Good evening. On behalf of the governing body of the city of Pake, we welcome you to the February 17th, 2026 city council meeting in accordance with chapter 231 public laws of 1975 adequate notice of this meeting was provided by resolution of the municipal council adopted on June
17th, 2025 setting forth the schedule of meetings for the year 2025 2026. said notice was published and posted on the city hall bulletin board by the office of the city clerk. Please be further advised this meeting will be conducted in person. The zoom stream provided is
for viewing only and is offered to the public as a convenience on February 4th, 2026. Public notice and zoom instructions for this meeting were published in the hero news and posted on the city of Pake website www. city of.com. Council agendas instructions are
also available on the last page of this agenda. Please be guided accordingly. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Melo, >> present. >> Counciloman Mayor, >> present. >> Councilman Garcia, >> present. >> Councilwoman Colo Montinez,
>> present. >> And Council President Sher, >> present. Shall we all please rise? >> Heavenly Father, we thank you for allowing us to meet this evening. Father God, we ask you to please guide us in the decisions that will take place this evening. In your beloved name we pray. Amen.
>> I pledge allegiance to the flag. of the United States of America and to the republic which is one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening and thank you all for who are with us tonight for joining with us.
Copies of the agenda are located immediately outside council chambers. Uh you can also access uh everything that's been distributed to the members of the council for tonight's meeting uh through the city's website. Um at this point we
have a very special presentation. >> I don't believe the student is here >> on behalf of uh our administration and the city council. perhaps for extending circumstances or some conflict of schedule. The student and the family aren't here, but later on if they arrive, I just want to let the record
show that we have a certificate on behalf of the city for our student Denise Leki in the city of Pake in recognition of her achievement or of their achievement rather. uh the 2026 July month winner in the 30th annual Pay
County poster calendar contest selected among students from 17 different municipalities. I Hector Cura as mayor along with our city council commend um their America 250th artwork and congratulate them on
proudly representing the city of Pink as you can see right up there 250th anniversary. They chose to honor our city's uh efforts in recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in their design and they were
the winner and included in the county contest. Again, they're not present, but we'll make sure to get this to their families or the school on behalf of uh our administration and uh the city council. >> Very good. Mayor, in case they uh the family does come a little bit late, I
don't know if your schedule uh permits you to stay this meeting. >> Yeah. Um if if you have to should we send them to your office? >> Yes. >> Very good. >> I'm sure we'll stay in uh if they don't make it, we'll definitely get it to them. >> Very good. Thank you, sir. Uh with the
council's permission, if we can be on the agenda, please Roman numeral 5 citizens. In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA104-1SAC, the council opens every public meeting for comments of the public. However, in
accordance with NJSA104-12, nothing in this act shall be construed to limit the discretion of a public body to permit or prohibit or regulate the active participation at any meeting. Therefore, please be advised that the council will not entertain any comments
from persons who communicate obscene material. Make statements which are considered bias intimidation in which a person intends to intimidate any individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation or ethnicity or makes
comments intending to harass or speak any offensive language. The person who makes these statements will relinquish their allotted 5 minutes for public discussion. The council welcomes participation of the public in our meeting tonight and all nights. Um, we ask if you'd like to adjust the council
that you do so. Um, and bear in mind that we ask everyone to keep the remarks limited to five minutes. Is there anyone who would like to adjust the council? >> Good evening. My name is Joshua Goldman. I live at 185 High Street. Today I'm here to address a motion that was passed
resolution that was passed at the last city council meeting on February 3rd. Council ordered to recommend that the planning board evaluate whether an assemblage of land on Orchard Street and Westervald Place should be designated as an area in need of redevelopment. According to the business administrator at that meeting on uh such designation
was necessary so that the city could begin negotiating with the property owner over possible redevelopment options. Taking the VA at the business administrator's word, this implies that no potential alternatives have been put put forth by the developer or the city at this time. Accordingly, the public was cautioned that until such time as an
ordinance is proposed, there is nothing to get excited about and we will have an opportunity for such proposal to be fairly vetted at that time. However, if in fact no proposal has been discussed yet, then why would the city jump the gun by declaring the area in need of redevelopment? There are actual costs in conducting the state required studies
and should the developer propose an ordinance that does not pass and the city would be on the hook for those costs. Something it can hardly afford after $60,000 in unexpected snow removal costs. For that reason alone, it would be worth waiting until a developer has suggested a plan that has merit and is likely to succeed before proceeding.
Which brings me to my next point. Such designation was touted as being able to push forward a compromised solution for the property owner and better protect the constituents. But those points but that aspect greatly misses the mark. Further statements by the VA that the owner had already made a compliant application for the property don't
follow the reality. If we take the VA's assessment as fact, then why would the owner need a redevelopment area designation in order to pursue the property owner's project? The property order can certainly can certainly pretend that they're paying uh that they're accommodating the constituent's interest by chopping a floor or two or
adding some parking spots within the current zoning. The only value a designation can bring at this point is to give her give the applicant what she could not get in front of the planning board, a compliant project by relaxing various rules governing all of us that her project violated. Which brings me to my main point. Regardless of any debate
around the actual ordinance, designated parcels as a need of as an area in need of redevelopment at this time, cuts off the needs of the constituents and hurts any bargaining power they would have with the developer. To put it absolutely clearly, it is not helpful to our cause. And if the council approves the area in need of redevelopment designation, it is
hurting our cause. Taking this project out of the box of the zoning code into a discretionary action is only a step that could be taken after a humble developer has been forced to propose a development that provides benefit to the community. The first move needs to be the developers, not ours. And a carrot such as the de redevelopment uh area is an
incentive that should only be offered to her after she finds compromise. That sequence would utilize the powers of the designation to encourage responsive development. Letting the the property owner propose an ordinance on their own that will be hotly contested forces the city council into the undesirable position of choosing sides. The city
council should not sanction the Trojan horse set forth by asking for a procedural step at this time of designating the area as an area needed free development. The city council should pass a motion to resend that authorization to the planning board to explore the designation until such time as a framework has been agreed upon or at least is closer to agreed upon by the
relevant parties. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else like to address the council? >> Good evening. My name is Joseph Mandel. We live at 177 High Street. Uh I'm here to address the council about a
resolution um two weeks ago directing the planning board to make a recommendation regarding the area around Orchard Street and Westerville streets. Um from what my concern is that this does not really an area of redevelopment. I I
remember when the the St. Mary's Hospital came up as a redevelopment. That was an empty building, half a block, half a city block that's been was sitting empty for years. And I understood the city and we all wanted something to be there instead of an
empty shell of a building. I don't think the properties that are part of this plan are empty right now. They're all developed. Some may need to be fixed over or fixed up, but they're all there.
They're all just And because they took this plan, they brought it to the planning board, they quickly withdrew it because it needed a lot of variances and so on. Even though they said they didn't need it, it was and they decided to go
this route. This is not really in the interest of the city um inhabitants. For example, when they wanted to bring their project, we all got notice. This is going to go without notice. No one got
noticed about this. And once it goes to redevelopment, we certainly don't get noticed. It's the board can do basically whatever they want within, you know, whatever they feel is good. Um so again I'm just here to concern that this is
not uh something which would be good for the city and I would like the city council to um take back that recommendation that this should go to the planning board the redevelopment zone. I'm sorry. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you
>> Mr. Fernandez. As a matter of clarification, the gentleman noted that notice does not need to be given to affected uh so it's given to the affected property which is in this case the handful of parcels that are going to
get designated. So that's the requirement for the designation. >> Is that 200 ft? Is that >> No, no, it's the actual lots that are being we're talking about the designation, right? >> Yeah. What notice? Okay, I just want to
be clear. All the discussions right now have been for the designation. Under the designation, uh we have to notice the responsible part, the party that's going to be included in the study. That's it. Because those are the ones that are getting immediately affected by this
designation. So that's how the law is written. >> And how does one get to be the the designated? Oh, there's many many different ways that it ends up being, but there's basically two ways you could
be designated. It's either need of rehabilitation, which is the route this one's going, or an area need of redevelopment. And there's statutory criteria that each of them would have. >> When you say statutory, what does that mean? The state of New Jersey under the
local housing and redevelopment law gives us a framework in which a property can or cannot be designated an area in need of redevelopment. If they don't meet the criteria, they won't be eligible to be one or the other. So,
it's it's all it's all listed and we have to go with what direction we want to go and show, you know, that they comply with the state law. >> Very good. Thank you. Anyone else like to address the council? Yes, ma'am.
>> Hi. Good evening. >> Excuse me. You can bring the microphone a bit closer. Thank you. >> Is that better? >> Y. >> Okay. Um, my name is Raisel Azer. I live at 36 Orchard Street. Two weeks ago, the city council passed a resolution directing the planning board
to make a recommendation regarding an area around Orchard and Westerold Streets as an area in need of redevelopment. I request the city council should pass a resolution withdrawing that direction as such recommendation is premature.
Not discussed at the council meeting two weeks ago was the cost of the planning board making such a recommendation which is done by hiring an outside consultant which cost is paid by the city. But should no redevelopment occur then such costs will be unreoverable.
In addition to the financial cost, there is of course the investment of time as well. But since, at its word, no ordinance has yet been discussed, the city council has no way to weigh the likelihood of passing an ordinance that results in the redevelopment area
accomplishing its goal and whether it's worth the investment. Not only will the zoning parameters dictate whether the city council may be willing to pass an ordinance, but perhaps other properties will need to be included in the redevelopment area, necessitating a doover and having wasted
resources by jumping the gun. Similarly, perhaps the redevelopment area will require the possibility of eminent domain, which according to state law, such possibility must be incorporated within the resolution to the planning board in order to be available.
Given that many of the concerns with the property today are due to the condition the property owner maintains it in, eminent domain would seem like a very real possibility if the city is genuinely concerned with seeing redevelopment occur. There's not to say that such a move is
required, but if the business administrator said on the record that this resolution just opens the possibility of negotiations, then isn't it premature to narrow those negotiations? By voting to approve the resolution without even debating these
potential missing pieces, the city council may not have realized that the vote was premature and may end up wasting money. All of these considerations make it clear that the city council should withdraw its resolution until such time as it has
gained a workable framework between the property owner, the constituents, and the administration so that at that time it can make the investment of declaring the area in need of redevelopment with a knowledge of what should be included in
the designation and with a reasonable assumption that such investment will be repaid. Thank you. >> So, council president, there seems to be some a disconnect on the process. >> Perhaps you could give us some understanding.
>> Um, so this is the first step for us to be able to do all the things that have been listed here by the residents. Right? So what happens is by doing a designation
it allows us to enter into an intram developers agreement to recuperate all the costs for the study and also the cost of the preparation for a redevelopment plan to be brought before this council and to the public. Right?
So to get us to where we need to be to actually have those conversations and not cost any money, we need the designation that gives us the authority to enter into this intim agreement to get our costs recuperated and the cost of doing a plan. So if the council
decides to vote it down, right, or to amend it, the costs aren't incurred by the municipality, they're incurred by the developer. So I just wanted to make that clarity. And then the design all the designation does is allows us to
have the preparation of a plan that can be reviewed and discussed by all parties and decide whether this is a plan that you know we want don't want or go another route. And and to
clarify my statements from last meeting, when you are at a planning board for site plan approval, right? It is because you've met the requirements of that section of the code. That's why
you're before a planning board. Now, if there's questions on how it was calculated, whether the height was one way or another, that's all worked out at the planning board's um discussion and meeting, right? But you're at a planning board because you
are complying compliant with that section of the code. That's why you're before the planning board. Now, if it ends up being that something happened and the calculations were incorrect or somebody brings something different and they have to either amend the plan or they may end up at a zoning board, that
would have happened uh with the original plan that was submitted. So, I just wanted to clarify that for the record. Uh and how my state and why the statements were the way they were. You don't go to a planning board unless you right unless you comply with
the section of the code. >> Thank you. Council man, >> for clarification, I think you mentioned this at the last meeting. There is another route that this developer can take to go to putting together whatever plan they want and then going before zoning or planning depending of which which which route it would take.
>> Why is one better than the other and what's the difference between I think for clarification purp. So, since we're going to be open and very clear because everyone mo I think everyone that's here was at that meeting because I remember your faces.
>> Yeah, I was just that's exactly what I was going to say. Um, right now they they have a route to go and made an application. That application there were concerns with that application. So to summize, the easiest
way I could say, one isn't better than the other. One gives the council more control over the other. That's really what it is. So it's not, you know, this the council could say, I want the same exact plan, right? Not that I think that'll happen, but it's just a
different process. To have more control over the process would be the redevelopment route because it has to go not just it doesn't just go to a planning board. It doesn't just go to a zoning board. goes to the council first before it goes to the planning board in this case um with whatever negotiating
item. So the easiest way I could put it, there's no negotiation under the ordinance, right? You go to the planning board, you have to come in whether they're conforming or non-conforming. You either go to the planning board or the zoning board. There's no negotiations. It is what it is. Under a redevelopment plan, right? you have
those discussions to get something that may be more acceptable to all involved. >> And what would the cons be by going this route? What would be what would be the pros for the developer say
by going through the redevelopment route versus going through the zoning or planning route? >> Uh I guess the the pro would be they know what they're prop what they're getting into or what they're proposing. you know that you you'll come in knowing
that as long as I meet this criteria, I don't have to go to a zoning board. >> If they were going to go in front of zoning and planning opportunities for the public to >> comment how many that still happens under redevelopment. I don't want I know that everyone's saying that that happens
during redevelopment. You got to remember a site plan is always required. So in perspective, the original application went for site plan approval, right? That's where everybody got noticed and everybody was able to speak. Under a redevelopment
plan, right? Once the ordinance passes, they have to go to another site plan and everybody gets noticed and everybody has an opportunity to speak. That part of the planning process is stays the same. The only difference is that instead of it being a zoning ordinance for the city
area or the city as a whole, it's a zoning ordinance for that group of parcels. So, you have more control over what you're allowing and not allowing in that group of parcels. So,
it's one or the other. I could tell you right now that based on the conversations the the number of units and the height and what's already permitted as a conditional use, right, would mo I can almost guarantee would far exceed what the redevelopment plan
is going to be. So if you're only looking at it for mere size of units, then just staying the course and going under the conditional use route that they were in, right, would have given them more units, right, and a much
bigger development than what we're anticipating the negotiations to be after hearing the public, right? That the plan that would be before this board to consider, right? So remember the the the original plan was upwards of
200 units. Height restrictions are not under current under the site plan the site the previously submitted plans. There was no height restrictions. This new ordinance does potentially can restrict. >> Yes. >> Can restrict uses
>> can restrict uses and setbacks. >> Yes. the opportunities for the public to comment from what I understand is first reading, second reading, site plan approval at zoning and then >> Okay. So when so when do they the public gets to comment? The open public comment
is on the second reading of the ordinance, right? they'll they'll have an opportunity to have heard the planning board to um see because remember when you go to the planning board they're only going to look at if it's consistent with the master plan but
they'll get to hear how it's consistent or inconsistent. Then it comes back for a public hearing for the ordinance. So they have an opportunity to speak on the ordinance. Right? So let's say whatever it is passes. Okay. Now that developer
has to grab that plan and develop a site plan based on that plan with the heights that the council approved, the setbacks the council approved, right? Go to the before and get there. There's two times that the public can get up at a council meeting and discuss that order.
>> Yes. And then as well as >> Yeah. But the public hearing, so they can do what they just did, correct? every single meeting that they want up to the hearing, but then they get an additional time to speak specifically on the ordinance when the public hearing happens for the second and final
reading. And then after that, a plan has to be developed just like you do in a zoning ordinance that complies. Then that'll go to the planning board where everyone's going to get the 200 foot radius notice and be able to have the same conversations they had at any
planning board meeting for that matter. It doesn't matter. They're going to have the same opportunity to discuss it. The public will just know ahead of time in this case kind of like, okay, this is the plan that was approved by the council. So they understand just no
different than right now because I know there was a question on the height, right? And how they calculated the height versus the public, right? Um if that issue comes up again, they can still do the exact same thing they did the first time because they don't feel that it complied with the redevelopment
plan. So it's it's the only difference is you're writing a norance just for those specific sites and you're limiting whatever you want to limit or you're giving whatever you want to give. It's really up to the council once we bring the plan to you. >> Yes.
>> Thanks. >> Anyone else they'd like to address? >> Leia Zimmerman 101 Westervelt. My house is right behind and I guess the project is right behind my house. Um, so last time we came and we met, it sounded like
there was some sort of incentive to the developer to do to make a change in her plans. Although that wasn't shared with us what it was. It was like some sort of secret. Here we are a few months later, we have no idea what the plans are. On top of that, what if we really care
about what the residents need, we don't need more apartment buildings, we need houses. All you have to do is look on Zillow and see how the price of the houses in Paic, very dumpy old houses that need to be fixed up are way above market price because there's a lack of
housing in the area. So, if we really want to help the people, let's make houses for them instead of apartments. I don't know much about redevelopment, but it sounds to me like it's something that's going behind our backs to come up with a plan that might not work for us. And um
that's what I have to say. I just hope that you know that we don't end up with more apartments and help the people with what we really need. >> Mr. Fernandez. >> Yes.
>> So the lady spoke of uh and I know there there is are some people who join join with her and their concern um and have asked the same question. Why are we talking about departments? Shouldn't we be talking about single family housing?
>> Yeah. So, the discussions thus far, and the reason we haven't openly discussed them, as you know, council president, that the attorney's advice, when you're in the middle of a negotiation, you don't go ahead and start sharing the negotiation out in
public, right? But there were concerns about owner owner occupancy and ownership, right? So, there are discussions of no highrises and discussions of possible town houses and things in that vein. But if I sat here
and I said, "Oh, there's going to be, you know, 10 single families, 50 town houses." I can't do that right now because we're not at that point yet. But I can tell you that the discussions are to make it owner occupancy for the large majority of the project.
>> I'm fine. I'm good. Well, in fact, let me come back. So, h how is that decided upon? How is it decided upon that there will be X units, Y units? Who makes those determinations? And the other question I've had overall,
someone owns this property. Do they have any rights here? They do. So, so to answer your question in the briefest way possible, the council have makes that decision. >> Well, Mr. If I may, perhaps uh if we can
just go to one of the statements that was made, we need more houses and not apartments. The person who owns the property comes in with a plan. They'll buy a property. The city can say, "We think your
investment would be better served by building a house." >> Yes. >> They don't necessarily agree. Then what happens? Can we can we they compel them to build the home? >> No. So if perhaps you can speak a little bit to that so they can
>> Yeah. So it's her property. They can decide to use the ordinance as they will. Right. So if they wanted to continue the process with the code, they're allowed to do that. If they didn't want to do that and they wanted to build something
different and end up at a zoning board, that's their right as well. Um because >> so at best there's this is a fluid discussion. >> Yes. >> There's much to be discovered and much to be learned. >> Yeah. So the draft if the question is
how does the draft come into place? Well, it's between a discussion on what's in the area allowed in the area, right? And what the proposal of the owner is, which is their right. Like we could sit there and tell the owner we want it to be 10 units and 10 units
only. and they're like, "No, I want 60 units." And that's their right to do that. Under a redevelopment process, if the council said votes no, right, then they'd have to find a
different route. They couldn't use the redevelopment process. They'd have to go through the zoning board or through the planning board and avail themselves of that. So, I mean, that's the difference. But the way that the draft plan comes in is with what the proposal is from the
developer and what the restrictions are in the areas. Right? So if a townhouse is typically three stories and they come up with a fivetory townhouse, then the discussion is that's not permitted. Anywhere in the city of P, a townhouse is three stories. That's what's permitted. You're going to get a
townhouse at three stories because it would be out of character in the whole city of P to have a five-story townhouse. I'm using that example just to paint a picture of how the draft comes before the council and then obviously the council has questions and I try to answer them as best I can with
how it ended up the way it ended up. >> Is there any feeling for how long this process takes to reach fruition? Um, it really depends on, you know, the negotiations and how
willing the developer is to come off of some numbers. You know, we don't I I can't sit here until the plan actually comes before us and we get to see how out of character it is. >> Thank you, Mayor. The other thing I was
going to share, council president to qualify is I think it really depends on on good faith negotiations and I want to stress good faith that what the business administrator was articulating I think he did that quite effectively is that obviously there is an expectation that
the city would um we're negotiating in good faith would explain that if there are specific uh restrictions the developers made aware of beforehand if there are expectations whether from the council, if there are concerns from the
community, those things will be shared. But obviously those who are investing, they come with their professionals. They have attorneys, they have architects, they have individuals who read the laws as well. And I think to a great extent, this process is a necessary one because
we hear from the residents, the council then as you have done uh throughout this process and applications prior will come to administration say perhaps we need to revisit our approach for the future. We understand what may be allowed today, but what is allowed today perhaps worked
for up to this point and every day prior and maybe looking in the future, we may want to revisit and look how we can update ordinances change them considering how the market and the interest and the impact on the community. All of these factors become extremely important. But I think to your
question in terms of a timeline, it it becomes a challenge when those who are coming to the table do not perceive that the city is negotiating good faith. If the intention is to impede process or to try to get them to move away from something that
perhaps an investor feels they have a right to, that becomes a challenge. So we have to take the most objective position as possible. And that's why these meetings become so important. And I commend the residents who come in and they express their concerns to the council because as the business
administrator shared even in the process that some may be more concerned. It ensures that that check and balances beyond just our boards planning and zoning and redevelopment that the council is involved and can say, "Hey, I'm a little concerned that we're moving
forward on this. Let's revisit it." So I just wanted to share that it's it's hard to say we'll be done in a month because no matter what plan comes up I mean there there may be one and I had a very good conversation with a resident in the city bring up concern of height or how
many units and then another resident might say okay but how about the entrance and exit to the development and where will the traffic come out? Will it come out this side of the street? Will it come out the other side of the street? they might not care so much about the units if that was resolved as much as the traffic or the volume of
traffic and the impact it will have on the neighborhood. So, it's it's conditional and it typically goes more than just one month or a couple meetings. So, we may be having these conversations for the next couple months or by some remarkable uh turn of
circumstances, everyone will find a reason to agree within a month and it'll be done. I just want to qualify that a little bit more. Thank you, Mayor. Councilman Love, please. >> Yes. Uh, thank you, and I I concur with the mayor um with citizens coming out
and and voicing their opinion about um this plan and this ordinance. Um, but I was looking at uh I heard we talk about the pros for a developer. Um there may be some cons for a developer as well going through um the redevelopment or
the designation. Um and that could be uh Mayor, you touched on it. It can be something like we wanted to do a different route, but because of the negotiations, we're kind of limited and and um a developer may decide, you know what, I'll rather take my chances in
going in front of the redevelopment board because there's some stipulations and some laws that allow me probably to do more than the negotiations allow me. So, this is one of those things where I think um and you can correct me if I'm wrong, uh business administrator, this
is just a um plan to to start the conversation rather than saying, "Okay, um we're going to do this." Am I correct? >> So, that's not it's not even a plan. >> Yeah. >> It's a designation
>> to allow the discussions of a plan. So, in the state >> and that was the term. >> Yeah. In the state law, you have to have a designation before you can discuss having a red plan. You you can't have one without the other. So you have to have the
designation which is this is the process so that you can have the discussions to develop the plan. If not, they can just use the underlying zoning until that point. >> Exactly. Okay. So and that that's the the point that I wanted to make. I maybe I didn't articulate it right that
there's nothing taking place at this point. with this designation, right? It just it just says it'll just say does this property meet >> the need or not based on the statute. So, >> can it does it qualify or does it not
qualify? If it qualifies, then we go to the plan stage. >> Okay? >> Where the real discussions happen. This is just saying yes, it it complies with the code, so we can move to the next step, which is the actual plan, which I think is what everybody's anxiously awaiting to see.
>> Okay. Is is there any concern, Mr. Fernandez, that the city is being, for lack of another term, outgunned? That potential developer is so much more sophisticated with deep pockets and u the city is is at a disadvantage in in
that regard. >> No, not even close. >> Not even close. Okay, Councilwoman Miller, please. >> Yeah. Um, thank you, Council President. Um so just so I can have a clear
understanding. So this area was designated um in need of predevelopment which comes to to the council right um gives the council more of an opportunity to be more fully involved. That's one of the ways. Correct.
>> Yeah. So through the whole process the council's involved. So this what happens now is on March 4th >> we go before the planning board. Everybody's welcome to come on March 4th or the the first March meeting in in for the planning board. Fifth. March 5th, I'm sorry. Uh
>> the council. >> No, no, no, no. Planning board. >> And they are going to say >> I'm I'm sorry for the record that What date is that? >> 4th. It should be Yeah, let me just double check. It's a Wednesday.
>> March 4th. It's March 4th. um where the the planning board's going to see if it complies or doesn't comply, right? >> It complies. It comes back on March 5th for your council meeting saying the planning
board says it complies and you have to pass a resolution formally designating it an area in need. So that'll be let's say March 5th. Let's just play out. So March 5th that happens. My hope is that the developer is working on some plan based on the
comments from everyone and and the city's comments to up the a portion of ownership throughout this, not just condos, but like town houses or homes that people can buy. And then whenever that happens, there's a plan that's proposed, a draft, and then we start
negotiating um until we get somewhere that can be to a point that it can be presented where, you know, that's it. it comes before the board, the council. The council then would review that plan for all the things we've just talked about and everybody, I'm sure they're going to
hear from everyone from this point on. Um, and then once that ordinance passes, it goes through two readings, right? You introduce it. It goes for a master plan consistency review to the planning board. Then it comes back for second and
final reading for a public hearing where the public gets to talk on the ordinance, not the site plan. Okay? So whatever happens on that hearing, if the ordinance passes, a plan still has to be developed. A real plan, not a a plan in name because that's basically an
ordinance. A real development plan needs to be then created that goes to the planning board that the members of the public will get noticed and they can also be at that point also speaking to the planning board regarding the application and its
consistency or inconsistency with the ordinance the council passed. If in fact uh this proposal whatever proposal it evolves to be is on March 4 and it is the recommendation of the planning board that it then go to the council for
council's deliberation. If the council's meeting the next day that doesn't suggest very significant deliberation on the council's part rather simply accepting the recommendation. >> So it's it's just whether it checks the
boxes or not. So when we're looking at a designation way beyond what it is, right? A designation is very basic. Does it meet this or doesn't? Right? So I'll give you an example. To be an area need a rehabilitation and I you only need to meet one of these
items. Is the housing stock in the area older than 50 years? So we look at our census track. If most of the houses are older than 50 years, you're designated If let's say no the houses are younger okay does your infrastructure does the
sewer pipes right are they older than 50 years if the answer is yes check they get it right so those are the two simplest ones in pay because our homes and our sewer system is older so that's an area need of rehabilitation which does not have eminent domain to to
rise to the level of eminent domain requires so much more that I don't know if this parcels in this specific area would even rise to the level of that type of designation. Right. >> Just as just as a matter of history and
without wanting to prejudice the discussion, >> it's my understanding that the city of PAC has never >> instituted eminent domain. Is that is that right? uh one time >> one time >> and it's 663 Main Avenue and that was because the owners were defaulting on
everything and were non-existent owners was the only time that I can recall in recent history and that recent history is still over 20 years almost >> that we had to do eminent domain just once that I know of since I've been here
27 and a half years. >> Very good. I believe we have Councilman Monk. >> Yes. Thank you. Thank you. C council president >> I would just like to add that I could say that's over 30 years that we only one time do that we use eminent domain
and that was 663. >> That's it. Yes. >> All right. Um I I just want to comment uh that the redevelopment designation is a great tool to use especially for a
city like the city of Pake. When you have a community where you go block after block and it's all the same type of structures and very similar size lots, it's very easy for a city to write zoning
ordinances that fit every parcel that fit every block. However, as we all know in PAC, every block is different, right? You have oddsiz lots. We have apartment buildings. We have commercial buildings
smacked in the middle of residential areas. It's impossible for a city to write zoning ordinances that will fit one, you know, that will fit every block and every lot. And because of that,
many times you'll have lots that have that give the owners rights to build something that will not necessarily fit for that immediate area as we have as many have expressed with this lot itself
uh based on the zoning that was in place. So, for a for an owner to go with such with such a lot where it's this doesn't fit, there's a it's an odd size. Um, it could be extra deep, whatever whatever
it is. Uh, for an owner to go before a planning board to get approvals. Typically, an owner will throw everything that they have. We'll take all use all the rights they have because there's no negotiation. they have to make an application before
a board and it's either you know yes or no. So they will just go use all the rights they have by by right typically is what's in their application. Uh give you an example
uh the old St. Mary's hospital by right the owner of that property could have built 200 if I remember correctly Mr. Fh Mr. There's I think like around 280 or even more apartments by right based
on size. But by putting into a redevelopment area that gave the city the ability to create its own zoning that would be more adaptable for that
immediate area. So this that and that so for a city like me using this tool typically is beneficial for the community and for everyone at large. Thank you.
which is council president to the point when the previous speaker had shared about redevelopment perhaps having some kind of um without the exact description verbatim along the lines of perhaps there's some negotiation or some deal being made
behind anyone's back. It's the actual opposite. It's where you can most bring up the concerns of the residents in the area and the concerns of the council. Yeah, this this case. >> Thank you, mayor. >> I'm sorry, mayor. In this case, we
actually have the luxury that we had a whole planning board hearing on a separate application for the same exact size where we got to hear a lot of those comments, right, throughout the hearing process. So, when we're negotiating, that's a
record that we have. So, a lot of times that doesn't happen. And in this case, we have that on top of everyone coming forward. week after week. So that just so everybody knows where's the baseline. Well, we're lucky now that we have a baseline that started with a planning
board hearing that went on for several weeks once because only meets once a month. >> Very good. Thank you, sir. Is there anyone else who would like to address the council at this time? Good evening. My name is Desire Briani.
I live at 37 Orchard Street. If >> we could ask you to put the microphone a little bit closer to you. Yes, >> no problem. Um, two weeks ago, the city council passed a resolution directing the planning board to make a recommendation regarding an area around
where I live around Orchard and Westervelt Streets as an area in need of redevelopment. The city council should pass a resolution withdrawing that direction as such a recommendation is misplaced. A redevelopment area is a great tool
that can incentivize a property owner to redevelop a property that is otherwise not serving the interests of the community through a combination of zoning bonuses, tax regulations, relaxed regulations, and or tax incentives that
can pave the way for a higher and better use. The city is correct in that most people would look at the current use at Orchard and Westerbell and desire something else, but but declaring it an area in need of redevelopment completely
misidentifies the problem with the current land use. Approximately 70 years ago, a politically connected developer constructed an approximately 30 unit apartment building at a location that simply couldn't support it.
Sounds familiar? The building is located on Orchard Street, which is only one block long and not even wide enough to meet the state requirements of a street. Orchestra Street in turn can only be accessed by a near one-way street and a
oneb block long street. Had the site been properly vetted at the time, the failure of the failure of the specific site to be able to handle uh this much density would have prevented the current building from having been built. So if anything, the
undesirability of the current use is due to the burden it has placed on surrounding infrastructure for 70 years. The solution opened up by a redevelopment area incent incentive the developer to build even more
Adding even greater density would only further burden the area which was never appropriate for the buildings that are already there. Whether or not the architecture or maintenance of the building are attractive can be changed at any time and speaks to ownership. Imagine a quiet
residential neighborhood has a historic gas station operating at its heart. Would anyone suggest that replacing the old station with a new 7-Eleven would solve the community's problem? or would it just increase the actual burden while putting on a new facade? But somehow
that is the solution that would be on the table by declaring this an area in need of redevelopment. Until such time as the administration has a plan in hand that actually has a redevelopment plan that solves the burden the current use places on the city, it is wasting its time and our
money pursuing this designation. Thank you. >> Thank you, ma'am. Mr. Does the lady referenced a property seven years ago, 30 units? Do you >> on the Orchard Street? The only thing that's there is the property in question that has a multif family that's been
there for a million years. That thing's older than I am. >> So I'm I'm unfamiliar with the 30 unit building. >> Could you help us identify the 30 unit building you mentioned? >> Yeah. So that that's something that's been on Orchestra Street for a very very
long time. That's >> very long building. It's the same site >> and it's a multif family building that's been there. I mean, the design of it, I have to check the date, >> but that thing's looks like it's from the 60s or 70s. I don't know. >> Maybe 80s. I don't know. But it's
definitely not It's definitely been a while since that building's been built. >> 1962. Thank you, Mr. >> 1962. I I'm sorry. I just wanted to give clarity to your remarks which appear not to be the case in what we're learning.
Is there anyone else who would like to adjust? >> If I may, I just want to ask the business administrator to clarify. I think she stated the speaker had stated that the designation would allow for a greater density and I just want the business administrator to to clarify that.
>> Yeah. So the designation were just designated and the plan and I think Councilman Monk reiterated the point that mayor and I have been making that using the example of Old St. Mary's, they could have fit in that building 280
units and it ended up being 148 units because of the redevelopment process. So to assume it's going to be more units is actually um not accurate. >> Good. thinking the opposite. It could be >> the opp right and and considering the
proposal that was originally there which was actually it's eerily similar 200 and like some units 280 units right it's almost a guarantee it's going to be less than what the proposal was at the planning board right meeting the density
requirements >> anyone else like to address the council at this Five minutes. >> Parker, let me Parker Brown Jr. 247 Summer Street. I'm noticing something that's eerily similar, right? And I'm going to try to
offer some grace cuz I I do believe that genuinely most of you want to do the right thing. But what I'm sensing from my fellow residents is there seems to be a thing that's happening. There's development that's going on and it's happening really quickly, really fast. And I'll give you an example on what I
mean by that. There was an ordinance that was passed and it was a I'm paraphrasing a 20% bonus. First reading was last December
council meeting and the first one was the first one of the year. I'm not quite sure on what that was, but to me what it sounded was it sounded like a bunch of people was going to be overburdening the area and developers was going to get a bonus for that.
That's how it read. Now maybe that could not be it. Maybe it sounds like something completely different. But if you're a person and you're reading that and say you bought a house like my mom 20 something years ago and you like you know what this where I'm raised my grandkids and something like that and
all of a sudden you know the area just completely changes or maybe you bought a place by I don't know third world park somewhere and now they're about to put arenas that's not what you bought it for and then when you come and you say something you're met with I don't want to say
vagueness but you're met with well a developer owns it and they can do what they want. That's not how that's I know that's not how you mean it, but that's how it comes across. So, and I get it. This is an agenda based thing. There's a time limit.
People's feelings are kind of high. So, it kind of creates this situation. That's why I've often suggested maybe there's some other mechanism outside of here that's so tense that can create a situation to fully understand what's exactly happening. I know I said it
wasn't going to be long. That's just the best way that I could understand it. That's the only thing I wanted to say about that particular incident. Last thing, who's in charge of traffic signs? Because there's a couple traffic signs that have not worked. Um, and I want to make sure that I get that
information. It it bothers me because it's by schools and I noticed that when kids are crossing the street. I'm like one of those people that we pay attention to the sign and there's one on Oak Street and Murdo and it hasn't worked for like months. I know we're dealing with snow and stuff but it hasn't even worked since the summertime.
We're now in February. Still doesn't work. Also the street sign where you cross right by Dunkin Donuts and you press a little button. That one doesn't work either. Uh lastly, and I'll leave y'all alone. I'm walking with my nephew and I he's at number seven taking him to
his grandma. The amount of dog poop that's I know that's like a silly thing to complain about, right? When you got kids and they trying not to fall all over the the snow and you got dog poop, too. It's it's a lot going on. So, what mechanism? I mean, I know people having
a hard time parking, but that doesn't give people just the excuse to not clean up after they dog. So, I don't even I don't even know if we got a dog person that goes around. I don't even know whose job that is is to to do that. That's it. That's all I got. Thank you. Have a good night.
>> Councilman, >> for clarification, which Dunkin Donuts? >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Mr. president before the next speaker just the 20% set aside may be referring
to the 20% affordable housing um requirement of uh development which is actually just providing affordable units. I believe that's what he was referring to last year unless there was something else. Um
>> we did the rounding up or down at the last >> so basically there was no >> refer to December last year. That's what he said in December or did I hear it wrong? Yeah, that was the fraction of that. So, what happens is
you always want to give the benefit you always want to give the benefit to the affordable unit. So, what that did is it allowed you as long as it was affordable to round up so we can get the unit.
If it's a market rate unit, there is no fraction you get the unit below. But if it's affordable for people in the community, you round up. So that was the clarity. >> I believe that's what he was talking about, the fraction.
>> Second, regarding the traffic lights or lights that aren't working, the first uh point of contact would be our police and call the general police number at 9733653900 to let them know if there are any issues of public safety, pedestrian crossings, otherwise. and the individuals
responsible directly for repairing that would be our DPW to be our police would direct our department of public works to go out there and resolve the issue. And lastly with uh the the dogs which I think it's an important issue and we'll
just address it as quickly as possible is we have put up those doggy stations around the city. What we have noticed, especially during the extreme temperature drop, um some uh who don't want to go out, many of them are opening their doors and
allowing the dogs to go out and you've seen as well and and let the dog come back in home alone. Obviously, the dog doesn't know to take a bag with itself and pick it up. We Yes, we we've seen that happen a few times and perhaps others have gone out or maybe some uh some parents have sent their kids, you
walk the dog now, it's very cold and they're not going out with bags. we we'll share and usually it's our code official that will respond after getting complaints and we'll let people know that there are violations and tickets that you can receive. So on that note, >> thank you, Mayor. Council me Love, please. >> Yes. Uh Council President, I just wanted
to um point out to Mr. Parker that um those meetings he's referring to in terms of out of the council meeting with development projects like that, they take place. they take place and and I I I will if I don't mind if you don't mind council president I'll let the business
administrator address when and where those take place those types of um development meetings in the community. >> Yeah. So they happen multiple times in multiple fashion that we have discussions. I mean let's just talk
about the mayor and his transparency with the public. every time there's an idea, he puts it out there immediately for everyone to discuss and then it starts taking shape and it starts taking form uh and then all of a sudden it ends up as an ordinance before this city
council um with a lot of feedback and and community input. But I I was really talking more of those community meet I I know personally there's been meetings right in those areas uh either if they're in community centers or whatever to talk about some of these development
projects at times. >> Yeah. So I mean it would depend on the development project and what type of development project it is um versus the regular run-of-the-mill planning zoning board application which then just takes its own life and there's no meetings on
it. >> Okay. Uh but I would use this as an example. The amount of community input and public outreach regarding this project itself. It's didn't go on deaf ears, right? That's why we're in the process of trying to do something about it, which is the designation to have the
discussion in more community and what has the process. I think to the councilman's point and I I vividly recall an approach uh there were probably two applications one of a dog park and in the memorial park and one of
a development in a potential clay courts and then there have been a couple developments in our in our um downtown area where I recall community meetings held at the bull house. I know council members were invited where committee members voiced their concern, their opposition. Council members came back,
expressed to the administration and of course there was a response and similarly so if you're referring to town hall meetings typically they're directed by community members and they'll host the town hall meetings. Sometimes they'll invite council members and they may come. council members will will
attend and appropriately listen as they can't participate especially in certain numbers because the governing aspect of those I guess process occurs here but there have been a number of community and town hall meetings councilmen as you're referring to and they occur throughout the year and then obviously
the planning the zoning the redevelopment boards which are open to the public and people are invited to attend those as well. >> Thank you as well. >> Thank you mayor. Thank you councel. Yes sir. SP Iceman, 155 High Street. Um, I'm
not going to beat a dead horse or what what all my uh fellow residents concerns, my concerns as well. And I appreciate the time that the city council is giving us and um so I have a few questions. The first question is, if I answer this correctly, any house over
50 years old could be designated redevelopment house. So if I want, I could put my house in a redevelopment Oh, sorry. Okay, that was one question. Second question was um is it is there a legal way that the the residents could propose the ordinance for the
redevelopment if it comes from us? >> Is there is there a way that the residents could could develop could propose the ordinance for the redevelopment zone? Could we come up with like we did like I came here in front of you when we were talking about changing the zoning and we came up with
an ordinance that the city the city council could adopt. Could we come up could we propose an ordinance for this property that this that the city council would um consider? We'll decide. We'll decide. We'll we'll we'll we'll we'll factor in the setbacks and
and whatnot. >> I'll defer to the attorney, but you're free to propose whatever you want to propose to the city council. As a as a resident, you're allowed to come in and say you want to change an ordinance or you want to change a plan.
You can propose what you feel is necessary to propose. >> The council or whichever council member you would speak to, of course, has the right to accept or not to accept the proposal. Ordinances and resolutions generate themselves traditionally from
the executive from the mayor's office to the councils, the legislative body. Um obviously uh our system of government uh in this country does not provide for direct democracy per se. Would it be helpful if would you I know
I could do it, but would it be helpful if we propose it and you consider that? Is that something you're you're you're welcoming us or you're would that would that be helpful? I should say that. Would that be helpful for the city? >> I don't know. I think we'd have to look at the proposal, the proposal, the
rationale for the proposal. Something that could necessarily be taken very seriously. >> Whether or not it whether or not uh it would go through the necessary process of of how it gets proposed is the question. There's only two ways that items are put on the agenda. um at the
request of the administration or at the request of the of the council. Both of them determined upon the agreement of the council president to accept or deny. >> Your first question was your house is over 50 years old. Is it available for redevelopment?
>> Is that correct, sir? >> Yeah, >> Mr. Fernandez, my house is more than 50 years old. Yes. So, the the designation would be for the area. In fact, a little maybe >> can you define the word area, please?
>> Uh, the vicinity. It could be several blocks. It could be the zone. We tend to use the census tract because that's the easiest. So, we use the census tract if they're older than if the house is older than 50 years and they they wish to come in with a proposal to do that. It's very
similar to what you just described, council president, right? It has to be accepted. It's a proposal that a resident makes, but maybe an unknown fact to the residents. You're already designated an area need of rehabilitation. Every single one of you
are. But let me let me explain. Under the state of New Jersey, to receive a five-year tax abatement for the improvements on your home, you have to be a designated parcel. This administration and this council
passed an ordinance. in fact very recently amended it so that you had a greater opportunity to get it in which we clearly stated that you are all designated the city of Payic is an area needed rehabilitation and hence if you
were to do any uh rehabilitation of your property adding an addition or something to your house you can avail yourself of the five-year tax abayment for that improvement that is different than a redevelopment
plan. That's why I keep saying there's a difference between the designation and the plan to take you to the plan phase, right? It's a different uh scenario, right? We would have to negotiate the plan. It's a different type of tax abatement which is only five
years. There's no eminent domain, right? In a rehabilitation in a rehabilitation designation, right? So, we're not right now the discussion is not taking it to the level of a redevelopment designation which comes with 30-year tax abatements.
It comes with a lot of financial incentives. That's not what we're talking about here. So, I understand because a lot of you did your homework and were bringing up very specific sections of the law that do not apply under this circumstances that we're speaking of right now. So, to answer
your question, you're already designated and if you do any repairs to your property, you could come in and get a tax abatement for the assessment of that property. >> Hopefully that answers your question. >> Or made it more complex. It It did. It did. I was trying to
>> I thought it was a good thing. I just told you HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TAXES IF YOU could your homes and you save some money already. You say you did it already. >> Oh, you did. Okay. So if if I know my my fellow residents will be very upset of me. If I I want to put 12 town houses on my property um
which I um I could go my property I could come to the exact same process that developers doing and then in our fact pattern. >> Yes. So one of the things that you're missing and I think council president said it best is that going to be accepted. So, a single property, for
example, if your property is just like everybody else's property >> and all of a sudden you want a redevelopment plan for 12 units on that property, separate and apart from the underlying zoning, right? So, we're not talking planning board, we're not talking zoning board, we're talking redevelopment process, right? You'd be
hardressed to get anyone to listen to you unless there were extranuating circumstances like the gas station somebody brought up, right? there may be issues of contamination and we want to clean the contamination so it doesn't affect the neighbors the neighbors and stuff like that. Well, those are the
properties that were envisioned to be rehabilitated under the law. So, I want to make that distinction. Not if you have a perfectly good functioning home there if you don't just get designated. There's always a caveat. In fact, there's one on this evening. Uh, right.
We have conversations about what was the use, was it abandoned, what was right. So, it's not just, oh, I I I I want to build 12 town houses because, you know, I got room here. Right. >> Gotcha. Lastly, um, this this
what what's in front of the of the planning board on March 4th that they're going to decide if if it's in need of redevelopment. Could additional properties be added to to to to that plan? Before the question before the question isn't answered, I just want to
be on the record. I am allowing this conversation beyond the five minutes because of its involvement in related areas. Mr. Fernandez, please answer. >> So, >> could additional properties be added at a later point? >> It'd have to go through the same process, but yes.
So, let's say the developer picks up three or four other properties, they can with go through the same process. at this point are it's not it's just >> right now the designation is just for the parcels that are owned and in
control by the the developer. >> So let's say the developer picks up one more one more property. Let's say it's my property because I'm I'm borderline to the property. Are we going to say the same thing that what's wrong with this property? It's a perfectly fine property because three or four properties are perfectly fine properties. A single family house is going for probably close
to a million dollars. So if you look at each individual property, you could argue that that there's no reason there no need for redevelopment. Maybe her building needs redevelopment. >> So it's interesting you say that because we'll we'll end where we started. It's
the area. So I always use and I'm I'm a big movie guy and I have um little kids and Up was like a big movie for them. Everybody saw the movie Up. and he did not want to everything was developing around him and he did not want his little house to be developed and all the
highrises were being developed and then he blew up all the balloons and took his house off. Right? The point of the redevelopment statute, right? And doesn't matter designation redevelopment or rehabilitation was so that you can have the opportunity
to assemble properties for a meaningful redevelopment. So it actually encourages the collection of properties in a way that would support the overall. So for example, you say right now that property is perfect, right? But one of the
biggest complaints is access to the site. So the owner goes and picks up that parcel to accommodate the access to the site which is meaningful to the overall redevelopment, not just the one specific parcel. So I hope that kind of
makes sense. So it's on and I know It's on a case- by case basis is on a project by project basis you know uh so it depends but could they have absolutely that it happens quite often actually that they start with a smaller project I'll give you an example one
that we that was done here in the city of P was on Broadway right the florist that little florist was there and it was abandoned it was falling apart and the owner was able to buy it that's why Mr. Concendi isn't here, but that's why they didn't demolish the buildings because they were in the process of collecting
assembling the other building to make a bigger project. What I can tell you is if they add an additional law after the redevelopment plan has passed,
they got to come back and do the whole redevelopment plan process again and have another public hearing to the changes of that redevelopment plan. So remember, I know we're focusing on the designation. That's the part we're in. The plan is the ordinance. The plan is
the law. The designation is a resolution. I already told you everybody here is already designated an area needed rehabilitation. The plan is really what based on what I'm hearing from everybody that everyone's most concerned about what's going to go there. But we can't even negot I can't
stress this enough. We can't even have the conversation with the developer until we have the designation because that allows us to enter into the the negotiations and the agreements. Hopefully, I know I I expanded a little bit, but I wanted everybody get the full
picture of kind of what's happening. >> Thank you. >> Good. Is there anyone else who would like to address the council? >> Seeing no hands, is there a motion, please, to close public hearing? >> Yes. Motion and second. Roll call,
please. >> Councilman Monk? >> Yes. >> Councilman Love? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo? >> Yes. Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Colonz, yes. >> And Council President Shar,
>> yes. Thank you. We are on the agenda. Remen numero six ordinances for second and final reading hearing is required. Number one, excuse me, proposed ordinance 2510-26, an ordinance amending chapter 317,
zoning, article 3, definitions and word usage section of 317-10 definitions. Article six, conditional uses, section 317-16, all zones. And article
article 4, schedule of regulations, section 317-11, adoption of schedule of the city of PA code to permit short-term rental units in all zoning districts. Mr. Fernandez, I know this one appears
to be of similar duration as the one we just got off. So, why don't you help us to understand that, please? >> What are we doing in this? >> So, this is ordinance number three. See, I turned on the mic so you didn't have to
tell me. So this is um so this is ordinance number three in the Airbnb uh process. So we discussed the registration, we discussed the taxes, right? Those were the two ordinances that the council
passed at last meeting. This one is the uses where it's allowed. >> Okay, >> forgive me. Where what is allowed? the the short-term rentals, the Airbnb types. So, kind of on the conversation we were
just having, right? What's being proposed is that these Airbnb styles, let's call them Airbnb, even though there's a bunch of different names like Verbbo and stuff that do the the short-term rental that you we there's 11 conditions
that have to be met before you can be an actual short-term rental. One of them is it can only be in a single family townhouse or condominium and number two is that it has to be
owner occupied and be your primary residence. So that was a big conversation at last meeting and I want to assure the council and I promised you when this ordinance came before you it would answer. So collectively those three ordinances create
the the protection for the city on these Airbnbs and sets the regulations for individuals who want to do it to do it correctly. >> So that's it in a nutshell. Is there a motion please to open public hearing? >> Motion second. >> Motion a second to open public hearing.
>> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Golong Montinez, yes. >> And Council President Sher. >> Yes. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. At this time, the council is deliberating
proposed ordinance 4510-26. Is there anyone who would like to adjust the council on this item and this item? >> Seeing nobody. Motion to close. >> Second. >> Motion and second to close. Roll call to close, please. >> Councilman Monk? >> Yes. >> Councilman Love? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor? >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia? Yes. >> Councilwoman Colom. Yes. And Council President Shar. >> Yes. Thank you. On the ordinance, please. Is there a motion? >> Motion and second. Roll call, please. On the ordinance. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Golo Montinez. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sher. >> Yes. Thank you. That passes the ordinance unanimously. Number two,
please. Proposed ordinance 2511-26, an ordinance adopting a redevelopment plan for block 4108, lot 64, corresponding to 185 Lexington Avenue in the city of Pacific Pacific, New Jersey. Is there a motion, please, to open public hearing? >> Move second.
>> Motion and second. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Monk, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love, >> yes. >> Councilman Melo, >> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Colomz, >> yes. and council president chair. >> Yes. Thank you. At this time, ladies and
gentlemen, the council is deliberating proposed ordinance 2511-26. Is there anyone who would like to address the council on this item and this item only? >> Seeing no hands, I'll move to close the public portion. >> Motion to close. Roll call to close. >> Councilman Monk, >> yes. >> Councilman Love,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Melo, >> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Colom, >> yes. >> And Council President Sher, >> yes. Thank you. on the ordinance places there a motion. >> So move it second. >> Motion and second. Roll call on the ordinance.
>> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Colontz. >> Yes. >> And council president Sher. >> Yes. Thank you. Order number three now.
>> Yes sir. >> We're on proposed ordinance 2514-26. An ordinance amending the designation restricted parking for disabled persons by New Jersey license plate number. Is there a motion, please, to open public hearing? >> Move it. >> Second. >> Motion and second. Roll call, please.
>> Councilman Monk, >> yes. >> Councilman Love, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Melo, >> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Gom, yes. And Council President Shear. >> Yes. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. At this time, the council is deliberating
proposed ordinance 2514. Is there anyone who would like to adjust the council on this item on this item only? >> Seeing no hands. Move to close the public portion. >> There's a motion. There is a second. Roll call, please, to close public portion. >> We just closed public portion.
>> We didn't get a second. I had a second. I'm sorry. >> There is a second >> on the uh roll call. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. Yes. >> Councilman Garcia.
>> Yes. >> Counciloman Golz. >> Yes. >> And Council President Shar. >> Yes. Thank you. That was on the ordinance, correct? >> That was on the ordinance. Is there a motion, please, to accept motion? Second >> and second on the ordinance. >> Councilman Monk? >> Yes. >> Councilman Love? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Mayer? >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Colz and Council President Sher. >> Yes. Thank you. That was all in the ordinance. >> We're in number four. Please proposed ordinance 4515-26
an ordinance amending chapter 1000 certificates of occupancy and tendency section 10 fees of the code of city of Pacific to adjust certificate of occupancy fees Mr. Fernandez, can you help us with this one, please? I see the word fees and I get responses.
>> So, basically, we have not touched our inspection fees for the construction department for a very, very long time. I'm sorry, I forgot the but um so we haven't changed the ordinance in a very long time. This is to get us at least
more consistent with our neighbors even though we're still significantly below our neighbors. For example, you know, our the city of Clifton is in, you know, $300 as an additional fee for expedited, you know, certificate. We're not there.
So, this this does a modest increase from $50 to $65 for the first unit and then $35 from the 2nd through the 20th. uh and then $25 thereafter. So it's it's it's only like a
a modest increase to the what it is by like 10 $15. >> Why is it so modest if I may ask? Why are we so much lower than our neighbors? >> Well, this is for an ex this is for an expedited certificate of occupancy. So our neighbors are somewhere in the
neighborhood of like 95 75, right? 65 >> and this will take us from what to what? >> This will this will take us from 50 to 65. >> Okay. Anyone else have any questions on number four? >> Yes, I do. >> Councilman love um in all due respect,
Mr. Fernandez, um is the goal to get to our neighbors or is it are we accomplishing something with the increase in fees? >> So, we're trying to So, what happens with the fees is the fees are developed as a cost for the process. Yeah.
>> So, we have to pay our inspectors to go out there. Employees get salary increases, cost of living increases, the fees stay the same. And at some point, we want to be helpful and we don't want to overburden
the community, but at some point the cost of living has just exceeded, you know, what the current fee structure is. And that's all this is, right? And we also we also provide a new service that we've been providing
under the mayor's direction has been we've allowed weekends as well. So we're making it more flexible for the community to get the inspections done when they need them. That costs that costs us more, right? And I think to be able to do that and
only go up $15 is is a good thing. We're not we're just covering the cost. We don't want to, you know, overburden the community. So, >> Mr. Business Administrator, I'm fully aware of it, but sometimes we got to get it on the record to the public, okay? >> So that they don't hear that we're
raising the to get to where our neighbors are. Rather, there's a purpose of raising. So, that's why >> there's a purpose. And it's been roughly >> it's been roughly over 20 years since this has been updated. Just so you get a feel for where our fee was and how long
it took us to raise the fee. >> Absolutely understandable. Thank you. Uh, thank you, Councilman. Thank you, Mr. Business Administrator. Any other questions on four? We open public hearing on four. Did we? >> No. >> Motion is to open public hearing.
>> Second. >> Motion and second on open hearing on 2515-26. >> Councilman Monk, >> yes. >> Councilman Love, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Melo, >> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes.
>> Counciloman Golz, yes. and council president shar. >> Yes. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, at this time the council was deliberating proposed ordinance 2515. Is there anyone who would like to address the council on this item and this item only? >> Motion to close. Second. >> Motion and second to close.
>> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Coline. Yes. >> And Council President Shar. >> Yes. Thank you. On the ordinance, please. Is there a motion? motion and
second. Roll call, please, on the ordinance. >> Councilman Monk, >> yes. >> Councilman Love, >> yes. >> Councilman Melo, >> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Golo Montinez, >> yes. >> And Council President Sher,
>> yes. Thank you. We're up to number five, please. proposed ordinance 2516, an ordinance authorizing the exchange of real property between the city of Payic and the PIC board of education pursuant to NJSA 104A colon 12-16. Is there a motion please to
open public hearing? >> Second. >> Motion and second. Roll call. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love, >> yes. >> Councilman Melo, >> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. Councilman Garcia, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Colonz, >> abstain. >> And Council President Shear, >> yes. Thank you. At this time, ladies and gentlemen, the council will be deliberating proposed ordinance 2516. Is there anyone who would like to address the council on this item and this item only? >> Seeing no hands, I move to close the public portion. Second.
>> There's a motion. There's a second to close public hearing. Roll call. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. Yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Gol Montinez, >> stay >> and council president Sher.
>> Yes. The >> ordinance. We'll move on the ordinance. >> And now more on the ordinance. Is there a motion? Please motion and may we have a second, please. Thank you. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Golo Montinez. Abstain and council president Sher. >> Yes. Thank you. Motion passes. >> Yes. >> We're up to communications items six through nine. Are there any questions on
items 6 through nine? Seeing no lights at this time. Is there a motion please to accept 6 through nine? >> Motion and second. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Colunt. >> Yes. and council president shar. >> Yes, thank you. All matters listed here under considered routine in nature items 10 through 21 inclusive. Are there any questions please on 10 through 21?
>> Sir 16 >> 10 through 17. I apolog >> 10 through 16. I apologize. Forgive me. >> Council President, just a comment to the mayor um in terms of uh item 10. Um what
a great guy that you appointed Dub back and I just want to say thank you. Uh one of my classmates I think he's going to do very well in this position as he did when he was on the force. So thank you. >> I thank you for that. But I really want to take the opportunity to highlight our chief of police, Lewis Guzman, who has
maintained great relationships with officers who have genuinely dedicated their lives to serving our residents and when they retire, they come back in the appropriate time and are able to serve in a new capacity. And you're right, he's one of the more uh likable officers
that we have. He treats people with a great deal of respect. >> I wouldn't go that far in there. >> That's a little too much. >> I mean, he's all right. you and you say that because you have a good relationship before says that. But I I did want to share that because we've had a number of retired officers and we're always
excited because obviously there is a savings there's a public safety benefit to have these individuals especially whether they're in our UC zone, they're on the streets or they're assisting with particular activities. But I think it's going to mean a lot to him to know that
the council was so appreciative because sometimes we lose individuals. When I say booze and I know what that conotes, they retire. Yes, >> God bless them. They deserve to be able to retire. They reach the uh the point of their career where they can. But many of them choose to want to continue to
serve in possibly a lesser capacity. And that's not in status or commitment or dedication, but rather commitment of hours sometimes or obligations. And this is a wonderful opportunity. I thank the council in general for making these things available. Thank you. >> Thank you, mayor. Is there a motion
please to accept 10 through 16? >> Second. >> Motion and second. Roll call please on 10 through 16. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes.
>> Counciloman Colt. Yes. >> And Council President Shar. >> Yes. Thank you. We're up to resolutions. Roman numeral 8 on our agenda. Number 17 is a resolution authorizing closed executive session. Mr. Mr. Mson, we don't need closed executive session, do we? >> Very good. Thank you, Mr. Fernandez. Mr.
Mayor, sir, >> at this time, >> thank you, sir. Members of the council, very good. If we could look, please, if I could draw your eye to 18 through 21, are there any questions, please? On 18 through 21,
seeing your lights at this time, is there a motion, please, to accept 18 through 21? >> So move. >> Motion and second. >> Councilman Mon. Can I just Yeah. Can I coun Did we're in the middle of a roll call.
Councilman. >> Okay. I just I just I couldn't unmute my button fast enough. Um I just wanted to ask regarding resolution 20. >> Yes sir. >> U exactly what what are what are these
pavers? What's the purpose of these pavers? So, so they're commemorative pavers um so that we can honor uh Latona Griffin in the Latona Griffin Park. There were two firefighters that passed and the
idea mayor I think that was your idea to have the pavers uh you can buy a PA and it's going to have the seal like the fire department seal in the center of it and you know you can donate to buy a paper and it's
paid the the paper itself without the engraving because you you are the one that pays for the engraving is all coming from CDBG just to clarify councilman that's at the top of the hundred steps And that's where we had the fitness park, but also that park where we chose to honor those
firefighters and the family was so appreciative. We went down there and uh and had a ceremony and we said we would uh would not only put a memorial to both of the firefighters, but give an opportunity for the community in the area that was so excited that we were
able to renovate the steps and add their first park ever in the area that they can actually buy one of the pavers and rather an appropriate message honoring the history in that area. >> Thank you. Thank you. Sorry. I'm sorry. Thank you, Council President. I My vote
is yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you, sir. If we could continue with the roll call. >> Counciloman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Colz. >> Yes. >> And Council President Shear.
>> Yes. Thank you. We're on number nine, please. Payment of bills. Are there any questions on the bills as presented by the administration to the clerk? Seeing no lights. Is there a motion, please, to accept the bills as presented? >> Move it. >> Motion. >> Second. >> And second. Roll call, please. Thank you, >> Councilman Monk. Yes.
>> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Golo Montinez. >> And Council President Sher. >> Yes. Thank you. Administrator's report. Mr. Fernandez.
>> Not at this time. >> Very good. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. Council President, if I may, and I know that um Councilman Love had wanted this shared in the very beginning. Um we know that there was a passing of the
Reverend Jesse Jackson. Obviously there was an expression that um Councilman Dr. Terren wanted to uh have a moment of silence. >> Sorry. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Councilman. Thank you, mayor.
And uh council president for me I also wanted to um remind all of our residents that uh interesting enough I don't know how interesting but as we go into this evening there are three major communities that will be observing um
either sacred and religious um parts of their faith as well as celebrations. I believe the the Ramadan begins as of this evening as does Lent for the Catholic observing community and it is
the uh the Chinese New Year. Believe that is this evening. So I think it's the year of the horse. That's what I've been told. I'm not very familiar, but that's what I've been told. So with these things and obviously on behalf of the council and we post up these files,
thank you Renee for making sure that we have these displayed. We we obviously uh express um our unity to all of our communities because we are a diverse and uh remarkable city and to all those that observe whether those of the Muslim
faith who will be fasting, those of the Catholic faith that will be sacrificing whatever it is including meat or a specific uh tree during this time. We join with you in prayers or our thoughts that we may all continue united as a
community and respecting each other's beliefs and to our uh our community that celebrates their new year. I believe it's new year, right? It's the Chinese New Year. Congratulations and we celebrate along with you in this time with our diversity. Thank you, Council.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Council of course joins with you um in acknowledging these very important days on all of our calendars. There being no other business as being properly advertised necessarily. So is there a motion please to adjourn the meeting? >> Motion second to adjourn. Roll call.
>> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Colom. >> Yes. and council president shar. >> Yes, thank you. This meeting is
adjourned.