[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6673627,"mediaKeyId","2092098-dc651b338a01f0d3b4ba78681790de68","parentId",2092098,"title","Residents press Hoboken council over rats, garbage enforcement and local business impacts","audioSeconds",1077,"startMs",4315000,"endMs",5392000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092098-dc651b338a01f0d3b4ba78681790de68&start=4315&end=5392","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092098-dc651b338a01f0d3b4ba78681790de68/thumbnail_4315000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6673627/Hoboken-City/Hudson-County/New-Jersey/Residents-press-Hoboken-council-over-rats-garbage-enforcement-and-local-business-impacts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673627-fd9553bec05c2d15de83678ac0d36c25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213835&Signature=RlrFByeyxDpXjNJXl1s0QFQqp5LR3UNAiGnLznERd9bLfm0L5WhnNCtZCOu-E2JrMd66aNx1NMM-VqI6GSKLBd5Gj3S-nKO7rwIVQTk5xivZOhpDsgEgtP2pRMkNOIteHQ1LPJN5eOsPYNavsn2EqBRCXZjmJDZF9Edr~aW9-NthEe~q7fZqj2SYXq7t2ClnkjWX9z-7WpS5xCymkCe3oGzqL3uhR5u14csyGi6meuVN9rGxTcKdovTE9tTt~f~A9BXa1NlJdZbKEUpF2R0Q8odA8HXVFx3hCtKkLqmiAQ9LXfRqj-lkaFh~MDdozGQV3bxwkzIs5hTPevSoH~~10g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hoboken","date","2025-01-09T02:22:36.233Z","article","Several Hoboken residents told the City Council during the meeting that a worsening rat problem is harming quality of life and public health; speakers pressed the council to increase enforcement and inspections of garbage and of restaurants or businesses that generate food waste.

Jill Singleton, a neighborhood resident, described persistent rodent burrows and overflowing trash in her neighborhood and urged daily or at least much-more-frequent inspections. \"Get rid of the garbage, get rid of the rats,\" Singleton said, calling for the city to add inspection capacity and stronger enforcement to require compliance with lidded cans and removal schedules.

Other residents, including Alexandra Black and Debbie Olita, identified repeat offenders, including condominium complexes and specific businesses, and said prior inspections or summonses have not produced sustained results. Lisa Balouma, owner of Barbas Street restaurant, testified that she cleans and maintains the area daily and said that the business has been unfairly singled out amid a wider problem of overflowing cans and poor compliance by neighboring properties.

City staff and council response
City staff described coordinated actions taken before and after the holidays: increased inspections, sewer baiting by contractors, and follow-up visits from sanitation and health inspectors. Staff and council members said a legal and administrative hurdle complicates enforcement: summonses are effective only when an individual registered agent for a condominium association is listed; the court can dismiss tickets issued to organizations that lack a properly registered agent.

Council members asked staff to produce a list of summonses issued and to pursue administrative remedies to ensure registered agents are identified so enforcement can proceed. The council's sanitation and public-health staff said they had been meeting with neighbors and the business community and pledged closer, sustained enforcement.

Why it matters: Residents said the rat problem is causing anxiety, limiting use of outdoor space and harming local businesses. Officials said the city can use a mix of inspections, nuisance abatement and administrative fixes (registering agents for condo associations) but that it requires sustained enforcement resources.

Next steps: Staff committed to produce a follow-up on issued summonses and to pursue administrative steps to ensure accountable registered agents for condominium associations so that civil enforcement can proceed; council members agreed to coordinate an ad-hoc group to work with neighbors on targeted enforcement in identified hot spots.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","JANUARY 8, 2025 HOBOKEN CITY COUNCIL MEETING","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents urged the council and administration to take immediate action on widespread rat infestations and overflowing garbage; council and staff described enforcement challenges and pledged follow-up inspections and administrative fixes.","taxTitle","Hoboken City, Hudson County, New Jersey","taxId",4570,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673631,"Hoboken council unanimously backs resolution urging state Climate Superfund law",878,1603000,2481000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092098-dc651b338a01f0d3b4ba78681790de68&start=1603&end=2481","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092098-dc651b338a01f0d3b4ba78681790de68/thumbnail_1603000.jpg","/articles/6673631/Hoboken-City/Hudson-County/New-Jersey/Hoboken-council-unanimously-backs-resolution-urging-state-Climate-Superfund-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673631-26f078205a4db4afcabccd94fcdd68a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213835&Signature=jFm~saHeNnJmgL-fTtt95Dlhz6x6aVlM~W-l5Y2KHiOuc9sItKjmSNxojNft6V7GjD34nx7ycy4GWsk9cpP0KUKDiFAxJ4GLsaGpoLALi~kxabeZ3Ox0hfPpFex9fxzpV8IyU8yvajjF4NpH4S2zsPve9wpdeIAkoIAO4NYHsA3hUbLcn4u7Y60U0zsWKJWZbQPDSy5cSMRWWPiMuhELVTwfPuPVQyMi6nqmb4CCZtsN2dIb4pfsKNi9DIFtV0qJX2ZTTciV4XQJPKY1tRsswZP191bmeoKVSFVxhyhFtHIrb7j~rEB4ATUSMwhYbdhFErj6zDXXjZjUIW8JgdGICw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hoboken City Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting state-level Climate Superfund legislation, a policy proposal intended to hold fossil-fuel producers financially responsible for climate-related damages and to generate funds for resilience projects.

Public comment in support of the resolution included testimony from resident Liz Conan Doyle, who urged the council to pass a resolution backing the Climate Superfund Act and cited recent action in New York, where Governor Kathy Hochul signed a similar law. Doyle read a statement from Assemblyman John Allen supporting the initiative and asked the Hoboken council to pass a resolution to encourage state lawmakers to follow suit.

Council members discussed the concept of a climate superfund, referencing the historical Superfund statute that addressed toxic waste and noting that the proposed mechanism for climate losses would be used to fund resilience projects, such as coastal protection and infrastructure improvements. The council voted in favor of the resolution; the roll call showed support from the majority of members.

Why it matters: The resolution is a nonbinding political statement of support from Hoboken to state lawmakers. Proponents said municipal endorsements can encourage state lawmakers to advance legislation that would generate revenue for climate adaptation measures affecting coastal and vulnerable communities.

Quote: \"This bill will hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the damages they've caused,\" public commenter Liz Conan Doyle said during the meeting, urging a unanimous vote.

Next steps: The resolution directs the city to communicate its support to the state legislative delegation and to monitor forthcoming state action on the proposed Climate Superfund law.","Council passed a resolution supporting a state Climate Superfund-style bill to hold fossil-fuel producers financially responsible for climate impacts, following public testimony urging the city to endorse the measure.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673636,"Council trims on-call transportation consulting contract for Alta to $15,000 after debate over former director's involvement",1515,1105000,2620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092098-dc651b338a01f0d3b4ba78681790de68&start=1105&end=2620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092098-dc651b338a01f0d3b4ba78681790de68/thumbnail_1105000.jpg","/articles/6673636/Hoboken-City/Hudson-County/New-Jersey/Council-trims-on-call-transportation-consulting-contract-for-Alta-to-15000-after-debate-over-former-directors-involvement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673636-ffa1bc766f926784cdd6e693bf9a613c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213835&Signature=GSaJx0FCsUTCn3D0CFzWSB2jMZKZJlbcRkWNHAuV0S6KVeRz7qCN6jdI6txs4rdbF4KL4QqWyKwCPe1kdLoTEMYORUePlXgD1blp8ahwlJycpIM~jfg6frUpgHbsttda5CNHrJKijaS7poX7dA-disHKH0KLNRRDqEoU6XcJGP2TdzQWomnH1wa-UWl3CvubHS28cYzS0WrLz-ovPe5q9ztAlpA9jdjTUQrB~DaVJdXnVYtTfBz3vwOM-cdeLXqTAyqrsH2F~7zDCXqRRCusPWeaM1R59vXcywo36usU3Is8pMnm0q6kVgQW-u4SEzVev-8WvW44FgHR9~X59YdEUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hoboken City Council voted to amend an on-call transportation consulting contract with Alta Consulting, cutting the maximum amount from $50,000 to $15,000 after an extended debate over whether awarding the contract to a firm that employs a recently departed city transportation director presents an appearance problem and creates redundancy with existing staff and consultants.

The contract is for on-call transportation consulting services the city can use for projects such as curbside management, Willow Avenue redesign and Vision Zero work. Director-level staff described the firm as a national organization with relevant expertise; staff said Alta would provide supplemental support when the city needs additional capacity for complex projects.

Public comment and council debate
Resident Kevin Davis, who said he reviewed the contract materials, flagged the firm as employing a former city transportation director and questioned the propriety of continuing to hire former officials'consulting services. \"Not only are you guys voting on $50,000 for the former transportation director's firm,\" Davis said, urging council members to ask tough questions about the services and rates.

Council members split on the contract. Councilman Ruben Ramos and Councilman Michael Russo described the award as redundant and criticized the appearance of rewarding a former employee with city work. Ramos said the vote should be a \"no\" because the city needed to avoid \"homeboy hookup\" impressions. Other council members, including Councilwoman Fisher and one member who described Alta's institutional knowledge as valuable, argued that having an experienced consultant who understands the city and its projects can save staff time and money in the long run.

Amendment and outcome
Faced with that split, the council proposed and adopted an amendment to reduce the contract to $15,000. The motion to amend carried and the amended contract was then approved. Council discussion noted the city is in the process of conducting final interviews to fill the transportation director position; supporters said a smaller on-call contract preserves access to specific institutional knowledge for the incoming director while limiting cost exposure.

Why it matters: The vote addresses both the practical need for outside expertise on complex transportation projects and community concerns about contracting practices when a former city employee is involved. The reduced amount narrows the city's financial exposure while keeping Alta available as an occasional resource.

Quote: \"I think having someone with Ryan's expertise on call is a cost savings to the city,\" one council supporter said during the debate. Opponents said the contract looked like a reward for a former official and expressed concern about budget pressure.

Next steps: Staff said any work under the on-call contract will be task-specific and subject to scope and deliverables; council members asked for tighter definitions of deliverables in future consultant agreements.","After public criticism and a lengthy council debate about redundancy and appearance of a \"homeboy hookup,\" the Hoboken City Council amended an on-call transportation consulting contract with Alta from $50,000 to $15,000 and approved the reduced amount.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673641,"Hoboken City Council elects Jim Doyle president, Phil Cohen vice president; approves multiple board appointments",116,202000,318000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092098-dc651b338a01f0d3b4ba78681790de68&start=202&end=318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092098-dc651b338a01f0d3b4ba78681790de68/thumbnail_202000.jpg","/articles/6673641/Hoboken-City/Hudson-County/New-Jersey/Hoboken-City-Council-elects-Jim-Doyle-president-Phil-Cohen-vice-president-approves-multiple-board-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673641-e52dbdc9c7cdaae8fae2e70e114baabc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213835&Signature=E0sTtQ9-qyeGah0X2oQ2wZRBfSbTiXcBPdhPSQw~njrcvW~zg5ZPq3AM~RJWx86z6i46Z~AuafTFDF8mA4tB5Mw2G-oC6gBOyFtfha53-lrp1lhw2wa10A24cjir~tIA6Eds1P2sTMXZUOATMt~Kka-KMo6QnYbzeiBYe9BCUlFjEXXPZj-mes1J-KWoYcKrkIslDAWQs0TgChKaPLtlEtujY-18gI2vAzktxA6-t59NmNUdJfl9fVIXGTa2l6CVa6l4PaR2R-TDViVbn5GzaKKQA1YmztIpvYojepzIUUihy5xJ4UHDUvxWemj0JH9qNz9j-GZCY5F4CRG9zckjzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jim Doyle was elected president of the Hoboken City Council and sworn in at the council's reorganization meeting; Phil Cohen was elected vice president and also took the oath of office.

The leadership votes came at the start of the meeting after nominations were opened and closed by roll call. Doyle took the oath, saying, \"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully, impartially and justly perform all the duties of council president to the city of Hoboken according to the best of my ability. To help me God.\" Phil Cohen took a similar oath after his election.

The council moved through a slate of board appointments and other consent items after the leadership votes. Appointments approved on the consent calendar included representatives to the Hoboken Planning Board and seats on the Hoboken University Medical Center Board of Directors, the Hoboken Business Alliance board of trustees, and the Cannabis Review Board, among others. Several items were explicitly pulled from consent for further review, including CD 4 (a redevelopment-zone item), CL 2, CC 13 and T7, and F9 was discussed as a regular consent item.

Why it matters: Council leadership determines committee assignments and the flow of items to committees and the full council; appointments to boards and authorities shape local governance and oversight of services and redevelopment.

What happened in the meeting: After nominations, a roll call vote confirmed Doyle as council president and Cohen as vice president. Doyle and Cohen were sworn into their respective leadership roles during the meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Election of Council President Jim Doyle: nominations closed; roll call vote; outcome: approved (sworn in). (See provenance.)
- Election of Vice President Phil Cohen: nominations closed; roll call vote; outcome: approved (sworn in). (See provenance.)
- Appointments (consent unless noted): Planning Board representative (Jim Doyle) — approved; Hoboken University Medical Center Board nominee(s) — approved; Business Alliance trustee (Ruben Ramos nominated) — approved; Cannabis Review Board appointment — approved. Several other board appointments (CL7-CL10) were approved together. (Details recorded on the consent calendar.)
- Temporary appropriations resolution (FF1): approved on consent.
- Items pulled from consent for later action: CD4, CC13, CL2 (pulled), F9 and T7 were also identified for separate consideration.

Council members and staff noted that a small set of items required additional title or address details before final action (CD4 was carried so its title could be corrected to include addresses in accordance with the council's rule change). The council also discussed upcoming budget work and asked staff to share departmental budget documents with the council once available.

The meeting continued with public comment and other agenda items after the votes.

Ending note: The reorganization votes set the council's leadership and moved a range of board appointments and routine resolutions forward; a handful of items were pulled to allow staff and sponsors to supply missing details before final adoption.","At a reorganization meeting, the Hoboken City Council elected Jim Doyle as council president and Phil Cohen as vice president, sworn in at the meeting. The council also approved a package of appointments to local boards and several consent resolutions, with a handful of items pulled for later consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press Hoboken council over rats, garbage enforcement and local business impacts

Hoboken council unanimously backs resolution urging state Climate Superfund law

Council trims on-call transportation consulting contract for Alta to $15,000 after debate over former director's involvement

Hoboken City Council elects Jim Doyle president, Phil Cohen vice president; approves multiple board appointments