Good evening. Uh welcome to the >> holiday edition >> holiday edition council meeting. Um we were in close session um discussing um health benefits plan
uh professional services contracts for 2026. We're now out of um close session. So we will begin as we always do by rising to honor the flag and pledge of allegiance and our troops serving here abroad. to the flag of the United States.
>> Thank you. Seated. Uh, let's ask how many do we have online tonight? zero again. >> This is the holiday president. >> Let me begin with an announcement. Uh
resolutions on the agenda. Resolutions number 193 and 194 will not be considered this evening. Um so uh about that we will continue with the approval of the minutes. Uh have all the council
members had a chance to read through all of these minutes? >> Did you make those changes? >> Okay. I have Thank you. >> Well, I'll accept them after after they're approved. Then I just go and accept and download them. >> Thank you.
So, I was not here for any of the November meetings, so I won't be voting into those. >> Okay. So, can we pull those out separately, Cindy? >> Yes. >> Okay. Any other questions or concerns? Thank you. Lots and lots and lots of minutes. So, um, I would ask for a
motion to approve the October 23rd minutes, the October 23rd close session minutes, the December 4th close session, December 4th work sessions, and the December 11th special and close session minutes. So, second, >> all in favor?
>> I >> I >> Okay. And now >> now I would entertain a motion to uh accept the November 20 close session meeting minutes and close session minutes fee. Is there is is someone >> because we had a session at the
beginning and a session. >> Got it. Okay. I did read through them all. So I just Okay. Um have a motion please. >> Some second. >> All those in favor please say I. >> I. >> I. Thank you. Carries. Um administrative reports. Uh any questions about the
administrative reports from anybody? >> No, >> they're very nice. >> Very nice. >> Lovely. >> Thank you. >> Very very very informational. All right. So I'll make a motion to accept the administrative reports. May I have a second, please? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> I. Okay. Public participation. Uh this is the time of the meeting where we open this up to public comment. We ask unless you have mobility issues to step up to the mic and final state your name and address when you have three minutes to interrupt the time and be your question or concern is four is yours
Union Street. Um I have a couple of things that I wanted to ask about or identify. One is the information about the health plan for the city employees. What I would have liked to have seen and what I still would like to see and others I
have spoken with agre also felt this way was what are we paying now for the state state plan and what would we be paying for a different plan. I'm not saying that besides it. I'm just saying what are we paying now? What would we be
paying now? because that's sort of important for people to understand whatever they don't find out in your secret meetings or your I'm sorry your closed meetings or whatever. So that's of concern because we don't know that. Number one. Um number two, I was taken
aback when I read the labor bill matters this morning about what's going on in terms of the Cavanian thing because it read as though the council had been 100% there. Yeah. What a good idea. And that's not been my
impression. Nor do I believe that was the case as we went through that whole thing for a long time. Meaning council did not have it as I understand it within their power to pause things or
to require activity that wasn't happening. So, as we went into what turned out to be a builder's remedy, we had not really done many things that various members of council had at least acknowledged were worthy
exploration things. And so, we wound up with our back against the wall in terms of building build extremity and we got what we got, which is the COVID project. So, I was a little concerned uh that the the way it was articulated
in the report this morning, the lendershood manager report this morning, it sounded as though the council had been 100% Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. What a good idea. So, I just registered that. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I misread. Maybe I misheard in the last year. Don't know.
But just saying it's not helpful when we have a report or a statement or a whatever we call it that seems to represent what happened that's not in entirely accurate in terms of what I and
others that I know and have spoken with recall as to what was happening as we were barreling towards what turned out to be the Kobin project. So, that was a concern to me. Um, and finally, not that
big a deal probably, but when the meters get covered at at this time of year for shopping, I have never seen, and I may not be alert to watch it, but I've never seen before that it says, "Hey, thanks to the taxpayers and Lambert, but I don't think that's what it is. I think
it's a decision the city makes, and I think it's what we do." So, I was I was I felt like that was not entirely on the on the point of what's going on. I mean, I have been someone and I would continue to be someone who says we should close it sooner for our merchants, sooner than
the 17th or 18th or whatever's in the law. But I just put that out there because I was sort of taken aback and I saw that too and I thought, what? So, I mean, I may have missed it, but my thoughts. Thank you.
>> Thanks. Uh the meter bags have been the same meter bags since at least 2019. Um I I never really like the wording of them. So uh we're going to take a look at changing them next year. Um I'm certainly open to uh if the council wants to uh add more time. I think
that's okay. I would say that as I say every year when we bag the meters that what happens as you look around at the next few or five days, what you're going to see is cars that are parked there for 24 36 hours. So, you know, the the whole process, the whole program of meters is to keep people moving in and out of
spaces. >> That's that's my only that's my only uh reflection on your public comment. Well, uh I I did a little digging today and um I don't remember when the bags first went
up. It actually I think the original thing it said on the bottom of before started putting m was compliments of the mayor and the capsule I think. But that was a I you're not the first person that's mentioned the me the the message
on it. Uh, I had a conversation with the mayor about it. He also wants to change the wording on them. I think that uh the ones I did some research on, 90% of them said free twohour parking
>> on them. So, uh I know that's another burden on the uh patrol of the meters because now no one has to really look and do that. But I think we we should think about changing it to a two-hour
limit or a four hour whatever we want to do for the time for those what they currently do and then um and then enforce that because I share the same I've shared the same concern about the meters ever since I came to tech
and you have to about uh when I was working with the chamber when I was on the chamber you know we we did an outreach to say please do not park at the meter in front of your store basically. So uh you know it it's a
valid point. Uh but I I think we can make some changes to to try to keep those meters open for to customers and not for employees or or residents who don't want to move their cars or it's it's a univer I think it's a a concern
that we can solve relatively easy speaking with police department and and the council and do something different for next year. >> Okay. And it wouldn't be the annual holiday meeting without a conversation about it. I would just say about the u the wording
on the bags why let's just keep it simple happy holidays from the city of Lambertville um I don't think you know >> move your car in two hours >> well and I think so it's an interesting idea and maybe if we did that maybe we would extend it and start it a little bit earlier because the goal is to
promote the business district get people to come in town uh people think hey you know for three weeks or whatever it is you know there's free parking if I want to come in and buy my stuff at the I think that's wonderful I would definitely be in support of that. And I think the reason why you would put a time limit on is you don't want people
to just, you know, the residents really to park there uh and block that spot from being used. I think that makes perfect sense. So I would definitely be interested. >> Yeah, we'll get some input. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> We are in the public comment uh section of the meeting. So if there's anybody
else who wishes to make a public comment who just walked in or anything like that, you just now's your time. And if you don't uh is there anybody online? Okay. Does that person have any we have making the trouble comment period?
>> So all in favor I >> resolutions. Uh we have this evening a consent agenda. Uh as we say each month the consent agenda is considered agenda. I'm sorry. Resolutions on the consent agenda are considered routine
and are typically enacted by one motion. But if there's any council member who wishes to seek a separate discussion, uh that item can be removed and discussed separately. There are any questions about anything on the consent agenda? >> I'd like to just talk about uh the
resolution 186 and I think Cindy, is that the one you split up? >> Yes. >> So, let's vote on that one. Yeah. See, there's there's another one after that just for um Miss Johnson's >> read. Yeah. Okay.
>> Oh. Oh. So, we don't know if it's So, it's already done. >> It's already done. So, great. Yeah. You can just make a motion to approve the consent agenda and you'll see after the other resolutions there's one for that to authorize that reimbursement.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Okay. So, um, hearing no further exception, I made a motion to accept the consent agenda, which is, uh, resolutions under 186, 187, 189, and 182.
>> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Next is a resolution number 188-2025. It's a resolution to authorize WRK's application to the LGCC. Um this is to um grant approval for Adel
to submit an application to you guys games of chance control commission for an arcade. Any questions about this? Uh just that I'm not voting on this based on conflict. >> Can you speak? >> I have a conflict so I have to confuse
myself. >> So hold on. Um, so are all the fees on this the on the
arcade facilities that are called start del are they paid in full by current >> the owners here? >> Yeah. >> The fees that for the current machines are paid in full. Okay. >> But we haven't charged for the new
machines because it didn't seem fair since we weren't sure if it was going to be approved. Okay. And moving forward, is there um a timing requirement so that fees don't go delinquent on this bill? Okay. Great. Thank you. Thank you.
>> I uh I'm not going to support this resolution. Uh I don't want to expand the choices within that that organization.
Um, I'm not comfortable with the process in which this was approved and deliberated. So, I don't I I think that it's fine the way it is. It's proved the way it is, but I'm not going to approve to I'm not
going to approve extending what the opportunities within this bill or to extend it any further. >> Well, you actually bring up a good point
because when we first um approved this operation, there was some question about zoning. Was there not? Was there a question about zoning? This was never it was never before the council, right? It was before the zoning board initially. >> Correct. What was before the council
were the fees, >> right? The old ordinance. I I believe he would have paid I know he would have paid a higher rate, but off the top of my head, I don't know what that >> Oh, I was in favor of the lowering. >> So, he came to you and asked um for us
to lower the fees, and you did that. >> Okay. Okay. I think I remember doing that. >> Yes. What I didn't remember was there was something about social club and >> that was zoning. >> Okay, that was the zoning board. >> Yeah, >> it's a zoning board application. >> Okay.
>> Uh are there any other comments? Is there a motion? I'll make a motion to approve. >> I'll second it. Uh sounds like we should probably have a local vote. >> Sure. Councilwoman Kaminsky. Yes. Uh Councilman L, you're going to recuse
yourself. Okay. Councilman Stegman. No. >> Council President Lambert. >> Uh, yes. >> May I know? >> Yes. >> Carries.
Next resolution is resolution number 151 195-2025. This is a resolution to author the escore refund for Lynn Johnson in the amount of $752.15. This is the one that you're going to have a motion to uh approve this please.
Absolutely. Second. >> All in favor please say I. >> I. >> I. >> And then our council segment is recusing. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Who would like to pay the bills? Who makes a motion to pay the bills? >> I'll pay the bills.
>> Councilinsky and seconded by the council president. All in favor, please say I. I >> thank you. Uh this being December, we have no ordinances on first reading. So this um so we'll move right into the few second reading on the public hearing ordinances we have tonight to consider.
Uh we have ordinance number 28-2025. This is an ordinance amending the Lambertville City Code 2014 chapter 2 the administrative code 2 through 3.8 adding letter A in regards to close session minutes. So, we talked about
this um a number of times and I will open it up to the public for public comment. There's anyone in the public wishes to speak to this, please step up to the microphones. Anyone on the line? >> Okay. I have a motion to close the public comment period on ordinance 2020 2025.
Oops. Second. >> All in favor? I >> I Okay. And now, unless there's any further conversation from the council, I'll hand you back to this motion. I'll second it. All in favor? I >> I Okay, so the motion carries and we
have adopted ordinance 20 2018 25 on second granting final approval. The next one is my favorite of the night, ordinance number 29-2025. This ordinance would accept the dedication of the public RA right ofway for Hulcom Farm Road. We've also talked
about this uh repeatedly. This is the last component the city needs to complete to fulfill our application for green acres uh for the Holton Park. So, um I will be if this is adopted in the next couple minutes, I will be going up to get the final survey from Borne and
Borne personally tomorrow morning. Uh and then we'll be set sending it off to the city uh Monday morning to make sure that we meet all deadlines for our $300,000. So, um I will open this up to the public uh for public hearing.
Not seeing anybody in the public who wishes to speak. I'll ask for a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance 2925. So move. All >> favor closing of the public comment. I >> I >> Okay. And unless there's any further question or comment from the council, I
would ask for a motion to adopt or approve uh ordinance number 29-2025 on second reading granting final approval. >> So move. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Good. Glad this was done up. Uh looking forward to that. Uh ordinance number
30-2025. This ordinance will amend the Lambertville city code 2014 chapter 9 animal control to increase fees and amend language regarding maintenance. Um, so this will uh increase licensing fees and enhance the language of the
ordinance, including the requirement that the owner of the pet boarding to pay for boarding and veterinary fees if they are picked up by the animal control officer. Anybody in the public? Okay, I'll make a motion to close the
public comment period. Second. All those in favor, please say I. >> I comment on the ordinance. If not, may I have a motion, please? So move. >> I'll second it. Uh all those in favor of adopting ordinance number 30-2025 on
second reading which granted final approval. Please say >> I. I. >> Okay. Motion carries. Um next is ordinance number 31-2025 an ordinance to amend the landfill zoning ordinances uh Z 402.2 to
recommended uses RL District IL1 inclusion area overlay to increase the required affordable housing set aside for rental units from 15 to 20% and Z-46.1 permitted uses central business district IO to inclusionary overlay zone to
increase the required affordable housing set aside for rental units from 15 to 20%. And to increase the permitted residential density from 14 units per acre to 14.25 25 units per acre. Uh before I open this to the public, I would just uh remind everybody this is
will be a requirement of our fair share um of housing settlement agreement. Um so if there's anybody in the public who would like to speak to this. Okay, good question. The the raise from uh to 14.25 per acre, that's part of the
agreement we have with Fairf Share. Yes. >> To raise the density. Y >> when it's just for Fer the density. >> Yes, >> we're not. >> Yeah, >> I believe it is. Yes. >> Yes, it is.
>> Film. >> Yeah. Sorry. I'm sorry I hesitated. I knew the answer. >> Yeah. So, >> that's okay. No, I I'm fine with it. I just didn't know. I just wanted some background. >> Yeah. uh
somebody in the public who would like to speak. Yes. So I'll ask permission to close the public comment period. So move >> second. >> All in favor of closing public comment. You say I. Any comments from the council on this ordinance?
>> Okay. Then I will make a motion to adopt on second reading granting final approval to ordinance number 31, 2025. May second, please. >> Second. >> All those in favor please say I. Uh, all right. Thank you. Um, board appointment.
I would like to nominate and stall to fill a vacancy on the environmental commission with the term expiring December 31, 2026. I think I sent everybody information about this appointment. I think she'll make an excellent u commissioner and u you have a question. I'll ask for a motion to uh
confirm it planning initiative. So move second. >> I'll second it. All those in favor? Uh >> hi I >> um have anything for discussion tonight? Um I'll have a couple one or two other announcements. Um correspondence we have
JCPNL review and approval of its deferred balances relating to adjustment of supply charge clause of its file parend. Um, we also did get a letter from JCPNL this week noticing us that uh they will
start their semianual or their by annual tree pruning program. So, we've gotten a list of streets. We don't have specific addresses. I would just remind the public that JCPNL does not require they do not require permission. They just go ahead and do what they think is appropriate. The only time that they
have to get permission is if they have to remove a tree from the property. Um, and they are then required to get permission. If they're denied permission, they don't put down entry. >> And mayor, they have left notices at every property where they plan to trim. >> They already have and we've had some conversation with residents about a
specific >> That's how I know. >> And and I will compliment them. Uh Jason, you know, I've had to go back and forth with them with in regards to questions for a couple of residents. I find it to be very responsive and and helpful and they've reached out
to residents directly on the phone. So good good on you and good uh announcements. Uh city office closures all be closed Wednesday and Thursday December 24th and 25th. City hall will be closed on December
26th, Wednesday, December 31st and 12:30 p.m. And for the New Year celebration, all officers are closed for business on Thursday, January 1st. Uh, also the um reorganization meeting is January 5th at 6 PM. Everybody's invited. Um, and I
just wanted to touch base about at least one or two other things. So, um, we are wrapping up with Green Acres at Hulcom Park. Um, I do know that, um, the the New Jersey Historic Trust met today to consider the easement application for
Fisherman's Mark. So, I expect that we'll have some information about whether that easement will move forward with the fisherman's mark um very soon. Um I'm very pleased about the roadway which really does wrap up a long process with with green acres. So, as soon as we
uh get all the Green Acres paperwork settled on this, then we'll also be able to get the county grant which uh we got um back into I don't remember how long ago um to supplement the Green Acres grant. So, that's great. >> What's that? >> I think it's 2022. Yeah, it was it was a
long time ago. So, that's good news. I also am delighted to report that uh as of today information sharing. Uh so today the LSRPs um were finally able to submit both the um remedial
investigation report and the remedial action uh report for Kalan Park. All of their documentation is now submitted to the to the um to the DP. Uh there was a little bit of a delay. There was some issues with the with just some additional documents that were needed
that uh go again all the way back to 2015. Um we have 43 emails in December alone just sort of getting closing out the final sort of uh requirements for this. So super happy that's done. The report is was sent to us today. It's about 60 pages. Very comprehensive. I'm
very pleased with this. Um the D has said that they will do their best to expedite um the review of the report and we also have heard from the D Green Acres that they're pleased with our submission and uh we expect that we'll be able to move forward with the Green
Acres $300,000 for for Kabala Park. Um so some good news here and thank you to Bill in particular and Cindy uh for a lot of the work that they have done on this project. Um it's an amazing document. Uh so uh I I feel good about
this and uh we'll have some followup. Obviously we need to wait to hear from DP as there's some final actions but uh the work is substantially done. >> We did submit for refund as well. So all that's I think once you drive that package down for the road I think we'll
just whatever questions they may have we'll come back about the refund and that's about it. >> Okay. Uh yeah, we'll talk a little about Sip, you know, in the in the January meeting, the the the voting session, we'll just we'll talk about all the work that you've been doing this year to close out
grants. Uh a lot of work um at the end of the year, we Sim's been super busy. Um but uh we'll we'll go into more detail about that when in the new year. Um and now I would ask um the public if they wish to make any comments, we'll
have our second public participation session. Same as before, step up to the mic. If you have anything to say, three minutes, Judy, please 86 North Union Street. So, I don't know if you can say what the cost used to be and what the cost is
expected to now be, but now that you passed it and you didn't answer the question about the health insurance for our we have >> they took me off the table. So, >> okay. Well, as I was sitting there trying to hear without anybody using the microphones, I was doing the best I could and I thought that you had passed
that number but good. So, thank you. Um, I don't know if this animal thing is new or not, but I just wondered, it might not be, but the long-term care responsibility for the animal owner, I don't know if that's new. Perhaps you
can tell me if that's an amendment, but if that's an amendment, do people who's going to enforce that? >> Long-term care for an animal when you're in jail, in the hospital, not doing it in this thing. really more about animals
that are found loose >> and then captured and then if there's a bet vet bill associated with that >> or um boarding fees that that the owner has to pay for that. >> I mean do owners know I mean the way
it's worded in terms of long-term care if you are >> well you know there are laws that that govern this wonder I just wonder who enforces it. I'm not fighting them off. I'm just saying so the law would be would the Israel would then follow the law and
that animal if it was abandoned >> for whatever that the law says is the period of time then it would go to a um you know shelter >> a shelter well not not a shelter they have um
like people who adopt the animals. I just wondered, please don't misunderstand. I just wondered, do people who own animals know because I mentioned this to a couple people knowing it was coming up and they had no idea. I'm just thinking it's not a bad
thing for people to be aware of their responsibility even if they are >> not able themselves to do something right now. >> Well, so it's an amendment to this existing ordinance. We keep the ordinance on the the city website on the
pet page. And we will uh we're making some changes uh to animal registration in the in the in the year which will have a number of uh boxes that people will have to check and sign saying that they that they're familiar with the ordinances that they're familiar with this. We just met with a resident this
past week who gave some great suggestions about ways in which we can expand u public awareness around uh this very issue. So u we're honored. Okay. Um, okay.
>> Let's see. >> You could even use that. >> You can you can flash it as Steve. >> Thank you. >> Also, now put zero. Cross out the three. >> All right. May I have a motion to close the public comment period unless there's
there's nobody online? >> No. >> Okay. So, move. I'll second it. All in favor closing public comments. >> I move holidays. Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Uh I'll make a motion to adjurnn for >> I'll second it.
>> Okay. >> You want to say something? >> I want to say I agree. >> All right. All in favor? I agree. I >> I >> thank you everybody. Oh, I had so much fun.
Yeah. >> Yeah.