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, January 5, 2016 at 8:06 p.m. 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 Leonardo Battaglia, Councilman David Sims and Councilwoman Deborah Keeling-Geddis were present. City Manager David Troast was in attendance. Judge Carver and Attorney Kate Walsh were in attendance. Flag Salute Proclamations Approval of Minutes A motion to approve the C.O.W. Meeting Minutes from November 10, 2015 was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino, seconded by Councilman Battaglia and approved by Mayor Labrosse, Deputy Mayor Canestrino, Councilman Battaglia, and Councilman Sims. Councilwoman Keeling-Geddis abstained because she was not present at the C.O.W meeting. A motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from November 10, 2015 was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino, seconded by Councilman Battaglia and approved by Mayor Labrosse, Deputy Mayor Canestrino, Councilman Battaglia, Councilman Sims and Councilwoman Keeling-Geddis. City Manager’s Report Building Department update- There were 21 notices, 68 inspections, 9 CCOs, and 3 summonses. Good News- The Table to Table Bag-A-Lunch fundraiser raised $540 which means 54 people participated. Budget update for 2016, the State has modified their procedures so the introduction will be the beginning of March and then we will hold the budget hearing the first meeting in April. The staff is working on the budget and the CFO and I are in the process of restructuring the budget in a different way which is taking time. We will meet with the Finance Committee in February so they will be kept informed. Resolutions 1/05/2016 1  Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino x X Sims x X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 01-16 FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 66-2015, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART II ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION,” CHAPTER 170 ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” FOR THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND SECTION 49.2 ENTITLED “PARKING FOR THE HANDICAPPED” This ordinance has been advertised pursuant to law and now calls for a public hearing. Will someone so move?” Motion offered by Councilwoman Keeling-Geddis and seconded by Deputy Mayor Canestrino that there be a public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING – No one wished to speak Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilman Battaglia 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. 66-2015 has passed its second and final reading and is hereby adopted. CITY OF HACKENSACK ORDINANCE NO. 66-2015 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART II ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION,” CHAPTER 170 ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND SECTION 49.2 ENTITLED “PARKING FOR THE HANDICAPPED” 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 1/05/2016 2 necessary to carry into effect the powers and duties conferred and imposed by this subtitle, or by any law; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to amend Chapter 170 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic,” Section 49.2 entitled “Parking for the Handicapped”; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it in the City’s best interest to make this change. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 170 entitled, “Vehicles and Traffic” is amended as to Section 49.2 entitled “Parking for the handicapped” is amended such that The City of Hackensack Municipal Code, Part II entitled “General Legislation,” states: §170-49.2. Parking for the handicapped. ... E. Designation of parking areas. In accordance with this chapter, the following locations shall provide parking for the physically handicapped: Parking Lot or Street Side Location/Number of Handicapped ... Parking Spaces 58 Broadway North From a point 169 feet west of the northwest curb line apex of Broadway and New Street to a point 20 feet west thereof ... ... Section 2: This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage, adoption, and publication in the manner prescribed by law. Council Intr Secon Abstai Excuse Member o d Yes No n Absent d Battaglia x Deputy Mayor Canestrino x x Sims x Keeling- Geddis x x Mayor Labrosse x CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 02-16 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 01-2016, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART II, ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION” CHAPTER 170, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” OF THE CITY OF 1/05/2016 3  HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND SECTION 49.2 ENTITLED “PARKING FOR THE HANDICAPPED” BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 01-2016 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 26, 2016 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. CITY OF HACKENSACK ORDINANCE NO. 01-2016 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART II ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION,” CHAPTER 170 ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND SECTION 49.2 ENTITLED “PARKING FOR THE HANDICAPPED” 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 wishes to amend Chapter 170 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic,” Section 49.2 entitled “Parking for the Handicapped”; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it in the City’s best interest to make this change. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 170 entitled, “Vehicles and Traffic” is amended as to Section 49.2 entitled “Parking for the handicapped” is amended such that The City of Hackensack Municipal Code, Part II entitled “General Legislation,” states: §170-49.2. Parking for the handicapped. ... E. Designation of parking areas. In accordance with this chapter, the following locations shall provide parking for the physically handicapped: Parking Lot or Street Side Location/Number of Handicapped ... Parking Spaces 119 Sussex Street South From a point 261 feet west of the southwest curb line apex of Union Street and Sussex Street to a point 20 feet west thereof ... ... 1/05/2016 4 Section 2: This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage, adoption, and publication in the manner prescribed by law. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 03-16 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 $2,430.00 207 5 Court Plaza Associates 2015 CBJ c/o Sanzari 25 Main St-6th Floor Hackensack, NJ 07601 Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK 1/05/2016 5  RESOLUTION NO. 04-16 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 $65,389.00; 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 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 $65,389.00; and WHEREAS, a certificate establishing that funds will be available will be issued by the Chief Financial Officer. 1/05/2016 6  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, 2016, through December 31, 2016; 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 Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 05-16 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF 2015 BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS WHEREAS, various Year 2015 bills have been presented for payment this year, which bills were not covered by Year 2015 Budget Appropriations; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 provides that amounts in excess of appropriations over and above the amounts deemed to be necessary to fulfill the purpose of such appropriations may be transferred to appropriations deemed to be insufficient during the last two months of the year and the first three months of the reserve year. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the transfers in the amount of $1,090,880 be made 1/05/2016 7 between the Year 2015 Budget Appropriations retroactive to December 31, 2015, as follows: FROM DEPARTMENT 5-01-26-375-375-100 Parks & Playgrounds – S&W $ 54,880 5-01-30-415-415-100 Accumulated Wages $1,036,000 Total $1,090,880 TO DEPARTMENT 5-01-20-110-110-100 Mayor & Council – S&W $ 1,580 5-01-20-120-120-100 Municipal Clerk – S&W $ 12,258 5-01-20-130-130-100 Financial Administration – S&W $ 18,515 5-01-20-145-145-100 Tax Collection – S&W $ 8,331 5-01-20-150-150-100 Tax Assessment – S&W $ 1,920 5-01-22-195-195-100 UCC Building Inspection – S&W $ 21,996 5-01-22-200-200-100 Inspection of Property – S&W $ 28,501 5-01-25-240-240-100 Police – S&W $492,326 5-01-25-240-241-100 School Crossing Guards – S&W $ 34,477 5-01-25-265-265-100 Fire – S&W $324,517 5-01-25-265-266-100 Fire Official – S&W $ 3,331 5-01-25-265-267-100 Fire Alarm – S&W $ 6,237 5-01-26-130-130-100 Public Buildings & Grounds – S&W $ 16,452 5-01-26-130-130-200 Public Buildings & Grounds – O.E. $ 8,000 5-01-26-300-301-100 City Garage – S&W $ 4,290 5-01-26-300-302-200 Street Cleaning – O.E. $ 6,000 5-01-26-305-305-200 Garbage & Trash – O.E. $ 10,000 5-01-26-313-313-100 Shade Tree – S&W $ 2,220 5-01-28-370-370-100 Recreation – S&W $ 20,496 5-01-28-370-371-100 Cultural Arts – S&W $ 783 5-01-36-472-472-200 Social Security – O.E. $ 30,230 5-01-43-490-490-100 Municipal Court – S&W $ 38,420 Total $1,090,880 Council Intr Secon Abstai Abse Excuse Member o d Yes No n nt d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrin o X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 06-16 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 $ 251,775.24 Grants -0- Payroll 3,290,099.09 Public Parking System 6,212.37 Capital 176,883.79 1/05/2016 8  Escrow -0- Trust Account 173,832.80 Total Expenditures 3,898,803.29 Interfunds/Transfers $ 136,477.82 Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 07-16 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2016 TEMPORARY BUDGET WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-19 provides that where any contract, commitment or payments are to be made prior to the final adoption of the 2016 Budget, temporary appropriations should be made for the purpose and amounts required in the manner and time therein provided; and WHEREAS, the date of this resolution is within the first thirty days of January 2016; and WHEREAS, the total appropriations for 2015, exclusive of any appropriations made for interest and debt redemption charges, capital improvement fund and public assistance in said budget is the sum of $90,928,771; and WHEREAS, 26.25% of the total appropriations in the 2015 Budget, exclusive of any appropriations made for interest and debt redemption charges, capital improvement fund and public assistance, in said budget is the sum of $23,868,802. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that the following appropriations be made and that a certified copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Chief Financial Officer for his records. 2016 TEMPORARY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS Current Fund Budget General Government Salaries & Wages Other Expenses 6-01-20-100-100 Administration $ 137,500 $ 25,300 6-01-20-105-105 Human Resources $ 51,250 6-01-20-110-110 Mayor and Council $ 13,650 6-01-20-120-120 Municipal Clerk $ 40,000 $ 8,700 6-01-20-130-130 Financial Administration $ 114,000 $ 35,000 6-01-20-145-145 Tax Collection $ 54,250 $ 12,000 6-01-20-150-150 Tax Assessment $ 42,500 $ 167,125 6-01-20-115-155 Legal Services $ 270,000 1/05/2016 9 6-01-21-180-180 Planning Board $ 7,000 6-01-21-185-185 Board of Adjustment $ 24,000 6-01-21-190-190 Rent Stabilization Board $ 1,250 6-01-25-275-275 Municipal Prosecutor $ 16,750 6-01-43-495-495 Municipal Public Defender $ 13,750 6-01-43-490-490 Municipal Court $ 167,500 $ 22,450 6-01-23-210-210 Group Insurance $3,723,000 6-01-23-215-215 Workers Compensation $ 213,000 6-01-23-220-220 General Insurance $ 608,000 6-01-23-225-225 Reserve for Unemployment $ 30,000 6-01-30-415-415 City Web Site / Info Tech $ 12,000 6-01-30-415-416 Accumulated Wages $ 375,000 6-01-31-430-430 Utilities (Electric & Gas) $ 175,000 6-01-31-435-435 Street Lighting $ 130,000 6-01-31-440-440 Telephone $ 36,375 6-01-31-445-445 Water $ 26,250 6-01-31-455-456 Sewer Treatment – BCUA $1,572,000 6-01-31-460-460 Vehicle Gasoline $ 165,000 6-01-31-461-461 Fire Hydrant Service $ 90,000 6-01-36-472-472 Social Security $ 312,500 6-01-36-476-476 Defined Contribution Retirement Plan $ 1,250 Public Safety 6-01-25-240-240 Police $3,775,000 $ 180,125 6-01-25-240-241 School Crossing Guards $ 117,500 6-01-25-240-242 Traffic Control $ 15,000 $ 15,000 6-01-25-240-243 Communication Operators $ 190,000 6-01-25-252-252 Emergency Management $ 4,200 6-01-25-265-265 Fire $3,168,000 $ 67,000 6-01-25-265-266 Fire Official $ 138,500 $ 5,700 6-01-25-265-267 Fire Alarm $ 32,000 $ 9,300 Uniform Construction Code 6-01-22-195-195 UCC Building Inspectors $ 81,750 $ 6,300 6-01-22-200-200 Inspection of Property $ 84,250 $ 500 6-01-22-200-201 Code Enforcement $ 3,300 6-01-22-200-202 Community Development $ 68,750 Department of Public Works Salaries & Wages Other Expenses 6-01-26-130-130 Public Buildings & Grounds $ 159,000 $ 47,625 6-01-26-290-290 Streets & Roads $ 59,000 $ 31,825 6-01-26-290-290 Snow Removal $ 100,000 $ 100,000 6-01-26-300-300 DPW Administration $ 186,250 $ 18,000 6-01-26-300-301 City Garage $ 84,500 $ 12,325 6-01-26-311-311 Sewer $ 28,750 $ 85,875 6-01-26-313-313 Shade Tree $ 33,875 $ 13,125 6-01-28-375-375 Parks & Playgrounds $ 147,000 $ 31,025 Sanitation 6-01-26-300-302 Street Cleaning $ 30,000 $ 9,075 6-01-26-305-305 Garbage & Trash $ 325,000 $ 100,275 6-01-26-305-306 Recycling $ 5,000 $ 17,000 6-01-26-305-307 Sanitary Landfill $ 387,500 Health & Welfare 6-01-27-330-330 Public Health Clinics $ 11,000 6-01-27-330-331 Health $ 169,000 $ 13,625 6-01-27-330-332 PEOSHA $ 44,550 6-01-27-340-340 Animal Control $ 14,075 6-01-42-250-256 Interlocal - Bergenfield Health Officer $ 8,750 1/05/2016 10 Recreation & Education 6-01-28-370-370 Recreation $ 97,250 $ 20,000 6-01-28-370-371 Cultural Arts $ 16,250 $ 7,500 6-01-30-420-420 Celebration Public Events $ 10,000 $ 17,500 6-01-29-390-390 Johnson Public Library $ 692,708 Debt Service 6-01-45-920-920 Bond Principle $1,530,000 6-01-45-920-930 Bond Interest $ 231,385 6-01-45-940-942 Wastewater Loan Principle $ 37,061 6-01-45-940-942 Wastewater Loan Interest $ 56,032 6-01-45-930-930 Green Trust Loan Principle $ 10,181 6-01-45-930-930 Green Trust Loan Interest $ 3,958 6-01-45-920-945 Capital Lease Principle $ 124,492 6-01-45-920-945 Capital Lease Interest $ 5,179 Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X Total Operations $19,789,758 Debt Service $ 1,998,288 2016 TEMPORARY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS Parking Utility Fund Budget Salaries & Wages Other Expenses 6-05-55-501-000 Parking Operations $66,375 $170,000 6-05-55-522-000 Bond Interest $ 10,615 6-05-55-530-000 Bond Principle $150,000 6-05-55-541-000 Social Security $ 6,250 Total $403,240 1/05/2016 11  CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 08-16 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK SUPPORTING A POLICY OF NAVIGABILITY ON THE HACKENSACK RIVER IN ALL FUTURE RIVER CROSSING PROJECTS WHEREAS, the Hackensack River is a vital environmental and cultural asset to the City of Hackensack and the region generally; and WHEREAS, the Hackensack River and Riverwalk provide a myriad of recreational activities for City and County residents and visitors including fishing, boating, running, walking, bird watching and other eco-friendly and healthy pursuits; and WHEREAS, plans are in development for the repair or replacement of the Route 46 Bridge (Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Bridge) which will allow for the passage of wide and tall vessels; and WHEREAS, the Court Street Bridge (Harold J. Dillard Memorial Bridge) was recently repaired and refurbished to open and allow for the passage of wide and tall vessels; and WHEREAS, plans are in development for the repair or replacement of the Midtown Street/Salem Street Bridge (Ryan Memorial Bridge) which is a fixed-span truss bridge but was once a swing bridge allowing for the passage of wide and tall vessels; and WHEREAS, the Anderson Street Bridge is another fixed span bridge also in need of repair; and WHEREAS, the NYSW Railroad bridge, built in 1914, will eventually need to be replaced; and WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the City of the Hackensack and the entire region that that the Hackensack River be navigable for commercial, environmental and recreational purposes; and WHEREAS, there may be other state and federal laws that mandate navigability; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey as follows: 1 That a copy of this resolution and the aforesaid proposal be sent to the Bergen County Executive with a request for him to forward a copy to any and all relevant County Departments and State Legislature representatives to examine the same and discuss with our City Manager and any other relevant City personnel. 2 That the City Manager review and examine any and all proposals to accomplish the goals set forth in this resolution and that he work with all concerned. 3 That a copy of this resolution be sent to the City of Hackensack Planning Board and Zoning Board. 4 That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Hackensack Riverkeeper. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X 1/05/2016 12  Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 09-16 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE, WITHOUT PAY FOR THREE MONTHS, FOR REGINA ANGELO, DEPUTY CITY CLERK, BEGINNING JANUARY 4, 2016 AND ENDING APRIL 4, 2016 WHEREAS, Regina Angelo, Deputy City Clerk, has requested a Leave of Absence without pay for three months for bonding with her newborn child under the Family Leave Act, and WHEREAS, City Manager David R. Troast has determined that this employee be granted a Leave of Absence for three months, commencing Monday, January 4, 2016 and terminating Monday, April 4, 2016. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the city of Hackensack, that Regina Angelo, Deputy City Clerk, be granted a Leave of Absence for three months, without pay, as requested; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution is forwarded to the employee’s pension system by the Chief Financial Officer. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 10-16 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROPOSED BERGEN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS 2016 WHEREAS, Bergen County Community Development Grants have been proposed by the following organizations located in the municipality of Hackensack, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the State Inter-local Services Act, Community Development funds may not be spent in a municipality without authorization by the Mayor and City Council; and WHEREAS, this resolution does not obligate the financial resources of the municipality and is intended solely to expedite expenditure of the aforesaid 1/05/2016 13 Community Development Funds. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Hackensack hereby confirms endorsement of the following projects; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Director of the Bergen County Community Development Program so that implementation of the aforesaid projects may be expedited. APPLICANT PURPOSE AMOUNT North Jersey Friendship ADA Compliant Bathroom $169,250.00 House Training Kitchen, Parking Lot Construction of Awning Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 11-16 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE 2017 H.A.P.A.D.A GRANT WHEREAS, the Hackensack Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse (H.A.P.A.D.A) has proposed a 2017 grant in the amount of $30, 557.00, qualifying for funding under the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; and WHEREAS, funding will implement relevant ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs) to benefit the community; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack developed a comprehensive plan to provide matching funds equivalent to $3,819.00 in cash and $11,459.00 in-in-kind expenses in addition to the designated D.E.D.R. grant award of $15,279.00 by the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack will act as the fiscal agent for the Hackensack Municipal Drug Alliance; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack do hereby affirm endorsement of the aforesaid Letter of Agreement authorizing Mayor John Labrosse to sign the letter of Agreement jointly with the Municipal Alliance Chairperson and the C.F.O. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Judy Foreman, Alliance Coordinator, Bergen County Office of Alcohol and Drug Dependency, to accompany the 2014-2019 Hackensack Municipal Alliance Plan filed with Bergen County. 1/05/2016 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 Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 12-16 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND – 239 BERRY ST. WHEREAS, a request has been received from the developer for the project known as 239 Berry Street seeking a release of the Performance Bond for said project; and WHEREAS, the City’s Engineer has reviewed the request and determined that all site improvements have been installed in substantial conformance with the approved site plan; and WHEREAS, as per the City Engineer’s recommendation, a Maintenance Bond has been posted in the amount of $93,528.50 for a two year period. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby directed to release Performance Bond #33745 issued by the Service Insurance Company to Hackensack Homes for the project known as 239 Berry Street – Block 335, Lot 3 - in the amount of $168,351.29; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Financial Officer is directed to return any cash portion pledged to the aforementioned Performance Bond in accordance with all rules and regulations promulgated by the Local Finance Board. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 13-16 1/05/2016 15  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND – 61 KANSAS ST. WHEREAS, a request has been received from the developer for the project known as 61 Kansas Street seeking a release of the Performance Bond for said project; and WHEREAS, the City’s Engineer has reviewed the request and determined that all site improvements have been installed in substantial conformance with the approved site plan; and WHEREAS, as per the City Engineer’s recommendation, a Maintenance Bond has been posted in the amount of $23,837.76 for a two year period. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby directed to release Performance Bond #76088223 issued by the Guarantee Company of North America to Packaging Realty, LLC for the project known as 61 Kansas Street - in the amount of $143,026.56; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Financial Officer is directed to return any cash portion pledged to the aforementioned Performance Bond in accordance with all rules and regulations promulgated by the Local Finance Board. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 14-16 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF ESCROW 1 ESSEX ST. WHEREAS, a request has been received for the return of any Professional Review Escrow funds for the project known as 1 Essex St.; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has determined that the balance of escrow funds remaining for this project is $2,221.50; and WHEREAS, the City is in receipt of a certification as to the completeness of the project from the Building / Land Use Department. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby directed to return the balance of Professional Review Escrow Funds in the amount of $2221.50 to One Essex Street Realty, LLC of 560 Hudson St., Hackensack, New Jersey 07601. 1/05/2016 16  Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 15-16 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS (RFP’S) FOR THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DATA PROCESSING SERVICES WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires that the City’s data processing operations be managed by a professional, qualified provider; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires to use the competitive contracting process, which is considered a “fair and open” process under the “New Jersey Local Unit Pay-to-Play Law;” and WHEREAS, such a purpose is expressly allowed for competitive contracting in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1.b(3); and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.3 states that in order to initiate the competitive contracting process the governing body must pass a resolution authorizing same. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack that the City Manager is hereby directed to issue Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) for the Operation and Management of Data Processing Services. 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 Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 16-16 1/05/2016 17  RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK APPROVING LOCAL SUPPLEMENT VIOLATIONS BUREAU SCHEDULE WHEREAS, pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 7:12-4, the following Local Supplemental Violations Bureau Schedule of Designated Offenses and Payable Amounts (“Schedule”) has been proposed by the Hackensack Municipal Court; and WHEREAS, the fines set forth in the Schedule have not been increased in more than ten years; and WHEREAS, the fines set forth in the Schedule are comparable to surrounding municipalities; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack approve the following Schedule: PART I TRAFFIC SECTION Designated Offenses ORD. NO SHORT DESCRIPTION PAYABLE AMOUNT 127-1 Parking on private property 60.00 168-6 Abandoned Vehicle (72 hours) 100.00 170-6(1) No parking - Parks and 60.00 Playgrounds 170-6(3) No Parking – Emergency 60.00 Temporary Signs 170-7 Parking Prohibited at all times 50.00 170-8 Parking Prohibited Certain Hours 50.00 170-9 No Stopping or Standing 50.00 170-10 Limited time parking 50.00 170-11 Angle Parking 60.00 170-12 Commercial vehicle in Residential 75.00 Area 170-13 Trucks over 4 tons excluded 70.00 170-15b Temporary Street Closings 70.00 170-19 Loading Zone 70.00 170-20 Taxi Stand 60.00 PART II NON-TRAFFIC SECTION Designated Offenses ORD. NO SHORT DESCRIPTION PAYABLE AMOUNT 170-21 Bus Stop 60.00 170-25A Snow Emergency 70.00 170-37 Overtime Meter 30.00 170-38 Improperly Parked at Meter 40.00 170-39A Time Limit at Parking Meter 40.00 170-46 City Hall Lot 60.00 170-47(A) Off Street Overtime Meter 30.00 (1) 170-49c Monthly Parking-Permit Only 60.00 170-71 Resident Parking Permit Required 70.00 88-6D(2) Fire Lane- No Parking 100.00 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey that the above Schedule is hereby adopted and that the 1/05/2016 18 Municipal Court is directed to take any and all such action necessary to effectuate the Schedule in accordance with the New Jersey Court Rules. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Excuse Member o d Yes No n t d Battaglia X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Sims X Keeling- Geddis X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 17-16 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT TO HOUSING AUTHORITY BE IT RESOLVED that Michael Allegretta is hereby appointed to the Housing Authority to serve a five year term to expire December 31, 2020. Public Comment A motion to open the meeting to the public was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilman Battaglia. Regina DiPasqua- Parker Avenue- I want to talk about going into the closed session about the resolutions. I wrote to NJ 5, not legit according to them. We are supposed to be transparent. Everything I find says you should give us as much information as possible. You should identify litigation and contracts. Mr. Troast, I looked at the video I think you owe me an apology. I never said either of those things. Main and Bridge I have been talking about these reports and if there was a plan there. This is from Al Borrelli on 6/22/2015 saying the fence will remain there until there is a review of the Engineer’s Report. The Zoning Attorney said the plywood barriers will stay for 2 more weeks then we will have a site inspection to see if it should be replaced with standard fencing, which is what should have been there all along until someone said let’s paint it. The rules got bent. This is all the emails and reports and none say let’s keep it up and paint it—from a professional. Standard construction fencing is a chain link fence so how did this happen? It was questioned for months before, why is it plywood? I wanted to say Happy New Year to all. I am hoping for a year where the average citizen has a little bit more of a feeling of ownership here, a little more being considered when decisions are being made. The ambulance- when the decision was being made the average citizen was not thought about. Let’s try to be less antagonistic. I’m trying, I just ask questions. I want to say about the ambulance- the procedure is still not prominent on the website and people should know. $2.50 a bed per day... it’s not passed yet completely but I hope we get something. 1/05/2016 19 Kathleen Salvo-Hudson Street- Good evening and Happy New Year. I came out on this cold night only because I am concerned about the safety of that corner and the liability that the Council has put upon themselves. The meeting before last, the property owner came and he said you can see behind the fence. You cannot see behind the wall. There was a three feet space with the chain link but a cop would have to stretch his neck to see anything. You can kill someone behind it and there is no way to know. The other thing I questioned Mr. Troast on because I am upset about it is we are bending the rules. We all know the sidewalks need to be a minimum of 48 inches but we lost 3 feet more. The wall there now is 3 feet onto the right of way. It makes a big difference because if two people are walking together and someone has to pass them, they have to walk into the street. When the snow comes and they plow it, we won’t even be able to use that sidewalk at all. That fence should not be in the public right of way. It should be a chain link. This man is doing all these things that nobody else could ever do. You are hiding behind the art to hide the disaster and it shouldn’t be. It shouldn’t be that we are breaking the rules for the sake of art. I sent the Mayor a picture of the cars parking on the sidewalk over there. I asked him to put more light there. It’s dark and it’s dangerous. The two lights that were there are gone now- they were mowed down when we had the fire. The site was a disaster from April to November 11th when the wall was moved back a little. It should be put back to its original state until whatever happens happens. It is no longer a demolition zone or a construction zone. Anywhere else in Hackensack that has been a construction zone has been cleaned up and a chain link fence put up so this shouldn’t have special privileges. One thing is we need three feet or we can’t safely walk and two, you can’t see behind the wall and there’s a big hole there. No one else has left a hole. This same location had garbage cans out there that should not have been there for seven years and no one did anything. If this is what the people who want to develop the City are bringing to us then it’s a shame. That corner is a disaster both for safety and aesthetically. The original setback is three more feet- when it snows where is the snow going to go? How are people going to walk? You can’t navigate the sidewalk. The information has to be accurate so you can make intelligent decisions. The entire City is stacked against the taxpayer. We are the root of redevelopment, we are paying taxes and we aren’t being represented. This is taxation without representation. You are using a lot of our money and we are being put on the backburner. We need more say with the redevelopment. You spent money on the Atlantic Street Park and there are too many trees, too many lights and now this corner is a mess. The people that packed that room were not the taxpayers; they were people that wanted that park to be redeveloped for their own reasons and advantages. I really think some of these meetings should have representation from taxpayers. It’s getting hard to live here especially if you are a resident on a fixed income because then you have a hard time paying taxes. My favorite restaurant left the City. For every new person we get in, three old residents leave. Your money and time should not be spent on developers. You need to be more transparent in this area. If taxes go up, then landlords raise the rent, and they end up moving out. It’s hard for people. The City Manager stated that the Construction Official and Zoning Official have been out to 76 Main Street and there are no violations there. Richard Cerbo- Spring Valley Avenue- Happy New Year everyone, it’s a good time to reinvent yourself and move in a different direction and see things different. I hope in the New Year you can start to fight for the people of Hackensack instead of the developers and the unions and hospital board. You need to fight for the most important which are the people of Hackensack. 1/05/2016 20 I also wanted to mention justice. Judge Learned Hand, often called the 10th Supreme Court Justice who was never appointed, spoke in Central Park on the concept of the “spirit of liberty.” The spirit of liberty is that you are not sure that you are always right; it is wanting to know what is in the mind of other men and women. Let’s have that, let’s know what is going on. I don’t see that anymore in today’s culture. The Mr. Sweeney ruling- he wants to put it up for a vote. He wants hospitals to donate or have a community service fee which is ridiculous. That’s too easy for them, it gets them off the hook. As for Kathy’s temper tantrum last time we were here, I want her to know it’s in the tapes. It could be on any tape, because I have come to this podium several times. I don’t know if you have the temperament to be on the Council. You called me a liar out loud- I am not. I have honesty. You say anyone can come to the mic and say whatever they want and yes they can. You cannot censor it. Let’s talk about goodness. The ancient Greeks thought of it as moving society forward so let’s do good things. Goodness is the best investment and it never fails. Chris Coli- Prospect Avenue- Happy New Year! This will be a 2 phase: I went to pick up my granddaughter today from the library not knowing that Main Street was closed. Is it possible on that TV channel that we will get someday that they put up a geographic picture saying what streets are closed and you have to go this way. It took me 45 minutes from the top of Prospect to get her and bring her home. It was unbelievable. It would be nice to have that TV station. The other thing I have is - Other towns have done this for years but maybe two weeks prior to Christmas, we not charge people to park so that we can entice people to come shop on Main Street by not charging them. Passaic does it- they put paper bags that say from the City Council, Merry Christmas, you don’t have to pay for parking. Also, on the Eric Anderson site the real reason that the wood is up there is because he doesn’t have to pay rental for the fencing that is supposed to be there. He does his own thing and uses cheap wood. The other construction sites have real fence and road dividers so cars can’t get into it and fall into that hole. I think it really should be corrected. Also, I am happy to hear the Building Department is doing their job. How many inspections should they be doing? I worked for the Health Department and we had 3 inspectors, we did inspections, we did marriage certificates, birth certificates, death certificates and we took complaints. We don’t get any other reports. It sounds like the Building Department is the only one doing anything. How about the Health Department, Police and Fire? It’s just a number, empty facts, and I have to believe it’s a good number because I don’t know how many they should be doing. As Health inspector, I had to do a certain amount, and a certain amount per restaurant, the general public doesn’t know about that. The City Manager commented saying it is just code enforcement numbers. It was requested by the public because they were concerned that the Building Department was not doing their job. At the end of the year, the City Manager will give out a report of all department statistics. Mayor comments it was a request from the public to report on the Building Department. Carolyn Davis- Hackensack- I just have a question on the Building inspections, who is in charge is it the court system or City Council? People who have issues with their City property like not painting their house or putting a sign up should not be in the same court room as people who have criminal offenses. You have to sit there through it all and I find it offensive. You have to sit through things with the jail and with interpreters and it’s not a match for someone who forgets to put a sign up or their grass is too long. The City Attorney explained there is only one court to handle every matter in the City, no matter what they may be. Ordinance violations are not a 1/05/2016 21 criminal offence but they are in the same court because we only have one. Criminal matters take priority. In the future maybe it can be done differently because I don’t think it belongs in the same place. I have had issues with my deceased parents’ property and I have to take a day off from work and sit there for hours and it is just very annoying to be in there. The Mayor commented the Council does not handle what the courts do. They are run differently. We could make a suggestion but once you start separating the courts then you would have a court for everything. What if there were no violations? Then you are paying people to be there for no reason but I understand your point that if your grass is too high and you want to fight it, you shouldn’t have to sit there for hours. It would be hard to set up separate days for each offense. A motion to close the meeting to the public was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilman Sims. Council Comments Councilman Battaglia- The only thing I can say is many people come here and complain about taxes and they have to realize we pay taxes too. I am in no way in cahoots with developers or something that I’m going to favor them and my taxes are going to go higher and higher. I don’t want to pay the taxes either but that’s the rules. We are working in a way that who knows, maybe someday we pay less. Maybe by 2021 or 2022 we can pay less but right now we are paying and that’s part of the game. I would love to pay less too but no matter who is going to be here they will continue with the same game. We have to pay taxes so we can pay for services like the Police, Fire Departments, teachers and everyone. There is no way we are going to be able to say reduce the taxes. We need to control the spending. We try to have a better plan but the goal is the get to a point where the taxes can remain the same and we get revenue from these buildings and try to watch what we spend City money on. It takes time. Why people did not come to meetings and complain the past 20 years about what they spent money on? There was a debt created that we now have to pay. That is all part of the problem. Thank you everyone for coming and Happy New Year. Deputy Mayor Canestrino- Happy New Year! I look forward to having a good 2016 here in the great City of Hackensack. Just a few words about the boards, we are in the process like every January of going through and looking at board appointments and reappointments. I want to thank all who applied and those who serve and want to be reappointed and want to sign up again. Also, I want to thank those who have other demands and aren’t signing up again. I want to thank you for your time and service to the City. We still have spots that need to be filled on a few boards so we are going to be posting which ones are still open on the website if you are interested. We have a number of new residents who applied for first time which is great. We are in the process of interviews in the next few weeks so if you applied and get a phone call, you will meet with us and discuss your ideas. Hopefully by the next council meeting we will have a list of appointments to announce. Everyone here or at home, if you want your voice to be heard this is a great 1/05/2016 22 way to do it. The more people who contribute on these boards, the better it is for all of us. There is the Rec board, Veterans, Cultural Arts, Planning, Zoning etc. and it’s a way to have your voice heard. If you want to apply, hopefully we find a good fit for you in the City. Thanks again, have a good night! Councilman Sims- None Councilwoman Keeling-Geddis- Happy New Year! Good evening everyone! A new year gives us an opportunity to do better in all aspects of our lives. Thank you all for coming out on this cold night and thanks for a quick meeting tonight. Mayor Labrosse- Happy New Year everyone! I’m looking forward to a good New Year. No one on this council is in developers’ pockets or vice versa. It’s ridiculous to say we are doing things just for the developers’ favor. If you look at every PILOT we have done so far, those quadruple the amount of tax revenue that was coming from those properties. If anyone can tell me that’s a bad thing then I’d have to question it. Development is the key to our success. Looking forward to it in the next month Merida will be open and renting out. I’m looking to see how it goes, I’m sure the other developers are too. I am guessing it will go quick, those apartments are reasonable and it’s a nice little building. Everything about that fence is legal. I have had more compliments about it than complaints. The park as well, I have had more compliments than complaints. We are trying to do a good thing for the City with the arts. Some people don’t like the art and that’s fine, you don’t have to. Mixing art with the development is a good thing and it is part of our plan and will remain part of it moving forward. Thanks for coming out on this cold night- go home have some hot chocolate and get warm. Get home safe, thanks for coming, see you in two weeks. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Approved by Mayor and Council on January 26, 2016. ______________________________________ Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr. ______________________________________ Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino ______________________________________ Councilman David Sims ______________________________________ 1/05/2016 23  Councilman Leonardo Battaglia ______________________________________ Councilwoman Deborah Keeling-Geddis _______________________________________ Deborah Karlsson, City Clerk 1/05/2016 24