Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - May 24, 2023

The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at City Hall. The meeting began with the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and invocation by Minister Abdul Hak Muhammad. Roll call showed all members present except Councilman Gonzalez. The council heard extensive public comments, debated several ordinances, and voted on resolutions and contracts.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shawna Hinkson: Discussed her $300 litter citation under Municipal Code Chapter 15, arguing the minimum fine contradicts state law (max $100). She noted confusion between sections 15.6, 15.8, and 15.9, and asked for clarification and enforcement consistency.
• Miriam Bay: Thanked Councilman Kelly for cleaning the Vellsburg Brook. Continued to condemn slumlords, stating they contribute to gentrification and degrade neighborhoods. She urged the council to enforce property maintenance standards equally.
• Linda McDonnell Carter: Called for a "Checkbook Newark" transparency tool, a natural disaster preparedness campaign, and ordinances for backup power, basements, fire escapes, and building height limits. Noted 23% of residents carry the tax burden.
• Colleen Fields: Complained about bed bugs, management issues at Lincoln Towers, and denied transfer requests. Expressed hope for Tyler Perry's project and jobs for Newark.
• Lisa Parker: Accused the administration of corruption, abuse of power, and lying about lead levels in water and crime statistics. Called for an inspector general investigation.
• Deborah Salters: Criticized the council for approving tax abatements and failing residents. Claimed crime is underreported (7 shootings in one week) and residents are being gentrified out.
• Donna Jackson: Cited 15 water violations in 3 years, 62 cancer-causing chemicals in Newark's water, 94,700 eviction cases in Essex County, and Newark Housing Authority failures. Also criticized the city's response to a fire on 19th Street.
• G Carritin: Reported on Georgia King Village conditions (mold, rodents, elevator problems) and demanded receivership for L+M Management. Noted 40% of residents are in landlord court without legal representation.
• Jay Coulter: Called the government "out of control," criticized the Biden administration, and demanded transparency on housing, education, and zoning. Criticized the council for not holding transparent education committees.
• Deborah Mapson: Provided final update on Riviera Hotel: of 108 families, 66 were removed, 24 relocated without Section 8 vouchers, 4 helped by developer. Praised the developer for cooperation.
• Alif Mohammed: As president of the Newark Housing Authority board, he requested a barrier between the housing authority and city politics. Cited unethical fundraising by a commissioner and lack of transparency.
• Jacqueline Peoples: Questioned $11 million in housing funds and accused officials of causing homelessness. Demanded decent housing and accountability.
• Talisha Hunter: Reported Essex County Jail lockdown for two weeks due to two inmates' actions, denying visits, showers, medical care, and legal access to 3,300 inmates. Requested council walkthrough.
• Vakira Bradley: Disputed rent calculation at Georgia King Village (30% vs 40% of income), demanded corrected ledger and money owed.
• Latoya Jackson: Expressed frustration with violence and lack of community control. Asked for help for her son and better support for youth.
• Martha Rodriguez (Sanitation worker): Stated only 5 of 20 needed trucks have been approved, causing delays. Urged council to support more equipment and manpower.
• Jamil Lawrence (Sanitation driver): Echoed lack of trucks, forced overtime, and unsafe working conditions. Said trucks break down constantly.
• Linda Brown: Called for increased police presence around schools, auto theft task force, tree maintenance, and opposed a homeless trailer park on Munn Avenue.
• Dominga Martinez (translated): Reported no heat, roof leaks, and break-ins at 1337 Seventh Avenue. Asked for help.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 6FA: 30-year tax abatement for a 14-story building at 193 Orange Street with 280 market-rate and 17 affordable units (at 40%, 60%, 80% AMI). Adopted on first reading.
• Ordinance 6FB: Required special police officers during specified business hours. Amended to cover establishments with 50+ occupants. Adopted as amended (Councilman Ramos and Silva abstained). Councilman Ramos argued existing ABC laws provide sufficient authority.
• Ordinance 6FC: Unconscionable rent increase ordinance, amended to cap annual increases at 5%. Adopted on first reading (Ramos and Silva abstained). Deputy Mayor Alison Ladd defended it, citing examples of huge increases. Councilman Ramos argued existing rent control covers 80% and needs better enforcement.
• Ordinance 6P (SFB): Regulating roller skates, skateboards, ATVs, etc. Aimed at confiscating illegal vehicles and banning gas station sales to them. Adopted with support from Council President McIver and Councilman Ramos, who cited summer complaints.
• Ordinance (Marriage Licenses): Transferring marriage license issuance from City Clerk to Department of Health and Community Wellness for consistency with vital records. Adopted.
• Resolutions 7R1A–7R1K: Emergency appropriations, bid contracts, and amendments, all approved.
• Resolution 7R2A: Private sale for Islamic Burial Service (funeral home, grief counseling, youth center, banquet hall) in West Ward. Approved with praise.
• Resolutions 7R2E, 7R2F, 7R2C: Deferred after public comments.
• Resolution 7R2I: Support for grant for 8 two-family affordable homes in West Ward. Approved.
• Resolution 7R8C: Indemnification for senior Mother's/Father's Day brunch. Approved.
• Ordinance 8C/8D: 30-year tax abatements for two residential towers on Washington Street (affordable units included). Approved (Councilman Crump abstained).
• Ordinance 8E: Taxicab rate adjustment – deferred.
• Ordinance 8F/8G: Capital improvement appropriation and CAP ordinance – approved.
• Ordinance 9A: Tree removal permit requirement – deferred.
• Communications 8A/8B: Appointments to Caribbean Commission and ABC Board – deferred.

Key Outcomes

• Several ordinances passed on first reading (6FA, 6FB, 6FC, 6P, marriage license). Two more readings to follow.
• Multiple resolutions approved, including funding for Islamic Burial Service and support for affordable housing grants.
• Items 7R2E, 7R2F, 7R2C, and communications appointments were deferred.
• Council members requested a public safety committee meeting to address violence, staffing, and camera repairs, and invited the public safety director to the next council meeting.
• DPW Chief of Staff Melvin Waldroff confirmed 5 trucks approved, expecting delivery by September, with goal to replace 20 trucks. Split shifts and hiring efforts underway.
• The council approved motions for condolences, community events (Man Up Health Fair, Juneteenth celebration, senior events), and directed letters regarding the Essex County Jail lockdown and rent moratorium timeline.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 PM; summer schedule (daytime meetings) begins.