Newark City Council Regular Meeting – April 24, 2024
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Newark City Council Regular Meeting – April 24, 2024
The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting opened with a moment of silence and tributes from multiple council members following the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., a former council president. The agenda included public comments, first‑reading ordinances, public hearings on second‑reading ordinances, a large consent agenda of resolutions, and several council motions.
Consent Calendar
- Reports & Recommendations (Items 5-a through 5-d): Adopted unanimously, including the Marriage License Bureau 2023 year‑end financial report, Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties minutes and annual sewage contribution report, and Newark Warehouse Urban Renewal, LLC financial statements.
- Resolutions 7R1-a through 7R1-q (Administration and Homeless Services): Ratified and authorized various contracts, amendments, and grant acceptances, including:
- Amendment to increase pharmaceutical/medical supply contract to $1,121,625.00 (7R1-a).
- Purchase of two Ford Bronco Sport 4x4 vehicles for $60,823.92 (7R1-b).
- Contracts with The Salvation Army ($20,000), New Community Harmony House ($54,000), and multiple sub‑recipients under HOPWA grants totaling over $4 million for HIV/AIDS housing assistance (7R1-c through 7R1-l).
- Amendments to extend and fund emergency shelter contracts with YMCA, Catholic Charities, Bridges Outreach, and New Community Harmony House (7R1-m through 7R1-p).
- Acceptance of $5,000,000 New Jersey Homeless Housing Grant for shelter, drop‑in center, and street outreach (7R1-q).
- Resolutions 7R2-a through 7R2-g (Private Sales/Redevelopment): Authorized sales of city‑owned properties for redevelopment (e.g., tire shop, residential construction) ranging from $19,430.40 to $95,950.00. Councilmember Gonzalez abstained on 7R2-d (West Ward 24‑unit affordable housing project) due to assessed value discrepancy.
- Resolutions 7R2-h, 7R2-i (Special Improvement District Budgets): Adopted 2024 budgets for Partnership West (West Ward SID) at $500,000 and Ironbound BID at $1,255,000 (public hearing held).
- Resolution 7R2-k (Land Bank Subordination): Authorized subordination agreement for financing 16 two‑ and three‑family homes under Newark Land Bank’s Section 8 Homeownership Program.
- Resolutions 7R4-a, 7R4-b (Tax Appeal Settlements): Approved stipulations totaling $550,215.04 (7R4-a) and $4,900,131.00 (7R4-b) for multiple tax appeal cases. Payment will be made in monthly installments to avoid large cash outlays.
- Resolutions 7R5-a through 7R5-c (Health Services): Approved three sub‑recipient contracts (Zufall Health Center, Apostles’ House, AIDS Resource Foundation) for HIV/AIDS support services under Ryan White funding (partial certifications attached).
- Resolutions 7R6-b, 7R6-c (Law): Approved a $59,413.93 amendment to legal services contract with Chasan Lamparello Mallon and Cappuzzo (total $184,413.93) and accepted a $4,520,000 settlement from Monsanto class action for PCB contamination.
- Resolutions 7R8-a through 7R8-d, 7R8-e, 7R8-f (Council & Clerk): Appointed Victoria T. Walker to Greater Newark CVB Board (term through April 2027), approved ceremonial street designation “Vernest Moore Way,” declared National 9‑1‑1 Operators Week, and authorized hold‑harmless agreement for Mother’s Day/Father’s Day Senior Brunch. Also adopted 29 recognizing/commending items and 8 expressions of sorrow.
- Resolution 7R9-a (Fire Grant): Amended grant period for $5,346,639.60 SAFER grant to February 5, 2024 – February 4, 2027.
- Communications 8-a through 8-d (Appointments): Re‑appointed Brian K. Logan and appointed Vivian E. Carter to Housing Authority, appointed Toni Ince to Caribbean Commission, and appointed Jose R. Santiago to Hispanic Commission (filling unexpired term).
- Ordinance 8-e (Solid Waste – Mattress Covering): Adopted on first reading, requiring mattresses placed for collection to be covered in plastic. Public hearing set for May 8, 2024.
Public Comments & Testimony
Approximately 25 speakers addressed the council, many offering condolences on the passing of Congressman Payne. Key positions and concerns included:
- Felicia Alston‑Singleton critiqued the rapid list of potential successors to Rep. Payne, called for better housing conditions at Georgia King Village, and urged councilmember Kelly to address St. Mary’s Villa issues.
- Lisa Mitchelson‑Parker demanded a forensic audit of the city budget, a public hearing on pipe replacement, and removal of parking apps. She alleged corruption and complicity with developers.
- Munirah El‑Bomani called for fiscal accountability, a moratorium on evictions, and action on poverty, housing crisis, and fire department deficiencies.
- Maryam Bey highlighted unregistered, non‑compliant rooming houses in the South and North Wards (addresses provided: 41‑43 Stetcher Street and 269 Mt. Prospect Avenue), described poor conditions at the Riviera Hotel, and urged action against slumlords.
- Darnella Lee expressed concerns about safety, dirty hallways in her building, and need for better maintenance and security.
- Nadirah Brown warned about disappearing meeting videos on YouTube, frustration with landlord‑tenant issues, and called for council to trade places with residents to understand their struggles.
- Ché Colter condemned disrespect toward council during a statue dedication, demanded EMS response improvements, labor protections for DPW workers, and fair wages for library staff.
- Deborah Salters criticized rent increase ordinance (up to 5% annually) and argued that “affordable housing” is not affordable for most residents. She also alleged that qualified Newark residents are passed over for city jobs.
- Beth Zak‑Cohen and Carl Schwartz (AFSME Local 2298) requested a livable wage increase for Newark Public Library workers, noting that salaries are 50% below NJLA recommendations and many staff work two to three jobs to afford rent. Council President McIver acknowledged the request and noted upcoming budget season.
- G. Cureton denounced slumlords at Georgia King Village, called for zero‑income housing, and urged a master plan to prevent displacement.
- Opal Wright read from financial regulation text to emphasize consumer protection needs.
- Alif Muhammad recounted his experience as a Housing Authority commissioner, questioning the appointment of Victor Sorello (later removed) and warning about a proposal to sell valuable property for $1. He supported the new appointee Vivian Carter but raised concerns over her role in the St. James Church lot deal.
- Latoya Jackson‑Tucker urged civility and communication between residents and officials.
- Bryan Alexis Calles (library circulation assistant) described health issues from working in dusty stacks and called for fair compensation.
- Irma Vicuña (Lake Street resident) pleaded for traffic enforcement, garbage collection, and enforcement of prohibitions on commercial vehicle overnight parking. Council members Ramos and Gonzalez acknowledged the safety issues.
Discussion Items
- Tribute to Congressman Donald Payne Jr. (former council president, passed earlier that day): Councilmembers shared personal stories and condolences; President McIver noted a future portrait honoring both Payne father and son.
- Ordinance 6F‑a (Tax Abatement – 17 Livingston Street): Granted a 25‑year tax abatement to 19 LV Urban Renewal, LLC for a 48‑unit building (38 market‑rate, 10 affordable at 40%-80% AMI) in the Central Ward. Passed unanimously on first reading.
- Ordinances 6F‑b, 6F‑c (Street Cleaning Parking Restrictions): Added Carmen Court to parking prohibition list (East Ward) and amended 14th Avenue cleaning days (Central & West Wards). Passed (Councilmember Crump abstained). Public hearings set for May 8, 2024.
- Ordinance 6PSF‑a (Intermodal Container Lot License) – Deferred: Third deferral; Council President McIver urged administration to resolve issues. Councilmember Silva asked for further negotiation with port representatives.
- Ordinances 6PSF‑b, 6PSF‑c (Water & Sewer Connection Fee Reductions): Director Adem explained that connection fees for new construction are being reduced in compliance with state statute and to reflect lower capital improvement costs. Several public speakers criticized the reduction, alleging it benefits developers while residents suffer infrastructure problems. Councilmember Gonzalez and Council responded that lower fees can reduce construction costs and ultimately rents. Both ordinances passed (roll call vote for each).
- Ordinance 9‑a (30‑Year Tax Abatement – Broad Street Hotel Conversion): Approved after discussion; Councilmember Silva expressed concerns about developer accountability, but information requested at prior meeting had been provided. Passed.
Key Outcomes
- Congressman Payne Tribute: Council directed the clerk to send a letter of condolence; a future portrait is planned.
- Public Safety: Councilmember Ramos requested EMS dispatch rotation to include St. Michael’s Hospital ambulances; letter to University Hospital CEO Ed Jimenez to be sent. Also requested traffic enforcement on Lake Street.
- Library Wages: Council acknowledged the library workers’ request and will address during budget season.
- Motions: Approved motions to send letters regarding: (1) ILA and NJ Transit for disrespect at statue dedication (letter to both), (2) NJ Transit for bus shelter cleaning and PSE&G for street light maintenance, (3) County for road paving in Newark, (4) Office of Emergency Management for emergency preparedness FAQs, (5) Newark Parking Authority to stop ticketing West Market Street between Yclef and Norfolk until council authorization is verified.
- Pending Business: Ordinance 9‑a adopted; public hearings for 8‑e and 6F ordinances set for May 8, 2024.
- Administrative Requests: Council President McIver requested a report from the Department of Health on all sub‑recipient grants for homeless services, especially shelter providers, and asked that code compliance be verified before payments are released. Council also requested PSE&G representatives appear before the council to discuss street light repairs and bills.
- Summer Youth Employment: Deadline for applications is April 26, 2024 (Friday).
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Welcome to the regular meeting for April twenty fourth, twenty twenty four. Please rise for the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance, followed by invocation by Iman Dow Hag. Praise you for being our Lord. We praise you for and thank you for all the good and all the favors that you were showered on us. We seek your mercy and your forgiveness. And that you will bring justice and balance to our deliberations, we accept to bless this gathering and blessed results of this gathering. Present Silva. So if you could just join me now for a quick moment of silence. Thank you. As many of you know and have heard already, and those who haven't, um, our congressman uh passed away today. Uh, Congressman was the council president um here in the great city of Norca served as a council member and a freeholder um in you know, many uh active roles here in the city, and it's a very sad day. So on behalf of this council, um, we join our residents, we join the city and those in other cities as well that the congressman represented in the loss, and as we pray and be with his family, his wife Beatrice and his children, um, we just ask that you keep them in your prayers and your thoughts as they get through this grieving process. Um, at this time, I'll turn it over to council. Um, anyone from council that may have any comments or may want to make a quick statement. Councilman Council. Thank you, uh, Madam Chair. Uh again to uh the paying family, uh, to all of those in the 10th Congressional District, and more importantly, uh to our entire South Ward family. Uh, you know, we mourn the loss of Donald, who uh was a Bach Avenue uh baby, uh raised in the South Ward, very vigilant uh in love uh everything that he did in the South Ward, uh his fight, uh his desire uh to uh fight for those things that uh were right, even in uneasy situations. Uh he was not always uh a screamer or a yeller, uh, but he moved with diplomacy and got the job done in Washington uh and was always able to make sure uh that the city of Newark was taken care of on all fronts. Uh the entire South Ward Democratic Party uh mourns his loss uh for the work that he has done uh and his family in helping to keep that organization together and moving uh in a very proactive and positive manner. And we send our condolences again to uh his wife, his children, uh, and the entire South Ward uh during this loss. And we ask that we all just you know be encouraged and think about uh the importance not just of wellness but uh the things that he fought about uh and we will continue to fight for those things as well. Thank you. Councilman Crumb. Thank you, Council President. You know, what one of the reasons I wear a bow tie and wear these funky socks is actually because I'm emulating uh Congressman Payne. Um I saw him and I said that looks sharp, and I started wearing I wear a bow tie all the time now, but you know, he was somebody who you admired. Uh I I used to tell him when he was a council president, I'd say, you know what, you don't necessarily speak a lot, but when you do speak, we we should all listen to what you're saying, because when he did speak, he would say something that to me was was profound, something that was necessary to be heard at the time. So I just wanted to say, you know, to the family, to all his friends, to his staff, to all those who've known him and loved him over the years, my deepest condolences and prayers to the to everyone. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Crump. Uh Councilman Gonzalez. Yes, I just went to say my condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers. Uh he Donald was someone that was uh special to us here in the council when he was president. Uh he was someone that always looked for consensus, always look for what was best for the city of New York. And uh I applaud his work and uh wish that he be taking care in heaven. Thank you, Councilman Gonzalez, Councilman Kelly. Thank you, Council President. Um, I don't know if a lot of people knew, but you know, the Congressman was like my big brother. I mean, you know, he would he would just call me randomly and just go out to eat or call me randomly and and talk about hip hop and you know, and when he would come out with me, sometimes he would wear his big gold chain, you know, just trying to be hip hop and always made me feel comfortable. Um, when I was running my nonprofit organization, 211 Community Impact, he was one of the first elected officials ever to tell me, you know, he's proud of me and in what we're doing in the city, and you know, he's one of the people that made me believe I can be an elected official. Um, I was I was around him a lot. I was just with him, you know, probably almost two weeks ago, even probably less. And uh if I if I say that I have a friend that's an elected official from the city of Newark, it would be that guy, our congressman, you know, great guy. Went down to Washington to see him a couple of times, and really took care of me and made me proud to be from Newark and made me understand uh the power that our city has and just believing in me. He's probably like I said, one of the first people to believe in me in this city, and uh he's definitely gonna be missed. So I send my condolences to his loved ones, to his family, to his friends. No, he's definitely gonna be missed. God bless the Payne family.
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