Good evening everyone. Um, I would like to start the meeting tonight with the statement of compliance with the open public meetings act. Cindy, would you please read that? This meeting is being held in compliance with the open public meetings act with the
annual notice provided to the Hunter County Democrat and the Trenton Times. Meeting notice was provided to the department heads and individuals on the list serve. Public notices can be found on the city's website under the legal tab for no fee and on the secretary of
state's website. The meeting agenda provides for action items known at the time of publication and is subject to change. This meeting is being streamed live and recorded using the Zoom meeting platform. Roll call. >> Yes, please. >> Councilwoman Kaminsky, >> here.
>> Council President Lambert >> here. >> Councilman L here. >> Councilman Segman >> here. >> And Mayor Noick is at the conference of mayors. >> Are you going to read it also or also who's here? No. Okay. Uh let all rise
for the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. Tonight we will have in honor of all those who have given the highest price war in service to our country. consciousness. >> Okay. Thank you.
So, we have some minutes to be approved. Um March 19th voting section voting session minutes. March 19th close session minutes. April 9th work session minutes. Can I have a motion to approve
those minutes? >> Did we get them? >> Yeah. Excuse me one second. I told Yep. Okay. >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I motion carries. Um.
So, I would like a separate motion to approve the April 23rd, 2026 minutes from any eligible council member. Uh, note that myself and councilwoman Kaminsky were not available
for that meeting. >> Only at least two of us. Thanks. So, I'll make a motion. >> I shall second it. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. Uh for the record, the May 7th, 2026 work session minutes and
May 7th, 2026 close session minutes will be uh set will be set forth in the uh June 18th session. There were administrative reports. Do I are there any comments on the
administrative reports? Oh, can I have a motion to approve the administrative reports? So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I
>> I motion carries. Uh we have our first public particip participation, constituent concerns. If there's anyone either in the room or online that would like to step forward, now is your opportunity, your first
opportunity. Don't all rush. >> Is there anyone online? >> I'm gonna be so excited. I've >> been asking for what's given here. >> Yeah. >> Da's been asking for upgraded
microphones for >> Do you hear us? That's what we really want to know. >> Can you hear me now? >> You use them correctly. >> All right. Fair enough. Hey, you really want to recognize
>> Could you >> Does that count as public comment? >> Does this count as public comment? >> You want me to start as three minutes? >> No, there's no three minutes tonight. Okay. I'm I'm in charge.
>> Oh, I like it. >> There's someone online, too. I go to the >> Yeah, they said >> and I'm the only member of the public who are here >> David K. Bird 255 governor in Lville the
birds nest. Uh the the microphones certainly sound better and Cindy and Lindsay said have worked hard to make this happen. All right. The the programming has to be done when us people with hearing aids will be wired.
All right. directly into the system which was a really great advantage and thanks everybody for uh you know dealing with doing the work to get it done and Sydney and Lindsay you know really >> and we did it as a birthday present for
you know it's your birthday tomorrow because it was a long time coming but um yes >> they did a great job >> good and I'm still 39 age of life and stick with it. >> That's all you swear you in.
>> Are there is there anyone online that would like to make public comment? May I have a motion to close for public comment? So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I Okay. All right. We have uh
resolutions for a consent agenda. These are considered routine and shall be enacted by a single motion. If is there anyone from the city council who wants a separate discussion of any item in the consent agenda?
>> Okay. So I'm asking for a motion to adopt the resolutions on the consent agenda numbers 98-2026 through 106-2026. So move second. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I I >> Okay, I got to move to the next page. Got it. Okay, we have to pay bills. I got writer's cramp this afternoon by signing many bill, many checks. Uh, can I have a I'll make a motion to approve
the bills list. >> Second. All in favor? >> I motion Carol >> I. Sorry. Yes, it does, Carrie. Thank you, council. >> I'm going for a record here. >> All right. >> Okay. We have our ordinances. We have
first reading, ordinance number 11-2026. This is an ordinance to amend the Lambertville City Code 2014, chapter 2, Administrative Code, section 8.4.
Environmental Commission letter B members to add two alternates. Uh the new language is highlighted in yellow. Um two alternates to the environmental commission.
Do I have a motion to introduce ordinance number 11-2026 the public hearing schedule for June 18th, 2026? >> Yes. So moved. um being the uh liaison to the environmental commission allows that lot you know it's a good idea to
have a commission have function it's just an important body >> second >> thank you all in favor >> I >> I so moved uh no motion carried sorry I'm so used to being the so moved person okay we
have second readings second reading ordinance number 08-2026 Six, an ordinance to amend the Lville City Code 2014 chapter 7 to install a handicapped parking space in front of 34
Swan Street for the property owners who reside at 38th Swan Street in the city. Um, just is Okay. So, uh, we need to have public hearing for this. Is there anyone that would like to speak to this
ordinance? Anyone online? Okay. Can I have a motion to close the public comment? >> So, >> all in favor? >> I >> I >> can I have now have a motion to um
approve or adopt ordinance number 088-2026 on second reading granting final approval. Second. All in favor? I >> I. >> Ordinance number 09-2026,
an ordinance of the city of Lambertville reauthorizing the sale of city-owned property no longer necessary for a public purpose and establishing the procedures. Therefore, concerning block 1070, lot 13 on the tax maps of the
city, more commonly known as 150 Swan Street, to Cornelius Fleming. Um this individual came before us I think last year um and had put up a fence and you
know complied with feedback from the council regarding the in installation of the fence and now wants to move forward and wants to acquire this property so his kids have more place to play. Um so it's kind of a nice
>> I wouldn't let my kids out of that house. It's It's a gorge. They could point. >> Well, they're probably boys, so it doesn't matter. >> Anyway, um so I'd like to open the uh the floor for public uh for public
comment on this or comments from the council. >> Nope. Nope. Hearing none, I'd like a motion to close the public comment. I'll make that motion. Second. >> All in favor? >> I motion carries. Now, I'd like to ask
for a motion to close. No, I did that. Uh, a affirmative voice vote. No, sorry. I need a motion to adopt on second reading granting final approval of ordinance number 09-2026. >> Second.
>> Okay. All in favor? I >> I motion carries. Resolutions other resolution number 107-2026 a resolution to authorize the stormwater facilities maintenance and access
easement and outfalls map. Uh this is required because the the mayor and let's see authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute the maintenance and access easement with Cordonius Fleming for the
property located at 150 Swan Street. Uh are there any questions about this? >> No. >> Can I have a motion to adopt? So move >> second. >> All in favor? I I Paris.
>> Uh resolution number 108-2026, a resolution to amend the not to exceed amount for the LSRP and for construction for Pavalo Park. Um,
this resolution authorizes the increase in the not to exceed amount of the contract with the city engineer Gilmore and Associates for LSRP services for Cabalo Park. Um, Cindy, my understanding is that the D has asked for more
stuff. What is the stuff? That's correct. So, the park is essentially complete, correct, Bill? And this is the area outside of the park that runs along the DNR canal. It's borders our property and the canal. So, um, D wanted us to,
um, do some testing, additional testing there, which may in the future lead to remediation. >> Thank you. >> Have a question. >> Yes. >> Who owns that property? If is it outside of the park that we
own? It is outside of the park and I believe either either the DNR canal or the state owns that building too. >> It's outside of the park and when we initially discussed the remediation work with
um with Gilmore and with Integral they and when we had conversations with DED they initially this was outside of the area need to be remediated. It was only after we finished everything else that this came back into play. So, um, it's
as far as I I know I'm not going to go too much further, but our understanding is that because it's on it's on the banks part of the canal, it's not owned by the city. But, um, I I'm not 100% certain because we just
when we acquired the property from Green Acres, there were specific boundaries related just to the park, but um, it's going to require further review to make our determination. So, % clear but we're our engineers are doing this work and
then they'll take direction from DDPS as to what further actions then are they holding up our grant our our open space whatever whatever we've been waiting for for 10 15 years I think does this extra
>> does it have to be >> remediated or tested before they release the funds >> yes >> yeah we were expecting to be done you know few weeks ago or longer than that. >> Can you pull your test? >> We were expecting to be done probably
back in February or March and then this request came in at the last minute. So it is >> okay. >> So in other words at this point we don't have to remediate it just test it. Is that >> well you have to test it first. Yeah.
And then if the test comes back positive for any one of the above any of the limits defined by D, we will have to remediate. That's my understanding. >> And there's certain controls because it's not it's not very accessible to
anyone. That's kind of the concern that our engineers had. Um it's it's not within the city's control to prevent anybody from going down there. It's not publicly accessible area. So we're not sure if there is any contamination. We're not sure what the controls or the
remediation action would be because nobody uses that. So, >> okay. Thank you. >> We good. >> As good as we could be about. >> Okay. May I have a motion to adopt
resolution number 108-2026? >> So move. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> I. Motion carries. Quick question before. Are they scheduled yet to go in there? >> No, we're we're >> waiting for them. >> Yeah, I mean they gave us a proposal um
I think it was last Wednesday or Thursday and so once we get this approval and the sign contract then we'll go. >> Okay. >> Um there are no discussion items. There is no correspondence or there are some
ongoing projects will be devoted to job. >> Um the South Franklin Street paging project. The contract was awarded tonight by resolution number 99-2026.
Paging schedule will be posted on Facebook and in Laborf Matters. Landlord registration. The city currently has 100 property owners who have not completed the lead paint requirements and are subject to fines
and penalties by the state. Really 100 people. It seems like a lot less threatened now. Um but we're at about 100. Lindsay thinks we're about 70, but they haven't done the lead um paint lead, you know, they had haven't had the
inspection or gotten the certification and we're getting um contacted by Lou Environmental, who is our um agent who files with the state. So, um they will be sending out rather strongly worded letters that um Lindsay and I are to the
point where we're not even going to edit anymore. they should get them because they're renting property without knowing what they have. So, um yeah, just wanted you to be aware that landlords are going to get a long a very strongly worded
delay. >> So, state required. >> It is. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Can we can we get a cop? Can we just so we have something? >> Sure. But once we get the final from uh Lou, >> I have a draft. Yeah. Lindsay can just you know just so
>> so where where does this go like next steps assuming continued um you know um non-compliance. So landlord registration has really been a challenge these past couple of years because of the layers. You have to have
your certificate of insurance, you have to have the fire inspection, and you have to have the lead paint. So um and then getting people to file on time is another thing. Our position is if you don't have all of your documents in a row, you're late. You have to pay the
late fee. We want the late fee until until everything is received. That's our position. Um and so we have a good amount of people who have filed some things but not all. >> The next thing for the lead team though
is the state is going to start issuing violations and they issue them directly to the landlords. >> Okay. They can also find the city in violation and issue fines upon the city for allowing people to operate without the
leg compliance. said it is important that she >> I have a question for Bill is >> do we have anything in order for two people uh ordinance that revokes
their permission to do rental units? to Can we I understand that state has more juice than we do, but is there something that we as a city can do to uh deny them
the right to rent out there? >> I didn't see anything for short-term rental. I think we have more teeth than we do for a land rental. >> I don't know the answer off the top of my head, but I can look it up and I'll I'll send an email tomorrow >> if if we see that.
This is an on this is an ongoing problem. This is a new problem and or a new challenge, let's put it that way. >> So maybe we should look at putting more teeth into that and make it more make it
easier to uh motivate people. >> Okay. The one thing Lindsay and I have discussed is um not even accepting the application, just returning it. And we have been using language um in our communications to people saying that
you're illegally uh operating a rental unit. Um your your approval expired December 31st. Um and it some people come right in and others are like hey you know I'll get it to you in a couple of weeks. >> Are are we in position where we can do a
cease and desist notice? I don't think right now with the coordin the current ordinance that we have we really be able to >> we have started to use court summones as a tool for compliance. >> How's that? >> Um
>> does it work? I mean not now that's a silly question. It works but it doesn't work for everybody apparently. When we did it two years ago for the first time, we issued I think 14 sentences and we got like 12 out of the 14 to comply and
the other two we just never found. Um so that's they're still out there in the ether. Well, we did get one. >> We just found one this year. >> We found one this year and we wouldn't accept his new registration for 2026 until he paid last year's fee. and then
he also had to go to court and pay court fines on top of all that. So, um we've really been pushing hard on this. Um so, but you know, honestly, it it takes Lindsay probably spends 60 to 75% of her
time every week through the end of the year on landlord registration. And it's just for 276 properties. And I've been handling your short-term rentals this year and we had one property owner. I've sent certified letters and and one out
of out of like 49 who just hasn't complied. Oh yeah, so sorry. I'll get to it. So, we had the construction official issue a violation notice. We're also working with the fire um marshall and notifying him and he's been, you know,
pushing back hard on people. So, we're using right now every current means available to us. Uh, but I do agree, Councilman, that we need to find a way to to strengthen this strengthen this ordinance, right? >> And find a way to make sure people come
in compliance or have some severe penalties because of it, >> right? And then what happens to the tenants? >> So, they can't be evicted because it's not registered. I think there's also an argument that if they're not registered, they're illegally collecting rent and
the remedy is the the tenant can sue the landlord, but that doesn't help the city at all. Now, and the city can't really provide legal advice to these tenants to stop paying rent. So, I mean, if the tenants realize that the properties are registered, they're not getting evicted and, you know, they could file something
with the court to >> but that doesn't help our our situation. the the tenant is that you have to go through the court process to have the tenant removed. But if the city has to incur the tenant does have to be removed because it is an unsafe condition. If the city incurs any costs that the the
landlord is responsible for those costs. >> Well, the bottom line is it's a public health issue >> and I suggest that we look at what look at some ways to beef things up. So to to get the 70 people that you know are
doing things that are not safe. >> So >> we make it easy. We provide them with all of the information. They just have to make a phone call or collect click on the link. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> All right. Okay.
>> Thank you. >> So what's the Well, you you and Lindsay Cindy and Lindsay will continue to follow up and come back to us with recommendations as to what we think we can do to put a
little more uh um >> could revoke their certificate of occupancy. >> I don't know that. I don't I don't know the answer. >> That'd be a big problem for because then they can't nobody can be in the rental. That would require immediate they'd have
to do something. Yeah, we should we should consider drastic measures if they're not in compliance and it's a public health and safety concern. They shouldn't be allowed to operate. >> I don't I don't know if we if they have
do we still have CFOs? Do we issue CO? Do we still >> we do um >> for all of these? >> Yeah, but I think they're continuing certificates of occupancy. I I don't know. I'd have to really talk to to the construction official. But I do want to say one thing that Paul Hartford, our
construction official, is wonderful. I said to him, I have this person operating a, you know, short-term rental and they haven't filed. He even before I got back from lunch, he was down here filing the violation notice. >> He is really good about that and happy
to help us. So I think what we do is we put it in front of Bill and let the city attorney work his magic with it and come back to you with a revision. >> Yeah. I think the I mean based on what you said and what's in the code to the first number of business I think if if a
landlord attempt to submit an application that doesn't have the certification your office should reject it and then if there's an issue which is probably unlikely but if something arises during the term of the um
you know the term of the license >> that I think >> later on need to go through the court process with income. So I think those are the two methods that we can use to control this. >> I think if we formalize that and put it into the ordinance and and like put a
timeline to it, you know, if an application is received and it's not complete, it will be rejected. You have 60 days to re, you know, within 60 days. If it's not remedied, then then we'll a violation will be issued. I'm just throwing things out there. I don't know what the final will be until it comes
before you, but >> um >> is 60 days too long? >> It it could be. >> Yeah, I I was just throwing something out. just personally I think you have to look at the length of non you know the period of non-compliance
and if this is a habitual uh you know a regular rule breaker as um Thomas the Tank Engine would say um you know you need to you need to make them Tony up and you need to have some
harsh consequences And if we have to revoke their uh ability to operate, whether it be through the CO or um you know revoking their license and disallow uh them to collect rent, then that's what we should be doing because clearly
they don't uh respect the uh the laws that we have in place. Agreed. So, and I think money talks so >> sometimes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Uh the next discussion item is abandoned
properties. Cindy gave us uh Cindy sent out an email to the council and um I think we disc did we discuss this at the last meeting? I don't remember. I I think we abandoned properties has been ongoing. We've been
discussing this but I don't know if we discussed it at the last meeting. I think it was >> Yeah, it seems like we talked about anyway. So the the item uh in question this evening is 40 South Union Street. It's been declared an abandoned property. All the documentation has been
posted at the property and filed with the county hun of Huntington Hall of Records. Um and Bill has reported that we have two options. Bill, why don't you elaborate on what those options are rather than you just reading stuff I
probably won't get right. I I think the best option is is it's an individual property. We need in order to really take action, we need a a plan of rehabilitation for that property. So
what beneficial use can the city see for that? And that's something that you would all with carcin and some of their ideas how you know what would fit in the neighbor if it's just a single hand residential
house which I believe this is then you know maybe that's the case but the plan needs to be formalized and adopted. I've seen a lot of municipalities wait until they had maybe two or three properties and then it was kind of more efficient to include all of them in the same
rehabilitation plan. So that the city had different options available. The the other option is for the city to take control of the property but not title to the property and city to undertake the work and assess it as a lean. I don't
you know it you're allowed to do that but it's probably not something that city would really want to consider. I haven't seen many municipalities go that route just because it's added expenses that you're unsure if you're going to it back. So,
um you know it does you can assess them as a lean, but doesn't mean um you know there's it doesn't mean the city's going to be paid back. So, it's a lot of work for you know potentially a return that's not there. The other option
um I I think is is something that is worth considering and it gives the city more power to file an action with the court and mandate property and take action or the city to consider an acquisition of the property as well. So
um you know those are really the basics of the options available. Are the taxes paid? >> No. No, they're not paid. It's uh the property right here on the corner right across the street. >> There's a for sale sign in the windows,
too. So, >> yeah. Um the the the people who own it now um went inside, they took out the the walls, they took out all everything that was there and they threw it all in the backyard.
So, there's broken windows. There's I mean, it's it's in bad shape. So I I assume that they didn't get a demolition permit. >> No. >> So has the property been deemed by the construction official as inhabitable? >> Um I haven't we haven't gone that route
yet. We just focused on the abandoned property because I couldn't get anybody to respond to us. Um I did go to the county. There is a mortgage on it. The mortgage holders are uh from the Midwest. Um, but she didn't have a
mailing address for me to send anything to, >> which is kind of weird. It's like it was it's like an LLC to an LLC loan type thing. >> So, uh, she wasn't able to give us any more information, but to to your point, um, that is something we could send, um,
Paul down to take a look at. >> I think that's a good start. At least >> yeah, >> they can tell that there's more action. Maybe they'll be motivated a little bit more. I'm sure it's not whatever they're
doing. I'm sure it's I'm not sure of anything except fact that it's abandoned and the backyard is full of uh probably stuff that is not uh uh appreciated by the neighbors. the
neighbors are very upset >> or justified >> or there may be a vermin problem and we know that that's not a great thing to have. >> Board of Health early on did go down and they you'll see there's violations on the door. So they've got violations from
the board of health as well. So, so um if we acquire the property, we would have to pay fair. We would have to pay off the mortgage and fair more and then fair market value like >> Well, let the bank take it.
>> There's a Yeah, >> let the bank do it. Yeah, I think that's probably a stronger I'm just advising as to what powers you do have. You don't have to exercise all of them. So, >> yeah. Well, let's get the comm
construction office involved. >> And we have um there are a couple properties that were on our vacant property list that uh were of concern. Um and Paul is investigating them as well. >> I would just like to say that that was a
very comprehensive report that you both worked on. So, thank you for the just Cindy. Oh. Oh, you're getting the finger. >> No, that one. No. >> No. The pointer finger. But
I I can't imagine how many hours you spent not only putting that together, but getting ready to put it together. So, let's see. We can >> Thank you. We're We're We're slowly >> Yeah. Yeah. Way at it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. So it seems like
maybe we should try multiple fronts of you know uh I want to say attack >> motivating >> yeah motivation >> you know and fines and penalties or
whatever is certainly motivating >> but I don't know do uh the council members on my left have any fe input >> I I think it's a good idea to send Paul down there to take a look at I think it's a good first step. I don't think the city really is in the business of
owning properties like that. So, we want to avoid that as much as possible. And it's a shame because I pulled it up on Google Maps and four or five years ago it was wellmaintained and people live there and then it's just really gone downhill real fast over the past two years. So, >> the property owner unfortunately passed
away Shad Festival like two two years ago. Um, so it's left to someone. >> So it was left to someone in his family who sold it. And this is Evermark LLC. We purchased it, demoed the inside, and
never came back. >> They're not paying taxes. I don't know the mortgage status. It's I don't I haven't received a foreclosure notice. Well, there seems to be many upcoming remedies that can be taken from this point forward.
>> Well, I'll keep reporting on it and uh at some point when when it's time, you know, for you to make a decision, we'll we'll uh well, we'll we will by then exhausted all other needs. >> Do we need to respond to the neighbor
about what how our plan going forward? Um yeah, I can reach out to her. She's um she's in contact regularly. >> Okay. Okay. Just so just so the neighbor knows that we're very concerned about the condition and we're exercising what
we can to bring them >> to resolve it. There'll be no parties going on. Okay. Thank you. Um, we have some announcements. The big one is Memorial Day. There are office
closures and parade events. City Hall and the court will be closed on Friday, May 22nd for Memorial Day. And on uh city offices will be closed on Monday, May 25th. Is that right? This the court is open on May 25th.
>> No, all city offices will be closed. All >> All city offices. Right. Okay. Uh for Memorial Day, garbage and recycling schedule for Friday, May 22nd will remain the same. And the street sweeper will not run on Monday,
May No, I'm sorry. It should be the Monday, >> Monday, May 25th. So, park those cars. >> Um Okay. The the annual Memorial Day parade will be held on Monday, May 25th, 2026 with step off at 9:00 a.m. at the
corner of North Union and Cherry Streets. The this year's Grand Marshall will be James Walker. Parade coordinators are Robert Miller and Norbert Rossell of the American Legion. Um, I plan to be in attendance. So, will
other council members plan to support the uh our our the legion and our veterans? Um, >> for sure. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So, looking forward to it and from past experience, it will be rain or shine.
So, wear your rain coats if it's raining >> and or shine coat if it's not >> right. Or your sunglasses. Uh, so we have our second public participation constituent concerns. Here comes Mr.
>> Birthday boy. >> The birthday boy. >> Is this actually the day ending? >> Tomorrow. >> The tomorrow. Tomorrow. >> Oh, happy birthday. >> The 21st. Thank you. Thank you. Um, Dave
Bird 255 Brunswill. Uh, you know the business. Anyway, I want to make a comment. All right. Mayor and council and staff. All right. The now available to the to the taxpayers uh
for meetings, etc. Uh Lefville, city, uh guest, the internet is now available. I just did a test. All right. Download is a really good 300 355. All right. upload
is something I don't see except on Fiverr. All right. 194. All right. And it's like zoo. So, congratulations. And I'd also want, speaking of congratulations, congratulations to the uh uh acting mayor, you know, council
president. Thought you did a great job. And 140 South Union Street. And I don't know whether you can do this or not. All right. But uh you know rather than pay to have the debris removed at city expense, put it back into the building.
I don't know whether you can do that, but uh if you do it all right, it gets it out of the way and the city only has the labor. You have attorneys who can figure that out and have a good memorial. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Is there anyone online? >> No. Okay. May I have a motion to close public comment? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion I. Motion carries. Um and our final item is adjournment. So can I have
a motion to adjourn the meeting at Hold on. >> 7:40. >> So second. >> All in favor? I >> thank you. All right.