use building. >> Any questions from the council hearing? None. Next item. Uh, Councilman, uh, G. >> President, I just want to thank the clerk for getting us out of the glass cases and, you know, able to see from and and
really thank you to you and your staff for really taking that initiative getting this glass. >> No worries. You know, we were and and again the glass was affecting cuz it would hit the lights would hit and you couldn't really look at and sometimes you would go like this and it's not
because we're tired and I want to thank you for that you and your staff. >> Yes, definitely. Thank you because this is my first meeting without the glass. So, it's definitely different experience. Thank you. Next item. B is an ordinance to amend and supplement
rent control by making various corrections and additions. And C is an ordinance regarding rent control also to revise the definition of income eligible individuals. Both are sponsored by
Councilman Council and second by Councilman Kelly. >> Any questions from the council? Hearing none. Next item. D is an ordinance amending solid waste management by amending collection and removal of bulk waste items when
creating hazardous conditions and associated penalties. Sponsored by Councilman Council. Second by Councilman Ramos. >> Questions from the council. Next item. E is an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of property
for a new water and sewer utilities complex sponsored by councilwoman Bay, second by Councilwoman Scott Roundtree. >> Any questions from the council. Next item, >> resolutions
7R1A through H are all temporary emergency appropriations. A is for the operating budget. B is for federal highway safety grant. C is for the innovative community crisis response
partnership grant. D is for the immunization program. E is for the firefighters memorial park climate resilient community space grant. F is for the distracted driving grant. G is
for the youth boxing program grant. and H is for the water monitoring program. >> Mr. President, if I may, >> uh, Councilman Gonzalez. >> Yeah, it seems that I am going to leave this uh this body without taking a look
at the budget. Uh, it's a we have requested budget since March. It's already May 20th tomorrow and we haven't seen any anything. it. I I would love I would love to see this
that we have movement going on and that that the council is advised of any shortfalls in the budget before uh before they have to vote on something that they don't know about. >> I'll get a Mr. Ba. Yeah.
>> Good morning, council president, council members. Eric Pennington, business administrator. uh your concerns are valid and well raised. My hope, as I promised, is to get you well, I promise to get it to you by by this month, but u >> I'm here. I'm here until the 30th.
>> My my my plan is to make sure that we get something to you. Um I actually have a meeting with our budget team today um to see where we are. I mean, there are challenges, but we're moving through it. I'm just noticing that uh we are closer today. There's no no uh you're not
guarded from me with your plastic anymore. >> That's a good thing. All right. Appreciate that. Um but anyway, working on it and I'm happy to actually if you would like I'd even can meet with you separately and have further discussions about exactly where we stand and obviously share with the council as a
whole but give it to you and and have more discuss. I believe it it wouldn't be as productive as it could be because I would believe in the council but I believe that it's imperative that you meet with the the council and discuss any any possibilities for a shortfall
and how it's going to be remedied. >> Certainly, >> Mr. President Ramos. >> Yeah, I I I agree with my colleague. you know, every council meeting we're spending, you know, money against this year's budget, which we haven't seen.
Um, we don't have an indication of what the state aid number is going to be, um, or what the request from the city is. Um, and also, you should have an idea at this point is what kind of tax increase are you looking to um, include in this
year's budget in order for us to have a balanced budget. So you know th those items even without all the details you know I think you should be able to share with us. >> Fair fair comments fair questions. I do have um internally four or five
scenarios right now and uh perhaps we should have a a budget discussion and I can share that with you but I have a meeting today and I'll be in a better position to share that with you after that. And and the the other thing I'll mention, I I had the opportunity to listen into the some of the state uh
budget hearings and the DCA commissioner in particular, Department of Community Affairs. She went over uh the amounts of aid for different uh towns and municipalities around the state. And there are some rather small towns that are getting a considerable amount of
additional state aid uh from from from the state government. that comes with oversight and some restrictions in local spending. Um, you know, I just wonder, I know we had to borrow money uh two years in a row in order to offset the
additional amount that was owed to the county if that was an a possibility for us to to possibly get that aid as a grant as opposed to a a loan. um would be that as it may if if there are um
possibilities for or or the requirement for additional state aid, have you had conversations with with the DCA person to see if that additional aid is available even if maybe there isn't a need for additional aid based on the budget that you're seeing?
>> We have ongoing conversations as part of the two prior years uh borrowing. We have to give reports to the state and our finance director talks with the the DCA at least monthly about where we
stand. We have requested that in various iterations of the borrowing that we've had to turn them into a grant that has been denied. Uh but one of them has been deferred until till next year where we have to make the payments. With respect to asking for additional aid at this
point, we've had those discussions. Um we have not settled on uh where it stands. Essentially the the likelihood that we'll ever get a not ever but in this budget get another loan from the state is unlikely extraordinarily unlikely. Um and with
respect to a grant as you say would require significant oversight and we are balancing whether or not uh it makes sense to pursue that. >> Yeah. I mean, you you you read that Jersey City is asking for upwards of $200 million in state aid. I don't I don't know if they're going to get it,
but um you know, as the state's largest city, when you see the list of those relatively small towns and the amount of money that they're getting from the state, um there there definitely needs some balance and fairness in in the state aid numbers and and and North
deserves consideration even with the oversight on on um spending which in this environment I I wouldn't have a problem with. >> Fair enough. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anything else for the B? >> Thank you, Mr. M.
>> I'm sorry. Wait, I think >> just a um have a conversation around 7R1G uh the uh temporary emergency preparations to provide the funds for the youth boxing program under the attorney general's office. if we can get
a better explanation on the receiverhip of the funds from the attorney general. I'm believing to the police department and if there is going to be some kind of pass through uh through the uh recreation centers uh because they house
boxing programs or is this a outreach to get more uh youth in the city of New York involved in boxing programs still visav if those funds will be some kind of pass through through our uh police department to ensure uh that these funds are getting into the gyms to help to
recruit young people into the boxing gyms in the city. Yeah, I'll defer that to the recreation director in public safety. They're here, I believe. Are they here? I don't see rec Oh, there we are. Miss Raspberry is here and public safety is here. So, they both can come and address
this. Thank you. >> Morning, Council President. Good morning. >> Captain James George on behalf of the Department of Public Safety. Uh it's my understanding that our youth aid bureau that uh uh processes offenders and then links them up with the office of violence prevention and trauma recovery
for some rehabilitative services uh are contracting with gyms or organizing with gyms in order to to make this happen as part of uh some of their um rehabil rehabilitation process. Uh so they don't get involved in any additional crimes or additional offenses that if they were
committed by an adult be considered a crime. So will this be a a pass through for outside even if it's for offenders outside individuals even if they're offenders to go to outside gymnasiums and and not to uh support the gymnasiums
that are housed by the department of recreation culture affairs and senior services. I know that there's some separate outside entity boxing gyms that are within the city. Is this going to be grant application or dollars that will go to assist and help them as well?
>> I'd have to find out the details and then leave it to the recreation department to see if those conversations were had with you youth aid, but I can find out for you and then >> Yes, please. Yeah, that would be greatly help helpful. >> Good morning, Kesha Raspberry, assistant director, Department of Recreation,
Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services uh to the president council. the president council president and council. Um I'm not really aware of that. But however, as the gentleman just said, we will be in negotiations to see if there is any
connection that we can make to get some of those funds funded to the recreation center for the boxing programs that we do host already. Believe we have three. Ironbound boxing, boiling boxing, and JFK.
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next item. Well, I'm sorry. Let me go back. I'd like to sponsor seminar one E. >> E as in Edward. Is there a second for that? >> Yes. Second.
>> Second by Councilman Kelly. >> Duly noted. >> Also want to uh sponsor um 7R1G. Is there a second for that? >> Second by councilman. That was I heard
councilman council first. >> All right. Next item. >> I through Q are purchasing contracts. I is a cooperative agreement to purchase bucket trucks to be used for installing, maintaining, and calibrating pole
cameras and automated license plate meters. J is a cooperative agreement for public safety special vehicles. K is the extension of emergency contract for repairs needed on the bay floor area
of Engine 19's firehouse. L is a state contract to purchase OEM and nonOEM maintenance and repair services for light medium duty vehicles. M is a state contract to purchase
firefighter protective gear equipment and supplies. N is a state contract for tire removal and disposal services. O is a state contract to purchase and deliver necessary gases, cylinders, and
related equipment. P is a bid contract to provide ammunition and Q is a bid contract to provide locksmith services. >> Questions from the council? >> Uh, yes, council president. I'd like to sponsor 7R1 M
>> M >> M is in Mary. >> Is it Mary? >> Is there a second? Thank you. >> Second by Councilman Canana. >> Next item. >> Mr. Chair, Councilman Council. >> Yeah. About the tire disposal uh
contract. I know uh prior we had asked about the amount that we had spent currently up to date as it relates to uh tire disposals. uh to get that amount I know is uh critical uh so that we can you know provide uh some light on how
much uh disposing of all of these tires costs especially when individuals are uh bringing them into the city illegally dumping them and we're responsible for picking them up finding them um and then disposing of them and so for us to be able to have a cost on that so the the
the council can be able to see uh what that looks like I think it's important for us to Yeah. >> So, thank you. Thank you, Councilman Thru. Uh, madame clerk, let's see if we can get that response. >> Sure. >> Thank you.
>> R through Z are resolutions from the office of the business administrator. R is a contract with subreient to provide community-based violence intervention and prevention and high risk intervention community street team.
>> Yeah, Mr. Chair, I'd like to sponsor that item. >> Second. >> I think I wanted to I heard Councilwoman Scott Rousry. So, Councilman Council, second by Councilman Scott Roundry. >> And and then also I just want to talk about um one the uh amazing job that the
New York Community Street team has been doing since its inception. Uh and to uh ultimately hopefully figure out some more ways that we can um extend resources to them. uh as they continue to work to provide uh safe passage and
travel uh and uh do other things in the community that is really helping along with the office of violence prevention and trauma recovery, New York Street Academy, Brook City Peace Collective to really suppress, bring down uh encourage and engage uh not just our youth but our
young adults in this community uh to be able to find alternative means to uh not just violence but you know character development and all of the things that they're doing that we don't even take note of while they're providing safe passage, right? The friendships that they're making, the families that
they're meeting, the connections that they are building. Sometimes we take those things for granted uh and they become very important in terms of intelligence and solving uh problems and critically creating relationships with other uh young people uh that really
have difficult times learning how to network with each other. So, I just want to commend them. I see them in the audience today. I just want to commend them for their work and all of the effort and everything they do. And every time you call on them, they're they're always there, you know. So, I pop up in front of the school, they're right there, they're waving, they're friendly.
Um, and so I just want to thank them publicly for what they do privately to help our young people. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Scott Roundry. too want to ditto uh my colleague Councilman Council's uh remarks because when we go by the schools and we see them standing in the street and we see them making sure that our young people
are safe passage is the is the key word. So knowing that they've had challenges and knowing that they have had to go through some things to get where they are, they have decided to do what they do. And when you say North Community Street Team, community is a key word. You are taking care of the streets in
the community as a team. And for that publicly, I too want to thank you for your sacrifice, for your work, for your commitment, for what you do in the streets, for the community, as a team. God bless you. Thank you, Councilman uh Kelly.
>> Uh yes, to I'm I'm just going to echo my colleagues as well. I really look at you guys as uh the blueprint to a lot of these high-risk intervention uh organizations that's out here. Before them, I knew of the new community street
team and when I called on you guys, especially in my first storm along South Orange Avenue and in West Ward, you were right on the spot. So, I just want to thank you for all of the work that you do, all of the influence that you have in our community because that's
important. Sometime when you have on these stuffy suits and ties, we can't go out and have those conversations that you actually have. And um there is somebody to do, you know, the work that needs to be done and that is you that is sitting in the audience. So, I just want
to say thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah. Councilman Gonzalez. >> Yeah. I I just want to suggest that perhaps we can complement what they do with cameras. Uh so that uh they say
they know say they have witnesses the camera they can present as a witness if an event is happening. So that in that case there is not the word of the person you have a video of what really transpired in addition to have the the
person that that saw what happened. I believe it's important uh that we install cameras closer to the schools and closer to the areas that they are performing their duties so that we have
other eyes more eyes on the road. and thank you very much for what you do. >> Thank you, Councilman uh Councilman Canana. >> I just want to say say thank you. You know, I've I've seen your work. Don't stop by, but I've seen what you do. I
mean, and really it it's a change. It changes the tone of people saying that nothing gets done in the city of Newark. But we have the testimony of what you do for the people of the city of Newark because we all can't do it as Councilman
Kelly said and we cannot do it. But you are you're the eyes and ears of the city and and you know that's what's important. uh that you're there making sure that young people uh whether they're in trouble, whatever it may be, that you will be counseling them and
guiding them into a direction and a great path of success in this city of ours where people may say nothing gets done, but things do get done. Uh but you you are what gets it done. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you, Councilwoman Bay. >> Yes. So, their office is actually right down the street from my office at North Emergency. And so, I see them um every day um coming in and out and making sure that they are an active participant in the community. Um you're part of the
extended village of this community of this city and making sure that our people um not only feel safe but seen and heard and making sure that we have a way to communicate with people who feel unseen. And so I just want to again echo
my council colleagues to thank you for the work that you do and know that we support you and we will continue to do so. >> Anything else from the council? All right. Well, let me let me be the final one to say something. Uh obviously you can see that your work is
appreciated by us and and and it's good that I'm that the council colleagues have said that and I just want to add to that too. It does not go unnoticed. And so we appreciate what you do and we will continue to support you as as best as we
can. Thank you. Next >> S is a competitive contract to provide consulting services and technical assistance for HUD entitlement programs. T is a cooperative agreement to purchase
and provide a grants management software subscription. >> Any question? I'm sorry. Sorry. >> Where you going? Just keep going until you stop. >> U is the application acceptance of grant funds for the Newark Safe Gateway Pedestrian and Traffic Calming Project.
V is an application acceptance of grant funds for the firefighters memorial park climate resilient community space. W is an application acceptance of grant funds for the water monitoring program. X is a memorandum of understanding to
support the development of Lionsgate Studios. Y is a resolution of support for class 5 cannabis retail business. And Z is a resolution of support for class 5 cannabis retail business.
>> First, I'd like to sponsor 7R1V. >> Second. >> Second by Councilwoman Scott Brown. >> Yep. Mr. President, I would like to 1X >> X as in Xavier. >> I second that.
>> Uh, okay. >> I would like to sponsor a seminar. I'm sorry. >> We just did X one. I'm sorry. I'm tripping. >> No, you can continue. >> Any anything from the council? Anything
else from the council? >> Yeah, Mr. President, I'm sorry I was on a call. Did we did we do the uh two cannabis um applications or no? >> Those she she mentioned those just now. >> Okay. Questions? >> Yeah, I know with with um the last time we had our meeting with why there were a
few issues facility-wise that they needed to address because I know that one's looking to operate their shop out of the second floor. M >> so there was some elevator suggestion that the chair made and then they also um would like to see a revised list of
um organizations that are part of their community benefit. You know they mentioned two organizations at the meeting that are no longer in existence as far as their community benefit is concerned. So, if we can circle back with them on those issues, but the more
important issue is the egress issue, right? Like they're looking to operate this on a second floor. Um, I know councilman council has suggested that they needed to put in an elevator as part of that in order to safely um accommodate patrons. So, just want to
see if they got back to us on that. >> And then the other issue is the community benefit piece. I mean, they mentioned two organizations at the meeting that they're no longer in existence. Councilman, is this Y or Z? >> It's a Y. It's Y. >> Okay.
>> So, if we can get a response, Madame Clerk. >> Sure. >> Thank you, Councilman. Anything else from the council? >> Next item. >> 72 A and B are private sale redevelopment.
A is a rehabilitation and conversion to market rate apartments in the central ward. questions from the council. >> Yes, I have >> council one bay. >> Um I want to know how many apartments and what the the layout is. How many is
it? Onebedroom, two bedroom, threebedroom and what um that market rate actually is. >> Somebody from economic housing development. >> Yeah, that's the question. Good morning. Randy Daniel, legislative
coordinator for economic and housing development. Council president, councilwoman to your question. I can get that information to you by the end of the day. >> Okay. Because I I haven't met with these people. I don't know anything. So might be, you know, talking. >> Yes, ma'am. I can get that to you.
>> Request to defer until I meet with them. >> I speak I'll send you that information. >> So I mean it sounds like it's a it should be a defer. Yeah, because if the information is not readily available and I haven't met with them yet. So >> So let's let's defer as a whole.
>> Is that all right, Councilwoman? >> Yes, sir. >> All right, >> Councilwoman Gonzalez. >> Your mic wasn't on. >> It's on. >> I know that the item is going to be deferred, but uh it has says here rehabilitation and conversion to market
reforms. I suppose they are going to comply with the ISO regulations because the whole thing cannot be market rate I suppose. So it's it's imperative that we have the or that the council members
have the information that is going to allow them to make a decision uh without having to get any further uh information from from you. they say we we should have the information right in front of us so that would allow us to make a decision.
>> So there's a number of items and issues that need to be addressed and discussed before we can move on this item. So we're going to defer it uh at this point. >> Good morning council members uh council president Allison Lad director of
economic and housing development. Um, I can understand the questions associated with this, but I wanted to give you the background which may help clarify some of what is occurring. So, as you may recall, earlier this year, the city released a high value auction in which
this was one of eight sites that was up for sale. Uh, due to a technical error that we had, we had to cancel the auction. However, in coordination with corporation council and the BA, we were
able to offer the highest biders, the one who won, the ability to buy the property at appraised value. So, that is what they are doing. They're buying the property at appraised value. As you know, whenever we auction property off, the requirements are different than when
we sell things through an LOI or another traditional redevelopment agreement process. Um, last I'd say regarding this individual um, agreement in particular, um, of course any project that's above 15 units will have to comply with inclusionary zoning. Um, but it was, uh,
the auction that actually generated the sale and the selection. Um, not a typical redevelopment agreement which you would usually see. Um, and I'll just close with all of the documents are in the legisar file. Um, so I confident that everything is present. Mr.
President, >> Councilman Gonzalez, >> yeah, go ahead of myself here. And the next item, it says an assessed value. I don't see an appraised value here. >> So, where is the appraised value of that property that we're selling for $4 million?
>> Sure. Um, so, Council Member, Council President and Council Member Gonzalez's uh question. This is three different sites also sold by the auction in which all three of the sites have three different appraisals. Um, I believe they are also attached to the legisar file.
Um, and that is the amount of $4 million. >> Yes. >> Did you did you receive an email that was sent yesterday offering $5.5 million for this lot? >> Um, a fair uh council president, that was a different site. >> That was what?
>> It was a different site. Council member Gonzalez, they're asking about a different site. These are on Daris. They're on Riverside and also on Meer Avenue. And then the one on the front is on Commerce. So, I know that there's some questions, but I would hope that we
could advance the sales between these two and at least a diff a few more. This is about $5 million of revenue. Um, and it's very important for us to be able to close on these sites as we're looking to be able to address the budget issue as spoken to by the BA earlier this
morning. Mr. President, >> Councilman Ramos, >> Deputy Mayor, would it be possible to, you know, discuss these um not even the projects with the but before the RFQS or whatever go out to if
the these are properties and respective wards, I think it' be good practice for your office to have a conversation. I mean, the ones that are listed here as it relates to the North Ward are industrial properties, but you know, we hear rumors that the city's looking to
sell the uh seat and leather site, which is on Broadway, in an area that is very quickly becoming a really nice residential community. And one of the rumors that we hear is that you guys are looking to sell it to an industrial user, which would take us back like 25
years in that neighborhood. So, you know, I I I I would strongly suggest that your office, and I know, you know, the city's looking for resources in order to balance this budget, but we we we shouldn't do it at the expense of the quality of life of certain
neighborhoods. So, you know, these these are industrial properties that are listed here, but once you're ready to sell like the sea and leather site, I I would very much be concerned if on the Broadway side you guys were looking to
um sell that to an industrial user, especially when that neighborhood is becoming a really nice residential neighborhood. >> Um, sure, Council President. Um to Council Member Ramos's point, uh we have not released the site out for public information. There are people who are
interested in the site because they know that we own it. Um we have been traditionally looking at the current zoning as the method for sale. It does not mean a zoning change cannot occur. But that is how we've been typically reviewing the sales. >> And and that site right now has like um
I guess temporary users or use and occupancy. Can you look into those agreements to see if they're even valid? You know, because they're parking um you know, all kinds of commercial vehicles on on some of the city- owned property. I don't even know if they have
an agreement with the city. I know you the city did evict a user that was um parking uh cars on the city owned site, but there are other users along the seat and leather site that that are private
that may be infringing on city- owned property. >> Yes, we've already given them a notice to quit and we have lawyers available to actually remove those that are on the site. Uh their use and occupancy agreement has expired. >> Thank you, Mr. Mr. President, >> Councilman Gonzalez,
>> uh, Director, uh, who who is or who are the members of the Ramos Avenue LC? >> Uh, sure, no problem. Um, again, I know it's listed within the >> Weren't they supposed to be here?
>> Believe we did notify them, but um, as I said previously again, it was an auction, so it wasn't a typical redevelopment agreement. It was not a typical process whereby we went through um any negotiations. It was merely they accepted an offer price and we accepted
their >> normally normally we ask that anyone that is purchasing land from the city of Newark be here so that we can ask them questions and in this case they are not. >> Yes, I do understand your point and council president. It is not the case
though when it comes to auctions. But I do understand the point as it was. Um it looks uh and the perception could be different. >> Thank you. Any other questions? Councelor. I I just >> Yeah, I I understand the importance when
it comes to the uh RFP sale that that was purported, but even in the document where it talks about the construction of 80 to 100 units uh on Mer Avenue, uh which is right across the street from
440. just that kind of thing in and of itself I think we should at least had the kind of respect to have a conversation about that. Um I I know it's going to, you know, ultimately increase a high level
of density in that area, but it it is also a congested area as it is now going under that little bridge towards Weekway Park right in the area. folks are struggling to get around that corner on Maker and get around the other corner
and the proposed an additional 80 to 100 units comprised of the uh 250 units that's already across the street will add a lot and so at least part of a conversation would have been would have been helpful and so you know hopefully
that we can have that conversation um before tomorrow about how this initial plan is I don't know and then I'm still always confused I know we like package all of this stuff together. But to me, it becomes problematic because if I have an issue with something and then there's something on there from the north or the
east and they're fine with it, but I have an issue and I want to defer or if you know I'm fine with mine and they want to defer theirs, it makes it kind of difficult to to move along uh with it. And I and I definitely have some concerns and would love to have some
kind of conversation with with with someone um either from from your office or from um you know 847 Duramis A LLC, whoever the individuals are before I move on it. >> Council President, I will say
respectfully this was publicly released. It was publicly identified. It was on all of social media. There were pre-bid conferences. it was widely um advertised. And so while I understand there may be individual positions on the
sites, it is not as if it was done behind closed doors. This was absolutely a public process and um I apologize for you those not being aware of it, but it was very well publicized for over a month. >> So So let let me say this. You you do
understand and what the council members are saying because I think it's being missed. It's not about the public being aware of it. It's about the council members respecting them and letting them know what's going on in their wards because I I think that's being missed in
this right here. And and you know, I'm I'm just saying this because I feel that the actual response to them is not being given back to the question or to their concerns.
So, and I don't know if my Councilman Silva had anything to say. I'm gonna let him speak first. >> I just want to say um Deputy Mayor, I I don't think it's the process, but as related to what Councilman Council was saying, if someone buys a piece of property in my ward and they're going to
put truck parking, I'm just using that example example or surface parking, maybe I don't I'm not in agreement with that. That's my opinion. So, I you know, if we're going to sell something to somebody, a developer, the process is fine. I'm not criticizing the process,
but we should be aware of what their intentions are as well when they're buying the property. That's my only concern. >> So, >> let me let me say real quick, respect might have not been the right choice of words. I think courtesy is a better choice of words to for the ward council
members to be aware of what's going on. >> Understood. >> Go ahead. I'm sorry if you wanted to say something else. >> No, sir. >> All right. Anything else? >> I would say I would encourage us to move forward because the funding is very important to our city to be able to
advance the services and for you to have a balanced budget. >> Thank you. Anything else from the council? >> Thank you. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> You're welcome. >> Next item. >> C is the application acceptance of grant
funds from the American Planning Association of New Jersey. Any questions from the council? >> Next item. >> D is a redevelopment agreement to authorize execution of an agreement for the sale and redevelopment of land
between the city and the Essis Reservoir Urban Renewal LLC. >> Any questions from the council regarding >> uh Councilman Kelly? >> Yes. Um I I believe I see Miss Miss Frasier in here. Um, I just wanted to to
say that um to to the colleagues. I know we all remember what we went through with Reservoir. >> Um, >> yes, >> the receiverhip and and all of those things. And I I just really want to thank Urban League for coming in. I
think the city was, you know, we were in a place that um I feel like they actually saved us from a lot of different things. Um, so I just want to thank Urban League for coming in and and doing what they did with replacing the, you know,
getting the people placed in in different living situations and making sure that we were okay and it's with the things moving forward with reservoir. I see Miss Miss Frasier is here. I don't know if you want to come up and and or
deputy mayor want to explain just to the public what's going on with the project. >> Good morning, council president, um council members, Alison Led, uh direct director and deputy mayor for economic and housing development. Uh regarding
this um item on the agenda, there is the resolution um here noticed and also there is also um an ordinance that accompanies it at the end under communications. Uh as um the council member Kelly mentioned about two years ago, uh there was a major concern
associated with the reservoir and at that time not only was the site in disarray and also had many code enforcement violations uh which led the city through corporation council to seek receiverhip for this site um in which we
were able to identify urban league of Essex County. Uh second, the land that was um on the site had a HAP contract and vouchers from both the HUD and also the state due to the issues associated
with the um repairs and um really disrepair of the site. Both of those contracts were abated immediately. Therefore, there was no more subsidy on the site and we had to um relocate all
of the residents in which we did with the help of the Urban League of Essex County. And so, um at that point, uh we were able to talk with them as they were interested in purchasing the property. And I will allow uh Vivian Cox Frasier to come up and explain the project to
you. But I will tell you, um, they're doing 100% affordable home ownership, which is really exciting considering it used to be 100% rental. So, we're really excited about that. And I think many of you know that the Urban League has been one of the leaders um in our city, but
also in the region for doing home ownership efforts. Uh, so I'll leave it to Vivian. Thank you. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Okay. Just state your name for the record, please. >> Vivian Cox Fraser, president CEO of the
Urban League of Essex County. So, uh, so thank you, uh, council for this opportunity to speak. Thank you for those who came to our ribbon cutting yesterday. Uh, that project, uh, we sold those two family homes for under $200,000.
That's a example of the type of model the Urban League is promoting. And so Reservoir, we know it was uh a project that had a lot of issues. Uh all it was was 100% affordable rental. Uh it will still our goal is to turn it into condos
for ownership. So we do projects where we have a LITC. Uh if you have a project of over a certain number of units, it's going to be LITC because that's the only way you can make the the numbers work in terms of a capital stack. So what I want to prove is that we can create places
here in Newark for families that are here in Newark. So when we were relocating the the folks out of uh Reservoir like the folks from DPW would come up say ain't you going to do something for us? You doing everything for lowincome people. What about us?
We're working in the city. The school right behind it is Michelle Obama's school. Principal calls me. The teaching assistant getting evicted. You got anything for her? They have teachers that are driving to Pennsylvania to live. I think it's criminal and I think
there has to be a way that we preserve ownership for folks who were in Newark before everybody became interested in Newark, before it became like revitalized. So now the houses we built right in the neighborhood in the West Ward and you
know a councilman those houses going for $800,000. Who can afford that? So my goal is to show and to do with this project uh and to do I want to solve all the problems with the project but I mean even I talk about people not having an
opportunity to learn the trades. I say if we have somebody that learns how to put in 10 floors in reservoir you know how to put in a floor. You know how to put in 10 kitchens you're going to be able to put into a kitchen. So, you know, the goal is to really deepen our
impact around creating economic opportunity for the residents in Newark. And that's really what we're going to do with this project. And uh I'm excited about it. And I hope I can you're excited about it. And I hope you have confidence like I do that we're going to
get it done. >> Thank Thank you. >> And I have some pressure. >> I have some pictures of uh you know, people say kept saying, "Tear it down. Tear it down." I'm like, "No, no, don't tear it down. That reservoir is brick and concrete. It don't need to be tearred down. It's like that. I don't
believe in throwaway people. I don't feel like throwaway property. I believe a reservoir can be beautiful again." Thank you. >> Beautiful. Thank you very much, >> Councilman Gonzalez. >> Your mic's off.
When we speak about affordable, uh, what are we talking about in terms of price? >> Yeah, I'm I'm going to make it affordable for, uh, like teaching assistants, nursing assistance, all the essential workers that were here for the pandemic. I think we ought to be here
for them now. >> 300,000, 400,000, 200,000. >> No, no, no, no, no. Reservoir actually has 26 uh two-bedroom duplexes in there. uh six threebedroom duplexes in there. So, you know, we're gonna be creative about it. I mean, I can't say for right
now. >> Are you rent Are you renting or selling? You're selling. >> I'm sell I'm gonna sell them. I'm gonna sell ownership. Yep. And uh hopefully uh Yeah. I mean, for them to be affordable, they have to be under 200. So, I know that for a fact. They're going to have to be under 200. And that means I'm
gonna have to work to get the subsidy and the the grants and funding to make that happen. But, I will. And who who is your partner in the construction of the of the units? >> Let's see who who financ >> Well, you know, you know, I got Julio Cologne with me, right? So, you know, we
we're going to get this done. But, uh I I don't have the financing yet. So, because what I have to do is I have to get sight control. Once I get sight control, then I can line up the financing. Okay. Uh but I have been, you know, floating ideas around we did new markets tax credits. you bring the T,
those are tax credits that could come in and that can bring equity right into the project. Uh we have been talking to some banks around just giving us construction financing because I think it's criminal that for a LITC deal they said the average cost is $400,000 a unit. Why? I
think I can do it cheaper than that. >> I agree with you. >> I think I can do it cheaper than that. >> That is criminal that we are not providing housing for the people that live in the city. It's I believe that that's a project that we should all support and applaud because we need
units that that can be acquired by people that work in the city of Newark and around the city of Newark. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Yeah. Thank you. And and similar to what uh that the groundbreaking yesterday, if you can create th that kind of housing and that uh affordability or affordable
home ownership with this project, that would be fantastic. Anything else from the council? >> Thank one one last council. >> Um >> I know a lot of people saying tear it down, tear it down. Um I think you guys do a great work with with all of the
projects that I seen on Fair Mount. >> One thing, one question though that I've been getting from people, how is the infrastructure of the facility? Will the infrastructure be done totally over or will you try to renovate the
infrastructure that's currently there? >> So, the units are pretty solid inside, but it had a heating system that was underground and, you know, like a octopus up to the unit. So, we we'll have all new infrastructure, all new uh we're gonna do we're gonna do uh maybe
net zero. I don't know. We're gonna do everything. You know, I'm have some solar panels. I'm gonna have a garden. I'm have a lot of things in there, right? So, uh, everything, all the amenities that are downtown, I want amenities in this project for the residents here. >> Thank you. Sponsored by Councilman
Kelly. Is there a second? Councilman Scott. Councilwoman Scott Roundry. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, next item. >> E, is a site access agreement right of entry for the flood relief for the
Ironbound area. Questions from the council. Next item. >> F is a subordination agreement in order to permit the redeveloper to obtain the financing necessary for the development of a new fivestory mixeduse building in the south ward.
>> Questions from the council. Next item. >> Seven 3A through C are engineering resolutions. A is a change order for the installation of pavement markings on various streets.
>> Next. >> B is a professional service contract for the licensed site remediation professional for the Ironbound Little League turf field. >> Questions? Councilman. >> Yeah, I'd like to sponsor this. Please. I'd like to be a sponsor.
>> All right. Sponsored by Councilman Silva. Second by Councilman Kentana. Got it first. duly noted. And C is a bid contract to award Newark Mars Canal Bikeway Project. >> Any questions? Next item.
>> 7R4A is an application to the Department of Community Affairs for funding for the Newark UE citywide beautifification project. >> Questions from the council. Next item. B is an application to the Department of Community Affairs for the
use of UEEC funds. >> Any questions from the council? >> Next item. >> C is a request by the finance department to defer this item. >> Any questions from the council? Next item.
>> 7R5A is accepting grant amending for the immunization grant. >> Questions from the council? Next item. >> B through L or contracts with subreipients to provide HIV AIDS related
health and support services. B is for Newark Beth Isisrael Medical Center. C is for Marstown Medical Center. D is Rucker's Infectious Disease Program. E is Rucker's Clinical Quality
Management Program. F and G are Apostle House. H is Iris House. I is Edge New Jersey. J is Zufall Health Center. K is Positive Healthc Care and L is Highenth
AIDS Foundation. >> Any questions from the council? Next item. >> M through R or contracts with subreients for emergency housing programs. M is Isaiah House, N is Real House, O is
United Communities Corporation, P is the YMCA, Q is Catholic Charities, and R is Fairmont Health Services. >> Questions from the council. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair. >> Councilman Council, >> at some at some point, can we have a
special with all of these uh providers that provide emergency housing uh just to discuss their programmatic approach? uh what do they do in terms of programming and the individuals that are in these facilities that that we're utilizing um at some point?
>> All right. Thank Thank you, Councilman. >> Yeah. Uh >> Councilman Kelly, >> I would like to sponsor U 7R50 and um >> is there a second on that real quick? I'll second I'll give it to Scott Roundry
>> and 7R5R >> and R. >> I'll second this one. >> Council President, your sponsor R. >> I'll second that. Yeah. >> Next item. S is acceptance of grant funds for the
innovative community crisis response partnership grant. >> Questions from the council. >> Next item. >> 7R6A through I are settlement agreements for executive session. J through M are professional service
contracts for the law department. I is for labor and employment matters and K through M are litigation defense matters. Any questions from the council on any of these? Next item. >> 7R8A is an att testation of review of
the city audit. >> Any questions from the council? Next item. >> B is accepting a gift and license agreement for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. >> Any questions from the council?
>> Next item. C is recognizing and commending resolutions and D is expressing profound sorrow and regret. >> Any questions, comments from the council? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Bay. >> Um I would like to offer sorrow and
regret for the passing of Sharon Wells, the sister of Dr. Lauren Wells um who was a former um chief of education here at the city of NORC and also a board member of the NORC um the North Public Library.
And um also want to um offer recognition and and um commend the uh Central High girls flag football team on their uh 10-0 season. Madame clerk, did you get those two? >> Yes, sir. Okay.
>> It was a flag football. You said flag football council woman flag. Flag football. Okay. The sour regret. Next item. >> 79 A through C are public safety
resolutions. A is the acceptance of grant funds for the youth boxing program. B is a professional service contract for psychological service and C is a network system software to provide support and maintenance of
proprietary software and hardware. >> All right. I know Coun Councilman Kelly just whispered to me he wants to sponsor 7R9A. Is there a second for that? Second by Councilman Gintana. >> Any other questions or concerns?
Next item, >> communications. Item 8A is an ordinance ratifying and authorizing a 10-year extension to the tax abatement granted to Claremont Newark Urban Renewal LLC for a project to undertake improvements
to the existing FBI building. >> Questions from the council. Next item. B is an ordinance authorizing the mayor and or his designate to authorize the sale and transfer of property to Essex Reservoir Urban
Renewal LLC. >> Questions and adopt. >> All right, council advance and adopt. So, I'm going to have you sponsor that. That Okay. >> Yes. Sponsored by Councilman Kelly. >> Is there a second? >> Second.
>> Second by Councilman Scott Roundry. Next item >> C is an ordinance amending special improvement districts to amend various sections increasing the administrative fee retained by the city tax collector from 1% to 2%.
>> Any questions from the council? Next item >> D is an ordinance authorizing the mayor and or his designate to execute to enter into and execute an amended lease agreement amending the name of the landlord from Urban Renewal
LLC to Catholic Charities Arch Dascese of Newark for the lease of a homeless shelter and associated office space. >> Can we get a quick explanation of this matter? Director Osbbor
and I guess Director Lara. >> Good morning. Kellbrook, director of health for the city of Newark. Uh this is to amend the ordinance that was uh adopted and executed in 2021. Uh the property is where the Miller Street
shelter is located. Originally the property was owned by Urban Renewal who sold it to Catholic Charities and we want the ordinance to reflect that. >> Sorry, can you speak up a little bit? I just >> sir, we would like the ordinance to reflect the change of ownership from urban renewal to Catholic Charities >> and that's the only change, right? >> Correct.
>> Amendment. Okay. Any questions from the council? >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> E is I'm sorry. E is an ordinance amending and supplementing the housing code to establish additional requirements for the certificates of
habitability and strengthen enforcement through revocation. Any questions from the council? >> Yeah, Mr. Chair, >> Councilman Council. >> One, um I would uh like to sponsor the item uh and secondly, um around more
punitive uh actions for those individuals, uh that do not comply uh with turning over the information or providing the information. um that there needs to be a connective fine uh and it should be attached daily uh and not just
an umbrella flat fee. Uh but for the individuals who do not, there should be um a $1,000 a day fine that's attached to every day. they do not turn in the information that is required uh from the
city uh for the information that we're looking for so that we can have someone specifically on file that is part owner uh of the facility to make sure that we're getting the information and they should be able to physically feel uh the
pain of what is happening to uh the residents here in the city. >> I second that. Thank you. So, but first of all, before you start, >> councilwoman, are you seconding the >> I'm seconding with with the amendment with this. Yes. With the changes that
will be added regarding the punitive council Scott Brown. >> All right, you're on. >> Good morning. Michelle Nelson, first assistant corporation council law department. Um, thank you, council president, council member council. Um to
your question, there is a penalty currently in this particular chapter for if there's someone who is not in compliance with it. However, based off of the suggestions that you said, I will bring it back and we will try to make those penalties as strong as we can for our municipality.
>> Thank you. All right. Thank you. >> And and and also to uh 8F as well. Um, I I know the uh she is about to to to read it um into discussion, but there needs to be um in there an amendment for
$1,000 a day for those buildings that do not currently have security uh that is over a hundred units. And every day they're without having security in those buildings, they should be charged $1,000 a day.
And that language should change. Not just a a generic cost in there that says we can find you up to 500 first offense, up to 600 second offense, but it should specifically and intentionally say $1,000 a day. That's right.
>> Uh as as long as that building does not have security that is over a 100 units. There are many buildings in the city uh that because of the ordinance supposed to have security and do not have security and putting our residents in
harm. Individuals letting people in back doors u and we want to make sure the safety and security of these residents are at forefront. So >> thank you. >> I'm sorry council president for jumping ahead. >> No, no, that's okay.
>> I just know. >> So that was 8F. Yeah. >> Right. >> Are you and Yep. And if we can have someone come up and explain ADF because I jumped ahead of it. >> There you go. Okay. I >> apologize my reading so for the general
public can understand what a what ADF is. >> It just shows you that you that shows everybody that you read it ahead of time. >> Good morning again. Michelle Nelson versus assistant corporation council. So, um that particular ordinance we're amending and we're putting an exception
to redevelopment projects that are directly um connected to a CBA, community benefits agreement. Those community benefit agreements will directly be impacting the external part of the community um including their safety and other things of that nature.
So, with this is an exception to the actual security to the building. Um however that security it will not be lighter but it will just be negotiated with the BA the public safety director and economic housing and that CBA will
be brought before you guys to ultimately be voted on. >> Can I ask a question? Councilman, you finished? >> Yeah. >> So you you say it's negotiated. What happens if the landlord doesn't agree?
>> Then that then that's there's no negotiation. So it's an exception, but that exception would have to be placed on by the city based off of the CBA agreement. If there is no CBA agreement, then there will be no exception. >> I'm sorry. Say it one more. I'm I'm still haven't. >> Sure. So the exception is directly tied
to the CBA agreement. If in the negotiations it's not agreed that this is what is a safe like a safety issue or this is just not what is agreed upon then the security does not change it the the ordinance would not trigger
it's not it's not an elimination it's it's an exception >> so if if you said it's not a negotiation it's an exception >> okay >> let's try it again >> it's an exception to the ordinance of having the required um armed security
guards inside of the building. Yes. >> If in the discussions with the CBA agreement it is not resolved then we will not be the city will not be touching the security. >> So comply with the >> Yes. Yes. You have to you have to
>> but the exception allows the BA to to increase or well I don't necessarily say decrease but to if necessary increase the amount of security necessary for problematic buildings. >> No. No. So it allows the BA to put an
exception to the security plan. So right now we have a blanket armed security in all buildings that are over a 100 units. those that are tied to a community benefits agreement, those are normally negotiated because the community benefits agreement is directly connected to other things that's outside the
community. So, it's not just the internal security, it'll also be connected to the external security of the building. The BA will be allowed to negotiate what those secure what the security would look like in that particular building in consult with the public safety director and the economic
and housing director. >> Got it. which does not supersede the ordinance that is already in place unless it's deemed that this facility a certain facility is meeting mandates that it would not need those kind of
security measures. >> Correct. >> Right. And so hence if it is deemed that one of the facilities do not need the security measures and then ultimately things begin to you know act up again
around those buildings then it gives the authority to the BA to bring the individuals back to the table to say listen we're going to now require that not only do you have this additional guard but two other additional guards or whatever that number may be specifically and if those
indiv individuals do disagree to that, then by having this $1,000 day fine, which already attaches to the original ordinance would fall into place. Correct. >> Yes. And thank you for that clarification. >> And thank you. Anything else from the council?
>> I'd like to sponsor this. >> All right. Sponsored by >> Second. And then >> I heard Councilman Kelly second >> in in advance and adopt on first. >> Advance and adopt. Sure. I'm sorry. C >> with amendments.
>> Yes. 8. >> You want to advance and adopt them first with the 8F? >> Yeah. >> Item 10, miscellaneous. 10A is approval of the raffle license. >> Any questions from the council?
Hearing none. Next item. That's it. >> Public comment. Oh, I'm sorry. There was talking about uh added starters, but I don't have anything. >> Uh, Councilman >> Councilman. Uh,
>> yeah. Uh, I want to go back to 7R1E. I wasn't here. Um, I want to be known as a sponsor. >> 7R1E. >> Yes. Towards the beginning. And that memorial park, the firefighters
memorial park will be built in the east. >> I hate to tell you this. I sponsored it. >> Okay. >> Oh, yeah. >> Very good. Councilman, >> it will be built in the east ward. >> Yes. >> At Liberty Park. >> I I will I will uh defer to to you, Councilman Silva, and let's have Councilman Silva sponsor that.
>> Sure. >> And if it's all right with Councilman Kelly, can I second this? Yes, >> sir. >> All right. Thank you. So, Silva, >> thank you. Thank you, council. Thank you.
All right. Uh, corporation council. >> Sure. Uh, >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. The council woman on your hand. All right. >> Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Sure. >> Uh, there are two potential added starters coming out of economic development. Um, has just walked in. I'll just give you
the numbers for right now. It's 2606, excuse me, 26-0698. It's in reference to the uh pedestrian bridge and also 260696 is in reference to a sale of a property in the central ward. Let the director come down and
>> Could you repeat the second one? I didn't >> 26-0696. >> Okay. 98 and 96. The first one was 98. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh good afternoon, council president, council members. Um Allison Lad,
director of economic and housing development. So I asked director uh James Adams to join me from engineering uh because we will be working together and also transferring the project to engineering. So, the item on your agenda is for us to
select a new contractor to help us advance the design for the pedestrian bridge. Um, unfortunately, uh, with our last contractor, as some of you may recall, we were unable to get the rail agencies to approve our design.
>> That was the time in which we were going to demolish the bridge. We were going to design a new one and build a large platform that would connect from our bridge to Penn Station. Again, unfortunately, after many, many months and years of work, um Amtrak, New Jersey
Transit, and PATH were unwilling to approve that design. So, we started over. Uh second, we have come to you before and talked about needing to reuse the bridge. In order for us to reuse the bridge, we had to do an investigation to
ensure that the current CJ bridge also can withstand the load. um because we did not plan to keep it at first. So with that, we did have a study done and then in closing on this section and then I'll let our engineering talk director
talk about the future. Um we had to separate from the previous contractor. Um they did give us a bid um but it was expensive and they no longer wanted to be the prime architect on the project. So with that, it was a decision that we
made as the administration to um separate from the previous contractor and start with a new one. Um and so I've been working with Director Adams. Oh, he's right here. He working with Director Adams um and we've been working through um how we can advance uh the
project quickly, have it open and connected between the Ironbound um and downtown. Um so I'm happy to give you more information or I'm also happy to let the director speak. Mr. President, >> Councilman Gonzalez, >> I just do you think that we will see
this project in this century because it has been the at least 10 years. >> Well, to your lips, my friend. Um I really wanted to as well. Um I came to the city um you know about seven years
ago. I was asked to be part of the project about five years ago and at that time um we had the authority to generate money but we didn't have any. So some of you remember that we had issued the bonds which actually allowed us to have
$110 million. So then we thought we were golden because now we had a design and we had funding. So I was like great, right? Because I know sometimes when we're looking at projects you have a design and you're still trying to figure out the funding. Well, in this case, we
had both and then we ran into rail agency's approval. Their biggest challenge was is outages, as you might suspect, because of um having to demolish uh the bridge and rebuild. They were concerned about outages being too
long and disrupting their service. Um, as of late, we did um nicely explain to them that um other projects have received different treatment um and have been able to get the outages whether it's the Portal North Bridge or the Hudson Tunnel or even things that are
coming up that we're excited about around the World Cup. So, so we're just trying to get the same um level of commitment as they do with other projects. However, they weren't willing to budge. So, that's why we had to redesign. So, in closing, yes, I do
believe that it will happen. I feel confident that the work and the team that's coming. Um, but I also think that you would want to hear from our director of engineering because it's more of an engineering project now than it was like an urban planning, urban design project.
>> In terms of the bonds, we we keep, I suppose, paying interest on those funds. >> Or did we take the money out? We sold the bonds. >> Yes. Uh, great question. So, actually what we ended up doing um because um the
financial advisors looked at it is they actually removed about $50 million and invested it so that we're actually generating more money um for half of the bond proceeds until we started construction. So, we're actually generating more money than we would have if we just left it and um just paid out
bills. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman uh Canana. while we're at it. Um, director of engineering, if we can have a meeting with with Amtrak, you know, for years, uh, that I saw, uh, that faded bridge
that need some paint. I mean, around the country, Amtrak takes care of all their uh, the the way they look. If you look at this from across the street from say the Robert Treatton or or from Don
Pepes, you see the bridge, the tower, that tower hasn't been done in years. And Amtrak has not been a good uh uh a neighbor to us or hasn't been a great uh and Amtrak has to step up a little bit
uh with their responsibility. I know they there were there were obstacles with Amtrak about this project. But Amtrak and our delegation is another issue. Our delegation needs to uh step up with these federal issues
that occur with Amtrak. But Amtrak is got to clean up. Matter of fact, your tracks at Penn Station are horrible. If you go on the Accelerator Washington, it is horrible. So, you know, in terms since we're here
talking about this new bridge, the design or whatever, we need to talk to u our delegation, our congressional delegation of what happens with Amtrak. That bridge that if you come on a plane, you see that bridge, it's all faded out.
There has to be something done. Uh, and that's Antrax's uh tower. I understand. So, if we could look into that, I would appreciate that. Absolutely. Councilman James Adams, acting director of engineering for the city of Newark. Um, the first thing I want to do is is thank
Deputy Mayor Lad for doing a yman's job in bringing this project to where it is now. It is through no fault of her own that this project is not constructed and not built. And I don't want anybody to think she did not do an excellent job.
But we have to. So, and what's interesting to me is I remember this project when I was here 25 years ago and I remember the vision and I remember the plans and I remember everything that needed to be done. So, this is a very very important project to
the city of Newark. But she hit on something that's very very important. A project of this complexity requires partnerships from all the agencies. I understand the World Cup. I understand the portal north bridge. I understand
the gateway tunnel. But we need the cooperation of PATH Amtrak and New Jersey Transit to make this project successful. If we need the state of New Jersey or the governor's office to come and partner with us, if we need our
federal delegation to make this a high priority, that is the only way this project will be successful. So, as far as the engineering, it's a it it's pretty straightforward. We're going to use the existing bridge. We had to take samples of the steel to make sure it was
structurally sound. We're going to have to put out a project to remediate the asbestous and the lead from the bridge because obviously a bridge of that age has lead paint and asbestous everywhere, which we didn't anticipate when we were removing everything. the um abutments
and the footings and foundations that are supporting the bridge will need to be rehabilitated. But that's simple structural engineering design and construction work. But again, I have to emphasize the critical path through this project runs through PATH, New Jersey
Transit and Amtrak, allowing us to have outages on their track while we do our investigation work and while we do our construction work. um the the firm that we have chosen in order to take over is an excellent firm. They have a great
reputation. They have a plan in place that we'll share once you know this is final with the council to deliver this project. But again, it's a partnership to deliver projects of this complexity. >> So, Mr. Chair, >> councilman council. So, if if we can do
this a as a a council as whole and and a clerk uh to draft up a motion requesting partnership of all of those entities that you talked about as a municipal council body uh to ensure the delivery of services and the importance uh of of
allowing this project to come to fruition uh and even including our Essex uh county delegation, our state uh I mean and our federal delegation, our state senators and uh uh into this in whatever collaboration and partnership
that they can uh possibly lend to this if we can do that as a motion and present tomorrow for uh approval. >> We can have the port authority on that too because the path I what I understand >> belongs to Port Authority and you know
they're one of our tenants at at the airport too. So they should be at the table. >> Absolutely. So, Council President, I forgot to mention this. Um, Deputy Mayor um, Lad has received a letter or the city of Newark has received a letter
from the president of Amtrak, I believe, um, vowing their commitment to help with this project, but that's still only part of the part of the story. We still need path through the Port Authority and we still need New Jersey Transit.
>> All right. Thank Thank Councilman Gonzalez. Yes, director. Uh, that bridge comes directly to the building that was rehabilitated, doesn't it? >> Gateway.
>> The the the No, the building here >> the the Mars building, that bridge comes to the Mars building. So, do they do we have permission to use the the Mars building to communicate through the bridge? How is it going to
work? >> Repeat the question. I'm sorry. >> The Marsh building, >> okay, >> connects with the bridge. >> So, how are we going to allow or to make sure that the people can cross that bridge if the if the building is in the
middle? >> Council, I'm not sure about that. I have to get back to you on that unless Deputy Mayor. >> Yeah. >> Um, council president, uh, council members, I'm happy to answer the question. So the city of Newark owns Marter Highway Bridge and we own the CJ
Bridge and we own the abutment on the side near Railroad Avenue. So we own all three parts of the bridge from Ironside space all the way over to um Ironbound. Um it does not connect to the building. It connects to the bridge just south of the building. >> Okay. Okay.
>> Yeah. And and also in closing, Edison is very involved. So >> Okay. Thank you. I already connected. It's a fair question. >> Yeah. >> Council President, >> Councilwoman Bay. >> Okay. So, I I understand and I'm I'm hearing what everyone is saying and this is something that has been going on for
a minute. So, because it's been in the mix for years. Um, and we talk about all of the people that need to be at the table in order to make this move. Why is it that we are talking about this as a added starter without even so much as a slip of paper in front of us?
that I'm not aware of why you don't have documentation in front of you as >> um again um on behalf of uh the administration we're happy to provide it to you um we will as we have in the past with added starters uh we typically do
not send it out prior to the meeting um because the council could decide not to advance it so but we're happy to send it thereafter after we do have all the proposals, all the documentation and materials um that you typically receive. >> And what about the item I think is 2696.
Is that what was the one that's the the the the um the project in the central ward? What is what is that? >> Well, let's let's finish the first one. Are we are we finished with the >> Yes, sir. I'm finished with 98
council me. Okay. Let's 96. I'm sorry. Go ahead. Go ahead. Councilwoman, >> would you like me to explain it? >> Yes, please. >> Uh, sure. So, this is similar to two other items that were on the agenda um under economic development items A and
B. It's another property that was sold under the high value auction. Um the buyer is looking to purchase the site actually in the east ward um on Jersey um street and they're looking to do uh
one purchase it at the appraised value and then two they will build out the um park uh the riverfront park that will be immediately in front of it along the Payic River. Uh as in pausing I'll just tell you as you may know all of the
Payic River um riverfront park is publicly funded and so in this case we are able to get them to privately fund that portion of the park >> is that the one that >> before you go to council >> I just no I thought when it was first um
brought up I thought it said central ward so it's the east w >> uh yes ma'am >> is that the one that we received the email on? >> Yes sir. So my my point is uh why are we leaving
$1.5 million on the table >> or more >> at the time that group did not submit for the auction. Erh, I understood that there were some kinks in the auction that apparently you
mentioned before that was there there were some uh things that happened in the auction that apparently the auction did not happen that the way that it was supposed to happen. Is that something that would allow us to
perhaps invalidate the the contract? >> So yes, happy to talk about it. Again, the B and Kinyatta are here. >> That sounds like an executive session question in legal matter. So, I don't think you should answer that right now. Maybe we can talk about it upstairs in second session.
>> Oh, well, it's all well documented in the file. >> I would like the item to be deferred because >> yes, >> here. Why don't we do let's have this discussion executive session. Okay. >> That's where Go ahead.
>> That's fine. If your council is having >> I'd prefer to let's just have that in executive session that Yeah. All right. Thank you. >> Uh >> yeah, I'd like to advance and adopt the bridge the 0698.
>> You wanted uh you said you wanted to >> advance. Yeah. >> Okay. Sponsored by Councilman Silva. Is there a second on 98? Second. Second by Councilman Scott Roundry. >> Anything else from the council? I think that's it. Uh,
next, we're in the 30 minute public comment portion of this meeting where each speaker will have three minutes to speak. Please state your name for the record. Is there anyone wishing to address the council? Oh yeah. >> Officers, I think you're needed right
there. >> Yeah, please. Officers at the door. >> That man ain't he don't need no officer. >> Don't worry about what I'm with. Officers at the door. >> About him. I ain't worried about you. >> Go ahead. Go ahead. You can speak now. >> I don't worry about you sicking the police. >> Thank you.
>> Anyway, Monero El Bummani. See, that's why Good Riddens. >> I'm not going anywhere. >> Good riddens. I know you're not. As long as you got Sammy in here who been convicted of, you know, absentee mail
and ballots and signatures and all kind of stuff. As long as you got him in here, you're going to continue to win. That that was going to be something I was going to talk about. Okay. Teresa got in. Le Monica got in
with fraud. So we know we know and you and and you one of your campaign guys said we already won just before the election didn't even go. So we know you're not going nowhere with stolen ballots. That's why we need to uh first
let me just say four more years of slavery, four more years of corruption, four more years of mismanagement, four more years of poor municipal services. And you got some thing going on about potholes, huh? WHERE'S THE
MONEY FOR THE POTHOLES? WHERE'S THE list of the streets that you supposed TO BE PAVING? WHERE'S THAT LIST? Where's the money, Ras, for the potholes, the paving? Where's the money?
First, I want to also give a big warrior salute to Donna Jackson who was uh coming in. And also we definitely need to get behind Asia Asia Norton to get her in South Ward by any means
necessary. We going we going we going to break the glass ceiling some kind of way on this council because we sick of the same old men's club, boys club, or whatever you want to call it, and then putting the women who's running against the women cuz that's what y'all do.
Divide and conquer. New York advocates, we got work to do. We have to also call on um to end the mail and ballots because if you had ended those ballots according to the
Save Act, you wouldn't you wouldn't got those votes, you know, you stealing through ballots. ALTH with with the petition, then we got a petition with all OF Y'ALL NAMES IN BRACKETS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND. WHERE'S the uh monitors?
WHERE IS THE INVESTIGATION? WHERE IS the you GOING TO LIKE CLICK CLICK WITH THE CHANEL BRACELETS UP OUT OF HERE? Because we we see it. Term limits IS A MUST. FISCAL MISMANAGEMENT OF OUR BUDGET IS a must.
ANTI-FRAUD TASK FORCE IS A MUST. We have to have these THINGS CUZ I GUARANTEE YOU if we bring in what's his name, MR. UH TODD BLANCH. >> Come on, bring them in. >> Thank you for your comments. Next
speaker. >> You ain't GOING NOWHERE. WE KNOW YOU'RE NOT. >> Good morning, everybody. >> Good morning, >> council. My name is Leon Coleman, a central resident all my life. Uh, I'm
here to speak in regards to 4A Garside. M. >> Say that again. I couldn't hear. >> 40A Garside street here in the city of North. Code enforcement been out there. People from the city been out there. Nothing has been done. For some reason, code enforcement isn't writing down
anything or the thing. So, what I personally done, I went and I paid for out of my pocket a report from uh quality home inspection and like to personally give it to Miss Amina Bay so she could see the living conditions of
this young lady, her apartment. And I pray sincerely that you guys get this woman out of here. She has a three-year-old autistic daughter in the city of NOR and I hear everybody say they love Nord. This young lady is living in horrible condition. This is
the report. This is the report from an independent body. Not code enforcement, not the city, you know. This is an independent report. Please review it. Please do something with this young lady immediately. Please, I'm begging you. No one should
live in the city of North. Nor should you be developing anything for others when this young lady is living in the most horrible conditions I ever seen. I'm 52 years old. I've been in North all my life. The projects wasn't even like
this. Please do something with this. And I like to uh submit this. Please. Thank you. You guys have a great day. >> Thank you for your comments. Councilwoman Scott Roundtree. >> Mr. Coleman, ju just for the record because we normally wait until public speaking is over. Um, I know
Councilwoman Bay, Council President Trump, uh, we were all involved up until last week. I've been in communication with um, the owner or some individuals regarding her relocation. I don't want to put on record uh, what took place because there have been arrangements
made for her to move. Uh, there were some spaces that were much much I mean very beautiful. We understand I'm dealing with organizations that deal with autism. are children that are on the spectrum. And Miss, we're talking
about the individual that I believe we're talking about as we speak. There have been letters prepared on on another issue that she was dealing with to get her out. There's there's a whole lot that's tied into this, but arrangements are being made as we speak. She has to
be willing to accept for whatever reason to get out of that particular apartment in that situation. So, off record, I probably would have to have her part of the conversation to tell you what's actually going forward. But I want you to know there's not been a blind eye
turned. As as late as last Thursday, I was on the call with someone uh for relocation for her. So, there's more to it than that. And I appreciate your advocate advocacy for her. And um off record, I'll get her on the phone and probably give you an update. >> Thank you so much.
>> I can't do it without her. Okay. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Speak highly of you anyway. Thank you. I appreciate you. >> All right. Next speaker. Thank you, which mean we are all relations from Lakota. I am Elijah Abdul Samad Morgano.
All caps. I go by Maq for melanated anointed and quantum. I am a Lape representative Delaware Nation. I'm a parent. I'm a disabled veteran. I've been coming to these council meetings for the past few years serving notice
because this is a place of business. Um few people could remember several months ago where I first saw the burger group, the burther group son and and father and we had to stop the council. Um after that I received a um violence towards me and
my family, right? We received DCPP threats and things that was um taught to us. And then we also was talking to Miss Roundtree about uh getting our vehicle that was unlawfully told by the city. We don't really need to get the vehicle. I just need to get my stuff out of it. Um
because uh I I made a pledge the last month I was here. I pledged to dis dismantle the school of prison pipeline. I'm from the South Ward. I I graduated from Carver. I got kicked out of Westside. So, it's just like a congratulations to all those who made it
through this rough election year, but it's like people matter. And I brought up the burger group again because right when I got up to speak, right, they brought me out in the back and my heart was beating. My hands were sweating.
But I shouldn't be fearful in the people's palace. All municipal buildings are on Aboriginal land. Y'all don't have our Aboriginal paintings up there for show and prop. We We stewarded this land 15,000 years before any colonizer
anymore, any British, anybody hit this land. And we're in a time now where God's law, how do great law matters. Our elders matter. Our our mentally ill, our veterans, we matter. I'm in a I'm in a
facility right now, right, where they offer food and housing, but they put everybody that come from a mental facility or a jail in this one place. And there's no real like help like mental health counseling. So, because of
me, right, wherever I'm at, no matter if I come here or if I'm in a shelter or if I'm on the streets, I got a whole sacred space and I got to hold truth to power. I speak to Miss Roundtree and I speak to Mr. Council because y'all are faith-based leader and I'm a faith-based
leader for our community. And I'mma leave it with this. This is hip hop appreciation week, Mr. Kelly, because you came to Jenga group and you spoke to those youth and we still waiting for those computers. And then we want those people to come out to hip hop at the
Temple of Hip Hop this Saturday. I know that phase. I know we ask you to spit as a MC. You didn't spit. So, no more taking advantage of our communities. >> Thank you for your comments. >> Next speaker. >> Good morning.
>> Good morning. >> Okay. So, I'm going to come in two capacities. One is Week Park Sports Authority Conservancy. >> First, your state your name for >> Maggie Freeman. We park Sports Authority Conservancy member. Um, so I would like to thank um, Councilwoman Bay for
acknowledging the Central High School girls that um, had a 10 and0 season, but we want to also add that there are three additional teams plus the girls teams competing um, for the NFL regional competition in West Orange on May 31st.
Um, we hosted um, an event on April the 11th where our goal was to meet 32 teams um, throughout the city of Nores County. We got close, but um those um actually it's a team from Miss Orange, West I'm sorry, East Orange and um the rest are
from New York that are going to be competing on the 31st. So, we want everybody to show support at the regional competition as this if they excel, they will travel to another location throughout the US. Um, and since we're on Weekway Park and the engineer was speaking about Port
Authority and the um, lack of responsiveness from Amtrak, we also need those same support services in Weekway Park on the Route 22 corridor because the shrubbery around this time of year. Of course, it grows in every place in the city and unfortunately it causes
accidents with visibility um, with their um, property. So, we want those things to happen. We've kind of been advocating with the county, but it's just not enough. We just need all hands on deck to get that addressed. Um, so I'm going to change to a different hat as a
concerned citizen. So, we have numerous accidents um on Chancellor and Lions Avenue on Park View Terrace. Partly because one, there is a need for the um the the the actual
traffic light to become a actual service light. Two, um in kind of seeing those things transpire, the rest of the streets um are kind of inudated with the speeding, the um incidents occur. We had an accident last night where we I literally ran a kind of to be a first
responder to see if somebody was in the car and to see those things um happening and hearing the the um please of the neighbors. Um there's a few things. So, one, the trees that are by the curbside of the stop signs, every last
intersection needs to be assessed to make sure those stop signs are visible. That's one. Um because they're saying they're overgrown. People just don't see them. they're passing through stop signs and causing those accidents. So, um that's one. Two, another issue that came
up was the predatory towing. Um I know that's something that you've kind of heard across this desk plenty of times, but one thing I will say is that the state of New Jersey does have a predatory towing act. Um, and I feel like the city could do um, a better service by making sure signage is
consistent as the state of New Jersey requires for private property owners to make sure that before a car is towed, there is the law um, you know, mandated so we can follow and I feel feel like if that happens, we all can be on one accord. >> Thank Thank you for your comments. Next speaker.
>> All right, we got the dynamic duo today, huh? Yeah, but I have to tell you on a different um level though. Uh Douglas Freeman uh defending the Freeman family and We Park Sports Authority. On uh May the 8th,
your uh New York environmental commissioner defamed my family on the record of those meetings. I know it's a volunteer commission, but this is not going to go on challenge. I sent a email out of courtesy to the BA and to the
council. Haven't received anything, but to call my family abusers. That's uncalled for. So, what I'm asking for um also, what was the quote? Actually, I'm going to read the quote. Stop protecting the abusers. The person
mentioned the Freeman family. We great park sports authority. You can go back to the zoom. I'm not gonna make it public because it's not no this is in-house right now. Um because I'm the one who all the time they attack because
of those actual statements. I want the following. I want the minutes. I want to see the evidence. I want to see the dates. I want to see the witnesses that the person said they had also had
videotape and all these different things too in in the same meeting. I want to see the evidence that my family has attacked your New York Environmental Commission and I'm giving a timeline now because I
try to do it through courtesy. So if I have to take it further because it's been going on for a lot of years. the defa defamation of my family who has spent years of our own time into this community. But I do notice one thing about this
individual and it keeps coming up that I'm Republican. So what what does that mean? Because I'm Republican. So that means that I need to be attacked in my city by somebody who represents
the city. So I'm asking for answers through your office, chair, I want answers to this because this is not going to keep happening to my family and the weate park sports. It has damaged our
organization tremendously. Now we basically starting back over again. Why are we being attacked? It's not like y'all don't know about it, though. Because on uh December the 18th, 2024, the vice president, Mr. Owens,
came up here and told you that it was happening. I need answers. Especially from the BA out of courtesy. I'm not going to no uh sue right now. I wasn't. But do I have to? Do I need to
bring the attorney general in? What What needs to become of this? >> Thank you for your comments. Next speaker. >> Thank you. >> Nice and warm. >> Good morning, Dolores Black. Um,
I just have a few issues. I'm in the South for now. Hey, Mr. Council. I am going for re-election though. We need some material. Um got issues on Brunswick Street as far as safety and security. We have gang members came home and uh pretty much
asking us to there be our security. I guess they want to plant themselves back on Brunswick because they've been there for years. They already tagged us up 252. I cannot fight off these kids. I've been asking. I went to the precinct. I'm
still asking. We're pretty much uh our own security. There's about five families that were moved in at the same time and this place has been shut down for 10 years. So, they have made it home. Outside of fighting the dealers and the
addicts and the and the everyone and feeding them and trying to be safe and wanting to help, it's a thin line when you got gang members coming home wanting to reclaim their territory. My boys are 30 and 20. When they come visit
on the weekend, I do not want to be worried about them being approached by these guys. We already had an issue in the parking lot. They come in the parking lot and hang out. It's getting nice. We know what that mean. I'm traumatized by complaining to management. I'm going to be honest with
you. I'm I'm done with sending emails, letters. I'm just over it because it's like the more vocal we are, the less help we get. And I ain't trying to find myself killed by a gang member because nobody wants to send protection because now we're on this who sass and who who
don't like who. I don't care about any of that. I am a mother at the end of the day. Yes, I do a lot of volunteer work for the city of Norc. No, I'm not aligned with anyone or any organization. I help out in every ward because the services are needed in every ward. I don't
promote my nonprofit as much as I should or my LLC because I do the work that just needs to be done. I have applied for funding from OVP and everybody else. And just like our street team, it's a lot of us parents out there stopping these children from fighting.
These kids are getting jumped. They're getting left out. They're getting ran behind. As far as the bus stops, they go, these kids are waiting outside the bus stop. Like, they're so strategic. They know that the street team is there by the school. They'll go around the corner or they'll come down the street on the side street. I mean, at 120
pounds even, I do have some strength, but I'm just like tired of fighting. We do have police that should be in the area. I know we y moved us down there. There's nothing down there. It's completely black and we need some police presence on Brunswick Street and at
behind Astera. Um the officers coming to give us traffic tickets on Saturday afternoon whenever we call to complain. So is the officer working with the members? We don't get police presence, but we're getting tickets. We're getting tickets and we not we haven't even lived
there for 6 months. So that's it. >> Thank you for your comments. Next speaker. >> Seeing none, public hearing speaking is now closed. Any comments from the council? >> Yeah, Mr. Chair. Council,
>> uh, real quickly, just just two things. Uh, one, uh, Miss Freeman does make a good point, uh, around the, uh, bushes that are hanging over many of the stop signs. noticed on Goldmith off of Bergen Avenue. Uh Bergen Street is one as well.
So, if we can uh draw up a motion for tomorrow's meeting uh requesting our uh tree department uh to do an assessment around uh areas that have stop signs to make sure that all of those trees are pruned and cut back so individuals are
able to see uh the stop signs. Secondly, we had made a request some time ago to the county because Chancellor Avenue is a county road and that intersection between Chancellor and Park View uh if we can do another motion to the county
asking them again to do a traffic study uh about securing a full traffic light uh at the corner of Chancellor and Park View Terrace uh that we can uh for tomorrow's meeting we can be able to make it motion. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Councilman. We have to second that motion. >> Second. >> Second by Councilwoman uh Bay. We got a vote on that. Roll call. Do we know how to do that today? >> This fire is not official. All right, we got it. Keep it moving. >> I had a
>> I think Ren said something. I'm just going to do this. >> Council President. >> Council I'm sorry, Councilman. Okay. Uh Kelly, what's next? >> Yes, sir. Uh, thank you, Council President. I just wanted to um put on record to to the um remark that was made
by the Lape guy. Um he said that he's still waiting for computers from me. I I don't know which computers he's speaking of. Anybody know before I became councilman and um I ran a nonprofit organization called 211 Community Impact. We gave out hundreds and
hundreds of computers partnering with the loyalty foundation who still actually gives out computers even my first year as councilman. We gave out hundreds of computers to the west ward. So maybe he's confused about us giving
out computers in the past, but I don't know which computers he's speaking of. So I just wanted to put that on the record. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman uh Bay. >> Yes. Um, I just wanted to to to comment and I know that Mr. Coleman has left, but actually um responded to a couple of
things that have been said by him and other people over the past several months, knowing and again echoing what uh Councilwoman Ral Scott Ralry has said that we have been working um with them with this resident for months on top of
months on top of months. Um and the situation is being addressed as we speak. I'm not sure why this is still Yeah. why this is still coming up as if it has not been um but we know that it has been and it has been um addressed in
many many different ways and I know that our staff has been uh very diligent in handling the situation. So I just wanted to make sure that that was on record. Also just wanted to comment on what was uh said by Doug Freeman. Um I am not
sure who the the person is or how this all came about. I'm not privy to that information, so I can't speak on what um I have no knowledge of, but I do have knowledge of the work of the Weekway Park uh sports authority. I I do have firsthand knowledge of the work of Doug
Freeman, Maggie Freeman of Joy. Um you know, we've we've worked together and partnered together long before I sat on this council and I am privy to the good work that they do in the community and the work that they've done on behalf of our youth in the city of North, not just in the South Ward, but all over. So
hopefully we can get to the bottom of this um and make sure that we're all able to work together on behalf of the citizens because that's what really this is all about. >> Thank you, Councilwoman. Anything else? Councilwoman Scottrey. Um to to uh just
conclude on the comments for uh brother Coleman, councilwoman um residents and council colleagues have to be willing once we are able to resolve something to go along with the resolution if it makes sense. And that's where we are in the middle of this. Um the constituent is
actually not been ready to move while we're trying to get her moved. And I just want to put that on record. And there's some people that come to the council meeting that I've been working with that have been advocating for her. So, I'm going to give you the update as to of today what the conversation was um
on Friday. That's number one. and to Douglas Freeman and to his organization and Maggie and to all of those I did owe what you say because um it's it's really a sad commentary when we're actually
fighting with each other when someone is doing the work. Um so I am truly praying that um we can resolve this without you having to take further measure um so that you can continue the
great work that you're doing not just with the weake park but not just with your organization but as a human being the work that you do and I think I said this last year um when you came before the council that the work that you do is
beyond the park because of the lives that you touch not just with kites and not just with sports but just your human side for the community along with your family and your your team. So prayerfully as councilwoman Bay has
stated we will be able to get a resolution for you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anything else from the council? Councilman Silva. >> Just a um quite a quick update from um the vendors. Mr. Ba, we never got a response. You never got a response from
uh Miss Jordan regarding the vendors. Uh how many licenses are giving out? If there's a limit, do we have to change the ordinance? Do City of Newark residents get prefer preference? because from what I'm getting information from
is that other towns that surround us uh are not allowing uh vendors and so they're coming here to sell their products on the street which again affects our local businesses and so if we can get an answer from them because if an ordinance has to be changed to
require a limit and how many vendors are allowed uh giving residents preference uh before you give outsiders preference uh I never received anything you never received anything. Just to get an update on that. And finally, just one last thing. I hate to mention this. We're 12
days away from the end of May. When are they going to start paving? Maybe we can get an answer. You know what I mean? Uh of when the paving is is actually going to start uh here in the city. >> That's it.
>> Thank Thank you, Councilman. Anything else from the council? Anything from the administration? Nothing from Okay. Ba. Good afternoon. Um, just to the to the last Well, I guess it's still morning. The last comment, paving has started.
Um, we have to get you, I guess, an updated list of where it is, but we've started paving. sent in a list about public service and the city's paving and should have been sent to you. Um, and I can follow up on that. Okay, we'll get that to you. And as I'm sure you're aware, there's a, you know,
pothole blitz going on. Um, that's in coordination with the paving. So, we don't do the pothole blitz at the same place we're doing the paving, but I'll get you the information. Yeah, think that's it. >> Thank you, Mr. Bay. There's no nothing else. Uh, motion to go in executive session.
Ro. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.