City Council

A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hackensack was held at City Hall, 65 Central Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, on Tuesday, February 13, 1990, at 8:00 P. M. Mayor Zisa called the meeting to order and asked the Clerk to call the roll. Present Mayor John F. Zisa, Deputy Mayor Sandra A. Robinson, Councilmen Mark A. Stein, Mauro A. Mecca and Roger I B. Mattei, City Attorney Richard E. Salkin and City Clerk Doris L. Dukes. Absent - Interim City Manager James Lacava Mrs. Dukes: "In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, Laws of 1975, adequate notice of this meeting was provided by sending a notice to the Record and posting a copy on the Bulletin Board in City Hall". Mayor Zisa asked everyone to please rise for the flag salute. Mayor Zisa advised that this meeting was called for the purpose of appointing a City Manager. In brief, he stated that after the former City Manager resigned in August of last year a search was sought for a replacement. Ads were placed in various publications for the position and resulted in 38 resumes being submitted. Each member of Council reviewed these resumes independently and as a body. We sought assistance from the State and forwarded all applications to them for review. The 38 applicants were reduced to eight ( 8) and then to four (4). These four were brought in for interviews which brings us to this point this evening. The Mayor asked the Clerk to read the resolution. I OF FERED WHEREAS, City Manager; BY: the and MATTEI City of SECONDED BY: Hackensack requires the service of a STEIN WHEREAS, state law requires that any person appointed to the position of City Manager be fully qualified to exercise the powers and perform the duties required of the office; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack have concluded an objective,. comprehensive and exhaustive search for a person so qualified to be appointed to the position of City Manager; and WHEREAS, it is the belief of the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that James s. Lacava is a person possessed with the necessary qualifications and abilities to ably serve the people of the City of Hackenack in the position of City Manager and that such appointment of James S. Lacava as City manager is in the best interest of the City. NON, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that James S. Lacava be and hereby I is appointed to the position of City Manager of the City of Hackensack, New Jersey; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment shall be immediately effective and shall continue for an indefinite period in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Laws of the State of New Jersey and section 3-1 et seq. of the Code of the City of Hackensack, New Jersey.  Roll Call: Mecca stated that when he became politically involved he was impressed with the problems in the City. During the campaign he met people who were working two jobs and could not keep up with the high taxes, particularlly, minorities. He also said he had grave problems with Robert Casey's resignation and was troubled that he was not given an opportunity to express himself. He felt the position of Manager requires experience and know-how and said he is not convinced that Jim Lacava is the best candidate for the job. He voted "NO" and Robinson decision. he different is She a type - stated has fantastic of person that financial at she had worked with Jim for the past several months this man. to time, make She a said one very who we difficult can need a move I around, go to Trenton, write and believed that there were others in the City who were qualified. She feels the Manager should live in the City and it is her understanding that this will not be the case with Mr. Lacava. She urged the Council to consider the recommendation of the the State Department of Community Affairs and to reconsider by starting over and come up with someone who knows the City . She voted •No•. Stein - said for eighteen years Jim has been involved in how Hackensack has operated and for the past six months he has been a part of this directive. One of the hardest and most difficult decision, is choosing a person to run the City. Be proudly voted "YES". Mattei - •ygs• Mayor - stated that he believes we need someone who knows the City and who can move forward. Ms. Robinson mentioned other personnel this evening which was not mentioned before t and was surprised to hear about looking in other areas. Mr. Lacava served the City for many years under many leaders. He has coped with the problems and has handled the job of Manager and Chief Financial Officer for the past several months. Be proudly voted "YES11• Mayor Zisa opened the meeting to the public for discusion. There was no response. Motion offered by Stein, seconded by Mattei that the public hearing be closed and the meeting be adjourned. Carried. EPUTY MAYOR SA ORA A. ROBINSON �67±1� COUNCILMAN MAURO A. MECCA I COUN C�� �fl![ B ATTEST: