Okay, we're going to call the meeting to order. Uh, Madame Clerk, could you read the meeting statement? >> Certainly. Notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with the requirements of the
open public meetings act and state regulations governing public meetings including the time, date and location of the meeting and clear and concise instructions to the public for access meeting and making comments. In addition, the agenda and all related materials were posted electronically and
made available to the public on Princeton's me excuse me Princeton's meeting portal in advance of the meeting. Councilman Fraga, would you like to read the land acknowledgement? >> With honor. We gather today on the land
of the Lenny Lape. As members of the Princeton community, we aspire to show appreciation, respect, and concern for all peoples and our environment. We honor the Lape and other indigenous caretakers of these lands and waters,
the elders who lived here before, the indigenous today, and the generations to come. >> Madame Clerk, could you call the role? >> Mr. McDonald >> here. >> Miss Peron Lamrose is absent. Mr. Cohen >> here.
>> Miss Saxs >> present. >> Miss Frogga >> here. >> Mr. Nulan >> here. and Mayor Freda is absent. >> Would everyone rise to say the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Next on the agenda is announcements and reports. Do any council members have
announcements or reports? Councilman Cohen. >> Yeah, I think I've mentioned this before, but um our adopt a drain program uh has just gone live last Thursday at the U community night out. And I want to
encourage everybody to sign up to adopt a drain. It's an important thing you can do both to help the municipality uh meet its uh municipal storm storm sewer permit requirements uh but also to
preserve the water quality of our surface waters in New Jersey. So if you go to the uh municipal website www.princetonj.gov gov. It's right on the landing page uh under the initiatives and um I encourage
you all to take it on. Any other council members reports? >> Bernie staff. Any reports? >> Nope. Okay. >> Okay. Okay, next on the agenda is the proclamation in honor of Karine Slicker Moda's retirement.
Um I believe Councilman Cohen and Council No. Okay, Councilman Cohen is going to read the resolution. Thank you, David. >> A proclamation honoring Karen Siker Manda on the occasion of her retirement.
Whereas the municipality of Princeton is proud to recognize Karen Sleeker, deputy court administrator of the municipal courts for her dedication to public service on the occasion of her retirement. And whereas Karen began her career with the former township of
Princeton, April 12th, 1995 in the role of deputy court administrator under Carolyn Sapio. And whereas Karen has advanced throughout her 40-year career, earning the designations of certified deputy court administrator and certified court
administrator, as well as an associate of applied science degree in accounting. And whereas Karen has been instrumental in maintaining the efficiency, professionalism, and integrity of the municipal court, serving as a trusted leader, mentor, and public servant. And
whereas Karin's retirement from the m municipality of Princeton will be effective September 1st, 2025. And whereas Karen has dedicated over 33 years to serving the municipality of Princeton.
And whereas Karen like Armanda has served the community of Princeton with pride and upon the occasion of her retirement is deserving of recognition and the highest commendation. Now therefore, be it resolved, I, David Cohen, on behalf of Mark Frereda, mayor
of Princeton, and the council of Princeton, County of Mercer, state of New Jersey, extend the municipality's humble expression of appreciation and sincerest congratulations to Karin like Manda. We offer our best wishes for a
long, happy, and healthy retirement. Yeah. >> Okay. She took it down. >> Oh. Thank you. Next item uh is ordinances and we have a second
reading and public hearing for ordinance 2025- -12, an ordinance appropriating 775,000 from the sewer trust fund to provide for various sewer improvements in and by Princeton in the county of
Mercer, New Jersey. Uh motion to open the public hearing for ordinance 2025-12. Councilman Cohen second. Councilman Nulan. Um,
do we have any comments or questions on this ordinance, Councilman Cohen? >> Yeah, I'll just comment. Um, this is not uh another ordinance to spend more money. This is actually uh an ordinance
to use our trust fund instead of borrowing money uh to do the work that's identified in the in the ordinance. So, I just wanted to make sure everybody knew that. >> Any other comments or questions? >> Are there any wishing to speak in the
room or on Zoom on this ordinance? Just want to add that as plebeian as sewer concerns seem, they are pretty critical because if the sewer doesn't work, it's a big problem. Um, okay. So, hearing none, I'm going to
close that portion of the meeting. Uh, could I ask for a motion to adopt ordinance number 202512? Ryan. Second, David. Um, clerk, could you call the role? >> Mr. McDonald?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen? >> Yes. >> Miss Braga? >> Yes. >> Mr. Nulan? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Motion adopted. Um, okay. Okay. The second ordinance tonight is ordinance 2025-13,
an ordinance by the municipality of Princeton designating no turn on red intersections and amending chapter 19 of the code of the bureau of Princeton, New Jersey, 1974. Um, is there a motion to open the public hearing?
Councilman Fraga. Second. Councilman Cohen. Um, okay. Um, do any council members have comments or questions on this ordinance? Councilman Cohen.
>> Yeah, first I want to mention that there was uh there were two minor typos which have been corrected. Um, and I'm moving or I will move uh the adoption of the amended ordinance that
had to do with the intersection of Franklin and Harrison and um how the streets were identified uh in terms of the turning movement. So that that's one comment and then more broadly I just
wanted to uh emphasize that these no turn on red um uh implementations are basically for two reasons. One is um in places where we've
added or are adding bike lanes um it's actually a requirement to try to reduce it's a requirement where there's a bike box um and in general helps improve safety uh to avoid conflicts between
bicycles and turning motor vehicles. Um, there are also a number of locations where we've already had signs saying no right turn on red, but we never actually adopted an ordinance formalizing that.
So, it's a bit of bookkeeping in that regard. So, this is not meant to uh cover the entire town um and every single intersection that might benefit from a no turn on red rule. Um, it's
specifically targeted at those specific cases. >> Councilman Nulan, >> thank you. Thank you. You know, I I just want to add to what uh Councilman Cohen said. This is this is a gamecher for us here in Princeton. You know, we are
trying to make Princeton a safer town. And if you really look at our police reports, we have quite a few mishaps here in Princeton. Some that involve vehicle and vehicles, some that involve vehicle and pedestrians on foot, on bicycle, and we have just got to slow it
down all around town here in Princeton. So the the message is that stopping at intersections right on red is is just a furtherance of being more careful about how we move around the town. We're
growing. We are getting a little bit more dense and we have to be just a little bit more careful. So if you're within the sound of my voice, please help us help everyone here in Princeton. This is about vision zero. It's about saving lives and protecting our people
in all facets of life. So, uh, bear with us and slowing down ain't a bad thing. You may have to leave a few minutes earlier, but help us out with this. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Uh, I just want to clarify that, uh,
when I voted no in the introduction last time, it was because I was not familiar with this and I don't like to vote on behalf of things that I I'm not familiar with. Um I've subsequently become familiar with what is being proposed here and I do believe that the um what
is what is uh what our uh engineering staff have proposed is essential for bike and pedestrian safety. So I am now a yes or I will be a yes except I'm not voting tonight. Um, so are there I'm
sorry my screen um Adam is not working here so I can't see if there's anybody on Zoom. >> Nobody on on Zoom. >> Okay, just so you know it's not working. Okay. Um,
nobody on Zoom, nobody in the room. Uh, I'm going to close this portion of the of the meeting. Uh, asking for a motion to adopt ordinance number 202513. Councilman Cohen. Second. >> As amended. >> As amended. >> As amended.
>> Second. Thank you, Brian. Um, clerk. Madame Clerk, can you call the role? >> Mr. McDonald? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen? >> Yes. >> Miss Braa? >> Yes. >> Mr. Nulan?
Yes. >> Okay. So now we are moving into the resolutions section of the meeting. Uh the first resolution is R-25-268 resolution of the mayor and council of
Princeton authorizing the extension of the prof professional services agreement with Michael Baker International for engineering and planning services for the Harrison Street corridor study with no change to the contract amount. Is
there a motion to adopt? Councilman Cohen. Second. Councilman McDonald. Are there any council members who have comments or questions on this resolution?
No. Uh all in favor? >> I say I. >> I. >> I. Okay. Resolution passed. Second resolution is R-25-269 resolution of the mayor and council of
Princeton authorizing the extension of the term of the professional services agreement with Arterial LLC for engineering and design services in connection with the Nassau Street streetscape project for the length of time necessary for the completion of the
actual construction with no change to the contract amount. Motion to adopt. Councilman Nuland second. Councilman Cohen. Do any council members have questions or comments on this resolution?
>> No. Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I >> I. All right. Third resolution R-25-270 resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton authorizing the extension of the professional services agreement with Johnson
Mi and Thompson Inc. for documentation of maintenance holes in flood hazard areas for the length of time necessary for the completion of the actual construction with no change to the contract amount. Motion to adopt. Councilman Cohen. Second. Councilman
McDonald. Um, are there any questions or comments? No. All in favor? >> I >> I >> I. Okay. Um,
resolution number 4R-25-271, resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton authorizing an increase of 81,200 to the not to exceed amount for the professional services agreement with Greenman Patterson, Inc. for engineering
service services for the Grover Avenue culvert replacement project for a new not to not to exceed amount of $211,137 motion to adopt Councilman Cohen. Second, Councilman Nulan.
Uh do any council members have any questions or comments? Councilman. Yeah, I just wanted to say that um the change in this contract has to do with planning for uh better storm water management in
Grover Park, which uh is desperately needed. Uh the park floods regularly in extreme storm events and uh downstream neighbors as well uh suffer uh in that along that branch of Har'sbrook. So, uh,
I'm really excited to see this first step towards the upgrades to Grover Park, which we've been anticipating for a couple of years. >> Yes. And as part of our um smart growth approach to the shopping center, we also
are going to be doing a an complete overhaul of Grover Park, not just storm water, but all the amenities and and making sure that the neighborhood has uh input into what happens in in Grover Park, which we look forward to. Um okay. All in favor? I
>> I >> Okay, passed. Um, resolution 5R-25-272 resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton adopting the 2025
2029 to 2020 29 consolidated plan and 2025 annual action plan for the community development block grant CDBG. Uh, motion to >> Matisia. Second, Councilman Nulan. Any
questions or comments from council members? >> I just had a question. I'm hoping um Jeff maybe you know the answer. The dollar amounts that were referenced in this that's just for the 2025 year. Correct. It's not for the 5-year period.
>> That's correct. >> Thank you. And also I'd just like to add that a portion of that money will go again for something that has been very successful and that's dental and medical services for our most vulnerable population. It's it's a good grant.
>> Sorry, what was that? >> Medical and dental services. >> Yes. Very important. Okay. Um all in favor? >> I I >> I Okay. Um,
hold on. Okay. Resolution six, resolution R-25-273, resolution to the mayor and council of Princeton authorizing the award of a contract to
Painting Corp. for the painting at 400 Witherspoon Street for $169,3972 utilizing Bergen County Cooperative Contract Purchasing System Bid contract number 25-40. Is there a motion to adopt?
Councilman McDonald. Thank you. Second, Councilman Nulan. Any comments or questions from any council members? No. Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I >> I.
Resolution number 7 R-25-274 resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton authorizing Palmer Square to hold a series of downtown events on the central green. Motion to adopt.
Counciloman Fraga. Second. Councilman Nulan. >> Yes. >> Questions or comments? >> No. Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> I. Okay.
Uh. All right. Resolution number 8 R-25-275. Resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton supporting the pass passage of the immigrant trust act. Motion to adopt. Councilwoman Fraga. Second.
Councilman Nuland. Any council members have comments or questions on this resolution? I I do have comments I'd like to make. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Princeton's resolution supporting the passage of the immigrant
trust act truly embodies the spirit and identity of our community. This resolution is not merely an aspiration for the future. It reflects the values and commitments that have defined us for years and will continue
to guide us moving forward. It stands as a testament to our dedication to inclusivity, respect, and support for all residents, regardless of their background. I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to
our police department, whose unwavering dedication and professionalism keep our community safe every day. Their work goes beyond enforcement. They build trust, foster understanding,
and ensure that every person feels protected and valued. Their commitment to fairness and respect is a cornerstone of the welcoming environment we cherish. Equally deserving of recognition are the
staff members across our human services and health departments. These teams provide essential wraparound services that address the diverse needs of every member of our community. From health care and mental health
support to housing assistance and social services, their comprehensive efforts ensure that no one is left behind. Their compassion and expertise create a safety net that uplifts individuals and
families, helping them to thrive in our community. I encourage everyone here today to remember the vital role these professionals play and to actively refer anyone in need of assistance to con to
to contact us whether someone is facing challenges related to health, housing, legal concerns or other social services. Our police and mun municipal staff are ready and equipped to provide support.
Together, we uphold the values of trust, care, and unity that make Princeton a place where everyone belongs. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> When we organize, >> we win.
>> When we organize, >> we win. >> Unity is power. Unity is power. >> Unity is power. >> Unity is power. >> It's hard to top that. Um, any other council members?
Councilman Nulan. >> Thank you, Madam President. And let me just say that the statement I'm going to deliver is with love and humility. And I hope that all here will take it in the same way that it's given.
Tonight, we vote to pass the Immigration Trust Act resolution. We do this for one reason and for one reason only. because we understand the dangerous and challenging social climate we are living
in and because we value and stand with all Princeton residents no matter their citizenship status. Let me be clear. Princeton is your home. You are part of
our community. We will protect your dignity and your right to live without fear. As mayor and council, we listen to our residents. We take seriously the voices,
ideas, and concerns brought to us. But we are not here to surrender the responsibility that you elected us to carry. We will not govern by ultimatum
and we will not hand over the wheel to any individual or organization. Ain't going to happen. History teaches us something important here. The Underground Railroad succeeded
because the conductors were disciplined, coordinated, and selfless. They understood that the mission freedom was bigger than any one person's profile.
They moved in unity and with purpose, quietly outsmarting those who sought to harm them. History has also shown us that the road to justice requires more than passion.
It requires strategy. The Underground Railroad did not succeed because it was loud. It succeeded because it was wise, disciplined, and united.
It was a network of people who placed the cause above the spotlight, who understood that sometimes progress moves forward most effectively and most safely when it is pursued with
care, discretion, and solidarity. We live in a time that demands the same kind of wisdom. It is not enough to be loud. We must be smart. It's not enough
to be visible. We must be effective. The work of protecting people in this climate is not about who can grab the microphone. It's about the work we do collectively and being our brothers and our sisters
keeper. So yes, we will pass this resolution, but understand it is not a banner for one group or individual to wave. It is a
shield for an entire community to stand under together. That is how we will keep Princeton safe. That is how we will move forward. And that is how when history looks back,
it will see that we chose unity over ego, strategy over spectacle, and freedom over fear. Thank you, Madame President.
>> Thank you, Councilman Nulan. Anyone else comments? Okay. Uh first uh comments would anyone in the audience uh like to speak and please um give your name and
generally where you live which town? >> Thank you. Good afternoon. >> Can you hear me now better? says on. >> Hi, good afternoon. Better. Okay. Good afternoon everyone. It is without a doubt that uh my name is Anna Pa
Pasmino. I'm the executive director of Resistencia Axion. It is without a doubt my pleasure to come here this evening and see that the resolution has been put on to the agenda. I want to personally thank you for listening to the public,
listening to the constituents, listening to all of our members, regardless of their immigration status. Um, I want to also say that today we celebrate together a victory. Although this wasn't
easy, we had to meet and propose different things. And I want to thank those of you who have met with us like Mr. Cohen who came to our our office and has met with us. A couple of you who have also met individually with some not
only resistencia staff and leaders but with other members of the community who are very passionate about this. Um this isn't just a Princeton Council win. It's a community win and I want to send that powerful message because immigrant
families belong here and their safety and their dignity matter and that is where our community stands where we defend the values of immigrants. The ITA matters to us because it tells the Princeton community that we support the
use of the prohibition of the use of immigration enforcement machine. And it also tells them that we are critically establishing policies that are protecting their services like health care and schools and libraries and their
access to go to these places without any fear. Um this is only the beginning. The resolution may articulate intent, but our community also needs some tangible protections, some real accountability.
We have processed emails and have access to you that we also need a safety plan to to alert when ICE is in town. We also are with a GoFundMe for the families who were detained in that raid. 16 families,
about 13 of them who are in contact with us, and we're still uh fundraising because uh just because they have been deported doesn't mean that they are out of our communities. Many of them were waiters, were part of our co-working
spaces, were part of um our neighbors, and now we need to also help so that they can start their new lives. We urge um the council to not stop taking action now. This is a time where I think I have
said this many times. We need to work collectively. We we will continue to approach and say what we think we need as constituents, what we think we need as immigrants, and let's build on this
hard-fought victory to truly protect all families of our community. Thank you so much. Thank you, Anna. Next. >> Good evening, council. Um, my name is David Shreger. I am vice president of
Resistencia, New Jersey. I live in Hamilton, uh, New Jersey, but we are based in Princeton, walking distance from here, in fact. Um, I want to thank you from the bottom of
my heart for what you uh passed tonight. It's a very important step. I believe um I want to thank uh Council Member Nuland for his remarks. Um I remind everybody
of Dr. Martin Luther King's statement in his letter from a Birmingham jail. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly
affects all indirectly. It is also in the economic interest of Princeton to do what it can to protect immigrants. Princeton has wonderful ethnic restaurants rivaled in New Jersey
probably only by the cities of New Brunswick and Hoboken. How would these establishments even exist without immigrants? So, um I'm very thankful that you've
passed this. Uh we believe that we will be victorious in the end. We we believe that we will in the end we believe we will win because we have no other choice. >> That's right.
>> This is a question of survival. So we thank you for joining us on the right side of history. Thank you. >> Thank you Liz. >> Hi. Is this is this on? Can you hear
this? Okay. Hi. My name is Liz Cohen. I live in Princeton. I'm here tonight uh as um a core team leader of uh RACK New Jersey, which is the religious action center uh for reformed Judaism. We are
one of at least 30 organizations that are in alliance to try and pass um the ITA. and uh many people who are here tonight are are working tirelessly to pass this on a state level. I'm so grateful that
we're passing this resolution tonight. um as well as in support of our community, which which um I just want to say I appreciate the time that you all have taken to hear the
stories of our community and I know that that you share in in wanting to um protect where we can and support where we can, but this is also really meaningful on a state level. And the I just want to read a couple of the
therefore so that it's in the record because what what this resolution can do is to give us stren a stronger voice as we reach out to our governor to our legislators to the leaders of the
legislature to understand the importance of the immigrant trust act in um in spreading these protections statewide. Um the mayor and council hereby call upon the state legislature to pass the ITA
with all deliberate speed. Call on um Princeton representatives in the New Jersey state assembly and senate to co-sponsor and vote affirmatively for the ITA. The mayor and council hereby call on the governor to sign the ITA into law.
the mayor and council strongly encourage other New Jersey municipalities to consider adopting a similar resolution in support of the ITA um and and so on. But but this message I think is is really important. I'm um
grateful that that we as a governing body and community join in helping to pass this statewide protection. Thank you. I just want to say a special thanks to Liz Cohen for her support on behalf of this resolution and her advocacy at the
state and local level. Thank you, Liz. Hi, I was asked to speak regarding the Avalon and Harrison, the new high-rise building in the Princeton Shopping Center, which opened about five months ago. There are so many electrical issues that I will only mention a few. As we
all know, electrical issues are a big >> I'm I'm sorry, ma'am. Are you speaking about the immigrant trust act resolution? >> No. >> Okay. So, that would be for items that are not on the agenda. Items for public comment. I'm so sorry. >> Sounds very interesting, but if you
wouldn't mind just waiting. >> Okay. >> That's okay. >> Sir. Hi, my name is Fon Kawaja. I live in Princeton. Uh, I wanted to thank you for the wording of this resolution, which I thought I've read them all and I think
that the resolution you've adopted is probably the best of the bunch. Uh, I proposed some things that were said uh about Princeton's human services. Uh, I am not of the view, have never been of the view that this is a do nothing council or do nothing town with respect
to uh the needs of immigrants. I have looked into the matter myself and I would say that Princeton's human services with respect to migrants is probably the best in the state for towns of its size. That said, I want to put a question on the record. Uh don't want to
sound a bum note, but I do think the question needs to be asked uh and has not really been adequately asked or answered. So, it's unclear to me what the council and what the burrow thinks should happen when ICE makes a raid in
this town. So, um uh it is unclear for instance whether there is anyone in the burrow to call in real time when such a raid takes place. Uh if they will respond in real time and
if they respond what they will do. By contrast, in the case of Resistencia in Axion, these answers have very clear these questions have very clear answers. So there is a phone line you can call. There is a rapid response team. They will come as soon as they can. You know
that they will come as soon as they can. They have a very clear protocol and they take action. There is a desperate need for such a service and I uh put the question to the council whether it has
either something comparable or some intention of integrating its services with resistencia's rapid response team or not. So I just leave that as an open an open issue without making an affirmative statement either way except
to say that I do think that the question urgently needs an answer and just to underscore the real urgency here I don't think it needs to be belabored that ICE operates by its own rules so the
question has arisen about our interference in federal operations but it seems to me that the more urgent issue is their interference in our operations. That's the protection or the shield that's needed. And if it's not to be supplied in some formalized way by
the council, it will have to be supplied in an informal way by us. So I raised the question because of the urgency of the issue. This is a disaster in the making. This is this could lead to a catastrophic result and to avert
that we need some kind of plan or set of procedures in advance to know what to do when it when it happens as it will. Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Yes. Good evening council. I am an organizer with Resistencia, a
proud organizer that leads the rapid response team which you just heard about. Uh we patrol every single day and we respond to every single call with our 24hour multilanguage um operators. So just wanted to share that. So we wanted to
start off by saying we appreciate the council moving forward with this ITA resolution. So I want to start off by saying thank you so much. And then I'd like to remind council that though this resolution is important to send a message to the community where we stand in regards in regards to supporting
immigrants, each of you has acknowledged already that this resolution is great, but also has no real protections for immigrants, but is a declaration of where we stand, which is important and needed. And as we said every day, we
definitely need this. Um, but we need to have some serious protections for immigrants now more than ever. So there's one common factor in every uh immigrant detained in Princeton in the last month and that common denominator
is the fact that Immigration Customs Enforcement were able to deta detain immigrants by essentially pretending to impersonate your officers. And that is how they're able to pick up immigrants. So, we want to know what are you going
to do about it? And we're asking you again to sit with us so we can think through a plan. Also, we wanted to set the record straight on July 23rd, someone was indeed abducted regardless of the fact that the city did call immigration customs enforcement and they said they did not pick anybody up. What
we know is that we are in touch with the family and in fact the person detained is currently in Delaney as we speak and he has no criminal record. So whether it was bounty hunters or immigration customs enforcement, somebody came and picked up an immigrant and handed them
to immigration customs enforcement. So I ask you knowing this fact and having claimed you would like to support immigrant communities, what are you going to do about this? Thank you for the resolution, but we need to continue to work together to think of a plan for
our community. So we must absolutely work together in good faith. And if you are truly honest about wanting to protect the community, it only makes sense that you sit and work together. I know last time we came and we yelled, but there was a lot of emotions. If you
can imagine, we are facing these families face to face. I'm sorry I came here, I screamed because a lot of us are holding a lot. And so we need to work together. So we're asking you today, first a thank you. And now we want to ask you to sit with us to think of a
community action plan. Thank you. >> Uh good evening. >> Thank you, Asma. >> Good evening, Adam McGovern the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center. And I uh thank you also. You know, we talk a lot about um what we're trying to oppose here and what we're trying to forestall.
you know, the terrible uh, you know, ravages on our communities. Um, but, you know, when I stand with my undocumented brothers and sisters and my immigrant brothers and sisters, they're not really here to defy anything. They're here to stand tall out of the shadows and to, you know, show their self-worth and
remind us of, you know, how important their contributions are to their to our community and to show their faith in this system. Tonight, as guardians of that system, you've shown them that some of that faith is justified. So, I thank you. Um, it's been said that this is
just one step and I agree. I took eight miles of steps today when we marched from uh our center in Planefield to Senate President Scutari's office to deliver a message that, you know, he needs to uh release the ITA uh for committee votes and full votes of the
Senate and Assembly. Uh I know uh Miss Saxs, you've talked about, you know, what can we do to go beyond this and, you know, have it be uh you know, the message uh kicked up, you know, to the legislature. We couldn't agree more and you know we hope that uh you know the council will now uh you know prevail
upon particularly uh uh assembly members Fryman and Drus you know who unlike their colleague senators wicker are not yet on the bill and can really use uh you know your um persuasion uh on that uh also it's not just about taking steps but it's about sitting down you know for
you guys to uh confer with resistencia you know to work in tandem uh to you know uh achieve the protections that neither you know alone nor they alone uh you know can can get. I mean to Mr. Nulan's point I hope we don't get to the point where we have to liken ourselves
to the Underground Railroad and you know keep to the shadows. You know uh this is something we're doing in the light of day uh you know in full view of the people who are threatening us and you know it has to uh you know we keep having to stand tall in that regard. So I thank you and you know encourage you
to go on with those efforts. >> Thank you so much for coming out. Good evening. My name is Kayla. I'm a program coordinator with Resistencia and I want to thank you for passing the resolution for our community here in Princeton. We are very eager to continue
our collective actions and one way we can do that is through education. One program we offer is English classes to Spanish speakers. We've offered this now for three years and this started because of a Princeton University student. Unfortunately, our last program year
quickly transitioned to fully online model to ensure the safety of our community. This has been a long-term goal of ours and we are currently collaborating with Princeton University to gain recognition as an independent organization through them. This status will provide us with support in many
areas. Most importantly, we assure our students that their presence on campus is protected and valued. I share this to bring forth a new perspective of how passing the ITA act is vital to our program's mission and the safety of our community. This
legislation helps build trust between immigrant communities and local institutions by limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. With this protection in place, our community members can participate freely and confidently in our programs. While not all community members are
undocumented, safety is crucial for impacts within the community. And based on my experience over the past year, I can confidently say there's a significant need and ample opportunity to expand this resource to more community members. And I would like to close with something that we have
brought up before regarding language justice at these meetings. In 2024, the state of New Jersey passed legislation that mandated language translation and interpretation services across state government entities, ensuring that state program ser programs and services and
resources are accessible to all. Our work thus far is complementaryary to our state's goals and objectives around providing accessible resources to the community. These laws were put in place to implement important protections like those in the immigrant trust act which
fosters safety and trust within our community. Additionally, language access is a fundamental part of our program. It ensures that all members, regardless of their English proficiency, can fully engage, understand their rights, and access vital resources.
So, thank you for your commitment to supporting comm the community you serve. However, we hope to provide we hope that you provide the necessary resources that directly impact our community members so they too can have a voice in these spaces and be a part of the conversation
because as Richard said, nothing about us without us. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hello. Uh my name is Simon Ellison. I am a pres um Princeton resident and I work at Labyrinth Books and as a community member I am wholeheartedly thankful that
you all um motioned to pass the um ITA resolution and I just want to say that while this is a victory and it it is uh it bears repeating. This is just the first step. it is not the end and it um
asks for a lot more urgency, a lot more immediate action, direct action and one of the ways for this to move forward efficiently is a
uh good faith direct partnership uh with resist resistencia and Um, I think that that's all that's needed. It it it's um moving forward together as
community and um not community uh entities and um moving forward in the um precariousness of the situation that there are 15
families that were uh affected by 15 people that were abducted still and many more that are soon to come if it's not taken care of immediately. That's all I needed to say. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Hi, I'm Hilda. I live here. I would like to start by expressing thanks for passing this resolution. I also thought it was very helpful to share the list of services that the Department of Human Services provides to immigrants in our community. at last uh
council's meeting. I was pleased to hear that the Department of Human Services offers know your rights trainings. I found this confusing, however, in light of the reluctance I perceive to incorporate the community rapid response model into our
town's emergency response plan. Know your rights training is the foundation of the rapid response model. Every Know Your Rights training I have attended has ended with a call to action. They are attended by community members of all immigration statuses who
want to defend themselves. But these events are also frequently the first point of contact between documented citizens eager to learn more about immigrants rights issues and local organizations that serve their community like Resistentia.
When people leave a know your rights training reassured, it is not because the information in the training completely prepares them to prevent an unlawful arrest. It is because they have made connections with members of their community and know that they will not
face ICE alone. They now have phone numbers to call into in an emergency. I am concerned that if the Department of Human Services does not have an answer of who immigrants should call in an emergency as part of its know your
rights trainings, those trainings will not be effective. They will be lectures, not trainings. Despite my concerns, I am confident that if council comes to understand the efficacy and legality of rapid response work, we can develop an emergency
response plan that protects our community members through every available lawful means. But I would feel more certain if it was clear that council themselves understood what their rights are. If you have attended the training, uh, please speak
to what this call to action is. Who should they call? Thank you. >> Um, can you hear me? Okay. Hello. My name is James. I'm a student at Princeton University. I've lived here for 3 years. I don't usually go home, so
I'm basically a resident. Um, I'd like to thank you for passing the ITA. I think it's very important. I'd also like to reiterate what the previous people before me have said that you should really work on making a community action plan particularly in collaboration with
Resistencia. Um, on a more personal note, I'd like to take as a person who also like deeply cares about history, uh, I'd like to take some issue with the statement, Mr. Nulan. um abolition and the underground railroad were too probably deemed too
extreme or too impractical at the time in the 19th century. What resistencia is asking you to do is not impractical. It is asking you to help them help directly the families in this community and I urge you this is why I urge you to work
with them. Um yeah thank you. >> Thank you. Hello. >> Hello. Good afternoon, council. I want to thank you guys for passing the resolution and uh my name is Arlene Flores. I've been I'm a present
resident. I've said that every time I've come here. And I am also a community organizer with Resistencia Axion. And I just wanted to share with you guys that I am the person that has been sitting down with all these families of the
members that were detained. It's been a hectic last two, three weeks working with the families. It's really hard sitting with these families
doing evaluations and telling them there's nothing to help their case. They are not criminals. They just come here to work. They have two, three jobs and they struggle a lot financially in their
home country and they come over here to support their families, to work hard to move on in life just like we do. You know, we working hard to move on in life, support our families. And that's what these people came to do.
All those people that were detained, or at least the families that were helping, none of them are criminals. None of them have criminal records. None of them ever had problems with the police. They're just hardworking people.
It's been really hard telling families that there's nothing to help their brother, to help their fathers. Now they're back in their home country. We do still have two people.
One person is in Elizabeth detention center and the other is in Delaney Hall. The others are unfortunately back in their country. And I know we can't do much anymore. They're back in their home country. But I really ask
if you guys could help. We created a GoFundMe page for the families even though we weren't able to help them and give them legal support. now they have to restart their lives back in their country. And we would like for you guys to please help us share the GoFundMe
page. If you guys could give a donation, we'd really appreciate it. And I want to be here speaking for those who couldn't come in today. A lot of families are hurting right now
and it's really hard having to hear families come in saying that their dad was deported or my brother was deported or my brother was detained, my father was detained, my uncle was detained. A family came in the
other day. A girl came crying because her father was detained at Montgomery. It's really hard. But anyways, thank you for passing the resolution. All right. First, let me take a moment to recognize
and celebrate an important victory. the passage of the ITI resolution. This is more than just a policy win. It's a milestone for our community. It's proof that our voices come together. Real time, real change is possible. This resolution stands as a testament to the power of collective action and to the
council members who chose to listen. We recognize that the council has a responsibility to engage with a range of stakeholders. That's understood and respected. Um, but it's equally important to ensure that no voices, especially those immigrant families and grassroots community members are
silenced or sidelineed. When only institutional or well-connected voices are prioritized, it sends a clear message. The community perspectives aren't valued as essential. We've been consistent in our call for a community action safety plan. We raised it in every single meeting. If prot if
protecting immigrant communities is truly a shared goal then sitting down with us resistencia is just not appropriate. It's necessary. So today we thank the council for passing the ITA resolution. It mean it's a meaningful first step in protecting immigrants. And
now we ask will the council commit to sitting with resistencia not not as a courtesy but as a vital step in creating a real inclusive community safety plan. Um and just to clarify of what uh my colleague Osma um mentioned about the
rapid response, I also helped lead in it and community members are being terrified um by the and being misled by these unmarked vehicles. Um it's it's it's the red and blue lights. Um you know, in reality, a lot of our community members don't know the difference
specifically of the car is completely unmarked. Um so we have been receiving a lot of calls um and it causes a lot of more stress and a lot of more uh fear in the children and a lot of members in the community. So I just wanted to uh celebrate this victory because I feel
like we definitely need to keep moving forward together to protect others from dissension and injustice. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Good evening council. My name is uh Reverend Eric Cusman from St. Bartholomew. You might remember me from last time, but um
this is what democracy looks like. You people that actually can have the humility to listen to their constituents instead of being that dictatorship that we're seeing coming down in Washington right now. Right? If you just saw, they
they're militarizing Washington DC because the people don't agree with the person in the main office. Then he started shouting a whole bunch of other names of cities and towns if you paid attention. Did you hear yours? I did. What happens when he gets in his little
foul play and he's going to take over your police department? What do you do then? These are some real questions. Are we just going to stand idly by and just be there to bandage the wounds of the victims of injustice that are getting trampled upon? Or are we going to drive the spoke in the wheel itself? We got to
think about that. See, growing up, I was taught to ask, you know, being a Christian, you probably heard it if you grew up in Christian schools and stuff, WWJD, what would Jesus do? Right? I'm I'm know you're familiar with that. It
got a little cliche and commercialized, and I understand, but it's still the right question. And I pray that every Christian or person of faith in America and around the world would ask that question right now. What would Jesus do? What would
Muhammad do? What would Gandhi do? Who would Jesus or Gandhi starve? Who would Jesus bomb? Who would Jesus turn away? And right on the backs of all this overmilitarization in uh the prison uh
industrial complex that's going to be booming in New Jersey real soon because as you do know uh they they uh limited the ban on privatized prisons which is opening the doors uh to break um the union bus department of corrections if you didn't know that that's what's going to happen. So instead of paying an
officer $100,000 a year they could pay a staff member $18 to $20 like they did at Tully House. Right, Mr. Nulan? So, I want to say, let Gaza live. Stop starving children. End the siege. Stop the raids. Abolish ICE. And have compassion. Feed the hungry. Care for
the sick. Welcome the stranger. Cuz that's what Jesus would do. Thank you, >> Jorge Torres. Um, I wanted to recognize the city council to do this, for doing this,
for listen to to the community. Sometimes we have to do what we are here to do and depends on us where sides of the history wanted to be in.
I didn't prepare anything tonight, but I wanted to to also making making this very very clear. This is what community looks like and only the people will save the people. I
think this is a great step to move forward. We need to think about what are we doing next. I know it's another fundraising there that we we didn't even know about it. I wanted to know what how can we work
together. I think it's a need urgent need of a community action plan. ISIS is going to come back and if you are really for the people we need to think about
how are we going to do and put our egos down. something that my my my friend was mentioning today about working with the families. I spoke with
one of them and what they told me is I might not be there anymore, but I'm I don't know if I'm going to be back soon or not, but I wanted to recognize that Resistencia is willing to sit, to
listen, and to work together. and hopefully we can make this a better and welcoming city like you all said. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Thank you. Jorge sir is
>> my name is Perez Hernandez. I'm from Guatemala. I wanted to thank to for pass this uh resolution. >> I am a day labor here in Princeton. >> And we as a daily laborers are one of the most affected.
Besides ice, we are also affected uh with wage theft for example. And some some of my family members were arrested when I raid here in Princeton. Some of them just have like three
months, six months and uh unluckily they dreams never going to come true. >> And I'm asking you from the bottom of my heart to have a plan when I show ups so we can work together. Gracias. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Good evening. Good. It's there. Okay, there it is. Good evening, council people. Uh, my name is Marl Sahabjami and I'm a researcher at Princeton University. Tonight, I'm here
to support Resistencia's request that the city council work with local stakeholders in devising a community safety plan. Council person Nuland just stated that the road to justice requires more than passion. It requires strategy.
In my capacity as a researcher, as a socioultural anthropologist, allow me to offer a strategy. anthropologists who employ a methodology called uh anthropologists employ a methodology called participatory action research or
PAR. It is a collaborative approach to research that involves all stakeholders throughout the research process from formulating research questions to developing data collection tools to analysis and dissemination of the outcomes. Stakeholders are consulted and
involved in every step. Applied anthropological scholarship has long evidenced that participatory action research is key to creating culturally sensitive and sustainable community centered action plans. The word participatory here refers to researchers
being embedded in the community. Resistencia leaders and members have long-standing relationships with and many of them are the impacted stakeholders. These relationships have helped them establish rapport with the other stakeholders in the community and
that rapport is vital to data collection for the purpose of assessing our community's needs. It is in the interest therefore of not only the community but also this council to take advantage of the bridges that resistia has built with
the community to date. I also want to note here that collaborating with resistencia does not by any means preclude the council's ability to collaborate with other groups or organizations. In my mind, the more community members
we can protect, the better. And I don't think the council disagrees with that because of course the mission is bigger than one person's profile. quote, "I'm here to encourage members of the council here to sit down with the young volunteers who answer panicked phone
calls about abductions, to sit down with the tireless operators of the rapid response lines who calm down workers afraid to leave their job sites after midnight because they were alerted of several suspicious vehicles in the parking lot. to sit down with the young
people who do intakes with families whose loved ones whose breadwinners have been abducted as you just heard. This is rapport and Resistencia has already built that with hundreds of members of this community. And this is why I highly recommend that the council consider
meeting with Resistencia's leaders and members in collaborating on a safety plan that protects the local community most directly impacted. This is a strategy council, one that I'm very familiar with and happy. >> Thank you, sir. Good evening, council.
My name is uh Minister Arcage Antoine. I'm with the clergy coalition for liberation. I want to say praise God today for this vote and this confirmation on this resolution. Um we know that you did it from the bottom of your heart and you didn't have to have
any communities pressure. Um but as we uh think about the plans to move forward um especially with providing some of the resources for members of the communities, one of the suggestions is uh to consider partnering with local
municipalities around a shared agreement because their communities are also um facing the same challenges. Um, and I think the number one resource that you're going to have to work overtime um, in this municipality is your legal counselor. Uh, your legal counselor and
their teams are going to have to really be proactive because it's not a matter of if, it's when. Uh, because Trump is and his administration is coming for everyone. Um, and as we continue to warn
our public officials that we understand that you have level respectability, we know that you are trying to show that you're astute and if we present ourselves well, but Trump has continued to show that he doesn't care about that. What did you see with Mayor Bowser,
right? She said that if I take the Black Lives Matter off the ground, you would you work with us, Trump? And he said, "Yeah." and she took it off and she gave him the numbers and she gave him the data and she said, "We're safe." And guess what happened today? He reiged on all of his promises and he came for the
entire uh community and we're not that could potentially happen here and not just in this town. And the question that you have to ask yourselves is what is your reputation going to look like? Because nobody stays in these seats
forever. And when you come to that grave, people are not going to remember the tax levy and the zoning changes that you're going to do. They're going to remember what you did to stand with the people at the hardest moments. And of
those of us who are love history, there were always difficult times. Whether you're looking at different revolutions that took place, whether you're talking about massive killings, you're talking about the enslavement. And it always took leaders to think outside the box and to be bold enough. and is these
people that we celebrate today. They took the risk. And so what we're asking you as a community, as leaders who are elected by the people, is don't play it safe, but take the risk to protect your community, especially the most
vulnerable a part of this community. So we look forward to continue partnering with you. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, sir. Good evening. My name is Farina Shamim. I organized with Resistencia down the street from here. I want to start off by saying thank you for passing the ITA resolution. This is an important first
step in the right direction. Now the question is how do we actually protect our community when ICE comes to abduct our neighbors and families and friends? What measures does Princeton as one of the wealthiest and most progressive cities in New Jersey? What action plan or safety plan do we have to alert the
community and educate them on their rights? I was extremely torn when I learned that many of those 15 people recently detained and deported were manipulated into signing off their rights to exist in this country. I can only imagine the fear that they felt, the confusion and panic with no one to
look out for them, no advocate. How will our community, how will our council members respond? Will you partner with Resistencia? Will you publicly share our rapid response hotline? Will you lead workshops with us to teach the community about the difference between a judicial
or administrative warrant so that they know what to look out for so that they are empowered? I am part of the rapid response team. There are many of us who volunteer our time and energy to patrol the neighborhoods. When we even confront ICE agents to show them that there are many of us who care, who see what
they're doing to our people and are willing to show up. So what are you willing to do about it? This these are your salaries. This is like your job. You know, we do this in our volunteer time. Will you help us fund raise for the families who are struggling to figure out how to survive after losing
the breadwinners in their home and they were just trying to work and feed their family. They were they didn't even have a criminal background. And to you, Mr. Leon Nevelin, you say that being passionate and loud isn't enough, but clearly we had to keep coming in here. We had to keep filling up the room over
and over. We had to push this resolution to expedite this process because you were telling us we're going to get to it just not now. And that's not an answer we were willing to accept. So that's why we really get to celebrate this moment. Please respect our rage. It comes from a place of sacred collective unity and
solidarity. This is not the time nor the place to tone police. We are trying to just deal with such terrifying realities when our people are being disappeared. Can you imagine that happening to your people? Are you going to sit here and be calm and collected and No, you're going
to be full of rage. You're going to cry. So, please understand why we're responding this way instead of being upset that we're we're taking up so much space and making so much noise. Please hear our cries, hear our rage, and understand that ultimately we really
just want to work with you guys. We keep coming out here. We keep introducing ourselves. We keep saying resencia, resencia, like you guys have heard it so many times. When will you trust us? When will you work with us? because we have so much proof that we're working with these people that are directly impacted.
What more do you need to see from us to know that we're doing the real deal. We we really are. We're putting our hearts on the line. We're putting all our efforts into this. There's so many people affected as you can see. What more will it take for you to care? Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Bonnie. I live Morgan place which is part of Princeton and this is very very spur of the moment. I just left an indivisible meeting where a Princeton University professor was weighing out how we're already very far or we're far enough into autocracy
thanks to you know who. And what he stressed in terms of response was we have to get out there and do everything we can. You know legal illegal good uh what is it? Good trouble. You know we just you don't have to worry about they're coming down on us. you just this
is the time he emphasized over and over again we all have to speak up and it's it's happening here to you know people I I watched the tape last time of what was happening here and people were referring to me as our fellow citizens and I I was
a reading specialist or reading I'm sorry reading specialist and social studies teacher and it's like wait a minute were they are they citizens but they are in so many ways they've been here for 30 years you know many of And it's just time as a community for us
to to let people know that they're we're with them, you know, across the board. We're a liberal place and, you know, you as our leaders should be speaking up because so many of the people just before me, the young people were making really good points that it's uh our
responsibility. So, thank you. Thank you, Kim. >> Hi. Uh, my name is Kim Dorman. I live in town. Do I need to give my address? Um, I just want to thank you all for uh passing this resolution. Um, and also I
particularly want to thank you and all of the organizations that have been working so hard to I mean, I grew up here um but I went away. I came back and for the last 15 years I've watched different groups
work hard to meet the needs, the changing needs and adapt to the needs of the community to see the different ways that they can help. Um I think it's important to note that different organizations have different strengths, different ways of doing things and uh
different communities connect with them because of that. Um, I appreciate I all the hours that you have put in. I know that people say you're getting paid. You really I've seen what you get paid. It's not a salary per se. It's a
token appreciation for what is primarily volunteering. Um and I do think it's important to note that you know there are a number of groups that because of their longstanding in the community have raised a significant sum uh to support
community members. Um so there is help as well uh if people can work together but mostly thank you and thank you to all the groups and community members that have been advocating for our community. >> Thank you Kim. Anyone
else in the audience want to share? Um, okay. So, I'm going to move to Zoom now. Um, okay. We have someone on Zoom. John, >> yes. Can you hear me?
>> We can. >> Okay. Uh, so I'm John Holler. I actually do live in Princeton. I'm very glad to see that Princeton uh will pass a resolution in support of the Immigrant Trust Act. I've also learned a lot more about
resistencia. I've been a strong advocate of uh immigrant rights since the year 2000 when I began coaching soccer in Trenton. I served on the Princeton Human Services Commission for 12 years where with Miss
Fraga, we started an immigration subcommittee. I've served on the boards of the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund and currently uh on the board of Solidar Central Jersey where we assist
asylum seekers. But I'm here to speak for myself, not for any of those organizations. For at least the last 15 years, the town of Princeton has made every effort to welcome and support immigrants, including low-wage people. Many of these
efforts are enumerated in the resolution, so I won't repeat them. I would however emphasize the police directive that was issued way back in 2014 that mandates that our police will in no way assist ICE. Our human services
department has three Spanish-speaking employees. They are tireless in their support, distributing know your rights info doortodoor, ensuring social services are available, directing people to food, health, and
other resources. A very successful wage theft resolution process with the help of human services has been in place for at least 10 years. Many cases have been resolved this way in favor of the person who was denied
their correct wages. And this very week they're distributing backpacks and school supplies most to the recipients of uh children of immigrants. So I'm I'm very sorry that but I must
strike one sour note. Uh the ICE raid of July 24th when 15 men were detained was 10 days after many speakers first came to the council meeting of July 14th and started demanding a resolution.
This demand was well publicized locally and in state media. Do you think ICE paid us a visit after seeing this in the press? Well, I guess we'll never know, but it certainly is a coincidence. So I would just ask that we look for better
and quieter ways to communicate. I would like to uh stress that before July 14th and ever since all the many local trusted immigrant advocates and organizations consciously decided not to publicly push
for the ITA because we thought it best for Princeton not to become a target. So instead of focusing just on Princeton's council, I would urge everyone to do the following. Please personally call and ask your New
Jersey state senator and two assemblymen to become co-sponsors of the Immigrant Trust Act, especially since so many of those who have spoken tonight and on previous nights live outside Princeton. This will give us a much wider reach.
Number two, contribute to the N Sorry. Did uh Adam, did you cut off John? >> Was he at the three minute mark? >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm sorry. Uh next person. >> Hi. Hello. Can you hear me?
>> Yeah, we can hear you. >> Okay. Uh hello council members. My name is Lucia and I'm an undergraduate at Princeton University. I want to echo what everyone has already uh said uh thanking you for passing the ITA resolution. Uh I don't need to tell you all the reasons why this resolution is
important. Instead, I'd like to touch on what has been mentioned by countless speakers, the need to sit down with Jesse Santan to create a community safety plan. I know some council members have emphasized that they are here to listen but not to give up their role as elected officials. That is not what
people are asking the council to do. In fact, I know that you all have collaborated am admirably with other immigrant support organizations like Law Def and Solidarid in the past. At the last care CARES meeting, Councilwoman Froga spoke about the existing president
of working with community organizations after Trump was first elected in 2016. Um, all we're asking is that you add Resiencia to that list of organizations that you are already willing to collaborate with. Uh I greatly appreciate and I know that everyone else at the meeting today
appreciates the work that is done with organizations like Solidari Dodd and Law Def. Last time I spoke at the council meeting, I mentioned that I have been a volunteer with Reicencia for almost 3 years. Um I've actually also been a volunteer with Solidary Dodd for almost
as long and solidary does incredibly important and invaluable work. Um, but given my volunteer experience with both organizations, I'd like to highlight the special perspective that Drescisencia brings that other lo local organizations cannot. Solidar Dodd and Law Def
primarily provide individualized legal services, whereas Drescencia is a community-based organization. That means that we sit down with domestic workers, day laborers, and other marginalized community members as a group. So, it's not one-on-one. And our work extends
beyond legal concerns to economic and social ones as well. Dorsicia is uniquely positioned to represent the collective concerns, ideas, interests, and aspirations of the Princeton immigrant community. The request to sit down with Ricensia is not a request to
exclude other organizations. It is simply a request to expand the work you are already doing to let the most vulnerable people in our community not just have their voices at their at these meetings, but to be treated um not just as token members of the community, but
as legitimate political actors ready to speak, to listen, and to work with you to make Princeton a safe and just town. >> Thank you. Anyone else on Zoom? Uh, okay. Adam, Juliana, I think, wants to come in.
Hello. Can everyone hear me? Yeah. Good evening. My name is Juliana and I am an undergraduate at Princeton University and a Princeton resident. I am also a volunteer with Resistencia Aion. I've worked with the families of the detainees and I also answer calls of
suspected ICE activity as an operator for a rapid response hotline. And first I wanted to take some time to thank all the members of the council present and not present for passing the ITA resolution. I think it's important to uh give a thank everyone for all the effort
that has been put in. I hope that moving forward we both see this resolution as a first step to working with resistion in the same way that council has already began to work with other groups in Princeton. The resolution means a lot to families and the rest of our community
as you signal to us that you're standing in solidarity with us and that you will be there for us and support us along the way. I would also like to take some time to touch on a point that was brought up last time and that a lot of other um of my friends and colleagues have already touched upon, but the question being how
do we move forward after this resolution? And as council member uh Leon Nuland has mentioned, having one group take over the wheel and and drive their own is obviously not the answer. We, you know, want to work together. So at Resistencia, we want to work with
you. We want to work with other groups because a collaborative governance ensures that diverse perspectives are brought to the table and that these perspectives are included when making decisions. So my hope is that moving forward and I've said this over and over
again at the all of the council meetings that I've been at for the last two months almost that we can all come together and develop a community action plan where the vast resources from the department of human services and our proximity at resistencia to the
community can work in tandem as as one rather than individual resources. When we come together that is much powerful. So our consistent engagement at Resistencia with the community is a tool for firsthand insight and our connection
to a vulnerable community, you know, is crucial. So it would be a shame if you chose to ignore this valuable insight. Once again, just thank you all. I hope that moving forward we do not have to keep asking for a seat at the table and that we can all come together as
organizers, advocates, students, and local representatives from the many corners at Princeton. the community um action plan should just be a step to working together, another first with resistencia, but it shouldn't be the last. There are many other opportunities
that will come along the way, and I hope that you continue to work with us and the other groups at Princeton. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else on Zoom? Anyone else in the room,
sir? >> Hi. Um, my name is Matthew Zultansky and I'm someone that very recently started organizing with resistencia and Axion and I want to say again, thank you for passing the ITA resolution. And you
know, I wanted to say I've heard a lot about there being like distrust between like you guys and Resistencia. And I have to say like even before going into organizing with them, to be fully honest, I'm someone that kind of was
in the mindset of like, you know, the only people that can help each other when it comes to these kind of things are each other. with a lot of the headlines it can seem like you know there's been like a lot more distrust I've seen with a lot of people in like the government but hearing that you guys
passed the ITA resolution to actually help people in the community for me it was a very pleasant surprise and it makes me happy to hear that and I really hope to see you guys continue to work with Residentia because as I've gotten to know them they really are some good
honest caring and smart people that really made me think like, "Wow, these guys really do trust you guys and want to work with you." Like, so I I hope you're really not getting that wrong idea from them because it's really it really is like the community is coming
together and wants to work with you guys and I hope to see it happen, continue to happen. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for coming out. Sir, I just want to say that normally we don't take comment in the room after comment on Zoom, but I just want to make
sure that everyone who took the time to come out tonight has the chance to express themselves. So, um >> I appreciate that as well. >> Thank you. Of course. Um sir, did you want to were you did you want to add something? >> Yes. Good afternoon or good evening. My name
is So I came right away after listening online that you had passed the resolution for Princeton. >> I came although I had problems something from familywise but I came because this is very important to me.
I just want you to know that this is just the beginning of a great team that we're going to form to work together. >> Today, it's not only us winning, it's all of us together here. I want you to feel proud of what you've done today. You guys are the main ones
here. Sir, >> thank you console. Thank you, uh, Miss Sax. Um, I didn't come here with the script today. I just wanted to say something quick. Um, as an organizer with Resistencia, a part of my job is to, uh, do content, in this case, live
streams, as you can see from our stand over there. And I have the privilege and the responsibility of interpreting for our viewers uh, who watch our live stream in Spanish. Hopefully we do see uh the chance to see interpreting in this uh in this room. But whenever
there's uh this is needed uh I am in charge of doing that. Uh and I just wanted to say that the way we build trust with this community is through things like that, communicating effectively with our fellow community members and our neighbors. We do this
day every day and that's how they trust us and that's how we're able to work with them. And I want to tell you that we want to do the same with you and we want to communicate day by day with you so that we can work together and to
bring everybody together so we can say we do not want ice here and we will do everything that is needed to kick them out of Princeton. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Ice out of Princon. Ice out of Princon.
Ice out of Princon. Ice out of Princon. Ice out of Princon. Ice out of Princon. Ice out of ice. >> Okay. >> All right. That was a great way to end
public comment. Um, >> somebody left. >> Somebody left. >> Somebody left a phone. Sorry. I I I >> It's a phone. >> It's a phone. It's a phone. Anybody left a phone?
>> Okay. Well, if anyone left a phone, there's an unclaimed phone in the lobby there. Um, okay. I have a few things I want to say, but I want to I Yes, absolutely. So,
>> I will be very and anyone else want to respond? >> Thank you. And I intend to be very brief. I and I just want to emphasize again that our Princeton uh our police department works
tirelessly to keep our community safe and our human services department provides vital support to those in need. And for anyone that is sincerely committed to helping our immigrant community, it's important that we
whatever information we're putting out that is accurate and that it is essential that I would that anything that is not accurate and and verified
spreads messages that uh create panic in our community. So telling people not to trust our police officers or to avoid human services uh police
it's okay. You know the thing is that we are here to help our community and when we have heard not just with our our own ears but when we see post on social media
telling people that ISIS in our community and to stay home and there's was an incident earlier uh this year where members of our community were being told that ICE was here stay home and When we verified that in fact it was
not ICE, it was the sheriff's department serving a criminal warrant and we relayed that information, the misinformation still continued. The sheriff's department was there to serve a criminal warrant, but yet that information was used to say that and I
have I have copies of the post that were put up there that was >> that was please. Okay, this is not a back and forth. >> You accusing of something that is not true. Why do you always have to do this?
>> I'm not always have to do >> this with you and you allow us to do this. >> We have heard we have heard. >> We were going to end it really nice. >> Okay, I I will just share it on social
media if that's the way we do things. >> We were just going to end up in a really nice way. accusing of something not true. >> February 1st, 2025. >> Why did you do that? >> It's misinformation. When we're trying
to build trust with our community, it does not help. >> He was accused. He was accused of you know the facts. >> Okay. >> Because she doesn't want to. >> Okay.
I'm sorry. >> Why you have to do that? Why you had to end it up nicely? >> Everyone, every everyone everyone listen. >> Do any other I I have a few things I'd like to say. Do any other council members have anything they'd like to
say? No. Okay. All right. I agree. This has been a really productive evening. There's a lot of healing that has gone on tonight. >> Trust has been built. There's a framework for collaboration.
Let's end on a good note. Um, I appreciate the respect and understanding that has been demonstrated by everyone that came tonight. Um, and mutual respect is obviously the foundation for
working together. Um, obviously there have been as as Leticia just mentioned there there have been issues in the past and and um I think you know one thing that was painful for me was a letter that
appeared today and asking uh why we delayed this. I just want to make clear that we have many different groups in the community advocacy groups um and who have advised us and and in in different directions. Um there's never been any
any um ambiguity about the council's commitment to the ITA. The ITA is sort of a no-brainer. Um you know, it makes sense. Um, I will just say that the all the ITA does though is provide
for it's it's it's it's a quick fix in terms of um not a quick fix but it it remedies um in the short term or it provides safeguards against what is a totally broken immigration system and and I hope that we will all keep our eyes on the
big picture. Um, I wish that we had the ability as a municipality to pass this act at the local level. And I will
say the fir the the thing that was the most painful for me in the first meeting is to have residents coming and and being brave enough to come and express their anxiety and fear and in the hopes that we could pass
something that would have the immediate impact of providing protection for them. And I wish that we could do that that we had that ability and we don't. Um, but we can do what we're doing tonight,
which is to pass this resolution to urge our state legislature to pass the act. Um, which is the floor, just the beginning. Um, and I I I again want to thank everyone for
coming out tonight and and with your with very positive expressions of support and and trust and collaboration. I hope we can build on this um >> yeah because it's it's it's really
critical during this time. Um but obviously there it's not just working with us. It's all of all of our local groups working with one another. Um there are some things that government can do and some things that they can't do. And and and you know in all honesty
some of us have a background in in activism and activis and advocacy. And it's sometimes hard for us now in the government role to there are constraints on us here. But there is a role for everyone to play all of our local groups
and for us and um now is the time in in which we have to to work together. So I hope today is the beginning of that. Thank you so much. Yeah. So so I think we have not actually yet adopted
the resolution. Um, so all in favor >> I >> I Okay. It's okay though. You everything welded in as well. I wonder if that there's a lady that
came up earlier. I wonder if she stayed. She may not. >> That lady that got up earlier. >> Okay. So, >> got up early and came in. Yeah. >> Yeah. And it's next. It's next. Yeah,
it's next. Okay. So the now we're on to the consent agenda. >> Chief of police a couple months ago we had a very
and and I started out by thanking retire the department of labor and my office was contacted by a police detective Annette and They're both retired. >> Nas. Yes. Uhhuh.
>> And I told the police chief really surprised by coming into Princeton because it's been such a welcoming community and the police department reached out to my office for me to give a presentation
at the Catholic Church. So we do want to work. >> Thank thank you for sharing that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That's good to know. >> I retired from
>> we we >> I'm glad to hear that. We we believe that our police are >> good guys. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Um, okay. We are on to the consent
agenda. Would any council member like to an item removed from the consent agenda? >> No, not removed. >> Not. Okay. Motion to adopt. Councilwoman Fraga. Second. Councilman Nuland. All in favor? >> I.
>> I. Okay. We are now on to public comments for items not on the agenda. I'm sorry you had to wait so long for this, but um >> okay what was going on here today? >> That's okay.
>> This meeting was short compared to the last three. >> So um I question and I question how one developer the Avalon company Okay. I question how one developer, the Avalon Company, has been approved to
develop three high-rise residential buildings in Princeton, all within prime walkable locations. They're price fixing our town. Their buildings are inferior and dangerous. I question who is approving this corporate monopoly at the expense of what is beneficial for the
citizens of PR of Princeton. I was asked to speak regarding Avalon on Harrison, the new high-rise building in the Princeton Shopping Center, which opened five months ago. There are so many electrical issues that I will only mention a few. As we know,
electrical issues are a big contributor to fires and to the extensive damage they cause and of course to the loss of lives that come from those fires. The fire alarm has gone off at least four times that I'm aware of. They have all been electrical issues and malfunctions
one evening and actually went off around 4:00 a.m. in the morning, forcing the evacuation of the entire building. None of these have been the result of an actual fire. The summer, this summer, we have had numerous heat waves, which has made these electrical issues even worse.
The building was struck by lightning, which I'm told shorted out the AC on one of the residential floors, as well as the AC on the second floor lounge. The lounge still has no AC. This is a month later. The pool was closed the past weekend, also because of electrical
issues. The front doors of the building don't lock for months. Electrically, the door will not close properly so that the electronic lock could activate. Many building doors sporadically don't open with the with the phone app that they enforce that you use, which is the
way that tenants have access into the building. The elevators have gotten stuck and stopped working at least six times that I'm aware of. In order to dispose of garbage, you must wave your hand to activate the door and the garbage shoot to open. However, more times than I can count, the door to open the garbage and put it down the chute
just won't open, forcing the residents to just leave the garbage on the floor next to the chute. The door to enter the buildings from the garage don't work most of the times. The Princeton Shopping Center is a designated park and ride offering tax
incentives to the developer. Yet, Avalon is forcing the residents to pay about $100 a month to park their car in the newly built garage and telling residents that they will receive a ticket from the police if they don't do so. However, the police say that the Princeton Shopping Center is private property and they will
not ticket cards. The building installed chains on the porch doors to the residential apartments. The chains tangle frequently, thus preventing the door from opening. This is a definite fire hazard. The Avalon has now price fixed the rental market in Princeton, now
affecting not only the three buildings that they own in prime walkable locations, but also the housing rental market, which is now matching their pricing. It has been shown that the attorneys that sued the various towns in New Jersey to force them to develop more
affordable housing were actually hired by the vested interests on the real estate development companies. >> Ma'am, I'm I'm sorry, your your time is up. Um, you're now now going over. >> Oh, okay. >> Are you I'm sorry. Are you a resident of correct
>> Avalon and Harrison? >> That's right. >> You're you're a resident of Avalon and Harrison. Okay. So, we'll follow up. We'll figure out Yeah. I will just say that um uh all of the Avalon properties are part of the town's um affordable
housing statemandated compliance program um which has its own and I don't want to get into a back and forth now but um did did you leave >> I have issues with their claimed affordable housing part also >> well then take it up with with with
state superior court um do you uh >> how they're claiming it's affordable housing they're doing discrimination within Okay. It's within our town, >> but but you live in the in the complex. Okay. So, we'll we'll have someone follow up with you. Thank you for coming
and and bring the those do sound like concerning items. >> Leave your name with >> your name. Jeff Ger is uh >> with Yeah. >> head of the health. Yeah. So, wait. Fine. You can Well, it's
we have to move on. Um, okay. >> Hi. Um, excuse me, madam madam president. I just Mindy I want to have full disclosure here. I was uh leaving Rita's I think it was yesterday or the day before and Mindy was up on the
fourth floor sitting comfortably in her apartment in Avalon and I took it upon myself to holler up and say hey how you like living here and she said it's a lovehate relationship and I told her well we have a meeting on Monday night you should come talk talk to us about it so thank you for coming
>> this person right here >> okay >> all right thank you >> I I help our housing inspection office will be able to help out with some of the things you're mentioning. I mean, we we do have a regular regimen of inspecting rental
housing in town. So, do we have any other comments for items that are not on the agenda? Anyone here? No. Wow. All right.
Um, David, >> I move to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. Second. Brian did. Brian. Okay. All in favor? I I What if I desent? >> All right. Thank you, everyone.