Jersey City Minutes

Meeting record

Municipal Council, May 20, 2026

Body
Municipal Council
Date
May 20, 2026 (regular meeting)
Video
city recording, 3h 16m
Called to order
0:00:01 (6:04 p.m.)
Adjourned
3:16:05 (9:19 p.m.)
Minutes
CivicWeb, fetched 2026-10-20
Votes
39 confirmed

Attendance

Items

3.1 Ord. 26-029 ordinance first reading

An Franchise Ordinance granting permission to 24 Bright Street LLC, its successors and assigns, to construct private improvements within 204 square feet of the Bright Street Public right-of-way, adjacent to Lot 37, Block 14106, on the Official Tax Assessment Map of the City of Jersey City.

0:02:28 to 0:11:26 · Introduced · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:09:12
Consent roll call with items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4, from 0:09:12. No motion or second heard. Brooks, Zuppa, Ephros, Little and Singh 'aye for introduction', Griffin 'Aye' (0:09:12); Lavarro 'I vote aye' after remarks (0:11:19); Ridley 'Aye for introduction' (0:11:26). Gilmore: 'Councilperson Gilmore. Introduction.' (0:09:25), no aye heard in the full pass or in the window re-transcription 550-580; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Ord. 26-029 vote table. The clerk announced 9-0 (0:11:26).
The clerk read items 3.1 to 3.4 into the record in turn from 0:02:28; they were voted together.
3.2 Ord. 26-030 ordinance first reading

An Ordinance authorizing an easement with the Exchange Place Alliance District Management Corporation regarding a park to be located at 95 Morgan Street.

0:03:01 to 0:11:26 · Introduced · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:09:12
Consent roll call with items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4, from 0:09:12; answers as recorded for 3.1. Gilmore: only 'Introduction.' heard (0:09:25), no aye, in the full pass and window 550-580; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Ord. 26-030 vote table. The clerk announced 9-0 (0:11:26).
3.3 Ord. 26-031 ordinance first reading

An Ordinance of the Municipal Council of the City of Jersey City amending Chapter A350 (Rules of Order) of the Jersey City Code to establish the Tuesday prior to caucus meetings as the deadline for distribution of the Municipal Council meeting agenda.

0:03:18 to 0:11:26 · Introduced · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:09:12
Consent roll call with items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4, from 0:09:12; answers as recorded for 3.1. Gilmore: only 'Introduction.' heard (0:09:25), no aye, in the full pass and window 550-580; recorded not-voting. The minutes record 9-0; the introduction vote table in the Ord. 26-031 PDF (p. 3) is printed with no answers, so there is no second written record for Gilmore's answer. The clerk announced 9-0 (0:11:26). Councilperson Gilmore said only 'Introduction.' (0:09:25); Gilmore's aye is filled from the clerk's 'introduced unanimously, 9-0' (0:11:26) on Adam Hanford's decision of 2026-10-20; the minutes record 9-0.
The clerk said there were edits to 3.3 following the caucus and asked Lavarro to state them before the vote (0:04:11). Lavarro also described the ordinance while voting (0:09:12 to 0:11:19).
3.4 Ord. 26-032 ordinance first reading

An Enabling Ordinance of the Municipal Council of Jersey City amending Chapter 122-2, “Public Assemblies: Permission Required; Hours and Conditions of Operation” to change the permit hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup for related events.

0:03:42 to 0:11:26 · Introduced · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:09:12
Consent roll call with items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4, from 0:09:12; answers as recorded for 3.1. Gilmore: only 'Introduction.' heard (0:09:25), no aye, in the full pass and window 550-580; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Ord. 26-032 vote table. The clerk announced 9-0 (0:11:26).
motion-order-10.3 motion

Motion to take up item 10.3 (Res. 26-286) out of order

0:11:35 to 0:12:50 · Approved
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:12:35
Moved by Thomas Zuppa, Jr., seconded by Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr.
Clerk's words: 'motion to defer to item 10.3'. Roll call from 0:12:35. Mover: the clerk asked 'Who made that motion?', a voice answered 'Zuppa did', and the clerk said 'Thank you. That didn't sound like Zuppa.' (0:12:16); second named by the clerk as Lavarro (0:12:26). Gilmore called (0:12:47), no answer heard in the full pass or window 752-782; recorded not-voting. The other eight heard aye. The clerk announced 9-0 (0:12:50). The minutes have no item for this motion. Councilperson Gilmore's aye is filled from the clerk's 'Motion carries 9-0' (0:12:50); the minutes have no line for this procedural motion. Published on Adam Hanford's review of 2026-10-20.
The clerk said the council intended to defer to item 10.3 before the second reading ordinances (0:11:35).
10.3 Res. 26-286 resolution

A Resolution honoring the St. George and St. Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church Robotics Team.

0:12:50 to 0:31:09 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 0:15:12
Roll call from 0:15:12. No motion or second heard. Every answer heard: Brooks, Zuppa and Ephros 'Hi' as transcribed (0:15:12 to 0:15:21); Little 'I happily vote aye', Gilmore and Singh 'Aye' (0:15:40); Griffin 'Hi' (0:16:20); Lavarro and Ridley 'I vote aye' (0:17:08). The clerk announced 9-0 (0:17:08).
Taken out of order by motion (0:12:35). The clerk asked Zuppa to read the resolution into the record (0:12:50). After the vote a speaker introduced as the Deputy Mayor spoke on behalf of the Mayor (0:17:58), the team's head coach and students spoke (0:18:29 to 0:28:04), and the clerk called for a photograph of the council and the team (0:28:44); the agenda resumed at 0:31:10.
4.1 Ord. 26-027 ordinance second reading

An Ordinance amending Chapter 218 (Multiple Dwellings) of the Jersey City Municipal Code to require disclosure, transparency, and accountability in Ratio-Utility-Billing-Systems.

0:31:13 to 1:13:15 · Adopted · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 1:07:34
Roll call from 1:07:34. No motion or second heard. Every answer heard: Brooks 'proudly vote aye' and Zuppa 'aye' (1:07:34); Ephros 'I proudly vote aye' (1:10:18); Little 'happy to vote aye' (1:10:18); Gilmore 'I proudly vote aye' (1:11:28); Singh 'I vote aye' (1:11:35); Griffin 'So I vote aye' (1:12:20); Lavarro 'I probably vote aye' as transcribed (1:13:15, 'probably' p 0.35, 'aye' p 0.93); Ridley 'I vote aye' (1:13:15). The clerk announced 9-0 (1:13:15).
Public hearing from 0:31:17 to 1:06:24; members of the public spoke. Motion to close the public hearing by Gilmore, seconded by Zuppa (1:06:24); roll call from 1:07:01: Brooks 'Aye' at low confidence (p 0.19), Lavarro called with no answer heard, the other seven heard aye; clerk 'Motion carries 9-0 to close the public hearing on City Ordinance 26-027' (1:07:01). The close of hearing has no vote of its own in this record.
4.2 Ord. 26-028 ordinance second reading

An Ordinance amending Chapter 260 (Rent Control) of the Jersey City Municipal Code to regulate Ratio Utility Billing Systems in Rent-Controlled Dwellings.

1:13:55 to 1:27:48 · Adopted · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 1:25:03
Roll call from 1:25:03. No motion or second heard. Gilmore called (1:26:59), no answer heard before Singh was called, in the full pass and window 5205-5240; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Ord. 26-028 final vote table. Others heard aye: Brooks (1:25:03), Zuppa 'I vote aye' (1:25:24), Ephros 'I'm voting aye' (1:26:44), Little (1:26:44), Singh 'I vote aye' (1:26:44), Griffin 'I vote aye' (1:27:16), Lavarro 'I vote aye' and Ridley 'Aye' (1:27:48). The clerk announced 9-0 (1:27:48).
Public hearing from 1:14:24 to 1:24:20; members of the public spoke. Motion to close the public hearing by Gilmore, seconded by Zuppa (1:24:20); roll call from 1:24:20: Brooks 'Aye' (p 0.36) and Singh 'Aye' (p 0.29) at low confidence, Gilmore called twice and heard aye, the others heard aye; clerk 'Motion carries 9-0 to close a public hearing on City Ordinance 26-028' (1:25:03). The close of hearing has no vote of its own in this record.
5 public comment

Public request for hearing

1:27:48 to 2:52:09 · Heard
Public request for hearing (minutes items 5.1 to 5.66). The clerk called speakers by number and first name from 1:27:48. Speakers are not listed here; the minutes name them. Members responded to several speakers. At 2:28:32 the clerk asked whether 5.32 through 5.55 were not speaking. After the clerk called the last speaker, 5.66, not present (2:49:59), a member given the floor by the Council President spoke about council aides speaking during the public portion (2:49:59 to 2:52:09).
6 other

Petitions and communications (items 6.1 to 6.25)

2:52:09 to 2:52:48 · No action
The clerk asked for questions or comments on items 6.1 through 6.25, said 'Hearing none', and said there were no officer communications (2:52:09 to 2:52:48). The items are not listed individually.
8 other

Reports of directors (items 8.1 to 8.5)

2:52:48 to 2:52:48 · No action
The clerk asked for questions or comments on items 8.1 through 8.5 (2:52:48); none were heard. The items (letters on appointments; the Insurance Fund Commission appointments were voted as 10.28 to 10.30) are not listed individually.
9.1 claims

Meeting Claims List

2:52:48 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:52:48
Consent roll call with items 9.1 and 9.2 ('claims and addendum number one'), from 2:52:48. No motion or second heard. Brooks asked whether both were voted together, then 'I vote aye' (2:52:48); Zuppa, Ephros, Singh, Griffin, Lavarro and Ridley aye. Little 'Aye' at p 0.23 in the full pass and p 1.00 in window 10398-10438 (2:53:27); the vote rests on the window pass for Little. Gilmore: the clerk said 'Stepped out.' (2:53:32) and announced 'approved 8-0 with Councilperson Gilmore absent' (2:53:45). At 2:57:28 the clerk took Gilmore's vote on the claims; no answer heard in the full pass or window 10574-10665; the clerk then announced 9-0. Gilmore recorded not-voting. The minutes record 9-0; claims have no PDF vote table. Councilperson Gilmore stepped out (2:53:32) and the clerk then took Gilmore's vote on the claims (2:57:28); no answer is heard, and Gilmore's aye is filled from the clerk's 'now approved unanimously 9-0' on Adam Hanford's decision of 2026-10-20; the minutes record 9-0.
First announced 8-0 with Gilmore absent (2:53:26); announced 9-0 after Gilmore's vote was taken (2:57:10).
9.2 claims

Meeting Claims Addendum #1

2:52:48 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:52:48
Consent roll call with items 9.1 and 9.2, from 2:52:48; answers as recorded for 9.1. Little aye p 1.00 in window 10398-10438 (2:53:27). Gilmore stepped out (2:53:32, announced 8-0 with Gilmore absent); vote taken later with no answer heard, announced 9-0 (2:57:28); recorded not-voting. The minutes record 9-0; no PDF vote table. See 9.1: Gilmore's aye filled from the clerk's 'now approved unanimously 9-0' (2:57:28) on Adam Hanford's decision of 2026-10-20; the minutes record 9-0.
10.1 Res. 26-284 resolution

A Resolution authorizing Emergency Temporary Appropriation.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12 (10.3 approved earlier), from 2:54:06. No motion or second heard. Brooks 'aye on all' (2:54:06); Zuppa and Ephros aye (2:54:06, 2:54:48); Little aye; Singh 'aye on all'; Griffin 'aye on all' (2:55:21); Lavarro no on 10.8 and 10.9, yes on the rest (2:56:03); Ridley 'I' at p 0.20 in the full pass and 'Aye.' at p 0.50 in window 10574-10665 (2:56:21); the vote rests on the window pass for Ridley. Gilmore was not called in turn (stepped out) and answered 'Aye' when the clerk took Gilmore's vote after the roll call (2:56:42, p 0.72; p 0.79 in the window pass). The clerk announced 10.1 to 10.7 approved 9-0 (2:56:42).
10.2 Res. 26-285 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the cancellation of Grant Receivable Balance and/or Grant Reserve Appropriation Balances.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 (Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665, p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.4 Res. 26-287 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City to accept a donation of $3,000.00 from Pegasus Partners for the purpose of sponsoring the Department of Public Safety’s Senior Community Outreach Program.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 (Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665, p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.5 Res. 26-288 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City to accept a donation of $5,000.00 from Silverman Buildings for the purpose of sponsoring the Department of Public Safety’s Senior Community Outreach Program.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 (Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665, p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.6 Res. 26-289 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City to accept a donation of $5,000.00 from Liberty Harbor North Partners for the purpose of sponsoring the Department of Public Safety’s Senior Community Outreach Program.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 (Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665, p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.7 Res. 26-290 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City to accept a donation of $20,000.00 from the Exchange Place Alliance for the purpose of sponsoring the Department of Public Safety’s Senior Community Outreach Program.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 (Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665, p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.8 Res. 26-291 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the award of a contract to Millennium Communication Group, Inc for 500 yearly block hours maintenance service to ensure the CCTV camera system and Jersey City Public Safety ("JCPS") Fiber network remain operational under The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) for the Department of Public Safety, Communication Center.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
8-1 8 ayes, 1 nay, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 except Lavarro: 'I'm going to vote no on 10.8 and 10.9', confirmed by the clerk (2:56:03). Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665 (p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.9 Res. 26-292 resolution

A Resolution ratifying the award of a contract to Cellco Partnership D/B/A Verizon Wireless for wireless services for Public Safety under State Contract for the Department of Public Safety, Communication Center.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
8-1 8 ayes, 1 nay, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 except Lavarro: no on 10.8 and 10.9, confirmed by the clerk (2:56:03). Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665 (p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.10 Res. 26-293 resolution

A Resolution recognizing the catholic action of Mary of St. Mary's Parish during the 48th Annual Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo Celebration on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 (Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665, p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.11 Res. 26-294 resolution

A Resolution authorizing member participation in the Purchasing Cooperative of America (PCA) Cooperative Purchasing System.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 (Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665, p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.12 Res. 26-295 resolution

A Resolution (1) Introducing and approving the 2026-2027 budget of the Central Avenue Special Improvement District; (2) Directing the City Clerk to publicly advertise the budget and schedule a public hearing; and (3) Directing the Tax Assessor to prepare an assessment roll of properties within the district based upon the budget.

2:53:26 to 2:57:10 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:54:06
Consent roll call with items 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 to 10.12, from 2:54:06; answers as recorded for 10.1 (Ridley's aye rests on window 10574-10665, p 0.50); Gilmore's aye taken after the roll call (2:56:42).
10.13 Res. 26-296 resolution

A Resolution of the Municipal Council of the City of Jersey City authorizing a contract with Dribben & Associates CPAs, PLLC for auditing and monitoring services of 2024 Program Year funding of CDBG-PS, ESG, and HOPWA subawards.

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23 (10.17 taken separately), from 2:58:50; the clerk first opened 10.13 to 10.23 at 2:57:45 and restarted after a request to take 10.17 separately. No motion or second heard. Brooks 'aye on all' (2:59:06); Zuppa 'I vote aye' (2:59:25); Ephros 'vote aye on all' with 'aye' at p 0.41 in the full pass and p 0.55 in window 10805-10832 (3:00:25); the vote rests on the window pass for Ephros. Little aye on 10.13 to 10.23 except 10.17, confirmed by the clerk (3:00:28); Gilmore, Singh and Griffin aye (3:00:28); Lavarro aye on 10.13 (3:00:28), abstain on 10.21, no on 10.22, yes on the rest (3:02:39); Ridley 'Aye' (3:02:51).
10.14 Res. 26-297 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs to accept sponsorship for Summerfest from the Jersey City Free Public Library.

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23, from 2:58:50; answers as recorded for 10.13 (Ephros's aye rests on window 10805-10832, p 0.55).
10.15 Res. 26-298 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Flag Cities event to take place on June 12.

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23, from 2:58:50; answers as recorded for 10.13 (Ephros's aye rests on window 10805-10832, p 0.55).
10.16 Res. 26-299 resolution

A Resolution ratifying an award of a contract to York Telecom Corporation for GovPilot annual software subscription under State Contract for the Department of Administration, Division of Information Technology.

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23, from 2:58:50; answers as recorded for 10.13 (Ephros's aye rests on window 10805-10832, p 0.55).
10.18 Res. 26-301 resolution

A Resolution authorizing a cooperation agreement with Jersey City Redevelopment Agency allowing the entities to cooperate in procuring professional, advisory, planning and project management services pertaining to Redevelopment Projects.

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23, from 2:58:50; answers as recorded for 10.13 (Ephros's aye rests on window 10805-10832, p 0.55).
10.19 Res. 26-302 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City to apply and accept funds from the United States Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Fiscal Year 2024& 2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program for the McGovern Park Resilience Project.

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23, from 2:58:50; answers as recorded for 10.13 (Ephros's aye rests on window 10805-10832, p 0.55).
10.20 Res. 26-303 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City to enter into a collaborative partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Community Collaborative Initiative (CCI).

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23, from 2:58:50; answers as recorded for 10.13 (Ephros's aye rests on window 10805-10832, p 0.55).
10.21 Res. 26-304 resolution

A Resolution requesting the New Jersey Department of Transportation to grant a six-month extension of time for the award of the construction contract for Manhattan Avenue / Franklin Street Bikeways Grant Project for the Department of Infrastructure.

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
8-0-1 8 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23, from 2:58:50; answers as recorded for 10.13 except Lavarro: 'I will abstain on 10.21' (3:02:39). Ephros's aye rests on window 10805-10832 (p 0.55). The clerk's count is transcribed '801'. The PDF table ticks Lavarro under N.V., which its legend marks as abstain.
10.22 Res. 26-305 resolution

A Resolution authorizing an award of an open-end contract to Fire & Safety Services Ltd for parts and repairs as needed for fire apparatus through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative (formerly known as the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) for the Department of Public Works, Division of Automotive Maintenance.

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
8-1 8 ayes, 1 nay, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23, from 2:58:50; answers as recorded for 10.13 except Lavarro: 'I'm going to vote no on 10.22' (3:02:10). Ephros's aye rests on window 10805-10832 (p 0.55). The clerk's count is transcribed '8.1'.
10.23 Res. 26-306 resolution

A Resolution authorizing a Closed Session of the Municipal Council on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 5:00p.m. to discuss issues related to pending litigation.

2:57:45 to 3:03:16 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 2:58:50
Consent roll call with items 10.13 to 10.16 and 10.18 to 10.23, from 2:58:50; answers as recorded for 10.13 (Ephros's aye rests on window 10805-10832, p 0.55).
10.17 Res. 26-300 resolution

A Resolution providing local support for The Other Side Dispensary, LLC to operate a Consumption Area Using their Class 5 Retail Cannabis License.

3:03:16 to 3:11:15 · Defeated · document
1-8 1 aye, 8 nays, roll call at 3:03:16
Roll call from 3:03:16. No motion or second heard. Brooks 'I vote no' (3:05:06); Zuppa 'I have to vote no' (3:05:14); Ephros: the full pass does not hear the clerk call Ephros and hears 'I'm going to vote aye' (p 0.42) with no name before it; window 11148-11212 hears 'Councilperson Ephros.' (3:05:53, p 0.59) and 'I'm going to vote I' (3:06:34, p 0.63); Ephros's answer rests on the window pass. Little 'I will vote nay' (3:06:49); Gilmore 'No' (3:07:23, p 0.00), then 'I'll vote no' (3:07:59, p 1.00); Singh 'I will vote no' (3:08:12); Griffin 'I am going to vote no' (3:09:13); Lavarro 'I'm going to vote no' (3:10:08); Ridley 'I'm going to vote no' (3:10:42). The clerk announced 'defeated 1-8 with Councilperson Ephros voting yes' (3:11:15).
Taken separately after the roll call on 10.13 to 10.23. At 2:57:53 a speaker not identified by the clerk cited recent Appellate Division case law and asked that each member state reasons for their vote on 10.17; the clerk agreed to take it last (2:58:39). Ridley said while voting that there was no operating business to add a consumption area to and that taxes were unpaid (3:10:42).
10.24 Res. 26-307 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the settlement of a claim to Liberty Humane Society for outstanding invoices related to rendered services.

3:11:15 to 3:14:52 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:12:03
Consent roll call with items 10.24 to 10.26 and 10.28 to 10.31 (10.27 withdrawn), from 3:12:03. No motion or second heard. Gilmore called (3:14:44), no answer heard before Singh was called, in the full pass and window 11670-11730; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Res. 26-307 vote table. Brooks 'I vote aye' (3:12:03); Zuppa 'I vote yes' on 10.24 and aye on the balance (3:13:13); Ephros 'I vote aye on all' (3:14:15, 'aye' p 0.69; the window pass reads the words as 'I wrote I don't know', 'I' p 0.43); Little and Singh 'Aye for all', Griffin 'Aye' (3:14:38); Lavarro 'I vote yes on the balance of business' (3:14:52); Ridley 'Aye' (3:15:22, p 0.52; not heard in the window pass). Ephros's and Ridley's answers rest on the full pass. The clerk announced 9-0 (3:14:52).
10.25 Res. 26-308 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the exercise of the first of three one-year renewal option of the contract with RWJ Barnabas Health to provide ambulance service to residents, commuters, and visitors for the period June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.

3:11:15 to 3:14:52 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:12:03
Consent roll call with items 10.24 to 10.26 and 10.28 to 10.31, from 3:12:03; answers as recorded for 10.24. Gilmore called (3:14:44), no answer heard in either pass; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Res. 26-308 vote table. The clerk announced 9-0 (3:14:52).
10.26 Res. 26-309 resolution

A Resolution authorizing the City of Jersey City to apply for and accept funds form The United States Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for all (SS4A) Grant Program for Supplemental Planning and Demonstration Project.

3:11:15 to 3:14:52 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:12:03
Consent roll call with items 10.24 to 10.26 and 10.28 to 10.31, from 3:12:03; answers as recorded for 10.24. Gilmore called (3:14:44), no answer heard in either pass; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Res. 26-309 vote table. The clerk announced 9-0 (3:14:52).
10.27 Res. 26-310 resolution

A Resolution awarding a contract to Municode-CivicPlus Corporation to provide Codification Services for the Jersey City Municipal Code.

3:11:15 to 3:12:03 · Withdrawn · document
The clerk asked the administration to withdraw 10.27, saying a resolution was not needed because the contract is under the bid threshold (3:11:15); a speaker not identified by the clerk agreed (3:11:48). Excluded from the roll call (3:12:03) and named as withdrawn in the clerk's announcement (3:14:52). The minutes print both 'Approved 9-0' and 'Res. 26-310 - Withdrawn' for this item; the PDF vote table has no answers (see needs_checking).
10.28 Res. 26-311 resolution

A Resolution appointing Ruby Choi as a Member of the Jersey City Insurance Fund Commission.

3:11:15 to 3:14:52 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:12:03
Consent roll call with items 10.24 to 10.26 and 10.28 to 10.31, from 3:12:03; answers as recorded for 10.24. Gilmore called (3:14:44), no answer heard in either pass; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Res. 26-311 vote table. The clerk announced 9-0 (3:14:52).
10.29 Res. 26-312 resolution

A Resolution reappointing Peter Horton as a Member of the Jersey City Insurance Fund Commission.

3:11:15 to 3:14:52 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:12:03
Consent roll call with items 10.24 to 10.26 and 10.28 to 10.31, from 3:12:03; answers as recorded for 10.24. Gilmore called (3:14:44), no answer heard in either pass; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Res. 26-312 vote table. The clerk announced 9-0 (3:14:52).
10.30 Res. 26-313 resolution

A Resolution appointing William Viqueira as a Member of the Jersey City Insurance Fund Commission.

3:11:15 to 3:14:52 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:12:03
Consent roll call with items 10.24 to 10.26 and 10.28 to 10.31, from 3:12:03; answers as recorded for 10.24. Gilmore called (3:14:44), no answer heard in either pass; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Res. 26-313 vote table. The clerk announced 9-0 (3:14:52).
10.31 Res. 26-314 resolution

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Jersey City authorizing the Planning Board to investigate whether the property known as Block 2604, Lot 24; Block 2901, Lot 34; Block 10803, Lot 35; Block 14703, Lot 2; Block 18303, Lot 27; Block 19603, Lot 3; and, Block 24002, Lot 3 on the Tax Map of the City of Jersey City, State of New Jersey, for determination as an area in need of redevelopment with the Power of Condemnation, pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40a:12a-1, Et Seq.

3:11:15 to 3:14:52 · Approved · document
9-0 9 ayes, 0 nays, roll call at 3:12:03
Consent roll call with items 10.24 to 10.26 and 10.28 to 10.31, from 3:12:03; answers as recorded for 10.24. Gilmore called (3:14:44), no answer heard in either pass; Gilmore's aye is taken from the minutes and the Res. 26-314 vote table. The clerk announced 9-0 (3:14:52).
motion-adjourn motion

Motion to adjourn

3:14:52 to 3:16:05 · Approved
Voice vote, no roll call at 3:15:58
Moved by Frank E. Gilmore, seconded by Eleana Little
No member's answer is recorded for a voice vote.
The clerk asked 'that magic question' (3:14:52); motion to adjourn at 9:19 p.m. by Gilmore (3:15:41), second by Little as confirmed to the clerk (3:15:49); approved by acclamation, no roll call, so no by-member vote is recorded (3:15:58). Clerk: 'We are out of here at 9.19 p.m.' (3:16:05). The minutes' deferred or tabled agenda (11.1, Ord. 26-016, 'Tabled') was not taken up on the video.

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