Harry M. Cevallos

The workshop session involved procedural discussions regarding agenda items, specifically addressing Item Number Five (a four-way stop control) and confirming that Item Number Six would proceed on consent. Significant discussion revolved around license renewals, including motor vehicle junkyard licenses, junkyard pocket licenses, and coin-operated laundry licenses (Items 10 through 17, 19, 20, and 21). Several council members requested corrections to the recorded ward locations for licenses listed under Items 14, 16, and 17 to ensure accurate records. Item Number 18 was designated as regular. Health and Human Services items (22 through 24) were discussed, focusing on the renewal of a shared services agreement for TB services with surrounding municipalities. Concerns were raised regarding the operational conditions (lack of heat and air conditioning) at the Board of Health facility where these services are rendered. There were requests for reports detailing revenue generated from billing surrounding townships for these services in the previous year. Further discussion addressed the status of a $700,000 mobile unit vandalized a year prior, with ongoing conversations about repairs and potential utilization by other divisions, such as the Police Department, if the Board of Health does not utilize it. Councilwoman Cotton clarified that the TB clinic services are utilized by residents for employment and shelter entry requirements, not exclusively for active TB cases.

The special meeting focused primarily on authorizing contract awards related to road resurfacing programs for 2025. Resolutions were passed for awarding contracts to J.A. Alexander, Inc. and Smith Sunday Asphalt Construction Company, Inc. for citywide road resurfacing supplemental projects. Change orders were also authorized for the ARP2 and ARP3 road resurfacing programs. Significant discussion occurred during the approval of change orders regarding the utilization of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding for these road projects, including the addition of specific streets like Burkshshire and De Grassi, and concerns were raised about ensuring utility companies properly restore roads after excavation.

The regular meeting commenced with roll call and a statement of compliance with the open public meetings law. Key discussions included the approval of payments totaling over $21 million, which included a substantial payment to the Board of Education and general government expenditures covering health insurance and Medicare B, though no payroll was processed. Council members debated the disbursement of retroactive payments related to ratified union contracts, specifying timelines for firefighters and other employees. Significant discussion occurred around Consent Agenda Item 13, concerning the renewal of a contract with Collaborative Research LLC for support services for the Ryan White, HOPWA, and Department of Health and Human Services programs. Council members expressed concerns regarding the lack of detailed performance reports for this $130,000 item, leading to its temporary removal from the consent agenda for separate deliberation.

The workshop session commenced with a roll call and statement of compliance regarding open public meetings law. Key discussions involved removing a special meeting administration item from the agenda and deferring Agenda Item 31 until January. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the payment of bills, totaling over $40 million, which prompted detailed inquiries regarding large disbursements, specifically for PS&G usage fees and payments related to off-duty police officers. Furthermore, the council held a special presentation honoring a former council member for his transition to State Assemblyman of the 35th District, celebrating his service and commitment to securing funding for the city. Following the presentation, discussions touched upon ongoing legislative efforts regarding the Garden State Growth Zone and housing development concerns.

The workshop meeting agenda included the payment of bills, totaling $7,58,756.85, which included payroll and community development funds; retroactive union payback for police and fire employees was discussed, with clarification that it would appear in the next payroll cycle. Several agenda items were moved to consent, while others were referred back to committee or moved forward for first reading. A primary discussion focused on Item Number 6, an ordinance for the second reading concerning the increase of Chapter 183 construction code uniform fees (UCCC fees) by an estimated 10% across the board, as these fees had not increased since 2010/2011. The necessity for this increase was tied to leveling out deficiencies and supporting department employment needs. Road resurfacing projects for specific streets were also addressed for consent or regular status.