Borough Council

BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD PUBLIC MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OCTOBER 26, 2021 AGENDA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX 101 Washington Avenue 7:30 Closed Session/8:00 pm Public Session 1. Opening of the Meeting: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arroyo at 7:30 pm. Mayor Arroyo then read the Open Public Meetings Law Statement: “This meeting which conforms with the Open Public Meetings law, Chapter 231, Public Laws of 1975, is a regular Borough Council meeting. Notices have been filed with our local official newspapers and posted on the municipal bulletin board.” 2. Roll Call: Committee Assignments: Mayor Arroyo – Present Councilmember Bicocchi – Present Land Use Councilmember Collins – Present Police & Emergency Management Councilmember– Montana Present Recreation & Public Properties Councilmember Hodges – Present Health & Hospital Councilmember Murphy – Present Fire & Ambulance Council President Dell - Present Finance, Administration & Capital Projects; Shared Services Borough Attorney Huntington – Present Borough Administrator Ayer - Present Borough Clerk Hughes – Present 3. Resolution #21 - 273: Executive Closed Session Motion to Approve Resolution #21-273: Councilmember Murphy Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Montana – Yes Councilmember Murphy – Yes Council President Dell - Yes 4. Reopen the Meeting: Motion to reopen the meeting: Councilmember Murphy Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. The time was 8:10 pm. 5. Roll Call II: Mayor Arroyo – Present / Councilmember Bicocchi – Present / Councilmember Collins – Present / Councilmember Hodges – Present / Councilmember Montana - Present / Councilmember Murphy - Present / Council President Dell – Present / Borough Administrator Ayer - Present / Borough Attorney Huntington – Present / Borough Engineer Boswell – Present / Borough Clerk Hughes - Present 6. Flag Salute Mayor Arroyo led those present in the salute to the flag. 7. Approval of Minutes: May 18, June 1, June 22, 2021 Motion to Approve Minutes: Council President Dell Second: Councilmember Murphy Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Montana – Yes Councilmember Murphy – Yes Council President Dell – Yes Minutes Page 2 Work Meeting of the Mayor and Council October 26, 2021 8. Resolution #21- 274: Promotion of Lieutenant Motion to Approve Resolution #21-274: Councilmember Murphy Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Montana – Yes Councilmember Murphy – Yes Council President Dell - Yes Mayor Arroyo administered the oath of office to John Hurtuk. 9. Engineer’s Report 1) Biweekly Report Dr. Boswell reviewed the biweekly report, a copy of which is attached. 2) Landfill Monitoring Dr. Boswell reported on the meeting with the DEP at Westvale Park. He believes capping the A and B fields and redoing the venting system might not be an issue any longer based on the readings the DEP took during the visit, but he is waiting for the DEP’s letter. Councilmember Montana asked when the last vacuuming of the system occurred. Dr. Boswell said it was pre-Ida, since no vacuuming was necessary but with such a wet summer he’s not sure the additional stormwater would matter, since it wasn’t necessary to vacuum . Councilmember Montana asked for confirmation that 3) Curbs and Sidewalks Mayor Arroyo observed that while the Borough’s ordinances put the onus for curbs and sidewalks on property owners, curbs are a part of drainage and should consistently be done with road paving. Dr. Boswell discussed policy options such as residents paying for both curbs and sidewalks; residents paying only for sidewalks; or the Borough paying for all curbs and sidewalks. There is also potential to form an assessment commission to assess property owners for sidewalk work done in conjunction with road paving. Mayor Arroyo would like further discussion at the work session. 10. Reports of Committees and Officials: A) Mayor’s Report Mayor Arroyo ceded his time to Councilmember Emeritus Peter Grefrath, who updated the Governing Body on the status of the bench and sign programs. B) Council President’s Report Council President Dell acknowledged the passing of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who died of Covid complications, noting that the pandemic is still ongoing and a danger. Council President Dell said she will be representing the Governing Body at Westwood Baseball’s Field of Screams fundraiser on Sunday, October 31st. C) Council Liaison & Committee Reports 1) Finance, Administration and Capital Projects: BD a) Finance Department Council President Dell advised that fourth quarter taxes are due November 1st. There is an electronic tax sale tomorrow. There is a resolution on the Consent Agenda authorizing an offer for a Deputy CFO position. Minutes Page 3 Work Meeting of the Mayor and Council October 26, 2021 b) Personnel Committee Council President Dell said the Personnel Committee is working on a review process for employees. There is a resolution on tonight’s consent agenda to hire a Deputy CFO. c) Historic Preservation Commission Council President Dell reported that the HPC is partnering with the Library on a matching grant to digitalize news articles. They are looking forward to their newest member, Noeline Grefrath, joining them. d) Heritage Society Council President Dell said the Heritage Society will celebrate the reopening of the train station on November 13th. The Council Chamber audio video upgrades require that the Heritage Society reconfigure the Mayors’ portraits. e) Celebrate Westwood There will be a Shop the Hub event in November. 2) Fire and Ambulance: JM a) Shade Tree Committee Councilmember Murphy said Shade Tree has postponed several meetings due to travel conflicts and illnesses, so they are looking forward to finally meeting next month. b) Fire Department Councilmember Murphy reported on the Fire Department Inspection and dinner. She noted that they are excited to be preparing for the Santa run, where they will once again be able to hand out lollipops to the children, and Home for the Holidays. They will be holding a casino night fundraiser in December. c) Green Team Councilmember Murphy said the Green Team will be meeting soon to pick actions to pursue for certification under Sustainable Jersey. 3) Health and Hospital: CH a) Parking Authority Councilmember Hodges announced that the Parking Authority Manager, Jack Sauer, will be retiring on December 31st. Carol Knubel has been appointed as interim Assistant Manager. The Parking Authority is open to the idea of converting to a utility, so Councilmember Hodges and the Borough Administrator will work up a plan. The Parking Authority has advised that collections are up. b) Health Department Councilmember Hodges announced that Health Department employee MaryBeth Netzer has been appointed as the department Manager. She is happy and excited to take on the position. Councilmember Hodges advised that the flu clinic is being held on Thursday, with rides available on the Borough’s van. Minutes Page 4 Work Meeting of the Mayor and Council October 26, 2021 c) Covid Boosters Councilmember Hodges reported that those who received the Moderna Covid vaccine through the Borough’s cooperative program with the hospital will be contacted about receiving the booster shot. Councilmember Hodges is also coordinating boosters through the hospital for those residents at the Westwood House who received the Pfizer vaccine. 4) Land Use: RB Councilmember Bicocchi left the meeting at 8:45 to handle a work emergency. 5) Police and OEM: EC a) Police Department Councilmember Collins read a text from the Police Chief thanking the Governing Body for the promotion that occurred earlier in the evening. She reported on a homicide incident that occurred in Washington Township over the weekend, where Westwood officers Piccinich, Horst, Kelczweski and SLEO II Snyder responded and comported themselves in an exemplary manner. They will be receiving a commendation from the Chief. Councilmember Collins gave an update on the police officer new hire process. She advised that the Police Department has acquired three vehicles through the 1033 program, one of which is a high water vehicle for flood rescues. Mayor Arroyo pointed out the need for a regular maintenance schedule for the 1033 equipment. b) Local Assistance Councilmember Collins reported that the Local Assistance Board is working on the holiday gifts, which will be gift cards again this year due to Covid. c) OEM Councilmember Collins advised that OEM has launched a Twitter account. 6) Public Works and Recreation: CM a) Recreation Councilmember Montana advised that there are a few small changes to the Community Center kitchen plans that are in progress. Work should begin in the first quarter of 2022. Council President Dell asked about the refurbishing of the rest rooms at the Community Center. Councilmember Montana said that will be a 2022 or 2023 project. b) DPW Councilmember Montana reported that the DPW has been clearing catch basins in advance of the nor’easter. Leaf collection has begun, so when piling the leaves in the street please put them at least 6 feet from a catch basin, and away from the curbs so water can drain. c) Environmental Committee Councilmember Montana said the Environmental Committee’s cleanup this past weekend at Palisades and Pascack Avenues garnered 1500-2000 pounds of debris. The Environmental Committee met with Scout troops to review plans for projects in Nugent Park, which the Scouts can perform as Eagle Scout projects. D) Attorney’s Report No report. Minutes Page 5 Work Meeting of the Mayor and Council October 26, 2021 E) Administrator’s / Clerk’s Report i) Road Paving Projects Mrs. Ayer advised that milling and paving for the 2021 road resurfacing project would occur over the next few days. The list of roads to be vetted for the 2022 road resurfacing project includes several that residents have complained about. She asked the Council to send her any additional roads they would like investigated. ii) Electronic Sign Mrs. Ayer said the foundation for the electronic signboard will complement the color of the train station. The project is moving along. iii) 2021 Best Practices Checklist Mrs. Ayer reviewed the Best Practices checklist. The Borough has sufficient points to receive its full state aid. 11. Agenda/Public Forum: Motion to open Agenda/Public Forum: Councilmember Murphy Second: Council President Dell Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the Affirmative. Anthony Greco, 26 Euclid Avenue – commended Officer Horst for his compassionate response when a neighbor fell on the sidewalk. Motion to close Agenda/Public Forum: Council President Dell Second: Councilmember Murphy Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. 12. Ordinances for Introduction/Adoption Ordinances for Introduction 21-27 An Ordinance Authorizing Sale Of Lands Without Public Auction BE IT RESOLVED that Ordinance #21-27 entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing Sale Of Lands Without Public Auction” is hereby introduced by title; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is hereby directed to advertise said ordinance with a November 23, 2021 hearing date in the official newspaper according to law. Motion to pass the ordinance on First Reading: Council President Dell Second: Councilmember Collins Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Absent Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Montana – Yes Councilmember Murphy – Yes Council President Dell – Yes _____ Ordinances for Adoption 21-24 An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 195 Land Use And Development Article XIV, Chapter 175, Flood Damage Prevention Councilmember Murphy advised that as noted at the last meeting, land use ordinances have certain Minutes Page 6 Work Meeting of the Mayor and Council October 26, 2021 statutory requirements that must be met prior to the public hearing and vote for adoption. Those statutory requirements are still in process, so the Council will need to adjourn the hearing and vote on this ordinance to the November 9th Council meeting. Motion to adjourn hearing and adoption to November 9, 2021: Councilmember Murphy Second: Council President Dell Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Absent Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Montana - Yes Councilmember Murphy – Yes Council President Dell – Yes _____ 21-26 An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 375 Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2 Parking, Article VI Restricted Parking BE IT RESOLVED that Ordinance #21-14 entitled “An Ordinance Establishing The Position Of Assistant Borough Administrator” having hereby been read by title, shall have a hearing held on this date. Motion to open the public hearing: Council President Dell Second: Councilmember Collins Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. Public Comments: No comments. Motion to close the public hearing: Council President Dell Second: Councilmember Murphy Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance known as #21-14 be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Adoption of said Ordinance be published in the official newspaper according to law. Motion for final adoption: Council President Dell Second: Councilmember Murphy Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Montana - Yes Councilmember Murphy – Yes Council President Dell – Yes _____ 13. Presentation of Bills, Financial Reports and Resolutions: Council President Dell asked if there were any resolutions to add to the Consent Agenda. She stated that any Councilmembers who wished to remove any Resolution(s) to be voted upon separately could do so at this time, otherwise the Consent Agenda would be enacted in one motion. Resolutions as Consent Agenda: a) Resolution #21 - 275: Bill List & Statement of Cash b) Resolution #21 - 276: Authorizing Bid Process for Recycling and Yard Waste c) Resolution #21 - 277: Authorizing Offer of Employment for Deputy CFO d) Resolution #21 - 278: Appointment to Historic Preservation Commission e) Resolution #21 - 279: Authorizing Boswell Engineering to Assist in Preparing CDBG Application f) Resolution #21 - 280: Authorizing Boswell Engineering To Perform Preparatory Work for the 2022 Road Resurfacing Program g) Resolution #21 - 281: Approval of DaSilva Request to Consume Alcoholic Beverages on Public Property for a Baptismal Celebration h) Resolution #21 - 282: Authorizing 2023 Municipal Alliance Grant i) Resolution #21- 283: Re-Adopting Personnel Policies and Procedures Minutes Page 7 Work Meeting of the Mayor and Council October 26, 2021 Motion to Approve Resolutions #21-275 through #21-283: Council President Dell Second: Councilmember Murphy Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Absent Councilmember Hodges – Yes with recusal on 21-01608 Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Montana – Yes Councilmember Murphy – Yes Council President Dell – Yes Mayor Arroyo commended the Council candidates for the positive tenor of their campaign, which has been refreshing in contrast to what goes on nationally. 14. Adjournment: Motion to Adjourn: Councilmember Murphy Second: Council President Dell Voice Vote: Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. The time was 9:15 pm. Attest: Karen Hughes, RMC, Borough Clerk Proofed by: Jean-Marie Vadovic, Deputy Clerk