Jersey City Municipal Council Caucus Meeting – December 8, 2025
Jersey City Municipal Council Caucus Meeting – December 8, 2025
The Jersey City Municipal Council held a caucus meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025, beginning at 4:14 PM and adjourning at 5:29 PM. All nine council members were present. The meeting covered a wide range of items including consent agenda resolutions, ordinances, redevelopment studies, contract awards, and resolutions of support and recognition.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution 25-1026: Authorized a $500,000 contract with Riches Tree Service Inc. for tree pruning and removal services for the DPW Division of Forestry.
- Resolution 25-1027: Authorized the sale of 22 motor vehicles no longer suitable for use.
- Resolution 25-1028: Authorized the online public auction of 109 motor vehicles through publicsurplus.com.
- Resolution 25-1029: Authorized the purchase of three 2023 Ford Police Interceptor vehicles for DPW from a state contract at a reduced price.
- Resolution 25-1031: Authorized a $400,000 contract with A-Limbo Car and Heavy Duty Truck Collision Inc. for maintenance and repair of heavy-duty vehicles for DPW.
- Resolution 25-1032: Authorized an $83,610 contract for building automation system controls in city-owned buildings.
- Resolution 25-808: Renewed dental insurance contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield for 2026 ($938,566).
- Resolution 25-809: Renewed open dental insurance contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield for 2026 ($2,672,443).
- Resolution 25-810: Extended medical insurance contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield on a month-to-month basis to allow the new administration to discuss a new TPA.
- Resolution 25-810: Authorized a $13,823,597 contract with Ulico for stop-loss coverage for about 5,000 retirees and employees.
- Resolution 25-818: Authorized a three-year contract with Express Grips/Save On LLC for prescription benefit plan for active employees and retirees under 65.
- Resolution 25-819: Authorized a three-year contract with Express Scripts for Medicare-eligible retirees’ prescription drug plan.
- Resolution 25-802: Provided local support for COOP JC LLC to operate a Class 5 retail cannabis business at 306 Manhattan Avenue (received CCB approval July 2024, zoning approval October 2025).
- Resolution 25-794: Authorized renewal of an amusement game license for RPM Raceway at 99 Caven Point Road.
- Resolution 25-757: Authorized assertion of special items of revenue and appropriations into the 2025 budget (post-adoption grants).
- Resolution 25-571: Authorized calendar 2025 appropriation transfers to cover operational needs, including public safety and DPW overtime, security contract expansion, and matching funds for new grants.
- Resolution 25-572: Authorized change in title/text/amount of appropriation to disperse matching funds into grant accounts.
- Resolution 25-577: Authorized agreement with HL Systems for tax software support.
- Resolution 25-578: Authorized cancellation of tax balances less than $10.
- Resolution 25-574: Authorized professional services agreement with Wilcots & Company for municipal budget accounting (renewal for one year).
- Resolution 25-774: Authorized cancellation of grant receivable balances and grant reserves (net $640,000 to fund balance).
- Resolution 25-827: Authorized three-month extension of traffic signal maintenance contract with Gen Electric while soliciting new bids.
- Resolution 25-817: Awarded contract to Power Plus Translations for language interpreting services for municipal court (up to $80,000/year, renewable for four additional years).
- Resolution 25-778: Authorized third amendment with Tectonic Engineering for LSRP services at Reservoir 3 (environmental remediation).
- Resolution 25-789: Discharged mortgage for 95½ Orient Avenue (homeowner rehabilitation program).
- Resolution 25-790: Awarded $509,940 in CDBG-CV funds to HHS Division of Injury Prevention for a recreational vehicle for hygiene and outreach to unhoused people.
- Resolution 25-791: Awarded $395,000 in CDBG public facility funds to Hudson Community Enterprises for improvements at 6870 Tours Avenue.
- Resolution 25-792: Awarded $198,000 in CDBG public facility funds to St. Paul’s Center of Caring for facility rehabilitation.
- Resolution 25-782: Authorized application and acceptance of a $248,606 grant from WK Kellogg Foundation for early childhood education and family well-being.
- Resolution 25-783: Accepted a senior nutrition grant from Hudson County Office on Aging.
- Resolution 25-784: Awarded a competitively bid contract to 12th LLC for congregate nutrition program serving over 200 seniors at 10 sites.
- Resolution 25-775: Granted veterans’ property tax exemptions for five properties (total refund/cancel $3,950.63).
- Resolution 25-788: Approved use of public right-of-way by Pilot Fiber for installing telecommunication infrastructure on existing poles.
- Resolution 25-803: Approved deed notice for portion of Honeywell chromate site.
- Resolution 25-804: Authorized settlement of Courtright v. City of Jersey City.
- Resolution 25-805: Authorized settlement of Marchaletti v. City of Jersey City.
- Resolution 25-811: Recognized Austin Wright Sr. as 2025 Odyssey International Community Service Award Honoree.
- Resolution 25-812: Recognized Erica Bell as 2025 Odyssey International Business Award Honoree.
- Resolution 25-813: Recognized Erica Carrington as 2025 Odyssey International Entertainment Award Honoree.
- Resolution 25-814: Recognized Harlan Apt House as 2025 Odyssey International Health Award Honoree.
- Resolution 25-815: Recognized Javieta Lynch as 2025 Odyssey International Business Award Honoree.
- Resolution 25-816: Recognized all 2025 Odyssey International Awards honorees.
- Resolution 25-820: Recognized Councilman Richard Boggiano’s 50 years of public service and designated the corner of Magnolia and Baldwin Avenue as “Richard Boggiano Junction.”
- Resolution 25-821: Honored HUD Post on its 10th anniversary.
- Resolution 25-822: Reappointed Victor Niagran Jr. to the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency.
- Resolution 25-823: Reappointed Councilwoman Denise Ridley to the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency.
- Resolution 25-824: Reappointed Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera to the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency.
- Resolution 25-825: Appointed Rocco G. Corviello to the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority.
- Resolution 25-826: Authorized contract with Brown and Brown Metro LLC as insurance broker of record (up to $66,000).
- Resolution 25-829: Authorized payment of claim to Frank J. Manteira for risk management consulting.
Discussion Items
Ordinance 4.2 – Bond Repurposing (Resolution 25-119)
- Finance Director Kyle presented a revised ordinance reducing the repurposed capital improvement funds from $58 million to $47.5 million, removing items such as Reservoir 3, Pershing Field, Engine 10, Martin Luther King Boulevard, property acquisition, and North Avenue drop-in center. The remaining funds would be allocated to building improvements, IT improvements, 6th Street Embankment, public safety vehicles and equipment, infrastructure, sustainability, and public works vehicles.
- Councilman expressed concern about moving funds to a general fund, stating it removes council oversight and is “not responsible governance.” He asked for detailed breakdown of how much would be spent on existing contracts vs. new projects. Finance Director agreed to provide a breakdown.
- Councilwoman noted the need for fire trucks; the proposal includes $15 million for public safety vehicles and equipment.
- The council did not vote on this item during the caucus; it was scheduled for the regular meeting.
Ordinance 4.1 – Jackson Square Improvements
- The ordinance would authorize improvements including a building, public park, statues, and design elements. Councilman moved to table the ordinance without a public hearing, which would effectively kill it. The motion was seconded and will be voted on at the regular meeting.
Ordinance 4.4 – Council Rules (Electronic Voting)
- The ordinance amends Chapter 350 to allow electronic voting. Discussion clarified that each council member would need a laptop, and training would be required. Councilman expressed support, noting it would benefit future councils. Another councilman asked about options for seniors to call in for public comment; the clerk explained that hybrid meetings are logistically complex and require significant staff resources.
Ordinance 4.7 – Medical Zone Rezoning
- The proposed ordinance would remove senior housing and assisted living from the medical zone and reduce height limits. The planning board found the ordinance inconsistent with the master plan and recommended an alternative. Councilman stated, “It’s consistent with the people of that area… I don’t care what the planning board says.” Legal counsel clarified that the council can reject the planning board’s recommendation if it places reasons on the record, but adopting the board’s amendments would require a new public hearing.
Resolution 10.17 – Hudson County Plaza Redevelopment Investigation
- The planning director explained that the county requested a preliminary investigation for parcels around Hudson County Plaza for possible designation as an area in need of redevelopment without condemnation. The parcels include parking lots, a vacant PSE&G transformer site, and Port Authority slivers. No detailed proposal has been shared with city staff. The council will forward the study to the planning board.
Resolution 10.4 – Sale of Old Second Precinct (207th Street)
- The resolution authorizes a public auction of the former police precinct. Councilman raised concerns about lack of community input and that the city usually transfers such properties to the JCRA. The director explained that zoning is very restrictive, making redevelopment infeasible for JCRA, so a public auction is proposed. Councilman requested community outreach before the sale.
Resolution 10.12 – NJ Transit Overnight Pass Discontinuation
- Councilman described that NJ Transit plans to stop overnight passes for the Liberty State Park light rail commuter lot on January 1, 2026. He urged the council to oppose the discontinuation and request a community meeting, noting that the lot is the cheapest and used by residents from outside the city. The council adopted the resolution.
Resolution 10.16 – Powerhouse Arts Redevelopment Plan
- Councilman stated he is not supportive of the resolution as written because it would not allow the incoming councilperson to weigh in. He wants to continue discussions in the coming months.
Resolution 10.56 – Appointment to MUA
- Councilman expressed concern about moving the appointment of Rocco G. Corviello too quickly, noting he has not yet met with him. A meeting is scheduled for January.
Resolution 10.57 – Insurance Broker Contract
- Councilman questioned whether the $66,000 contract exceeded the informal bid threshold. The director explained that insurance brokers are exempt and an RFQ process was used, which is standard for professional services.
Key Outcomes
- The council will vote on all agenda items at the regular meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
- Ordinance 4.1 (Jackson Square) is expected to be tabled (effectively killed).
- Ordinance 4.2 (bond repurposing) may be amended further based on council input.
- Ordinance 4.7 (medical zone) will be voted on; the council may reject the planning board’s recommendation.
- Resolution 10.4 (sale of old precinct) will proceed but with community outreach.
- Resolution 10.12 (NJ Transit passes) was adopted with council support.
- Resolution 10.16 (Powerhouse arts) was not advanced; further discussion deferred.
- Resolution 10.56 (MUA appointment) may be delayed pending council member’s meeting.
No public comments were heard during the caucus meeting.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, good afternoon, everyone. If we can please silence our cell phones and close the side and back doors, I greatly appreciate it. We are on the record. Today is Monday, the eighth day of December in the year 2025. This is a city council caucus meeting of the Jersey City Municipal Council. We had a 4 p.m. start. The clock on my cell phone is showing 414. May we have roll call for the commencement of this caucus. Councilperson Ridley. Councilperson Hewlings. Councilperson Bajiano. Think he's still here though. Councilperson Soleil. Councilperson Solomon. Councilperson Gilmore. Councilperson DeGeece. Councilperson Rivera. Here. And Council President Warnerman. We have all nine council members in attendance at 414 p.m. On behalf of Council President Warnerman and the members of municipal council in accordance with New Jersey Public Laws of 1975, Chapter 231, the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the posting on the bulletin board of the first floor of City Hall, the annual notice, which is the schedule of meetings and caucuses of the municipal council for the calendar year 2025 and filed in the office of the city clerk on Friday, November 15th, 2024. In addition, at the time of its preparation, the agenda of this meeting was similarly disseminated on Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 9.05 p.m. to the mayor, municipal council, business administrator, corporation council, the newspapers and posted on the city's website, so I can certify as to our total compliance with the Sunshine Law. Council President, I'm going to turn it over to you. First one is item number 1026. Resolution will authorize the award of a contract to Riches Tree Service Incorporated for tree pruning and removal services under the Hunterton County Educational Service Commission for the DPW Division of Forestry. Total amount of this contract is $500,000, and funding is available in the DPW forestry operating account. Whoops. That's his uh what happened to our tree people. Uh we still have it, Councilman. Yeah. Yeah, this does this picks up on all of the um, for instance, they do the disposal of the dead trees and things of that nature. Pruning, I mean, we have a big tree canopy in the city, so it's beyond the scope of uh you know just DPW doing it. All right. Next is 1027. Resolution will authorize the purchasing agent to sell 22 motor vehicles that are no longer suitable for use. Next item 1028 resolution will authorize the public sale of 109 motor vehicles through the public surplus.com online auction, which are no longer suitable for use. Next is 1029 resolution with authorize your water contract to winter forward for the purchase of three 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Vehicles on the state contract for the DPW division of automotive services. Proposed vehicles were originally ordered by the Department of Public Safety. However, the original purchase order was canceled without notification to the dealer. The dealer subsequently notified the director of automotive services offer offering the vehicles at a reduced price. Funding for this purchase is available in the DPW capital account. 1031 resolution will authorize your ward of a contract to A-Limbo car and heavy duty truck collision incorporated for the maintenance and repair of heavy duty vehicles for the DPW division of automotive services. Total amount of the contract is 400,000. That is available in the DPW division of automotive services operating account. The last item is 1032 resolution with authorizing award of a contract. The Jersey State controls for the building automation system and citywide city owned buildings for the Department of Public Works, Division of Building and Streets. Total amount of the contract is $83,610, and funding is available in the DPW buildings and street operating account.
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