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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - November 7, 2024

Municipal Council — Thursday, November 7, 2024

BodyNewark, New Jersey

SessionMunicipal Council

DateThursday, November 7, 2024

StatusFILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

1:16

Good afternoon.

1:17

Welcome to the regular meeting of the New York Municipal Council on Thursday, November seventh, twenty twenty four.

1:24

Please stand for the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation by Reverend Morsey Weirwick.

2:10

Whose broad strides and I say that you're not going to be able to do that.

4:08

And uh maybe as many of you are at least as many in our country I'm mourning these days.

4:55

Care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share.

5:01

Gracious God, we pray for our public servants that they to their, that they do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice.

5:13

Inspire them to use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life.

5:20

Guide our leaders to govern in such a way that all people enjoy a peaceful and just society.

5:27

Eternal God, your word brought forth creation, and your spirit brings order out of chaos and confusion.

5:35

You breathe upon us, and we are able to hear one another with language we can understand.

5:42

Pour out your spirit upon us that even when we disagree on the way forward, we remain in united in your love.

5:50

And especially today, our God, we ask for your blessings over these people's house, our elected leaders here, our mayor, and all the workers in this building, that they may be able to lead with wisdom and justice, representing with fairness all the people who sent them here.

6:12

Bless this great city of Newark also, O Lord.

6:17

In your holy name we pray.

6:19

Amen.

6:20

Amen.

6:25

In accordance with New Jersey law, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided to the Star Ledger, the Jersey Journal, and the public at large, establishing the date, time, and location of this meeting.

6:38

In addition, the agenda for this meeting was disseminated on November 1st, 2024, at the time of preparation and posted on the website of the City of Newark.

6:47

Roll call.

6:49

Council?

6:50

President.

6:51

Gonzalez.

6:52

Present.

6:53

Kelly?

6:53

Yeah.

6:55

Here.

6:56

Raymond.

6:57

Here.

6:58

Scott Roundtree.

7:00

Present.

7:01

Silva, absent, President Crump.

7:04

President.

7:05

Good afternoon, Council President, Council members.

7:08

We are on page three of the agenda.

7:10

Ordinances on public hearing, second reading, and final passage.

7:15

Item 6P SFA is an ordinance amending public safety personnel to add definition to the basic training course when hiring entry-level law enforcement officers without an examination.

7:28

Is there anyone present wishing to be heard on this ordinance?

7:41

Good morning.

7:42

I think it's still morning.

7:43

No, afternoon.

7:44

My bad.

7:46

Deborah Salter.

7:48

So I guess I would like to know what the uh level of training is going to be.

7:57

Um, because there are no specifics.

8:01

Just like, you know, I mean, number one, without the examination, we went through all of that before.

8:08

And, you know, what does that make it better for those who went through the grueling process?

8:16

And then it got relaxed, and I understand why it happened because we needed officers.

8:22

Because when we told you all that we were going to have a mass retirement, well, again, we were haters and we didn't know what we were talking about.

8:31

And then it happened.

8:33

So I would just like more explanation about this examination because uh to add definition to the basic training course.

8:44

Because I'm going to tell you, these officers that are out here now that are fresh out of training, are like deer and headlights.

8:53

So I don't know what kind of training they have received.

8:56

You have six-monthers training, three months, a year training, six months.

9:01

We don't have our veterans out here training these folk on what to do.

9:05

They're TikToking, their uh FaceTiming, they're sleeping, they're watching cars go through red lights, they're sitting there.

9:14

So I don't know what kind of training they have received.

9:18

So I would like some definition about this definition being added to the entry-level training.

9:27

Thank you for your comments.

9:29

Next speaker.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety███████████████15%

Community Engagement███████████████15%

Procedural████████████12%

Public Engagement████████████12%

Affordable Housing█████████9%

Corruption Prevention█████████9%

Arts And Culture█████5%

Pending Litigation█████5%

Transportation Safety███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - November 7, 2024

The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on November 7, 2024, at 12:30 PM in the Council Chamber of City Hall. Presided over by Council President C. Lawrence Crump, the meeting addressed multiple ordinances, resolutions, and community benefits agreements. Public testimony covered topics including police training and pay, affordable housing, community benefits, and city surveillance. Several items were debated and amended before final votes.

Consent Calendar

7R1A-B, 7R1D-E: Budget insertions for community health workers and cooperative purchasing agreements for a telescope aerial device and office supplies. Adopted unanimously.
7R2D, 7R2E, 7R2F, 7R2G: Private sale/redevelopment agreements for new housing construction and side yard creation in South and West Wards. Adopted (7R2D: 7-0-0; others unanimous).
7R3A-B: Bid contract for Ferry Street Intersection Safety Improvements ($5,999,910.79) and host municipality agreement for solid waste facility. Adopted.
7R5A: Grant acceptance for COVID-19 community health workers ($123,000). Adopted.
7R6BAS: Settlement of civil litigation ($120,000). Adopted.
7R8A-E: Reappointment to Board of Adjustment, ceremonial street designations, and recognizing/commending resolutions. Adopted.
7R12A: Professional engineering services for Pequannock Aqueducts survey ($176,150). Adopted.
8B-F: Reappointments to Hispanic Commission and ordinance on procurement cards. Adopted.
6PSF-b: Ordinance amending ceremonial street dedication requirements. Adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Ordinance 6PSF-a (police training): Deborah Salters questioned the lack of specificity in the basic training course definition and raised concerns about officer preparedness, pay delays, and equipment. Felicia Austin Singleton emphasized the need for psychological support and timely pay for officers. Alif Muhammad supported the ordinance as a way to increase minority recruitment. Angela Williamson shared positive experiences with police but noted issues with report-taking. Bernard Rollins stressed the need for culturally competent training. Anthony D'Angelo reported illegal vehicle operations and police reluctance to take reports.
On 7R2H (NJPAC Community Benefits Agreement): Multiple speakers criticized the involvement of LM (developer) in the project, citing poor conditions at Georgia King Village. Alif Muhammad accused LM of corruption and called for better negotiation. Deborah Salters questioned the distribution of arts funding (e.g., $250,000 over three years) and affordable housing percentages. Councilman Kelly clarified that LM's role was limited and that new management (Joon) had been installed at Georgia King Village, and he had withheld his vote until LM's involvement was clarified.
On 7R2I (Forest Hill House Community Benefits Agreement): George Tillman Jr. asked whether the developer owed the city $1.5 million from a previous project. Councilman Ramos corrected that the property in question (505 Mount Prospect) is owned by a different entity than the one owing the debt. Deborah Salters and Felicia Austin Singleton praised the project but called for lower AMI percentages and attention to displaced seniors from public housing.
Hearing of Citizens: Alif Muhammad alleged corruption involving the mayor and Adina (developer), citing a failed joint venture. Colleen Fields criticized resident treatment at Lincoln Towers and alleged voting disenfranchisement. Lisa Mitchell-Parker did not appear. Felicia Austin Singleton criticized the council for police pay issues and lead pipe contamination. Deborah Salters reported deplorable conditions at 25 Summit Street (public housing) and demanded accountability for tree-related sidewalk damage. Angela Williamson shared her experience as an artist and public housing resident, advocating for food, water, and land access. George Tillman Jr. reported on a meeting about Newark Works and identified failures in job posting and affirmative action enforcement. Opal Wright read legal citations. Fakira Bradley thanked the city for resolving her housing issue. Lamont Vaughn defended Khalil Tutt and the Office of Violence Prevention against defamation by a police lieutenant. Anthony D'Angelo warned about impending loss of federal funding due to sanctuary city status and urged support for ICE. Bernard Rollins questioned police seizure of his DVR without compensation. Ché Colter requested a hand drum ceremony at meetings, a library card initiative for children, and increased airport revenue.

Discussion Items

6PSF-a (Ordinance on police training): The ordinance amended Title II to define the basic training course timeframe for entry-level officers hired without examination. Deputy Director Sharonda Morris explained that the change only adds the length of time from hire to academy completion, and that training is identical to civil service. Councilman Gonzalez raised concerns about police driving accidents and retraining. The ordinance passed 7-0.
7R1C (Budget insertion for surveillance cameras): Councilman Ramos requested a status report on the operational status of existing city surveillance cameras. The Administration agreed to provide information. The resolution was adopted.
7R2A (Private sale for city employee housing): This resolution for new construction of a two-family home and rehabilitation of a three-family home failed to adopt. Voting: 5 in favor, 3 abstentions (Quintana, Ramos, Silva abstained; Council, Gonzalez, Kelly, Scott-Rountree, Crump voted yes). The clerk declared the item failed.
7R2B and 7R2C: Deferred at the request of Councilman Kelly.
7R2H (NJPAC CBA): Brandy Daniel of EHD detailed the $150,000 arts education funding, $150,000 job training funds, $150,000 arts initiatives, and $250,000 programming over three years. After public comment, Councilman Kelly defended his position and noted the city's pressure on LM. The CBA passed 5-2 (Kelly and Silva abstained; Council, Gonzalez, Quintana, Ramos, Scott-Rountree, Crump voted yes).
7R2I (Forest Hill House CBA): Brandy Daniel outlined a one-time $25,000 contribution and annual $100,000 service program for seniors. Councilman Ramos corrected Mr. Tillman's confusion with another property. The CBA passed unanimously.
7R1FAS (SEIU Local 617 collective bargaining agreement): Initially adopted, Councilman Gonzalez noted the "average cost per year" language implied a total of $48 million, but BA clarified it was $5 million per year. The council moved to reconsider, amended to remove the ambiguous phrase, and adopted as amended.
7R1GAS (Police deputy chiefs labor agreement): Adopted after BA confirmed the cost per year figure was correct.
7R9AAS (Professional services contract for psychological counseling): Councilman Gonzalez raised historical discrimination complaints against the institute, and Councilwoman Scott-Rountree recalled past issues. The BA argued the contract was needed for police hiring. A motion to defer passed 5-1-1 (Councilman Council opposed, President Crump abstained; Kelly, Quintana, Ramos, Scott-Rountree, Silva voted to defer).
8A, 9A, 9B: Deferred.

Key Outcomes

Ordinances: 6PSF-a and 6PSF-b were adopted unanimously.
Failed Resolution: 7R2A (private sale for city employee housing) failed to adopt (5-0-3).
Deferred Items: 7R2B, 7R2C, 7R6A, 7R9AAS, 8A, 9A, 9B were deferred.
Amended Resolution: 7R1FAS (SEIU contract) was amended to remove a misleading cost phrase and then adopted.
Community Benefits Agreements: 7R2H (NJPAC) adopted 5-2; 7R2I (Forest Hill House) adopted unanimously.
Police Training Ordinance: Adopted with clarification from administration.
Surveillance Camera Status: Councilman Ramos requested a report on operational cameras; administration agreed.
Local Procurement: Councilman Council urged inclusion of local vendors in contracts.
Affirmative Action Compliance: George Tillman Jr. highlighted that Newark Works job portal has no postings and the Affirmative Action Review Council is not meeting; requested council action.
Veterans Service Office: Grand opening announced for November 8, 2024.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon. Welcome to the regular meeting of the New York Municipal Council on Thursday, November seventh, twenty twenty four. Please stand for the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation by Reverend Morsey Weirwick. Whose broad strides and I say that you're not going to be able to do that. And uh maybe as many of you are at least as many in our country I'm mourning these days. Care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share. Gracious God, we pray for our public servants that they to their, that they do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Inspire them to use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life. Guide our leaders to govern in such a way that all people enjoy a peaceful and just society. Eternal God, your word brought forth creation, and your spirit brings order out of chaos and confusion. You breathe upon us, and we are able to hear one another with language we can understand. Pour out your spirit upon us that even when we disagree on the way forward, we remain in united in your love. And especially today, our God, we ask for your blessings over these people's house, our elected leaders here, our mayor, and all the workers in this building, that they may be able to lead with wisdom and justice, representing with fairness all the people who sent them here. Bless this great city of Newark also, O Lord. In your holy name we pray. Amen. Amen. In accordance with New Jersey law, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided to the Star Ledger, the Jersey Journal, and the public at large, establishing the date, time, and location of this meeting. In addition, the agenda for this meeting was disseminated on November 1st, 2024, at the time of preparation and posted on the website of the City of Newark. Roll call. Council? President. Gonzalez. Present. Kelly? Yeah. Here. Raymond. Here. Scott Roundtree. Present. Silva, absent, President Crump. President. Good afternoon, Council President, Council members. We are on page three of the agenda. Ordinances on public hearing, second reading, and final passage. Item 6P SFA is an ordinance amending public safety personnel to add definition to the basic training course when hiring entry-level law enforcement officers without an examination. Is there anyone present wishing to be heard on this ordinance? Good morning. I think it's still morning. No, afternoon. My bad. Deborah Salter. So I guess I would like to know what the uh level of training is going to be. Um, because there are no specifics. Just like, you know, I mean, number one, without the examination, we went through all of that before. And, you know, what does that make it better for those who went through the grueling process? And then it got relaxed, and I understand why it happened because we needed officers. Because when we told you all that we were going to have a mass retirement, well, again, we were haters and we didn't know what we were talking about. And then it happened.

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Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - November 7, 2024

Consent Calendar

7R1A-B, 7R1D-E: Budget insertions for community health workers and cooperative purchasing agreements for a telescope aerial device and office supplies. Adopted unanimously.

7R2D, 7R2E, 7R2F, 7R2G: Private sale/redevelopment agreements for new housing construction and side yard creation in South and West Wards. Adopted (7R2D: 7-0-0; others unanimous).

7R3A-B: Bid contract for Ferry Street Intersection Safety Improvements ($5,999,910.79) and host municipality agreement for solid waste facility. Adopted.

7R5A: Grant acceptance for COVID-19 community health workers ($123,000). Adopted.

7R6BAS: Settlement of civil litigation ($120,000). Adopted.

7R8A-E: Reappointment to Board of Adjustment, ceremonial street designations, and recognizing/commending resolutions. Adopted.

7R12A: Professional engineering services for Pequannock Aqueducts survey ($176,150). Adopted.

8B-F: Reappointments to Hispanic Commission and ordinance on procurement cards. Adopted.

6PSF-b: Ordinance amending ceremonial street dedication requirements. Adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Ordinance 6PSF-a (police training): Deborah Salters questioned the lack of specificity in the basic training course definition and raised concerns about officer preparedness, pay delays, and equipment. Felicia Austin Singleton emphasized the need for psychological support and timely pay for officers. Alif Muhammad supported the ordinance as a way to increase minority recruitment. Angela Williamson shared positive experiences with police but noted issues with report-taking. Bernard Rollins stressed the need for culturally competent training. Anthony D'Angelo reported illegal vehicle operations and police reluctance to take reports.

On 7R2H (NJPAC Community Benefits Agreement): Multiple speakers criticized the involvement of LM (developer) in the project, citing poor conditions at Georgia King Village. Alif Muhammad accused LM of corruption and called for better negotiation. Deborah Salters questioned the distribution of arts funding (e.g., $250,000 over three years) and affordable housing percentages. Councilman Kelly clarified that LM's role was limited and that new management (Joon) had been installed at Georgia King Village, and he had withheld his vote until LM's involvement was clarified.

On 7R2I (Forest Hill House Community Benefits Agreement): George Tillman Jr. asked whether the developer owed the city $1.5 million from a previous project. Councilman Ramos corrected that the property in question (505 Mount Prospect) is owned by a different entity than the one owing the debt. Deborah Salters and Felicia Austin Singleton praised the project but called for lower AMI percentages and attention to displaced seniors from public housing.

Hearing of Citizens: Alif Muhammad alleged corruption involving the mayor and Adina (developer), citing a failed joint venture. Colleen Fields criticized resident treatment at Lincoln Towers and alleged voting disenfranchisement. Lisa Mitchell-Parker did not appear. Felicia Austin Singleton criticized the council for police pay issues and lead pipe contamination. Deborah Salters reported deplorable conditions at 25 Summit Street (public housing) and demanded accountability for tree-related sidewalk damage. Angela Williamson shared her experience as an artist and public housing resident, advocating for food, water, and land access. George Tillman Jr. reported on a meeting about Newark Works and identified failures in job posting and affirmative action enforcement. Opal Wright read legal citations. Fakira Bradley thanked the city for resolving her housing issue. Lamont Vaughn defended Khalil Tutt and the Office of Violence Prevention against defamation by a police lieutenant. Anthony D'Angelo warned about impending loss of federal funding due to sanctuary city status and urged support for ICE. Bernard Rollins questioned police seizure of his DVR without compensation. Ché Colter requested a hand drum ceremony at meetings, a library card initiative for children, and increased airport revenue.

Discussion Items

6PSF-a (Ordinance on police training): The ordinance amended Title II to define the basic training course timeframe for entry-level officers hired without examination. Deputy Director Sharonda Morris explained that the change only adds the length of time from hire to academy completion, and that training is identical to civil service. Councilman Gonzalez raised concerns about police driving accidents and retraining. The ordinance passed 7-0.

7R1C (Budget insertion for surveillance cameras): Councilman Ramos requested a status report on the operational status of existing city surveillance cameras. The Administration agreed to provide information. The resolution was adopted.

7R2A (Private sale for city employee housing): This resolution for new construction of a two-family home and rehabilitation of a three-family home failed to adopt. Voting: 5 in favor, 3 abstentions (Quintana, Ramos, Silva abstained; Council, Gonzalez, Kelly, Scott-Rountree, Crump voted yes). The clerk declared the item failed.

7R2B and 7R2C: Deferred at the request of Councilman Kelly.

7R2H (NJPAC CBA): Brandy Daniel of EHD detailed the $150,000 arts education funding, $150,000 job training funds, $150,000 arts initiatives, and $250,000 programming over three years. After public comment, Councilman Kelly defended his position and noted the city's pressure on LM. The CBA passed 5-2 (Kelly and Silva abstained; Council, Gonzalez, Quintana, Ramos, Scott-Rountree, Crump voted yes).

7R2I (Forest Hill House CBA): Brandy Daniel outlined a one-time $25,000 contribution and annual $100,000 service program for seniors. Councilman Ramos corrected Mr. Tillman's confusion with another property. The CBA passed unanimously.

7R1FAS (SEIU Local 617 collective bargaining agreement): Initially adopted, Councilman Gonzalez noted the "average cost per year" language implied a total of $48 million, but BA clarified it was $5 million per year. The council moved to reconsider, amended to remove the ambiguous phrase, and adopted as amended.

7R1GAS (Police deputy chiefs labor agreement): Adopted after BA confirmed the cost per year figure was correct.

7R9AAS (Professional services contract for psychological counseling): Councilman Gonzalez raised historical discrimination complaints against the institute, and Councilwoman Scott-Rountree recalled past issues. The BA argued the contract was needed for police hiring. A motion to defer passed 5-1-1 (Councilman Council opposed, President Crump abstained; Kelly, Quintana, Ramos, Scott-Rountree, Silva voted to defer).

8A, 9A, 9B: Deferred.

Key Outcomes

Ordinances: 6PSF-a and 6PSF-b were adopted unanimously.

Failed Resolution: 7R2A (private sale for city employee housing) failed to adopt (5-0-3).

Deferred Items: 7R2B, 7R2C, 7R6A, 7R9AAS, 8A, 9A, 9B were deferred.

Amended Resolution: 7R1FAS (SEIU contract) was amended to remove a misleading cost phrase and then adopted.

Community Benefits Agreements: 7R2H (NJPAC) adopted 5-2; 7R2I (Forest Hill House) adopted unanimously.

Police Training Ordinance: Adopted with clarification from administration.

Surveillance Camera Status: Councilman Ramos requested a report on operational cameras; administration agreed.

Local Procurement: Councilman Council urged inclusion of local vendors in contracts.

Affirmative Action Compliance: George Tillman Jr. highlighted that Newark Works job portal has no postings and the Affirmative Action Review Council is not meeting; requested council action.

Veterans Service Office: Grand opening announced for November 8, 2024.

Meeting Transcript