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, September 18, 2000, at 8:00 P.M. Mayor Zisa-called the meeti�g to order at 8:05 PM and asked everyone to stand for the flag salute. The Mayor then asked the City Clerk to call the roll. Present - Councilman Roger B. Mattei, Councilwoman Juanita I Trammell, Deputy Mayor Mark A. Stein, Mayor John F. Zisa, City Manager James S. Lacava, City Clerk Doris L. Dukes and City Attorney Richard E. Salkin Absent - Councilman Jesus R. Galvis 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 Hackensack". Mayor Zisa called for a motion to approve the minutes of the meetings held September 5th & 11th, 2000. Motion offered by Stein, seconded by Trammell that the minutes be approved as submitted. Carried RESOLUTION #268 OFFERED BY: TRAMMELL SECONDED BY: MATTEI 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 NAME YEAR REASON I $ 889.00 222A 11 Montas, Apolinar & Elba Zeballo 1998 Err.Pymt 1,322.00 455 10 Sabat, Issam & Fairouz 1998 Err.Pymt 1,242.00 424 27 Romero, Melvin E 1998 Err.Pmt 317.51 355 17,C0054 Paley, Steven 2000 Err.Pymt 106.21 70 12 Stats of New Jersey 2000 Err.Pymt 661. 60 428 1,C006G Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 2000 Err.Pymt BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper officers be and are hereby authorized to transfer a tax overpayment in the amount of $641.28 from 1999 to 2000 taxes on Block 351, Lot 113-C0046 as requested by the owner of record. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #269 OFFERED BY: STEIN SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement in The Record, two bids were received on August 22, 2000, for the purchase of a Sport I Utility Vehicle and whereas, both bids exceeded the budgeted amount; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that all bids be rejected and that the Director of Purchasing be and is hereby authorized to re-advertise for new bids. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Stein, Trammell, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #270 OFFERED BY: TRAMMELL SECONDED BY: STEIN WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack has received Change Order No. 3 from Dell Contractors for the Resurfacing of Parking Area C for an escalation of $5.00 per ton for Bituminous Concrete paving, less 317 tons of Bituminous Concrete surface course and 629 tons of Bituminous concrete mix I-5, leveling course, for an overall decrease of $1,305.05; and WHEREAS, Kenneth G. B. Job, P.E., Consulting Engineer and Tom Toscano, Director of Operations for the City have recommended that said Change Order be approved; I NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Change Order No. 3 for Dell Contractors, 1 Hill Street, Paterson, NJ, decreasing the original contract from $99,128.65 to $97,414.10, be and is hereby approved. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #271 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement in The Record, bids were received on August 22, 2000 for two 2001, new Chevrolet Impala's and whereas, one bid was received from Kelle Chevrolet; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the contract for the purchase of two 2001 new Chevrolet Impala's be awarded to Kelle Chevrolet, 137 Allair Road, Farmingdale, New Jersey, 07727 for the amount of $35,470.00; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in Account No. 0-7-100-225 of the Trust Fund. P.O. No. 117223. I Roll Call: Ayes Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #272 OFFERED BY: STEIN SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, the governing body of the City of Hackensack has been advised that an emergency affecting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Hackensack occurred due to sanitary sewer breaks on February 16, 2000, at Myer Street, March 29, 2000, at Sussex Street, May 29, 2000, at Spring Valley Road and June 14, 2000 at Sussex and Lehigh Streets; and WHEREAS, the governing body is satisfied that and emergency did exist and that immediate action was necessary to correct the condition; and WHEREAS, the cost of the service to correct these conditions I was $20,733.45, including engineering fees, which was fair and reasonable; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in account 0-10-530-204 of the Current Fund P.0.#'s 117709 and 117710. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:ll-6, which authorizes the governing body to award contracts without public bidding in emergency situations and that J. Fletcher Creamer and Son, 101 East  Broadway, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601, be paid therefore. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Stein, Trammell, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #273 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: STEIN WHEREAS, Alessandra Viola, Public Safety Telecommunicator, has requested a Leave of Absence for one hundred thirty days without pay to assume the position of Police Officer for the City of I Hackensack; and WHEREAS, City Manager James S. Lacava has determined that this employee be granted the Leave of Absence, commencing August 7, 2000 and terminating December 15, 2000; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that Alessandra Viola, Public Safety Telecommunicator, be granted the one hundred days Leave of Absence, without pay, as requested; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the employee's pension system by the Chief Financial Officer. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Stein, Trammell, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #274 OFFERED BY: TRAMMELL SECONDED BY: MATTEI WHEREAS, Cheryl Block, School Traffic Guard, has requested an extension of a Leave of Absence for five (5) months without pay for I medical reasons; and WHEREAS, City Manager James S. Lacava has determined that this employee be granted the extended five (5) month Leave of Absence, commencing September 1, 2000 and terminating February 1, 2001; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that Cheryl Block, School Traffic Guard, be granted a five (5) month Leave of Absence, without pay, as requested; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the employee's pension system by the Chief Financial Officer. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #275 OFFERED BY: STEIN SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, New Jersey Public Law 1995 Chapters 304 and 320 I provides for participation of local health agencies in the New Jersey State Tobacco Age of Sale Program and makes available financial aid to assist such agencies; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack's Department of Health has established and maintains a Tobacco Age of Sale Program that meets the standards of performance as prescribed by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services and qualifies for said financial assistance; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that John G. Christ, Health Officer of the City of Hackensack, is authorized to make application to the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services for participation in the Tobacco Age of Sale Program for the period October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #276 OFFERED BY: TRAMMELL SECONDED BY: STEIN WHEREAS, there exists a need for the City of Hackensack to establish "DSL" internet service at the Department of Health I offices, at 215 State Street, Hackensack, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, IDT Corporation, located at 190 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey can provide DSL internet services; and WHEREAS, IDT Corporation has submitted a proposal for and has agreed to perform said services for the City of Hackensack for the maximum amount of $1,898 and funds are available for this purpose; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that the Mayor and City Clerk be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement with IDT Corporation, 190 Main Street, Hackensack, N.J., to provide DSL Internet services for the City of Hackensack; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Financial Officer has certified that monies are available from account number 0-10-601 - 232 in the amount of $1,898 in the Current fund, P.O. #118224. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis I RESOLUTION #277 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, a Bergen County Community Development Grant has been proposed by the following: $ 18,000. 00 The Volunteer Center of Bergen County, Inc., to - operate the chore program in the City of Hackensack; and $296,000.00 - Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey for the housing discrimination counseling program; $ 40,000.00 Bergen County Technical Schools for their Project - Entrepreneur at the workforce center; $ 85,000.00 - Bergen County Community Action Program for their Child Development Center - Parent Professional Development/Self - Sufficiency Training Program; and I WHEREAS, pursuant to the State Inter-local Services Act, Community Development funds may not be spent in a municipality without authorization by the Mayor and Council; and WHEREAS, the aforesaid projects are in the best interest of the people of Bergen County; and WHEREAS, this resolution does not obligate the financial resources of the municipality and is intended solely to expedite expenditure of the aforesaid Community Development funds;  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack hereby confirm endorsement of the aforesaid projects; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Director of the Bergen County Community Development Program so that implementation of the aforesaid projects may be expedited. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis I RESOLUTION #278 OFFERED BY: STEIN SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-4 requires the governing body of every local unit to have made an annual audit of its books, accounts and financial transactions; and WHEREAS, the Annual Report of Audit for the year 1999 has been filed by a Registered Municipal Accountant with the Municipal Clerk as per the requirements of N.J.S. 40A:5-6, and a copy has been received by each member of the governing body; and WHEREAS, the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey is authorized to prescribe reports pertaining to the local fiscal affairs, as per R. S. 52:27BB-34; and WHEREAS, the Local Finance Board has promulgated a regulation requiring that the governing body of each municipality shall, by resolution, certify to the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey that all members of the governing body have reviewed, as a minimum, . the sections of the annual audit entitled: General Comments and Recommendations; and I WHEREAS, the members of the governing body have personally reviewed, as a minimum, the Annual Report of Audit, and specifically the sections of the Annual Audit entitled: General Comments and Recommendations, as evidenced by the group affidavit form of the governing body; and WHEREAS, such resolution of certification shall be adopted by the governing body no later than forty-five days after the receipt of the annual audit, as per the regulations of the Local Finance Board; and WHEREAS, all members of the governing body have received and have familiarized themselves with, at least, the minimum requirements of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey, as ·stated aforesaid, and have subscribed to the affidavit as provided by the Local Finance Board; and WHEREAS, failure to comply with the promulgations of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey may subject the members of the local governing body to the penalty provisions of R.S. 52:27BB- I 52 to wit: R.S. 52:27BB-52 "A local officer or member of a local governing body who, after a date fixed for compliance, fails or refuses to obey an. order of the Director of Local Government Services, under the provisions of this Article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1, 000.00) or imprisoned f or not more than one year, or both, and in addition shall forfeit his office." NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hackensack hereby states that it has complied with the promulgation of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey dated July 30, 1968, and does hereby submit a certified copy of this resolution and the required affidavit to said Board to show evidence of said compliance. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #279 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: STEIN BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the following organizations be granted permission to conduct I Raffles in accordance with the applications on file in the office of the City Clerk: RA: 1631 - Auxiliary of Hackensack, University Medical Center RA: 1632 - St. Francis Church Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #280 OFFERED BY: STEIN SECONDED BY: MATTEI WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, desires to apply for and obtain a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for approximately $125,000 for the revitalization of the Hudson Street neighborhood; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack: 1. That the City of Hackensack hereby authorize the application for such a grant and upon receipt of the grant agreement from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs authorizes the execution of the grant agreement; I 2. Upon receipt of the fully executed agreement from the Department, further authorize the expenditure of funds pursuant to the terms of said agreement between the City of Hackensack and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk be and are hereby authorized to sign the application and agreement and any other documents necessary in connection therewith. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #281 OFFERED BY: TRAMMELL SECONDED BY: MATTEI 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 $ 6,017,802.33 I Public Assistance II Account 14,151.90 Capital Account 27,284.05 Public Parking System Account 89,497.98 Trust Account 124,059.00 Payroll Agency Account 84,973.15 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, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis  RESOLUTION #282 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, there is a need for professional architectural services in connection with renovations and modifications to the Johnson Free Public Library; and WHEREAS, such professional services will be rendered or performed by a person authorized by law to practice a recognized profession and whose practice is regulated by law pursuant to I N.J.S.A.40A:ll-5 (1} (a) (i) of the Local Public Contracts Law; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack to retain the services of Arcari & Lovino Architects, P.C.,115 River Road, Suite 1201,Edgewater, New Jersey 07020; and WHEREAS, a certificate establishing that funds are available in account No X-50-R07-017 of the General Capital Fund in an amount not to exceed $68,500.00, P.O. No.118315 has been issued by Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:30-14.5 of the Rules and Regulations of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Local Finance Board; and WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law requires that the resolution authorizing the award of contracts for professional services without competitive bidding and the contract must be available for public inspection; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack as follows: (1) The Mayor and City Clerk be and they are hereby authorized I and directed to execute an agreement with Arcari & Lovino Architects, P.C. to provide said services; (2) This contract is awarded without competitive bidding as a professional service in accordance with N.J.S.A.40A:ll-5 (1) (a) (i) of the Local Public Contracts Law because said services are to be rendered or performed by a person authorized by law to practice a recognized profession and whose profession is regulated by law; and (3) The City Clerk shall be and is hereby responsible to retain one copy of the Agreement for public inspection and to publish a notice of this action once in The Record. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #283 OFFERED BY: STEIN SECONDED BY: MATTEI BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the action of the Mayor to execute a letter of intent with Alfred Sanzari Enterprises for the redevelopment of Block 240A is authorized, ratified and approved effective as of September 11, I 2000. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis RESOLUTION #284 OFFERED BY: TRAMMELL SECONDED BY: MATTEI BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to execute an agreement dated May 18, 2000, with Holy Name Hospital, Teaneck, New Jersey for the provision of medical services to those employees of the City of Hackensack who formerly received such services from Holy Name Hospital through the City's Health Care provider network group, Consumer Health Network; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall, upon execution, retain a copy of said agreement on file and available for public inspection. Roll Call: Ayes - Mattei, Trammell, Stein, Zisa Absent - Galvis Mrs. Dukes advised the Mayor that her Docket was completed. I The Mayor thanked her and asked the City Manager, City Attorney and members of Council if they had anything to report. Deputy Mayor Stein announced Hackensack High School's football team is #1 in the state. Mayor Zisa opened the meeting to the public for discussion of City business. Dorothy Schwartz, 47 Prospect Avenue, spoke on the topic of the consumer price index for August 2000 and compared the figures to the 1999 figure. She again asked for information, in writing, on why the garbage in her complex is being pick-up by a private company. When the City Manager asked why does she need it in writing she obj ected. The Mayor asked Mr. Lacava to send her a letter when he finds out the reason for the change in garbage pick-ups. Ms. Schwartz brought to Council's attention an event sign hanging across the street for which she could not read the dates. She also reported an orange sign with black letters at Railroad Avenue and Central Avenue where the weights are hiding the dates. I Jack Donovan, Willow Avenue, addressed an issue relating to starting salaries for teachers in the state. He said the article stated Hackensack pays the highest starting salaries. The Mayor told him he did not think that was true. Joan Mosley, Lawrence Street, stated there is an influx of cars from other areas parking on Lawrence Street and requested no parking signs be posted. The residents place the garbage containers on the street and when the garbage trucks come the people will move the cans in the middle of the driveways so they can park their cars. Ms. Mosley also advised that Lawrence Street has not been swept and asked if signs could be posted for street sweeping. Mayor Zisa said the street sweeping program is still being implemented and suggested to the City Manager that the street be I posted for sweeping. The Mayor asked her to call Mr. Lacava if nothing is done in the next 10 days. Anita Rivers, 253-259 Railroad Place, thanked the Mayor & Council for their advice regarding Hurricane Floyd and stated she is still having water & sewer drainage problems. She was referred to Mr. Toscano by Mr. Lacava and nothing has been done. She said her basement continues to flood and her yard is soaked. She asked for an update of what has taken place with the sewers. She stated her home was not selected to be investigated when  the City was investigating the lateral lines. Ms. Rivers asked if the drains could be cleaned on a regular basis. Mayor Zisa encouraged her to call Mr. Lacava who will refer her to the proper person in the City to answer her questions. Ms. Rivers also addressed the drug related activity taking place on High Street and asked for more police presence in the I area. Ruth Metzel, Washington Ave., thanked the governing body for what was done on Washington Ave regarding the speeding cars. She said they are still driving too fast and added that a woman drove on the sidewalk in order to pass a garbage truck. Mayor Zisq advised her the City recently acquired a piece of equipment that would regulate speed limits. Carlos, 468 Washington Ave., also addressed the traffic on Washington Ave. Carol File, Banta Place, reported the parking on Banta Place, which she addressed two weeks ago, has improved and thanked the Mayor & Council for their efforts. Len Nix, 83 Elm Ave, asked questions about the two houses that were built on Fairmount Ave. Mr. Lacava responded. Larry Reilly, 27 Rowland Ave, spoke at length about the expansion rate of the Hackensack University Medical Center. He I asked if there is some financial aid for the residents. Mayor Zisa replied that one of their buildings pays taxes and they lease parking spaces from the City. Also the vacant lot on the corner of Prospect Avenue and Thompson Street was acquired by their efforts. Donna Leider, K�plan Ave, said people are using Kaplan Avenue as a detour to avoid the traffic lights. She fears what will happen when the County starts the Essex Street Widening proj ect. The Mayor asked Mr. Lacava to have the police post the speed equipment on Kaplan Ave. Motion that the public hearing be Carried (9: 35 P.M.) I ATTEST: