All right. Good e- Good evening, everybody. Thanks for being here. It is Monday, June 22nd, 2026, and this is a meeting of the Mayor and Council of Princeton, New Jersey. Uh Madam Deputy Clerk, could we have the meeting notice or meeting statement,
please? I'm sorry. One sec. You still can't hear me at all? Let me eat the microphone. You will The jury will disregard all prior comments. Let me start over. Hey, welcome. Today is Monday, June 22nd, 2026. This is a meeting of the Mayor and
the Council of Princeton, New Jersey. And uh Madam Deputy Clerk, could we have the meeting statement, please? >> Notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act and state regulations governing public meetings.
>> They're having trouble hearing you, too. >> Including the time, date, and location of the meeting and clear and concise instructions to the public for accessing the meeting and making comments. In addition, the agenda and all related
materials were posted electronically and made available to the public on Princeton's meeting portal in advance of the meeting. >> Thank you. I'll do the land acknowledgement tonight. We gather today on the land of the Lenni Lenape. As members of the Princeton community,
we aspire to show appreciation, respect, and concern for all peoples and our environment. We honor the Lenape and other indigenous caretakers of these lands and waters, the elders who lived here before, the indigenous today, and the generations to
come. Can we have roll call, please? >> Mr. McDonald. >> Here. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Here. >> Ms. Perelman Ambrose. >> Here. >> Ms. Sachs. >> Here. >> Ms. Fraga. >> Here. >> Mr. Newland. >> Here. >> Mayor Frieda.
>> Here. If you're able, I'd like to stand and join us in 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. >> Thank you. No. No. Okay, first up is approval of minutes from our January 27th, 2026 meeting. So,
um just for everybody up here and for you in the audience, we all have these little computer screens in front of us and we can see what the camera shows and usually I can look at this screen and see who has their hands up. My screen is not working, which means I'll be doing my head going back and forth. So, I
likely will not call people in the order they raise their hands. It'll be whoever I see. So, sorry about that, but you also have to just put up with me twisting my head to see who's raising their hands. Having done that, I did see a couple hands down here, so I'm going to go with David on the motion and Brian on the
second. Uh any questions or comments on those minutes? All right, all in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> All right. Announcements, council announcements and/or reports. Brian. >> Uh yes, uh there's been an awful lot
going on in the community over the last 2 weeks and I just wanted to highlight uh two of them. Uh uh two Saturdays ago at the shopping center Send Hunger Packing Princeton hosted a really fun uh can-struction event. Um and I hope
some of you got to see some of the amazing um well, sculptures, constructions that were created. Uh it was a great cause, and I wanted to specifically uh highlight the work of my colleague uh David Cohen, who was very involved in
the effort, and I think was among the people there bright and early at 7:00 to uh get things going, and he also found a very creative use for his uh his yard signs. Um and uh if anybody noticed those, I got a good
chuckle. Um the the second thing I wanted to highlight was uh two Sundays ago on uh June 14th uh the Princeton First Aid and Rescue had a really nice open house with a good turnout from the community. And for me, it was the first
time I I got the full tour, and if you haven't done that, um it's a really impressive facility. Um and getting getting to see some of the equipment up close and have members of the squad explain what uh it everything is capable
of doing uh was for me, it was a really great uh hour and a half that I spent there. Um but what I want to highlight is during that session, um our mayor, Mark Freda, was recognized for 51 years of service to the squad.
>> [applause] >> And um uh in the proclamation that was read from Senators Wicker, Assemblywoman Drulis, and Assemblyman uh Fryman, uh they noted that he began his work at the
squad as a teenager in July 1975, uh which is amazing. Um so that's 51 years, the last eight as the president of the squad, and uh paired with his service at the fire department, that's
51 plus 51, let me do the math, 102 years of service just to those two great organizations. So thank you, Mark. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Uh Okay. >> [applause] >> Thank you. Two great organizations, so anybody you
know that wants to volunteer, steer them to those two. Anyway, further council, uh what, Tish? >> Uh mine is more of a report. Uh some of you may already be aware that this past uh Thursday, we, as in other
years, we raised uh for Juneteenth, we raised the flag, uh and we this year we did it on the day before. Uh past years we have raised the Juneteenth flag uh on Juneteenth, and we've also uh hosted
uh a luncheon for employees in observation of Juneteenth, but we've been uh on the personnel committee, Layton's with me on the personnel committee, we have been working towards doing something more meaningful, uh something that was more than just
symbolic, uh such as the flag raising. Um so for the first time ever this year, uh the municipality, uh we adopted an ordinance declaring Juneteenth uh our municipal holiday,
and uh actually offices were closed, so that our staff and employees and members of our community uh would be able to take part in local events and celebrate and also in their own way. and we're
very proud of the work we've done not only in observing the holiday but also declaring that it's more than just symbolic and we we want to make progress
through our actions not just through words. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Layton Thank Thank you mayor. Yes, I have a few announcements. Um number one Welcoming Week will be held this year
from September 10th. Welcoming Week Okay, Welcoming Week Is that better? Okay, Welcoming Week will be held in Princeton this year from September 10th through the 19th. And the big event during that whole week
is on the 18th where we will have a cultural event at Hinds Plaza. Just want to let everyone know to put that on your calendar. Uh also this past week on Tuesday I'm sorry the 23rd this coming week
Mercer County Board of Social Services will be here from 9:30 to 1:00 p.m. And they will be working with things like New Jersey SNAP, housing. So I want to let people know that if you have any needs in social services that will be Tuesday the
23rd. On June the 25th the Zufall mobile unit will be here doing dental inspections. That will be up at uh on Stockton Street. That is the 25th during the day. Uh we're also involved now at the Human
Services Department with school supplies and back to school. So if you're in the sound of my voice please help us out with back to school packages. This year we're happy to report that 46 summer program participants will be working within the municipality
for summer internships. We also had the pride parade last week. It was well attended. Was a lot of fun. Leticia talked about the Juneteenth, the flag observation. And
last but not least, shop local, dream local, eat local, work local, think local. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And can we also acknowledge our administrator Bernie who also worked very uh to make uh Juneteenth happen. Uh worked
with uh with our unions and as the head of our uh municipal departments. Uh thank you, Bernie, for the work you did to make that happen. >> I am remiss. Thank you, Bernie, Sam, uh Craig, uh the flag raising staff, the
Department of Public Works, everybody. Thank you very much. >> All right, David. >> Uh just one more uh event that I want to put on people's radar from till Friday evening, July 31st, to Sunday, August
9th, will be this year's uh Safe Streets Joint Effort program organized by long-time uh Princeton adjacent >> [laughter] >> individual, John Bailey. Um it's a great program including everything from gospel
music to uh Governor Murphy and Sherrill is going to be here on Wednesday night. Um so, keep your eyes out for the different programming that's available. >> Mayor, I got just one more thing I forgot. Thank you. Um also just want to share this
incredibly important and significant news. Not only have we had the Mexican embassy here, but this past the Guatemalan embassy here, but last week we had the Mexican Embassy here uh from Philadelphia and they went through
309 various services during the entire day on Friday and a half a day on Saturday helping people with things like dual citizenship and transformation. So, I just want to congratulate our Human Services Department and the wonderful job that we do looking out for our most
vulnerable residents. That's it. Thank you. Mia. >> Yeah, I just wanted to address um some uh comments and phone calls that I received earlier today from people who read an article in Tap Into which um I
confess I haven't had the chance to read fully, but it was um an article about uh something that we're approving tonight, which is a resolution to evaluate uh certain buildings on the Westminster campus uh for municipal needs and um the
the I got some hysterical phone calls saying, "Oh, I missed the opportunity to weigh in." So, I just want to take the moment. This is not an official report, but just to remind people of where we are in the process, which is phase two exploring design alternatives um
and uh this uh what is being proposed tonight is to evaluate the adaptive reuse of the buildings on campus for municipal needs, which was one of our stated goals. Um there are a lot of moving parts in this
project. As some of you know, we are conveying two municipal properties, which currently house public works staff, and we are working to uh figure out a a campus for them on River Road. And we also are overcrowded here. Uh
after consolidation, there was sort of a random um some some staff were placed at 400 Witherspoon, some were placed at Monument Hall, but we've never really um thought programmatically about which staff departments need would make the
most sense to be housed uh in close proximity. Um we also um uh as as many of you know um in our one of our stated goals was uh collaboration
with Princeton Public Schools and their ability to accommodate the growth that has come in recent years and to have the room to expand their facilities and as we stated at the time, the acquisition of the property that was that was a uh
top goal. Um And so there are still many pieces in this puzzle. We're still very much at the beginning. As we said, this is planning for the next 50 years, which doesn't happen in 5 months and um
right now we are I would say I'm dating myself, but if we were writing a paper, right where we are now is looking at the card catalog to see which books we want to check out. Um and um although I know that's not how school is anymore. Uh so there will be uh many
opportunities for the public to weigh in once in once we um are aware most importantly of what the cost implications are of the various different options and these include
um municipal staff, school district facilities, um and of course our our beloved arts and cultural institutions. And it's uh a big puzzle and we are just right now trying to get the frame. And so not
to worry for the people who left messages and emails today and thought they had missed the process, you haven't missed it. Um there's a a of discussion which uh we hope will be informed by facts based on the research that uh we and together
with the firm Topology are currently undertaking. Um but I would urge you all because there is some rumor going around that uh the municipality actually was planning to put a big housing project uh on the site. Um that was never part of our
stated goals. Um if so, I'm not aware of it, uh and I would just urge um everyone to look at the goals that we did state um uh which are on our project page on the
uh municipal website, and the number one priority was to retain the key existing site assets, including at a minimum the historic quad, the Cullen Center, and the Playhouse. Um and as many of you know, we're very excited that our community partner
McCarter has applied to the state for a grant for tens of millions of dollars, which would enable them to help us to um uh facilitate our goal of uh preserving these very valuable
valuable um historic uh buildings on site. And so, we hope that uh McCarter we we hope to hear about that uh grant very soon, and um we look forward to partnering with them um on the campus also to
effectuate our goal of expanding arts and cultural uses on the campus to honor the legacy of of what that campus was. So, um that is not uh that that's not a comprehensive report, but it's just an FYI.
>> Thank you. Any other council reports? Michelle? >> It's a busy month. Um so, I just want to uh acknowledge that the 30th anniversary of Jazzams took place uh yesterday with a great you know wonderful turnout and I
just want to congratulate Dean and and and Joanne for their 30 years of community they're more than just a toy store. So thank you. I also want to thank the Princeton Symphony. They had a fabulous Festival that ended yesterday
also great turnouts and wonderful program. So I think every year just gets better and better and you don't think they can top it but they do. And lastly I just want to mention that we had a great first World Cup watch party over at Monument Park. Thank you
to Robin Lapidus and team the board and all the volunteers that helped and of course our staff was wonderful. Our police department came out our DPW gosh Dan Van Mater was ready to jump in his truck and go get us a generator when we
couldn't get the video hooked up but it all worked out and he didn't have to ruin his Sunday. So thank you Dan for that. But we had a wonderful time on Saturday. There's another one coming up at the shopping center this Sunday June 28th. There'll be a game. It's only one
game. I think it's at 3:00. It's one of the playoffs and then the last one that we'll do the watch party will be also a Bastille Day and that's July 14th. So that's over at Palmer Square on Hallfish. So thank you to the grant and we're going to do a little
acknowledgement in a moment. So just wanted to mention all those it's a very busy month very busy summer. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other Council announcements or reports? Okay. Why don't we do the police monthly report? Captain?
>> Thank you Mayor and Council. Tonight I'll be presenting the May 2026 Police Department monthly report. Traffic enforcement continues to represent the number one category of complaints and service-related concerns received by the Princeton Police Department. These concerns consistently reflect the
community's expectations for safer roadways. In response to many of these complaints, the department maintained a deliberate approach to traffic enforcement throughout the month. Officers conducted a total of 822 motor vehicle stops, which resulted in the issuance of 557
motor vehicle summonses. In addition, a total of 68 dedicated traffic details were completed, during which officers were specifically assigned to proactively identify and enforce motor vehicle violations.
This level of enforcement reflects a sustained operational emphasis on identifying and addressing violations that contribute to crashes, unsafe roadway conditions, and community complaints. It should be noted that the issuance of motor vehicle summons
summonses serve as an important function beyond immediate enforcement action. It acts as a deterrent to future violations by reinforcing the expectation that unsafe or unlawful driving behavior will will result in accountability.
Over time, consistent enforcement efforts of this nature are intended to promote voluntarily voluntary compliance with motor vehicle laws and improve overall roadway safety. The Princeton Police Department remains committed to enhancing safety for all
roadway users, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and e-bike operators. As travel behaviors and transportation options continue to evolve, our enforcement efforts will continue to be aligned with the broader goals of
reducing risk, preventing collisions, and supporting safe shared use of public roadways. In addition, the department is closely monitoring the evolving state-level legislation and regulatory changes related to e-bike use in New Jersey.
We are aware of these updates are in our expected to introduce new classifications, operational rules, and enforcement considerations. The new e-bike legislation is scheduled to take effect July 19th of 2026.
As these laws are implemented, we anticipate a period of adjustment within the community, particularly as it relates to rider awareness and compliance. A key component includes requirements that certain e-bike operators will be
subject to licensing, registration, and insurance standards similar to other regular regulated motorized vehicles, depending on classification. These requirements are intended to improve accountability, ensure that operators are properly trained and
authorized, and provide a clearer structure for enforcement when violations or collisions occur. Throughout this month, the Princeton community, there has been a uptick in theft by dece deception and fraud trends.
The department has also observed these deception and fraud related cases during the month of May. Specifically, seven residents fell victim to various scam related schemes resulting in financial losses ranging from several thousand dollars to as high
as $280,000. This does not include the uh ones where our residents uh did not send any money. These incidents continue to reflect a broader trend which offenders use increasingly sophisticated methods to
manipulate the victims into voluntarily transferring funds or sensitive information. The most common scam types reported include impersonation scams involving individuals posing as law enforcement,
other government agencies, or financial institutions, such as your banks, account compromise or bank fraud alerts designed to create urgency and isolate victims,
romance scams involving long-term emotional manipulation and fabricated emergencies, tech support scams involving false claims of device compromise and remote access requests, as well as fraudulent investment and
cryptocurrency schemes promising high or guaranteed returns. Residents are reminded to remain alert to common warning signs including urgency, secrecy, requests for wire
transfers or cryptocurrency, and instructions to move money to safe accounts. Legitimate institutions will not demand payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or immediate unsecured transfers.
Residents are encouraged to independently verify any suspicious contact using known official phone numbers, and to consult with trusted family members or the police before making any financial action.
And the last, the recruitment and hiring update. The This department is also nearing the completion of its current recruitment and hiring process. This hiring cycle has generated strong interest with over 140 applicants submitting applications
to join the Prince Police Department. The level of participation stands in contrast to many municipalities throughout the state of similar size where agencies often struggle to attract 1/3 of the applicants. This strong applicant pool reflects the
continued positive reputation of the Princeton Police Department both locally and throughout the state. This shows the effectiveness effectiveness of the department's community relations team, which has done an exceptional job engaging with a wide range of individuals and communities to
ensure our recruitment efforts reflect the diversity and character of the community we serve. Maintaining a recruitment process that reaches broadly and attracts qualified candidates is essential to ensuring that the department continues to grow in a way that aligns with the needs and
expectations of the Princeton community. The current applicant pool provides a strong foundation for selecting candidates who are both highly qualified and committed to public service. And with that, I'd be happy to answer questions about
the report. Thank you. David. >> Yeah, not so much a question as a comment. I wanted to really thank the department for the level of traffic enforcement that you've been doing this month and mention to members of the
public that if you want to Captain Leger Massino did not talk about the comparisons to the previous year in terms the number of summonses, the number of traffic stops. And they have really stepped up their enforcement this year.
And so if you're curious, take a look at the at the report cuz you can see not just what they've been doing this year, but what they have done in past years and it's really a dramatic and it's really an important step forward for traffic safety on our
roads. >> Thank you. And I And I'd say uh that we can thank Chief Solway in the way that he reimagined our traffic safety bureau. Uh he's been able to fully staff uh the Traffic Safety Bureau allowing us
coverage from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 7 days a week so that we have those officers here 7 days a week being able to enforce. So, I'd say thank you to to Chief for being able to do that. >> Very very much appreciated. >> Thank you, Brian.
>> Uh yeah, just I wanted to note um Captain noted 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 7 days a week. Um just to be clear, that's when the traffic traffic safety bureau is doing a lot of their work, but the 34 patrol officers who also play an
important role in traffic safety are out there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So, don't go fast between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and think you're going to get away with it. >> Yes, that's correct. We are here 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. >> Any other questions on the uh police report? Okay, moving on to the next item. Michelle, you have an update on the uh parking ordinance uh discussion and schedule? >> Yeah, well we'll open it up if anyone has any questions. I just wanted to um
bring to um people's attention that Experience Princeton will be hosting on July 15th at 8:00 a.m. Um a presentation of the um parking uh fee proposal. And uh that's particular to business owners. Uh any business owners that would like
to come or commercial property owners that would like to attend. Uh again, it's at the public library at 8:00 a.m. But if there are any questions, we did the presentation um last uh council meeting and we're hoping uh once we get some feedback that we'll um either bring
it back for another uh conversation or we'll bring it to a you know ordinance introduction. So, thank you. >> Okay. Any other announcements or reports of any type before we move to the next item. Okay, great. We have a proclamation.
Layton, I think you're doing the first one. >> Indeed we do, Mayor. Indeed we do. Uh one of the most impactful things we get to do as council people is to uh recognize people here in our town
who are meaningful and we recognize them with proclamations. And since I've been on council this is something I take very very seriously. And this is a long time coming.
Lance Liverman and I call him Sir Lance Liverman has been here with us for a long time. He is someone who takes the motto being my brother and/or my sister's keeper very seriously and since he's been a
young man here everything he's done everything he's touched everything he's been about has been about unselfishness. So it really is a privilege and a real honor a real
honor to bring about this proclamation here tonight in my me and my now LaTisha Frag is going to start us off with a proclamation for Sir Lance Liverman and I want to thank the people in the audience everyone here
everyone within the sound of my voice particularly the people from the Witherspoon Jackson neighborhood and the community the churches the library and also want to say that I'm going to ask that Lance allow us to read this at the First Baptist Church in an upcoming
church service and also at a neighborhood meeting. So with that I want to give the mic to LaTisha who will start the proclamation for one of the finest individuals that is ever
native son that has graced us with his presence here, Sir Lance Liverman. >> Sir. >> [applause] >> And it truly is great honor to get this started. It's a proclamation honoring
Lance Liverman for his numerous years of service and contributions to Princeton. Whereas lifelong Princeton resident Lance Liverman has dedicated decades of faithful service to the municipality of
Princeton, the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, and the greater Princeton community through leadership, compassion, mentorship, and unwavering civic engagement. And whereas Mr. Liverman served the residents of
Princeton with distinction as an elected official and member of local government always bringing a voice of integrity, fairness, and deep concern for the well-being of all people. And whereas through his long and
distinguished career of public and community service Mr. Liverman has generously given his time and talents by serving on numerous boards, nonprofit organizations, commissions, committees,
and civic initiatives that have strengthened and uplifted the Princeton community. And whereas as a devoted leader trustee, and steadfast pillar of the First Baptist Church of Princeton Lance has helped strengthen the
spiritual foundation of the community while serving as a mentor counselor, and guiding presence for generations of Princeton families. And >> Whereas >> Whereas through his work in real estate and housing
Lance has demonstrated that business success and community compassion can walk hand in hand, consistently opening doors of opportunity while showing generosity and care to residents from all walks of life.
And whereas Lance Liverman has long been recognized throughout Princeton within the historic Witherspoon-Jackson community and Princeton at large as a trusted neighbor humanitarian bridge builder and one of the most
respected and influential figures in the life of the municipality. And whereas Lance Liverman's legacy has been grounded in his love and devotion to family together with his beloved life wife Latonya and their three beautiful
children whose support and partnership have helped sustain his extraordinary commitment to service. And whereas the municipality of Princeton recognizes that the impact of Lance Liverman's life and work reaches far beyond titles and
positions reflecting instead a legacy of faith, humility, service, leadership and love for community. Now therefore be it resolved that I speaking on behalf of Mayor Mark Freda and council of the municipality of
Princeton do hereby honor and recognize Lance Liverman for his outstanding and enduring contributions to the civic, spiritual, cultural and human fabric of Princeton, New Jersey. And extend to him the gratitude and
appreciation of an entire community for a lifetime of righteous service. Be it further resolved that the municipality of Princeton proudly celebrates Lance Liverman and Latanya, his wonderful and beautiful life wife.
As a true son of Princeton whose legacy of leadership, compassion, integrity, and community stewardship will continue to inspire generations to come. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] [applause]
[laughter] >> Lance, why don't you use one of the microphones up here? >> I know. Hello. Things have changed since I've been here. We used to have microphones, but uh um let me say I couldn't ask
for anything more beautiful um than the words that we heard today. And it really is not Lance Liverman, it's Lance Liverman and team.
Uh my wife and my kids have been my foundation along with my mom and pop and family have been my foundation. Um I was always taught that you give back from an early age at
early age and I've tried to live that in my life. And Princeton not just that I was born here on July 14th, 1962 at Princeton Hospital but it has been
um a second home to me the community here. And I I enjoy serving. Um I told my friend Lee earlier today it's almost like as you get older people want to say thank you quicker.
And I'm like, "Oh, no." So, I'm like feeling like I'm getting older here. But I I remember Jim Floyd coming in here and and talking to Jim Floyd about all these things that he did in life and I'm getting to the same point where I could talk about all the things that I
did in life. So, it it goes on that way and I think it's fair to say that generations and generations if we keep speaking and teaching our young ones what to do and how rewarding it is, rewarding to
give back then I think we can continue to move forward. And I just want to say thank you. Thank you, council. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, everybody. I really was not expecting this. But as I say at our church it's better to give flowers while somebody can smell them
and say you love them while they can hear you. So, thank you. >> Thanks, Mr. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right. Next up, we have a proclamation that's already been presented, but we wanted to uh to share it with everyone honoring uh
fire police captain uh William Shields for 55 years of service with the Princeton Fire Department. This Do we have that here? Hang on. Let me see if it's in the agenda. It is. All right. Let me I'll just uh >> Mark mayor. I'm sorry for the interruption, but
>> I'm sorry. >> Can we get a group photo with Lance? >> Yes, we can get a group photo with Lance. Lance, do you mind if we do a photo with you? >> Yes. >> All right. Come on. >> Yeah, my phone. That's my phone. >> [laughter] >> Can you hold this? >> Yes. >> I think it can. >> Yeah.
>> [applause] >> Yeah. It's always better when you share. >> All right, so I'm going to I'm going to read the proclamation that we presented to William Shields. There was a fire department ceremony where they did the annual awards, years of service, and
those similar types of awards for the fire department. And Michelle and I were able to, along with the fire chief, present the proclamation to Willie at that time. But 55 years of service in the fire department something that we wanted to mention here. So the proclamation read, "Whereas the
establishment of the town of Princeton in 1724 resulted in prioritizing both the protection of life and property, a small group of townsfolk, university professors, and students started a volunteer Princeton Fire Department in 1788.
And whereas with all volunteer organizations, it takes a special breed of person to make a commitment to serve their community. And whereas William D. Shields was born in Princeton 1949, son of William E. and Cassie Shields. And whereas William grew up on Charlton
and Chestnut Streets and was an influenced by family and friends to give back to the community, starting his service at the age of 16 when he joined the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad Cadet Corps, followed by joining the Princeton Fire Department at age 21. And whereas William in joining the
Princeton Fire Department became members with his father, William E. Shields, Uncle Abe, then followed by brother Henny, and son Patrick. And whereas William during his 55 years of service in Princeton Engine Company number one has held the ranks of Chief of the Fire
Department, Captain of Princeton Fire Police, and President of Engine Company number one. And whereas William has received numerous awards and commendations to include a citation for saving a victim from the John Street dwelling fire in the 1970s.
And whereas William continues to give back to the people of Princeton, particularly in serving as chairperson of the Princeton September 11th, 2001 Memorial Committee, coordinating the annual 9/11 memorial services. Now, therefore, I Mark Freda, by virtue
and authority vested in me as mayor of the municipality of Princeton, on behalf of the entire governing body, do hereby deem it an honor to extend our heartfelt thanks to William D. Shields, or Willie Shields as he's better known to everyone, and his family on behalf of the Princeton community. And that was
the proclamation we presented to him. >> [applause] >> And Willie continues to be the president of Engine Company number one, the captain of the Princeton Fire Police, and the chair of the 9/11 Committee still. So, he's still still kicking.
All right. Since we can never do enough proclamations, we have yet one more, and Michelle has uh >> Brian's going to start you. >> Brian's going to start you, okay. >> A proclamation recognizing Princeton's participation in the FIFA Welcome World Cup 2026
and celebrating the spirit of global unity through sport. Whereas the FIFA Welcome World Cup 2026 will be one of the largest sporting events in history, bringing together nations, cultures, and communities from around the world in a celebration of
athletic excellence, teamwork, and international friendship. And whereas the state of New Jersey and the New York-New Jersey Host Committee will welcome visitors from across across the globe as MetLife Stadium hosts multiple
FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including the final match, generating a significant economic, cultural, and tourism opportunities throughout the region. And whereas, thanks to the foresight of Governor Mikey Sherrill and Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, the
funds for these celebrations were moved to numerous small towns and cities throughout New Jersey that helped New Jersey downtowns boost their local economies. And whereas, Princeton is proud to be an internationally recognized community known for its rich history, cultural
diversity, educational excellence, and welcoming spirit, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike during this historic event. And whereas, Princeton recognizes the power of sports to unite people across
borders, inspire young people, foster mutual understanding, and celebrate the values of inclusion, respect, and community. And >> Whereas, Experience Princeton, Princeton Special Improvement District, has been awarded a grant through the State of New
Jersey to host a series of FIFA Welcome World Cup 2026 community celebrations, including three public watch parties and international food festival, events that will bring residents and visitors together to experience the excitement of
the tournament while showcasing Princeton's vibrant downtown, diverse cultures, and local businesses. And whereas, the New Jersey State funding grant Experience Princeton will create a sustainable new campaign for our restaurants called Princeton's
Global Food Passport. The Global Food Passport will highlight the diversity of culinary offerings with over 100 restaurants featuring cuisine from around the globe. And whereas, local businesses, cultural organizations, schools, community groups, and residents
have embraced the opportunity to participate in World Cup related events and activities that highlight Princeton as a welcoming destination and strengthen connections among people of all backgrounds. And whereas these celebrations will provide opportunities
to support local commerce, promote cultural exchange, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create lasting memories for residents and visitors during this extraordinary global event. And now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the mayor and council of of the
municipality of Princeton, New Jersey do hereby recognize and celebrate Princeton's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities and commend Experience Princeton for its leadership in securing state support to bring World Cup programming and community events to
Princeton. And be it further proclaimed that Princeton encourages all residents, businesses, organizations, and visitors to join in welcoming the world to our region and to participate in the watch parties, international food festivals, and other activ- activities celebrating
the spirit of FIFA World Cup 2026. Be it further proclaimed that Princeton reaffirms its commit- commitment, sorry, to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community and celebrates the unifying power of sport to bring people together in friendship, goodwill, and
shared purpose. Given under the hand and seal Mayor Mark Freda this 22nd day of June 2026. Thank you. >> There you go. >> [applause] >> Okay. Thank you for that. And that's a good segue into the next item on our agenda, which is the special
improvement district budget. So, let me just explain how that process is going to work. It's in three parts. The first part is a public hearing on the budget. And uh as we get into the the public hearing, Michelle will explain a an adjustment to the budget.
We then have a resolution where we adopt the budget, and then we have another resolution where we accept the assessment roll which is the mechanism to fund the special improvement district. So having said that, I'm going to open the public hearing on the special improvement
district budget for 26-27. They don't run on a calendar year, they run Is it June 1 or July 1? >> July 1. >> July 1 through the end of June each year. But Michelle, do you want to explain the adjustment to the budget? >> Should I make Do you want to read it and
I'll make a motion with amendment or do you want to >> Yeah, why don't you do the Well, why don't you explain what it is and then just move the whole move it as >> Okay. So there's going to be an adjustment and we'll make the amendment on the actual numbers. The new budget has been posted.
So the SID assessments have actually increased from the 481,000 to the final assessment total which is 483,597 and 1 cent. This includes an addition of the Nassau Club. There was a formula error found in the net income which
included occupancy costs of 35,400 being doubled and excluded some repairs and maintenance of $500 as well as $2,000 travel expenses. So the bottom line is the net change was a positive $35,497.01.
That net income is now $15,347.01 rather than a loss of 20,150. So it's good news. There's a positive instead of a negative which would have been taken out of surplus. So the adjusted budget will be amended on the motion.
>> Right. Okay, so we don't actually have the the wording in the agenda package that I'm looking. So do you just want to make a motion >> Yes. >> saying the total of the budget and just noting the changes you just You don't have to read the changes again, but we'll just make sure they're in the in the minutes.
>> Do you want to read the resolution first? >> Well, the resolution comes comes next. Right now we're doing the public hearing. So, it'd be good just to say here's the total budget, and then we'll get council comment and public comment. >> Okay, so I would like to make a motion with amendment that the new total
assessment is $480,597.01 with a total net positive of $15,347.01. >> So moved. >> Thank you. David's got the second. So, we'll start up here on the on the public hearing on this. Any council comments, questions
on the on the motion for the budget. Okay, great. That's a good sign. Anybody in the room that wants to speak to this? You have just Come forward if Oh. >> All right, fantastic. >> Magically.
>> All right. >> Thank you. So, you don't even have to do that. >> All right, and let me let me just remind remind everybody when you come up to the microphone if you introduce yourself and if you're representing somebody who you represent, if not, you live in Princeton or you live elsewhere.
And I don't know that we have the timer working tonight. I will do my best to enforce the 3-minute time limit by waving furiously as people are about out of time. But, please. >> Good Good evening, Mayor and Council. Thank you for having me, Robin Lapidus, the executive
director of Experience Princeton here at your public hearing so we can um speak to the budget. First, I I just wanted to introduce you to our new executive board, President Michael Monarcha, who's sitting in the audience.
Um our vice president is Raul Momo, who many of you know. Um our secretary is um, Kristen Applegate, also in the audience. And uh, Laurie Raybon, who's probably listening cuz she's always
listening. So, and we have one new board member, Martin Miller uh, from McCarter. So, we're really excited to have new leadership with a lot of skills, experience, hosp- great hospitality uh,
experience as well. And um, I'm very happy to uh, for us to move forward. Uh, some highlights of this budget are that uh, there's more staff for the SID so that I'm not a one-woman show. Um,
and I think that's really significant because we do a lot of work. We need more help. We're also looking to have a more visible office where we can provide more help to our businesses and be a little bit more uh,
more storefront, more visible. Um, we are resolving some of some of the studies that we started last year with some of the Main Street grant funding we we received. Uh, but overall, I think what we're really
our our major goals are to provide more unity for the various SID districts that we represent. More wayfinding, more umbrella marketing, um, more acknowledgement of the incredible
entrepreneurs that we have. More, how do we get the mix, the healthy mix of businesses that we all deeply desire? And uh, what does that require of all of us uh, of the SID and the municipality and all
of our partnerships? Um, as we look to the future to sustain the existing mix of businesses we have and to ensure that we have spaces and places for new businesses that that we
need desperately to come and join us and be a part of the the mix that we have. More storytelling from our business owners and our property owners and our unique business districts that that are
embraced by different neighborhoods and have different characteristics. And I think that that pretty much sums up what's in here. I'm here to answer any questions that you might have. And I'm going to end early. >> Thank Thank you Robin. Can you leave the
microphone there in that little clip? That way anybody else that wants to speak can use it. There you go. Thanks. Anybody else in the room that has a question or comment on the special improvement budget? Just come on up. Same routine, introduce
yourself and watch the timer. >> Hello council and everyone here. My name is Mark Senna. I live at or I should say I'm property owner 150 Spruce Street. Everyone's from Princeton so you know Spruce Street.
150 >> you I'm sorry. You really got to get close to the microphone because >> Three minute limit? >> Yeah, that's better. Thanks. >> I'm not a fast talker but 150 that's located on the last block between Linden Lane and the park.
Everyone's familiar with that block. Okay. Now where are the improvements on this block? I don't see them. I'm looking at the map. Is this the map that everyone still uses? I got it from the website last
week so I assume that it would be still accurate map. It's called the SID sub areas. Okay. It's called the Sid sub areas map. And I'm located in an area that's called
Harrison or Jugtown. And this map on it, it gives a line that looks like it goes down Nassau Street. I'm not It looks like a a gerrymandered Republican job. It's the best way I could describe it. But Spruce Street for
some reason is on it. And I don't understand why. I have an apartment building, and looking at the budget, my storefront's not being improved. I don't see seasonal planting, those pretty flower pots with the red flowers.
They're not on my street. So, I am saying that I should not be a part of this district. I should not be assessed for this. But if you do want to do some improvements,
there's a stone wall in front of the park. Everyone's familiar with that? >> Yeah, and in fact, there's been requested in our capital budget to address that wall. >> I've requested on the website several times, and they came and they sprayed it and took off some
uh plants growing on it, but they did absolutely nothing to repair it. It's looks really bad, and it should be improved. On this street also, there's an issue of traffic. Now, I don't know if this is increased
trap I lived here I was born here a long time ago. And I've never seen this much traffic as we see now. Now, whether it's from being a part of the improvement district and day trippers coming, but everyone knows it's a it's a dead end, it's a no
outlet. Everyone from from Princeton is not going to go down this street just to come back. Clearly, it's people from out of town that need to be more aware that it's there's no outlet. There's senior citizens with strollers and walkers, and it's a park, and it's not good.
I've even seen people get to the end of the circle, hesitate, and then plunge over the Macado walkway towards the senior citizen center. They get there, they have to turn around, and they come back at twice the speed. I've actually stood on the sidewalk. You
can see the fury in their faces. So, that should be fixed. Maybe a block a blocking item to keep them >> need you to I need you to wrap up. I would say this, you can see in the room tonight, the executive director of Experience Princeton was the woman who was just
talking, Robin. She's right behind you there, nodding her head. You can talk to her. Michael Monacro is sitting behind her. He is the president of the organization. So, there's the two people that could help explain to you what the special improvement district does versus what the town does. Cuz some of the
things you mentioned are town responsibilities and not their responsibilities. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Now, how do I get my name taken off my property taken off this assessment roll? >> Well, that's not something that would happen tonight, but that is uh you're you're always free
>> Well, I would diverge to not vote for this budget as it is because >> Okay. >> my Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you. All right. Anyone else in the in the room that has comments on the uh on the budget? >> I I um
don't necessarily have a comment on the budget, but what I would like to see with regard to Experience Princeton because there there are uh locations on on on on the SID that are in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood.
Uh and some of them are businesses. And I I just I'm happy with everything I see, but I want to make sure that we continue to focus our efforts on all of the businesses in the SID. Like Witherspoon-Jackson
sometimes don't don't don't get as much attention as it should, but there are some extraordinary businesses in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood. So, let's just make sure that equity is a big part of everything we do here in Princeton. Thank you. >> Yeah, and Leighton, I will tell you
since I sit on the SID board that our current executive director and the new leadership and not not to exclude the former leadership, but I will tell you there is 100% agreement and 100% renewed effort to make sure that all the members of the
SID see some benefit from the SID. So, I I just want to let you know that Yes. >> Thank you. >> People agree with you. >> And I think that speaks to the gentleman who who just spoke. I mean, keep keep keep your eye out because we we got to keep our eyes out and watch where the
money's being spent and how it's being done, but you should see changes in your neighborhood because you're part of the SID. >> Yep. All right. Mia. >> I don't have a comment about the budget, but I just wanted to say how excited I am about the new leadership. Michael,
you've done such a fabulous job with the graduate in a short time. It's everyone's favorite place for dinner, hanging out, studying, whatever it is. So, I know that you will do a fantastic job in shepherding our business to
success. And Robin, I mean, you know, you have your warmth, your accessibility, your attention to detail, your ability to bring disparate perspectives together and build
consensus and you're just unflagging, tireless championing of the of the Princeton business community has already um had a huge impact on us. We're so grateful. Um and I just want to reme- remind all
the residents that the benefit of Princeton businesses doing well is that it stabilizes and and helps our tax base um and uh has tremendous benefit beyond
being able to shop, eat, um you know, all of the benefits of that. It also has tangible economic, immediate financial benefits to all of the taxpayers in Princeton. And I would be remiss without reminding everyone once
again that we would not have a special improvement district, which the town tried for many decades, without Councilwoman Lambros, who had that vision and spearheaded it and brought it everyone together to make it happen. And we are all
um owe her a debt of gratitude for the fact that it is so vibrant and it exists now. So, thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Yeah, yeah, sure. Michael, come on up. And the usual, introduce yourself and watch the timer. >> I am I'm uh Michael Monarcha, the uh
very new, about 7-day old, president of Experience Princeton. Um and I and I do want to recognize, you know, what you mentioned. One I think you said your name is Mark? Yeah. Um W- one of the things that we are recognizing sort of as a new group and new leadership is that the the SID does
need to expand out into the other districts. Something that that isn't often spoken of it, but it it it it's action is that when you bring people to the central business district, the hope is that it will expand, but you know, uh folks coming to the rest of the
business. We're talking about a lot of things. We're talking about how do we identify these individual uh districts that are sort of outliers. Robin has already come up with some great ideas and brainstorming that we're going to meet with folks in those various business districts to help us
before we go to wayfinding and before we start, you know, bringing you know, strategies of how to increase businesses in each one of those areas. We're really excited about the direction of the organization. The the previous leadership, you know, sort of started the SID and brought us to where we are
now and we're looking forward to sort of chapter two. I am new to the the organization about a year ago. Prior to that, I was busy opening up a hotel and now I've got a little bit more time on my hands, not much, and I'm excited to bring the energy as Councilwoman Saks
said that we brought to the hotel and and my passion for this town. You know, just this weekend from Friday afternoon, the bands in Palmer Square and the craziness with the US Cup, the shopping center on Friday night, the symphony on Saturday night, the the
watch party on Saturday afternoon, the Jazzams thing on Sunday. There's so much to love about this town and just excited to bring more and more and more of that energy to it. Continuing to build the community and with Robin and Lori and Raul and Kristen's partnership, I think
it's just going to be a great year for the SID. So, we're really looking forward to it. And Mark, I do want to address your concerns and I hope that we can do that you know, in the next few months. We've got a lot of plans and we're really excited to see what we can do moving forward. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Michael. All right. Anybody else in the room that
wants to speak on this? All right. Anybody I don't My screen's not working, but if anybody on anybody on Zoom, if you want to speak to this, just raise your virtual hand. Okay. No No virtual hands are up. Do you have
another comment? >> I'll say a few words. Yeah. >> Okay. Okay, you have a comment. >> Um so, I just I first of all, welcome the new board, the executive board and Robin. So, there's a new leadership team. I also want to acknowledge the founding
leadership team Aubrey Haynes, Helena May, Andrew Siegel, and Bob Hillier who got us started and now we have a new team in place and that's a great evolution of the organization. I also just want to mention the evolution of
the organization. If you look at the numbers, it's really interesting that our very first seed assessment budget I believe was in 365, 365,000 range. We're at 483 now. And that's based on the commercial
expansion. The new the there's a lot less vacancies. You see Princeton Shopping Center being fully you know, no vacancies. Palmer Square has no vacancies. There's been a lot of leasing happening
and the residential commercial development has also lent a lot to that that commercial expansion. So, that you know, if you look at the numbers Brian, I know you do. >> [laughter] >> And our finance team, it's [clears throat] really important to see how this organization is growing.
So, I think we have a great opportunity and I think the next chapter is really to look at how do we reach those those other pieces, the other zones that we wanted to include. We didn't want this to just be a main street, just
Nassau Street CBD because we have so many centers of commerce that are really important like Witherspoon, Jackson, like 206 North, like the Dinky Corridor and Jugtown. We want to bring everyone together, but we need to figure that out and I have faith that the new executive
director and the board will have will make that happen. So, I just wanted I acknowledge that and thank everyone. >> Okay. >> But Mr. Mayor >> Yeah. >> I just I just want to just say I hope that my comments weren't taken as negative. I'm I'm the biggest fan of
Robin of Michael's, of Experience Princeton. Tomorrow morning, what is it? 8:00? 10:00? I'mma be there with my sleeves rolled up with Main Street coming to get busy and to build business here in Princeton. So, it's all good. I'm just saying we just need to make
sure that we stay inclusive because we just want to build all businesses in Princeton because like the old saying says, when the high tide rises, all the ships lift up. So, that's my point. Thank you. >> Okay. All right.
Final time I'm asking, any other comments? Okay, I'm going to close the public hearing and ask that there someone move resolution 26-172, which is a resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton adopting the 2026-2027 budget of the Princeton Special
Improvement District. Michelle has the motion, Brian's got the second, and that is a roll call vote, please. >> Mr. McDonald? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pirone Lambros? >> Yes. >> Ms. Sachs? >> Yes. >> Ms. Fraga?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Newlin? >> Yes. >> Okay, now I'd like a motion on resolution 26-173, which is a resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton accepting the assessment roll of the 2026-2027 Special Improvement District of the
municipality of Princeton. Michelle has the motion. Layton has the second, and that is a roll call vote, also. >> Mr. McDonald? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pirone Lambros? >> Yes. >> Ms. Sachs? >> Yes. >> Ms. Fraga? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Newlin? >> Yes. >> Okay, we have a number of other public hearings that we're going to move to. Anybody was here just for Experience Princeton, if you want to leave, this is the time to stand up and walk out. Do not feel you need to stay for the rest of the meeting. That is the only hint
you will get from me on that. Okay. Next up is the public hearing on We have six public hearings coming up. First one is ordinance 26-21, an ordinance of the mayor and council of Princeton amending ordinance 25-22 establishing the salaries and
compensation of certain personnel of the municipality of Princeton. If Is there a motion? David has the motion. Michelle has the second. Basically, this is changing the compensation range for the CFO. That is the only the only change. Any comment or questions by anybody up
here? Okay. Anybody in the room have a question or comment on this? Anyone on Zoom have a question or comment on this? All right. Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing and ask for a roll call vote, please. >> Mr. McDonald?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pirone-Lambros? >> Yes. >> Ms. Sachs? >> Yes. >> Ms. Fraga? >> Yes. >> Mr. Newlin? >> Yes. >> Okay. Ordinance 26-22, an ordinance by the municipality of Princeton increasing
Princeton sewer service charges and amending the code of the Borough of Princeton, New Jersey 1974. Um Is there a motion? And then we'll talk about what it is. Thank you, Brian. Is there a second? Thank you, Mia, for the second. Deanna, can you just give us the
very quick highlight? >> Yes, Mayor, I can. Uh this ordinance is to provide for a 10% increase in the sanitary sewer service charges. Uh you may recall in 2022 that the
council supported a 10-year investment plan into the sanitary sewer system to the tune of a hundred million dollars. That included main replacements, um, inflow and infiltration reduction,
sewer trunk line replacements, um, pump station work as well as vehicle and equipment upgrades. Um, we have been completing quite a few I&I projects. We are looking ahead to
the trunk line B&C rehabilitation project as well as pump station replacements. And so, the money that is, um, raised, the revenue that is raised through the sewer rate increase will,
uh, assist with the debt service for these capital improvements. >> Thank you very much. Questions, comments from anybody up here? >> Me. >> Yeah, um, I just want to remind everyone that, um, the reason why we're trying to
expedite the sewer improvement project is because we are still paying to process double the amount of what we actually produce in waste. So, half of what we pay for is waste and the other half is, um,
storm water that we, uh, through the I&I goes into the system. And so, by the time it gets to the watershed, we are actually paying to process process storm water, which from an environmental perspective and a cost perspective is really, um, not ideal, to say the least. So, the
faster we get this work done, the sooner we will be paying for just our waste. And that's will be a good thing from a price perspective and a an environmental perspective. And I Kristen's gone, but I just want to thank the university again for their contributions through our
agreement to expedite this process and um, you know I I uh look forward to the time hopefully sooner rather than later when we are only paying for the actual waste which will will be a good thing.
>> We're spending money to save money. >> Exactly. Thank you. >> And the I&I Mia referred to is inflow and infiltration which just means we have leaky pipes and a whole bunch of water that shouldn't get into the pipes is in the pipes and as Mia said it all goes to the sewer treatment plant plant and we're paying for them to treat
something that they should not have to treat. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions or comments up here? Anybody in the room? Anybody on Zoom have a question or comment on this item? All right, seeing no hands up I'll close the public hearing and can we have a
roll call vote, please? >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Yes. >> Ms. Pirone Lambros. >> Yes. >> Ms. Sachs. >> Yes. >> Ms. Fraga. >> Yes. >> Mr. Newland. >> Yes. >> Okay, next up is ordinance 26-23.
Bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements in and by Princeton in the county of Mercer, New Jersey appropriating 10,246,565 dollars therefore and authorizing the issuance of 9,734,235
dollars bonds or notes of Princeton to finance part of the cost thereof. Thank you David for the motion. Brian's got the second and uh at our last meeting our CFO who couldn't be here tonight had made a presentation on this and but in the
agenda is all the detail. This specific ordinance is items for the police department, information technology, the recreation department, the health department, the engineering department, the infrastructure department stand by, I'm scrolling, fire department
and that's what all those items are for and all the detail is in the agenda package. Questions or comments up here. Brian. >> Uh yeah, I'm not um I'll I'll offer to do this although um I won't do it unless
somebody wants me to. Um there is a lot of process behind this. Um many meetings uh and happy to explain the process to anyone who is interested. Um the presentation begins on page 87
of the very light 257-page agenda packet this week. Um I just will note a couple of things. Um one we're very conservative with the maturities which range from 5 to 20
years with one exception. Um and the approval of these projects is well within our debt capacity and is not expected to require an additional increase in the municipal tax levy. It also covers all municipal departments
for the 2026 year. There are also requests from our wonderful public library and the uh first aid and rescue squad that will be addressed in the coming month or two.
>> Thank you very much. Any other comments or questions up here? Anybody in the room wishes to speak on this one? Anybody on Zoom that wishes to speak on this one? All right, seeing no hands up I'll declare the public hearing closed and
ask for another roll call vote, please. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Yes. >> Ms. Peron Lambros. >> Yes. >> Ms. Saks. >> Yes. >> Ms. Fraga. >> Yes. >> Mr. Newland. >> Yes. >> Okay, next up is ordinance 26-24.
Bond ordinance providing for various sewer improvements in and by Princeton in the county of Mercer, New Jersey, appropriating $4,766,000, therefore and authorizing the issuance of $4,766,000 bonds or notes of Princeton to finance
the cost thereof. Layton has the motion, Brian has the second. Um Okay. Any This is all sewer related >> Mhm. >> items and again the the detail that we had gone over once before is
again in this agenda package. Uh sanitary sewer infrastructure rehabilitation to trunk lines, repairs, improvements, and some equipment and things like that. Um Okay. Any Anything I'm sorry, just want to make
sure any other questions or comments? Anybody in the room? I don't mean to be rushing through this, but we've talked about it already once before, so it's >> Mayor, it >> Chuck. >> Maybe I mean maybe it's a good time just to if
someone has more information to talk about the universities uh their agreement with us and the money that they put into infrastructure that is offsetting some of these dollars. Yeah, I mean >> Yeah, we we can I think yeah,
that's fine. So, in the the agreement we made with the university Deanna, you can bail me out here, but trunk line B, I think and >> Yeah. It's a combined 7.5 million between
trunk line B and C. >> Right. And trunk line B just happens to serve a good part of the university campus, but it is a a a very important significant part of the overall sen- of the overall sewer system. So,
if the university was not helping uh to uh share in that cost with us, all the rest of the taxpayers in Princeton would be shouldering that cost. So, it's a huge a huge benefit to everybody in the in the community. Thanks for pointing that out. Um okay, I think I did everybody up
here, everybody in the room. Did I do everybody on Anybody on Zoom that wishes to comment on this? All right, no hands are up. We'll close the public hearing. Could we have a roll call vote, please? >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Yes. >> Ms. Pirone Lambros. >> Yes.
>> Ms. Sachs. >> Yes. >> Ms. Fraga. >> Yes. >> Mr. Newland. >> Yes. >> Next up is ordinance 26-25, ordinance appropriating $1,212,000 from sewer connection fees for various sewer improvements and equipment in and
by Princeton in the County of Mercer, New Jersey. Is there a Brian's got the motion, David's got the second. Questions or comments up here. David. >> Uh just wanted to comment for this. We're curious uh
what distinguishes this from the previous ordinance is that these allocations are coming from sewer connection fees, whereas the previous ordinance was coming from bonding capacity. So, same kinds of expenditures, just a different
source of income to pay for them. >> Thank you. Other comments or questions up here? Anybody in the room on this one? Anyone on Zoom on this one? All right, we'll close the public hearing and ask for another roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Yes. >> Ms. Pirone Lambros. >> Yes. >> Ms. Sachs. >> Yes. >> Ms. Fraga. >> Yes. >> Mr. Newland. >> Yes. >> Okay, the final public hearing is on ordinance 26-26, bond ordinance providing for various capital
improvements for open space purposes in and by Princeton in the County of Mercer, New Jersey appropriating $707,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $671,650 bonds or notes of Princeton to finance part of the cost thereof.
Michelle has the motion, Brian has the second. Questions or comments up here? As the title says, this is open space related. Anybody in the room on this one? Anyone on Zoom on this one? All right, I'll close the public hearing
and we please do another roll call vote. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Yes. >> Ms. Pirone Lambros. >> Yes. >> Ms. Sachs. >> Yes. >> Ms. Spraga. >> Yes. >> Mr. Newlin. >> Yes. >> Okay, we have a series of
13 resolutions. Here we go. Resolution 26-174, resolution authorizing execution of agreement with Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey and Langdon Engineering Environmental Services for payment for portion of professional services in connection with Princeton owned
properties. Is there a motion on that? Thank you, Leticia. Uh Clayton has the second. Questions or comments? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Resolution 26-175, resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton authorizing the second and final change
order in the amount of negative $1,130,526 resulting in a final contract amount of $679,153 for the mini system number 35 sewer rehabilitation project and making a final payment in the amount of $13,583.06.
Is there a motion on that? Thank you, Michelle. Brian's got the second. Questions or comments? >> David. >> I just want to comment um before anybody gets too excited about over a million dollars of found money.
Um this is actually more of a contract that's being split up into two pieces rather than an actual uh re- savings of money. So. >> Details. But important to point out. Thank you, David.
Uh okay, all in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Resolution 26176, resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton authorizing a memorandum of understanding understanding between Princeton and Mercer County for engineering improvements to signalized
intersection of Elm Road, County Road 604, and Rosedale Road, County Road 604. Uh David's got the motion, Brian's got the second. Questions or comments? Brian. >> Uh yeah, I would just say that this is
uh a really a great uh grant um that we will likely be getting from the state. And we will pay the uh design and uh engineering costs associated with that intersection. And then if we move
forward, the state will pay for all the work that will be done as part of the uh safe streets to school uh route, and um there's a real opportunity to uh upgrade and update an intersection that gets a lot of use.
>> Dangerous. >> Thank you. Any other questions or comments? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Resolution 26177, resolution of the mayor and council of of the municipality of Princeton awarding a professional services agreement to One Water Consulting LLC
for continuation of services in furtherance of Stony Brook Watershed Management Plan for an amount not to exceed $57,117.09. Layton has the motion. And uh Michelle has the second. Questions or comments? All in favor, please say I.
>> I. >> Resolution 26-178, resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton authorizing the award of a professional services agreement to USA Architects for a retrofit study for various buildings on the Westminster campus for an amount not to exceed $74,100.
Leighton's got the motion, Michelle's got the second. Questions or comments? Uh Brian. >> Yeah, I would just note that uh USA is uh in the lead for the uh DPW, the
contemplated DPW project at River Road. And the members of the ad hoc committee um to date have been very pleased with the work that they have done. And I am hopeful that they will um also do strong work here and uh within the estimated uh
6-week time frame. >> Thank you. Any other comments or questions? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Resolution 26-179, resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton authorizing a final change order in the amount of negative $370,735.79
and authorizing a final payment of $37,735.38 resulting in a final contract amount of $1,344,829.21 and the release of the performance bond for the improvements to Alexander Street, Dickinson Street, and University Place project to Lucas Brothers Inc. and
acceptance of a maintenance bond in the amount of $201,724.38. Leighton's got the motion, David's got the second. Questions or comments, David? >> I will just comment on this one that this is real saved money, so feel free to get excited about this one.
>> Every now and then we do have savings occur. Any other comments or questions? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Resolution 26-180, resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton authorizing cancellation of grant
receivable and appropriated grant. Uh is there a motion? This basically is looking at old capital ordinances and either the the need for them no longer exist or well, pretty much the need no longer exist or the there's no reason to carry a an old capital ordinance and tie up um
our debt allowance, so to speak. And so uh anyway, it's just a good financial move. That was Who moved that? David moved it. Brian No. Brian moved it. Okay. Brian moved it and who's Was there a second? Sorry. Layton's got the second.
Sorry. Getting Thanks for the explanation. I'm just going to Any questions or comments? All in favor, say I. >> I. >> Resolution 26-181, resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton authorizing cancellation of capital ordinances for general capital fund
improvements. Pretty much the same type of thing. Michelle, thank you very much. Is there a second? Thank you, Layton. Any questions or comments? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Resolution 26-182, resolution of the
Mayor and Council of Princeton authorizing Experience Princeton to hold a World Cup Watch Party and Bastille Day Celebration on Hulfish Street on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026. Michelle's got the motion. Layton's got the second. Questions or comments?
All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Boy, I hope we get the screen fixed. I'm going to have a neck ache at the end of the night here. Resolution 26-183, resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton authorizing site license agreements with Crown Castle Fiber LLC for a small cell
antenna at 153 Birch Avenue. Letitia has got the motion. David's has got the second. Questions or comments? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> And I just like to say thank you to Crown Castle, to Verizon, to our engineering department for it is amazing
over the last 18 months all the small cell antennas and other infrastructure improvements made to the wireless network throughout Princeton. So, thank you. >> Thanks, Jim Purcell. >> Uh okay, resolution 26-184, resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton
authorizing execution of agreement and release with property owner in connection with sewer lateral work at 30 Murray Place, Princeton, New Jersey. Is there Thank you, Brian. Mia has got the second. Questions or comments?
All right. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Resolution 26-185, resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton authorizing the execution of license agreement with Reformation Inc. for permission for awning to encroach into the public right-of-way.
Is there a motion on that? Thank you, Letitia. Is there a second? Thank you, David. This is basically just giving a a storefront on Palmer Square permission to have an awning that already exists, but they don't have approval to use it yet.
Okay. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Resolution 26-186, resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton to authorize a license agreement with McCarter Theatre Center. David's got the motion. Mia has got the second. Questions and/or comments, Mia?
>> Yeah, I just want to say this is really exciting um in anticipation of what we hope will be a robust partnership with McCarter on the Westminster campus. They will be starting already um this summer to off uh offer their summer programming um for
education to kids in the community. If any If anybody has had a child who signed up for the McCarter Theater program in the summer, like me, year after year after year, there was a long waiting list. My kid never got in. I'm so glad they're finally expanding it.
I think uh this is sort of a model for what they want to do on Westminster, which is similar to the Arts Council to provide expanding expanded services to a wider swath of the Princeton community at um you know,
uh people who wouldn't otherwise be able to um have access um to to things like this. Um and this will be in the Cullen Center, which is the one functional
building on campus. Um as I've said in the past, to say that we bought a fixer-upper is an understatement. Um but we fortunately have one building on campus that um works and McCarter it and is and is uh
safe and habitable. And so McCarter will be offering their program this summer and we're so excited um to start this partnership with them. So. >> Thank you. Any other comments, questions? All in favor, please say aye. >> Aye.
>> Next up is the consent agenda. We're going to pay bills. We're going to do uh professional services agreement. Uh accept money from a uh opioid uh settlement uh and some other things. If somebody wants
to move those in block, thank you very much, Leticia. Is there a second? >> Are you pointing or you >> I was pointing at Leighton. He had his hand up second. >> Oh, thank you very much. Leighton's got the second. All in favor of everything on the consent agenda, please say aye. >> Aye.
>> Next up, public comments for items not on the agenda. We now open the meeting for public comment for items not on the agenda. The mayor and council will take comments from members in the room and then on Zoom. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes. Uh we will not necessarily go back and
forth or engage in a question and answer, but people are welcome to speak up. So, again >> me? >> Yeah, just introduce yourself and watch the timer and thank you for waiting so long. >> All right, thanks. My name is Frank Ryle. I live at 80 Spruce Street. Um I feel like at the end of a World Cup
soccer game when a substitute comes on for 3 minutes, but the game is over. But anyway, I've met some of you in person and I really grateful for the service and for all of you what you've done for Princeton. I wasn't born here. You can tell from my accent I have a strange accent that you can translate some of the things um that I might say, but I
wasn't like Lance I wasn't born here, but we've been here 25 years. We started on McLean Street and then I live on Spruce Street for 20 years. Um you've put us in a difficult situation of having to be against you for something, which we never wanted to be. Is that clear to everybody? So, anytime you're in a conflict, if you can make it
bigger so that everybody's on the same side. So, I think when I I read about in the town topics, Ms. Sachs, I haven't met you, but um the article I think was talking about something like this. This is 4 years ago probably to the day that this was proposed. So, it was called AH12 I think at the time and this was
the project that has now grown from approximately 20 units per acre to about 80 units per acre now. So, this will be significant change to our neighborhood and that's all we wanted to say. Just to let you know that we're concerned. Uh we'd like to do whatever we can to be for something rather than against anything. And I I just hope you'll take
that on board. And anything like I'm an engineer by training. I worked with Ove Arup and partners around the world for 20 years. I work in project management now. So, if there's anything we can do to help you to get this project, which I think would be great for affordable housing, great for supportive housing, and great for diversity, and great for
transport, and walking to town, we'll do it to help you. But please don't put us against you. That's not what we want. Is that okay? Thank you. >> Thank you. >> this is on the record already, isn't it? You have this. I got this from your Oprah. So, this is in your You've got to go. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Hi. Thank you very much. My name is Vivian Slee. I live at 80 Spruce Street. That's my husband, Frank. Um and I just wanted to read my comment uh about a concern about the building happening uh just two doors down. My parents, who are both 97 years old,
lived with us for about 18 years at 80 Spruce Street. My father, who some of you may have known, Louis Slee, he wrote a lot to the Town Topics and he was a man about town. Um walked to St. Paul's Church for daily mass and my mother sat every morning with her coffee at the
breakfast table facing our back garden gazing northeast at the trees and the sky and every morning she exclaimed how beautiful the view was. Mira la vista, she would say. Look how beautiful it is. Um her view her beautiful view is now in jeopardy with the rezoning to add a
30-unit housing project standing 45 ft tall two doors away from us. That 45-ft wall, the obliteration of sky, trees, and light is a great concern. Um as are the flood risks, lack of parking, change of density rules for such a project as
compared to other parts of town, and lack of any community input or notice to immediate neighbors about this project. I grew up in Trenton and moved to Princeton to be a part of a town town of people who care about their community, who care for one another.
We received no advance notice of this building project. We sit about 20 yd away, yet nobody thought to come speak to us to include us, the neighbors, in the rezoning process and decision-making in a major building project with high density on a small piece of land.
We are all for affordable housing done with dignity for those who live there and for consideration of those who live nearby. This project has not considered either thing. In my professional work as associate director of graduate admission for the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, that's the former
Woodrow Wilson School, I read thousands of policy memos each year, many about affordable housing. And I routinely hear from those who are committed to public service in a world where working for the public good is being challenged. If I've learned anything about building
good public policy, the most important rule of any good public policy making is to work inclusively on the ground with the community and those who will be most impacted. I hear this in my job over and over again. You again, you can't make good policy without input from the
community and those on the ground who will be most impacted by new policy regulations or in this case rezoning rules. We have an opportunity to create welcoming and dignified affordable housing in our Tree Street neighborhood. I'd ask you to look very carefully at
the data that others have collected in relation to this project, and I thank you for your time and your work on behalf of the town. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else in the room? But please. >> I I just want to uh my name is Kim
Dorfman. I'm a resident and I'm want to say something about the police, but also I just want to support Vivian and Frank's comments. Um and I think you know, to underscore also my comments a couple weeks ago on the importance of connecting with community, particularly
as we move into uh neighborhoods with neighborhoods basically. Uh so the reason that I wanted to uh I've already written to Chief Sullivan about this, but I wanted to thank the police and sort of underscore what we were saying what you were all were saying earlier about the work that
they've been doing to make our town safer. Uh others have mentioned how terrifying the intersection of Linden and Hamilton has been and I've, you know, gone down there either as a pedestrian or driving for many years and often it
feels like you're taking your life into your own hands trying to make a left turn on Hamilton uh because people are coming by so fast um and it's particularly terrifying when you think about how many children are crossing to get to school. Um but I did notice recently that I went to turn left onto
Hamilton from Linden and I didn't actually feel like I was taking my life into my own hands. It turns out uh that if people go the speed limit of 25 mph around the corner, it's not as terrifying and it's a lot safer. So, um the work that they've been doing both in
passive and active enforcement, I think has really made a difference and I just wanted to acknowledge that publicly as well as the email I sent. So, thanks. >> Thank you. All right. Any Is there anybody else in the room? Anybody on
Zoom? Although I can't Yeah, the screen still has the timer up on it. >> David? >> Yep, here we go. All right. Anybody on Zoom? Public comment for items not on the agenda? All right. No No hands are up.
>> I move to adjourn. >> Is there a second? There was a second. All in favor say aye. >> Aye. >> Aye. >> We are done. Thank you all for being here tonight. >> No more.