Newark Municipal Council Special Meeting – September 9, 2025

The Newark Municipal Council held a special meeting on September 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Council Chamber. Council President C. Lawrence Crump presided. The meeting was called to order with six members present; Council Members Louise Scott-Rountree and Michael J. Silva arrived later, bringing the total to eight. The agenda included one ordinance authorizing a special emergency appropriation for severance liabilities, two resolutions (a hold harmless agreement and a proprietary computer system contract), and a 30-minute public comment period. All items were adopted unanimously (7-0-1, with Silva absent for the votes). The meeting adjourned at 10:15 AM.

Public Hearing and Ordinance Adoption

• 6PSF-a(s) 25-1159: Ordinance authorizing a special emergency appropriation of $20,000,000 to fund contractually required severance liabilities. Acting Director of Finance Benjamin Guzman explained that the city may declare a special emergency to budget the cost over five years or issue bond anticipation notes. A council member inquired about leases and payments; Guzman stated the information was being gathered. Public hearing was opened; no one spoke. The public hearing was closed, and the ordinance was adopted by a vote of 7-0-1 (Michael J. Silva absent).

Resolutions

• 7R8-a(s) 25-1198: Hold harmless and indemnification agreement for the “Golden Queen Event” at Newark Symphony Hall on September 10, 2025. Sponsor Council Member Luis A. Quintana clarified that the event is at no taxpayer expense, as all costs have been raised. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 7-0-1 (Silva absent).
• 7R8-b(s) 25-1207: Exception to public bidding (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(dd)) for a proprietary computer system contract with Property Pilot LLC dba GovPilot. The contract, not to exceed $91,560.00, covers hosting, support, upgrades, maintenance, and managed services for processing Marriage Applications and Open Records Act Requests. The contract period is September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2027. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 7-0-1 (Silva absent).

Public Comments

• David B. Amerikaner, attorney for Benjamin Moore & Company, provided public comment. He stated that Benjamin Moore has operated a paint manufacturing facility in Newark since 1925, employs 84 people, and is a good corporate citizen. He expressed concern that the city has not responded to a letter sent June 23, 2025, regarding the blighted designation of the property and a redevelopment agreement with the Morris companies that grants eminent domain power. He asked the council to follow through on a 2024 resolution to conduct a new study and create a new redevelopment plan, and argued that the current redevelopment agreement is invalid due to missed deadlines. He left copies of the letter for council members.
• Debra Salters, a Newark resident and safety trainer (OSHA 30, CPR, First Aid, AED), complained about harassment from a city employee named Kathy. She alleged that Kathy interfered with her classes, and when she refused to certify an underperforming student, she received harassing text messages, including threats to “go to the mayor.” She read a text message calling her “egotistical” and stating she was “banned from the food drive.” Salters stated she was already banned from working in the city in 2018 and is not afraid to speak out.
• Response from Eric Pennington, Business Administrator: Mr. Pennington addressed the Benjamin Moore comment. He stated that he received a copy of the attorney’s letter but found it “wholly inappropriate” to come to the council without first contacting his office. He noted that the president of Benjamin Moore had met with the mayor and him over a year ago and the issues were thought resolved. He said the city will respond in due course, has outside counsel looking into the matter, and will keep the council informed if litigation arises.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 25-1159 (special emergency appropriation for $20,000,000) adopted.
• Resolution 25-1198 (hold harmless for Golden Queen Event) adopted.
• Resolution 25-1207 (GovPilot contract) adopted.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:15 AM.