Vineland City Council Regular Meeting – April 28, 2026

The Vineland City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Members present: Council President Paul Spinelli, Councilmember Dr. Elizabeth Arthur, Councilmember Scott English, and Councilmember Albert Vargas. Absent: Vice President Cruz Gomez. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Wallace School and the approval of the minutes from the April 14 and April 21, 2026 meetings. Departing from the published agenda order, the Council immediately took up two resolutions authorizing closed sessions, then considered and unanimously voted to terminate a Housing Authority commissioner before opening the floor to public testimony. Most legislative actions were approved by 4-0 votes. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes of the pre-meeting conference and regular meeting of April 14, 2026, and the work session of April 21, 2026.
• Adoption of the consent agenda encompassing 21 resolutions (Nos. 2026-180 through 2026-194 and 2026-197 through 2026-203), including: transfer of a school bus to the Police Athletic League; a July 4 fireworks contract; construction management, environmental testing, broadband software, and radio maintenance agreements; forgivable loans for Project Beautify Phase II; handgun purchase; paving on Spring Road; taxicab license authorizations; a resolution supporting the restriction of bicycle traffic on Route 55; a grant from the NEHA/FDA; emergency appropriations; and other routine authorizations.
• Resolution 2026-196 authorizing the 2026 municipal budget to be read by title, and the public hearing on the budget (no public comment).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ramon Mora (Vineland resident) criticized the Council for refusing to take a clear stance on ICE enforcement, alleging racial profiling and wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, especially in Latino communities.
• Elora Malet (Vineland resident) countered claims that COVID-19 is not real, citing death tolls and personal experiences, and defended public health measures. She also criticized the group “True North” for lacking compassion toward homeless individuals and called out educators who rely on AI for lesson planning.
• Mandy Nichols (Buena Borough) defended the Landis Theater and its owner Ray Mamrak, accusing the city of mismanagement, broken promises, and lack of transparency. She questioned the handling of grant money and the influence of the proposed data center on the theater’s fate.
• Hector Baez (Vineland resident) expressed support for the Landis Theater and asked that it continue hosting tribute bands and live music.
• Maria Cisneros (Vineland resident) opposed the decision to stop funding the animal shelter, arguing it is an essential public service. She raised concerns about the lack of a contingency plan, overpopulation, and irresponsible backyard breeding, and demanded short- and long-term solutions.
• Robert Nichols (Buena Borough) defended Ray Mamrak, criticized the city for neglect and repeated broken promises, and compared Vineland unfavorably to Millville’s support for its theater. He expressed deep worry about Mamrak’s wellbeing.
• Diane Garrity (Vineland resident) stressed the Landis Theater’s role as a vital outlet for youth, especially those with special needs, and warned that loss of such programs could lead to increased youth delinquency. She also raised concerns about animal control.
• Andrea Land (Vineland resident) opposed a planned housing development, arguing it would worsen traffic and accident risks on Lincoln Avenue. She claimed the city’s environmental impact statement for the data center was not a proper study and that the public was blindsided by the project’s rapid advancement.
• Larry Garrity (Vineland resident) criticized the loss of the animal shelter and Landis Theater, suggested a ban on future data centers, and called for greater efforts to involve residents in municipal decision-making.
• Karen Freeman (neighbor of the data center) complained about the constant hum from the facility, reporting headaches and dizziness. She expressed concerns about declining property values and said city officials have ignored residents’ wellbeing.
• Helen Petritus (Vineland resident) questioned why development projects are proceeding before zoning approval is complete. She asked about financial transparency regarding employee healthcare costs and the process for selecting contractors, and noted that the public lacks understanding of decision-making.

Closed Session and Personnel Actions

• The Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-179 authorizing a closed session to discuss litigation matters involving the city, the fire department, and legal counsel.
• The Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-195 authorizing a closed session to deliberate personnel charges against Elizabeth Viera S/N Serrano, Commissioner of the Vineland Housing Authority.
• After the closed session, in open meeting, the Council voted 4‑0 to affirm six charges against Serrano and then adopted Resolution 2026-204 terminating her appointment as Housing Authority Commissioner.

Note: On the published agenda these items were listed later in the meeting, but they were taken up immediately after the approval of minutes on April 28.

Ordinances Adopted (Final Reading)

Seven ordinances received a public hearing and were adopted on final reading by 4‑0 votes:

• 2026-23 – Transfer of certain industrial property to the Vineland Industrial Commission and sale of said property.
• 2026-24 – Acquisition of Block 1604, Lot 1.01 from South Vineland Little League and acceptance of $82,783.33 for design and construction of batting cages at Landis Park.
• 2026-25 – Reassigning and establishing Chapter 224 (Animals) within the Department of Health.
• 2026-26 – Amending the classification and compensation plan to add the position of Senior Security Guard.
• 2026-27 – Ratifying and renewing vacation of the unimproved extension of Cornell Street right‑of‑way.
• 2026-28 – Amending the Municipal Alliance Committee ordinance.
• 2026-29 – Amending a property acquisition contract and prior ordinance for properties at 34 W. Park Avenue (rear) and Amos Avenue.

Ordinances for First Reading

Three ordinances were passed on first reading, with public hearings set for May 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM:

• 2026-30 – Adding the position of Storekeeper 1 to the city’s classification and compensation plan.
• 2026-31 – Supplementing an ordinance authorizing acquisition of 2040 Maple Avenue for recreational purposes via purchase or condemnation.
• 2026-32 – Amending requirements for subdivision plats and site plan details.

Resolution Actions and Consent Agenda

• The Council held a public hearing on the Calendar Year 2026 Municipal Budget; no one from the public spoke, and the hearing was closed.
• All remaining resolutions (Nos. 2026-180–194 and 2026-197–203) were approved as a consent agenda. Notable among them: acceptance of a 55‑passenger school bus for the Police Athletic League; awards for fireworks, construction management, laboratory services, broadband software, radio maintenance, and paving; supporting the restriction of bicycle traffic on Route 55; acceptance of two NEHA/FDA grants; submission of a MERP grant application; consent to water quality plan amendments for the Double Eagle Saloon and the Utopia Area Sewer Project; temporary emergency appropriations; and approval of fire company members.

Motion and Referral

• The Council voted 4‑0 to refer to the Planning Board a request to amend the Center City Redevelopment Plan at 225 West Landis Avenue (Block 3802, Lot 7). The amendment would change the permitted use from first‑floor commercial/second‑floor residential to full apartment use on both floors.

Adjournment

Councilmember Dr. Arthur thanked the Wallace School students for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.