Yeah, >> good morning. Welcome to the preme meeting of the Newark Municipal Council on Tuesday, December 16th. >> Council President, council members, we are on page four of the agenda. Item
five, reports and recommendations of city officers, boards, and commissions. >> Any questions from the council? >> Hearing none. Next item, >> ordinances on public hearing, second passage, um, second reading and final passage.
Council President, council members, items 6PFA through C will be deferred. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. D is an ordinance granting a 30-year tax abatement to Crown Village Urban
Renewal, Inc. for a project to construct two residential affordable housing buildings consisting of 185 residential rental units where 108 senior affordable housing units of which 20 units shall be
restricted to tenants at 50% of AMI. And the second building shall consist of 77 non senior affordable housing units, of which four units shall be restricted to tenants at 50% AMI. And 73 units shall
be restricted to tenants at 60% AMI in the West Ward. Sponsored by Councilman Kelly, second by Councilwoman Scott Roundtree. >> Any questions from the council? >> Yeah, Councilman Kelly. >> Uh, Council President, thank you. Uh, I
know I just saw a deputy mayor in here. I know we've been waiting. This is the Paps Blue Ribbon site and um we've been waiting for this for years even before me. I just wanted to uh the deputy mayor. Is she still here? She gone. I
just wanted to see if we can um just let put on record and let the uh talk about what the community um partnership looks like, the community benefit agreements looks like this project. cuz I'm sure we forgot by now.
>> So, I do not believe the deputy mayor is here. I don't see her in the room at this point. >> It's cool. We can we >> we can get some information. >> Yeah, we can get some information on on what the community community benefit agreement looks like um with this project.
>> I'm sure Miss Daniel will make sure. >> Is it Aspire? Is it an Aspire project? Because otherwise there is no community benefit agreement. Well, it may not necessarily be an official CBA, but there may be something there.
Thank you. All right. Next item. >> E is an ordinance granting a 30-year tax abatement to South Orange Avenue 1 urban renewal, Inc. for a project to construct 144 non senior affordable housing residential rental units wherein 12
units shall be restricted to tenants at 50% of area median income and 132 units shall be restricted to tenants at 60% of AMI in the west ward sponsored by Councilman Kelly second by Councilman Gonzalez
>> any questions from the council hearing none next item >> F is an ordinance granting a 25-year tax abatement to Kasamea Mia Apartments urban renewal LLC for a project to rehabilitate a six-story elevator 100%
affordable senior living residential rental building in the north ward sponsored by Councilman Ramos second by Councilman Gonzalez >> questions from the council >> next item >> G is an ordinance granting a 25-year tax
abatement to 1213-121 on broad urban renewal LLC for a project to construct a new five-story building with 60 residential rental units consisting of 48 market rate rental
units, six studio units, 41 onebedroom, one twobedroom, and 12 affordable housing rental units of which three units shall be restricted to tenants at 40% of area medium income.
and three units shall be restricted to tenants at 60% of AMI and six units shall be restricted to tenants at 80% AMI in the east ward. >> Questions from the council. >> Next item.
>> H is an ordinance opting into the Garden State CPACE program. >> Questions from the council. Next item. I is an ordinance authorizing the city to accept the donation of land from the Newark Housing Authority. >> Questions from the council. I know we've
discussed all these before. Next item, >> resolutions. 7R1A and B are both temporary emergency appropriations. A is to provide funds for the 2026 operating budget and B is to provide funds for the debt um
contracts and capital improvements in 2026. questions from the C. Councilman Gonzalez. >> Mr. President, so that we are clear and we don't get fined again, when is it that we are going to receive the the
budget for 2026, Mr. VA. >> You knew that was coming. >> Good morning, Eric Pennington, business administrator. In the first instance, you haven't been fined yet or it hasn't been upheld. I'll put it that way. There is a a hearing on that in January. I
appeared at the last hearing, but they put it off. So, I will continue to advocate on your behalf. The second thing though, and the more important thing is we've started the process already. All of the directors have received uh the template for the budget and responses are due. It'll be rolling,
but responses are going be due starting in December. Um the honest answer probably April, March or April is when you'll uh actually get the budget. We're going to be shooting for as soon as possible so that we don't have to go through all the things we went through before.
>> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, Mr. Bay. Any other questions since he's up here? No. Thank you, >> D. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. >> I have a question about the amount. How many months are do we anticipate that that amount would last? which
>> the 232 million >> that uh I'm not sure I don't know I think uh I'm not sure I can get you that three months probably but I will clarify >> if you find out if what's the estimate
more or less because that's a that's a hefty amount >> absolutely >> all right thank you Mr. Yeah. Next item. >> C is a cancellation of the 2025 appropriations to close out balances for fiscal year 2025.
>> Questions from the council. >> Next item. >> D is a cooperative purchasing agreement to purchase public safety software. >> Any questions from the council? >> I do have it. >> Councilman Gonzalez. >> There's another one of those CAD
purchases for $1.2 million. I just want to know uh why they are not included in in one and why $9.2 million in the software. >> All right. Thank you. >> That's a that's a big amount.
>> Director Carillo. >> Good morning, council president. Good morning, council members. Leonardo Curillo, deputy police director Nor Police. Um regarding the one before you, again, it's an approval to use Sourcewell. The $8 million purchase is
going to be spread out over a number of years and it's to modernize our current CAD system. Our CAD system now is basically legacy. It's it it operates um from technology from 15 years ago. This will modernize, make it web- based, uh and really create efficiencies
throughout the program, potentially eliminating a lot of paperbased processes that currently exist. So, we'll be able to pull some people out of these administrative roles and actually put them back out into the street. Uh the reason that there's two, the other 1.2 million for the CAT is we're going to use that second system to take all of
our legacy data and make it searchable uh to be able to still access the old data that we have and not incorporate everything into one system because then it would it would just change the way we deploy. So one is for the legacy data to make it searchable and accessible and the 8 million is for the new
>> and I see here that is a up to 2029. So >> yeah, it's it's over a number of years. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, council. >> Thank you. Next item. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. Council President. Yeah. Eric Pennington, business administrator to council Gonzalez's question. The
temporary emergency appropriations for the first quarter, January, February, and March. >> I had to say, could you speak up a little bit? I could. >> Yeah. The temporary emergency appropriations for the first quarter, January, February, and March. >> Thank you.
E is to authorize the use of a national cooperative to purchase pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and dental supplies. >> Questions from the council. Next item. >> F through I are all bid contracts. F is for the portable public address system.
G is for the curb stops for the water and sewer department. H is traffic signs for engineering. And I is computer supplies. Questions from the council. Hearing none. Next item.
>> J is exception to public bidding for public safety IT equipment. >> Questions from the council. Next item. >> 7R2A is a new construction of a two two family homes. One home will be owner occupied and the other home will be for
rent at market rate in the south board. >> Questions from the council. >> Yeah, I'm fine with this. Want to move it? All right. Thank you, Councilman. Next item. >> B is an agreement to subordinate the city's rights of reverter rights in
order for the permit in order to permit the redeveloper to obtain financing necessary for the redevelopment of the property as a three family home and a two family home in the west ward. >> Questions from the council.
Next item. C is a professional service contract. It's the first amendment to the agreement for real estate appraisal services. >> Any questions from the council? >> I do, Mr. >> Councilman Gonzalez. >> Since we are increasing the amount of
money that we're spending for appraisals, I would I would like to see appraisals for the properties that we're selling that the city is selling so that we know more or less they say what the market value is of the property that we're selling. so that we can er get a
price approaching the the fair market value of the property. >> All right. So noted by Councilman Councilman Ramos. >> Yeah, I I support that. You know, I don't think it's a big ask on behalf of
the council. We have today what two properties that are for sale that are on the agenda. So, if we were to include any of these properties that are being proposed for for sale as part of the contract, whether it's this company or some other appraisal company, um you
know, I I don't think it's a big ask. And um you know, I don't know what the administration's response is, but it's it's something that needs to happen. >> So, I think this that's the will of the council. I would hope that and and we
request appraisals for the upcoming new >> Say it again. >> Updated >> updated appraisals. >> Yeah, updated appraisals for new properties that are going to be on sale.
>> Again, Eric Pennington, business administrator. Just want to make sure that I'm clear. It sounds like it's the council's preference that every property we sell that we get a an appraisal uh for the property which we can do. This contract may not cover that even though it's been
represented that it's not a big ask. It's not a big ask but it could be a big cost. Uh so we'll take a look at that. The other thing I would say is as we have discussed over the years, many of these sales are not just to capture the quoteunquote fair market
value because it is not included in the calculation what it does for the neighborhood or whether or not there is uh a combination of properties put together to make sure that a development can work or for us to encourage that there be some kind of a particular type
of residential commercial development. ment um that meets a particular specification. So, we certainly can look at doing an appraisal. I don't want to stand up here right now and say that we will do an appraisal on every property, but we should be able to justify why we
have the price that we have for every property and will endeavor to do that. >> Yeah, Councilman Gonzalez, >> I totally agree with that. Let's say I don't want let's say the property to be sold at fair market value when you say you are changing a block by selling one
piece of property but I believe it's imperative that we have something that is let's say current instead of having a an assessed value that was established 20 years ago. >> Sure that's fair. We'll certainly look at that. Thank you councilman.
>> Thank you. Next item. D and E are both projects regarding Lincoln Park. D is approving amended and restated home affordable housing agreement and assignment and assumption agreement. And E is approving the
assignment agreement. >> Any questions from the council? Next item >> F is referral of a proposed seventh amendment to the Newark downtown core district redevelopment plan and agreement an amendment to the Newark
Plaza urban renewal plan to the central planning board. So, can we get a a brief overview of that? >> Uh, good morning, uh, council president, council members. >> Allison Lad, director of economic and
housing development. Uh, pleasure to be with you this morning. Uh the item before you is a referral request as we typically do when we want to amend a redevelopment uh plan. In this case, the area is the downtown core. The downtown
core encompasses the land around the Malberry Commons and um of course across from the Pru Center. Um second, as you may recall, the city along with four partners uh jointly secured an
architecture firm to help us with a visioning plan for the Malberry Commons so that we could look to actually develop the parking lot, the parking lots that are currently used for surface parking into new development, which will
allow us to ensure that we have affordable housing, more public realm as well as be able to raise tax revenue. And I think that we're very excited to start this process with you because we have a vision. And now what we'd like to
do is move it through the land use and zoning process so that we can activate those sites. Happy to answer any questions. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Any questions from the council? >> Hearing none. >> Uh Councilman uh Kelly, >> uh how you doing, Deputy Mayor? Where
what which which area does does the uh the zone start from? Like where is it? Will it start from let's say Hley Street on down where like where where does it start? >> Uh yes. Uh council president to council
member Kelly's question. It is the area that immediately is adjacent to the Pru Center. So where there's JNL parking, Edison parking, Malberry Commons is there. It's about eight sites around that area which is already within the
downtown core. And what we're doing is requesting some amendments that will allow for this vision to become reality. But it's just downtown. It's literally across the street from the Pru Center and the lots around Malberry Commons. >> Um I I saw the vision and I think it's
amazing. I love it. Um, I just my concern is what happens to the downtown that we really know of that from Hley Street on down to to the P Center. What happens to it? You know, from north to
south, east to west, what happens to that from over Central Avenue on over? What happens to that that main corridor? me growing up, you know, broad and market was like downtown to me. And I know we're expanding, but what happens to those stores and, you know, the the
businesses that are happening right there now? >> Sure. Um, council president, to the question asked by council member Kelly, um, it's a just a technical term. Downtown core is a technical term associated with the redevelopment plan.
It doesn't define the downtown of the city of Newark, nor does it define the central business district. So in both of those cases, there are other plans like the living downtown plan, which is the area around Holly and central um and the
area around the universities and the space that you were speaking about. Um second, uh the goal is not to change the communities. The goal is to add to the development. We're not trying to impact
negatively other communities that are vibrant, but we are trying to ensure that the entire city has the same vibrancy. And right now, our parking lots are a great asset to people who come to the Pru Center, but they also
could be a great asset to the city of Newark and residents that want to live here. >> And and I agree, Deputy Mayor. I'm I'm I definitely don't think that you're talking negatively about it. Like I said, I saw the plans. It's amazing broad and market like that's that's downtown to New Yorkers who've been here
for a long time. Like I'm just asking what happens to those corridors because those corridors don't seem to be in that plan. Well, council president, council members, if I could speak a little frankly about that, we would love the
owners of the properties that are at Broad and Market to improve them. We would love them to lease those spaces up and not be vacant. We would really enjoy their partnership in investing in our
city. However, it has not been met with the same excitement as the administration would like. And so, sometimes we have to do two things at once. And in this case, we will do both. So, I'll close by saying, as you
probably recall, about two and a half years ago, we put forth a vacant building ordinance. Then, we amended it for vacant land. And what we are doing is now unfortunately using a stick
approach with our owners that are not looking at our city as the vibrant investment that it should be. And so this case right now, the one before you is more of a carrot approach, but but in so much that we have been unable to get
our owners of those properties in that area to be good partners. I think that um we're just trying to do more than one thing. >> Thank you. And if I could just add uh Councilman, although broad and market aren't in the
this specific plan right here, I know the administration has made a concerted effort to uh address the issues that are on broad and market to make sure that uh it does not fall to the wayside, but um
improves and and and as the deputy mayor saying, I know I've been in a number of discussions about the landlords and how we can uh I won't say make cuz that's too strong a word but encourage the landlords to
beautify to um rehab those buildings particularly uh the spaces above and to hopefully get them up on the rolls and and uh become working apartments >> and council president to that point I
know there might be others but I'll just say that's a great um compliment because maybe it's friendly competition in so much that you'll see something else happening and you'll want your properties to be just as you know
vibrant as the ones that are being built. And I think that it's not um a negative behavior for us. We really are trying to use an approach that allows our city to grow in the way it should and also the way it was. As we know, in
the early 1900s, the that part of our city was developed um and then it changed into the surface parking lots. And so, we're just trying to bring that back um into like 2026 in the future.
>> Mr. President, Councilman, uh uh council, then council. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. >> So, uh Deputy Mayor, I'm definitely in agreement with you. Um, and I believe that the, you know, the vacant lot ordinance, the vacant building ordinance that we put in place, um, I would
definitely love to see the data from that of where we've been in terms of fines, fine assessment, and if the individuals have been paying. Um, I do think it is like uh urgent that we ensure that folks do not hold our city
hostage because they have property in the city because they wouldn't do it in other cities that they believe are blossoming and that they can get a return on their investment. And I think it is extingent upon us uh as a council and the administration to work
vigorously uh to engage uh individuals to be able to create businesses uh and not to try to price individuals out uh in a way that it doesn't want to bring business to the city but it systemically holds it down. And I think that is a bad
look. Um, and I think we should be addressing it uh in a more serious uh and viable and tangible way. And so um what whatever you know uh you know our take is from the the administration uh point of it. I think you guys really
need to um be more restrictive, be more intentional and focused on on on those kind of areas and folks who have these vacant buildings and vacant lots uh where storefronts sit on the bottom and they are vacant uh at the top with all
of the things that are happening around the city and the movement. uh because you know for a certain fact the city's not going to slow down and to just hear that maybe in the sense of competition or possibly people are waiting to see
what other individuals are going to do. Um I think it would be paramount uh for us uh to be vigilant about what it is that we're going to do uh as a city and not wait uh and speculate what folks are going to do. And so that's why I would
love to see where we are in terms of gathering the data uh not just from the downtown area but also from uh other uh areas and in these wards where these vacant uh buildings and vacant lots continue to stand and that people continue to hold on to them without
vision or plan. Uh I really wish back then there was a place where we could have you know inserted reverters and had these things in place. So I do applaud uh the administration for making sure that these things are in place now. uh but we do need to uh act uh expediently
about how the movement and development of the city is going to take place with our residents in mind. >> Um very fair and council president if I could just briefly say we'd be happy to provide the data. I recall it was a question that came up during the budget hearing most recently and we'll be happy
to provide the data to you. Um and uh no problem at all. We'd be happy to. And I would just like to add one more piece because I did say we were using the stick approach, but I will I forgot to mention that Mayor Baracko before the stick approach tried to use the carrot
approach. So, prior to us actually having the legislation come to this council, we actually did meet with the owners of the properties around Broad and Market and we talked to them about retail activation and we talked to them about how we could help incent um the small businesses to be able to be
located there and um some were more receptive than others um and so we were trying again to do multiple things at the same time. So, we agree that we need to activate spaces. We need to assist our small businesses. At the same time, we want to make sure our owners are not
keeping our city hostage to your point, council member council, and also continue to grow what we have in our city that could be considered underutilized land like the land around Malberry Commons. >> Thank you, Councilman Gonzalez.
>> Yes. Two two things. One is do we have a nuisance ordinance that would declare those properties nuisance and maybe the city can try to get the properties from these owners that don't want to develop
them. And the other one I I thought that there was a a lease agreement that Teacher Village, the developer of Teacher Village had agreed to to lease some of those properties for, I believe, for 99 years and develop them. I don't
know what happened to that. >> Sure. Council President, to Council Member Gonzalez's question, um I would say that on Teachers Village, I'd have to get back to you. I I don't know the status um offhand. Uh second though there is as you know through state
legislation the ability for cities to use condemnation also known as eminent domain. It is used sparingly and it is used strategically with the consent of course of our mayor and BA. Um, in my tenure, I know of one site that we've
gone through the process of getting um, planning authority to do condemnation, but um, other than that, we have considered it for other places, but have not asked for the council's consideration. >> Thank you. >> Any other Councilwoman Bay?
>> Uh, yes, Deputy Mayor. First of all, I appreciate your comments and I just wanted to say in reference to uh what Councilman Kelly and Councilman uh Council mentioned about those abandoned properties, I definitely believe maybe it's time for us to try to uh revisit
some of those conversations with those property owners and with those business owners because it is very important that we make sure that we have all of our downtown districts um redeveloped and re-energized and make sure that they are suitable for not only the people who are visiting but also for the residents who
are here who have depended on that for so long like Councilman Kelly um and many of us here. We grew up in those uh in those areas and shopping downtown and going to those areas and depending on that um and so we want to make sure that future New Yorkers have that same opportunity. So I would love to work
with you to try to revisit those conversations with those property owners and see if we can spur some activity. >> Wonderful. We'd welcome the opportunity. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anything else from the council? Thank you, deputy mayor.
>> Thank you, council president. >> G is the issuance of a stople certificate certifying the status of the financial agreement regarding property in the east ward. >> Questions from the council. Next item. H is to provide municipal
council support for the submission of an application by the developer to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Affordable Housing Trust Fund Municipal Settlement Fund. >> Questions from the council. Councilman Kelly.
>> Yes. Uh I know with with H I know we didn't get to to I yet, but these properties are listed when you get to I as in the central ward. And these properties are in the west ward. So I just wanted to be able to if we can make
a note of that, madame clerk, >> scriven error to correct it. >> Thank you. Anything else for uh from the council? >> Next item. >> I was just discussed. >> Yes. We are at four, I'm sorry, 7R4A,
which is an application to the Department of Community Affairs for UEE funding in the amount of $200,000. >> Can we get a brief explanation on this this matter? I think just for the uh particularly for
the public. Good morning, council president, council members. >> Good morning. >> Marcus Randolph, president CEO of Investn North. Uh so briefly, this is a uh what we're calling a wayfinding project trying to get cohesive set of signs as people enter the city and also
uh perhaps where to park and to find other attractions. Uh this was started back in 2001 and then was put on the shelf for a while. At that time it was just focused on downtown. Now it's a city-wide effort uh and Norc Alliance along with invests uh working on this.
So the request here is to uh to cover the cost to prepare the scope of work and the design uh with the company that they've chosen. Um and then we will be back to you with uh well some of you will be involved but we'll be back to you with a more broader scope uh and a
cost. The other the other thing that's pushing us a bit is we are expecting a lot of people coming to our city for FIFA, whether they're going to the games or just coming here to stay and enjoy our city. So, we want to make a little bit easier for folks to get around the city and enjoy what we have here.
>> And just for clarification, and I think you did say this, this is not just for downtown. This is city >> That's right. >> wide. That's right. Citywide >> signage. All right. Thank you. Anything from the council? Councilman Gonzalez, >> don't you don't you think that it's kind of late for FIFA? It's a We are talking
six months. >> It's going to be tight, but we're going to make it. >> All right. Thank Thanks from the council. Thank you, Mr. Randolph. >> Next item. >> Seven 6A and B are both settlement
agreements for discussion executive session. C through M are professional services contract from the law department. There are 11 contracts. C is for litigation. D is for tax appeal. E is for workers
compensation. F through H are labor and employment matters. I through L are for litigation defense matters and M is litigation defense matters. >> Any questions from the council?
Hearing none. Next item, >> 7R8A is a ceremonial street designation for Sister June Fabata. Sponsored by Councilwoman Roundtree. >> Is there a second on it? >> Second.
>> Second by Councilman Kelly. >> Duly noted. B is a ceremonial street designation for Pastor Anna Cooper. Sponsored by Councilwoman Scott Brown. >> Second. Is there a second on that? >> Sponsor that. Yeah, we co-sponsor though
that that second one with Councilman Kelly. >> Duly noted. C is a whole harmless for the annual Newark three kings children's celebration sponsored by Councilman Gentana. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Gonzalez.
>> Duly noted. D is a professional service contract for the 2025 statutory audit services. >> Any questions from the council? Hearing nut. Next item. >> E is recognizing and commending
resolutions and F is expressing profound sorrow and regret. >> Questions from the council. Next item. >> 7R9.A and B are both appointments of special police officers. A is a resident and B is a non-resident.
>> Any questions from the council? Next item. C and D are both applications or acceptance of grant funds. C is for the 2025 drive sober or get pulled over. And D is the assistance to firefighters
grant for the purchase of specialized firefighter training. >> Questions from the council. Next item. >> 7R12A is a change order for the replacement of fire hydrants. >> Any questions from the council?
like Councilman >> Kelly. >> Yeah, I would like to be a sponsor of the >> sponsored by Councilman Kelly. Is there a second? Second by Councilwoman Scott Roundry. >> And also, President, I would like to um go back to uh
the 7R2 H& sponsor that as well. 7R2 H& Councilman Kelly wants to sponsor. Is there a second for those two? >> Second. >> Okay. Counciloman Scott Brown. Three
seconds. Vote. >> All right. Mr. B through AF are all professional services contracts for engineering services on an assed basis for the water and sewer department. There are 31 vendors.
B is ACOM technical services. C is KS Engineering. D is Prestige Environmental. E is Tech Tiki. F is Jerry J. Nol and Associates. Noly,
I'm sorry. G is Arcadus US. H is CDM Smith. I is DMBB Engineers. J is Dubberry Engineers. K is DM Enterprise.
L is FAMTECH engineering. M is GFT infrastructure. N is GTS Consultant. O is GZA Geo Environmental. P is H2M Associates. Q is HDR
Engineering. R is Jacob's Engineering Group. S is Jason Mir Marin and Thompson. T is Costara Bernard and Fox Engineering. U is Michael Baker
International. V is Morehouse Engineering. W is M. Macdonald. X is OCA Architects. Y is Penoli Associates. Z is preferred local
government consulting. AA is professional consulting. AB is Remington and Varnick Engineers. AC is Roberts Engineering Group. A D is STV Inc. AE is
Suburban Consulting Engineers and AF is TNM Associates. A lot >> uh I don't any questions from the council >> and Mr. President. >> Yeah, Councilman. >> No, it's a whole lot of engineering companies who are qualifying. Uh could
we get a summary of um the utilization that we had for for this year by company? I know this is a not to exceed amount. doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to be used at that level, but just just a report maybe year to
date which companies have expended what amounts so far. >> You read my mind, Councilman Ramos. >> Yep. >> Eric Pennington, Eric Pennington, business administrator. Council President to uh Councilman Ramos's question. Uh I guess maybe within the
last 10 minutes I sent an email to director Wooden and the director deem requesting uh the list of professional services contracts for 2025. How much was authorized by the council and how much was expended year to date. So I
looked in your eyes. I anticipated your read your mind and and I sent that email 10 minutes ago. So you'll get that information. >> Appreciate it. You're welcome. >> Thank you, Mr. B. Next item, >> communications. Item 8A is an ordinance
authorizing and consenting to the transfer of property located at 296 Ferry Street from the east I'm sorry from East Side Community Center Corporation to Mantenna Global Care.
>> Uh, Councilman Silva. >> Yeah, if we can advance and adopt, >> would you like to sponsor it? >> Uh, yes. All right. Is there a second for second by Councilman uh Kintana?
B is an ordinance amending the original tax abatement granted to 50 Mount Prospect Gardens Urban Renewal LLC to extend the time frame to construct the project consisting of a new four-story building and seven I'm sorry fourstory
building with 28 market rate rental residential units and seven affordable housing units in the north ward. Any questions from council Ramos? >> Say same request advance and adopt >> and would you like to sp be the sponsor for >> Yes.
>> are sponsored by Councilman Ramos. >> Second by Councilman Kintana. >> C is an ordinance providing for the vacation of Dwey Street and Demer Street between Hawthon Avenue and NY Avenue in the south ward. >> Yeah, Mr. I want to uh sponsor this and
advance and adopt on first. >> Advance and adopt sponsored by Councilman Council. I'll second that. Pending business on the agenda. 9A is an ordinance amending zoning and
land use regulations regarding fossil fuel facilities and B is amending tax for fossil fuel generation >> questions from the council. >> So what so
>> what >> are we moving on or >> yeah just just advance the first reading. Well, I I I do have a question about B. Uh when it says prohibition on the on the use of city
funds for fossil fuel, including fossil fuel power generation, they say when it says the use of city funds for fusel fossil fuel, that means that we cannot buy gas. >> That's that's not what it what the
intention is. What what >> somebody can interpret it like that like that. Yeah, unless >> sure. Uh, Eric Pennington, a business administrator. I mean actually I you know people are chuckling but that's the same question that I raised and I am not
clear that the ordinance uh is written in a way that protects against for example a new gas station coming in a Wawa 7-Eleven or quite frankly the city of has its own depots or with respect to
um the uh changes at airport whether that's going to have an impact on depots for jet fuel. and for their facilities and vehicles. So, we're working on that. Miss Gaddy is here in the audience. She sent me some information. I'm still reviewing that. U generally, I had a
discussion with them and I'm told that it didn't intend to mean that, but I'm not comfortable uh totally comfortable that the ordinance does not prohibit what it is you're talking about. So, we're going to make some changes. I'm sure I'm not opposed to having it move,
but we're going to have to uh engage more with questions and making sure that your the questions you raise um are addressed. And the more questions that you have now, the better. And please bring them to me and I'll add them to my own to get to make sure we have the
proper ordinance. Now that being said, generally um you know the administration wants our residents to be safe and we don't want to have carcinogens in and around where residents live and in the air can cause problems uh lung problems,
heart problems, respiratory issues that there is statistical data that supports the notion that fossil fuel generation uh causes some of those problems. So we have to balance that and make sure that we have an appropriate ordinance in place u to make sure that we protect
against that. >> I agree totally with that. I believe that they say the vagueness of the of that phrase there might might bring some issues in the future and that's what you clarify. I believe that we have to
tighten up a little bit the definition of what is it that is allowed so that we don't have a problem in the future. >> Sure. And I agree. I think the vagueness may be constitutionally impermissible just because it is not specific enough. Uh but we would like to have more specific information as well so that
everybody, the public, the council, the administration understands fully what it is that we're engaging in. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair. >> So, okay. Go ahead. C. No, I I I do agree with with the BA about making sure that we are very specific with the information how it outlines. I do
support uh uh both of the ordinances because I I do realize that down the line we have to you know continue to think about environmental justice especially being the largest city uh here in the state of New Jersey and the growth plate in which we're trying to create through density uh that we have to you know ensure that we're doing
these things but we also have to make sure that we're not putting ourselves in a in a situation where it binds economically what what needs to happen for the growth and development of the city but also to be intentional about making sure that we are providing
safety for our residents along the line of environmental justice. >> Yes, sir. >> So, what I what I will say is I'm first of all, I'm sponsoring both of these uh uh res uh ordinances. Um second, >> they're born out of Thank you, C. Seconded by Councilwoman Scott. They're
born out of discussions and and work that has been done by Kim Kim Gaddy and the South Environmental Alliance. Uh I I agree wholeheartedly in the concept and I don't say concept because it's more than a concept in in the
importance of making sure for environmental justice sake that we take care of our community not just today but in the future and I think these ordinances move towards that. I I do appreciate and understand that there may be some tweaking to it to um uh uh uh
get it to where it needs to be without uh um compromising the city in any way. But I am wholeheartedly in favor of moving this to first reading as there is further discussion with the
administration. Uh I would ask um and I don't know if this well no I will ask if Miss Gaddy could come up and say a few words uh on the ordinance uh just briefly on what each one uh
entails. Uh I think one obviously is regarding um the prohibition of you well as Councilman Gonzalez was saying the prohibition of using city funds and the other one is to um
uh prohibit any new fossil fuel facilities uh in in the city of Norc which doesn't include or not in meant to include food, gas stations, or anything else like to
that effect. Um, >> to I'm sure you know already, but you know, Miss Gaddy is scheduled to be a speaker tomorrow night. She's the number eight speaker on the list and she's here in the audience today and certainly can speak during public comment. If you are the certainly the person who runs this
meeting, you want her to come up and speak now? >> I'd like her to speak now. I mean, because these ordinances are born out of of working with her. So >> nice >> and let my Dr. Owens represent.
>> All right. So, so today uh Dr. Owens, I I just really just a brief summation on on each of them. >> Yes, absolutely. Uh good morning, uh city council. Again, my name is Dr. Leah Owens. I serve as a ports and policy analyst for the Southward Environmental
Alliance. Um and in terms of just a quick summary of each of the ordinances and also I'll give um some of the revisions that we are suggesting based on the discussions that have been occurring. So for the first ordinance
that is looking to amend uh title 4041 zoning and land use. So, we make more clear in the title. What we're suggesting to make more clear in the title is that the ordinance is um looking at major facilities, facilities
that producing major air pollution. And so, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection actually has a definition of how much carcinogens and carbon um and particulate matter that's going into the air as a result of that facility. So there's a threshold and
we're talking about the facilities that are above that threshold. Gas stations are nowhere near that threshold. So we have some very specific information in the revisions that we're suggesting for that ordinance. And then for the second one, which is looking to amend title 10
for u finance and taxation, again we made clear um that we're looking at major sources of air pollution. Um and then also just continue to point out that the city in its own uh policy tools and documents has made a commitment
towards clean energy and to eliminate fossil fuels. So any expansion that the city may do, right? That's where we're talking about prohibiting the use of city funds, it shouldn't be an issue because we're already on track to make sure that we're replacing, for example,
DPW vehicles with um hybrid vehicles. So, we shouldn't be looking to continue to expand in terms of having gas bulk stations or anything of the matter because we're already on that track. >> Thank you, Dr. Owens. >> Any questions?
>> All right. So, thank thank you very much. So, I' I'd like to sponsor in advance to first reading both ordinances and I believe Councilwoman Scott Roundry seconded them. >> Okay. Next, >> miscellaneous items. 10A is approval of
the raffle license. >> Questions from the council. >> What's it? >> Council president, council members, we have a couple added starters. The first is file number 25-1592 which is professional engineering
services on an as needed basis for the department of water and sewer utilities. Fasttech is the name of the company. >> I'm sorry the name of it. >> Fasttech. >> Fasttech. >> Yes. F A S T. >> And how much?
>> That was the only one they say on the list in New Jersey that wasn't included. Yeah, I missed it. Do we have a uh not to exceed a mountain for that? >> That I don't know. >> All right, let's we'll get that the next
one. >> The second one is 25-1644, which is a host municipality agreement for solid waste disposal. >> Say that. I'm sorry. For some reason, I can't. >> I'm sorry. host municipality agreement for solid waste disposal.
>> Okay. All right. Any questions? Let's get a uh particular on the second one. If we can get just a brief comment. I know what it's about, but we all want to make sure. >> Sure. Good morning again. Eric Pennington, business administrator with
respect to the uh host municipality agreement for waste disposal that is with Reworld, which is the renamed company of Coanta. It's where the city uh brings its uh sanitation refues. Since we are the host municipality, we
get a a host municipality fee uh which is essentially in lie of taxes. Last year that agreement was for $3.5 million. This agreement is increased by $700,000 and it'll be $4.2 million. We are in the process still of negotiating
a long-term agreement, probably a 10-year agreement, which we expect will be concluded uh in the first or second quarter of next year. One of the things that we're hoping to get included in that long-term agreement is some kind of a dedicated lane. the the way Coant is
structured, it's a little bit difficult to have a dedicated lane, but we're going to have to have them be creative and we'll be creative to figure out how the city of Norc's trucks uh can get into that facility, get in and out of that facility without being online for hours at a time. So, that's one of the
things that we're negotiating as well. Um, this is an added starter. Uh unfortunately I tried to get it on the agenda without it being added starter because we need to have it executed so that we can get those proceeds by the end of the year. Um and you know I've
been fully involved in this and believe it'll be beneficial to the city on lots of fronts. >> Thank you Mr. Bay. Anything from the any questions from the council? Councilman Gonzalez, >> not regarding that, but yesterday I was reading something about let's say the
cameras that the police officers wear and the discovery uh the possible discovery of the pictures uh regarding the opra. And uh there was a there was something there that caught my attention
that that if you notify the person that whose picture is taken uh you have three years to reveal or you can withhold that information for three years and the city might not be let's say liable for or or
responsible for having to to provide the the pictures of the the people depicted on the on on the on the picture. So I believe that we should check with the n the legal municipalities and and try to
get a sample ordinance so that we can review it. >> Okay. Uh thank you Councilman Gonzalez. I'm not I'm not 100% clear on Are you saying that on with body camera footage if we
don't have the permission of the person who's in the body cam? >> You you have to notify that person and that person then and then the city can withhold information for three years. >> Okay. All right. Well, we certainly should should take a look into I can
give you is it's on the journal towards the middle of the journal that was published after the the convention. >> All right. Well, if I could bother you to send it to me, that'd be great. And I'll share with Captain uh Deputy Chief Curillo, Deputy Director, whatever his new title is. Guillo,
>> I would copy it and send it to you. >> All right. All right. Thank you. >> Thank Thank you. >> Uh I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Sorry. That was one more. >> Wait a uh council. >> Don't worry about it. I do it all the time.
>> Uh uh council members, I apologize. The uh the the first added starter uh that involved water and sewer. Uh we actually I didn't recognize the fact that they needed it. Um uh of course the director's here to explain a little bit about it.
>> First add that you talked about >> I think we were good but go ahead bring them up now. Don't talk too much. You might talk yourself out of it. Come on. >> Good job. >> When they when they say when the judge bruising your baby, you sit down and shut up.
>> Uh, thank you. Uh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Uh >> 25-1659 is a resolution of support and Aspire funding. >> I look up and you're already here mayor. >> Yes, sir. Uh council president, council
members, Allison Lad, director of economic and housing development. Uh this request um for an added starter is associated with 69 Sherman. 69 Sherman is a project that you've heard before. Um, and at this time they are applying
for Aspire and also New Jersey HMFA tax credits. The reason why it's being requested as an added starter is because there's a deadline by the end of December. Um, and second, the reason why it's not on the agenda um, officially is because we've asked the applicant to
send us the application. As soon as they send us the application, we will be able to advance the item to council. Council sponsor item. >> Yeah, I want to sponsor. >> I want to second that. >> Council uh
sponsored by Councilman Council, second by Councilman Scott Roundry. >> Anything else, Madam Clerk? >> Just a public comment. >> That's it. Um so this is something I I for the the um
pleasure of the council. We do have uh director redeem if here who if there are any questions regarding snow removal that occurred. Does the council have anything they want to ask or >> Yeah. Uh councilman did he just walk?
Okay. Councilman Kelly, >> how you doing? Director Um, I guess my my inquiry is just to find out if there's any machinery down or anything. Yesterday I um I called a supervisor in the west ward and told him a few blocks
that had not been plowed, still icy, and these were calls that I was getting from the resident. He assured me that they would be sent they would send a crew up there to take care of it. And then I get a text this morning that nothing never happened. So I'm just asking or assuming
if something there was a reason why. >> Council President, council members Kareem Medine, interimm director DBW. First, I'm not aware of you calling the supervisor that appreciate if that would have came to me. We had similar problems with some of these people probably not even at work. We're calling them, but
they're probably home and they just telling you anything. So it was no things down. I don't we had a couple little dead ends that we had problems getting down. um throughout the city during the storm. Uh we came back out yesterday and got some of them and we salted. So it's a difference between
piling and the ice that was left, the ice effect. So I don't want to make sure we understand some of the tight blocks, a lot of trucks can get down. Some of the double parking citywide, we had about 12 accidents which slows which the salt trucks have to sit there all day
until the police come, right? Other things going on. Just want to remind people um there's no equipment down. you should also direct all those uh complaints to me so I can make sure that we're following up with them. When we start going to supervisors or different
people, we don't know that we even getting the complaints. We're not documenting them, right? Documenting with the director, we going to make sure we have a followup, right? Because supervisor tell you anything. Um Councilman Silva, he let me know yesterday. The police said they called DPW and they said we didn't have any
more salt, but he was behind three salt trucks or two salt trucks. So, this is some of the stuff that goes on that, you know, when a director don't know, I don't know who you call on or what street that probably didn't get missed. I think our accountability starts with making sure we reach out to the people
at the top so they can follow up on all the type of complaints you have. That's great to know. I'll definitely reach out to you. Um, that that area too, just to put on record, was Scoffield, which is a dead end. So, um, probably was what you said. They couldn't get down the blocks,
but that entire area. >> Yes. And we sent small trucks up there yesterday. Now when I leave, >> um I live right up there. So I rode through most of those. Colleen Scoffield. So I actually rode through them to make sure they were done. Some people want it
done more than they think, but once it turns into ice, it's just a salt in the Vietnam. It's not. And just want everybody to remember that. Um salt when it get below 20, rock salt don't work. Once it once it drops below 20 rock salt
don't work. Um this was my first snowstorm that I actually led which is not a storm but it was five and a half inches. Um some best practices that I learned. I also reached out to some of my colleagues in uh Boston, Detroit, uh
Ann Arbor, Chicago, Green Bay just to get some stuff that we should be doing right during the snow and after the snow because I think there's some ways that we can improve on how we do it. So, I got that information, some chem line of chemicals that come out that we may not
be aware, right? But but when when temperatures go below 20, you're in a freeze mode. >> Thank you. And thank you, director. Anything else from the council? >> Councilman Gonzalez, >> regarding the snow, but bulk.
Uh last Wednesday was the second Wednesday of the month. Uh where I live is a section B, I believe it is. And it at least in my house, it wasn't picked up. >> You got to put it out on all council. Council President, Councilman Gonzalez,
you know, you got to put it out on time when that truck come. >> No, we put it we put it the night we put it the night before. >> It was already gone. >> The night the night before we put it out >> and uh and it wasn't picked up. I as a matter of fact, I sent you a text.
>> Yes, we we get Yes. Thank you. So, we do have a quality assurance crew. We we we go around and make sure whatever was missed, we come back and get it. Please. And we appreciate >> the house. >> We appreciate you reaching out to me so we can you know that lane that line of
communication to make sure we have bait stuff and then get it. Thank you. >> Thank council president. >> Council on the council. >> Just real fast. I I know there there is a dos and don'ts kind of uh document for uh what happens when it snows. We probably want to get that back out to
the residents so that they're aware they should not be throwing snow back in the street >> and then call and say that the street wasn't uh iced or salted when they are the villains who are throwing the snow back in the street. So, we want to, you know, be able to put that out about
where placement of snow should be. >> We'll honestly take a C+ for this event. Although a lot of people think gonna get a but we'll take a minus. >> Thank I think that's it. Anybody else? >> But but every street was passable, right? >> Besides some of the dead.
I want to thank the police department, too. They did come out and assist us with getting a lot of these cars double parked out of the way. But, you know, if we can council me help your your residents like when we got to plow the streets, we need those cars double parked. >> All right. Thank Thank you, director.
We are in the 30 minute public comment portion of this meeting where each speaker will have three minutes to speak. Please state your name for our records. Is there anyone wishing to address the council? >> Is this your phone, bro? >> Deborah Sales. Good day, New York. You
know, so if I was in the east this morning actually before I came up here and streets a mess. A mess. So if you were behind salt trucks, I don't know why you didn't direct them to salt the areas or break
up the ice or do whatever it was. A mess. Um the in under the ACLU the sunshine law says the public body which is you all cannot censor your speech during a public comment portion because it does not agree with you or like what
you are saying. The public body also cannot prohibit comments based on subject matter. So as long as the comments relate to any issue that a member of the public feels may be of concern to the residents of the municipality or school district. Want to
put that on the record. Correct me if I'm wrong. Did I hear Director Lag come up here and say that they now want to use the parking lots and build on them? We don't have parking
as it is. You are inundating us and overdeveloping us. SO THE TWO LOTS THAT ARE THERE AND THE one further down the street, the residents who live here park there, not just the people who come from out of town because you allow these
parking authority scammers to ticket THE RESIDENTS WITH NO RESOLVE. Did she stand up here and say that you all want to take those lots in the AREA
AND BUILD MORE UNAFFORDABLE housing on it? Are you out of your minds? WE ARE OVERCROWDED NOW. AND SILA, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WERE IN THAT MEETING THAT WE HAD WITH THE PLANNING ZONE uh uh uh the OTHER NIGHT ABOUT BUILDING THAT
MONSTROSITY DOWN there in the East War. NONE OF THAT BENEFITS we the people. Peter Steck DID A WONDERFUL JOB OF EXPOSING ALL OF THE CRACKS and crevices and ad build that structure down there.
You did traffic studies on a holiday. Are you out of your mind? The residents of Newark ARE BEING PUSHED OUT, PRICED OUT, OVERCROWDED. And and to talk about building on that
commons that was supposed TO BE TAKEN CARE OF WITH THE $10 MILLION WHICH BECAME NOTHING BUT A CONCRETE RUNWAY FOR THE HELICOPTER OF CREDENTIAL AND THEN YOU ALL TOOK OUT $150 MILLION BOND TO BUILD THE BRIDGE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A PART OF THE $10 MILLION.
It didn't start happening and now you WANT TO TAKE ALL OF THE OTHER SPACE THAT THE RESIDENTS HAVE FOR PARKING AND BUILD MORE ON TOP OF IT. CUT DOWN MORE TREES AND POISON us even more. >> Thank you for your comments. Next
speaker. >> Good morning, Mr. President and members of the council. My name is Mercy Guadad and I'm a tenant in the Willows of Symphony Hall managed by Ingramman. I'm here today because since moving into my apartment in June of 2023, I have endured conditions that were repeatedly
unsafe and uninhabitable. Because systems meant to protect have failed me until I was forced to speak speak publicly. Excuse me. I reported these issues promptly, allowed inspections, and paid out of pocket for independent professionals when management ignored me. From the first weekend of my
tenency, I experienced ongoing electrical failures affecting my stove, washer and dryer, HVAC system, and outlets. I endured unpredictable outages during extreme heat and extreme cold, losing food, incurring costs, and becoming sick numerous times. When code
enforcement first advised management to hire an electrician, they refused and accused me of turning off my own power. When an electrician was finally sent, I was informed of many findings that were excluded from the report management later used against me, and I was prohibited from speaking to the
electrician that entered my home upon calling them myself. I then paid for my own licensed electrician who documented immediate hazards, including a smoking garbage disposal, and called for urgent repairs. Management ignored these findings. My dishwasher has never worked
from the first attempt of use and was formally reported in October of 2023. I paid nearly $400 out of my pocket for a mold inspection which confirmed penicyium and aspergillis mold water intrusion and contamination. Professional remediation and immediate
removal was ordered. Management ignored this. 2023 By November of 2024, code enforcement entered my apartment for the fifth time. um determining the dishwasher area had become a roach breeding site worsened by the chronic leaks and a delayed door seal repair
that allowed pests to enter from a neighboring unit. My dishwasher was not replaced until September of 2025 after more than two years of water damage to my kitchen and living room floors. My garbage disposal, as mentioned, never worked and was documented as defective
by both enforce code enforcement and my independent electrician early 2024. It was not replaced until November 2025. My toilet was extremely defective and my stove shut off repeatedly. Both of these issues were ignored for over a year
after code enforcement and was addressed only after my 70-year-old father, who was a licensed plumber and electrician, traveled from Georgia to advocate for me. My intercom has never worked. I cannot see who is at my door, cannot safely buzz people in, regularly lose
packages and groceries, and have been harassed and followed home multiple times. The electrician confirmed wiring issues requiring immediate replacement. Management has been aware and has not acted. I'm a young woman living alone. I pleaded for help and nothing was done. I
returned to Newark carrying hope. Came to work, save, and one day return to Howard University and finish my degree. Instead, every dollar I earned was survi spent surviving in a home that was never made safe. Well, I fought to be heard here. My mother in Georgia has been fighting for her life battling stage
four colarctal cancer because of the financial and emotional toll of seeking justice. >> I hate to stop you, but the the time is expired. Can I get your name? And and again, I couldn't hear. >> Mercy Guad M. Gu a d a d
>> gu >> a d a d >> a b- a b >> a as in David Guada >> David Guada and and the uh where you live I couldn't >> 395 Hoy Street >> 395 Hollyy Street >> Mhm. >> Okay. Thank you. Somebody will will
speak to you. >> Thank you. >> Good morning council president, members of the council. My name is Kimberly J. Ford, but please call me Kim J. Ford. Um, I am a neighbor of Miss Mercy Guad.
I am here to say that what impacts her directly impacts me. I am a homebased uh hybrid business. Therefore, my livelihood and my personal safety is also at risk. On Friday the 12th, I
turned in uh a packet containing documentation of Miss Guadad's concerns. my own and that of a resident at the James Moody houses on Beecher Street to the office of the central war council woman Amina Bay received by her chief of
staff um Kad Kadri and legislative aid Reyes. this to note. In January of 2025, in the building at 395 Hollyy Street, the Willows at Symphony Hall, which is belongs to Angerman Management, um which
is one of five buildings, there was a fire on the third floor that erupted from the same kitchen countertop that Miss Mercy spoke of with her electrical issues. To date, all we received is an email. There's been no tenant meeting to
make us feel better. No emotional, social support or explanation on why the fire occurred. On December 8th, we were the residents of 395 Hollyy Street were disenfranchised
because these buildings are for sale and MRK came to meet with the residents and we were not invited nor notified of the meeting. I attended the meeting and was initially denied. I heard of the meeting because of my association with Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District. After
advocating for me to be allowed in the meeting and another resident was turned away, I learned that there are there's going to be a vote for these buildings to be sold to MRK. MRK also announced in this meeting on December 8th, 2025 that they are
guaranteeing the personnel of the management company as a part of the sale. In speaking with other residents who are afraid of retribution and could not be here today, I stand in the gap to advocate that this sale needs to be with stipulations.
Ingram management personnel who are guaranteed as a part of this sale should be on a six-month probation. There should be a resident survey at the top of their taking over of the buildings. That should be confidential and only be turned in to the new owners, our central
war council woman and a council president for fear of retribution. They should be given six months to increase transparency, hire additional maintenance, make all the fixes that most impact our quality of life and personal life and safety, electrical,
appliances, water infestation, and public safety, and use the funding that they have for social services to actually for that purpose. There should be a second survey within six months. Stipulations should be a part of this sale. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, Miss Ford, if you could
provide the clerk's office with a copy of what you're you're reading, if it's something that you can share with them. Thank you, Mr. >> President, Councilman Gonzalez. >> I understand that the buyer and the the council are here, so maybe they can
discuss the the issues with them. >> Okay, >> they are back in the back. So, let's let's see if we can we can uh uh have a mediation, I guess, of some sort.
>> So, stick around. Don't leave. >> Good morning, Council President. >> Council members. Uh my name is Adam Marshall. I'm a resident of Bloomfield and a US Army veteran. Currently, I'm uh with a group of about 20 core volunteers at Delaney Hall, the migrant detention
center, which has been illegally operating since May. I appear before you uh to report that Geog Group is endangering the life and health of family members and loved ones at Delaney. I have categorized these hazards into five categories. Page two
of the report that I just handed um discusses traffic hazards, which are the greatest possibility of injury or fatality. Uh the waiting area has vehicles speeding out the gate in excess of 30 miles per hour. Visitors are also forced to cross four lanes of Duramus
Avenue where cars readily uh exceed 50 mph. Next, we must discuss weather environment. on the next page. Extreme temperatures and noxious air uh have the potential to cause injuries uh from extreme cold and extreme heat and very
much could include the possibility of death given the extreme weather that we're facing. GIO ignores Newark's weather and air quality uh reports routinely. Page four uh shows that the uh guards
verbally abused the visitors. Visitors uh arrive not knowing the procedures and they do little to help them. Uh the visitors are often subjected to humiliating dress code uh corrections and uh very unclear guidance. GIO's
website is wrong about the information that they provide and it causes confusion on the ground. It must be said that uh New York PD's weapons training facility is only 1.03 kilometers from the site of where they wait. uh and the gunfire can very
clearly be heard. Uh as a matter of fact, you can tell from that distance whether they're firing long guns or uh pistols. To people who have uh escaped gang violence and war in their country of origin, this is very distressing.
On page five, I discuss how there is zero attempt to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Uh no handicap parking or loading zones are around, no paths for mobility devices. Uh autistic children have often been stressed to their breaking points uh
given the loud noises and total assault on the senses. And without restrooms, uh people are forced to walk 0.4 miles uh round trip to the pilot gas station for relief. If you turn to the next page, I want to discuss a specific violation of the ADA
that I witnessed on 14th December. Uh a mother was forced to unload her disabled child in traffic in Duramis Avenue. Uh this is because the guards have threatened the use of mace and escalation of force uh for vehicles and
drivers that attempt to enter the main entrance. I think that volunteers can work together with the city to alleviate these problems. Um, we request that uh traffic safety measures be brought to bear such as crossing guards and speed
enforcement uh against Geog Group. Uh the construction of a temporary shelter uh at the site could provide refuge from the elements. And uh lastly, I would like to ask that uh we volunteers could meet with emergency management or any members of uh the public safety team uh
who wish to preserve life and health in this very dangerous place. I thank the honorable council for its time and I welcome any questions. Um, also of note uh Terry Seuss uh has sent uh uh the uh uh
uh what was it >> two documents um uh of the same nature. >> Thank you for your time. >> All right. Thank you for your comments. Next speaker mayor Bummani.
Well, I'm back after the recent band and I just want to uh make a comment that I made uh that I received a response from from open line. So, the the mayor said I will spread a
mis information about the crime that's taking place in this city every day. So all you have to do is just go look at RSL media cuz he made a comment that,
you know, crime is down. He's getting his reports from the from the feds. That's what he said, an open line. So it's obvious that the crime is being under reportported and you're not really reporting crime
here. So my response on this mic today is that you want to get rid of crime, start with city hall cuz the crime went rampant on here. I
came before you one time when they try to gaslight me off the mic about the corruption, right? And boom, the next week, Camella Garcia, all the other ones came behind with
corruption. But I'm spreading misinformation, right? You want to get rid of crime? Get rid of the may that lied about your water that it wasn't contaminated. But you going to say, "I'm misinforming the
people about the recent ban, city of New York, Larry the Dump Crump, and the do nothing council members. It behooves you to stop violating your off
oath of office. It behooves you to do that because the fees going to continue TO GO UP WITH this lawsuit cuz I ain't playing with you. You took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution.
We the people, we have the right whether you like our presentation or not. We have the RIGHT TO QUESTION OUR AUTHORITY. WE HAVE A RIGHT TO petition our grievances. And we HAVE A RIGHT TO a peaceful
ASSEMBLY IN THIS COUNCIL CHAMBERS. THAT IS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. So if YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT WE SAY, YOU DON'T LIKE HOW WE RESPOND IN THE AUDIENCE, THAT IS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.
AND IF THE JUDGE RULE IN MY FAVOR WITH THIS particular lawsuit, I'm going to SUE YOU FOR EVERY TIME YOU BAN ME FROM this council meeting. There's going to be a fee. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE
WHAT YOU'RE DOING. YOU PUT YOUR HAND ON THE BIBLE. YOU PUT A YOU YOU swore a oath to uphold that constitution. And that is my right. AND I'M SICK AND TIRED of being sick and tired >> for your comments. Next speaker.
>> Good afternoon. Um I'm Terry Seuss. I'm from Union and um I didn't think I could be here today, but thank goodness for all the speakers and your meeting ran a little longer. Um, I would just like to say, um, Adam, as he described the
dangers down at Delaney Hall, we also have, uh, really horrific conditions due to the weather. The extreme cold has threatened public safety. Um, people are waiting outside for hours to get in and
that needs to change. We need your help. We need the help of every elected official in New Jersey to be with us, eyes on ice. This is a major problem for the residents of New Jersey. We're
calling on elected officials across New Jersey to take the following immediate actions. One, emergency intervention. American Red Cross, Newark, and Essex County Departments of Emergency Management should be formally requested to assess and respond to the conditions
at Delaney Hall during visiting hours in extreme weather, which we have right now. Tonight, visiting hours from 4 to 9, the temperature will be 27°. Immediate policy changes at Delaney
Hall. GIO must implement a mandatory indoor waiting policy using its existing large indoor space, a gym, to prevent exposure to the elements. Public accountability and oversight. Elected officials must publicly rebuke Geo
Group, this private prison corporation, for this failure and require written corrective action plans with timelines, management revisions and enforcement mechanisms. You all, we are looking to you. You are our elected officials.
Financial penalty penalties and contract review. GIO should be fined for endangering the public or having its contract resended or have its contract rescended for failure to comply with basic safety standards and endangering the public. Congressional
representatives um outside and independent observers must conduct a contract compliance review related to minimum standards of care and safety. The treatment of of visitors at Delaney Hall this winter is an affront to human
dignity to New Jersey taxpayers and the values we claim to uphold as a society. Families seeking to see their loved ones should never be treated as disposable. No one should be made to suffer the or risk hypothermia simply for exercising
their right to visitation at Delaney Hall. What happened at Delaney Hall on Tuesday and Thursdays, December 9 and 11 and over the weekend was cruel. It was avoidable and it must not be allowed to happen again. We urge immediate action,
transparency, and accountability. We need your help. On behalf of Eyes on Ice Coalition, Delaney Hall vigilers and volunteers, I'm Terry Seuss. Please call me and set up a meeting to solve this. >> Thank you for your for your comments.
Next speaker. >> Seeing no other speakers, public speaking is now closed. Is there anything from the council? Councilwoman Bay. >> Yes. Thank you, Council President. Um, just wanted to uh go back to the comments uh from Miss Ford. Um, and I'm
sorry, your >> name. >> Good. >> Miss God. >> Good. Is that correct? Okay. >> Um, my my team actually attended the uh tennis meeting at the Willows and was able to attest um firsthand to what they
witnessed and what they heard there. and just wanted to make sure that uh they know that we uh support them uh 100% and willing to have conversations with the owners to help uh rectify the situation as soon as possible.
>> Thank you uh Councilwoman. Anything else from the council? All right. So, what I will say is I am a firm believer in freedom of speech. Uh but when you disrupt a meeting, that's that's not exercising your freedom of speech. and and as long as that
continues or if that continues um that that's a problem. So I you know the threat is is not is not a threat to me or I
feel I don't feel it as a threat for litigation. I'm going to continue to do that and treat this council and treat this chamber with dignity and respect and allow the business to be conducted. And when someone
decides that they want to disrupt the meeting for whatever reason, there are going to be consequences. With that being said, anything from administration? >> Yes. Good afternoon, Eric Pennington, business administration. Just a couple
of uh comments to to your point. Uh certainly the administration believes that individuals have the right to speak and uh they have a first amendment right to say almost anything they want to say but when misinformation is spread then
that misinformation should be um challenged. >> Can we just hold on just hold on until we finish and and then follow up. >> That will be uh that will be good. Um with respect to the uh development that's occurring in the eastward and
everywhere throughout the city of North, it is done consistent with the master plans that the city has uh development. There are uh zoning board meetings and planning board meetings that people have the right to attend and uh express their uh support or opposition of the
individuals. The administration generally believes that particularly in transit areas around either Penn Station uh or Broad Street Station that density is good and that we want to have density. With respect to building on the parking lots u there's discussion
underway now as to whether or not even with the building on the lots there will remain onetoone parking. We think generally that it should be less than one to one. Uh and around the train stations that there should be other modes of uh transportation. Uh generally speaking, those parking
lots are not used by the residents at night. They're empty for the most part if there's not an event going on. Uh so development on those lots will be good for the city to bring more uh people to the city to have more eyes on the street at night. It will make it safer. It will
help obviously with the ratables and we believe it'll be good for the uh for the for the areas as long as those projects are built consistent with the zoning rules of the city of North and that includes requests for variances or other adjustments as as appropriate and we'll
continue to follow the law in that regard with respect to claims that crime is not down u and we challenge anybody to bring forward statistics that they have that are legitimate statistics
based on empirical data that is collected by some reputable entity uh to dispute what is out there. The crime has has gone down under Mayor Baraka um for the last several years. will have an endofear report again this year and it
will include information that is gathered that is required by the state and federal government to be collected and reported and if there's counter information that is collected in a similarly statistically safe manner uh it should be brought forward but this
anecdotal hyperbole just hyperbolic challenges to uh what the data is is uh I don't want to say inappropriate it's just not factual but If somebody wants to bring forth non-factual information, we will continue to challenge that
information. With respect to uh the mayor and his approach to addressing the water quality, he has led an effort that is second to none and has been replicated throughout the country in changing the lead service lines. Indeed,
when there was in the very beginning uh concerns about elevated lead levels in the water, that was self-reported. That was information that was brought to us by our quarterly monitoring and it was reported to the states and the feds. And because of that, the mayor took on the
responsibility to raise funds sufficient over hund00 million to change over 23,000 lead service lines. It almost feels like a bit of a broken record. Uh but people said that that could not be done in less than 10 uh to 15 years and that we would never be able to get it
done during the COVID pandemic. Uh through the mayor's efforts with the help of uh water and sewer director Kareem Adem and his team, we replaced in excess of 23,000 lead service lines at no cost to the residents and have improved the water quality and have
maintained the consistently good water quality throughout. Again, that has been replicated by communities around the country. Uh good for them. They have some federal dollars to help support them. The city of Newark was not able to take advantage of those federal dollars. we had to do it on our own, but through
the mayor's leadership and vision, we were able to do so without increasing taxes and without having uh residents to pay for those lead line replacements. So, for people who say something to the contrary, again, they can stand up here and lie, but we will uh continue to
challenge those lies with the facts. >> Thank you. Anything else? With that being said, uh motion two for executive session. >> Yes.