Lourdes E. Rodriguez

The Council held a meeting to address various municipal matters, including the passage of an ordinance regarding the Roebling Entertainment District and a failed motion on seasonal positions. The Council reviewed and approved a consent agenda covering a range of topics: support for the 2020 Census, resolution on tax sale certificates, rescission of property sales, rejection of construction bids, contract awards for engine maintenance and water residuals disposal, administrative service agreements, the FY 2019 Community Development Block Grant action plan, and the Cook School/Clinton Lofts project. Furthermore, the Council addressed capital ordinances for street reconstruction, discussed pay-to-play requirements for redevelopment agreements, and finalized the adoption of the FY 2019 Municipal Current Fund budget amendments and the final fiscal year budget.

The council received an update on the status and operations of the Trenton Water Works system. Several bond ordinances were adopted, covering improvements to the sewer utility, capital acquisitions, water utility improvements, reconstruction and resurfacing of city streets, and amendments to parking regulations. Additionally, ordinances for leasing parking property and the sale of city-owned properties were passed. Numerous resolutions were approved to award professional legal services contracts for municipal, labor, redevelopment, tax appeal, and worker's compensation matters. Further, renewals for multiple alcoholic beverage licenses were granted, and several contracts and grants related to infrastructure, maintenance, communications, and social services were authorized. The meeting also included public and civic comments concerning local safety, housing, infrastructure maintenance, and personal service reflections.

The council meeting included a presentation by Trenton Animal Rock regarding the need for extended hours and resources at the Trenton Animal Shelter. The council reviewed various legal and tort claim notices, reports from the City Clerk's Office, and addressed multiple ordinances regarding bond acquisitions for capital improvements, lead service line replacements, and city real property acquisitions. Resolutions were passed concerning alcoholic beverage license renewals, appointment of members to the zoning board and ethics board, transfer of tax abatement agreements, lease of space for cellular antenna systems, settlement of legal claims, acceptance of highway safety grants, and various municipal contracts for infrastructure and maintenance services.

The Council meeting covered a wide range of administrative and public interest topics, including the review of numerous civil actions and tort claim notices involving foreclosed properties, damages, and injury claims. The Council authorized the sale of alcoholic beverages for a community event, granted various liquor license renewals, approved emergency appropriations for the temporary budget, and authorized an emergency contract for third-party administrator services. Furthermore, the Council accepted auction bids for city-owned properties, appointed a new Vice-President, and addressed several public concerns regarding traffic safety, abandoned properties, and environmental remediation projects across the city.

The Council meeting involved the confirmation of appointments for the Director of the Department of Housing & Economic Development and the Director of the Department of Police. Presentations were made regarding operations at Trenton Water Works, including technical resources and the role of Wade Trim, and a discussion was held on the municipal hiring process. The council also reviewed various civil actions and tort claim notices. Furthermore, the council acted on multiple ordinances and resolutions, including those related to alcohol sales in the Roebling Entertainment District, a cash management plan, the rescinding of sales for several city-owned properties, the rejection of bids for the reconstruction of Ferry Street, the awarding of contracts for maintenance and professional services, and the authorization of several grant applications and funding allocations.