59:14.160
with the election of James Solomon himself, he is um he's a leader in what he does. He's he was he went from council member to mayor and he's one of the younger people to do so. And to see that is so inspiring. Um again, this

602
02:59:14.160 --> 02:59:30.560
advisory would mean so much. This internship means so much to me and it would mean the world to me for that opportunity to be extended to high schoolers that they deserve because our input matters and we love to we love it

603
02:59:30.560 --> 02:59:45.840
when you guys let us communicate. We it means so much to us. Words can't express how much it means when you when we see you guys and you guys listen to us when you give us these opportunities like this. And uh today's my first day of my

604
02:59:45.840 --> 03:00:12.560
internship and again I did not expect to be here but I am so incredibly thankful for this. So thank you. >> Um yes my name is Jean Dailyaly. Uh I just have a a comment and then just um a job for these youth council people. The

605
03:00:12.560 --> 03:00:30.640
reason these children, young adults, do not know how government works is we know we no longer have civics classes in our schools. Okay, that is critical. I mean, I've look I've found it as state sales garage sales,

606
03:00:30.640 --> 03:00:46.479
you know, uh books from the 40s on civics. It talks about how every single town this is what you're able to do. This is what a council meeting is is, how you can attend and what the rules are. So I asked these uh young people that maybe your goal and your the job

607
03:00:46.479 --> 03:01:01.680
I'm giving you is go around to the different schools and teach them civics. They should not they should know this already. And it's embarrassing that our school system and the whole entire country has has no knowledge of how

608
03:01:01.680 --> 03:01:22.960
government works. Thank you. motion. >> Motion >> I believe I'm going to give that to Council President Ridley. Made the motion. I didn't hear the second. It was >> second. >> Frost. >> Sorry. A second by Ephro. On the motion

609
03:01:22.960 --> 03:01:40.319
to close public hearing. On the motion to close a public hearing, how do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> I. >> Council person Ephro. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> I. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> Hi. Council, Council Person Lavaro,

610
03:01:40.319 --> 03:01:57.600
>> I council person Singh, >> I >> and Council President Ridley, >> I motion to close the public hearing passes unanimously. 90. >> For final consideration and adoption of ordinance 26-042,

611
03:01:57.600 --> 03:02:13.120
how do you vote? Council person Brooks, >> I. >> Council person Zufa, >> I think I said enough on this already, so I'll just say I. Congratulations to those joining the board. Council person Nefros. Uh >> we have a lot to get to tonight. I'll keep this brief. Just so honored to work

612
03:02:13.120 --> 03:02:29.760
with you all helping build this uh ordinance, helping build the youth liaison council. Um really honored to sponsor this as the youngest person on city council. Maybe you guys don't think I'm young, but uh in the in the scheme here, uh you know, it it means a lot to

613
03:02:29.760 --> 03:02:45.279
be able to work with you all and just so impressed by your leadership that you are already doing. So keep this up. We have a lot of huge challenges ahead of us and we're going to be leaning on you for a lot of the creativity and the guidance in the way forward. So proudly

614
03:02:45.279 --> 03:03:01.920
proudly vote I. Thank you guys. Council >> person little >> as the second youngest person on city council. Um I'm jokes aside I'm always happy to stand with our youth and um support them getting more civically engaged. I proudly vodai.

615
03:03:01.920 --> 03:03:19.279
This person Gilmore >> as the third youngest no um just want to say congratulations. I think it's you know become upon us to create that environment where youth are able to express their concerns as it

616
03:03:19.279 --> 03:03:36.560
relates to the government. I actually think it's suicide to not consider the demographic in which you're trying to represent and not include them. Um, I've always been of that opinion as it relates to any problem society is trying to um trying to solve. Um, so I'm

617
03:03:36.560 --> 03:03:53.200
hopeful and um excited what these young people are going to be able to do for our city. I >> Council Person Griffin. >> Uh, yes. I just want to congratulate the youth. Um, you know, just make sure that, you know, anything you need, you

618
03:03:53.200 --> 03:04:08.080
you're asking for it and you're fighting for it. And, um, you know, it's up to us to continue passing things down, uh, generation by generation and ensure that no one is left behind or skipped. I vote I,

619
03:04:08.080 --> 03:04:22.720
>> Council Person Lavaro. >> Uh, congratulations to everyone that worked on this and, um, great job. And I'll say as the oldest member of the city council, um, y'all are fire. I

620
03:04:22.720 --> 03:04:47.279
don't know. I vote I >> You vote I vote I. Okay. Council person Singh. >> Um, this is a perfect day. Can you please stay for next two three hours? Um I think that's how you learn um uh a

621
03:04:47.279 --> 03:05:02.880
lot. Uh it's been great. Uh we are happy that you guys are here. You are uh getting involved uh at the right age. So congratulations and we welcome to to the city hall and I vote I thank you John

622
03:05:02.880 --> 03:05:17.920
>> and Council President Ridley. >> Uh I'll start by saying how quickly things change. I think when I started up here, myself and now Mayor Solomon were the youngest on the council and clearly we're not that young anymore. But um I

623
03:05:17.920 --> 03:05:35.279
want to say thank you to our youth for pushing this. Um special thank you to Pavit. I know that we've had a lot of conversations. Um the youth here in Jersey City, they are super smart. They are the best of the best. uh and they

624
03:05:35.279 --> 03:06:05.359
want to be heard and we are happy to make sure that that happens. So congratulations. I vote I. >> Okay. Ordinance 26-042 is adopted unanimously. 90. So, we're going backwards now on the

625
03:06:05.359 --> 03:06:24.080
agenda. The we're returning to the >> Sorry, I Council President, if I may, we have um some people who've been waiting very patiently to speak on 4.6. If we're moving ordinances around, uh would you entertain a motion to move 4.6? Sounds like you just made a motion to uh

626
03:06:24.080 --> 03:06:40.720
>> if you Yeah, if you would like to make that motion, you can, but we usually defer when there are young people and the hour is getting late. Um, but you are welcome to make that motion and have it voted on. >> Okay. There's there's a motion to defer to I think you said agenda item 4.6. Is

627
03:06:40.720 --> 03:06:55.920
that correct? >> Yes, that was the request I received from consent. >> Okay. Motion to defer made by Little. Is there a second? Second. >> Second by council person Gilmore. All in favor of deferring to agenda item 4.6.

628
03:06:55.920 --> 03:07:12.359
Council council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zufa. >> Hi. >> Council person Ephro. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore. >> Hi. >> Council person Griffin. >> Hi. >> Council person Lavaro.

629
03:07:12.800 --> 03:07:28.240
>> I'm going to abstain. Okay. >> Council person Singh. I >> didn't hear it that yes. Hi. And council president Ridley. >> Uh I'm going to vote no because as I stated before, we usually only do that for children and I know there's people

630
03:07:28.240 --> 03:07:44.399
here to talk on a number of things. Um but yeah, so my vote is no. >> Okay. The motion carries. Uh seven votes in the affirmative, one no, and one abstension. Uh I will read ordinance. So

631
03:07:44.399 --> 03:08:02.000
it's agenda item 4.6. Six, Ordinance 26-038, an ordinance of the Jersey City Municipal Council, supplementing chapter 90, animals. Article 3, dogs and other animals, establishing a ban on breeding and the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits.

632
03:08:02.000 --> 03:08:18.800
We will have a public hearing on this matter. Please roach. Hi, this is Noren Collins and I've been waiting three hours to talk about something that I'm really excited

633
03:08:18.800 --> 03:08:35.279
about and that I wanted to thank you for. But one thing I want to say upfront, it is incredibly disrespectful to have an event where people who really do deserve to be recognized, Miss Teen New Jersey and the music to make people

634
03:08:35.279 --> 03:08:50.240
who've come here to speak about other things sit for two hours and then have you take photographs. We're sitting here. I was supposed to be at another event supporting a Jersey City arts organization, but to see people taking

635
03:08:50.240 --> 03:09:06.080
pictures when we are waiting here to talk about something that's on the agenda, I need to shake off my bad feelings because what you are about to vote on is incredibly important. And I thank Council Person Little. I've been

636
03:09:06.080 --> 03:09:20.479
coming to city council meetings for years when the mayor was on the council and I would say as someone who's got five rescue animals, not always did I want five animals,

637
03:09:20.479 --> 03:09:37.200
that part of the problem is that we've got backyard breeding, illegal backyard breeding, and not only does it over overwhelm our shelters, there are real life consequences to to the way that these breeders treat the

638
03:09:37.200 --> 03:09:54.800
animals. I own a backyard breeding dog. I didn't want to have a third dog. At one point, I had five, but someone called me and said, "This teenager bought this dog off off of a guy on the street and they let they left him in the

639
03:09:54.800 --> 03:10:11.760
in the basement. Can you can you come? Can you help?" So, this dog, gorgeous dog, 10 years ago now I have him. Beautiful pitbull. He looks like Pey from the Little Rascals. That's what I named him.

640
03:10:11.760 --> 03:10:30.080
He had never seen another dog cuz they took him from his mother too soon. And if you take dogs from their mother or or cats too, I don't know. I know it's true for dogs. They don't develop socially and they become animal aggressive.

641
03:10:30.080 --> 03:10:45.520
And when I brought him into my house, he couldn't he didn't know what what dogs ears when they go back means. It didn't know what when they like giving signals dogs give each other. He had never been around dogs.

642
03:10:45.520 --> 03:11:01.680
And as a consequence of that, he became a dog aggressive dog. Now, thankfully, I've got enough money that I can have rescue animals and have my life revolve around them. But the consequence

643
03:11:01.680 --> 03:11:19.040
is that I have to walk him now with a muzzle. And he didn't ask for this. And the way that these people are treating animals like lottery tickets where they breed them and breed them and breed them and dump the mother on the street. my friends in rescue. We're always trying

644
03:11:19.040 --> 03:11:35.680
to hook up somebody who will foster a dog. >> Thank you. >> But I thank you for for bringing this to the council. It's incredibly important. Thank you. Thank you. >> So before the next speaker, I just want

645
03:11:35.680 --> 03:11:53.439
to um to address something because I know we have a lot of people here tonight who this may be their first time attending the council meeting. Um, but for the nine years that I've been up here, we've always done the ceremonial resolutions in the beginning. Now, this agenda is extremely packed and I do

646
03:11:53.439 --> 03:12:09.520
understand your concern as far as the ceremonial resolutions because that is a concern that I share. This council has um done typically more ceremonial resolutions than uh previous councils and I am currently working um to figure

647
03:12:09.520 --> 03:12:24.160
out the best way to do that because I understand we do want to get to the business of the meeting but it is normal practice for us to do those at the beginning. Jason >> Jason Berg I like the fact that you working with stopping the breeding I

648
03:12:24.160 --> 03:12:40.960
mean it's a big problem and uh but dogs and cats but the rabbits are food source and uh if some if you want to eat you you breed rabbits and uh I don't know how the uh that has to affect with the

649
03:12:40.960 --> 03:12:56.800
breeding but uh Jersey City is permitted to have poultry chickens uh eating goats in in the city. I don't I think cats and dogs are are a staple and the expense

650
03:12:56.800 --> 03:13:14.240
that these people pay for these uh breed animals is outrageous. But to include rabbits, I don't understand that. Rabbits are a food source and rabbits are so able to multiply in Australia. It actually had a war uh killing these uh

651
03:13:14.240 --> 03:13:31.600
evasive creatures. But again, it rabbits are a food source. So, I just think that uh thinking I don't what is the purpose of including rabbits. I don't see see uh rabbits being a problem unless they're uh being let go into the

652
03:13:31.600 --> 03:13:48.080
environment and that becomes uh environmentally destructive. But as far as wanting to uh breed them as far as food, uh it really falls under the uh offices of of having uh livestock in the

653
03:13:48.080 --> 03:14:03.120
city, which we're permitted to do. So I just think that as anything concerned, take out the rabbits and let bugs come out. Thank you. >> Thank you. Summer down.

654
03:14:03.120 --> 03:14:20.160
>> Hi, my name is Carol St. Heler. S A I N T H I L A I R E. And someone who has actually had to rescue rabbits that got dumped on city and county properties on 440 in the

655
03:14:20.160 --> 03:14:35.600
middle of traffic to rescue rabbits that were dumped because people are selling rabbits without educating people, releasing them into the wild. They are in pet stores without hay, water, and yeah, when they say have intercourse

656
03:14:35.600 --> 03:14:51.279
like rabbits, it's because they multiply. So, we should not be allowing people to sell rabbits without education, without spay neutering. Again, as the main foster and rabbit rescuer in Hudson

657
03:14:51.279 --> 03:15:06.960
County, because animal control has actually given my name and number out before Mayor Solomon, Mark is great. So, just have to start with that. So, thank you council for including rabbits because they are not just food. They are pets. Anyway, this is really great. I

658
03:15:06.960 --> 03:15:23.120
have been advocating for this for years. Looking at my points now. I'm sorry. I'm so fired up. Um, but I really want to say that I rescue, we rescue, we foster cats, we foster dogs, we foster rabbits, we TNR, we trap, neuter, return, we do

659
03:15:23.120 --> 03:15:40.399
public health work for free as volunteers. and we are a large rescue group in Jersey City in Hudson County and we reply to anyone that DMs us, calls us, was once in the middle of a presentation and Elena Little, as just a regular constituent texted me because

660
03:15:40.399 --> 03:15:56.319
there was just a rabbit on Grove Street. So, we really thank you for this. This is super important. And with these fines, we're actually going to make the city money because I hear we have a little bit of a budget issue. So, this is something that is not only going to help our constituents, help our

661
03:15:56.319 --> 03:16:13.120
community. It's also public health. My ass costs nothing. All we're asking is that this moves into enforcement. Partner with us. I know we're crazy cat ladies or crazy dog ladies and now you've met a crazy rabbit lady. But we are here to work alongside you and we

662
03:16:13.120 --> 03:16:38.479
commend this city council. We commend the mayor. Uh, Director Mark at the shelter has been an amazing addition to Jersey City and we are here to work with you, not fight with you. So, thank you. Good evening. My name is Elsa Bermudez.

663
03:16:38.479 --> 03:16:54.880
E L SA Ber M Udez Z. I live in Ward F and I want to speak to you about something that's personally important for me. Almost six years ago, I met my best

664
03:16:54.880 --> 03:17:10.800
friend when he was 5 weeks old and that almost didn't happen. My son's friend was looking on Craigslist and saw an American Bully XL that the owner wanted to get rid of because he was the runt.

665
03:17:10.800 --> 03:17:26.479
And I don't know how it happened, but he let my son know and my son told me. We didn't have a plan, but we knew we needed to take action ASAP and just and and just get the

666
03:17:26.479 --> 03:17:42.880
puppy. So, we drove about an hour south Jersey to this backyard breeder. Upon getting there, the backyard breeder told us to give him $500 or he will get rid of the dog by any means necessary. He threatened with um

667
03:17:42.880 --> 03:18:00.000
a used annihilization or to have him as a bait dog. So we handed him $600 and took the puppy away. He was way too young to be away from his mother. He was

668
03:18:00.000 --> 03:18:16.800
I'm going to say between four and five weeks old. And I know the fate of my dog son, Prince, would have been horrific if we didn't jump into action that day. Fast forward, he lives with two rescue cats,

669
03:18:16.800 --> 03:18:33.600
a rescue Shih Tzu, and he also lived with my rescue Chihuahua who recently passed away. Okay, that's that's that's about him. And now he's over 110 pounds and he was the runt.

670
03:18:33.600 --> 03:18:48.319
The hidden cost of backyard breeding. Why? Your choice matters. Backyard breeding isn't accidental. It's breeding animals for money, for convenience, not for health, not for safety, not for future. And it's quietly

671
03:18:48.319 --> 03:19:11.399
fueling the shelter crisis. What really happens? No health testing, no genetic or temperament screening, no concern for what happens after the sale. Even when the Even when the animals seem well cared for, the harm is still there.

672
03:19:12.239 --> 03:19:31.520
The hidden cost. For every puppy sold, countless others are born with nowhere to go. Many end up in in shelters. Many never make it out. Hundreds of thousands are euthanized every year. Your puppy may be safe. Your puppy may

673
03:19:31.520 --> 03:19:49.160
be loved. But what about the litter mates? The ones sold, dumped, neglected, or discarded when they weren't convenient anymore. What about the mama dogs and what what they are forced to endure over and over again?

674
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Thank you. How you doing? My name is Jason Cavalero. Spell that >> D A B A L L E R O. I've lived in uh Jersey City for 40 of the last 45 years. I've been doing

675
03:20:12.000 --> 03:20:29.279
rescue for about 25 years. Um thank you council person Little for sponsoring this. Uh the two ladies that spoke before me and this lady here, Alex, they do a ridiculous amount of work to rescue

676
03:20:29.279 --> 03:20:46.479
animals. It is just the only way I can describe it is that it's unfair. They're doing uh they're trapping in Ward F where I live. And they're objective, well, every week they're they're taking 10 to 15 cats to uh to be tnard.

677
03:20:46.479 --> 03:21:02.160
And um it's not It's not the kind of thing where uh where you can just give and then stop before it hurts. You give until it hurts because there's always more animals suffering. There's always people

678
03:21:02.160 --> 03:21:18.239
calling. A lot of them are landlords with buildings that don't want to spend a dime to help an animal and they, you know, pile on to volunteers like like me and others. Um, if we are a society with a

679
03:21:18.239 --> 03:21:35.200
conscience, then we should all take some responsibility for this. If you don't like animals, you should thank these ladies and, you know, other volunteers because uh there aren't cats sleeping in your garage, you know, and and don't see

680
03:21:35.200 --> 03:21:58.720
dead cats. Your children don't see dead animals in the street every day because we work non-stop to control their populations. I urge you to pass this. I thank you for uh considering it and uh thank you for your time. >> Hi everyone. I'm Alex Alton. A l x a l t

681
03:21:58.720 --> 03:22:16.160
o n. I run a perfect JC. Um we are arguably the largest animal welfare organization here in Hudson County. It's all volunteer. We're a 501c3. Um you I know most of you and you all know me as one of the cat ladies, but

682
03:22:16.160 --> 03:22:33.760
what you'd be surprised to maybe know is we're also the dog ladies. Um the cat ladies of JC all have rescue dogs. Um and we have soft spots primarily for pitbulls, bully breeds, and bitey chihuahua. Um, pitbulls and chihuahua

683
03:22:33.760 --> 03:22:51.279
are two of the breeds that disproportionately end up in city urban municipal shelters like ours. Um, and backyard breeding here in Jersey City, there's a lot of off pit bulls being bred in backyards. Um,

684
03:22:51.279 --> 03:23:07.680
back in November of 2025, the previous council, they passed the puppy mill to pet shop pipeline bill. um a bill that's been sponsored by Humane World, one of the largest national organizations.

685
03:23:07.680 --> 03:23:24.479
Um but the reality is here in Jersey City, we don't have too much of a pet shop uh puppy mill problem. We have one potential bad actor. Um and what we challenged the city council at that time was to do the hard work and that was to

686
03:23:24.479 --> 03:23:39.279
come up with a backyard breeding ban legislation. Now, Council Person Little was not on the council at that time, but immediately starting in this new administration, she took animal welfare up as her cause.

687
03:23:39.279 --> 03:23:54.800
Um, and here we are tonight, 7 months later. So, we're asking your support to get this bill passed tonight. Um, we have had since we've brought the JCACCC back in house from a former animal

688
03:23:54.800 --> 03:24:11.520
welfare provider, we've made major strides in um talking up animal welfare wins. We um have hired a high volume spayneuter vet which will increase access to animal rescuers and residents

689
03:24:11.520 --> 03:24:27.520
for access to lowcost spayneuter. We have formed a partnership with the largest real estate developers to partner with the JCACCC to wave pet amenity fees. Um, but having said all of that, we have a long way to go. Jersey City and Newark are essentially tied for

690
03:24:27.520 --> 03:24:43.520
the biggest cities in New Jersey, and we need to keep implementing progressive animal welfare policies. We need to not only do that on the city level, but on the county and state level. And we need to start pushing for shared services in all of Hudson County.

691
03:24:43.520 --> 03:25:01.600
We are leading the way, but we have a lot to do. And the rest of Hudson County is following. Thank you so much. Let's pass this tonight and let's um work towards some other wins. >> Motion. >> Okay. A motion to close the public

692
03:25:01.600 --> 03:25:18.720
hearing made by Councilman Gilmore, second by Council Person Ridley. On the motion to close the public hearing, how do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Ephro. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> I. >> Council person Gilmore.

693
03:25:18.720 --> 03:25:34.000
>> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council Lavaro. >> I. >> Council person Singh. >> I. >> And council president Ridley. >> I. Motion passes 90 for final consideration and adoption of ordinance

694
03:25:34.000 --> 03:25:49.840
26-038. How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> Proudly vote I. This is great policy. Thank you to the advocates. >> Council person Zupa. >> Thank you to the advocates. Thank you to Council Person Little for uh and her

695
03:25:49.840 --> 03:26:07.120
team for drafting this legislation. Everyone, if you come to these meetings or just talk to me know I talk an inord inordinately amount of time about my dog who was a rescue dog from Tennessee. She was Irish dog of the year. Mayor Solomon gave her a citation. Thank you, Mayor. Uh

696
03:26:07.120 --> 03:26:22.640
uh taking the humor of that, we were trying to highlight the need for more shelter resources and and rescue resources. Uh she she was born in a state where they do very bad pract breeding practices and we shouldn't have them here in Jersey City. So, I proudly vote I.

697
03:26:22.640 --> 03:26:37.920
>> Council person Nefros, >> join my colleagues in proudly voting I. Thank you to all the work that you do advocating for policy like this, but also just the day-to-day rescue work. It's it's brutal work that you all spend so much time and and money on. So, thank you and thanks to Council Little for

698
03:26:37.920 --> 03:26:53.359
helping spearhead this on the council side. >> Council person Little. >> Um, I want to thank the advocates um for your tireless efforts. I also want to thank my council colleagues, many of whom co-sponsored this. Um, and I I don't want to be lengthy because I know

699
03:26:53.359 --> 03:27:08.239
we have a long meeting, but I proudly vote I. >> Council person Gilmore, >> I. Council person Griffin. >> Well, I'm a parent of six rescues, three cats, and three dogs. And um I'm wait and so I'm waiting for their six

700
03:27:08.239 --> 03:27:25.479
citations from the mayor. And I'm also And I'm also uh expecting my honorary cat lady t-shirt. Um, I proudly vote I and thank you. Thank you for doing this. It's very important.

701
03:27:26.239 --> 03:27:42.560
>> Council person Lavaro. >> I vote I. >> Council person Singh. >> I have a rescue dog 80 years old with multiple issues and um I love him more than my son. That's what my son tells. That's what my son tells the world. But

702
03:27:42.560 --> 03:27:58.399
I don't mind because you know he can't speak and my son is always mean. So but um I feel that they need they need the love and affection from us and I have seen from my eyes in some areas that

703
03:27:58.399 --> 03:28:13.920
they are doing backyard breeding and I remember I always thought that once I will have some power I'll do something about it and of course she took the lead but I'm happy that she did and I vote I and thank you so much for t taking care

704
03:28:13.920 --> 03:28:37.200
of this issue. >> It's a team effort. Thank you all. >> And finally, Council President Ridley. >> I >> Ordinance 26-038 is adopted unanimously 90. Unless there are any other motion to

705
03:28:37.200 --> 03:28:53.279
defer, I'm going to go straight to agenda item 4.2. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, we're moving to agenda item 4.2. That would be Ordinance 26-034, an ordinance amending chapter 3, Administration of Government, Article

706
03:28:53.279 --> 03:29:08.640
10, Department of Housing, Economic Development, and Commerce, Section 3-82.3, Community Service Block Grant Board, Increasing Board Membership, and Revising Powers. Of course, we will have a public hearing on this ordinance.

707
03:29:08.640 --> 03:29:25.040
Anyone wishing to speak, please line up. >> Motion. >> Oh, that that >> second. I think that was I think Brooks got that first. Yes. Okay. >> Second. >> Sec. And council person Griffin is the second. On the motion to close the

708
03:29:25.040 --> 03:29:41.279
public hearing, how do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Ephro. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> I. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> Hi. >> Council person Lavaro. >> Hi. >> Council person Singh.

709
03:29:41.279 --> 03:29:57.760
>> I. and council president Ridley. >> I motion to close a public hearing passes 90 for final consideration and adoption of ordinance 26-034. How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi.

710
03:29:57.760 --> 03:30:14.000
>> Council person Ephro. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> Hi. >> Council person Singh. >> Hi. >> And council president Ridley. >> I. Ordinance 26-034

711
03:30:14.000 --> 03:30:29.600
is adopted unanimously 90. Moving on to agenda item 4.3. Ordinance 26-035 and ordinance amending chapter 23 court municipal section 23-7

712
03:30:29.600 --> 03:30:46.239
judges salaries vacation leave and other benefits. We'll have a public hearing on this ordinance. Anyone wishing to speak, please line up at the podium. So be before we take public comment, I'm just going to ask uh if the BA's office will

713
03:30:46.239 --> 03:31:02.560
um clarify and explain the 4.3 to the public because I know the word salaries is in there and I know that uh the budget is a hot topic tonight. So I just want everyone to be clear before they speak what this ordinance is doing. >> Sure. Thank you, Council President. Um

714
03:31:02.560 --> 03:31:16.720
as corporation council very eloquently put at the caucus night, this does not necessarily change anything going forward. This is cottifying a practice that was historically done throughout the city which specifically is authorized by the assignment judge to

715
03:31:16.720 --> 03:31:34.399
permit a uh stipen essentially of $300 per session to any judges who are filling in be above and beyond their normal duties for salary such as you know another judge calls out they need someone to replace them for that session um they are compensated for going beyond

716
03:31:34.399 --> 03:31:50.399
what is asked of them per their duties and per the ordinance. Um, this has been done historically throughout the city is a common practice. It was never codified properly in the code. So, we're merely just doing some cleanup to make sure that it's proposely codified so it can continue.

717
03:31:50.399 --> 03:32:06.080
>> No salary increase. There's no salary increase. Peter, you were also eloquent, but to be less eloquent, there's no salary increase. >> Okay, Mr. B. >> Uh, Jason Berg. Um well I think it's very important that uh judges get paid

718
03:32:06.080 --> 03:32:21.359
like everyone else but the irony of uh courts and municipal courts they're inferior. Why is that? Because there is no trial of your peers. There are codes and violations done and to uh apply to

719
03:32:21.359 --> 03:32:38.479
the amendment seventh amendment a trial by jury in civil cases instead and suits at common law where the value of the cursory shall exceed 25 $20. The right of a trial by jury shall be uh shall be

720
03:32:38.479 --> 03:32:56.399
reserved and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States than uh in than according to the rules of common law. The funny thing about this state it eliminated common law and common law

721
03:32:56.399 --> 03:33:12.800
without common law as a judge is the king's law and uh that and one of the common laws is marriage. is a certificate. The more money that they can make, the more it does make good sense, but it does help hurt a lot of people who can't get married because

722
03:33:12.800 --> 03:33:30.399
there might be of uh items of uh uh let me see annuity from one husband cannot if that woman gets married that money is is removed. I'm just saying that this is this a point of information you you have

723
03:33:30.399 --> 03:33:55.520
to do that and I it's my understanding that the courts are actually run by the state uh and other aspects. Am I right along? I don't know. I'm just happen to be occupying space in this planet. Thank you. >> Good evening. Council Danielle D A N I E

724
03:33:55.520 --> 03:34:11.520
L L E Damo O D is and David A D is and David A O Good evening council I understand why this ordinance has been brought forward. Our municipal court cannot simply stop functioning because a judge is unavailable. Justice delayed

725
03:34:11.520 --> 03:34:28.319
office affects residents, attorneys, court staff and everyone waiting for their day in court. Maintaining continuity is important and I appreciate that this ordinance seeks to establish uniform policy rather than handling these situations on an ad hoc basis.

726
03:34:28.319 --> 03:34:43.359
However, I do have a few questions about implementation and oversight. The ordinance would establish a $300 stipen per court session for judges who serve as replacements beyond their normal weekly responsibilities. According to

727
03:34:43.359 --> 03:34:59.600
the fact sheet, the cost is simp is listed simply as 300 per session, but it doesn't estimate how many replacement sessions occur in a typical year or what the total annual fiscal impact is expected to be. In a year when residents

728
03:34:59.600 --> 03:35:15.600
are being asked to prepare for significant tax increases and every expenditure is under scrutiny, even relatively small costs deserve transparency. How often are substitute judges actually needed? Is there historical data showing

729
03:35:15.600 --> 03:35:32.560
the number of replacement sessions each year? Will these payments be tracked and reported so the public can understand the actual cost over time? This isn't about questioning the value of our judges or the importance of keeping court operations running. It's about

730
03:35:32.560 --> 03:35:48.720
ensuring that when new compensation is created, there is also accountability and public reporting. As we've discussed repeatingly, transparency builds public trust. Providing residents with clear information about both the purpose and

731
03:35:48.720 --> 03:36:05.680
the financial impact of ordinances like this helps demonstrate responsible stewardship over t of taxpayer dollars. I hope the administration will commit to sharing this information moving forward. Thank you. >> Motion,

732
03:36:05.680 --> 03:36:21.680
sir. >> Second. >> Okay. Uh so motion to close the public hearing made by council person Gilmore, seconded by council person Lavaro. On the motion to close the public hearing, how do you vote? Council person Brooks

733
03:36:21.680 --> 03:36:36.399
>> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> I. >> Council person Efos. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> Hi. >> Council person Lavaro. >> Hi. >> Council person Singh.

734
03:36:36.399 --> 03:36:52.239
>> Hi. Council person Ridley I. >> Motion to close public hearing passes unanimously 90. And for final consideration and adoption of ordinance 26-035. How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi.

735
03:36:52.239 --> 03:37:08.319
>> Council person Ephro. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore. >> Hi. >> Council person Griffin. >> Hi. >> Council person Lavaro. >> Hi. >> Council person Singh. >> Hi. and council. >> Thumbs up, John. >> Times thumbs up. I believe and council

736
03:37:08.319 --> 03:37:24.239
president Ridley I. >> Ordinance 26-035 is adopted unanimously. 90. Moving on to agenda item 4.4. Ordinance 26-036. An ordinance of the Municipal Council of

737
03:37:24.239 --> 03:37:39.840
the City of Jersey City amending chapter 73, Women's Advisory Board of the City of Jersey City. >> Motion. Motion made by Gilmore to close public hearing, >> seconded by Ridley. On the motion to close the public hearing, how do you

738
03:37:39.840 --> 03:37:55.439
vote? Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Efos. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> Hi. >> Council person Lavaro. >> Hi. >> Council person Singh. >> Hi.

739
03:37:55.439 --> 03:38:12.080
>> And council president Ridley. >> I let me just change the camera here. Motion to close the public hearing passes 90 for final consideration and adoption of ordinance 26-036. How do you vote? Council person Brooks.

740
03:38:12.080 --> 03:38:26.960
>> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Ephro. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> I. >> Council person Singh. >> I. >> Council person Ridley.

741
03:38:26.960 --> 03:38:44.319
>> I. Ordinance 26-036 is adopted unanimously 90. Moving on to agenda item 4.5. Ordinance 26-037 and ordinance amending chapter 84 alcoholic beverages and cannabis article

742
03:38:44.319 --> 03:38:59.359
1 plenary retail consumption and distribution licenses temporarily enlarging permissible hours of operation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Motion >> motion made >> I'm sorry

743
03:38:59.359 --> 03:39:18.080
>> Jason Jason have a lot of time >> yeah Jason >> very much uh I like you know the real thing about our this is very good making money the real thing is is that there's so many uh pop shops that I don't know how these

744
03:39:18.080 --> 03:39:34.800
guys make money uh anyway it's good that you're trying to do that I would like to see uh part of the audience where the people can actually smoke in these places and have social places that can do beings where people can start talking about what's going on in the community. Sort of like

745
03:39:34.800 --> 03:39:52.560
little community centers in the community. You know, when people get stoned, they start to they have an imagination. Anyway, >> hey, I'll tell you one thing. I'm 73. 57 years ago, the pot was better. And

746
03:39:52.560 --> 03:40:08.319
so we had hash. I'm sorry. Uh we don't we don't eat that, but we certainly smoke it good. And uh you know and and the thing is is that the New Jersey likes uh what is it?

747
03:40:08.319 --> 03:40:25.920
one of our uh anyway if we do this it's good but you know uh how much money is how much money is the city getting uh per per the right now versus this after now what is it going to go over how many what are the hours are going to be open

748
03:40:25.920 --> 03:40:42.479
till I I just want to know I mean some of them are open to 11 it's going to be up to like 3:00 these shops are going to be open till >> yeah this is just for FIFA so it's going to be open till 4:00 a.m. and the city collects uh if a business wants to do it, they have to apply and there's a fee

749
03:40:42.479 --> 03:40:57.680
to that. >> Is there a fee for these individuals to get uh the ordinance passed? >> Because again, the city is a a little uh short. There's no fee. Is this a simple application? >> There's not a fee to pass the ordinance. That's not something

750
03:40:57.680 --> 03:41:13.439
>> No, I'm not talking about the ordinance. I'm talking about when I want I'm a pthead and I want to do a business and I want to be able to know if I have to pay extra for fees. Look, this city is so screw screwed up. If I want to put a fence on my property, I have to pay $350

751
03:41:13.439 --> 03:41:29.279
for a permit. It's ridiculous. >> Jason, I'm just $25 for bars. How much would it be? >> Let's let Jason finish his time. >> Hey, I'm entitled. What is the fee going to be for these institutions? is going to be free or free or or a fee.

752
03:41:29.279 --> 03:41:46.160
>> It's $100 per application. Doesn't apply to cannabis locations, only to bars. >> Only Wait, can you please repeat that? My ear is allowed. >> That's okay. I spoke quickly. It's $100 per application, >> right? >> The ordinance in the title of the ordinance is both alcohol establishments

753
03:41:46.160 --> 03:42:02.880
and cannabis locations, >> right? >> The the extension of time only applies to bars and restaurants. >> Yeah. Uh, is there any way that this city can actually uh improve uh having people smoke in the in the uh in the shops? >> Yes, we approved the first consumption

754
03:42:02.880 --> 03:42:18.880
lounge. Uh, it's not open yet. Uh, Zena on Montgomery. >> All right. >> It has to go through state approval. >> Motion. >> So, >> I'll let you know when it opens. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Jason. >> If you're not broken it, you're not

755
03:42:18.880 --> 03:42:37.680
token it. motion. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Uh Jason, we have missed you at council meetings. Welcome back. >> All right. So, I I heard a couple of motions. Council >> President, >> I think the last person I heard making a

756
03:42:37.680 --> 03:42:53.120
motion to close a public hearing was council person Lavaro. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second. >> That was Who was that? >> Griffin. >> Okay. Griffin. Okay. Uh motion to close a public on the motion to close a public hearing. How do you vote? Council person Brooks.

757
03:42:53.120 --> 03:43:16.880
>> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> I. >> Council person Ephro. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore. >> Hi. >> Council person Griffin. >> Hi. I mean I council person Lavar. Uh counc.

758
03:43:16.880 --> 03:43:32.319
Hi. Council President Singh >> I. >> And Council President Ridley >> I. >> Motion to close a public hearing passes unanimously 90. For final consideration and adoption of ordinance 26-037.

759
03:43:32.319 --> 03:43:48.000
How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Ephro. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> I. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> Hi. Council person Singh >> I

760
03:43:48.000 --> 03:44:05.520
>> and council president Ridley >> I. >> Ordinance 26-037 is adopted unanimously 90. We already addressed ordinance or sorry agenda item 4.6. Moving on to agenda item 4.7. Ordinance

761
03:44:05.520 --> 03:44:22.080
26-039, an ordinance of the municipal council of the city of Jersey City, amending chapter A350, rules of order of the Jersey City Municipal Code to establish the 12th day prior to caucus meetings as the deadline for distribution of the

762
03:44:22.080 --> 03:44:37.840
municipal council meeting agenda. We will have a public hearing on this ordinance. Anyone wishing to speak? >> Motion. >> Motion made by council person Gilmore. >> Second. Second by council president Ridley to close on the motion to close the public hearing. How do you vote?

763
03:44:37.840 --> 03:44:53.600
Council person Brooks. >> Hi. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Ephro. >> Hi. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> I.

764
03:44:53.600 --> 03:45:09.359
>> Council person Singh. >> I. >> Council President Ridley. >> I. >> Motion to close a public hearing passes unanimously. 90. for final consideration and adoption of ordinance 2 26-039. How do you vote? Council person Brooks >> I.

765
03:45:09.359 --> 03:45:25.840
>> Council person Zupa. >> I. >> Council person Efos. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> I. >> Council person Gilmore. >> Um I just want to uh thank Councilman Rolando for this ordinance. Um remember when I first came on the council um we

766
03:45:25.840 --> 03:45:41.760
got the agenda on a Friday and we were expected to start you know taking information on Monday I was perplexed. So I just couldn't understand the turnaround time was so quick and even with my credentials from Ruckers

767
03:45:41.760 --> 03:45:59.279
University expository writing I just knew in my heart that that was not enough time to really embibe and diver uh information on this agenda. So, this right here is I speak for myself. It is huge to give us more time to vet these

768
03:45:59.279 --> 03:46:14.239
items. Um, give us more time to speak with our constituency about the concerns they may have with anything that's coming before of the council. Um, so I'm happy it's long overdue. I'll probably vote I two times.

769
03:46:14.239 --> 03:46:29.840
>> Very well. Council person Griffin, >> I would also like to thank Councilman Lavaro. um you know get and and if you look at this agenda now and this is something we got Friday um it it it does get intense when you have 48 to 72 hours

770
03:46:29.840 --> 03:46:46.720
to review um so I vote I as well >> council person Lavaro >> yeah so this is my ordinance co-sponsored with the council president um Denise Ridley and um I'll be very brief we still have a lot of speakers to to get to um so so I attempted to

771
03:46:46.720 --> 03:47:02.960
introduce this ordinance when I previously served in the city council but I couldn't get it passed. Um, this ordinance is procedural. Um, it requires that the agenda and the matters on it reach our desks 12 days before they reach our vote. Um, and that the agenda

772
03:47:02.960 --> 03:47:18.720
be in the public's hands 6 days before we even go to caucus. So, it's not glamorous, but tonight's agenda illustrates exactly why it is so important. When residents have time to read what is before us, they can show up prepared to these meetings. When members

773
03:47:18.720 --> 03:47:35.840
have time to read what is before us, we can ask better questions. Um, when the administration has time to walk this body through the their proposals, the deliberation that follows is sharper, fairer, and more honest and transparent. Um, this ordinance does not change what

774
03:47:35.840 --> 03:47:52.960
we decide. It changes when we decide it so that when so that what arrives at this deis has been properly considered by everyone with a stake in it. And so I want to thank the people who made this ordinance possible. To the council president Denise Ridley, my co-sponsor, thank you to Councilwoman Elena Little,

775
03:47:52.960 --> 03:48:09.439
whose amendment improved the ordinance. Thank you. Um to every colleague who supported it, it's passed um with two more votes to go. Thank you. Uh to the business administrator, Ruby Choy, corporation council Sarah Lavine, and to the senior uh adviser, Stu Thomas in the

776
03:48:09.439 --> 03:48:25.840
mayor's office. Thank you for your engagement um throughout this process. and to the city clerk um Sean Gallagher whose guidance shaped um the final text as well. I say thank you uh thank you all. I vote I >> council person Singh.

777
03:48:25.840 --> 03:48:42.000
>> Thank you uh councilman and especially I feel as I would speak for myself I am new I want more time to learn about so many things. So, I really appreciate uh you being thoughtful and I vote I >> and Council President Ridley,

778
03:48:42.000 --> 03:48:58.800
>> I'd just like to thank Councilman Lavaro for uh taking the lead um and taking the wheel on this and it is better to have more time for us to review these agendas, especially uh with a majority new council. It is very tedious to get

779
03:48:58.800 --> 03:49:14.479
through it in a weekend. So, I vote I. >> Very well. Ordinance 26-039 is adopted unanimously 90. As you recall, agenda item 4.8 was carried to the July 15th agenda. So we

780
03:49:14.479 --> 03:49:30.160
will be moving on to agenda item 4.9 which is ordinance 26-041 an ordinance authorizing the making of various public improvements and acquisition in by and for the city appropriating therefore the sum of

781
03:49:30.160 --> 03:49:49.680
$9,598,590 and providing that sum that such sum so appropriated shall be raised from the capital fund balance of the city. We will now have a public hearing on this ordinance. Anyone wishing to speak, please line up. State your name and

782
03:49:49.680 --> 03:50:06.920
we will give you your three minutes. >> Albert Herrari. H A R A R Y. Very simply, >> I don't think the city should be spending any money until we see a budget.

783
03:50:08.800 --> 03:50:26.479
This is new money that's being spent. I don't know exactly what it's for, but until we see a budget, until we see what we're spending on, I don't think we should spend any money.

784
03:50:26.479 --> 03:50:56.720
And that's the short of it. Thank you. the these various public uh improvements would be example for the idiot. I'm here. Uh what would it be? You know, it's as a special fund that you need $9 million. You know, like I I I tell you

785
03:50:56.720 --> 03:51:13.439
one thing, $9 million would do a good job on your street cleaners. You uh in 2008, I recommended you get vacuum cleaners on the on the machines. Well, I'll tell you, they suck. Why do they suck? because they are unoperable. They

786
03:51:13.439 --> 03:51:29.520
have to go back to the mother to get relief. They they have if you take the penguins which the old big gray babies, they can be unloaded on the street when they get the dumpsters there. This thing

787
03:51:29.520 --> 03:51:45.120
was the vac cleaners are great. You want to do something really get the cities clean. Take those concepts of the vacuum cleaners. Put it on the old penguins and you'll have a super duper machine. You know, the best tanks are not the Abrams. There's a real Israeli tanks because

788
03:51:45.120 --> 03:51:59.840
they're made by the warriors, not the manufacturers. You want to do something good. Listen to your employees to spend that money. And if you really want to have a better city, gentlemen and ladies, have your supervisors treat your

789
03:51:59.840 --> 03:52:16.080
employees with respect. Use Maslo's hierarchy of needs. You want something done, you do it with respect. You can't get diddly without a good spot. And if you're not exercising, your your muscles going to go to hell. Please. Thank you

790
03:52:16.080 --> 03:52:44.800
very much. Good evening again. I support investing in Jersey City's infrastructure. Roads, parks, public buildings, drainage, and other capital improvements are not luxuries. They are necessities. If we want a city that is safe, functional, and prepared for the future, we have to

791
03:52:44.800 --> 03:53:01.439
maintain and improve the assets we already have. However, capital spending also comes with responsibility to the taxpayers who ultimately repay these bonds. Residents are already facing discussions of significant property tax increases and concerns about the city's

792
03:53:01.439 --> 03:53:18.160
long-term financial outlook. In that context, every capital project should be accompanied by a clear explanation of three things. Why is this project needed now? What is the total cost over the life of the borrowing? and what measurable benefit will residents

793
03:53:18.160 --> 03:53:34.880
receive? Capital investments should not simply be approved because they sound worthwhile. They should be prioritized based on public safety, infrastructure needs, regulatory requirements, and the greatest benefits to the community. Projects that can wait should wait.

794
03:53:34.880 --> 03:53:51.279
Projects that cannot should be clearly justified. I also encourage the administration to provide residents with regular public updates as these projects move forward, showing the budgeted amount, the amount spent, project timelines, and any change orders.

795
03:53:51.279 --> 03:54:08.319
Transparency shouldn't end once the ordinance is adopted. We all want Jersey City to to continue improving, but responsible government means pairing investment with accountability. If we're asking residents to shoulder the cost of today's decisions for years to come,

796
03:54:08.319 --> 03:54:27.840
they deserve to understand exactly what they're paying for and how those investments will improve their quality of life. Thank you. Motion. Think >> there was was that council person Lavaro? >> Gilmore. Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry.

797
03:54:27.840 --> 03:54:44.880
>> Motion to close public hearing made by Gilmore. Second. >> Second >> by Council President Ridley. On the motion to close a public hearing. How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> Before I vote on this, I just have a quick question about process. Is there any reason we can't close um public

798
03:54:44.880 --> 03:54:59.920
hearing by acclamation? I mean it it will save like seconds and but instead of the I I I I just just a question >> procedurally uh Peter um anybody

799
03:54:59.920 --> 03:55:15.439
>> I mean I I believe we can but I'll let council uh answer that but uh if that's something we would like to do. So probably more of a question for our parliamentarian, but we have historically not done that. I think just be for process reasons. They want to

800
03:55:15.439 --> 03:55:30.239
clearly record who says what. You know, as you see earlier, there's been some discontent about closing, you know, or deferring to certain items. So they just want to make sure that everyone's vote is clearly heard and clearly recorded depending what the situation is.

801
03:55:30.239 --> 03:55:46.399
>> Appreciate the explanation. I >> council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Ephro. Hi, >> Councilman Little. >> This is the motion to close the public hearing, correct? >> Yes, it is. >> I, >> Council Person Gilmore, >> I, >> Council Person Griffin. >> I,

802
03:55:46.399 --> 03:56:02.239
>> Council Person Lavaro, >> I to close. >> Council person Singh, >> I. >> Council Person Ridley, >> I. >> Motion to close public hearing uh, passes 90 for final consideration and adoption of ordinance 26-041.

803
03:56:02.239 --> 03:56:18.160
How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I, >> Council Person Zupa. Uh ju just so everyone knows the difference between operational budget, which is where your taxes go for the most part, and capital money. Um I think these are important infrastructure improvements. I'm going to vote no though because I've been asking for how much money is in the

804
03:56:18.160 --> 03:56:37.680
capital account for several months now over the course of several months and I haven't gotten an answer yet. So just for that reason, I'm going to vote no. It it's not worthy of applause, but thank you. you know, for everyone else to vote yes, it's it's an appropriate vote to vote yes on this, too. I just uh

805
03:56:37.680 --> 03:56:54.479
I want to know what's in the account. >> Council person, >> just before we vote, could we get now any kind of sense of how much this 9.5 million is part of the total capital funds we have approximating? So, this is

806
03:56:54.479 --> 03:57:10.800
surplus. I don't have that exact number. We are working on it, but we have various capital accounts throughout the city for various items. So, it's not a simple black and white answer. I know council has also requested ordinance attached to those. We are compiling all those. It's just a lot of data to go to

807
03:57:10.800 --> 03:57:26.239
to give everyone that information. >> I I know we walked into a really messy kind of financial uh set of cobwebs that you all are still trying to figure out. Um, but these are already appropriated capital funds. >> These are surplus. So, they're these aren't funds or anything. This is

808
03:57:26.239 --> 03:57:41.680
surplus. This is uh not tied to any specific ordinance or tied to any project. This is extra money that's in capital >> but not from not not >> let's let's not yell out from the audience. >> Right. Surplus that's separate from the

809
03:57:41.680 --> 03:57:59.279
emergency rainy day fund that folks have been raising. >> Correct. So these are not operating funds. We cannot use them for salary or wages. We cannot use them for the budget. These are all capital related funds. They're restricted to specific projects. um generally has a lifespan of more than 5 years. There's a lot of regulations for it. Um the surplus is

810
03:57:59.279 --> 03:58:14.000
there because when you borrow money generally you say I want to borrow let's say $2 million. Sometimes by the bonds and how the market works you end up getting 2.1 or slightly over and that accumulates over time. So there's an accumulation of that process that we can

811
03:58:14.000 --> 03:58:29.040
then use for various capital projects. Nothing of the unpaid bills, nothing of the operating cost deficit that we're in could be paid down by a single dollar of these surplus money. >> Correct. It does not impact that budget does not or the budget does not impact

812
03:58:29.040 --> 03:58:45.840
that process. These are tax exempt. >> I I appreciate that. I just want to make that that really clear um as I I vote I because I want to make sure that we uh as we are getting into the budget hearings next month. I want to make sure that uh we also are able to begin improving our infrastructure across the

813
03:58:45.840 --> 03:59:02.880
city. Um and we're not just uh putting this on hold when we have uh money that's available that could not go to paying down the deficit that we're in. So I vote I. >> Council person Little. >> Thank you for those informative answers. U to Councilman Efos's questions. Thank

814
03:59:02.880 --> 03:59:18.560
you, Councilman Ephros, for your questions. Just to further clarify, um these are capital funds that cannot be used for operating expenses and they also cannot be used for tax relief in any form. Is that accurate to say from a

815
03:59:18.560 --> 03:59:36.399
legal standpoint? >> Yeah, they they cannot plug operating costs for the budget for any kind of tax reduction in that budget. >> Okay. Well, it I >> I'll chime in on tax relief if I may. I may um on tax relief um for capital

816
03:59:36.399 --> 03:59:52.479
dollars and folks can correct me if I'm wrong, but if we deemed that the the the funds were not um uh needed for a particular project or they weren't a priority and we want didn't didn't want

817
03:59:52.479 --> 04:00:08.399
to hold on to those capital B capital capital dollars, we could defease the bond. I I'd learned that term more recently and um I was doing some research on how to save money and so defeasing uh the bond would save some money on whatever that bond is. So for

818
04:00:08.399 --> 04:00:24.160
example, and I'm just making this up, if we had a bond to pay for a new police station, which I believe happened when I was on the city council. I don't know where that stands today, but if there was $30 million and we defied it decided

819
04:00:24.160 --> 04:00:41.120
to defease it, um it wouldn't reduce any any bud any um budget uh any deficit um by $30 million, but it would reduce our debt service um which would be something in the range of I don't know I I know we've received that number, but it's probably in the

820
04:00:41.120 --> 04:00:57.680
range of $2 to $3 million uh maybe. I'm not sure, maybe less for a $30 million um capital bond. Uh it could be even a lot less than that. Maybe a million dollars or less. So So there there is some capital relief, but it's not $30 million in capital dollars does not

821
04:00:57.680 --> 04:01:18.239
equate to uh $30 million in debt in debt relief in that sense. So is wait, I'm confused. So there's a so there's a fee associated with it not the not the totality of of the overage

822
04:01:18.239 --> 04:01:33.199
of the surplus there's interest right oh so okay I see what you're saying we keep paying interest on service yes service and I see what you're saying we get rid of the debt then we don't have to pay the interest to pay the fee okay

823
04:01:33.199 --> 04:01:50.160
>> is there a penalty for defeasement of of >> I don't know the answer to that. I don't know enough about it to >> Okay. Can can I um can I ask the the BA and or corp council if if you have any experience with this? >> I do not. Um I don't know if we can

824
04:01:50.160 --> 04:02:06.080
defease these bonds specifically because the surplus is tied to other bonds that are being utilized for various projects. So you can't just defease I think part of the bond if you probably have to defease all the bond in order to save on that interest. And again without knowing

825
04:02:06.080 --> 04:02:22.479
exactly what bonds these would be tied to if there's a project that is you know close to the council and we did that means that project couldn't go forward. So you know I would caution about trying to do that with this fund because it is surplus which means excess money on some of those bonds that we have borrowed that we could use generally for other

826
04:02:22.479 --> 04:02:39.279
projects. And again it goes back to you know these projects are critical for the city. Um we have several facilities that have not been maintained historically by prior administrations. So we are trying to properly maintain them now so we are not spending money for maintenance you know and excess charges each year and

827
04:02:39.279 --> 04:02:55.439
can just properly maintain them and not spend operating funds on those facilities. >> Thank you. And and just just again for the record um there's short of defeasing the entire bond which funds other things as well there's no way for these capital funds to be used

828
04:02:55.439 --> 04:03:11.520
for operating costs or for tax relief. Correct. So, so you cannot use operating you cannot use capital funds on operating. >> Okay. Thank you um for the legal clarification. I also want to note for the public that the single biggest ticket item in this is asphalt

829
04:03:11.520 --> 04:03:27.600
resurfacing uh which is a complaint we have gotten a lot of. Um these are largely well they are they are all infrastructure improvements that we're voting on and uh we have heard a lot about the pothole situation. Um, and as you all know,

830
04:03:27.600 --> 04:03:45.040
patching potholes is just a temporary fix. And, um, we do need as a city in order to function to do some regular asphalt resurfacing. So, I would just like for the public to know that the the single largest item on here is asphalt resurfacing. Um, so with that, you know,

831
04:03:45.040 --> 04:04:01.920
wanting our city to function and have, you know, basic city services, I vote I. Council person Gilmore. Um so just to the administration just to be clear um you can't use it for what the

832
04:04:01.920 --> 04:04:18.880
council have expressed earlier. So my next question is can it be used can it be used in any other manner I guess because I mean right now every spending is under scrutiny right so for

833
04:04:18.880 --> 04:04:36.080
the public to basically understand in lamest terms it is the assessment of the administration that this is the most effective and useful way to spend the surplus. >> Yeah. So I can certify this is the appropriate way to use the surplus. Um

834
04:04:36.080 --> 04:04:51.439
and I say that in the context of part of the $109 million that we've spoken about for the credit card where the prior administration improperly utilizing capital bonds to pay for operating expenses which now puts this administration in the position where we can either continue violating the law

835
04:04:51.439 --> 04:05:08.000
which we do not want to do. I'm sure the council would agree. Or we can reclassify those as operating expenses, which now means that's money in the budget that we did not anticipate and that the prime administration did previously not anticipate. So now we have to go to the taxpayers and get that money because of that. So this is a bad,

836
04:05:08.000 --> 04:05:22.239
you know, historically it's been improperly used to kind of artificially knock down the budget and now we have to resolve that and unfortunately we're doing it at a large time when historically it's collected and been in practice where it's built up on us.

837
04:05:22.239 --> 04:05:41.199
Well, to be clear, um, it is an improper way to use a surplus. Is it illegal? >> Would be the person that can answer that >> corporation council. I mean, I'm just want to make sure did Peter. So, to just

838
04:05:41.199 --> 04:05:57.520
so I understand you correct, the past practice have been deemed the improper way to do it, right? for some of So now my question to legal is although is is it's deemed improper

839
04:05:57.520 --> 04:06:18.160
is it illegal? There are limited lawful uses of capital funds and when we use those funds for purposes beyond those limited legal reasons it results in an auditing. We haven't faced lawsuits over it previously, but it is an improper

840
04:06:18.160 --> 04:06:33.680
accounting practice that leads to audit findings and is inconsistent with the statutory framework. >> And I think this is even more even more important why, you know, the agendas come out earlier

841
04:06:33.680 --> 04:06:50.640
because it's just so much stuff to to dive into with these things. Um but I do appreciate the administration for for you know leading in this manner um not continuing to past practices. Um so in

842
04:06:50.640 --> 04:07:06.560
light of all that I vote I. >> Council person Griffin. >> I vote I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> Yeah. So, I I'll just say if one were to look at all the details, um

843
04:07:06.560 --> 04:07:21.040
I could say with certainty for myself that asphalt resurfacing um well actually I'll just ask because I wanted to confirm this. That that is road resurfacing, road repaving, correct? So, that's $3.5 million for the public. Um HVAC replacements, that's the

844
04:07:21.040 --> 04:07:38.960
courthouse, $2 million. Um folks, the courthouse, we're not even in the middle in the >> start of the summer. It's over 80° um in there and and they've found ways to try to cool it temporarily. Got some emergency contracts around that. But uh

845
04:07:38.960 --> 04:07:54.160
this is the replacement. Correct. Correct if I'm wrong. >> That is correct. So the $2 million is the municipal court for the city. And then there's also an additional I think $500,000 for the East District Bishop Street that we also need to maintain and replace some units there as well.

846
04:07:54.160 --> 04:08:09.600
>> Um the Bishop Street PTAC and chilled water pump gasket. Um that that's our east east district police station. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And um those are necessary for for basically habit habitability, right? So um correct me if I'm wrong.

847
04:08:09.600 --> 04:08:26.720
>> Certainly for comfort. >> Um the brining machine um for folks not not familiar with during snow, right? uh it's we spread brine on the streets and it helps with the uh make it um less icy

848
04:08:26.720 --> 04:08:43.840
and so forth around there. So uh so that I assume we we're we're replacing it. It's an aged machine. I I really couldn't speak to the networking the technology um information technology improvements approximately 2 million that includes network switch improvements uninterruptable power

849
04:08:43.840 --> 04:08:58.239
supply improvements server and storage infrastructure improvements acquisition of IT equipment um I I trust that the administration and our IT professionals um feel these are uh or necessary um

850
04:08:58.239 --> 04:09:16.160
improvements. Um and then the last part of this on infrastructure improvements for me uh Morris Gal canal greenway, Monteello Avenue design, Pacific Avenue and Caven point avenue design approximately almost 1.5 million. Um and

851
04:09:16.160 --> 04:09:32.160
then tonight we also have the resolution uh 10.37 which is about the Monteello. So this is kind of a companion uh that Monttoello Avenue design um dollars are serve as a match to a grant.

852
04:09:32.160 --> 04:09:49.359
So again, correct me if I'm wrong. Yeah, >> correct. I would put a caveat that the match is more our obligation to receive the rest of the funding. So in layman terms, it's a match, but it's tied to greater funding for the entire project where the state wants to see us putting up a certain amount of money so they can

853
04:09:49.359 --> 04:10:03.920
fulfill their obligation of the rest of the money to complete the project. >> So So for for that reason, um I'm not against these projects. Um but we we consistently apply for grants and it's

854
04:10:03.920 --> 04:10:19.920
it's almost uh um a routine um not just this administration but previous administrations to apply for grants which require a match. Um and then the question becomes what is the necessity for that? And that

855
04:10:19.920 --> 04:10:35.840
that question changes in my mind in the face of the kind of budget situation we're facing. um we've set up the grant match account um and and you have provided information about that. Um this is an area where I feel we really need

856
04:10:35.840 --> 04:10:53.040
to just explore because every time we we apply for a grant and we approve it um the application and the ex and the acceptance of that award and and there's three of them I think in this uh um uh in this uh agenda. Um we are committing

857
04:10:53.040 --> 04:11:09.359
ourselves to uh match dollars um which one of our uh residents have brought to us when it first came up about uh creating match dollars and saying how are we going to fund all these match dollars? Well, it comes from operating

858
04:11:09.359 --> 04:11:25.680
dollars or from capital dollars as match dollars. So, um, so for that reason, um, although I think a lot of these things are very necessary, I'm going to vote no. Um, on this ordinance, >> council person Singh,

859
04:11:25.680 --> 04:11:42.800
>> I vote I. >> And council president Ridley, >> I, >> ordinance 26-041 is adopted 72 with council members Zupa and Lavaro voting no. Uh, agenda item

860
04:11:42.800 --> 04:12:00.239
4.10 has already been addressed. Agenda item 4.11, as you recall, was carried to the July 15th council meeting. So, we're moving on to agenda item 4.12, which is ordinance 26-044, an ordinance establishing local

861
04:12:00.239 --> 04:12:16.720
standards and public transparency requirements for Jersey City's municipal ward redistricting process, including requirements related to compactness, communities of interest, public hearings, alternate map review, and written explanations supporting adopted

862
04:12:16.720 --> 04:12:38.000
ward maps. We'll have a public hearing on this ordinance. Anyone wishing to speak, please do line up at the podium. >> Your name? >> My name is Cath My name is Katherine Moore. Um I live in

863
04:12:38.000 --> 04:12:56.239
Ward E. K a T H R Y N M O O R E. I'm here to speak on behalf of um taking a deep dive into the redistricting. Um when it was first, let me find my notes here. My first look at this design

864
04:12:56.239 --> 04:13:12.960
was it was crazy. It wasn't compact anymore back in 2010. Uh we had um a very com, you know, a very good map. And when we looked at the 2020 design, then it became crazy

865
04:13:12.960 --> 04:13:30.080
looking. And that's kind of what happens when something is not compact. Um the second look, why is it such a drastic change? Twice the amount of residents were moved that were required. Ward F was the perfect size. W A was almost the

866
04:13:30.080 --> 04:13:47.279
perfect size. W D was small. E was too big. But there was no reason to do so much damage to Ward F and Ward A uh to make up for something that was unknown. There was no explanation as to why these

867
04:13:47.279 --> 04:14:04.640
changes were changed this way and why uh it wasn't uh neighborhoods were not looked at. The third look, you look at the old neighborhoods were split in half. buildings in some of the new construction areas were actually split in half um because the people did not

868
04:14:04.640 --> 04:14:20.720
look closely at the borders. They did not look at the census blocks individually. They did not look at the growth of Ward E to take that into account. New neighborhoods had been created. Old neighborhoods were being split apart. Uh the constituents that

869
04:14:20.720 --> 04:14:38.000
were put into different areas had no idea who their new neighbors were. Some of these older neighborhoods were um uh separated from people that were generations. Some of them are downtown. Some have to walk 25 minutes up a hill to now vote

870
04:14:38.000 --> 04:14:53.199
their ballot. Um still having problems with this and I think, you know, it needs a serious look. Most of the politicians back in 2025 didn't actually know all their constituents. people didn't even know

871
04:14:53.199 --> 04:15:09.840
they were no longer in the same ward. Um, a lot of the politicians decided that at that time campaigning, yes, the redistricting uh process needed to change. So, here you guys are sitting here and you have the opportunity to

872
04:15:09.840 --> 04:15:26.960
look forward to 2030 to make sure that things are done properly and look at communities of interest, look at neighborhoods, look at your constituents. How can you help your constituents better when they are from the same from from the same team? So

873
04:15:26.960 --> 04:15:45.239
look at that again and you have the opportunity to make these changes here and hopefully going forward showing the state and uh the county that things can be different as well. So this is just the start of the fight. So just start the process for us. Thank you.

874
04:15:51.120 --> 04:16:07.840
Good evening, council members. >> Can you speak the letter? >> I'll pull the mic up. There you go. >> Is that better? >> Yeah, that is. >> Hi, my name is Cynthia Scott and I'm here in favor of the ordinance. I think the city of Jersey City deserves to have the public included in such a matter. I

875
04:16:07.840 --> 04:16:22.960
think the public should be heard in such a matter and I think the public should be respected in such a matter. This was not done in the after the 2020 census and I think it should be done and I think it's pretty evident from W F and W D that this was not even taken into

876
04:16:22.960 --> 04:16:45.040
consideration. So I I support this ordinance and I hope you you pass it through. Thank you. >> Good evening, council president, city council, Mayor Solomon. Thank you for putting up with all of this for so long. Tonight I am here in support of

877
04:16:45.040 --> 04:17:02.080
ordinance 20 oh I'm sorry Stephanie Daniels and I'm here in support of 26 ordinance 20 uh 26044 residents show up here sometimes twice a month and especially on a night like

878
04:17:02.080 --> 04:17:18.080
tonight and what people want to know is do you my council person understand my neighborhood and represent my interests and that's really what redistricting and this ordinance are all about. We spend a

879
04:17:18.080 --> 04:17:34.800
lot of time talking about maps and wl lines and redistricting minutia and and details of of but but at the end of the day representation is local. It's about schools and parks and traffic problems uh development projects

880
04:17:34.800 --> 04:17:50.560
and of course taxes. And one of the most parts of the most important parts of this ordinance is a recognition of communities of interest, which is really just a fancy way to say people who share common interest, common concerns,

881
04:17:50.560 --> 04:18:06.000
experiences. Could be a neighborhood, could be a business district, communities connected by culture, language, housing, whatever it is. people who live in those communities, they understand much better than anybody

882
04:18:06.000 --> 04:18:21.520
else what their communities are about. So, and yet under under New Jersey law, there's no requirement that residents be asked to identify them. I know that all of this can take time. I

883
04:18:21.520 --> 04:18:38.880
know that that the redistricting commission is under a very in a has to work in a very small time frame. So we have to think about that. But what it means is that you start earlier. All this can happen if neighborhood groups, religious organizations, grassroots

884
04:18:38.880 --> 04:18:56.159
group, grassroots leadership that can bring people together to educate them and to and to make these decisions. What is a community of interest? Where is the perimeter of that? And and when people get involved and help even even come up with ideas for

885
04:18:56.159 --> 04:19:12.560
maps, that educates them, too. There was a Republican strategist in 2000. His name is Huffler. Hoffeller, sorry. He said, and he said this out loud, redistricting is like an election

886
04:19:12.560 --> 04:19:28.880
in reverse. Usually the voters get to pick the politicians. In redistricting, the politicians get to pick the voters. Let's show the state in Jersey City that we can do better than this. We can be an

887
04:19:28.880 --> 04:19:54.560
example for the rest of the state, the state, because ultimately this is going to have to be changed as a state law. But let's show them what we can do here. Thank youbody. Um, my name is Meera Jaffrey. Um, I'm here to support ordinance uh 260004.

888
04:19:54.560 --> 04:20:11.520
Um, the gerrymandering in W F and E here in Jersey City was shameful. This ordinance uh this new ordinance would establish a standard of fair and transparent redistricting

889
04:20:11.520 --> 04:20:28.159
policy. A representative should represent the needs and desires of the majority of the residents in their ward or district. This ordinance, if passed, would serve as a model for the state, as Stephanie said, and Jersey City would lead the

890
04:20:28.159 --> 04:20:50.800
way. Thank you. >> Hi everyone, my name is Kelly Moore. Um, I live in Ward F and um, every time I need to go vote, I have to walk downtown to go vote and it's always uh, mindboggling to me and I ask them how to

891
04:20:50.800 --> 04:21:07.920
change this and they say it's never going to happen. So, um, it just feels like people who don't walk around or live in the city are making these maps. um and if they would just come to certain areas. I walked by two different

892
04:21:07.920 --> 04:21:25.199
schools that have voting um with my son frequently. So there could be a lot easier ways to do things obviously. So this would be super helpful. Um and then just speaking on Monteello A real quick. Um hopefully some of that funding from our last ordinance could go to that area

893
04:21:25.199 --> 04:21:44.080
because there's a lot of need there guys. So um thank you Good evening. I'm taking a lot out of your time. I'm going to make this quick. Good evening, council president and members of the council. Erica Walker speaking on behalf of myself. I just want to take a moment to provide

894
04:21:44.080 --> 04:22:00.720
a little context to the public um and anyone any new council members on exactly why this ordinance matters. A few years ago during the last redistricting process, we heard from residents across multiple wards who felt confused, left out, and in some cases

895
04:22:00.720 --> 04:22:17.840
disconnected from the outcome. People weren't always sure when meetings were happening, how decisions were being made, or how their neighborhoods were even being considered. At its core, this ordinance is about clarity and consistency. It outlines expectations

896
04:22:17.840 --> 04:22:35.040
that are already rooted in state law. things like compactness, recognizing communities of interest, and ensuring there are meaningful opportunities for public input. It also encourages transparency so that when decisions are made, residents can better understand

897
04:22:35.040 --> 04:22:51.920
how and why those decisions were reached. This is not about changing the authority of the ward commission. It's about providing a clearer framework so the process is easier to follow, more accessible to the public, and aligned with best practices. Ultimately, this is

898
04:22:51.920 --> 04:23:10.399
about making sure residents feel seen, heard, and fairly represented in a process that directly impacts their voice in local government. Please vote I. Thank you. Motion y'all coming up date

899
04:23:10.399 --> 04:23:28.239
>> next speaker >> next motion >> is >> that was Rene evening or good night um my name is Renee Steinhagen I'm at 77 Hudson um and in ward I don't know ward f I'm here to

900
04:23:28.239 --> 04:23:43.600
really urge you and thank you to vote for this ordinance I'm not going to speak long on it I just want to say that it's really important and it's going to serve as a model and it's going to be the beginning of a campaign where we're not only going to try to change the

901
04:23:43.600 --> 04:23:59.600
state municipal ward law, but we're going to try to change congressional and senate uh state congressional districts as well through statute. These are principles that are in accord with um judicial principles of redistricting

902
04:23:59.600 --> 04:24:16.479
prior to the time that our US Supreme Court has emptied some of them of their meaning. And we are going to make sure that redistricting is the people choosing their election electors and not the reverse. So I thank you very much

903
04:24:16.479 --> 04:24:38.319
and I really urge you to vote yes. Hello everyone again. Lorenzo Losspanos. Um I live in Ward A on um in board A. Right now I feel Jersey City's mapping of our ward is not friendly. I felt this

904
04:24:38.319 --> 04:24:53.840
way for a very long time now. It's not intuitive and it does not serve the people who actually live here. The current map does not help residents understand where they belong. M people know their zip codes, they know their neighborhoods, they know the streets,

905
04:24:53.840 --> 04:25:09.600
they do not know which ward they are in. And I know this past election, I had experienced and met many people who did not participate in the election because they did not know who to vote for and which ward they were in. When the system is confusing, people

906
04:25:09.600 --> 04:25:27.040
disengage. And when people disengage, real authentic democracy suffers. I ask this. Let us align the word map as closely as possible to federal zip code boundaries. That is the system people already understand. It is simple. It is

907
04:25:27.040 --> 04:25:43.600
familiar and it makes participation easier. I also ask design the map to be visually clear. Make it accessible. Make it something a resident can look at and immediately know where they belong. It's not just about efficiency.

908
04:25:43.600 --> 04:25:59.439
It's about people's ability to participate in their own city. When people understand the map easily and when they feel that the policy makers and the cgraphers make it easy for them, the more they will feel like they belong

909
04:25:59.439 --> 04:26:15.120
as part of the decision-making process and that will encourage them to vote. That will encourage the people to show up that will encourage them to care. And when the city hires consultants to do this work, I ask that they be aligned,

910
04:26:15.120 --> 04:26:30.080
not just technically skilled, but aligned with the values of this city and the community. People who understand that a map is not just lines on a page. It is a reflection of who we are and how

911
04:26:30.080 --> 04:26:47.680
we belong. And that's what I think it means to this to serve the people of Jersey City and also to provide a rudimentary framework and foundation for the rest of the country. I for one I am tired of gerrymandering

912
04:26:47.680 --> 04:27:04.760
in our congressional districts and I think if we vote on a way to align our word here in your city it serves as some kind of blueprint for the rest of the country. Thank you.

913
04:27:09.439 --> 04:27:24.080
>> Hello. Good evening council. How you doing? I'm uh Juan Diego Rock. That's R O Q q U E. Um I think this is a really great ordinance. Uh I'm an artist here and have grown up here in Jersey City

914
04:27:24.080 --> 04:27:40.080
for some time and I actually recently was a recipient and was awarded the arts and culture trust fund um for a program grant that we applied for. And a part of it was to reach out to every ward with

915
04:27:40.080 --> 04:27:57.439
our program. And I actually had difficulty seeing the exact lines and like where each ward ended. Some of the maps were old. Uh some one map online still has Solomon listed as a council person. So, I think the transparency that you guys

916
04:27:57.439 --> 04:28:13.279
are already providing has been incredible because it's a much necessary thing today. And this ordinance will bring a lot more visibility to understanding the the structure of the words for not just regular folks, but people that are really engaging with the

917
04:28:13.279 --> 04:28:31.439
community to better understand um the boards and how it all looks. And uh yeah, I just hope you vote yes on this. I think it's a really great ordinance. Thank you. Motion. >> Motion made by council person Gilmore. >> Second.

918
04:28:31.439 --> 04:28:47.040
>> Sorry. Second. >> Oh, sorry. Motion made by council person Gilmore. Seconded by Ridley. On the motion to close public hearing, how do you vote? Councilman Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Efro. >> Council person Little.

919
04:28:47.040 --> 04:29:01.279
>> I. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person Griffin. >> Hi. >> Council person Lavaro. I, >> Council Person Singh, >> I >> and Council President Ridley, >> I >> motion to close a public hearing pass 90

920
04:29:01.279 --> 04:29:17.279
for final consideration and adoption of ordinance 26-044. How do you vote? Council Person Brooks. >> Uh I vote I and um you know I just want to say to the residents of W B uh I know I always say Westside is the best side

921
04:29:17.279 --> 04:29:33.840
but uh Mcinley Square in the Beacon was uh I would say gifted maybe or or gerrymandered depending on your uh uh your perspective. But I just want to say you know when I'm always talking about the west side it's Mcinley Square 2. I

922
04:29:33.840 --> 04:29:49.840
vote I. Council person Zufo, >> I'm going to vote I as well. I just want to add that um I'm I'm very happy to represent the parts of WC that I do, including the Marian section, Lower Heights, and General Square, but I understand that uh many in the community are upset about the the change of the

923
04:29:49.840 --> 04:30:06.319
map. Um, I I am a little bit concerned about the the fact that we've essentially conceded the fact that if if this were to be challenged, we may be preempted by state law, but I think it's important to have guidelines for the next um redistricting committee that

924
04:30:06.319 --> 04:30:22.239
reflect the the wishes of this council and the city. Uh, but but I would caution that I don't think that we should use any taxpayer dollars to defend the lawsuit if if one were to be filed given what we know about the state of the law. Council person Efos. I

925
04:30:22.239 --> 04:30:38.319
>> I just want to thank the leadership of the Ward F office um and the leadership of advocates on this issue for for years now. Um and yeah, it's a it'ssue of touches a lot of different sectors from

926
04:30:38.319 --> 04:30:54.640
racial justice to economic justice to political power. Um maybe W D takes the cake for the most bizarre shape out of all of the warts um in their current form. happy to and grateful privilege to represent everyone from Newport to the

927
04:30:54.640 --> 04:31:10.479
slopes um and the the great variety within. Uh but yeah, this is this is a a good step in clarifying uh our city's position on the fairness um and the principles behind redistricting. So I vote I.

928
04:31:10.479 --> 04:31:26.319
>> Council person Little, >> I vote I. Thank you, Councilman Gilmore. Thank you, New Jersey Apple Seed for your work on this. Council Person Gilmore. >> Um, just want to thank Renee Cathy and all of the individuals who worked on

929
04:31:26.319 --> 04:31:42.000
this legislation. Thank my council colleagues, those who voted thus far. Um, I think this sets a precedent in the right way. Um, I know there's been some talk like I mean this ordinance is not really about me. I've said it several

930
04:31:42.000 --> 04:31:58.479
times. you can draw W F into the Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean and I'll represent Sea Life to the best of my ability. Um, but this is a matter about what's equitable, what's right, what's fair, and what's transparent. Um, so I'm

931
04:31:58.479 --> 04:32:16.960
grateful that this day is before us. Um, and I think it's going to set precedents in the right way. Um, I think we're going to be part of history, good people. I proudly vote I two times. Council person Griffin >> Renee, thank you for um

932
04:32:16.960 --> 04:32:32.000
working on the on this ordinance uh with us. Listen, I'm I'm going to say what I know. All right. It was politically motivated. Um there's no way the Heights should be downtown. There's no way

933
04:32:32.000 --> 04:32:48.159
um Bergen Lafayette should be in Ward A. It's come on. I mean, it it's it's it's it's no way. And there's no way I should be getting texts from a former leader

934
04:32:48.159 --> 04:33:04.879
telling me it's interesting that all of his supporters were moved into Ward F and all of Frank's, sorry, Councilman, all all of W Councilman Gilmore's uh uh supporters were moved into different

935
04:33:04.879 --> 04:33:21.119
wards. It was it was it was straight gerrymandering. It was despicable. And and you know, it it was he was scared, right? I mean, you you you watching people

936
04:33:21.119 --> 04:33:38.279
uh uh getting tired of your shenanigans and and um you you know, you're trying to move people out of the way by any way you can. And it was disgusting. So, I vote I Council

937
04:33:40.480 --> 04:33:55.279
person Lavaro, >> I'll just say thanks to the council members for bringing this forward to Renee and not just this bringing this ordinance forward, but for their fight and court to challenge the uh

938
04:33:55.279 --> 04:34:10.160
gerrymandering that that happened here here in Jersey City. Um and so um I'm happy to vote I and uh hope that this um ordinance and uh will um will um prevent

939
04:34:10.160 --> 04:34:26.160
uh future future uh gerrymandering um in here in Jersey City. I vote I. Council person Singh. >> I vote I. Thank you councilman and your team for working on this. >> And council president Ridley

940
04:34:26.160 --> 04:34:47.039
>> I vote I. Ordinance 26-044 is adopted unanimously 90. Agenda items 4.13 and 4.14 were carried to the July 15th council meeting. So we are moving on to agenda item 4.15 which

941
04:34:47.039 --> 04:35:03.039
is ordinance 26-047 and enabling ordinance amending chapter 296 streets, sidewalks and public rights of way. Article 7, sidewalk cafes and sidewalk sales, temporarily enlarging permissible hours of operation during

942
04:35:03.039 --> 04:35:19.119
the 2026 FIFA World Cup. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Well, that was a mo motion made by Councilman Gilmore, seconded by Brooks, I believe. >> Yes. On the motion to close the public hearing, how do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I.

943
04:35:19.119 --> 04:35:35.279
>> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Efos. >> I. >> Council person Little. >> Hi. >> Council person Gilmore. I, >> Council Person Griffin, >> I, >> Council Person Lavaro, >> I, >> Council Person Singh, >> I, >> and Council President Ridley, >> I. >> Motion to close the public hearing

944
04:35:35.279 --> 04:35:52.240
passes unanimously 90 for final consideration and adoption of ordinance 26-047. How do you vote? Council person Brooks, >> I. >> Council person Zupa, I. >> Council person Ephro, I. >> Council person Little. Hi. >> Council person Gilmore. Hi.

945
04:35:52.240 --> 04:36:09.359
>> Council person Griffin. Hi, >> Council Person Lavaro. >> Hi, >> Council Person Singh. >> And Council President Ridley, >> I. >> Ordinance 26-047 is adopted unanimously 90. And finally, our last second reading ordinance,

946
04:36:09.359 --> 04:36:25.600
agenda item 4.16, ordinance 26-048, an ordinance authorizing the city of Jersey City to renew the lease for the Brunswick Community Garden, sponsored by Jersey City Community Gardening Gardening, Inc. for the use of block

947
04:36:25.600 --> 04:36:42.959
9905, lots 8 and 9, and more commonly known as 174 through 176 Brunswick Street. >> Motion. >> Motion by Gilmore. Second. >> Seconded by council president Ridley. On the motion to close a public hearing, how do you vote? Council person Brooks.

948
04:36:42.959 --> 04:36:58.959
>> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Ephro. >> I. >> Council person Little. Council person Gilmore. >> Council person Griffin. >> I. >> Council person Lavaro. >> Hi. >> Council person Singh. >> I. >> And council president Ridley.

949
04:36:58.959 --> 04:37:15.119
>> I. Motion to close a public hearing adopted 90 for final consideration and adoption of ordinance 26-048. How do you vote? Council person Brooks >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> Hi. >> Council person Ephro. >> I.

950
04:37:15.119 --> 04:37:33.840
>> Council person Little. I want to note for the record, I know we're very concerned about costs. Um, this lease is $1 per year and the Brunswick Community Garden is a wonderful neighborhood institution in W E. It's been um in operation lovingly cared for by volunteers for over 25

951
04:37:33.840 --> 04:37:48.719
years. So I proudly vote I. >> Council person Gilmore >> I. >> Council person Griffin >> I. >> Council person Lavaro >> I. >> Council person Singh >> and Council President Ridley >> I. >> Ordinance 26-048

952
04:37:48.719 --> 04:38:05.359
is adopted 90. That that concludes the list of second reading ordinances. The next item on the agenda is a public hearing on the 2026 2027 Historic Downtown Management Corporation's Special Improvement District Assessment

953
04:38:05.359 --> 04:38:20.400
Role and Budget. Anyone wishing to speak, please line up in front of the podium. >> Motion. >> Motion made by Council Person Ridley. >> Second. >> Seconded by Council Person Gilmore. All in favor of closing the public hearing,

954
04:38:20.400 --> 04:38:37.039
how do you vote? Council Person Brooks. Hi, >> Council Person Zupa. >> Hi, >> Council Person Ephro. >> Hi, >> Council Person Little. >> Hi, >> Council Person Gilmore. >> I council person Griffin, >> Council Person Lavaro, >> I.

955
04:38:37.039 --> 04:38:52.400
>> Council person Singh, >> I. >> And Council President Ridley, >> I. Motion to public close the public hearing adopted 90 for final consideration and adoption of the 2026 2027 historic downtown management corporation special improvement district

956
04:38:52.400 --> 04:39:08.639
assessment role and budget. How do you vote? Councilman Brooks >> I. >> Councilman Zupa >> I. >> Councilman Efos >> I. >> Councilman Council person Little. >> Um this is the for the historic downtown Special Improvement District. So,

957
04:39:08.639 --> 04:39:23.279
>> yes. >> Can I can I interrupt for a second, John? I just want to make sure we're we're doing the uh the right thing here, right? Because this is the public hearing on the assessment. Do we should we be voting on it now?

958
04:39:23.279 --> 04:39:40.320
>> We we already closed the public hearing. >> Yeah. So, is there a vote on this? That's what I'm No. >> Yeah. I don't know. I'm trying to clarify whether we are vote. It's not an agenda item. >> Yeah. Oh, >> it's just a public hearing. Do we not?

959
04:39:40.320 --> 04:39:56.958
Oh, I'm sorry. I'm I'm sorry. >> It's been a long day. Sean, don't Sean, don't be sorry. >> I I will state for the record that the executive director of the historic downtown Special Improvement, >> my apologies, >> speak. Um, but I told her she didn't need to. >> I'm just going through the motions. I've

960
04:39:56.958 --> 04:40:12.000
sort of become an automaton. I'm sorry about that. >> That's fine. >> So, moving on to our public speaking portion. I will call the names in order. >> In one second, we have a guest. >> We have a we have our mayor.

961
04:40:12.000 --> 04:40:28.680
>> Mayor, give us a few words before we start the public. >> Yes. >> Let me just um I'm going to just speak. >> Hold on, sir. Let me just change the camera angle. >> Sure. >> So, you are on the >> We see him. >> He's on.

962
04:40:30.798 --> 04:40:47.040
>> All righty. Um, I'm just going to give a quick introduction before public speaking. I know a lot of people are going to going to come up and and share thoughts. Uh, I just want to do a couple things with this. Uh, so first I just want to uh give folks context on where we stand with the budget. I know a lot of folks are here to talk about the budget. Uh, if you're here to talk about other things, I'm obviously happy to

963
04:40:47.040 --> 04:41:02.160
listen but but wanted to speak here on the budget for a minute. Uh, so first um, we postponed uh, made the decision to postpone the vote on the estimated third quarter tax bill tonight uh, based on the public feedback that we received. I'll say a little bit more about that in a minute. Um the council will be voting

964
04:41:02.160 --> 04:41:18.240
on it in a special meeting Wednesday, July 1st. So a week from today, um you all have the ability to to have public speaking in advance of that vote on that resolution. On July 15th at the council meeting, uh we will be introducing the mayor's budget to the council. Uh so

965
04:41:18.240 --> 04:41:34.560
that will be released publicly. Um there will be basically the council accepts it and then the council starts its work on amending it and ultimately the council will hold budget hearings July 13th through the 24th and then they will be voting on the final passage at some point in August. Um that is the point

966
04:41:34.560 --> 04:41:50.798
where the final tax rate for the year as well as the taxes on the fourth quarter will be set. Uh there will be multiple opportunities to participate in public engagement through that process. Uh so there'll be obviously uh the council meeting on the 1st, the council meeting on the 15th. Uh folks cannot speak but

967
04:41:50.798 --> 04:42:06.798
they can attend all the budget hearings. Those are open to the public as well as posted online. Uh and then at the final adoption. So all of those are chances to continue to weigh in and ultimately as we set our final uh decisions on where we are as a budget. Um, I am committed to to going above and beyond that and

968
04:42:06.798 --> 04:42:23.120
just being extremely uh accessible uh because of how difficult and challenging the buzz is, because how many legitimate questions uh folks have. So, I'm going to be doing a series of town halls. Uh, that is a chance where I'll be going back and forth and engaging with the public. Our first town hall is this

969
04:42:23.120 --> 04:42:39.040
Sunday night, 7 p.m. at the city hall annex. We then have four town halls scheduled in the month of July. Um, today I'm here just to listen. So, you may ask questions, you may have comments. I'm not going to respond the way I did earlier. Uh, because it's been a long night, you have a right to get

970
04:42:39.040 --> 04:42:54.878
get your comments answered. We will have a team member here, though, if you do have a question, I'll take your information and be able to answer it for you. Um, but if you have questions and you want to back and forth, the five community meetings that we're doing or that I'm doing is a great opportunity to ask me questions and be able to have

971
04:42:54.878 --> 04:43:10.638
that back and forth and be able to answer what's on folks minds uh, as it comes to that. Um, last but not least, I just want to sort of kind of set, you know, where I've been coming from on the budget and I think where we're going. Obviously, we knew the city was in dire financial straits uh when I ran for

972
04:43:10.638 --> 04:43:27.600
office, but I did not know how bad and how deep the budget deficit was. We believed it to be somewhere between 125 to 150 million. We ended up finding a $255 million deficit as we dove in, as we found more and more problems, more unpaid bills, more deception. Um when we

973
04:43:27.600 --> 04:43:46.000
found that out, we started to work on reducing the budget deficit. So So with that, I'll just say uh no more uh commentary from me. So I'm just going to be sitting and listening. We're going to have folks here. If you have specific questions, get your contact information, and then please join me at one of the five town halls to have more

974
04:43:46.000 --> 04:44:02.080
interaction. Thank you. >> And I'll just say before Oh, I'm sorry. All right. And when you interrupt your applause, mayor, but I'll just say before we start the uh public comment, I'll just review some of the rules. Uh each person gets three minutes to speak.

975
04:44:02.080 --> 04:44:18.638
We do not go over that. We do not shout out uh from the audience. If you are clapping in the middle of someone's speech, that does interfere with their time. So, just be mindful of that. Uh if you agree with something they're saying, please keep it brief so that they can get through their speech in their

976
04:44:18.638 --> 04:44:35.600
allotted time. Um, as the mayor stated, this is your opportunity to state your concerns. It's not a Q&A session back and forth. Um, but he does have a Q&A session or multiple Q&A sessions scheduled. So, with that, uh, we'll begin our public speaking portion.

977
04:44:35.600 --> 04:44:51.680
>> Before we start, if the media can make sure that I'm properly represented in these pictures that they I'm tired of seeing pictures of me looking like I'm not paying attention. So, if you can really focus in on me uh when y'all taking pictures, I appreciate it.

978
04:44:51.680 --> 04:45:06.000
>> Go ahead, John. >> Hey, that said, the first listed speaker is Leverne Webb Washington. >> She Okay, she left. Esther Whitner, number two.

979
04:45:06.000 --> 04:45:32.638
>> Oh, there she go. I see us. Is that good? >> Can hear you. >> Now that the resolution for the tax increase has been tabled, we need to make certain that it doesn't come back without the changes needed to significantly reduce the size of Mayor

980
04:45:32.638 --> 04:45:48.878
Solomon's initial request for a 20% increase. We have not seen what cuts have been made, but only $16 million reduction. That is only 2% of an $800 million budget. We need to see line by line where cuts are made with an interim

981
04:45:48.878 --> 04:46:06.160
austerity budget. We need to see every measure that has been taken by the mayor and used such as energy saving days, furlows, and doing away with take-home cars with free gas. These at minimum are some of the actions that must be shown as a serious effort to show to share in

982
04:46:06.160 --> 04:46:21.840
the pain that we are all about to receive. Mayor Solomon has said that we should not have to pay for Phillip's corruption tax and so he must now govern to see to it that we don't as you should too. A letter from the mayor should have gone

983
04:46:21.840 --> 04:46:36.798
should have already gone out informing property owners of the dire situation so they could have time to do their financial planning for the inevitable. Not everyone is on Instagram and probably the people most deeply impacted have no idea of what is about to come. A

984
04:46:36.798 --> 04:46:52.798
letter must go out now. Unlike the mayor that has the luxury of foregoing a salary, for many, an extraordinary municipal increase on top of county and school increases means falling behind on a payment and where the clock starts starts ticking. Missed payments,

985
04:46:52.798 --> 04:47:08.560
delinquency interest, and charges to credit cards to meet these payments will start ringing. Higher taxes plus high interest on top of high interest. Some people will work out of it and some won't. For those that won't, they face having to sell their homes and with that

986
04:47:08.560 --> 04:47:24.798
their dreams or fall into tax lean and potential foreclosure. Either way, these properties transfer to a new set of owners. Predatory investors wait on the sidelines for discounted property as homeowners get squeezed out. As a result, the shift changes from working

987
04:47:24.798 --> 04:47:40.878
families, individuals, and seniors and moves toward deeper pockets. It becomes harder for people to build a future. Harder for seniors to age in place and more costly to rent. An extraordinary increase is not affordability. It is a transfer of wealth and a cruel method as

988
04:47:40.878 --> 04:47:56.480
that. It is unconscionable that this was even proposed to us. We are late in the year. Expense we are late in the year. Expensive new hires have been made. Money has been spent and there has been no interim austerity

989
04:47:56.480 --> 04:48:20.638
budget to live by. So now the cup must be deep and you must adhere to your fiduciary and governing governing responsibilities and we will continue to fight and we will not forget this. Thank you >> Charlene. Can I can I um sorry, let me

990
04:48:20.638 --> 04:48:36.560
just make one comment um just because Esther reminded me of two things that I'd like to ask from the administration. One is um from from the law department uh um with regard to penalties and fines um and late late

991
04:48:36.560 --> 04:48:53.120
fees and so forth around that. Um if we can get the laws around that, I'd like to look into amending that um for this cycle. or waving them as Councilman Griffin has suggested to me as well. Um, if we can for certain situations. Um, so we just want to know exactly what our

992
04:48:53.120 --> 04:49:08.320
options are there. Um, and then there was a second thing and it'll come back to me and I'll back to that. >> That's the I got to answer. That's the >> That will be a state. Yeah, that's >> that's something the administration can talk to the state about

993
04:49:08.320 --> 04:49:25.280
keep moving forward. >> Go ahead. Yeah. He said it was it's a to Councilman Rolando's question of I guess withholding um penalties and everything that's a

994
04:49:25.280 --> 04:49:43.520
state issue when it to the income tax. >> Um I mean excuse me Lord Jesus the uh property taxes. >> Yes. The other um idea came back just came

995
04:49:43.520 --> 04:50:01.840
back to me. So hypothetically when we well not hypothetic we will adopt because we have to um a resolution issuing a third quarter tax levy right. So until until the budget's passed we need to do that. Um well then we've adopt a budget and then whatever that

996
04:50:01.840 --> 04:50:18.160
number ultimately comes in at. And then fast forward to 2027 and first quarter. My question is, can the administration andor the council roll back um any sort of increases

997
04:50:18.160 --> 04:50:34.480
um through the same type of resolution or some other mechanism that would allow us to do that in the first quarter of 2027 if hypothetically there was an increase in 2026. It's it'll be an estimated tax bill in

998
04:50:34.480 --> 04:50:51.680
2027, right? um until until we pass a budget in 2027. So my question is rather than have it be, you know, based on the 2026 assessment, can we put in a resolution like the one

999
04:50:51.680 --> 04:51:06.798
that's being pulled off today's agenda that would then roll back the not necessarily the entire thing, but some number, come up with a number that uh it's all hypothetical because we don't know what the numbers are at this point.

1000
04:51:06.798 --> 04:51:23.958
That's the the I mean, correct me if I'm wrong. The problem with that is then subsequently when we get to pass the budget and you get to the third and fourth, if you underestimate it, then you will have to pay back.

1001
04:51:25.280 --> 04:51:40.560
>> It's the third and fourth of this year. >> No. So the budget this year is going to pretty much cover whatever if any increases for three and four. And then if you go to one and two in your assessment, you're saying since

1002
04:51:40.560 --> 04:51:57.120
the budget for the following year have not been passed, can we create a resolution to go under? The problem with that and my assessment is once you get to three and four next year like you're the problem is it's going to be the be

1003
04:51:57.120 --> 04:52:15.320
it might it may be multiplied. >> Well, my hope would be that we would pass a budget by the second quarter. Um >> so we're not uh then we then we've got an established time. >> Well, in that instance then that that may be possible.

1004
04:52:17.120 --> 04:52:31.680
Councilman, happy to look into the statutory framework and provide that for you. Um, it is a state statutory framework and so we likely have very limited ability as a municipality to determine whether we want to unilaterally wave any penalties or

1005
04:52:31.680 --> 04:52:46.638
interest or fees. Um, as to your question about what we can do in the first quarter of next year, um, I think it is highly unlikely that we will be in a position to give money back once we have collected it if that is what you're contemplating. But happy to look into it. The framework. >> That's not what I'm complaining. I'm

1006
04:52:46.638 --> 04:53:02.240
saying we collect the money. We pass a budget in 2026. We collected some amount in 2026. I'm making this up, folks. The the tax rate is something like 15% for for Jersey City increase, I should say. Um,

1007
04:53:02.240 --> 04:53:18.560
and then we say in 2027, let's roll it back to the 2025 levels. Making that up again, right? So uh of the first quarter of 2027, can we effectuate such a change by asking permission from uh New Jersey

1008
04:53:18.560 --> 04:53:36.958
Division of Local Government Services just the same way we're doing here or is there some other mechanism to to do something like that? >> Okay, I understand the question. We'll get you the framework on that. >> Thanks. >> Ready to allow the speaker to speak? >> Yes. Okay. >> Sorry, Charlene.

1009
04:53:36.958 --> 04:53:52.400
>> Oh, no apologies. I appreciate understanding what you're understanding. Thank you. Um, thank you for delaying the consideration of increasing property taxes on all unabated properties by 20%

1010
04:53:52.400 --> 04:54:08.000
for the third quarter to account for any fiscal help from the state of New Jersey. But you cannot sit on your hands without pressing the administration to reduce spending on every category that was in last year's budget that will

1011
04:54:08.000 --> 04:54:25.440
carry forward to this year's budget. Each director was asked to reduce expenditures by 10%. But what about more than that? Say 25%. Both the mayor and the city council members have claimed that they are reluctant to cut city services.

1012
04:54:25.440 --> 04:54:41.920
>> Thank you. But as a longtime resident, what services are you referring to? I don't know because everyone has been complaining about everything from the time all of you were running for your seats until today.

1013
04:54:41.920 --> 04:54:57.200
What are we really hearing is a reluctance to address all of the municipal workers who are not performing their jobs or those who keep a seat warm or a title occupied. Ask the administration to do a desk

1014
04:54:57.200 --> 04:55:15.200
audit of all employees defining their job functions and frequency. Have all directors bring those to the budget meeting so you will be that you will be holding so you know all the functions in that department and any redundancies.

1015
04:55:15.200 --> 04:55:31.200
Offer all employees I've mentioned this before. Non-paid vacation time off could be a big payroll savings in the short term or for the rest of the year. Consider a non-paid furlow during each

1016
04:55:31.200 --> 04:55:48.240
pay period or once a month. Another big payroll savings. And lastly, consider layoffs of personnel that do not contribute to the productivity of the municipality. This is strictly business. It's not personal, but longtime home

1017
04:55:48.240 --> 04:56:04.560
homeowners should not have to think about staying or selling just because an administration is unwilling to reduce a bloated employee base. If you increase the taxes in the third quarter, you are asking residents

1018
04:56:04.560 --> 04:56:19.520
to use credit cards, raise savings, pay an increase 30 days from the first days of July. work on the budget, cutting to the bone, and then turn to the residents in August with all you've cut away. Then

1019
04:56:19.520 --> 04:56:37.958
you can propose to taxpayers a one-time bill to clear the books. Everyone will then have 90 days to cobble monies for the increase, if there is one in November 1st. Good luck,

1020
04:56:40.718 --> 04:56:58.560
>> Charlene. Uh Charlene, I thank you. But uh just so the record is clear, Councilman Gilmore haven't taken any position as it relates to card city services. Just so we clear. >> Yeah, you won't. And I I appreciate the

1021
04:56:58.560 --> 04:57:13.440
comments and um I had raised some similar ones, but if if I can ask someone from the administration to explain why um layoffs cannot be done on a performance basis because of civil service protections. Is that accurate?

1022
04:57:13.440 --> 04:57:32.560
And can you explain a little bit more? >> So from administrative perspective, you you can lay off for performance, but there has to be a framework for that. you know, meaning that if a person is not performing, it doesn't mean they're indefinitely an employee with the city. However, if there's going to be mass

1023
04:57:32.560 --> 04:57:50.080
layoffs um or uh furlows or things of that nature, that has statutory framework at the state level through civil service. Um it would require and you know cooperation with civil service. um it would likely trigger a lot of union protections and you know a

1024
04:57:50.080 --> 04:58:05.600
lot of measures that you know would be very painful to the city and the employees that you know work for our city. So um you know the mayor has been very honest from the very beginning that all offices are on the table but obviously one that we're trying to avoid given the state of city services for the past few years and making sure that you

1025
04:58:05.600 --> 04:58:20.878
know the residents of the city are getting the best out of the the people who work and really care for the city. So to be clear that's employees who have civil service status not other employees wouldn't

1026
04:58:20.878 --> 04:58:36.798
testing the majority of the city has civil service protections you know there are some professionals are unclassified but that is a very small fraction of the entire you workforce >> right we've as we've asked for an organizational chart uh since taking

1027
04:58:36.798 --> 04:58:53.360
office in January would love to see if that organizational chart is there. It'd be really helpful to see um each each employee uh their their title, whether it's a civil service title or another title, provisional, so on and so forth. Uh that would be really helpful

1028
04:58:53.360 --> 04:59:09.360
in being able to go through um you know, ahead of the budget hearings next month. Do we um Peter, we have the I mean the one thing I did like that the last administration did was they did give us

1029
04:59:09.360 --> 04:59:26.080
these um these thick books, >> the budget books. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> With with everything. Um and it so we can have those a little. >> So we do anticipate doing a version of that. I know we had a conversation with council president, everyone about doing the budget hearings um in the upcoming weeks. So we are committed to doing

1030
04:59:26.080 --> 04:59:42.160
that. >> Thank you. >> I I just wanted to jump in. I mean, Charlene, I I appreciate your perspective. Um, I just want to speak up for um Jersey City employees. Um, you know, if you're watching at home and you're

1031
04:59:42.160 --> 04:59:59.360
hearing, you know, being called part of a bloated workforce, um, and you live here, you work here, maybe you rent, maybe you own. Um, you know, as part of the information request, I had to the admin administration. I asked for the

1032
04:59:59.360 --> 05:00:14.638
open union contracts. Um, and our employees uh have rights. There's nothing wrong with that. So, um, those workers deserve, uh, fair working conditions uh, and respect for the work

1033
05:00:14.638 --> 05:00:38.440
that they do for all of us. So, I just wanted to say that. Thank you. I have a a a question. I have a I have a question for uh the administration. Um are we looking to implement a hiring freeze?

1034
05:00:38.958 --> 05:00:55.680
>> So we are doing a hiring freeze of uh non-essential positions. >> So just I'll give a direct direct answer. So, um, we have cut, uh, the majority of vacant positions that were in the, uh, budget. Um, it is not, we

1035
05:00:55.680 --> 05:01:11.600
were calling it a hiring freeze of non-essential employees, but to give you a couple of examples. Uh, we are continuing to hire 911 call takers. I view that as an essential service. Our 911 center is understaffed. I, you know, I have an obligation to make sure every 911 call is answered professionally. You

1036
05:01:11.600 --> 05:01:27.440
know, we are hiring a municipal engineer. That position has been vacant for 2 years. a municipal engineer ultimately saves us money uh by actually managing the contracts or the asphalt contract that was just approved today. So, you know, I we're not going to employ a a a we're not employing a

1037
05:01:27.440 --> 05:01:42.958
blanket hiring freeze because I think ultimately that would hurt our city uh substantially, but we have eliminated um the majority of vacant positions and the ones that are not essential to delivering core city services. >> Thank you. Thank you. All right, John,

1038
05:01:42.958 --> 05:01:57.520
we >> Ivon Balser, first of all, this council started at 6:05 and by the time he got down to the people's business, it was 7:30. It your job is my business. It's these people business. It is not handing

1039
05:01:57.520 --> 05:02:13.600
out awards. Do that separate. Our time is important, too. You have 16 second reading ordinances. You have over 100 people on the list and you're handing out awards. I've been going to meetings since the 1970s. And this didn't become an issue until the

1040
05:02:13.600 --> 05:02:31.440
1990s of giving out awards in the 70s and the 80s. I'm telling you, they did the business and we left. And there was no time limit like it is right now. Ordinances had no time limits. Do our business first. This is ridiculous. It really is. Now, I want to whatever time

1041
05:02:31.440 --> 05:02:47.360
I have left give you my comments. Jersey City get the news of a 20% increase, a 17% increase in the schools, a 14% increase in the county. But what do you do? You want to build more affordable housing,

1042
05:02:47.360 --> 05:03:02.480
which is a tax burden to the homeowners. Affordable housing is not a ratable. They're contracts and only a ratable stabilize the tax rate. property owners were are thrown under the bus because the first thing the council address is

1043
05:03:02.480 --> 05:03:18.240
the so-called unfairness to rent control tenants. Jersey City under the consumer price index, as I said before many times and I read the ordinance to you cannot have a tax increase. It's based on the consumer index raise their let them pay

1044
05:03:18.240 --> 05:03:33.920
some increases in taxes. Since the start of this new administration, there has been contracts after contracts after contracts, and you passed them. One contract I read was open-ended. You don't take our

1045
05:03:33.920 --> 05:03:50.480
financial health very seriously. Yes, there is a shortage of housing, and you're not going to solve it. According to the census data that's online, you have phones, look it up yourself. 40 point 41.3% of the residents were not

1046
05:03:50.480 --> 05:04:06.638
born in the US up from 40.8%. Now if you don't believe me use your phones and Google it what I said who was not born in in the United States living in Jersey City it will pop up. You can't solve the problem if you have open

1047
05:04:06.638 --> 05:04:22.080
borders. You can't solve the housing problem like that. But to put me and other people in position I got to buy house before them is it's ridiculous. My father vote uh for in World War II and I had to compete against people coming

1048
05:04:22.080 --> 05:04:40.080
here give them housing. It's ridiculous according to So we have a lot of problems and I'm not going to go on with this but your your issue is put the people's business first. Do something separate for awards. I shouldn't have to wait 90 minutes to hear the the city's

1049
05:04:40.080 --> 05:04:59.200
business being done. Thank you. Um this is this is the question to the administration. Just want to clarify open contract means we are paying for the services if we are using. Is that correct? >> That is correct. Yes.

1050
05:04:59.200 --> 05:05:14.958
>> U also just Charlene to your point crime stats have gone down. So we are providing services administration has worked really hard for public safety but I would like to hear more about it what you feel

1051
05:05:14.958 --> 05:05:36.320
about the city services I'm also proudly married to someone who was not born in this country not a citizen and uh sometimes I respond uh to comments when our silence could be considered to be uh in agreement And thank God for the many immigrants of

1052
05:05:36.320 --> 05:06:00.080
WC and Jersey City who make our city great. >> Just to be clear, I think we're all immigrants. >> That's right. Yeah. >> You know, >> very proudly. >> Not not just your wife, Tom. Not just your wife, all of them. >> One immigrant is sitting right next to

1053
05:06:00.080 --> 05:06:18.080
you. >> Oh, come on. Ju just remember last council meeting was my wedding anniversary and I was here so I'm just trying to give extra credit to my my Canadian >> the next call the next speaker number five hope smart >> good evening council president and

1054
05:06:18.080 --> 05:06:35.120
members of the council thank you for helping ensure the opioid settlement grant reimbursement item is on the agenda after months of outreach and followup seeing it here today is meaningful and I want to acknowledge that movement but I als also need to be very clear about what is still not

1055
05:06:35.120 --> 05:06:51.120
working. Health and Human Services still has not coordinated with the appropriate departments to provide grant recipients with a specific date or a reliable timeline for when payments will be actually received. In fact, the most recent communication with the Department

1056
05:06:51.120 --> 05:07:08.080
of Health and Human Services, they stated for the Treasury Department, the check must be mailed. There is no other form of distribution available. This invoice is a quarter past due and the proposed solution is to send it in the mail and hope it arrives when it

1057
05:07:08.080 --> 05:07:23.440
arrives. That is not a solution. That is not accountability and it certainly is not partnership. The email also states that quarter 2 payments will be sent somewhere around the second week of July, but that no

1058
05:07:23.440 --> 05:07:39.920
exact date exists because Treasury sends checks on its own schedule. These are not timelines. These are estimates, approximations, and may. Nonprofits cannot plan programming, staffing, or service delivery on may. This is what

1059
05:07:39.920 --> 05:07:56.080
happens when departments operate in silos instead of as a coordinated system. It is as if the moment the issue left corporate council, everyone assumed the problem was solved, but no one followed the process all the way through. No one ensured that the final

1060
05:07:56.080 --> 05:08:12.480
step actually getting the payment into the hands of the organizations doing the work was coordinated to completion. As a social worker, I am trained to look at systems not symptoms. And what we are seeing here is a systemic breakdown.

1061
05:08:12.480 --> 05:08:28.240
There is no formal structure, no communication protocol, no interdep departmental workflow, and no timeline that allows community organizations to plan responsibly. These are appropriated funds. The money is already here. It

1062
05:08:28.240 --> 05:08:43.520
does not need to be found, requested, or sourced. It simply needs to be dispersed. When payments arrive months late, it destabilizes programming, interrupts continu continuity of care, and forces nonprofits into crisis

1063
05:08:43.520 --> 05:09:00.798
management mode. That is the opposite of what opioid settlement dollars are intended to support. These funds exist because lives have been lost, because families have been devastated, because communities are still healing. There is no justification for a process this

1064
05:09:00.798 --> 05:09:17.360
disorganized, this inconsistent, or this opaque. Tonight I am asking for the city to establish a formal transparent reimbursement schedule an informed designated point of contact and a coordinated process between health and

1065
05:09:17.360 --> 05:09:47.440
human services treasury and any other department apart from the grant process. Thank you. Speaker number six, Cara Gandhi. Good evening, council president and members of the city council. Mayor

1066
05:09:47.440 --> 05:10:04.320
Solomon, if I may just say real quick, you are the person I can credit to lighting the spark that led me to this moment. And as well as Councilman Gilmore and the person who really, really set it off, Walker back there. Um, my name is Kerna Gandhi. K A R N A

1067
05:10:04.320 --> 05:10:21.760
G- A N D Hi. I am a resident of Jersey City, a systems architect, and a director of hospitality with a professional background rooted in design, scalable business frameworks, and operations strategy. I'm here tonight because I would very much like to take the responsibility, accountability, and ownership of the

1068
05:10:21.760 --> 05:10:37.840
position of uh director of housing preservation. Our city is growing, changing, assimilating, and expanding at a rapid pace. And with that growth comes the critical need for structures that operate with soul and freedom, built by intentional design. I feel that we need

1069
05:10:37.840 --> 05:10:52.638
leaders who know how to build operational architecture that serves all the people of J City. Throughout my career, I've uh specialized in taking complex moving parts, whether in high-end hospitality or business consultancy, and organizing them into

1070
05:10:52.638 --> 05:11:08.878
seamless, high performing systems. But I also bring a bit of a um unconventional edge to this work. I grew up with a detective for a father. He was a detective in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Because of that, I tend to find things others miss, read between the lines, and engineer solutions that

1071
05:11:08.878 --> 05:11:24.400
aren't exactly obvious to everybody else. My my commitment to applying this lens to Jersey City is deeply personal. As a local business owner and resident, I firsthand see the immense potential of our diverse econ economic and cultural

1072
05:11:24.400 --> 05:11:39.760
landscape. This role demands somebody who can bridge the gap between creative vision and ironclad operational integrity. I bring the precise blend of strategic execution, sharp sharp instinct, and local investment needed to hit the ground running and serve the

1073
05:11:39.760 --> 05:11:57.200
council effectively. Thank you for your time and your leadership and the opportunity to speak tonight. I would absolutely love the opportunity to interview and maybe set something up on the books. >> Thank you. >> Oh, I just text you.

1074
05:11:57.200 --> 05:12:17.040
>> Speaker number seven, >> Danielle not here. Sha. Yeah. >> Speaker number eight, Tina. >> Tina's right here. Hi. Yes, my name is Tina and yes, I work

1075
05:12:17.040 --> 05:12:32.560
for Education of Gilmore, but I'm speaking upon myself. Justice for Drew. Justice for Drew. I'd like to take a moment of silent for our community because we had lost a couple of people for um bullying and

1076
05:12:32.560 --> 05:12:50.240
depressing our community. So, I'd like to just take a little moment for our community of going through that. I want to thank Education and Gearmore for letting us keep our boots on the ground. I want to thank Chief Staff Arica for doing that today for the music

1077
05:12:50.240 --> 05:13:05.920
because we definitely deserve to know who go in our community where we came from in our community. To see what she did was a beautiful thing because in our community we don't get recognized in our community. Other places we do but not in

1078
05:13:05.920 --> 05:13:22.480
our community. I have been getting a lot of phone calls from nonprofits because they are struggling in their nonprofits. A lot of nonprofits have been calling because they not going to be able to do the summer program because they have not got funds. So, a lot of them is actually paying out their pocket. It's a shame

1079
05:13:22.480 --> 05:13:39.440
because we realize that if they don't have the funds, that mean the children will end back out in the community. I really don't understand. I've been coming here for years and have not seen nothing yet on this paper about nonprofits. And we all know about nonprofits with the boots on the ground.

1080
05:13:39.440 --> 05:13:55.680
I'm so disappointed in that that every time I come up here, I have to keep constantly talking about nonprofits because they reach out to me and it's very um confusing to see that we not helping out because they are the boots on the ground. Another thing that I

1081
05:13:55.680 --> 05:14:12.480
wanted to say about our community is that what we've been going through as with the budget, you see a lot of people now is coming together and having meetings. Jerry Walker have a safe spot. So, a lot of families been coming there and speaking upon about the budget because they are so afraid that they

1082
05:14:12.480 --> 05:14:29.360
going to have to move. To see that these people actually is the one who built up this community and now may have to leave because of what they built. It's a shame that they going through that. But I can really um see what they going through because by me being a nonprofit here in this community over 20s something years

1083
05:14:29.360 --> 05:14:46.560
and have not got no funding from this community. I can realize what they doing. But I seen on Philip Page that he was partying. Maybe we should go to New York and get that money back from him instead of getting it from us because reality they wasn't the one that spent that money. The person who spent that

1084
05:14:46.560 --> 05:15:03.600
money is doing the projects over there in New York enjoying theirself. I was just looking at his page just now and realized how he having a good time and we all been sitting here till 12:00 talking about the budget and these people about to lose their house. It's kind of funny to me how y'all let him go but now y'all want us to pay for this in

1085
05:15:03.600 --> 05:15:20.360
our community. It just seemed to me that is the reason why we don't have no solution because y'all keep kicking stuff under the rug. But that Let me tell y'all something guys. We got three more years and we need new people who know how to make solutions.

1086
05:15:21.840 --> 05:15:39.680
So, um, do me do me a favor. Um, reach out to me >> um with with the, um, nonprofits because what we'll what we'll do is, um, we'll we'll educate them on how to apply for funds. All right? Because they

1087
05:15:39.680 --> 05:15:55.200
could call and say they're not getting it, but they may not be applying. And we have to see if they're qualified as well and and and go through all that. >> I like that, Mike. I like that. All right. >> Like with me, I don't have a whole team. >> You know, we can't go back and forth. >> I have a comment.

1088
05:15:55.200 --> 05:16:10.560
>> I got you. Thank you. >> But we will we will we'll circle back with you. >> I have a comment. Go ahead. >> Tina, for how long you have been working with Councilman Frank Gilmore, >> Tina, I'm I'm just trying to know that you have been working with Councilman

1089
05:16:10.560 --> 05:16:27.120
for a while. I'm hoping that councilman will be able to help you with the ongoing issue you have been having for years because people are coming to councilman for the solution from ward. So as you are working directly with councilmen it should be easier for you

1090
05:16:27.120 --> 05:16:45.680
to >> all right >> we're not we're not going to go back and forth. So we'll we'll talk about it online. All of you all are in the council office. Oh my god. >> Next. Our next speaker is speaker number

1091
05:16:45.680 --> 05:17:02.560
nine, Edward Perkins. >> Edward's not here. I don't >> No. >> No. >> Okay. Uh, speaker number 10, Dia Garcia. >> She's not here neither. I didn't see her. >> Speaker number 11, Philip Harrington. >> Phil left.

1092
05:17:02.560 --> 05:17:19.280
>> Speaker number 12, Jantha. >> She left already. Uh, speaker number 13, uh, Karice Oliver. >> He's not here. >> No. Speaker number 14, Cyia Davis.

1093
05:17:19.280 --> 05:17:37.200
>> No. Speaker number 15, Mike Travisino. >> Mike left, too. >> Jason Berg, did you leave? >> Left. He's had enough for the night. Uh, >> speaker number. >> Speaker number 17, uh, Hakee.

1094
05:17:37.200 --> 05:17:53.440
Rak. >> Yeah, >> he's not here. >> Oh. Uh, number 18, Ares Zoho. >> Spoke earlier. >> Oh, he spoke earlier. Okay. >> Uh, number 19, Leslie. Uh, Leslie, >> she's here. Oh, okay.

1095
05:17:53.440 --> 05:18:10.958
>> All right. >> Hi. I'm here to talk about pilots. Um, I realize that the Garfield Avenue um has been tabled till next week or next meeting, but this is incredibly important and I'm so glad the mayor is here tonight to listen. Um, so I need to

1096
05:18:10.958 --> 05:18:27.280
tell you that it is a travesty that you all voted in first reading for a pilot. And let me tell you, pilots are abatements. Okay? So when you look back and say we should not have done those abatements,

1097
05:18:27.280 --> 05:18:44.638
you are voting for this and I know mayor you said we need to get away from abatement. So again travesty on you too. If you vote for this 30-year abatement and this pilot, you give the pilot um sorry you give the developer a pilot, you are giving him a discount of our

1098
05:18:44.638 --> 05:19:06.320
land and our land is at a premium. there's no need to give them a discount. And what it does is it undercuts funding for your city budget and more importantly for the schools. And here here's the travesty. Many of you have spoken at schoolboard meetings.

1099
05:19:06.320 --> 05:19:23.200
You spoken out in support of schools. But if you are cutting this uh their tax revenue, you are looking back at yourself and saying and should be saying that you're not supporting the schools because they desperately need the money too.

1100
05:19:23.200 --> 05:19:46.638
So what I need you to think about is that it's time for you to realize what you're doing and when you go back and say we should not have done these abatements, please realize that you have voted for them. Thank you. Okay. Uh, number speaker number 20, Wen

1101
05:19:46.638 --> 05:20:11.840
Freriedman. >> No. Uh, speaker number 21, Yarrow Wilman Cole. No. Uh, speaker number 22, Stephanie Starks. A 20% property tax increase during a

1102
05:20:11.840 --> 05:20:27.680
cost of living crisis is austerity. You are taking the coward's way out. You are forcing Jersey City families to make the hard decisions. Will they forego nutrition, air conditioning, health insurance, gas? Do they surrender

1103
05:20:27.680 --> 05:20:44.878
their pet? Do they skip a doctor's office? You either got into this to help people, take on backroom machine, or just advance your ambitions. It's fine. But voting for a 20% tax will accomplish none of those things. And honestly, I think this mayor is an albatross around

1104
05:20:44.878 --> 05:21:00.080
all your necks. This tax is lazy and it perpetuates all of the seedy corrupt practices that have come before. The best use of this moment of this crisis is to force the mayor to actually look at where money goes and be

1105
05:21:00.080 --> 05:21:17.200
honest about where money goes. You should justify every dollar before you ask people for more. You should know what every dollar is used for. And that's the most egregious crime here. You don't know what this tax is paying for. You don't know what's in the

1106
05:21:17.200 --> 05:21:32.240
budget. This tax gives the mayor a clean slate so he doesn't have to make any hard decisions. So he can fecklessly record Instagram videos instead of doing his job. So he can run for governor and say, "I

1107
05:21:32.240 --> 05:21:49.040
eliminated a 250 million deficit in 6 months despite the fact he manufactured it." Decisions like this exacerbate crime. People don't wake up one morning and throw acid on someone on a whim. This is

1108
05:21:49.040 --> 05:22:06.080
something that takes years of neglect and resentment to build into a violent act. When people feel alienated from the decisions that most affect their lives and community, they feel they have no control over their lives and they take that anger and they inflict it upon the

1109
05:22:06.080 --> 05:22:23.360
community they're a part of and not the people who set up the systems that extract from them. Those systems never see any consequences. I wouldn't call the mayor a liar, but I don't think he tells the truth. I think he has misled the public before.

1110
05:22:23.360 --> 05:22:39.280
I think he has misled the public on this deficit. And I think he will mislead the public again. And there's a similarity between the mayor and the board of ed. You start asking about money and the misdirection begins. I think the state is right to ask you to get your house in order because all they see is chicken

1111
05:22:39.280 --> 05:22:54.878
little nonsense. There's nothing unique about Jersey City's financial problems. The driver of our deficit is health insurance. Every municipality in New Jersey is dealing with it. You're not special. In the working world, leaders get six months to prove themselves, and that

1112
05:22:54.878 --> 05:23:23.040
cementss their reputation. The mayor cemented his. How you move on this issue will determine yours, and I hope you hold the mayor accountable for his actions. Speak. Speaker number 23, Zack Aziz.

1113
05:23:23.040 --> 05:23:40.798
No. Speaker number 24, Mike Vazdaf. >> Speaker number 25, Kelly Moore. She >> Speaker number 26, Brooke Hoover. Speaker number 27, Patrick Ambrosie.

1114
05:23:40.798 --> 05:23:57.360
Patrick's not here. >> Speaker number 28, Brandon Ambrosie. >> He's gone. >> Speaker number 29, uh, Shirion Kella. >> No. >> No. Uh, speaker number 30, Kevin Weller. >> He's not here. Oh, Kevin. Oh, Kevin's

1115
05:23:57.360 --> 05:24:12.240
right. >> He is. He is indeed. >> He is indeed. >> Like how everybody knows I'll be here. I'm glad the mayor's here. Kevin, look at the welcome you're getting today. >> Good. Good evening. Kevin Weller from

1116
05:24:12.240 --> 05:24:28.080
the forever rent control port towers. Have you ever been so far behind financially that the number you owe is bigger than the number in your account. Maybe it has happened to you.

1117
05:24:28.080 --> 05:24:44.240
Maybe you helped someone, a friend or family through a situation like that. The electric bill and the phone bill are on the table. The cut off notices have come. You're $100 short and the walls are

1118
05:24:44.240 --> 05:25:01.360
closing in. Then you put on an old jacket that you have not worn in a while and you reach into the pocket and your fingers find a folded $100 bill. What a relief. Mayor is at that table tonight. The city

1119
05:25:01.360 --> 05:25:17.200
is short. It's not his fault. He's trying to figure out what to do about it. It's important. I want to gently point out that he has a jacket on, too, and there's money in it.

1120
05:25:17.200 --> 05:25:32.560
Every single day, we send this city a report on just two buildings. By the city's own law, passed unanimously, every one of these violations carries a fine of at least $100

1121
05:25:32.560 --> 05:25:48.958
per day for each apartment in each building. We have 527 apartments. So, a single violation on a single day is more than $50,000 the city has owed and so far has not

1122
05:25:48.958 --> 05:26:05.120
collected. And there are eight of them on that report. Every day for 429 consecutive days, we've reported this. Sent to nearly 40 officials with the press copied or blind copied based on

1123
05:26:05.120 --> 05:26:20.160
their preference. That's not $100 bill on the floor. That's a floor covered in $100 bills. Most of those violations have nothing to do with rent control. Only one of the eight.

1124
05:26:20.160 --> 05:26:36.320
We are two buildings. So ask yourself, how many $100 bills are falling out of every other building in the city? For each one, there's a hallway full of families living with the violations and a landlord getting a free pass while the rest of us are asked to pay.

1125
05:26:36.320 --> 05:26:53.920
They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Some have said we are the squeakiest wheel this city has ever heard. And we cannot get a single one of these fines collected. So what do you think is happening at the buildings that make no

1126
05:26:53.920 --> 05:27:16.480
sound at all? Does anyone believe that this city leaves uncollected uh that leaves uncollected fines break the law? That that's smaller than the hole it's asking us to fill. Thank you. Then the next speaker, Daniel Feldman.

1127
05:27:16.480 --> 05:27:32.558
Good evening. Dan Feldman, 1545 Washington Street. At the last council meeting, I spoke about the Korean War Memorial and the city's practice of marking each new CC click fix report as a duplicate, even though section 1-25 of

1128
05:27:32.558 --> 05:27:48.558
the Jersey City Code of Ordinances states that each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense. So, tonight I want to begin with a thank you. After that meeting, Julie Judy Riley from the resident response center contacted me directly.

1129
05:27:48.558 --> 05:28:04.400
She reviewed the issue, acknowledged that the reports should not have been marked as duplicates, apologized profusely for the error, and corrected the process. I appreciate that. When residents raise legitimate concerns, government should listen. And in this

1130
05:28:04.400 --> 05:28:20.718
case, it did. The reason this matters is because section 1-25 of the Jersey City Code of Ordinances is very clear. It states that each day a condition continues and in violation of an ordinance shall be regarded as a new and separate offense. That language is

1131
05:28:20.718 --> 05:28:36.160
important because the Korean War Memorial continues to be left open after hours on a routine basis. I continue to document those violations and now those reports are being treated as separate incidences. incidents which is

1132
05:28:36.160 --> 05:28:52.958
consistent with the city's own code. The next question is enforcement. Section 1-25 also provides that the maximum penalty for violation for violating a city ordinance is a fine of up to $2,000 per offense. If each day is a separate

1133
05:28:52.958 --> 05:29:09.280
offense, then each day of non-compliance is potentially subject to its own penalty. Now, as we all obviously know, the city is considering a 20% property tax hike, which would dramatically increase the cost of living for tens of thousands of residents. But at the same

1134
05:29:09.280 --> 05:29:26.958
time, the city has an ordinance on the books, a recorded covenant, documented violations, and enforcement mechanism already provided by the code of ordinances. This is not about creating a new law. This is not about raising anyone's taxes. is simply about enforcing the

1135
05:29:26.958 --> 05:29:43.440
laws that already exist. Most importantly, this issue involves a memorial dedicated to those who served our country and those who never came home. The protections required by ordinance 07-153 were promised nearly 20 years ago.

1136
05:29:43.440 --> 05:29:59.200
Residents continue to document violations and the memorial continues to be left open after hours. I appreciate the progress that has been made regarding the cclick fix reports. Now, I respectfully ask the city to take the next step and ensure that ordinance

1137
05:29:59.200 --> 05:30:23.120
07-153 is enforced as written. Thank you. >> Uh Sarah, I have a question. um with with um with with violations. I I know that the courts are backed up like um is

1138
05:30:23.120 --> 05:30:46.080
it possible or legal for like violations and fines to be pushed ahead of um other cases? The municipal court is responsible for scheduling its own court appearances and generally they operate on a first come

1139
05:30:46.080 --> 05:31:02.878
first- serve basis with certain lawful exceptions and so the court has does have some capacity to consolidate cases that are filed against the same defendant. There are some matters that are legally deemed emergent and so they cut to the head of the line but beyond that generally legally it's a first come

1140
05:31:02.878 --> 05:31:25.440
first-s serve basis. want to move on to the next speaker. >> Just on the note, uh has there been any progress on the the report um that the mayor requested? There was a public letter in February around um maximum a report on maximum enforcement. I know,

1141
05:31:25.440 --> 05:31:43.520
not to put you on the spot, uh corporation council, you did respond uh to our office, but um I think about a month has passed. So, just wanted to see if there's been any progress on that. >> Is this on the request for data about the municipal court system?

1142
05:31:43.520 --> 05:31:57.680
>> So, >> yes. Yes. The the the the mayor had sent a letter asking for a report on the um maximum fines. Um so, I was being annoying and following up on his his

1143
05:31:57.680 --> 05:32:13.360
letter. So, I'll share an update for the benefit of the public. Um, the municipal court currently uses the same databases that every municipal court in the state uses. Um, there's no local infrastructure for

1144
05:32:13.360 --> 05:32:28.798
recording data about cases that move through our court system. It's a standard statewide system. Locally, we have extremely limited ability to query our own system. And so we are working on exploring potential software solutions or other interventions that would let us

1145
05:32:28.798 --> 05:32:45.600
actually do things like do an analysis of how many cases of what types have moved through the courts over what time period. What have the dispositions of those cases been in terms of whether they were dismissed, adjudicated, whether fines were awarded, whether fines were actually collected.

1146
05:32:45.600 --> 05:33:03.120
Currently, we can only look at a case based on the name of the defendant at issue or on an individual basis. So we don't have any ability to generate summary statistics across cases. So we can give anecdotal information. We can ask individual prosecutors to summarize

1147
05:33:03.120 --> 05:33:19.040
their own case files which is very labor intensive for a group that is already understaffed and overworked. Systematically what we're doing is we're both working with the state to see if they will be a partner in helping us get our own data to analyze either on on a bulk basis or on an ongoing basis. Um,

1148
05:33:19.040 --> 05:33:34.878
and we're also exploring if there are other interventions that we can take on locally, so we're not just having a clerk enter our information into a state system that we can't access on an ongoing basis. But all of those are are long-term solutions and we'll keep the council apprised. >> Sarah, the prior municipal prosecutor

1149
05:33:34.878 --> 05:33:52.160
was uh offered to get on the Tyler system, which we already use and pay for. Apparently, he declined that offer. That may be something that our current acting municipal prosecutor can can look into. >> I'm happy to pass that along. Council members, I will uh ask that if we have

1150
05:33:52.160 --> 05:34:09.280
questions that we can get answered offline, that we take them offline. We still have a lot of people waiting to speak um and it's a long night and we want to make sure that our residents get home um and get their chance to speak. So, I ask that we kind of reduce our questions if it's not related to

1151
05:34:09.280 --> 05:34:28.718
something that we're voting on and we send those in writing to the administration. That said, the next speaker is speaker number 32, Jessica Rulo. Not here. Uh, number 33, Deep. She not here. Okay.

1152
05:34:28.718 --> 05:34:49.440
Number 34, Erin Kent. Okay. Uh, good evening, council members and mayor. I'm Aaron Kent. I live at 100 Warren Street. I want you to picture something. It is 12:45 a.m. in the morning. You are asleep. A fire alarm

1153
05:34:49.440 --> 05:35:05.520
tears you out of bed. There is a real fire on the seventh floor and you live directly above it. You walk into your bathroom and the smell hits you. Smoke is coming through the vent. You don't know how bad it is. You don't know how. You don't know if it is spreading. Have you ever been truly scared that you were

1154
05:35:05.520 --> 05:35:21.280
going to die? In that moment, you don't know if you're going to make it out. And you don't know who, if anyone in your building can do anything to help you. Take a moment and feel the panic rising up as you run down the stairway with your dog, all while an alarm is repeatedly blaring in the halls to

1155
05:35:21.280 --> 05:35:37.040
evacuate the building. Eight flights to go. Those eight flights take an eternity. How do you feel? This was my experience on June 12th. We have false alarms in our building so often that most people don't believe there is a fire. And I thought it was false, too, until I walked into my bathroom and

1156
05:35:37.040 --> 05:35:52.878
instantly smelled that the building was actually on fire. In an absolute panic, I got dressed, gathered some essentials, and put my dog on his leash. By the time I made it down the stairs, I couldn't breathe. My airways began to swell and constrict, which was a severe response triggered by my chronic illness called

1157
05:35:52.878 --> 05:36:10.000
mass cell activation syndrome. The only thing keeping my airway open was coughing. If I stopped coughing, I couldn't breathe. So, I alternated coughing with choking for 3 hours straight and even considered calling 911 at one point. It was genuinely terrifying and felt like my throat was going to close completely. The next day,

1158
05:36:10.000 --> 05:36:26.320
I had to go to urgent care because I was still coughing and my throat and chest were in severe pain. There is no superintendent who lives in my building. There's no emergency number that reaches a human who can make decisions. That night, a tenant even asked an on-site staff member for a direct emergency

1159
05:36:26.320 --> 05:36:42.400
number, and he told her he didn't have one to give. Our landlord, who claims they care about tenants, recently removed a more essential human interactions. We have a new service, an AI bot named Ella, who takes our calls and routes them to staff offshore. Ella

1160
05:36:42.400 --> 05:36:59.440
can't make a decision in an emergency. Ella can't meet the fire department. Ella can't give me oxygen when my lungs are about to give out. Council, your laws are being violated while families slept above a fire. We've been telling you how dangerous our buildings have become since 2022. No one would be

1161
05:36:59.440 --> 05:37:14.718
surprised if these things were happening on Philip's watch, but I cannot believe that we are almost 6 months into Solomon's term and your terms, and this is still my life. I survived a smokefilled evacuation in the middle of the night where I almost choked to death and I'm still traumatized. Tell me, what

1162
05:37:14.718 --> 05:37:43.680
are you going to do to help us? You can enforce a simple law that we have a superintendent in our building for extremely dangerous moments like this. Just wondering what's so difficult about that. >> Thank you. >> We we I I don't want to let your

1163
05:37:43.680 --> 05:37:59.120
question go unanswered. I mean, I just as council members, we don't direct um city employees. We can request that they do certain things. Um, I didn't want to let your question go unanswered

1164
05:37:59.120 --> 05:38:12.798
and and I don't this I don't want this to sound like a copout either. Um, and yeah, I mean even as a council as council members, we make requests to directors and to employees, but um, we

1165
05:38:12.798 --> 05:38:35.360
cannot give them orders. Um, so there is a, you know, I'm not on the the rent control investigation committee. I don't know if anybody on the committee wants to speak to um Erin's issue. >> Good, John.

1166
05:38:35.360 --> 05:38:50.160
>> So, are we going to the next out? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, we have to I'm have to call the next speaker. Uh the next speaker is Mark Boils. >> Skip all the way to Michelle to save everybody time tonight. >> Thank you.

1167
05:38:50.160 --> 05:39:09.920
But so who we we're going to skip to Michelle. Is that right? >> Okay. >> If you would skip to 47. >> That fire was real, by the way, and I'm still traumatized from it. I had to walk down 18 flights holding my dog at 12:30

1168
05:39:09.920 --> 05:39:27.680
a.m. And there was smells everywhere uh and blaring in the uh the staircase. Evacuate. Evacuate. It's It's traumatizing. I can't tell you to. There's nobody to call. Nobody. All right. Good evening. Michelle Hirs, 100 Warren Street. There are some pictures

1169
05:39:27.680 --> 05:39:43.600
being passed around right now. Please look at them while I talk. They were taken in March 2023 when then Councilman Solomon and our Councilman Gilmore held a town hall in our community room at Portside Towers. After the town hall, a

1170
05:39:43.600 --> 05:40:00.080
group of us walked the building together and stood in the lobby at the wall where the law says our landlord has to post who is responsible during an emergency. There was no certificate, no super name, no apartment number, no number that

1171
05:40:00.080 --> 05:40:16.878
reaches a person. Three of the people standing up with us that night, Gilmore, who serves on this council, Elena Little now Ward E Councilwoman, and Michael Griffin, now our councilman at large, signed sworn affidavits for what they witnessed with

1172
05:40:16.878 --> 05:40:32.400
their own eyes. I know because I was the witness, I stood next to you guys and put my name down underneath yours. So now the councilman who hosted that town hall is the mayor. The three who

1173
05:40:32.400 --> 05:40:49.760
signed the affidavits are all elected to this council. And for all intents and purposes, the info on our lobby wall has not changed. We still don't have the information the law requires. Information a landlord must provide whether or not a building is rent

1174
05:40:49.760 --> 05:41:06.000
controlled in order to raise any rents. That was 3 years ago. I hope these pictures bring you back to that night and how you felt about what the city was letting happen to its tenants.

1175
05:41:06.000 --> 05:41:22.400
Back then, you were our neighbors and advocates standing in a lobby. And some of you didn't have the power to help us then. But tonight, you do. Every person in those photos was elected by people like us. You witnessed. You signed. Now,

1176
05:41:22.400 --> 05:41:46.558
please do something. help us. We're waiting for your help. Thank you. >> I I want to address um both the last two speakers. It is immensely frustrating that

1177
05:41:46.558 --> 05:42:01.440
this is not being enforced and I can only imagine the orders of magnitude greater frustration you feel than than I feel as as someone who has seen it with my own eyes and signed an affidavit. Um,

1178
05:42:01.440 --> 05:42:18.718
we have been learning the ins and outs of of what is our purview in council and what is not. And my best understanding at this point in time is that it is not lawful for us to

1179
05:42:18.718 --> 05:42:34.958
direct the municipal prosecutor to prosecute a case. And I would would um corporation council care to confirm that or or >> That's correct. They're independent. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, I wish we could,

1180
05:42:34.958 --> 05:42:51.520
honestly. Um, but we can't and I would be happy to go again and do the same thing and assuming the conditions are the same, sign the same affidavit, I would be happy um, you know, as as long as that

1181
05:42:51.520 --> 05:43:11.480
does not conflict with um, what is as as long as that would not put the city at risk of, you know, liability or anything. Um, but I don't know. I is is my question to corporation council. Is there anything

1182
05:43:12.480 --> 05:43:28.160
to be done? >> The council can request a report from the relevant enforcement units within the city um on what their recent efforts have been. >> Okay. Um I I would like to do that.

1183
05:43:28.160 --> 05:43:44.638
and Corp Council, can we um I think it's already a standing item, but we have a close session coming up pending. We vote on that tonight. Um but we have a regularly scheduled close session that we're trying to do with the council. So, can we readress some of this in those closed sessions? I know we've been

1184
05:43:44.638 --> 05:44:01.520
through some of these questions before. So can we just make sure that all the council is clear on uh you know what is within our power in regards to this case and this situation and what is not. >> Absolutely. And and this question about superintendence doesn't have anything to

1185
05:44:01.520 --> 05:44:17.120
do with any pending litigation but we can talk candidly about process and enforcement and then if there are things you want to bring all of that stuff. >> That's right. Okay. >> Thank you. Looking forward to seeing those reports as well. Um and my office

1186
05:44:17.120 --> 05:44:31.440
will follow up. Is the BA the correct um the correct person to reach out to for those? Yeah. Okay. Thank you. The next speaker is speaker number 48, Mark Isakov.

1187
05:44:31.440 --> 05:45:05.600
No. No. Uh speaker number 49, Anthony. No. Uh speaker number 50, Albert Harrari. Speaker number 51, Mang Wu. Um, I am, my name is Mangu and I'm a Jersey City homeowner. Um I'm speaking

1188
05:45:05.600 --> 05:45:21.600
in opposition to this tax exemption that we're talking about uh regarding the development and a tax hike at the same time. Um so the two items I want to talk about both got moved. Um but I mean apparently a developer is getting

1189
05:45:21.600 --> 05:45:38.000
30-year tax exemption while ordinary homeowners like me are getting a 20% tax hike. Um, but I really want to talk about the market and show how bad the situation actually already is.

1190
05:45:38.000 --> 05:45:55.840
Our local housing market is my observation is structurally unhealthy and home owners are financially fragile. Condo sales record showed the price per square foot has failed to keep up with inflation over the past three years and

1191
05:45:55.840 --> 05:46:12.080
since 2525 price has been flat. So effectively the price is dropping and this happens because our everinccreasing property tax and this year the condo market is slipping into a deeper distress.

1192
05:46:12.080 --> 05:46:27.680
According to Redf Fin, the average days on market for Newport area homes was 70 days in the first quarter of 2026. And this is up from 33 days in the same period in 2025. And for downtown, it was

1193
05:46:27.680 --> 05:46:44.558
54 days versus 31 days from the year before. And one of the flagship building, 99 Husten, 45% of active listings have been sitting for more than 60 days. And on top of the slow sales, recent clearing price in downtown and

1194
05:46:44.558 --> 05:47:00.000
waterfront area are about 10% below current listing prices per square foot. So that means the sellers are taking almost twice as long as last year to sell and are facing potentially a 10%

1195
05:47:00.000 --> 05:47:15.680
price correction. So a 20% tax shock will push the overall property tax to over 2.5%. And for a typical condo valued at 850K that's already paying 20K per year and

1196
05:47:15.680 --> 05:47:33.760
that's about 15 1,500 a year and at a current interest rate about 5%. This value it translates to about 30K or 3.5% of the property value and that's a potential cut. So, we're already in a distressed market

1197
05:47:33.760 --> 05:47:49.360
facing a potential 10 price 10% price gap and this additional 3% may be enough to trigger a market collapse with a price correction of potentially up to 15%. This is serious because this will

1198
05:47:49.360 --> 05:48:16.760
destroy future homeowner and homeowner confidence and investor confidence in Jersey City and this affect all of us. Speaker number 52, William Lilis. No. Uh, speaker number 53, Ilva.

1199
05:48:16.958 --> 05:48:36.080
No. Uh, speaker number 54, Simron. >> She left. >> No. Uh, speaker number 56, Robin Aral. Speaker number 57, Pavit Thakor. No. Uh, speaker number 58, Satana Kari.

1200
05:48:36.080 --> 05:48:58.718
>> Speaker number 59, Nil Nilvia Burganio. Speaker 60, Morinelli. Um, good evening. Thank you, mayor, for being here. It's good of you. Um, I have I'm all over the board here, but I am absolutely

1201
05:48:58.718 --> 05:49:16.558
frozen. I have been a city resident for 60 years. Happy birthday, me. But, um, yeah. Um, frozen again. I'm going to be all over the board here. My father was a city employee. He worked for public works for like 28 years. I think he

1202
05:49:16.558 --> 05:49:35.280
retired in 20 2000. Um, I just remember growing up he we would he would go shopping on Westside Avenue for um his work pits store next to Dairy Queen. And now, you know, maybe

1203
05:49:35.280 --> 05:49:50.798
he'd still be alive and he wouldn't have had died of a head and neck cancer. If he had, you know, a $300,000 cleaning uniform budget like they do now at public works, he he worked he operated with two pairs of khaki pants.

1204
05:49:50.798 --> 05:50:05.360
You know, I sit here and I'm thinking, of course, I'm straying. This is not where I wanted to go with this, but um there's I don't know where the change came and now we have a $300,000 budget to clean the public works uniforms. I have pictures of my father in this

1205
05:50:05.360 --> 05:50:22.958
building climbing through the boiler and plastering the boiler. Like that's all bad stuff. You know what I'm saying? Um, one good thing is after the fire in 1979, which I'm sure nobody is aware of here in this building, my father was an ornamental plasterer and he he did leave

1206
05:50:22.958 --> 05:50:39.840
his thumb prints. He told us in some of the design right above us. So that that's kind of cool. Um, just listening to these people speak about having to experience a fire in their building. Um, I didn't want to go

1207
05:50:39.840 --> 05:50:55.600
here, but four years ago, I had a fire at my home. I'm still not back in my home because the fire department went to the wrong address. We have a horrible 911 system. There's a massive miscommunication.

1208
05:50:55.600 --> 05:51:13.280
However, I operate those phone calls and I have seven phone calls that say exactly my address. So, I I need to sit down and talk with someone cuz while we're on blaming the past administration, I never had that minute or five minutes. I need answers. Like,

1209
05:51:13.280 --> 05:51:29.760
this makes me crazy. Makes me mad. I can't live in my house. I pay a full mortgage and now you want to raise my taxes along with everybody else's, but I'm I'm giving you the real deal here right now. I have to pay higher taxes and I can't live in my house because

1210
05:51:29.760 --> 05:51:45.040
there were mistakes with the 911 system. But, you know, that's another thing. We need to talk. I I'm I'm I'm giving you an assignment. Get organizational charts from every single department. I worked in Mayor Shler's office. I've been

1211
05:51:45.040 --> 05:52:02.240
working for the city for a 100red years. This is my midlife my my mid my midlife joke crisis job with the fire department. I'm I'm going to keep going because I had to wait for the fire department to come to my house. It took them 15 minutes to go three blocks. I'm sorry. It's four years and I don't know

1212
05:52:02.240 --> 05:52:19.040
where I'm living on July 1st. My house is not done yet. Okay. Aside from that, I know Joel Brooks made mention something about Charlene Burke said about desk audits and stuff. >> Well, wait. We have city workers

1213
05:52:19.040 --> 05:52:34.798
playing on my house. >> Training training. >> We get it. And the mayor's office is waiting to speak to you and get all your information. >> Bring it and print it. But you know, at least my father is here. He was a hard worker. Ask any of those mayors. We have a lot to talk about. I welcome anybody

1214
05:52:34.798 --> 05:52:50.798
to call me because there's a lot going on and a lot that needs to be solved and raising taxes. I'm sure there are other people in similar situations as me, but but not all of you have had a fire and have been to speak at everybody else's. >> We have to hold everyone to five

1215
05:52:50.798 --> 05:53:07.680
minutes. But yeah, I know you got to go. I sat here all night. I'm freezing. >> Thank you, Moren. And thank you for your father's service to the city. Speaker number 61, Carlos. Is Carlos here? No. >> No. >> Okay. Uh, number 62, Lorenzo. Lorenzo

1216
05:53:07.680 --> 05:53:23.680
Richardson. >> That's the left. >> No. Speaker number 63, Evelyn Abara. >> Left, too. >> Uh, number 64, Susan. Susan Murphy. >> No. >> Uh, number 65, Jeff. Is Jeff here?

1217
05:53:23.680 --> 05:53:38.798
>> No. >> Uh, number 66, Melissa Alto. >> No. Number 67, Daniel Haskins. Danielle, >> no. >> Uh, number 68, Ashley Nally Nagel.

1218
05:53:38.798 --> 05:54:01.440
>> Okay, I'm a crier, too. I'm going to try not to cry. >> It's okay. >> Jersey City is the only home I've ever known. I grew up in this community. So did both of my parents. My grandparents arrived in Jersey City in the 1950s as Irish immigrants. They lived, worked, and died here, and I plan on doing the

1219
05:54:01.440 --> 05:54:18.240
same. Lifelong and longtime residents losing their homes as a result of this tax increase should not be an afterthought or a given. The way that has been relayed by some of you in a tone that seems nonchalant and just a fact of life is ridiculous and to me unelectable going forward. I understand

1220
05:54:18.240 --> 05:54:34.638
that at least half of you on the council did not grow up in this community and you won't have to answer to your parents or your cousins or lifelong friends as to why you voted in favor of their displacement. So maybe that makes that makes it easier for you to vote yes. We constantly hear about the affordable housing that will come from tax

1221
05:54:34.638 --> 05:54:51.920
abatements and pilot programs. And my question is affordable for who? for Joe Schmo from Montlair or Missouri or Milbourne who works at JP Morgan or for the teacher who lives on Duncan Avenue and has for her entire life. Is it affordable for our immigrant neighbors who in my opinion deserve to be here far

1222
05:54:51.920 --> 05:55:08.080
more desperately than wealthy suburbanites looking for a few years of fun in the city before it's time to have a baby and move back to the BBS, but that's a topic for another day. The issue here is the proposed tax increase while while more abatements are on the table. It's unfathomable. I encourage

1223
05:55:08.080 --> 05:55:24.958
you to vote no on this increase that will change the lives of the people who have grown up here, who have lived here for decades and immigrants who came here with nothing and made a life here. This proposed increase would personally affect me as I became a homeowner two years ago when my dad died and left me his home in Greenville. However, I'm far

1224
05:55:24.958 --> 05:55:41.040
more concerned with how this will impact my more vulnerable neighbors and I will fight for them every way I can. The bottom line is the burden should not be placed on any of us as a result of the last administration's mistakes. Keep in mind everything going forward will be a result of this administration's mistakes

1225
05:55:41.040 --> 05:55:57.040
or solutions. And just for the record, I voted for you. I voted for this council. I believed in you all then and I still do. But my at the end of the day, my community comes first and always will. We're beginning to wonder if this afford affordability facade was all about

1226
05:55:57.040 --> 05:56:13.840
furthering your political agendas or using us as a stepping stone to higher office. Kind of like the last guy. All I ask of you is to find a way to protect longtime and lifelong residents and our immigrant community first and foremost. And to remember that transplants come and go. They might not be here to vote

1227
05:56:13.840 --> 05:56:39.520
for you the next time you're on the ballot. They'll be back home in the Burbs or onto the next city to gentrify, but some of us were lucky enough to grow up here. And we aren't going anywhere. Thank you. Number 69, Norine Collins. No.

1228
05:56:39.520 --> 05:57:04.240
Number 70. Okay. Good evening. My name is Zaharola Morphanis. Z like Z A H A R O U L A M O R F O G E N.

1229
05:57:04.240 --> 05:57:19.920
Um, of course, I want to begin by acknowledging the seriousness of this obscene budget deficit that we're meeting here. In this context though, I'm also primarily here to voice my support of resolution 26421,

1230
05:57:19.920 --> 05:57:36.400
recognizing child care as the essential public infrastructure it is. Jersey City gave me a secure base from which to rebuild during some of the most harrowing years of my life. I completed my undergraduate degree at NJCU through the New Jersey Transfer Program. And

1231
05:57:36.400 --> 05:57:53.040
today I work as a licensed mental health clinician serving North Jerseys most vulnerable. My work has taken me from community mental health to the acute psychiatric units of Newark Beth Israel and now to a public psychiatric hospital where every

1232
05:57:53.040 --> 05:58:08.480
day I witness how investments or lack thereof in social infrastructure shape people's lives. This is why when we talk about infrastructure, we really need to include care work alongside transit and

1233
05:58:08.480 --> 05:58:24.558
roads. Child care is not a luxury and care work makes all other work possible. Today marks four years since DOS versus Jackson overturned Row versus Wade. While New Jersey continues to protect

1234
05:58:24.558 --> 05:58:41.040
reproductive rights, those rights are incomplete without affordable child care. True autonomy depends not only on the right to decide whether to have children, but on having the resources to raise them safely. When child care becomes unaffordable, many women are

1235
05:58:41.040 --> 05:58:57.600
forced out of the workforce or into economic dependence. For survivors of domestic violence, that can make leaving an abusive relationship that much more difficult. Expanding child care assistance gives families real choices. It creates opportunities

1236
05:58:57.600 --> 05:59:15.200
for education, employment, and long-term stability. As Jersey City confronts rising costs and fiscal emergency, this is precisely when the state should be investing in working families. History has repeatedly shown that investments in social

1237
05:59:15.200 --> 05:59:30.798
infrastructure and public works during periods of economic strain produce returns that far exceed the costs. Affordable child care strengthens families, protects women and children, supports workers, creates jobs, and

1238
05:59:30.798 --> 05:59:45.920
helps ensure that people can continue to live and build their lives here. In Greek, we have a word, and that is fimmo. It doesn't have a onetoone translation, but it speaks to honor, generosity, and our responsibility to

1239
05:59:45.920 --> 06:00:01.040
one another. At a moment when working people are being asked to bear the brunt of decisions they did not make, the most honorable response is not austerity. It is investing infrastructure and people. So let's start with this resolution. Thank you all.

1240
06:00:01.040 --> 06:00:22.240
>> Thank you. >> Number 71, Shotti. No. Number 72, Adele Ahmed. Number 73, Elliot. Number 74, Quen.

1241
06:00:22.240 --> 06:00:43.120
Okay. Hello. In recent days, there has been much discussion over the budget deficit. I've seen commentary casually noting that taxes from one or two dozen highrises on the waterfront or in Journal Square would bridge the gap. The only problem being how long this would

1242
06:00:43.120 --> 06:00:59.680
take. But this is not the only problem with this solution. The real problem is that the city has already consistently overdeveloped for its own interests while underplanning for the resources of the public it serves. During May Fulip's tenure, Jersey City built 45,000

1243
06:00:59.680 --> 06:01:15.440
residential units and 13 classrooms. 45,000 versus 13. Development has been most prevalent in the waterfront, the PS-16 zone, with another 6,000 residential units coming in and no corresponding planning for school

1244
06:01:15.440 --> 06:01:33.120
growth. This makes PS16 just about the most crowded school in the state. And this is not a superlative that we should be proud of. As we head into the fall, five and sixyear-olds have class sizes of 35 to 40 students per class to look forward to. We need a plan to deal with

1245
06:01:33.120 --> 06:01:48.080
the extraordinary burdens that Jersey City is putting on the public school system. Everyone can see the new apartment buildings everywhere. Where are the schools? And this is a city-wide problem. This affects constituents for every council member here today. In W A,

1246
06:01:48.080 --> 06:02:03.920
PS38's overcrowded. In W B, PS 17 and 33, and in W C, PS 23 and 11 hold the dubious honor. W D PS 27. And in Morty, PS16 is at 200% capacity.

1247
06:02:03.920 --> 06:02:20.638
In Ward F, PS 29 is at capacity in a building from 1901. 1901. Back then, less than 10% of Americans graduated high school. Half of our 41 schools are between 95 and 130 years old. Why are our current city

1248
06:02:20.638 --> 06:02:38.080
officials statistically much more likely to be more educated than your ancestors so much more reticent to build schools? We can't squeeze kids into old school buildings and expect them to get a thorough and efficient education. Where are the schools? For our part, PS16

1249
06:02:38.080 --> 06:02:52.400
parents have been pleading with the city and the BOE for both temporary and permanent school space for relief. We've suggested spaces we think are suitable. We've even sourced lots for construction, but we can't even get an email back. And meanwhile, we hear about

1250
06:02:52.400 --> 06:03:09.600
new presentations such as 127 to 133 Morgan Street with no plans of schooling. Yes, it costs money, but we know there will be a statewide vote on a bond issue for the state's school development authority in November. We urge council members to organize their communities to support it and urge the

1251
06:03:09.600 --> 06:03:25.520
council to work with the BOE to bring money we need to the district. PS16 parents are still requesting immediate assistance securing short-term space for September or as soon as possible. We think the city can help and I urge you to do so for our children's sake. I make

1252
06:03:25.520 --> 06:03:52.000
my comments on behalf of hundreds of parents in the PS16 community. Thank you. >> Number 75, Patrick Carr. Patrick Carr. I'm also here to talk about PS16. Before I do that, I would like to be the person who is not opposed to the tax increase.

1253
06:03:52.000 --> 06:04:08.000
Go for it. Um I am here today because the city has imposed extraordinary burdens on the public school system. As uh Quinn has said, um we built 45,000 residential units here. Um the Fibon administration bragged about that um and

1254
06:04:08.000 --> 06:04:24.320
have built all of 13 classrooms. Um of course development has been concentrated in the PS16 zone. We are expecting 6,000 units coming online in the next few years uh if not sooner. Um and there's no corresponding plan for

1255
06:04:24.320 --> 06:04:40.638
school expansion. Um so we our perspective here is that we really need a plan um to deal with the tremendous strain that's being put on that school. Overcrowded facilities are a citywide problem. Uh the district's long range facility

1256
06:04:40.638 --> 06:04:56.958
um uh long-range facility report um notes that seven schools are overcrowded, five are um at capacity in very old schools. Um, you know, a lot of these are between 95

1257
06:04:56.958 --> 06:05:12.240
and 130 years old. Um, I am glad that our great great great great great grandparents could build schools and we really need to follow suit. We all see the new buildings going up everywhere and so we wonder where are

1258
06:05:12.240 --> 06:05:27.760
the schools? Um, the city's master plan doesn't contemplate school construction construction incredibly. Um there are zero new schools in the construction or planning phase apart from a charter school which isn't helping our system.

1259
06:05:27.760 --> 06:05:42.638
We can't cram kids into old school buildings like this body has done and accept expect them to get a thorough and efficient education. So where are the schools? We have been asking um for for space uh for temporary and permanent

1260
06:05:42.638 --> 06:06:00.080
solutions. Um we are waiting to hear back. Um, but if it helps, you can think of us as real estate developers, the people's real estate developers, if you will. But for education, and we're here because we don't see anyone else filling that role.

1261
06:06:00.080 --> 06:06:16.080
Um, of course, when it comes to education, everyone is forced to wonder, doesn't that cost money? Yes. Um, we support the proposal with 10% of pilot money toward education. It seems like a good start. Um, we know there

1262
06:06:16.080 --> 06:06:31.760
will be this statewide vote on the SDA bond. Um, and we urge the council to work with the BOE on that um to to bring money home. It's hard to imagine that we have enough money in even with that to revamp the entire school system, but um

1263
06:06:31.760 --> 06:06:49.040
whatever we can do, please. Uh beyond that, we know Jersey City's nine charter schools are sitting on $150 million in budget surplus. Um that's not helping our system either. and should be taxed in my own opinion. Um, we have a few

1264
06:06:49.040 --> 06:07:08.240
addresses um with temporary space that we've >> Sorry, your time >> three minutes is up, sir. >> Thank you very much. >> Uh, the next speaker, the next speaker, number 77, Christine. Uh, number 78, Richard Heden.

1265
06:07:08.240 --> 06:07:30.000
>> No. >> Oh, no. Rich. >> Oh, okay. >> Is that Richard? >> Yeah. Yes. >> Hi, my name is uh Rich Heden. Um H E Den. Um I live in Jersey City.

1266
06:07:30.000 --> 06:07:46.400
Um I believe this city right now is possibly at a tipping point. Definitely the people of this city are at a tipping point. Um, our neighbors are at a tipping point

1267
06:07:46.400 --> 06:08:02.718
that all our fates are in your hands ultimately when you vote for that. Does begin with you, Mayor Solomon. And this is a tough situation. Some might even consider it a no-win

1268
06:08:02.718 --> 06:08:18.958
situation. which brings me into mind a movie called the Star Trek the Rethicon. It's a space movie for those who aren't familiar with it. It begins with a space crew in their spaceship. You have a

1269
06:08:18.958 --> 06:08:34.320
captain surrounded by their crew and they're involved in a very volatile situation. It gets worse and worse with everything they try. Every decision the captain makes, it gets worse and worse until the ship is shaking. It explodes and goes dark. As it seems, both the crew and the

1270
06:08:34.320 --> 06:08:51.760
captain are lost. But the smoke does clear and the lights come on because it turns out to be a simulation. It was a test for the captain of the ship. A captain who failed. But every captain that takes this test fails. The whole

1271
06:08:51.760 --> 06:09:08.160
point of the test is to fail. It's programmed that way. Nobody has ever passed a test except one. Captain James T. Kirk has passed the test. Later on, you find out how he passed

1272
06:09:08.160 --> 06:09:25.280
this test. The night before he snuck in before the test and reprogrammed it. So when he took the test, he passed it. And later on when he asked him and he explained this, he said, "Well,

1273
06:09:25.280 --> 06:09:40.718
I don't believe in a no-win situation. I always believe there's a way out if you really try and so he captain like you are in that situation James T. Solomon is what we

1274
06:09:40.718 --> 06:09:56.798
need. We need a captain cuz we're your crew and you have to find a way to give us a chance because that's what he always believed. No matter how hard the odds were, he believed he can always find a way to give them a chance.

1275
06:09:56.798 --> 06:10:13.600
So, that's what we need from you. I don't need you to be a mayor. I need you to be the captain. And I think you there is there is a way you can get us a chance. Now, it's going to be hard. It's not going to be easy, but you got to give us a chance. Okay. >> Richard, extra points if you remember

1276
06:10:13.600 --> 06:10:31.360
the name of the test. >> Oh, it's uh it's a long name. I can't pronounce it. It's a kurashim. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few

1277
06:10:31.360 --> 06:10:55.520
or the one. >> Number 79, Alexandra Alton. Uh, number 80, Jean Daly. Good evening. Yes, I haven't been here in a long time because I changed jobs and doesn't permit me to be here, but I

1278
06:10:55.520 --> 06:11:14.080
am tonight. Um, I'm glad to be here. Uh, I'm glad um our mayor's here as well, which is very unusual. We did never had that before. Uh, I'm actually speaking on a different issue. I'm speaking on in regard actually to a resolution that you

1279
06:11:14.080 --> 06:11:30.240
passed uh the last council meeting where you accepted $20,000 from the exchange place alliance for I think was a parker service. Uh looking into it further I see that you've also accepted another $20,000 from them. I I hate to admit to

1280
06:11:30.240 --> 06:11:44.718
tell you this but you are not permitted to accept that money. All special improvement districts, the money that that are the assessments that are made, that money could only be spent

1281
06:11:44.718 --> 06:12:03.120
within that district boundary. They cannot be doing stuff outside the district, no matter how nice and fuzzy and warm. They cannot be giving you guys money, nor can you ask them for money. I brought this up to the Exchange Place

1282
06:12:03.120 --> 06:12:21.120
Alliance at their last council meeting and I suggested to them, well, if you'd like to contribute to other areas of the city, uh, nonprofits, certain drives and such, uh, they should form a separate nonprofit entity in which they could

1283
06:12:21.120 --> 06:12:38.400
fund these separate projects. I was co I was uh, called. I said all I want you to do is follow the law. And it was again said I was cold. Now this has been part of the Exchange

1284
06:12:38.400 --> 06:12:54.558
Place allianc's problem from the very beginning and it is continuing. Um Stephanie left already but several people have always asked whether they can expand the board if say for the historic Pauls Hook Association. Could

1285
06:12:54.558 --> 06:13:10.080
someone from the historic Pauls Hook get on the board? Could someone from the port of uh the Padma powerhouse district become on the board? Flat out ignored. There's another gentleman who wants to be on the board who actually owns the

1286
06:13:10.080 --> 06:13:26.718
Hyatt House which is on Exchange Place and they won't let him on the board. is still being run like a thief with Michael DeMarco in charge who doesn't live here, doesn't work here, and the

1287
06:13:26.718 --> 06:13:42.320
crew. There's another gentleman as well, but they are basically creating a conflict with the city because you are definitely therefore going to vote to approve their budget because you're getting money from them.

1288
06:13:42.320 --> 06:13:57.680
That is a conflict. They need to be stopped again. Well, again, they never were, but these people need to be stopped. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Number 81, Ritik Mahanti.

1289
06:13:57.680 --> 06:14:14.558
>> Uh 82, Yaro Wilman Cole. >> He left. >> No. Uh number 83, Habiba Johnson. >> She also left. >> Uh number 84, Leonard Wilson. Number 85, Cynthia Scott.

1290
06:14:14.558 --> 06:14:38.638
Number 86, Mera Joffy. >> We got mirror right here. >> Got it. Okay, >> here you >> hi everybody. Um, so, uh, I'm a 40-year resident of Jersey City and, um, I I feel like it's a shame that so many

1291
06:14:38.638 --> 06:14:57.520
people were not able to speak who came here today. and I appreciate you're being here and uh Mayor Solomon and listening to everyone who is here. Um I think that we all understand that the previous mayor

1292
06:14:57.520 --> 06:15:13.360
and some council members were responsible for this budget crisis that we now find ourselves in. But I'm not going to talk about how we got here. It seems that the governor and her

1293
06:15:13.360 --> 06:15:29.360
administration have given our council members an ultimatum. Vote unanimously to pass this 20% property tax increase or we will withhold the state monies needed to

1294
06:15:29.360 --> 06:15:45.360
balance our budget. The bottom line is nobody will remember Fulip's mismanagement if we vote to pass this 20% property tax increase.

1295
06:15:45.360 --> 06:16:01.360
Let the city default. If the council votes it down, the governor and her administration will not want to see Jersey City, a city that has been democratically run, feed into the

1296
06:16:01.360 --> 06:16:16.638
Republicans rhetoric of sanctuary cities and tax and spend Democrats leading to failed Democratic policies. I don't think Mikey Cheryl and her administration would want to give fuel

1297
06:16:16.638 --> 06:16:32.320
to this rhetoric. By voting yes on this 20% property tax increase, not only will you be creating hardship for many residents and local businesses who rely on disposable income

1298
06:16:32.320 --> 06:16:47.360
for people to spend, but it will be politically hurtful to every council member and the mayor who vote yes. All the good things you have done will be overshadowed when hundreds of residents are forced to leave. You will have you

1299
06:16:47.360 --> 06:17:05.200
will feel the repercussions uh you felt the rep repercussions of slow snow removal. Well, this will be far worse. Sadly, I fear voting yes might mean that your political careers will be short-lived. It may be the only

1300
06:17:05.200 --> 06:17:27.200
thing you are remembered for. >> Yeah. Um just just out of um curiosity um administration um how would it look for the city to file bankruptcy? What is I mean because

1301
06:17:27.200 --> 06:17:41.920
I don't know at this point I just want to make sure we check every box like what would that process look? What are the ramifications behind it? What if anything will happen? >> Um I I will give you a initial answer. We're happy to to do a little bit more

1302
06:17:41.920 --> 06:17:57.920
work in research. Unfortunately, I I do not believe it is a viable option. I I understand why folks are are bringing it up. Um there are only one or two cities that have filed for bankruptcy recently in US history. Um when you do so, your your credit is sort of nearly

1303
06:17:57.920 --> 06:18:15.680
permanently um downgraded. uh and you you you go through bankruptcy court process to to pay off your loans, but you your your credit is so damaged that as a city you're you're basically unable to borrow to to fund your government in the future. Um so it is obviously the

1304
06:18:15.680 --> 06:18:31.040
type of scenario where it has pretty devastating long-term decades long effects on your city's finances. um and and really is is you know never o only in the rarest of occasions has it been used. Um I believe Detroit may have gone

1305
06:18:31.040 --> 06:18:45.840
through this uh uh you know decade or two ago but I I will look at it. Um we're happy to give you a full you know do do a little deeper dive in research on it. Uh but go from there. >> Thank you. >> Yeah J.

1306
06:18:45.840 --> 06:19:02.878
>> Okay. Okay. The next speaker, uh, well, that's a duplicate, but number 88, Susan Santos. Number 89, 77 alkaline. >> I don't think so. Okay. Uh, number 90,

1307
06:19:02.878 --> 06:19:26.958
Carol. >> Go on. >> Number 91, Elsa Bermudez. I think she spoke earlier. Number 92, Kathleen Donnelly. Uh, number 93, Lel Villoeva. Yeah. No. Okay. Number 94, Jason Bess.

1308
06:19:26.958 --> 06:19:43.360
>> Number 95, Michael Thompson. >> Nope. >> Number 96, Adrien. >> And then he's not here. >> He's not here. 97, Richard. Richard uh Deagle. >> Number 98, Cara Gandhi.

1309
06:19:43.360 --> 06:20:08.320
>> Car is a repeat. That's a repeat. Okay. I'm sorry. That's a That >> That's a repeat. >> All right. Yes, we got you, sir. Miss >> uh number 99 Brendan Clark. Okay, Mayor Solomon, you are a liberal and I'm a big C conservative, but I want to

1310
06:20:08.320 --> 06:20:24.718
thank you on deciding to postpone the vote on the proposed property tax increase and thank you for listening to us, the taxpayers of Jersey City. With that, I implore you and the council to fully exhaust all alternative options

1311
06:20:24.718 --> 06:20:39.920
to reduce the current budget deficit before committing to any property tax increase. All city departments must cut their cost to the bone. To the bone. It should be brutal.

1312
06:20:39.920 --> 06:20:56.798
All city departments should have to reduce their headcount by 20%. And all city employees who make above $100,000 a year should take a 20% pay cut. If y'all want 20% from us, we

1313
06:20:56.798 --> 06:21:14.000
want 20% from y'all. And I do not care to hear anything about union rules or civil service protections. You have lawyers. Figure it out. I have also read in the interim report in city press release that you are

1314
06:21:14.000 --> 06:21:30.160
proposing directing 10% of pilot revenue to Jersey City public schools. Whatever merits that may have, Jersey City should not create a new reoccurring city-toschool diversion while claiming a municipal fiscal emergency severe enough

1315
06:21:30.160 --> 06:21:48.080
to justify a 20% tax rate increase. Any and all pilot revenue must go to the city coffers first and foremost. Our schools already have an outrageously bloated budget. You must not vote for a full 20%

1316
06:21:48.080 --> 06:22:03.760
increase until the city publishes a line by line alternative plan showing what it can still cut, what lawful non-tax revenue it can still collect, and what debt it can legally refinance for

1317
06:22:03.760 --> 06:22:20.798
savings, and why those actions may not be enough. I end this by paraphrasing a quote from a personal hero of mine, the late great Margaret Thatcher. You must ensure public expenditure is

1318
06:22:20.798 --> 06:22:40.160
cut and waste of taxpayer money is ruthlessly expuned from the budget. Thank you. Our next speaker, speaker speaker 100, Zy Mcerti. >> No.

1319
06:22:40.160 --> 06:23:03.840
>> Number 101, Aristotle. >> Good evening everyone. Mr. Mayor, council members, how's everybody doing? Um, just want to address the uh 20% tax increase. Um, this tax increase doesn't just impact homeowners, it's going to eventually impact renters as well. When

1320
06:23:03.840 --> 06:23:20.080
property taxes go up, eventually it's going to trickle down to the renters. And the majority of the people that live in the city at this point, I would have to argue are renters. Um, you know, with the, uh, affordable housing market not

1321
06:23:20.080 --> 06:23:36.320
existent at this point for a lot of people. uh the people who grew up built this community primarily a lot of affformentioned by the constituents uh senior citizens seeing citizen senior citizens or lifelong residents not be able to afford to live here anymore and have to pack up and move. It's a

1322
06:23:36.320 --> 06:23:52.400
reoccurring theme and it's devastating and alienating to the lifelong residents of this city. Okay. Many of you guys ran on making, you know, life affordable in Jersey City, but uh 20% tax increase does exactly the opposite. At a time

1323
06:23:52.400 --> 06:24:07.120
when residents are already struggling with the high cost of living, um it's going to make it even harder. Um something that I don't want to focus too much on, but something that I think everyone had a point in uh mentioning is

1324
06:24:07.120 --> 06:24:23.520
cutting down city spending. It's a uh it's not a revenue issue. It's a spending issue. And um according to media publications, a lot of people in this room recently received raises. Um I think it's some of the directors and the

1325
06:24:23.520 --> 06:24:39.200
council members um are are um slated for that. So let's be honest, when the city continues to pass ordinances, especially that increase housing costs, uh such as the bird glass ordinance, affordability becomes even more out of reach. The

1326
06:24:39.200 --> 06:24:57.240
people of Jersey City deserve fiscal responsibility, not higher taxes and higher rents. We need solutions that protect residents, not policies that drive them out. Thank you. Good evening. So

1327
06:24:58.480 --> 06:25:15.680
I second John I just want to interject uh one clarification because I' I've heard that a lot and I've seen it a lot printed that the uh council increased their salary. The council did not increase their salary. So I just want everyone to be clear on that. The

1328
06:25:15.680 --> 06:25:35.040
council has not increase their salary. But I know that's been said and that has been printed a lot online. So, I'm not, you know, negating what you said, but I've seen it a lot. And I just want to be clear, we did not increase our salary. >> Okay. Number 102, GMO Concio.

1329
06:25:35.040 --> 06:25:56.000
No. Number 103, Diane Atwell. Not here. Number 104, Veronica Lavaro. I don't know who that is. No idea. >> Her husband's here. Number 105, Isaac Gimenez. >> Isaac is not here.

1330
06:25:56.000 --> 06:26:19.920
>> Okay. Number 106, Ahmed Dow. Number 107, Ibrahimick. Number 108, Julia Berna. >> Julie. >> Julie. Sorry. >> Yeah, I thought of thought of some things to say. So, here we are. And I'm

1331
06:26:19.920 --> 06:26:36.878
far more emotional than you are. So I don't know how like how you're doing this, but here we are. Um, so, okay, I know you all care and this is not your fault and you are trying to do the right thing or you wouldn't be up there. And I do hope that you all take a late morning

1332
06:26:36.878 --> 06:26:54.558
tomorrow or today as it were and also use your vacation in sick days actually. But we all have a profound moral obligation to protest this unjust extortion we find ourselves in. I was the lead park ranger at Stonewall

1333
06:26:54.558 --> 06:27:10.558
National Monument, so I am empathetic to attacks on public servants. I see you and I thank you all as well. But there's no convincing us that most of the services we have in Jersey City are keeping us safe or worth saving. You've

1334
06:27:10.558 --> 06:27:26.798
said that defaulting isn't a viable option, but to paraphrase Pirates of the Caribbean, best start believing in ghost stories and bankruptcy, mates, because we're in one. With a 20% tax increase or more, we are all going down with this ship. And next

1335
06:27:26.798 --> 06:27:41.520
term, we are going to have some truly heinous pirates voted in, speaking as a friend and supporter and likely former resident of Jersey City. I've lived here 10 years, but I'm going to have to look at moving in with my family in Massachusetts where they have helpful

1336
06:27:41.520 --> 06:27:58.240
stuff like universal healthcare. We just ain't got the cash for this tax hike, and I'm done shoveling pounds of flesh into a pit of corruption. We've already pushed out bright, engaged citizens, families, journalists, business owners to name a few. artist

1337
06:27:58.240 --> 06:28:15.280
and teacher and saint Amy Wilson, Britney Graciosce of Jay-Z Oddities due to a lack of future here. I had an opportunity to buy a business in the Birkshars and instead I purchased a home in the Heights because I believed in us. What a dummy I was. I will likely regret

1338
06:28:15.280 --> 06:28:38.240
that decision the rest of my days because there just doesn't seem to be any making it in Jersey City. Bless Number 109, Alex. Alex. Okay. Number 110, Adam Cohen. Alex is here.

1339
06:28:38.240 --> 06:28:57.040
>> Alex is coming. >> Uh, hello. Uh, my name is Alex Vushkov. I'm a resident of Jersey City. I live in W D. And I was preparing for a different meeting with 20% h tax hike and two

1340
06:28:57.040 --> 06:29:14.000
massive tax abatement on agenda at the same time which like interesting optics here but it's encouraging that consil is listening and we will have more opportunities to discuss this and I actually just wanted to call out

1341
06:29:14.000 --> 06:29:30.558
uh consil consilman Lavara's efforts on you know uh redirecting cannabis tax. Hopefully we see more of this in coming weeks to you know figure out how can we improve the

1342
06:29:30.558 --> 06:29:46.478
situation without such a big increase in taxes. But um I also wanted to say that today we are not seeing a financial recovery plan. We seeing the bill and I want to

1343
06:29:46.478 --> 06:30:13.920
see the solution. Thank you. Number 110, Adam Cohen. 111, Alexander Gleason. Good evening, Mayor Solomon, Madam Speaker, Council Member Little. Thank you for the

1344
06:30:13.920 --> 06:30:31.360
opportunity to speak this evening. My name is Alexander Gleason. I reside at 155 Bay Street and am speaking on behalf of my family and and I want to say that condo owners and residents in Ward E are terrified of

1345
06:30:31.360 --> 06:30:49.280
the 20% increase being asked and we ask for you to reconsider this. We recognize the administration is in a precarious position, the outreach to the state, the budget cuts, the mayor's $1 salary. These gestures are appreciated, but they

1346
06:30:49.280 --> 06:31:07.760
are not a justification for at least a 20% hike in a single year. This is a in month six of year 1. If this is a the tenor of the next four years, it will be long and painful for you and for us. We

1347
06:31:07.760 --> 06:31:25.840
will wallow in collective misery and reciprocal resentment. There's an assumption embedded in this proposal that perhaps many, if not most, benefit from multi-deade abatements. That assumption is just incorrect. For many,

1348
06:31:25.840 --> 06:31:41.280
this will be painful. It will hit our bottom lines. It is a fixed cost increase that will eat into our famil family's margins, make contributing to the city harder, and pull the ladder up for those who want to live here in the

1349
06:31:41.280 --> 06:31:57.200
future. We understand everyone has to feel some pain. What feels unconscionable is a blunt, crude 20% number that ignores the reality of working families already stretched. If this is the plan to

1350
06:31:57.200 --> 06:32:12.558
address the cost of living crisis, the plan utterly misses the mark. You're not taxing the oligarchs. You're not taxing the sention. Many of the people you represent, we simply do not have trust funds living on

1351
06:32:12.558 --> 06:32:29.520
the split incentive of wealthy parents who can bankroll our dreams, hopes, and aspirations or wishes of our dream pocket. We're asking you to hear us and reconsider. What's more, we ask that perhaps you go to our state legislators

1352
06:32:29.520 --> 06:32:46.558
and consider a policy similar to the one, and I apologize, this may trigger some of those in the uh comrade caucus, but that perhaps we should pursue a policy related to circuit breakers and a

1353
06:32:46.558 --> 06:33:04.878
circuit breaker on property taxes. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your consideration and um have a great day. One thing I want to add, you know, OSHA standards are like 68 to 76 degrees for a comfortable working room. This room is

1354
06:33:04.878 --> 06:33:27.200
very cold. I I speak for a living. I'm struggling because of the temperature. Thank you. >> Uh number 112. Donna, is Donna here? >> Yeah, she's here. This I'm Donna Raruchi. I live in Ward E. Pull the mic right up.

1355
06:33:27.200 --> 06:33:42.320
Pull the mic down a little. Yeah. >> Okay. I live in in Ward E in um Elena Little's ward and James Solomon's former ward. You know, I I'm a renter. I I don't own anything,

1356
06:33:42.320 --> 06:33:58.798
but I'm sure my rent will go up with the 20% increase. probably not as much as homeowners taxes were with the 20% and I have wonderful landlords and you know I just feel really conflicted about this whole thing. I

1357
06:33:58.798 --> 06:34:15.920
mean I know I know that you know the city council and the mayor I mean you're really agonizing over this. It's really shitty what you know being faced with this kind of thing and I happen to agree that this is extortion from the state

1358
06:34:15.920 --> 06:34:30.400
and you know I think about thank you about you know the the fight like um that we say what do we do when you're under attack you fight back and

1359
06:34:30.400 --> 06:34:47.600
um no justice no peace I my I my history is as an is as an activist and I believe in mobilizing people and organizing. I mean, why can't we have

1360
06:34:47.600 --> 06:35:04.000
our our homeowners and people who live here go and just testify and talk to the state legislators, state legislator, I mean, the stories that people have are going to be forced out. they're not going to be able to live here, you know, or, you know, they won't be able to pay

1361
06:35:04.000 --> 06:35:21.200
their rent or pay choose be between food and drugs or whatever or whatever, you know, we have a lot of stories to tell and I just I just feel like um we re we really have to do something. I do not think that we should be taking it out on

1362
06:35:21.200 --> 06:35:38.478
our on our employees, on our workers. You know, we aside from union contracts. There's the humanitarian aspect. You don't just, you know, cut back or throw people out of work, you know, because of what our previous administration did.

1363
06:35:38.478 --> 06:35:53.760
So, you know, I'm not I'm not offering any solutions. I'm I'm just expressing frustration that I know we all we all feel. We just feel like we're going under. My son, by the way, does is a

1364
06:35:53.760 --> 06:36:10.878
homeowner, so he will be he will be affected by this. So, you know, whatever. Just I just think we need to fight back a little bit. Thanks. >> All right. >> Thank you. And our last speaker on the

1365
06:36:10.878 --> 06:36:25.760
list is number 113, Vivana Leon. Leon. No. >> No. Okay. Okay. >> I just >> I just want to Hold on. Mayor, don't leave yet. We got to stay here. Mayor, don't leave. Yeah, you guys got to stay

1366
06:36:25.760 --> 06:36:43.360
a little while longer. Oh, okay. Um, I just want I just want to say um I'm thankful for the mayor for sitting through this presentation. I'm thankful for all the residents who've came out and voiced their concerns. I'm going to

1367
06:36:43.360 --> 06:36:58.000
be brutally honest. We are in head of some very difficult times and I assure you that whatever decision that we come to people are going to be upset. Um but

1368
06:36:58.000 --> 06:37:14.080
I just want to to state for the record it is one thing to be critical of the administration and to be critical of the council. That is fair and that is your right. However, there's another thing to

1369
06:37:14.080 --> 06:37:32.000
misrepresent the facts of what's going on as it relates to the finance and funding of the city of Jersey City. Um, I don't know, but for some reason it seems though some people have short-term memories. I vividly recall me myself

1370
06:37:32.000 --> 06:37:47.920
speaking as Councilman Gilmore sitting right there in that corner seat and I recalled calling out all of the things that I feel were going to get us in trouble in future years. And for whatever reason many people said, "Oh,

1371
06:37:47.920 --> 06:38:03.440
you're just anti-administration." I pointed out on several occasion that one-time revenues from the sale of city properties is not going to be a sustainable mechanism to balance and

1372
06:38:03.440 --> 06:38:19.280
budget. I express concerns over how co money were dispersed. So I I just don't I I don't know if people are privy to that information. I don't know what it is, but the facts are the facts. It's in

1373
06:38:19.280 --> 06:38:36.478
the archives. All of these YouTubes, these council meetings are on record. Um, and I can say personally like I feel the testimonies of people who come who have come before this council. I feel the testimony of

1374
06:38:36.478 --> 06:38:51.360
residents who have reached out. I literally spent this I ain't even have a father's day. Literally, I was answering concerns, meetings, emailing, and calling people because I know that this

1375
06:38:51.360 --> 06:39:09.280
is a trying time. I know it's going to be hard for people to cope. 20% is it's a hay maker. It is a hay maker. Um, I may I remain committed to trying to work with the administration to find some

1376
06:39:09.280 --> 06:39:24.878
reasonable medium as it relates to this. It's it's hard. And like I said, it's going to be hard either way, right? When you look at the budget, it's really only is you could control spending, you cut

1377
06:39:24.878 --> 06:39:40.478
spending, or you increase taxes. It's really not. or you could do some unethical gimmicks. But the reality is if you want to be responsible and balance the budget, those are the things that has to happen, right? This money is

1378
06:39:40.478 --> 06:39:56.878
not coming out of thin air. Some people suggested fundraisers. That is a huge task, right? Um like I said, I just remain committed to trying to find a reasonable medium. I'm not giving my salary back. I know some people ask

1379
06:39:56.878 --> 06:40:11.360
that. This is my only job. I don't have I don't go clocking nowhere else, right? But like I said, I remain committed trying to find a reasonable medium to make sure, you know, people are allowed

1380
06:40:11.360 --> 06:40:30.478
to stay in their houses. Um, Mayor, can you one more time give us the uh dates and times, locations of the meetings between now and next Wednesday for the public just so they have it?

1381
06:40:30.478 --> 06:40:47.360
>> Sure. So, um, we're hosting I will be hosting a community meeting at the city hall annex. Uh so that's uh you know right on Carney Street uh Carne and then um that will be Sunday at 7 p.m. So Sunday at 7 p.m.

1382
06:40:47.360 --> 06:41:02.160
>> 39 Carne >> 39. Yeah Carne and then um we have four coming up in July uh July 7th July 8th both at 6:30 p.m. Then July 11th at 11:00 a.m. and then July 16th at 6:30

1383
06:41:02.160 --> 06:41:18.638
p.m. Those locations have not been announced. Uh we will we're working on getting the locations for those four things, but the dates and times are set. And we'll also be streaming it um online. So if you're not able to attend it, we won't be able to take questions online. So we won't be able to do the comments. It'll only be in person, but

1384
06:41:18.638 --> 06:41:34.558
obviously if you want to watch, you'll be able to watch all five of them online. >> Thank you. >> Sure. >> Free to take a biological break. >> Go ahead, John. >> All right. Our next agenda item is the list of petitions and communic and

1385
06:41:34.558 --> 06:41:51.760
communications items 6.1 through 6.34. Council members, do you have any questions or comments on the petitions and communications? Right. Hearing none, the next agenda item are the officer and communications and reports of directors,

1386
06:41:51.760 --> 06:42:05.920
but we have none listed. So, we'll move on to the next agenda item, which is the claims list. Council members, are there any questions on the claims list? Hearing none, I will now take a vote on the claims list. >> I do have a question.

1387
06:42:05.920 --> 06:42:23.920
>> Page 15 of the claims, um the $4 million to Horizon Blue Cross, is that paying for the um last of the former plan we were on or is that unpaid bills? Uh would you just clarify that, please? >> There's still going to be outstanding bills based on, you know, people who use

1388
06:42:23.920 --> 06:42:39.360
the services. There's a windown period. We're still going to that windown period. So, we'll likely have a few more bills to pay for that. >> Okay. Thank you. And then just um page 17 uh under police um there's $60,000 in ammunition. I'm just curious how often

1389
06:42:39.360 --> 06:42:58.320
that kind of charge is coming up. I don't know the exact frequency, but most of the ammunition we buy is for training purposes. Police have very vigorous requirements. They have to train and do a certain amount of hours. Um, so it's not we're discharging firearms in the act of duty. It's

1390
06:42:58.320 --> 06:43:13.920
discharge in training. >> Okay. Yeah. Thank you. If we could get a report on just how frequently those purchases are made. >> There any other questions? >> Okay. So, uh, with that being said, uh,

1391
06:43:13.920 --> 06:43:29.440
we're going I'm going to entertain a vote on the claim on the claims list. On that, how do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I. >> Council person Zupa. >> I. >> Council person Efos. Hi, >> Council Person Little. >> Hi, >> Council Person Gilmore. >> I council person Griffin.

1392
06:43:29.440 --> 06:43:44.798
>> Hi, >> Council Person Lavaro. >> Council person Singh, >> I >> and Council President Ridley, >> I. >> Claims are approved. 90. That brings us to the list of resolutions. Uh, just bear with me. We

1393
06:43:44.798 --> 06:44:01.680
have kind of jumped around here. We had some that were removed and some that were carried. So, uh, if you look at the list of resolutions, obviously we have, uh, withdrawn item 10.1 and we voted on items 10.2, 10.3, 10.5, 6, 7, and 8. So,

1394
06:44:01.680 --> 06:44:18.320
I'm going to call for a vote on agenda items 10.4 and 10.9 through 10.12. How do you vote? Council person Brooks, >> I. >> Council person Zupa, >> I'm going to vote I and all. Just a quick note and want to thank Councilman

1395
06:44:18.320 --> 06:44:33.760
Navaro for his partnership in putting forward 10.9. Um the public is obviously is understandably skeptical of government. Um but but this was a conversation he and I had with some others months ago about a good governance committee uh

1396
06:44:33.760 --> 06:44:50.558
both looking forward and back both looking backward and forward. Um, and that's where this came about. And having served on serving on the rent control uh committee with the limitations that there are and asking city employees questions and questioning them as to who

1397
06:44:50.558 --> 06:45:06.638
represents them, which the answer is corporation council, uh, and something of the magnitude of the budget deficit we have, I think the council and I both felt that an independent investigation would be appropriate for the financial situation we're in.

1398
06:45:06.638 --> 06:45:23.360
And that's just the background from my perspective. >> Okay. You are voting I on all correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. Council person Ephro. >> I. And uh thank you to Councilman Zupa and Councilman Lavaro for putting this uh forward. Um resolution 26371.

1399
06:45:23.360 --> 06:45:40.160
Um think this is part of how we never have this terrible situation ever again. So appreciate the leadership there. >> Okay. Council person Little. I for all and you know I'd like to echo the sentiments and thank Councilman Zupa

1400
06:45:40.160 --> 06:45:57.520
and Councilman Lavaro for their leadership in advancing this. >> Council person Gilmore >> vote. Um I for all. Thank you to um Council Person, Council Person Rolando as it relates to

1401
06:45:57.520 --> 06:46:13.920
10.9. Um, I remember when I first heard about the actual deficit, um, my question was, you know, how isn't this criminal? Um, so I'm I'm happy that some form of investigation or some form of

1402
06:46:13.920 --> 06:46:29.360
urging the state comp patroller to to investigate and to audit um, from this period. Um, I wrote I for all. >> Council President Griffin. >> Uh, I vote I for all. I want to thank uh

1403
06:46:29.360 --> 06:46:47.440
Councilman Zupa uh Councilman um Lavaro uh for 10.9. And to the public, this is not uh a resolution that was put on the agenda uh to distract you from um the

1404
06:46:47.440 --> 06:47:02.240
proposed tax increase. This was something that they wor started working on months ago and I really appreciate it. >> Councilman Lavaro. >> Yeah. I'll just uh echo everything on Senate 10.9. Thank Councilman Supa um

1405
06:47:02.240 --> 06:47:20.558
for co-sponsoring this and for all the council people's support as well as the administration because we've discussed this with them as well. So, you know what what we've seen here with this this budget deficit um and this budget crisis of $255 million um deficit uh for fiscal

1406
06:47:20.558 --> 06:47:37.680
year 26. Um it borders on criminality frankly and so it needs to be investigated and people need to be held accountable. And so I hope the comproller um will take this um this resolution seriously and um look into um

1407
06:47:37.680 --> 06:47:53.600
what what occurred here with our our financial operations here in Jersey City during um the last administration. Um and specifically the period was 2020 to 2025 in the stated resolution. Um, and

1408
06:47:53.600 --> 06:48:08.958
if any anything nefarious or any wrongdoing, criminal wrongdoing is discovered, I hope they will refer uh those um those individuals to the state attorney general's office. Um and that the people

1409
06:48:08.958 --> 06:48:24.878
of Jersey City will get justice for what's happened here. I vote I and all. >> Council person Singh, >> I vote I. >> Council President Ridley, >> I. >> Okay. Uh the vote tally for agenda items 10.4

1410
06:48:24.878 --> 06:48:42.638
and 10.9 through 10.12 is nine unanimous. Uh the next list of resolutions remember we did already uh withdraw 1014 15 and 16. So we are calling for a vote on items 10.13

1411
06:48:42.638 --> 06:49:00.638
10.17 through 10.22. How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> Hi. >> Council persona. Let's answer the question of the administration. Did we get the numbers estimated for the July 4th festivities? >> Yes, I believe Crystal sent those, but I

1412
06:49:00.638 --> 06:49:17.680
can double check to maybe she can send them to everyone, but I'll reorder them if not. >> Okay. Uh so, so thank you, Peter. Given that, I I'll vote eye on all, but I mean, if there's any kind of real cost to the city for July 4th, I would just encourage us to enjoy the fireworks from

1413
06:49:17.680 --> 06:49:35.200
afar. Yeah, I I will just uh add in. So, you know, we're we're committed. We have gotten the philanthropy to do the fireworks, the public safety, all of that. What we do not have funding for is the sale 250, America 250 in the morning. So, in the morning, we expect

1414
06:49:35.200 --> 06:49:52.638
incredible crowds to be on our waterfront. It's a once in a 50-year event. Um the federal government has provided zero dollars in assistance for us. Uh so we are going to have to right as of now foot the bill for public safety. We we have we have to keep people safe. Um uh but we are going to

1415
06:49:52.638 --> 06:50:07.920
we have talked to our our congressional delegation. Uh we have talked to the state. We're trying to pour more resources in from the state that we don't have to pay for uh because the state will provide them. And then we are going to push the federal government to reimburse us for those costs. So just when we talk of July you know the event

1416
06:50:07.920 --> 06:50:23.920
that we host is the fireworks that is philanthropically funded. Uh but the sale 250, America 250 in the morning, uh the feds have provided zero uh dollars for us for the public safety needs we have for that event. >> Can I ask a question with with sale 250?

1417
06:50:23.920 --> 06:50:41.600
Can that just be uh uh allocated in in in uh Liberty State Park and then park police control that? >> No, I mean these are they're public, you know, it's a basically it's a public crowd, right? We we can't like shut off our waterfront, right, >> and close it. And even if we did, we would need public safety to to close it.

1418
06:50:41.600 --> 06:50:57.360
Uh so yeah, it is it is, you know, basically Washington sending us a bill and not paying for it. >> So you guys are going to reach out to President Trump to >> Well, he doesn't take my calls, but um

1419
06:50:57.360 --> 06:51:16.558
we have we have reached out to the full congressional delegation and they're all working with us to try to secure the funding. Councilman Pros, >> just to clarify, this is through resolution 26-384. >> This is so this is agenda items 10.13

1420
06:51:16.558 --> 06:51:33.520
and then 10.17 through 10.22. >> Thank you. Yes. Uh I vote I on all. >> Council person Little. >> I for all. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. Council person Griffin. >> I. Council person Lavaro.

1421
06:51:33.520 --> 06:51:49.200
>> Hi. >> Council person Singh. >> Hi. >> For all. >> Council person. Council President Ridley. >> I. >> Agenda items 10.13 as well as 10 point uh points 717 through 22 are approved unanimously.

1422
06:51:49.200 --> 06:52:07.160
Uh agenda. Next uh set is agenda items 10.23 through 10.32. 10.33 was uh withdrawn. on those matters. How do you vote, Council Person Brooks? >> Um,

1423
06:52:07.280 --> 06:52:24.878
it's late. I would have voted against uh 10.33, but so glad to see that off. Um, I vote I on all. >> Okay, Council Person Zupa. >> Yes, considering that 33 was withdrawn, I'll vote I on all. >> Council person Ephroing

1424
06:52:24.878 --> 06:52:43.280
the sentiments there. I on the remainder outside of 1033. Yeah. Right. Uh, Council Person Little, >> same here. I >> Council Person Gilmore, >> I. >> Council Person Griffin. >> Um, I'm glad 1033 was um withdrawn. So,

1425
06:52:43.280 --> 06:52:59.840
uh, Councilman Gilmore will be in Ottabore Park um, mowing the grass, >> right? >> Yeah. And, uh, I vote I for all. >> Council person. Very well. Council person Lavaro. >> Just um, a question for the administration on 10.28. Um, uh, Deputy

1426
06:52:59.840 --> 06:53:14.478
Mayor, if you can help me out here, maybe or or anyone from the administration. Um, this applicant is applying for, um, tax credits. I think Aspire or,

1427
06:53:14.478 --> 06:53:31.360
uh, LITC tax credits from HMFA. Not sure which of that is. And then my my question is really um is there a limit to the amount of tax credits that a city can receive from HMFA? Like do they cap?

1428
06:53:31.360 --> 06:53:46.798
>> So uh Councilman, this specific application is for an Aspire tax credit or resolution support for that. Um I don't believe there is any specific cap not in state law. Um uh no the simple answer is no. There's no cap in state

1429
06:53:46.798 --> 06:54:03.520
law. Thank you. Um and then to the administration just done 10.29 um rewarding the opioid grants, settlement grants. Um and the the information that I received said

1430
06:54:03.520 --> 06:54:19.280
that there was maybe like a $5,000 balance. You might have intimated it was like 200,000. Do we have any clarity on that? >> Yeah, I sent you the email, Councilman. Uh I took the exact amount, but it's about 212,000, I think. But I'll refer that email. I'll let you know.

1431
06:54:19.280 --> 06:54:35.520
>> Thank you. And and I I just raised that because uh again the opportunity for budget relief for for Jersey taxpayers to use that those dollars for that purpose. >> There are some very strict restrictions on how we can use it. I sent you the schedule B I think it's called as well

1432
06:54:35.520 --> 06:54:51.840
that lists how it can be utilized. Um obviously we're going to look to see if there are any ways where it could help us with our operating budget, but it's very narrow how we can use those dollars. >> Yeah. The obvious place to look would be Health and Human Services and maybe some staffing costs.

1433
06:54:51.840 --> 06:55:07.440
With that, I'll I'll vote I and all. Council person Singh >> I >> and Council President Ridley >> I. >> Agenda items 10.23 through 10.32 were approved unanimously. Again, 10.33 was

1434
06:55:07.440 --> 06:55:26.558
withdrawn. Uh we voted on item 10.34 at the start of the meeting. So we are voting on items 10.35 through 10.42 and 10.44 as uh 10.43 was also withdrawn. So again

1435
06:55:26.558 --> 06:55:43.680
10.35 through 10.42 and 10.44 on those matters. How do you vote? Council person Brooks. >> I council person Zupa. >> I vote I. And just just again for the record, the high water rescue vehicle is

1436
06:55:43.680 --> 06:55:59.200
being paid for solely by grant money. Doesn't cost the city anything and that money can only be used for public the public safety grant. >> Council person Efos, >> Council, Council Person Little, >> I just want to say my microphone is off,

1437
06:55:59.200 --> 06:56:16.718
John. Um on resolution 26403 um item 1041 um not the best practice to pay uh claims um like this as a resolution uh outside the normal claims but these are emergency uh services. Um we're still

1438
06:56:16.718 --> 06:56:32.240
catching up from all the winter storm payments. So I understand the administration is working really hard so that we aren't faced with this. But um just want to call attention for the the public watching at home. I don't know. Council Person Gilmore. Hi.

1439
06:56:32.240 --> 06:56:49.760
>> Wait, you ain't go to I'm confused. >> No, I didn't go yet. Oh, I'm so I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm very sorry. Council person Little, I'm sorry. >> Hi, for all. >> Council person Gilmore. >> I. >> Council person >> I. >> Council person Griffin.

1440
06:56:49.760 --> 06:57:07.520
>> Council person Lavaro. Um, I'm 10.37. I'm I'm just going to be consistent here. I'm not opposed to these projects, but there's a built-in match that comes with this grant application. And again, I just think we

1441
06:57:07.520 --> 06:57:24.798
need to step back in light of kind of where we're at and um assess whether or not we should be applying for grants that automatically require us to to put up a match. So, um going to vote no on 10.37.

1442
06:57:24.798 --> 06:57:42.878
Um for the public, just on 10.40 and 10.41. Thank you to the corporation council. Um I had requested clarification on whether or not that the count caucus their um uh emergency notes could be issued to uh pay for these

1443
06:57:42.878 --> 06:57:59.600
uh emergency snow operation uh claims. And apparently it doesn't qualify under that uh the reading of the the state regulations on that state state statutes. Um and the one thing on 10.42

1444
06:57:59.600 --> 06:58:15.280
there there is money being used there $544,000. Um I I I never received the kind of a budget on that and how it's being spent although I know it's I mean how the dollars are being allocated precisely. I

1445
06:58:15.280 --> 06:58:31.920
know it's going towards uh um garbage baskets and also some uh individuals particularly youth to I think to uh do some street cleaning and things of that nature. Um some summer jobs maybe around

1446
06:58:31.920 --> 06:58:49.840
that. Um I'm I'm like to see the detail on that absent of that at this point. Uh I think I have to abstain on 10.42 not having had that information. Um and I vote I and all the rest. Oh no, I'm sorry. On 10.44.

1447
06:58:49.840 --> 06:59:06.080
Um yeah, this is another grant where we're buying um incentivizing for EV vehicles and EV chargers. Um, and while that's admirable, again,

1448
06:59:06.080 --> 06:59:22.878
I'd like to say to see us take a step back on this because, um, the grant covers up to 4,000 per vehicle according to the documentation. Um, but the vehicle costs a heck of a lot more. So, who's picking up that cost on the rest of that? Um, so I'm going to vote

1449
06:59:22.878 --> 06:59:39.680
with no on 10.44. Then I and all the rest again abstaining on 10.42. And councilman, just real quick, there there's currently no intent to purchase any EV vehicles. It's a grant that's eligible if we decide to purchase them, but as of right now, I check department

1450
06:59:39.680 --> 06:59:55.440
of automotive, they do not have any intent, nor is there any purchases, you know, in the near future. >> The the application and acceptance of the grant is practically incentive to like go go out to purchase like trying to like move the wheels along um faster on that. Right. So,

1451
06:59:55.440 --> 07:00:16.878
>> just want to make it clear to the public and the council that right now there is no purchase in the works. >> Uh, council person sing >> and council president Ridley >> I. >> Okay. So to recap, agenda items 10.35,

1452
07:00:16.878 --> 07:00:32.080
10.36 approved unanimously. 10.37 approved 81 with Councilman Lavaro voting no. Agenda items 10.38 through 10.41 were approved unanimously.

1453
07:00:32.080 --> 07:00:48.160
Agenda item 10.42 42 was approved 9 01 with I'm sorry 801 with Councilman Lavaro abstaining and council and agenda item 10.44 was approved 81 with

1454
07:00:48.160 --> 07:01:09.440
councilman Lavaro voting no. Uh moving on to agenda items 10.45 through 10.56. How do you vote Councilman Brooks? Um before I vote, uh I just have a question on item 10.51, the ETA. Um

1455
07:01:09.440 --> 07:01:24.798
thank you to CFO for providing uh the answer or the breakdown on the 109 million. Um so that's very much appreciated. Um I did notice in the ETA we have 46 million in debt service. Is

1456
07:01:24.798 --> 07:01:45.840
that uh part of the 109 million? Uh I don't know specifically if it is. I would assume that some of it would probably be part of it. Um but the debts the 109 million has a lot of different obligations in it. So I think part of that would be you know in that 46 but

1457
07:01:45.840 --> 07:02:02.160
not all of that in the 46. >> Okay. Yeah. Just noting in caucus that Bill said uh we have been paying down some of this debt as we have been going. Um, so effectively 109 million was the

1458
07:02:02.160 --> 07:02:21.440
number we started out with, but that's not necessarily where we are right now. There, there we go. They clarify for that when we have debt service and obligations, we have to pay the interest and everything. So those are paid throughout the year. They're always part of the budget. So that would always be

1459
07:02:21.440 --> 07:02:38.080
in the budget to a degree and we'd pay that as those debts obligations come due to us throughout the year. Right. Yeah. Just noting for the public who's God bless if you're still watching. Hopefully you're watching tomorrow on YouTube. It is um

1460
07:02:38.080 --> 07:02:57.520
>> that uh you know as part of the ETAs that we have been authorizing um and I'm about I'm about to vote to authorize this. Um we have been paying down on the debt which in my opinion is a good thing. Um with that I vote I on all

1461
07:02:57.520 --> 07:03:14.240
Council person Zupa on 47 much needed safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, and even drivers for Newark Avenue in WC and the Heights. Uh I'm sorry, going towards the Heights next to Dickinson. um on 51 which the TA given

1462
07:03:14.240 --> 07:03:29.920
the fact that we withheld the tax increase conversation and the administration's been committed to looking for cuts and the fact that the TA is essentially six to seven months of a budget. I'm going to vote no just because or or or ask if we can hold off

1463
07:03:29.920 --> 07:03:45.760
on on a vote today just so we can have some conversation about any any kind of cuts there. >> Um >> what number is this councilman? 51 or question for the administration then >> 1051. >> Yeah, >> we're voting no. >> No, I was asking a question for the

1464
07:03:45.760 --> 07:04:01.680
administration. Is it imperative that that that we take a vote on 51 today given the fact that there's going to be conversation about spending cuts? >> We would need to keep it voting right now because we are going to be running out of cash flow and authorization to pay those obligations. Those also include salary and wages of employees.

1465
07:04:01.680 --> 07:04:19.440
So, we would need to vote in some form of that today. >> Okay. And so that goes through through July. >> So the ETA we would be secured up until the end of June. What is the last ETA cover is for this would start in July and go forward to uh I believe it was

1466
07:04:19.440 --> 07:04:42.558
the end of August, September, >> end of September. I have the >> budget >> introduced 15 of the budget was >> as it was stated at caucus by bill. The budget would override any spending for

1467
07:04:42.558 --> 07:05:05.280
the ETA. So August. So this takes us through September. So should the B be adopted in August, it would override any of the spending still authorized in the ETA. Okay. I mean under that posture I'll

1468
07:05:05.280 --> 07:05:23.840
vote yes on or I on all but um yeah we'll leave it there. on 54. I know Sar mentioned that PM law is doing work on the contracts with our labor union or with our unions. Considering I understand that there's going to be some delay in contract negotiations, I would

1469
07:05:23.840 --> 07:05:40.878
just say maybe she can hold off on billing or doing any kind of real substantial legal work. >> It's an open-ended contract and she'll bill us as she goes. So, we're not paying anything until she actually performs services. Obviously, you know, there are some external constraints that inform when we can come to the table,

1470
07:05:40.878 --> 07:05:57.520
but any amount that isn't spent in this contract will, you know, stay in the city's coffers. >> Thank you. >> Questions? >> Nope. That's all. >> Okay, Councilman Ephro, >> I I'll vote I on all I just want to make a brief remark on the emergency

1471
07:05:57.520 --> 07:06:16.320
temporary appropriation. um looking for this to be, you know, the the last one uh that we vote on before we head into the budget hearings. Um just want to make clear as uh for the public as we have postponed uh the other votes um on

1472
07:06:16.320 --> 07:06:32.160
I mean particularly the the vote on the tax bill tonight. I started this week seriously considering uh voting yes just because of it being the least bad what seemed like the least bad path among a lot of bad paths and we heard really

1473
07:06:32.160 --> 07:06:48.878
loud and clear from residents just the fears of what that would do um and being pushed out as a result um and really appreciate so many residents speaking so passionately about this um and you know our commitment is just to to fight like

1474
07:06:48.878 --> 07:07:05.520
hell um particularly to to fight um and and take on the state and its limitations on progressive taxation because this is one of the main constraints we're facing right now. Um so in in the coming days I want to explore uh what exactly that

1475
07:07:05.520 --> 07:07:21.600
campaign is going to look like um to really win the power to do more progressive forms of taxation here. Um just want to know as as we go forward authorizing the same exact kind of spending as we have um throughout this year when we're looking at the budget um

1476
07:07:21.600 --> 07:07:38.320
in next week and next month um with cuts we could see crossing guards gone. We could see already suffering trash pickup made worse fire department rescue further compromise. So this these are serious costs as well. Um, and I I think our commitment at this point is really

1477
07:07:38.320 --> 07:07:53.600
just to um also do more community meetings and and more discussion with residents to make these really challenges challenging decisions together. Um, so with that vote, I on all just wanted to make sure made that statement very clear to the public tonight.

1478
07:07:53.600 --> 07:08:09.600
>> Councilwoman Little. >> Um, thank you so much, Councilman Efos. I want to basically second everything he said so eloquently. Um, but I also want to elaborate a little bit on um why, you know, why why I joined with Councilman

1479
07:08:09.600 --> 07:08:26.558
Ephes and Brooks um in in tentatively supporting the tax increase. And um when he said it seemed like the least bad option, that that was how it was presented in the

1480
07:08:26.558 --> 07:08:42.400
sense that if we do not pass any Q3 tax increase, then the entirety of the increase for 2026 will be concentrated in your fourth quarter tax bill. And that was a

1481
07:08:42.400 --> 07:08:58.718
scenario that I felt was very unfair and would be very painful to homeowners. And um so my thought process was that um you know the administration presented us with this estimate. Um and this is not the budget process, right? What we're

1482
07:08:58.718 --> 07:09:15.680
voting on July 1st and what we were would have voted on tonight had it not been postponed. Um this is not the full budget process. This is an estimate. And um so my thinking was that you know pass the estimate so we can spread out the

1483
07:09:15.680 --> 07:09:30.478
burden across Q3 and Q4 rather than concentrating it in Q4 and then go through the budget process where we actually do get to go fully line item by line item with a fine tooth comb and be able to look for areas of

1484
07:09:30.478 --> 07:09:47.760
saving or um you know potential revenue generators such as um the traffic enforcement that's ramping up um which we're happy to see. Um so, you know, we issued this statement not because we wanted to raise taxes 20%. That is the

1485
07:09:47.760 --> 07:10:04.240
last thing any of us wanted to do. Um but because it seemed like the least bad option. That being said, we have been listening to all of the comments we've been getting online, via email, in person

1486
07:10:04.240 --> 07:10:21.440
here tonight at this meeting. Um, and you know, I I think it's it's productive that this is being postponed to July 1st. Um, I look forward to um the mayor's town halls. I plan to attend I plan to attend the one this Sunday and I

1487
07:10:21.440 --> 07:10:38.798
also want to say that um I am working on putting together a ward e listening session right here in city hall Monday night at 7:30. Um, so, uh, further details will be posted in a social media announcement and via email. But, um, just just want to note we are taking

1488
07:10:38.798 --> 07:10:53.840
your concerns seriously. The last thing we want to do is price people out of Jersey City. But we also recognize that we have inherited this massive budget discrepancy deficit gap, whatever you want to call

1489
07:10:53.840 --> 07:11:11.680
it, due to bad accounting practices, gimmicks, and just really poor decision-m. Um and we, you know, we are committed to listening and um even if there's no good option, we want

1490
07:11:11.680 --> 07:11:27.040
to work with the community and pick the least bad option. So, you know, that being said, um got to keep the government open the next two months. Um,

1491
07:11:27.040 --> 07:11:41.840
I'm relieved to hear, uh, thank you, Councilman Zubo, for your line of questioning. Thank you, um, thank you, Peter, for clarifying that once the final budget is passed, that will override this emergency temporary appropriation. And, um, I look forward

1492
07:11:41.840 --> 07:11:58.400
to in future years um, getting on an earlier budget schedule where we the budget is introduced in March and we're voting on it in April. So, we're not we're not passing the budget with most of the year already baked in. um because I feel like then we will be able to get

1493
07:11:58.400 --> 07:12:14.638
a better handle on our city's finances. I know we inherited a really bad situation, but I'm hopeful we can get on a better schedule in future years. So, I want to thank um you know, all my colleagues and the administration for for your work on this. I want to thank the public for your engagement on this.

1494
07:12:14.638 --> 07:12:32.638
And I'm sorry to be so long-winded. It's 1 in the morning, so I vote on all. >> Thank you. Um, Council Person Gilmore. >> Um, I vote I on all just want to say briefly as it relates to 21. Um, I just

1495
07:12:32.638 --> 07:12:49.920
just urge the administration for next um >> 21 >> I mean >> 51. Wake up. >> Just urge the administration for the next year if we can get away from having temporary appropriations in third

1496
07:12:49.920 --> 07:13:06.080
quarters. Um, so hopefully that we can get ahead of that for next budget cycle. I vote I on. >> Councilman Griffin, >> I concur with that and I vote I on all. >> Councilman Lavaro,

1497
07:13:06.080 --> 07:13:25.120
>> I'm on 10.52. Um, I didn't uh get to ask questions on this one. Just a lot on this agenda. So could just someone tell me it's is this capital dollars in here? Council, >> you confirm that.

1498
07:13:25.120 --> 07:13:40.878
Yeah, that's I see it in the in the resolution. >> I believe it is. I'm just waiting for it to load the >> And what is this um ret this wall that uh retaining wall? >> This is the this is the Riverview Park

1499
07:13:40.878 --> 07:13:57.760
retaining wall. Um where wall could collapse into the cliff. Yeah, gotcha. It >> it's been historically uh in disrepair and you know, we're just trying to make sure obviously we're following through with that. >> Okay. >> Um

1500
07:13:57.760 --> 07:14:16.600
that I'm going to vote no on 10.45 for the same reasons for previous resolution 10.44. Um or 10.47 and

1501
07:14:20.878 --> 07:14:36.400
10.56. For the reasons I've explained before about matching um these grants, I'm going to vote no. Um and I I just really want to speak to a little bit, take the opportunity on

1502
07:14:36.400 --> 07:14:53.200
10.51. I I'm going to vote no on that. I requested information on that and didn't receive it. Um, and I'm not prepared to authorize uh a temporary budget um absent that information. Um, and and I

1503
07:14:53.200 --> 07:15:07.600
want to take this time to to be able to um talk about the t the budget and the tax potential tax increase, the looming tax increase. And frankly, it's it's looming. It's just a question of how much. Um, I wore this shirt

1504
07:15:07.600 --> 07:15:24.400
intentionally tonight. U City raised me. I know there was a number of folks in this room and I started and and now they're all gone and um um didn't get to hear their voices unfortunately for many of them. Um I've lived here 48 years uh

1505
07:15:24.400 --> 07:15:40.320
here in Jersey City, grew up in the Greenville section and ran the platform with everyone else here in in some form or other um fighting for to make Jersey City more affordable um to protect our families here. And so I just want people

1506
07:15:40.320 --> 07:15:56.000
know um the public, but I also want my colleagues to know I'm going to fight for every family in this uh city before I before I ask them to pay anything more. Um before I vote for any tax increase, I would I need to know that every stone has been turned over and

1507
07:15:56.000 --> 07:16:11.040
that means collecting every dollar developers owe us through that pilot audit um plus the interest and penalties um all of it from them. Um it means um looking at creative ways as I talked

1508
07:16:11.040 --> 07:16:26.878
about previously with the cannabis. Um but I I'll also just put out some other stuff. We've got the development fees and affordable housing trust fund dollars and are there ways to utilize those dollars to be able to provide budget relief again in this. and then to look at some of the other expenses that

1509
07:16:26.878 --> 07:16:43.280
we have in there and I've talked about it already um with regard to retirement payouts and other things like of that nature to utilize um notes and bond to uh to pay for those those expenses. Um

1510
07:16:43.280 --> 07:16:59.600
and so, you know, I may not share everyone's opinion on that. Um, but I'm going to keep pushing on that to see if can um change some minds and change some votes and ask uh uh members of the public to to chime in on that and be able to let

1511
07:16:59.600 --> 07:17:16.798
their voices be heard and at these different committees in the days and weeks to come. I will elaborate more on that very publicly um on that uh as well and I'll be there at those meetings. Um and uh and if anyone has any questions

1512
07:17:16.798 --> 07:17:32.240
or wants to bring anything to my attention um reach out to me. Uh I'm ready for to to do everything that we have to do to make sure that uh uh we protect the families of Jersey City and turn over every

1513
07:17:32.240 --> 07:17:48.080
stone. Um, with that I vote I and all the rest. Again, no on 10.51. >> All right. So, I just want to be clear. 10.45. You are voting >> 10.40. >> I maybe I misheard. You >> voted no.

1514
07:17:48.080 --> 07:18:04.240
>> I'm sorry. >> No. >> You're no on 10.45. No on 10.51. And no on 10.56. >> Correct. >> Okay. And I on the rest. Okay. Very good. Thank you. >> No. Um, think I'm I'm not I'm no on 10.47 47 too soon. You get that?

1515
07:18:04.240 --> 07:18:19.920
>> No. On 10:47. Okay. Right. Okay. Council person Singh, >> I just want to say that last few days have been really tough on most of us um

1516
07:18:19.920 --> 07:18:37.280
including administration and mayor has uh faced a lot of backlash and I want to tell everyone over and over again that we are not taking this job lightly. We are as

1517
07:18:37.280 --> 07:18:53.040
we our feelings are same and we are we are looking for all the options and administration has been uh pretty open with multiple meetings going through the numbers and it has been a team effort.

1518
07:18:53.040 --> 07:19:07.840
Everybody is trying to figure out how possibly we can lower down the number. So um you know just just just all of us are emotional. All of us are tired, exhausted but trying to figure it out

1519
07:19:07.840 --> 07:19:26.400
and um and you know we understand what public is going through uh good suggestions some suggestions not practical but we are looking into everything and hoping that all of us can come up with a good solution. I vote eye

1520
07:19:26.400 --> 07:19:42.958
on all. Thank you. >> And Council President Ridley, >> I >> Okay, so just to recap the vote tally, 10.45 is approved, 81 with Councilman Lavaro voting no. 10.46 a vote uh approved

1521
07:19:42.958 --> 07:19:59.920
unanimously. 10.47 is approved 81 with Councilman Lavaro voting no. 10.48 through 1050 approved unanimously. 10.51 approved 81 with Councilman Lavaro voting no, 10.52

1522
07:19:59.920 --> 07:20:18.320
through 10.55 approved unanimously 90 and 1056 approved 81 with Lavaro voting no. Finally, for the balance of business resolutions 1057 through 1061, how do you vote, Councilman Brooks?

1523
07:20:18.320 --> 07:20:33.920
Uh I vote I on all and you know very proudly on 10.59. Um when uh I was when I was sworn in um I had uh you know kind of a vision of how we

1524
07:20:33.920 --> 07:20:49.840
might do a child care universal childare pilot in Jersey City. And um that's not to be this year. That is uh that is not in the cards. That is not in the funds. Um, so you know, uh, statewide expansion

1525
07:20:49.840 --> 07:21:07.120
through state legislation would help working-class families here in Jersey City. Like I said, one of the first calls our office got was a single mother city employee behind on her rent, could not afford childare. Um, so this is a real real problem that we face and I'm

1526
07:21:07.120 --> 07:21:25.200
proud that we were able to add this to the agenda. Thank you, >> Councilman Zupa. vote eye on all just on 57 though. Um asked the administration just to look into this contract going forward. It either breaks even or loses money.

1527
07:21:25.200 --> 07:21:41.120
Um I'm hopeful with the next three months of in FIFA the Airbnb revenue to the city will increase and I vote eye on the rest as well. >> Okay. Thank you Councilman Efro. I on all also really interested in um

1528
07:21:41.120 --> 07:21:57.680
item 10.57 if we can get a report on uh the usefulness of this um within within six months that would be really helpful because we want to make sure that that 150 or so thousand is being spent well.

1529
07:21:57.680 --> 07:22:11.920
Um and then yeah, 10.59 Councilman Brooks for helping get this on um and working with us and NJ Citizen Action. Thanks to them for uh helping organize um

1530
07:22:11.920 --> 07:22:29.638
alongside labor uh to make sure that child care is is understood as essential. So going to keep working to fight at the state level and make that happen. I don't know. >> Very well. Council person Little

1531
07:22:29.680 --> 07:22:45.440
>> I for all and I'm excited to support this uh state level initiative for child care. Um it is really essential for so many families. Thank you to my colleagues and New Jersey citizen and action uh and council

1532
07:22:45.440 --> 07:23:02.000
members Brooks and efforts for advancing this. Very well. Councilman Gilmore. >> Yes. I >> Councilman Griffin. >> Hi. Councilman Lavaro >> 10.58 I'll vote no um and just have um

1533
07:23:02.000 --> 07:23:18.718
use my pulpit once more something I forgot to mention that um as far as the budget goes looking at uh I I'm open to to furlows and particularly if we can target furls at um the highest earning

1534
07:23:18.718 --> 07:23:35.280
employees for the city um including city council members colleagues um we're not among the highest earnings members, right? So, uh you know what people are saying about sharing the pain. Um so, uh I want to put that on the table as well

1535
07:23:35.280 --> 07:23:53.680
kind of moving forward for me and I commend my colleagues and Brooks on 10.60 definitely want to expand child care opportunities and give uh urge the state to do that at the state level and vote I I all the rest. Council

1536
07:23:53.680 --> 07:24:08.958
Councilwoman Singh >> I >> and Council President Ridley >> I >> motion >> one second let him let me recap >> I do have to recap the vote so um agenda items 10.57 10.59

1537
07:24:08.958 --> 07:24:26.000
10.60 and 10.61 61 were approved unanimously. 10.58 was approved 81 with the Councilman Lavaro voting no. That being said, that concludes our business today. Unless there's anything else may entertain a motion to adjourn. Motion >> John. I have one

1538
07:24:26.000 --> 07:24:41.040
John. >> I didn't hear that was that was that Gilmore. >> No, that's me. One second. I have one more thing. Even though Councilman Griffin's trying to shut my mic off after he made 22 comments tonight, but I just want to wish our corporation

1539
07:24:41.040 --> 07:24:59.600
council a happy birthday. >> Happy birthday. >> Happy birthday, sir. >> And we thank her. We thank her for uh bringing in her birthday serving the people of Jersey City tonight. >> What was your birthday when we started

1540
07:24:59.600 --> 07:25:14.878
this session or is it now? It's now. Great. >> Happy birthday, sir. >> Happy birthday, counselor. With that said, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Motion by uh Gilmore. Second by >> second

1541
07:25:14.878 --> 07:25:31.520
>> Ephro. And now we'll make Brooks happy. Acclamation. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion carries at 1:30 a.m. >> Teamwork makes the dream work, right, John? Something like that. I have to come up

1542
07:25:31.520 --> 07:25:34.920
with an own catchphrase.