City Council

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hackensack was held at City Hall, 65 Central Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, on Monday, July 6, 1998. Mayor Zisa called the meeting to order at 8: 00 PM and asked everyone to stand for the flag salute. He then asked the City Clerk to call the roll. Present - Councilmen Roger B. Mattei and Jesus R. Galvis, Deputy Mayor Juanita Trammell, Councilman Mark A. Stein, Mayor John I F. Zisa, City Manager James S. Lacava, City Clerk Doris L. Dukes and City Attorney Richard E. Salkin 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 by posting a copy on the Bulletin Board in City Hall." Mayor Zisa called for a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held June 15, 1998. Motion offered by Stein, seconded by Mattei, that the minutes be approved as submitted. Carried The Mayor announced the pleasant task of administering the Oath of Office to several Police Officers who have completed their training at the Police and Fire Academy. The City Clerk swore in the following: Alberto Gutierrez, Jr., Francesco Aquila, Walter Peterson, Anthony Natale, Sara Campos and Monica Wellington. Mayor Zisa said this is a historical night in Hackensack. We have sworn in two female police officers, the first Hispanic and the first African American to serve in the Department. We are a Civil Service Community and commended the Police Chief for getting people to take the exam. I . The Mayor told the officers that this is a very serious j ob. While it is not easy, he is sure they will serve the City well. Chief Zisa congratulated the new officers and, in addition, announced the promotion of four members in the department. The City Clerk swore in the following: Allen Ust, Captain, Joseph Roman, Captain and Hugh Farley as a Lieutenant. Frank Lomia was promoted to Captain but was not present due to a previously planned vacation. The Police Chief then asked the Mayor to assist him in recognizing those police officers who received commendations for meritorious service. Mayor Zisa presented certificates to the Police Honor Guard, one of the finest in the United States. They competed in Rhode Island and won first place for the third consecutive year. No other group has ever won twice. The team is led by Tom Staron. The Mayor presented certificates to the following police officers who extended themselves in various situations for the welfare of the community: . Thomas Aletta, Allen Borntrager, James Price, William Mania, William Novak, John Satora, Peter Borntrager, Ralph Cavallo, .I Christopher Finley, John Heinemann, Anthony Iazzetti, William Inglima, Lawrence Kenny, Donald Lee, Timothy Lloyd, Richard Levis, Michael Mordaga, Vincent Pedone and Kevin Schneider. Chief Zisa also recognized Captain Allen Ust who spearheaded the Special Law Enforcement Officers known as the "H-Cops" and Sgt. Patrick FAy for organizing the Neighborhood Block Watch Program and held the first Citizens Appreciation Night. Sgt. Fay was also recognized as the State's top Crime Prevention Officer. The Chief added that he was proud to show the best of the Department and thanked all of them.  Mayor Zisa thanked the Chief for making the City Council and the Community aware of the deeds he and his officers perform each day. Mayor Zisa announced that we had an election last year and tonight marks the 1st Anniversary of this term in office. He said there is a vacancy for the position of Deputy Mayor. The City Clerk to read the following resolution: RESOLUTION #182A OFFERED BY: TRAMMELL SECONDED BY: MATTEI BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that Jesus R. Galvis, be and he is hereby designated to act in place and instead of John F. Zisa, as Mayor of the City of Hackensack and that he be given the title of Deputy Mayor of the I City of Hackensack and that there be conferred upon him all rights and privileges incident to his appointment. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Mayor Zisa said again, this marks history, in the City of Hackensack. He congratulated the new Deputy Mayor adding that Mr. Galvis is the first Hispanic Deputy Mayor to serve the City of Hackensack. He thanked Juanita Trammell for all the hours she has given as Deputy Mayor. Many times when he was unable to attend an event, she was there in his stead and represented the City with enthusiasm. Deputy Mayor Galvis thanked the Mayor and Council and acknowledged family and friends who were present. He read a state�ent in English and in Spanish. Mayor Zisa congratulated him on behalf of the Council. Robert Trinks of the American Legion presented an award to I Michael Mordaga as the State of New Jersey's "Top Cop". John Stuart, former Mayor of Maywood gave the background on Mike who started out as a Police Officer in Maywood. Mayor Zisa thanked Mayor Stuart for "training Mike and sending him to Hackensack". Mayor Zisa announced that any presentations could be presented after the regular business of the meeting. The Mayor then called a brief recess at 9: 15 PM. The meeting reconvened at 9: 33 PM RESOLUTION #183 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the following organization be granted permission to conduct a Raffle in accordance with the application on file in the office of the City Clerk: RA: l566 - Heightened Independence and Progress, Inc. aka (HIP) Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #184 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack I that the following liquor licenses be issued in the City of Hackensack, effective July 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999, . applicants having complied with the ordinances of the City of Hackensack and paid the required fee: 0223-33-018-001 Hackensack Lodge B P O Elks #658 $1,110.00 37 Linden Street 0223-44-042-007 Essex Street Liquors, Inc. 940.00 214-216 Essex Street Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa  RESOLUTION #185 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the proper officers be and are hereby authorized to make the following refunds for the reason stated: AMOUNT BLOCK LOT YEAR REASON $ 2,699.60 221 14 Saul A. Wolfe, Atty. & Gerald Simmons 1996 STB I 3,473.92 221 14 II II II II II 1997 STB 2,370.70 233 7 Beechwood Arms Inc. 1994 STB 2,499.05 233 7 II II II II 1995 STB 2,567.00 233 7 II II II II 1996 STB 2,778.40 233 7 " " " " 1997 STB 14.77 214 2 GTL Investments 1998 Er-Pymt 1,770.00 354 63 Daniel & Laura Kirsch 1998 Er-Pymt 1,324.00 617 lA Metropolitan Savings Bank 1998 Er-Pymt BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following refunds, with said balances reflecting a non refundable registration fee per student, due to the cancellation of their registrations for the City's Summer Progra� be made: $ 360.00 - Rose Wiliams, 30 Clarendon Place, Hackensack, NJ 180.00 - Merna Grant, 370 Park St. #212, Hackensack, NJ 160.00 - Joyce Williams, 309 Essex St., #3, Hackensack, NJ 120.00 - Carmen Cedeno, 20 Emerald St., Hackensack, NJ Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #186 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, the Recreation Department of the City of Hackensack requires the service of a new telephone system; and I . WHEREAS, a proposal for said system has been obtained from State Contract vendor, Lucent Technologies, Inc., Contract #A68189, in the amount of $2,801.50, which is fair and reasonable; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in account 8-010-710-262 of the Current Fund; P.O. #105745; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the contract for the installation of a new telephone system be awarded to Lucent Technologies, 370 North Street, Teterboro, New Jers�y 07608 in the amount of $2,801.50. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #187 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack has received Change Orqer No.1 from Kaycon General Contracting Inc., (Remove and Replace Corner Inlets) to allow for adj ustments to the contract amount of $23,193.00; and WHEREAS, Thomas Toscano, Director of Operations has reconµnended that said Change Order be approved; and I WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available from Account 8-010-891-28G..of the Current Fund in the amount of $393.00, Purchase Order #105213. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $393.00 for Kaycon General Contracting Inc., 274 Elm Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601 be and is hereby approved. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #188 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any County or Municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of any item of appropriation for an equal amount; and WHEREAS, the City will receive $3,180.00 from the New Jersey Dept. of Health & Senior Services and wishes to amend its 1998 Budget to include this amount as a revenue; I NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, New Jersey, hereby requests the Director of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 1998 in the sum of $3,180.00, which item is now available as a revenue from Miscellaneous Revenues - Special items of general revenue anticipated with prior written · consent of the Director: Public and Private Revenues Off-set with appropriations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the like sum of $3,180.00 is hereby appropriated under the caption of: "General Appropriations/ Operations excluded from 5% caps - State and Federal Programs Off­ set by revenues: "State of New Jersey Dept. of Health & Senior Services-Tobacco Age of Sale Enforcement Program" • Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Tr ammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #189 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special itern of revenue in the budget of any County or I Municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of any item of appropriation for an equal amount; and WHEREAS, the City received $34,469.75 from the Coregis Managers Corporation and wishes to amend its 1998 Budget to include this amount as a revenue; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, New Jersey, hereby requests the Director of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 1998 in the sum of $34,469.75, which item is now available as a revenue from Miscellaneous Revenues - Special items of general revenue anticipated with prior written consent of the Director: Public and Private Revenues Off-set with appropriations; and ' BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the like sum of $34,469.75 is I hereby appropriated under the caption of: "General Appropriatlons/ Operations excluded from .5% caps - Public and Private Programs Off-set by revenues capital improvements - Municipal Court Renovations". Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #190 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any County or  Municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of any item of appropriation for an equal amount; and WHEREAS, the City will receive $42,843.78 from the New Jersey Dept. of Agriculture and wishes to amend its 1998 Budget to include this amount as a revenue; I NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, New Jersey, hereby requests the Director of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 1998 in the sum of $42,843.00, which item is now available as a revenue from Miscellaneous Revenues - Special items of general revenue anticipated with prior written consent of the Director: Public and Private Revenues Off-set with appropriations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the like sum of $42,843.78 is hereby appropriated under :the caption of: "General Appropriations/ Operations excluded from 5% caps - State and Federal Programs Off­ set by revenues: "State of New Jersey Dept. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Program ". Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #191 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any County or Municipality when such item shall have been made available by law I and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of any item of appropriation for an equal amount; and WHEREAS, the City will receive $95,499.00 from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Department of Environmental Protection and wishes to amend its 1998 Budget to include this amount as a revenue; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, New Jersey, hereby requests the Director of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 1998 in the sum of $95,499.00, which item is now available as a revenue from Miscellaneous Revenues - Special items of general revenue anticipated with prior written consent of· the Director: Public and Private Revenues Off-set with appropriations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the like sum of $95,499.00 is hereby appropriated under the caption of: "General Appropriations/ Operations excluded from 5% caps - State and Federal Programs Off­ set by revenues: "New Jersey Economic Development Authority, I Department of Environmental Protection, Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation - Eval Oil Corp. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #192 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, New Jersey Revised Statutes 39:10A-1-7 provides that the City has the right to sell at public auction all abandoned vehicles after due notice has been published in a newspaper five (5) days previous to the date of the proposed sale;  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned vehicles listed in the advertisement to appear in The Record on Friday, July 10, 1998, and notification that they will be offered for sale by the City Manager or a designated representative at the times designated in the notice on Thursday, July 16, 1998, be and are hereby authorized to be sold. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Tr ammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #193 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, Victor LoPiccolo is the owner and taxpayer of real property commonly known as Block 76, Lot 45 commonly known as 111 Essex Street, and Block 76, Lot 7B commonly known as 142-144 Kansas Street, both located in the City of Hackensack; and I WHEREAS, the taxpayer has filed appeals to its 1996 and 1997 tax assessment which mattes are presently pending in the Tax Court of New Jersey; and WHEREAS, the yearly assessments are $989,800.00 for Block 76, Lot 45 and $119,300.00 for Block 76, Lot 7B; and WHEREAS, upon review of information submitted, reductions appear appropriate; and WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Tax Attorney and Tax Assessor that these matters should be settled; and WHEREAS, said settlement is in the best interest of the City of Hackensack; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that the Tax Counsel be and he is hereby authorized and directed to execute any and all documents which may I be necessary in order to effectuate a settlement of the litigation entitled Victor LoPiccolo v. City of Hackensack, Docket Nos. 001599-96, 008406-96 and 002415-97 presently pending in the Tax Court of New Jersey so that the assessments on Block 76 Lot 45 can be reduced to $915,000 for 1996 and $900,000, for 1997 and the assessment on Block 76, Lot 7B be retained without reduction for 1996 and 1997; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the provisions of the Freeze Act (N.J.S.A. 54: 51A-8) is hereby made applicable to both parcels for the tax year 1998; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the foregoing settlement is predicated upon a full waiver of any interest payable to the taxpayer on the refund. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #194 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 13-98 ENTITLED: "BOND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, AMENDING BOND ORDINANCE NO. 14-93 FINALLY ADOPTED NOVEMBER 15, 1993, AS FURTHER AMENDED BY BOND ORDINANCE NO. 28-97 FINALLY ADOPTED NOVEMBER 17, 1997, IN ORDER TO REVISE THE DESCRIPTION I REFERRED TO IN SECTION 4". BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance No. 13-98 as introduced, does now pass on first reading and that said Ordinance shall be considered for final passage at a meeting to be held on July 20, 1998, at 8: 00 P.M, or as soon thereafter as the matter can be reached at the regular meeting place of the City Council and at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said Ordinance and that the City Clerk be and she is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance according to law with a notice of its introduction  and passage on first reading and of the time and place·when and where said Ordinance will be further considered for final passage. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammeli, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #195 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, the Battleship New Jersey Commission has been established with the obj ective of returning the USS New Jersey to a New Jersey Hudson River site and to establish it as a Ship Museum I to honor veterans of all branches of the Military Services of the United States; and WHEREAS, the World's most decorated Warship will also provide a learning experience in service and history for generations to come; and WHEREAS, the Battleship New Jersey Foundation has been established to raise funds for this project; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hackensack, hereby endorses this proj ect and encourages the support of its citizens; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it supports the fund raising activities of the State of New Jersey License Plate program and Income Tax check-off as well as direct contributions to the Foundations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the members of the New Jersey Legislature representing Bergen County. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa I RESOLUTION #196 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the bills in the following accounts be and are hereby ordered paid: Current Account $ 2,792,418.96 Public Assistance II Account 11,146.46 Capital Account 13,537.81 Public Parking System Account 11,166.68 Public Parking System Capital Account 2,182.50 Trust Account 27,700.00 Payroll Agency Account 107,730.07 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said bills are on file as a public record in the office of the Chief Financial Officer. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Mrs. Dukes advised the Mayor that her Docket was-completed. The Mayor thanked her and asked the City Manager, City Attorney and members of Council if they had anything to report. They did not. I Mayor Zisa, referring to the Independence Day Celebration held on Friday, July 3rd, thanked everyone involved for their combined efforts in helping to make the event successful. He then opened the meeting to the public for discussion of City Business. Assemblyman Zisa, 37th District, presented a resolution to Jesus Galvis as the first Hispanic Deputy Mayor for the City of Hackensack and to Juanita Trammell who concluded the position she held during the past year.  William Salgado, President of the Colombian Civic Center in New York presented a plaque to Deputy Mayor Galvis. Motion offered.by Mattei, seconded by Trammell that the public hearing be closed and the meeting be adjourned. Carried. (10:00 PM) I GALVIS ATTEST: City Clerk I I