CITY OF HACKENSACK
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012
The Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Hackensack was held at City Hall, 65 Central Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, on
Tuesday, October 2, 2012.
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Mayor Melfi and he asked the
City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Michael Melfi, Deputy Mayor Marlin G. Townes , Councilwoman
Karen K. Sasso, Councilman Jorge Meneses , Councilman John P. Labrosse, City
Manager Stephen Lo Iacono and City Attorney Joseph C. Zisa.
Mrs. Heck stated: “In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter
231, Laws of 1975, adequate notice of this meeting was provided by sending a notice to
The Record and the Star-Ledger and by posting a copy on the Bulletin Board in City
Hall."
DISCUSSION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ORDINANCE
A discussion was held with reference to the Police department ordinance which
was prepared by Richard Salkin, Esq., Richard Malagiere, Esq., Raymond Wiss, Esq.
and Joseph Zisa, Esq.
ATLANTIC STREET PARK/PARKING
Mr. Lo Iacono advised that the award of the bid for this project was being held for
the next meeting. Councilwoman Sasso said that she believes strongly in the park as it
a reason for people to come out of the building and continue up Main Street. Mr. Lo
Iacono said that he will put this issue back on the agenda for the next work session. He
also said that the Bier report on parking is being finalized and it will address parking
issues in that area. Mayor Melfi said that the park is a good idea and they will partner
with the community and get their input.
RED LIGHT CAMERA PROGRAM
Mr. Lo Iacono advised that he had received a time line from Redflex which gives
some information as to where all of this stands but it does not refer to a potential start
date. Mr. Zisa advised that no municipalities have been approved as of yet by the
State. Lt. Aquila and Chief Padilla have been in constant contact with Redflex to
provide data that is needed. The DOT is responsible for the expansion of the list of the
approved municipalities and there is nothing more that can be done at this point but to
wait.
DISCUSSION RE: BEST PRACTICES CHECKLIST
Mr. Lo Iacono advised that a resolution is on the docket this evening pertaining to
the submission of the City’s “Best Practices Checklist”.
MEGAN’S LAW AMENDMENT
Mr. Lo Iacono advised of an amendment to Megan’s Law which will provide a
“tier system”. He also said that eighty-four Megan’s Law offenders are registered in the
City of Hackensack.
DISCUSSION RE: TAXIS AND LIMOS WITH CHIEF PADILLA
Police Chief Padilla was present to discuss the pending taxi/limo ordinances with
the Council. The Chief said that he does not believe that the City needs to expand to
fifty licenses and Mr. Zisa said that all of the present licenses were owned by one
company. Further discussion was held regarding fee increases, etc. and the matter will
be readdressed.
A motion was made by Councilman Meneses and seconded by Councilwoman
Sasso to open the meeting to the public.
Joseph Contaldi, 27 Warren Street, spoke about the proposed Ward Street park
and the parking situation. Mayor Melfi said that the Council is desirous of working with
the business owners in the area and will not do anything without keeping them apprised.
The Mayor also said that Bier Associates is determining which parking meter systems
will be acceptable for use in that area.
As no one else wished to be heard, a motion was made by Councilwoman Sasso
and seconded by Councilman Labrosse to close the public portion of the meeting.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Hackensack deem it
necessary to discuss certain actions under Section 7b7 & 7b8 of the Open Public
Meetings Act which pertains to matters falling within attorney-client privilege and
personnel matters concerning the employment of a current or prospective public
employee(s).
WHEREAS, the discussion more specifically involves Litigation** and Personnel
Issues (which may or may not include various disciplinary matters).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City
of Hackensack deem it necessary to exclude the public from this discussion. The
outcome of the discussion will be disclosed within 90 days or at such time as the
interests of the City do not require confidentiality.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Sasso and seconded by Councilman
Meneses to pass the resolution.
Roll Call: Ayes –
Labrosse, Townes, Sasso, Melfi, Meneses
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVED by the Mayor and Council on ______________________
ATTEST: ____________________________
CITY CLERK
**Pending litigation as of 10/2/12
Litigation may involve the discussion of the following cases: OPRA, DiPasqua, Oliveri,
tax appeals and assessments, 62-64 Main Street.