Jersey City Council Caucus Meeting – February 24, 2026

The Jersey City Municipal Council held a virtual caucus meeting on February 24, 2026, starting at 4:03 p.m. and adjourning at 6:50 p.m. All nine council members were present. The meeting covered a range of ordinances and resolutions, with significant discussion on a Franklin Street bikeway project, a fire department equipment lease, new permit parking zones, and several financial and grant items. Several items were withdrawn or will be amended for the public meeting on February 26.

Consent Calendar (Items Withdrawn or No Questions)

• Ordinance 26-009 (Chapter 160 fees) was withdrawn to a future meeting for further refinements.
• Ordinance 26-012 (fixed salary modifications) was withdrawn for further administration-council discussions.
• Second Reading Ordinance 26-004 (acceptance of 95 Morgan Street) – Councilperson Brooks noted she had received a 5,000-page environmental report and was still reviewing; no objections to proceed.
• Second Reading Ordinance 26-006 (payroll tax administrative expenses) – Council requested five-year payroll tax collection data; administration will compile.
• Second Reading Ordinance 26-007 (bollard franchise) – No questions.
• Second Reading Ordinance 26-008 (bird ordinance) – Council discussed amendments to raise the square footage threshold to 5,000 sq ft and adjust height from 100 ft to 85 ft. Because changes are considered substantial, the ordinance will be introduced as a new late item for first reading on Wednesday, and the current second reading will be moved to defeat.
• Resolutions 26-068 through 26-076 (recognitions, reappointments to Rent Leveling Board, etc.) – Approved without discussion.
• Resolution 26-079 (Verizon claim) – Discussion on billing discrepancies; original bill adjusted from ~$374,000 to ~$246,000 after audit, but actual amount due is $359,782.22 for the period including additional months. Council asked for a clarifying memo by Wednesday.
• Resolution 26-082 (Summer Food Service Program grant) – No questions.
• Resolution 26-083 (Civitas HUD grant management) – Council asked about staff utilization and past HUD compliance issues; law department will provide a memo.
• Resolutions 26-085 through 26-092 (cannabis support, Millennium Strategies payment, various appointments, salt contract with Atlantic Salt, financial advisory services to Acacia Financial, and shared service agreement with school board) – Discussed and will be moved to vote Wednesday.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were taken; this was a caucus meeting.

Discussion Items

• 3.2 – Franklin Street One-Way and Protected Bike Lane (Ordinance 26-010): Acting Director Drew Banghart (Infrastructure) presented a $670,000 NJ DOT bikeways grant project to create a parking-protected bike lane on Franklin Street between Palisade Avenue and Central Avenue. Council members Zupa and Efros reported a town hall where the primary concern was fire response time increases (approximately one minute for some addresses). Deputy Chief Hart confirmed an uptick in response times but noted they remain within the national average. Infrastructure committed to working with the fire department on minor edits, including removing a few parking spaces and hardening curb intersections. Councilman Lavaro asked how the proposal aligns with the 2019 Bike Master Plan. Director Banghart and Lindsay Schofield explained that Franklin Street was identified as a key east west corridor connecting parks, schools, and businesses. Councilman Gilmore inquired about the grant deadline (June 11, 2026) and confirmed no extra costs for design changes. Councilman Zupa also asked about potentially reversing Manhattan Avenue traffic direction to reduce congestion; infrastructure will study the idea.
• 3.3 – Fire Department Warehouse Lease (Ordinance 26-011): Peter Horton (BA) presented a two-year lease extension with 18 Ash Street Realty for 46 State Street, costing $105,000 per year (triple net, including 40% of property taxes – approximately $10,000 annually). Deputy Chief Hart stated the facility stores six pieces of spare apparatus and rescue equipment. Councilman Gilmore expressed concern about the long‑term cost ($1 million over 10 years) and asked about city-owned alternatives. Hart noted the city has been leasing since 2011 and has limited options due to weight and garage dimensions. Councilman Efros questioned the property tax payment; BA explained it is part of the triple net lease. Councilman Zupa noted the square footage decreased over time and annual rent dropped from $255,000 in 2019 to about $96,000 currently. The ordinance will be voted on Wednesday.
• 3.5 – Permit Parking Zone 20 (Ordinance 26-013): Proposed new permit parking zone near Liberty State Park Hudson‑Bergen Light Rail station (east of Pacific Avenue, south of Ash/Johnston, north of Communipaw). Four-hour parking limit Monday–Saturday without a permit. Council President Ridley noted the zone mirrors other light rail parking areas. Councilman Brooks asked about a similar zone for the West Side Avenue station; Director Banghart agreed to explore. Councilman Griffin asked why four hours rather than two; Council President Ridley explained it was based on existing zones near other light rail stations to accommodate businesses and visitors. The ordinance will be voted Wednesday.
• 4.4 – Bird Ordinance (Ordinance 26-008): Councilwoman At‑Large explained amendments to set a 5,000‑sq‑ft threshold and reduce height from 100 ft to 85 ft to address cost and affordable housing concerns. Corporation counsel advised these changes are substantial, requiring a new first reading. Council will introduce a new version as a late item Wednesday and move to defeat the current second reading.
• 10.15 – UEZ Summer Youth Works Program (Resolution 26-082): Mira Prinzeri (JCEDC) and Deputy Mayor Bryant presented a grant application for up to $900,000 to fund 250 summer jobs (ages 15–24) at $17/hour, within the Urban Enterprise Zone. Stipends will be $2,550/student for up to 25 hours/week. Councilman Lavaro raised equity concerns, asking that underserved youth also have access to quality placements. Deputy Mayor Bryant confirmed an inclusive outreach plan via social media, CBOs, and schools.
• 10.25 – EV Charging Station Contract (Resolution 26-092): Contract awarded to Jolt Charge for installation and operation of at least 12 (up to 25) EV charging stations citywide at no cost to the city. Revenue will come from licensing fees ($10,000/year) and per‑charger fees. Users will pay Jolt through their app. Councilman Griffin and Councilwoman Singh asked about advertising revenue and community benefits. Director Amanda Diamond noted the primary goal is expanding access. Councilman Lavaro requested bid documents, previous contract data, and utilization rates; administration will provide. The contract is for two years with renewal options.
• Late Item – Transitional Aid Resolution: BA announced a one‑page resolution that the council must pass by February 27 to apply for state transitional aid due to the city’s $254 million budget deficit. The resolution will be uploaded to iCompass that evening and will be a late item for Wednesday’s meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 26-010 (Franklin Street bike lane) will proceed to a vote on Wednesday, with further refinements from fire department and traffic studies to be shared via memo.
• Ordinance 26-011 (fire warehouse lease) will be voted Wednesday.
• Ordinance 26-013 (permit parking zone 20) will be voted Wednesday.
• Ordinance 26-004 (95 Morgan Street) – Councilperson Brooks is still reviewing the environmental report; vote expected Wednesday.
• Ordinance 26-008 (bird ordinance) – Will be withdrawn as a second reading; new version introduced as late item Wednesday for first reading.
• Resolution 26-082 (UEZ summer youth works) – Approved by council; application to be submitted.
• Resolution 26-092 (EV charging contract) – Council asked for additional documentation (bid, contract, prior utilization data) before Wednesday’s vote.
• Late Resolution – Transitional Aid – Will be introduced as a late item Wednesday; council must pass by February 27.
• Claims and other resolutions – All will be voted on at the public meeting Wednesday, February 26, 2026, unless withdrawn.