The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hackensack was
held at City Hall, 65 Central Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, on Tuesday,
October 22, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Labrosse called the meeting to order and City Clerk Debra Heck
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.
Mrs. Heck called the roll:
Present – Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr., Deputy Mayor Kathleen
Canestrino, Councilman David Sims, Councilwoman Rose Greenman, City
Manager Stephen Lo Iacono and City Attorney Thomas P. Scrivo. Councilman
Leonardo Battaglia was absent.
A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by
Councilman Sims to approve the minutes of the September 3, 2013, September
16, 2013, September 17, 2013, September 30, 2013 and October 8, 2013
meetings.
A proclamation was presented to James Brady who was homeless in the
spring and found a Hudson City Bank envelope on the ground with $850.00 in
cash and turned it into the Police department. As no one claimed it, the money
was returned to Mr. Brady.
City Manager’s report – Mr. Lo Iacono advised that the work on the Union
Street Railroad Crossing has been completed.
Mr. Lo Iacono also said that there will be a major project coming up that
will be undertaken by the NJ DOT for repairs to Route 4 over the Hackensack
River bridge. They are in the process of developing a public relations program.
The plan is to begin the work sometime in the first quarter of 2014. As it is a
major project, it will impact both Hackensack and Teaneck. A meeting is being
held on October 24, 2013 between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. at One Bergen County
Plaza in the multi-purpose room for the public to ask questions.
Mr. Lo Iacono announced that PSE&G will be performing re-conductoring
work on Summit near Lookout.
Mr. Lo Iacono also announced that on November 9, 2013 there will be a
free shredding event at the Recycling Center on Green Street between the hours
of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Mr. Lo Iacono advised that on October 26, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. a
children’s Halloween party will be held at the M&M building.
Mayor Labrosse said that he assumed that many people were present
this evening to discuss the school resource officer issue. He said that a
meeting has been set up between the City and the Board of Education and that
the issue will be addressed at that time. He also said that everyone was
welcome to stay at the meeting and if they would like to speak they will be able
to do so when the meeting is opened to the public. The Mayor also said that he
was upset with the flyer that was passed around in the high school.
10/22/13
NO. 421-13
OFFERED BY: CANESTRINO
SECONDED BY: SIMS
FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 21-2013, AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING PART II ENTITLED “GENERAL LEGISLATION” OF THE CITY
OF HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD NEW CHAPTER 176
ENTITLED “REGULATION OF NEWSRACKS”
This ordinance has been advertised pursuant to law and now calls for a
public hearing. Will someone so move?”
Motion offered by Councilwoman Greenman
Councilman Sims that there be a public hearing.
and
seconded
by
PUBLIC HEARING – Keith Sirrano Baldeo, NJ Pulse newspaper, said
that he has read the ordinance and sent out e-mails to everyone voicing his
displeasure with same and said that he would be filing a lawsuit against the
City.
Joe Campagna, 33 Essex Street, said that it is a great idea and asked
about the positioning of the boxes and whether or not a property owner has the
right to disallow them. Mr. Scrivo said that there are practical difficulties with
allowing property owners to reject them, as there are free speech issues
associated with it.
Kathleen Salvo, 184 Hudson Street, agreed with Mr. Campagna and said
that her insurance also told her that she would be liable for the newsrack. She
said that she was not in favor of the ordinance being rescinded three years ago
and not replaced, but said that there are other ways to distribute newspapers.
She also said that the newsracks need to be regulated and agreed that there
should be a minimum license fee.
The City Attorney, Mr. Scrivo, said that the ordinance contains
requirements that the company owning the box must maintain insurance and
name the City as an insured. Therefore, it would technically become City
property and that an injured party would utilize this insurance rather than
that of an adjoining property owner.
Larry Eisen, Maple Hill Drive, raised the possibility of first amendment
rights and said that he doesn’t believe that the ordinance would stand a
challenge on a federal basis. Mr. Scrivo said that the ordinance has been fully
researched.
Motion offered by Councilwoman Greenman and seconded by Deputy
Mayor Canestrino 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. 21-2013 has passed its
second and final reading and is hereby adopted.
Roll Call: Ayes- Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
10/22/13
ORDINANCE 21-2013
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART II ENTITLED
“GENERAL LEGISLATION” OF THE CITY OF
HACKENSACK MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD NEW
CHAPTER 176 ENTITLED “REGULATION OF
NEWSRACKS”
WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack (“Hackensack”) is in need of
regulating the location, installation and maintenance of newsracks; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HACKENSACK, as follows:
SECTION 1. The City of Hackensack Municipal Code, Part II entitled “General
Legislation,” is amended to add new Chapter 176 entitled “Regulation of
Newsracks” as follows:
§ 176-1.
Definitions
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
DISTRIBUTOR – Any person, firm or corporation responsible for placing,
locating, installing or maintaining a newsrack in a public place in the City of
Hackensack.
DRIVEWAY – That surface, whether or not improved, over and by which
ingress and egress are made into private or public property by vehicles.
NEWSPAPER – Any newspaper, periodical or magazine of general
circulation as defined by general law; any newspaper, periodical or magazine
duly entered with the Post Office Department of the United States, in
accordance with federal statute or regulation; and any newspaper, periodical or
magazine filed and recorded with any recording office as required by general
law.
NEWSRACK – Any machine, vending machine, rack, self-service or coinoperated box, container, storage unit or other dispenser used and maintained
for the sale and distribution of newspapers, news periodicals, news magazines
and any other similar publications.
ROADWAY – That portion of any street improved, designed or ordinarily
used for vehicular traffic.
SIDEWALK – Any surface provided for the exclusive use of pedestrians,
including the area between the curb of any street and the property line
adjacent thereto, or, if there is no curb, the area between the edge of the street
and the property line adjacent thereto, and the sidewalk shall include the
public right-of-way along such street or sidewalk.
STEET – All that area dedicated to public use for public street purposes,
and includes but is not limited to, roadways, parkways, alleys and sidewalks.
§ 176-2.
Notification by Distributors
(a) Any distributor having a newsrack which is already located or installed on
any public sidewalk or public right-of way within the City of Hackensack on the
effective date of this chapter shall, within 30 days of the effective date of this
chapter, notify the Zoning Official, in writing, of the location and placement of
each such newsrack. Such notice shall include:
10/22/13
(1) The precise location of each such newsrack;
(2) The name, address and telephone number of the distributor; and
(3) A certification by the distributor that the location, installation and
maintenance of such newsrack conforms to, and will continue to
conform to, the Municipal Code of the City of Hackensack, and that
said distributor assumes the unconditional obligations for any legal
liability occasioned by such installation and maintenance, and that
said distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City of
Hackensack, its servants, agents and employees, for any and all
claims arising out of said distributor’s installation, use or
maintenance of such newsrack.
(b) Any distributor having a newsrack which is already located or installed on
any public sidewalk or public right-of way within the City of Hackensack on the
effective date of this chapter, shall, by November 1, apply to obtain a permit in
accordance with the requirements and deadlines as set forth in the remaining
sections of this chapter for any newsrack or newsracks such distributor
intends to continue operating.
§ 176-3
Compliance and Permit Required
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or distributor to
erect, place, maintain or operate a newsrack on any public right-of-way within
the City of Hackensack, without first having obtained a permit from the Zoning
Official. The permit shall specify the exact location of each such newsrack. One
permit may be issued to include any number of newsracks and shall be signed
by the applicant.
(b) An application for such permit shall be made in writing, by November 1, to
the office of the Zoning Official of the City of Hackensack upon such form, as
shall be provided, and shall contain the name and address of the applicant and
the proposed specific location of said newsrack or newsracks and shall be
signed by the applicant. The application must contain a certification by the
distributor that said distributor assumes the unconditional obligations for any
legal liability occasioned by such installation and maintenance, and that said
distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Hackensack, its
servants, agents and employees, for any and all claims arising out of said
distributor’s installation, use or maintenance of such newsrack.
The application must also be accompanied by a color sketch or color drawing to
scale, and specifications of the proposed newsrack depicting compliance with
the requirements for dimensions, color and lettering, and the application shall
be signed by the applicant.
(c) If the applicant meets all the requirements of the provisions of this section,
the permit shall be issued within 60 business days for an effective date of
January 1.
(d) If the application is denied, the Zoning Official, within 30 business days
and by regular mail, shall set forth in writing the reasons for the denial. For
each requested location, the Zoning Official shall have an additional 7 business
days to act.
(e) Such denial by the Zoning Official may be appealed within 30 days to the
Zoning Board of Adjustment which shall render a decision within 60 days.
§ 176-4
Conditions for Permit; Term; Liability Insurance
(a) Permits may be issued for the installation of a newsrack or newsracks, but
such newsrack or newsracks and the installation, use or maintenance thereof
shall be conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of this section.
10/22/13
(b) The permit shall be valid for a period of 1 year, commencing January 1,
and shall be renewable in January of the subsequent year. Permits shall be
renewable pursuant to the procedure for original application.
(c) No permit shall be issued or continued in operation unless the applicant
shall file with the Zoning Official an insurance policy or policies of a company
duly licensed to transact business under the insurance laws of this State, with
coverage limits of at least $100,000 per person and $1,000,000 per accident,
insuring against loss from liability imposed by law upon the distributor for
damages on account of bodily injury or death suffered, and in the sum of
$50,000 against loss on account of property damage suffered by any person or
persons as a result of an accident occurring by reason of the ownership,
control or maintenance of a newsrack, and no permit shall continue effective
unless such insurance shall remain in full force and effect, during the entire
term of the permit. Such insurance policy shall provide for the payment of any
final judgment recovered by any person on account of the ownership,
maintenance and control of such newsrack, or any fault in respect thereto, and
shall be for the benefit of any person suffering loss, damage or injury as
aforesaid.
Each insurance policy shall provide that neither the distributor, nor its
insurer, shall have any right to subrogation against the City of Hackensack.
Each insurance policy shall provide primary coverage for any and all losses and
shall be drafted so as to protect all parties.
The distributor shall have the City of Hackensack added as an additional
insured on the insurance policies required by this Section.
§ 176-5
Standards for Maintenance and Installation
Any newsrack which in whole or in part rests upon, or over any public sidewalk
or public right-of-way, shall comply with the following standards:
(a) No newsrack shall exceed 60 inches in height, 24 inches in width or 20
inches in depth;
(b) The exterior of the newsrack shall be in accordance with this chapter and
only deal with the display, sale or purchase of the newspaper sold therein;
(c) Each newsrack shall be blue with gold lettering, but the lettering shall not
exceed three inches (3”) in height and shall not cover more than 10 percent
(10%) of the surface area of the newsrack.
(d)
Each newsrack shall only be used to store newspapers the distributor
intends on selling;
(e) Each newsrack shall be equipped with a coin return mechanism to permit
a person using the machine to secure an immediate refund in the event he or
she is unable to receive the newspaper paid for. The coin return mechanism
shall at all times be maintained in good working order.
(f) Each newsrack shall have affixed to it, in a readily visible location, a notice
setting forth the name and address of the distributor and a telephone number
which persons may call to report a malfunction or to secure a refund in the
event of a malfunction of the coin return mechanism or to give the notices
provided for in this ordinance.
(g) Each newsrack shall be maintained in a neat and clean condition and in
good repair at all times. In particular, each newsrack shall be maintained so
that:
10/22/13
(1) It is reasonably free of loose, chipped, peeling or cracked paint on the
exterior surfaces thereof;
(2) It is reasonably free of rust and corrosion on the exterior surfaces
thereof;
(3) The clear plastic or glass parts thereof, if any, are not broken or
cracked so as to create danger to users thereof; and
(4) Structural parts are not broken, cracked or otherwise in a condition
which might render them dangerous to users thereof.
§ 176-6
Location and Placement of Newsracks
Any newsrack which in whole or in part rests upon, or over any public sidewalk
or public right-of-way, shall be located in accordance with the following
requirements:
(a) No newsrack shall be used or maintained which projects onto, into or over
any part of the roadway of any public street, or which rests, wholly or in part
upon, along or over any portion of the roadway of any public street.
(b)
No newsrack shall be permitted to rest upon, in or over any public
sidewalk, when such installation, use or maintenance:
(1) Endangers the safety of persons or property; or
(2) Unreasonably interferes with or impedes the flow of pedestrian or
vehicular traffic, including any legally parked or stopped vehicle; or
(3) Unreasonably interferes with the ingress to or egress from any
residence or place of business; or
(4) Unreasonably interferes with passengers boarding or exiting from
buses at designated bus stops; or
(5) Unreasonably interferes with the use of traffic signs or signals, fire
hydrants or mailboxes located or permitted at or near said location.
(c) Newsracks shall be chained, bolted or otherwise secured so as to prevent
their being blown or knocked down, or otherwise moved, onto or around the
public right-of-way, provided however that no newsrack shall be chained,
bolted or otherwise secured to any traffic or street sign, signals, or poles
without obtaining the permission of the Zoning Official.
(d)
Newsracks may be placed next to each other in groups at the same
location, provided that no group of newsracks shall extend for a distance of
more than 6 feet along a curb, and provided further that there shall be a
minimum of 20 feet between any such group of newsracks and any other
newsrack or group of newsracks.
(e) No newsrack shall be placed, installed, used or maintained:
(1) Within 6 feet of any marked crosswalk;
(2) Within 12 feet of a curb return of any unmarked crosswalk;
(3) Within 5 feet of any fire hydrant, fire or police call box, or other
emergency communication facility; or
(4) Within 5 feet of any driveway.
§ 176-7
Enforcement
(a) If the Zoning Official shall determine that a newsrack does not comply with
the provisions of this chapter, including the requirement to provide the
notification required by Section 2 of this chapter, then the Zoning Official shall
mail a written notice to the distributor of such newsrack, by certified mail,
10/22/13
return receipt requested, stating the specific reasons why such newsrack does
not comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) If a distributor fails to adjust, correct, register or otherwise cause such
newsrack to be brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter
within 10 days of the date the written notice of non-compliance is mailed by
the Zoning Official, then such distributor shall be deemed to be in violation of
this chapter.
§ 176-8
Violations and Penalties
(a) Any distributor who, following written notice as set forth in Section 7 of
this chapter, fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall, upon
conviction therefor in Municipal Court, be subject to a fine not to exceed
$2,000 dollars. Each day for which distributor fails to comply with the
provisions of this chapter shall constitute a separate violation hereunder.
(b) If a distributor is convicted of a violation of this chapter by the Municipal
Court and if such distributor thereafter refuses to remedy or correct the said
violation within 20 days of the date of said conviction, or, in the event of a
direct appeal, within 20 days of the date upon which said conviction shall
become final, then the Zoning Official of the City of Hackensack shall be
empowered to remove the newsrack which was the basis for such conviction
from the public sidewalk or public right-of-way and return such newsrack to
the distributor identified on the newsrack.
§ 176-9
Severability
If any provision of this chapter shall be adjudged unconstitutional or
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such judgment shall not
affect, impair or invalidate the remaining provisions hereof, which shall
continue in full force and effect.
SECTION 2. All other ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith
are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication
as provided by law.
NO. 422-13
OFFERED BY: SIMS
SECONDED BY: GREENMAN
___________________________________________________________________________________
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
Grants
Payroll
Public Parking Syste
Capital
Trust Account
Total Expenditures
Interfunds/Transfers
$583,038.31
4,709.47
1,575,423.00
1,227.38
0.00
173,648.85
$2,341,232.37
$71,695.02
Roll Call – Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
10/22/13
NO. 423-13
OFFERED BY: CANESTRINO
SECONDED BY: SIMS
______________________________________________________________________________
BE IT RESOLVED, that United Water New Jersey, Inc. is hereby
requested to erect one (1) fire hydrant (s) at the following designated place, to
be used for fire purposes only, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of
the Company and its rates as set forth in its Schedule of Rates filed with the
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in Newark, New Jersey.
LOCATION OF HYDRANT (S)
1. Proposed hydrant south side of VanWettering Place, approximately 38’
west of River Street.
2. See attached drawing for additional details.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent - Battaglia
NO. 424-13
OFFERED BY: SIMS
SECONDED BY: CANESTRINO
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, Ford Motor Credit Company, One American Road-MD 7500
Dearborn, Michigan, 48126, has approved lease #8394902 for the City of
Hackensack to purchase through Carman Dodge, Inc.,196 South DuPont Hwy,
New Castle, DE 19720, (sister company of Winner Ford) who has been awarded
the New Jersey State Contract #82927; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack wishes to lease (6) six 2014 Dodge
Chargers for the Police Department for a three year period with an option to
purchase pursuant to a lease purchase agreement authorized by the Local
Public Contract Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12); and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Police Department recommends and the
City Manager agrees that the utilization of the contract represents the best
price available and is in the best interest of the City of Hackensack.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council
of the City of Hackensack authorizes the execution of a new lease for six new
2014 Dodge Chargers for the Police Department from Ford Motor Credit
Company; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer has
certified that funds are available in the forfeiture funds account T-03-56-850836-801 and also that funds will be available from accounts, 4-01-25-240-240261 and 5-01-25-240-240-261.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
10/22/13
NO. 425-13
OFFERED BY: GREENMAN
SECONDED BY: SIMS
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack wishes to have police package
equipment supplied/installed to their (6) six new 2014 Dodge Chargers for the
Police Department pursuant to the Local Public Contract Laws (N.J.S.A.
40A:11-12); and
WHEREAS, 10-75 Emergency Lighting LLC., 51 Executive Parkway,
Building 1, Ringwood, New Jersey, 07456, has been awarded the New Jersey
State Contract No. A81334, A81347; and
WHEREAS, the purchase will be for $96,150.00; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Police Department recommends the
Director of Purchasing agrees that the utilization of the contract represents the
best price available.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of
the City of Hackensack authorizes the police package equipment to be
supplied/installed to their (6) six new 2014 Dodge Chargers for the Police
Department from 10-75 Emergency Lighting LLC., 51 Executive Parkway,
Building 1, Ringwood, New Jersey, 07456; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Financial Officer has
Certified that the funds are available from the forfeiture funds account T-0356-850-836-801.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
NO. 426-13
OFFERED BY: SIMS
SECONDED BY: GREENMAN
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, pursuant to LPCL 40A:11-6.1 three quotes were received
from Diesel Truck Services, Inc., Gerber RV Truck and Bus and the Borough of
Paramus, to restore the Fire Bus for the Fire Department of the City of
Hackensack that was submerged in flood water due to Hurricane Sandy; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Chief advised the City Manager and the Director of
Purchasing that he had reviewed such quotations and found that Diesel Truck
Service, Inc., 1 River Drive, P.O. Box 98, Garfield, New Jersey, 07026 is
reasonable and satisfactory.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of
the City of Hackensack to authorize repairs to the Fire Bus for the Fire
Department of the City of Hackensack that was submerged in flood water due
to Hurricane Sandy for the total price of $18,950.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Financial Officer has
certified that the funds are available in the current account 2-01-25-265-265261 in the amount of $8,950.00, Grant Account G-02-11-903-000-000 in the
10/22/13
amount of $5,000.00 and Grant Account G-02-12-902-000-000 in the amount
of $5,000.00.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent - Battaglia
NO. 427-13
OFFERED BY: GREENMAN
SECONDED BY: CANESTRINO
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Attorney General’s guidelines states that all
property is to be returned to the rightful owner; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack is holding $245.00 in the
Unallocated Cash Current Fund from the Hackensack Police Department,
regarding Case No. 12-28441 dated April 17, 2012; and
WHEREAS, these funds were not submitted for forfeiture and per the
Bergen County Prosecutors Office should be returned to the rightful owner,
Jamar Travis, who has made a written request with photo identification; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has instructed the Finance
Department to use non-budget account number 3-01-55-900-000-222 to issue
said refund.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the governing body of the
City of Hackensack, that the Municipal Tax Collector is hereby authorized to
refund $245.00 to its rightful owner, Jamar Travis and the check will be
delivered to the Municipal Tax Collector for handling.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
NO. 428-13
OFFERED BY: SIMS
SECONDED BY: GREENMAN
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack utilizes Bergen County Cooperative
Pricing Council Contract 13-99, Resolution No. 1285-13 dated September 17,
2013 for Diesel Fuel, Council Contract 13-98, Resolution No. 1286-13 dated
September 17, 2013 for Fuel Oil No. 2, and Council Contract 13-100,
Resolution No 1284-13 dated September 17, 2013 for Gasoline; and
WHEREAS, these purchase are made on an as-needed basis; and
WHEREAS, these purchases will not exceed $625,000.00 for 2013; and
WHEREAS, funds are available for this purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of
the City of Hackensack, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, authorize the
City of Hackensack to make purchases under the Bergen County Cooperative
Pricing Council Contracts 13-99 for Diesel Fuel, 13-98 for Fuel Oil No. 2 and
13-100 for Gasoline.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
10/22/13
NO. 429-13
OFFERED BY: GREENMAN
SECONDED BY: SIMS
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, state statute N.J.S.A. 54:4-8.11 permits
deduction to be granted to qualifying property owners; and
a
Veterans
WHEREAS, an application must be made in writing by the claimant and
a V.S.S. form submitted to the Tax Assessor’s office supported with documents
to substantiate all necessary qualifications; and
WHEREAS, Robert R. Ramp, residing at 163 Cedar Avenue,
Hackensack, New Jersey, having satisfied the necessary requirements above is
entitled to a Veterans deduction under N.J.S.A. 54:4-8.16 for 2014 and from
year to year without the necessity of renewal.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Tax Collector is directed to
give Robert R. Ramp a credit of $250.00 for 2014 and an additional pro-rated
credit for Block 592, Lot 19, for 2013, from August 20, 2013 which is the date
of application for this deduction.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
NO. 430-13
OFFERED BY: CANESTRINO
SECONDED BY: SIMS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Hackensack
that the proper officers be and are hereby authorized to make the following
refunds for the reasons stated:
AMOUNT
$2253.16
BLOCK
38
LOT
9
NAME
Jovanoski, Slavoljub &
Persa
226 Washington Ave
Hackensack, NJ 07061
YEAR
2012
REASON
CBJ
$637.57
238
8-C014C
Tzour, Dan & Talia
P.O. Box 199
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
2012
CBJ
$148.15
19
LSI Title Agency Inc
For Goldberg, Ruth and
Donald
Escrow Trust Account
700 Cherrington Pkwy
Coraopolis, PA 15108
2013
Overpymt
$190.92
519
LSI Title Agency Inc
For Gillespie (ETAL)
Martine R Betancour
Escrow Trust Account
700 Cherrington Pkwy
Coraopolis, PA 15108
2013
Overpymt
10/22/13
C00D3
36C001B
$16.57
540
1C00H2
Saslona, Nicole
970 Main St Unit H2
Hackensack, NJ 07601
2013
Overpymt
$852.70
590
5
Enrico, Daniel Labruno
268 Fairmount Ave
Hackensack, NJ 07601
2013
Overpymt
$341.81
595
27.01
Valley National Title
Service
For Meglioranza, Cathy
80 E. Ridgewood Ave
Paramus, NJ 07652
2013
Overpymt
$152.10
621
9
Mack, Maya
890 Summit Ave
Hackensack, NJ 07601
2013
Overpymt
$1775.00
237
Title Source
2012
Overpymt
1.01
C007E
For Smikle, Ingrid
662 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
$11,380.00
121
45
Marcus Brody as
counsel
For PS Polifly LLC
5 Becker Farm Rd
Roseland, NJ 07068
2009
SBJ
$11,961.26
121
45
Marcus Brody as
counsel
For PS Polifly LLC
5 Becker Farm Rd
Roseland, NJ 07068
2010
SBJ
$15,2+2.24
121
42
Marcus Brody as
counsel
For PS Polifly LLC
5 Becker Farm Rd
Roseland, NJ 07068
2011
SBJ
$4,190.63
411
16
McKirdy & Riskin PA
For Sidber, LLC
136 South St
P.O. Box 2379
Morristown, NJ 079622379
2013
SBJ
10/22/13
$4,930.34
411
18
McKirdy & Riskin PA
For Sidber, LLC
136 South St
P.O. Box 2379
Morristown, NJ 079622379
2013
SBJ
Roll Call - Ayes: Canetrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent - Battaglia
NO. 431-13
OFFERED BY: CANESTRINO
SECONDED BY: SIMS
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, on November 6 through November 9, 2013, the New Jersey
State Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with various state agencies and
in cooperation with the New Jersey Judiciary, will be sponsoring a FUGITIVE
SAFE SURRENDER PROGRAM designed to offer an opportunity for individuals
wanted for nonviolent offenses in New Jersey to turn themselves in and, in the
same day, remove any warrant filed against them and to adjust the underlying
municipal or state summons or complaint filed against them; and
WHEREAS, individuals that qualify for this program must report to the
Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church at 661 Montgomery Street, Jersey City,
New Jersey between the hours of 9:00 Am and 4:00 PM on those days; and
WHEREAS, a Hotline has been established so that residents may get
more information as to how they may avail themselves of this opportunity at
www.FSSNJ.com or by calling 855-FSS-NJ12; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack supports
the Attorney General’s Office and the FUGITIVE SAFE SURRENDER
PROGRAM, as it will allow many otherwise law-abiding citizens to resolve
warrants and outstanding complaints and criminal cases against them so that
they may no longer live under the cloud of being a fugitive and to get a fresh
start.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of
the City of Hackensack does hereby support the FUGITIVE SAFE SURRENDER
PROGRAM, the New Jersey State Office of the Attorney General and all other
program collaborators and participants based upon the significant benefit
afforded to the residents of the State.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
10/22/13
NO. 432-13
OFFERED BY: GREENMAN
SECONDED BY: SIMS
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, the Hackensack Health Department participates in the
Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Adult VFC programs from the New Jersey
Department of Health, which provides free vaccines for residents of
Hackensack which are eligible; and
WHEREAS, it has been identified by the VFC program that an alternate
site must be identified for storage of the vaccines in case of a disaster, such as
power outage; and
WHEREAS, the Hackensack Health Department
refrigerated and frozen vaccine storage capacity; and
has
appropriate
WHEREAS, the Elmwood Park Health Department also has appropriate
refrigerated and frozen vaccine storage capacity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council
of the City of Hackensack that:
1. The Hackensack Health Department is authorized to enter into an
inter-local agreement with the Elmwood Park Health Department.
2. The inter-local agreement will establish that the vaccine storage
facilities for both jurisdictions could be utilized as an alternate site for
the respective health departments in the case of an emergency, until
their own vaccine storage facilities can be re-established.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse,
Absent - Battaglia
NO. 433-13
OFFERED BY: SIMS
SECONDED BY: GREENMAN
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, NJS 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of
Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of
revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have
been made available by law and the amount was not determined at the time of
the adoption of the budget; and
WHEREAS, the Director may also approve the insertion of an item of
appropriation for equal amount,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of
Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, hereby requests the
Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion
of an item of revenue in the budget of the calendar year 2013 in the sum of
$7,959.66 which is now available from:
Miscellaneous Revenues:
Special Items of General Revenue Anticipated
With Prior Written Consent of the Director of the
Division of Local Government Services:
State and Federal Revenues Off-set with
Appropriations:
2013 Bullet Proof Vests
10/22/13
in the amount of $7,959.66.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the like sum of $7,959.66 is hereby
appropriated under the caption of :
General Appropriations:
(a) Operations Excluded from CAPS
State and Federal Programs Off-Set by
Revenues:
2013 Bullet Proof Vests
Other Expenses
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above is the result of funds from
the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance in the
amount of $7,959.66.
Roll Call-Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
NO. 434-13
OFFERED BY: GREENMAN
SECONDED BY: CANESTRIO
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, the Governing Body desires to resolve the litigation captioned
62-64 Main Street, LLC Michael J. Monaghan, Frank Callahan, Danny
Callahan, and Joan P. Monaghan v. City of Hackensack, Superior Court of New
Jersey, Law Division, Bergen County, Docket No. BER-L-3627-13.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of
Hackensack, that the City attorney is authorized to settle said claim and
execute the requisite settlement documents; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby
directed to retain a copy of the settlement documents for public inspection.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent - Battaglia
NO. 435-13
OFFERED BY: GREENMAN
SECONDED BY: CANESTRINO
____________________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION ASSIGNING PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
PROVIDERS AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE CONTRACTS WITH SUCH QUALIFIED
PROFESSIONALS
WHEREAS, it has become necessary for the City of Hackensack (“City”)
to engage various professional service providers; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires to appoint such professionals
by a “fair and open process” pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.1 et seq.; and
10/22/13
WHEREAS, the City issued and advertised requests for qualifications
(“RFQ’s”) on the City’s website and in official newspapers on Monday, July 8,
2013; and
WHEREAS, qualification statements by professionals were submitted to
the City by July 18, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, the qualification statements were reviewed to determine
applicants that have met the minimum professional, administrative and
financial criteria described in the RFQ and based upon the totality of the
information contained in the qualification statements, including information
about the reputation and experience of each applicant and ability to best serve
the needs of the City of Hackensack; and
WHEREAS, the City found it in its best interests to qualify certain
professional service providers on August 20, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the City finds it in its best interests to now assign certain
professional service providers to various positions, matters and assignments;
and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of
Hackensack, that the City finds it in its best interests to assign the following
professional
service
providers
to
the
following
positions,
matters
and
assignments:
1. Municipal Auditor/Financial Advisor
DiMaria & DiMaria, LLP (Compensation will not exceed $100,000.00
without the express written authorization of the City)
2. Redevelopment Attorney
Archer & Greiner, PC (Compensation will not exceed $50,000.00 without
the express written authorization of the City)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to
execute contracts with the above professional service providers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby
directed to retain a copy of the contracts for public inspection.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent - Battaglia
10/22/13
NO. 436-13
OFFERED BY: SIMS
SECONDED BY: CANESTRINO
______________________________________________________________________________
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hackensack that
Andrew Cimiluca be and is hereby appointed Alternate Municipal Prosecutor
for the City of Hackensack and to continue in said office at the pleasure of the
City Council.
Roll Call: Ayes- Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent - Battaglia
NO. 437-13
OFFERED BY: SIMS
SECONDED BY: CANESTRINO
______________________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH BERGEN
COUNTY IN WHICH THE CITY WILL DONATE A
FIRE TRUCK TO THE COUNTY OF BERGEN
WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires to enter into an agreement
donating
a
1985
Mack
de-commissioned
fire
truck
(VIN
Number
1M2A114C6FM002263) to the County of Bergen to be utilized by the County of
Bergen for training purposes at its fire academy; and
WHEREAS, the agreement will include an indemnification clause barring
the City from liability; and
WHEREAS, the Council finds it in the best interest of the City to donate
the fire truck; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of
Hackensack, that the City Manager be and is hereby authorized and directed to
enter into an agreement with the appropriate authority of the County of Bergen
for the donation of the fire truck.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the agreement must contain an
indemnification clause limiting the City’s liability.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby
directed to retain a copy of the contracts for public inspection.
10/22/13
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent - Battaglia
NO. 438-13
OFFERED BY: CANESTRINO
SECONDED BY: SIMS
_____________________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION ASSIGNING PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
PROVIDERS AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE CONTRACTS WITH SUCH QUALIFIED
PROFESSIONALS
WHEREAS, it has become necessary for the City of Hackensack (“City”)
to engage various professional service providers; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hackensack desires to appoint such professionals
by a “fair and open process” pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.1 et seq.; and
WHEREAS, the City issued and advertised requests for qualifications
(“RFQ’s”) on the City’s website and in official newspapers on Monday, July 8,
2013; and
WHEREAS, qualification statements by professionals were submitted to
the City by July 18, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, the qualification statements were reviewed to determine
applicants that have met the minimum professional, administrative and
financial criteria described in the RFQ and based upon the totality of the
information contained in the qualification statements, including information
about the reputation and experience of each applicant and ability to best serve
the needs of the City of Hackensack; and
WHEREAS, the City found it in its best interests to qualify certain
professional service providers on August 20, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the City finds it in its best interests to now assign certain
professional service providers to various positions, matters and assignments;
and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of
Hackensack, that the City finds it in its best interests to assign the following
10/22/13
professional
service
providers
to
the
following
positions,
matters
and
assignments:
1. Alternate Tax Appeal Attorney
Kaufman, Semeraro & Liebman, LLP (Compensation will not exceed $20,000.00
without the express written authorization of the City)
2. Special Litigation Counsel
a. Milberg v. City of Hackensack, attorney for Richard Sellitto
Grieco & DeFilippo LLC (Compensation will not exceed $40,000.00
without the express written authorization of the City)
b. City of Hackensack Property Damage Claim against New Jersey
Transit
Grieco & DeFilippo LLC (Compensation will not exceed $10,000.00
without the express written authorization of the City)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to
execute contracts with the above professional service providers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and is hereby
directed to retain a copy of the contracts for public inspection.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent – Battaglia
NO. 439-13
OFFERED BY: GREENMAN
SECONDED BY: CANESTRINO
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 416-13 dated October 8, 2013, the Mayor
and Council of the City of Hackensack approved a tax refund in the amount of
$2,450.05 for Sanzari 2011 LLC, 25 Main Street, Court Plaza North,
Hackensack, NJ for property located at 15 Main Street that was donated to the
City effective June 11, 2013; and
WHEREAS, in order to formalize this refund, it is necessary for the Tax
Collector to cancel the taxes ($2,450.05) from June 11, 2013 to June 30, 2013.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tax Collector is hereby
authorized to cancel the aforesaid taxes in the amount of $2,450.05.
Roll Call - Ayes: Canestrino, Greenman, Sims, Labrosse
Absent - Battaglia
A motion was offered by Deputy Mayor Canestrino and seconded by
Councilman Sims to open the meeting to the public.
10/22/13
Steve Gelber, 304 Clinton Place, spoke about the SRO and said that he
has been gathering information regarding same but said that he thought it was
disgusting that flyers were passed out encouraging kids at the high school to
act as political props. Mr. Gelber said that there is a lot of misinformation out
there and also that it isn’t true that there hasn’t been an SRO at the high
school. Mr. Gelber acknowledged that retired Detective Kenneth Martin is
present at the meeting but said that he hoped that he was not going to get
involved in the process. Mr. Gelber also asked if the City was ever reimbursed
for the SRO at the Middle School and suggested that the Board of Education
might want to go to the sending districts to ask for funding for this. He also
commented that he was glad to see the position of full-time CFO being posted
as maybe this wouldn’t have happened if the City had a full-time person.
Danny Dimoski, Division and Porter, was present to address the Council
again concerning the parking situation near his residence. It was agreed that
the City will issue two new parking passes to this family.
Frank Albolino, 191 Second Street, on behalf of the Board of Education,
spoke about information given out earlier on the SRO and said that the SRO
operates inside the school, not outside. Therefore the students are able to see
him, get to know him, etc. Mr. Albolino also said that the Middle School did
have a grant through the Police dept. He also said that he had no knowledge of
a meeting between the two groups and said that he is looking for cooperation
between the City and the Board of Education.
Chuck McAuliffe, spoke about the Monaghan lawsuits and legal
representation for the prior Council.
Thomas Lydon, 151 Prospect Avenue, spoke about the recent death of
Jerry Some after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street and asked
if it was possible to get a crosswalk or a crossing area.
Brownita Shariff, thanked the Hackensack Police Department for their
work in the community and spoke about a letter she had written which
pertained to a stop sign at Haynes and Stanley and a contaminated lot
affecting residents of James, Berry and Second streets. Ms. Shariff asked if the
DPW had gotten their raises in a timely manner and also asked for an update
on the recreation center. Mayor Labrosse announced that on the City website
there is an ad requesting a group of volunteer citizens to work on the
community center. Also, with reference to the incident concerning the Civic
Center, Ms. Shariff reminded everyone that it is about what is best for the
children.
Ryan, a student from the high school, did not think it was fair for anyone
to say that the students were incapable of standing up for themselves. He said
that he is also concerned about this issue and said that he doesn’t feel safe
without an SRO, as there used to be a sense of security and safety.
Andrea, another high school student, said that she is here on her own
free will and that the students are not interest in politics, but safety. She said
that the Board of Education and the City need to realize that this issue should
be about safety rather than money.
Blanche Stuart, also spoke about the SRO and said that the offer of the
payment of sixty percent of the bill for an SRO is totally not acceptable and
that this is also the responsibility of the sending districts and not only
Hackensack residents. She also said that the job of an SRO is also a teaching
position. Ms. Stuart spoke about the use of the City seal and the Civic Center
by ICAL and said that the situation should be addressed. Ms. Stuart also
commented that Mr. Albolino had neglected to announce that another Board of
10/22/13
Education member, Carol Martinez, is present and that she has always
advocated for the children.
Joseph Campagna, spoke about the redevelopment of the Fair Street area
and also thanked the City for providing such a beautiful cornerstone adjacent
to Court Plaza. Mr. Campagna also praised Director Michael Mordaga.
F.J. Williams, 348 Railroad Avenue, spoke about buses idling in front of
his residence.
Steven Kopf, a member of the Bergen County Housing Authority, spoke
about police officers using excessive force.
Carol Martinez, 185 Prospect Avenue, also spoke about the SRO issue
and said that she was upset that the kids left. She told the remaining kids
that they cannot believe everything they hear and that they must do their own
research. Ms. Martinez said that she did not agree with what Mr. Albolino
said.
Richard Salkin, attorney for the Hackensack Board of Education, said
that he did not know anything about the meeting prior to this afternoon but
that he was happy to recommend a joint meeting. Mr. Salkin said that public
entities cannot pay bills without an invoice. He commended Ms. Stuart as she
had one time pointed out how much too informal the Board of Education was
at paying bills. With reference to charging sending districts for the SRO, Mr.
Salkin said that the cost of the SRO is included in the cost of the tuition to
sending districts. He also said that it would be ridiculous for there to be
litigation and that he looks forward to dialog on middle ground.
Joe Barretto, Poplar Avenue, said that he had agreed with the Mayor at
the beginning of the meeting that students should not be used for political
purposes. However, Mr. Barretto said that he is disgusted now as to how the
kids were treated by members of the audience and asked the Mayor and
Council to please not let this happen again.
Mildred Dodson, said that the Council is getting someone else’s problem
but now they have to sort out the problem. Ms. Dodson agreed that the high
school needs a resource officer too, as long as he is outside patrolling the
parking lot. She also spoke about drug use and distribution at First and
Central. Ms. Dodson told the Council that they should not accept sixty percent
payment from the Board of Education.
Regina DiPasqua, Parker Avenue, also voiced her displeasure at the flyer
that was distributed at the high school and said that she wants someone to
find out who did this and how did this happen. Ms. DiPasqua also said that
she objects to the payment of sixty percent of the SRO’s salary and also that
Mr. Albolino never mentioned the word “safety” when he spoke. She also said
that she does not believe that the cost of the SRO should be in the City budget.
Kathleen Salvo, 184 Hudson Street, commended the students that are
here this evening but said that they were misinformed and that they need to do
their homework before they take a stand on something and the flyer was the
wrong reason to come. Ms. Salvo said that she had called Mr. Bloom about the
SRO and he said that the program started in the 80’s when he and Chief Iurato
decided to put an officer outside of the school on patrol in response to issues
that were going on. Mrs. Salvo also said that other towns hire retired police
officers at lessor pay and also that the money comes from the same pocketbook
– the taxpayer. She also said that we are teaching the kids the wrong message
about honesty and integrity.
10/22/13
Richard Gelber, questioned why the former City attorney who is now the
Board of Education attorney didn’t know about this and said that the residents
should be asking Mr. Salkin. Mr. Gelber also told the Council that they should
not provide any services until the City is reimbursed. He also said that since
school started he has been seeing many arrests and that we should leave
policing to the professionals.
Kenneth Martin, who is retired from the Hackensack Police Department
and was the first SRO officer in the state, also spoke about the importance of
the SRO. Officer Martin also spoke about recent events involving shootings in
schools. Mr. Martin asked the Council to put the SRO back immediately.
Pedra DelVecchio said that the children are watching the adults fight like
children. She said that this is petty and embarrassing and must be worked out
immediately.
Judith Carter asked everyone to stop pushing our children to do the
wrong thing and provide them with the right information. Ms. Carter said that
there used to be one principal at the high school and now there are four. She
also said that the school should be responsible for the bill themselves.
Thomas Aiellos said that he had been listening all night. Mr. Aiellos
spoke in support of Police Director Michael Mordaga and his capabilities and
integrity. He also said that politics have ruined the police department and that
the City has the best guy for the job right now.
Police Director Michael Mordaga commended Officer Martin and the
career that he had while assigned to Hackensack High School. He assured
both the students and parents that the police have been at the school every
day.
As no one else wished to be heard, a motion was made by Deputy Mayor
Canestrino and seconded by Councilwoman Greenman to close the meeting to
the public.
Deputy Mayor Canestrino said that all of the discussion is not about
whether or not there should be an SRO in the high school, this decision should
be made solely by the Board of Education. She further said that the only thing
that is being discussed is in which budget does the cost of the SRO belong.
The Deputy Mayor went on to say that the Council does not know what
happened in 2006 but that we need to fix this issue and move forward. She
said that in 2006 the Board of Education had the money budgeted for the SRO.
She further said that she is concerned that this behavior did happen and
explained to the audience that when the taxpayers are assessed, the money
goes to the county, city and school budgets. However, the city and school
budgets are divided. The Deputy Mayor commented that Mr. Salkin had spoke
about contributing towns (sending districts) and the fact that in the formula
that the Board of Education uses to assess the sending districts there is a
percentage for security.
Councilwoman Greenman said that this issue is all about money and
also that the children have been made into political props. She said that this is
not a propaganda machine and it is not the way to educate our kids. The
Councilwoman went on to say that it is her understanding that the SRO
functions as a social worker, a therapist, a teacher, but does not function as a
police officer in the school. She made reference to the movie “Boys Town” and
said that the role of the SRO is the same as Father Flannigan and to act as an
avenue between the police and the children. Councilwoman Greenman also
made reference to the homeless person who had found the money and did the
10/22/13
right thing and turned it in. She said that she is proud to share the earth with
Mr. Grady, while on the other hand Mr. Salkin found the money and said “hey,
look, no one is asking, it is ours, we do not have to give it back to them”. She
also commented “shame on you Mr. Salkin, that is a horrible way to be”.
Councilwoman Greenman told the children in attendance to listen to all of the
things that were said here tonight and don’t always trust adults just because
they are adults. She told them to process information and then decide what is
right.
Councilman Sims said that he had met with members of ICAL before
tonight’s council meeting and also said that he will meet with Ms. Manning to
clear the air.
Mayor Labrosse said that he wanted to reiterate the comments made
about Mr. Grady. He also said that he understands that there has to be a bill
but questioned why no one called to ask the City for a bill. The Mayor said
that it has been three years since the SRO had been budgeted for and that
since the Board of Education had budgeted the money and the City gave them
the service then the taxpayers paid twice. He also said that the Council did not
know what the Board of Education did with the money but that the City should
be reimbursed for the years that it was budgeted. The Mayor also went on to
point out that not one person here tonight mentioned security for any of the
other schools. He said that all of the Council is in favor of having a SRO but
that Director Mordaga will keep up the observation and surveillance at the
perimeter of the high school. He also said that there have already been five to
six drug arrests this year. The Mayor said that hopefully the Council will meet
with the Board of Education soon to resolve this matter. The Mayor also
indicated that the new Council had inherited some negative issues beside this
one, such as multi-million dollar tax appeals, etc. Mayor Labrosse stated that
in his opinion the flyer was totally irresponsible and fear mongering and told
the children present that they need to get all of the information, don’t be led
down the path, and do your homework. He also said that there had been a
meeting last night at the Board of Education and said that the children should
have gone to that meeting to question the Board members, but instead were
sent here.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
_____________________________
Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr.
______________________ ___________________
Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino
_______________________________________
Councilwoman Rose Greenman
_______________________________________
Councilman David Sims
_______________________________________
Councilman Leonardo Battaglia
__________________________
Debra Heck, City Clerk
10/22/13