Borough Council

BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL NOVEMBER 21, 2023 MINUTES MUNICIPAL COMPLEX 101 Washington Avenue 7:30 pm 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 Public Properties & Recreation Councilmember Collins – Present Police & Emergency Management Councilmember Dell - Present Finance, Administration & Capital Projects; Shared Services Councilmember Greco – Present Fire & Ambulance Councilmember Hodges – Present Health & Hospital Council President Montana - Present Land Use Councilmember Elect Letizia - Present Borough Attorney Dermott - Present Borough Administrator Ayer – Present Borough Clerk Hughes – Present 3. Resolution #23-318: Executive Closed Session Motion to Approve Resolution #23-318 at 7:30pm: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Greco - Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Council President Montana – Yes a) Shared Services (#7 Contractual) – DA b) Professional Services (#7 Attorney Client) – DA c) Property Management (#7 Attorney Client) 4. Reopen the Meeting: Councilmember Collins Second: Councilmember Dell Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. The time was 8:23 pm. 5. Roll Call II: Mayor Arroyo – Present / Councilmember Bicocchi – Present / Councilmember Collins – Present / Councilmember Dell – Present / Councilmember Greco – Present / Councilmember Hodges – Present / Council President Montana – Present / Councilmember Elect Letizia – Present / Borough Administrator Ayer - Present / Borough Attorney Kool – Present / Borough Engineer Senkevich – Present / Borough Clerk Hughes - Present 6. Flag Salute Mayor Arroyo led the salute to the flag. 7. Approval of Minutes: Closed Session Minutes November 8, 2023; Work Meeting Minutes Minutes Page 2 Public Meeting of the Mayor and Council November 21, 2023 of November 8, 2023 Councilmember Dell made a motion to approve the minutes. Second: Councilmember Hodges Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Greco - Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Council President Montana – Yes 8. Resolution #23-319: Westwood Fire Department Matters of Personnel Councilmember Greco made a motion to approve Resolution #23-319. Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Greco - Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Council President Montana – Yes 9. Engineer’s Report: A. Engineer’s Biweekly Report Mr. Senkevich reviewed the biweekly report, a copy of which is attached. 10. Reports of Committees and Officials: A) Mayor’s Report Mayor Arroyo wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and congratulated Councilmember Collins as the top vote getter in the November elections. Mayor Arroyo also stated that Council President Montana will sorely be missed but we are glad to welcome Councilmember Elect Lauren Letizia. The Mayor stated that the Council will be a female majority and he cannot remember the last time in Borough history when all females ran for the positions. B) Council President’s Report Council President Montana wished all a Happy Thanksgiving. He can’t think of a better way to wrap up his tenure than leaving the dais in the hands of the most outstanding group of elected officials, Borough professionals, and Borough colleagues. Council President Montana also thanked the other candidates who ran for office. C) Council Liaison & Committee Reports 1) Finance, Administration and Capital Projects: BD Councilmember Dell reported that the Borough finally received our film ready certification. Congratulations were also announced to Councilmember Collins, and Councilmember Elect Letizia and thanked Ms. Whyard and Ms. Cue for running. 2) Fire and Ambulance: AG Councilmember Greco reports that the ambulance corps operated at 59% in October and are lacking is day shifts. They are currently running with joint crews from Hillsdale. Four ambulance members let their EMT certifications lapse. Councilmember Greco stated that they are hoping to have the Pascack Valley Hospital Ambulance up soon. Several upcoming projects that the Senior Services will be doing were reviewed. Congratulated Marisa Tarateta on becoming a Certified Dementia Specialist. The Heritage Society opened up the museum for Veterans Day. Minutes Page 3 Public Meeting of the Mayor and Council November 21, 2023 Councilmember Greco reports that the Fire Department had 29 calls this month with no active fires. As of January 1st there will be a new Chief, Brian Kronewitter. The Fire Department is running its annual wellness clinic. Kudos to Marc Fedorchak for running the event. Councilmember Greco wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a big congratulations to Councilmember Collins and Councilmember Elect Letizia on winning the November election. 3) Health and Hospital: CH Councilmember Hodges reports that the Rabies Clinic was held on November 4th at the Train Station. Blood Pressure Screenings were coordinated with Senior Meetings and are ongoing. The Board of Health is working with the newly formed Community Outreach Department at HUMC North. Looking forward to them becoming more involved in Community Events. Parking Enforcement if hoping to move to electronic ticketing. There will be no more paper tickets. Working on a proposed Borough Ordinance to increase parking from $3 to $4 in the Commuter Lot. The 2024 Parking decals (changing to hang tags) will be available on December 15th with a cost of $10 to residents and $20 to non-residents. Councilmember Hodges congratulations Councilmember Collins and is excited to welcome Councilmember Elect Letizia. Also gave a shout out to the 10U Baseball Team which her grandson is apart of and reminded everyone to cheer on the Cardinals at the State Football finals on Monday. 4) Land Use: CM Council President Montana reports that the Planning Board meeting was cancelled but there will be multiple Zoning Board Special Meetings through the end of the year. Check the Borough calendar for additional dates beyond 1st Monday in December. The Library Board will host a thank you reception on 12/6 at 6pm for the Friends of the Library at the Library. 5) Police and OEM: EC Councilmember Collins reported on the Police Department working with Primoris Academy to finalize their facilities security plan for the safety of the staff and students. The Police Officer Body Cams are in service as of November 10th. Thank you to Sgt. Pieratos, Sgt. Piccinich and Sgt. Morrell for their years of service to the community and wish them best in their retirement. The Local Assistance distributed turkeys to those in need in the community. Councilmember Collins reports that she is looking forward to serving another 3 years, and is looking forward to working with Councilmember Elect Letizia. 6) Public Works and Recreation: RB Councilmember Bicocchi congratulated Mayor Arroyo, Councilmember Collins, and Councilmember Elect Letizia on winning the November elections. Minutes Page 4 Public Meeting of the Mayor and Council November 21, 2023 The Home for the Holidays Parade is coming up. Councilmember Bicocchi thanked Stew Leonards for donating turkeys. D) Attorney’s Report Borough Attorney Dermott echoed comments and congratulations to newly elected/elected officials. Also wished a Happy Thanksgiving. E) Administrator / Clerk’s Report Borough Administrator Ayer stated she is working on the budget, and had meetings with Department Heads. The Finance Committee is meeting next week to review initial requests. Worked with Hillsdale BA to submit the $200,000 DCA grant for the Pascack Brook and Musquapsink Brook Condition Assessment. We completed the onboarding of our cyber security program, in particular the phishing training. Borough Administrator Ayer is working with Northvale on renewing the leaf agreement. The new salt shed has been installed at the DPW and we are in the process of hiring a DPW laborer. Tax Sale is scheduled for December 7th. Borough Administrator Ayer wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and congratulated all on the elections. 11. Agenda/Public Forum: Motion to open Agenda/Public Forum: Council President Montana Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the Affirmative. Fred Rella spoke and congratulated all in regards to the elections and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Motion to close Agenda/Public Forum: Councilmember Bicocchi Second: Councilmember Dell Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the Affirmative. 12. Ordinances for Introduction/Adoption Ordinances for Introduction 23-40 An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 212 Mobile Food Vendors BE IT RESOLVED that Ordinance #23-40 entitled “An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 212 Mobile Food Vendors” is hereby introduced by title; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is hereby directed to advertise said ordinance Minutes Page 5 Public Meeting of the Mayor and Council November 21, 2023 with a December 19th, 2023 hearing date in the official newspaper according to law. Motion to pass the ordinance on First Reading: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Council President Montana – Yes ______________________________________ 23-41 An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 358-13 Towing and Storage Fee Schedule BE IT RESOLVED that Ordinance #23-41 entitled “An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 358-13 Towing and Storage Fee Schedule” is hereby introduced by title; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is hereby directed to advertise said ordinance with a December 19th, 2023 hearing date in the official newspaper according to law. Motion to pass the ordinance on First Reading: Councilmember Collins Second: Councilmember Dell Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Council President Montana – Yes ______________________________________ Ordinances for Adoption 23-33 Repealing Chapter 133 Contract Awards BE IT RESOLVED that Ordinance #23-33 entitled “Repealing Chapter 133 Contract Awards” having hereby been read by title, shall have a hearing held on this date. Motion to open the public hearing: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Hodges Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. Public Comments: No comments. Motion to close the public hearing: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Hodges Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance known as #23-33 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: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Montana – Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Council President Dell – Yes _________________________________________ 23-34 An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 237 Parking Lots, Municipal BE IT RESOLVED that Ordinance #23-34 entitled “An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 237 Parking Lots, Municipal” having hereby been read by title, shall have a hearing held on this date. Motion to open the public hearing: Councilmember Hodges Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Minutes Page 6 Public Meeting of the Mayor and Council November 21, 2023 Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. Public Comments: No comments. Motion to close the public hearing: Councilmember Bicocchi Second: Councilmember Dell Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance known as #23-34 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: Councilmember Hodges Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Montana – Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Council President Dell – Yes _________________________________ 23-35 An Ordinance To Establish A Schedule Of Salaries, Wages And Compensation Of The Public Officials, Officers and Employees Of The Borough Of Westwood In The County Of Bergen, And To Establish A Method Of Payment Such Compensation During Calendar Year 2023 BE IT RESOLVED that Ordinance #23-35 entitled “An Ordinance To Establish A Schedule of Salaries, Wages and Compensation Of The Public Officials, Officers and Employees Of The Borough of Westwood In The County Of Bergen, And To Establish A Method Of Payment Such Compensation During Calendar Year 2023” having hereby been read by title, is scheduled to have a hearing on this date. However, we are making the following amendments to the ordinance: The addition of the alternate prosecutor and alternate public defender titles and a change to the salary ranges for OEM Cooerdinator and Deputy OEM Coordinator. There are substantive enough changes that it requires noticing the public of the amendment and moving the hearing to the next meeting. Motion to approve above proposed amendments to the Ordinance: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Bicocchi Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Montana – Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Council President Dell – Yes Motion to continue the public hearing to December 5th and publish a Notice of Amendment of Ordinance 23-35: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Hodges Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Councilmember Montana – Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Council President Dell – Yes _________________________________________ 13. Presentation of Bills, Financial Reports and Resolutions: Resolutions as Consent Agenda: The following resolutions may be enacted in one motion as a Consent Agenda. Councilmembers wishing to remove any Resolutions(s) to be voted upon separately may do so at this time, and said Resolution(s) will be considered separately. a) Resolution #23 - 320: Bills List and Statement of Cash b) Resolution #23 - 321: 2023 Budget Transfers c) Resolution #23 - 322: Authorizing Execution of Agreement for FIRO Study d) Resolution #23 - 323: Endorsing CDBG Project for Senior Life Skills Program e) Resolution #23 - 324: Authorizing RFP for Borough Engineer Minutes Page 7 Public Meeting of the Mayor and Council November 21, 2023 f) Resolution #23 - 325: Endorsing Community Development Block Grant for Bergen County LGBTQ+ Alliance Programs g) Resolution #23 - 326: Approval to Consume Alcoholic Beverages On Public Property for a Peace 4 Paws Fundraiser Motion to Add Resolution “h, 23-327” to the Consent Agenda: Resolution “Authorizing Salary for Alternate Prosecutor” Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Hodges Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Council President Montana - Yes Motion to Approve Resolutions #23-320 through #23-327: Councilmember Dell Second: Council President Montana Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Councilmember Hodges – Yes Council President Montana - Yes 14. Adjournment: Motion to Adjourn: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Collins Voice Vote: Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. The time was 9:06 pm. Attest: Jean-Marie Vadovic, Deputy Clerk Proofed by: Karen Hughes, Borough Clerk