Jersey City Municipal Council Regular Meeting - February 12, 2026

This was the regular meeting of the Jersey City Municipal Council, held on February 12, 2026, starting at 6:04 p.m. The meeting included the introduction and adoption of several ordinances, public hearings, and votes on resolutions, notably including the creation of a Rent Protection Special Investigation Committee and a resolution opposing ICE. The council also addressed a $254 million budget deficit inherited from the prior administration. All nine council members were present.

Agenda Adjustments

• Items 10.23 (resolution opposing ICE), 10.24 (grant application), and 10.25 (rent protection committee) were added to the agenda by unanimous vote (9-0).
• Item 10.3 (resolution 26-045) was withdrawn by motion of the council (9-0).
• Item 10.19 was withdrawn by the administration.
• Items 10.4, 10.5, and 10.9 were deferred and then voted on individually: the appointments of William Vacara as Director of Finance (9-0), Sarah M. Levine as Corporation Counsel (9-0), and William Vacara as Acting CFO (9-0) were all approved unanimously.

First Reading Ordinances

Ordinance 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 (all introduced)

• 3.1: Authorizes use of up to 3% of payroll taxes for administrative expenses and provides a waiver for out-of-state payroll tax entities.
• 3.2: Grants a franchise to Avnir West Side Square LLC for installation of a lit protective bollard at 1075 West Side Avenue.
• 3.3: Amends the Land Development Ordinance regarding bird-safe building design standards. Councilwoman Little noted the ordinance was a surprise to advocates and the planning department; it will be amended at second reading. Councilman Zupa expressed concerns about potential cost increases and impact on affordable housing tax credits. Introduced unanimously (9-0) with intent to amend before second reading.

Second Reading Ordinances (Public Hearings and Votes)

Ordinance 4.1: Off-Duty Police & Public Works Fees for Nonprofit/Cultural Events

• Public hearing held. Yvonne Bolser questioned the lack of a cap on city spending. Philip Carrington supported the ordinance, noting high costs burden nonprofits. Edward urged thinking outside the box on police staffing.
• Hearing closed (9-0). Two typographical amendments were made (page one and page three) – declared non-substantial by Corporation Counsel (amendment passed 9-0).
• Final adoption passed 9-0. Council members highlighted the importance of supporting cultural diversity and affordability. Councilman Lavaro pledged to introduce an ordinance establishing a matching fund. Councilman Zupa suggested using Class II officers to reduce costs. Councilman Efros requested quarterly cost updates, which the Business Administrator agreed to provide.

Ordinance 4.2: Disabled Parking Spaces

• Public hearing held. Philip Carrington questioned the number of spaces on Garfield Avenue. Hearing closed (9-0). Adopted unanimously (9-0).

Ordinance 4.3: Acceptance of 95 Morgan Street

• Carried to February 25, 2026, meeting pending receipt of an environmental report (9-0).

Ordinance 4.4: Franchise for Stairs at 20 Van Wagon Avenue

• Public hearing held. Philip Carrington asked about sidewalk encroachment. Councilman Lavaro clarified the stairs are existing and no further extension is proposed. Hearing closed (9-0). Adopted unanimously (9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Over 50 speakers addressed the council, with the majority focusing on tenant rights, enforcement failures, and the budget deficit. Key themes:

• Tenant Advocacy (Portside Towers): Multiple residents detailed violations by landlord Equity Residential: lack of on-site superintendent, improper rent increases, unenforced fines, and a disputed RUBS (ratio utility billing) system. Speakers urged the council to enforce existing laws and support the Rent Protection Special Investigation Committee.
• Budget and Financial Oversight: Several speakers highlighted the $254 million deficit, criticized the previous administration, and called for rigorous oversight of claims, fines, and audits. Yvonne Bolser presented debt figures; others noted uncollected fines and pilot revenue.
• Support for Bird-Safe Building Ordinance: Lauren spoke in favor of the proposed standards, citing the Atlantic Flyway and noting that New York City successfully implemented similar rules.
• Community Assistance: Laverne requested a warehouse for donated Marriott furniture; Lamont introduced his new plumbing business; Tina and others thanked the council for cold-weather outreach.
• Accountability and Justice: Gina and Edward urged the council to learn from past failures; Kevin and Michelle called for a 'Watergate Committee' style investigation into enforcement gaps.

Discussion Items

Claims and Addendums (Items 9.1-9.3)

• Claim 9.1: Approved (9-0).
• Claims 9.2 ($103 million) and 9.3 ($13 million): Approved with a 5-0-4 vote (5 aye, 4 abstentions from council members Brooks, Efros, Little, and Lavaro on portions). Council members cited insufficient time to review the large sums before the vote. Councilman Brooks requested a briefing from the Finance Director for future meetings.

Resolutions (Items 10.1-10.25)

• 10.1-10.14: Approved unanimously (9-0), with exceptions noted for 10.3 (withdrawn) and 10.4/5/9 (already approved).
• 10.15 (NW Financial Group contract): Defeated 0-9. Council members expressed lack of confidence in the firm due to its 22-year tenure during which the city incurred a massive deficit.
• 10.16 (Cannabis license – Michael): Approved 6-1-2 (Councilman Singh voted no; Brooks and Lavaro abstained).
• 10.17 (Cannabis license – other): Same vote as 10.16.
• 10.18 (Damo Brothers construction): Withdrawn by administration after prevailing wage concerns raised by Councilman Zupa.
• 10.20-10.22 (various): Approved unanimously (9-0).
• 10.23 (Resolution opposing ICE): Approved unanimously (9-0). Council members spoke passionately about protecting immigrant communities and denouncing ICE's tactics.
• 10.24 (Grant application): Approved unanimously (9-0).
• 10.25 (Rent Protection Special Investigation Committee): Approved unanimously (9-0). Council members pledged to enforce housing laws and investigate enforcement failures.

Key Outcomes

• The council established the Rent Protection Special Investigation Committee (Resolution 26-067) to investigate enforcement of rent control and housing laws, with subpoena power. Committee members will be named later.
• The council passed a resolution opposing federal immigration enforcement policies and calling for the abolition of ICE (Resolution 26-065).
• The appointment of William Vacara as Acting CFO was confirmed, along with his role as Finance Director, and Sarah M. Levine as Corporation Counsel.
• Bird-safe building ordinance (Ordinance 26-008) was introduced; amendments will be negotiated before second reading.
• Off-duty police/cultural event fee reform (Ordinance 26-001) was adopted, with the city to pay 50%-75% of costs for nonprofit cultural events. The administration will provide historical cost figures and quarterly updates.
• The contract with NW Financial Group was rejected; the administration will seek new financial advisory services.
• Several cannabis dispensary licenses were approved over some abstentions and one 'no' vote.
• The council expressed commitment to transparency and due diligence on claims, with requests for earlier submission of bills and briefings from the Finance Director.