[{"_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",6598880,"mediaKeyId","3021995-267f8fb5232c4f6a6e83cd8315a64699","parentId",3021995,"title","Votes at a glance: Trenton council passes lead-service bond, fee changes; tables redevelopment plan; approves settlement","audioSeconds",9364,"startMs",2976000,"endMs",12340000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3021995-267f8fb5232c4f6a6e83cd8315a64699&start=2976&end=12340","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3021995-267f8fb5232c4f6a6e83cd8315a64699/thumbnail_2976000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6598880/Trenton/Mercer-County/New-Jersey/Votes-at-a-glance-Trenton-council-passes-lead-service-bond-fee-changes-tables-redevelopment-plan-approves-settlement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598880-54726106758f1f584328a5c460201ea0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152714&Signature=l38u8NU5um1ufw5d2RDU5fz4MMNunepffwrq0PBXfBPkKgUY8ftrFb1blrdWka5XRhD0lcnVVYnGzHv0F~dIg1jkmU9oEMvimgE3-MYkblOI7y6COMz1H4ZihIEmnJKsC4hKOu08~uCWvqSyL42Ogm9URUTXtZIie1f~B-NDAG4gv3Eky89-yZKfEkFy5a~kKQNag4k1El248FcWBoVvLKzTqj39rqf1fpFdMTxVQcbNx8Ap7aUns-NId7nEmJaU1pWuWT4HNWBso~A3HGyalfZe-DcejPCVf~iHcmhtn0ammlbIAs1TekHGqmUfhNwfsFJjuKfq8y6E4pIoAXQ0Yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Trenton","date","2025-04-16T16:59:07.473Z","article","The Trenton City Council took multiple formal actions on April 15. Key votes and outcomes are listed below.

- Bond ordinance for lead service line replacement (Ordinance 25-006): Council adopted a bond ordinance appropriating $22,000,000 for Phase 5 of the lead service line replacement program in the Trenton Waterworks service area and authorized issuance of $22,000,000 in bonds or notes. Roll call: unanimous yes (Vice President Edwards; Councilwomen Feliciano, Figueroa Kettenberg, Frisbie, Williams; Councilman Harrison; Council President Gonzales). Motion carried.

- Ordinance amending city fees (Ordinance 25-017): Council adopted changes to Chapter 77 (fees) on second reading and public hearing. There were no public speakers and the ordinance passed on roll call (unanimous yes).

- Redevelopment plan ordinance (Ordinance 25-036): An ordinance adopting a redevelopment plan for the designated rehabilitation area was presented but council agreed to carry/table the item to the May 6 meeting to allow planning-board review and additional professional review. Motion to table carried unanimously.

- Appointments to Animal Welfare Advisory Board: Council confirmed five nominees by roll call vote (unanimous yes). See separate article for details on the nominees.

- Consent agenda and extracted resolutions: Council approved a multi-item consent agenda after extracting several items for discussion. Two resolutions (identified by staff as items 1-48 and 1-53 in the consent list) were tabled to the May 6 meeting for follow-up because the nominees for those items were not present.

- Workers' compensation settlement (Resolution 205-130): In executive session the council approved a settlement in Frank Guido v. City of Trenton (claim petition) in the total amount of $150,000 including attorney fees and costs. Roll-call vote in open session recorded a majority in favor with one no vote (Councilwoman Figueroa Kettenberg voted no); motion carried.

Why it matters: The lead service-line bond is a major capital commitment to replace contaminated or old water lines and will result in bond-funded work in the Trenton Waterworks service area. The settlement and consent items highlight ongoing administrative and fiscal matters that the council resolved or deferred during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Trenton City Council Combined Meeting (full video), April 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 15 meeting the council adopted a $22 million bond for lead service line replacement, approved amendments to city fees, tabled a citywide redevelopment-plan ordinance to May 6, confirmed several appointments and approved a workers' compensation settlement from executive session.","taxTitle","Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey","taxId",2758,"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},6598885,"City officials discuss Stacy Park tree clearing, DEP notice and procurement questions",112,4376000,4488000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3021995-267f8fb5232c4f6a6e83cd8315a64699&start=4376&end=4488","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3021995-267f8fb5232c4f6a6e83cd8315a64699/thumbnail_4376000.jpg","/articles/6598885/Trenton/Mercer-County/New-Jersey/City-officials-discuss-Stacy-Park-tree-clearing-DEP-notice-and-procurement-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598885-d1864826f346ef5a4ded140989cf34b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152714&Signature=dmZ6gGBoknBpK-manlWHKggjuOoDXtTShFyFNxlTRsNBMIzAYbXjwyRioZVWMlgKmp5EC45lEk9UNFrJfweJ-AT2tjDoqVDFpLuIclUpAwroY-21gtCT4JK1JthgGs5UHRXym-Yj2fOdSs6gTZ2EgnAVaCZL~QVnYrs7mzNwwqYWYN9MamGOUbCu3n~nzs3JOUeIPYtWmIszSeU3MwfCVR6uEFboXPluTJd8vl8h4WerF0GFqWEje4Cgao~lcNxlNj8ROuQnfcGl2kr7GtDgE29RkR7pw-dgXo5nmCl-zLuih1F2NLmcD7LTyOfy7vkoba7797DHcCGRSOUeoSjCsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council discussion on April 15 turned to work done along the riverfront at Stacy Park after public questions and press reports about tree clearing, possible permitting requirements and invoicing practices.

Randy Baum, a licensed landscape architect and consultant working for the city’s contracting firm BRS, told the council his firm was not engaged until the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sent a letter prompting a restoration plan. Baum said the park frontage “has been maintained mostly as lawn historically,” and that past years’ reductions in park maintenance allowed invasive, non-native vegetation to overtake native plantings. Baum said a restoration plan was submitted to DEP and that planned work includes returning much of the frontage to mown lawn or pollinator-meadow plantings and replacing lost trees under DEP guidance.

Council members raised procurement and contract-splitting concerns. Several speakers and members asked why city staff did not bring consultants in earlier and whether invoices had been split into multiple smaller amounts to avoid reporting or bidding thresholds. Procurement and contract-management questions were also raised in public comment by a procurement specialist who said splitting invoices to avoid competitive thresholds can violate purchasing rules.

Business Administrator Maria Richardson told the council proceeds from sale of surplus city property would return to the general fund. Richardson and other administrators acknowledged that questions had been raised about contracting and said administration would provide documentation. The administration also noted it had responded to a DEP notice issued in February and that restoration work and a repair plan were under way.

The council approved a set of resolutions on consent that included an item connected by council members to Stacy Park; at the meeting several members said the consent resolution was intended as a step to \"rectify\" prior administrative practices and to ensure necessary permits and procedures are followed going forward. Several council members said they would continue oversight and ask for more records from administration about procurement and permitting.

Why it matters: The clearing and replacement of mature trees along a flood-prone riverfront involves DEP permitting, public-works planning, procurement transparency and potential public-safety and environmental impacts. The council sought more documentation and said it will press the administration for permitting and contract records.","Council members and consultants addressed a DEP notice and restoration plan after contractors cleared trees along the Assunpink/riverfront; the consultant said he was not engaged until the DEP letter arrived and a restoration plan has been submitted; council raised questions about permits, invoice splitting and procurement protocols.",{"_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},6598890,"Trenton council approves five appointments to new Animal Welfare Advisory Board",826,1814000,2640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3021995-267f8fb5232c4f6a6e83cd8315a64699&start=1814&end=2640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3021995-267f8fb5232c4f6a6e83cd8315a64699/thumbnail_1814000.jpg","/articles/6598890/Trenton/Mercer-County/New-Jersey/Trenton-council-approves-five-appointments-to-new-Animal-Welfare-Advisory-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598890-eddce6f95036f109b65fdc2093fe7671/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152714&Signature=mo7QqKXHqykdgMA6CesDrzrFvzZyb4f0KDQY4-3YqwF09XebwlziiGzjowKrjZLywPHo2fvs09S1aBm9Bv2gTuEvy9-OP63hihiqy87a7shzwo9EkRdh~LD0T8AqXMtRM18X7ZA7u9ynKl3FIh7xIJ68lrpqDR52A6gvlx3rjR5DqYH7CMAk73JPchsx1ifKS3XKsKPlojXj9btdsgMbQS6dvR9p~LQVgUrnEA5biYqj~06MpGt1snByNjv-hPNdDr7Xt9SZc-2w3fcROpWRu5G1dvZwzgecn9lL4X9-qN-Z1l9T~VMgcJ-fTaPN8HdVdPP5JyuGN~mGol2AiwY1VQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Trenton City Council voted unanimously on April 15 to confirm five appointees to the newly formed Animal Welfare Advisory Board.

Mayor (present at the meeting) introduced the nominees, saying each candidate had been interviewed by the health department, met with shelter management and toured the facility. The appointees introduced themselves before council members asked questions about expectations and board responsibilities.

The confirmed members are Dr. Lenore Robinson, Marge Caldwell Wilson, Desiree Walker, Caitlin Sealand and Destiny Walker. Council members also noted that two additional members, Janina Calais and Joseph Antonello, were unable to attend that evening.

During the public discussion, potential board members emphasized relevant experience and interest. Dr. Robinson described a background in cultural and urban anthropology and pet care services and said she applied because she is concerned about animal-related public-health issues in Trenton. Marge Caldwell Wilson, a former councilwoman, said the board would need clear guidelines and rules before launching work and that she favored returning to council with plans once the board has “the marching orders.” Other council members urged the board to coordinate with the health department, the shelter’s management and the city’s volunteer and adoption programs.

Council members repeatedly asked that the board be provided clear roles, bylaws or a handbook so appointees and future candidates understand responsibilities. Director of Health and Human Services (referred to as the health department director in the meeting) described the animal-control directives and emphasized enforcement, staff training, low-cost spay/neuter programs, volunteer integration and expanded adoption services as priorities.

The council took a single motion to confirm the five nominees; roll call showed all members present voting yes and the motion carried.

Why it matters: Trenton has experienced shelter and animal-control challenges, and the new advisory board is intended to provide local oversight, community outreach and guidance to the health department and shelter staff.","Council confirmed five residents to the advisory board after the mayor and health department described interviews and site tours; council members asked about board expectations, rules and coordination with the health department and animal shelter.",{"_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},6598894,"Advocates pitch ranked-choice voting at Trenton City Council meeting",1185,327000,1512000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3021995-267f8fb5232c4f6a6e83cd8315a64699&start=327&end=1512","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3021995-267f8fb5232c4f6a6e83cd8315a64699/thumbnail_327000.jpg","/articles/6598894/Trenton/Mercer-County/New-Jersey/Advocates-pitch-ranked-choice-voting-at-Trenton-City-Council-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598894-80029bd6063410f2caee8525cb09d6ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152714&Signature=AwTksy-PPcQT9liut4SeN1lsy~s1dFakG7a9wSQpLdPNztDUEc7gn-k7Cv4V-KY~rOvf6QvZGe6fCaebbwlr84J9swr-hGYL9D9XuWAVWjunW-aCycQl4dWCjH4DHZBy8qVYhq5stZ3pOqckAjL-lX87O2n0IaIYlVg~kYiy98JlH0FvFwcttX-eCxNaYO-hVDufKaWpz2~4TijkckDU~jkD6Ehs0bkSHBsReBxZNuHiiGAavEBH-2zPGQaskqF9BzQGWfE3JJ9VDrCPKNseL0QSMUMznDieodlQmkFduXLl8Wu~BoHnOCP~lZ0wikjTfPpuAkiJwVOrG4169ifevA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Larry White, an organizer with Voter Choice New Jersey, presented a 15-minute overview of ranked-choice voting to the Trenton City Council at its April 15 meeting, urging the council to consider supporting a legislative path that would allow municipalities and school boards to use RCV.

White said RCV lets voters \"rank candidates in order\" and ensures a winner receives a majority, describing it as \"instant runoff voting\" and arguing it can reduce wasted votes, discourage negative campaigning and avoid costly low-turnout runoffs.

The presentation included a mock election to show how lower-performing candidates are eliminated and votes redistributed to second or third choices. White told the council that the bills now in the New Jersey Legislature would permit voluntary use of RCV for local and school board elections, and that, if the governor signs the bill, a municipality would then place a referendum on the ballot for voters to approve local adoption.

Council members asked detailed questions about mechanics and local impacts. Councilwoman Williams noted recent close local elections and asked what residents in Trenton were telling the advocates. White said organizers had done outreach to local community groups and were planning an education event in Trenton on May 7 at Trinity Cathedral Synod House, including a live \"rank the ice cream\" demonstration. White also said county clerks and existing voting machines in New Jersey are capable of handling RCV, and that his group is seeking municipal resolutions of support and trigger ordinances to show legislative interest.

City Attorney Wesley Bridges asked whether voters could eliminate runoffs via a local referendum now. White affirmed a local referendum could eliminate runoffs but said the pending legislation would enable a different voting method (RCV) rather than just abolishing runoffs. Council members pressed on the scale of local outreach needed. White responded that his organization would assist municipalities with education if the state bill is passed.

Several council members, including Councilwoman Frisbie, voiced support for public education and underscored that a municipal referendum ultimately would be decided by Trenton voters. Councilwoman Williams said she remained concerned about the scale of public education required and asked whether simply putting a referendum on the ballot to eliminate runoffs might be an easier near-term option.

The presentation did not result in a formal council vote that evening; advocates left fact sheets and event flyers for council members and invited residents to the May 7 community event.

Why it matters: Ranked-choice voting would change local election procedures and could affect turnout, campaign strategy and who wins municipal and school-board races. The council discussed education needs, legal pathways and local referendum options but did not adopt any action at the meeting.

","Organizers from Voter Choice New Jersey explained how ranked-choice voting (RCV) works and urged Trenton to support state legislation and local referendums; council members asked about implementation, education and whether a municipal referendum could remove runoffs without state action.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Trenton council passes lead-service bond, fee changes; tables redevelopment plan; approves settlement

City officials discuss Stacy Park tree clearing, DEP notice and procurement questions

Trenton council approves five appointments to new Animal Welfare Advisory Board

Advocates pitch ranked-choice voting at Trenton City Council meeting