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, December 22, 2014 at 8:15pm. Mayor John Labrosse Jr. 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. Attendance Ms. Karlsson called the roll: Mayor John P. Labrosse Jr., Deputy Mayor Kathy Canestrino, Councilman Battaglia, Councilman David Sims and Councilwoman Greenman are present. City Manager David Troast and City Attorney Thomas P. Scrivo are in attendance. Flag Salute Moment of Silence was taken for the two officers from New York and the officer from Florida who were killed on the line of duty. Proclamations Mayor called Wendy Lamparelli, Jack Lipari, Nicole Breslin, Jessalyn Caez, Brenda Kish and Letisia Rios for their quick actions that helped save the life of Ana Suarez on November 11, 2014. Glenn Guinto from the Hackensack Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union thanked and rewarded the six individuals with plaques for saving Ana Suarez’ life at Jackson Avenue School. Harry Comp, President of the Hackensack Chamber of Commerce presented the individuals with plaques and metals for saving the life of Ms. Suarez. Approval of Minutes None City Manager’s Report – David R. Troast Millennium Strategies has applied for many grants and the City has been rewarded an estimated amount of $300,000 in grants. We are still waiting on other grants. A few examples of awards include $10,000 for body armor, $126,000 for a direct install project from NJ Office of Clean Energy to help our efficiency in various upgrades to municipal facilities, $28,000 for the play gym in Columbus Park, and $149,000 from the DOT Municipal Aide Grant for road improvements. Work is expected to be done in the Spring of 2015 on Summit Avenue between Marvin and Sutton. The 2015 COW and Council Meeting schedule has been revised and published in the paper. The recycling calendar is scheduled to be mailed out the second week in January. According to the 2014 calendar, the last day to put out leaves was December 13th. Contractors have been coming into the city and dumping leaves on our streets. A few have been caught. There will be a toy give away at the Civic Center tomorrow with the Hackensack Police Department, Salvation Army, and All American Ford at 6pm. Approval of Resolutions 12/22/14  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. 467-14 FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 47-2014, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART II OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION” TO ADD CHAPTER 159, ENTITLED “TOWERS AND WRECKERS” 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 Councilman Sims that there be a public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING – Kathleen Salvo (Hudson Street) – When you revise this ordinance again, please address where the cars are left after they are towed. Motion offered by Councilman Sims and seconded by Deputy Mayor Canestrino 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. 47-2014 has passed its second and final reading and is hereby adopted. CITY OF HACKENSACK ORDINANCE NO. 47-2014 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART II OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE, ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION” TO AMEND CHAPTER 159, ENTITLED “TOWERS AND WRECKERS” WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack (“City” or “Hackensack”) is in need of regulating towing operations and facilities, the procedure by which persons or companies are chosen, and the punishment for a violation of this section; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.49, a municipality may regulate, by ordinance, the removal of motor vehicles from private or public property by operators engaged in such practice, including, but not limited to, the fees charged for storage following removal, fees charged for such removal, notice requirements therefor, and the mercantile licensing of such operators; and 12/22/14  WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.54, the governing body of a municipality or county which requires the towing and storage of motor vehicles without the consent of the owners of those vehicles shall adopt an ordinance or resolution, as appropriate, setting forth a model schedule of towing and storage services which they require and the rates therefor, which rates shall be based on the usual, customary and reasonable rates of operators towing and storing motor vehicles in the municipality or county, as applicable; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it in the City’s best interest to amend the current Chapter 159, Section 159-2, entitled “License required; fees; expiration.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, as follows: SECTION 1. The City of Hackensack Municipal Code, Part II entitled “General Legislation,” is amended such that Chapter 159, entitled “Towers and Wreckers,” Section 159-2, Subsection B is amended to read as following: § 159-2 License Required; fees; expiration. B. The fee for the license issued under this chapter shall be $500. The license shall remain in effect from January 1 to December 31 of each year or any part thereof. It may be renewed annually by the operator paying a fee of $500. Before December 31 of any year, the City Council may, by resolution, authorize the extension of permits beyond December 31 of that year for a period not to exceed six (6) months for all permits that were previously issued and remain valid at the date of the Resolution. All licenses issued for the calendar year wherein the Resolution was passed shall be extended without the requirement for payment to renew the license. Upon termination of the extension, all licensees may renew their permit by paying a fee of $500 as previously provided herein. Section 2: This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage, adoption, and publication in the manner prescribed by law. Council Intr Secon Abstai Abse Excuse Member o d Yes No n nt d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrin o X Sims X X Greenma n X X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 468-14 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 48-2014, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 170-50 “NO PARKING SECTION” AND CHAPTER 170-51 “NO PARKING CERTAIN HOURS” OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 48-2014 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 January 6, 2015 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 12/22/14 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. CITY OF HACKENSACK ORDINANCE NO. 48-2014 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 170-50 “NO PARKING SECTION” AND CHAPTER 170-51 “NO PARKING CERTAIN HOURS” OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48-2, the governing body of a municipality may make, amend, repeal, and enforce such other ordinances, regulations, rules and by-laws not contrary to the laws of this state or of the United States, as it may deem necessary and proper for the good of government, order and protection of person and property, and for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants, and as may be necessary to carry into effect the powers and duties conferred and imposed by this subtitle, or by any law; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack (“City”) wishes to amend Chapter 170, Section 50, entitled, “Schedule 1: No Parking” to remove the east side of Holt Street to allow parking and provide parking spots for residents; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to amend Chapter 170, Section 51, entitled, “Schedule 1: No Parking Certain Hours” to add the east of Holt Street to permit street cleaning between 7:00 am to 10:00 am; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 39:4-197 authorizes the City Council to pass an ordinance regulating the parking of vehicles on streets and portions thereof and regulating the parking of vehicles upon land owned or leased and maintained by the municipality, a parking authority or the board of education of a school district, including any lands devoted to the public parking of vehicles, the entrances thereto and exits therefrom; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.46 authorizes the City Council to make, amend, repeal and enforce ordinances to regulate vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the parking of vehicles in parking yards and parking places, which are open to the public or to which the public is invited, whether maintained or operated separately or in conjunction with any business or enterprise; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40:67-1 authorizes the City Council to make, amend, repeal and enforce ordinances to prescribe the time, manner and terms upon which persons shall exercise any privilege granted to them in the use of any street, highway, alley, or public place; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the public safety and general welfare of the public will be promoted if sufficient parking is provided for residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 170, Section 50, entitled “No Parking” to add Holt Street on the east side between Lodi Street and Frederick Street. In accordance with the provisions of § 170-7, no person shall park a vehicle at any time upon any of the following described streets or parts of streets: […] Hamilton South From the easterly curbline of Franklin Place to a Place point 115 feet easterly thereof Hillside Both Entire length Place Hobart Street West From Lodi Street to the Township of South Hackensack line Holt Street East From Lodi Street to Frederick Street Hospital East Entire length Place 12/22/14 Hudson East From Van Wettering Place Street  SECTION 2. Chapter 170, Section 51, entitled “No Parking Certain Hours” wherein Holt Street is listed, shall be amended as follows: [Amended 2-18-1975 by Ord. No. 2-75; 10-6-1975 by Ord. No. 26-75; 9-7-1976 by Ord. No. 26- 76; 5-23-1977 by Ord. No. 23-77; 12-16-1996 by Ord. No. 26-96; 7-21-1997 by Ord. No. 14-97; 12-6-1999 by Ord. No. 37-1999; 8-20-2001 by Ord. No. 6-2001] In accordance with the provisions of § 170-8, no person shall park a vehicle between the hours listed upon any of the following described streets or parts of streets: [...] Hobart East Tuesday 7:00 a.m. to Entire length Street 10:00 a.m. Hobart West Friday 9:00 a.m. to Lodi Street to Kansas Street 12:00 noon Street Holt Street West Tuesday 5:00 a.m. to Lodi Street to Broadway 7:00 a.m. Holt Street West Friday 7:00 a.m. to Lodi Street to Frederick 10:00 a.m. Street Holt Street East Friday 7:00 a.m. to Lodi Street to Broadway 10:00 a.m. Hopper East Friday 9:00 a.m. to Entire length Street 12:00 noon Hopper West Tuesday 7:00 a.m. to Entire length Street 10:00 a.m. Council Intr Secon Yes No Abstai Member o d n Absen Excuse t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 469-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE NO. 16/NJ FOP LABOR COUNCIL WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Hackensack entered into negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 16/NJ FOP Labor Council ( “FOP”) with regard to the terms and conditions of the employment of the police officers of the Hackensack Police Department; and WHEREAS, after extensive discussions and negotiations, the City and the FOP reached an agreement regarding the terms of employment of the City police officers for years 2013 through 2015; and WHEREAS, the City and the FOP memorialized the agreement in a written contract entitled “Agreement Between City of Hackensack and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 16/NJ FOP Labor Council, January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2015 (“Contract”); and WHEREAS, the Contract has been reviewed and approved by labor counsel for the City, along with representatives of the FOP; and 12/22/14  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack find it to be in the best interest of the City and its citizens to enter into an agreement with the FOP with the negotiated terms and conditions as set forth in the attached Contract. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Hackensack that the terms and conditions of the agreement negotiated with the FOP as set forth in Contract are hereby approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Hackensack that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the Contract with the FOP. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Hackensack that the City Clerk be and hereby is directed to retain a copy of the Contract for public inspection and to publish notice of this action in The Record. 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. 470-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CLASS II SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO ATTEND PASSAIC COUNTY POLICE ACADEMY FOR TRAINING BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, New Jersey, that following are hereby appointed as Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers to attend the Passaic County Police Academy in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:146.10. 1. Paul Verduga 2. Kley Peralta III 3. Michael Colombini 4. Aster Abueg 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. 471-14 ESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND FOR HACKENSACK YOUTH BASKETBALL REGISTRATION 12/22/14  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: $70.00 is a refund for Basketball Registration Refund to: Ms. Rachel Hazelton 417 Hudson Street Apt 2G Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601 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. 472-14 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: AMOUNT BLOCK LOT NAME YEAR REASON $9,500.14 82.01 5 Brach Eichler LLC 2009 SBJ And Ruffino, Raymond 101 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 $9,984.79 82.01 5 Brach Eichler LLC 2010 SBJ And Ruffino, Raymond 101 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 $12,656.84 82.01 5 Brach Eichler LLC 2011 SBJ And Ruffino, Raymond 101 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 $4,709.80 229 11 Michael A. Vespasiano 2011 SBJ Attorney Trust Account For Myer, Herbert 331 Main St Chatham, NJ 07928 $46,096.73 236 36.01 Pless and Habeeb LLP 2010 SBJ And Costa, T. & Saverino Wm & Terrace Ave 3 University Plaza Hackensack, NJ 07601 $20,408.00 324 31 Pless & Habeeb LLP 2008 SBJ And PN02 LP 3 University Plaza 12/22/14  Hackensack, NJ 07601 $8,764.47 401 12.02 Gibbons P.C. and NMR Reingold 2011 SBJ As owner, McDonald’s Corp, as lessee And EGA Foods LLC, as sublessee One Gateway Center Newark, NJ 07102 $16,929.65 401 12.02 Gibbons P.C. and NMR Reingold 2012 SBJ As owner, McDonald’s Corp, as lessee And EGA Foods LLC, as sublessee One Gateway Center Newark, NJ 07102 $6,648.77 439 36 Michael A Vespasiano Esq 2010 SBJ Attorney Trust Account for T & G II LLC 331 Main St Chatham, NJ 07928 $13,730.16 515 1 Mandelbaum, Salsburg 2013 SBJ Larzris & Discenza P.C. Attorney Trust Account for 481 Hackensack Ave LLP 96 Park St Montclair, NJ 07042 $2,065.70 569 26 Feinstein, Raiss, Kelin & Booker 2011 SBJ LLC Trust Account for A&K Associates LLC 290 W Mt. Pleasant Ave Suite 1340 Livingston, NJ 07039 $7,737.50 569 26 Feinstein, Raiss, Kelin & Booker 2012 SBJ LLC Trust Account for A&K Associates LLC 290 W Mt. Pleasant Ave Suite 1340 Livingston, NJ 07039 $8,042.50 569 26 Feinstein, Raiss, Kelin & Booker 2013 SBJ LLC Trust Account for A&K Associates LLC 290 W Mt. Pleasant Ave Suite 1340 Livingston, NJ 07039 $1,222.50 3 21 C0403 Wells Fargo Real Estate Tax Services 2014 CBJ For Kuhran, Linda One Home Campus Des Moines, IA 50328 $710.91 428 1 C003H Raskin, Jeffrey S 2014 CBJ 5 Linden St Unit 3H Hackensack, NJ 07601 $2,524.00 587 9 Select Portfolio Services 2014 Dupl Pymt c/o Lereta Tax Service 1123 Park View Drive Covina, CA 91724 $250.00 602 30 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 2014 Veteran Deduct For Medellin, Tito & Lydia MAC X2302-04D One Home Campus Des Moines, IA 50238 12/22/14 TOTAL $171,982.46 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. 473-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF HORIZON AS THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR GROUP MEDICAL AND PRESCRIPTION PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY HM LIFE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015 WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack provides comprehensive employee benefits to qualifying active employees and retirees, and WHEREAS, the City currently administers a self-funded medical and prescription program for such plan participants, and WHEREAS, the City and its professionals have conducted a comprehensive review of viable options available to the City, which has been recommended by the City’s Self-Insurance Committee and the City Administration, and WHEREAS, the Committee and Administration are hereby recommending to the Council that Horizon be renewed as Third Party Administrator and network for the group medical and prescription programs, with stop-loss administered by HM Life, as per the recommendations made by the Committee and WHEREAS, this recommendation will yield the City significant hard-dollar administrative savings and continue to provide comprehensive employee benefits to program participants. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council hereby approves the renewal of Horizon as Third Party Administrator and network for the group medical and prescription programs, with stop-loss to be administered by HM Life for calendar year 2015. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City Council directs and authorizes the Mayor and Administration to execute any and all documents and to take any actions necessary to complete the intent and purpose of this Resolution. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 474-14 12/22/14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 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: 0223-44-066-004 Barbara A. Edwards, Esq. $ 940.00 Trustee for 88 Capital, Inc. 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. 475-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF BERGEN RISK AS THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR CITY’S WORKER COMPENSATION, GENERAL AND AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY INSURANCE WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack (“City”) has a need to retain a Third-Party Administrator to administer the City’s Workers’ Compensation, General and Automobile Liability Self-Insurance Program as a non-fair and open contract pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 or 20.5; and WHEREAS, the City is currently a member of the South Bergen Municipal Joint Insurance Fund which provides the City with a variety of insurance coverage; and WHEREAS, a prerequisite to the City’s membership in the South Bergen Municipal Joint Insurance Fund was that the City be required to utilize and engage Bergen Risk Managers, Inc. as a Third-Party Administrator for all claims within the City’s self-insured retention; and WHEREAS, Bergen Risk Managers, Inc. has submitted a proposal setting forth that they will provide Third-Party Administrator Services for $64,107.00; and WHEREAS, the City has previously determined that Bergen Risk Managers, Inc. was qualified to provide Third-Party Administrator Services; and WHEREAS, this contract has previously been awarded to Bergen Risk Managers, Inc. through a "non-fair and open process" pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A- 20.4, et seq.; and WHEREAS, Bergen Risk Managers, Inc. currently operate as Third-Party Administrator for all South Bergen Municipal Joint Insurance Fund claims within the City’s self insured retentions; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it to be in the best interests of the City to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Bergen Risk Managers, Inc. for the professional specialized services pursuant to the same terms and conditions as the existing contract; and WHEREAS, such professional services will be rendered or performed by a person authorized by law to practice a recognized profession and whose practice is 12/22/14 regulated by law pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(a)(i) of the Local Public Contracts Law; and WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law requires that the resolution authorizing the award of contracts for professional services without competitive bidding and the contract itself must be available for inspection; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council of the City of Hackensack to retain the services of Bergen Risk Managers, Inc. to serve as the Third-Party Administrator in an amount not to exceed $64,107.00; and WHEREAS, a certificate establishing that funds will be available will be issued by the Chief Financial Officer. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that: 1) Bergen Risk Managers, Inc. will complete and submit a Business Entity Disclosure Certification which certifies that Bergen Risk Managers has not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the City of Hackensack in the previous year, and that the contract will prohibit Bergen Risk Managers, Inc. from making any reportable contributions through the term of the contract; and 2) The Mayor be and is hereby authorized and directed to execute an contract with Bergen Risk Managers, Inc., to provide the aforesaid services for the period of January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015; and 3) This contract is awarded without competitive bidding in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(a)(i) of the Local Public Contracts Law; and 4) The Business Disclosure Entity Certification will be placed on file with this Resolution; and 5) The City Clerk be and hereby is directed to retain a copy of the contract for public inspection and to publish notice of this action in The Record. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 476-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION OF RELIANCE INSURANCE GROUP, LLC TO PERFORM THE SERVICES OF HEALTH, PRESCRIPTION, DENTAL AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE BROKER OF RECORD WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack provides health, prescription, dental and supplemental insurance coverage for the City of Hackensack employees; and WHEREAS, there exists in the City of Hackensack a need to perform the services of a health, prescription, dental and supplemental insurance broker of record in order to assist in the efficient administration of health, prescription, dental and supplemental insurance programs; and WHEREAS, insurance broker of record services is recognized as an exception to the public bidding requirements of the Local Public Contracts Law and which is to be treated in the manner of an “extraordinary unspecifiable service” pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(m). 12/22/14  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, through the City Manager, are hereby authorized and directed to retain the services of Reliance Insurance Group, LLC, 1460 US Route 9 North, Suite 210, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095 to perform the services of health, prescription, dental and supplemental insurance broker of record; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to retain a copy of the contract 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. 477-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING XL INSURANCE COMPANY TO COVER PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES INSURANCE FOR THE YEAR 2015 WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack, (hereinafter the “CITY”) is having difficulty securing Public Officials and Employment Practices Liability insurance and some other property/casualty insurances for 2015; and WHEREAS, the CITY is joining the South Bergen Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (hereinafter the “FUND”), a governmental unit formed pursuant to NJSA 40A:10-36 et. seq.; and WHEREAS, the FUND provides Public Officials and Employment Practices Insurance through a master policy negotiated by another governmental entity, the Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund (hereinafter the MEL);and WHEREAS, the FUND and the MEL have been able to secure Public Officials and Employment Practices Insurance for the CITY from the XL insurance company subject to certain terms and conditions that are different from the normal policy provided by XL through the JIF; and WHEREAS, as a condition for the issuance of said policy, the CITY’s governing body must adopt a resolution agreeing to the different conditions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Hackensack hereby agrees and accepts that among other terms and conditions in the policy of insurance to be issued by the XL Insurance Company covering public officials and employment practices insurance for the year 2015 that: 1. The Limit of liability is $1,000,000 per claim and $1,000,000 annual aggregate 2. The deductible is $500,000 per claimant (not per claim) plus 20% co-insurance on ‘Loss Amount’ up to $ 250,000 3. Defense fees are inside (eroding) the limit 4. The policy has what is known as laser exclusion for any claims arising out of the actions of, or brought by, Chief Charles “Ken” Zisa 5. The retroactive date is the date from inception (December 31, 2011) and therefore there is no prior acts coverage 6. XL and its claims administrator Summit shall make all decisions concerning defense counsel assignments 7. The MEL’s Executive Director will meet with the city within the next 30 days to implement MEL’s Risk Management training standards and model policies and procedures pertaining to EPLI. 8. The premium is $249,706 per year BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Hackensack recognizes that because of a series of claims experienced by the CITY over the past few years, it is not otherwise able to 12/22/14 secure public officials and employment practices insurance with the terms and conditions normally available. 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. 478-14 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, COUNTY OF BERGEN, DECLARING ITS INTENT TO FULLY COMPLY WITH ITS CURRENT AND FUTURE MOUNT LAUREL OBLIGATIONS AND TO SERVE AS THE "CATALYST FOR CHANGE" TO RENDER ANY MOUNT LAUREL LAWSUITS AS “UNNECESSARY LITIGATION” WHEREAS, in So. Burlington County N.A.A.C.P. v. Tp. of Mount Laurel, 92 N.J. 158, 279-80 (1983) (“Mount Laurel II”), the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled, subject to several other limitations, that in order for a plaintiff to be entitled to a builder's remedy, it must "succeed in litigation"; and WHEREAS, in Toll Bros. Inc. v. Tp. of W. Windsor, 173 N.J. 502, 507 (2002), the Supreme Court ruled that in order for a developer to succeed in litigation, it must not only prove that the municipality failed to create a realistic opportunity to satisfy its affordable housing obligation, but also must be the “catalyst for change”; and WHEREAS, on September 26, 2013, the Supreme Court released In re Adoption of N.J.A.C. 5:96 & 5:97 by N.J. Council on Affordable Housing, 215 N.J. 578 (2013), which completely invalidated the Round 3 regulations adopted in 2008 by the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing (“COAH”); and WHEREAS, on March 14, 2014, the Supreme Court issued an order directing COAH to propose new Round 3 regulations on or before May 1, 2014 and to adopt them by October 22, 2014; and WHEREAS, the March 14, 2014 Order further provided that, if COAH failed to meet the deadlines, the Court would consider allowing developers to file builder’s remedy suits against municipalities under COAH’s jurisdiction and thereby allowing trial judges to determine the affordable housing standards with which those municipalities must comply in lieu of COAH; and WHEREAS, on April 30, 2014, in accordance with the March 14, 2014 Order, COAH proposed Round 3 regulations and published them in the New Jersey Register on June 2, 2014; and WHEREAS, in these proposed regulations, the City of Hackensack’s (the “City”) proposed affordable housing obligation was 425 units, consisting of a 425- unit Rehabilitation obligation, a zero-unit Unmet Prior Round obligation, and a zero- unit prospective Round 3 obligation; and WHEREAS, COAH accepted public comments on the proposed Round 3 regulations until August 1, 2014, and indeed received roughly 3,000 comments; and WHEREAS, on October 20, 2014, the COAH board met to consider adopting the proposed regulations; and 12/22/14  WHEREAS, the COAH board reached a 3-3 deadlock and therefore did not adopt the proposed regulations; and WHEREAS, COAH therefore failed to meet the Supreme Court’s October 22, 2014 deadline; and WHEREAS, on October 31, 2014, Fair Share Housing Center (“FSHC”) filed a Motion In Aid of Litigant’s Rights urging the Supreme Court, among other things, to direct trial judges, instead of COAH to establish standards with which municipalities must comply; and WHEREAS, FSHC’s motion included an alternative fair share calculation for each municipality, further highlighting the uncertainty of the framework with which municipalities must ultimately comply; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the alternative calculations furnished by FSHC, the City would have an obligation of502 units consisting of a 301-unit Rehabilitation obligation, a 201-unit Prior Round obligation, and a zero-unit Round 3 obligation; and WHEREAS, as a result of future regulations, litigation, and/or legislation, it is entirely possible that the City’s obligation may indeed differ from those proposed by COAH or advocated by FSHC; and WHEREAS, indeed, new laws may reduce the obligations of the City under COAH’s prior round regulations; and WHEREAS, the City brought itself under COAH’s jurisdiction because all three branches of government preferred COAH’s administrative process to resolve disputes over affordable housing matters rather than litigation (see N.J.S.A. 52:27D- 303); and WHEREAS, the City wishes to be in a position to complete its efforts to comply voluntarily once its obligations are defined; and WHEREAS, in light of all this uncertainty, it is possible that the City may not be in compliance with its affordable housing obligations; and WHEREAS, regardless of whatever its obligation is ultimately assigned, the City remains committed to comply voluntarily with its obligations; and WHEREAS, this commitment to comply extinguishes any possible claim that a plaintiff in any type of Mount Laurel lawsuit could qualify as the “catalyst for change”; and WHEREAS, the City herein intends to make its intentions inescapably clear to the public and all concerned. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: 1. The City of Hackensack formally stipulates that, given all the uncertainty in the law, it is entirely possible that it may not be in compliance with its affordable housing obligations. 2. The City hereby affirms its commitment to satisfy its affordable housing obligations, however they may ultimately be defined, voluntarily and in the absence of any additional Mount Laurel lawsuits. 3. Once its affordable housing obligations are defined, the City directs its legal and planning professionals to take all reasonable and necessary actions to enable it and its Planning Board to satisfy those obligations expeditiously. 4. The City Clerk is hereby directed to place this Resolution on file in City Hall to put the public on notice of the formal commitments herein. 5. The City hereby authorizes its Special Mount Laurel Council to use this resolution as it sees fit to maintain the current immunity from all Mount Laurel lawsuits. 6. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. 12/22/14  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. 479-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that the following: CONDOMINIUM AND COOPERATIVE UNIT OWNERS ADVISORY BOARD Reappointment for the following members: Murray Runin - Chairman Nancy Price Tom Casey Marilyn L. Santiago Ed Lipiner Marvin Golland William Noonan Thomas Lydon Annette Jankowski Robert Fineberg Appointment for the following members: Constance Bovino Are hereby appointed to a one year term to expire on 12/31/2015. H.A.P.A.D.A Reappointment for the following members: Barbara Shaw Heather White-Coleman Are hereby appointed to a three year term to expire on 12/31/2017 LIBRARY BOARD Reappointing the following members: Kristi Izzo Anthony Marseglia Are hereby appointed to a five year term to expire on 12/31/2019 PLANNING BOARD Appointment of the following members: Nita Kundanmal – (alternate 1 year) 12/22/14  ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT – Motion to Vote Separately Appointment of the following members: Al Borrelli Robert Giarusso Salvatore Puleio Mike Jones Angel Carrion Lawrence Eisen-Alternate (1 Year)-2015 Are hereby appointed to a four year term to expire on 12/31/2018 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. 480-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT TO HOUSING AUTHORITY BE IT RESOLVED that Tasha McMillan-Russell is hereby appointed to the Housing Authority to serve term to expire December 31, 2019. 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. 481 -14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING HEALTH DEPARTMENT 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 refund for the reason stated: $25.00 is a refund for Birth Certificate Refund to: Zhipeng Yan 222 Forest Road Fort Lee, New Jersey, 07024-4346 12/22/14  $35.00 is a refund for Birth Certificate Refund to: Claudia N. Martinez-Ruano 111 Orient Way Lyndhurst, New Jersey 07071 $15.00 is a refund for Death Certificate Refund to: Edward Pirrera 434 Hillside Avenue Palisades Park, New Jersey 07650-1314 Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 482-14 TRANSFER OF 2014 BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS WHEREAS, various Year 2014 bills have been presented for payment this year, which bills were not covered by Year 2014 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 $83,700 be made between the Year 2014 Budget Appropriations as follows: FROM DEPARTMENT 4-01-21-180-180-200 Planning Bd – O/E $15,000 4-01-21-185-185-200 Bd of Adjustment – O/E $30,000 4-01-22-200-200-100 Property Inspectors – S/W $28,700 4-01-26-300-300-200 DPW – O/E $10,000 Total $83,700 TO DEPARTMENT 4-01-20-100-100-200 A/E – O/E $5,000 4-01-20-150-150-100 Tax Assessor – S/W $1,500 4-01-22-195-195-100 UCC Building Insp – S/W $11,500 4-01-25-240-240-200 Police – O/E $3,000 4-01-25-240-243-100 Communication Oper – S/W $17,000 4-01-25-265-265-100 Fire – S/W $5,000 4-01-26-130-130-100 Public Bldgs & Grounds – S/W $21,000 4-01-26-290-291-100 Snow Removal – S/W $4,500 4-01-26-300-302-100 Street Cleaning – S/W $5,000 4-01-28-370-370-100 Recreation – S/W $1,700 4-01-28-375-375-200 Parks / Playgrounds – O/E $8,500 Total $83,700 Council Intr Secon Yes No Abstai Excuse Member o d n Absen d 12/22/14  t Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 483-14 AUTHORIZATION FOR ACCRUED TIME PAYOUT ANTHONY MELILLO WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:30-15 established rules that govern how local government units manage and finance compensation for accumulated absence time for their respective employees, and WHEREAS, accumulated absence includes any sick days, vacation days, personal days, compensatory time or any other absence time authorized as part of an employer agreement, which is not used by the employee during the allowed period and which is permitted to accumulate over time to the benefit of the employee, and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that the funds and authority exists to pay Anthony Melillo for owed vacation days, sick days and compensatory time, and WHEREAS, City Manager David Troast has authorized the payment of $78,105.90 to Anthony Melillo for said days. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack hereby approves payment to Anthony Melillo in the amount of $78,105.90 for his accrued time payout in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Local Finance Board for such payments. 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. 484-14 AUTHORIZATION FOR PARTIAL SETTLEMENT WITH AGATHA TOOMEY WHEREAS, Agatha Toomey, a former employee of the City of Hackensack, served a demand letter upon the City for payment of certain claims, and WHEREAS, the City wishes to partially settle the claims to avoid costly litigation. 12/22/14  NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack hereby consents to the partial settlement with Agatha Toomey in the amount of $5,918.04 for outstanding claims against the city; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Certification of Funds has been prepared and authorized by the Chief Financial Officer assuring that there is a sufficient appropriation to fund the partial settlement; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council hereby authorize the City Manager, City Clerk, and other appropriate municipal officials to take any and all actions required to complete the partial settlement and fulfill the purpose of this Resolution. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 485-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN INDEMNITY IN ORDER TO OBTAIN TITLE INSURANCE ON BLOCK 308.01, LOT 3 (“LOT C”) WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack (“City”) has determined that property located at Block 308.01, Lot 3 (“Lot C”) is in need of redevelopment; and WHEREAS, title insurance is necessary to proceed with the City’s planned redevelopment of the property; and WHEREAS, Stewart Title Guaranty Company requires the City to indemnify it and Stonebridge Title Services, Inc., against any loss, costs, or damage associated with another party claiming ownership of Lot C or a portion thereof; and WHEREAS, after researching the matter, the City finds that to its best knowledge, no party has asserted a claim of ownership or any other property interest in Lot C and the requested indemnity will further the City’s redevelopment goals for Lot C. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that the City Manager be and is hereby authorized to execute an indemnity for Stewart Title Guaranty Company and Stonebridge Title Services, Inc. regarding any claims for loss, costs, or damages associated with another party claiming ownership of Lot C. PULLED Council Intr Secon Yes No Abstai Excuse Member o d n Absen d 12/22/14  t Battaglia Deputy Mayor Canestrino Sims Greenman Mayor Labrosse CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 486-14 RESOLUTION ASSIGNING PUBLIC DEFENDER WHEREAS, it has become necessary for the City of Hackensack (“City”) to engage a public defender; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires to appoint the position 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 October 10, 2014; and WHEREAS, qualification statements by professionals were submitted to the City by October 28, 2014, 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 finds it in its best interests to now assign a public defender. NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Hackensack, that the City finds it in its best interests to assign _____________ as a municipal public defender; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute a contract with the above professional service providers for an amount not to exceed ______________; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer is authorized to process payment to the above professional service providers pursuant to the contract upon receipt of properly completed vouchers; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to retain a copy of the contract for public inspection; and 12/22/14  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall advertise the award of this contract as required by law. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Sims X X Greenman X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 487-14 RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE 2014 TOWERS AND WRECKERS PERMITS UNTIL MARCH 31, 2015 WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack (“City”) may regulate towing operations and facilities; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council adopted Ordinance 47-2014, which permits the extension of tower and wrecker permits beyond December 31 if authorized by resolution; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that any and all licenses issued for the calendar year 2014 that were to expire on December 31 pursuant to Chapter 159 of the City Code are hereby extended until March 31, 2015. 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. 488-14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS 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 $ 965,177.10 Grants 600.00 Payroll 1,790,938.60 Public Parking System 8,474.73 12/22/14  Capital 379,285.22 Escrow 7,421.79 Trust Account 117,562.37 Total Expenditures $ 3,269,459.81 Interfunds/Transfers $ 414,139.27 A motion was made by Councilman Sims and seconded by Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino to open the meeting to the public. Alexis Palinkas-Prospect Avenue- Before you start the timer, is it 5 minutes talking time or the councils time? I think I was cheated last time. When is the next public meeting regarding the meter situation? The yellow stripes on Central and Prospect and the last question is paving Prospect which doesn’t seem to be happening. The striping was done two years ago and people ignore them. Restriping the yellow stripes and the crosswalk lines are really faded out. The number of people who are on Prospect and pay high taxes I hope you can look into it. Stripes, stripes, stripes. Do I have left over time, can I bank my leftover time? Richard Salkin-Hackensack- Were all going to live by this new decorum ordinance. The last thing in the order of business is public comment. John, I know it’s the holiday season and I want to keep this pleasant. I want to talk about ethics. I know you don’t do these things maliciously. It’s come up time and time again, it was raised at one point about your new job at the medical center, the raffle situation you voted on under the consent agenda issue. With respect to the SRO, John one of the regulations that the board operates under says the request shall set out the factual situation in detail. You keep casting this as a chain of power issue and it isn’t. Mike wants his police officers in all of the schools. I know you’re not doing this intentionally but you don’t have a feel for this. You need to bounce these issues off the city attorney when they arise. You shouldn’t be dealing with school system or medical center issues. James Erwin-Jefferson Street- I came to the council meeting about three months ago in reference to an Ordinance I would like the council to pass in reference to raise the age to buy tobacco products to the age of 21. Since then I have gone to all the towns in Bergen County. I would like an update from the council regarding this. Mayor responds. I would ask you give a call to your fellow mayors. Just short of two dozen towns in the whole country have adopted this. Sometimes we are in a catch up mode so I would like us to be ahead of the game. Kathleen Salvo-Hudson Street- I thought I heard correctly that Summit Avenue between Marvin and Essex has been tabled until the spring. That’s unacceptable. I did some homework on it and I found out the reason being is we went over the cap on it. I made some phone calls and the solution would be to fix the drains and come back in the spring and finish the job. I can’t do city work all the time. I would like you to consider putting the drains in and then go back in the spring and do the curbs and the milling and the paving of the streets. It’s hard to believe being one of the richest counties in the state we are tabling this over funds. The engineers messed it up. This cannot be tabled. I don’t want to see it this way. We can’t let this wait until the spring. City Manager responds. We have a very good report with the county and I don’t want to lose that. I am so glad you did the calendar that way. The yellow lines can’t be seen at night so you might want to put a sign there. Thank you Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. Paul Incalactera-Broadway- I am not so good. I had a problem with the noise last week at the Cultural Center. The noise was very loud, they are using the PA system. I called the police and they came down and went next door and told them to lower it. The next evening the music was blasting. I know there having a performance and it was very loud. I called the city manager and he 12/22/14 came down around 5:00 or sometime between 7:00pm. It was very loud on Saturday I didn’t make any complaints. The schedule for next year has many events on it that are loud and they are multiple events. Who makes the decision to allow these things on the calendar? I don’t know if you have this but I want you to take a good look at this because I am going to have to suffer with that noise. I am going to ask you to get rid of the megawatt system. Make some events acoustical. I am going to ask you for a little relief. Please get a copy of this from Mr. Troast. City Manager comments. When do you estimate the projected opening? It could be sometime soon? I can call the police but if it’s not loud when they come then what’s the sense. If you have someone in front of your house and your windows and doors are closed and they turn on the radio and blast it that’s what I hear. Thank you. Richard Serbo- Spring Valley Avenue- I asked for ten minutes weeks and months ago and there was no answer to that. Ten minutes was never even brought up. Mayor comments. I just wanted to comment on the case that you made to kind of muffle the argument here I guess you were thinking it could be more civilized. Insults are civilized. I don’t want to say a pattern is forming. Strife is good, argument is good, when things go quiet that’s when we should worry. As for everything else it seems kind of boring. I think leaves used to be picked up until the 31 st of December? Does that mean different levels of government don’t talk to each other? Spring Valley Avenue is ridiculous. I am disappointed. I thought by now you would have won me over. Have a great holiday. Regina DiPasqua- Parker Avenue-. The class two officers why are they going to Passaic County and not Bergen? I am disappointed you didn’t change the library liaison. Why is Al Borelli listed as a member of the zoning board? He is not a voting member he is the zoning official. He is our zoning official he is not a member. Mayor I do not believe he is a voting member. He is the zoning official. He is not a voting member of the zoning board. You can’t do that sorry. Even though I am a smoker I urge you it is the right thing to do. You mentioned about the recycling calendar. The paper calendar says leaf pick up sometime in October. There are three pickups for each area. Second ward we are the only ones having the problem? There is a lot of problems with the curbside leaf pick up. The schedule is not followed. You put your leaves out on a certain date. Leaves were picked up on my block today that have been out there for nine days. The city put out a specific schedule. It’s online. The city doesn’t stick to the schedule. Not everybody goes online and looks. I saw a rodent run out of the pile of leaves. If you’re going to put the leaves out there they have to be picked up within a week of that date. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I think any resident should be able to contact their elected official. A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilman Sims to close the meeting to the public. Council Comments Councilman Battaglia- I want to make a comment. I wonder where he was the last twenty years with good suggestions and wonderful ideas. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Deputy Mayor Canestrino- If you cannot ask your questions within the five minutes we always stay a little after to hear them. We are always here and available. I certainly agree with her about Prospect Avenue paving. One of the big problems with our budget has been the lack of long term planning. Our City Manager and CFO are working on this year to put some of those plans into place. Also to address Paul it’s the same kind of thing. We have the cultural arts center it’s sitting there and a shame it is not being used. We asked our planner to take the plan and break it down into two pieces to make it phase 1 and phase 2 and make it more affordable which he has done. The stairs are in bad shape. Could we use the same sound system and folding 12/22/14 chairs? Yes, we could. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy holidays and we will see you back in January. Councilman Sims- Thank you all for coming out. Together we will continue to make our city great. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday and thank bob for doing a great job getting our events recorded and put on YouTube. Thank you. Councilwoman Greenman- 2014 is coming to an end and it’s time for everyone to pause and reflect on the past year and make plans for the New Year. As we ring in the New Year we should resolve to celebrate our community, our country and our world. . We should strive to make a difference in all our endeavors. Merry Christmas. Best wishes to everyone for a happy healthy and prosperous new year. Mayor Labrosse- I just want to reflect on what happened recently in New York with the killing of these two police officers while on duty. I want you to think of these families tonight. The one gentleman’s whole family is flying in from China and it’s just devastating for law enforcement across the country. Our police officers have a very dangerous job. I read a thing the other day the average life span of a police officer is about 55 to 60 years old. That’s pretty crazy. We all think we are going to live until at least 70 80 or 90 years old. My heart goes out to the families and other police officers and all the people who protect us they have a very tough job. This was just a devastating blow to them. Please say a prayer for them. I want to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to everyone and a wonderful New Year. Look forward to seeing you all again soon. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Approved by Mayor and Council on February 10, 2015. ______________________________________ Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr. _______________________________________ Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino _____________________________________ Councilwoman Rose Greenman _______________________________________ Councilman David Sims _____________________________________ Councilman Leonardo Battaglia _________________________________ 12/22/14 Deborah Karlsson, City Clerk 12/22/14