5. Resolution for 2004 Tax Appeal Refund B 254 L 15 (Hudson City Saving)

Resolution No. 47-05
Offered by Council Member Fellig 
Seconded by Council Member Moore

WHEREAS, there is pending before the Tax Court of New Jersey appeals of the 2004 judgment from the Bergen County Board of Taxation; 

WHEREAS, the appraisal expert retained by the Borough of Glen Rock, namely McNerney Associates, has had the opportunity of reviewing the property record card, comparable sales and has made a physical inspection of the property; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the procedures set forth above, the expert has recommended to the Mayor and Council a modification to the 2004 assessment due to errors in the computation of the fair market value of the property;

WHEREAS, as a result of discussions between the appraisal expert and the attorney for the property owner and with the approval of the Borough Attorney and the Tax Assessor, Steven Rubenstein, C.T.A., it is recommended to the Mayor and Council that settlement of these matters be ratified and approved,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council as follows: 

1. The Mayor and Council having reviewed the recommendations for reduction in the assessments of the following Tax Court and County Board appeals, do hereby ratify the following settlement of pending tax court appeals:

PROPERTY            DOCKET #               BLOCK/                           TOTAL                   SETTLEMENT
OWNER                                                     LOT                             ASS'MENT 

Hudson City       0023576-04            254/15                    $1,436,000.00          $1,300,000.00
Savings Bank

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the settlement as stipulated herein shall also be applied to the 2005 assessment in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 54:51 A-8 “Freeze Act.”

ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – yes            Council Member Fellig – yes
Council Member Jordan – yes           Council Member Moore - yes 
Council Member O’Hagan – yes        Council Member Mc Cullough - yes 

6. Resolution for 2003 Tax Appeal Refund B 254 L 15 (Hudson City Saving)

Resolution No. 48-05
Offered by Council Member Fellig 
Seconded by Council Member Moore

WHEREAS, there is pending before the Tax Court of New Jersey appeals of the 2003 judgment from the Bergen County Board of Taxation; 

WHEREAS, the appraisal expert retained by the Borough of Glen Rock, namely McNerney Associates, has had the opportunity of reviewing the property record card, comparable sales and has made a physical inspection of the property; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the procedures set forth above, the expert has recommended to the Mayor and Council a modification to the 2003 assessment due to errors in the computation of the fair market value of the property;

WHEREAS, as a result of discussions between the appraisal expert and the attorney for the property owner and with the approval of the Borough Attorney and the Tax Assessor, Steven Rubenstein, C.T.A., it is recommended to the Mayor and Council that settlement of these matters be ratified and approved,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council as follows: 

1. The Mayor and Council having reviewed the recommendations for reduction in the assessments of the following Tax Court and County Board appeals, do hereby ratify the following settlement of pending tax court appeals:

PROPERTY                             DOCKET #              BLOCK/             TOTAL                   SETTLEMENT
OWNER                                                                       LOT              ASS'MENT 

Hudson City                       0023576-04            254/15        $1,436,000.00        $1,375,000.00
Savings Bank

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the settlement as stipulated herein shall also be applied to the 2005 assessment in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 54:51 A-8 “Freeze Act.”

ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – yes                Council Member Fellig – yes
Council Member Jordan – yes               Council Member Moore - yes 
Council Member O’Hagan – yes            Council Member Mc Cullough - yes

7. Resolution to Hire Municipal Recruiting Firm (Jersey Professional Mgment)

Resolution No. 49-05
Offered by Council Member Fellig 
Seconded by Council Member Moore

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Glen Rock have determined to retain a municipal recruiting service to assist the governing body for the purpose of interviewing, selecting and hiring an Administrator; and

WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1, et seq.) requires that the resolution authorizing the award of contracts for "Extraordinary, Unspecifiable Services" without competitive bids and the contract itself must be available for public inspection, and;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows:

1. That a contract be awarded to Jersey Professional Management, 23 North Avenue East, Cranford, NJ, without competitive bidding in accordance with the requirements for extraordinary, unspecifiable services of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) of the Local Public Contracts Law because of the complexities of recruiting suitable candidates for key municipal and county government positions; the need for a thorough grasp of duties required of various public employees; special skills required to prepare job descriptions, and necessity to utilize an agency having substantial expertise, training and thorough knowledge of local municipal affairs as well as a proven reputation of recruitment of qualified employees for local government services.

2. Jersey Professional Management has been in existence since 1988, and for over 10 years has served New Jersey Municipalities and Counties, and the principals are extremely knowledgeable in recruiting for local government positions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for the reasons indicated above and for the services to be provided, Jersey Professional Management shall be paid a sum not to exceed the amount of $10,500, plus the direct cost of advertising the position of Administrator; as outlined in Jersey Professional Management's proposal letter dated January 7, 2005 and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute an appropriate agreement with Jersey Professional Management.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Municipal Clerk shall publish a notice of this contract award in the Official newspaper of the municipality.

ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – yes                 Council Member Fellig – yes
Council Member Jordan – yes                Council Member Moore - yes
Council Member O’Hagan – yes             Council Member Mc Cullough - yes 

8. Resolution for 2003 Tax Appeal Refund B150 L26

Resolution No. 50-05
Offered by Council Member Fellig 
Seconded by Council Member Moore

WHEREAS, there is pending before the Tax Court of New Jersey appeal of a 2003 judgment of the Bergen County Board of Taxation in the matter of Turnamian vs. Borough of Glen Rock (Docket No. 005359-03); and

WHEREAS, the Borough’s Real Estate Consultant, Stack & Stack, Inc., has reviewed the property record card, comparable sales and has made a physical inspection of the property; and

WHEREAS, Stack & Stack, Inc., in consultation with the Tax Assessor, has recommended a modification to the 2003 assessment due to errors in the computation of the fair market value of the property; and

WHEREAS, as a result of discussions between the Real Estate Consultant, Tax Assessor, Borough Attorney and the plaintiff, it is recommended to the Mayor and Council that settlement of this matter be ratified and approved.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council as follows: 

1. The Mayor and Council having reviewed the recommendation for reduction in the assessment of the following tax court appeal, do hereby ratify the following settlement:

PROPERTY               DOCKET #               BLOCK/                          TOTAL                   SETTLEMENT
OWNER                                                        LOT                             ASS'MENT 

TURNAMIAN            005359-03              150/26                         $474,200                  $464,200

2. The settlement, as stipulated herein, shall also be applied to the 2004 assessment in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 54:51A-8 "Freeze Act."

ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – yes             Council Member Fellig – yes
Council Member Jordan – yes            Council Member Moore - yes 
Council Member O’Hagan – yes         Council Member Mc Cullough - yes 
Motion to accept consent agenda by Council Member Fellig
Seconded by Council Member Moore

ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – yes Council Member Fellig - yes
Council Member Jordan – yes Council Member Moore - yes
Council Member O’Hagan – yes Council Member McCullough - yes

6. ORDINANCES 

Ordinance Procedure #1491 (Criminal History Background Checks)
Date of Introduction: February 9, 2005

Council Resolution # 51-05
Introduced by Council Member O’Hagan 
Seconded by Council Member Knapp

Be It Resolved by the Borough Council of the Borough of Glen Rock that AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 4 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK - 1971, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT”, BEING AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD BACKGROUND CHECKS

Heretofore introduced and does now pass on first reading, and that the said Ordinance be further considered for final passage at a meeting to be held on February 23, 2005 at 8:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be reached, at the Municipal Building in the Borough of Glen Rock, and that at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance, and that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish said ordinance in the Bergen Record according to law with a notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of the time and place when and where said ordinance will be further considered for final passage.

ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp - yes             Council Member Fellig- yes
Council Member Jordan - yes            Council Member Moore - yes
Council Member O’Hagan - yes         Council Member Mc Cullough - yes


BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK
ORDINANCE NO. 1491

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 4 OF THE 
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH
OF GLEN ROCK - 1971, ENTITLED
“ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT”, BEING AN
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CRIMINAL HISTORY
RECORD BACKGROUND CHECKS

BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council, the Borough of Glen Rock, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows:

Section I - Chapter 4 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Glen Rock 1971 as amended being an Ordinance entitled "Administration of Government" is hereby amended as follows:

There is added thereto a new Section 4-81 entitled “Criminal History Background Checks”, shall read as follows:

“4-81. Criminal History Background Checks.

The Chief of Police (or his/her designee), is authorized to request a criminal history record background check (“background check”) of any person for an official government purpose, including, but not limited to, employment, licensing and procurement of services. The individual who is the subject of the background check shall submit to being fingerprinted in accordance with applicable state and federal law, rules and regulations. The Chief of Police (or his/her designee) shall submit all fingerprint data to the State Bureau of Investigation, together with any and all fees associated therewith. The Chief of Police (or his/her designee) is authorized to request and receive criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigations Identification Section, and if appropriate, the Division of State Police, Bureau of Investigation”.

Section II. VALIDITY_SEVERABILITY If the provisions of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision, or clause of this Ordinance shall be held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of this Ordinance but such judgment shall be confined in its operation to the section, paragraph, subdivision or clause directly involved in the controversy in which said judgment shall have been rendered.

Section III All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby repealed. 

Section IV This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage as required by law.

Ordinance Procedure # 1492 (Left Turn Restrictions – Hamilton School)
Date of Introduction: February 9, 2005

Council Resolution # 52-05
Introduced by Council Member O’Hagan
Seconded by Council Member Mc Cullough

Be It Resolved by the Borough Council of the Borough of Glen Rock that AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 216 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK 1971 AS AMENDED ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” BEING AN ORDINANCE CONTROLLING VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC REGULATION WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK: TO AMEND THE STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS RELATING THERETO

Heretofore introduced and does now pass on first reading, and that the said Ordinance be further considered for final passage at a meeting to be held on February 23, 2005 at 8:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be reached, at the Municipal Building in the Borough of Glen Rock, and that at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance, and that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish said ordinance in the Bergen Record according to law with a notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of the time and place when and where said ordinance will be further considered for final passage.

ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp - yes                    Council Member Fellig- yes
Council Member Jordan – yes                   Council Member Moore - yes
Council Member O’Hagan - yes                Council Member Mc Cullough - yes

BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK
ORDINANCE NO. 1492

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 216 OF THE 
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH
OF GLEN ROCK 1971 AS AMENDED ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” BEING AN ORDINANCE CONTROLLING VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC REGULATION WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK: 
TO AMEND THE STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
RELATING THERETO

BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council, the Borough of Glen Rock, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows:

Section I. Chapter 216 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Glen Rock 1971 as amended being an Ordinance entitled "Vehicles and Traffic" is hereby amended as follows:

A. Section 216-39 entitled Schedule XVI. No Left Turn is hereby amended by adding thereto the following intersection:

Name of Street Side Location Hours 
Harristown Road West No Left Turn from Parking 8:00 A.M. – 
Lot of Hamilton School 4:00 P.M.
Monday 
through 
Friday

Section II. VALIDITY SEVERABILITY. If the provisions of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision, or clause of this Ordinance shall be held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of this Ordinance but such judgment shall be confined in its operation to the section, paragraph, subdivision or clause directly involved in the controversy in which said judgment shall have been rendered.

Section III. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby repealed. 

Section IV. This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage as required by law.

7. WONDERWOMAN AWARD

8. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: (Before speaking at the meeting, each person must state their name and address. 5 minute limit)

Jeanne Rey – 153 Winslow Terrace – Mrs. Rey thanked the Ambulance Corps. for not only their dedication but their compassion and understanding when dealing with residents.

Diane Herrlett – 5 Franklin Place – President of the Ambulance Corps. – Mrs. Herrlett corrected a recently published Villadom article stating that the Ambulance crew sometimes communicates with responding physicians via car telephone. Mrs. Herrlett stated this is inaccurate. The ambulance crew communicates with Central Dispatch by radio reporting their progress to Central in route to the hospital or house. The radios are also used to inform the Emergency Room clerk that they are on their way to the hospital. This all takes place without paramedics. In situations where paramedics are on the scene they communicate with the Emergency Room doctor via cell phones. The paramedics begin their phone call in the victim’s home and continue talking with the doctor while in the ambulance. These cell phone calls are the ones that are being referred to when “dropped” calls are mentioned, not calls from the ambulance crew. Paramedics prefer using cell phones as this allows them the mobility to continue working on the patient in transit. 

Ron Bergamini – 187 Chadwick Place – Mr. Bergamini commented that cell phones are here to stay and have become an important means of communication. As a parent and coach it is imperative that we are able to stay in contact with family and parents and this service is lost in Glen Rock. Mr. Bergamini stated there really can be no debate that we need a cell tower to improve service.

Paul Herrlett – 5 Franklin Place – Mr. Herrlett suggested the yield sign at Harding and Hamilton be changed to a stop sign.

Brandon DeClet – 51 Ferndale Avenue – Mr. DeClet commented that the suggestion that people loose cell phone calls is simply subjective information. Mr. DeClet added that the organization, Citizen’s Against the Tower, is seeking solid evidence that people are loosing cell calls and asks who in town would be willing to have a tower in their backyard. Mr. DeClet asked if the Hecht report will be released and when. Mayor van Keuren replied a first draft of the report has been received and unfortunately the Borough was disappointed in the content. Mayor van Keuren concluded that it would do us no good service to release the report as presented. Mayor van Keuren and Mr. Kendall went back to Charles Hecht and reiterated what should have been included in the report. The report should have included a commentary on alternative forms of technology, commentary on the relative need for service in various parts of town and a commentary on court decisions that might bear on our situation. Mr. Kendall added we would also like some background information on Hecht’s company and his comments on the three sites; Maple Avenue, Doremus Avenue and the east side as well as discussions with the Borough Attorney and Sgt. Miller from the Police who did a survey in conjunction with putting laptops in the police cars. Mr. DeClet expressed concern that $5,000 has been spent adding the town should get what they asked for. Mayor van Keuren clarified that $5,000 has been committed not spent.

Council member O’Hagan shared a recent incident where a discharge of a chemical irritant at Coleman School occurred. Council member O’Hagan stated there is no “concrete” evidence of dropped calls; however, it is a very real concern. There existed a real problem where authorities could not communicate with Central Dispatch outside of Coleman School via cell phones. After experiencing this emergency first hand it is very apparent a cell tower is needed desperately. 

Bob Moloney – 24 Abbington Terrace – Mr. Moloney asked if Nextel was the carrier being used at the Coleman incident. Council member O’Hagan stated numerous carriers were being tried adding the carrier is not the issue. Mr. Moloney questioned why we were requesting background information on Hecht’s firm now and not prior to hiring them. Council member Moore clarified a background check was done prior to hiring Hecht; however the Mayor and Council felt this information should be included in the report. Mr. Moloney asked that any special meetings on this subject be e-mailed to the “cell tower group”. Borough Clerk Jackie Scalia responded this information would be on the website as well as advertised, adding she will e-mail the group as well. 

Jeanne Rey – 153 Winslow Terrace – Mrs. Rey commented that one person dying is not worth the esthetic looks of a cell tower or what impact it may have or not have on the selling price of a home.

Bob Moloney – 24 Abbington Terrace – Mr. Moloney responded to Mrs. Rey adding it is not specifically about money.

Rita Murphy – 142 Ellsworth Terrace – Mrs. Murphy asked where someone obtains permission to cut down a healthy 50-year old tree. Mayor van Keuren responded that if it is a private tree no permission is required. Mrs. Murphy stated a contractor has cut down a Borough tree simply to meet the needs of his design. Council member Knapp will discuss with DPW and respond to Mrs. Murphy. Secondly, Mrs. Murphy asked if there was a sewer inspection program. Council member Knapp stated we do have a program and the DPW will keep an eye on any area where previous problems have occurred.

9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Council member O’Hagan
Seconded by Council member Moore
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.


___________________________________________
Jacqueline Scalia, Borough Clerk