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Township Council Mtg: 11-17-25
The meeting was called to order with a notice of the time, date, location, and agenda, as per the provisions of public notice requirements.
The meeting commenced with a welcome, detailing the time, date, location, and agenda. Notice was given in accordance with public meeting laws by posting on the municipal bulletin board and sending email notifications to relevant parties.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Meeting attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll call was conducted with council members present except for Councilwoman Charris Tabares, who was absent.
The clerk called the roll of council members. Councilwoman Gonzalez, Councilman Joanna, Councilwoman Cruz, Councilwoman Davis, and Councilman Poll were present. Councilwoman Charris Tabares was absent.
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously after being moved by Councilwoman Gonzalez and seconded by Councilman Joanna.
Councilwoman Gonzalez moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Joanna and passed with all members present voting in favor.
Three communications were received, including two from the DEP and one from the NJ DOT regarding final inspection for state aid.
The council received three communications: two notices from the Department of Environmental Protection regarding hazardous substance discharge and a classification exception area, and a final inspection notice from the New Jersey Department of Transportation regarding JFK Drive improvements.
Multiple members of the public commented on topics including rent control, tenant protections, and public meeting rules.
During the public comment period, several residents expressed concerns about rent control, tenant protections, and the governance of public meetings. Issues raised included the operation of the rent leveling board, the enforcement of rent control regulations, and the rules governing public participation in council meetings.
Two ordinances were introduced on first reading: one on filming in the township code and another on a long-term tax exemption agreement.
Two proposed ordinances were introduced for first reading: (1) an ordinance concerning filming in the township code, moved by Councilman Joanna and seconded by Councilwoman Cruz; (2) an ordinance approving an application for a long-term tax exemption and authorizing a financial agreement with Bloomfield Broad Associates Urban Renewal LLC, moved by Councilwoman Cruz and seconded by Councilwoman Davis.
A proposed ordinance to amend the rent control chapter was discussed, with significant public input and opposition noted.
The council held a hearing on the second reading of a proposed ordinance to amend the rent control chapter. Public input included strong opposition from members of the rent leveling board and residents, citing concerns about tenant protections and board authority. The ordinance aims to restructure the board and address transparency and governance issues.
Public questions about the dissolution of the Rent Leveling Board and concerns about political retaliation.
The public posed questions about the justification for dissolving the Rent Leveling Board and removing current members. Concerns were raised about the move being politically motivated and assurances were requested to prevent future retaliations against board members who question the administration.
Discussion about the ordinance affecting the board structure and the process for appointing new members.
Council members discussed the ordinance that changes the Rent Leveling Board's structure. The ordinance stipulates a board with three renters, three landlords, and one neutral member. Current members can apply for the new board, but changes require a new appointment process.
Council discusses notifying landlords about the new ordinance and involving them in the process.
Questions were raised about how landlords are notified of the new ordinance. The council discussed the importance of notifying landlords, who should then inform their tenants, to ensure awareness and compliance with the new regulations.
Discussion of ordinance readings and the participation of landlords during the ordinance creation process.
The council discussed the historical involvement of landlords during the ordinance's development. It was noted that a large landlord's actions prompted the ordinance's creation, and the importance of having a representative voice for landlords was emphasized.
The council votes on various ordinances including affordable housing and bond issues.
Several ordinances were read and voted on, including those related to affordable housing, water main relining, and parking lot improvements. Each ordinance was moved, seconded, and voted upon by the council members.
The council moves and approves the consent agenda.
The council moved and approved the consent agenda, which includes various routine resolutions and actions that do not require individual discussion.
The council moves into a closed session for private discussions.
Following the public portion of the meeting, the council moved into a closed session to discuss matters not disclosed to the public. Council members were instructed to log into a separate link for this session.
Introduction of new business and proposed ordinances on first reading.
New business was introduced, including the first reading of proposed ordinances. These were moved and seconded by council members, with roll call votes conducted for approval.
The council meeting is adjourned after all business is concluded.
The council meeting was formally adjourned following the completion of the agenda items. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved by the council members.