Jersey City Minutes

Meeting record

Municipal Council, February 11, 2026

Body
Municipal Council
Date
February 11, 2026 (regular meeting)
Video
city recording, 3h 49m
Called to order
0:01:10 (6:04 p.m.)
Adjourned
3:48:50 (9:51 p.m.)
Minutes
CivicWeb, fetched 2026-10-20
Votes
36 confirmed

Attendance

Items

motion-add-10.23-10.25 motion

Motion to add items 10.23 (Res. 26-065), 10.24 (Res. 26-066) and 10.25 (Res. 26-067) to the agenda

0:05:03 to 0:07:23 · Added
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:06:05
Moved by Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr., seconded by Thomas Zuppa, Jr.
Roll call from 0:06:05 (Brooks called at 0:06:36, word timing). Ephros's 'Aye' (0:06:42) is low-confidence (p=0.30), filled as aye from the clerk's announced 9-0 (0:06:57); the other eight heard aye. Full pass. Motion by Lavarro, second by Zuppa (clerk, 0:06:27). Minutes: no numbered or unnumbered line for this motion; no PDF vote table for it. The minutes have no line for this procedural motion; published as heard on Adam Hanford's review of 2026-10-20.
As discussed at the caucus, the clerk read the three late resolutions 10.23, 10.24 and 10.25 into the record (0:05:03 to 0:05:40) and asked for a motion to add them (0:06:05).
10.4 Res. 26-045 resolution

A Resolution authorizing members of the City Council of Jersey City to fully staff their offices in accordance with City and State Law.

0:07:23 to 0:08:24 · Withdrawn · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:07:48
Moved by Jake Ephros, seconded by Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr.
Motion to withdraw the item from the agenda. Roll call from 0:07:48; every answer heard. Motion by Ephros (clerk, 0:07:35), second by Lavarro (0:07:48). The clerk called the item '10.3, City Resolution 26-045'; the minutes number Res. 26-045 as 10.4. The announced count is transcribed 'Motion carries. 90 to withdraw item 10.3' ('90' at p=0.16). The minutes give the action but no tally; Res. 26-045's PDF (p. 2) prints a blank Record of Council Vote, so no PDF vote table stands in. The minutes record Res. 26-045 as Withdrawn with no tally, and the resolution's PDF vote table is blank; every answer is heard on the video. Published as heard on Adam Hanford's review of 2026-10-20.
As discussed at the caucus (clerk, 0:07:23). Read by the clerk as item 10.3; minutes item 10.4, recorded as Withdrawn. Later in the meeting a council aide spoke on this resolution during public comment (2:48:35).
10.19 Res. 26-061 resolution

A Resolution authorizing a payment of claim to the Law Office of Tracey S. Cosby for legal services.

0:08:24 to 0:10:23 · Withdrawn · document
The clerk said it was the administration's intention to withdraw 10.19 and the business administrator confirmed (0:08:24 to 0:08:45); the clerk marked it withdrawn. No vote. A speaker not named said it was a duplicate item (0:10:23). The minutes record 10.19 (Res. 26-061) as Withdrawn.
motion-order-10.5-10.6-10.10 motion

Motion to take up items 10.5 (Res. 26-046), 10.6 (Res. 26-047) and 10.10 (Res. 26-051) out of order

0:10:23 to 0:11:30 · Approved
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:10:57
Moved by Frank E. Gilmore, seconded by Thomas Zuppa, Jr.
Clerk's words: 'motion to defer to items 10.4, 5 and 9' (clerk's numbering; minutes 10.5, 10.6 and 10.10). Roll call from 0:10:57 (Brooks called at 0:11:30, word timing); every answer heard (Brooks 'Aye' p=0.55). Motion by Gilmore, second by Zuppa (clerk, 0:10:57). Minutes: no numbered or unnumbered line for this motion seen. The minutes have no line for this procedural motion; published as heard on Adam Hanford's review of 2026-10-20.
The clerk described the three items as the resolutions appointing the finance director, the corporation counsel and director of law, and the finance director as acting chief financial officer (0:10:57).
10.5 Res. 26-046 resolution

A Resolution approving the appointment of William Viqueira as Director of the Department of Finance.

0:11:30 to 0:13:12 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:12:04
Roll call from 0:12:04; every answer heard (Gilmore answered after the clerk asked that the microphone be turned on; Lavarro 'I vote aye', 0:12:44; Ridley 0:13:12). No motion or second heard. Read by the clerk as item 10.4; minutes item 10.5.
Taken out of order by motion (0:10:57). Read by the clerk as item 10.4, Resolution 26-046 (0:11:30 to 0:12:04); the minutes number it 10.5.
10.6 Res. 26-047 resolution

A Resolution approving the appointment of Sarah M. Levine as Corporation Counsel and the Director of the Department of Law.

0:13:12 to 0:14:29 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:13:12
Roll call from 0:13:12 (Brooks called at 0:13:51, word timing); every answer heard except Zuppa's 'Aye' (0:13:56, p=0.13), filled as aye from the clerk's announced 9-0 (0:14:29) (Lavarro 'I vote aye', 0:14:29; Ridley 0:14:29). Full pass. No motion or second heard. Read by the clerk as item 10.5; minutes item 10.6.
Taken out of order by motion (0:10:57). Read by the clerk as item 10.5, City Resolution 26-047 (0:13:12); the minutes number it 10.6.
10.10 Res. 26-051 resolution

A Resolution approving the appointment of William Viqueira as Acting Chief Financial Officer.

0:15:10 to 0:17:03 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:15:10
Roll call from 0:15:10 (Brooks called at the end of the segment, answered at 0:15:27); every answer heard (Gilmore 'Oh, aye', 0:15:53; Griffin 'So I vote aye', 0:16:22; Lavarro and Ridley 0:16:22). No motion or second heard. Read by the clerk as item 10.9; minutes item 10.10.
Taken out of order by motion (0:10:57). Read by the clerk as item 10.9, City Resolution 26-051 (0:15:10); the minutes number it 10.10.
3.1 Ord. 26-006 ordinance first reading

An Ordinance authorizing the use of up to three percent of payroll taxes collected to be used on administrative expenses and a waiver for entities subject to an out-of-state payroll tax in accordance with recent changes to New Jersey law.

0:17:10 to 0:24:32 · Introduced · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:22:03
Consent roll call with items 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3, from 0:22:03. No motion or second heard. Every answer heard: Brooks 'aye on all'; Zuppa 'aye on all' (transcribed 'Put an eye on all', 0:22:13); Ephros 'aye on all' (0:22:56); Little 'aye for introduction on all of them' (0:24:01); Gilmore, Lavarro and Ridley 'aye for introduction'; Singh 'Aye for three of them' (0:24:17); Griffin 'Aye on all' (0:24:22).
3.2 Ord. 26-007 ordinance first reading

An Franchise Ordinance granting permission to Avenir West Side Square LLC, for the installation of a Lit Protective Bollard at Lot 30.01 in Block 9301, (Qualifer 1) also known as 1075 West Side Avenue into the right of way.

0:17:33 to 0:24:32 · Introduced · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:22:03
Consent roll call with items 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3, from 0:22:03; see 3.1. Every answer heard.
3.3 ordinance first reading

An Ordinance of the Jersey City Municipal Council amending the Jersey City Land Development Ordinance, Chapter 345 Article I Section 6 Definitions, Chapter 345 Article V Section 62 Residential Design Standards, and Chapter 345 Article V Section 63 Non-Residential Design Standards.

0:18:04 to 0:24:32 · Introduced · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:22:03
Consent roll call with items 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3, from 0:22:03; see 3.1. Every answer heard. Zuppa (0:22:13) and Little (0:23:25) said during the roll call that they intended to work on the ordinance before second reading.
The clerk read it as 'City Ordinance 26-008' (0:18:04); the minutes print no ordinance number ('Ord. - Pdf'). Lavarro's question is identified from the Council President's reference to it ('what Councilman Lavarro is alluding to', 0:21:12).
4.1 Ord. 26-001 ordinance second reading

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 (Administration of Government) Article XI (Department of Public Safety) Sub-Article I (Division of Police) and Chapter 160 ((Fee Schedule Established) Subsection 7 (Fees for the Department of Public Works) of the Municipal code to Reform the Off-Duty and Public Works Rental for Non-Profit & Cultural Events.

0:24:37 to 0:47:42 · Adopted · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:41:12
Final consideration and adoption as amended. Roll call from 0:41:12 (Brooks called at 0:41:21); every answer heard (Brooks 'I vote aye', 0:41:29; Gilmore 'I proudly vote aye', 0:43:41; Lavarro 'I vote aye', 0:47:17; Ridley 0:47:39). No motion or second heard.
Public hearing from 0:25:09 to 0:31:57; three members of the public spoke. Motion to close the public hearing by Gilmore, seconded by Lavarro (0:31:57); roll call from 0:31:57: Brooks asked whether it was the close of the hearing and answered 'Aye' (0:32:26, p=0.23); the other eight answers heard; clerk announced 'approved 9-0' at 0:33:03. The business administrator was out of the room and the final vote was held until Ephros's question was answered (0:33:03 to 0:34:32). Amended before adoption; see motion-amend-4.1. A member not identified by the clerk asked for quarterly cost updates (0:40:36).
motion-amend-4.1 motion

Motion to amend Ord. 26-001 (two typographical corrections, pages 1 and 3)

0:34:15 to 0:36:53 · Approved
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:35:52
Moved by Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr., seconded by Jake Ephros
Roll call from 0:35:52 (Brooks called at 0:36:05, word timing). Griffin asked whether the amendment changed the figure, was told it only struck text, and answered 'Okay. Aye.' (0:36:40; 'Aye' p=0.46, low-confidence); filled as aye from the clerk's announced 9-0 (0:36:50); the other eight heard aye. Full pass. Motion by Lavarro, second by Ephros (clerk, 0:34:38). Minutes: no numbered or unnumbered line for this motion. Ord. 26-001's PDF (p. 6) prints a 'Record of Council Vote on Amendments' of Feb 11 2026, 9-0, every member aye, and the motion as 'Made by Councilperson Lavarro, Second by Councilperson Ephros, 9-0'. The minutes have no line for this procedural motion; published as heard on Adam Hanford's review of 2026-10-20.
As discussed at the caucus (clerk, 0:34:15). The clerk read the amendments: on page 1, '12' struck and replaced with '11' in the definition of special cultural events; on page 3, the $10 an hour compensation for crossing guards struck (0:34:38 to 0:35:44). Asked by the clerk, the Corporation Counsel said the changes were not substantial (0:35:52).
4.2 Ord. 26-002 ordinance second reading

An Ordinance Supplementing Chapter 332 (Vehicles and Traffic) Article IX (Parking for the Disabled) of the Jersey City Code designating a reserved parking space at various locations throughout the City.

0:47:51 to 0:50:16 · Adopted · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:49:45
Roll call from 0:49:45. Griffin is called at 0:50:04 (word timing) and no answer is heard before the call of Lavarro (0:50:06), in the full pass or in the window re-transcription 2984-3020; the other eight answered aye. Griffin's answer is filled as aye from the clerk's announced 9-0 ('adopted unanimously 9-0', 0:50:11, in the 0:49:45 segment). No motion or second heard.
Public hearing from 0:47:51 to 0:48:45; one member of the public spoke. Motion to close the public hearing by Gilmore, seconded by Zuppa (0:48:45); roll call from 0:49:16, every answer heard; clerk announced 9-0 at 0:49:38.
4.3 Ord. 26-004 ordinance second reading

An Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of Block 11612, Lot 3, more commonly known by the street address of 95 Morgan Street, from 95 Morgan Street Development, LLC.

0:50:16 to 0:51:52 · Carried · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:51:18
Moved by Eleana Little, seconded by Frank E. Gilmore
Motion to carry to the February 25, 2026 meeting. Roll call from 0:51:18. Brooks's 'Aye' (0:51:26) is low-confidence (p=0.41), filled as aye from the clerk's announced 9-0 (0:51:49); the other eight heard aye. Full pass. The clerk gave the motion to Little and the second to Gilmore (0:51:08). The minutes give the action but no tally; Ord. 26-004's PDF (fetched version, p. 3) prints the Feb 25 2026 hearing and final votes and no table for this Feb 11 motion, so no PDF vote table stands in. The minutes record 'Carried to February 25' with no tally, and the ordinance's PDF has no table for this vote. Published as heard on Adam Hanford's review of 2026-10-20.
Carried to the February 25, 2026 meeting. As discussed at the caucus, the clerk said Little was waiting for an environmental report and that the ordinance would be advertised for a public hearing again on February 25 (0:50:40). The public hearing was not opened on this date; a member of the public spoke on the site during public comment (1:19:50).
4.4 Ord. 26-005 ordinance second reading

An Franchise Ordinance granting permission to 20 VANW, LLC by it managing member, Hangyuan Zhang, allowing the installation of concrete stairs that extend into the right of way beyond the boundary lines of Lot 38, Block 12003, and are for the benefit of Lot 38, Block 12003, commonly known as 20 Van Wagenen Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey.

0:51:52 to 0:57:07 · Adopted · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:56:33
Roll call from 0:56:33; every answer heard. No motion or second heard. The announced count is transcribed 'unanimously 9-1.' then '0.' at low confidence (p=0.28, 0.51, 0.31; 0:57:01 to 0:57:07); read as 9-0.
Public hearing from 0:52:36 to 0:55:36; one member of the public spoke. Motion to close the public hearing by Gilmore, seconded by Council President Ridley (0:55:52); roll call from 0:55:59 (Brooks called at 0:56:09; 'Aye' p=0.49), every answer heard; clerk announced 9-0 at 0:56:07 segment.
5 public comment

Public request for hearing

0:57:07 to 2:51:50 · Heard
Public request for hearing (minutes items 5.1 to 5.53). The clerk called each speaker by number and first name from 0:57:07. Speakers are not listed here; the minutes name them. Members responded to several speakers. The Council President asked speakers to consider reducing the number of speakers at future meetings (1:40:30). Little asked the Corporation Counsel whether the ban on rent-setting algorithms could be amended to cover utility billing algorithms; the answer was that the law department would look into it (2:00:04). A member not identified by the clerk asked about enforcement responsibilities for Chapter 260 (2:37:08). The clerk closed the list at 2:51:50 ('That will conclude our public speakers list').
6 other

Petitions and communications (items 6.1 to 6.28)

2:52:09 to 2:52:09 · No action
The clerk asked for questions or comments on petitions and communications 6.1 through 6.27 (2:52:09; the minutes list 6.1 to 6.28); none were heard. The clerk said there were no officer communications. The items are not listed individually. Minutes item 10.1 (Res. 26-089, Atlantic Salt, Inc.), which the minutes list with no action, was not read or voted on the video and is not recorded as an item; see needs_checking.
8 other

Reports of directors (items 8.1 to 8.15)

2:52:09 to 2:55:15 · No action
The clerk asked for questions or comments on reports of directors 8.1 through 8.15 (2:52:09); questions were asked on 8.1 only. The items are not listed individually.
9.1 claims

Meeting Claims List

2:55:15 to 3:15:25 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:07:50
One roll call on the claims list and addendums 1 and 2 (items 9.1, 9.2, 9.3), from 3:07:50; members answered by item. On 9.1: Brooks aye (3:08:01); Zuppa 'aye on all' (3:08:22); Ephros and Little aye on 9.1 (3:08:22 segment); Gilmore 'I vote aye' (3:10:43); Singh 'aye on all three' (3:10:43); Griffin 'I vote aye' (3:10:43); Lavarro aye on 9.1 (3:11:13). Ridley is called at 3:14:51 (word timing) and the only words heard before the clerk's announcement are 'I don't know' (p=0.64, 0.99, 1.00); recorded not-voting. The clerk announced no separate count for 9.1; the count of 5-0-4 at 3:14:40 refers to the addendums. Council President Ridley's aye (3:14:51) is recorded on Adam Hanford's listening of 2026-10-20.
Discussion of the claims is recorded under 9.2.
9.2 claims

Meeting Claims Addendum #1

2:55:15 to 3:15:25 · Approved · document
5-0-4 5 ayes, 0 nays, 4 abstentions, roll call at 3:07:50
One roll call on items 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3, from 3:07:50; see 9.1. On the addendums: Brooks abstain (3:08:01); Zuppa aye on all (3:08:22); Ephros and Little abstain on 9.2 and 9.3 (3:08:22 segment; Little 'due to the lack of time to review them', 3:09:19); Gilmore 'I vote aye' (3:10:43); Singh 'aye on all three' (3:10:43); Griffin 'I vote aye' (3:10:43). Lavarro voted aye on named line items of 9.2 (retirement system, M&T debt service, page 4 allocations to the public schools and the County of Hudson) and of 9.3 (dental, prescriptions, medical claims) and abstained on the rest (3:11:38 to 3:14:01); the clerk said such split votes had been taken before and counted Lavarro among the abstentions; recorded abstain. Ridley: 'I don't know' (3:14:51, word timing); recorded not-voting. The announced 5-0-4 would fill Ridley as aye under the announced-count rule; not applied at extraction. Council President Ridley's aye (3:14:51) is recorded on Adam Hanford's listening of 2026-10-20. Councilperson Lavarro voted aye on named lines of the addendum and abstained on the rest; the clerk counted Lavarro among the abstentions, recorded abstain. The minutes give 5-0-4 without naming the abstentions.
The clerk said the addendums were received on the day of the meeting and the agenda was republished (2:55:25). The 3:06:24 request is attributed to Brooks from the Council President's reply ('Councilman Brooks does have a point', 3:07:20).
9.3 claims

Meeting Claims Addendum #2

2:55:15 to 3:15:25 · Approved · document
5-0-4 5 ayes, 0 nays, 4 abstentions, roll call at 3:07:50
One roll call on items 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3, from 3:07:50; see 9.1 and 9.2. Same answers as 9.2: Lavarro aye on the dental, prescription and medical claims lines and abstain on the rest, counted by the clerk among the abstentions; Ridley 'I don't know' (3:14:51), recorded not-voting. Council President Ridley's aye (3:14:51) is recorded on Adam Hanford's listening of 2026-10-20. Councilperson Lavarro voted aye on named lines of the addendum and abstained on the rest; the clerk counted Lavarro among the abstentions, recorded abstain. The minutes give 5-0-4 without naming the abstentions.
The minutes title this item 'Meeting Claims Addendum #2: approved-5-0-4'. Discussion is recorded under 9.2.
10.2 Res. 26-043 resolution

A Resolution authorizing Calendar Year 2025 Appropriation Reserve Transfers for various Departments.

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15 (minutes numbering; the clerk called '10.1 through 10.14 with the exception of 10.3 which has been withdrawn and 10.4, 5, and 9 which were approved earlier', 3:15:25). No motion or second heard. Every answer heard: Brooks 'I vote aye on all' (3:15:25); Zuppa 'I vote aye on all' (3:16:12); Ephros 'I also vote aye' (3:16:33); Little 'Aye on all' and Gilmore 'aye on all' (3:16:41); Singh 'I vote aye on all' (3:17:13); Griffin 'I vote aye on all' (3:17:54); Lavarro 'Aye and all' (3:18:01); Ridley 'Aye' (3:18:04). Called by the clerk as 10.1.
The clerk's numbering of the resolutions from 10.1 to 10.15 runs one below the minutes' (the minutes list Res. 26-089 as 10.1); this item is the clerk's 10.1. Title not read on the video.
10.3 Res. 26-044 resolution

A Resolution authorizing an Emergency Temporary Appropriation.

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15, from 3:15:25; see 10.2. Every answer heard. Called by the clerk as 10.2.
The clerk's item 10.2. Title not read on the video.
10.7 Res. 26-048 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the award of a competitively bid contract with real property Analytics, Inc. to provide appraisal services in support of the Jersey City Tax Assessor in property valuation and in defense of assessments on tax appeals.

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15, from 3:15:25; see 10.2. Every answer heard. Called by the clerk as 10.6.
The clerk's item 10.6. Title not read on the video.
10.8 Res. 26-049 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the award of a competitively bid contract with Integra Realty Resources-Northern New Jersey, LLC to provide appraisal services in support of the Jersey City Tax Assessor in property valuation and in defense of assessments on tax appeals.

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15, from 3:15:25; see 10.2. Every answer heard. Called by the clerk as 10.7.
The clerk's item 10.7. Title not read on the video.
10.9 Res. 26-050 resolution

A Resolution honoring the Lincoln Association of Jersey City on the occasion of its 160th Annual Commemoration of President Lincoln’s life and legacy.

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15, from 3:15:25; see 10.2. Every answer heard. Called by the clerk as 10.8.
The clerk's item 10.8. Title not read on the video.
10.11 Res. 26-052 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire to accept funding from the United States Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) under the FY24 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15, from 3:15:25; see 10.2. Every answer heard. Called by the clerk as 10.10.
The clerk's item 10.10. Zuppa's remark on '10.10' and the fire department grant matches this minutes item, one of the grounds for reading the clerk's numbers as one below the minutes'.
10.12 Res. 26-053 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the cancellation of the unexpended budget appropriation balances of the Department of Health and Human Services of the City of Jersey City, State of New Jersey, authorizing the closure and adjustment of grant accounts for the “Summer Foods Summer Program.”

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15, from 3:15:25; see 10.2. Every answer heard. Called by the clerk as 10.11.
The clerk's item 10.11. Title not read on the video.
10.13 Res. 26-054 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the renewal of an open-end contract with Clarke Moynihan Landscaping and Construction LLC for the 2026 General Maintenance of Pershing Field and Gateway Parks for the Department of Recreation and Youth Development, Division of Park Maintenance.

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15, from 3:15:25; see 10.2. Every answer heard. Called by the clerk as 10.12.
The clerk's item 10.12. Griffin began to ask about '10.12' and was told the question concerned 10.18 (3:17:13).
10.14 Res. 26-055 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City to apply and accept the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs 2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant Program.

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15, from 3:15:25; see 10.2. Every answer heard. Called by the clerk as 10.13.
The clerk's item 10.13. Title not read on the video.
10.15 Res. 26-056 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the cancellation of grant receivable balances and/or grant reserve.

3:15:25 to 3:18:07 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:15:25
Consent roll call with items 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15, from 3:15:25; see 10.2. Every answer heard. Called by the clerk as 10.14.
The clerk's item 10.14. The clerk's item 10.15 is a different resolution (NW Financial Group, not in the posted minutes), recorded as video-10.15.
video-10.15 resolution

Resolution called by the clerk as item 10.15, for financial advisory services by NW Financial Group (not in the posted minutes; title as described by members on the video, not read by the clerk)

3:18:15 to 3:48:06 · Defeated
0-9 0 ayes, 9 nays, roll call at 3:18:19
Consent roll call with items video-10.15, 10.16, 10.17 and 10.20 to 10.25 (10.18 withdrawn during the roll call, 10.19 withdrawn earlier), from 3:18:19; members answered by item. On this item: Zuppa no (3:23:15, confirmed 3:27:08); Ephros no (3:27:52); Little no (3:30:08); Gilmore no (3:33:36); Singh no (3:35:12, confirmed 3:35:49); Griffin no (3:35:49); Lavarro no (3:37:58); Ridley no (3:47:08). Brooks answered aye on 10.15 (3:18:19); at 3:47:16 a speaker not named by the clerk said 'Sean, I'd like to revise my vote on 10-15 ... I vote no on 10-15', and the clerk replied 'that's what happens when you vote first' (3:47:46); Brooks voted first. Recorded nay for Brooks on that reading; see needs_checking. Councilperson Brooks, who voted first, said aye on 10.15 (3:18:19); at 3:47:16 a speaker not named by the clerk said 'I'd like to revise my vote on 10-15 ... I vote no', which Adam Hanford reads as Brooks's revision (2026-10-20); recorded nay. The posted minutes have no item for this resolution.
The posted minutes have no item for this resolution: they list Res. 26-056 at 10.15 and Res. 26-058 at 10.16, with no Res. 26-057. The firm's name is from members' remarks (Zuppa, 3:23:15: 'NW Financial Group had been advisors to the city'; Gilmore, 3:32:32: 'NW Financial'). Several members gave reasons for their votes during the roll call.
10.16 Res. 26-058 resolution

A Resolution providing local support for BEVRLY, INC. to operate a Class 6 Retail cannabis business.

3:18:15 to 3:48:19 · Approved · document
6-1-2 6 ayes, 1 nay, 2 abstentions, roll call at 3:18:19
Consent roll call with items video-10.15, 10.16, 10.17 and 10.20 to 10.25, from 3:18:19; see video-10.15. Res. 26-058's PDF vote table (p. 2): 6-1-2, Brooks and Lavarro N.V. (abstain), Singh nay, the others aye. On 10.16 and 10.17: Brooks abstain (3:18:19); Zuppa aye (3:23:15); Ephros yes (3:27:52); Little aye (3:30:43); Gilmore aye on all except 10.15 (3:33:36, 3:34:48); Singh no (3:35:12, confirmed 3:35:49); Griffin yes (3:36:25, confirmed 3:37:58); Lavarro abstaining (3:40:41); Ridley aye on all except 10.15 (3:47:08).
10.17 Res. 26-059 resolution

A Resolution providing local support for Grass House Company to operate a Class 5 Retail cannabis business.

3:18:15 to 3:48:19 · Approved · document
6-1-2 6 ayes, 1 nay, 2 abstentions, roll call at 3:18:19
Consent roll call with items video-10.15, 10.16, 10.17 and 10.20 to 10.25, from 3:18:19; same answers as 10.16. Res. 26-059's PDF vote table (p. 2) gives the same answers.
10.18 Res. 26-060 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the award of a contract to Adamo Brothers Construction for the Monticello Court Improvement, Project No. 2021-032 for the Department of Infrastructure, Division of Architecture.

3:18:15 to 3:22:12 · Withdrawn · document
Brooks asked whether the item could be carried; the clerk and the business administrator said the administration could withdraw its own item (3:21:22 to 3:21:45), and the clerk recorded 10.18 as withdrawn by the administration (3:21:49, 3:21:54). No vote. The minutes record 10.18 as Withdrawn.
10.20 Res. 26-062 resolution

A Resolution authorizing a Closed Session of the Municipal Council on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to discuss issues related to pending litigation.

3:18:15 to 3:48:19 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:18:19
Consent roll call with items video-10.15, 10.16, 10.17 and 10.20 to 10.25, from 3:18:19; see video-10.15. Res. 26-062's PDF vote table (p. 2): 9-0, every member aye. On 10.20 to 10.25 every member answered aye: Brooks 'aye on the rest' (3:22:12); Zuppa aye on all the rest (confirmed 3:27:08); Ephros by item (3:28:08, 3:29:10); Little by item (3:30:43 to 3:32:16); Gilmore aye on all except 10.15 (3:34:48); Singh aye on all the rest (confirmed 3:35:49); Griffin aye on all except 10.15 (confirmed 3:37:58); Lavarro 'aye for 23 and for all of the rest' (3:44:14); Ridley aye on all the rest (3:47:08).
10.21 Res. 26-063 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City Office of Grant Administration to accept a State of New Jersey Grant in the amount of $125,000 from the State of New Jersey, through the Department of Community Affairs.

3:18:15 to 3:48:19 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:18:19
Consent roll call with items video-10.15, 10.16, 10.17 and 10.20 to 10.25, from 3:18:19; see 10.20. Every answer heard except Ephros's 'yes on 1021' ('yes' p=0.43, 3:28:18), filled as aye from the clerk's announced 'Items 10.20 through 10.25 are approved unanimously 9-0' (3:48:34). Full pass.
10.22 Res. 26-064 resolution

A Resolution authorizing a lien against the properties listed herein for the cost of removing litter, debris, etc. in accordance with N.J.S.A.40:48-2.14 and Jersey City code section 287-4.

3:18:15 to 3:48:19 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:18:19
Consent roll call with items video-10.15, 10.16, 10.17 and 10.20 to 10.25, from 3:18:19; see 10.20. Every answer heard.
10.23 Res. 26-065 resolution

A Resolution of the Municipal Council of the City of Jersey City expressing opposition to Federal Immigration Enforcement policies under the current Presidential Administration and calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

3:18:15 to 3:48:19 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:18:19
Consent roll call with items video-10.15, 10.16, 10.17 and 10.20 to 10.25, from 3:18:19; see 10.20. Every answer heard; several members spoke on this item during their votes.
Added to the agenda by motion at the start of the meeting (0:06:40). Little said during the vote that they were a co-sponsor (3:31:10).
10.24 Res. 26-066 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City to apply and accept the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs 2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant Program.

3:18:15 to 3:48:19 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:18:19
Consent roll call with items video-10.15, 10.16, 10.17 and 10.20 to 10.25, from 3:18:19; see 10.20. Every answer heard (Ephros 'I also vote yes or excuse me aye on 1024', 3:29:24; 'yes' p=0.93).
Added to the agenda by motion at the start of the meeting (0:06:40). Zuppa described it during the vote as the recreation grant for Pershing Field renovations (3:26:34).
10.25 Res. 26-067 resolution

A Resolution establishing the Rent Protection Special Investigation Committee and Superseding Resolution 25‐564.

3:18:15 to 3:48:19 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:18:19
Consent roll call with items video-10.15, 10.16, 10.17 and 10.20 to 10.25, from 3:18:19; see 10.20. Every answer heard except Ephros's 'aye on 1025' ('I' p=0.34, 3:29:27), filled as aye from the clerk's announced 'Items 10.20 through 10.25 are approved unanimously 9-0' (3:48:34). Full pass.
Added to the agenda by motion at the start of the meeting (0:06:40). During the roll call a member not identified by the clerk asked whether committee members' names had to be inserted; the clerk said the names could be given after the vote (3:22:42). Members thanked Gilmore for bringing the resolution forward (3:26:34, 3:41:20).
motion-adjourn motion

Motion to adjourn

3:48:19 to 3:49:22 · Approved
Voice vote, no roll call at 3:48:50
Moved by Frank E. Gilmore, seconded by Michael O. Griffin
No member's answer is recorded for a voice vote.
Voice vote, no roll call (3:48:50). Motion by Gilmore; the clerk gave the second to Griffin (3:48:50). Adjourned at 9:51 p.m. (clerk, 3:48:50). The minutes record the adjournment motion at 9:51 p.m. by Gilmore, seconded by Griffin.

Record drafted 2026-10-20, checked 2026-10-20, reviewed by Adam Hanford (review pending).