Minutes - Mayor and Council of Princeton

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II.

STATEMENT CONCERNING NOTICE OF MEETING

Notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public

Meetings Act and State regulations governing public meetings, including the time, date and location

of the meeting and clear and concise instructions to the public for accessing the meeting and making

comments. In addition, the agenda and all related materials were posted electronically and made

available to the public on Princeton's meeting portal in advance of the meeting.

III.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"We gather today on the land of the Lenni Lenape. As members of the Princeton community, we

aspire to show appreciation, respect, and concern for all peoples and our environment. We honor the

Lenape and other Indigenous caretakers of these lands and waters, the elders who lived here before,

the Indigenous today, and the generations to come"

Councilwoman Leticia Fraga read the Land Acknowledgement.

IV.

ROLL CALL

Also Present: Bernard Hvozdovic, Administrator; Deanna Stockton, Deputy

Adminsitrator/Municipal Engineer; and Trishka Cecil, Municipal Attorney

Council Member Brian McDonald, Council Member Michelle

Pirone Lambros, Council Member David Cohen, Council Member

Mia Sacks, Council Member Leticia Fraga, Council Member

Leighton Newlin, and Mayor Mark Freda

Present:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The audience participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

VI.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor and Council of Princeton- Closed Session- August 19, 2025

APPROVED

Leticia Fraga

Brian McDonald

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Mayor and Council of Princeton- Regular Meeting- August 25, 2025

APPROVED

Leticia Fraga

Brian McDonald

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Mayor and Council of Princeton- Closed Session- September 2, 2025

APPROVED

Leticia Fraga

Brian McDonald

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Mayor and Council of Princeton- Regular Meeting- September 8, 2025

APPROVED

Leticia Fraga

Brian McDonald

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS

Councilman Brian McDonald had no reports or announcements.

Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros announced they had solicited community input

regarding the municipal transit system and received dozens of creative suggestions for

naming the bus routes. One suggestion, "Tiger Loop", was modified and ultimately finalized

as the "Princeton Loop". She stated that plans are underway to have a graphic design

presented to the public and Council in the near future.

Councilman David Cohen has no reports or announcements.

Council President Mia Sacks had no reports or announcements.

Councilwoman Leticia Fraga had no reports or announcements.

Councilman Leighton Newlin encouraged the public to shop, dine, and be local.

Mayor Mark Freda had no reports or announcements.

There were no staff reports or announcements.

November 2025 Monthly Chief’s Report

Chief Matthew Solovay presented the November 2025 Monthly Chief's Report, highlighting

several community-based initiatives undertaken by the department during the month. First,

numerous members of the department volunteered their time to serve Thanksgiving dinner to

the residents of the Harriet Bryant House. The annual event, held in partnership with

Princeton Community Housing, provides officers with an opportunity to share a meal, enjoy

meaningful conversation, and give back to members of the community. Throughout

November, the department also partnered with the Jewish Center of Princeton to conduct a

winter coat drive. Dozens of coats were collected and donated to the Princeton Cornerstone

Community Kitchen at the Princeton United Methodist Church. Lastly, officers participated

in "No Shave November", raising $1,600.00, which was donated to Princeton Human

Service to support holiday gift assistance for community members and families in need.

VIII. PROCLAMATION

A Proclamation Honoring Elizabeth Kim on the Occasion of Her Retirement

Councilman Leighton Newlin read the proclamation honoring Elizabeth Kim, Historic

Preservation Officer, on the occasion of her retirement.

A Proclamation Honoring Edwin W. Schmierer on the Occasion of His Retirement

Mayor Mark Freda read the proclamation honoring Edwin W. Schmierer on the occasion of

his retirement.

IX.

PRESENTATION

Proposed 2026 Princeton Triathlon by Shawn Elwood

The presentation on the Princeton Triathlon was postponed until a later date since Mr. Shawn

Elwood was unable to attend the meeting.

Presentation of Princeton’s 2025-2029 Community Forestry Management Plan by

Taylor Sapudar, Municipal Arborist

Taylor Sapudar, Municipal Arborist, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the 2025-2029

Community Forestry Management Plan (CFMP). Mr. Sapudar began by thanking to all

contributors involved in the development of the plan. The presentation included an overview

of the CFMP background, Princeton's achievements, community outreach efforts, the CFMP

Mission Statement, 2025-2029 plan elements, objectives and action items, recommended

action plans, and next steps.

Councilman Brian McDonald made a motion to accept the CFMP, seconded by Council

President Mia Sacks, and carried unanimously by all members present.

ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING

Anyone wishing to comment on or ask a question about an ordinance(s) listed below for public

hearing and adoption can do so by either in person or Zoom. In person use the sign-up sheet on the

podium. To make a spoken comment, either click on "Participants" and use the "raise hand"

function, or- if attending by telephone- press *9. When it is your turn to speak the meeting host will

unmute you and the Mayor will recognize you.

An Ordinance by the Municipality of Princeton Regarding Tree Removal Permit

Requirements and Amending Chapters 22 and 10B of the “Code of the Township of

Princeton, New Jersey, 1968.”- Roll Call

Councilman Brian McDonald noted the ordinance strengthens how shade trees should be

treated in Princeton. It is a bit stronger than the state recommends and that's appropriate.

Mayor Mark Freda opened the public hearing first to those attending the meeting in person

then to those attending via "Zoom".

In Person:

Janet Stern, member of Shade Tree Commission, stated the Shade Tree Commission urges

approval of the updates to the Princeton trees and shrubs ordinance, which will render it as

strict as the model tree ordinance and thus bringing Princeton into state compliance.

Via "Zoom":

No comments were made.

Seeing no one further in person or via "Zoom", Mayor Freda closed the public hearing.

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Brian McDonald

David Cohen

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

An Ordinance by the Municipality of Princeton Updating Certain Lane Use

Reservations and Amending Chapter 11 of the “Code of the Township of Princeton,

New Jersey, 1968”-Roll Call

Councilman David Cohen noted the amendment is a minor change intended to address

confusion experienced by southbound drivers have encountered on North Harrison

approaching Terhune Road. He explained drivers were previously able to continue straight

from two lanes; however, under the current configuration, proceeding straight from one of

those lanes directs vehicles into the bike lane. The roadway turn markings will be revised to

provide clearer direction to motorists.

Mayor Mark Freda opened the public hearing first to those attending the meeting in person

then to those attending via "Zoom".

In Person:

No comments were made.

Via "Zoom":

No comments were made.

Seeing no one further in person or via "Zoom", Mayor Freda closed the public hearing.

ADOPTED

RESULT:

David Cohen

MOVER:

Michelle Pirone Lambros

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Concerning Salaries and

Compensation of Certain Personnel of the Municipality of Princeton-Roll Call

Bernard Hvozdovic, Administrator, explained the ordinance is done every year for

housekeeping purposes, mainly to update job titles and salary ranges.

Mayor Mark Freda opened the public hearing first to those attending the meeting in person

then to those attending via "Zoom".

In Person:

No comments were made.

Via "Zoom":

No comments were made.

Seeing no one further in person or via "Zoom", Mayor Freda closed the public hearing.

ADOPTED

Leticia Fraga

Mia Sacks

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Aye:

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

XI.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving Police Promotions for

2025

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Leticia Fraga

Leighton Newlin

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing the Award of a

Professional Services Agreement to USA Architects for Facilities Programming and

Conceptual Design for Various Facilities in Princeton, New Jersey, for an Amount

Not to Exceed $469,901.00

Deanna Stockton, Deputy Administrator/Municipal Engineer, explained the purpose of the

agreement is to complete three phases of work related to the potential relocation of Public

Works operations to the River Road site. She stated that Phase 1 involves programming

services to evaluate the space needs for the Public Works Department at the River Road

property. Phase 2 includes an analysis of the municipal property to determine its capacity to

accommodate Public Works operations, as well as any additional improvements or municipal

departments. Ms. Stockton noted that, if additional capacity exists at the site, the

programming review would also include the Police Department and several other municipal

groups. In addition, the project includes preparation of a Phase 2 environmental report to

assess any potential contamination that may exist at the site. Ms. Stockton explained that all

tasks are expected to be completed within a 90-day period, and the final report will be used

to develop a scope of work for future construction document and plan preparation associated

with relocating Public Works operations from the John Street and Harrison Street facilities to

the new facility.

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Mia Sacks

MOVER:

Michelle Pirone Lambros

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing a Final Change Order

for the 2024 Roadway Resurfacing Project to Carroccia Company in the Amount of

-$387,253.00; Authorizing a Final Payment of $60,994.56, Resulting in a Final

Contract Amount of $1,391,323.20; Releasing the Performance Bond; and Accepting

a Maintenance Bond in the Amount of $266,786.43

ADOPTED

RESULT:

David Cohen

Brian McDonald

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing the Award of a

Contract to SHI International Corp. for OpenGov Vertosoft Software for $69,305.69

Utilizing New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Alliance Contract #CK04 24-38

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Brian McDonald

Michelle Pirone Lambros

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing a One-Year Extension

to the Contract with Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association, Inc. for

Transportation Services for Crosstown for an Amount Not to Exceed $158,000.00

ADOPTED

Mia Sacks

RESULT:

MOVER:

David Cohen

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Aye:

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing an Agreement with

the Princeton Farmers Market for Use of Hinds Plaza on Specified Thursdays in 2026

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Michelle Pirone Lambros

Brian McDonald

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Supporting a Regional

Collaboration, Led by Montgomery Township, for the Preparation of a Watershed

Improvement Plan for the Lower Millstone River Watershed

ADOPTED

David Cohen

Mia Sacks

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Aye:

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing Agreement With

Princeton Mobile Food Pantry for Temporary Use of 237 North Harrison Street

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Leticia Fraga

Leighton Newlin

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing the Purchase/

Renewal of Licenses for Microsoft Office 365 from SHI International Corp. for

$208,558.06 utilizing New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Alliance Contract CK04

BC-BID-24-38

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Leighton Newlin

David Cohen

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing the Purchase of

Tasers from Axon Enterprise, LLC for an Amount Not to Exceed $178,320.00

utilizing New Jersey State Contract 17-FLEET-00738

10.

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Leticia Fraga

MOVER:

Michelle Pirone Lambros

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing the Purchase of

APX8000 Radios from Motorola Solutions for $57,867.30 utilizing New Jersey State

Contract 83909

11.

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Michelle Pirone Lambros

Leticia Fraga

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

XII. CONSENT AGENDA

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing the Payment of Bills

and Claims

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Leticia Fraga

Brian McDonald

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Approving Transfers in

Accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 Current Fund & Parking Utility Fund

Appropriations

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Leticia Fraga

Brian McDonald

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

The Mayor and Council will take comments first from members of the public attending the meeting

in person, then from members of the public attending the meeting via Zoom. Speakers will be

limited to 3 minutes. No immediate action will be taken on any public comment issue.

IN-PERSON:

Please use the sign-up sheet on the podium. After everyone who signed up has had the opportunity

to speak, the Mayor will invite any additional comments from members of the public. Please line up

at the podium if you plan to speak.

ZOOM:

To make a comment or ask a question during the meeting via zoom, raise your hand using one of the

following alternatives:

1. Windows or Mac platform: Click on “Participants” at the bottom of the screen, then click on

“raise hand” (Windows shortcut: Alt+Y; Mac shortcut: Option+Y).

2. Android or iOS device: Click on “raise hand” in the bottom left corner of your screen.

3. Telephone: Press #9

Mayor Mark Freda opened public comment for items not on the agenda first to those

attending the meeting in person then to those via "Zoom".

In Person:

Felicia Spitz, 5 Haslet Avenue, expressed concern regarding what she described as a lack of

municipal support for the Housing Authority and raised governance-related issues involving

the municipality’s treatment of the agency. She stated that a confidential letter she submitted

for closed session discussion at the request of Council President Sacks was disclosed to a

third party and later attached to a tort claim notice seeking $3.7 million in damages from the

Housing Authority and municipality. Ms. Spitz questioned the authorization and legal basis

for the disclosure, citing concerns related to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA)

compliance, confidentiality, governance procedures, and potential legal and financial

exposure. She requested clarification and corrective action, including measures to prevent

similar incidents, and stated she would seek assistance from the New Jersey Department of

Community Affairs if a satisfactory response is not received by the 26th.

Via "Zoom":

No comments were made.

Seeing no one further in person or via "Zoom", Mayor Freda closed public comment for

items not on the agenda.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT