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, November 18th, 2002 at 8:00 P.M. Mayor Zisa called the meeting to order and asked everyone to stand for the flag salute. The Mayor then asked Ms. D’Auria to call the roll. Present – Councilmen Roger B. Mattei and Jesus R. Galvis, Deputy Mayor Mark A. Stein, Councilwoman Juanita Trammell, Mayor John F. Zisa, City Manager, James S. Lacava, Acting City Clerk Debra A. D’Auria and City Attorney Richard E. Salkin. Ms. D’Auria: "In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, Laws of l975 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 November 4th, 2002. Motion offered by Councilman Mattei and seconded by Councilwoman Trammell that the minutes be approved as submitted. Carried. FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 20-2002 ENTITLED: “AN ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING MUNICIPAL CLASS POSITION AND SALARY RANGES FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK” Mayor Zisa: “This ordinance has been advertised according to law and now calls for a public hearing, will someone so move?” Motion offered by Councilwoman Trammell, seconded by Councilman Galvis that there be a public hearing. Carried Mayor Zisa: “Is there anyone who would like to be heard concerning this ordinance?” There was no response. Motion offered by Councilman Mattei, seconded by Councilman Galvis that the public hearing be closed. Carried RESOLUTION #345 OFFERED BY: STEIN SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that Ordinance No. 20-2002 ENTITLED: “AN ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING MUNICIPAL CLASS POSITION AND SALARY RANGES FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK”, pass its second and final reading and is hereby adopted. Roll Call: Ayes – Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #346 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 $ 2,769.00 205 4 Tropin Brothers of NJ 2000 STB 3,471.00 82 5 Michael I. Schneck, Trustee for Raymond Ruffino 2000 STB 3,506.60 82 5 “ “ 2001 STB 2,689.28 409 14 Waters,McPherson,McNeill,PC Attys.For 5 Anderson St.LLC 1999 STB 2,745.60 409 14 “ “ “ 2000 STB 2,773.76 409 14 “ “ “ 2001 STB 2,907.52 409 14 “ “ “ 2002 STB 6,127.02 251 4 McAuliffe,Charles & Linda M. 2002 ERR PMT 1,412.91 138 13 Countrywide Home Loans 2002 ERR PMT 250.00 120 39A Savino, Onorina Tartaglione 2002 SC DEDUCT 22,046.50 246 3 Bergen Commercial Bank 2002 ERR PMT Roll Call: Ayes – Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #347 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: GALVIS WHEREAS, the governing body of the City of Hackensack has been advised that the following emergencies affecting the safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Hackensack and the general public when the following locations had sewers collapse: Park Street and Central Avenue ($3,597.24) Railroad Avenue and Beech Street ($4,029.73) Broadway (Hackensack City Garage) ($5,665.41) Catalpa Avenue ($4,159.04) Passaic Street ($8,954.50) WHEREAS, the Director of Operations has notified the City Manager setting forth the time, place and circumstances regarding the emergency; and WHEREAS, the governing body is satisfied that an emergency did exist and that immediate action was necessary to restore the aforementioned collapsed sewers to full operation; and WHEREAS, the cost of the repairs total $26,405.92, which was a fair and reasonable quotation; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer, has certified that funds are available in account 2-10-530-204, Purchase Order #131193; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-6 which authorizes the governing body to award contracts without benefit of public bidding in emergency situations, and the vendor, J. Fletcher Creamer, 101 East Broadway, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 be paid therefore. Roll Call: Ayes – Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #348 OFFERED BY: MATTEI SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 21-2002 ENTITLED: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $682,500 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO HUDSON STREET IN AND FOR THE CITY OF HACKENSACK AND APPROPRIATING $682,500 THEREFOR, INCLUDING $100,000 IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS, $40,000 IN A BERGEN COUNTY OPEN SPACE GRANT AND $300,000 EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $650,000 IN BONDS OR NOTES OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK TO FINANCE THE SAME BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance No. 21-2002 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 December 2nd, 2002 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, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #349 OFFERED BY: GALVIS SECONDED BY: STEIN WHEREAS, there exists a need for the City of Hackensack to repair and maintain underground oil stripper in municipal facilities located at 205 State Street; and WHEREAS, Ira D. Conklin & Sons Inc., which is located at 251 Second Street, Saddle Brook, New Jersey can provide the repair and maintenance services that are necessary to complete the above referenced project; and WHEREAS, Ira D. Conklin, Inc. has submitted a proposal for and has agreed to perform said services for the City of Hackensack; and WHEREAS, the maximum amount of the contract is $3,350 and funds are available for this purpose; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Hackensack that the Mayor and City Clerk be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement exercising “alternate option”, with Ira D. Conklin Incorporated, 251 Second Street, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 to provide oil stripper repair and maintenance services for the City of Hackensack; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial officer has certified in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27B-10 and 40A:4-57, that monies are available from the general fund in account number 2-10-601-204 in the amount of $3,350 to be charged on purchase order number 131556. Roll Call: Ayes – Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #350 OFFERED BY: STEIN SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement in The Record, bids were received on October 22, 2002 for the purchase of one new 2003 Chevrolet Impala for the Health Department of the City of Hackensack; and WHEREAS, one bid was received from Multi Chevrolet Inc.; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the purchase of one new 2003 Chevrolet Impala be awarded to Multi Chevrolet Inc., 2675 Route 22 West, Union, New Jersey 07083 at the contract price of $16,767.00; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in account number 2-10-601-261 of the Current Budget. Purchase Order #131534. Roll Call: Ayes – Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #351 OFFERED BY: TRAMMELL SECONDED BY: GALVIS WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack's contract for health coverage with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Horizon HMO expires on December 31, 2002; and WHEREAS, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield has offered to renew the contract at 18.12% increase for health coverage; and WHEREAS, the Self Insurance Committee, on the advice of the City’s Insurance Agent of Record, recommends the renewal of the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO health coverage; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Hackensack hereby approve the renewal of the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO Health Coverage for the year 2003. Roll Call: Ayes – Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #352 OFFERED BY: STEIN SECONDED BY: TRAMMELL WHEREAS, Insurance Design Administrators, the City of Hackensack's Health Insurance Administrator, applied for the renewal of its contract for the year 2003; and WHEREAS, the Self Insurance Committee and the City’s Insurance Agent of Record have reviewed the renewal and it is their opinion that the renewal is in the best interest of the City of Hackensack; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to execute the Plan Document Amendment with IDA approving the renewal of their contract for the year 2003. Roll Call: Ayes – Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #353, amending the 2002 Capital Budget, Offered by Councilman Mattei, Seconded by Councilman Galvis is attached hereto and made a part of the minutes of this meeting. Roll Call: Ayes – Mattei, Galvis, Trammell, Stein, Zisa RESOLUTION #354 OFFERED BY: GALVIS SECONDED BY: STEIN 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 $ 1,378,918.58 Capital Account 90,171.27 Public Parking System Account 5,843.56 Trust Account 14,244.00 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 Ms. D’Auria advised the Mayor that the docket was completed. The Mayor thanked her and asked the City Manager, City Attorney and members of the Council if they had anything to report. They did not. Mayor Zisa thanked Bob Trinks and the American Legion for their participation in the ceremony that was held on the Green on Veterans Day. The Mayor opened the meeting to the public for discussion of City business. Joseph Campagna, 33 Essex Street, advised that he is glad that the shuttle is in place and urged the Board of Education to institute a printing curriculum to provide printed materials for the City. He went on to say that this would save the City money on printing costs. He also congratulated the Mayor on the purchase of the old Record building and also suggested that the City develop properties to create mid-rise or high-rise buildings. Arlene Schatz, 137 Liberty Street, questioned Mr. Salkin’s involvement with Underwood Properties, LLC. Mr. Salkin stated that he had represented both parties and that it is not a conflict of interest, a municipal attorney can represent a member of the governing body. Ms. Schatz also questioned whether the City or the Mayor had been billed for Mr. Salkin’s services, and Mr. Salkin advised her that no one was billed. Ms. Schatz also questioned who on the Council recommended the purchase of the property and Mr. Salkin advised that the DEP was conducting a program called “Brownfields” and the taxes on this property were extremely delinquent so therefore this property would be a likely choice. Ms. Schatz questioned why the property wasn’t sold to a developer and Mr. Salkin answered that the suggestion to purchase same most likely came from the City Manager’s office. Kathleen Salvo, 184 Hudson Street, questioned why the State Street property wasn’t developed into a higher ratable rather than a parking lot. The Mayor reported that IDT Corporation had indicated that they would be renting parking spaces in this lot. Deputy Mayor Stein stated that when the Council discusses something in executive session, suggestions are made by more than one person and that the owner of the property owed the City hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ms. Salvo questioned the Mayor as to who comprises Underwood LLC and the Mayor advised that he only has one partner, his wife. Ms. Salvo also stated that she does not think it is right for the City to purchase property without a concrete plan for it. Nat Schatzoff, 101 Prospect Avenue, spoke with reference to the middle class food crisis and an article which had appeared in the Record. He also went on to speak about the high rents in Hackensack and suggested the construction of some new buildings with affordable housing. Howard Williams, 316 Passaic Street, polled the Council with reference to how they each voted on the paving of the property in question. Joyce Williams, 309 Essex Street, advised that her building does not provide parking for tenants and requested help in finding a place to park. The Mayor suggested that she contact the Traffic Division and that possibly they could provide a solution. Ted Dunn, 599 Summit Avenue, also questioned whether or not the Council members knew that the Mayor had an interest in the subject property and stated that the current tax rate of 4% is one of the highest in Bergen County which is a burden on taxpayers. Mr. Dunn also questioned whether individuals are required to disclose any properties they may own when they run for public office and he was advised that all of the members of the Council are required to file Financial Disclosure Forms with the state. Jack Donovan, Willow Avenue, requested assistance in making sure that the wooded area at the end of Willow Avenue be designated as a wild life preserve. He also advised that the area around the drainage ditch still needs to be re-seeded and re-planted. The Mayor suggested that Mr. Donovan contact the Hackensack Riverkeeper as he has many ties with environmental agencies. Mr. Donovan also stated that he had attempted to park by the Johnson Library and had difficulty and suggested that the City might purchase the parking lot across the street for additional parking in this area. Janet Edwards, 159 Central Avenue, stated that this location has been hit by vehicles approximately ten to twelve times in the past years and requested assistance in getting a guardrail installed. The Mayor suggested that she contact the Traffic Division to explore possibilities in resolving this situation. Debra Keeling-Geddes, 244 Hamilton Place, questioned the Mayor as to what repairs had been made to the building at 295 Main Street and he indicated that he had made numerous repairs. Geneva Youngblood, 221 Hamilton Place, requested copies of bills from the City Attorney from the beginning of the year to date with reference to Lenny Nix and Underwood LLC where he represented the Mayor. Eric Martindale, 100 Second Street, questioned Mayor Zisa as to whether he had used his position as Mayor in order to advance himself economically and the Mayor answered “no”. Mr. Martindale asked the Mayor what is planned for the Frasetto property and the Mayor advised him that the City took an opportunity to purchase that property with the intention to redevelop it. Mr. Martindale also stated that there are a lot of negative feelings between the former Essex Street store owners and Mr. Sanzari. Mayor Zisa replied that the store owners were protected and did very well and if they chose not to relocate back to Essex Street after the construction they did it at their own will. Motion offered by Councilwoman Trammell, seconded by Deputy Mayor Stein that the meeting be adjourned. Carried (9:40 p.m.) __________________________ MAYOR JOHN F. ZISA ____________________________ _ DEPUTY MAYOR MARK STEIN ____________________________ COUNCILWOMAN JUANITA TRAMMELL ___________________________ COUNCILMAN JESUS R. GALVIS ___________________________ COUNCILMAN ROGER B. MATTEI ATTEST: ________________________ ACTING CITY CLERK