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 Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at 7:05pm. Mayor Labrosse called the meeting to order and the City Clerk Deborah Karlsson announced that the meeting was being held in accordance with the Sunshine Law, notice having been published according to law, with a copy on file in the City Clerk’s office, and a copy posted on the bulletin board in City Hall. Ms. Karlsson called the roll: Present – Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr., Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino, Councilman Leonardo Battaglia, Councilman David Sims and Councilwoman Rose Greenman. Art Koster was in attendance for Interim City Manager Anthony Rottino and Joseph Morris, Esq. in attendance for City Attorney Thomas P. Scrivo. There were no minutes to approve at this meeting. City Manager’s Report – Art Koster Snow Removal – So far to date we have spent $240,000.00. This amount includes salt purchases. Congratulate the Police Director and the entire Department on the recent drug raid, they all deserve a lot of credit. Street Paving and Pothole Repairs – The phone number to call is 201-646- 8058 please call if you know of locations. Reverse 911 – We did receive some complaints due to the late night calls, but this was the first time we used it. We now have three ways to get information out to the residents - Nixel, Reverse 911, email blast and on website. United Water – A meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2014 regarding the southern end of town and the flooding issues. Cedar Avenue - Water main break. More information needs to be forwarded to the Water Company. Garbage Collection - 2x week pick up to start March 17 th. Rubbish and recycling will stay the same. Notices will be put on the website and actual garbage cans. A Certificate of Appreciation was given to Alexis Palinkas for her service and dedication as a member and chairperson of the Condominium and Cooperative Unit Owners Advisory Board. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Greenman X X Mayor Labrosse X 3/04/14  CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 90-14 FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 6-2014, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 117, ENTITLED “PARKS”, OF PART II ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION” OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SECTION 117-8, ENTITLED, “SMOKING” This ordinance has been advertised pursuant to law and now calls for a public hearing. Will someone so move?” Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilwoman Greenman that there be a public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING – Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilwoman Greenman the public hearing be closed. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that Ordinance No. 5-2014 has passed its second and final reading and is hereby adopted. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 91-14 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 7-2014, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 17-17, ENTITLED “RETIREMENT AND DEATH BENEFITS,” OF PART II ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION” OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 7-2014 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 March 18, 2014 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. 3/04/14  Council Intr Secon Abstai Excuse Member o d Yes No n Absent d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 92-14 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 8-2014, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE CITY OF HACKENSACK’S VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IDENTIFIED AS KIPP STREET AND LODI STREET. BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 8-2014 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 March 18, 2014 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. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia x Deputy Mayor Canestrino x Sims x x Greenman x x Mayor Labrosse x CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 93-14 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 9-2014, A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A LADDER FIRE TRUCK BY AND IN THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING $843,000 THEREFORE (INCLUDING A REAPPROPRIATION OF EXCESS BOND PROCEEDS FROM BOND ORDINANCE NUMBER 22-2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $600,000) AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $231,400 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE CITY OF FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF 3/04/14  BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 9-2014 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 March 18, 2014 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. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X Greenman X X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 94-14 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 10-2014, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 159, ENTITLED “TOWERS AND WRECKERS,” OF PART II, ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION” OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 10-2014 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 March 18, 2014 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. Council Intr Secon Abstai Excuse Member o d Yes No n Absent d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 95-14 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 11-2014, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 45a-20 ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION” TO CREATE THE POSITION OF MUNICIPAL HOUSING LIAISON FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADMINISTERING THE CITY OF HACKENSACK’S 3/04/14 AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THE FAIR HOUSING ACT BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 11-2014 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 March 18, 2014 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. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X X Greenman X X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 96-14 TRANSFER OF 2013 APPROPRIATION RESERVES WHEREAS, various Year 2013 bills have been presented for payment this year, which bills were not covered by Year 2013 Budget Appropriations; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 provides that amounts in excess of appropriations over and above the amounts deemed to be necessary to fulfill the purpose of such appropriations may be transferred to appropriations deemed to be insufficient during the last two months of the year and the first three months of the reserve year. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the transfers in the amount of $1,900.00 be made between the Year 2013 Budget Appropriations as follows: FROM DEPARTMENT 3-01-31-430-430-246 Utilities – Electricity O/E $1,900.00 Total $1.900.00 TO DEPARTMENT 3-01-22-200-202-200 Community Development – O/E $500.00 3-01-28-370-370-200 Recreation – O/E $700.00 3-01-31-445-445-247 Utilities – Water O/E $700.00 Total $1,900.00 Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy X X 3/04/14  Mayor Canestrino Sims X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 97-14 EMERGENCY TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION Prior to the Adoption of the budget Per N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 WHEREAS, an emergency condition has arisen with respect to the need to make payments for operating expenses prior to the adoption of the budget, and no adequate provision has been made in the 2014 temporary budget for the aforesaid purpose; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 provides for the creation of an emergency temporary appropriations for the purpose above mentioned; and WHEREAS, the total emergency temporary appropriations adopted in the year pursuant to the provision of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 (Chapter 96, P.L. 1951 amended) including this resolution total $530,200.00. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, (not less than two-thirds of all members therefore affirmatively concurring) that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20: 1. An emergency temporary appropriation be and the same is hereby made for: 2. TEMPORARY BUDGET APPROPRIATION S&W O/E TOTAL Admin & Exec - O/E 4-01-20-100-100-200 $8,000 $8,000 Municipal Clerk – O/E 4-01-20-120-120-200 $2,000 $2,000 Snow Removal S/W 4-01-26-290-291-116 $20,000 $20,000 Snow Removal O/E 4-01-26-290-291-264 $60,000 $60,000 Recreation O/E 4-01-28-370-370-29W $5,000 $5,000 Total $20,000 $75,000 $95,000 3. That said emergency appropriation will be provided for in the 2014 operating budget in full. 4. That three certified copies of this resolution be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services Council Membe Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse r o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X X Greenman X X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 98-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF POTHOLE REPAIR BID TO GEMROSE UTILITY, LLC 3/04/14 WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement in the Record, bids were received on February 11, 2014 for Pothole Repairing within the City of Hackensack through a fair and open process; and WHEREAS, twelve bids was received from the following companies, Gemrose Utility LLC, Cream Ridge Construction, Colonnelli Brothers, Cross Roads, AJM Contractors, JR Haftek Inc., John Garcia Construction, Sanzari Asphalt, A. Macchione Brothers, D&L Paving, L&L Paving and Montana Construction; and WHEREAS, Gemrose Utility LLC agrees to perform Pothole Repairing within the City of Hackensack for a four week period of time in the amount of $35,000.00; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract for Pothole Repairing within the City of Hackensack be awarded to Gemrose Utility LLC, 211 Laroche Avenue, Harrington Park, New Jersey 07640. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in the current fund account 4-01-26-290-290-204. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 99-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR MICHAEL MORDAGA WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack (“City”) is chartered as a Municipal-Manager form of government pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:82-1, et seq.; and WHEREAS, the Police Director has been the duly appointed Police Director of the City since February 4, 2013, and presently continues in that capacity; and WHEREAS, the City has determined that it is desirable to formalize the terms and conditions of employment of the Police Director and to thereby: Secure and retain the services of the Police Director for a three-year period and to induce the Police Director to remain in the employment of the City; and Create an environment for greater work productivity by assuring the Police Director’s morale and peace of mind with respect to employment security; and Provide a just and equitable means for terminating the Police Director’s services at such time as he may be unable to fully discharge his duties by reason of age or disability or as may be otherwise determined by the City. 3/04/14  NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Hackensack, that the City finds it in its best interests to appoint Michael Mordaga as the Police Director for a term not to exceed three years; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a contract with Michael Mordaga for the position of Police Director for a term not to exceed three years; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to retain a copy of the contracts for public inspection. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 100-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WHEREAS, the Governing Body desires to resolve the litigation captioned Dakka v. City of Hackensack, et. al., Civil Action Number, 09-4564(WHW), which is pending in the United States District Court-District of New Jersey. NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Hackensack, that the appropriate City official is authorized to execute the requisite settlement documents; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to retain a copy of the settlement documents for public inspection. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Greenman X X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO.101 -14 3/04/14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WHEREAS, the Governing Body desires to resolve the litigation captioned City of Hackensack v. New Vision Developers, LLC, et. al., Docket Number BER-L- 265-12, venued in the Bergen County Superior Court. NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Hackensack, that the appropriate City official is authorized to execute the requisite settlement documents; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to retain a copy of the settlement documents for public inspection. Council Intr Secon Abstai Abse Excuse Member o d Yes No n nt d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrin o X X Sims X Greenma n X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 102-14 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 Fund $ 9,553,117.53 Grants 8,498.29 Payroll 1,614,065.56 Public Parking System 4,191.39 Capital 4,470.20 Trust Account 68,909.71 Total Expenditures $11,253,252.68 Interfunds/Transfers $113,954.67 The City Clerk announced that the following items are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion; any items requiring expenditure are supported by a Certification of Availability of Funds; any item requiring discussion will be removed from the Consent Agenda; all Consent Agenda items will be reflected in full in the minutes including any exceptions and/or additions. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X 3/04/14  Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 103-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REPAIR OF PACKER #216 BY DELUXE INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS, INC. WHEREAS, the governing body of the City of Hackensack has been advised that an emergency affecting the safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Hackensack and the general public existed when emergency repairs were needed when Packer #216 became in-operable; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Public Works notified the City Manager setting forth the circumstances regarding the emergency; and WHEREAS, the governing body is satisfied that an emergency exists and that immediate action is necessary to restore the aforementioned. WHEREAS, the total cost of the repair was $8,088.04, which was a fair and reasonable quotation, and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in Current account 4-01-26-305-305-272; and 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 that the vendor Deluxe International Trucks, Inc., 600 River Street, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601 be paid therefore. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 104-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX REFUNDS 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 reasons stated: Meeting on March 4, 2014 AMOUNT BLOCK LOT/QUA NAME YEAR REASON L $479.33 341 8CS10B Chase 2013 CBJ Attn: Refund Dept For Cosentino, Mark 3/04/14  P.O. Box 961227 Fort Worth, TX 76161 $485.77 343 14C004H Law Offices of 2013 CBJ John C Gavejian, ESQ For Ottina, Maria 26 Bridge St Hackensack, NJ 07601 $608.01 435 1C0S6G Casey, Thomas 2013 CBJ 208 Anderson St #S6G Hackensack, NJ 07601 $1,466.95 441 24C0017 Wolstein, Daniel 2013 CBJ 308 Hamilton Pl #17 Hackensack, NJ 07601 $1,035.87 442 11C003H Tucker, Mary Jane 2013 CBJ 290 Anderson St #3H Hackensack, NJ 07601 Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 105-14 RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION NO. 63-14 – AWARD OF CONTRACT TO STANDARD ELEVATOR WHEREAS, on February 19, 2014, Resolution No. 63-14 was passed by the Governing body of the City of Hackensack, awarding the contract for Elevator Maintenance, for the City of Hackensack, to Standard Elevator, 68 Union Avenue, P.O. Box 2204, Clifton, New Jersey 07015. WHEREAS, the resolution reflected incorrect wording for the total number of years the contract covered; and WHEREAS, the correct wording is one bid was received from Standard Elevator for a total of $45,990.00 for a (2) two year contract and an hourly rate of $170.00 per hour. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Resolution No.63-14 is hereby amended to reflect this correction. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X 3/04/14  Sims X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 106-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RAFFLE LICENSES BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the following organizations be granted permission to conduct a Raffle in accordance with the applications on file in the office of the City Clerk: RA#2055 Columbians, Inc. RA#2056 Heightened Independence & Progress RA#2057 Community Resource Council Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 107-14 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A PROJECT OF THE NEW YORK, SUSQUEHANNA AND WESTERN RAILWAY CORP. WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack (“City”) is governed under the 1923 Municipal-Manager Form of Government, N.J.S.A. 40:82-1, et. seq.; and WHEREAS, the City received a letter dated February 21, 2014, from Melanie Boyer of The New York, Susquehanna And Western Railway Corp. (“NYS&W”) Public Affairs seeking the City’s support of the NYS&W’s project to install 7.28 miles of continuous welded rail between MP 18.60 Elmwood Park and MP 8.30 North Bergen (“Project”); and WHEREAS, NYS&W, as part of the Project, will install welded rail throughout New Jersey and improve the quality of the railway infrastructure resulting in a safe and reliable railroad; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Rail Freight Assistance Program has allocated $1,896,556.50, or 90% of the projected cost, to the Project; and WHEREAS, the City is considered a “host” city of the rail system and would realize the benefit of the improved infrastructure and rail system; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is in the City’s best interest to support the Project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that the City support the project of The New York, Susquehanna And Western Railway Corp. to install 7.28 miles of continuous welded rail between MP 18.60 Elmwood Park and MP 8.30 North Bergen. 3/04/14  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to our representative in the New Jersey State Legislature and New Jersey Transit. A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilwoman Greenman to open the meeting to the public. Mayor Read Statement regarding decorum during the Public Portion of the Meeting. Alexis Palinkas – 235 Prospect Avenue – Potholes on Prospect Avenue, volume of traffic and amount of people who live there is it possible to pave as it would be impossible to patch. Mayor stated that it is not on the list to be paved this year. Prospect would need to be done in stages, we depend on grant money and then match the funds. It would be fully on the tax payers to complete this street. LTACH project, houses have been taken down. Mayor stated the case is in appeals and we support it not going up. Richard Salkin – Hackensack – Consent agenda issues, lets make this a teaching opportunity read the NJ statute that pertains to this form of government 40:81-20 Quorum; procedure at meetings, section read stated: Every resolution or ordinance shall be reduced to writing and read before the vote is taken thereon, and the vote upon every motion, resolution or ordinance shall be taken by yeas and nays and entered on the minutes,…. I sat there for 16 years with Doris Dukes and Debbie Heck, you took an oath and I would like you to comply with the law. Not a question of Robert’s Rules. City attorney billing at the rate they were going it could be $600,000.00. I am rooting for you with the flat rate, but I am skeptical, need to be vigilant regarding these bills. I urge you to direct your city attorney’s firm to pre- redact their bills. Residents should not be receiving large bills for OPRA requests on this information. Jason Nunnermacker – Prospect Avenue - Mayor I understand that you received a promotion at your job at the Hackensack Medical Center. Mayor stated he transferred, Safety Specialist. Given the city’s relationship with the Medical Center how is this not a conflict? Mayor deferred this to the attorney for comment. Attorney Morris answered by stating what the procedure is if a resident feels there is an ethics violation. Are there safety checks in place within the city and medical center if this is a conflict? Mayor stated what his job function was. I am a professional and I do my job professionally. Howard Hurowitz – Prospect Avenue – Saw that the city went out for paving was hoping that Prospect Avenue would be included. Hope you put it on the list next time. Main reason for being here is about the docket. How do residents get a copy of the docket before the meeting? I don’t want to know any more than you know. Mayor stated that this has never been asked before. The January 28th meeting docket was on the Star Ledger. A Maywood Board of Education suit has been filed, please have the attorneys look at this. I urge you to consider being as open as you can. If it is available would like to see it before. Richard Cerbo – Spring Valley Avenue – I have a lot to bring up, but I am only going to discuss Spring Valley Avenue, has become the new 42 nd Street, every year more and more traffic, cars, commercial vehicles, buses and industrial machinery. Years ago there were no buses on Spring Valley Avenue, now they shake the houses. I have written to the governor, the prior city manager and NJ Transit, I was told it would be looked into. Only respite is the 4 or 5 hours in the middle of the night. I know there is not much that can be done, but it would be nice if you would contact NJ Transit. Mayor stated maybe we can look into the weight issue of some of the traffic. 3/04/14  Blanche Stewart – I would like to comment on the conflict with the hospital, I am sure you would recuse yourself if it involved the hospital. I would hope both Mr. Salkin and Mr. Nunnermacker would do the same on the Board of Education. Richard Puntasecca - Meadow Street – Congratulations to Mr. Rottino, Mr. Koster will pass it on. You are all doing a great job. Nobody is perfect, just do the right thing. DPW did a fantastic job on the snow this year. Police Director and the Police are doing a great job, not an easy job. I would like to have a meeting with the City manager on this next week. Steven Gelber – Clinton Place- Write Associates and the handling of Public Relations. I know how they were chosen, when they were interviewed and hired did all of his outside employment come up. There is a conflict of interest clause in the contract. Mr. Morris could you give a brief comment on this. Attorney Morris commented. He is not an employee. Are you aware that he is a fulltime employee of the County of Bergen? Mayor stated no he was not aware. Is this not a conflict of interest? City and County are not always on the same side of an issue. Fulltime employee of the County, yet Mr. Rottino can reach him at anytime during the day, how is this possible? Mayor stated that he thought he just worked with the County. Please email the information. Mr. Jackson – Elm Street – Congratulations to you all. Good job with the snow removal. Potholes can’t do much till the weather changes. Councilman Sims thank you for keeping us informed. I would like to commend Mr. Mordaga for cleaning up our city of drugs. I am the Pastor of Mt. Olive Church, but I am speaking tonight for myself. We have met with the police department and the commissioner and I appreciate the effort that is being made to work with the community. Lance Powell – Golf Place – Sports issues – are the councilman that are involved in the sports programs profiting from them? Could you look into this please. Is this considered a conflict of interest? Sports are lacking in diversity. Mayor won’t comment on the profiting part that is up to the individual. We have all been involved in sports, our past mayor was a coach, I don’t look at it as a conflict I look at it as a plus. There are a lot of problems in the soccer programs, what is there after rec? We should have something for our kids not kids from out of town. I have done research on this. Most of Mr. Battaglia’s team members are from out of town. Ms. Dodson – Thank you for setting up the meeting that answered my questions about the Martin Luther King Center. Thank you to Mr. Mordaga, you are doing a great job. Thank you to Mr. Sims and the entire council for what you do. I have been a resident for 47 years that if we let the people who have been put into office do their jobs we will see change. The Board of Education budget is too much, if you could just come to the meetings and just listen. They vote not necessarily in the best interest of the children. Parker School was the only school that rose above. Everyone votes the same, minds are already made up. Come and hear for yourself. Joe Poplar Avenue - Elderly neighbor had a car that was trapped under the snow. What are the regulations for alternate side parking so we know exactly. Can we have the plows come in and clear it, cars were parked almost in the middle of the street due to the snow and ice. Need to plow closer. Mayor stated that is why he wants to have a snow committee, look at what went wrong, what was done right, once professionals work it out will then invite the citizens. Reverse 911 will be used all year. Curbs for the handicap still need some work. Hopefully next year will have a solution. Mayor stated, one of our goals is to get the cars off the street. Had an issue with the one storm due to the icing. Rough winter. 3/04/14  Tom Casey – 208 Anderson Street – Buses on Spring Valley Avenue, 3 buses 168, 751, 755 run by NJ Transit. Do operate 18 hours a day, usually 90 minutes to hour. One is a service to and from New York. Regina Di Pasquale – Parker Avenue – Garbage 2x a week, how will we be notified? Art Koster responded by hangers on the cans, email blast and on the website. Back to way it was 12 years ago. Consent Agenda issue, as long as I have been coming to meetings there has been a consent agenda. Prior administrations had consent agenda. Agree for the COW and regular meeting, maybe a tentative agenda could be put out. Pre-redacting attorney bills doesn’t make sense to me. People are entitled to privacy, makes sense to redact if an OPRA request. Not new and it is a common practice. Steve Fairlawn, Vice Chair of the Housing Authority of Bergen County – I am your friend. Did the survey of counting the homeless recently. Those in need could come to the shelter. Kathleen Salvo brought in a resident who had fallen on bad times and was in an abusive relationship outside of Hackensack. Over about 6 hours we were able to find a way to help him. Winter very cold so we are about 15 people over capacity. We were able to get him to a relative’s house. We are trying to help one person at a time. I saw the story on Channel 2 news. I personally went out on Saturday and picked up a bag of garbage, trying to be a good neighbor. Kathleen Salvo – Hudson Street – We are the host to the homeless shelter, and the city is the campus. We need to work more closely with the shelter. We need a plan B, maybe the jail. We are working hand in hand with each other. We have to come up with a solution. Potholes are bad all over the city. Happy that Mike Mordaga will be here for three years. Don’t want the drug people to get comfortable. Great to see the Board of Education members thought they were going to tell us how great we did with cleaning the snow for the drop off areas. Consent Agenda, Mr. Salkin said at one time it would cost too much years ago to put the docket out. All these issues have been ongoing. Thank you for a great job. Mr. Raman – 185 Prospect Avenue – I am a school crossing guard, main question how are negotiations going with the contract for the crossing guards? Mayor will defer to Art Koster, we have met with the representatives and we are scheduled to meet again. Ms. Schariff – Second Street – Suggestion about the snow possible to get an agreement with Sears so we can park in their lot? Mayor stated it would be tough if the business is open it would be packed with cars and may impact the business. Best thing is use the driveways, share with your neighbors. Recreation meetings I want to remind everyone there is a meeting tomorrow always the first Wednesday of every month. Good plans, will not happen overnight, come and share and volunteer. Dave has kept the boys and girls off the streets with the programs. All my children and grandchild have played here in Hackensack. Games had been cancelled due to not being scheduled and confirmed. We are here to work with the children and help them. Sarrano Baldeo – 201 Rochelle Ave, Rochelle Park – President of NJ Pulse, Want to know what is happening with the 6 properties on Green Street, there was a bid, what happened, did an OPRA? Attorney Morris replies, city rejected all bids and it will be going out to rebid. The city is starting eviction proceedings against Polifly Towing. Lawsuit will be filed by the city. Do I need an OPRA for this? Should I keep checking with the Clerk? Glad you are finally taking the steps to clean up this property. Thank you for taking this action. There are cars and other vehicles illegally parked around 3/04/14 the property. Hope the Police Director pays attention to this. I have filed a complaint with the EPA. Mike Mordaga – Police Director – I want to thank all who had nice things to say about the Police Department. I would like to formally thank the Police Department for what they have done during this past year. Changing the Police Department is all about relationships. Drug sweep was excellent, but the members of the Police Department work hard at this every day. Looking and acting professional. Uniform patrol officers, narcotics working with other agencies. Crime has been lower across the board. Compliments go directly to the members of the Police Department. A motion was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilwoman Greenman to close meeting to the public. Councilman Battaglia - Thank you all for coming and thank you to Mike Mordaga and the Police Department. When you travel you need the best kids. You have to earn your position on the team. Deputy Mayor Canestrino –Would like to commend Mr. Mordaga and the Police Department. We are all proud. Happy you will be here for three more years. All will be pleased and comfortable. Mr. Salkin, City Attorney billing, is like a runaway train, if you look at those bills, 2/3 is the attorney portion. Give us the opportunity to make sure that the bills are well within reason. OPRA request of legal bills, I was very interested in legal bills, I never received a legal bill, I was told it would cost a lot of money. I became creative and I found a way to obtain the data from the city. No details just how much were we paying and the control. We are looking at OPRA, it is very expensive. We want to limit the cost, city clerk’s office spent 36-1/2 hours on just OPRA requests. Are exploring options to do this more efficiently. Councilman Sims –Thank you all for coming out tonight. A derogatory comment was put on facebook about me and I was taken aback by that. The comment was Councilman Sims is a snitch. If you have an issue concerning my actions please reach out to me directly. Councilwoman Greenman – Thank you for coming and I commend our police department for doing a great job. A lot to be done on OPRA requests, we would like to put on line as much as we can. Thank you for your support, always appreciate it. Even the negative comments are a positive thing. Be safe and stay well. Mayor Labrosse – We are introducing the budget on March 11, 2014 at 5:00pm. I have coached for years, this is the biggest deterrent of crime there is. Drug bust was a tremendous accomplishment, it was six to seven months of planning. Went like clockwork, no injuries, thank you to Mr. Mordaga, county police, sheriff department, DEA and the state police. Message was sent clearly. For years you have heard there is no drug problem here. It was here and now it is going away. We did hire an outside company to help with the filling of potholes. Wish we could pave the whole city but it is just not possible. Look to do more and more every year. Consent Agenda will look into the law, have had it for years, but we will look into it, if we have to read them all, we will, we want to abide by the law. There being no further business meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Approved: April 7, 2014 3/04/14  _____________________________ Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr. ______________________ ___________________ Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino _______________________________________ Councilwoman Rose Greenman _______________________________________ Councilman David Sims _______________________________________ Councilman Leonardo Battaglia __________________________ Deborah Karlsson, City Clerk 3/04/14