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 Michelle Pirone Lambros read the Land Acknowledgement.

IV.

ROLL CALL

Also Present: Bernard Hvozdovic, Administrator; Matthew Solovay, Chief of Police;

Deanna Stockton, Deputy Administrator/Municipal Engineer; James Purcell, Assistant

Municipal Attorney; Justin Lesko, Municipal Planner; and Trishka W. 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- Regular Meeting- July 28, 2025 7:00 p.m.

ADOPTED

David Cohen

Leticia Fraga

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Council Member Pirone Lambros, Council Member Cohen,

Aye:

Council Member Sacks, Council Member Fraga, and Council

Member Newlin

Council Member McDonald

Abstain:

VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS

Councilman Brian McDonald had no reports or announcements.

Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros announced as part of the plan to launch the new

bus route, they are looking to rename the Munibus and the new bus route. Anyone interested

in participating must have their submissions in by 12/3/25.

Councilman David Cohen had no reports or announcements.

Council President Mia Sacks had no reports or announcements.

Councilwoman Leticia Fraga announced that Princeton has maintained a perfect score of

100% by the Human Right's Municipal Equality Index for the seventh year in a row.

Councilman Leighton Newlin had no reports or announcements.

Mayor Mark Freda had no reports or announcements.

Staff Reports/Announcements:

Bernard Hvozdovic, Administrator, announced municipal offices will be closed on Thursday,

November 27th, 2026 and Friday, November 28th, 2026 for theThanksgiving holiday.

October Monthly Chief's Report

Chief Matthew Solovay presented the October Monthly Chief's Report and began with an

update on the department's "Street Smart" campaign. Traffic safety continues to be one of

the most common concerns raised by residents and remains a top priority for the Police

Department. As part of the grant process to acquire the "Street Smart" initiative, the Traffic

Safety Bureau was required to demonstrate the extent of its existing enforcement and

education efforts. During the two-week campaign period in October, officers conducted

targeted enforcement details totaling more than 52 hours of focused activity. These efforts

resulted in 96 motor vehicle stops at the five locations identified as having the highest rates

of bicycle and pedestrian related crashes. Chief Solovay also highlighted driving while

intoxicated (DWI) enforcement efforts. In October, officers made eight (8) DWI arrests,

bringing the total number of DWI-related incidents in 2025 to 36 to date. With the

upcoming holiday season approaching, the department will continue enhanced roadway

patrols to help keep the community safe.

VIII. PRESENTATION

Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study Phase 2 Presentation to Mayor and Council by

Department of Engineering

Deanna Stockton, Deputy Administrator/Municipal Engineer, James Purcell, Assistant

Municipal Engineer, and Princeton Hydro WSP presented a PowerPoint which provided an

update on the Stormwater Feasibility Study. The presentation reviewed the four distinct

phases of the study, noting that the project is currently in Phase 2. Additional topics

included the current status of the stormwater program, who currently pays for stormwater

and how it could change with a stormwater utility, Phase 1 deliverables, Phase 2

deliverables, level of service plan considerations, cost model considerations, credit

considerations, and Phase 3 look ahead. With the completion of Phase 2, they are seeking

Council support to move into Phase 3 of the feasibility study. It was emphasized that moving

into Phase 3 does not constitute a decision to implement a stormwater utility, but rather a

decision to continue refining the program policies and budget framework that could serve as

the basis for a future utility. Council and public engagement will be critical components of

the next phase to formulate these items in a transparent and accountable fashion. Princeton

Hydro will be providing a proposal for the Phase 3 services and it will be brought to Council

within the next month or so.

At the conclusion of Phase 3, Council will determine whether to proceed with the

implementation of a stormwater utility. Should Coucil decide to move forward, an ordinance

establishing the utility would be introduced and considered for adoption. If Council elects

not to proceed, the information and analysis gathered throughout the process can be revisited

at a later date.

Councilman Newlin inquired about the distinction between a "reactive"versus "proactive"

approach to stormwater infrastructure management.

Councilman Cohen expressed support for advancing to Phase 3 and asked whether Council

would receive the work product generated during Phase 2, and if so, when could it be

expected.

Jamie Feinstein of Princeton Hydro WSP explained that the nature of Phase 2 does not, at

this time, include a summary document. It is a bunch of different products together.

Councilwoman Pirone Lambros stated she was supportive of moving forward and requested

additional information from Ms. Stockton regarding the MS4 permit requirements,

describing them as an unfunded State mandate, and asked for clarification on the

Municipality’s current compliance obligations and future requirements.

Councilwoman Leticia Fraga stated she was in favor of proceeding with Phase 3.

Mayor Mark Freda inquired about the anticipated cost of Phase 3 and whether residents

could be provided with a list of measures or improvements that may help reduce future

stormwater utility fees.

Councilman McDonald stated he was strongly in favor of moving forward with Phase 3.

Long Range Capital Plan Presentation

Councilman David Cohen presented a PowerPoint presentation on the long-range capital

plan. The PowerPoint presentation provided an overview of current and anticipated capital

projects, including roads, property acquisitions, buildings, stormwater infrastructure

improvements, recreation, and sanitary sewer upgrades. It also identified new revenue

sources to support project funding and ensure financial sustainability.

The presentation also reviewed the projected timing of both expenditures and revenues,

highlighting anticipated cash flow needs and the sequencing of project implementation.

Attention was given to the relationship between the capital program and the operating

budget, including the potential impact that capital investments may have on future operating

costs and budget planning.

In addition, the presentation addressed external factors that could affect financial projections,

such as availability of Open Space funds, impact of a potential stormwater utility, state and

federal grants, and private donations. The presentation concluded with a discussion of next

steps, which includes a council retreat that will quantify the capital budget tax implications

over the coming 5-6 years and prioritize capital spending to minimize the impact on

tax-payers. The retreat will be noticed and open to the public for anyone who is interested in

attending.

IX.

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 Revising the Definition of “Minor

Site Plan”; Modifying Certain Provisions Pertaining to Administrative Approvals and

Zoning Permits; Updating the Checklist for Minor Site Plan Applications; and

Amending the “Code of the Borough of Princeton, New Jersey, 1974” and the “Code

of the Township of Princeton, New Jersey, 1968.” - Roll Call

Justin Lesko, Municipal Planner, provided an overview of the ordinance and explained that

it primarily serves as a "clean up" measure addressing several procedural items staff has

identified within the development application process.

Mr. Lesko explained one proposed change would revise the definition of a minor site plan so

that any application involving a variance, conditional use approval, subdivision approval, or

stormwater relief would automatically be classified as a major site plan application. The

remaining amendments relate to expiration dates for certain approvals including

administrative waiver of site plan review, and would harmonize the expiration dates for

zoning permits in the former Township with those currently applicable in the former

Borough.

Mayor Mark Freda opened the public hearing. Seeing no members of the public wishing to

speak either in person or via Zoom, Mayor Freda closed the public hearing.

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Mia Sacks

MOVER:

Leighton Newlin

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION

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

INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING

David Cohen

RESULT:

MOVER:

Leighton Newlin

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 Regulating Short-Term Rentals,

Imposing an Occupancy Tax on Transient Accommodations and Amending Chapters

15A and 16 of the “Code of the Borough of Princeton, New Jerey, 1974”- Roll Call

INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING

Leighton Newlin

RESULT:

MOVER:

Leticia Fraga

SECONDER:

Council Member McDonald, Council Member Pirone Lambros,

Council Member Cohen, Council Member Sacks, Council

Member Fraga, and Council Member Newlin

Aye:

XI.

RESOLUTIONS

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

Planning Board of the Municipality of Princeton to Undertake a Preliminary

Investigation of the Properties Located at 27 Franklin Avenue, Princeton and 101

Walnut Lane, Princeton, and Designated on the Official Tax Map of Princeton as

Block 7301, Lot 1 and Block 31.01, Lot 105, respectively, to Determine Whether the

Properties, or Parts thereof, Qualify as a Non-Condemnation Area in Need of

Redevelopment.

Steve Mlenak, redevelopment attorney from Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP,

attended the meeting via "Zoom" to explain what the resolution is meant to accomplish; it is

the first step in investigating the property.

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Michelle Pirone Lambros

Mia Sacks

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 the Municipality of Princeton Authorizing

the Award of a Professional Services Agreement to Topology NJ LLC for Planning

Services in Connection with a Preliminary Investigation, Pursuant to the Local

Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq., for an Amount Not

to Exceed $21,000

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 Authorizing the Award of a Bid Contract to J.

Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc. for the Replacement and Repair of Guide Rail on Pretty

Brook Road and Quaker Road for $115,225.00

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Brian McDonald

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 in Support of Speed Limit

Revisions on Route NJ 27 within the Municipality of Princeton

Councilman David Cohen explained the resolution is in response to a letter Council received

from the NJDOT indicating that they studied this matter and came to the conclusion that the

speed limit reduction to 35 mph made sense.

ADOPTED

David Cohen

Leticia Fraga

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 a License Agreement

by Fengqiao Lu to Permit a 22-Foot-Wide Curb Cut onto Valley Road

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 the Municipality of Princeton Authorizing an

Increase of $40,289.80 to the Not to Exceed Amount for the Contract with IPS

Group, Inc. for Parking Meter Charges Utilizing Omnia Partners National

Cooperative Purchasing Contract CW18653 for a New Not to Exceed Amount of

$200,289.80

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Leighton Newlin

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 to Apply for and Obtain a Grant

from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for $810,000 Toward a

Sewer Rehabilitation Project

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 Authorizing Block 7401, Lot

1.013 of the Princeton Tax Map to be Added to the Princeton Tax Exemption List

ADOPTED

RESULT:

Michelle Pirone Lambros

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:

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 Authorizing 2025 4th Quarter

Refunds of $61,823.73 Overpayments

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. Seeing no one in

person or via "Zoom" Mayor Freda closed public comment.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

A motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. was made by Councilman David Cohen, seconded by

Councilman Leighton Newlin, and carried unanimously by all members present.

Respectfully submitted,

Dawn M. Mount

Municipal Clerk