Certainly. Trenton City Council regular meeting December 2nd, 2025 is now called to order. Please stand and salute the flag. >> 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, >> indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with the open public
meeting act pursuant to public laws 1975 chapter 231. This agenda is complete to the extent known. It was sent to the Trenton Times and Trentonian newspapers posted on the first floor of Balden Board in city hall and filed in the city clerk's office and posted on the city of Trenton website. Formal action will be
taken. Roll call. Vice President Edwards >> present. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. For the record, I believe Councilwoman Feliciano will be in in route to the meeting. Councilwoman Figaro Edenberg,
Councilwoman Frisbee. One moment. Councilwoman. >> Once again, please. present. >> Thank you. For the record, Councilwoman Frisbee is present via te telephone. >> Councilman Harrison is excused from this
meeting. Councilwoman Williams is remote. >> Present. You presented. >> Thank you. And council president Gonzalez. >> Presente. >> Myself. Brandon Garcia, municipal clerk, present. Mr. Edward Colloji, legislative council.
>> Oh, she is. >> Thank you. And Mr. West Bridges, City Attorney. Thank you. For the record, Councilwoman Feliciano is now present as I had announced prior that she was in route. And
at this time, Madam President, if you'd like, I will read the invocation. >> Yes, please. Almighty God, who holds the fate of man and nation, we most humbly beseech thee to bless this our city, these deliberations, and these thy servants, that they may act with wisdom and understanding for the good of our
community and thy greater glory. Amen. >> Amen. >> And Madame President, at this time we do not have any presentations or recognitions this evening. If you would like to move to public comment for agenda items only. >> Yes, please. Can I have the the
clipboard for public comment for agenda items only? Agenda and docket items only. Um to the public, you'll have five minutes to address anything any matter on the docket at this time or the agenda. At this time, Madam President, I have nobody listed for public comment
for agenda items only. U if you'd like to move forward to ask for a motion for approval of the minutes this evening of September 4th, September 10th, and October 7th. Yes. May we have a motion to approve the minutes? Some moved. Second.
>> Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Kenberg. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> I did. >> I did. Councilwoman. Thank you. Councilwoman Williams. urge as well. >> That's a yes. >> Thank you. And Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> And Madam President, if you want to ask
for a motion to approve communications, petitions, and reports. >> May I have a motion to approve? So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano.
Councilwoman Figurero Kenberg. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried.
And Madam President, that brings us to ordinances at this time for second reading and public hearing. >> Yes. Ordinance 25-130 bond ordinance providing for phase six of right yeah of the lead service
line phase six of lead service line replacement program in the Trenton waterworks service area by the city of Trenton in the county of Mercer state of New Jersey appropriating 20 million therefore in authorizing the issuance of $20 million in bonds
>> or notes to the fi notes to finance the cost thereof. of Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> May we have a motion to approve?
>> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano, >> yes. Councilwoman Figuro Kenberg. >> Councilwoman Frisbee.
Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Beautiful. Motion carried. Ordinance 25-136.
bond ordinance providing for various 2025 capital acquisitions and improvements for the Trenton Water Works by the city of Trenton in the county of Mercer state of New Jersey appropriating 27,343,200 therefore in authorizing the issuance of
27,343,200 in bonds or notes to finance the cost thereof. Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? >> Seeing none, madam president, if want to ask for a motion to approve. >> May we have a motion to present?
>> Uh, council, should we approve? >> We have a motion to second prior to discussion. >> Anybody second? >> Second. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Councilwoman uh Williams. >> Thank you, ma'am. Uh, sorry for jumping
the gun. Um, so I'd like to ask uh if Mr. Simple is in the room, Director Sample, if he could talk about uh collectively uh this ordinance and the next 125137 if last week need to break them up individually. Um,
and I'd like to uh ask about if he could highlight what replacements and repairs will be made outside the obvious. I know in 136 talks about the replacement of the roof which I believe has been completed and then also uh variable
frequency drives listed etc. But just so the public has a better idea of what um these bonds will actually be paying for any improvements because there's so much information and you know potential misinformation
about repairs that D is demanding and I'd like to make sure we get a clearer picture for folks today. Thank you. >> Good evening council director sample Trenton water and sewer. >> Thank you director. director.
>> So this bonds cover a variety of things. The first is the HVAC and roof repairs. Yes, we have done immediate repairs to the to the leaks that were really bad. All the roofs have not repaired yet. Not
replaced yet. This will cover the entire plan, the remainder of the plan. But the ones that were in immediate need immediate replacement, those were done. And then we have the whole HVAC system that is shot that we have that has to be replaced.
>> Okay. And >> do you have a rough idea, sir? Uh when they will be completed and is that work that can happen over the winter? >> No, that's this going to takes much longer. It's a three-year um project and we can do it in in se in segments. Um
also tonight we have ordinance for the engineering part of of it which going to last over the the next three years. >> Okay. So um these items are some of the items that the uh state department of environmental protection has mentioned
uh with that. So if we if and when this gets completed, those um those issues will be taken off of the list of uh problems that D has said has made our
water works on the verge of catastrophe. >> That's correct, Council. >> Okay, that's great to hear, sir. I'm really glad to hear that. Um are there any other repairs you could share with us or any other uh purchases, acquisitions? Yes. So, this the other
part of this bond is for the um electrical improvements. Um over the years, we've had problems with our connections with the PSEG and this is to upgrade our system so we could cater for whenever we have brown out or blackouts.
So, we won't have any breaking service. >> Okay. Um when is the last time that has happened before uh Hurricane Sandy or since? We frequently have blackouts that will that cause the plans to shut down immediately and we don't have that
capability to restart much faster that that like we should be. So this is going to rectify most of these problems. >> Okay. Uh and is that also a multi-year um work order that would need to be
taken? Yes, we just did an assessment with the with the um consultant uh that was hired by the D to go over all our our electrical needs throughout the plant and they made a recommendation and this is where we're going to act. This
funding is going to help us act to fix all those problems that we don't anticipate having major problems. But yes, we are working in step with all the D um things that they cited us for to fix them. >> Okay, that that's good to hear too. And
then how soon would the electrical work be able to begin? >> Well, so I had a meeting with DP just this week. >> We have to complete >> the roof and HVAC part first before we even get into the electrical um upgrades.
>> Yeah, makes sense. Okay. Um, and so I guess as far as a rough timeline, would you be able to to give us a guesstimate how long the roof might take total or are you expecting it it would take that whole three-year period?
>> My wish is to finish it within two years, but um depends on how um it goes with the whole bid process and the procurement process. That's why we put in a estimated time of three years. >> Okay. Well, we we'll hope that it does
go faster. Uh, one of the things I'm very proud of our council is that we've tried to work as much hand inand with TWWW and approving your expenditures and the issuance of the bonds and uh, of course, and you I know you you realize
how anxious we and many of our fellow citizens are. >> Thank you. >> All right. Well, thank you very much. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you, Director uh, Simple. Thank you, Councilwoman. Council President, >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Thank you. So, just real quick, um, all
of this sounds good. Excuse me. With us getting this together and everything. Just asking, um, where, not for you, where are we with the ad hoc committee for council, um, with regarding this?
because I think that these ordinances and everything and then these conversations and then hearing back and forth with D um would be more appropriate or fruitful too >> before the ad hoc committee to have the
conversation so that everybody um that was designated to be a part of would be able to weigh in and have conversation um about where we are moving forward with this. So, >> thank you, Council. Um, CVP and, uh, uh,
Councilwoman Figaro Catberg have definitely signed on since there wasn't a third one. I've recently signed on, but we're working out the schedule to when we can actually meet with the director and everybody else. >> Okay. So, we >> like to get a consistent. >> Yeah. So, we have our three then.
>> Yeah. Cuz no one else signed up for the third one. So, >> Okay. All right. Thank you, Council President. I just want to make sure um that we are are moving forward with that um so that way we can gain some traction. And while Councilwoman Williams um thank you for asking all
those questions about the timeline and everything, I just become even more concerned because you're talking about three years and this year's like how much time do we really have with what DP is talking about and what's coming down the line. So, while three years might sound nice, is it is it realistic to say
that it's even going to make a difference um for us, which is also why it's important for the ad hoc committee to come together so that we all have a true understanding of what is happening as we're getting into more of these bonds and everything else to kind of make it make sense, right?
>> Council President, may I uh uh VA Richardson? Yes. >> Thank you. Do you mind, Councilwoman Feliciano, if I answer your question? Thank you. Um I'm not going to say unfortunately, but we need to continue to operate the
utility like what it is right now is ours. >> Mhm. >> And uh we need to take every single step to for the utility to continue to be ours. So uh when when DAP said you need
to do this series of improvements to the plants, we immediately started to to um we initiated the process of getting the monies for it. Right. Um uh the first thing that we needed to do was to do the
study with our uh bond bond council so that we can get the money. But we went through a very lengthy process with DCA. because DCA was basically under the opinion is this worthy can you know we don't know what is going to happen to
the utility and my point is if you have official information that you can tell me that we should not be doing this then tell me officially that we shouldn't but until I get that information we need to proceed with this and DCA actually
consulted several times with D uh before they approve our waiver to go through um issuing the bond and uh that's where we are. I really we cannot just throw
>> you know the towel and say this is going to happen because we haven't received any official information as of what is going to happen. So we will continue to fight as you know it is our utility >> and uh we hope that it will continue to be >> right as we should. Thank you for that.
Again, with the ad hoc committee forming and having those intimate conversations though, that would then give the members of the committee the seat at the table to have the conversations and dig a little bit deeper to then bring back to us the collective that we can weigh in and it makes sense to us, right, as far
as what's going on. So, thank you for your explanation. >> Sure. Thanks. Thank you, BA Richardson. Um, Mr. Garcia, I think we're ready for a vote. Certainly. Vice President. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Kettinberg. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez.
>> Yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-137, bond ordinance providing for various 2025 acquisitions and improvements to the sewer utility, excuse me, to the
sewer utility of the city of Trenton in the county of Mercer, state of New Jersey, appropriating 4,75,000, therefore, and authorizing the issuance of $4,75,000 in bonds or notes to finance the cost thereof.
Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> May we have a motion to approve. So >> moved. Second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Ciano, >> yes. Councilwoman Figuro Kenberg, >> yes. Councilwoman Frisbee, >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez,
>> yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-139, an ordinance amending chapter 89 of the code of the city of Trenton entitled fire hydrants. Are there any members of the public that wish to speak this ordinance at this
time? Seeing none, madam president, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. Okay, >> we have a motion to approve. So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuroa Kenberg. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. Motion carried.
>> Ordinance 25-140, an ordinance amending chapter 193 of the code of the city of Trenton entitled Parks and Recreation Areas. Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve.
>> May I have a motion to approve? >> Some move. >> Second. Madame President, uh, CVP, >> thank you. Um, can we have someone come and explain what this ordinance means for the changes that they're proposing
to amend? >> Good evening, Director Harris. >> Good evening. this ordinance, like the rest that we have on the docket for me, the um are just a lot of our stuff is outdated and we're updating it. Um some of these entrances aren't open to the public.
Maple Avenue entrance is not it says that it's an entrance just for my staff. It's not the case. So, what we're doing is I'm reviewing ordinances related to my department and then making them uh modernizing them for lack of a better word. >> So, they're going to be open for public
use. No, no. Hill Vista entrance has not been open. It will not be open. Maple Avenue entrance is open as an exit. >> Exit, >> but in the ordinance, it says it will it's only to be used for recreation vehicles. It's just bringing us in compliance. So, what we're actually
doing. >> Okay. And uh the first part of it, the outer drive to the deer paddock. Yeah. >> Padlock. >> Yeah. That's that's that interest is closed. >> Okay. And that's the one from Hill Vista Loop, >> correct?
>> All the way at where the big house is on the corn, >> not the entrance to the outer loop, which is open when you have big events. So you have the softball games. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Just needed you to clarify that for those that live in that area.
>> Yeah. Nothing's changing for anybody who lives in the area. It's just business as usual. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Council President. >> Oh, Council Feliciano. >> I'm sorry. Just real quick. I'm sorry, director. So the outer drive to the deer padlock you crossed out and the hill Vista Boulevard entrance shall be over
to the traffic doing the approved things. So where's the outer drive to the padlock? Located where? Where's it at? >> It is Vista. It's right where that big mansion is on the corner that is always closed.
Yeah, that's where that is. That the gate there right there. The gate that they keep hitting. So, how come I mean just so like so people know exactly where this is moving forward and it didn't click until council me just
said it. I would think that just a slight amendment could be the outer drive to the deer padlock located at the h at hill vista shall be open to traffic just so we know right cuz you
know you know where it is but then what happens if somebody else doesn't know where it is >> if you would like to amend it I don't think that's ever going to be an issue but we can amend it >> yeah can hill vista Yeah. Can I Can I make a motion to It's
Can I Can I make a motion to amend um the ordinance to say the outer drive to the deer padlock located at Hell Vista Boulevard shall be open to traffic blah blah blah. >> Yes.
>> You can't answer that. >> That's a motion. Is there That's a motion. Is there a second? >> But thank No, I'm making a motion. So, I'd like to make a motion. Yeah. So, I'm motioning I'm motioning the amendment. >> A second. >> I'm sorry. Who was the second? >> Gonzalez. >> Thank you.
>> Wait, madam. >> Motion. So, who quick question cuz the way it reads the outer drive to the deer padlock and the Hill Vista Boulevard entrance. So, if we're saying that sounds like those are two different entrances, but then in the amendment we're saying the outer drive to the deer
padlock located at Hill Vista Boulevard >> is the same. So it's not two separate ones as worded here. >> That's why we're Okay. >> That's why we >> I'm a South Trenton girl. Okay. >> Just just asking the table. >> So amending it to located at Hill Vista
Bill Boulevard. Shall be open to traffic during city approved special events. >> Okay. >> No problem. So need to take the vote for the amendment. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes.
Councilwoman Feliciano, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Figurero Edenberg, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes.
>> Motion carried. >> That's for the amendment. >> As for the amendment and to uh Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve the resolution. May we have a motion to approve 25140 with the amendment included.
>> So move second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Um uh >> Huh. >> Sorry. >> Okay. >> BA speak to this. Um we need another correction on the body of the ordinance
is dear paddock not padlock work >> drive to the deer park not padlock >> paddock oh paddock >> okay >> not padluck >> paddock paddock >> it's p a d o
>> thank you thanks So, do we got an amendment? We got to amend that, too. >> May we have a motion to approve 25-140 with the amendments with the corrected spelling and located at Hill Vista
Boulevard. >> A typo. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, we had a motion in a second, correct? >> Yes. >> Thank you. So, we are at roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Kenberg.
>> Yes. Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-141, an
ordinance amending chapter 193 of the code of the city of Trenton entitled fees. Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? >> Seeing none, madam president, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> Maybe we have a motion to approve. So moved. >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Council President. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> It was me. >> I mean council. I'm sorry. >> Thank you. Director Harris. >> Hello again.
Okay. Just a couple questions, please. Under 77-9, letter A, you said the the permits for use of playing fields in the park required issued by the Department of Recreation and Culture. Um,
permit applications must be received 6 weeks prior to the date of the event. So, the question I have is, is that the absolute stop? Is there any allowance for anything after 6 weeks? like they could pay an extra fee to do this. Um, can they go up to four weeks out?
Possibly. It without exception is six weeks for everybody all the time, every event. >> Okay, >> next page. Um, under letter C, just a question. The park security guard is required for the
people. The hourly rate is determined by the minimum salary, blah blah blah. Who's required to pay for that? >> The permit holder. Who who's required to pay for the So under the park security guard that fee is included in the
permit. >> Yes. >> Right. So the person that's applying for the permit is the person that's paying for the security. >> Correct. >> That would be there. Okay. >> The same thing with the portable restrooms. >> Yes.
>> Okay. I think because you know how sometimes people misunderstand things and are like, "Well, y'all should cover that. We shouldn't have to cover that." I think maybe if it would just be, you know, to be payable by the permit holder.
>> Um, >> yes. Well, remember this is this is just the ordinance, >> but to that point, >> so our application is detailed and it makes it clear exactly what your responsibility is. >> Okay. So then in that case, you know how like when we have theus and stuff like
that and then they give us the sample, >> could we have the attached application as an addendum to this ordinance? So that way when people see it, we we have everything that's that's covered and mentioned there so that there is no question. >> So what we'll do is we're going to now
that we have the assuming these pass once we update all of our applications, I will also provide it to the clerk as an addendum to this ordinance. >> Okay. Um and then it says events with 20 or more attendees are required to obtain a certificate of
liability of insurance. Is there a certain amount or is that also explained on the application the different Okay. So this is why the application attachment would be important. So then that way people could see and I'm going to have to ask you all these question. >> Um
the floats. >> Yes. >> Um wait a minute. a rental fee for use of. So, what's the what's the baseline cost of the item? So, we're renting out floats and everything.
>> We're not we're not renting out floats. Um but we um in the actual application, it details the prices of various items. >> Okay? >> And it's at the it's at the discretion of the administration because again,
it's based on it. Generally, our guys are working Saturdays and Sundays to provide these services to the public. >> So, we need to have the ability to be able to update these prices when we need to. >> But on here, it says that you shall collect a rental fee for the use of
city- owned floats, stages, or the winger unit. So, floats are no longer an option. >> As of now, we don't rent them, but it could be it could open back up in the future. As of now, we do not, but the door is not completely closed. No. the uh Guatemalans had a parade year before
last and they used the floats for example. >> Okay. So everything like you said will be on the on the application. Excuse me. That'll be submitted. >> Okay. Thank you. I'm good with that. They'll he'll submit the application as
the addendum to that'll highlight all of that stuff. Okay. Thank you. Roll >> call. >> Yes. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we're going to make an amendment. >> Okay.
>> So, can you strike floats? Make that. >> So, we're not renting. >> We're not renting. >> So, how does someone get a float if they want to have a parade? >> They they want >> Yes, I absolutely do. >> Um, sorry, council uh president council.
Um, we really don't rent the floats because those are vehicles, right? And uh it's a huge liability for the city when we rented them out. >> Uh about four or five years ago, we rented
um one of our floats and the float almost came apart in the middle of the highway. >> Remember that? >> And so yes, >> but I thought there Aren't they driven by city employees or No, >> they are driven by city employees. Um,
but it is a big liability for the city when we rented them out. And I think that the certificate that we required from individuals renting the parks, it's not going to be enough to
pay the liability that we incur by the floats by renting the floats. So when people have parades, they go somewhere else and rent their floats and pay a lot of money to get them. But I I don't think that the city should do
that. >> Yeah, I don't know about that. I think if they willing to pay and we have them as the city and it's a city organization, I think they should be able to uh rent a float. But >> yeah, but the city, you know, most people, let's let's be honest, most people will come to the city and they
want to rent the floats for free. I want to rent it, but I don't want to pay you $2,000, right? I want to Can the city hook me up? >> Right. But if we have a fee attached and they don't want to pay the fee, I think
then that day they just don't get the float. if they're willing to pay a fee. >> With all due respect, Councilwoman, the liability is really big for the city when we rent floats out. If you if you look into other municipalities, they do not they probably don't even have
floats. We have floats because we had them for the last 30 years and we put them aside because they were in this repair. We probably repair all of them now for our own events, but I don't think that the city should be put on
under that liability. I don't even, you know, I don't I don't even want to make them available to anybody because it is a problem for the city. >> All right. Anyone else? CVP, you got something? No, you was ready to roll call because I see you later on. I
wasn't sure. >> I'm just thinking about it. Yeah, I I don't I just don't agree with it, but go ahead. >> So, council, so are we are we doing the amendment? >> Um to strike floats.
>> If that's if anyone wants to put that up for an amendment, I >> Well, the administration is putting it up asking for the amendment to be made, right? >> Yeah. Some We are motion. >> So, someone would have to motion that. >> Okay. So, I make a motion to strike
floats from the ordinance. Got it. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. For now. It's the second reading.
>> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figurero Kevin. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. Council President Gonzalez. >> No.
>> Noted. Motion carried. Uh and Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve the ordinance as amended. >> May we have a motion to approve the amended ordinance. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figurero Kevin. >> Yes. Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez,
>> yes. >> Noted. Motion carried. Ordinance 25-142, ordinance amending ordinance 25-106 to remove the conveyance of 13 Trench Street to Britany Little John. Are there
any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? >> Seeing none, Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> May we have a motion to approve? >> Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Figueroa Kevin, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. Motion carried. Ordinance 25-143. Ordinance authorizing the sale of
city-owned property commonly known as 323 North Olden Avenue. identified on the city tax map as block 21907 lot 1 pursuant to NJSA 481213C to 323 North Holden LLC for the sale
price of $100,000. Are >> the right members of the public wish to speak this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, madam president, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> May I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. Madam President, uh, council by
Councilwoman Figuro Kenberg. I don't know why I'm off today. Sorry. >> Okay. It's December. Thank you. Um, I just wanted to state for the record, um, as it's been clear my stance on these property sales, um, since they've been introduced. Um, I just want to be
uniform in my stance on them. Again, um I don't see what we've been asking for in terms of how these properties are being sold and how they're being put up and and cost and square footage and things of that nature. These are second reading. Um so I just want to say that
uh my stance on them has changed. Uh be able to I see you standing up. I don't know if you have something to add to that. Okay. >> Yes, I do. Registered council president. I just I just wanted to clarify that in this case um the sale of this property
followed a different path than the other properties. Um the city actually put an RFI for this property um a while ago and we received um I think two proposals. We
discussed them with the HD subcommittee a while ago and then um it was um actually reapproved I would say for by the by the subcommittee a while ago.
This was through an RFI process. It wasn't the regular we put a proposal out just like we did with the hotel property and other properties and that's how this uh was procured. Thank you. >> I just wanted to add that. >> Thank you. So, for clarification, this
one's specific to 25-143 is a different process. >> Yes. >> Thank you for that. >> Thanks, Madam President. >> Uh, council vice president. >> Thank you. Um, this was included in one of our in our vetting process earlier in
the year after the RFP RFI responses that was received um and vetted by the HD ad hoc committee and it was included in one of the reports that I had sent out to council a few months ago. It was just taking a while I guess for them to get through the contract phase of
everything after um they heard from us and to get on the docket. So this one was fully vetted by the Hed adop committee. >> Council President, >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Thank you, ma'am. I just wanted to add
um if I'm not mistaken, I think this was at our March or April meeting when um Mr. Lon was still with the city. >> Okay. >> So, it's been that long. >> But I also um did have a question for uh BA Richardson or uh Mr. beach if he's
there if they have any type of an update that they can provide. I know you know the ordinance will carry the sale so nothing can begin but if they could provide any additional information because this will be a really important development to uh in our East Trenton
neighborhood in the city. Um so a lot of folks will be excited to see something happen with this long dormant building. Um absolutely council councilwoman Williams we will have more information available for the subcommittee and eventually for the entire council but uh
my understanding is that this um firm is working on developing their plans and everything but what we are doing tonight is basically formalizing the process of sale and uh assigning them as the
redevelopment agency for that property. Okay. And then I guess my followup would be that um they would still be working towards the idea of apartments. >> Yes. >> Yes, they are talking about I think 110
residential units, >> but you will have all Yes, you will have all the information, the drawings, the plans and everything else at a later time. >> Okay. We'll look forward to that for council. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, Council President.
>> Thank you, BA. Really quick, I'm I'm sorry if I missed it. You said it will include parking for those units. >> Yes, they they include parking. I am not sure how many parking, but uh that was part of that initial proposal. >> Thank you. >> As well, >> they are actually purchasing additional
properties around this one um just to accommodate parking. >> All right. Thank you. >> Yes, sure. >> Um Mr. Garcia, I think we're ready. >> Certainly. Roll call. Vice President Edwards, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Figueroa Kevinberg, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee, >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-144,
Ordinance authorizing the sale of city-owned property commonly known as 27 Paplar Street and identified on the city tax map as block 21403, lot 32 pursuant to NJSA 481 1213C to the
Real Property LLC for the sale price of $1,000. Are there any members of the public wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> May we have a motion to approve? May I have a mo motion to approve? >> Yes. So
>> thank you. Second. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figueroa Kenberg. >> No.
>> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Ordinance 25-145. Ordinance authorizing the sale of city
owned property commonly known as 55 San Heeken Drive and identified on the city tax map as block 34404 lot 5 pursuance NJSA 481 1213C, excuse me, to Marcus and Julia Tyson for
the sale price of $75,000. Are there any members of the public wish to speak the sword and set at the time? Seeing none, madam president, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> May we have a motion to approve? So move. >> Noted. Roll call. Vice President Edwards.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Keber. Same. >> Noted. Councilwoman Frisbee. Very happy. >> Thank you.
C. >> Uh, Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-146, an ordinance amending chapter 176 of the code of the city of Trenton entitled parades.
Are there any members of the public to speak wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, madam president, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> May we have a motion to approve. So move. >> Second. Council President, >> Councilwoman Williams. I mean, damn,
Feliciano. What? >> I'm not even there. >> I know, baby. I miss you, Mr. Council Williams. That's what it is. Director, I gotta call him. Just a quick question. Letter B,
it says not less than four weeks, right, >> before the date to do a parade, not six. >> No, four is enough to do a whole big parade through the city. >> This is an agreement that we have with the police department. We have the application once we get the application
and it's correct. We send it to the director of police and then his team looks at it and reviews it and makes a determination. So, four weeks is what we agreed upon. if it's six weeks for permit. >> Right. So I think
how how long So they have to have it in to you four weeks before the date of the parade. Four weeks before. And then you take it and give it to the police department. And what do they do with it?
>> Yeah. when they they review it and they make a determination. Street closures are handled by their department. >> So again, I I I always think that more is better. So like, can't we put something in there that says they do it four weeks, it's then sent to the police
department, you know, for final approval, something like that. >> Um Steve Wilson, police director. Um I I think that's probably better six weeks. Um, and I think probably we should do
something like the completed application should be turned in six weeks prior to the event. That way it'll give Paul's team time to uh to u man the event and also also make to get the same same thing to man the event. Right.
>> Six weeks lead time is is is good enough to do especially when we have the bigger parades. >> Right. Okay. So that's what I was thinking with that. Yeah. So thank you. so much gentlemen. So I'd like to make a motion to amend letter B to say not less
than six weeks before the date on which um it is proposed to conduct the parade. >> Uh so moved >> second that was >> the motion was from Feliciano. The second was
>> uh Gonzalez >> Gonzalez or Got it. Thank you. >> Um roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Edenberg. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Frisbee has dropped off from the meeting. Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. And Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve the ordinance as amended. >> May we have a motion to approve the
amended ordinance 25146. So move. Second. Second. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figurero Kevin. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams.
>> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-147. An ordinance authorizing the execution and amendment of an amendment to disposition agreement and the sale of city-owned
properties to Vista Center Development LLC. No. >> Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> May we have a motion to approve?
>> So moved. >> Thank you. Second. >> Second. Council President >> President Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Thank you. Just a couple quick questions. I'm a little bit confused on this one, please. Um, so they entered
into um >> they entered into the designation agreement October 18th, 2007. Right. And then well they gave the exclusive development rights to this
person October 18th in 20 in 2007. And then in April 17th of uh 2008, the disposition agreement was entered into exclusive status for a year
that that had started June 12th, 2007. And then there were a lot of delays from 2007 to 2025. and there was legal challenges and something was dismissed and it I just want to know and then there was like these amendments and everything that happened that keeps
bringing us up to now. That's a long time from 2007 till now for all of this to be happening for this LLC to hold exclusive rights to develop this. Also, there's no formation documentation of
the LLC. I know at this time we didn't ask for all of that, but I know that we've been asking for certain things moving forward just so that we can get a true understanding of what's happening. So, if somebody could just explain what what's happening, why are we why was this allowed? Why is this this a long
time from 2007 um until today to be doing this? >> Yes. Uh Council President, if I may. >> Yes. >> Um uh Council Feliciano, this matter was uh tied up in a challenge by another developer. It was challenged in the superior court appellet division. Then
it went to the appellet division and it actually went up to the New Jersey Supreme Court who ultimately denied Cersiari. But so there was that that delay was because it was it went through every appeal that it could possibly go through and that appeal was finally ruled on by the New Jersey Supreme Court this year. So there was nothing that we
could do because everything was on in stayed pursuant to court order. So essentially what we're doing is revi >> right the court the court is the court the the the the wheels of justice churn very slowly and we literally just got
the order this year so as soon as we got it we put it back in essentially we're doing is just reviving revising it because nothing could be done during that uh challenge period while I was in the superior court appellet court and jury supreme court. >> Okay. Thank you for that director. Thank you council president. >> No problem. Councilwoman Williams, did you still have a question?
>> Yes ma'am. Thank you. So my question along those lines, but um this is being the Bell Telephone Building that opened up um for apartment residential units. So along the way, it would have been nice to have an idea what the amendments
were a little more clearly, but when it says towards the end on the end of third paragraph from the end of uh page two, whereas pursuant to the disposition agreement, the city agreed to sell all the the city properties is detailed and listed on exhibit B attached here to
which we don't have. Um whereas disposition agreement further provides that in the event redeveloper is unable to acquire any privately owned property needed for a development project, the city shall acquire such properties and transfer it to the redeveloper for nominal consideration at the cost and
expense of the redeveloper. Um and whereas the privately owned properties to be acquired by redeveloper are those detailed the original disposition agreement yada yada yada. So being that this project was completed a good while ago at this point, um what if
you could share what the city properties were that were given to the developer and then um when it says that in the event the redeveloper is unable to acquire any privately owned property needed for the development project, the city shall acquire such properties and
transfer it to the redeveloper on the end of uh towards the end of page two. What does that mean going forward? Uh to my understanding they were completely done with this project though there are kind of a sea of parking lots around the building still.
>> I feel like you're talking about two separate things. We're talking about the Vista Transit Center near the train station, not the building. That's two. >> Yeah, because well on the front page it says it's now located at 216 East State Street. >> So that is just that is this the headquarters for Vista Center
Development LLC. >> Yes. >> Okay. Yes, the the properties that we're referring to and the fact I will work with HD to get you those parcels and that map that should have been completed, but there are two very small parcels. I believe one has a billboard
on it and another one has a there are two billboard part uh sections. If the developer is not able to acquire them um by way of a private sale, then the city because it is in a redevelopment area and it is a repart of redevelopment uh project, we have the ability to um
basically take those pay the owner um best in use value for that so that there can be one contiguous property for redevelopment. Um but the again the only amendment to this is changing the date because the date had since expired as a result of the appeals um before it the
courts. >> Okay. Thank you. And I I apologize my confusion, but that's where it kind of came from being that a lot of that property around Beltell is not developed yet. So, we're really not talking a lot of land in the train station
redevelopment center at this point that the city still owns. >> No, there the city doesn't know. Well, the city doesn't own any of them right now. The two Okay. two spots that that are referenced in there that um the uh developer is attempting to buy by way of a private sale. Again, they're just two
billboards that are needed because we need that contiguous property. My my understanding is that that sale should be successful, but if it is not, we have the ability to take those properties under our redevelopment powers to um be able to have it redeveloped as an entirety and not have any break in the
in the project. >> Okay. No, thank you very much, Mr. Bridges. And, you know, going forward, if we can always get those exhibits, I know sometimes that's painful with photocopying, but it's it is really helpful. No, you should you should have had that and you will have that before the next uh reading of this.
>> Okay. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, >> Madam President. >> CVP. >> Thank you. >> I wanted to stay on that part. Uh Mr. Bridges, Director Bridges, do you mind elaborating a little bit more on the two parcels that you're referencing as a
part of this? Now you mentioned that the um developer is is trying to pursue it but the disposition um legal issues prevented them from being able to acquire them in a private sale. Then you mentioned the city shall
acquire such properties and transfer it to the redeveloper. Why would we do that? >> So he could redevelop it. >> Um it's it's part of the pro it's part of the property that they're redeveloping. It's it's it's again two billboards on the far side of the train
station that must be acquired in order to put the structure up that they need unless they build it around the billboard. But they they they need the whole property. >> The the billboards you're talking about in that circle >> on Greenwood and Clinton that that dead
end circle those billboards. >> I have to defer to HD. kind of stepping in telling you the legal challenges and what happened with respect to the re changing the dates and what what h why they were I think what would be helpful to councilwoman Williams point is once
you have the drawings and the the basically the the project as it's intended you'll be able to see the two properties that may be either acquired privately by way of a sale or by way of eminent domain condemnation the reason why that could not happen now again
because of the appeal And because of the fact that the redevelopment deal had expired, the redeveloper didn't have the authority to negotiate those terms. Didn't have the authority to do anything until the court ultimately ruled. And even after the court ruled, we still had to revise the redevelopment, give the
developer simply the authority to enter into these negotiations. >> Okay. I don't see exhibit B on here with any of these properties listed. Um I don't know how my colleagues are feeling but I would suggest that we table this
into the next meeting pending we receive those >> zip A I mean zip B. >> Yes. >> Is this a >> so that we can make a full education decision. >> This is second >> then I that's that's not a problem with table it until you have those documents. >> I understand a second reading but
>> yeah if it's first reading I would say let's go but second reading we can table it until you get those the information you're looking for. >> Okay. Let me put that on here. You're making a motion to table. Yes. I'm like, >> why don't why don't I just pull it until you until we get that information. That way you don't have to vote to untab it. >> Thank you.
>> So, does that reset the second reading back to first reading? >> Uh, no. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, pulled by administration. Madam President, those are all the ordinances for second reading.
>> Yes. We move down to resolutions. Are there any resolutions that you or the council wish to extract from a potential consent agenda this evening? >> Council President, >> hold on one second. Councilwoman Feliciano, >> thank you. Uh 25 424
>> 424. >> Just a quick question. 386 425 >> 452. Thank you. >> Yeah, 452. Council President.
>> Yes. One second for 452, >> page seven. >> Okay, got it. Um, Councilwoman Figuro Kenberg, >> I also have 25 386 and 25431. >> 31. >> Council President.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Uh, 25425. >> There's going to be Thank you. Uh 25455 >> and then um 25437 >> and 437 >> 437
25439 >> and then 25440 and then 25452. >> Mhm. >> And that would be it, ma'am. >> All right. I think I missed the one. Um, Councilman Williams said 455, right?
>> Uh, yes, I did. >> I don't see that on my >> Is it 44? >> Oh, no, I didn't actually. I said, um, that would be 440. 440. >> Okay. I think I did a 440. Yep, I got it. All right. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you.
>> All right. So, we have 25424 for Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Thank you. Just a quick question, Council President. Yes, ma'am. >> On the one for August the 6th, that Thursday, >> that was >> Why are we doing it on the Thursday and
not the Tuesday? >> Because we ran into the conflict of National Night Out. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, that should be amended. You guys got the amended copy because I don't have that mark. >> Okay. Thank you. I just I forgot about that. Um, >> and hold on. That was it. You have more
on that one? >> So, I don't I mean, and I don't know if we would have this like noted on here, but just a thought. We had spoken previously um as a council about requiring the board of health to give us quarterly updates on what was going on.
I don't know if that would necessarily be something that we would reflect on here. I know that they we have the annual thing, but I like as you know as we move ahead to really think about um solidifying something where and I don't know um you know if that could be left at the at the um leisure of you know the
the council president to figure out that we would do it quarterly and then just have them come um to certain you know what I mean to certain to give presentations and stuff as well. Um, and while we we always set this meeting for June, I don't think we've ever had the
the actual meeting >> on in June. >> In June. So, that's why I'm saying maybe we kind of look at the quarterly thing. Um, but to pick a date that we actually can commit like if we're going to do it then to actually have it, you know, on
that on that day. So, I guess the question I have is >> commitment. >> Is it required? Is it legally required for us to have it in June? The board of health meeting like is this an annual thing that has to happen in June every
year statutoily? >> I don't know that answer. Somebody dr. >> Okay. I don't have a problem with it. It's just that we've never been able to actually do it. We've we've gotten around to it, but I just didn't know if
um Council President, can I ask the BA if she knows BA Richardson with regard to the board of health annual meeting? Is this something that is always required? Is it legally required that we had to do this in June? Because like
we've never done it in June or was this just practice that it's always just been in June? >> It was a practice. is there is no legal issues with conducting it any other time that you would like. >> Okay. So, we don't even have to do an annual meeting. We could just have
>> you can do your quarterly meetings and presentations. I think so. >> Okay. I just wanted to just clear that up. Thank you. Be able to Thank you, Council President. That's >> So, do we want to uh take this June 4th date off? >> Council President. >> Councilwoman Williams.
>> Yeah. I just would like to suggest because this usually comes up um when we have this meeting that it the expanse of health um and how big it is and all the different things they do um including
um animal shelter etc and so forth. Uh we usually go well over an hour >> that um for this I think this should be split from our regular meeting no matter what. But I do like the idea of we're as long as we're consistent, we hold ourselves to it of having a quarterly
meeting, we're splitting it from the June 4th meeting and allotting roughly two hours for it. So, we make sure that we cover all the, you know, material needed, the issues and concerns because I know I've really enjoyed as I've had
members of the public mention, uh, they're really glad that we asked so thorough questions of health department and making sure, you know, god forbid something happens, um, that we've covered all our bases. >> Okay.
So, I would suggest maybe we add them into like maybe two or three of the meetings now if you guys want to do that. It's up to you. Or or we could just do it as a presentation as the president sees fit to bring them in. So, let's um take this
Mr. Garcia, can we have a motion to amend it just to remove that June 4th date or do we need an amendment for that? This is a motion to amend >> just to remove June 4th date and then we'll leave it up to the leisure of the president at the time. >> Okay.
>> And that motion's made by >> myself. Got it. >> I motion to make an amendment. >> Second. Is there a second? >> Second. Second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> So, wait. >> I'm sorry, Council President.
>> Yes. just just to add so legally we could do it as a presentation and it doesn't have to be slated as an annual meeting like there's nothing by the public board of health or anybody that says that we have to do this as a public
meeting as opposed to a presentation or D like nobody says that we have to do this because we're the board of health. So, does is there anything that says I just want to be clear >> before we make that? >> Yeah. Before we I mean because we could
still do the quarterly presentations, but if you have to have the meeting then to Councilwoman Williams point have it on a separate day from the regular meeting because it does take up so much time um where we have questions. You
know what I mean? And I even think before then they should send us the presentation beforehand so they're not reading slide by slide to us so that way we could digest it and then just be ready with questions that we have. I think that that takes up a lot of time too as we're trying to piece this thing
together. >> Madame President, >> council vice president. >> Um just furthermore uh I was just talking to councilwoman Feliciano about it because we are the we are the city council. We're the governing body of the
city, but we're also the board of alcohol beverage. That's separate from council. We have separate meetings. We're the board of health. So, that should probably be a separate meeting. We're in those meetings. We're not council members. We're board members, right? Even though we still go by our
titles respectfully, >> but we're board members. >> So, should it not be a presentation? And should it actually be a separate meeting? >> A separate meeting. So let's So again, then we'll leave it for the June 4th or we could just add in
two dates while we're here. >> I would say >> I would say >> I like quarterly meeting. >> Yeah. So let's say like a June. Well, we can't do the six because that's the second >> we can't can we do the why we don't have a second, Adam? Think about it. Is that
because of the possible of elections or something? the June second >> the primary >> the June 2nd we don't have anything that day >> that would be a primary election >> it's because of the primaries so we can't do that day so let's shoot for
June 18th >> very well council president >> uh uh councilwoman Feliciana I'm thinking April maybe April >> well what can we we could just do the well
Let me look at my calendar. >> I'm pull the calendar up. >> So on June 23rd, we have our ABC board meeting >> added to that. >> Um cuz they they kind of tend to go pretty fast.
>> That makes sense. >> Renewals. Okay. >> Um hold on. Let me I'm just going to pull the calendar real quick. So maybe we move it to May. No, >> we could do May 28th because May 26 is a
right, which is a Tuesday. So we moved it to that Thursday in May, which would be May 28th. >> Okay. Yeah. And then that way it could stand alone by itself >> and then we could give it adequate time.
>> Memorial Day is the 25th. >> All right. So we want to amend it to just have May 28th >> just as the annual meeting >> and remove June 4th date. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So moved. >> Wait. Yeah. Well, I thought we wanted to do quarterly. So at least twice a even
if we don't do quarterly, we should do at least twice a year. I would say another date in maybe September and October. >> October. >> We got two in October. So, Oh, yeah. You're right. Okay. Maybe
October 29th. I think that's good. You okay with that? October 29th. >> Council President. >> Yes. Council, >> I'd just like to maybe if we can move that up to maybe mid October because
that's a week before our municipal elections and I know there'll be a lot of busy folks. >> That's true. You're right. You're right. Or we could just keep because usually October ABC board meetings are kind of slow, Mr. Garcia. So, if we could do it on that same day,
October 27th, >> if you'd like to do it on the same day as an ABC meeting, I'm >> y'all fine to do that, council president. >> No, >> I don't. So, I don't I I like the part about us just making the annual meeting on the 28th stand alone. I think that's
good. Right. If we talk about doing just having them present to us quarterly, then someone can just put them on the agenda and just say at these meetings per quarter, they're just giving us a presentation
per quarter. So, it's not a set meeting date and time. So, that way we all know we're locked in here May 28th and then the the leadership can set when the quarterly presentations would be made. >> That's fine with me. I'm okay with that amendment. So, let's amend it just to uh
remove June 4th, include May 28th. Um, Mr. Garcia, and that would be it. >> All right, I guess that's a long >> I'm sorry, Madam President. I apologize. So, what is um we're we're omitting we're removing June 4th for May 28th and
adding What was the other date? >> No other date. >> No other date. >> Okay. And that was motioned by yourself and second by Feliciano. >> Thank you. >> And roll call. Vice President Edwards.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Gettenberg. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes.
>> Motion carried for amendment. And madam president, if you want to ask for a motion to Oh, well, excuse me. Um, would that be for consent or >> roll call >> consent? >> Thank you. >> Mhm.
>> And the next one we have um which we have some people here to answer any questions. Um we have Counciloman Feliciano and Councilwoman Figureroa Kenberg. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. That's 4 386. >> Mhm.
>> So, I guess the >> see whether >> I'm fine with it, >> but I I >> would like to Well, I guess we would have to approve it before we could see the final. I just wanted to see
everything completed um in formal. I don't have a question. I'm gonna be quiet. Go ahead. >> No questions. So, Councilwoman Big Gatenburg, >> that's it. >> Thank you. Um,
my my concern with this is it is it a 50-year pilot? >> 30-year pilot. >> 30. >> Yeah. Um, I I think that um it I think that a 30-year abatement, in my opinion, it
kind of locks future um administrations and residents into terms um that ultimately can be become unfair as you know, tax base needs change and and housing markets change. Um, I think that
sometimes shorter pilot terms, 15 to 25 years, or if it's going to be a 30, maybe a gradual assessment or, you know, 5 to 10 years, let's let's let's revisit it and see where we're at with the markets. Um
I I just I given given this term of a pilot, you know, I'd like to see uh requirements such as, you know, requirements of local hiring t target targets, um apprenticeships, uh neighborhood improvement, you know, incentives and things of that nature. Um
and I I appreciate you guys are here, so I kind of would like your feedback as to what this kind of looks like. So I'll let you >> Yes. So, we have our uh Miss Huff Trenton Housing Authority, Mr. Dean, and Mr. Tibs, president to answer questions. >> Yes. Uh good evening, council president
and council. Uh my name is Christy Huff. I'm the director of redevelopment. I'm here with Richard Squire Tibs is our director of finance and Dean Oliver from PRC, our development partner. Um yes, we're very excited to get this first phase of the project started. Um we've
been working on this project since 2019. We're residents and community in the city of Trenton as our um co-licant of this project. Um but yes, the pilot is important for the financing. I'll let Dean go more into detail as far as um
the financing um advantages. Um but we do use local hiring on all of our projects. We have been very successful. We have a a community empowerment plan in place that we use and implement with all of our developments. We like to have opportunity to come back in the new year
to do a formal presentation and to explain where we are with all of our phases. This is a five-phase project. Um we are excited to reduce the blight in the North Trenton neighborhood and to partner with the Trenton public school systems on his junior run project as
well. Um, but I'll let Dean talk more about the pilot, but this is just very um pivotal moment for us to actually get break ground and get in get started with this project and get started with this neighborhood project because it's been long overdue and we've been working on
it for a very long time. Dean, you could comment on the pilot. >> Good evening, council members. Uh, appreciate the time. Uh, Dean Oliver from uh People Restoring Communities, THAA's development partner. Um the importance of this particular pilot is that we really catalyze the development
throughout North Trenton. Um this is the standard our ask is for the standard HMFA 6.28% rate uh for the 30 years that would be typical for any other uh HMFA project where they are providing the first mortgage. Um so we're hoping that that
is you know this is just sort of a a performer request uh for the council. Um, and as I mentioned, I think the the importance here is that um, the operating expenses for the proposed building be maintained at a fairly low and affordable rate throughout the
duration of that mortgage so that we can maintain the debt payments on that mortgage. Um, this is the first of five phases as Christie mentioned. Uh, the first two of those phases um are going to be 100% affordable u backed by projectbased vouchers provided by DCA.
Um so these are lowincome 100% lowincome um residents that will be living in these buildings and the future phases three through five will have more of a mixture of middle and market rate um income units um where you know the income coming in for those buildings at
whether the HMFA rate or other um will be able to generate more income for the city. Um, and then the only other thing I would say is that this overall choice plan helps to really catalyze uh development throughout the entire North Trenton area. Um, the importance of this
project is that we're really looking to create a marketplace for other um interested developers and partners to come into the city and be able to also be doing the types of things that we're looking to do here. Um, it's really important that this be the first one that we kind of set it in stone and really allow for future development to
uh to mobilize. Thank you. And really quick, and you u I haven't been in the market of renting in 15 plus years. Um you say you say affordable. Um I see studio onebedroom 1644. We're talking 2028 when we think
it's going to be up and running. Um twobedroom 21107, 3bedroom 3422. what um levels of assistance um is going to be available to residents, you know, to counter um some of these uh rent fees, rental fees.
>> Uh yeah, sure. So, so this first phase is going to be 108 units. Um 107 of them will be for the seniors that are directly coming from the Donnelly Homes development site. Um all those units will be one-bedroom apartments that are
set at a blended rent um that are determined by really HUD's um fair market rent which is uh the blended rent is roughly $1,600 for the onebedroom 1620 something for the onebedroom. Um those all those apartments are being
supported by project based vouchers provided by DCA. So the the resident is only paying 30% of their adjusted gross income. the balance of that rent payment is being covered by the the voucher. >> So standard, >> correct?
>> Yep. >> And just um I just want to say, you know, as I know Councilman Williams and myself and a couple of other uh council members have been in some of the meetings and I will say that they have had had very intense community meetings
with um a lot of community input on the projects that are going on around North Trenton with the community uh choice neighborhood program. So, um, kudos to you all for all the work that you're doing. >> Council President, >> uh, Councilman Williams, >> thank you, ma'am. So, I just want
>> I'm sorry you had questions. I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Can I go? Okay. Thank you. So, I just wanted to say I mean, it's no secret I'm been a great supporter and a cheerleader uh for this project as I know uh many
others on council have done also. And um particularly given that we were able to win the $15 million uh for Choice Neighborhood, I'm really encouraged that we're able to have this happen that a lot of seniors will benefit from it
particularly and that uh so many units will be able to build be able to be built one time. Just unfortunate, you know, we lost junior one uh in the fire. So I am uh very supportive of the pilot. Uh when it comes to private entities, um that's
where I more so have my questions about whether we should do something like that or not over time. But I do understand my colleagues concerns um particularly you know Trent Housing Authority has really put so much into this um that you know
we need to make sure that this project comes to fruition that successful and then if uh also I don't know if Miss Huff could speak about it particularly uh but my understanding is once we break ground on this and progress is made we
can also eventually reapply for additional monies from the federal government. Now, granted, they may not be available admittedly, sadly, uh but we are able to um reapply to Choice Neighborhood again. Is that correct, ma'am? >> Uh yes. So, we had originally applied
for $15 million and receive $19 million. So, we still have a gap for the rest of the phases. Um with the 15 million, well, the 19 million, we expect to do two and a half phases. So the first two phases once we break ground preferably
around March of 2026, 6 months later we hope to break ground in the neighborhood infill. So we'll have two phases of the development going on simultaneously. Um so we're, you know, very hopeful. We've already been advocating to HUD. It's just that if the money comes available,
we have to apply again for supplemental funding. >> Okay. And then um as far as the financial just I know there may be some members of the public who might ask um the success of the project than the financing and so forth. Uh it is
contingent on receiving the pilot. >> Yes. Yes. Because we would have a larger gap if we weren't able to um have the pilot in place >> and Okay. Hmfa looks for us to have a pilot when we apply. >> All right. Well, thank you very much and
I look forward to hopefully seeing everyone uh at the ribbon cutting. >> Yes. >> Groundbreaking rather. >> Thank you and thank you for your continued collaboration with the Trenton Housing Authority. Thank you. >> Thank you. Consent. Everybody's go.
>> All right. Then we have 425. Um I did ask admin to come up before us to explain further, but I know Counciloman Feliciano and Councilwoman Williams have questions. Oh, okay. So, Mr. Chair, if you want to explain further on this one and maybe
that'll answer some of their questions. >> Sure, I'd be happy to. Um, this resolution is pretty uh normal course of business resolution. This council has approved similar ones um in the past and we do this from time to time. Uh these
are two capital accounts for the Trenton Waterworks that were dedicated for specific projects. Those projects have been completed now and they came in under the total that we had originally
dedicated in part because typically we dedicate sort of round numbers um and these came in under budget. So that money essentially exists on the books until such time as council takes an
action to um cancel those allocations. Then those numbers come off of the debt service for the utility, not the the city, but for the utility and then um we can move forward and it of course
reduces their total carried debt. Um, and we won't specifically reprogram this exact money, but it provides us with some uh buffer so that when we need to bond for the next set of money, we don't
have this also dragging down the utilities books. Hopefully that answers u some of those questions. >> Answers. Okay. What uh Councilman Williams? >> Yes, ma'am. That answered my question. Thank you. Okay. Thank you.
>> Consent. >> Yes, please. >> All right. Next, I have I think I really missed one from Councilman Williams, but Councilwoman Figuro Kittenberg 25431. >> Yes. >> Oh, very simple question. I think um I
just unless I'm missing something. I was just looking for um a property address for this. Um the tax collector did not want to include the property address. It is
stated in the letter in the memo that she sent because she didn't want to expose um the resident who was actually under foreclosure and bankruptcy. >> Thank you. Sure. That's >> Yes,
>> madame president. Oh, CVP. Um thank you. I I had a question about this. Um, and I know I asked it in docket review, but I have since sent
some I sent an email to our council attorney to ask more information about this process and whether there is a standard operating procedure that handles these types of situations and what does that process look like and if that's something that council needs to
intercede on legislatively. Um, we are aware that, you know, when when a person falls behind on taxes and there's a tax sale certificate that's going to happen, if there is a bankruptcy or if the person dies and it goes to probate court, those are processes that will
halt that process from their taxes being sold on a tax lean sale. But this property somehow missed that. So, with this property in particular, the bankruptcy was filed in April of 2022, but for some reason, it still ended up
on the tax sale certificate approved by the previous council on December 22nd of 2022. Um, months after the bankruptcy was filed and it and it says here that says uh
I'm going just going to read it to the public because they don't have this in their hands. Whereas on December 22nd of 2022, a tax sale certificate was sold against a property known as this block and lot number. The owner of said property filed an action in bankruptcy
court in April of 2022, but failed to notice the city of Trenton and his finding his filings. And then it goes on to say, even without notification while covered by a bankruptcy stay, an enforcement action such as a tax sale is not permitted.
And as a result, and having just learned of this situation, the lean holder has requested a refund of their investment. The person that bought the lean wants their money back. And now council is being asked to cancel this invalid tax sale certificate due to this bankruptcy
thing. So my question was about the standard operating procedure, whether or not the property owner notifies the municipality. Is it not a part of the process for the tax office to look up or do some type of
title search on whether there is a bankruptcy or or a death or something that ended up in an estate and probate court that would halt this? >> The central procedure does not include looking into
if there is a bankruptcy. um the person filing the bankruptcy has the burden of communicating their creditors um that there is a uh that they are filing for bankruptcy and uh I think
that the city attorney would be better equipped than me to explain um what is the process for that. >> Yeah, thank you um business administrator Richardson. Um the standard operating procedure is statutory. Um when you are preparing for foreclosure, you're going to do a title
search. You're going to get a title on the property, bankruptcy, excuse me. Um no, I'm talking with respect to the tax sale and foreclosure. Before you're doing a foreclosure, you're going to run a title search. You're going to see every person that has a lean interest claim against
that property. You're going to put all those entities individual on notice that you are intending to file bankruptcy. after notice and uh uh the creditors make themselves known and and attend a creditors committee meeting where they fill out what's called a notice of claim
and you are getting ready to finalize the um foreclosure action. You run another title search to make sure there are no additional new claims on that property. Once you have fulfilled that obligation, you submit all of those documents to the court and the court
will ultimately award a foreclosure. And then we've discussed the process with how those tax um certificates are then um sold, including the uh period within which the homeowner can reclaim that property if they so choose. Parallel to
that, or not parallel, but separate from that is the bankruptcy proceeding. If someone's filing for bankruptcy, they go into federal bankruptcy court and file for chapter 11 uh bankruptcy in in this case or chapter 9, depending on what they're trying to do. In that
proceeding, they will notify the court of all of their creditors and they will say all these people have claims against my income, my property, my business, what what have you. Similar to foreclosure, but this is in bankruptcy. That same process will follow in in
bankruptcy where the court will get the assets called the estate and the bankruptcy court will distribute the state assets on a prata amount to cover the creditor's claims. If the person or entity filing bankruptcy does not notify
the court and or the city that they filed for bankruptcy, uh even though some time has passed, there's nothing that um we can do as part of the foreclosure process to to capture that. The reason why stay is important is because if you violate the state, there are very heightened penalties that you
that we will get assessed against us for any type of collection efforts whatsoever. And there's also a look back period with respect to I'm not a bankruptcy attorney, but I believe it's a seven-year look back period. So, this is just unfortunately a a situation where the creditor um did not notify the
bankruptcy court. The creditor did not notify the city. There are certain um consequences with respect to that that will take place in the bankruptcy court, but in terms of the foreclosure process, that's that's just a separate process unto itself. Thank you, director, u for your thorough
explanation of what happens once the tax lean is sold to the person and they begin the foreclosure process. But I want to know about the process with the administration internally prior to it being sold to anyone. What is that
standard operating procedure? Do you guys not have your own internal title search process where you look up whether these properties before you throw it on the on the list for council to approve it for this sale, is there a title
search that would look into bankruptcy court or probate court to see whether or not this property qualifies to get on that list in the first place before it's sold? >> No. The process is to pull the title search the beginning of the foreclosure
process and then before you go for a final foreclosure to pull title again on that property. There's there's no way to identify unless there's been a judgment as a result of a bankruptcy proceeding or a civil or civil action that that title search will capture that bankruptcy that someone has filed
whenever they decided to file it. >> Okay. So is there >> may I add something? This is not necessarily going into a foreclosure procedure. We are talking about a tax certificate sale. We still
may have two additional years before that property is foreclosed on. So this was not necessarily a foreclosure. This was us selling a tax certificate, not necessarily selling the property,
disposing the property in foreclosure. >> Right. Yeah, I understand that. That that that was definitely clear. I'm just curious as to how come the city is not making sure that this property isn't in bankruptcy court before putting it on a
tax sale certificate list. >> The the property itself wouldn't be in bankruptcy. It would be the owner of the property. So, it's not like the it's not as though the property claimed bankruptcy. the the the individual will claim bankruptcy unless their creditors and at the creditors committee they will
go over all of that individual's assets. So the the property did not file bankruptcy. The owner of the property filed for bankruptcy, >> right? But this property was in that bankruptcy. It was included in that bankruptcy. That's what it's telling us here. But they didn't notify the city.
And then it says even without notification while covered by bankruptcy stay any enforcement such as a te a tax sale is not permitted. So it comes down to them not notifying the city. So the city didn't know that the property was
involved in the bankruptcy. So they sold it on a tax sale. So I'm saying can this be prevented so that three years later we're not having to cancel this? >> No. >> No. And and again, the property was not in the bankruptcy. The individual was.
So it's not as though this person said, "I'm putting my property into bankruptcy." The person put themselves into bankruptcy and then the court took into consideration all the person's assets, their income, their savings, all those things. There was a a very technical provision in bankruptcy provision in the bankruptcy code to
exclude primary residents. So, it's it's a very technical um process in bankruptcy um to the point where we have bankruptcy attorneys who specialize in that that that handle those matters. We do not handle those matters internally. Um so, there was just short of us getting notice of that bankruptcy either
from the court or from the creditor. There's no standard operating procedure for us to identify every single property tax lean that we're looking to do. Whether or not that that person or that entity has filed for bankruptcy, that's their obligation. Okay. >> Unfortunately.
>> Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman Feliciana. >> Thank you. >> Um, just real quick, how much is the refund? >> It's a good question. >> That is the $20,000 question,
>> right? It is not. >> So, we can't approve something. We don't have an amount for because we don't know what the amount is. >> We will have an amount in 5 minutes if you allow me to, >> council president. >> All right. So, we can skip past this one
for right now. So, um uh uh Mr. Garcia, >> um would that So, what's sitting on that? I believe the next resolution. Sorry, the next is 437. 437. Councilman Williams. >> Thank you, ma'am. Would um I apologize. I did have a question about 254 455. Do
you want me to go that way first because that was previous >> 455? >> That is on the previous page. >> Oh, I thought you said 25. >> Yeah, I said both of them, but I when I you asked me earlier if it was 455, and
I apologize. I said that I didn't, but I actually did. >> Okay, that's fine. Thank you. >> I don't see a 455 on my >> Oh, it's 25455 just before Department of Police on page four.
>> Oh, I see. Okay. >> So, um for resolution 455. >> Yeah. Uh regarding supporting the application of 221 East Hanover LLC. >> Oh, >> for Aspire funding. I'm sorry, which one is the resolution
number? >> 425 25 >> 455. >> Um yes, this basically this resolution is seeking to provide support to these companies so that they can uh look for Aspire um funding which is basically a gap
funding. They they just need additional monies. They have already secured their finances but need additional money from EDA. So we it's a requirement >> uh from EDA that the municipality would support
um their ask through a resolution. They are I think planning to build 23 units there. >> Okay. Well, thank you. >> No, no commitment from us except that we are supporting the project.
>> Okay. Um, so my question, and I realize you may not um know this because it's slightly in the weeds potentially, but the property that uh they are going to be doing this development at uh was previous the NeAs Arms uh rooming house,
which I actually visited a few times uh previously. So there were uh constituents living there. Um certainly in a temporary, you know, long-term temporary situation with the rooming house. Um, I don't know that there are any residents still there cuz I haven't
seen the building in a little bit of time. Um, but do you happen to know if it's still presently operating as a rooming house or if it's been shut down where those residents maybe were moved on to? >> I am not sure about that.
>> Okay. >> I should I will not be able to provide um excuse me information. >> I understand. And then next door was the um previously closed down uh the law building. So um is this project strictly
going to be for and they're both attached the Nebius uh arms uh rooming house and then the law building. So, is it intended that 221 will be torn down, but 219, the law building will still be standing or do you happen to know did um
East Hanover LLC, did they acquire both buildings and we'll be tearing both of them down? >> I am not I don't have that information, Councilwoman. I'm sorry. >> Okay. All right. No problem. All right. Thank you very much. Uh consent agenda, ma'am. >> Thank you.
Now moving on to >> I'm sorry council president I am um actually I don't um uh the tax collector is telling me that attached to this resolution this resolution that we are
discussing is to cancel the the tax sales certificate but it should be paired by a resolution with the refund. I don't have the resolution with the refund in the docket. So, at this time, I would like to pull this resolution
until we actually go to uh the clerk and my office to see um what is the the parent resolution with the refund. >> We're pulling 431. >> Yes. Okay. >> Thank you. >> No problem. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Um 25437 is Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes, ma'am. Um, I don't director Vasquez, uh, I could ask her a question. >> The one >> 437. Yes.
>> And thank you very much, ma'am. So, I'm very I'm definitely supportive of this resolution, but I was looking to see if you could provide any more information um on the tours um as far as any type of a timeline if the application is
approved by ueez. Um and you know what the um as far as a uh you know plan for would we be hiring locals to uh conduct the tours or you know can you kind of give a little vision to what this might
uh be created and hopefully uh we will be able to utilize it next year during the the uh 250th birthday. >> Um council president may I take the question? >> Sure. Yes. We actually just in the process of applying to UC for that
money. Um and yes, the money is um intended, the funding is intended to um underwrite some of the activities that we are planning for the 250 anniversary. Don't ask me to say the
same that I never can say it right. So, uh it's basically for historic tours and our African-American trail um tours that we have been talking for a
while. sold. Uh it is intended to to fund some of those activities and >> okay >> we are hoping that we get that um presented in the next meeting of UEC and
that they will um have a positive um opinion of our proposal. But that's basically what we are trying to do right now is uh apply for the funding. >> All right. Thank you. Um would it be a
reasonable expectation that um if they do go for it um that you might be able to receive the monies in the first or second quarter of 220 200 I'm sorry uh 2026? >> Yes. Usually they see the uh the funding
applications every other month. So we just need the council authorization to apply and we are really um optimistic that we will get it. So the resolution is to apply and accept.
>> Okay. Excellent. Thank you very much and uh good luck to you and all of us with this. Thank you. >> Yes. Thanks. >> Consent agenda please. >> Thank you. Um next one is 439. Councilwoman Williams. Okay. Uh, thank you. So, I know this is
something um that's come up from time to time and we've all asked about um improving the grounds of city hall and the plaza, etc. So, and seeing that we were going to be rejecting bids, uh, do we have any update on uh, sending out to
obtain new bids hopefully? And can you explain just a little bit for public consumption why the bids were rejected? Sir, >> the bids came in, they were too high. We have a grant for uh trees. Uh and what we're looking to do is there used to be trees back there way back when, you
know, of course we put too much salt down and it kills the trees. So, this is going to replace that whole patio back there and then have a raised tree bed. That was the plan. Um but the came back at 1.6 and upwards to $4 million. We're not doing it.
>> Okay. So um we will have to revisit uh once we have a conversation about our capital budget. >> Understood. So you might expect a redesign on what your the original vision might be also.
>> No no redesign because the job the concrete needs to be done. The trees need to be planted just um hopefully casting a wider net for more potential vendors. >> Okay. Well, thank you for sticking with
it. It's much appreciated. Thank you. Uh consent agenda, please. >> Okay. And then you have one for 440 >> also. Um same thing or >> Yeah, same thing. If you just can explain um the rejecting of the bids. >> So yeah, I think this we got a little
public attention about this one. So it's not what you think. When we talk about promotional items, I'm talking about uniforms for my staff. I'm talking about uniforms for the uh the young kids who work for Take It to the Streets. recreation staff because it says city of
Trenton. It says the name of the event on the back. We're also talking about promotional items that are also included in that bid that go out to the public. So when we purchase things when we have our events, it could be neighborhood block parties, it could be national night out, it could be a Halloween
event, it could be turkey giveaway, Christmas event, those are events for the public where we tend to have giveaways. But the vast majority of this item is for basically what amounts to uh uniforms. Even our basketball leagues,
the uh jerseys, and the shorts are included in this. So, what you will, just to be clear, what we're going to do is I'm going to remove what are strictly promotion items from this bid because DCA has some issue with that. And I'm going to put together
a new bid that just is just for uniforms, just strictly uniforms. We're going to probably bypass purchasing shirts for events uh to give away randomly and it'll just be my staff shirts. It'll be uh I know I know it's not Nobody wants to hear that. Everybody
wants a shirt. Um but yeah, you know, times are hard. So that's what that's what we're going to do. We'll focus on cut. >> Exactly. We're going to focus on the athletic leagues. We're going to focus on recreation staff and our permanent staff and the uniforms for that and
promoting our events that way. All right. Thank you. And it sounds like you wouldn't expect this to impact any of your operations or uh presentations to uh the public that they've been used to in the past as far as actual events.
>> What? >> I didn't I didn't Can you repeat that? >> No, no problem. Um, so that it sounds to me that that um there will be no changes to your actual operations about like having leagues or any events, just we
may not have free t-shirts for spectators and stuff like that. >> Yes. Well, yes, there'll be some conversations because we do, for example, Kobe Day in the park. Uh, that's a big successful event when we do our basketball at Caval Park. We're going to push to have items for those
events, but it will not be widespread t-shirts for everybody. What we're doing is we're looking and we're they're saying, "Listen, we're redirecting resources to where we need them most. That's all we're doing." And the leagues are most important because that's where we get the most young people. Cad Park was packed this summer with people and
we want to continue that. >> So, we're just moving it the resources there. >> All right. Thank you very much. I'm glad to hear that. Uh consent agenda, please. Thank you. Um, the next one, 452, Councilwoman Feliciano
and Counciloman Williams. From there on, it's all yours. >> Hello, director. Hello. Hello, council. Just curious um what does the supplemental amount cover? >> So we part of the original scope we
requested a supplemental bid to cover unforeseen circumstances throughout this project. This is a federal project and it's part of the scope of services that we had to include. >> So what was the unforeseen circumstances that cost 185,616?
We don't know yet, but once the construction starts, instead of coming back for a change order, it will cover all of these things. So, we're just putting this in in anticipation of something Yes. >> going wrong. Has something gone wrong
before that made us do this? >> Yes. Okay. >> Every any construction project you could have um unforeseen. circumstances, right? >> And this is a federal grant, so we have to be careful how we handle this one. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Um, Councilwoman Williams. >> I'm good. Councilwoman Feliciano wisely asked the same question. Thank you, ma'am. >> Okay. Consent. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I think that's it for our resolutions. Uh, Mr. Garcia.
>> All right, Madam President. With that in mind, then if you'd like to ask for a motion to approve a consent agenda consisting of, and I don't believe we have any >> one pulled. >> We have one pulled. Correct. >> Two. >> I'll go ahead through them then. Oh, I'm
sorry. >> There was two pulled. Sorry. >> Okay. If you want to ask for a Excuse me. I apologize. Uh if you want to ask for a motion to approve a consent agenda consisting of all the resolutions with the exception of the pulled resolutions
list and those pulled resolutions were >> uh 4 >> 31 >> 31 and what was the other? >> It was actually 431. I was looking at the ordinance. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So then if you want to ask for a motion to approve a consent agenda consisting of all the resolutions this evening with
the exception of 431. >> May we have a motion to approve the consent agenda? So move. >> Second. >> Who was the It was moved by I'm sorry. >> Edwards. >> Thank you. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuroa Kenberg. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Moving to ordinances for
first reading and introduction. >> Yes. >> Ordinance 25-148 an ordinance creating position of economic development representative for for the department of housing and economic development division of economic development.
Madam President you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> We have a motion to approve 25148. So moved. >> Second. Thank you. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Figueroa Kenberg. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. I was waiting. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. And Madam President, ordinance 25-149
has been pulled. >> Yes. I'll move to ordinance 25-150. Ordinance authorizing the sale of city-owned property commonly known as 17 Summer Street identified on the city tax map as block 44 lot 50 pursuant to NJSA
4A 1213C to Jean Labyrin for the sale price of $10,000. May we have a motion to approve 1251 150. >> Madame President, we want to have a
motion to approve. >> So move. >> Is there a second? >> Yes. But I have a question too. >> Okay. So second is right. And now we can discuss it. CBP. >> Thank you. Um, with respect to previous
conversations that we have had between us, we have asked for property sales to go before the HED ad hoc committee and I know there were some scheduling conflicts. So, that never happened and there were um some
miscommunications as well. So, it just never happened. But we were hoping to try to get a meeting before tonight so that we can go over all of the properties that are on this list before we vote on them because there's still some outstanding questions and concerns.
So, um I am before I motion to pull any of these or table them rather to the next meeting. I know um VA Richardson is at the podium right now. She may have something to say. >> Oh no, no, no. just anticipate questions. So that
>> I thought you guys were scheduling a meeting before we so it never happened. >> It wasn't able to happen. The holidays got in the way and um and and >> chief of staff beach is sick. So he's not in >> this week or in the past couple of days.
So we we need to schedule a meeting. >> Okay. I'm okay with tableabling until the next meeting. You good with that? You guys can get So, can I have a motion to table
25, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 55, 56, 57, and 58 until December 16th? >> Some moved. >> Second, Council President. >> Yes, ma'am. I just want to say also um just for the record um we we've been
asking for different documents um to accompany these ordinances when they come forward. Right. Um and while the printout of the assessment has been provided, the tax
lean search part of it has not been right because we were asking about um the LLC's about everybody, right? But in particular the LLC's, we wanted to see the formation paperwork. Some of that's not been provided. We've not seen the
tax lean search paperwork on it. um just to give us some clarity about what is going on. And then in some cases, you know, it's a little a little confusing when you have on one line the LLC name,
but then the application has somebody else's name and then the application wasn't signed by people. I just feel like there's not a thorough enough job. like we're looking to move the properties, but there has to be a complete concise system in order for us
to be able to do this. And again, in no way am I against moving the properties or allowing the people to purchase them. I am all for it. But as we've said from like the very beginning, um there has to be some form of uniformity and it has to
be consistency in order for us to be able to stand on it and comfortably say yes um to the property movement and the fact that we weren't able um to have a meeting by no fault of council. Um, it's
just if that was what the agreement was for us to meet with the Hed um before docket review or whatever, I forget what it was, but if if that was supposed to happen to kind of help us to be able to weed through this, then we need to be able to have that time to
weed through it to get it right. Thank you. >> Noted. I will make sure to schedule the meeting with the chief of staff and I will also now that we have a um calendar of meetings for next year so that we also prepare a calendar of meetings
prior to >> council meeting not not prior to council meeting but prior to the docket going out so that we can uh have the the the necessary discussions. I agreed. So note
it and I will make sure to correct it. And I take responsibility for not getting back to the council vice president with the meeting. We have conflicts, but I neglected to call her back to inform her. So my apologies, please. >> Appreciate you.
>> Thank you. >> All right, Miss You guys see it? Looks like >> to the roll call. >> Oh, to the roll call. Sorry. Yes, >> certainly. Uh, Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. And this is the table of vice. Councilwoman Feliciano, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Figurero Kenberg, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Items are tabled until >> we meet.
>> December 16th. >> Till we meet. >> Next meeting. >> The next public meeting. >> Yes, it's it's tabled since 12:16. >> Thank you. And Madam President, with that in mind, we can move to public comment.
To the public, public comment will be five minutes for each individual. You may address any item that you wish at this time. Uh, the council is not obligated to respond. Please state your name and address for the record. First individual listed for public comment is
Robin S. Washington. >> Good evening, Miss Washington. Good evening, Robin Washington 447 West Street. I came here in anticipation of item number 25-156,
the property that I've been trying to purchase for the last six years directly across the street from my home since it finally got to council getting council approval so I can move forward. So I will be at the next meeting to see
where we are with that at that time because this is not the time or the place to even elaborate on that. But my concern about uh a property that I own right next door to me that
this uh lead abatement program that the city has for lead inspection or lead inspections that it has taken four times and almost $1,400
in inspection fees to get this property to pass. You know, I get it the first time, okay, the second time, eh, the third time, okay, what's going on? Because initially it's $450 for the first inspection, $300
for each additional inspection. And each time I've come to city hall, I've immediately gone to the bank, gotten a money order, brought it back right back. But the process that it takes in order to get these test samples evaluated
is at this point right now has uh is causing me financial hardship because this process started in July. The property just passed in the beginning of November.
It's a four bedroomedroom house. Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, two full bathrooms. It is a property that if I needed somewhere to live that I could go there and live and be comfortable. I am not a slum lord.
This lead process, the the lead levels that are are testing high. I've known everybody that has lived in that house since my parents bought the house I lived in. I live in since 1964.
No one has ever had an issue with lead poisoning, lead reaction, whatever. No one. And when I ask here on the second floor, well, what is it testing high for? If it's not lead, what is this high
number? But nobody can explain to me what this high number is. But yet I'm paying this fee multiple times to get reinspected. I came down yesterday to ask, okay, so what is it? What was it testing high
for? If it's not lead, because if it was a lead readout, then it would say, okay, you have high levels of lead and this is something that needs to be addressed. But multiple families have lived in that house that you know I've been able to
reach out to and nobody adult or their children or or or they're now adult children has tested positive for lead. So I don't know I know that the city has contracted with this company to provide the services. At
this point I'm questioning the credibility of that company. I'm test I'm I'm I'm I'm not comfortable with the results because the house clean from top to bottom move in ready and I had a
tenant ready to move in on September 1st which may have lost their rental assistance because I'm just now two weeks ago getting the certificate of occupancy and the lead certification
because if this is the process that I have to go through. I'm trying to buy the property right across the street from me and this is going to be all new build. So, I'm hoping like, you know, it doesn't come up with this mysterious lead high reading that nobody can tell
me what it is, but yet it's not lead cuz I really don't understand it. So, if somebody could please help me to understand why there needs to be multiple inspections the and it's not a fast turnaround even if you're being reinspected
for, you know, for the homeowner or or or the landlord. It's not a f it's not a fast process. I started this in July, November. I'm I'm finally getting a clearance. It goes from 12 items to two items to one item and then now it's
clear. Like I said, almost $1,400 later. Thank you. >> Thank you, M. Washington, >> Victory Rosary. Uh, Victor Rosari, 19 Morland Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey. It's an honor again uh to be in front of you. Uh, my issue
is uh what was happening recently with Venezuela. Um, the president of Venezuela, he's uh classified as a terrorist and uh he's done his dirt so far. He didn't want to, you know, get out of office. uh he maintained he stayed there and we have
another person supposed to be the actual true president. Uh that leads me to uh this city so-called classified sanctuary city and uh it's on the FBI's list for uh um
looking for immigr immigrants uh to deport according to the executive order 14287 protection the protection protecting American communities from criminal aliens requires the republic the
publication of a list of state and local jurisdictions that in Trenton is on it. My issue is with this that um this problem occurred again with executive order uh 11727 of 1956 uh 19 uh 1973
started with a pilot program 71 and from a master program called co quoting pro uh with AJ Gahoo destroying the black community again in search of black uh I mean the black messiah supposed to raise up and help everybody and save the
world. All right, that spilled over and I was studying um Philip uh Philip Philip Luciano uh from New York City and he's a spin he was the president of or the chapter of the young lords back in the 60s and uh
spin-off of the Black Panthers and he got his from I believe his jail from Chicago started the black lords there. So again, we going back to a community where it's black and black black and brown, which is I call black and uh uh what you call it um black and um beige
beige because so many a mixture of Hispanics or Latinos. My issue is that uh uh there's a there's a there's a problem with the the nation introduced the term black or being black, black and proud and so forth. James Brown got, you know,
praised for it as bringing up the so-called American Negro up to the level of uh humanity and that's being a black person that they should be proud of. But not worship again, not worship. His purpose was to bring the black community, African-American community of
1555, 1619 up into the level of humanity. And to be black is to be universal or the base of humanity according to Malaj Muhammad and not something to be praised or praised and be isolated from the rest of society and
expect entitlements that we Latinos I say the Puerto Ricans according to uh Philip uh Luciano he's still I believe he's still alive and the help we put in helping the African-Americans then uh taken over by the black men
so-cal they consider themselves to be a supreme god over all other gods when Jesus said through 2,000 years ago uh speaking to the Pharisees of his time doesn't the psalms to another 2,000 years before him are we considered gods
and and to be and to die as men is that uh Hispanics are being exploited as helping the black community and then kicked to the curb and then the the the product that we uh that come from my land for those who produce those lands
are being taken making black gangsters or black underground what I will say uh bisexual individual pay gangsters uh make them wealthy and then what we need to help go political and change the drug laws they refused because they told me or I was
told once at least once but more than once that it to do that is for to bring the drugs into our communities which they are already here brought here by Jago who were the mafia and the avs and and whoever else uh to destroy the black
community. So we we we we're going we're not going nowhere. But yet again, you want to be isolated. you going into this black extremism, the street extremism and isolationism that you want yourself, you want to put yourself out of the uh Democrat uh
Democratic party and then those Republicans, you don't know you want to be a Republican, American or black and isolated and uh I think that's an insult to me. And uh interracial marriages and
uh interracial marriages um uh by biracial uh uh couples and children are what glues together or knit together human race as one race. Other than that isolation is not American. All right.
Extremism any kind of race particularly black extremism is not American. >> Sir that is your time. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Asalam alaikum. Uh, let's see here. FN FND luxury homes. Moving on to Julia Peter
Tyson, Wayne Samuels. Madam President, those are all the individuals that I have listed for public comment at this time. Mr. Wish, you can move on to civic comment. >> We are more than Miss. Uh, Councilwoman Williams.
>> Thank you very much, Council President. I appreciate it. So, I just uh stick to some announcements tonight. Uh, first one uh will be that on um Wednesday, December 17th, we'll be having a Northward Citizen Police Advisory
Council meeting at Galley Baptist Church uh from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Our special guest will be Trenton City Clerk Brandon Garcia. who will be uh speaking about uh the operations of the city clerk's office
and also how uh their office interfaces with law enforcement uh with Trenton police department and emergency services. So uh please attend uh the meetings are very good communication times between the citizens and our police department particularly on issues
in the north ward. Uh, additionally, uh, they'll be having the heroes holiday giving dinner, uh, this coming Saturday, uh, December 6 at the Trenton Fire Department from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you want to volunteer to donate, please
contact Captain Tori Sykes at 6096963950. We'll also be having on Monday, December 15th, our annual Hanukkah celebration in front of City Hall at 4:30 p.m. Uh please come in attendant. Uh that is one of your holiday events along with
Christmas and Quanza. Uh it's a really uh nice event. I've been there in the past myself. And of course, this coming Friday night is our Christmas tree lighting and parade uh through city uh downtown uh Trenton and to city hall.
It'll start from city hall at 3 pm with a ceremony and performance beginning at 5:00 pm and there'll be free gifts, music, and entertainment. And uh you will most definitely see the best looking Christmas tree in all of Mercer County uh in front of city hall. So
please come and join us. It's a great time. Um that's about it. I wish everybody well. Thank you for attending or watching our meeting tonight and hopefully we'll see you at the next one. God bless. Thank you, Councilman Fo Kittenberg.
>> Thank you. Um, I just have two quick things. Um, first of all, I want to give a shout out to, um, Director Paul Harris, city of Trenton, mayor, um, for coming up with 140 turkeys for me to give to, uh, South Village residents.
Um, I called them up on a Friday and Monday we had the delivery and we were able to give them out. So, thank you so much. Um, it was so much appreciated. We organized it very very quickly. Um and I also want to shout out the public works sanitation department. You know, a lot
of the holidays do fall on um days that are trash pickup days for the south ward. Um it is a headache. People don't listen. They they they put out their trash when they're not supposed to. The trash piles up and gets ripped up and then the next day that trash can get
picked up. It's just a nightmare. Um but again, they were out there still. I was getting text messages as late as almost 7:00 tonight um that they were still picking up trash. Um and I do understand that tickets are going out for people who are putting out their trash improperly. Um putting them out on
holidays um days that are not sanitation and I am telling you all in the south specifically I'm an advocate for it. Um you know we need to start following ordinances in the city. Um with that that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you. And Councilwoman Feliciano.
>> Thank you, Council President. Good evening, everyone. Um, good to see everybody tonight. Thank you for hanging in there with us um as we move through. Thank you to my council colleagues for having a very productive meeting um tonight and us working through the
difficult challenges, right, and and trying to get some clarity on some things. So, first I just want to thank all the different organizations that did turkey giveaways, Thanksgiving giveaways. They really stepped up and stepped in the gap to help um during the
Thanksgiving season. I'm not going to name anyone because I don't want to omit anyone, but I want to thank everyone that stepped up and did something to help somebody else. Um your efforts have been amazing and they have not gone unnoticed. So, thank you. Thank you.
Thank you um for the community for stepping up um on December the 15th here in city council chambers from 5:30 to 7. Um if you need help applying for energy
efficiency programs, I have uh Janaba Figureroa coming in from CMC Energy. They'll be on site to be able to help which PSEG program is right for you. So it's free. It's here. It's from 5:30 to
7:00 on December the 15th. So, I encourage people to come to council chambers to take part in that. We've been advertising for that. Um, the senior gala was last night. The mayor and health and human services director Diego Manikapelli did a great job
celebrating the seniors. I will be glad when the senior advisory board finally gets underway. We've still been waiting on that and waiting on that, but I'm hearing that they're moving forward with that um or trying to again um it's not
about any additional monies needing to be spent by the administration or the city. It's about giving the people access, right, to to have them be able to voice their opinions and be able to say something from their perspective. If we're lucky enough or blessed enough,
many of us will live to be senior citizens. And I certainly would like to know that people have an ear to hear what it is that we would have to say to help better um our situation. Congratulations to Dress for Success. I am a board member um with Dress Dress
for Success, a wonderful organization. Um they had graduates recently, well last night that finished the successful business startup program and it was great to see um the young women that graduated the program. It's an entrepreneurial program where they had
to put forth a business plan and all of that kind of stuff. They went through trainings and everything and they went through the program and they they graduated last night. Uh the event was held at the lobby club. So that was very nice to see. I'd also like to address the issue of the tax sale um that's
currently taking place here in the city. So we have the tax sale that's happening. They have people here um from Trenton Waterworks that have been stationed here that will be here through the time of the sale to answer questions because there's issues uh or leans with
the water and with the taxes. My concern is is that the day before Thanksgiving, the city dismissed early but did not give proper notification to the public that this was taking place. I am not
against the city letting out early before a major holiday. I mean that that is the city's prerogative to do that. But what I do have a problem with is not finding out until like 1:15 in the afternoon that the city was closing at
2:00. You have people that would leave from work to try to come here to pay their bills and there was no public notification. And then those of us that are council members were told, "You got to come get your docket." And then if you don't have your docket, it's going to be left at the security desk. But
then we found out that security doesn't stay beyond the building closing time because of overtime. So now we're all over the place and people are scrambling trying to get a hold of things. That should never be the case. Um we have to do better with alerting people as to
what's going on. I know that previously I had asked the administration if they just just pick your days that you going to dismiss early and just let everybody know that this is the day, this is when we're getting out of here. If it's the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, however you figure it out, just
figure it out and just let the public know what's happening. Also, when I was here, um I had a couple of people that actually came in and wanted to pay their tax bill and everything, but they brought cash with them, right? Cuz you know when you get a notice, your name is on the list. these people desperately
want to pay their bill and get it out the way, but then they were told you have to leave and you have to have um a cashier's check. We're not accepting any cash, but then we have no Mac machine here in city hall. So, there's just things that we need to think about. Um if we're going to be friendly towards
the community and require certain things, then we need to put mechanisms in We we have parking that's not necessarily the greatest out front. So, we just need to be a little more considerate. The administration needs to be a little more considerate when it
comes to truly meeting the needs of the people and providing mechanisms to allow them to do what it is that needs to be done. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman CBP. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. Um, I I'm going to start off on that same note
because that was the main thing I wanted to talk about this evening was this tax lean sale that's now including water and sewer. And we understand that, you know, there's a state statute that that says that whatever outstanding balances that
people owe, whether it's property taxes, um, SIPs, which is which is like a special district in the city, um, and water and sewer. If you owe any outstanding balances by a certain date, then the city is authorized to put it on
a tax sale. Um the issue that I have with that and it may not be under any control of the administration but the the temporary closure on of the online payment portal. Um I know that you know it says the mayor has sent us a lengthy
you know explanation of all this and I appreciate that. Um it and but maybe it's the language that's used that says during the legally defined tax sale period municipalities must deactivate online tax payment portals to ensure
proper verification and processing. That alone is causing a hindrance and I and I want to know if that's a legal requirement to shut it down or if that's something that is strongly recommended because uh people work people work and they cannot get here. And to that point,
the tax and water/swer payment office here on the first floor on at the other end of the hall closes at 3:30 p.m. And myself coming here a couple weeks ago,
two days prior to a property that I was buying at 3:28 p.m. those doors were locked. No one opened those doors. And had I not been a council member, I would not have been able to get inside to simply verify
what was owed on the property that I was trying to purchase because the title company could not get in touch with anyone on the phone. And with that being said, going back to this tax sale, residents are complaining that they cannot call in on the phone and get in
touch with anyone. The problem is the office closed at 3:30 and people work until about 4 or 5:00. The rest of city hall closes at 4:30. What I'm not understanding is why is the tax and water payment office closing an hour before the rest of city hall? And when I
ask these questions, it's because this been the hours of operation since the pandemic. The pandemic has ended. And in fact, the moratorum lifted March 15, 2023. And the letter says that they haven't been able to do a tax lean. So for the last five years, which isn't
true. For the last two and a half years, they've been able to collect on these bills. So now here we are and people have a hard time paying their bills, cannot get access online, and um and
cannot call either to to see what their options are. So something must give with this. This created a a huge inaccessibility issue. Um, and I just wanted to say on the record, the house that I just closed on two weeks ago, the
water bill for that single family house was $17,000 accumulated since January 2021. The moratorum was lifted March 15, 2023. So, I'm not understanding why the water
till this very moment is still on in the house. I still can't get it in my name. And which is this this is the third property I'm having this issue with with with the waterworks department. I still can't get it in my name. Councilwoman Feliciano helped me get my first
property in my name six years ago. And if it weren't for her, well, five years ago, if it weren't for her, I still would have been battling the department. So, what is going on? waterworks billing collection that I myself as a council member can't even get access to pay it.
So a normal resident without any kind of entitlements can't get access to this office and that is the problem that I have. So we need to fix this. We need to extend the hours of operation for that office because now you're giving people
until mid December, two weeks before Christmas to pay their bills and you need to create accessibility. Thank you and have a good night. >> Thank you, CVP. Um, good evening
everyone. I'm going to be very brief. Thank you everyone for being present. Thank you to the directors. Thank you to everyone who did do a Thanksgiving giveaway, turkey giveaway, all of those. Shout out to everyone that's doing toy drives. We have one coming up this Friday, December 5th, our annual toy
drive. If you're um able to join us, it'll be 6 p.m. um at the Polish Polish Democratic Club. Also, I just wanted to give a huge thank you to all of the Trenton Housing Authority um employees and staff members who worked really really hard um on obtaining the Junior
One property and getting the Choice Neighborhood going. So, I'm excited to see that um come to fruition as it's been a lengthy lengthy long time um coming. Also, I definitely want to uh shout out our rent stabilization board, Stephanie Register, and everyone that is
on that board because they have been doing an excellent job with trying to actually mitigate between landlords and renters. Um, and so I just want to just say thank you to them because they've done a tremendous job um with something that, you know, we put together on this
council. So, thank you to them and have a good night everyone. >> Well, may I have a motion to adjurnn? Second >> roll call go. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano.
Councilwoman Figurero Edenberg. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.