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, April 23, 2019 at 8:10 p.m. Mayor Labrosse called the meeting to order and the City Clerk Deborah Karlsson announced that the meeting was being held in accordance with the Sunshine Law, notice having been published according to law, with a copy on file in the City Clerk’s office, and a copy posted on the bulletin board in City Hall. Attendance Ms. Karlsson called the roll: Mayor Labrosse, Deputy Mayor Canestrino, Deputy Mayor Sims and Councilwoman Von Rudenborg were present. City Manager Ted Ehrenburg was present. City Attorney Steven Kleinman was present. Councilman Battaglia was absent. Flag Salute Proclamations and Presentations – Arbor Day Approval of Minutes - 2019 Budget Hearing: Jim Mangin – As you recall, at the March 26 meeting we introduced the budget. By law, we have a public hearing no less than 28 days later. Normally, after the public hearing we will either amend or adopt the budget but we have not gotten state approval yet. 2019 was to be the year when CFOs were to submit their budgets electronically for the fist time. We still do it on paper. There were still problems with the program so we were all told to submit manually. That triggered the State getting a whole bunch of budgets at the same time. They promised we will have approval in time for May 7 meeting. We still have to have our public hearing tonight because it has been advertised but we will not be able to vote for the adoption tonight. That will have to be pulled until the May 7 meeting. The budget is $106,763,378.18. It is an increase of 1.5 million over last year. It is a tax decrease of $186,516. The reason for the decrease is we said we would decrease the municipal levy to compensate for the new Hackensack Open Space levy which would result in 0 increase. It is our intent to keep this tax levy at this same level for the next 5 budget cycles. It is ambition but it is obtainable, difficult but not impossible. The budget presentation is on the website as is the budget itself. A motion to open the meeting to the public was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims. No one wished to speak. A motion to close the meeting to the public was offered by Deputy Mayor Sims and seconded by Deputy Mayor Canestrino City Manager’s Report The City will be hosting an Arbor Day celebration with the Shade Tree Committee on Friday April 26 at 10AM. This year’s tree will be planted at Hackensack Fire Department Engine 2 at 107 South Summit Avenue. April 27 is Slam Dunk the Junk from 9AM to 1PM in an effort to clean up the city. There are more details on the website. The City will be postponing the food truck festival until fall. More details to come. However, there is talks with the Main Street Alliance and we may put something together on a small scale. We have never had a food truck festival so we are going to start small and see how it works. Building Department 91 notices, 119 inspections, 9 04/23/2019 1 summonses, 11 CCOs, 18 OPRA requests were fulfilled. Pothole repairs are still underway, please call the hotline to report any potholes. City Shred Event is June 15 from 1 to 5PM in the Sear’s parking lot. The 27 th Golf tournament is on Wednesday June 12. More information is on the website. Resolutions Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 185-19 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 19-2019, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 170 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” TO ADD A NEW HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE IN SECTION 49.2, “PARKING FOR THE HANDICAPPED” BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 19-2019 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 May 7, 2019 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. 19-2019 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 170 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” TO ADD NEW HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES IN SECTION 49.2, “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 Council of the City of Hackensack wishes to amend Chapter 170 of the Code of the City of Hackensack, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic,” to add new handicapped parking spaces to Section 49.2, entitled “Parking for the Handicapped;” and, WHEREAS, the Hackensack Police Department and the City Engineer have investigated the matter and have determined that adding such handicapped parking spaces will not significantly impact on-street parking, nor will it affect traffic flow. 04/23/2019 2  WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the City’s best interest to take this action. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, as follows: Section 1: Chapter 170, Section 49.2 of the Code of the City of Hackensack is hereby amended as follows [additions by underline] §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 Spaces Emerald Street North From a point 224 feet west of the north/west intersection of Hackensack Avenue and Emerald Street to a point 22 feet west thereof/1 Emerald Street North From a point 339 feet west of the northern curbline of Emerald Street to a point 22 feet west thereof/1 Emerald Street South From a point 18 feet from the dead end of Emerald Street to a point 22 feet east thereof/1 Section 2: All other provisions of Chapter 170, Section 49.2 of the Code of the City of Hackensack shall remain unchanged. Section 3: Repeal of Inconsistent Provisions. All ordinances or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed, but only however, to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency, it being the legislative intent that all ordinances or part of ordinances now existing or in effect unless the same being conflict or inconsistent with any provision of this Ordinance shall remain in effect. Section 4: Severability. The provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable and if any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof for any reason is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases of this Ordinance, but shall remain in effect; it being the legislative intent this Ordinance shall stand notwithstanding the invalidity of any part. Section 5: Codification. This Ordinance shall be a part of the Code of the City of Hackensack as though codified and fully set forth therein. The City Clerk shall have this ordinance codified and incorporated in the official copies of the Code. The City Clerk and the City Attorney are authorized and directed to change any Chapter, Article and/or Section number of the Code of the City of Hackensack in the event that the codification of this Ordinance reveals that there is a conflict between the numbers and the existing Code, and in order to avoid confusion and possible accidental repealers of existing provisions not intended to be repealed. Section 6: This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage, adoption, and publication in the manner prescribed by law. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X Deputy X X 04/23/2019 3  Mayor Sims Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 186-19 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 20-2019, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 170 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” TO MODIFY THE TIMES CERTAIN CITY STREETS ARE DECLARED “NO PARKING” AREAS BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 20-2019 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 May 7, 2019 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. 20-2019 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 170 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” TO MODIFY THE TIMES CERTAIN CITY STREETS ARE DECLARED “NO PARKING” AREAS. 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 Council of the City of Hackensack has established no parking restrictions at certain times on certain streets within the City, as enumerated in Section 170-51 of the Code of the City of Hackensack; and, WHEREAS, the City Council believes that certain modifications to the times the City has established “no parking” restrictions on portions of Lawrence Street, Myer Street and Sussex Street are necessary for the efficient movement of vehicles and traffic and to assist parking within the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, as follows: Section 1: Chapter 170, Section 51 of the Code of the City of Hackensack is hereby amended as follows [deletions by strikethrough]: §170-51. Schedule II: No Parking Certain Hours. 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: Street Side Day Time Location Lawrence St. North Monday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Union Street to State Street 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Myer Street North Monday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Union Street to State Street 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. 04/23/2019 4  Myer Street South Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Union Street to State Street 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Sussex Street North Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Union Street to State Street 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Section 2: All other provisions of Chapter 170, Section 51 of the Code of the City of Hackensack shall remain unchanged. Section 3: Repeal of Inconsistent Provisions. All ordinances or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed, but only however, to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency, it being the legislative intent that all ordinances or part of ordinances now existing or in effect unless the same being conflict or inconsistent with any provision of this Ordinance shall remain in effect. Section 4: Severability. The provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable and if any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof for any reason is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases of this Ordinance, but shall remain in effect; it being the legislative intent this Ordinance shall stand notwithstanding the invalidity of any part. Section 5: Codification. This Ordinance shall be a part of the Code of the City of Hackensack as though codified and fully set forth therein. The City Clerk shall have this ordinance codified and incorporated in the official copies of the Code. The City Clerk and the City Attorney are authorized and directed to change any Chapter, Article and/or Section number of the Code of the City of Hackensack in the event that the codification of this Ordinance reveals that there is a conflict between the numbers and the existing Code, and in order to avoid confusion and possible accidental repealers of existing provisions not intended to be repealed. Section 6: This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage, adoption, and publication in the manner prescribed by law. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 187-19 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 21-2019, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53(b) FOR THE PREPARTION OF APPROVED TAX MAPS BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 21-2019 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 May 7, 2019 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 04/23/2019 5 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 #21-2019 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53(b) FOR THE PREPARATION OF APPROVED TAX MAPS WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53(b) permits a local unit to adopt an ordinance authorizing a special emergency appropriation for engagement of special consultants for the preparation of approved tax maps; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack is desirous to complete the update of City tax maps; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, New Jersey, that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53(b), a special emergency appropriation is hereby made in the amount of $242,000 for costs relating to the preparation of approved tax maps. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the deferred charge as a result of said emergency appropriation shall commence in 2020 at one-fifth (1/5) per year , or $48,400.00 per year for the next five years; BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby repealed to such inconsistencies; BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, all ordinances or parts of ordinances not inconsistent with this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect; BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, a certified copy of this ordinance shall be filed with the Division of Local Government Services. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 188-19 RESOULTION AUTHORIZING SPECIAL EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR APPROVED TAX MAP UPDATES WHEREAS, it has been found necessary to make an Emergency Appropriation to meet certain extraordinary expenses incurred, or to be incurred, for the update of approved City tax maps; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53(b) provides that it shall be lawful to make such appropriation, which, appropriation and/or the “special 04/23/2019 6 emergency notes” issued to finance the same shall be provided for in succeeding annual budgets by the inclusion of an appropriation of at least one-fifth of the amount authorized pursuant to this act. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, (by not less than two-thirds of all governing body members affirmatively concurring) that in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A-4-55: 1. An emergency appropriation is hereby made for a City-Wide Tax Re-Assessment in the total amount of $242,000. 2. That the emergency appropriation shall be provided for in the budgets of the next succeeding years by the inclusion of not less than $48,400. 3. That an “emergency note,” not in excess of the amount authorized pursuant to law, be provided. 4. That such note shall be executed by James A. Mangin – Chief Financial Officer. 5. That said note shall be dated May 2019, may be renewed from time to time provided that such note and any renewals shall mature and be paid in the amount of not less than one-fifth of the total amount appropriated by this resolution in each year after authorization. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to sell said notes and any renewals from time to time. 6. That the statement required by the Local Finance Boards has been filed with the Clerk and a copy will be transmitted to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services. 7. That two (2) certified copies of this resolution will be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services; however, no approval is required from the Division. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 189-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX REFUNDS FOR STATE BOARD JUDGMENTS 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 PROP LOC $3,541.20 230 3.03 Daniel G Keough, Trustee 2011 State Board Judgment For Gunther Metsch Et Al 200 Atlantic St 04/23/2019 7  783 Springfield Ave Summit, NJ 07901 $3,714.00 230 3.03 Daniel G Keough, Trustee 2012 State Board Judgment For Gunther Metsch Et Al 200 Atlantic St 783 Springfield Ave Summit, NJ 07901 $3,860.40 230 3.03 Daniel G Keough, Trustee 2013 State Board Judgment For Gunther Metsch Et Al 200 Atlantic St 783 Springfield Ave Summit, NJ 07901 $3,986.40 230 3.03 Daniel G Keough, Trustee 2014 State Board Judgment For Gunther Metsch Et Al 200 Atlantic St 783 Springfield Ave Summit, NJ 07901 $4,200.00 230 3.03 Daniel G Keough, Trustee 2015 State Board Judgment For Gunther Metsch Et Al 200 Atlantic St 783 Springfield Ave Summit, NJ 07901 Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 190-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUILDING DEPARTMENT REFUND FOR RETURN OF PERMIT FEE DUE TO CANCELLATION OF THE PROJECT TO SUNRUN INSTALLATION SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $168.00 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: $168.00 is a refund for a Hackensack Building Department permit 176 Bonhomme Street Permit #18-1717 Refund to: Sunrun Installation Services 227 N Rt. 303 Congers, New York 10920 Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X 04/23/2019 8  Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 191-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX APPEAL ATTORNEY TO SETTLE THE CASES ON THE ATTACHED LIST DATED APRIL 23, 2019 THAT WERE SCHEDULED FOR TRIAL OR SETTLEMENT WHEREAS, the names on the attached list are owners of real estate of the Block and Lots specified on said list; and WHEREAS, the owners set forth on the list have filed tax appeals challenging the assessments for the above referenced tax years as more specifically set forth on said list; and WHEREAS, each Block and Lots listed therein was/were assessed at the amount stated therein for the noted tax years; and WHEREAS, the owners are seeking a reduction in the total assessments for said Block and Lots for the respective years; and WHEREAS, the City’s Tax Appeal Attorney, Matthew J. O’Donnell, Esq. has completed discovery/inquiry with respect to these matters and has consulted with the City Tax Assessor, Arthur Carlson, CTA and the City’s Appraiser, Robert McNerney, MAI and has conducted extensive negotiations with counsel for the taxpayer; and WHEREAS, the parties have agreed that prejudgment interest shall be waived as a condition of any and all settlements; and WHEREAS, the City’s Tax Appeal Attorney, Matthew J. O’Donnell, Esq., the City’s Appraiser, Robert McNerney, MAI, and the City’s Tax Assessor, Arthur Carlson, CTA are in agreement with the terms of said settlements and believe that it would be in the best interest of the City to settle said cases in accordance with the terms as stated on the attached list; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governing Body of the City of Hackensack agrees to authorize the City’s Tax Appeal Attorney, Matthew J. O’Donnell, Esq. to execute a Stipulation of Settlement on behalf of the City of Hackensack with respect to the cases on the attached list pending in the Tax Court of New Jersey for the tax years and at the new assessments stated on said list; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution are to be provided to the City Clerk, City Tax Assessor and the City Tax Appeal Attorney, Matthew J. O’Donnell, Esq. Council Abstai Absen Recuse Member Intro Second Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 192-19 04/23/2019 9  MAIN STREET BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. 2019 BUDGET WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56-84, the District Management Corporation known as the “Main Street Business Alliance, Inc.” has submitted its proposed budget for 2019 to the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack in the amount of $463,291.00 for the purposes of introduction; and WHEREAS, municipal approval of said budget may be conferred only upon compliance with the requested statutory notices and procedures, and not prior to a public hearing on said budget to be held not less than twenty-eight (28) days from the date of introduction; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Hackensack as follows: 1. The appropriate City Officials are hereby directed to undertake all necessary procedures set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:56-84 prior to the Public Hearing on the proposed budget; and 2. May 21, 2019 at 8:00 P.M., is hereby established as the date of the public hearing on the proposed budget. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 193-19 EMERGENCY TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION Prior to the Adoption of the Budget Per N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 WHEREAS, an emergency condition has arisen with respect to the need to make payments for operating expenses prior to the adoption of the budget, and no adequate provision has been made in the 2019 temporary budget for the aforesaid purpose; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 provides for the creation of an emergency temporary appropriations for the purpose above mentioned; and WHEREAS, 26.25% of the total appropriations in the 2018 Budget, exclusive of any appropriations made for interest and debt redemption charges, capital improvements, and public assistance is $24,917,125.28; and WHEREAS, the total emergency temporary appropriations adopted in the year pursuant to the provision of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 (Chapter 96, P.L. 1951 amended) including this resolution total $37,446,713. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, (not less than two-thirds of all members therefore affirmatively concurring) that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20: 1. An emergency temporary appropriation be and the same is hereby made for: CURRENT FUND TEMPORARY BUDGET APPROPRIATION S&W O/E TOTAL Municipal Clerk 9-01-20-120120 13,000 10,000 23,000 04/23/2019 10 Elections 9-01-20-120-121 8,000 8,000 Audit Services 9-01-20-135-135 25,000 25,000 Inspection of Property 9-01-22-200-200 21,000 21,000 Group Health Insurance 9-01-23-210-210 500,000 500,000 Police 9-01-25-240-240 20,000 20,000 School Crossing Guards 9-01-25-240-241 34,000 34,000 Communication Oper 9-01-25-240-243 34,000 34,000 Fire Official 9-01-25-265-266 3,000 3,000 Fire Alarm 9-01-25-265-267 8,000 8,000 Municipal Prosecutor 9-01-25-275-275 3,000 3,000 DPW Admin 9-01-26-300-300 15,000 15,000 Recycling 9-01-26-305-306 11,000 11,000 Telephone 9-01-31-440-440 20,000 20,000 Water 9-01-31-445-445 15,000 15,000 Pension – PERS 9-01-36-471-471 1,519,993 1,519,993 Pension – PFRS 9-01-36-475-475 8,049,340 8,049,340 DCRP 9-01-36-476-476 2,000 2,000 Municipal Court 9-01-43-490-490 7,000 7,000 Debt Serv – Loan Princ 9-01-45-920-942 15,000 15,000 2. That said emergency appropriation will be provided for in the 2019 operating budget in full. 3. That three certified copies of this resolution be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services Counc il Abse Memb Intr Secon Abstai nt Recuse er o d Yes No n d Von Rudenborg Deputy Mayor Canestrino Deputy Mayor Sims Battaglia Mayor Labrosse PULLED CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 194-19 2019 MUNICIPAL BUDGET ADOPTION Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X Battaglia X X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 195-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1 TO ARCADIS U.S. INC. FOR UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK CLOSURE 04/23/2019 11  AND REMOVAL AT 18-22 BRIDGE STREET WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack required engineering services for the underground storage tank closure and removal at 18-22 Bridge St. in Hackensack; and WHEREAS, the City solicited Requests for Proposals and awarded a contract to Arcadis U.S., Inc. on May 22, 2018 as per Resolution #204-18; and WHEREAS, unforeseen circumstances require work beyond the scope of the original contract, necessitating additional work by Arcadis to properly report the closure of this tank. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, as follows: 1. Arcadis U.S. of 17-17 Route 208 North, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 is hereby awarded Change Order #1 in an amount not to exceed $15,000, bringing the total contract amount to $51,000, for the engineering services related to the 18-22 Bridge St. Underground Storage Tank Closure & Removal Project, in accordance with the proposal attached thereof. 2. A Certification of Funds has been prepared and authorized by the Chief Financial Officer for the said contract assuring that there is a sufficient appropriation to fund the purchases authorized in this resolution as an express and mandatory condition of the award of this contract. 3. The budget account to be charged is 9-01-26-311-311-204. 4. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the contract documents necessary to effectuate the award of this contract. The City Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award. Counc il Abse Memb Intr Secon Abstai nt Recuse er o d Yes No n d Von Rudenborg X X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 196-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF ESCROW – 295 POLIFLY ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,235.38 WHEREAS, a request has been received for the return of any Professional Review Escrow funds for the project known as 295 Polifly Road; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has determined that the balance of escrow funds remaining for this project is $12,235.38; 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 $12,235.38 to 295 Polifly Realty, LLC of 2417 3 rd St., Fort Lee, NJ 07024. 04/23/2019 12  Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 197-19 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 $572,249.32 Grants 27,549.00 Payroll 1,607,370.01 Public Parking System 1,104.42 Capital 453,948.67 Escrow 93,089.19 Trust Account 68,463.37 Total Expenditures 2,754,552.09 Interfunds/Transfers $ 146,216.93 Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 198-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF SUSAN MCVEIGH AS CITY OF HACKENSACK’S INTERIM LOCAL REGISTRAR WHEREAS, Maria M. Tartaglione is a Certified Municipal Registrar and is qualified for the position of Local Registrar, having received her Certification from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services; and will be on maternity leave from April 15, 2019 to September 1, 2019; and WHEREAS, Susan McVeigh is a Certified Municipal Registrar and is qualified for the position of Interim Registrar, having received her Certification from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services; and will act as the City of Hackensack Interim Local Registrar for the time Ms. Tartalgione is on maternity leave; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:8-11 et seq., in those districts where there is no Board of Health, the appointment shall be made by the Governing Body. 04/23/2019 13  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Susan McVeigh is hereby appointed as Interim Local Registrar for the City of Hackensack effective April 15, 2019 and term will expire September 1, 2019 or when Ms. Tartaglione returns from maternity leave, whichever comes first. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 199-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RECREATION REFUND FOR A PARK PERMIT DEPOSIT 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: Summit Church Amount: $50.00 720 Summit Avenue Hackensack, NJ 07601 (Permit Deposit) Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 200-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NEGLIA ENGINEERING FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES PARKING LOT E IMPROVEMENTS WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack requires engineering services for surveying and design tasks related to the Parking Lot E Improvement Project; and WHEREAS, the City has solicited Requests for Proposals regarding the engineering services required for said services; and WHEREAS, a proposal was received from Neglia Engineering Associates; and 04/23/2019 14  WHEREAS, it was determined that the proposal received from Neglia Engineering Associates was the most advantageous to the City based on cost, expertise in this field and vast experience and specific knowledge of this particular project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, as follows: 1. Neglia Engineering Associates of 34 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 is hereby awarded a contract in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for the engineering services related to the Parking Lot E Improvement Project, in accordance with the proposal attached thereof. 2. A Certification of Funds has been prepared and authorized by the Chief Financial Officer for the said contract assuring that there is a sufficient appropriation to fund the purchases authorized in this resolution as an express and mandatory condition of the award of this contract. 3. The budget account to be charged is 9-05-55-502-000-204. 4. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the contract documents necessary to effectuate the award of this contract. The City Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 201-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SUBURBAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS – FOR JOHNSON PARK PISTOL RANGE BERM REMEDIATION WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack requires engineering services, specifically the need for a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) for the Soil Berm Remediation at the former Pistol Range in Johnson Park; and WHEREAS, the City solicited Requests for Proposals regarding engineering services for said project; and WHEREAS, it was determined that the proposal received from Suburban Consulting Engineers is the most advantageous to the City based on cost, expertise in this field and vast experience and specific knowledge of this particular project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, as follows: 1. Suburban Consulting Engineers of 96 U.S. Highway 206, Flanders, NJ 07836 is hereby awarded a contract in an amount not to exceed $30,330 for the LSRP services related to the Soil Berm Remediation at Johnson Park, in accordance with the proposal attached thereof. 2. A Certification of Funds has been prepared and authorized by the Chief Financial Officer for the said contract assuring that there is a sufficient appropriation to fund the purchases authorized in this resolution as an express and mandatory condition of the award of this contract. 3. The budget account to be charged is C-04-16-014-000-100. 04/23/2019 15  4. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the contract documents necessary to effectuate the award of this contract. The City Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 202-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD CONTRACT FOR REDEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL CONSULTANT SERVICES TO NW FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack requires financial consultant services for various redevelopment projects within the City of Hackensack; and WHEREAS, the City has solicited Requests for Proposals on March 1, 2019 regarding the consulting services required for said project; and WHEREAS, one proposal was received from NW Financial Group, LLC; and WHEREAS, it was determined that the proposal received from NW Financial Group, LLC was the most advantageous to the City based on cost, expertise in this field and experience and specific knowledge of this particular project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, as follows: 1. NW Financial Group, LLC of 2 Hudson Place, Hoboken, NJ 07030 is hereby awarded a contract for redevelopment financial services, in accordance with the proposal attached thereof. 2. A Certification of Funds has been prepared and authorized by the Chief Financial Officer for the said contract assuring that there is a sufficient appropriation to fund the purchases authorized in this resolution as an express and mandatory condition of the award of this contract. 3. The budget account to be charged is 9-01-20-170-170-204 and the various developer escrow accounts. 4. Compensation for said Redevelopment Financial Consultant shall be claimed, approved and paid in the manner set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:5- 16 and pursuant to a contract to be entered into between the parties. 5. The maximum dollar amount of this contract is reasonably estimated to be $50,000 over the contract term; however, the local unit is not obligated to spend this amount. 6. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the contract documents necessary to effectuate the award of this contract. The City Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award. Council Intr Secon Yes No Abstai Recuse Member o d n Absen d 04/23/2019 16  t Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 203-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD CONTRACT TO DARMOFALSKI ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC FOR THE JOHNSON PARK TURF FIELD WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack requires engineering services for the installation of a turf field in Johnson Park; and WHEREAS, the City has solicited Requests for Proposals regarding the engineering services required for said project; and WHEREAS, a proposal was received from Darmofalski Engineering Associates; and WHEREAS, it was determined that the proposal received from Darmofalski Engineering Associates was the most advantageous to the City based on cost, expertise in this field and experience and specific knowledge of this particular project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, as follows: 1. Darmofalski Engineering Associates, Inc. of 86 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 007457 is hereby awarded a contract in an amount not to exceed $13,000 for the engineering services related to installation and oversight of the turf field installation at Johnson Park, in accordance with the proposal attached thereof. 2. A Certification of Funds has been prepared and authorized by the Chief Financial Officer for the said contract assuring that there is a sufficient appropriation to fund the purchases authorized in this resolution as an express and mandatory condition of the award of this contract. 3. The budget account to be charged is C-04-18-051-000-100. 4. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the contract documents necessary to effectuate the award of this contract. The City Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 204-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PREPARATION OF APPROVED TAX MAPS TO DMC ASSOCIATES, INC. 04/23/2019 17  WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack requires an update to the City’s approved tax maps; and WHEREAS, the City has solicited Requests for Proposals on March 1, 2019 regarding the services required for said project; and WHEREAS, three proposals were received from DMC Associates, Inc., Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc. and Neglia Engineering Associates; and WHEREAS, it was determined that the proposal received from DMC Associates, Inc. was the most advantageous to the City based on cost, expertise in this field and experience and specific knowledge of this particular project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, as follows: 1. DMC Associates, Inc. of 211 Main St., Butler, NJ 07405 is hereby awarded a five-year contract in an amount not to exceed $247,077 for the preparation of approved tax maps, in accordance with the proposal attached thereof. 2. A Certification of Funds has been prepared by the Chief Financial Officer for the said contract assuring that there is a sufficient appropriation to fund the purchases authorization in this resolution as an express and mandatory condition of this contract. 3. The budget account to be charged is 9-01-20-150-150-212. 4. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the contract documents necessary to effectuate the award of this contract. The City Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 205-19 RESOLUTION TO REJECT HATE WITHIN THE CITY OF HACKENSACK WHEREAS, America is a mosaic of people from every corner of the globe and a place that strives for racial, ethnic, cultural and religious acceptance; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack reflects the greater American community.; and WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack recognizes that violence against others due to their identity is not in keeping with American values; and WHEREAS, Hackensack rejects hate in all its forms, especially the type that results in violence against any particular group; and WHEREAS, Hackensack rejects the labeling of groups as being less 04/23/2019 18 valued than any other group; and WHEREAS, Hackensack values its diverse and culturally rich community; and WHEREAS, Hackensack supports efforts by members of our community that foster communication and understanding between the diverse religious, cultural and racial communities in our town; and WHEREAS, Hackensack supports efforts of local, county, state and national leaders to take steps to reject hate through legislative initiatives and to speak out against hate to insure others do not feel that hate is the norm; and WHEREAS, Hackensack supports efforts of other organizations that call out hate in all its forms and tries to follow American values that no one should be targeted because of their identity; and WHEREAS, Hackensack supports the efforts of local, county, state police organizations in their efforts to keep all houses of worship and gathering places the safe refuge they should be; and WHEREAS, Hackensack supports community efforts to reach out and learn about different groups in order to increase our understanding of others decreasing the isolation of communities; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, Bergen County, New Jersey that the City of Hackensack rejects hate in all its forms, will strive to be the example of racial, religious and ethnic acceptance, will foster an environment of inclusion and acceptance in all City sanctioned events; will ask its state leaders to be active in fighting hatred in all its forms through the legislative process, and will foster an environment in all City events that promote the values of inclusion and acceptance; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution is to be shared with our state legislative leaders, county leaders and the surrounding municipalities in an effort to raise awareness of the importance that we all need to reject hate based on identity. Council Intr Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member o d Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X 04/23/2019 19  CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 206-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR JOHNSON PARK GREENHOUSE ASSESSMENT TO DMR ARCHITECTS WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack wishes to complete a comprehensive assessment of the existing greenhouse in Johnson Park, including a review of any potential hazardous materials which need to be abated; and WHEREAS, the City has solicited Requests for Proposals regarding the planning, surveying and inspection services required for said project; and WHEREAS, a proposal was received from DMR Architects; and WHEREAS, it was determined that the proposal received from DMR Architects was the most advantageous to the City based on cost, vast expertise in this field and experience and specific knowledge of this particular project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, as follows: 1. DMR Architects of 777 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 is hereby awarded a contract in an amount not to exceed $19,290 for the planning, surveying, code review as well as hazardous materials inspection, sampling and reporting related to a comprehensive assessment of the Johnson Park Greenhouse, in accordance with the proposal attached thereof. 2. A Certification of Funds has been prepared and authorized by the Chief Financial Officer for the said contract assuring that there is a sufficient appropriation to fund the purchases authorized in this resolution as an express and mandatory condition of the award of this contract. 3. The budget account to be charged is 9-01-20-165-165-204. 4. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the contract documents necessary to effectuate the award of this contract. The City Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award. Council Abstai Absen Recuse Member Intro Second Yes No n t d Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 207-19 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING LISAMARIE SCHIELI AS RECYCLING COORDINATOR AND AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT APPLICATION WHEREAS, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, P.L. 1987, C.102, has established a recycling fund from which tonnage grants may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local source separation and recycling programs; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Act to use the grants to develop new municipal recycling programs and to expand existing programs; and 04/23/2019 20  WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) is publicizing recycling regulations to implement the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act; and WHEREAS, the recycling regulations impose on municipalities certain requirements as a condition for applying for tonnage grants, such as the keeping of accurate verifiable records of collected materials; and WHEREAS, Hackensack’s authorization to apply for a tonnage grant will honor its commitment to recycling; and WHEREAS, Hackensack employs a Certified Recycling Professional, Lisamarie Schieli, who held this credential for 2018, and is therefore qualified to complete and submit the Annual Recycling Tonnage Report to the NJDEP, which is a condition of receiving the tonnage grant; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack hereby endorse the submission of the recycling tonnage grant application for the year 2018 to the NJDEP, designates Lisamarie Schieli as Recycling Coordinator, and directs her to take all necessary actions in furtherance of this grant application; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the monies received from the recycling tonnage grant be deposited in a trust fund to be used solely for recycling purposes. Public Comment A motion to open the meeting to the public was offered by Deputy Mayor Sims and seconded by Deputy Mayor Canestrino Pastor Ray Hermoso – Hackensack – I am a local pastor. I have been around the city of Hackensack for a long time and I have never seen it better. It is clean. I don’t have a problem driving through the city. The DPW is not what it used to be; you can approach them. I find a good repour with the city. I see the trust that investors have in the city and I am excited. I sleep in Paramus but I live in Hackensack. I love Hackensack. I have never seen it better. The sense of trust throughout the city. The testament is the builders, they would not have come here if they didn’t trust it. I hope to get a little condominium somewhere in Hackensack and be able to walk to Main Street. Saying all that about the construction, there is a little hiccup. I try to keep up with the city. The city motivates me. we invest a lot of money to landscape and beautify the place. I try to fix my parking and I have been to the city a couple times to get the work done. I want to cover the crack and put a layer of tar. If I come to the city and apply for a permit, they want me to go to and engineer, and the grade system. I am a minister, a pastor, and we try to be coherent and connect with everything but when they tell me I need to go to an attorney, I think we can do this simpler than that. I am not asking for much. It is just a little portion that I want to re-cap. I want to comply. Mayor Labrosse – You can give your information to the City Manager and he will look into it. Paul Nickels – Hackensack – I sent Ted an email about a bill that Assemblywoman Huttle sponsored. You remember Code Blue, this is Code Red. She sponsored the bill but I don’t know if it passed. I think it would be important because it does get hot. Her bill is when the temperature gets to be 90-95 degrees. It would be good to promote it because it’s not only for homeless people, it is for people who may not have power, seniors, anything that is uninhabitable. City Manager responded – The M&M Building would be one site we could use. The County has a cooling center. When it heats up, we do use the lobby of 04/23/2019 21 City Hall and there are other designated buildings. I have spoken to Deputy Chief Niland and we are in pretty good shape. I think the city is prepared. Kathleen Salvo – Hackensack – I am a safety advocate and I came home and I was shocked to see the corner of Main and Anderson with the fence right to the curb line with no public right of way. Then when I see a carriage and a mother holding a child and walking in the street on Anderson to get to Main Street, there is no reason to block the sidewalk unless there is demolition going on. It is minimum of 48 inches. There is nothing, they went right to the curb line. The fence should be moved back and if they do any construction, they block the sidewalk at that time when there is activity going on. The other corner is the corner of Bridge and Moore. We have a lot of pedestrians in those areas. Gale Wells – Hackensack – I love Hackensack too and I am glad to be living here especially with all the development going on. I am not saying the property owner doesn’t have the right to protect his tenants but for 18 years they just had a security guard and now they need these gates. The last two weekends the gates have gone down on Friday night until Monday morning when the security guard is back. On this last report it looks like everything was within 2 decibel points but in order to be in violation it had to be above that. I find it suspicious. The weather was incredibly calm. The noise was so loud. There has always been a violation before. In the 10minute period, 5 cars entered or exited. Each car activates the gates twice, once to go up and once to go down. Five cars in ten minutes is ten activations. That is once per minute. There is a nuisance code here in town. I don’t know why it can’t be applied to this. I live in a one bed, one bath apartment and I would love it to be a two bed, two bath apartment and I could put up a divider and make it into two bedrooms but it is not permitted. It is not what the use is. Maybe there is nothing that is suitable for a covering with that kind of activity. In addition, there are gates out there or garage doors that are a 40-decibel level. Some of the reading were a 56-decibel level. Some of the readings were UR, it means unreadable which is how quiet our neighborhood can be. I am not going anywhere. This apartment was my mother’s and she lived there until she passed away. I plan to stay there for a long time. I am excited about what is going on in Hackensack and for once I am on the wave going forward. The way you do anything is the way you do everything. I ask you to please help me with this. Rich Cerbo – Hackensack – I am glad the Smart School candidates prevailed. It gives you the opportunity now to work with the Board of Education. At one time that is the way it was, working with them instead of being at odds is a good thing. I think that has been a problem, it has been politically unreal. I wanted to bring up this resolution to reject hate within the city of Hackensack. I think that is reaching a little bit. Maybe Mr. Kleinman can chime in and tell us how legal it is to go after hate. If someone commits an act with hate behind it and do something outrageous, that is hate and you would go to jail for that. I don’t see where we are going with this and I wish it would be clarified a little. We have constitutional laws and I don’t know if it is our job here to talk about legislating hate or freedom of speech. I defer to Mr. Kleinman to comment on the legality of something like this and what it is all about. I am going to comment on Mr. Hermosa who spoke a few moments ago that he was glad about the development here because they have confidence in the Mayor and Council or all the leaders in town and I agree to an extent but they also came here because of the tax breaks. 30-year tax breaks are a hell of an incentive, partially they have confidence in our leaders but let’s add that they did get some sort of gifting. City Attorney responded – If you look at the resolution, part of what the City Council does is it makes aspirational statements, statements of value. The Council has every right to pass a resolution expressing its feelings as a body towards what it sees out there in the world. You see in the news what hate can do in its worst form. There is nothing in this resolution that has the force 04/23/2019 22 of law or anything that would violate anyone’s civil rights. It is simply the Council exercising its right of speech to say this is something that they believe needs to be said. If the Council chose to pass legislation based upon these principals, we would have to look at all the legalities. Standing alone there is no legal issue with saying this. I suspect we are not the only governing body that does so. Regina DiPasqua – Hackensack – I am not one to hide what is going on. Reject hate and I got a hateful letter signed Hackensack employee. To the best of my knowledge nobody from Hackensack has even looked into it. It was telling me to stay out of school elections, telling me to stay out of school business, telling me to stay out of our meetings, our business, telling me to move out of Hackensack. If I don’t do those ultimatums, I will not be allowed near City Hall. Maybe it wasn’t a Hackensack employee, maybe it was, but nobody even looked into it. I have looked into it. I have handwriting samples. I have information. The police are dicey, I think they are protecting an employee. They don’t have enough evidence. Reject hate but towards me it is okay. I think the reason is because I told the schools and the City that the schools deserve PILOT money. You can say we are not there yet but you are trampling over students and families to get there. Other towns are doing it because they realized it was wrong not to but you want to get to a certain amount of money in the bank or whatever it is you are planning to do with the PILOT money and not give it to the schools. I hope that whoever is on the Board of Ed will ask for it because that is how it should be. We are all being affected by the construction, the roads, the police, everybody, so share the wealth. Mayor Labrosse responded – To date, we have only one PILOT that is in effect for $260,000 per year. If for some reason we gave every penny of the PILOT money to the schools, it is going to solve all their problems when they got $8 million in State aid in the last three years and they still have all kinds of issues. We are not even close. Jersey City said they were going to give money to the schools but that only included from a certain point moving forward on new PILOTs. To date, they have $139 million dollars in PILOTs and this is for new PILOTs coming in and they have no new PILOTs. When the school gets State aid, do they give any of their money to the City to assist us? No, because it is State aid for the schools like the PILOT is State aid for the City. It is formed by the State so cities can rebuild themselves. We have said all along when there is an adverse effect on the population of the schools due to the PILOT program, we will pay for those students. You can have a 200 unit building and have less children in it than five houses. You have to be realistic. This program is to get the City on its feet, pay for the infrastructure, sewers, and that is what its for. Down the road is another story but we are nowhere near that. All I hear from the school people is give us our money. It is not their money. It is the City’s money. It is all the taxpayer’s money at the end. We don’t take from their State aid and they don’t get from out PILOT money. Deputy Mayor Canestrino responded – In three years, the State aid to Hackensack has increased by 8.2 million dollars yet their tax levy has still increased. That is their issue and their budget so to think that $8.2 million a year can not help them solve their problem and $26,000 which is 10% of the $260,000 could have solved their problems is a ridiculous statement. We will work together with the schools and if there is an impact, we monitor this monthly and the number has been exactly the number we projected, if there is an impact, we will discuss it. There is no way we want to hurt or cause any undue challenges to our schools. As we move forward, I am hoping for a better relationship and I hope it continues to improve. As we move forward, more PILOT money is moving into the City and we have ways we can collaborate together on projects. We are not there yet. We have one building open, that is it. That is not going to solve all the city’s problems and certainly not all of the school’s problems. When you pay your tax bill, you write one check. You don’t write a check to the schools and to the city. You 04/23/2019 23 heard from our CFO tonight that we have 0 increase this year in the tax levy of the municipal budget. There is a small increase for the schools. Say your taxes went up $100, does it matter to you that the city’s was 0 and the school’s was 100 or would you rather we say to the schools we will give you $50 so it makes it even for both of us. It makes no sense and that is what they are proposing. By us working as diligently as we can to control the cities expenditures and bring revenue into the city, that is what is helping your tax base. If the school money had to go up, be thankful the city money didn’t have to. We are doing a valuable service to helping all of our taxpayers by having the objective that we have and we have been able to accomplish this year but to blame the city for the school’s problems is outrageous. The school and the City are separate. They have separate budgets and separate managements and separate objectives. We are doing our job to the best of our ability and I believe the school is doing the same. Don’t mix the waters. Don’t say that we have to give half of our money to them so that we both increase the same. Attribute to the source of the cost, the reason that it is going up in the schools is explained to the taxpayers and the taxpayers vote on that budget. That is your choice. We are doing the same here. We are assuming the cost of the city and they are assuming the cost of the school. Mayor Labrosse responded – I bought something up years ago when a Board of Ed member bought up this subject. When we came in there was 33 million dollars in tax appeals. Out of the 33 million dollars, the schools got 45% of that money which is 12 million dollars and they got that money. When it came time to pay it back, the city didn’t ask the schools for that back. The city picked up the tab. That is just the way it is just like the PILOT money belongs to the city and the school state aid belong to the school. To sit there and say the schools are failing because you are rebuilding the city is a cop out. It has no basis; it is not factual. I understand everybody wants money and we have been bringing in revenue but you can’t just say we want some of your money. It is not fair to the group that has worked so hard to get these things going. It is not an easy task to do. I wish we had $100 million in the bank from PILOTs. Deputy Mayor Canestrino responded – Let’s hope we reach a reasonable goal and it really helps our taxpayers and it helps us improve our city. At the earlier meeting Ted was talking about us trying to handle some of the sewers and flooding issue. Our job here is to do the best we can to upgrade our city to keep everything running as smoothly as possible and to do it at a cost that is the most reasonable to the taxpayers and that is exactly what we are trying to do here. It is unfortunate to base a whole election on give me more money and I will be okay. The way all budgets work is that you sit down and you say here is what I need to do this year and here is the amount of money I need to get that done. You get as much revenue as you can and then you say mister taxpayer here is what we need you to contribute to make up the rest. Their plan was 126 million dollars this year. They need 126 million dollars to effectively run the schools so you are telling me if we said to them, alright we are going to give you another $26,000 and you are going to increase the budget by 126 million and $26,000 and you’re going to say I have more money and I am going to spend it. No, whatever it is that they have in the budget it the amount of money they need to run their schools. That is the amount they ask for. That is the amount the taxpayers agree to. It is really a moot point if you give more money, they will be able to fix all their problems. They already specified here is our plan, here is what we need to do, and here is how much it will cost. Think about the rationality behind some of these discussions. To me, it doesn’t make any sense. City Attorney – I just wanted to add that if there is evidence that actually exists that a city employee engages in misconduct including reaching out to any citizen regardless of their political positions improperly, action can and should be taken. If we obtain that information, appropriate action would be dealt with and I think it is important to make that clear. 04/23/2019 24 No one else wished to speak. A motion to close the meeting to the public was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilwoman Von Rudenborg. Council Comments Councilwoman Von Rudenborg – With the Board of Ed and the City, it does not have to be an us vs. them mentality. When I look at PILOTs as a parent with three children, I am looking at the redevelopment on Main Street as a way to support education. You look at other towns that have a little downtown that their students can walk down to, Ridgewood, Montclair have places where kids can go. I am looking at this as a way to help not just taxpayers, but the students so they have somewhere to go and things to do in town. I think it is a collaborative effort, I don’t think it is something that should be so divisive. It is important to look at numbers and percentages and things like that but looking at it as a parent, it is a great thing for students. The Easter egg hunt, they did a great job. There was a great turnout, everything went smooth. We have Slam Dunk the Junk on Saturday, FDU’s City of Science, baseball at Foschini Park. Our librarian is doing a great job, a lot of things going on. On Monday May 6, 2019 from 5:30 to 7PM the Library will be holding a Narcan overdose training session. Other library events are on the library website. Registration for summer wrestling is open. Deputy Mayor Canestrino – Happy Easter and Passover to those who celebrate. Great job to Jim on the budget again. Lots of hard work. Hopefully the State will approve it. Having zero increase to the tax levy is a wonderful accomplishment, even keeping our expenditures to $1.5 million dollars on a 106-million-dollar budget shows great effort and participation by all of the departments in the city and everyone doing their best to make smart decisions. The noise issue, continue to give us information so we can look into it, we do have noise ordinances and unfortunately, if it is calibrated and tested and is within the range that it is allowed to be, that is what dictates. I know you feel that it is louder than it should be but that is where the city is right now and that is what is allowable. I understand that it is a change because for years and years that did not use that mechanism but our hands are tied to a certain extent. You can’t prevent them from using that mechanism. I am sure Ted will look into gathering the rest of the information you requested to see if that can help in any way. Thank you for being an advocate for this as well. Also this weekend Fairleigh Dickenson is having a science and STEM event at the Rothman Center from 11AM to 5PM and it is free. It is designated for grades 7 to 12. They are going to have an astronaut there. It sounds like it will be a very cool event and a good event to bring the kids to and do something unique. Thank you for coming. Mayor Labrosse – I was sick for the last meeting. I was down for the count with the flu. I am starting to feel better. Great job with the budget; we are going in the right direction. I know at the last meeting the Staib dog park took a hit and I am concerned about that. One of my concerns is was keeping the dog parks as local community dog parks, not one central one to drive their dog to walk them. We were planning on piloting the first dog park at Staib and move forward with our other parks. We will meet again about it, maybe on site. Some things I have heard I disagree with. Moving the greenhouse and the garden forward is a great idea. Friday at 11AM on Summit Avenue at the firehouse we are planting a tree in Dennis Walker’s name. This Saturday is Slam Dunk the Junk. We are meeting 9AM at HACPAC by Atlantic Street Park. We get a good turnout every year. If you are a 201c3, the City will give you money for cleaning up the park. Tomorrow I am attending an elected official round table with Governor Murphy. We received $370,000 for streetscape work on Main Street from Berry to Banta. 04/23/2019 25 That is money well needed and less money taxpayers will have to pay. Have a safe trip home. Thanks for coming There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m. Approved by Mayor and Council on May 21, 2019. _____________________________________ Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr. _________________________________ Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino ______________________________________ Deputy Mayor David Sims ABSENT ___________________________________ Councilman Leonardo Battaglia ______________________________________ Councilwoman Stephanie Von Rudenborg Deborah Karlsson, City Clerk 04/23/2019 26 04/23/2019 27