9 speakers · 10,153 words of public testimony
>> Thank Thank you. >> Uh I'm sorry. Go ahead.
>> Uh I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Sorry. council. >> Don't worry about it. I do it all the >> Don't worry about it. I do it all the >> Don't worry about it. I do it all the time. time. >> Uh uh council members, I apologize. The >> Uh uh council members, I apologize. The >> Uh uh council members, I apologize. The uh the the first added starter uh that uh the the first added starter uh that involved water and sewer. Uh we actually involved water and sewer. Uh we actually involved water and sewer. Uh we actually I didn't recognize the fact that they I didn't recognize the fact that they needed it. Um uh of course the needed it. Um uh of course the director's here to explain a little bit director's here to explain a little bit about it. about it. >> First add that you talked about >> First add that you talked about >> First add that you talked about >> I think we were good but go ahead bring >> I think we were good but go ahead bring >> I think we were good but go ahead bring them up now. Don't talk too much. You them up now. Don't talk too much. You might talk yourself out of it. Come on. >> When they when they say when the judge >> When they when they say when the judge bruising your baby, you sit down and bruising your baby, you sit down and shut up. [laughter]
>> Uh, thank you. Uh, I'm sorry. Go ahead.
>> Uh, thank you. Uh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Uh >> 25-1659 is a resolution of support and Aspire is a resolution of support and Aspire funding. >> I look up and you're already here mayor. >> I look up and you're already here mayor. >> Yes, sir. Uh council president, council >> Yes, sir. Uh council president, council >> Yes, sir. Uh council president, council members, Allison Lad, director of members, Allison Lad, director of economic and housing development. Uh economic and housing development. Uh this request um for an added starter is this request um for an added starter is associated with 69 Sherman. 69 Sherman associated with 69 Sherman. 69 Sherman is a project that you've heard before. is a project that you've heard before. Um, and at this time they are applying Um, and at this time they are applying for Aspire and also New Jersey HMFA tax for Aspire and also New Jersey HMFA tax credits. The reason why it's being credits. The reason why it's being requested as an added starter is because requested as an added starter is because requested as an added starter is because there's a deadline by the end of there's a deadline by the end of December. Um, and second, the reason why December. Um, and second, the reason why December. Um, and second, the reason why it's not on the agenda um, officially is it's not on the agenda um, officially is it's not on the agenda um, officially is because we've asked the applicant to because we've asked the applicant to send us the application. As soon as they send us the application. As soon as they send us the application. As soon as they send us the application, we will be able send us the application, we will be able send us the application, we will be able to advance the item to council. to advance the item to council. Council sponsor item. Council sponsor item. >> Yeah, I want to sponsor. >> Yeah, I want to sponsor. >> I want to second that. >> I want to second that. >> Council uh >> Council uh sponsored by Councilman Council, second sponsored by Councilman Council, second by Councilman Scott Roundry. >> Anything else, Madam Clerk? >> Just a public comment. >> Just a public comment. >> That's it. Um >> That's it. Um so this is…
>> Uh, thank you. Uh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Uh >> 25-1659 is a resolution of support and Aspire is a resolution of support and Aspire funding. >> I look up and you're already here mayor. >> I look up and you're already here mayor. >> Yes, sir. Uh council president, council >> Yes, sir. Uh council president, council >> Yes, sir. Uh council president, council members, Allison Lad, director of members, Allison Lad, director of economic and housing development. Uh economic and housing development. Uh this request um for an added starter is this request um for an added starter is associated with 69 Sherman. 69 Sherman associated with 69 Sherman. 69 Sherman is a project that you've heard before. is a project that you've heard before. Um, and at this time they are applying Um, and at this time they are applying for Aspire and also New Jersey HMFA tax for Aspire and also New Jersey HMFA tax credits. The reason why it's being credits. The reason why it's being requested as an added starter is because requested as an added starter is because requested as an added starter is because there's a deadline by the end of there's a deadline by the end of December. Um, and second, the reason why December. Um, and second, the reason why December. Um, and second, the reason why it's not on the agenda um, officially is it's not on the agenda um, officially is it's not on the agenda um, officially is because we've asked the applicant to because we've asked the applicant to send us the application. As soon as they send us the application. As soon as they send us the application. As soon as they send us the application, we will be able send us the application, we will be able send us the application, we will be able to advance the item to council. to advance the item to council. Council sponsor item. Council sponsor item. >> Yeah, I want to sponsor. >> Yeah, I want to sponsor. >> I want to second that. >> I want to second that. >> Council uh >> Council uh sponsored by Councilman Council, second sponsored by Councilman Council, second by Councilman Scott Roundry. >> Anything else, Madam Clerk? >> Just a public comment. >> Just a public comment. >> That's it. Um >> That's it. Um so this is something I I for the the um so this is something I I for the the um pleasure of the council. We do have uh pleasure of the council. We do have uh director redeem if here who if there are director redeem if here who if there are director redeem if here who if there are any questions regarding snow removal any questions regarding snow removal that occurred. Does the council have that occurred. Does the council have anything they want to ask or anything they want to ask or >> Yeah. Uh councilman did he just walk? >> Yeah. Uh councilman did he just walk? >> Yeah. Uh councilman did he just walk? Okay. Councilman Kelly, >> how you doing? Director Um, I guess my >> how you doing? Director Um, I guess my my inquiry is just to find out if my inquiry is just to find out if there's any machinery down or anything. there's any machinery down or anything. Yesterday I um I called a supervisor in Yesterday I um I called a supervisor in the west ward and told him a few blocks the west ward and told him a few blocks that had not been plowed, still icy, and that had not been plowed, still icy, and that had not been plowed, still icy, and these were calls that I was getting from these were calls that I was getting from these were calls that I was getting from the resident. He assured me that they the resident. He assured me that they would be sent they would send a crew up would be sent they would send a crew up there to take care of it. And then I get there to take care of it. And then I get there to take care of it. And then I get a text this morning that nothing never a text this morning that nothing never happened. So I'm just asking or assuming happened. So I'm just asking or assuming happened. So I'm just asking or assuming if something there was a reason why. if something there was a reason why. [clears throat] [clears throat] >> Council President, council members >> Council President, council members >> Council President, council members Kareem Medine, interimm director DBW. Kareem Medine, interimm director DBW. First, I'm not aware of you calling the First, I'm not aware of you calling the supervisor that appreciate if that would supervisor that appreciate if that would supervisor that appreciate if that would have came to me. We had similar problems have came to me. We had similar problems have came to me. We had similar problems with some of these people probably not with some of these people probably not even at work. We're calling them, but even at work. We're calling them, but they're probably home and they just they're probably home and they just telling you anything. So it was no telling you anything. So it was no things down. I don't we had a couple things down. I don't we had a couple little dead ends that we had problems little dead ends that we had problems getting down. um throughout the city getting down. um throughout the city during the storm. Uh we came back out during the storm. Uh we came back out yesterday and got some of them and we yesterday and got some of them and we salted. So it's a difference between salted. So it's a difference between piling and the ice that was left, the piling and the ice that was left, the ice effect. So I don't want to make sure ice effect. So I don't want to make sure ice effect. So I don't want to make sure we understand some of the tight blocks, we understand some of the tight blocks, a lot of trucks can get down. Some of a lot of trucks can get down. Some of the double parking citywide, we had the double parking citywide, we had about 12 accidents which slows which the about 12 accidents which slows which the about 12 accidents which slows which the salt trucks have to sit there all day salt trucks have to sit there all day until the police come, right? Other until the police come, right? Other things going on. Just want to remind things going on. Just want to remind people um there's no equipment down. you people um there's no equipment down. you people um there's no equipment down. you should also direct all those uh should also direct all those uh complaints to me so I can make sure that complaints to me so I can make sure that complaints to me so I can make sure that we're following up with them. When we we're following up with them. When we start going to supervisors or different start going to supervisors or different people, we don't know that we even people, we don't know that we even getting the complaints. We're not getting the complaints. We're not documenting them, right? Documenting documenting them, right? Documenting with the director, we going to make sure with the director, we going to make sure with the director, we going to make sure we have a followup, right? Because we have a followup, right? Because supervisor tell you anything. Um supervisor tell you anything. Um Councilman Silva, he let me know Councilman Silva, he let me know yesterday. The police said they called yesterday. The police said they called DPW and they said we didn't have any DPW and they said we didn't have any more salt, but he was behind three salt more salt, but he was behind three salt trucks or two salt trucks. So, this is trucks or two salt trucks. So, this is some of the stuff that goes on that, you some of the stuff that goes on that, you some of the stuff that goes on that, you know, when a director don't know, I know, when a director don't know, I don't know who you call on or what don't know who you call on or what street that probably didn't get missed. street that probably didn't get missed. I think our accountability starts with I think our accountability starts with making sure we reach out to the people making sure we reach out to the people at the top so they can follow up on all at the top so they can follow up on all the type of complaints you have. That's the type of complaints you have. That's great to know. I'll definitely reach out great to know. I'll definitely reach out great to know. I'll definitely reach out to you. Um, that that area too, just to to you. Um, that that area too, just to put on record, was Scoffield, which is a put on record, was Scoffield, which is a put on record, was Scoffield, which is a dead end. So, um, probably was what you dead end. So, um, probably was what you said. They couldn't get down the blocks, said. They couldn't get down the blocks, said. They couldn't get down the blocks, but that entire area. but that entire area. >> Yes. And we sent small trucks up there >> Yes. And we sent small trucks up there >> Yes. And we sent small trucks up there yesterday. Now when I leave, yesterday. Now when I leave, >> um I live right up there. So I rode >> um I live right up there. So I rode >> um I live right up there. So I rode through most of those. Colleen through most of those. Colleen Scoffield. Scoffield. So I actually rode through them to make So I actually rode through them to make sure they were done. Some people want it sure they were done. Some people want it sure they were done. Some people want it done more than they think, but once it done more than they think, but once it turns into ice, it's just a salt in the turns into ice, it's just a salt in the Vietnam. It's not. And just want Vietnam. It's not. And just want everybody to remember that. Um salt when everybody to remember that. Um salt when everybody to remember that. Um salt when it get below 20, rock salt don't work. it get below 20, rock salt don't work. Once it once it drops below 20 rock salt Once it once it drops below 20 rock salt Once it once it drops below 20 rock salt don't work. Um this was my first don't work. Um this was my first snowstorm that I actually led which is snowstorm that I actually led which is not a storm but it was five and a half not a storm but it was five and a half inches. Um some best practices that I inches. Um some best practices that I learned. I also reached out to some of learned. I also reached out to some of my colleagues in uh Boston, Detroit, uh my colleagues in uh Boston, Detroit, uh Ann Arbor, Chicago, Green Bay just to Ann Arbor, Chicago, Green Bay just to get some stuff that we should be doing get some stuff that we should be doing right during the snow and after the snow right during the snow and after the snow right during the snow and after the snow because I think there's some ways that because I think there's some ways that we can improve on how we do it. So, I we can improve on how we do it. So, I got that information, some chem line of got that information, some chem line of chemicals that come out that we may not chemicals that come out that we may not be aware, right? But but when when be aware, right? But but when when temperatures go below 20, you're in a temperatures go below 20, you're in a freeze mode. freeze mode. >> Thank you. And thank you, director. >> Thank you. And thank you, director. >> Thank you. And thank you, director. Anything else from the council? Anything else from the council? >> Councilman Gonzalez, >> Councilman Gonzalez, >> regarding the snow, but bulk. >> regarding the snow, but bulk. Uh last Wednesday was the second Uh last Wednesday was the second Wednesday of the month. Uh Wednesday of the month. Uh where I live is a section B, I believe where I live is a section B, I believe it is. And it at least in my house, it it is. And it at least in my house, it wasn't picked up. wasn't picked up. >> You got to put it out on all council. >> You got to put it out on all council. >> You got to put it out on all council. Council President, Councilman Gonzalez, Council President, Councilman Gonzalez, you know, you got to put it out on time you know, you got to put it out on time when that truck come. when that truck come. >> No, we put it we put it the night we put >> No, we put it we put it the night we put >> No, we put it we put it the night we put it the night before. it the night before. >> It was already gone. >> It was already gone. >> The night the night before we put it out >> The night the night before we put it out >> The night the night before we put it out >> and uh and it wasn't picked up. I as a >> and uh and it wasn't picked up. I as a >> and uh and it wasn't picked up. I as a matter of fact, I sent you a text. matter of fact, I sent you a text. [laughter] [laughter] >> Yes, we we get Yes. Thank you. So, we do >> Yes, we we get Yes. Thank you. So, we do >> Yes, we we get Yes. Thank you. So, we do have a quality assurance crew. We we we have a quality assurance crew. We we we go around and make sure whatever was go around and make sure whatever was missed, we come back and get it. Please. missed, we come back and get it. Please. missed, we come back and get it. Please. And we appreciate >> the house. >> We appreciate you reaching out to me so >> We appreciate you reaching out to me so >> We appreciate you reaching out to me so we can you know that lane that line of we can you know that lane that line of communication to make sure we have bait communication to make sure we have bait stuff and then get it. Thank you. stuff and then get it. Thank you. >> Thank council president. >> Thank council president. >> Council on the council. >> Council on the council. >> Just real fast. I I know there there is >> Just real fast. I I know there there is >> Just real fast. I I know there there is a dos and don'ts kind of uh document for a dos and don'ts kind of uh document for a dos and don'ts kind of uh document for uh what happens when it snows. We uh what happens when it snows. We probably want to get that back out to probably want to get that back out to the residents so that they're aware they the residents so that they're aware they the residents so that they're aware they should not be throwing snow back in the should not be throwing snow back in the street street >> and then call and say that the street >> and then call and say that the street >> and then call and say that the street wasn't uh iced or salted when they are wasn't uh iced or salted when they are the villains who are throwing the snow the villains who are throwing the snow back in the street. So, we want to, you back in the street. So, we want to, you know, be able to put that out about know, be able to put that out about where placement of snow should be. where placement of snow should be. >> We'll honestly take a C+ for this event. >> We'll honestly take a C+ for this event. >> We'll honestly take a C+ for this event. Although a lot of people think gonna get Although a lot of people think gonna get Although a lot of people think gonna get a but we'll take a minus. a but we'll take a minus. >> Thank I think that's it. Anybody else? >> Thank I think that's it. Anybody else? >> Thank I think that's it. Anybody else? >> But but every street was passable, >> But but every street was passable, >> But but every street was passable, right? right? >> Besides some of the dead. >> Besides some of the dead. I want to thank the police department, I want to thank the police department, too. They did come out and assist us too. They did come out and assist us with getting a lot of these cars double with getting a lot of these cars double parked out of the way. But, you know, if parked out of the way. But, you know, if parked out of the way. But, you know, if we can council me help your your we can council me help your your residents like when we got to plow the residents like when we got to plow the streets, we need those cars double streets, we need those cars double parked. parked. >> All right. Thank Thank you, director. We are in the 30 minute public comment portion of this meeting where each portion of this meeting where each speaker will have three minutes to speaker will have three minutes to speak. Please state your name for our speak. Please state your name for our records. Is there anyone wishing to records. Is there anyone wishing to address the council? address the council? >> Is this your phone, bro? >> Deborah Sales. Good day, New York. You >> Deborah Sales. Good day, New York. You know, so if I was in the east this morning actually I was in the east this morning actually before I came up here and streets a before I came up here and streets a mess. A mess. So if you were behind salt mess. A mess. So if you were behind salt mess. A mess. So if you were behind salt trucks, I don't know why you didn't trucks, I don't know why you didn't direct them to salt the areas or break direct them to salt the areas or break up the ice or do whatever it was. A up the ice or do whatever it was. A mess. Um the in under the ACLU the mess. Um the in under the ACLU the sunshine law says the public body which sunshine law says the public body which is you all cannot censor your speech is you all cannot censor your speech during a public comment portion because during a public comment portion because it does not agree with you or like what it does not agree with you or like what you are saying. The public body also you are saying. The public body also cannot prohibit comments based on cannot prohibit comments based on subject matter. So as long as the subject matter. So as long as the comments relate to any issue that a comments relate to any issue that a member of the public feels may be of member of the public feels may be of concern to the residents of the concern to the residents of the municipality or school district. Want to municipality or school district. Want to municipality or school district. Want to put that on the record. put that on the record. Correct me if I'm wrong. Did I hear Correct me if I'm wrong. Did I hear Director Lag come up here and say that Director Lag come up here and say that they now want to use the parking lots they now want to use the parking lots and build on them? We don't have parking and build on them? We don't have parking and build on them? We don't have parking as it is. You are inundating us and as it is. You are inundating us and overdeveloping us. SO THE TWO LOTS THAT overdeveloping us. SO THE TWO LOTS THAT ARE THERE AND THE one further down the ARE THERE AND THE one further down the street, the residents who live here park street, the residents who live here park street, the residents who live here park there, not just the people who come from there, not just the people who come from there, not just the people who come from out of town because you allow these out of town because you allow these parking authority scammers parking authority scammers to ticket THE RESIDENTS WITH NO RESOLVE. to ticket THE RESIDENTS WITH NO RESOLVE. to ticket THE RESIDENTS WITH NO RESOLVE. Did she stand up here and say that you Did she stand up here and say that you all want to take those lots in the AREA all want to take those lots in the AREA AND BUILD MORE UNAFFORDABLE housing on AND BUILD MORE UNAFFORDABLE housing on it? Are you out of your minds? it? Are you out of your minds? WE ARE OVERCROWDED NOW. AND SILA, I WE ARE OVERCROWDED NOW. AND SILA, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WERE IN THAT MEETING DON'T KNOW IF YOU WERE IN THAT MEETING THAT WE HAD WITH THE PLANNING ZONE uh uh THAT WE HAD WITH THE PLANNING ZONE uh uh THAT WE HAD WITH THE PLANNING ZONE uh uh uh the OTHER NIGHT ABOUT BUILDING THAT uh the OTHER NIGHT ABOUT BUILDING THAT MONSTROSITY DOWN there in the East War. MONSTROSITY DOWN there in the East War. NONE OF THAT BENEFITS we the people. NONE OF THAT BENEFITS we the people. Peter Steck DID A WONDERFUL JOB OF Peter Steck DID A WONDERFUL JOB OF EXPOSING ALL OF THE CRACKS and crevices EXPOSING ALL OF THE CRACKS and crevices and ad build that structure down there. You did traffic studies on a holiday. You did traffic studies on a holiday. Are you out of your mind? Are you out of your mind? The residents of Newark ARE BEING PUSHED The residents of Newark ARE BEING PUSHED The residents of Newark ARE BEING PUSHED OUT, PRICED OUT, OVERCROWDED. OUT, PRICED OUT, OVERCROWDED. And and to talk about building on that And and to talk about building on that commons that was supposed TO BE TAKEN commons that was supposed TO BE TAKEN CARE OF WITH THE $10 MILLION WHICH CARE OF WITH THE $10 MILLION WHICH BECAME NOTHING BUT A CONCRETE RUNWAY FOR BECAME NOTHING BUT A CONCRETE RUNWAY FOR BECAME NOTHING BUT A CONCRETE RUNWAY FOR THE HELICOPTER OF CREDENTIAL AND THEN THE HELICOPTER OF CREDENTIAL AND THEN YOU ALL TOOK OUT $150 MILLION BOND TO YOU ALL TOOK OUT $150 MILLION BOND TO BUILD THE BRIDGE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BUILD THE BRIDGE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BUILD THE BRIDGE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A PART OF THE $10 MILLION. A PART OF THE $10 MILLION. It didn't start happening and now you It didn't start happening and now you WANT TO TAKE ALL OF THE OTHER SPACE THAT WANT TO TAKE ALL OF THE OTHER SPACE THAT WANT TO TAKE ALL OF THE OTHER SPACE THAT THE RESIDENTS HAVE FOR PARKING AND BUILD THE RESIDENTS HAVE FOR PARKING AND BUILD THE RESIDENTS HAVE FOR PARKING AND BUILD MORE ON TOP OF IT. CUT DOWN MORE TREES MORE ON TOP OF IT. CUT DOWN MORE TREES AND POISON us even more. AND POISON us even more. >> Thank you for your comments. Next >> Thank you for your comments. Next >> Thank you for your comments. Next speaker. [snorts] >> Good morning, Mr. President and members >> Good morning, Mr. President and members
>> Good morning, Mr. President and members of the council. My name is Mercy Guadad
of the council. My name is Mercy Guadad and I'm a tenant in the Willows of and I'm a tenant in the Willows of Symphony Hall managed by Ingramman. I'm Symphony Hall managed by Ingramman. I'm here today because since moving into my here today because since moving into my apartment in June of 2023, I have apartment in June of 2023, I have endured conditions that were repeatedly endured conditions that were repeatedly unsafe and uninhabitable. Because unsafe and uninhabitable. Because systems meant to protect have failed me systems meant to protect have failed me until I was forced to speak speak until I was forced to speak speak publicly. Excuse me. I reported these publicly. Excuse me. I reported these issues promptly, allowed inspections, issues promptly, allowed inspections, and paid out of pocket for independent and paid out of pocket for independent professionals when management ignored professionals when management ignored me. From the first weekend of my me. From the first weekend of my tenency, I experienced ongoing tenency, I experienced ongoing electrical failures affecting my stove, electrical failures affecting my stove, washer and dryer, HVAC system, and washer and dryer, HVAC system, and outlets. I endured unpredictable outages outlets. I endured unpredictable outages outlets. I endured unpredictable outages during extreme heat and extreme cold, during extreme heat and extreme cold, losing food, incurring costs, and losing food, incurring costs, and becoming sick numerous times. When code becoming sick numerous times. When code enforcement first advised management to enforcement first advised management to hire an electrician, they refused and hire an electrician, they refused and accused me of turning off my own power. accused me of turning off my own power. When an electrician was finally sent, I When an electrician was finally sent, I was informed of many findings that were was informed of many findings that were excluded from the report management excluded from the report management later used against me, and I was later used against me, and I was prohibited from speaking to the prohibited from speaking to the electrician that entered my home upon electrician that entered my home upon calling them myself. I then paid for my calling them myself. I then paid for my own licensed electrician who documented own licensed electrician who documented immediate hazards, including a smoking immediate hazards, including a smoking garbage disposal, and called for urgent garbage…
of the council. My name is Mercy Guadad and I'm a tenant in the Willows of and I'm a tenant in the Willows of Symphony Hall managed by Ingramman. I'm Symphony Hall managed by Ingramman. I'm here today because since moving into my here today because since moving into my apartment in June of 2023, I have apartment in June of 2023, I have endured conditions that were repeatedly endured conditions that were repeatedly unsafe and uninhabitable. Because unsafe and uninhabitable. Because systems meant to protect have failed me systems meant to protect have failed me until I was forced to speak speak until I was forced to speak speak publicly. Excuse me. I reported these publicly. Excuse me. I reported these issues promptly, allowed inspections, issues promptly, allowed inspections, and paid out of pocket for independent and paid out of pocket for independent professionals when management ignored professionals when management ignored me. From the first weekend of my me. From the first weekend of my tenency, I experienced ongoing tenency, I experienced ongoing electrical failures affecting my stove, electrical failures affecting my stove, washer and dryer, HVAC system, and washer and dryer, HVAC system, and outlets. I endured unpredictable outages outlets. I endured unpredictable outages outlets. I endured unpredictable outages during extreme heat and extreme cold, during extreme heat and extreme cold, losing food, incurring costs, and losing food, incurring costs, and becoming sick numerous times. When code becoming sick numerous times. When code enforcement first advised management to enforcement first advised management to hire an electrician, they refused and hire an electrician, they refused and accused me of turning off my own power. accused me of turning off my own power. When an electrician was finally sent, I When an electrician was finally sent, I was informed of many findings that were was informed of many findings that were excluded from the report management excluded from the report management later used against me, and I was later used against me, and I was prohibited from speaking to the prohibited from speaking to the electrician that entered my home upon electrician that entered my home upon calling them myself. I then paid for my calling them myself. I then paid for my own licensed electrician who documented own licensed electrician who documented immediate hazards, including a smoking immediate hazards, including a smoking garbage disposal, and called for urgent garbage disposal, and called for urgent repairs. Management ignored these repairs. Management ignored these findings. My dishwasher has never worked findings. My dishwasher has never worked findings. My dishwasher has never worked from the first attempt of use and was from the first attempt of use and was formally reported in October of 2023. I formally reported in October of 2023. I paid nearly $400 out of my pocket for a paid nearly $400 out of my pocket for a mold inspection which confirmed mold inspection which confirmed penicyium and aspergillis mold water penicyium and aspergillis mold water intrusion and contamination. intrusion and contamination. Professional remediation and immediate Professional remediation and immediate removal was ordered. Management ignored removal was ordered. Management ignored this. 2023 By November of 2024, code this. 2023 By November of 2024, code enforcement entered my apartment for the enforcement entered my apartment for the enforcement entered my apartment for the fifth time. um determining the fifth time. um determining the dishwasher area had become a roach dishwasher area had become a roach breeding site worsened by the chronic breeding site worsened by the chronic leaks and a delayed door seal repair leaks and a delayed door seal repair that allowed pests to enter from a that allowed pests to enter from a neighboring unit. My dishwasher was not neighboring unit. My dishwasher was not replaced until September of 2025 after replaced until September of 2025 after more than two years of water damage to more than two years of water damage to my kitchen and living room floors. My my kitchen and living room floors. My garbage disposal, as mentioned, never garbage disposal, as mentioned, never worked and was documented as defective worked and was documented as defective by both enforce code enforcement and my by both enforce code enforcement and my independent electrician early 2024. It independent electrician early 2024. It was not replaced until November 2025. My was not replaced until November 2025. My was not replaced until November 2025. My toilet was extremely defective and my toilet was extremely defective and my stove shut off repeatedly. Both of these stove shut off repeatedly. Both of these stove shut off repeatedly. Both of these issues were ignored for over a year issues were ignored for over a year after code enforcement and was addressed after code enforcement and was addressed after code enforcement and was addressed only after my 70-year-old father, who only after my 70-year-old father, who was a licensed plumber and electrician, was a licensed plumber and electrician, traveled from Georgia to advocate for traveled from Georgia to advocate for me. My intercom has never worked. I me. My intercom has never worked. I cannot see who is at my door, cannot cannot see who is at my door, cannot safely buzz people in, regularly lose safely buzz people in, regularly lose packages and groceries, and have been packages and groceries, and have been harassed and followed home multiple harassed and followed home multiple times. The electrician confirmed wiring times. The electrician confirmed wiring issues requiring immediate replacement. issues requiring immediate replacement. Management has been aware and has not Management has been aware and has not acted. I'm a young woman living alone. I acted. I'm a young woman living alone. I acted. I'm a young woman living alone. I pleaded for help and nothing was done. I pleaded for help and nothing was done. I pleaded for help and nothing was done. I returned to Newark carrying hope. Came returned to Newark carrying hope. Came to work, save, and one day return to to work, save, and one day return to Howard University and finish my degree. Howard University and finish my degree. Instead, every dollar I earned was survi Instead, every dollar I earned was survi Instead, every dollar I earned was survi spent surviving in a home that was never spent surviving in a home that was never spent surviving in a home that was never made safe. Well, I fought to be heard made safe. Well, I fought to be heard here. My mother in Georgia has been here. My mother in Georgia has been fighting for her life battling stage fighting for her life battling stage four colarctal cancer because of the four colarctal cancer because of the financial and emotional toll of seeking financial and emotional toll of seeking justice. justice. >> I hate to stop you, but the the time is >> I hate to stop you, but the the time is >> I hate to stop you, but the the time is expired. Can I get your name? And and expired. Can I get your name? And and again, I couldn't hear. again, I couldn't hear. >> Mercy Guad M. >> a b- a b >> a as in David Guada >> a as in David Guada >> David Guada and and the uh where you >> David Guada and and the uh where you >> David Guada and and the uh where you live I couldn't >> 395 Hoy Street >> 395 Hollyy Street >> 395 Hollyy Street >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Thank you. Somebody will will >> Okay. Thank you. Somebody will will >> Okay. Thank you. Somebody will will speak to you. >> Good morning council president, members >> Good morning council president, members of the council. My name is Kimberly J. of the council. My name is Kimberly J. Ford, but please call me Kim J. Ford. Ford, but please call me Kim J. Ford. Um, I am a neighbor of Miss Mercy Guad. Um, I am a neighbor of Miss Mercy Guad. I am here to say that what impacts her I am here to say that what impacts her directly impacts me. I am a homebased uh directly impacts me. I am a homebased uh directly impacts me. I am a homebased uh hybrid business. Therefore, my hybrid business. Therefore, my livelihood and my personal safety is livelihood and my personal safety is also at risk. On Friday the 12th, I also at risk. On Friday the 12th, I turned in uh a packet containing turned in uh a packet containing documentation of Miss Guadad's concerns. documentation of Miss Guadad's concerns. documentation of Miss Guadad's concerns. my own and that of a resident at the my own and that of a resident at the James Moody houses on Beecher Street to James Moody houses on Beecher Street to the office of the central war council the office of the central war council woman Amina Bay received by her chief of woman Amina Bay received by her chief of woman Amina Bay received by her chief of staff um Kad Kadri and legislative aid staff um Kad Kadri and legislative aid Reyes. Reyes. this to note. In January of 2025, in the this to note. In January of 2025, in the this to note. In January of 2025, in the building at 395 Hollyy Street, the building at 395 Hollyy Street, the Willows at Symphony Hall, which is Willows at Symphony Hall, which is belongs to Angerman Management, um which belongs to Angerman Management, um which belongs to Angerman Management, um which is one of five buildings, there was a is one of five buildings, there was a fire on the third floor that erupted fire on the third floor that erupted from the same kitchen countertop that from the same kitchen countertop that Miss Mercy spoke of with her electrical Miss Mercy spoke of with her electrical issues. To date, all we received is an issues. To date, all we received is an email. There's been no tenant meeting to email. There's been no tenant meeting to email. There's been no tenant meeting to make us feel better. No emotional, make us feel better. No emotional, social support or explanation on why the social support or explanation on why the social support or explanation on why the fire occurred. fire occurred. On December 8th, we were the residents On December 8th, we were the residents of 395 Hollyy Street were of 395 Hollyy Street were disenfranchised disenfranchised because these buildings are for sale and because these buildings are for sale and because these buildings are for sale and MRK came to meet with the residents and MRK came to meet with the residents and we were not invited nor notified of the we were not invited nor notified of the meeting. I attended the meeting and was meeting. I attended the meeting and was initially denied. I heard of the meeting initially denied. I heard of the meeting initially denied. I heard of the meeting because of my association with Lincoln because of my association with Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District. After Park Coast Cultural District. After advocating for me to be allowed in the advocating for me to be allowed in the meeting and another resident was turned meeting and another resident was turned away, I learned that there are there's away, I learned that there are there's going to be a vote for these buildings going to be a vote for these buildings to be sold to MRK. to be sold to MRK. MRK also announced in this meeting on MRK also announced in this meeting on December 8th, 2025 that they are December 8th, 2025 that they are guaranteeing the personnel of the guaranteeing the personnel of the management company as a part of the management company as a part of the sale. sale. In speaking with other residents who are In speaking with other residents who are In speaking with other residents who are afraid of retribution and could not be afraid of retribution and could not be here today, I stand in the gap to here today, I stand in the gap to advocate that this sale needs to be with advocate that this sale needs to be with advocate that this sale needs to be with stipulations. stipulations. Ingram management personnel who are Ingram management personnel who are guaranteed as a part of this sale should guaranteed as a part of this sale should guaranteed as a part of this sale should be on a six-month probation. There be on a six-month probation. There should be a resident survey at the top should be a resident survey at the top of their taking over of the buildings. of their taking over of the buildings. That should be confidential and only be That should be confidential and only be turned in to the new owners, our central turned in to the new owners, our central turned in to the new owners, our central war council woman and a council war council woman and a council president for fear of retribution. They president for fear of retribution. They should be given six months to increase should be given six months to increase transparency, hire additional transparency, hire additional maintenance, make all the fixes that maintenance, make all the fixes that most impact our quality of life and most impact our quality of life and personal life and safety, electrical, personal life and safety, electrical, appliances, water infestation, and appliances, water infestation, and public safety, and use the funding that public safety, and use the funding that they have for social services to they have for social services to actually for that purpose. There should actually for that purpose. There should be a second survey within six months. be a second survey within six months. Stipulations should be a part of this Stipulations should be a part of this sale. Thank you. sale. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, Miss Ford, if you could >> Thank you. Uh, Miss Ford, if you could >> Thank you. Uh, Miss Ford, if you could provide the clerk's office with a copy provide the clerk's office with a copy of what you're you're reading, if it's of what you're you're reading, if it's something that you can share something that you can share [clears throat] [clears throat] with them. Thank you, Mr. with them. Thank you, Mr. >> President, Councilman Gonzalez. >> President, Councilman Gonzalez. >> President, Councilman Gonzalez. >> I understand that the buyer and the the >> I understand that the buyer and the the >> I understand that the buyer and the the council are here, so maybe they can council are here, so maybe they can discuss the the issues with them. >> Okay, >> they are back in the back. >> they are back in the back. So, let's let's So, let's let's see if we can we can uh uh see if we can we can uh uh have a mediation, I guess, of some sort. have a mediation, I guess, of some sort. have a mediation, I guess, of some sort. >> So, stick around. Don't leave. >> Good morning, Council President. >> Good morning, Council President. >> Council members. Uh my name is Adam >> Council members. Uh my name is Adam
>> Council members. Uh my name is Adam Marshall. I'm a resident of Bloomfield Marshall. I'm a resident of Bloomfield and a US Army veteran. Currently, I'm uh and a US Army veteran. Currently, I'm uh and a US Army veteran. Currently, I'm uh with a group of about 20 core volunteers with a group of about 20 core volunteers with a group of about 20 core volunteers at Delaney Hall, the migrant detention at Delaney Hall, the migrant detention center, which has been illegally center, which has been illegally operating since May. I appear before you operating since May. I appear before you operating since May. I appear before you uh to report that Geog Group is uh to report that Geog Group is endangering the life and health of endangering the life and health of family members and loved ones at family members and loved ones at Delaney. I have categorized these Delaney. I have categorized these hazards into five categories. Page two hazards into five categories. Page two of the report that I just handed um of the report that I just handed um discusses traffic hazards, which are the discusses traffic hazards, which are the discusses traffic hazards, which are the greatest possibility of injury or greatest possibility of injury or fatality. Uh the waiting area has fatality. Uh the waiting area has vehicles speeding out the gate in excess vehicles speeding out the gate in excess vehicles speeding out the gate in excess of 30 miles per hour. Visitors are also of 30 miles per hour. Visitors are also forced to cross four lanes of Duramus forced to cross four lanes of Duramus Avenue where cars readily uh exceed 50 Avenue where cars readily uh exceed 50 mph. Next, we must discuss weather environment. on the next page. Extreme environment. on the next page. Extreme temperatures and noxious air uh have the temperatures and noxious air uh have the temperatures and noxious air uh have the potential to cause injuries uh from potential to cause injuries uh from extreme cold and extreme heat and very extreme cold and extreme heat and very much could include the possibility of much could include the possibility of death given the extreme weather that death given the extreme weather that we're facing. GIO ignores Newark's we're facing. GIO ignores Newark's weather and air quality uh reports weather and air…
>> Council members. Uh my name is Adam Marshall. I'm a resident of Bloomfield Marshall. I'm a resident of Bloomfield and a US Army veteran. Currently, I'm uh and a US Army veteran. Currently, I'm uh and a US Army veteran. Currently, I'm uh with a group of about 20 core volunteers with a group of about 20 core volunteers with a group of about 20 core volunteers at Delaney Hall, the migrant detention at Delaney Hall, the migrant detention center, which has been illegally center, which has been illegally operating since May. I appear before you operating since May. I appear before you operating since May. I appear before you uh to report that Geog Group is uh to report that Geog Group is endangering the life and health of endangering the life and health of family members and loved ones at family members and loved ones at Delaney. I have categorized these Delaney. I have categorized these hazards into five categories. Page two hazards into five categories. Page two of the report that I just handed um of the report that I just handed um discusses traffic hazards, which are the discusses traffic hazards, which are the discusses traffic hazards, which are the greatest possibility of injury or greatest possibility of injury or fatality. Uh the waiting area has fatality. Uh the waiting area has vehicles speeding out the gate in excess vehicles speeding out the gate in excess vehicles speeding out the gate in excess of 30 miles per hour. Visitors are also of 30 miles per hour. Visitors are also forced to cross four lanes of Duramus forced to cross four lanes of Duramus Avenue where cars readily uh exceed 50 Avenue where cars readily uh exceed 50 mph. Next, we must discuss weather environment. on the next page. Extreme environment. on the next page. Extreme temperatures and noxious air uh have the temperatures and noxious air uh have the temperatures and noxious air uh have the potential to cause injuries uh from potential to cause injuries uh from extreme cold and extreme heat and very extreme cold and extreme heat and very much could include the possibility of much could include the possibility of death given the extreme weather that death given the extreme weather that we're facing. GIO ignores Newark's we're facing. GIO ignores Newark's weather and air quality uh reports weather and air quality uh reports routinely. routinely. Page four uh shows that the uh guards Page four uh shows that the uh guards verbally abused the visitors. Visitors verbally abused the visitors. Visitors uh arrive not knowing the procedures and uh arrive not knowing the procedures and uh arrive not knowing the procedures and they do little to help them. Uh the they do little to help them. Uh the visitors are often subjected to visitors are often subjected to humiliating dress code uh corrections humiliating dress code uh corrections and uh very unclear guidance. GIO's and uh very unclear guidance. GIO's website is wrong about the information website is wrong about the information that they provide and it causes that they provide and it causes confusion on the ground. confusion on the ground. It must be said that uh New York PD's It must be said that uh New York PD's weapons training facility is only 1.03 weapons training facility is only 1.03 kilometers from the site of where they kilometers from the site of where they wait. uh and the gunfire can very wait. uh and the gunfire can very clearly be heard. Uh as a matter of clearly be heard. Uh as a matter of fact, you can tell from that distance fact, you can tell from that distance whether they're firing long guns or uh whether they're firing long guns or uh pistols. To people who have uh escaped pistols. To people who have uh escaped gang violence and war in their country gang violence and war in their country of origin, this is very distressing. of origin, this is very distressing. On page five, I discuss how there is On page five, I discuss how there is zero attempt to comply with the zero attempt to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Uh no Americans with Disabilities Act. Uh no handicap parking or loading zones are handicap parking or loading zones are around, no paths for mobility devices. around, no paths for mobility devices. Uh autistic children have often been Uh autistic children have often been stressed to their breaking points uh stressed to their breaking points uh given the loud noises and total assault given the loud noises and total assault on the senses. on the senses. And without restrooms, uh people are And without restrooms, uh people are forced to walk 0.4 miles uh round trip forced to walk 0.4 miles uh round trip to the pilot gas station for relief. to the pilot gas station for relief. If you turn to the next page, I want to If you turn to the next page, I want to discuss a specific violation of the ADA discuss a specific violation of the ADA that I witnessed on 14th December. Uh a that I witnessed on 14th December. Uh a mother was forced to unload her disabled mother was forced to unload her disabled mother was forced to unload her disabled child in traffic in Duramis Avenue. Uh child in traffic in Duramis Avenue. Uh this is because the guards have this is because the guards have threatened the use of mace and threatened the use of mace and escalation of force uh for vehicles and escalation of force uh for vehicles and drivers that attempt to enter the main drivers that attempt to enter the main entrance. entrance. I think that volunteers can work I think that volunteers can work together with the city to alleviate together with the city to alleviate these problems. Um, we request that uh these problems. Um, we request that uh traffic safety measures be brought to traffic safety measures be brought to bear such as crossing guards and speed bear such as crossing guards and speed enforcement uh against Geog Group. Uh enforcement uh against Geog Group. Uh the construction of a temporary shelter the construction of a temporary shelter uh at the site could provide refuge from uh at the site could provide refuge from uh at the site could provide refuge from the elements. And uh lastly, I would the elements. And uh lastly, I would like to ask that uh we volunteers could like to ask that uh we volunteers could meet with emergency management or any meet with emergency management or any members of uh the public safety team uh members of uh the public safety team uh who wish to preserve life and health in who wish to preserve life and health in this very dangerous place. I thank the this very dangerous place. I thank the honorable council for its time and I
honorable council for its time and I welcome any questions. Um, also of note
welcome any questions. Um, also of note uh Terry Seuss uh has sent uh uh the uh uh Terry Seuss uh has sent uh uh the uh uh uh what was it >> two documents um uh of the same nature. >> two documents um uh of the same nature. >> two documents um uh of the same nature. >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you for your time. >> All right. Thank you for your comments. >> All right. Thank you for your comments. >> All right. Thank you for your comments. Next speaker mayor Bummani. Well, I'm back after the recent band Well, I'm back after the recent band and I just want to uh make a comment and I just want to uh make a comment that I made uh that I received a that I made uh that I received a response from from open line. response from from open line. So, the the mayor said I will spread a So, the the mayor said I will spread a mis information about the crime that's mis information about the crime that's taking place in this city every day. taking place in this city every day. So all you have to do is just go look at So all you have to do is just go look at So all you have to do is just go look at RSL media cuz he made a comment that, you know, crime is down. He's getting you know, crime is down. He's getting his reports from the from the feds. his reports from the from the feds. That's what he said, an open line. So That's what he said, an open line. So it's obvious that it's obvious that the crime is being under reportported the crime is being under reportported and you're not really reporting crime and you're not really reporting crime here. here. So my response on this mic today is that So my response on this mic today is that So my response on this mic today is that you want to get rid of crime, you want to get rid of crime, start with city hall start with city hall cuz the crime went rampant on here. I cuz the crime went rampant on here. I came before you one time when they try came before you one time when they try to…
welcome any questions. Um, also of note uh Terry Seuss uh has sent uh uh the uh uh Terry Seuss uh has sent uh uh the uh uh uh what was it >> two documents um uh of the same nature. >> two documents um uh of the same nature. >> two documents um uh of the same nature. >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you for your time. >> All right. Thank you for your comments. >> All right. Thank you for your comments. >> All right. Thank you for your comments. Next speaker mayor Bummani. Well, I'm back after the recent band Well, I'm back after the recent band and I just want to uh make a comment and I just want to uh make a comment that I made uh that I received a that I made uh that I received a response from from open line. response from from open line. So, the the mayor said I will spread a So, the the mayor said I will spread a mis information about the crime that's mis information about the crime that's taking place in this city every day. taking place in this city every day. So all you have to do is just go look at So all you have to do is just go look at So all you have to do is just go look at RSL media cuz he made a comment that, you know, crime is down. He's getting you know, crime is down. He's getting his reports from the from the feds. his reports from the from the feds. That's what he said, an open line. So That's what he said, an open line. So it's obvious that it's obvious that the crime is being under reportported the crime is being under reportported and you're not really reporting crime and you're not really reporting crime here. here. So my response on this mic today is that So my response on this mic today is that So my response on this mic today is that you want to get rid of crime, you want to get rid of crime, start with city hall start with city hall cuz the crime went rampant on here. I cuz the crime went rampant on here. I came before you one time when they try came before you one time when they try to gaslight me off the mic about the to gaslight me off the mic about the corruption, right? And boom, the next week, Camella Garcia, the next week, Camella Garcia, all the other ones came behind with all the other ones came behind with corruption. But I'm spreading corruption. But I'm spreading misinformation, right? misinformation, right? You want to get rid of crime? You want to get rid of crime? Get rid of the may that lied about your Get rid of the may that lied about your water water that it wasn't contaminated. But you that it wasn't contaminated. But you going to say, "I'm misinforming the going to say, "I'm misinforming the people about the recent ban, city of New York, Larry the Dump Crump, city of New York, Larry the Dump Crump, and the do nothing council members. It and the do nothing council members. It behooves you to stop violating your off behooves you to stop violating your off oath of office. It behooves you to do oath of office. It behooves you to do that because the fees going to continue that because the fees going to continue TO GO UP WITH this lawsuit TO GO UP WITH this lawsuit cuz I ain't playing with you. You took cuz I ain't playing with you. You took an oath of office to uphold the an oath of office to uphold the Constitution. Constitution. We the people, we have the right whether We the people, we have the right whether We the people, we have the right whether you like our presentation or not. We you like our presentation or not. We have the RIGHT TO QUESTION OUR have the RIGHT TO QUESTION OUR AUTHORITY. AUTHORITY. WE HAVE A RIGHT TO petition our WE HAVE A RIGHT TO petition our grievances. grievances. And we HAVE A RIGHT TO a peaceful And we HAVE A RIGHT TO a peaceful ASSEMBLY IN THIS COUNCIL CHAMBERS. ASSEMBLY IN THIS COUNCIL CHAMBERS. THAT IS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. THAT IS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. So if YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT WE SAY, YOU So if YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT WE SAY, YOU DON'T LIKE HOW WE RESPOND IN THE DON'T LIKE HOW WE RESPOND IN THE AUDIENCE, THAT IS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL AUDIENCE, THAT IS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. RIGHTS. AND IF THE JUDGE RULE IN MY FAVOR WITH AND IF THE JUDGE RULE IN MY FAVOR WITH THIS particular lawsuit, THIS particular lawsuit, I'm going to SUE YOU FOR EVERY TIME YOU I'm going to SUE YOU FOR EVERY TIME YOU BAN ME FROM this council meeting. BAN ME FROM this council meeting. There's going to be a fee. There's going to be a fee. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE IT IS UNACCEPTABLE WHAT YOU'RE DOING. YOU PUT YOUR HAND ON WHAT YOU'RE DOING. YOU PUT YOUR HAND ON THE BIBLE. YOU PUT A YOU YOU swore a THE BIBLE. YOU PUT A YOU YOU swore a oath to uphold that constitution. And oath to uphold that constitution. And that is my right. AND I'M SICK AND TIRED that is my right. AND I'M SICK AND TIRED that is my right. AND I'M SICK AND TIRED of being sick and tired of being sick and tired >> for your comments. Next speaker. >> Good afternoon. Um I'm Terry Seuss. I'm >> Good afternoon. Um I'm Terry Seuss. I'm from Union and um I didn't think I could from Union and um I didn't think I could from Union and um I didn't think I could be here today, but thank goodness for be here today, but thank goodness for all the speakers and your meeting ran a all the speakers and your meeting ran a little longer. Um, I would just like to little longer. Um, I would just like to say, um, Adam, as he described the say, um, Adam, as he described the dangers down at Delaney Hall, we also dangers down at Delaney Hall, we also have, uh, really horrific conditions due have, uh, really horrific conditions due have, uh, really horrific conditions due to the weather. The extreme cold has to the weather. The extreme cold has threatened public safety. Um, people are threatened public safety. Um, people are threatened public safety. Um, people are waiting outside for hours to get in and waiting outside for hours to get in and that needs to change. We need your help. that needs to change. We need your help. that needs to change. We need your help. We need the help of every elected We need the help of every elected official in New Jersey to be with us, official in New Jersey to be with us, eyes on ice. This is a major problem for eyes on ice. This is a major problem for eyes on ice. This is a major problem for the residents of New Jersey. We're the residents of New Jersey. We're calling on elected officials across New calling on elected officials across New Jersey to take the following immediate Jersey to take the following immediate actions. One, emergency intervention. actions. One, emergency intervention. American Red Cross, Newark, and Essex American Red Cross, Newark, and Essex County Departments of Emergency County Departments of Emergency Management should be formally requested Management should be formally requested to assess and respond to the conditions to assess and respond to the conditions at Delaney Hall during visiting hours in at Delaney Hall during visiting hours in at Delaney Hall during visiting hours in extreme weather, which we have right extreme weather, which we have right now. Tonight, visiting hours from 4 to now. Tonight, visiting hours from 4 to 9, the temperature will be 27°. 9, the temperature will be 27°. Immediate policy changes at Delaney Immediate policy changes at Delaney Hall. GIO must implement a mandatory Hall. GIO must implement a mandatory indoor waiting policy using its existing indoor waiting policy using its existing indoor waiting policy using its existing large indoor space, a gym, to prevent large indoor space, a gym, to prevent exposure to the elements. Public exposure to the elements. Public accountability and oversight. Elected accountability and oversight. Elected officials must publicly rebuke Geo officials must publicly rebuke Geo Group, this private prison corporation, Group, this private prison corporation, for this failure and require written for this failure and require written corrective action plans with timelines, corrective action plans with timelines, management revisions and enforcement management revisions and enforcement mechanisms. You all, we are looking to mechanisms. You all, we are looking to you. You are our elected officials. you. You are our elected officials. Financial penalty penalties and contract Financial penalty penalties and contract Financial penalty penalties and contract review. GIO should be fined for review. GIO should be fined for endangering the public or having its endangering the public or having its contract resended or have its contract contract resended or have its contract rescended for failure to comply with rescended for failure to comply with basic safety standards and endangering basic safety standards and endangering the public. Congressional the public. Congressional representatives um outside and representatives um outside and independent observers must conduct a independent observers must conduct a contract compliance review related to contract compliance review related to minimum standards of care and safety. minimum standards of care and safety. The treatment of of visitors at Delaney The treatment of of visitors at Delaney Hall this winter is an affront to human Hall this winter is an affront to human dignity to New Jersey taxpayers and the dignity to New Jersey taxpayers and the values we claim to uphold as a society. values we claim to uphold as a society. Families seeking to see their loved ones Families seeking to see their loved ones Families seeking to see their loved ones should never be treated as disposable. should never be treated as disposable. No one should be made to suffer the or No one should be made to suffer the or risk hypothermia simply for exercising risk hypothermia simply for exercising their right to visitation at Delaney their right to visitation at Delaney Hall. What happened at Delaney Hall on Hall. What happened at Delaney Hall on Tuesday and Thursdays, December 9 and 11 Tuesday and Thursdays, December 9 and 11 Tuesday and Thursdays, December 9 and 11 and over the weekend was cruel. It was and over the weekend was cruel. It was avoidable and it must not be allowed to avoidable and it must not be allowed to happen again. We urge immediate action, happen again. We urge immediate action, transparency, and accountability. We transparency, and accountability. We need your help. On behalf of Eyes on Ice need your help. On behalf of Eyes on Ice need your help. On behalf of Eyes on Ice Coalition, Delaney Hall vigilers and Coalition, Delaney Hall vigilers and volunteers, I'm Terry Seuss. Please call volunteers, I'm Terry Seuss. Please call volunteers, I'm Terry Seuss. Please call me and set up a meeting to solve this. me and set up a meeting to solve this. >> Thank you for your for your comments. >> Thank you for your for your comments. >> Thank you for your for your comments. Next speaker. >> Seeing no other speakers, public >> Seeing no other speakers, public speaking is now closed. Is there
in the audience today and certainly can speak during public comment. If you are speak during public comment. If you are the certainly the person who runs this the certainly the person who runs this meeting, you want her to come up and meeting, you want her to come up and speak now? speak now? >> I'd like her to speak now. I mean, >> I'd like her to speak now. I mean, >> I'd like her to speak now. I mean, because these ordinances are born out of because these ordinances are born out of because these ordinances are born out of of working with her. So >> nice >> and let my Dr. Owens represent. >> and let my Dr. Owens represent. >> and let my Dr. Owens represent. >> All right. So, so today uh Dr. Owens, I >> All right. So, so today uh Dr. Owens, I >> All right. So, so today uh Dr. Owens, I I just really just a brief summation on I just really just a brief summation on on each of them. on each of them. >> Yes, absolutely. Uh good morning, uh >> Yes, absolutely. Uh good morning, uh >> Yes, absolutely. Uh good morning, uh city council. Again, my name is Dr. Leah city council. Again, my name is Dr. Leah city council. Again, my name is Dr. Leah Owens. I serve as a ports and policy Owens. I serve as a ports and policy analyst for the Southward Environmental analyst for the Southward Environmental Alliance. Um and in terms of just a Alliance. Um and in terms of just a quick summary of each of the ordinances quick summary of each of the ordinances and also I'll give um some of the and also I'll give um some of the revisions that we are suggesting based revisions that we are suggesting based on the discussions that have been on the discussions that have been occurring. So for the first ordinance occurring. So for the first ordinance that is looking to amend uh title 4041 that is looking to amend uh title 4041 zoning and land use. So, we make more zoning and land use. So, we make more clear in the title. What we're clear in the title. What we're suggesting to make more clear in the suggesting to make more clear in the title is that the…
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in the audience today and certainly can speak during public comment. If you are speak during public comment. If you are the certainly the person who runs this the certainly the person who runs this meeting, you want her to come up and meeting, you want her to come up and speak now? speak now? >> I'd like her to speak now. I mean, >> I'd like her to speak now. I mean, >> I'd like her to speak now. I mean, because these ordinances are born out of because these ordinances are born out of because these ordinances are born out of of working with her. So >> nice >> and let my Dr. Owens represent. >> and let my Dr. Owens represent. >> and let my Dr. Owens represent. >> All right. So, so today uh Dr. Owens, I >> All right. So, so today uh Dr. Owens, I >> All right. So, so today uh Dr. Owens, I I just really just a brief summation on I just really just a brief summation on on each of them. on each of them. >> Yes, absolutely. Uh good morning, uh >> Yes, absolutely. Uh good morning, uh >> Yes, absolutely. Uh good morning, uh city council. Again, my name is Dr. Leah city council. Again, my name is Dr. Leah city council. Again, my name is Dr. Leah Owens. I serve as a ports and policy Owens. I serve as a ports and policy analyst for the Southward Environmental analyst for the Southward Environmental Alliance. Um and in terms of just a Alliance. Um and in terms of just a quick summary of each of the ordinances quick summary of each of the ordinances and also I'll give um some of the and also I'll give um some of the revisions that we are suggesting based revisions that we are suggesting based on the discussions that have been on the discussions that have been occurring. So for the first ordinance occurring. So for the first ordinance that is looking to amend uh title 4041 that is looking to amend uh title 4041 zoning and land use. So, we make more zoning and land use. So, we make more clear in the title. What we're clear in the title. What we're suggesting to make more clear in the suggesting to make more clear in the title is that the ordinance is um title is that the ordinance is um looking at major facilities, facilities looking at major facilities, facilities that producing major air pollution. And that producing major air pollution. And so, the New Jersey Department of so, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection actually has a Environmental Protection actually has a definition of how much carcinogens and definition of how much carcinogens and carbon um and particulate matter that's carbon um and particulate matter that's going into the air as a result of that going into the air as a result of that facility. So there's a threshold and facility. So there's a threshold and we're talking about the facilities that we're talking about the facilities that are above that threshold. Gas stations are above that threshold. Gas stations are nowhere near that threshold. So we are nowhere near that threshold. So we have some very specific information in have some very specific information in the revisions that we're suggesting for the revisions that we're suggesting for that ordinance. And then for the second that ordinance. And then for the second one, which is looking to amend title 10 one, which is looking to amend title 10 for u finance and taxation, again we for u finance and taxation, again we made clear um that we're looking at made clear um that we're looking at major sources of air pollution. Um and major sources of air pollution. Um and then also just continue to point out then also just continue to point out that the city in its own uh policy tools that the city in its own uh policy tools that the city in its own uh policy tools and documents has made a commitment and documents has made a commitment towards clean energy and to eliminate towards clean energy and to eliminate fossil fuels. So any expansion that the fossil fuels. So any expansion that the city may do, right? That's where we're city may do, right? That's where we're talking about prohibiting the use of talking about prohibiting the use of city funds, it shouldn't be an issue city funds, it shouldn't be an issue because we're already on track to make because we're already on track to make sure that we're replacing, for example, sure that we're replacing, for example, DPW vehicles with um hybrid vehicles. DPW vehicles with um hybrid vehicles. So, we shouldn't be looking to continue So, we shouldn't be looking to continue to expand in terms of having gas bulk to expand in terms of having gas bulk stations or anything of the matter stations or anything of the matter because we're already on that track. because we're already on that track. >> Thank you, Dr. Owens. >> Thank you, Dr. Owens. >> Any questions? >> Any questions? >> All right. So, thank thank you very >> All right. So, thank thank you very >> All right. So, thank thank you very much. So, I' I'd like to sponsor in much. So, I' I'd like to sponsor in advance to first reading both ordinances advance to first reading both ordinances advance to first reading both ordinances and I believe Councilwoman Scott Roundry and I believe Councilwoman Scott Roundry and I believe Councilwoman Scott Roundry seconded them. >> Okay. Next, >> miscellaneous items. 10A is approval of >> miscellaneous items. 10A is approval of >> miscellaneous items. 10A is approval of the raffle license. the raffle license. >> Questions from the council. >> Questions from the council. >> What's it? >> What's it? >> Council president, council members, we >> Council president, council members, we >> Council president, council members, we have a couple added starters. have a couple added starters. The first is file number 25-1592 which is professional engineering services on an as needed basis for the services on an as needed basis for the department of water and sewer utilities. department of water and sewer utilities. department of water and sewer utilities. Fasttech is the name of the company. Fasttech is the name of the company. >> I'm sorry the name of it. >> I'm sorry the name of it. >> Fasttech. >> Fasttech. >> Yes. F A S T. >> Yes. F A S T. >> And how much? >> And how much? >> That was the only one they say on the >> That was the only one they say on the >> That was the only one they say on the list in New Jersey that wasn't included. list in New Jersey that wasn't included. list in New Jersey that wasn't included. Yeah, I missed it. Do we have a uh not Yeah, I missed it. Do we have a uh not to exceed a mountain for that? to exceed a mountain for that? >> That I don't know. >> All right, let's we'll get that the next >> All right, let's we'll get that the next one. one. >> The second one is 25-1644, which is a host municipality agreement for solid waste disposal. for solid waste disposal. >> Say that. I'm sorry. For some reason, I >> Say that. I'm sorry. For some reason, I >> Say that. I'm sorry. For some reason, I can't. can't. >> I'm sorry. host municipality agreement >> I'm sorry. host municipality agreement >> I'm sorry. host municipality agreement for solid waste disposal. for solid waste disposal. >> Okay. All right. [clears throat] >> Okay. All right. [clears throat] >> Okay. All right. [clears throat] Any questions? Let's get a uh particular Any questions? Let's get a uh particular Any questions? Let's get a uh particular on the second one. If we can get just a on the second one. If we can get just a brief comment. I know what it's about, brief comment. I know what it's about, but we all want to make sure. >> Sure. Good morning again. Eric Pennington, business administrator with Pennington, business administrator with respect to the uh host municipality respect to the uh host municipality agreement for waste disposal that is agreement for waste disposal that is with Reworld, which is the renamed with Reworld, which is the renamed company of Coanta. It's where the city company of Coanta. It's where the city uh brings its uh sanitation refues. uh brings its uh sanitation refues. Since we are the host municipality, we Since we are the host municipality, we get a a host municipality fee uh which get a a host municipality fee uh which is essentially in lie of taxes. Last is essentially in lie of taxes. Last year that agreement was for $3.5 year that agreement was for $3.5 million. This agreement is increased by million. This agreement is increased by $700,000 and it'll be $4.2 million. We $700,000 and it'll be $4.2 million. We are in the process still of negotiating are in the process still of negotiating a long-term agreement, probably a a long-term agreement, probably a 10-year agreement, which we expect will 10-year agreement, which we expect will be concluded uh in the first or second be concluded uh in the first or second quarter of next year. One of the things quarter of next year. One of the things that we're hoping to get included in that we're hoping to get included in that long-term agreement is some kind of that long-term agreement is some kind of that long-term agreement is some kind of a dedicated lane. the the way Coant is a dedicated lane. the the way Coant is structured, it's a little bit difficult structured, it's a little bit difficult to have a dedicated lane, but we're to have a dedicated lane, but we're going to have to have them be creative going to have to have them be creative and we'll be creative to figure out how and we'll be creative to figure out how the city of Norc's trucks uh can get the city of Norc's trucks uh can get into that facility, get in and out of into that facility, get in and out of that facility without being online for that facility without being online for hours at a time. So, that's one of the hours at a time. So, that's one of the things that we're negotiating as well. things that we're negotiating as well. Um, this is an added starter. Uh Um, this is an added starter. Uh unfortunately I tried to get it on the unfortunately I tried to get it on the agenda without it being added starter agenda without it being added starter because we need to have it executed so because we need to have it executed so that we can get those proceeds by the that we can get those proceeds by the end of the year. Um and you know I've end of the year. Um and you know I've been fully involved in this and believe been fully involved in this and believe it'll be beneficial to the city on lots it'll be beneficial to the city on lots of fronts. of fronts. >> Thank you Mr. Bay. Anything from the any >> Thank you Mr. Bay. Anything from the any >> Thank you Mr. Bay. Anything from the any questions from the council? Councilman questions from the council? Councilman Gonzalez, Gonzalez, >> not regarding that, but yesterday I was >> not regarding that, but yesterday I was >> not regarding that, but yesterday I was reading something about let's say the reading something about let's say the cameras that the police officers wear cameras that the police officers wear and the discovery uh the possible and the discovery uh the possible discovery of the pictures uh regarding discovery of the pictures uh regarding the opra. And uh there was a there was the opra. And uh there was a there was something there that caught my attention something there that caught my attention something there that caught my attention that that if you notify the person that that that if you notify the person that whose picture is taken uh you have three whose picture is taken uh you have three whose picture is taken uh you have three years to reveal or you can withhold that years to reveal or you can withhold that years to reveal or you can withhold that information for three years and the city information for three years and the city information for three years and the city might not be let's say liable for or or might not be let's say liable for or or responsible for having to to provide the responsible for having to to provide the responsible for having to to provide the the pictures of the the people depicted the pictures of the the people depicted on the on on the on the picture. So I on the on on the on the picture. So I believe that we should check with the n believe that we should check with the n the legal municipalities and and try to the legal municipalities and and try to get a sample ordinance so that we can get a sample ordinance so that we can review it. review it. >> Okay. Uh thank you Councilman Gonzalez. >> Okay. Uh thank you Councilman Gonzalez. >> Okay. Uh thank you Councilman Gonzalez. I'm not [clears throat] I'm not [clears throat] I'm not 100% clear on Are you saying I'm not 100% clear on Are you saying that on with body camera footage if we that on with body camera footage if we don't have the permission of the person don't have the permission of the person who's in the body cam? who's in the body cam? >> You you have to notify that person and >> You you have to notify that person and >> You you have to notify that person and that person then and then the city can that person then and then the city can withhold information for three years. withhold information for three years. >> Okay. All right. Well, we certainly >> Okay. All right. Well, we certainly >> Okay. All right. Well, we certainly should should take a look into I can should should take a look into I can give you is it's on the journal towards give you is it's on the journal towards the middle of the journal that was the middle of the journal that was published after the the convention. published after the the convention. >> All right. Well, if I could bother you >> All right. Well, if I could bother you >> All right. Well, if I could bother you to send it to me, that'd be great. And to send it to me, that'd be great. And I'll share with Captain uh Deputy Chief I'll share with Captain uh Deputy Chief Curillo, Deputy Director, whatever his Curillo, Deputy Director, whatever his new title is. Guillo, [laughter] new title is. Guillo, [laughter] >> I would copy it and send it to you. >> I would copy it and send it to you. >> I would copy it and send it to you. >> All right. All right. Thank you. >> All right. All right. Thank you. >> All right. All right. Thank you. >> Thank Thank you.