Jersey City Municipal Council Caucus Meeting - January 28, 2026

This caucus meeting covered a wide range of topics, including a detailed review of snow operations after a major storm, discussions on cannabis licensing, a late proposal to switch health insurance providers, and numerous routine resolutions. The meeting was the first for several new council members, leading to extensive questioning. Most items will be voted on at the following day's council meeting.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting began on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, but the provided metadata specifies January 28, 2026. This summary uses the provided date.

Snow Operations Review

• Director Kears presented on the January 25-26 snowstorm, noting a statewide salt shortage (Morton Salt failed to deliver, leading to an emergency contract with Atlantic Salt for $190,000) and the challenges of extremely low temperatures. He detailed that 2,500 tons of salt were used, with 650 tons received from Morton before the storm. He announced an after-action report and plans to improve coverage.
• Council members raised concerns about plowing in the Heights (especially slopes), crosswalks, bike lanes, Route 139, and the need for a senior shoveling program. Councilman Efros questioned plow height and salting techniques. Councilman Griffin asked about crosswalk and school drop-off zone clearing. Councilman Zupa highlighted the need for better communication and enforcement of parking rules. Councilman Brooks advocated for exploring a volunteer-based senior shoveling program. Director Kears acknowledged issues and thanked DPW workers.

Consent Calendar (Routine Approvals Discussed)

• Resolution 26-021: Open-end contract with Persistent Construction for snow removal (up to $2,104,800). Questions raised about a single bid and pricing.
• Resolution 26-025: Authorizing public sale of 213 motor vehicles via auction.
• Resolution 26-026: Ratifying emergency salt contract with Atlantic Salt ($190,000) due to Morton's failure.
• Resolution 26-027: Payment of $30,683 to AT&T; transition to Verizon saved $160,000.
• Resolution 26-028 & 26-037: Workers' compensation physical therapy services – claim ($125,000) and new contract ($275,625). Councilman Lavaro criticized month-to-month contracts and urged proper budgeting.
• Resolution 26-038: Renewal of contract with Dr. Gonzalez (Life Mod LLC) for city clinic services.
• Resolution 26-016: Grant of $40,000 from Hudson County for Meals on Wheels peer group.
• Resolution 26-017: Acceptance of $350 pastry donation for senior center.
• Resolution 26-036: Three-month extension for Clark Moynihan Landscaping for park maintenance. Councilman Gilmore and Councilwoman Little advocated bringing services in-house.
• Resolution 26-011: Veterans tax exemption (refund $1,220.82).
• Ordinance 26-002: First reading for disabled parking spaces.
• Resolution 26-015: Amendment to NY Waterway agreement for Port Liberte ferry (additional $325,000 from federal grant). Council members questioned fairness of subsidizing a wealthy area; Director Banghard explained ridership increase and goals for sustainability.
• Resolution 26-013: Corrected discharge of mortgage for affordable housing property (payoff reduced from $110,137.59 to $91,137.59). Councilman Brooks and others discussed the 95-5 recapture policy; Corporation Counsel noted a new state rule allowing municipalities to set recapture percentages.
• Resolution 26-018: CDBG funds for St. Joseph's School for the Blind lighting improvements.
• Resolution 26-019: CDBG funds for purchase of high-water rescue vehicle ($515,000). Councilman Lavaro argued capital dollars should be used; BA Peter said discussions would follow.
• Ordinance 26-001: First reading to reform off-duty police and public works rental fees for nonprofit/cultural events. City will cover 25-50% of costs.
• Ordinance 26-004: Conveyance of 95 Morgan Street to the city; council discussed potential lease to Boys and Girls Club.
• Ordinance 26-005: Franchise for stairs at 20 Van Wagoner Avenue – withdrawn for further review.
• Resolution celebrating Muslim Heritage Month (sponsored by Councilman Zupa).

Cannabis Licensing Discussion

• Director Woodson provided an overview: 54 applications approved, 26 dispensaries opened, 3 closed. A cap of 48 licenses citywide (8 per ward) was set in April 2025, but applications submitted before the cap are grandfathered. Three new applications (two retailers, one delivery) were withdrawn to allow council more review time.
• Council members raised concerns about oversaturation, closures, and the cap per ward. Councilwoman Little questioned the Warrior Weed application in Ward E (already at cap). Councilman Efros noted two closings in Ward D and asked about city follow-through. The city has collected $984,000 in cannabis tax (2% tax).

Litigation and Claims

• Corporation Counsel Murray presented multiple claims for legal services and settlements, including a $670,000 settlement with Direct Energy for unpaid electric services (due to a breakdown in billing) and ongoing litigation over police officers terminated for marijuana use. Councilman Lavaro expressed frustration over claims without prior council approval. A closed session will be scheduled to discuss litigation in detail.

Department Director Nominations (Withdrawn)

• Two nominations were introduced but withdrawn to allow council members more time: Bill (candidate for a director role) with a background in finance and NJ Transit, and Sarah Levine (candidate for Corporation Counsel), a Jersey City native with extensive public sector litigation experience. Both briefly introduced themselves; council members were encouraged to meet with them.

Health Insurance Provider Change (Late Item)

• The administration proposed switching from Horizon Blue Cross to Aetna/Meritain for medical coverage, projecting $2.5 million monthly savings. The resolution was added as a late item for the next day's council meeting. Consultant Robert Parisi explained the RFP process and that benefits would remain equal or better. Employee contributions would stay nearly flat. The administration had met with union leaders and set up employee information sessions. Council members requested written materials and union contact information.

Key Outcomes

• Most resolutions and ordinances will be voted on at the council meeting scheduled for January 28, 2026.
• The three cannabis applications were withdrawn for further review.
• The health insurance resolution will be voted on as a late item at the council meeting.
• A closed session will be scheduled for litigation discussions.
• The administration will issue an after-action report on snow operations and explore a senior shoveling program.
• The 95-5 recapture policy will be updated following new state guidance.
• Council members will receive detailed information on the cannabis cap and list of operating dispensaries.