Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - August 5, 2026
Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - August 5, 2026
The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 12:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The agenda included public hearings on three ordinances, en bloc adoption of numerous resolutions, appointments, and a lengthy public comment period. Key topics included amendments to cannabis regulations, sale of city properties for redevelopment, a 25-year tax abatement (deferred), emergency appropriations, and multiple resolutions for contracts and grants. The meeting also featured extensive public testimony on budget transparency, housing conditions, public safety, and community concerns. Several items were deferred, and a resolution regarding the Newark Alliance budget was initially defeated then reconsidered and adopted after the Business Administrator committed to providing additional information.
Consent Calendar
- Resolutions 7R1a through 7R1u (Administration) – including temporary emergency appropriations, purchasing contracts, and grants – were adopted en bloc with some individual abstentions and no votes (e.g., Councilwoman Jackson abstained on 7R1m, Councilwoman Bay and others on 7R1G and 7R1H after discussion).
- Resolutions 7R2a, 7R2b, 7R2e, and 7R2h (Private Sale/Redevelopment) were adopted as noted.
- Resolutions 7R3a through 7R3e (Engineering) adopted en bloc (Councilwoman Jackson abstained on all).
- Resolution 7R4a (Tax Sale) adopted (Councilwoman Jackson voted no).
- Resolutions 7R5a through 7R5f (Health) adopted en bloc.
- Resolutions 7R6a, 7R6c through 7R6h (Law settlements) adopted en bloc.
- Resolution 7R6b (Referral of shipping container ordinance) adopted (Councilman Ramos abstained).
- Resolution 7R8a (Appointment to Second River Joint Meeting) amended on the floor to appoint Councilman Kelly instead of Councilwoman Bey; adopted as amended.
- Resolutions 7R8b, 7R8c, 7R8e, 7R8g, 7R8h (Ceremonial street designations, hold harmless, waiving fees) adopted.
- Resolutions 7R8i and 7R8j (Recognitions and expressions of sorrow) adopted.
- Resolution 7R10a (Grant for litter abatement) adopted.
- Resolutions 7R12a and 7R12b (Water/Sewer) adopted (Councilwoman Jackson abstained on 7R12b).
- Communications 8a through 8c, 8e through 8l (Appointments) adopted.
- Several last-minute added items (7R1v, 7R2n, 7R2o, 7R3f, 7R6i, 7R6j, 7R8k, 7R8l) adopted en bloc with Councilman Kelly absent.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Deborah Salter and others opposed Ordinance 6PSF-a, arguing Newark already has too many cannabis shops and expressing concerns about security and youth exposure.
- Lisa Mitchelson-Parker called for a forensic audit of city finances, criticized the sale of properties to Invest Newark, and demanded transparency.
- Alif Muhammad urged enforcement of security at Newark Housing Authority properties, referencing HUD conflict-of-interest rules and contracts.
- Deborah Salters (again) challenged the budget hearing process, questioned hiring freezes and raises for managers, and demanded a per-department public comment opportunity.
- Quasan Hunter Redmond requested a security camera at South 15th Street and Madison Street, citing car break-ins and drug activity.
- Opal R. Wright referenced the Dodd-Frank Act and ARPA funds, calling for proper use of federal assistance for homeowners.
- H. Freeman highlighted flooding and code enforcement failures, calling for comprehensive inspections and remediation.
- Sheila Montague reported water quality complaints (bleach smell) and park safety issues in the West Ward.
- Cheryll Bogar described sewer backups, street sweeping problems, and an abandoned house with squatters.
- Darnella Lee complained about illegal towing, mold, and threats at her apartment building, requesting intervention.
- Jacqueline Limehouse (via proxy) advocated for domestic violence awareness and services.
- Latoya Jackson-Tucker thanked officials for community event support but raised a parking ticket grievance.
- Rodney Davis condemned sexual assault and urged the council to withhold contracts from offending developers.
- Shakeal Moore delivered a moral exhortation, urging humility and accountability under God.
- Leon Reed and Reginald Turner described unhealthy conditions at 1060 Broad Street (senior building), including chemical spraying, theft, infestations, and poor management.
- Queen Dannisha Clyburn (McDonald's community liaison) requested council support for back-to-school events and reported a human trafficking case.
- Sister Atiyah Bey requested a resolution for Arts High School’s 50th reunion and praised the Fashion Entertainment Board.
- Yusuf A. Shabazz defended the business Beyond Soul, disputing code enforcement claims; the Business Administrator countered with photos of violations.
- Clara R. Hazel reported a leaning utility pole and unsafe conditions near Franklin Street.
- Carmella Bowers a senior, complained about being denied senior daycare because she has Medicare, not Medicaid.
- Walter Jacobs thanked the council and mayor, expressed concern about rent increases.
- Jhamar Youngblood proposed a full transparency ordinance and a public decision resolution for greater civic engagement.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance 6PSF-a (Cannabis Regulations): Councilman Council stated the ordinance removes the requirement for 24-hour armed security when cannabis businesses are closed, allowing use of cameras and other security instead. Vinea Walker (Cannabis Program) explained this helps small businesses reduce costs. Public speakers opposed the change, citing safety risks. The ordinance passed.
- Ordinance 6PSF-b (Sale and Transfer of Properties): Brandy Daniel (EHD) listed the six properties and described the solicitation process, including a January 2026 information session with over 100 developers. Newark developers were given priority. Council members asked for better listing of properties in future agendas. Passed.
- Ordinance 6PSF-c (25-year Tax Abatement for 636 MLK): Deferred on a motion by Councilwoman Jackson, who said she had not received requested information. Seconded and passed.
- Resolution 7R1f (Emergency Appropriation for August): Councilwoman Jackson explained she voted yes to ensure city employees get paid, despite her opposition to repeated emergency appropriations. She noted discussions with the Local Finance Board. Passed.
- Resolution 7R2L (Newark Alliance Budget): Initially failed (4-5? actually recorded as fail on roll call). Business Administrator Eric Pennington explained it increases the administrative fee from 1% to 2% and does not increase the overall budget. Councilwoman Bay requested accountability from Newark Alliance. Pennington promised a presentation in September and a letter with requested information. The council then reconsidered and adopted the resolution.
- Budget Hearing Comments: Multiple speakers criticized the lack of per-department breakdown and insufficient public input time.
- Youth Summer Employment: Director Aisia Hemingway stated about 1,000 of 1,300 youth were paid via direct deposit. Councilwoman Jackson reported over 100 text messages from unpaid participants. They agreed to meet later.
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance 6PSF-a (Cannabis amendment): Adopted unanimously (Councilman Silva excused).
- Ordinance 6PSF-b (Property sale): Adopted unanimously.
- Ordinance 6PSF-c (Tax abatement): Deferred unanimously.
- Resolution 7R1a-7R1u: Adopted en bloc with individual variations (see votes in transcript).
- Resolution 7R1f: Adopted (Councilman Council voted yes, others as noted).
- Resolution 7R2L: Reconsidered and adopted (8-0-1? actual count: Bay yes, Council yes, Crump yes, Jackson no?, Kelly yes, Ramos yes, Scott-Rountree yes, Quintana yes).
- Resolution 7R8a: Amended on floor to appoint Councilman Kelly; adopted.
- Communications (Appointments): Most confirmed; 8d deferred.
- Ordinances introduced on first reading: 8m (deed restriction), 8n (corrective deeds), 8o (Live Newark loan forgiveness amended to $30,000), 8p (Wayne Pump Station), 8q (party venues), 9b (property compliance cost recovery).
- Pending business: 9a (LGBTQ advisory commission appointment) adopted; 9b (housing code amendment) advanced to first reading.
- Last-minute items: 7R1v, 7R2n, 7R2o, 7R3f, 7R6i, 7R6j, 7R8k, 7R8l adopted; 8r and 8s advanced to first reading.
- Next meeting: Scheduled for September 9, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon. Welcome to the regular meeting of the North Municipal Council on Wednesday, August 5th. Please stand for the National Anthem, a Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation by Pastor Robert L. Cole, Jr. of Holy Temple Free Will Baptist Church. And pride's done us for the land. One nation. And I greet you all in that wonderful strong name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Might we pray Spirit of the Living God. Fall fresh here on today. Lord, before we ask you for anything, we certainly want to thank you for everything. Lord, you are good. You have been better than good. We can't thank you enough. We owe you our lives. Lord, you have been so good to each and every one of us. You allowed us to come together once again one more time. And for that we say thank you. We ask you now, God that you will forgive us for each of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. We pray now, God that you will remember our council president, our council members. And God, I pray God that you will keep them now, guide them, govern them now, give them discernment, God, give them wisdom, God, to guide and learn and grow in this government. We pray now, God, that you will bless these great men and women here, this great city of North, God bless every business owner, bless every family, bless every constituent, everyone that's connected here in these five wards of North. Lord, we thank you now, God, for the fellowship. We pray now, God that you will build a stronger bond, bridge it, Lord, between people and government. We pray now, God that you will allow them to come to the microphone, and you will do what you have asked us to do in the word. Ask, and it shall be given. Seek, and we shall find. Knock, and the door shall be open. We come against you, enemy. We come against you, Satan, who comes in to cause chaos, mayhem, and destruction. We pray now, God that you will fill the room. Give us peace, give us order, and give us comfort. We love you today, and we thank you in advance for all that you're about to do and all that you will do. These are all the blessings we ask in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And together we say, I mean, a man, and thank God. Yes. Oops, 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 July 31st at the time of preparation and posted on the city's website. Roll call. Council. President. Jackson, absent. Kelly. President. Ramos. Absent. Scott Roundtree. Present. Absent. President.
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