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 21, 2014, at 8:15pm. 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 Canestrino, Councilman David Sims, and Councilwoman Greenman were present. Councilman Leonardo Battaglia was absent. Interim City Manager Art Koster and City Attorney Thomas P. Scrivo were both present. A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilman Sims to accept the Meeting Minutes for May 5, 2014 Council of the Whole and a separate motion was made by Councilman Sims and seconded by Deputy Mayor Canestrino to accept the Meeting Minutes for May 6, 2014 Regular Meeting. Mayor reads Proclamation for Mr. DeSalvo (100 years young) Mayor calls for a Moment of Silence for Ernest Keahey City Manager’s Report – Street Festival Scheduled for September 27, 2014. The Dupree Concert is rescheduled for August 12th, 2014. Summer Concert tomorrow (The Infernos). Met with State Housing officials regarding group homes, the meeting was successful and left residents informed and satisfied Planning board approved 150-170 Main Street. Coles Avenue paving update, trying to get portion paved. Claim about a year ago with New Jersey Transit regarding damage to Hackensack Property, finally came to a Settlement of $30,000. 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. 247-14 FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 23-2014, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF HACKENSACK’S SALE OF THE VACATED PORTIONS OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IDENTIFIED AS KIPP STREET AND LODI STREET TO GOLDEN PUB, INC., AND 295 POLIFLY REALTY, LLC, PURSUANT TO PRIVATE AUCTION This ordinance has been advertised pursuant to law and now calls for 1 7/21/14 a public hearing. Will someone so move?” Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilman Sims that there be a public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING – Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilman Sims that 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. 23-2014 has passed its second and final reading and is hereby adopted. Council Intr Secon Abstai Excuse Member o d Yes No n Absent d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X X Greenman X X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 248 -14 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-2014, REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY (THE “CITY”) PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF AMOUNTS OWING TO OTHERS FOR TAXES LEVIED IN THE CITY APPROPRIATING $8,650,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $8,650,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF BONDS OR NOTES OF THE CITY FOR FINANCING THE COST THEREOF BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 24-2014 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 August 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 X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X 2 7/21/14  CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 249-14 RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES 2014-2015 BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the following liquor licenses be issued in the City of Hackensack, effective July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, applicants having complied with the ordinances of the City of Hackensack and any special conditions which may be determined by the City Council, and having paid the required fee: 0223-33-031-004 Miss Lenora’s $1,800.00 129 Johnson Avenue 0223-44-046-008 Hackensack Wines Inc. $1,350.00 3 Huntly Drive Princeton Junction, NJ 088550 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. 250-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH DENNIS CALO, ESQ. WHEREAS, it has become necessary for the City of Hackensack (“City”) to retain Dennis Calo, Esq. for legal services; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires to appoint him pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11- 3 permitting the award of contracts without public bidding where the contract amount does not exceed the threshold of $17,500; and WHEREAS, the City finds it in its best interests to qualify and retain Mr. Calo; and NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Hackensack, that the City finds it in its best interests to retain Dennis Calo, Esq. for legal services; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute contract with Mr. Calo; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to retain a copy of the contracts for public inspection. 3 7/21/14  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. 251 -14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE – DONN POMODORO II, INC. TO DONN POMODORO RISTORANTE, LLC WHEREAS, an application has been received in the Clerk’s Office to approve a person–to-person transfer of a retail consumption liquor license from Donn Pomodoro II, Inc. to Donn Pomodoro Ristorante, LLC, including a disclosure of all funds used in the purchase of the license; and WHEREAS, consent has been received from Donn Pomodoro II, Inc. and has been filed with the Clerk of the City of Hackensack; and WHEREAS, proof of publication has been submitted to the Clerk’s Office of the City of Hackensack of the notice of application for the said person to person transfer; and WHEREAS, no written objections have been received and all applicable fees have been submitted to the City of Hackensack and the State of New Jersey; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council further finds that the submitted application is complete; the application has disclosed and the City has reviewed, the source of all funds to be used in the purchase of the license and to the extent that the Mayor and Council can conduct an investigation and review of the submitted documents, the applicant is qualified to be licensed under the applicable New Jersey Statues and Regulations and City Ordinances. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following person to person transfer be approved effective July 21, 2014 and conditioned upon the closing and transfer of title: 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 Plenary Retail Consumption License From: Donn Pomodoro II, Inc.. - License Number 0223-33-003-009 To: Donn Pomodor Ristorante, LLC – License Number 0223-33-003-010 4 7/21/14  CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 252-14 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: 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. 253-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND FOR SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM 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 refund for the reason stated: $374.00 is a refund for Summer Playground Program Refund to: Mrs. Stephanie Herrera 148 So. Prospect Avenue Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601 $325.00 is a refund for Summer Playground Program Refund to: Mrs. Lisette Harris 307 Prospect Avenue Apt. 4A Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 $367.00 is a refund for Summer Playground Program Refund to: Mrs. Marlene Duy 95 Frederick Street Hackensack, NJ 07601 5 7/21/14  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. 254 -14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT FOR LABOR ATTORNEY JUAN C. FERNANDEZ WHEREAS, it is necessary for the City of Hackensack (“City”) to engage various professional service providers; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires to appoint such professionals by a “fair and open process” pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.1 et seq.; and WHEREAS, the City issued and advertised requests for qualifications (“RFQ’s”) on the City’s website and in official newspapers on Monday, July 8, 2013; and WHEREAS, qualification statements by professionals were submitted to the City by July 18, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.; and WHEREAS, the qualification statements were reviewed to determine applicants that have met the minimum professional, administrative and financial criteria described in the RFQ and based upon the totality of the information contained in the qualification statements, including information about the reputation and experience of each applicant and ability to best serve the needs of the City of Hackensack; and WHEREAS, the City found it in its best interests to qualify certain professional service providers on August 20, 2013; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Hackensack assigned the following professional service provider to the following positions, matters and assignments: Labor Attorney Juan C. Fernandez, Esq. (Compensation will not exceed $100,000.00 without the express written authorization of the City) WHEREAS, Juan C. Fernandez, Esq. provided legal services to the City of Hackensack in excess of $100,000.00 through June 2014; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council finds it in its best interest to amend the not to exceed amount of $100,000.00 for Labor Attorney, Juan C. Fernandez, Esq. to $175,000.00. 6 7/21/14  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. 255-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF 2013 SEWER CHARGES WHEREAS the Tax Collector is authorized to bill the Tax Exempt and Large Industrial Users for sewer services effective in the year 1986 and each year thereafter per Resolution #104 passed on March 17, 1986, WHEREAS the Bergen County Utilities Authority provides an annual “Tier Two User Report” to the City of Hackensack based on actual consumption for the prior year, WHEREAS the Tax Collector billed property located at 225 Ross Avenue, Hackensack, Block 556 Lot 94 for 2013 sewer charges in the amount of $21.84 however ownership changed in 2013 and the property became taxable, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tax Collector be and is hereby permitted to cancel the 2013 sewer charge in the amount of $21.84 billed to Edwin Bilof at 225 Ross Avenue, Hackensack, NJ and issue a refund to the new owner Joseph Carnevale III in the amount of $21.84 who made payment.. 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. 256-14 APPLICATION TO THE LOCAL FINANCE BOARD PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:2-55 WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack desires to make application to the Local Finance Board for its review and/or approval of a proposed refunding bond ordinance authorizing the City’s issuance of 7 7/21/14 obligations for the purpose of funding an emergency appropriation made to refund taxes, as permitted by N.J.S.A. 40A:2-51(a); and WHEREAS, the City hereby declares the intent of the City to issue bonds or bond anticipation notes in the aggregate amount of $8,650,000 and to use the proceeds to pay or reimburse expenditures for the costs of amounts owed by the City to the owners of various properties for taxes levied in the City (inclusive of certain costs associated therewith), as more particularly described on the List of Settled Appeals and available for inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, which is hereby incorporated by this reference as if set forth at length herein. This section is a declaration of the City’s intent within the meaning and for purposes of Treasury Regulations §1.150-2 or any successor provisions of federal income tax law; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack believe: a) it is in the public interest to accomplish such purpose; b) said purpose or improvements are for the health, wealth, convenience or betterment of the inhabitants of the local unit or units; c) the amounts to be expended for said purpose or improvements are not unreasonable or exorbitant; d) the proposal is an efficient and feasible means of providing services for the needs of the inhabitants of the local unit or units and will not create an undue financial burden to be placed upon the local unit or units: NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack as follows: Section 1. The application to the Local Finance Board is hereby approved, and Archer & Greiner, Bond Counsel, and DiMaria & DiMaria LLP, City Auditor, along with other representatives of the City of Hackensack, are hereby authorized to prepare such application and to represent the City of Hackensack in matters pertaining thereto. Section 2. The City Clerk of the City of Hackensack is hereby directed to prepare and file a copy of the proposed bond ordinance with the Local Finance Board as part of its application. Section 3. The Local Finance Board is hereby respectfully requested to consider such application and to record its findings, recommendations and/or approvals as provided by the applicable New Jersey Statute. 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. 257 -14 8 7/21/14  RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION - N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 2014 SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of 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 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 was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and WHEREAS, the Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for equal amount, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of 2014 in the sum of $151,828.18, which is now available from the NJ Dept. of Agriculture. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the like sum of $151,828.18 is hereby appropriated under the caption Summer Food Program – 2014 Grant; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above is the result of funds from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture in the amount of $151,828.18. CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 258-14 RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION - N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 2014 CLEAN COMMUNITIES GRANT WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 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 was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and 9 7/21/14  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 WHEREAS, the Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for equal amount, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of 2014 in the sum of $64,019.88, which is now available from the NJDEP Solid Waste Administration. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the like sum of $64,019.88 is hereby appropriated under the caption Clean Communities – 2014 Grant; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above is the result of funds from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Solid Waste Administration in the amount of $64,019.88 CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 259-14 AWARD CONTRACT FOR GENUINE (OEM PARTS) AND LABOR RATES FOR REPAIRS ON INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS OWNED BY THE CITY OF HACKENSACK TO ON-SITE FLEET SERVICE, INC. WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack advertised and received bids for Genuine (OEM Parts) and Labor Rates on International Trucks Owned by The City of Hackensack; and WHEREAS, bids were received and opened on Wednesday, June 25, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack wish to award this contract to the lowest responsible Bidder. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, as follows: 1. On-Site Fleet Service, Inc., 25 Borough Street, Rutherford, New Jersey 07070, is hereby awarded a contract for a (20%) twenty percent markup above Bidders cost for parts and $110.00 hourly rate for repairs for one year in accordance with the specifications advertised thereof. 2. A Certification of Funds has been prepared and authorized by the Chief Financial Officer for the said contract assuring that there is a sufficient 10 7/21/14  appropriation to fund the purchases authorized in this resolution as an express and mandatory condition of the award of this contract. 3. The City Manager is hereby authorized to sign the contract documents necessary to effectuate the award of this contract. The City Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award. Mayor and Members of the City Council A40- 2014 AFFIDAVIT In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27BB-10 and 40A: 4-57. I do hereby certify that funds are available and the attached resolution can be adopted. PURPOSE: Genuine (OEM Parts) and Labor Rates For Repairs on International Trucks Owned by the City of Hackensack VENDOR: On-Site Fleet Service 25 Borough Street Rutherford, New Jersey 07070 ACCOUNT: 4-01-26-305-305-272 AMOUNT: Parts Markup: 20% Hourly Repair Rate: $ 110.00 __________________________ James A. Mangin, CFO / QPA Date: ____ /____/____ 11 7/21/14  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.260-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, JOHN P. LABROSSE JR., AS THE SIGNATORY ON TREATMENT WORKS APPROVAL PERMIT (TWA-1) FOR 150-170 MAIN STREET, BLOCK 302, LOTS 4-10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to execute a Statement of Consent for the applicant known as 150-170 Main Street, for permit application commonly known as NJDEP TWA-1 Treatment Works Approval Application which is prepared in connection with the construction of a project known as 150-170 Main Street LLC, 150-170 Main Street, Block 302, Lots 4-10 in the City of Hackensack. 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. 261-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT – MURILLO V CITY OF HACKENSACK WHEREAS, the Governing Body desires to resolve the litigation captioned Alba and Conrado Murillo v. City of Hackensack, Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Bergen County, Docket No. BER-L-577-12. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Hackensack that the City Attorney is authorized to settle said claim and execute the requisite settlement documents; and 12 7/21/14  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 X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 262 -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 $ 788,153.21 Grants 3,768.95 Payroll 1,499,433.69 Public Parking System 9,635.92 Capital 37,929.11 Escrow 25,570.26 Trust Account 49,056.58 Total Expenditures $2,413,547.72 Interfunds/Transfers $ 103,684.27 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. A motion was made by Councilman Sims and seconded by Deputy Mayor Canestrino to open the meeting to the public. Mayor made a statement regarding decorum during the public portion of the meeting. Richard Salkin – I’m still waiting for an answer on Maria Battaglias raise? Mr. Koster responds. You have to take this seriously, you have known about this since December. Discussing the raise given to Mr. Battaglias wife. You guys are supposed to be defending the city funds. Mr. Scrivo comments on this being a personnel issue and that the matter is being handled by the current Interim City Manager. You have got to establish rules. Why don’t you act upon it? Mr. Scrivo comments that the rules and procedures have been drafted and awaiting the councils review. Mr. Salkin reads a quote from a Supreme Court Case. That’s the society we live in. If I want to direct not so kind comments to the person all the way to your left I’m going to do it 13 7/21/14 because she’s well deserving of it. That’s all I got for you tonight. Stop moving your meetings around because it’s hard to hit a moving target. Jason Nunnermacker- 235 Prospect Ave – Mrs. Greenman, what you did last week to Mrs. DiPasqua was disgraceful. You’re a council person and what you said about her during your public comment, every time I come into this chamber I don’t think you can’t get any lower but you prove me wrong. To say that about another resident in a public forum when you’re sitting behind your name plate, please act like you love this City. Have some respect for people. It was just classless. People spoke about my OPRA lawsuit after I spoke last meeting. Just because the league of municipalities supported your position that it somehow meant anything, the ACLU supported my position, not one of them mattered because they don’t get to wear a robe. The only person that does get to wear a robe said I was right and Mr. Scrivo was wrong. Just because the league of municipalities agreed with you, you still wasted twenty thousand dollars of tax payer money. Directed to Deputy Mayor about our expert city attorneys we have. Reading a passage from Judge Catillas opinion. Your experts forgot about my OPRA Request. Twenty thousand dollars because they forgot about my OPRA Request. The city attorney’s law firm should reimburse the city what you paid to Mr. Lenner and discount the bill six thousand dollars. This is now borderline malpractice. I made an OPRA Request from the June 23 COW meeting and I was denied saying since Mr. Rottino paid for it himself it was not a public record. Mr. Lenner is not shy, we got no problem filing another lawsuit. Please give me the CD I will pay the fifty cents for the CD. Mr. Mayor, I came to the June 24 th meeting and I want to clarify at the end of the session what you knew about Mr. Catanias drug possession conviction because you seemed to indicate you knew about it before we hired him. Mayor comments that he found out about it a month ago which was only because it was shown to him on a website. Mr. Scrivo comments regarding Mr. Nunnermackers OPRA Request. Mr. Scrivo states we will try to get it. Richard Surbo- 46 Spring Valley Ave- I know time is limited so democracy is fleeting so I will be expeditious. There’s a back and forth about people who have lived in Hackensack and people who haven’t, Hackensack people are great. If someone drops down here from mars tomorrow and he is a worthy citizen he is welcome. It sounds as if some kind of excluding is starting so everyone’s welcome in Hackensack. We’ve heard a lot about the police, civilians make the rules in Hackensack. We’ve heard enough about the police. Have you moved towards sharing services to cut down some of the expenses? Are we going to share services? You mentioned assessments on an annual basis I just wanted to get your thinking on that. This was a way of keeping people down in the 11 hundreds. As per development it seems like were desperate for development in this town. Are these development companies making any grants to the city, we need leadership to talk with them and explain to them that those things would benefit them also. Last thing I have to say I’m not sure what this thing is back and forth with Mrs. Greenman, but I will stand here now and encourage her to speak up, do not be muzzled say what you want, stand up and say what you want. That’s it thank you very much and have a great night. Richard Gelber-Clinton Place- I’m going to agree with Mr. Surbo on something, Mrs. Greenman speak up because every time you do you’re making it easier for all of us. Mr. Koster was more than decent as were you Mayor and Deputy Mayor seeing this travesty with the cops come to an end and it did, to call a half a percent raise overly generous is Ludacris and bizarre. I want to mention about attorney bills here. This is outrageous what’s going on with some of these bills. Look at the additional billing coming out of 14 7/21/14 Mr. Scrivos firm. We’ve got to keep a handle on the legal bills. I’m urging this council to look at these legal bills and stop all this litigation. Toni Haverty-Berry Street- Speaking of the Police Contract, I would like to know what was the settlement as far as the percentage. Mr. Koster responds 1 and a half percent per year for three years. I just wanted to know because I heard some other figures. Thank you. Yessira Downs- Parker Avenue- I would like to clear up any misconceptions that may have arose. On June 23, 2014 I sent an email stating the issues we were expiring and concerns we had. Amongst my family and fellow neighbors we decided we were going to take a stand and attend a meeting to express what we were going through and raise awareness. After I sent this email I thought my email fell on deaf ears, no one reached out to me except for one member of your entire council. What I want to make clear tonight, no one rallied us together, we decided to come to attend this meeting so our silent voices can finally be heard. The words spoken were my own. Prior to this I wasn’t involved in politics in the City, I didn’t even know who the council members were on the board, the only one I was familiar with was Mayor Labrosse because I went to school with your son. Hackensack’s educational system provided the foundation to where I am at today. However, what I will say is that I am not proud of any display of emotions that went on at the last meeting. We have to strive to be better than this. One thing I learned from attending my first meeting, there is a lack of respect in these meetings. As a young person we are always encouraged to vote, to take a stand, to be active in our community and to get involved, but is difficult to do so when u are up here speaking and being heckled by some who do not share your opinion. In my opinion that is disrespectful to the person who has the courage to stand here. I just want my family to be left alone. I am 31 years old, I love my family I am so grateful for what they have done for me so I feel it’s necessary for me to speak on their behalf. All I am asking for is for my family who worked so hard to bring me up in this community just to have some peace. Steven Gelber- 304 Clinton Place- As to Mr. Catania, is he gone yet when is he gone? I criticized Mr. Salkin last meeting for just empathizing with criminals , now we have an actual accuse criminal as a prosecutor. Is he gone yet, when is he gone, he has got to be gone? That seems like a pretty straight forward decision. That’s not an at will appointment from the council? Mayor agrees with statement. So the decision is in your hands you might want to correct that. Is Mr. Battaglia and Mrs. Greenman being excused from the discussion regarding Mr. Rottino lawsuit. Mr. Scrivo comments on question. Will the public be made aware when that decision has been made? Mr. Scrivo responds that it’s not absolute that the public has to be made aware of it and it will be up to the individual council members. On OPRA, Mr. Nunnermackers legal fees and outside billing are they being reimbursed or credited on our next billing cycle? These are mistakes of your firm. Mr. Scrivo responds to question regarding bills and our firm. Council I think you should have this discussion and about getting our money back for money that was billed outside the cap. Mr. Mangin when did I threaten to sue over the bills for car repairs? Mr. Mangin responds he is not aware of this statement. Mr. Gelber advises he never threated to sue. Responds he will forward Mr. Mangin the email regarding this OPRA Request. Please don’t make a misrepresentation of what I did say to use as an excuse to one of the Council Members. Mr. Mangin asks for the email to be sent to him regarding this issue. Statement directed to Ms. Greenman about what happened at the last meeting. It seems you made another misrepresentation about someone paying their taxes. I looked up the tax rolls, the resident you attacked isn’t even listed on the tax rolls as the homeowner and tax payer. It is a shame that you are up there. 15 7/21/14 Regina DiPasqua – Parker Avenue – I made it back I was at Ernie Keahey wake. He was a treasure of Hackensack. He could teach a lesson to a lot of people of how to behave and how to treat people. Personal attacks that’s a line when you’re a councilwoman, that is absolutely a line. My husband would have come in to talk to you but I had to restrain him. You came where I live. The rules of procedures for meetings, how about some decorum from our council members, that they do not attack residents and that they do not bring up personal issues. This issue was a property issue. They wanted us to put gutters on our garage, meanwhile on the other side of our yard is a fence that is falling down. We were threatened to be taken to court by Mr. Malone for not having gutters on my garage. The issue is property maintenance, it shouldn’t have come here. It is not a city council issue. It is a building department issue. Ms. Greenman you do not tell tales out of school. You said untrue things about me, and your purpose was to embarrass me. It didn’t belong here and I don’t think you belong there. Kathleen Salvo – Hudson Street – I went to Ernie Keaheys wake, he was a great asset to Hackensack and he will be greatly missed. This whole thing got out of hand. If we had departments that were running efficiently this wouldn’t happen. It shouldn’t have ended up here it’s a building department issue. There a liability. The neighborhoods are getting bad people are doing things there not supposed to. Why should I have to call it in that’s their job to see what’s wrong they ride around they have a car. The building department creates problems. We need to get a professional functional building department. It takes phone calls upon phone calls to get anything done. They give a violation and don’t come back to see if it’s done or not. We have to clean up our own house before we can develop it. Mr. Wades- I haven’t been here in quite a while. To what I understand now the bus company wants to stop putting slates in fence and they don’t have the decent buses there anymore and as a taxpayer I find out all these buses failed inspection. I reported this to state and to council several times. Buses turn left on railroad track and they can’t make the turn so they back up and on several occasions a train was coming. At same time they put slates in fence now there’s a problem putting the gates up and still the same situation. What can be done now? Mayor responds zoning has to deal with that. This meeting with Mr. Sims and with someone from church and we weren’t notified. Mayor responds he was not aware of this meeting. Mr. Sims responds he just sat in as the voice of the community. The voice from the community wasn’t making a stink about the buses, I was. I should have been notified of this meeting, I have been asking you about it. It went from 25 buses to about 40 and all these people have illegal licenses. I deal with buses everyday six days a week. Thank you for your time. Mr. Puntasecca –Meadow Street– I have been asking to have the back of the garage painted at 30 Van Wettering. They painted the entire building but they never painted the back which is what I have to look at. Dean told me about a month ago he was going to take them to court because he caught them working on cars outside the garage. I would like to find out the court date because I would like to be there. I have about 200 pictures of them working on cars. I own 36 Van Wettering and the sidewalk is shot, its shot because everybody drives on it. There used to be on the corner a cabinet maker with big heavy trucks coming to pick up containers so they broke up the sidewalk. I got a permit to redo the sidewalk however the county is building the property next door. I have public service utility trucks and water company trucks all over the sidewalk. There’s a guy with used refrigerators and washing machines, every day he has people buy new machines, and every day trucks pull up on my sidewalk to unload refrigerators and washing machines. I said to the guy one day you can’t be on my sidewalk. He says I don’t care so I called the police department and told them I need an officer to come down and talk to the guy. My wife and I were waiting for the cops to 16 7/21/14 come down, were waiting and the cops don’t come. A police officer came down the street, I stopped him and explained to him the situation and he talked to the guy. That didn’t stop the problem. How do I keep the people off the sidewalk with the trucks? The other thing is they take the wash machines and refrigerators, put them on the blacktop and they wash and hose them off and everything runs down to the catch basin on the corner. Last November they were washing stuff on the sidewalk they had a grease patch and since they don’t shovel their sidewalks in the winter, in the spring the building department went down there and they made them steam clean it because when it becomes 90 degrees someone is going to go down on that grease slip. I don’t know what’s going to happen with 30 Van Wettering. I don’t know if anything can be done about it. Mayor directs question to City Manager and says we will send someone down there to start issuing the summons. A motion was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilman Sims to close meeting to the public. Mayor asks the CFO to comment on the police contracts. CFO comments on the police contracts and explained the step increases. Council Comments: Councilman Battaglia – Absent Deputy Mayor Canestrino- There were some questions about establishing a resolution about rules of the meeting. It’s not an easy thing to do, the first amendment clearly defines the rights of the public and we do not want to jeopardize that. We are going back and forth and making sure it’s reasonable and complies with the law. As far as wanting videos that weren’t taken by the city and paid for by the city, just so you understand we don’t own that video of the COW Meeting, and it wasn’t paid for by city funds. The young woman who spoke who said she sent an email to all of us and seemed disturbed when we all didn’t respond. I assumed u had more than one discussion with the City Manager. I assumed things were moving in a positive direction. I apologize if you felt we didn’t address your issue at that time. Please don’t feel you are ever not welcome or wanted. Regarding redevelopment, the approval of 150 -170 Main Street, the site plan approval from the planning board, this is very big for the city and a great step in the right direction for redevelopment. We’re looking at this being a project of approximately 382 units. This is going to be a wonderful way to work towards revitalizing our Main Street. The project back on State and Warren has broken ground. The 210 Main Street project is moving right along. There looking there at maintaining the beautiful integrity of that building. These are three projects that really have taken seed in our town. Thanks all for coming and have a good night. Councilman Sims –I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. As the Mayor, Kathy and Regina said god called to one of his soldiers, Ernie Keahey. My condolences go out to his family. We have very good concerns tonight and our City Manager will look into it as early as tomorrow morning. Thank you. Councilwoman Greenman – I want to thank everyone for coming before I forget. I’m going to thank Mr. Surbo especially for his kind words and encouragement and Yessira Downs and her family for coming thank you. I want to thank Toni and Bart for coming thank you so much. I am going to quote Mr. Salkin, “the council is here defending the city funds and interest.” 17 7/21/14 We the council are defending the city funds and interests. I just want to say something that really upset me and bothered me, we voted on this contract that we haven’t seen. We voted a memorandum of understanding without actually seeing the contract. We never read the terms of the agreement or anything else neither did anyone else who could explain it to us except Mr. Koster who is limited to saying very few words about it. The interest of the taxpayers was not being represented in this situation. This is my personal feeling. If other people feel this is enough for somebody to tell u the terms of the contract without actually reading the contact and that’s ok, I’m sorry, that is not my way of dealing with the situation. There is no way now anybody can come in now and ask all these questions. I hope there is going to be an investigation, the situation will be aired out and all of this information will come out. Hopefully this is something that will resolve in something else happening or its going to educate the rest of you tax payers to really demand and pay attention to what’s going on. That’s it. Thank you so much. Mayor Labrosse – I read the memorandum of understanding and the contract. I thought it was a good contract, well deserved by our police department, a year and a half late they were overdue and I stand behind my vote. Redevelopment, it’s a great time for Hackensack. Mr. Surbo you mentioned assessments, we actually have our Tax Assessor here now, the reason you would assess every year or at least give it a try, the city is inundated with tax appeals, by reassessing on a daily basis it keeps a flat line so it eliminates the tax appeals. Mr. Puntasecca, I’m going to make sure the City Manager takes care of that. Mr. Salkin I couldn’t agree with you more, the night I was sworn in my speech I talked about the same thing you were talking about, being able to yell and scream and I understand where you’re coming from. When I ask, I am only asking. Again, Ernie Keahey, what a loss. Everywhere you went there was Ernie. He served in so many different types of organizations. 100 year Centenarian, that’s great it’s like the third one I met. It’s an honor to give him a proclamation. Thank everyone for coming and we will see you in two weeks. Don’t forget tomorrow night the infernos down at the green. Thank you. There being no further business meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m. Approved by Mayor and Council on October 7, 2014. ______________________________________ Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr. _______________________________________ Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino _______________________________ Councilwoman Rose Greenman _______________________________________ Councilman David Sims 18 7/21/14  ____ABSENT____________________________ Councilman Leonardo Battaglia _________________________________ Deborah Karlsson, City Clerk 19 7/21/14