a scheduled public meeting. Now be called to order. Please stand with the flag. Actual notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with the old public meetings act pursuant to public laws 1975 chapter 231. This agenda is complete to the extent
known and was sent to the Trenton Times and Trinonian newspapers posted on the first floor and city hall 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. >> Counciloman Feliciano >> present. >> Councilwoman Figuro Kenberg >> present. >> Councilwoman Frisbee >> present. >> Councilman Harrison >> present. >> Councilwoman Williams >> present. >> Council President Gonzalez
>> presented. >> Myself Brandon Garcia Municipal Clerk is present. Mr. Colloisi's legislative council. >> And in for West Bridges is Palmer Richardson, city attorney. >> Thank you. >> And madam president, at this time if you
would like, I will once again read the invocation. >> Yes, please. >> Certainly. Almighty God, who holds the faith 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. Thank you. >> And Madam President, I understand you have some recognitions this evening. If you would >> Yes. >> like to introduce those.
>> Yes. So um before we uh begin the recognitions, I just wanted to ask for a moment of silence in the memory of the young man Joseph Kokulo who did pass away in the fire on Olden Avenue who was a student in the city of Trenton. So we could just take a few moment of silence
for him. Thank you. Um, and so just really quick, um, I know there's some people who are going to be acknowledged for their efforts, um, and the purpose of acknowledging some individuals were because of the people who are not a part of the Trenton community that came apart
and and stepped up to help us. But before we do that, I just wanted to acknowledge um, some of our departments, you know, if they could just stand up. I know most of the firefighters and some of the police officers, they did not want to get recognition tonight because this is their job that they do every
single day. And as we all know, being a first responder in any capacity um is a difficult job to to do. It's something that I know I was I don't know if I could do a job like that. So, you know, we commend every firefighter, police officer, EMT worker, emergency services,
everyone that played a part in um combating the fire um that did occur on um September 19th. So, if we could just have our uh Trenton Fire Department director come up, if you could just stand up. Thank you so much, our Trenton
Mr. Griffin also. And then I also want to acknowledge um director Vicki and um Miss Janet Porter and her staff. I hope they didn't leave, but if they could just stand up so we can say thank you for step up. You know, we've heard from a lot of council people, a lot of
organizations reached out to everyone and and the people in the city of Trenton all stepped up and wanted to help out and that's what community looks like. So, we just want to say thank you to everyone. But I know Councilwoman Frisbee had a couple of people she wanted to acknowledge. Single um just single individuals, but we are going to ask those individuals when your name is
called if you could just come to the front and we're going to do it all in one um group in a sense. So, I'll turn it over to Councilwoman Frisbee. So, thank you, council president, and thank you again to all those that were um already acknowledged. Uh we know it's
your job, but it doesn't uh take away our gratitude for what you have done. Um before I um read the recognitions, I did want to say there are several individuals, several entities, several parties, several churches, all that donate, if all did not want to be
acknowledged. So, we cannot possibly acknowledge everyone who was donated um during this tragedy that occurred. But we do thank everyone. Um several of our colleagues um have donated several just our community just came to the plate and
did all that they needed to do to surround themselves with um their arms around these families. Um with that being said, please forgive me if I do not pronounce your name right. I've been trying. Um, officer Alim
DJ Malie, I know I messed it up, but you can correct me when I get to the front. And officer Denise Strup. I want to these two officers are from
New Jersey. And we wanted to thank you because you went beyond the call of duty. you were riding in the area and you stopped when you saw something going on. That's what good neighbors do. We don't sit and wait and say, "It's not my job. That's not my department. It's not
what I have to do." You got out and you put yourselves in harm's way to make sure that as many of our residents, our constituents, our family members were safe. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you. Um, unfortunately we know
that there was one that did not make it, but because you intervened and you did what you did, there were many that did make it. So with that, the city council, the city of Trenton presents you with this special recognition recognition
honoring you. Whereas on Friday, September 19th, 2025, officer Alim of the city of Muing, New Jerseyy's uh police department responded and officer Denise responded, I'm not
going for the last names again, won't do it, to an emergency in Trenton, New Jersey regarding residential fires on Golden Avenue. And whereas on September 19th, 2025, these officers demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness by taking immediate action during a
life-threatening situation. And where's through extraordinary courage, quick thinking, and decisive decisive action, they successfully assisted numerous individuals to safety. And whereas these officers bravely serve as an inspiration
and inspire and an example of neighboring civic responsibility, compassion and the highest ideals of our communities. Now therefore, it be resolved that the city council of the city of Trenton, county of the state of New Jersey hereby formally recognizes
and convince you both for this act of heroism which undoubtedly prevented greater loss of life. And this is signed by our council president, Yasmel Gonzalez, and all the members of this board. We thank you on behalf of those families. We thank you on behalf of our city. And I know that there are your
officers that are here. We thank you for being out to support them. We thank um I don't know if um Mayor Styon is here or not, but we sent him out. Thanks. And council president um Jennifer Keys Maloney, we appreciate her for making sure you got the work. And I do see the
other council members in um the room this evening. We thank all of you. Uh see also um Watson over there. We um see you out there as well. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. And if any of my colleagues have anything to say um I'm going to give it back to you council
president to take the rest of the meeting. So thank you. We're going to take a picture at the end once we finish with everyone else. So if you don't mind just hanging back before we present you with the actual um resolution. Thank you so so much.
We're only doing that for the sake of time that um we you're going to take the pictures all at one time. Okay. Um and then um again I want to acknowledge our Trenton Fire Department, our police officers and and our emergency uh service medical services um who also
stepped up and I know that they did not want to be acknowledged today but we wanted to say thank you to them as um for also stepping up. Um aside from our law enforcement officers, our public safety officers, we had some community um members who also stepped up. Thank
you, Council Ro keer. Um, Councilman Baxter is in the audience from also, so we just want to acknowledge you. But aside from those officers, we had civilians who have stepped up and also wanted to be a part of helping someone
out of those homes and burning homes and stuff like that. And these people are not trained to do that, you know. And so some of these individuals that we wanted just to recognize their efforts. Um I believe one is walking through the door now. Um so we're going to acknowledge our civilians um separately um just
because it's something that you're not trained to do and you stepped up to do it. So we want to I want to just pass it over to councelor Fedro Keer because these two individuals do belong to a barber shop in the south ward and we just want to say thank you to them also.
>> Thank you council president. Um, at this time it is my honor to give special recognition honoring Mr. Reino Garcia and Mr. Kenny Dearman. There's going to be a portion of this um and give you gracious thanks. Whereas on
May 12th, 2025, Fino Garcia, age 42, and Kenny Dearman, age 27, demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness in response to an emergency near the intersection of Liberty Street and Brown Street in Trenton, where they bravely rescued a 2-year-old girl and her
grandmother from a burning residence. Whereas their swift and decisive actions helped ensure the safety and well-being of both Luna Farice and Child, exemplifying the high standards of bravery and community spirits. So now therefore be it resolved that the city
council of the city of Trenton County of Mercer state of New Jersey hereby recognizes the heroic actions taken by Mr. Hino Garcia and Mr. Kenny Gearman for their actions served as an inspiration to the entire community and
a powerful reminder of the impact ordinary citizens can have when they choose to act with compassion and bravery. on behalf of council president Yasmin only Gonzalez, council vice president Josie um Edwards and the rest of council. Thank you so much for your
bravery and congratulations. So you guys also along the same lines as a civilian I don't know who breed in but Mr. Donnie Wilson is he present there. Okay, Mr. Donnie Wilson you don't mind stepping up? Um, this young man um also was one
of our civilians who whose a child ran out of one of the Olden Avenue homes and was yelling that his grandmother was in the house. And this man um got out of his car, ran into the house, and actually saved the grandmother and her
and I just, you know, I had to acknowledge you because as a as an educator, I have your your son in my classroom and I know the effects that it's had on him just even from the stories that he's telling his friends when I'm not when he thinks that I'm not listening. So, I just want you to know
we appreciate that. Um, you didn't have to do that and you actually save help save a life. So, we just wanted to convince you on that. And if you can hold off at the end, we want to make sure we get a picture with everyone, but we want to just stand up one time. So, for the sake of time, okay, thank you so much.
these um these other two recognitions. Um I just wanted to it was they reached out to us about honoring this young man who is from Trenton and this was already on the calendar so I know it looks like it's packed up with res recognition today but this man traveled from
California but he is a Trenton native. He's done a lot of works throughout the United States and it's an example of what Trenton makes in the world takes and he's actually one of my classmates that I graduated with. So I just wanted to make sure that we did acknowledge him when so many people reached out to
council about um recognizing this young man. So we're going to read this really quickly. Um city council city of Trenton special recognition honoring Mr. Jir Reynolds was where Jir Reynolds was raised in Miller Homes project of Trenton, New Jersey and graduated with the class of 1998 from Tren Central High
School where he was widely recognized for his athletic skills in track and field where and whereas founder and executive director of the Maring County Cooperation Team in California, Mr. Reynolds became the first black man to establish a multi-service nonprofit
serving an entire county. An extraordinary milestone accomplished in one of the state's most racially divided regions. Jir's leadership has secured more than 1.3 million in state funding, launched roots in Marane County's first alternative emergency response model
inspired by his TED talk on reimagining policing and partnered with more than 50 organizations to deliver housing, health, food security, and youth development services. And whereas Mr. Reynolds also launched the I promise mentoring program, the first youth mentoring agency for young
African-American men in the United Arab Emirates, which earned him the prestigious international blue sapphire award for community service. And in 2021, Mr. Reynolds became the first person from Trenton, New Jersey to be awarded the Distinguished Edwin Green
Fellowship, joining a team that includes leaders such as Michelle Obama and United in their mission to advance racial equity worldwide. And therefore, it be a result that the city of Trenton in the Merc County of Mercer state of New Jersey recognizes and
honors Jir Reynolds. If you don't mind, Yeah. Takes. He's taken these skills and he's traveled all over the world to implement these um services for people in underserved neighborhoods and we just want to say thank you. Um he also continues to come back to the city of Trenton to give back to our youth here
and I just wanted to say thank you for those who wanted to make sure you were recognized for your efforts. My classmate from 98. Um so shout out to you. But we're going to take a picture in a second. We're going to do one more uh recognition really quickly so we can get to the business of city. Um, in
honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, as we are closing out Hispanic Heritage Month, um, I wanted to make sure that we recognize Moxim Radio and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Anthony radio is known as Laosa
has proudly served as a leading voice in Hispanic media for the past 15 years broadcasting in New Jersey as 104.1 over the past two over the past two years and Maxim radio has made the city of Trenton its home quickly climbing the charts to becoming the number one radio
in the region in less than one year of local broadcasting. And whereas with the support of the community, Maxima Radio has provided vital news, information, and greatest hits in the Latin culture, bridging generations, and celebrating the rhythms, prides, and passion of the Hispanic community. And whereas beyond
entertainment, Maxima Radio is deeply committed to community engagement, consistently giving back, uplifting local voices, and ensuring that Trenton residents remain informed about the latest developments. They are a tough cookie. when you come on the radio station and you get interviewed by Kevin
just know it's not going to be easy. He makes sure that the the president of the city are at four and he he doesn't always agree with everything and I respect him for always for voicing his opinion. But whereas Avoio has expanded its reach, operating eight stations across five different states and has
been recognized as the number one Latino radio network on the east coast, exemplifying leadership, excellence, and cultural pride. And for that, now there therefore be resolved that the city of Trenton recognizes and honors Maxim radio for its identity, service,
cultural influence, and commitment to the city of Trenton. everybody's name is recognized. If you don't mind coming up to the front as we present you with the actual resolutions and certificates and then we'll take a picture really quickly and then we can move on. Thank
you. So, if everyone can bear with us for about 2 minutes, please. As a matter of fact, everyone whose name is called to be recognized just a presentation from CMC energy and energy saving options for trend residents. This is um I'm going to hope
I get this name right. Janaba Figaro. Did I say that correctly? >> Dr. and and let her know the time, please. >> Uh certainly. And Mr. Fo, you will have a 10-minute time limit for your presentation. Yes.
>> And once you're settled, we'll wait till you're settled and Just have to connect the Wi-Fi. My name is Java Figareroa. I'm the marketing and outreach manager for uh CMC Energy Services. We administer several of BCG's energy efficiency programs across the
state of New Jersey. And so I'm truly grateful to be here tonight. Um I wanted to talk about how we can bring energy efficiency programs to the city of Trenton. I need to put my glasses on cuz I can't see this presentation. Um specifically to help families save money, improve comfort, and create
healthier, safer living spaces. Um and when we talk about energy efficiency, we're not just talking about technology or numbers or data, right? We're talking about how to help families um be more comfortable in their homes, have safety in their homes, and um have relief from
the rising cost of um living, right? Um a lot of our families right now, they're facing some tough times with the current administration. And so I wanted to talk about some of the programs that we have to offer um through PSCG. First, we have the New Jersey Comfort Partners Program. This is a free program for income
eligible households. It helps to reduce energy and improve room comfort. Um, families receive everything from insulation to air sealing, weather stripping, health and safety repairs, all at no cost. Um, since 2001, the the program has helped over 125,000 families
statewide, including many families who live here in the city of Trenton. Comfort Partners is actually open to anyone at or below 250% of the poverty level. Um, most of these families qualify for programs like TANIF, uh, USF, Medicaid, LI, HEAP, U, section 8.
Some of those things are questionable right now. Um, but renters can also apply to for for the Comfort Partners program specifically, um, it's really for homeowners, but if you live in a unit that has 14 units or less, you also qualify. Um, and and it's the time right
now to sign up for the program cuz big changes can make a small changes can make a really big difference. So like a sealed window makes a big difference. Insulated attic saves energy and it keeps your family home uh warm and safe. For our moderate income families and
residents, those earning between $250 to 400% of the poverty level, PSNG offers the home authorization program, and this also includes a free home energy assessment and up to $7,500 in energy and safety upgrades, all at no cost. The other thing about the Comfort Partners
program is a really deep measures program. And so they're going to they're going to spend a lot of time in the home making sure that the home is comfortable, making sure that the home is energy efficient for for years to come. Um during the first visit um with your home weatherization, you you get your LED bulbs changed. You have the
efficient shower heads, air raators, power strips, all those things, right? And they also work on things like insulation, thermostats, air sealing to reduce energy and lower bills. This program helps close the gap for families who may not qualify as low income but still struggle to afford energy
improvements. And then finally, we have our home energy assessment program. This program is for everyone. Um it provides homeowners regardless of income with a comprehensive look at how their home uses energy. And so they're going to receive an assessment. It'll identify
inefficiencies in terms of cooling, lighting, insulation. And then from there, residents can uh receive personalized recommendations and incentives to make upgrades that improve comfort and lower cost. Um it's a really great starting point for any household that wants to understand their energy
use, reduce waste, and make their home more sustainable. And why this matters for Trinity. Each of these programs meets families at different stages, but together they serve one shared goal to make Truman homes safer, healthier, and more affordable to live in. When we help residents save on their energy bills,
we're strengthening the foundation of our neighborhoods, reducing financial stress, improving indoor air quality, and contributing to a cleaner, greener city. Energy efficiency is also about equity. It ensures that every resident, regardless of their income, wherever they come from, has access to the same
comfort, the same safety, the same sustainability that other people take for granted. And that's why this work is so meaningful. Um, as we look into the future, we're asking for your support and partnership as we plan a citywide energy efficiency event in November. Special thanks to Crystal Feliciano for
giving me the space to speak today and also for helping me prepare for that event that's happening in mid November. The event will bring together city leaders, community organizations, nonprofits, and residents all under one roof to share information, connect families to these free programs, and
help them to start safe immediately. Um, we want this to be more than an event, right, but a movement across the city of Trenton. Um, one that educates, empowers, and engages residents in a creating a safer, more efficient home. Um, with your help, we can ensure that no one is left behind and that every
neighborhood feels the impact. Was that 5 minutes? Is that 10? Four. I got four minutes left. If you're interested in the program and you need to sign up for New Jersey Comfort Partners home weatherization or the whole home energy assessment program, you can see me. I can give you a
business card and I can get you signed up right away. Um, any questions? So, I I do want I have one question. Um, but before I say that, thank you so much you Counciloman Feliciano for inviting her to our meetings cuz this is important information. This is a topic that I know
most of us have been advocating for. or have gone to the state level and have been advocating for the high energy costs that are that New Jersey is about to exper we are experiencing now but they haven't seen it yet. It's about to go a little bit higher and and there's a lot of things that are being done on the state level and um so I just want to
commend you for coming in here and providing that information to our residents so they know what's available for them. Um but really quick and I may have missed it. Are there um specific requirements for um for certain programs that you have? like is it an income based level? Okay. The besides the whole
home energy assessment program which is for all residents, anybody in New Jersey, the Comfort Partners program is a low income eligible program. So you have to income qualify, right? You can go to psyg.com/comfort partners and you can see some of the income requirements for home
weatherization. Um and and also the 14 units or less if you you are renting. They used to do multif family but they don't they don't anymore. And then a home authorization program I believe if I'm mistaken is eight units or less. And so there's there's a moderate income requirement. And so like I think for
like two one person in the household is 52 to 80 something like that. And so even though you you might feel like oh I may make too much money, you might not depending on how many people live in your household. >> Thank you for that. Counciloman Feliciano. >> Thank you Council President Janava.
Thank you for the great presentation. um and and for enlightening us about what's going on. I know I'm certain uh that several of my colleagues up here that have their um monthly meetings will probably be reaching out to have you
come and touch base with their um constituents that they're touching where they are, which will be great. And I look forward to us doing the um the event that we spoke about here. It's going to be at city hall um in the chambers where we're going to have it in mid November um to bring everybody
together that would want to come and hear more about it. So, thank you for your advocacy. Thank you for your passion and thank you for your love of the city and educating everyone about what's out there. Thank you so much. I appreciate you all for having me. Yep. God bless you. Thank you, Councilwoman
Frisbee and Councilwoman Williams. >> So, uh thank you. No, Dr. L. Martin just yet. We're not done with that. We going down the line here. >> I'm sorry. No, mas. I want to thank you for coming out again and thank you for all that you do in the community. Um I
did not realize the position you held at uh there, but now I will wear your telephone number out. But um I wanted I did have a couple of questions. Is this a year round program or is it just during certain times of the year? >> No, it's year round. >> It is year round. >> It's year round. When you when you sign
up for the program though, there is a time frame between the time that you like say for instance you signed up this year. You want to be able to sign up again for like the certain year requirements. I think Comfort Partners is 5 years and I if I'm not mistaken, I think the whole home energy assessment is two. Don't quote me on that, but you
can't sign up year after year, you know, because they're they're going to come and do a lot of work in the home. So, um but all year round you can sign up for. So, that leads into um follow-ups. Will they come back out and do follow-ups as needed? We do. And if so, will is it
just a one time they come in? Like I've had once before they came and did weatherization of the home and all the rest of that. They did an assessment to see where we might be having air pockets and that was during the winter and all the rest of that. I'm losing heat and so on and so forth. So, is this is is this something that the residents can go back
to and say, "Oh, I'm having this cuz you said you'll just sign up once, but it doesn't mean you only going to get services once." Is this something that is a long-term relationship that we're building? Is that correct? >> It it it depends on the program. So, for the whole home energy assessment program, it's an hour, 45 minutes, the
hour. They come into the home, they do all the things, right? Real quick, you get the comprehensive report. For home authorization, it could take up to two hours, right? But it doesn't mean that they're not going to come back. They might have to insulate your windows and doors. They might have to put insulation into your walls. They might have to change your doors. For comfort partners,
same thing. But they might also have to like people don't realize you you might get a new water heater, you know, you might get a new refrigerator, washer and dryer. If it's not energy efficient and you qualify for the program, you will receive that free of charge. And that will take time. You have to order all the materials and get all the things.
And so I was just talking to somebody here in the back who got the comfort partners program. It took several months, but now her home is ex as as how she wants it to be. But for for the whole home energy assessment, it's 1 hour. Home weatherization is 2 hours and maybe a couple of follow-up visits. And
the New Jersey Comfort Partners program could take a long time in order to get the work done, but it's a lot of work. The other thing I wanted to acknowledge is that um renters do need landlord consent. And so if there are landlords here, Dr. after um they do need landlord
consent um because of the amount of work that's going to go into the home. So just keep that in mind as well. >> Excellent. And then um you said there is I know that there are um you said there's um it's free to the public and if you're
250 if you're 250% below poverty level and we can go to psg.com to see what the income requirements are for that partners for partners. Correct. >> And then you said there is also a portion that is free to all. What is a
portion that is free to everyone regardless of your income? >> If you if you go to the whole it's a home energy assessment page. I wish I had a presentation so I could do the QR code but um that's the whole home energy assessment program. Um it's the program I think it's the lady has a red shirt
inside of your packet. Um but it's it's the free program. Not free. All the programs are free. This program is open to anyone regardless of income that particular program. >> Excellent. Um and it are there this is my last
question. Are there area there programs that are primarily geared towards our seniors um our senior residents or is everything really just income and or all together? Is there anything that is specifically
for our seniors? It's based on income. However, when the when the technician or the auditor, they come into the home, they're going to consider all the things like there's a packet about this thick. And so, they're going to be thinking about all the things that the seniors do need in order to, you know, um live more
comfortably in the home. They might have medical equipment, beds, all those kind of things. And so, all that is going to be considered. And so it's not very specific to seniors, but there is a requirement or requirements that we have in terms of um safety and um just
assessing the home that would require that we would have some care with regards to what seniors need. So and we do work with some of the seniors. Now we have a presentation actually at Euing Senior Center on October 30th and November 7th. And we also work with the Hamilton Senior Center currently um to
provide information about these as well. >> Excellent. So, thank you. And I just want to say I do want to say thank you for the fact that they're not just coming in and doing the windows and doors installation, but they're actually doing hot water heaters be looking at that they actually um the which a lot of
these houses in Trenton because they're so old, they don't have wall insulation. That was something we actually had to put in in my home. So, I'm I'm very appreciative of that cuz that can be very costly and it makes all the difference in the temperature that stays in your house and the money that's going out because you're heating the outside
or you're cooling the outside. As my boss will say, are you heating and cooling your neighborhood? Be so happy right now. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Counciloman Williams. Thank you very much, ma'am. Um, so I just want to thank you for being here because I know you're very busy. I do
see you at other events, so no mosques under your feet. Uh but I'd also like to thank uh my colleague Counciloman Feliciano for arranging for you to be here because this is an important discussion particularly now. >> Yeah. U which brings me to my question and I know this might be something for
upper management and Councilwoman Frisbee kind of alluded to uh things with income uh restrictions. The income particularly for like a family of four which looks like it's about $80,000 and I realize a lot of folks don't hit that mark but decent
portion of Trenton does. if they particularly if they have two spouses working overtime and so forth, would it be possible to uh have that raised at some point or how do they make that judgment? Because um what the cost of living in Trenton isn't the same as the
cost of living in Atlantic County or Cumberland County in South Jersey. It's a very expensive city to live in. Um and energy costs are just one of the factors. Car insurance is going up crazy this year, too. So, I'm just wondering is is there an effort to really, you
know, maybe look back and evaluate for next year what these income levels could be uh going forward for regular middle class families. I think that is decided by the New Jersey clean energy program. Okay. >> And so, it's not something that I could
change or decide or not. I'm fully aware of that. And part part of the reason why is because at some point um ESCG used to also offer this program to folks who live in multif family dwellings um and they don't now. And so I'm trying to ruffle my feathers
>> um to to bring it back. Um because a lot of our our not just our city residents, our state residents rent their home or rent their dwelling place and and and they live in these, you know, 50, 60, 70 unit, um places and they can't benefit
from the program. And so, um I would love to be able to work with some policy person to be able to change that. Um but I'm one person and so um it's on my mind. I've been having conversations with the folks at PSCG, including the Comfort Partners program, about ways that we can change it.
>> Okay. And my only other question is when if someone calls or emails or fills out the unknown online form that they'd like to have an assessment done, how long does it usually take to to get it booked and, you know, have the person come? If >> if you call me,
I'll make it happen right away. I'll make it happen right away. Um, but it can take some time. If you go to the New Jersey Comfort Partners page, that information goes into their system and then that information comes to the various uh partners who administer the program across the state. So, that could
take time, which is part of the reason why I like to do the workshops and the presentations because I have a team of people who can sit and either make the calls to customer care or directly log into the systems to sign people up for the program. Um, we're scheduling out for some of these programs 3 weeks out,
but for Comfort Partners, we could get somebody in schedule for next week to have their assessment. >> Thank you very much, ma'am. >> You're welcome. Yeah, >> thank you. And then we have counselor payroll camper. >> How are you? I'm good. How are you? >> Good. Thank you so much. Um, as Council Member Feliciano hit on, um, I do have
monthly seat packs in South Florida. I would love you to come to one of them and suggest that. Um, and and just wanted to say I I I don't know if this is the same thing, but I know in 2011, um, I used a service similar to this through PSC when I first bought my house. As a single woman with no
children, I didn't qualify. However, I know that they came, they did the assessment, told me, but I needed and they did the work and I was able to pay in installments or increments based on my PSEG bill. Is that still the case? >> Yes. So, the company I work for administers PSEG's um, energy efficiency
programs. PSNG also offers a ton of rebates, all different types of programs in terms of um payment assistance, and they have a whole home energy solutions program. So, if you fall into that whole home energy assessment program where you only qualify for the 1-hour visit, you
would then receive that comprehensive report. They would make recommendations and then they would say, "Hey, you can also qualify this pro for this program that provides financing, but it can save you thousands and thousands of dollars over the course of the time that you own your home." And so it's it's worth it. It's worth it. >> Yeah. Thank you. I just wanted to make
it I wanted to see if it was the same thing and make it clear that, you know, people who don't necessarily fall under the, you know, quications of income can also benefit. I did benefit. Um, and it was great. I did get new insulation and a water heater and stuff when I purchased the home. So, thank you.
>> I'm glad you brought me back. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for being here and presenting. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Have a blessed day. If I could have the clipboard for public comment for agenda items only to the public. This is for items that are
listed on the agenda and docket. All the comment will be 5 minutes for each individual and please can we address anything listed on the agenda or docket and the council is not obligated to respond. I have one individual listed
and that is Miss Caroline Clark. Please do state your name and address for the record. >> Good evening, council tronians. Caroline Clark, Riverside Drive. So, I'm here to talk about resolutions
25384, 25378, and 25361. or free or relative to triangle water works. So, I'd like to say um I would like to
urge council to vote no to the ad hoc committee. Um you are a body of seven. You're not a huge body that you cannot communicate with each other. I think creating an ad
hoc committee creates a group that will be the quote unquote experts in a department. You are all responsible for all the departments and I think it will create um a kind of
um I want to say dependence amongst the ad hoc committee itself. So, I'd like to urge you to vote no on that. Next, I'd like to know why are we
talking about an assessment of Trenton Waterworks and before that even happens, we're talking about changing the governance structure to Trenton Waterworks. It seems like there is a predetermined
outcome. The next thing I'd like to say is any move to untie trend board works from the direct governance of the people we elected and tying it to an unelected
group of people is a move to sell Trenton Waterworks. Putting it under an authority gives people we did not elect complete authority over the revenues from Tribal
Waterworks. We are already under the state's fiscal oversight. Why are we adding another layer? Why are we making moves that do not go to solving the identified problems, the management problems, the communication problems?
Why are we transferring the problem to another entity? We need management help. It's been established. Let's focus and let's get that help. That authority is not going to be a
bunch of managers. They're going to be a bunch of politicians and political hacks. This is where you put your cronies and your henchmen. That authority will be stacked with people getting high salaries and willing to do
the state's bidding. These commissioners can and will outright vote to sell the water or will vote to bond the water into next never. There's more than one way to get rid of Triton Waterworks. They will put us into bankruptcy and
force a sale. Uh, my real problem is this. Every one of you has said that you do not agree with selling water works, but some of your actions speak louder
than your words. If you are behind the scenes arranging meetings with the state who has already told you they want you to sell, then I do not
trust that you do not want to sell. So um again, please do not unti the water from city governance. It is one of our nine departments and it ought to remain
that way. Do not put it under an authority. You are putting strangers, people we did not elect who have no allegiance, no accountability, no transparency. That's where you're putting our 60 million plus asset.
I think that will be a real problem for this council. Um, I'd also like to thank the employees at Trenton Waterworks, the qualified, dedicated,
and uh, just outstanding employees. Do I have problems with Trip and Water? At times, sure. But I work. We have problems with my agency, too. We don't
have to be perfect to retain ownership progress. >> Thank you. Madam President, those are all the individuals I have for public comment for agenda items only. Um, and at this time the approval of minutes. None present. Do you want to ask for a motion
to approve the minutes of August 26, 2025? >> Yes. I have a motion to approve the minutes. >> Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Dennis. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Denber. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Frisbe. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> 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?
>> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fero Denver. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes.
>> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. Thank you. And moving on to old business at this time, we have ordinances for second reading. Ordinance. Ordinance 25-11,
Ordinance authorizing the sale of city-owned property, commonly known as 29,31, and 33 Garfield Avenue, and identified on city tax as block 26804,
blocks 22, 21, and 20, pursuant to NJSA 481213 B5 to G Construction Contractors LLC for the sale price of $12,000. Are there any members of the public who wish to speak to this ordinance at the start?
Seeing none, madam president, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> Maybe a motion to approve 2511. >> So move. >> Second. Okay. Thank you. I just wanted to preface um I know I abstained from all these property sales in the previous meeting. Um I still have not been
satisfied with uh answers or responses about how these properties being sold. Um, I know that I did speak with council vice president um, Edwards today and she did say that there was some type of explanation given at HG um, meeting. I still haven't been able to like get that
information. Um, I I look forward to it, but for that I just wanted to say that I will continue to abstain from the rest of these properties. Council Vice President Edwards, >> is this okay with you? Can we ask uh Mr.
Chief of Staff, Mr. Jim Beach, to come to the podium to go over some of the things that he had discussed with us in our reent HEV ad hoc committee uh meeting? Um unfortunately, we just had it last week, so we haven't gathered all of our notes. We are still waiting on
some responses from the um from the administration to include into our notes on some of the uh uh improvements to the process that we have recommended in that meeting. So if he um may come to the podium to to just let everyone know what
that process is to the extent that he is able to for public dissemination. >> Um yes, Mr. Beach. Thank you. >> Thank you. Jim Beach, chief of staff. Um, as the council vice president alluded to, there
was a meeting between uh myself, the uh HD director, uh, Yolanda Vasquez, and the HD subcommittee. Um, I think it was last Friday or Friday before that. I'm kind of losing track of the days. Um,
and we did review what the process was. There was it was a good uh discussion. I thought it was productive. You know, I think the subcommittee appreciated some of the challenges that we're facing with not only the pricing of these
properties, but also the timing of how we uh arrive at the ordinances and get them in front of of this body. Um, one of the things we discussed was uh condensing the amount of time that
the city will consider an offer after it's received. So, what we had agreed and you know, you'll see it slow down in the next couple sessions because we need to kind of pump the brakes to allow it to slow down to to create that time gap
so that we can have these meetings. So what we agreed to do was the Hed subcommittee will meet with the Hed group for any upcoming ordinances so they can review them and we can talk through any concerns or issues at that
meeting. Um the timing once received basically we agreed that it would make sense once we receive a first application that we will then close off any applications any other applications to that property after a twoe period. So
it doesn't go on and on and on and then you know we get buried in in um applications and can't then make sense of you know who's bidding what and what should take priority over what. Um
I'm trying to think of any other matters if you can me. the tax assessment when we um when in the paperwork that we're given for council that the public doesn't have in their hand cuz sometimes it includes like um accounts and things
like that. But in that packet for each property is included in the aerial view of the lot and size. But then there's a little box to the right that shows an outdated assessment and how that's causing confusion on what what um
amounts we should be accepting in terms of offers. >> We can confirm the tax assessment values that come out of the tax assessor's office. I know what we give to council comes out of gov pilot. Um, we'll do
that comparison, council vice president, although we are told that what is in go pilot comes out of the tax assessor's office. They should be the same, but if we do know the difference, we can certainly, you know, try to rectify that. >> Right. Right. So, can you elaborate just a little bit for the sake of time? I
know we um don't want to be here all night, but um in there it talks about the land and building assessments and things. So, um, without going into, I guess, divulging too much information to the public on the rubric that you have,
um, formalized internally so that people aren't given cheat codes on how to, um, you know, what offers to submit and things like that. But there is a rubric that HB has that um, basically applies.
>> It's it's tied to either. So we for certain properties and lots we've set minimum amounts that we would accept or and a a different approach would be a percentage of the assessed value whether it's the assessed value of only the land
if it's only a lot or the assessed value of the combined land structure. >> Right. Right. And that was where um the issues the confusion was coming in that what is the current assessed value versus the offers that we are receiving
versus the offers that we are accepting. Um and the concern is accepting offers that are significantly below below the current value of that property. But I know other factors play into why those low offers are being accepted. And that
could be the property was sitting there for 10 plus years or or are in a severe state of dilapidation. Correct. And that would be the reason why you would have set an offer um as low as we have seen. >> Correct. You know, it's not going to be
a perfect system. I think that's one thing we all agreed on. Um and you know, some of the factors that you've just mentioned will play into that. Um, and you know, one of our main um, objectives
here is to move these properties, get them back on the taxes. Um, and so, you know, if we sit and sit and sit and try to pay get top dollar for them, a, they're probably not worth top dollar. Um, and they're just going to sit for a longer time and people won't be
developing. So, that, you know, to your point, council vice president, debt is a factor. Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman Williams, I think was first. >> Thank you, ma'am. I also just wanted to add I thought it was a very approprial
discussion, but also um administrators want to go in more detail about trying to get uh an officer name and contact information for any LLC. So, that will be handled in those applications going forward also. >> Yeah. So, the application I'm sorry to interrupt. So, just to be clear, the
application currently requires a person be identified, but to Councilwoman Williams point um to avoid any misinterpretation or misstatements, uh we're going to require that they also give us their uh certificate of
incorporation. >> Thank you, Counciloman. Council Feliciano. >> Thank you, Council President. Um, yeah. So, excuse me. So for these ordinances here for when we
were talking about the tax print out and all that other kind of stuff like that, I thought that we were going to see the tax print the assessments or the tax print out from the tax office for these
with the with the updated amount to see if the if the assessed value was tied to this because again, excuse me. If we're if the confusion came in where if we were taking a certain percentage, if it was this
number and not that number, if we don't know what the number is, how do we know where we are? Um, also with the LLC's, again, I still stay concerned um about them. We were looking for the the
formation documents which is fine because we want to see like when when are these things happening tighter view which is popping up yesterday and now they want to do this but also the look on the tax records to see if any of the LLC's currently have any properties with
leans and things on them. We were supposed to have that before us as well um with with this and we actually not this past Friday. It was the Friday before um that we had the meeting, but we were waiting for documentation or
clarification um on this stuff that I thought that we were that we would have had with these properties for tonight. >> If that was your understanding, then I I misunderstood. understood that we were talking about prospective ordinances. These ordinance
had already gone through first reading when we had met two Fridays ago, right? And when I voted to put these on, I said that I would vote to have them done for first reading, but that didn't mean that my
vote would remain the same on tonight if I didn't see what I needed to see in between. So respectfully, since we don't have what I would have liked to have seen with that, when it comes to certain ones of these, especially the ones with
the LLC's, I will have to um my vote will not be an affirmative for them tonight. Thank you though. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. >> I see no more questions. So, um thank you, Mr. Beach.
>> Um yeah, Mr. Madam President. >> Yes, please. >> Certainly. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Fisiano. >> Abstain. >> Noted. Counciloman Figuro Genber.
>> No. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. Motion carry. Ordinance 25-112.
Ordinance authorizing the sale of city-owned property commonly known as 106 North Stockton Street and identified on city tax map block 7203, lot 7 pursuant to NJSA 481213C
to KAA Real Estate LLC for the sale price of $50,000. Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Please state your name and address for the record and you'll be limited to 5 minutes.
>> Uh yes, Robin Vaughn. >> Robin Vaughn, 1100 Styverson Avenue. I just want to comment on, you know, what is the timeline that the
council and the I guess the interim Hed director is giving uh this particular um purchaser
um to redevelop the property. So what I mean how I mean you're selling off public property at a at a rate that's very concerning
without the proper controls in place from my perspective. You don't have a director in place. But uh my main question is we have an ordinance in place that says I think it's state law as well that from the time the buyer
purchases the public property they have they supposed to turn it around. So what offering, what programs, what funds are being offered to help these individuals who are buying the property
to be able to prove or can redevelop it and and enhance it and improve it? What guarantees do you have in place that's going to ensure that these properties do not revert back to um being abandoned?
cuz it seems to me that that is what's going to happen. I mean, it's easy to buy something for a,000 and $5,000, but if you own property, land, you know, the money comes with maintenance,
development, enhancements, improvements. So, what are you what are you guys doing about that? because this is uh seems to be very irresponsible and you want to say oh we're selling these we selling these
lands and uh property I see some articles people are giving themselves kudos but let's see how long these people are going to hold these properties there's a lot of property on the books out there
that's just sitting there idle haven't been done but people actually own them right we know who these individuals are. So, you want to sell property to your friends and family and your boyfriends and it's nonsense, but they have no money to redevelop it and it will never
get on the tax rolls. So, we'll see how this works out. And I I do want to answer from Mr. Beach of you know, are these people in in compliance with the law? Is it 90
days? Is it a year? How long are they are they being informed that they got to have these properties, you know, COD and habitable? That's all I have to say for now. Thank
you. Uh just for the public to know to uh to my understanding and to the procedure it is 5 years um that they have to develop on these uh redevelopment projects when the 5year tax abatement where it
increases every 20% every year it's five and has it changed madam president >> it changed >> I I think we should ask uh Mr. we should come back as cuz I believe the process is um there are deed reverters in every
single sale that we have made. >> If they don't fix up the property by a certain time, it will come back to the city regardless of where they are in the process of being put it up. They have a certain amount of time from the the date of closing to pull a permit and then from then there's a certain amount of
time to fix it up. So, Mr. Beach, can you elaborate on that? >> Yes, I can confirm what you're saying, Council Vice President. So once the sale of the property actually closes um they will have I think it's 12 months from the time that they received their
permits and with an extension of 6 months and after that that we have the right for reverter >> that must have changed and I thought it was 5 years that was >> 5 years might have been a major development project but or these project >> oh less than two years
>> correct >> okay thank you council president Mr. Beach, how long after they close on the property with us do they have to pull the first permit? Cuz I believe there was a timeline established for like maybe >> I want to say it's 90 days, council
woman, but let me confirm that. >> Okay. Thank you, CBP, for that. You're welcome. Thank you. Um to go to the vote. >> Uh certainly. Um there's no motion to
approve. Motion to approve 2512. So move second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Feliciano. >> Noted. Council Figuro Gatber.
>> No. >> Noted. Counciloman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Council Harrison. >> Yes. Councilwoman Williams, >> yes.
>> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. Motion carry 25-113 ordinance authorizing the sale of city own property commonly known as 4749 and 53 Wall Street and identified on the
city tax maps block 1301 lot D2930 and 31 pursuant to NJSA 481213C to Elder J Sandoval for the price of $15,000. Are there any members of the public that
wish to speak to the zords at this time? Seeing none, madam president, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> I have a motion to approve. 2513. >> So move second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuero. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Council Harrison. >> Yes. Counciloman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes.
>> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-114, Ordinance authorizing the sale of city own property commonly known as 3343 and 57 through 59 Popular Street and identified on the city tax map as block 21403, lots
35, 40, and 1. pursuant to NJSA 481213C to Jackson Properties LLC for the sale price of $40,000. Are there any members of the public who wish to move this ordinance at this
time? >> See none, Madam President, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> We have a motion to approve one. So move >> second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. it. Councilwoman Figurero,
>> Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilman Harrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Motion carry. Ordinance 25-115. Ordinance authorizing sale sitting on property commonly known as 8 North
Stockton Street 79 Merchant Street and 8 Rear North Stockton Street identified on the city tax map as block 608 plots 151719 pursuant to NJSA 481 1213C
to AHG Realy 2 LLC for the sale price of $10,500. Are there any members of the public wish at this time? Does the name and address for the record? You are 5 minutes.
>> Uh Robin Vaughn, 1100 Stason Avenue. Um I just want to know um again, are there any programs that's going to help this particular uh buyer to be able to develop the
property? cuz in other towns and I know HUD and state offers funding to help rehab cities that look like ours. So where is this money and who is it going
to and who is getting it? I want to know and I want Mr. speech to answer that because there are certain individuals who are getting the money and I would like to see everyone who purchased this city property an
opportunity to have access to those funds to help them rehab these homes to get them back on the tax roles of the city of Trenton. Okay. So, we say we don't have any money
and we need to get we got to increase our ratables and I want to see a tax reduction every now and then. Every year my taxes go up. I'm at $11,000 and I want DCA to tell us where's this
money going because I know that those funds are a available and have been appropriated by our state and should be coming to all municipalities particular municipalities
that are deemed to be you know I guess in light. So, I want Mr. Beachch to answer that question. And how come Tranonians aren't getting those those access to those
funds, Mr. Beach? >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry. Are there any other groups of public speaks at this time? Seeing none, madam present, if you want to ask for the motion to approve. >> May I have a motion to approve? >> So, >> I'm sorry. Who's the first?
>> Brisby. >> Thank you. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fissiano. >> Abstain. >> Noted. Councilwoman Figuro Cber. >> No.
Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. Councilman Harrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-116, ordinance authorizing the sale of city
own commonly known as 17 Fairrest Avenue and identified on city tax. This block 13101, lot 19, pursuant to NJSA 481 1213C to Shane West for sale price of $12,500.
Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, you want to ask for a motion to approve. May >> I have a motion to approve? So, >> second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Feliciano.
>> Yes. >> Counciloman Figuro Keber. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Council Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. Yes.
>> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-117. Ordinance authorizing the sale of city own property commonly known as 105 to 107 East State Street and identified on city tax map as block 26601
lots 27 and 28 soon NJSA 4812 13C to Key Properties LLC for the sale price of $31,000. Are there any members of the public who wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? >> Seeing none, madam president, do you want to ask for a motion to approve? >> May we have a motion to approve? So
moved. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman. Council Ed. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes.
>> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. Motion carried. Ordinance 25-118. Ordinance authorizing sale city own property commonly known as 113 West Ingam Avenue and identified on the city tax map as block 6801 block 2 pursuant
to NJSA 4813 B5 to Vanessa Jordan Hughes for the sale price of $3,000. Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? >> Seeing none, Madam President, you want to ask for a motion to approve. May we have a motion to approve? Second.
>> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Figuro Gber. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Council Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes.
>> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. Ordinance 25-120. Or is this authorizing sale the sale of city owned property commonly known as 126 West Ingram Avenue and identify the
city tax block 8605 lot 13 soon to NJSA 481213C to Gemight Asset Management for the sale price of $15,000. Are there any members of the public to speak at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, if you
want to ask for a motion to approve. >> Here we have a motion to approve. Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Evans. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Abstain. >> No. Councilwoman Figurero Kevin. >> No. >> Councilwoman Frisbee.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-121.
Ordinance authorizing the seal of city-owned property commonly known as 828 to 8:30 Edgewood Avenue and identified on the city tax block 31702 lots 9 and 10 pursuing to NJSA 481213C
to Victory Investment Group LLC for the sale price of $30,000. Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, you want to ask for a motion to approve? >> May I have a motion to approve? Second
>> roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Abstain. >> Councilwoman Figuro Gatber. >> No. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Uh, Councilman Harrison.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Carry. Ordinance 25-122. Ordinance authorizing sale of city-owned property commonly known as
11:01 Division Street, 259 Elm Street, and 8:30 East State Street, and identified on the city tax map as block 1 19002 lot, excuse me, uh, block 15701,
lot 44, and block 26301, lot 22, pursuant to NJSA. A 481213C to Chestnut Development LLC for the sale price of $42,000. Are there any members of the public wish to speak to this ordinance at this time?
See none, Madam President, do you want to ask for a motion to approve? >> May I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. Second, >> Madam President, Councilman Gber. >> Thank you. I have a question for um Mr. Jim Beach on this one. Um, do we know
what the um what the plan is for 11:01 division? Not sure that I see. I'm just looking through. >> I don't have that information in front of me. Council one. >> Okay. I just want to know if it was
supposed to be a demolition or if it's, you know, re rehab. The plan is to demolish because my the notes that I see here um from one of the AG staff indicates that that property has extensive buyer damage.
>> Mhm. >> But that's a supposition on my part. Confirm that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Keep going. >> Okay. Are there any other members of the public wish to this ordinance at this
time? Seeing none president, if you want a motion to approve or we have Sorry, I apologize. Uh roll call. We are at roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. Councilwoman Feliciano
>> and Stain. >> Councilwoman Figuro Cbury. >> Really quickly, uh, Mr. Beach, I'm sorry. Just as Counciloman Fer just brought to my attention, it does state that this is a flip to rent on this property. Um, voting no. Thank you.
>> Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilman Harrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. Motion carried. Ordinance 25-123, Ordinance authorizing the sale of city
own property, commonly known as 499 Center Street, 32357 and 69 Jersey Street, and identified on the city tax map as block 10504, lot one, block 1741,
lots 40, 50, 67, 72.0. 01 pursuant to NJSA 481213C to Mass Properties LLC for the sale price of $14,000.
Are there any members of the public wish this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, can I ask for a motion to approve? >> May we have a motion to approve? >> So, second customer ever. >> Thank you. I just wanted to speak to this one particularly. I mean, these pro
these properties are all in my ward. I'd love to see these properties rehab. I'd love to see them get sold as I would any other property. I want to be clear. Um, again, I'm not in agreement with the process. Um, this one in particular though, um, I tried looking up this LLC,
Mass Properties Group LLC, and really can't find anything other than an address for them. Um, no properties that they've done. I think I saw something with office space or something like that. um not directly relating to residential homes. And I mean, this is just one of many concerns with these
properties being sold like this. You know, there's just too many gray areas or unknowns. Um and unfortunately, I know my vote was one vote of seven, but um you know, I have to stay the same on this and stand my ground because again, this just doesn't seem um accurate.
Thank you. On your call, Madam President, would you vote, please? >> Certainly. Uh, Vice President Edwards, >> yes. >> Council Feliciano, >> abstain.
>> Counciloman Figuro Cutenberg, >> no. >> Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilman Harrison, >> yes. Counciloman Williams >> abstain. >> Noted. >> Past president Gonzalez.
>> Yes. Motion. >> Yes. Motion carried. Uh on to ordin motion carry, excuse me. on to ordinance 25-124. Ordinance authorizing sale of city own property commonly known as 41,43 47
and 64 North Lenon Avenue and identified on the city tax map is block 26003 lot 6543 block 26805 lot 5 pursuant to NJSA 48 1213C to
Golden Key Management LLC for the sale price of $25,000 Are there any members of the public that wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, do you want to ask for a motion to approve? >> May we have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second.
>> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano, I see. >> Councilwoman Figurero Kevin. >> No. >> Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilman Harrison, >> yes. Councilwoman Williams, >> yes.
>> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-125, ordinance authorizing sale city on property commonly known as 617 Edgewood Avenue, identifying the state taxpua
48 1213 C2 Shannon American Homes for the sale price of $22,000. members of the public wish to speak to Zord at this time. Um, Robin Vaughn, 1100 Stson Avenue. Um, Edgewood Avenue is in the West Ward, I
believe. And I just want to I'm just kind of confused because is that a redevelopment zone right now? Has that been defined as redevelopment zone? Because I'm concerned that,
you know, certain properties and the redevelopment zone has certain legal restrictions and you have to follow the redevelopment law. And you guys, I don't think
you are even doing that at all, but you're not getting any oversight from DCA. And I just want some clarity on that. I think the residents and taxpayers of the city of Trenton deserves that. So you can't say that you
are, you know, achieving and you're just unlawfully unloading property without application of the law. Now, redevelopment land has certain restrictions and I just want to make sure that the
properties that we're selling aren't in those zones. And the public, you have to inform the public. We supposed to communicate, give us, you know, send letters out, have uh town halls to let us know how these properties are going
to be you utilized, what they're zoned for, what that area is being zoned for and planned. I just don't think you um our council is doing that level of due diligence. And I don't think our law department is helping you guys because
if the law department should be able to tell you who these LLC's are, all they have to do is go to the Department of Treasury and get the information. So for you to come here and say you don't know who is the owner of the LLC
or the principal of the LLC and the law department didn't provide you that information before they signed off on the ordinance for form and legality. They are really negligent and you guys
should hold them accountable. But don't be selling my redevelopment land for nothing. and and a violation of the law. And I expect the state to be held accountable for that. And that's all I have to say
for now. Are there any other members of the public speak this order at this time? >> Seeing none, Madam President, want to ask for a motion to approve. >> Mayor, a motion to approve. So move. >> Second. >> And Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. Uh, Madame President, I would um
like to ask Mr. Beach if you would come and explain um addressing Miss Vaughn's um questions. How are we advertising these properties and are there restrictions on the redevelopment um properties? >> This council approved a an ordinance a
number of months ago that created the entire city as an area in need of rehabilitation. One of the outros of that is it frees up the city to sell any properties that it so wishes on a onetoone basis or on a
larger scale basis. And so that's why we're able to do this to address Miss Vaughn's point about redevelopment zone. We still look to those redevelopment plans. However, you know, the American or the uh Trent 250 plan superseded all
those redevelopment plans and we've been working with Mr. Maui to try to get that all consolidated. >> And how are we advertising? How does the public know when where these properties are that are being sold? >> We maintain I'm sorry. We maintain a
list uh that list has been advertised by uh on the website QRC codes on our Facebook page. I think uh council vice president put out a um some kind of notice to her constituents
and it is a list of all the city owned properties that are available for purchase. >> Thank you. I hope that satisfies the public. Thank you, Mr. Beach. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Beach. Um, Mr. Gar, can we go to a vote, >> please?
>> I'm sorry. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman abstain. >> Counciloman Figo Cber. >> No. >> Counciloman Frisbee. >> Yes.
>> Council Harrison. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Williams. Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Ordinance 25-126. resort is authorizing sale property commonly known as 20 Eastam Avenue, 123 North
Hermitage Avenue, 2, excuse me, 323 2nd Street, 689 Southern Street, 484 West State Street, and identified on the city tax map as block 8504, 8504, block 18, block 283, lot 30, block
10503, lot 33, block 8506, Lot 7 block 2206 lot 4 pursuant to NJSA 481213C to NGH developers LLC for the sale price of $125,000.
Are there any members of the public wishes for this ordinance at this time? Seeing none, Madam President, do you want to ask for a motion to approve? >> I have a motion to approve. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Evans. Yes.
>> Counciloman Fisiano. >> Abstain. >> Counciloman Figero. >> No. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes.
>> Motion carries. Ordinance 25-127. Ordinance authorizing the sale of city own property commonly known as 1222 East State Street and identifying the city tax map as block 25902 lot 37 pursuant to NJSA48 1213C to G
construction Contractors LLC for the sale price of $20,000. Are there any set? >> Not please state your name and address for the record. You have 5 minutes to speak.
>> Yes. >> Uh Aiden Moran. I'm on 135 Mercer Street. I guess my question is um this so this ordinance was passed where we're rehabilitating Trenton. That seems like a huge opportunity for outside investors
to come and invest. That could be a good thing, but that can also be very bad. So my question is like are there what are the um like what do we have in place to make sure these are good faith buyers that they're not just going to come and say they're renovating it for a first
time home and then sell the first time home for they're picking these properties up for $25,000. I mean, you could sell it for 300, 400. I mean, how do we know that this is actually going to be for the community members and not just like some
from Hamilton coming in who fled the city when things got tough, now they want to come back in and reinvest. To me, that just doesn't mean like how are we just like across the board saying yes, yes, yes, and and like we're not doing due. I mean, this is
ridiculous. It's kind of ridiculous. Thank you for anyone else, please. We would appreciate the respectful language in our council chambers. If anyone else comes up and speaks in that manner, we will ask for you to leave. Um and just to that point, um this is almost similar
to the dollar program and there has been a lot of work done in um the research behind some of these things. We're not just saying yes yes yes just because um there's a lot of work that has been done. There's a lot of discussions, a lot of meetings that have been had and
we have come up with a process where I would trust that the process is legal. We've gone through our legal teams before they come before council. Um, and some of the things have been addressed as far as uh the LLC's having to provide names and actual accurate information. So, that has been
addressed where we make sure we have those contacts. Um, and a lot of these LLC's, some of them are local people who just don't want to have it in their actual personal names. Simple as that. But, um, so thank you for your comment. U, Mr. Garcia?
>> Yes. Are there any other members of the public wish to speak to this ordinance at this time? Please state your name and address for the record. You have five minutes to address counsel. >> Press the button. Thank you. Press the button. >> Deborah Chainless, um 40 Prospect,
Trenton, New Jersey. Um to feed off of him, you're right. This audience right here, all these blocks, these people who you just sold these properties to, do y'all know these people?
So if you don't really know these people and you saying yes yes yes yes how do you know these people if you don't know them? How do you know what they are about? How do you know where they come from? And a lot of these people is
coming from a lot of them from New York. I mean um all over they all coming down here to Trenton and they are buying these houses up like crazy. The people who have been
living here, born here, raised here, old houses, we don't even have a chance to even purchase any of these houses because you guys are giving these houses to people that come from different countries and everything. And and I
don't think it's fair. I think the properties that um the city own. I believe that the people who live in the city of Trenton should have first priority on any of these properties. You should not be giving these properties to
other people that's just coming down here and want to buy all these properties because they are cheap. And I do know there's a lot of people from New York coming here and they buying all these properties because in New York the properties over in New York is a million
dollars here. So they don't have a million dollars to buy the properties in um New York. So they come here in Tren and get them dirt cheap and they are selling. We the people of the city of Tren should
have first priority over these properties. If a if you have application from a person and you see that they are living in Trenton and then you see an application of a person that's living over here in another state. The person
who's living in the city of Trent should have first priority over these properties. And also these properties are being sold to some people in the city of Trenton and they are you guys are giving them a lot
of properties at one time and and I know that for a fact because I know some people that they got like 10 houses once a person get purchase a couple of houses just say
three I think they should and give another person a opportunity to purchase. Stop giving these houses to the same people. Give other people a chance. We cannot
change state law. We are a municipality. We we we don't get to do that. We have to adhere to that. So that's to everyone. We have we are abiding to abiding by the law and state law says that we cannot prioritize our residents
as much as we have and I have asked that question personally more than one two three four times. Can we put preference to the residents of the city of Trenton? And the answer is no. So that is something that we but we have been trying to make sure that we get the word
out to the residents of the city of Trenton so they know to get on it first. so that we can actually get them in here. And if that has changed, if there's something different, then I would love to be told that. But I was told, cuz I have asked that >> more than two, three, four times as some
of my other colleagues have as well. Can we We want the city of Trenton residents to be homeowners. We want to have less um renters and we want to have more home ownership. That is the goal. Um thank you, Madam President. Thank you. Yes, I was going to let the farmer I
think he's ready to apply. Go ahead. He was ready or not. >> He looked like he was. Okay, never mind. Go ahead. Say >> um so there I'm no attorney, but we have been working on this for a couple of years. Um there we we cannot say we are
only selling our properties to Trenton. We can't do that. There is a law that prohibits us from doing that. >> Um excuse me. Um yes >> there is proper I was going to say council vice president has the floor. Thank you.
>> Thank you madam president. >> To that extent this council has approved a rehabilitation ordinance to prior to make this entire city the rehabilitation zone. And how that differs from the various pockets of redevelopment zones
are the rehabilitation zone allows people to bypass auctions. There we do not have to host auctions. So if anyone remembers the previous auction that we had somewhere around 2021 was an absolute disaster. We sold a lot of
properties way above market value and they came right back to the city because those auctions get severely competitive. They end up being frivolous offers and we end up recuperating them right back and never selling them. A lot of the times
they sit on the market for whatever reason these landlords or or owners whatever their intent for buying a property is allows them to sit there. Since that was happening, this council has been meeting with the administration
since day one to make sure those things do not happen. So, for example, the rehabilitation zone. What that does is allow Trantonians to have access to the housing market because once it got to a certain square
foot, it had to go to auction. Now you can make a direct offer to the city and the city can work directly with you without you getting into competitive um auctions that will outpriconians to and also in addition to that council
passed a resolution earlier this year on February 4th a resolution authorizing the order of prioritization of residential property sales by and within the city of Trent because we are prohibiting from only selling to train
new residents. We created a prior prioritization list. Number one on this list says homeowners um homeowners with adjacent property. Priority will be given to current homeowners who seek to acquire adjacent vacant lots in order to
expand their property for purposes such as green space or property development. This includes properties vacated by the city. This means if you have a lot next to your own and you want to buy that and add it onto your property, whether or
not you want to build or just have it as extra yard space as a side lot, do you would you would be prioritized in that process. If someone was to make an offer on that lot that is not an owner of
either side of that lot, you would be notified. that is a part of the process and would be given the chance to submit an offer to purchase it as well. And because this list exists, you would be prioritized even if there's an application received before yours. These
are conversations we've had with the administration. Number two, resident buyers for rehabilitation and occupancy. Second priority will be given to city residents who wish to purchase properties for rehabilitation with the intent to occupy and own the property.
So, for example, if two investors had submitted offers on a property and you were the third and their offers are higher, but they want to rent it out, but you want to live in it, you will receive priority because you want to live in it. Number three,
non-residential buyers for rehabilitation. Third priority will be given to non-residents who seek to purchase properties for rehabilitation with the goal of bringing the property up to standards for residential occupancy and eventual home ownership. So non-resident buyers for
rehabilitation who that means if they don't live in the city and they want to buy it, they want to rehab it, they will have to sell it to somebody who wants to live in there, not rent. We want to prioritize people who want to fix up properties and sell them to homeowners.
homeowner occupied people who are going to live in there and not rent or not sell it or um to people who were going to rent. So whether or not they live in the city, if they want to help fix up a property and sell it, that's what we're looking to prioritize as well instead of
always just rentals. So, because a lot of people may not be able to be eligible for a renovation loan or any kind of capital funding cuz a lot of these properties need about 80 to 90 to $100,000 worth of work. So in in all
honesty, our the the medium income of our city isn't supporting a sustainable program to get low to middle income people into these properties at a market rate uh market rate from a private sale.
So this city is offering that, you know, for a substantially low amount and with you to have the proof of funding to fix it up and rent it out or sell it. Number four, I know this is long-winded, I'm sorry. Investors for rehabilitation and
resale. Fourth prior, fourth priority will be given to investors who intend to rehabilitate properties and sell them to market rate for home ownership and occupancy. So whether they're a non-resident or an investor, the investor meaning LLC.
So number five, this is the last one. Timely rehabilitation and tax role integration. All purchasers, regardless of category, must adhere to an agreed upon rehabilitation timeline to ensure the property is returned to the city's tax role as promptly as possible. The
city will monitor compliance with these timelines to ensure successful rehabilitation and occupancy. So, no one is being sold these properties and then the city is just closing the door on them and never going to contact them again. there is some sort of asset
management plan in place for them to monitor the progress of the people who are purchasing these properties and rehabilitating them whether they have the intent to live in them or sell them or rent them out. So we this council as the redevelopment the authority of the
city has been giving this process severe due diligence to make sure Torononians are prioritized above everyone and we are doing that in the most legal way we can possibly do without superseding state laws. Thank you.
>> Thank you for clarifying that CBP. So nice and detailed. >> Thank you. >> Um Mr. Okay. Do you um were uh Palmer? >> Council President before this meeting. Thank you, ma'am. And that was excellent. Thank you. Uh council vice president. Um ma'am, I just wanted to
add a couple small things. Uh as you already heard, we've been working on this from day one. We all came in to this uh after hearing so many stories of people who felt that this system wasn't transparent, system wasn't fair, and transonians weren't able to get access
to properties. It's not an easy thing to correct, but we've done a great job, I believe, in two plus years of correcting as much as we can legally possible. Uh, unfortunately, the state of New Jersey would consider, and I know we've cleared this up about priorities, but would
consider if we had something such as only Trantonians can have access to uh the list of properties. They would consider that a form of buyer discrimination, which is something we can't involve ourselves in. We can't do it legally. We just can't. But every single member of this council, uh, even
Marus spoke about we want home ownership. We live in a city as of the census of 2020 that has a 39% home ownership rate. You go to Robinsville, it's 88%. The one other town, bizarrely enough, that's anywhere
near us is Princeton, New Jersey, with 56% home ownership rate, and that's because they have so many darn students there. So, we have a lot of catching up to do. In 2000, we had roughly a 55% home ownership rate. So, we have a lot of
work to do. We're trying to do that. And some of these houses uh are going to be very difficult. Some of the ones we are approving tonight, they have holes in the back of them, partial collapses, but they are things that can still be rehabbed. And we're trying our best. And
at the same time, we're trying to end the shell game with the LLC's. That's one of the reasons we've pushed very hard to make sure we have the name of an officer, the president, vice president, the treasurer of an LLC legally who had to register with the state of New Jersey
to have an LLC be formed in order to buy a property. And on top of that, making sure while we're trying to have these properties get sold at a price that is affordable, particularly the regular Tranonians, that we're also trying to maximize as best we can the price we
sell it at for the city of Trenton because we are a city that's in a need. We have what's called a structural deficit where our tax base doesn't pay for our budget. And that's why we're so darn dependent on the state of New Jersey. So, we want tranquilians buying
houses. We want Torononians rehabing them, moving into it, having thriving lives. Please never think that we don't want that to happen. But this process, we've done a great job making it more fair. I think there's some things we can make it even more so hopefully in the
future. Little improvements here and there. Things what like what you said tonight. We need to hear that because we need to know that we can still do better. One of the things I'm hopeful for, and this came up in our meeting, is perhaps even once a year or whatever, we
can have a ROOC call go out uh to tell people how they can go to the website and simply just see if they're interested in a property and be able to find that out because a lot of times real estate, it seems to be it's something that's for you have to have a
great degree of sophistication. Yes, you can go to Zillow and try to find a property, but that doesn't make it easy for you. We need to make this process easier for every Tranonian, and I I'm just really glad that you came tonight. You spoke out, but again, we're doing
the best we can. We've done a lot of great work, but it doesn't mean we can't do a little bit better. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Williams. Um um Mr. Richardson or Mr. Kevin. We've dealt with this issue uh for a
long time even with the prior council. Unfortunately, state law tremendously limits the ability of the municipality to give preference to residents of the municipality. We can do it in hiring as a civil service jurisdiction. But under
the public contracts law, for example, when we award a contract, and I was just showing the section to uh to Mr. Richardson, there's a specific provision in the law that says that you cannot make residency one of the criteria for
the bid. Now, that's under the local public contracts law when we award contracts generally. Now, under the redevelopment law, I don't know of any specific provision in there that says uh you know something along these lines, but it seems to me that the public
policy of the state of New Jersey would be sustained. You just can't limit it to the residents. And if we did try to limit it to the residents, we would probably be, you know, we it would be struck down in court. It has to be based on the quality of the presentation, upon
the qualifications of the proposer. And, you know, unfort unfortunately, that's what we're left with. It's not the council doesn't want to do it. It's just that legally it probably wouldn't be sustainable and we would lose the case. And in addition, we'd probably lose a
lot of legal fees and costs. So, it's not the council doesn't want to help. It's just that the state law prohibits uh because otherwise you have 560 some municipalities would just be doing everything within and no one would ever
have access to doing work or projects in any other area of the state and that's not what New Jersey law says. >> Thank you, Mr. K. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Yeah. And just just also just really quickly that most of us here on council have been sharing this with our
local when we're doing community meetings. We're you know we're hosting different events to bring this information to the community so that they can be the first ones to apply and try to purchase these properties. Um so we are trying to make sure that Trenton
does it legally um and become the homeowners of these uh homes that are have been vacant for many many years. So thank you everyone for your comments on that. Mr. Garcia, can we move to the motion? I think >> I forgot who we were.
>> If there are no other members of the public that wish to speak the zordance at this time, we have a motion to approve. >> Ma'am, I think you spoke to this one already. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> I'm sorry. I have a motion.
>> Motion Frisbee, >> please. I'm sorry. Thank you. >> So, I've heard a motion. Was that Harrison? Was that a second? Frisbee. >> Frisbee and Harrison. >> Frisbee and Harrison. >> Frisbee. Thank you.
>> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Abstain. >> Councilwoman Figuro Keber. >> No. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams.
>> Yes. Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Ordinance 25-128, ordinance establishing limitations and procedures for the acceptance of donations by city departments. Are there any members of the public who wish to speak to this ordinance at this
time? >> Uh Robin Vaughn, 1100cent Avenue. Um, regarding donations, um, I just want to understand how that money will be, um, accounted for and
reported on the city books. Which department will the money be booked to? Uh, how will you account for that those
funds? So I would appreciate if the finance director can come and tell us about how the structure the accounting hierarchy is going to
digest those funds. Who provides oversight of um donating? I I never heard of really uh um donations coming into a government. Governments are fully funded
by taxpayer dollars. Um we only by law supposed to do uh projects and programs shared services with a government to government, city to county, county to state, city to state. So where how are
we taking donations from you know it could be perceived as bribes, right? So I can come in and give start giving money and then get favor. So I just want to understand what what is this taking donations mean and who
how is this going to be processed and accounted for on the city's books and records. That's what I want to know. >> Thank you. Miss See, um, anyone else? >> Oh, you're still right.
Deon Chambers, 40 prospect. Um, I had another concern with the um, city. This is my This is my first time ever coming to one of these. Miss Chambers, really quickly. I don't mean to cut you off, but is it in reference to 128? >> No. >> Okay. So can you just hold that on to
your direct regular public comment? Okay. Thank you. >> If there are no other members that receive this ordinance at this time. If I can have a motion to ask a motion to approve. >> We have a motion to approve. Please. >> So move.
>> Second. >> Council President. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. Thank you. So when last we met we we looked um looked this over. I thought that there was going to be some changes that were
supposed to be made with regard to the donation dollar amounts um for letters B and C. Um also I want to speak to Miss Vaughn's concern about when we're
referring to donations. There have been donations that were made not in money but in items. So in order to appropriately account for that so that
there is no question or speculation of anybody doing a thing for a thing or what have you. The administration has now put this into play so that we can understand when things are coming. Right? So similar to to the school board
when we're there we can have donations that were coming that people would make to the school. people want to paint rooms or people want to give um certain items, refrigerators or whatever, but everything has to be passed through the school board first before they can go ahead and accept it and they have their
criteria by which they would say yes or no. We're just simply asking now the administration is giving because there was an instance where donations were made that because of the dollar amount it was
under question and how is it that we are accepting this with no approval no nothing um as it would seem from anyone in the administration or the council. So this is the administration's answer to say if someone wants to donate
things then goods or services thank you that this is the process that they would have to follow. We don't have a finance director. Um so to to that being said if madam president if I could call for Mr. the cherry to
come up and answer the question and then to explain why one we didn't make the changes that we discussed from the last meeting um about the dollar amounts and everything and then the question about the accounting for the oversight and
where the the funds would be etc. Of course. Um I'll answer in the reverse order if that's okay. Well, council woman, uh the administration remains accepting of whatever changes you wish to make. Um I I think I was just
mistaken and misunderstood since council I don't believe took a motion at the time to propose the amendment. I I believe we were still waiting definitively on what numbers uh council wish. To be clear, the administration
has no no objections to those numbers changing to 5,000 for the first for combining A and B and making it up to 5,000 or whatever dollar amount changes council wishes to make. We we do not
object. Uh, regarding the accounting for funding, uh, the city of Trenton has accepted cash donations for an exceptionally long period of time, certainly longer than I've worked here. We have small dollar amount donors that
have given us money for various things from both phil philanthropic organizations uh, or individuals and those go into trust accounts in our accounting and we would continue to account for them as we do now. They have
trusts. They exist for the purpose of whatever that individual or agency provides us with the money for. Uh this simply councilwoman, as you uh astutely pointed out, this provides an an intake
oversight for approving the acceptance of those donations. So that while they are accounted for financially, there is also an accounting for an affirmative that the city has reviewed the purpose and the dollar amount. And
when it goes into the trust account, uh if it's if it's a dollar amount or when it applied, if it's a good or a service, there is an accounting of that on the front end. Thank you. Of course.
>> So, council president, then if if that's the case um to to >> make the changes >> like to make the changes um to letter B if it would please the council to say
donations of 1,500 to 4,9.99. Um, and then also add to that, it would require council approval >> on B. >> Yes. Mhm. And then on C, it would be
donations exceeding 5,000 shall require city council approval. >> Thank you. Um, all right. So, we want to amend it to the 4 from B letter B from 1,500 to
4,999 and with council to require council's approval and then also anything exceeding 5,000 and over to seek council approval also for legisl. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
Is that a motion to amend? >> May we have a motion to amend 25128 to include uh letter B. Council >> president. Yes, Council Member Williams. >> Thank you, ma'am. Just just in case the word is consistent. Um we should maybe say shall require formal city council
approval. I know it's just one click, but it's maybe consistent with donations exceeding 20,000. >> Gotcha. Yes. Thank you. formal council.
>> So, may we have a motion to approve? Um, I mean, I'm sorry, a motion to amend 25128 to include the changes. >> Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes.
Counciloman Feliciano, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Cutenberg, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilman Harrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Motion carry.
And if there's nothing else, mant ordinance as amended. >> May we have a motion to approve the amended ordinance 128? >> Second. Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Feliciano.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figurero Keeper. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carry.
Ordinance 25- Yes. Ordinance 25-129 ordinance amending art ordinance amending article 27 of 27 of the mult municipal insurance fund
municipal insurance funds by providing for the method of appropriation thereto in accordance with NJSA 4810-1 to establish limits of liability and use of funds Are there any members of the public who
wish to speak to the swords at this time? Seeing none, madam president, if you want to ask for a motion to approve. >> I have a motion of approval. >> Second, council president. Council woman. >> Thank you. As I was reading this, when it talks
about the liabilities and stuff from the workers compensation payment negligence suits and about automobiles and and things like that, I'm just curious to know where where we are with the status on um looking into getting a fleet
manager for the for the automobiles and what is the administration's policy on license verification for vehicle operations and do we do annual DMV checks? um for on our employees that drive city
vehicles. >> Good evening. Um we have an intention of still working to find a fleet managing uh person or or system.
Um we don't have an immediate hiring plan for that position. We have um we do keep licenses on file for our employees who sign for city vehicle driving and there is an
additional more strenuous check for individuals who have CDLs. um they are in addition to being subject to um updates and and reapprovals, they are also subject to random drug screenings
and medical tests as required by the federal. >> So everyone that operates the city vehicle, you have a copy of their driver's license on file. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes, that is our policy.
>> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. >> Thank you, Councilman. >> Certainly. Uh, roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Council woman.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Kevin. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. And Madam President,
ordinance 25-130 has been pulled by administration. >> Correct. >> Uh we are on to resolutions. And just to inform you, Madam President, we do have a walk on resolution listed. We are listing that as number 395.
>> I'm sorry number. >> I'm sorry. >> 395. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> 395. That resolution is appointing conditional redeveloper and >> no that's been that's been pulled >> that's been pulled >> right correct Mr. reach 395 as it pulled
>> in addition to those three um 391 390 391 >> correct president. >> Yes ma'am. >> 25388 25393 and 25394.
>> Thank you. And um so we'll start with uh 384 25- 384 with council Williams. >> Thank you, Council President. So uh regarding this one, this one's being about the ad hoc committee. I did have a
chance to uh speak with Councilwoman Edwards who is the sponsor of this president. And what I'd like to suggest in lie of this, if she's willing to, if she's sorry, I'll speak louder. If she's willing to uh pull it for this evening,
is that we would uh use city council uh to serve as the full city council to serve as the committee regarding Trenton Border Works. and that what we would need to do to provide oversight to the Trenton Border Works as well as uh the
burgeoning uh situation with DP and any improvements that need to be made um financing changes so on and so forth that we would add a special meeting uh once a month or once every other month
on a regular basis. This way uh we are able to provide that as a full seven member committee and team. I think the city is uh looking for that leadership from us. So it would also give us a firmer hand uh directly and making sure
that uh things are fixed as promised and making sure that there's a timeline and having an expectation and that uh TWW is meeting the expectations and obligations they have but also that D uh is doing the same and I think that's going to be
really important going forward. So, I would uh again ask my colleague, Councilwoman Edwards, if she would pull this ordinance uh the resolution for this evening, and I'd be happy to work together with her on language um based on what she has already produced uh that
we could do this as a full council. >> Thank you, Counciloman. >> If we had meetings virtual, uh if possible, make it easy for them. >> All right. Um Councilman Frisbee has something to say. >> Yes. Uh code. Thank you, Madam President. So, regarding this uh
resolution, if this resolution were to pass, I would ask that a representative from TWWW be on this ad hoc committee and we they would be required to give um bimonthly or quarterly at the very least
um preferably monthly updates on this. Being a member of an ad hoc committee that I am on now, one of my concerns is uh there is no voting but the those members that are on the ad hoc committee, they have influence. They um
give us give suggestions and make recommendations and those are strongly taken into consideration when it comes to whatever entity that they are sitting on. So, um having a TWWW um representative on there would be
strongly um advised if if this were to pass and also having monthly preferably um reports that would come to council so that we are all kept a breast of what's going on. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Council Pris. Uh CBP. >> Thank you, Council President. Um, with addressing both, I'll start with Councilwoman Williams. I think that is a a nice alternative to an ad hoc committee meeting uh committee. Um to
Councilwoman Frisbey's point, if this if you know we were to go through with a roll call vote on this and um this were to pass and I'm just speaking hypothetically. If I weren't to pull this, then it would act in me just the way that you say that
it would represent the full body and and Trent Waterworks, the director specifically, should be at every single meeting just the way that we have with the H ad hoc committee meetings that um the business administrator and chief of
staff um hops in in um and we also have the H director that is included in the meetings as well. and and based on case by case because every meeting is different. We hear different things from the administration. Whoever is um
supposed to be there is there. So the staff is included. It's not just council having the meeting by themselves. The expert um subject matter experts are at the table. the directors and those who make decisions in these matters are at
the table and um reports are given and or also we invite the people who we are meeting with like for example Kingsbury to come to the council to deliver public presentations periodically and we we've been successful in that way with the
Kingsbury ad hoc um and we were able to meet bi-weekly on Fridays and it worked very very well and as we and see we brought uh we helped and assisted in bringing a huge project to fruition is
if you could just drive past and see the progress made on that property that is the results of an ad hoc committee and how it could work. When we first met with Kingsbury board, they had no funding. They had no plan. They didn't
really understand that they were the owners of the property and not just a board and that they were under the impression that the property management company were the owners. And we assisted in helping them to understand contrarily to their beliefs that they're the owners and the decision makers. And since they
have revamped, they have revitalized, they have created a tenant committee and everything and invited tenants to be on their board. That is the success of an ad hoc committee and and that is why I am suggesting that rewards. I appreciate
the um the special meetings monthly if if I would love to hear from all of council about this before I make a decision to pull this if that is something a monthly special meeting or a bi-weekly ad hoc committee. I think a
bi-weekly ad hoc committee would be more productive than a monthly special meeting. Simply, and I'm only saying that because we're already at the end of October and reiterating what the DP commissioner has shared with us that
they are able and willing to pay for the the comprehensive financial assessment, but the administration, you know, they have to put out the RFP and things of that nature. If we were to have bi-weekly discussions beginning next week, hypothetically, we can possibly
help and assist with the administration on moving that process along much quicker because we still don't have an RFP out for this financial assessment. And we desperately need this in order to turn in the direction of this utility under its current structure. Not even
not even just considering any other alternative structure, but under this current structure, we absolutely need the comprehensive fiscal financial assessment of the utility in order for us to really really turn this ship
around and revitalize this utility. So to that point, I I just I digress at this point and I would love to hear from the rest of the council on what your thoughts are on what a special meeting monthly versus a bi-weekly ad hoc
committee meeting with um presentations publicly. >> Council President, >> Councilwoman, please. >> Thank you. Thank you. Um council vice president. So, since our last council meeting that
we've had to to to my knowledge, we've not even discussed Trent Waterworks. We've not discussed this issue. We've not discussed what anyone was thinking about. We've we've not done anything.
the ad hoc committee. And I'm not sure if we have it because all seven of us can't get together in the same room at the same time. You know what I mean? I'm I'm not I'm not sure why that has not happened, but that has not happened.
This is where an ad hoc committee comes in where the committee meets, they discuss and and here's the thing. I don't have to be on the committee. We just need to have committee. We need to have people having conversations to talk about the
direction that we need to move because right now we're just sitting on our hands about this and we're not doing anything. And that's not fair to the residents. That's that's not fair to to people who are who are trying to piece some things together to make some kind
of sense about what direction we need to go in with this. And I get it. We all want to make the right decision. We all want to we all want to come out of this and be like, "Yay!" You know, I feel good about this and I get that. But we've had ad hoc committees for other
things. I I don't understand why this is any different. I do understand where Councilwoman Frisbee said that someone from Trent Waterworks be on it. If that is possible, I don't see anything wrong with that. if it's possible. We just
need to have something moving where we can we can talk through whatever needs to be done so we can find a viable solution with whomever sits in the room. That doesn't mean that other council people can't give their concerns to the members on the ad hoc committee to say
here's what I'm concerned about. Ask this question or find out this and that. It it doesn't mean that. It doesn't mean that those people have total control over what's happening with the situation. It means that those people are the ones that have agreed that they're going to make their schedules
align, that they're going to meet, that they're going to discuss, that they're going to hash out and work out, that they're going to tell the other council members, "Okay, we're having a meeting with such and such. Do you have any questions? Do you want this, that, and the third?" I don't even know if that's the case, then we could have Mr. Garcia in the room, you know what I mean?
Taking minutes, however, whatever this looks like. We've not discussed training water work since the last meeting that we've had and time is just moving. So, I don't know if we want to just continue to sit still and let time move
or or what it is that we're trying to do here, but we we need to be having these discussions. It's it's this is why all the other municipalities are looking at us like, what are they doing? What are we doing? We need we need to do something. Well, what I'm
I I can't talk to you. I'm sorry. But what I'm what I'm saying is to the constituents of the city of Trenton that are asking some of us I know they're asking me when I'm moving around, what are y'all doing? I I want to have an answer for them
about what we're doing. I I want to be able to say something. And right now I I this is where we are. I agree that we should have the ad hoc committee. I don't see a problem with it. Um, and if anybody has a problem with me on it, I don't have to be on it. I step aside.
I'm still going to ask you my questions anyway. I'm still going to build the administration anyway. I'm still going to want to know what it is. I'm going to want to know anyway, and I'm still going to represent my constituents to the best of my ability anyway. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Council. >> Council President, Council Williams. >> Thank you, ma'am. Um just wanted to kind I guess not respond but also provide additional perspective. We already serve as the alcohol beverage control board for the city of Trent. So why
would we not be able to do something like this? And yeah time has gone by because we legally can't meet as a seven member body to discuss this idea of us actually having consider special. We could we legally schedules a regular
meeting but we would have to be focused on borders. So would have to work out with Mr. Below, Mr. Bridges how to exactly do that. But we would keep the football moving forward month after month after month and we would be attuned to what is actually happening.
Uh the improvements that are being made uh the financing decisions that have to get made also. But additionally, this would provide us more direct oversight on a regular basis because uh yeah, people are at that people come up to me in the community at different meetings
and just even shopping. What what is going on? What are you guys going to do? You just kind of say like somebody said recently, we just sit up here and bicker about it, which we don't. We discuss it. We have intellectual discussions about it whether we agree or not. We agree. We disagree or agree respectfully. But I
think by having a full a council to have a regular meeting that would keep this discussion moving forward and we would be producing something and this gives us a chance to say the board works not just have to figure out which way of regionalization
or its war as the two choices that we have offered to us. This gives us a third way which would give us the way to make the water works better with council being intimately involved in that by oversight. Thank you. That's just my
opinion. Madam President Council, thank you. I just wanted to state for the record um this is an issue that has to come to head soon. We're going to be working through this issue for some time. It's not going to go away
overnight. Um I I would be comfortable with either I would be comfortable with having an ad hoc with um members of pointed from council. Um I I don't know that anybody from motor works or anybody else with the administration can be part of that or not. Um if that could be made
clear to us that'd be great. But I also would not be um I wouldn't be adverse to Council Member Williams suggestion of having a full meeting of the seven council members. I guess once a month kind of meets and you know and I I for whatever reason it is
whether it's um worry of lack of clarity or what have you. I know the other Hadcock committees have done good jobs. I mean I I know that um Kingsbury in particular. Um but again I understand that this is a very big issue. This um
affects us all tremendously and immensely. Um, so I do hope that council colleagues we can come to some sort of consensus tonight to move forward one way or the other whether it is the ad hoc um or it is you know what uh council Williams is suggesting but I don't think
that we should continue to to put it off. not present. >> Uh CB, >> I I just want to say um I would like to roll call this rather than tableing it and if it passes then we can move forward and if it doesn't then we resort
to the alternative solution that is presented tonight. >> Anyone else have anything? >> All right, we can move that to the roll call. U Mr. the rest of you. >> Certainly. >> Um, and the next one we have is 25-378,
which is Councilwoman Williams. >> Okay. Um so my question with this is um I wanted to make sure there are a lot of concerns a lot of concerns in the city that if we approve this uh the state of New Jersey is going to pay for it. So
the state of New Jersey would um if if they actually pulled money into this that they would uh determine who does the assessing and that is a great concern and I'd like to see what kind of assurances we would
get that trend the administration um we have a voice in who gets chosen to make an an independent assessment cuz that's going to take a lot of work But we also want to make sure that um
the thumb isn't on the scale per se. Um all means exist and I'm not accusing anybody. I'm just asking questions. But we want to make sure that we can offer the confidence to every single Tranonian as well as ourselves that whatever the number that comes back to us in the
value of these assets um that it is a fair number and it is a number that is a clean number that we can make sure that everybody feels comfortable decisions and thought the
process was made going into this. >> Councilwoman Frisbee Um, does anyone else have any comments? >> Um, can you hear me? I'd like to make a comment. I'm not the first whoever is
going. Thank you. Um, so >> I was I want to say >> I want to say >> what is >> I'm sorry everybody. >> Ma'am, this is not your time to speak. You may wait till public comment. At
this time, uh, you are unable to speak on this item. This is council council's discussion. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Garcia. I want to say that this resolution is an informal act of counsel that this does
not authorize or it's like no type of this isn't the actual RFP or decision to do the assessment. This is council saying that we understand that we need to do a comprehensive assessment that will
include asset evaluation um asset valuation bonding and debt capacity financial position and status capital planning operational capacity retention of the current Trenton border work structure with enhanced oversight
establishment of a Trenton own water utility authority fiscal and legal impacts of any proposed reasonalizations and any other issues related to the Trenal Waterworks. I want to say that this assessment is going to
go through every single thing that I said and weigh it out and plan it out. This assessment does not make any decisions on any structural changes to the utility at all. No structural changes can happen by the administration
forced by D or any court system to our knowledge and that was confirmed by multiple attorneys that that cannot be forced. That decision comes down to this council or whatever council sits on this day is thereafter us when that time
comes because this will be a 18 to 24 month process. It is going to weigh it out. This council is not in favor of regionalization and we have not decided on whether we are in favor of a a util an authority either. We would love to
see the current structure work as a welloiled machine. And this assessment will help us figure out just how to do that in the most feasible way. This does not mean that just because we're doing this assessment that we are entertaining
the idea of changing a structure of the utility. However, if the structure was to be changed if it pans out that this assessment says that it's not feasible or sustainable to keep the current structure that report will lay out why.
And that report will lay out alternative solutions i.e. and authority and I don't even want to mention the R word at this point. We're not going there. So, but it's just so that the public understands that we have done our
due diligence. This assessment is just to do the due diligence so that the public understands all three current structure and the other things that the DP's reports had laid out with MUA which is a municipal authority which is a
trans authority or regionalization which is what they are in favor of but we are not doing this assessment with any predetermined outcome whether that would be an authority or a regionalization. We would love to see this under its
current structure work 100% efficiently, but we can't do that if we don't know what's going on. So to that point, this is just a resolution of support. And I want to be
clear that this council does not need to do a resolution of support in order for the administration to put out what is called an RFP, a request for proposals for companies to submit proposals to us to do this assessment. They can put out
the RFP without us doing any type of formal or informal action. So, but this is just to say to the administration that this council is on a unified front with supporting this assessment because we know we need it. So, I just wanted to
explain that so that it's clear to the public what the um intent is of this resolution. >> Thank you, CBP. I like to ask for it to be real. >> Council President, >> yes, Councilman, uh Councilman and Councilman Harrison.
>> Thank you. So, thank you for that again, CVP, on that. Um, so I'm going to tie in 36. Wait, 361 and 378.
So, I'm Yeah. 361 and 378. in looking at it right as I'm looking at 361 the part that now it is hereby resolved
that we support and endorse the creation no I it should be more so we would like to explore the creation of in putting this together and looking at where we were because
the D was coming at us one way and everyone's saying we need to regionalize ize regionalize regionalize. I do not agree that we should regionalize and give control of treat water works over to anyone. I've said that and I still stand on that. In listening previously,
as I've said to CBP Edwards and her thoughts about the authority tied in with what I said to the mayor, what now two years ago about the advisory board concept, it's on the same lines.
I think that we should explore the possibility of the Trenton Authority, which when we read the body of it where it says about um doing the necessary studies and
professional review of the Trenton Waterworks Enable Council, right, to I don't know if we should necessarily say enact an ordinance creating it, but we want to explore it that then justifies or backs up the
assessment in and of itself. If that makes sense to you, we need to have an assessment done. Either way this thing goes, something needs to be done regardless of if we said, "Yeah, we're going to regionalize." They're going to assess it. No, we're not going to. We're going to have an authority. Okay, you're
going to have to assess it. We want to leave it the same way. We should still assess it cuz we got to know what's happening anyway. So, this was not I agree with the assessment. I think we need to have it when it comes to 361
that could be tweaked. Um, and as a matter of fact, I I'll pull it from tonight. Um, 361, but I want to I mean, for me, I just want to offer the people something. We're putting something on the table to say this is that the
council is working in a direction of coming up with a solution. The authority, we don't want the authority to be the solution. I mean, we've had this for a while to look at it, to chop it up, to think about it. If that's not what you want, then that's not what you want. But I think that we should at
least explore and by saying that we are exploring it as an option then that is us stepping forward saying hey Trent and everybody we're thinking we're looking into something we're having the assessment that's done because we want
to explore the possibility of the TR authority. Not saying that we're doing it. We're not saying that we're guaranteeing it. We're not saying that we're doing it. And some of this wording in here, we can amend it on the floor tonight so that we can pull that part out so that people are comfortable with
it. But for in my mind, I'm thinking that justifies or goes in line with the assessment, the request for assessment because now we're saying this is why we're going to do it and we're creating a possible solution
for the people. That was the thought behind this. That was the thought behind this that we offer. We're thinking we can, you know, I I I get it. You know, y the ad hoc. We'll see what happens with all of that. The people at the table. I just want to all I just
want people to know that is not sitting on our hands. We're not thinking. We are thinking. We're trying to come up with something. And this is a possibility, not a solid answer. But we want to explore this. And then that way go ahead
and do the study. Do the study. It walks in hand with that. Whatever the final decision is going to be from all of us, that's what the final decision is going to be. But we need to move and we need to do something. >> Thank you. Thank you, Councilman
Harrison. >> Um, regarding this supporting a comprehensive independent assessment, who's going to pay for that? >> The assessment, how much is it going to cost? I already said that the the the D said that they
would pay for it. 3 something, 6 million. >> 3.6 million. >> Uh-huh. >> Right. The the same D that stood up there and told us it was catastrophic. I'm not sure why we're doing this. This doesn't make any sense at all. We pass
every bond this council has. This makes no sense. Council, >> can I respectfully ask that we uh roll call 378 and 361 council? >> Uh with the amendments, I think amendments. Yes. Uh Councilman Williams.
>> Thank you. I just want to ask cuz um this is a phrase that I I thought maybe I thought we discussed last time, but I just want to make sure I understand it. where it says uh third to last sentence and uh the fourth paragraph
establishment of a trend on water utility authority. Um what does that exactly mean? What is that phraseology? What's the definition? If I might ask my colleague, Councilwoman Edwards, uh >> which one are you to speak on? Um
>> I'm on 325 378. >> 378. >> Yes, ma'am. I believe we had a discussion about that before. >> 370. >> Yeah, it's in the large paragraph now is therefore resolved. >> Madam President,
>> yes. >> So the now Okay. The city council was er to immediately engage the necessary experts and consultants to prepare a con comprehensive independent assessment of the Trenton waterworks which assessment
shall include but not be limited to. So, it's an assessment of a train home water utility, an assessment of any proposed regionalization that the DP is um recommending to us. Just so that we're hashing it out, everyone knows on
council, the public, residents, the administration, how it could work if we were to go that route. if it pans out that the current structure has been deemed unfeasible or ungent finds this property to have no value to the city.
But like what is the dollar amount of the items that we're looking to donate? Um it's hard to assess because these items that's being donated were actually in the storage not even being used by the department during the time of doing
inventory. As we receive new items, um, we have an overstock of old items that never was purged from the storage room from the fire department. >> Okay. All right. I was just curious just to know only because we have this whole thing on here about what we, you know, I
mean, where we're giving stuff out and in and all this kind of stuff. Okay. But it does say here that it has passed it useful life expectancy. Um, so on and so forth, but we don't have a dollar amount. >> Yes. Okay. And on the back of the agreement of the
donation, I see the the mayor of um Monroia, Monroia signed it, but the but the mayor did not. Do we have a executed? >> I believe that it has to be signed after the resolution is passed. >> Okay.
>> Um that's my understanding through the administrator. So once if if it's passed through this meeting then tomorrow the meeting is signed. >> Okay. Thank youelcome. >> Oh council man. >> Um director. Yes sir. >> Regarding this. Have we done this
before? >> Yes we have um to Guatemala. I think it was last year. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. That's agenda. Mr. Garcia. And then now 390. Councilwoman Frisbee
with 390 391. >> So for 390 I don't have a question. I just wanted to say um in looking at one of the items on there we are uh let me get to um block 3103.
I was happy to see that we are returning this to a 100% disabled vet. shows the compassion and the uh I appreciate how that the city is actually paying attention to our citizens and that we should be returning
this um to them. I so that's that's what I have on 390 and that can go on consent agenda. But regarding 25- 391, I would like for you to expound on that for the sake of the public so they understand exactly what that is that's going on with that. Thank you.
>> Of course. Um this is similar to an item we had on the agenda at the last council meeting. Um it's in fact the same company. Uh we placed a requirement on this company
when they we assign them the tax leans that they would foreclose within 2 years on these properties. However, um due to a variety of reasons which I believe are listed in the backup, uh there were
issues with the legal status of the properties or the legal status of the uh owners of the properties. For example, multiple heirs of a deceased individual. and we had to make sure that those
individuals had the opportunity to sort out those legal statuses and receive time to redeem the leans. As a result, this company who was assigned the leans has not had the opportunity to foreclose
within the 2 years and this is simply seeking to give them another two years on these properties because of those legal challenges. Thank you, sir. Thank you. That's it. Thank you.
Um 393 is Councilwoman Feliciano with 393 394. Yes. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. Mr. matters just for both of them. Um, it says here that the state will fund 95% of the certified fair
market value and then the city agrees to provide the remaining 5%. Can you speak to what the certified fair market values are of both of these properties? Um, how how does this work? Cuz I don't see numbers on here. Um, so can you explain
to us? The way this works for DE is all municipalities must first pass the resolution agreeing to the acquisition uh and the 5% stake and then after we've done that then then they will go and obtain the fair amount value of these
properties. I can tell you that both these one property is valued at 31,000 another one is 41,000. the property uh at at home park. You might remember we had a community meeting because there's some real issues
out there and that's the old bird dairy. It's being used for all manner of illicit activities. So the plan is D is going to purchase that. It's owned by the federal government. So you shouldn't be concerned about the federal government looking to make any money off the city. Once we own that, then the
plan is for the city then to use funds that they have to demolish the building. And that that will be an entryway to Pat Palm Park in addition to other things that are planned for that park. As you know, foundation building or school out there now in the west
in the back of our rec center, Cole Street, there's a lot of property that the city owns that's sort of fenced off, but it's looks like a city property, but it's really private property. So, this property is actually owned by a business, but if you go into our uh backyard, it's fenced in as if we own
it. This is just us taking possession of this property basically because it's already in the stand. Uh it will there will be no demolition at all. There's some minor uh grading and vegetation removal. And then longterm, what we're looking at in parks and recreation is
having D spend their money to acquire property for us so that we can down the line do things with it once we have funding because we have a big project, bigger project over there with the skate park and a soccer field and all that stuff. Once I can close those out, then
I can start to request additional funding for uh bigger projects. So, what we're doing is buy sort of buying up this land and holding on to it. Um, yeah, that's what we're doing. >> Thank you. I was just curious about,
like I said, the 5% um in the total thing cuz if we're talking like a million dollars, then you know what I mean? 5% of that is a lot, but based on what you said about the 31,000 and the 41, that's not bad. All right. Thank you. >> Um,
council fig. Thank you. Um, Director Harris, I just wanted to to speak to 35 39 25 394. Thank you so much for your collaboration and partnership with this. Um, you know, so many issues with uh that bird dairy and I'm so glad that it's finally going to come down and it's
going to be part of Patone Park. Again, thank you for um the collaboration at the community meeting with regards to that park. Um, and I think this is a great step forward for the city and our parks and our kids and our communities. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you, Council St.
Mr. President, that was all the resolutions. >> Thank you, Madam President. Those are all the resolutions we have this evening. And if you would like to ask for a motion to approve a consent agenda, want to ask for a motion to
approve consent agenda consisting of resolutions 25 385. Please give me honest. 25 385 25 387 Excuse me.
Yes. 25 388 389 390 391 392 393 394. >> May we have a motion to approve consent agenda? >> So move second. >> Thank you. I'm sorry. Who does that come from? >> Thank you.
Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Keber. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. And to the first roll call resolution 25-384. Resolution creating an ad hoc committee to address issues related to Trenton Waterworks. Anyone want to ask for a
motion to approve? >> May have a motion to approve. So second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Figuro Kber. >> Yes.
>> Counciloman Fman. >> Council woman. She She's thinking. >> Oh, I'm so sorry. >> No. No. >> Noted. Council Councilman Harrison. >> No. >> As well.
Councilwoman Williams. >> No. >> Noted. and Council President Gonzalez. >> Um, this is a hard one because I'm up in the air, too. Um, I do understand that we need to
have more dialogue, a little bit more frequent. Um, when it comes to this um, I'm going to say I'm going to I don't know. I'm going to just put on um I'm going to vote yes.
>> Motion carried. >> Resolution 253-378, resolution in support of a comprehensive independent assessment of the Trenton Waterworks. Madam President, you want to ask for a motion to approve? >> May I have a motion to approve?
>> So move. Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. Councilwoman Fissiano, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Cber, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee, >> yes. >> Councilman Harrison,
>> no. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> same. >> Noted. Council President Gonzalez. >> Um, yes. >> Motion carried. Resolution 25-361, resolution supporting creation of truck
water utility authority to govern and operate the truck and water works. >> May we have a motion to approve 361? >> So move. >> Second. >> Council president. >> Councilwoman 35.
>> Thank you. So I'd like to offer a couple amendments to this for the council to consider. First being uh in the title, a resolution supporting the exploration
of the creation of a train and water utility authority. Um so the exploration of the creation and then under the now it is hereby resolved that the city
council of the city of Trenton that it hereby would like to explore so takeout supports and and endorses and says would like to explore the creation of a treatment water utility authority blah
blah blah and then under it is further resolved um to say it is hereby requested to engage the necessary studies and professional review of the TWWW for the consideration
of a Trenton water utility authority as as for said. Thank you. So the title again, a resolution supporting the exploration of the creation of a Trenton Water Utility
Authority. And then under now it is hereby resolved that the city of Trenton that it hereby would like to explore the creation of a Trenton Water Utility Authority. And then under it is further
resolved that the administration is hereby requested to engage the necessary studies and the professional review of the Trenton Waterworks for the consideration of a Trenton Water Utility Authority as
a foret. >> Thank you. May we have a motion to approve 360 mom with the amendment stated? Uh and person I think you need to first have to be amendment. >> So I heard I'll take um
>> a motion to amend. I'd like to motion to amend >> second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figo. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. Sorry. Council Harrison. >> No, this is a >> Okay. Thank you. Counciloman Williams >> abstain. >> Noted. Council president.
>> Yes. >> Motion carry to amend and motion to approve as amended. >> Yes. A motion. May we have a motion to approve 361 with the amendments? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. Before I vote, I want to say very briefly that I do support uh assessing this just to assess the feasibility and sustainability of this
because it would separate the bonding power from the general operating budget and allow both waterworks and our general budget more bonding capacities to be able to do more for the administration as a whole, our city as a whole and our waterworks utility
department. Um, so to that. Yes. Thank you. >> Councilwoman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Guttenberg. >> Yes. >> Excuse me.
>> Frisbee. >> Frisbee. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. Thank you. Councilman Harrison. >> No. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Abstain. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> No.
>> Noted that one. That motion. I'm sorry. I have Crober. I can't read my own writing. Do you? >> Thank you. So I have one, two, three. No, that motion failed.
>> Yes. Motion failed. >> Yes. >> So with that being case, moving on to No, those are all the items that I have listed this evening. >> We have first reads. >> And now we are on to ordinances for first reading.
>> Yes. And Madam President, I believe and again I'll check with the administration. We have a walk on ordinance. Is that correct? >> Yes sir. >> Thank you. >> Uh Madam President, we're labeling that uh walk on res walk on um ordinance
138. >> Yes. And if um we'll wait till we get there. And that ordinance is an ordinance amending chapter 2 article 3 section 2 se 2-7 entitled boards bodies and
commissions and repealing and replacing chapter 2 article what's that 24 section 71 entitled landmarks commission for historic preservation and chapter 315 article
15 entitled historic district regulations of the code of the city of Trenton. And I'll get to that momentarily. Ordinance 25-131, ordinance amending chapter 132 and chapter 56 of the code of the city of
Trenton to increase the rental registration fees for residential and commercial structures. Madam President, do I ask a motion to approve? >> May I have a motion to approve? show >> second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Vice President Edwards.
>> Yes. >> Counciloman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Ger. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Council Harrison. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Williams.
>> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. Ordinance 25-132. Ordinance authorizing sale city own property commonly known as 9698 Hart Avenue, 332 Oakland Street,
1457 West State Street, and identified on the city tax. Block 21404, lots 87. Block 55 5501, lot 24, block 34002,
lot 7 pursuant to NJSA481 1213C to Hart Avenue Redevelopment LLC for the sale price of $54,600. >> May I have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes.
>> Counciloman Felicia. >> Council President. >> Councilwoman Felicia. >> So again, I'm back to where I was before. I'm going to vote yes to the first reading on it. But when it comes to the printouts and the other information that we're asking for it to
have um but before we get to the next meeting, I'd like to see the documentation that we talked about about the text print out about the um formation documentation and about any tax leans on any other properties owned
by the LLC um as well. So I just want to state that. Yes. >> Thank you. Councilwoman Figo Gber. >> Noted. Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Abstant. Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> And yes. Motion carry. Ordinance 25-133. Ordinance authorizing the sale of city own property commonly known as 32 Taylor
Street and identified on the city tax map as block 21402 lot 12 pursuant to NJSA 40A 1213P5 to Hashim and Hawthorne for the
sale price of $1,000. >> Have a motion to approve second. Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Figuro Keber.
>> Stay. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> I'm saying. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. 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 and authorizing the issuance
of $27,343,200 bonds or notes to finance the cost thereof. May we have a motion to approve? >> Sure. >> Second. >> Roll call that council. >> Wait a minute. I'm looking at some cuz I
have sent an email. I'm sorry. You know what? I'll talk about it in my civic comment. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Fisiano.
>> Yes. >> Council Figuro Kevin. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes.
>> Motion carry. Orders 25-137, bond orders providing for the various 20 25 acquisitions and improvements 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 bonds or notes to finance the cost thereof. We have a motion to approve. >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. Vice President Edwards.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fero. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes. >> Council Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes.
>> Motion carry on to your welcome on ordinance. Ordinance 25-138 ordinance amending chapter 2 article 3 section 2 to 7 entitled boards bodies and commissions of repealing and replacing chapter 2 article
24 section 71 entitled landmarks commission for historic preservation and chapter 315 article 15 entitled historic district regulations of the code of the city of Trenton. May we have a motion to
approve? So >> move second. Council >> present. >> I'm sorry. There's a second. >> I heard two favor. >> Thank you. >> And um yes, Council Williams. I was going to have Mr. Beach. >> No, please.
>> Um Mr. Beach, if you don't mind just coming up um just to give an explanation of 25138, please. >> Yes. uh as an initial matter, let me offer my apologies to the council for bringing this up uh at such a late
moment also to the public uh as well. So fortunately everyone will have an opportunity to review this in more detail before meeting. Um the crux of this ordinance is one to rename uh the
landlords commission to um the historic preservation commission and then to address some of the uh procedures and some of the activities that that body
conducts under the landmark uh I'm sorry under the land development uh ordinance which is in chapter 315. Um the reason for these changes is it will make the city and certain
developers eligible potentially to receive uh historic tax credits which under our current um organizational structure it would not make them eligible. Um, the reason we're trying to get this done so quickly is as we
approach the end of the year, the last trunch of those credits are going to be issued in November. So, we're looking to make sure that we get this done in time. Um, one specific example we have is the um,
uh, the Holiday Inn. that project would become eligible for these historic uh tax credits if we get this passed in time to get it uh get the application in. Um in terms of what it does in addition to the renaming
um bear with me please. So in terms of the organization of the commission itself, it adds two members. Um, it creates the position of a city historian and it requires at least one
of the regular members of the commission be on the planning board. Um, in that vein, this has been um run through the planning board for consistency and they have approved it. Uh, Shipo has looked at this and they have approved it. Um,
and it just awaits your approval. Uh in terms of powers and duties, the new proposed ordinance uh is more detailed in what the commission can do and it further sets more detailed
standards for any developers or homeowners to follow when they're looking to adhere to uh our historic designations and preservation requirements. >> Thank you, Mr. Beach. >> Thank you.
Mr. um move to the vote. >> Certainly. Roll call. Vice President Dels. >> Yes. >> Council Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Figurero Kevin. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Frisbee.
>> Yes. >> Council Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. Council >> President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. And madam president that brings us to the point of public comment
at this time and >> time limit to 3 minutes. >> Okay. So that was moved uh motion to amend move by >> I think Gonzalez made the motions. >> So we'll take uh Feliciano has a second
if all agreed. Mhm. >> And roll call. Vice President Edwards. >> Yes. >> Council Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Figber. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Harrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. And to the public, public comment will now be three minutes for each individual. Um, you may address any item
that you choose. The council is not obligated to respond to you. Please state your name and address for the render. First person listed will be for public comment is Ebony Day. Hello,
73 Avenue. Um, yeah, I'm back. I again filled out another app for another property and I'm getting money around. I think y'all are on the same page as um the department because I see on the
ordinance that people are getting houses for 3 12 $12,000. All I want is one. I want to get one for my daughter. I've been living in the city for 40 47 years and I don't it's not under LLC. I have all the
information and I'm like getting run around and tell me I have to put half of the um assessed property. Like is that for everybody or that's for certain people or now they're saying I'm a um what are they saying? I'm a um I'm an
investor man. How am I investor? I just want to have a home for my daughter. My daughters want to live there. It's it's like backwards now. I feel like y'all saying, you know, y'all got rid of the auctions, but to me it's like it's the same thing. People are putting bids in
for a house and now you're coming back and somebody's selling all those eight people for this application. So like, how does that work? It's still like you're having a auction. Is it for certain people? I'm like, and I'm also
still waiting for my contract since May, which the closing since May. Why are we doing all this and step one isn't that like
makes sense, right? >> Thank you, Mr. Victory is >> greeting. It's a pleasure again 19 Warden Avenue. I'd like to make a quick comments three minutes. This person here again, Rolando Ramos, I think he wants
your job, sir. director director of police. I think he's the same one. He's criticizing Mayor Guziari about uh getting busy and promoting himself because election is coming up. Uh I don't think he's qualified. He's not the man for uh for training. And then he
goes down here to criticize that um the crime wave trading jersey is real so-called uh out of control that they need a a tough individual to handle the business. I think that that that is talking about the director right there and the mayor. They're not qualified.
They're not talking enough. And he goes to say that the uh the city is under uh doesn't have enough police officers on the force and then that the union has been working without a country for 5 years and I've been a union person in the future. And I say that uh unless the country is right. That's number one.
Then it goes down here to say uh that only the public can make that happen if they just do math. So therefore Bible says the next election so of uh the leadership people um either you can step
up get step up or give but then it goes to the end goes to the people but people of course they can't do that. What I'm saying is Trenton New Jersey should be the person is uh in the nation to advocate in push to uh repeal Singapore
1727 which is a drug war after a pilot program 1977 came across black to call the Hispanics. Now there's two
systems. One is a black and brown uh what we call the code of American pop today. Then on the other side we call the religious side of Islam. You got uh six levels of racist. You got the brown, you got black, brown, red, yellow, and then you have the white. It stops there.
But then you got the Hispanics that I could, you know, I need to to be practical. So I can tell the companies cuz they don't know they want to be Spanish. They don't really want to be Latino. They don't want to be Hispanic. They want to be Afro Puerto Rican, Afro Cuban, what they want to be. So, I'm
going to be My point is that uh the uh the current drug laws right now, even though blacks, black males in America are the number one individual going to jail. The people who are producing these products are Hispanic. That's uh South America, Central America, Mexico. And uh
we our lands I'm going to go a Puerto Rican uh now Puerto Rican uh uh American but uh now see our lands have been exploded have been exe exploded for years and the same problem on the land because African-Americans Jesto black
community my point is this is about time we got the racial issue with uh the blacks in the world we black and back each other that's it >> yes Thank you. I'll take it over 1727. >> Thank you.
>> Uh read this. >> Okay. It it looks address is 615 South Clinton Avenue. >> 615. Put the microphone down so you Thank you. >> Adena Bestina. Okay.
>> 615 South Clinton Avenue. Um, I'm concerned about the parent parents who are in between situations out here. Um why doesn't the system provide shelter for people that homeless living out in the street and in
the past because they normally have hotels also the pets is allowed but now people around here you know I don't blame you pets like their kids why they keep them on the street and they don't provide shelter for the parents and
um the dogs cats Thank you so much, Miss Adena. >> Uh, Caroline, is this >> Clark? Thank you. >> I should have been a doctor.
>> Is she here? that good evening again council um Torononians. So um with respect to the independent
assessment of training board works. So the state of New Jersey visav uh Commissioner Lere came to this council and told you all to regionalize.
He told us we were catastrophic failure and that we should regionalize. Now that very same state is now going to pay $3.6 million
for an assessment. I would have removed the word independent. The state is an interested party. They already told you what they want you to do. And therefore, they cannot be independent. They cannot
pay for an independent assessment. That is not rocket science. That is common sense. Thank you, Council Person Hson, for being fullcoded, consistent, and and transparent with us. I thank the others
who also voted against the authority. But I wish that we had the commitment from this council, a full promoted commitment to not move Tracker Waterworks from under the governance of city government. It is our water and if
you move it, we are going to fight back. Robin Vaughn. Thank you, Robin Vaughn. 1100 Stason Avenue. And yes, I concur with Mrs. park and D has told you exactly what they
wanted to do. The same entity has you in court. They filed a lawsuit to move Trenton Waterworks from the board of directors of that water utility with with who it's you guys.
The lawsuit is was put was filed by DP in 2020. They still have not put up the evidence to support their case or their claim. The judge just recently on se September
the 18th lifted the um lifted the oh my god the um not uh evidence not what is it deposition >> discovery
lifted discovery because they had he said that he gave them what nine nine extensions to delivered this report that he claims, the DP claims that says that Tren works works is catastrophic
failure. So, here we are. I don't find it odd that they put these resolutions up. You couldn't possibly put them up. They're the ones who put it to you because you got some council members having meetings
with um with uh church leaders and all this nonsense discussing Trenton Waterworks. Mr. Bridges told the judge himself that you all already decided that you were
going to uh pass an ordinance to create the authorities. You have a letter from Chris Martin, I mean Chris Martin, uh Jeff Martin over in Hamilton Township that outlines everything that he hoping he was hoping that you all is going to
do. And I know you got the letter. So, you know, some folks are being disingenuous, but that's okay because uh we will be fighting back. It doesn't seem that this council is being
not everybody. I appreciate you Councilman Harrison Harrison and Councilwoman Williams, but it we will be intervening in that lawsuit.
So trust and believe if you're not going to do the job to make sure our water utility stays with the ownership fully owned and operated by Tren Woodworks by the residents and taxpayers
not non-residents who don't live here not anybody from the outside from Hamilton New England or time is up. Thank you, Miss. >> It'll be the city of Trenton versus the city council, >> Donna Morgan,
Brian Bilski, >> Far I'm sorry. And you are? >> Yes. >> Brian Bilski. >> Thank you. 389 River. Uh 3 minutes starts now. I'm going to pan out for a bit. I'm here to talk about ICE on the streets in Trenton, but I'm going to pan
out because this is a bigger story. Starts from the top. Earlier this year, courts ruled not everybody is entitled to due process. Mindblowing, but I don't have time for that. Uh then later we're supposed they
said masked men unidentified often without judicial or administrative warrants disappearing people off the street. Masked men American streets and then they got a a green light to racial profile over skin color and
accent. I'll picture myself in my stand is this trend in the United States. Mind-blowing. Uh, so now we know, notifying yourself, we know of over two dozen cases of ICE impostors, two of them in
Philly that we know of. I'm going to be real upset if an actual ICE agent won't identify himself to me if he's on my street, my place of work, or in a restaurant I'm eating in, and he can't identify himself because he won't be
some MAGA incel who wants to mistreat women in my area. So, it's not going to end well. Uh, the Readington Township Municipality a number of weeks ago sent out a a scam alert. Beware of impostors
posing as federal agents. Now, this was another scam, but they're out there. Okay, so uh year to date. So, what do they tell us? It's to get the worst of the worst. I downloaded the ICE stats
today before coming here. 70% year to date have no criminal record whatsoever. And of all the people in detention, 84% are marked as no threat whatsoever.
Okay, that doesn't seem to make sense. In March, we had 238 I I should say immigrants, but I don't know, deported to El Salvador. We now learned that zero are confirmed Trenagua.
one may have some loose associations and I know Kilar Abrego Garcia 3 days after his name was identified on four on April 17th there was a podcast that gave his entire story grew up in El Salvador
older brother younger sister threatened by gangs brother comes to the United States years later he gets threatened they're going to violate his mother and sister so he comes to the United states goes through the paperwork and they put in that thing, do not send in El
Salvador if he doesn't get through the citizen process. And we had to watch months of propaganda saying he was some dangerous criminal. Uh, and then most recently they reposted a young
>> Tik Tok to make it sound like he was threatening ICE. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Brian. >> Fascism's coming. they want to race for. >> Police should not be coordinating security with >> Thank you, Mr. Brian.
Forgive me if I butcher this name. Farahas. Did I say that correctly? >> Okay. >> Hi, good evening. My name is Faras, but someone else is going to go quickly before me, so I'm just going to let her. >> So So is she signed up?
>> Yes, she is. >> Yes. Right now. >> Okay. Thanks. So she's giving up her time. >> No, she can go. >> No. We We just want to keep the order if you don't mind, please. Thank you. >> Sorry. >> All right. One second before you start
my time. All right. Good evening, council. My name is Far Naz. I'm I live in Tren. I'm a rap responder with Resistencia, an organization that supports families impacted by ICE operations. I'm here
today to share what I personally witnessed and to call your attention to what is happening in our city. As someone who's grown up here, it is deeply painful to see Trenton police assisting ICE agents. Agents who are breaking our laws, violating their own
policies, and lying to families to get them out of their homes and cars. Instead of protecting the community, our officers are enabling ICE to terrorize our neighborhoods and either spaces where they have no legal authority to
be. Police has been assisting ICE agents in creating intimidation which prevents people from exercising their constitutional rights, the right to remain silent in their private spaces and to record ICE and to inform others of their rights. I spent more than 7
years working in healthcare. I came here, I think it was last year, uh also to do with police brutality, so I think I know quite a bit on that subject. I understand the community's needs deeply, yet our tax dollars are being
wasted on this ICE police partnership that seems to operate without any accountability. One of the officers involved is Sergeant Miles, known by many as murder miles with a record of brutality. He has a
history that raises serious concerns. He arrested my friend Asthma, who was simply trying to warn neighbors that ICE was trying to abduct people without a warrant. This is something that the mayor of Trenton came out to see on Bayard Street. You can find articles
about it. Councilwoman Bonnie Watson also came and spoke about how unjust it was. So, we have politicians that are agreeing with us. This is how bad and serious the situation is. The same thing happened again on September 23rd when
ICE detained a mother without a warrant. I arrived and I saw a Sergeant Miles directing ICE agents as they filled the house. Inside was a woman with an infant crying. Her toddler was confused and traumatized. Why was ICE allowed inside
this home without a judicial warrant? And why was Sergeant Miles helping them? I have witnessed this collaboration with ICE at least three times. When we show up, he's there. What measures is the city council taking to actually have
transparency and ensure that this doesn't keep happening? Because I'm sure you can tell that that's not a good look. I also want to share that Sergeant Miles once nearly hit me with his own police car. I was trying to cross the street. He stopped and tried to talk to me. I didn't want to talk to him, so I
was just walking off and he sped up. I could have actually gotten hit by him. This is unacceptable. We cannot trust someone >> with a record of murdering humanity. We cannot please do something about this. >> Thank you,
Maro. Uh Saga, I'm sorry. So, did I get the anywhere close? >> Yeah, but that's okay. >> Okay. Good evening. Good evening council persons. I'm Marl Sahib Jami, board member of the local
immigrant justice group residencia in Aion that serves the Trenton immigrant community. I'm also part of the rapid response team. You'll see some of us are here in our red vests. We have a 24-hour volunteer operated hotline and respond to local calls of ICE presence and
raids. While we serve all of Mercer County, most of the calls we respond to are in fact in Trenton. On Tuesday, September 23rd, at about 7:30 a.m., members of my team and I arrived on Lambertton Street here in Trenton.
Unmarked cars lined the curb and one was in the middle of the street parked alongside two Trenton PD patrol cars. We had received a call about two children whose mother was abducted by ICE earlier that morning. When we arrived, the young
girls faces were flushed from fear and shock. Their teardrops like diamonds clumped their eyelashes as they stoically watched ICE agents shuffle them between cars. We watched as the girls were swiftly driven off by a guardian. That morning, we also watched
Trenton police officers facilitate ISIS's abduction of a member of those girls family after they had abducted their mother hours before. Another woman who resided in the home for which we received the call trembled with fear as she told us about how ICE agents and
police had raided her home. They went through her closets and her clothes. This woman was one of two adult women who resided in that home along with an infant and two toddlers. I emphasize this to you council because when our
team met with the Trenton police director Steve Wilson to demand accountability, he said his officers were responding to a welfare call about a six-year-old child being locked inside the house unattended. That we know was false. We cannot confirm whether ICE
fabricated the information about an unattended minor or whether the police director was being forthright with us. We can however confirm that the six-year-old child was not left alone in the home. The welfare call was baseless and that once they arrived, police were
clearly working with ICE officials. I will leave you with some photos from that day at the end of my 3 minutes. Tonight, we appeal to you as a concerned community, a community of volunteers that is asking you to help us keep our Trenton community safe. We can argue the
definition of terms like collaboration for hours and yet one thing will remain true that Trenton residents fear Trenton PD. They fear the police because they are perceived as collaborating with ICE. When you block out the street to facilitate an ICE raid, as we witnessed
on August 21st, an unjustly arrested community resident for daring to protect her neighbors, you are perceived as collaborators. When you enter a home without a warrant, as ICE agents turn the home upside down, Trenton PD, you
are perceived as collaborators. The community's perception of this collaboration is enough to signal that something needs to be done. We therefore humbly call on the city council to pass instructions on to police department that align with the ITA. Thank you so
much. Thank you. Uh, Blake Rup. >> My name is Blake Rup. I work with Resencia and I live in East Walter. Uh, I was going to let uh Farra use my time
to speak on. >> We We We can't We just have to let the person that does It's either you or someone like I move to the next individual. >> Okay. >> Thank you so much.
>> Joel Espinosa. >> Is there a Spinosa here? >> No. >> Yeah, I think this is long enough. >> So, Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah, you can. >> Okay.
for every test moment. and nationalism. for collabor. Yeah, I'm going to chip in. >> Okay. I live in the United States for 10 years now.
>> I've lived in the United States for 10 years and I've fought every day to bring my family to to fight for my family. I work since 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. working at a restaurant. Since I've been in this country, I've been paying my
taxes and right now I am very grateful for everything that's been going on in Princeton and Trenton and on a national level with the ice rates. I wrote this to raise my voice and ask that please there be no collaboration between the
police and ICE. In this moment, many immigrants like me are frightened because we don't have protection uh any day of the week. And I asked myself when am I going to uh and I asked myself when I'm going to
work if I am going to return with my family. I ask you to have consideration sir >> having an investigation over possible collaboration between the police and I for our families and for the good of our community. I lastly want to say that for
our community this is seen as collaboration and it frightens us more when we see the police next to us while a raid is happening. Please let's consider this and clarify this for our own community. Thank you.
>> Richard Sherry Schnort >> Richard. >> Oh, excuse me. This is Rachel. S. Thank you.
Thank you, counselor, sincerely for listening to all of these testimonies tonight. My name is Rachel. I'm a volunteer rapid responder as well, which make brings me regularly into this community of Trenton. I'm also a historian and a PhD candidate who specializes in the history of US legal
history of US legal order. So, I know, as you do as specialists, that the letter of the law, words like collaboration can be twisted to harm the very communities it was meant to protect. I've seen with my own eyes as well the Trenton PD collaborating with
Trump's authoritarian regime, calling it public safety. On August 21st, I responded to a community report that ICE was on Bayer Lane. I arrived like others here tonight to learn that the Trenton PD had taped off the entire block so that responders could not film or verify
if ICE had warrants. The official report might say this was not collaboration, it was community protection, but the only threat to safety that day came from federal and local law enforcement working together to disappear people without due process. I spoke to many neighbors that day who were shocked to
learn that the police state was there to protect ICE. They had thought it was an active crime scene which made them want to avoid the area. No doubt as Trenton PD had intended so that ICE could take people without the community's knowledge. People all people regardless
of their immigration status, skin color, or income level have rights in this country, which I know you all agree with based on your city's support of the Immigration Trust Act. Fortunately, that day in August, the mayor, the media, and Senator Coleman all showed up to put pressure on the Trenton PD. And so ICE
left without taking anyone. But what haunts me then is another incident that happened on September 23rd, which has gotten less attention. That morning, I responded to a local call that ICE was on Lambertton Street and arrived with a colleague to confirm and observe again
just to make sure that our collective rights were being upheld. When I arrived, however, I saw, to my horror, Officer Miles holding the door of the house wide open for masked ICE agents who refused to provide identification. Two young children stood outside crying,
separated from their mother, though accompanied by another adult they knew. The faces of those children will haunt me until I die. Especially when juxtaposed with the snears and the swagger of both the police and the ICE agents. That day, ICE
had entered the house without a warrant under the authority of the Trenton PD, and were clearly in the middle of searching it illegally when we arrived. I beg you, as the community's leaders, please put an end to this clear and ongoing collaboration. Thank you.
Steve Saket. >> You said that very correctly by the way. Thank you. >> Got it. >> So, my name is Steve Sabake. I come here as a neighbor of Council >> President.
I think speakers need to provide an address. Ma'am, >> you have to state your name and address. I'm sorry. >> Sure. Steve Spupake, nine, new Hillrest staff in Union, New Jersey. Very close to Trenton. I work at TCJ, formerly known as Trenton State College, and I
have a lot of ties to the community here in Trenton. Support a lot of businesses here as well. So, let's talk about something that will get you listening if you're not already. Money. According to the Justice Department report, Trenton
has lost over 7 million in lawsuit payouts or settlements due to police brutality. Now, let me remind you about some of the lawsuits going on now against ICE. There is a citizen in LA, Rafi Ola
Shahed, currently asking for 50 million. He was assaulted and detained for almost 12 hours, having all of his civil rights violated. There are also several class action lawsuits going on for unlawful courthouse arrest, inhumane hold room
detention conditions presented by the American Civil Liberties Union. There's other lawsuits regarding denial of due process and mandatory detention with bond hearing mclassifications. All violation of fifth amendment rights
for due process. Now, let's not kid ourselves here. Once this silly little fantasy of the right-wing is over, qualified immunity is going away and anything that ICE has done, anyone that
they've affected, they are coming for you. They are going to get their money. There are going to be several civil lawsuits flying out the door as soon as this qualified immunity is done and over with. Now, I want to see Trenton prosper, thrive, and grow. That's not
going to happen if y'all get stuck as accompllices for these lawsuits. So, I'm urging with you guys to make it clear that Trenton PD not collaborate with ICE. And I highly recommend that you put this on the agenda for the next meeting
so that we can officially discuss this to say about this. Thank you guys. Have a good night. >> Thank you. Where's the council members? >> Excuse Listen, I I apologize for anyone having to leave, but we can't scream and
yell in the council chambers. Thank you so much. Next person, Mr. Garcia. >> Certainly. >> I will have him removed if you continue to reel out at the council meeting. I know it's not shame on me, it's shame on you. Security, we can have them. Thank
you. We're all tired. >> We're all tired. >> I understand. I am too. >> Yeah, exactly. That's why we're here. >> Next person, Mr. President. >> Certainly. >> Jessica the Falco. Can we try M Jerry? Can we try to move
that microphone so she can have access to it? Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. Uh my name is Jessica Defalco. I'm an East Windsor resident Mercer County resident for the past 25 years. I have lived in Trenton in the
past. I'm a member of residencia's rapid response team in Trenton. I'm also an organizer for NJ5051 who has been holding protests outside the state house since February which is how I became aware of residentencia. I'm here today to discuss Trenton PD's
current actions of responding to ICE calls, creating perimeters, and providing security that cons constitutes collaboration by action. I'm requesting the following. a full investigation into how the Trent Police Department is collaborating with ICE that includes the
release of body camera footage and calls made to ICE made by ICE to TPD. I'm requesting that TPD no longer collaborates with ICE in creating protections for them when they are abducting our community members. TPD should ask for and verify that ICE has a
judicial warrant. And my next calls to action directly for the council. We call on the city council to pass a clear and unequivocable instruction to TPD that ends this practice and instead supports the Immigrant Trust Act. The policy must
explicitly prohibit TPD from responding to ICE calls, creating perimeters for ICE operations, and using any city resources to assist in civil immigration enforcement. The next action is for the council. The council must assert its authority over
the police department to ensure its policies reflect the values and the will of the people of Trenton. The community's voice is clear. We do not want our police collaborating with ICE. It is the council's job to translate that will into binding policy. I'm
pleading tonight to your humanity, to your morals, and your ethics. We're talking about our neighbors, members of the Trenton community. They're our friends, family, co-workers, and small business owners. They contribute to our economy and our social fabric. I would also like to say that I do find it
disrespectful that members of the council just think they can get up and leave when we have all been sitting here since 5:30, 6:00. I have chronic illnesses. I've been up since 5:00 a.m. to be in the office and then straight here. The the the
disrespect is is outstanding. when it gets to public comments, you guys want to get up and leave. It's not okay. It's shameful and it's disrespectful. And I did not intend to come here tonight and and and and say things like this to you,
but it is important. We are members of this community and we are protecting members of this community and you need to be here to listen to us and we want an initiative put on the agenda for a future meeting for next meeting or the one after that but something needs to be
on the agenda to discuss having a policy for PD to not collaborate with ICE. Thank you. Thank you Shane Mclo. >> Moving on. Andre Cameroon Cameroon Cameroon.
Georgian D'Angelo. >> Good evening. I'm Dr. George Anne D'Angelo from 21 Bernard Drive in Yui. I'm also part of Resistencia. I do many things for them.
Sometimes I'm the closest person and so I get there first. One day I went to Park Avenue in Trenton. There were many police. There were many law enforcement looking
people. There were no uniforms. There was one guy with a mask. There was one vest that was visible. And on the back of the vest, it said HSI,
Homeland Security Investigations. I asked somebody who they were, what they were doing there. They said, "We're police." And I said, "But you have ICE." They said, "No, we don't." I said, "Who's the HSI guy?" We stayed around
for hours, many of us. It turned out to be something to do with guns. Now, it would be easier if we just were clear. Another time, I was called to South
Broad Street. People were afraid of vested people knocking on their doors. It turned out that the Red Cross and the fire department was trying to give and
install free smoke alarms, but nobody would open their doors. >> All of those people do not have a smoke alarm. A different kind of story.
I recently took a mother with a 2day old baby and two other toddlers to say goodbye to their father at Delaney Hall. Luckily, he was still there. They did
get to say goodbye. He got to see his two-day old baby. Later that week, we registered the six-year-old in school.
The six-year-old had not gone to school because there was no one to take care of all these children and get her to school while the mom was waiting for the baby.
We are destroying families in Trenton. Now there is a family with multiple children and no bread winner. >> And that is your time. >> Thank you so much. >> Um Raven Fallon
Hi council members. My name is Raymond Fallon. I live on Smithfield Avenue in Lawrenville. I'm also a rapid responder here in Trenton. Uh I hope you will pass along our frustration at your colleagues who have walked out because I'm sure they're not going to go back and watch the video. Thank you for staying here
and listening to uh the community. Um I was one of the responders on September 23rd uh when there were two arrests that morning. The second of which as described Trenton police helped facilitate. The reason we've been given by the director of the police about why
Trenton police were there that day is because they got a call from ICE that said there was a child in danger that he had been locked inside uh because the mother was trying to protect him from mice. It confuses me that the rationale that
ICE can give for police to come out to collaborate with them is child endangerment when they are the one putting that child in danger by bringing armed masked men into um we as rapid responders come out with
an attempt to film ICE to hold them accountable for what they do and make the community aware what their rights are that they are allowed to keep their doors locked. to stay silent when there is no warrant being served. It is just men demanding access to these homes.
When when the police come out to respond to these calls and they work with ICE, it feels like they are protecting ICE from the community. Yeah. From the community. Uh what what we're asking the council to do today
besides put an agenda item on that we can talk about uh officially when everyone is here. We're asking them to use their oversight of the police department. We want to hear the phone calls that ICE is making to train police. We want to see the body cam
footage from train police anytime that they are working with ICE, that they are responding to an ICE call or happen to meet max men in the field that identify themselves uh as ICE. And uh don't create perimeters around
ICE activity that block the community members from being able to see what is going on to film ICE to hold them accountable. And finally, do not arrest our rapid responders. As most arrested for trying to alert the community, ICE is there.
They don't care about your rights, but here they are. You can stay inside. You have uh the ability to be in your homes and be safe. So, please drop the charges against asthma. And no further arrest community members are coming out and
trying to say stay inside. These people do not have a judicial warrant, which they did not on September 23rd. Uh, thank you all very much. >> Thank you so much. >> Richard, I need to translate. >> That's fine.
>> Okay. Yes, ma'am. >> I I can translate for him, but I'm also on the uh list to testify. So, >> Oh, you're here to translate. Okay, got it. Thank you. >> Okay.
Okay. Okay. 911. Okay. Okay. Good evening. My name is Richard Borbbor. I live in the United States since the year 2000. In that time, I
lived in West New York uh a few months before I stopped working for the um store of of uh
Game. And and one day uh leaving I I went out running. >> Okay. This is the question. Okay. He says, you know, I I live in in New York.
I come in Tonto for 911. All right. So, my family say come on 11 and this time is very different in Trenton. All right. So everybody, you know, you walk for the wood and Huntington Avenue and the park
in the, you know, the Italian park. Okay. So it's very different, you know, a lot of a lot of families in this place. It's nice. All right. And then I know we have the problem in this city.
Okay. But you know, we talking the police say hi. Very nice. All right. But now it's different. All right. Now it's different. The my community have a scare. All right. Because immigration is
for all children. If we need help, it's opportunity. We call 911, right? Or we call the police. But the police isn't inside the immigration. So the people are scared for call the police. dice in
this moment is because I see uh one group the people uh rapid responsor the residential action. All right. So thank you guys for for help for the
community because you know uh the people have a scare and we these people they say you know we have a right right. Yes, we have the way. >> We have the right. Okay. So,
my point my point is because uh I have my family. I have one daughter that you know she is in the university. All right. My my niece, she's scared. All right. So then scared for all family,
not only for me, only for for my brother, for for my all my friends. So in this moment we we we know what I do. Okay. At this moment we need talking for
the people we organize because we need you know we sir that is your time. >> Yes. So thank you. David is that thank you is my name is David Shrager I
live in Hamilton New Jersey but I am president of Graci Stencia Axion New Jersey which is based in Trenton and Princeton And uh I would like to tell you that
we were able to persuade the Bur of Princeton to become the 14th municipality in New Jersey to endorse the Immigrant Trust Act. The New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act,
Senate Bill S672, Assembly Bill A4987, is legislation that limits the involvement of state and local agencies and law enforcement with federal immigration enforcement.
Recistencia has been struggling for years to stop local police from collaborating with ICE and terrorizing our immigrant communities. Immigration is federal law. Local police
should not be involved in immigration actions. We want to make sure that all residents, regardless of immigration status, can access essential services like health care, education, and legal
assistance without fear of deportation, detention, or family separation. The the act would create new data privacy protections and strengthen the separation between local law enforcement
and federal immigration authorities. Now, we're not saying this to attack the police because the police have enough to do. And I would say that police collaboration
with ICE is enimical or antithetical to effective law enforcement. If immigrants become victims of crimes, how would they have confidence to contact the lo local police or if
they're witnesses to crime? Why would they cooperate with police and trust the police if police are co collaborating with ICE to be witnesses and help the
police out, okay? Out of fear of deportation or detention or family separation. So we ask that you please consider seriously and not just consider
that you endorse the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act. Thank you. Jimmy O' Conor Jacob Hammer. >> And while Jacob is coming up, I do want to express to let everyone know that
this council on February 18th um did pass a resolution of support for the immigration trust act. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Hi, I'm Dr. Jacob Hamer. I live at 395 West State Street. I work at the New
Jersey State Museum here in Trenton. In my work, I'm trying to serve the people of Trenton. I'm trying to get them and their kids excited about science and the and the wonders of the universe. But people can only appreciate these things. They can only learn when they feel safe. And any amount of collaboration with by
the Trenton police with ICE will mean the community is less safe. How can any amount of collaboration, no matter how small, be justifiable when we see the actions of ICE across the country, let alone what we don't see? We see masked and unidentified officers snatching people off the street. We know many of
the people sent to quote unquote alligator Alcatraz are now missing. The Supreme Court has ruled that base can now legally discriminate based on appearances. There can be no hemming or hawing about public safety about how many people being snatched are criminals or not. When there is no due process,
when there is no regard to human rights, when people are dying in custody or on the streets, they're essentially subject to extrajudicial assassination. Trenton is a living breathing city thanks to the people who actually live here, who build businesses here, who build community here. And the victimization of ICE is
directed at a majority of the people who make Trenton a living city. If you care for the safety of Trentonites and for the well-being of Trenton as a whole, you must protect them from the victimization of ICE. And that means no collaboration with ICE. And I want to be clear that collaboration is any action
that helps ICE carry out arrests, no matter how small it is. Earlier, you commended civilians for putting themselves in danger to protect their community. That's what rapid responders are doing. Community members must be protected as they work to intervene and disrupt ICE
actions, not be cordoned off to watch helplessly or worse, be arrested. Please use your authority to direct the police to not respond to calls from ICE for support. And please make sure that no city resources are wasted on this racist, discriminatory cruelty. Thank you.
Uh, let's see. Is that Tim Ortia block? Hi, my name is Tio Block. I work for the Department of State within the New Jersey State Museum and I'm a rapid responder for resistencia. I want to believe and I do believe we're united by a common goal, community wellness and
safety. The fact is the Trenton Police Department is threatening that by assisting ICE. If you believe in the law, ICE violates the law. If you believe in civil rights, ICE violates civil rights. If you believe in peace, safety, and community, ICE is and will always be a violation. For Trenton to
aid them in any way is to hurt audience. You know, we hear time and time again how local politicians and law enforcement's hands are tied when dealing with federal government. But that simply isn't true. You aren't powerless. I've seen unbelievable levels of bravery from community members
regardless of vulnerability. And I can only conclude that absolute powerlessness is a choice. If you believe what I'm saying, but are still afraid to act, I understand. God knows I'm terrified right now for my friends, colleagues,
for Tranonians. But you, like I serve this community. People are being violently ripped from their families, and we are all in a position to do something about it. This collaboration violates community safety and protections, including the immigrant trust directive. And it must
be said that there is nothing in the directive that mandates that officers provide voluntary assistance ICE. That's a choice of the TPD. What the directive does state is that law enforcement agencies can actually impose their own restrictions on assisting ICE. We are asking for those restrictions. That's
power that Trent has to make the city safer for its people that isn't being used. We're facing a crisis that demands urgency. Let's please work together. Working in the state museum, I built a career off of New Jersey history. And I am telling you, we do not want this to
be a chapter in that story. If you know history, you know that the echoes of past wars are far too loud already. If we don't collectively act now, this will be another shameful bloody stain in our history books. We have a personal responsibility to fight that together
for the sake of the community. Is this is that um is that alo? A l i n I'm trying here.
Reverend Eric Cusman. >> Good evening, council. >> Good evening. >> I know you're hungry just like me. >> Yes, >> I'll keep it short for you. >> I'm Reverend Eric Cusman. I'm the pastor of St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church 1748 South Clinton Avenue in the great city
of Tre South Ward razor right we love the South Ward I love it so much that it breaks me down and I still see images at night when I saw children zip tied by ICE officers on William Street >> that cannot be okay. It keeps me up at
night that after Trump got elected in November that there were 30 families hiding on a stoop behind my church because they fear deportation. Women, children. That's not okay. I'm not trying to pick on any police
officer, but I will tell you this. When you come at me with a line talking about I'm just following orders, I will repeat this statement to you. Just following orders did not save the Germans after World War II and the Nermberg tribes. And you need to understand
there's going to be a reckoning for all these fascists, all these racists running around that we already have evidence and we know that they're infiltrating police departments. This is a fact, right? So what we're asking as a community, I've been to Bayer Lane. I've been to all this. I I've seen all this
in action. Sergeant Miles, he needs some looking into it. Um, but we are demanding a full investigation to any collaboration between the Trenton Police Department and ICE, including an audit of all communication systems, including personal cell phones used on the days of
ICE raids. The people have a right to know if the ones that are supposed to serve and protect us are acting as an arm of federal terror. We are also calling for a comprehensive policy that monitors law enforcement for racism, xenophobia, ties to white
nationalists, or hate groups, including the monitoring officer social media and communications. If you've been watching the news lately, you've seen a lot of officers and officials have been caught in some not so nice Nazi chats.
faith in New Jersey, who I also represent today, and resistant reaction must stand ready to partner with all of you to develop and model policies of resistance, policies rooted in transparency and care and divine truth
that none of us are free until all of us are free. I know you can answer that call before this city faces its own occupation. I don't think city of Trenton is safe from from this this this movements
policing of militarization of cities. Trenton is on that list. Pay attention. I as a person of faith, a person who has a deep care and is rooted in my migrant neighborhood service will not stand idly
by if you do. >> Thank you very much. Carolyn McGrath. >> No. Uh, looks like the last name is >> Pley. Good evening.
Oops. My name is Hillilary Perski. Um, I live in Princeton, New Jersey, and I thank you for listening to me tonight. I come as a member of Resistencia. Like so many here, I have watched the Trenton police during an ICE raid in
August establish a perimeter around ICE agents. We're told this was to maintain public safety because ICE had a battery ram, though they had no warrant. So, they were ready to break in with a
battery ram, no warrant, but they did have a police perimeter. Folks from Resistencia were also there trying to alert immigrants to not open their doors, to tell folks to be careful, asking questions unanswered of
agents who are trying to detain people without a warrant. Resistencia spoke loudly and clearly because detaining people without a warrant is illegal. A different occasion, I listened to an
officer of the Trenton police tell members of Resistencia very loudly that if they did anything illegal, he'd quote, "Put them in a cage." Is telling people their rights loudly and clearly illegal?
We'd like to better understand what Trenton police not interfering with federal officers looks like. I therefore respectfully ask with many others here that the Trenton Council place the issue of just how the Trenton police may be
not interfering with federal law enforcement on the next council agenda. Thanks for your time. >> Thank you. Emory Copala. >> Good evening, council. Thank you for um listening to our concerns this evening.
Uh my name is Emmy Kapal and I live at 610 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, New Jersey. Like to give a little perspective to the organization. I'm a rapid responder and we essentially respond to calls from immigrants who are terrified. Sometimes people may not be
immigrants. They're terrified of ICE potentially coming in to take them away, abduct them from their families without any rights or any um voice. So, we're there to bear witness to try and ensure that their rights are protected, to give their families comfort in times of need.
And I have to say that this can be a scary situation to go into a place where it's dark at night and they don't know who exactly is there and what their intentions are because I certainly are a regular not being very well trained or controlled in their
actions. And I can speak directly of fear because I've worked in place around the world that the US department will give the highest um rating of not traveling there. For example, I was in Libya one month before the ambassador was murdered in 2014.
And the last time I saw men driving around in masks was in Libya where you saw the men on those guns mounted on the back of pickup trucks and there was very little civil control. And I knew that within a couple months the country would fall as it did. And my fear is that if
we allow this type of encroachment of our civil rights and the lack of protection for human dignity and protection to befall this own country and our city itself, then we're going to be in some place like Libya itself. And
that is not at all hyperbole. If you read the works of worldclass researchers, puler prize winners in history, people who study autocratic states, it's a fact that this has been the progression of the Trump state. So I
do ask that there is a division between what the police do and what ICE does and that there must be transparency and a division of responsibility between the roles of patrolling the streets of Trenton and ensuring civil,
you know, um cooperation and conformance with law versus what ICE is unfortunately tasked to do which is to tear people away from their families. And I just want to conclude that Trent is the city that without this city we may only speak with a British accent
because Trent many many years ago was the site of George Washington probably the most symbolic battle of the revolutionary war and hope that this city can become a symbol again for people who are not willing to stand up to to accept the totalitarian
encroachment on our civil rights and the rights of people who are less have less voice than we do. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is that Glexi Manning or Glexi Manning?
>> Yep. >> Good evening, council. My name is Galaxy Manning. >> Good evening. at 221 Jackson Street, Trenton, New Jersey. I recognize some of you because I live here. I'm here to talk about um the police and ICE
collaboration as well as everybody else. I'm going to keep it very short. Um I think it's disgusting where we are right now as a society that people claim, you know, we don't hold American values, we don't care about the family, this, that,
and the third. Meanwhile, the police here almost seemingly every single day somehow find a way to break families apart here in this city. I have had the privilege and the honor of breaking bread with, communing with, and living
with undocumented people. They offer more to this society than I do, than half the people in this room do. They deserve rights. They deserve dignity and here in this country everyone is
supposed to have that. So I implore the council to hold the TPD accountable and enforce the ITA which you claim to have passed but do not enforce. The police should be arresting masked individuals
that do not want to reveal themselves as that is illegal. It is impersonation. Enrique is that Landon? >> London. >> Not here. >> Not here. Uh, sir,
Amari is the last name. Was that Satie? Amari Lier. Juliana Lopez. >> Tasa Morantley. >> Yes. >> Hi, my name is Tasia Brantley. I live at 408 Cleveland Avenue, Trenton, New
Jersey. and I'm reading this message on behalf of someone who couldn't be here. My name is Arlene Flores, a proud Mexican American and or and an organizer with res residencia in Asion. Every day I work directly with families whose
loved ones have been taken by ICE. I see the fear and devastation that follows a parent, spouse, or sibling that follows when a parent, spouse, or sibling is suddenly gone. These are people who are on their way to work. Work that keeps the city running and instead are
abducted in their homes or in front of their homes or pulled from their cars without a judicial warrant. When this happens, families are left asking me, "Why did ICE take them? Why are they doing this to the Latino community? What do we do now?" And the
truth is, they are left alone to pick up the pieces. The city doesn't step in to help them pay their rent, to feed their children, or replace income that was ripped from them because a family member was helping with those things. Instead,
we the community, organizations like Residencia have stepped in and we helped them in the aftermath of an injustice they didn't cause but have to live through. What makes it worse is knowing that Trident police have assisted ICE in
these operations, helping set perimeters, preventing people from exercising their constitutional rights, and stopping people from telling others what their rights are. And instead of protecting residents, they are helping ICE terrorize families by allowing ICE
to lie to people so they can come out of their homes and cars. This this collaboration between police and ICE tears families apart, spreads fear, and weakens our community. I'm asking you to take responsibility. Community members have seen an officer on recording by a
few people, and straight up, he straight up said, "We are here to protect them," meaning ICE, and there's footage of that. I get calls every day from friends and family saying they're scared of going out to do simple things like shop for groceries or pick their kids up from
school, to do laundry, or go to work. This is unacceptable and disappointing that this is happening in Trenton. We are asking you to please make this stop. Stop allowing Trenton police to assist ICE while they have no legal justification to kidnap people. Stop
helping them violate people's rights and stop destroying families. Thank you. >> Asma, >> thank you so much. of my time can begin now. I have a lot to say. Um, my name is a smile for me. I'm an organizer with
Resistencia. We serve Trenton and all of Mercer County. We are here to appeal to all of you today because we still have trust in a system that has checks and balances. You have heard about the collaboration between transit police and ICE and they
will disagree that their support is collaboration. But that does not matter because collaboration is felt by a mother hiding in her home by a child screaming as a parent is taken when our community is saying police helps ICE
officers. That is the truth and it must be confronted by all of us. I am a rapid responder. And on August 22nd, ICE came to Bayard Street without a judicial warrant, threatening a family inside. In fact, most of the time, ICE
agents do not have warrants. Yet, police still are creating perimeters and assisting in their operations. I'm sorry, we need to educate the Trenton police officers about this fact. I showed up to film and share your rights information instead of protecting the
family or upholding the law. Trenton police created a perimeter spanning several houses down, keeping the community out while ICE was terrorizing the family and trying to get them outside of their home.
When I tried to exercise my constitutional right to observe, to document, and to inform the family, I was arrested. >> My court date is still scheduled for November 17th. Though the police could
drop charges, they choose not to, continuing to prove they will impede the community from exercising their constitutional rights while still assisting ICE. A few weeks later, another mother was torn from her child by ICE, and police came to the home and assisted ICE into the home, which had
adults in it, though they claimed the child was unsupervised. In addition, ICE, without a warrant, was able to get into the home. We wonder how official warrant. I asked you members of this council, many of you parents yourselves, what
makes you, what makes me more deserving of tucking our children into bed tonight than she was? Is it lack of being born in this country, the color of your skin that keeps you from possibly being targeted?
These questions must guide us as a community. We ask that Trenton please put this on the next agenda to fully discuss this and I want someone else to come in and finish my comments cuz I have more to
say but I know you're going to stop me. Thank you. >> Garcia >> uh Sarah Beth Sabella. Hi, I'm Sarah Beth Sabella. I live in Euing. Um, picking up where she left
off. My name is Ama Looney and I am an organizer with resistencia, New Jersey. I stand before you today not with an accusation but with an appeal for protection, for justice, and for the humanity of our Latino community,
especially brown and black residents, and those born outside this country who face direct threats in our city. These are not isolated events. How many more families have been shattered have been oh god shattered in the dark without
accountability? How often are officers standing by allowing ICE to operate without warrants and actively blocking community members from informing and defending themselves? Will Trenton police report these interactions to the attorney general?
Will officers stop aiding ICE in our neighborhoods? Your role as city council is to provide checks and balances. You have the power to investigate. You have the power to demand answers. We ask you to launch a full investigation
into these incidents and end collaboration with ICE. If your officers cannot find the moral courage to protect residents rights, the least they can do is refuse to assist in violating them. >> And these are my words. Please mark your
calendars. We want to see the subject of Trenton PD in collaboration with ICE on your next agenda. And I would just like to remind everybody, it is not a crime to aspire to be American. Thank you, >> Matthew. So,
I'm sorry. >> Gone. Thank you. My new friend Deono. >> Well, I'm not here to talk. >> You don't have to. Just need your name and address for the record though. Okay. >> Debbie 40 prospect. I ain't here to talk. >> You need the full name.
>> But I was at my house on Friday. Good thing I wasn't Damn. What's wrong? We need your full names, Miss Debbie. >> Okay. Name is 40 prospects treatment. >> Thank you.
>> So, um, Ice was at my house. So happened I wasn't there because I leave to go to work like 4:30, 5:00 in the morning, but someone was there and um, they came like 7:00 in the morning and they act like
someone by the last name of Turner. They wanted to know if it was a turn in but um don't even know turn it in there and it was all the young lady was saying that they were all around my house in my yard and everything. I'm like what? I
wish I was there. Good thing I wasn't there because if I was there they would be like never go to 40 prospect. >> Okay. Now my next agenda is um I want to know what does the city do about um how
people who had houses who left their houses and they've been empty for 20 years and they have like three or four lanes on them and they just sitting there because there's a lot of houses in the city of Trenton that people have owned and their name is still on it but
they um have leanings on them and they have no um reason to return to those homes and the homes is just sitting there and they've been sitting there for over 20 years. I think um after a certain amount of time, um if the houses
sit for a certain amount of time, I think the city should even though there's leans from different banks and everything, I think the city need to step in to do something with these houses because I know a couple of um people that I know that walked away from their house 20 years ago and the house
is just sitting there. So that's all I have to say. Thank you, Mr. Okay, Madam President. Those are all the individuals that we have for public comment at this time. If it's your wish, you may move on to civic comment. >> Yes, we're going to move on to civic
comment. 3 minutes for uh council members also, please. And um we'll start with council with Figuro Keber. Thank you, Council President. I'm just going to be very very quick. Um to all those who stayed to to um give
your comments tonight. I appreciate it. And I normally my council colleagues know that I normally do leave council a little bit early cuz I do have an infant at home, but I did stay here tonight to out of respect to hear you all tonight. Um
who are here um who are very understanding of me from other nights but I do have to leave early. Um we heard we heard everything you guys had to say tonight. Um we have had conversations with our police director
about some of the indications that are being made. Um, and we do plan hopefully with my colleagues plan to have another conversation about some of these things. You know, we we want there to be a clear directive made that CPD does not will
not collaborate with ICE. Um, we understand that. I would say on behalf of my council colleagues, I do not believe that any of them up here would stand for that. Um and I do not believe that it is the intention of our TPD director that that
is what is happening. Um I would I would assume and presume and with conversations that has been denied. If there are individual actors acting in this way, I do um agree that it should be addressed and do agree that we will move forward accordingly with that um as
we do not condone any of what is coming down from the White House from our federal government. um pouring into our cities and into our states um and and and ripping these families apart. We do agree with that. So I I do thank you all for all of your words um and all your
passion in this. Um moving forward cuz I do have to leave and I want to respect my colleagues. Um there is another South Chattan tomorrow. It is at St. bars charge 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. You know, we discuss things like um cleanups, conversation about street sweepers,
sidewalks, potholes, trees, vacant homes, etc. Um I do want people to I encourage people to come to these CPAC meetings. Um a lot of things do get done and we will have our parks and rec director there and we will have our public works director there. Um and
that's all I have for you all tonight. Get home safe. It is late. So, thank you all. Have a wonderful evening. Thank you, >> ma'am. I have no prepared remarks. I need more than 3 minutes. >> We We're going to keep it at 3 minutes. Be fair to everyone else that we gave three minutes.
>> Okay. I don't think that's fair to me as a council when I have some announcements to make. I'd like to >> Well, then I can't I can't speak. I have to make a choice between making any announcements or speaking on policy. >> I understand, bro. Council Williams would be fair to everyone else if you gave them three minutes and I'll I'll
choose not to respond. Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman Frisbee. >> Thank you. And I'm going to ask both of us uh minimize the outburst. I want to thank everybody for coming out here on this evening and I'm going to keep my comments solely to um the first resp um
those who come out this evening, stayed here, the rapid responders. I want to acknowledge um I want to remind our office who are allegedly cooperating with ICE that ICE is not our not your colleague and they
won't be there to stand up for you when investigations begin and they will. I believe that there's a handful that may that are allegedly cooperating with ICE and that that is going to be um it all it all will be investigated. We are
here. I I count on our police officers. I I take great pride in officers knowing that they are here to protect and to serve our community. And to hear about a child being zip tied messes me up completely. I am a mother. I'm a mother
of a disabled child. I'm a mother of a child who is abled. And I count on our officers to protect and remind you that those who are coming in behind you, they're watching. They're going to do no no better than
what you do. So I I I implore that the correct example be set and be shown to show our community that we are here to protect our community. I believe that the we will get it right. We've got to get it right. And we've got to protect
all. And I I also there are two sides of this that when you come in and something is illegal, that means you're taking a risk. So that means that you you know you're doing something that you you don't that you're not supposed to do, but you're taking the risk because of what you believe the needs outweigh um
the bad. But that goes both sides. Illegal means it's something that is not permitted by law. ICE. They're when they come in and they've got their battery rams and they're going in without signed l um
or when they're when they're coming in without a warrant that is signed by a judge, not just any warrant. It has to be signed by a judge. That is a violation of rights. And I am counting on our count. And I know that we have more that are doing it right than those that are
not to do to make sure that we are protecting those that are in this city that they has taken an oath to protect. So I'm going to close with that and I'm going to close with a portion of our mission statement that says the city of Trenton recognize that the people of Trenton have made us guardians of the
public trust. We are committed to govern with integrity and fiscal responsibility to seek excellence in the city's operation and to serve all of the city's people. respect and compassion. I wish everyone a well evening and get in safely.
>> Thank you. >> Oh, thank you. I didn't hear you over to clapping. I'm sorry. Um, good evening everyone. Um, it was a very eventful night tonight. I want to thank those again who assisted
with the fire and express my most sincerest condolences to all those that have lost property, but especially to the young man who lost his life. Um, and um, it it was something that shook our
city. And to that, I want to encourage the administration and the fire department to focus more on fire prevention and putting fire inspections back under the purview of the fire department and make that a day-to-day
operation that it used to be. And um and of course, I love the alarm installation program that the fire department is doing and I I wish more success with that. Um in terms of the properties there is a
huge backlog because of past practices and property sales were were not as efficient as they are now under this council and with the way that we have been moving it had created even more of
a backlog with um with the public dissemination of the information on even how to purchase city own property to begin with created created a huge influx of applications ations and um and the administration is doing their due diligence to keep up with that and
simultaneously to um processing current applications and the ones that have been sitting there for several years. In regards to the waterworks issues, I want to thank my colleagues that voted to pass uh the resolution to form an ad
hoc committee and um to my colleagues that uh voted against it. I hope that down the line um as we move along with the ad hoc committee that we can um you know just come to a better understanding
with one another with the direction of council in general and um work more cohesively together. And I hope that you know with the with the results of this committee that it will reassure everyone that it was absolutely necessary and for
the progression of these issues um streamlining processes and and things in a more timely manner. Um, lastly, in regard to the ICE issues, I was definitely one of those ones that was like, um, you know, going live on
Facebook and talking to the community about knowing your rights, making sure you have your documents on you. Um, as if you're going to answer the door, make sure that you they have a signed warrant by federal judge, federal judge. um the Congresswoman's office has been doing
her due diligence with um addressing these issues and I'm hoping that the administration is collaborating with her and lean on her leadership with this federal issue and I'm collaborating when there is not a memorandum understanding to work with ICE and there
is no collaboration on the table with the police >> council woman that is your time. >> Thank you. Thank you all for exercising your um civic duties to come and to meet with us and speak with us. Have a good night. >> So, thank you all for being present this
long evening. I know people are hungry. I'm starving. Um but first, um I do want to say thank you again to everyone who stepped up and helped the uh victims of the fire. Um everyone that played a part in that. I know we probably didn't acknowledge everyone, but we just want to say thank you to the community for
stepping up and showing what community really means um and being there for some of our um residents in need. Um there was a lot said today um as far as the properties being sold. I I did inquire about some of the contracts being finalized and to what I was told was
that we've already gotten about 30 done. So, they're kind of moving up the list as to finalizing those contracts. Um uh yeah. Yeah. I don't want to waste time on that. But um to all of the individuals and volunteers
who fight for our immigrant community, I just want to say thank you. I applaud I applaud the hard work that you all do. Um you know, we do have a decorum here in the in this council chamber. So the outbursts and things like that need to be, you know, I have to actually mitigate that. But at the end of the
day, we for the most part, I know everyone on this council standing beside you. Most of us were out there that day on Bayer Street. We do not want to see the police officers collaborating, working with assisting anything to do with ICE, especially when it's done
illegally. So, you know, we we do we did um we did pass the supportive resolution for the trust act. There's other things obviously that we may need to consider and and research and do some things, but just knowing that this council stands beside you. Um
I know firsthand I'm dealing with a parent right now who's going through the same thing of deportation and I've been with her to Homeland Security. I mean, we've been all over the place and just to see the things that are occurring in real time. It is not fair. Um I I hate that the fact that the Latinos are being
targeted. Um but at the end of the day, they're not the only ones being targeted. We have our Haitians. I have my neighbors who were just deported and they were Haitians. We have Liberians who are being deported. So, it's not just one community. It's all of them that are being that are undocumented and it's not fair to any one of our people
who are here. I think the young lady said it best when she said it's not a crime to want to be a citizen or to to strive to be an American citizen. So, thank you for that. I'm I'm going use that again. So, um thank you again to all to Council Williams. I apologize, but I wanted to be fair and make sure
that we all had the same time as those who sat here and waited with us this entire night. Um, thank you all. Have a good night. >> We don't need to ask what what's your question. >> Oh, we'll we'll come on to you. We can't have this sign. So, we're going to end.
No, no, no. >> Thank you. Oh, thank you. Yes. Not meeting. Thank you.