City Council

The Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hackensack was held at City Hall, 65 Central Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Labrosse called the meeting to order and the City Clerk 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, Councilwoman Von Rudenborg, and Councilman Carroll were present. Councilman Battaglia was absent. City Manager Vincent Caruso was present. City Attorney Steve Kleinman was absent. Attorney Mary Anne Groh was present. City Clerk Deborah Karlsson was present. Deputy City Clerk Allison Saabye was present. Flag Salute - Police Department Honor Guard Special Orders - Swearing in of Police Chief Michael Antista Presentations - Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse – It is a long time coming, 14 years. It is long overdue but we are here and that is a great thing. I want to congratulate Michael and I have known Michael since he was young. I just found out he started as an H- Cop in town which shows that program works, he came all the way through the system from the bottom all the way to the top. Congratulations to you and anything you need; we are here for you. You have a lot of support here between the Chiefs associations for the State, County, support with anything you need. Hackensack Police Director Ray Guidetti – Congratulations Chief. Well done. This weekend I made a phone call to someone I never spoke to before, but felt it important to speak to this individual about the incoming chief. Was I looking for additional guarantees that I needed to provide to the City Manager or Governing Body that would settle any reservation that they made have had about restoring the rank or Police Chief after 14 years? No, that ship had sailed. Their mind was made up. I told this person that like me, the City Manager, Mayor and Council, have been watching Mike intently as to how he navigated the myriad of challenges that were presented to him over the past two years as this department instituted so many changes that the citizens of Hackensack would openly benefit from. I told this person that I could not have been prouder. Even in the face of intense scrutiny, he found the courage to institute new initiatives to better the Police Department such as the emergency services unit, drone program, officer wellness, arrive now, safe streets missions control center. I told this person that my confidence in Mike to lead Hackensack’s finest into the future, could not be any higher and that in the years to follow, we would not only look back on this date as a watershed moment in the history of the department but it will be a continuation of a leadership story that others will want to emulate in restoring the reputation of an exemplary police department. As I closed my conversation with this person I told him that I recently spent some time speaking with Mike, the chief to be, and his words had resonated with me when we parted that day. I think you would agree that Mike’s words were, not only attest to the fact that he is the right person for this job, but they give us a glimpse into what his leadership style will be. Mike told me that the rank of Police Chief was not about him, instead it was about t, instead it was about the opportunity to make the place better, the police department better for the men and women who work here, better for those they serve and better for the City of Hackensack. Who was this person I was speaking to? Mr. Antista, I am really glad we had the opportunity to speak about your son this week. The certainty that the City Manager, the Mayor and Council, and I maintain about your son’s ability to lead this department is only overshadowed by 10/15/2024 1 the pride that your family has for him as a son, a brother, husband, father, and a leader. Mike, on behalf of the Police Department, I want to congratulate you, your wife, your kids, your mom, your dad, and your brother and his family, on this incredible achievement. I think we all agree this is a historic moment for the city and the citizens of Hackensack. I am personally grateful that I have had the opportunity to witness this promotion and look forward to all the incredible things you will achieve in the future. On a personal note, when I arrived a little over two years ago, something that really bothered me about my office was the door. You could see at one point you could see something was affixed to the door. Over time the way the sun hit on it; it was shaded. For two years I said we need to fix that door. I got a great way to fix it, what do you think? Thanks everyone for coming. There are a lot of chiefs here, my brother in Paramus, Teaneck, the Prosecutor is here, Chief of Detectives, thank you all for coming. This is great. We have a couple speakers that want to come up and speak about Mike. The first is going to be Chief Dean Pinto from Rochelle Park Police. I know Mike looks at you like a mentor. Rochelle Park Police Chief Dean Pinto – It is easy to get up here. I am humbled and honored to be chosen by Mike to get up here and speak about him. Before we talk about mike, I like to talk about myself and you will see why. My dad started in the Teaneck police in 1969. Throughout his life, his career, he would tell me the stories of his career and as I got older I would say dad I want to be like you. I want to do what you do. He would tell me about all the different jobs he would work with the Hackensack PD. No matter what the investigation, serious ones, not so serious, he would always tell me Hackensack gets it right, they do it right. Let’s fast forward I am a young man growing up and I meet the Antista family. As I grow up and become a volunteer fireman in Rochelle Park side by side on a hose line with Sal. Mrs. Antista makes the best fried zucchini flowers. I get to know their children and Michael being their son, I am watching him throughout his childhood, growing up, watch his dedication to the township, watching him eventually become a volunteer fireman, eventually becoming an H-Cop, working his way up through the ranks of the Hackensack PD and I was humbled and honored that he would reach out with ideas and ask why do you think. Here we are today, the culmination of that, with Michael’s family sitting in the audience, the blue family, you mean just as much to Mike. It was always how do I make my team better, how do I make it better, I just want the city, its residents, its stakeholders, to have the very best. I sit here again proud. To the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Council, as my dad said you got it right. Congratulations and best of luck to you and to the PD. Wyckoff Police Department Chief Dave Murphy, President Bergen County Police Chiefs’ Association - Today marks a significant turning point in the journey for 14 years you have navigated challenges of law enforcement without a permanent chief at the helm. While this period has taxed your resiliency, it has also illuminated your strength and commitment to serving the community. As we stand at the brink of appointing him as chief this evening, let us take a moment to reflect on what it means for all of us. A police chief is more than just a leader, they are a beacon of guidance, a pillar of integrity, and a bridge connecting our officers to the community we serve. This appointment is not merely a return for tradition but a powerful chief towards fostering transparency, collaboration, and trust. You faced obstacles but your collective efforts have kept you moving forward. The dedication shown by every officer has kept your neighborhood safe and demonstrated your unwavering commitment to justice. Now as we welcome you as chief, you have an incredible opportunity to build on this foundation. This new leadership will bring fresh perspectives, innovative strategies, and a renewed focus on community engagement. Your chief will be tasked with not only guiding your department but also listening to you and the citizens you serve. Together you will work to ensure that your policing practices reflect your shared values and prioritize the safety and wellbeing of every member of your community. As we look to the future, let us embrace this change with open hearts and open minds. Let us support the new chief as he takes on the immense responsibility of leading your department, help 10/15/2024 2 him build a culture of accountability and respect ensuring that every officer feels they are empowered to do their best work. Your voice matters and together you can shape a safe, more inclusive community for everyone. In closing, on behalf of the Bergen County Police Chief’s Association, I want to thank the Mayor and City Council, Director Guidetti, City Manager Chief Caruso. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication in making this happen. Let us move forward with hope and optimism, knowing a brighter future lies ahead as we welcome your new police chief. Thank you and stay safe. Retired Fort Lee Chief Keith Bendel, representing New Jersey State Association Chiefs of Police – The nice thing about going third is you don’t have to repeat any of the compliments and great things said before you. On behalf of the New Jersey State Association Chiefs of Police President John Russo and entire membership, we want to congratulate you on being sworn in as chief. Mayor and Council, we appreciate that you recognize the importance of having a chief of police and restoring that position after this time and as Chief Pinto said, we absolutely believe you got it right with this. City Manager, Director Guidetti, we thank you for your efforts throughout this process. Mike, congratulations to you and God bless. Hackensack Police Chief Michael Antista – I would like to thank the Mayor and Council, City Manager, and Police Director for reinstating the position of Police Chief within this great organization. I am grateful for everyone having faith in me to fill this role after 14 years of vacancy. Thank you for providing me the feedback I needed to grow as a leader and an individual. Thank you to my wife and children for putting up with me during some stressful times. I also want to extend my gratitude to my parents who instilled a work ethic in me that hasn’t failed me yet and provided me with the motivation for serving the public that started when I was a child as a junior firefighter. About a year ago, I came across a speech by Admiral William McCraven that he had given to the University of Texas in 2014 and in that speech, he provided a motivational quote that resonated with me so much that the next day I printed it out and hung it up on the wall behind my desk. That quote is don’t ever ring the bell. Some members asked what it meant, some knew already, some laughed at it. To me, it became a way of life and a constant reminder to keep pushing forward no matter what issues were thrown at me. As a young police officer, a detective took me under his wing and became a mentor to me. He provided me with advice that was similar to this quote but also urged me to patrol with pride for the community and no matter what, focus your energy on the needs of those you serve. I’d like to take the next few moments to address members of the police department and the community. To the command staff and supervisors of the Hackensack Police Department: my goal is to provide you with the support you need to empower you to make decisions to develop your potential as leaders. I am also committed to growing as a leader for you and providing the increased communication that is vital and needed in a public safety organization. My expectations of you are to focus on the mission, the community, and to provide the same mentorship to your subordinates that was provided to me as a young police officer. Recognize those who do well and provide guidance to those who need it, have compassion for all and above all remain loyal to the people you serve. To the police officers, dispatchers, and civilian staff: I am committed to providing you with technology, training, and supervision and support that you all deserve working in a busy place like Hackensack. I pledge to provide an environment where you will be heard and that your opinion on how we complete our mission will matter. What I expect from you in return is integrity, courage, commitment, respect for yourself, each other and the community. You are responsible for the moral and reputation of this department, as am I. I expect you all to be leaders and push forward to do great things for the department and the citizens of the city. To the community: I promise a police department that is accountable and accessible and I will hear your concerns. Sometimes hard truths need to be heard and we will not shy away from that. I am committed to using location-based accountability to supervisors in the police department that would create a sense of ownership and responsibility for each neighborhood and ward we serve. My expectations for the community are 10/15/2024 3 to continue providing support for our officers who go out every day and put their lives on the line. Don’t rush to judgement. Ask questions as I believe we both have the same goals for this great city. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who is here tonight to support me as I humbly accept the role as the 12 th Police Chief of the Hackensack Police Department. Challenges lay before all of us within this agency and community. I have confidence in the city and our cops and we will work together and move forward. Hackensack Police Director Ray Guidetti – This is a special meeting so there are some other things that will take place. We are going to call the honor guard back up here to retire the colors. At the same time, we want to invite you to our Civic Center across the parking lot and we will get you there for some cake and light refreshments. We want to be able to take some photos up here too. Mayor Labrosse – There will be time for public comment but we are going to have some refreshments in the Civic Center and then everyone can come back up here to have their chance to speak. The Council will speak before we go downstairs. Council Comments Councilwoman Von Rudenborg – Congratulations Chief Antista. In the little over seven years that I have known Chief, he showed nothing but professionalism, class, an unbelievable work ethic and most importantly an unwavering dedication to the city and its residents. I don’t believe the city could have done a better job of picking our new chief and I know we are in great hands with him at the helm. Deputy Mayor Canestrino – Congratulations Chief Antista. In the past two years that you have been the officer in charge, you have remained steady and steadfast in your commitment not only to your officers but to the community and city here. Your ability to stay the course, good times and bad, has provided the direction that this department well deserves and well needs. Many of you folks know my husband was a member of Hackensack Police for 34 years so I always have a special place in my heart for the police department. Our police department was always known as a police department of excellence. You are blessed to have so many dedicated police officers here in service part of the department. We as a council recognize and appreciate that. They are the ones that are truly lucky. You have more than proved yourself over the past two years and this Council is so confident in your ability to continue leading and to show more and more progress and support for the city as you continue your career. Thank you for what you have done for us. Councilman Carroll – I would like to congratulate you on your new position as police chief. It has been a long time coming and I am glad it is finally here. Congratulations and best of luck. Mayor Labrosse – The last two years when he was OIC, I watched you closely. I want to thank Director Guidetti for his involvement in this and his leadership. I want to thank our City Manager, Chief Caruso, and experienced police chief of 27 years in uniform. We have great leadership here to help you. We have great leadership in this room that is a phone call away. In the two years I have watched you come a long way. The word I would use is steadfast. You stuck on course moving forward, listened, and you maintained your composure through the whole thing. I know there were some stressful times. We are here and you are our new chief and from the bottom of my heart, I am so happy to call you chief. The Mayor called for a recess at 7:27 PM until 8:00 PM. 8:08 PM the meeting continued. Public Comment 10/15/2024 4 A motion to open the meeting to the public was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by Councilwoman Von Rudenborg No one 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 – Congratulations Chief Antista. I am happy he’s here and it was a very lovely night. Congratulations to him and his family. Deputy Mayor Canestrino – I will echo the same words. It is wonderful we have our police chief and thanks to everyone who made tonight happen: Allison, Debbie, the Police Department. Everything was lovely. We appreciate the effort you put in to make this happen. Have a great night. Councilman Carroll – Congratulations on our new police chief working very well in his new position. Get home safe and God bless. Mayor Labrosse – 14 years is a long time without a chief and it wasn’t easy. We had four or five OICs in the interim period, three directors, and it’s been tough sailing but we finally got it right. I have a lot of faith in Michael. I want to congratulate and thank the police chief’s association which Vinny was head of at one point 12 years ago, we didn’t have a chief then either. The chief’s association really wants everyone to have a chief and they really could have put a lot of pressure on us but they were watching. Kudos to them for not pushing it and forcing a choice on us that probably could have been wrong. I want to thank and congratulate all the OICs because that is not an easy task to take on, to take on a police department without being a chief is not a pleasurable position to be put in but they did it. They got us to where we needed to be so I want to thank them. They were part of the stepping stone that got us where we are today. I want to congratulate Michael. He comes from a great family. His father was fire chief in Rochelle Park, his brother is a police officer here with us now. It is a family of service and we appreciate that. Let us all pray for Mike and wish him luck in his new journey as police chief. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM. Approved by Mayor and Council on November 12, 2024. _____________________________________ Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr. ____________________________________ Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino ABSENT _____________________________________ Councilman Leonardo Battaglia ___________________________________ 10/15/2024 5  Councilwoman Stephanie Von Rudenborg ______________________________________ Councilman Gerard Carroll City Clerk Deborah Karlsson, RMC 10/15/2024 6