City Council

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hackensack was conducted as an Electronic Public Meeting in lieu of its in-person regular Public Meeting previously advertised for 8:00 P.M. at the Council Chambers at Hackensack City Hall. This Electronic Public Meeting is being held in lieu of an in- person public meeting due to the state of emergency arising from the current situation involving the COVID-19 Virus and to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public. The meeting was held on Monday, April 20, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. Members of the public were able to participate in the meeting by using the “Zoom” online meeting platform. The on-line meeting was accessed using the following Internet link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/626524530?pwd=a252WXJBU2VCbk1aZkFiUDh3VzN2dz09 The meeting was also able to be accessed by entering Zoom meeting ID number 626 524 530, password 702378 or by telephone by dialing 1-646-558-8656 and entering the meeting ID. 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, Councilman Battaglia and Councilwoman Von Rudenborg were present. City Manager Ted Ehrenburg was present. City Attorney Steven Kleinman was present. Deputy City Clerk Allison Saabye was present. CFO Jim Mangin was present. Flag Salute Proclamations and Presentations Approval of Minutes A motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from April 7, 2020 was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino, seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims and approved by Mayor Labrosse, Deputy Mayor Canestrino, Deputy Mayor Sims, Councilman Battaglia and Councilwoman Von Rudenborg. City Manager’s Report I would like to recognize the Mayor and Council, especially Councilwoman Von Rudenborg, for a successful Easter Bunny wave. It was a very well received event and great for the children to see the Easter Bunny. I want to thank the police and fire departments for their efforts. Don’t forget to check the city’s new COVID-19 webpage for the most up to date information. The goal is to keep the residents fully informed. All parks are closed, signs are posted and please obey them. We all want to see the parks open for the summer so let’s work together to help that happen. We are exploring the idea for reinstating the parking meter regulations for May 1. Proper messaging will be sent out if this is approved. Reminder, our city departments are closed to the public but we are here to assist you. Please use the phone directory on the website or email the manager with any questions. Please be safe, be well and stay home if you are able. Budget Presentation - CFO Jim Mangin Resolutions 04/20/2020 1  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. 161-20 FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 19-2020, A BOND ORDINANCE AMENDING BOND ORDINANCE NUMBER 28-2019 FINALLY ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON JUNE 25, 2019 TO AMEND THE DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS SET FORTH THEREIN Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that there be a public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING – No one wished to speak. Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that the public hearing be closed. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that Ordinance No. 19-2020 has passed its second and final reading and is hereby adopted. CITY OF HACKENSACK BOND ORDINANCE NO. 19-2020 BOND ORDINANCE AMENDING BOND ORDINANCE NUMBER 28-2019 FINALLY ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON JUNE 25, 2019 TO AMEND THE DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS SET FORTH THEREIN BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds of all members thereof affirmatively concurring), AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The first paragraph of Section 3 of Bond Ordinance Number 28-2019 of the City of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey (the "City"), heretofore finally adopted by the City Council of the City on June 25, 2019 and entitled, “BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION OF STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS ALONG MAIN STREET BY AND IN THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING $6,600,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $6,600,000 04/20/2020 2 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE CITY TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF” (the "Original Ordinance"), is hereby amended to read as follows: “SECTION 0. The improvements and purposes hereby authorized and purposes for the financing of which said debt obligations are to be issued is the installation of streetscape improvements along Main Street from Sussex Street to Passaic Street including but not limited to curbing, sidewalks, ADA/AOA improvements, tree and landscaping improvements, lighting, furniture and equipment, signal improvements, rail safety improvements and associated paving, as necessary and including all engineering and design work, surveying, construction planning, preparation of plans and specifications, permits, bid documents, construction inspection and contract administration, and all work, materials, equipment, labor and appurtenances necessary therefor or incidental thereto.” SECTION 2. The City hereby certifies that it has adopted a capital budget or a temporary capital budget, as applicable. The capital or temporary capital budget of the City is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this bond ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith. To the extent that the purposes authorized herein are inconsistent with the adopted capital or temporary capital budget, a revised capital or temporary capital budget has been filed with the Division of Local Government Services. SECTION 3. Except as expressly amended and supplemented hereby, the Original Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 4. This bond ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after the first publication hereof after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond 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. 162-20 FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 20-2020, 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” Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that there be a public hearing. 04/20/2020 3  PUBLIC HEARING – No one wished to speak. Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that the public hearing be closed. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that Ordinance No. 20-2020 has passed its second and final reading and is hereby adopted. CITY OF HACKENSACK ORDINANCE NO. 20-2020 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.” 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 one (1) 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. 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 590 Main Street East From a point 566 feet north of the north/east curb line apex of Main Street and University Plaza Drive to a point 22 feet north 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. 04/20/2020 4 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. 163-20 FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 21-2020, CALENDAR YEAR 2020 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14) Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that there be a public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING – No one wished to speak. Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that the public hearing be closed. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that Ordinance No. 21-2020 has passed its second and final reading and is hereby adopted. CITY OF HACKENSACK ORDINANCE 21-2020 CALENDAR YEAR 2020 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14) WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S. 40A:4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 2.5% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and, WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% 04/20/2020 5 percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Hackensack in the County of Bergen finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2020 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and, WHEREAS, the City Council hereby determines that a 1.0% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $856,678.62 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap law, is advisable and necessary; and, WHEREAS, the City Council hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2020 budget year, the final appropriations of the City of Hackensack shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14, be increased by 1.0%, amounting to $856,678.62 and that the CY 2020 municipal budget for the City of Hackensack be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within five (5) days of introduction; and, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within five (5) days after such 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 X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 164-20 FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 22-2020, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 170 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” TO ESTABLISH A NO PARKING AREA ON A PORTION OF MEADOW STREET Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that there be a public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING – No one wished to speak. Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that the public hearing be closed. 04/20/2020 6  BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that Ordinance No. 22-2020 has passed its second and final reading and is hereby adopted. CITY OF HACKENSACK ORDINANCE NO. 22-2020 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 170 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” TO ESTABLISH A NO PARKING AREA ON A PORTION OF MEADOW STREET 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 establish a no parking area on Meadow Street in §170-50, entitled “Schedule I: No Parking;” and, WHEREAS, the Hackensack Police Department and the City Engineer have investigated the matter and have determined that adding this loading zone will benefit traffic flow on Meadow Street. 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 50 of the Code of the City of Hackensack is hereby amended as follows [additions by underline, deletions by strikethrough]: §170-50. Schedule I: No Parking. In accordance with the provisions of §170-7, no person shall park a vehicle at any time upon any of the following described streets or parts of streets: Name of Street Sides Location Meadow Street East West Entire length Meadow Street East From a point 239 feet north of the south/east curb-line apex of Van Wettering Place to a point 47 feet north thereof. Section 2: All other provisions of Chapter 170, Section 50 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: 04/20/2020 7 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. 165-20 INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 23-2020, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 119 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF HACKENSACK, “PEACE AND GOOD ORDER,” TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE EMERGENCY ORDERS FOR THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that there be a public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING – Gene Irving – Do you really need an ordinance when you have the county and state overseeing the COVID19 initiative especially with regard to the parks? City Attorney responded - This would fill in the blanks of anything that the county or state may not cover. There may be unique situations within the city in case they do not think of everything. The city is mandated to follow all of their orders and we have been and will continue to do so. Mayor Labrosse responded – Here is an example, we have the community garden and a question was asked where we can open it up. It is within the confines of Johnson Park and it would be hard for us to enforce social distancing there. Opening something without opening everything may cause a problem. We all want to do things outside but right now we can’t. We are following state and county guidelines but in case we need to enforce something that isn’t in those guidelines. Carolyn Davis – I have a question about construction sites. I thought there was no construction unless there is an emergency? I noticed some work doing on. City Manager – These buildings have to be enclosed. If there are buildings that can’t be weather tight there is a clause that allows that construction until they get it protected. You will see a reduced construction plan in the city but there still will be construction to close up some of the buildings. Anything hospital, education, transportation, beneficial to the public, those jobs will continue. Residential construction, they are not pulling permits or doing inspections currently. Once we get past the pandemic hype, we chose not to expose our inspectors to homes. On a big site, there is only the inspector and the foreman and they are following social distancing protocols. It is not a confined space. The City has these people writing the reasons why the construction needs to remain open. They also need to 04/20/2020 8 provide a policy and if they are not following it, we will shut them down. We monitor how we are doing and will make adjustments along the way. Peter Marchisani – I thought it was neat the Mr. Kleinman quoted Mr. Salkin. Is this an existing thing that we are expanding? Or is this totally new? Is there a sunset clause or will this be repealed as this goes on? City Attorney – This is a provision in Title 40 which allows for an ordinance to be adopted in one meeting. This is not available to many forms of government, but our form provides for this emergency type ordinance. The ordinance makes clear that this is part of the city code but can only be accessed in certain circumstances, namely, a state of emergency. Any order automatically expires when the state of emergency ends, but the ordinance stands as part of the city code. This is not something the Manager can do under normal circumstances. Anita Rivers – I think this is an important safety net but I want to know how residents would be notified of any special enforcement the Manager put in place? City Attorney – The ordinance has four steps. The first would be that the order would be provided to the City Council by the next Council meeting and it would be a publicly announced. It would be immediately posted at city hall, it would have to be posted on the city website, and published in the newspaper. Beyond that, the need would be with respect to city facilities so there would be signs posted for example in the city park at the garden. We will do everything in our power so there is no question about what direction is coming from the Manager’s office because otherwise it would not be enforceable in the end. Motion offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims that the public hearing be closed. BE IT RESOLVED that the above ordinance, being Ordinance 23-2020 as introduced is now passed and finally adopted pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:81-21, “Emergency Ordinances,” which states that an ordinance “for the immediate preservation of the public order, peace, health or safety, or to remedy an emergency caused by…epidemic…” may be passed to take effect immediately without publication and at one meeting, by the vote of one more of the majority of the members of the City Council. 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. 166-20 RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS FOR THE SOUTH NEWMAN STREET DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires to improve flooding condition which exists on South Newman St. during rainfall events; and 04/20/2020 9  WHEREAS, the City solicited bid proposals for the cleaning and televising of this specific stormwater conveyance systems, including the disposal of any hazardous or non-hazardous soil; and WHEREAS, the City opened bid proposals on April 14, 2020 and a total of one (1) bid proposal was received; and WHEREAS, the bid received was substantially greater than the budget appropriation for this project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, that bids be rejected in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-13.2 because the lowest bid substantially exceeds the budget appropriation for this project. 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. 167-20 RESOLUTION AWARDING BID CONTRACT OF $1,166,149.30 TO SMITH SONDY ASPHALT FOR 2020 ROAD RESURFACING IMPROVEMENTS WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires to improve the condition of various streets and roads throughout the City; and WHEREAS, the City solicited bid proposals for the resurfacing of certain streets around the City; and WHEREAS, the City opened bid proposals on April 14, 2020 and a total of seven (7) bid proposals were received; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack now wish to award a contract to the lowest responsible respondent. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, as follows: 1. Smith Sondy Asphalt of 150 Anderson Ave., Wallington, NJ 07057 is hereby awarded a contract for the 2020 Road Resurfacing Project in the amount not to exceed $1,166,149.30 for the Base Bid of Krone Pl. (Ross Ave. to Willow Ave), plus Alternate #1 for Wilson St. (Fairmount Ave. to Coles Ave.), plus Alternate #2 for Lincoln St. (from Fairmount Ave. to Coles Ave.), plus Alternate #3 for Cedar Ave. (from Summit Ave. to Krone Pl), in accordance with the specifications proposed. 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 in budget account C-04-19-055-000-200 to fund the purchases authorized in this resolution as an express and mandatory condition of the award of this contract. 3. The Mayor and 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. 04/20/2020 10  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. 168-20 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR COMBINED SEWER MANAGEMENT TO ARCADIS U.S. WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack continues to require engineering services associated with the City’s New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NJPDES) for Combined Sewer Management; and WHEREAS, the City solicited Requests for Proposals regarding engineering services for said project; and WHEREAS, it was determined that the proposal received from Arcadis Engineering is the most advantageous to the City based on cost, expertise in this field and vast experience and specific prior 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. Arcadis U.S. of 17-17 Route 208 North of Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 is hereby awarded a contract in an amount not to exceed $85,000 for the engineering services related to the City’s NJPDES Permit for Combined Sewer Management, 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-04-19-039-000-100. 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 04/20/2020 11  Von Rudenborg X Deputy Mayor Canestrino X X Deputy Mayor Sims X X Battaglia X Mayor Labrosse X CITY OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 169-20 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT TO NEGLIA ENGINEERING FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PINE STREET DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack requires engineering services for construction administration related to the Pine Street Drainage Improvement Project; and WHEREAS, the City solicited Requests for Proposals regarding engineering services for said project; and WHEREAS, it was determined that the proposal received from Neglia Engineering is the most advantageous to the City based on cost, expertise in this field and vast experience and specific prior 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 Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 is hereby awarded a contract in an amount not to exceed $58,990 for the engineering services related to the Pine St. Drainage 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 C-04-19-038-000-100. 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. 170-20 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES TO SUBURBAN ENGINEERING FOR POLIFLY PARK DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS 04/20/2020 12  WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack requires engineering services related to the Polifly Park Drainage Improvement Project.; and WHEREAS, the City solicited Requests for Proposals regarding this service; 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 prior knowledge of this particular project, including the necessary stormwater components. 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 $48,170 for the engineering services related to the Polifly Park Drainage 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 C-04-19-038-000-100. 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 CITY Labrosse X OF HACKENSACK RESOLUTION NO. 171-20 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 $ 1,788,254.57 Grants 00 Payroll 1,642,910.24 Public Parking System 3,767.73 Capital 307,953.96 Escrow 1,080.20 Trust Account 84,011.75 Total Expenditures 3,827,978.45 Interfunds/Transfers $ 7,511,693.32 04/20/2020 13  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. 172-20 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY FOR MARY KURSMAN, DEPUTY MUNICIPAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR WHEREAS, Mary Kurzman, Deputy Municipal Court Administrator, has requested an extension of her Leave of Absence without pay for twelve (12) weeks for medical reasons under the Family Leave Act from Monday, April 12, 2020 to Sunday, July 5, 2020; and WHEREAS, Mary Kurzman, has made known her desire to utilize accumulated sick and vacation time in accordance with City Policy; and WHEREAS, City Manager Ted M. Ehrenburg has determined that this employee be granted an extension of her Leave of Absence, without pay, for twelve (12) weeks, commencing Monday, April 13, 2020 and terminating Sunday, July 5, 2020. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack, that Mary Kurzman, Deputy Municipal Court Administrator be granted an extension of her Leave of Absence for twelve (12) weeks, 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 Secon Abstai Absen Recuse Member Intro 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. 173-20 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 04/20/2020 14  WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Act to use the grants to develop new municipal recycling programs and to expand existing programs; and 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 2019, 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 2019 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. 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. 174-20 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCRUED TIME PAYOUT OF $25,320.54 TO DPW EMPLOYEE JOZEF EISENBARDT WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:30-15 established rules that govern how local government units manage and finance compensation for accumulated absence time for their respective employees, and WHEREAS, accumulated absence includes any sick days, vacation days, personal days, compensatory time or any other absence time authorized as part of an employer agreement, which is not used by the employee during the allowed period and which is permitted to accumulate over time to the benefit of the employee, and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that the funds and authority exist to pay Josef Eisenbardt owed sick days and vacation days; and WHEREAS, City Manager Ted Ehrenburg has authorized the payment of $25,320.54 to Jozef Eisenbardt for said time. 04/20/2020 15  NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack hereby approves payment to Jozef Eisenbardt in the amount of $25,320.54 for an accrued time payout in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Local Finance Board for such payments. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Chief Financial Officer certifies that there are funds available in the furtherance of this resolution to be located in budget account 0-01-30-415-416-119. 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. 175-20 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND – 70 HACKENSACK AVENUE WHEREAS, a request has been received from the developer for the project known as 70 Hackensack Avenue seeking a release of the Performance Bond, including the cash portion, plus any remaining escrow funds; and WHEREAS, the City’s Engineer has reviewed the request in terms of the value of the constructed items in the project to date and the original Performance Bond of $304,419.60 and authorized its release along with any remaining escrow funds. 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 the Performance Bond in the amount of $304,419.60 including the cash portion of $33,824.40 plus remaining escrow funds in the amount of $8,048.29 to Investors Bank of 101 JFK Parkway, Short Hills, New Jersey 07078 for the project known as 70 Hackensack Avenue. Public Comment A motion to open the meeting to the public was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims. Peter Marchesani – Hackensack – Jim Mangin did an unbelieve job. I am not the sharpest pencil in the pack but Mangin’s presentations can be easily digested by sixth graders. Surplus, surplus, surplus. I remember him saying years ago that we are not going to rely on parking meter revenue in case of a pandemic. It is amazing to see the planning there and it is well thought out. If my memory serves me right, we are looking at about 4 million a year from the hospital plus an 04/20/2020 16 additional 2 million over the next 4 years. That is about 6 million in revenue that is compounding in surplus. That is great. As terrible as this thing is, the burden on the local government is unbelieve. I hope the Federal government does something in that regard. Taxes are due May 1. A lot of people are going to be late paying their taxes. There was speculation that even though people aren’t going to be making their mortgage payments that the mortgage companies will be required and should be paying the municipal taxes on time. I don’t know what percentage you get from homeowners and what percentage you get from banks. Jim Mangin CFO responded – Homeowners who get their taxes paid through their mortgage companies have all been asked to remind the mortgage companies that taxes are still due. We do not have the authority to extend the deadline. Mayor Labrosse responded – The way I understand it is mortgage companies are good for 90 days through escrow and they have to continue to pay the taxes for 90 days. As far as the percentage of people who pay through escrow through mortgage companies in Hackensack is about 38 percent, which is a low number. Gene Irving – Hackensack – Jim, thank you for that great budget overview. It was concise and on point. We know you have 2 million in surplus from the medical center plus $477,000 for PILOT programs. Is that considered surplus? Jim Mangin CFO responded – The $477,000 is anticipated in the budget. Right now, our surplus is about $12.3 million so the $477,000 will not be going to surplus. The PILOT for 240 Main is not in the budget and that will go to surplus. A triple AAA rated municipality by the rating agencies Moody’s and S&P recommend that a municipality hold about 15 percent of it’s operating budget in surplus and just this year we hit that. We are in good shape. We will use the surplus as a one-time revenue to wipe out any deficit caused from the coronavirus. The key is one-time. Jeffrey – Johnson Avenue – Hackensack – You do mention that if the deficit goes higher than the 2.5 million, there is a possibility of tax increases from the public. But we do have this surplus, so should residents be worried about a tax increase? Jim Mangin CFO responded – The contingency plan is to minimize any deficit. If we do end up with a deficit, the plan is to do an infusion from surplus of one time to wipe out a tax increase. I am confident that we are in good shape financially to avoid any kind of tax increase because of the pandemic. Jeffrey responded - If the surplus goes over 15 percent, what are the plans of the Council to use the surplus? Jim Mangin CFO responded - We adopted a surplus policy in 2018 and it states that we can’t use surplus more than we realize the year before under certain circumstance because we want to make sure we have a surplus. The policy also states that if the surplus grows above a certain level, we then excess over that level can be used in the budget to reduce our debt. Our total debt is about 98 million dollars. Regina DiPasqua - Good Evening. I hope all are well and our City is holding up well through this situation. 1. I would like to follow up on the issue of City communication with residents. It seems it is feast or famine as far as official communication to residents. We got bombarded with robocalls for a few days after a few weeks of no communication at all and now we are getting nothing again. The last online message from the Mayor is dated 4/4. Has there been any further consideration of an official social media account? I find it incredible that the City does not have the resources, time and technical skills as was stated at the last meeting, to do so. Most people don't want to go to the website because the Coronavirus tab concentrates heavily on the numbers, as the robocalls did, which is frightening and the site can be confusing. The scroll of information is distracting to some, it could be presented as a list. A list of available resources (transportation, parking, store info, medical info, etc.) in one place would be 04/20/2020 17 helpful. Right now, residents are reaching out on Facebook with questions. The City could provide accurate information on the City website. Residents are also looking for information that can bring the City together, virtually, through community action and support, which brings me to issue #2. 2. What is the City doing for residents who are in need of food or any other essential items or services? Is any foundation reaching out to residents? Does anyone check that our residents, especially the most vulnerable, are OK? The Carroll Family recognized a need and has stepped up in a big way to help families. Kudos to them. Is there any information the City can share about similar resources available to residents? 3. The Governor has stated that "big numbers" of public employees will lose their jobs. Is the City considering such job cuts? Is there a plan? If or when the City considers such action will senior employees be bought out or will new hires be let go first? Basically, in accounting terms, FIFO or LIFO - will it be first in first out or last in first out? Is there a guideline already set up by the City for such a situation, or will it be up to individual departments to decide ad hoc? 4. Today it is reported that NJ may be able to borrow billions of dollars, which may fill the money gap and massive layoffs at the State and local levels may not be required. This cost will be passed on to all NJ residents. How does the City plan to mitigate the financial impact on the residents of Hackensack? Will taxes increase with no reduction of City expenses? Or would reduction of staff and programs still be on the table locally, along with the inevitable increased cost? Thank you and stay well CFO Jim Mangin responded – There was an announcement earlier this week by Senator Sarlo that there won’t be an extension of the property tax deadline at this time. We do not have the authority to give relief for taxes. If the legislation comes about, and we are allowed to do something, we intend to take full advantage of it but in terms of tax collection, there is not much we can do right now. City Manager responded – The issue in reference to the employees, the City of Hackensack has not laid off or furloughed. Because we are Civil Service, there is a process that we need to follow in regards to furlough that we are working with our City Labor Attorney to sort this out. It appears that by May 15, the Governor is going to make some decisions as to bring employees back and open up. At this juncture, we are behind the scenes, we are doing the due diligence to figure out what we are going to do. If the State shuts down and it effects the City’s ability to open up, then I think we are going to have to a new understanding of what we are going to do and get the input and direction from the Mayor and Council. Jim and I discussed this weekly and we have budgeted for all the employees we have and we have funded for all those employees. The issue is if there is a shortage of people paying their taxes and we end up in a shortfall, we are on the hook to pay the Board of Education and the County. The freezing of the $2.5 million dollars is one of our coping skills to help forecast the future. The ability to work with the Labor Attorney and City Attorney to make sure we follow all procedures for employees in civil service. We have to follow the rules. I don’t know until we sort this all out. We are going to look at the money and the funds we have and how it is spent. We want to take care of the employees in their time of need. There is a balance point we need to find. Mayor Labrosse responded – I want to respond to what someone said was the lack of hearing from the Mayor. When this first started, we made the decision that you do not want multiple sources with multiple reports of information because that is how you get misinformation, which is why we directed everyone to the Hackensack website. Then we did a bunch of robocalls and then people complained about the robocalls. There were three people that complained and I find it hard to believe they did not know to go to the website. If you don’t have Nixle, please sign up for it. Anytime there is an alert, you will get all sorts of information. There are updates on the website every day. All the numbers on there are as close to correct as possible given the fact that they change constantly. Sometimes you will see a difference between and county and city number. Deputy Mayor Canestrino responded – I spoke with Ted and one thing we were looking at is having a hotline. Any resident can call the city at any time. The 04/20/2020 18 website lists all the phone numbers but I think this would be a good service for residents to call with questions and local businesses that may need some help. Maybe we can publish the hours on the website or even frequently asked questions we can add to the website. Sometimes folks just want to hear a voice and don’t want to go to a website or if they do not have internet access. If we can look into that. I think we can find staff for a few hours a day to do that. City Manager responded – We ordered an additional cell phone and line for that purpose and it should be up and running this week. Mayor Labrosse responded – I want to shout out to the Carroll family. What they are doing is wonderful to put care packages together for needy families. I want to acknowledge local restaurants in town Choripan, Clemente’s, some others have been giving out hundreds of meals to those in needs, providing lunch to the nurses and doctors at the hospital. They have been raising money, buy the food and prepare it, and deliver it to these places. Special thanks to Councilman Battaglia who has been involved with this and feeding over 100 families in need and over 300 first responders. Paul Nickels - Hello everyone. Hope all are okay, safe and healthy. I have learned other cities like Newark have given out masks to everyone from what I understand. Are there any plans on getting funding to do this? Will it be done? Is it in the plans especially since there are so many low income and homeless in Hackensack? Are any entity going in all the stores making sure that everyone including the employees wearing masks? Other towns and places have had security at each, as well as many companies. As I understand it, it is the job of the wonderful Health Department? This is very serious and many residents are not taking it seriously in certain areas and we have the highest concentration of cases. Last thing, great job to all the awesome job from all the front line first responders! all of them! and everyone who has to work! Thank you. City Manager responded – The City is researching the purchase of protective equipment and masks. This is not going to be over anytime soon. We are researching the cost and availability of these masks. We have a population of 48,000 and that would be a significant amount. I am hoping that it doesn’t come to that. We want to keep as many people home safe and protected. We are trying to find the balance. That is why we closed the parks and are following social distancing. They are now requiring masks on mass transit. We are doing the due diligence. People don’t want to hear hear-say, they want a plan and that is what we are working on. Ron Luppino - Multiple robocalls with the same message are not needed. One robocall is enough. Unless there is a reason that I don’t see to do so. Mayor Labrosse responded – The reason we put out so many robocalls was we had an incident when we went from state reporting and county numbers and our board of health numbers and we ended up with a conflict and the numbers were different so we did numerous robocalls for three days to get that straightened out. Since then we did one more robocall last week and haven’t done any since. We will do an occasional robocall but the numbers are on the website now. There is no reason to have robocalls to give stats when everything is available on the website. No one else wished to speak. A motion to close the meeting to the public was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Deputy Mayor Sims. Council Comments Councilwoman Von Rudenborg – Thanks to all who helped with the Easter Bunny drive-by, the kids were very excited and it was the first positive thing the kids have been able to experience in a while. I want to thank the city and Ted and the departments who have been working hard around the clock. This week is National 04/20/2020 19 Library Week. Obviously, the library is closed but there are resources available. They have someone there to answer questions. Tara has been doing a wonderful job over there to get things virtual. Thank you to Jim, Ted, and the department heads for the budget presentation. You do a wonderful job and it is very easy to understand. Please keep Ms. Kurzam’s family in your prayers as well as Emil. Thank you to all the departments and city workers, and essential workers out there. We don’t go out often but we do go out for a walk and you can see everyone is practicing social distancing. I have been noticing a lot of masks and gloves on the ground, please be mindful and remember to throw them out properly. Thank you for joining. Deputy Mayor Canestrino – Thank you Jim for the budget presentation. We work together on the finance committee and it is a year-round job. It is something that becomes daily life in the city and lets us have these results we have. We promised a zero tax increase and we accomplished that again this year. We negotiated with the hospital and Jim mentioned those numbers to help the City and support the services we provide to the hospital, as well as to our residents. I want to say thanks to all the departments and city employees to see negative in their expenses. It shows everyone is pitching in and that is what is making this happen. I have to disagree with Regina about the website. I think it has a lot of information. If you don’t want to read it, keep scrolling. I think we are one of the only towns that presents the data. There is something there for everyone. I think the hotline would be great. My husband is stable but please keep him in your prayers. I will continue to pray for everyone throughout the world. we have to stay together as a city and support each other. There are so many wonderful people out there providing a tremendous service to everyone in the community. Have a great night. Stay safe and stay healthy Deputy Mayor Sims – I want to thank the first responders. Thank you, Jim, for the budget presentation. I want to thank all the citizens and organizations and everyone who has donated food and PPE to the first responders and less fortune. We will get through this. We are Hackensack strong. Last Saturday, I participated in the 3rd car parade in the Fairmount section. It was awesome seeing all the kids holding up cards saying we miss you. It was wonderful. Good night and God bless. Councilman Battaglia – Condolences to the family of Mary Kurzman. She worked with my wife for 25 years. Thank you to the Carroll family for all they are doing for the residents. Thank you to places like Choripan, Amore Mio, the pizza place, Bobby from Cubby’s. Today we received a $3,500 donation to help for another few weeks. The first responders and the hospital are doing a wonderful job and anytime we get the chance, we get some food to them. We appreciate what they are doing. The paving program, tonight we approved $1.8 million today for more streets. Hopefully they will be done in the next few weeks. Keep Emil in my prayers as well as my other friend from the DPW Auggie who is in the hospital. Be safe and stay home. Mayor Labrosse – Great job to Jim and the finance committee on the presentation. It was very easy for the average citizen to understand which is important. I want to thank the fire, police, DPW, and city employees working through the pandemic. I am praying we are almost through it. We have to keep staying inside and doing what we are doing. Special prayers to Mary Kurzman who passed away. She was the Deputy Court Administrator. Prayers to Emil Canestrino too. It is going to be spring soon. We missed the opening day of baseball this year. Kids everywhere are wishing they were out there playing baseball or soccer. The community garden is still closed. We had questions about opening it. We can’t open one part of the park and not the other. We need to maintain social distancing and stay away. We understand how important it is to get outside but we also know how important it is to maintain social distancing and beat the virus. Yesterday we were up to 56 deaths in Hackensack. 42 of them were from the long-term care facilities. That has a lot to do with our numbers. I want to thank my coworkers at HUMC for all they are doing. I am inspired by what goes on there. They had their 800 th COVID- 19 discharge there today. Stay safe. Maintain social distancing. Make sure you are 04/20/2020 20 masked up when you go out. Pay attention when you are in the stores. Wipe everything down. Stay safe and pray for those who have perished and those who are sick. Thank you. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:49 PM. Approved by Mayor and Council on May 5, 2020. _____________________________________ Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr. ____________________________________ Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino _____________________________________ Deputy Mayor David Sims ___________________________________ Councilman Leonardo Battaglia ______________________________________ Councilwoman Stephanie Von Rudenborg ____________________________________ City Clerk Deborah Karlsson, R.M.C. 04/20/2020 21