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PUBLIC MEETING – Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.
There will be a Public Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
Agenda: (May be subject to change)
1. CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL
Council Member Knapp – present
Council Member O’Hagan – present
Council Member McCullough – present
Council Member Pazan – present
Council Member Arnao – present
Council Member Orseck - present
J. van Keuren, Mayor - present
L. Benjamin, Borough Admin. - present
P. Fleming, Deputy Clerk - present R. Garibaldi, Borough Attorney – present
2. FLAG SALUTE/ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the Open Public Meeting Law. This Meeting was included in a list of meeting notices sent to the Bergen Record and advertised in said newspaper in January, posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, and has remained continuously posted as the required notices under the Statue. In addition, a copy of this notice is and has been available to the public and is on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.
In accordance with the New Jersey State Fire & Safety Code I call your attention to the lighted exit signs. In the event the alarm sounds, move in an orderly manner toward the exit nearest you and leave the building. Do not use the lift.
Auxiliary Police Chief Jim Winters led the Council in the flag salute.
Council member O’Hagan read the following proclamation honoring Chief Jim Winters.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS James Winters has served the Borough of Glen Rock long and honorably as a member of the Auxiliary Police since 1975, and
WHEREAS his progress upward ‘through the ranks’ from Patrolman in 1976 to Sergeant in 1979, and then to Lieutenant in 1990, Captain in 1991 and Chief in 1994 has been steady and every step of the way has been well-earned; and
WHEREAS in addition to Jim’s long service with the Auxiliary Police he has been a member of our Volunteer Ambulance Corps; and
WHEREAS Jim has been an indispensable part of our public safety family for over thirty years;
NOW, THEREFORE let it be known that Jim Winters has been all that and more. He has been and remains an extremely valuable asset to the Borough.
Thanks, Jim, for all those hours and all that service.
Mayor van Keuren presented Jim with a gift from the Borough and Chief Cherry presented him with a plaque from the PBA.
At this time the PBA presented a $700 donation to the DARE organization. This donation was gratefully accepted.
Mayor van Keuren read the following proclamation in honor of Arbor Day, to be celebrated on May 4th.
PROCLAMATION FOR ARBOR DAY
WHEREAS, In 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and
WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska,
WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife, and
WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products, and
WHEREAS, trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community, and
WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal, and
NOW, THEREFORE; I John van Keuren, Mayor of the Borough of Glen Rock, do hereby proclaim May 4, 2007 as
ARBOR DAY
In the community of Glen Rock, I urge all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands to support our city’s urban forestry program; and
Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden hearts and promote the well-being of present and future generation.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the Borough Council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council member(s) so request it, in which case the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. The one motion signifies adoption of all resolutions, received and filed letters, correspondence, reports and approval of applications and minutes.
Resolutions:
1. Resolution for Approval of Minutes – April 11, 2007
Resolution No. 89-07
Offered by Council Member Arnao
Seconded by Council Member McCullough
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Minutes of:
Meetings of April 11, 2007
Be accepted as submitted.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – absent
Council Member O’Hagan – yes
Council Member Mc Cullough – yes
Council Member Pazan – yes
Council Member Arnao – yes
Council Member Orseck - yes
2. Resolution for Payment of Bills
Resolution No. 90-07
Offered by Council Member: Arnao
Seconded by Council Member: McCullough
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following bills of the Borough of Glen Rock be paid in the amount of $ 3,737.233.18
Board of Education $ 3,028,338.00
Payroll $ 487,702.46
NJ State Health Benefits $ 130,469.96
Thomas Hanrahan $ 16,648.00
Misc $ 61,802.76
Capital $ 12,272.00
TOTAL $ 3,737,233.18
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – absent
Council Member O’Hagan – yes
Council Member McCullough – yes
Council Member Pazan – yes
Council Member Arnao – yes
Council Member Orseck - yes
3. Resolution for Agreement with BCUA
Resolution No. 91-07
Offered by Council Member Arnao
Seconded by Council Member McCullough
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO SIGN BCUA AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock received notice from Bergen County Utilities Authority that on January 25, 2007, Waste Management of New Jersey, Inc. was awarded a contract with the BCUA for the acceptance, processing and disposal of municipal solid waste; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock and the BCUA are desirous of entering into a solid waste service agreement pursuant to which the Borough of Glen Rock shall deliver municipally-generated solid waste to the Waste Management transfer station located at 131 Patterson Avenue, Hillsdale, New Jersey, for processing, transportation and disposal, and the BCUA shall provide such solid waste processing, transportation and disposal services to the Borough of Glen Rock, in a cooperative effort relating to municipal solid waste management;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of Glen Rock, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the agreement with the Bergen County Utilities Authority for solid waste services.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – absent
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member McCullough – yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao – yes
Council Member Orseck - yes
4. Resolution for English Paving – Street Resurfacing
Resolution No. 92-07
Offered by Council Member Arnao
Seconded by Council Member McCullough
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RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR STREET RESURFACING WORK
WHEREAS, the Borough of Ramsey awarded street resurfacing bids on behalf of the Northwest Bergen Cooperative Pricing System, which includes the Borough of Glen Rock, and the lowest responsible bid with the price of asphalt at $58.85 per ton was received from English Paving of Ridgefield, New Jersey, with the total bid amount of $2,301,920.00, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Ramsey is preparing the master contract as lead agency, and the Borough of Glen Rock must adopt this resolution of bid award, and has scheduled the resurfacing work to begin April 26, 2007 through April 28, 2007, for the resurfacing of streets including South Highwood Avenue, between Maple and Norwood, Berry Place, Southboro Lane, Crestwood Road, Grove Street, Wilde Park, West Plaza Parking Lots and shoppers parking lot (behind Glen Avenue).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of Glen Rock that an award be made in an amount not to exceed $222,000 to English Paving, subject to certification of funds by the CFO, and a contract approved by the Borough Attorney.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – absent
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member McCullough – yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao – yes
Council Member Orseck - yes
5. Resolution Awarding 2007/2008 Cleaning Bid to Aslan & Company
Resolution No. 93-07
Offered by Council Member Arnao
Seconded by Council Member McCullough
RESOLUTION AWARDING CLEANING BID
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock received bids on April 19, 2007, for cleaning various Borough facilities, and the lone responsible bid was from Aslan & Company, Inc. of Hawthorne, New Jersey, an experienced local contractor who has worked successfully for the Borough; and
WHEREAS, the bid price included cleaning of the pool restrooms, Wilde Park restrooms and two bus shelters, with alternate #1 for a second cleaning of the pool on busy days, and alternate #2 for an hourly rate for the occasional cleaning of restrooms at the municipal building, library and public works, and the bid was necessary since the total annual expenditure often approached or exceeded the advertised bid limit; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough Council hereby awards the 2007/2008 base cleaning bid to Aslan & Company, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $26,490, with alternate #1 - $95 per visit and alternate #2 - $28 per hour, subject to a contract approved by the Borough Attorney and certification of funds by the CFO.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – absent
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Mc Cullough - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao – yes
Council Member Orseck - yes
Motion to accept consent agenda by Council Member Arnao
Seconded by Council Member McCullough
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – absent
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Mc Cullough - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao – yes
Council Member Orseck - yes
4. MOTIONS
Departmental Reports
Council member McCullough (Public Works) – The Borough’s Forestry plan in currently being developed for 2007/2008. DPW was commended with their handling of the recent Nor’easter and thanked them for the special pick-up that was scheduled.
Council member Arnao (Licenses and Franchises) – Commented that this evening’s meeting is a first attempt at taping. Council member Arnao thanked Steve, from Fair Lawn TV, and resident Andy Stoffo for their assistance. Work continues to add additional services to the borough’s on-line capabilities. The 2007 budget is available on-line as well.
Council member Orseck (Parks and Recreation) – Pool badges have been on sale since April 1st. The Environmental Committee is looking to put more recycling containers at the ball fields. Byrd School has put forth a recycling challenge to all elementary schools which will occur on June 9th. GRBA had their opening parade two weeks ago kicking off the Glen Rock baseball season which includes 1,010 children participating. There will be a turf field presentation to the Rec. Committee on May 8th which will be funded by the recreation groups.
Council member Pazan (Finance) – At the next Council meeting the municipal budget will be presented and voted upon. The municipal portion consists of a 1.18% increase. Council member Pazan stated one of the objectives of the Finance Committee is to educate the public how tax dollars are spent and where one can get the best value for their money. The pool, arboretum and the library are three of Glen Rock’s best values and assets.
Council member O’Hagan (O’Hagan) – Thanked Auxiliary Chief Jim Winters for his many years of service. Beginning this Friday evening through Sunday evening there will be work done on the railroad tracks. The majority of this work will be done at night and have asked NJ Transit to be conscious of the residential environment they are working in. Thursday evening will be the first town-wide meeting, to be held at the Jewish Center, to address the concern of underage drinking.
Motion to accept reports as filed:
Motion by Council Member Pazan
Seconded by Council Member O’Hagan
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – absent
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Mc Cullough - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao – yes
Council Member Orseck - yes
5. ORDINANCES
Ordinance Procedure: # 1547 (Establish Budget Cap)
Date of Final Reading: April 25, 2007
Date of Introduction: April 11, 2007
A motion to open this ordinance for public comment was made by Council member Pazan and seconded by Council member Orseck. All were in favor.
Bill Brown – 675 Lincoln Avenue – Mr. Brown asked why it is necessary at this time to consider exceeding an appropriation limit. Mrs. Benjamin replied that the State allows municipalities to raise their budget by 2.5%. By passing this ordinance we’re allowed to raise the budget by 3.5%, which only allows us to establish a cap bank, not raise the budget by 3.5%. By passing this ordinance it allows Glen Rock some assurances for the 2008 and 2009 budgets, should there be a need or a problem with the cap calculation. Mr. Brown commented that it simply gives Glen Rock an increase in flexibility (yes).
A motion to close this ordinance for public comment was made by Council member Pazan and seconded by Council member Orseck. All were in favor.
Council Resolution #94-07
Introduced: Council Member Pazan
Seconded Council Member Orseck
ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK
Be passed upon second and final reading, and that the Borough Clerk be, and is hereby authorized and directed, to advertise the same according to law by publishing the same by title in the Bergen Record.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – absent
Council Member O’Hagan – yes
Council Member McCullough - yes
Council Member Pazan – yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
CALENDAR YEAR 2007
ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS
AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK
(N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)
WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S.A 40A: 4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 2.5% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and,
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock in the County of Bergen finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2007 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council hereby determines that a 3.5 % increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $ 363,832.00 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and,
WHEREAS the Mayor and Council hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock, in the County of Bergen, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2007 budget year, the final appropriations of the Borough of Glen Rock shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5 %, amounting to $ 363,751.29 and that the CY 2007 municipal budget for the Borough of Glen Rock be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.
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Ordinance Procedure: # 1548 (Property Maintenance – Assistant Enforcement Officers)
Date of Final Reading: April 25, 2007
Date of Introduction: April 11, 2007
A motion to open this ordinance for public comment was made by Council member Orseck and seconded by Council member O’Hagan. All were in favor.
Jim Seaton – Ferndale Avenue – Mr. Seaton was unaware that Glen Rock had a property maintenance enforcement officer and asked who it was. Mrs. Benjamin replied it is our Zoning Official. This ordinance gives authority to our Health Inspector to act as an enforcement officer. There is no additional cost to the borough. Mr. Seaton commented if someone is unable to maintain their property to proper standards whose business is it if they let their property go unattended. This is a bad time to start enforcing something that has never been enforced. The Council corrected Mr. Seaton in that this is something that is constantly enforced and nothing new.
John Hahn – 444 Ackerman Avenue – Mr. Hahn commented on his displeasure with the current Property Maintenance officer. Mr. Hahn believes there is one standard for private residents and one standard for construction companies. Mayor van Keuren noted for the record that Mr. Hahn’s comments did not pertain to this ordinance but rather a specific individual who is not present to defend himself.
A motion to close this ordinance for public comment was made by Council member Orseck and seconded by Council member O’Hagan. All were in favor.
Council Resolution #95-07
Introduced: Council Member Orseck
Seconded Council Member O’Hagan
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 162 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK – 1971 AS AMENDED ENTITLED "PROPERTY MAINTENANCE” BEING AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES WITHIN THIS BOROUGH; TO PROVIDE FOR ASSISTANT ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Be passed upon second and final reading, and that the Borough Clerk be, and is hereby authorized and directed, to advertise the same according to law by publishing the same by title in the Bergen Record.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Knapp – absent
Council Member O’Hagan – yes
Council Member McCullough - yes
Council Member Pazan – yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK
ORDINANCE NO. 1548
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 162 OF THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK - 1971
AS AMENDED ENTITLED "PROPERTY MAINTENANCE” BEING AN
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR
THE MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES WITHIN THIS BOROUGH;
TO PROVIDE FOR ASSISTANT ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council, the Borough of Glen Rock, County of
Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows:
Section I - Chapter162 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Glen Rock 1971 as amended being an Ordinance entitled "Property Maintenance" is hereby amended as follows:
A. Section 162-11 entitled “Enforcement”, is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
“162-11. Enforcement.
A. Enforcement Officer. The Property Management Officer of the Borough is hereby designated as the officer charged with the enforcement of this article and is hereinafter referred to as the “Enforcement Officer.” All members of the authorized inspectors of the Building Department and Board of Health of the Borough are hereby designated as Assistant Enforcement Officers for purposes of the enforcement of this code.
B. Enforcement Procedure. Whenever the Enforcement Officer or Assistant Enforcement Officer determines that there is or has been a violation of any provision of this article, he or she shall give notice of such violation to the person, persons or entities responsible therefore under this article. Such notice shall be in writing and shall include a concise statement of the reasons for its issuance. Such notice shall be deemed to properly and sufficiently served if a copy thereof is sent by registered or certified mail to the last known address of the person or entity upon which the same is served, as shown by the most recent tax lists of the municipality, or a copy thereof handed to such person or persons or a copy thereof left at the usual place of abode or office of such person or entities. Notice shall be given as aforesaid within or without the municipality. The notice shall also state the unless the violation is abated, removed, cured, prevented or desisted from within ten (10) days of the date of service of such notice (exclusive of the date of service), a summons and complaint shall be issued for such violation. The Enforcement Officer or Assistant Enforcement Officer, may, at the time he or she issues the notice, extend the period for compliance with the violation stated in the notice for a period in excess of the aforesaid ten (10) days if, in his or her judgment, the abatement, removal, prevention, cessation of or cure of the condition violated cannot reasonably be effected within the ten (10) day period; and, in such cases, the Enforcement Officer, or Assistant Enforcement Officer, shall state such reasonably required extended period in the notice, which shall then be applicable instead of the aforesaid ten (10) days. In the event that the violation is not abated, removed, cured, prevented or desisted from or otherwise fully remedied within the ten (10) day period or within such extended periods as set forth in the notice, pursuant to the foregoing, a summons and complaint shall then be issued against the person, persons, entity or entities so notified.
C. Emergency Conditions. Whenever the Enforcement Officer or Assistant Enforcement Officer finds that an emergency condition in violation of this article exists, which condition requires immediate attention in order to protect the public health or safety, he or she may issue an order by service of notice as set forth in Subsection B, reciting the existence of such an emergency condition and requiring that such action be taken by the violator as soon as is reasonably necessary to meet the emergency. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, such order shall be effective immediately. Any person to whom such an order is directed shall comply therewith immediately; but, upon objection, in writing, to the Enforcement Officer or Assistant Enforcement Officer, any such person shall be afforded a hearing before the Governing Body of the Borough as soon as it is reasonably possible. After such a hearing and decision by the Governing Body as to the existence or nonexistence of the emergency condition, the Governing Body may continue such order in effect of modify or withdraw it, subject to issuance of summons and complaint for violation thereof, if such order is continued”.
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.
6. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: (Before speaking at the meeting, each person must state their name and address. 5 minute limit)
Council member O’Hagan displayed a tee shirt with “The Remedy” on it and noted this pertains to the underage drinking awareness.
Lenora Benjamin commented that the street resurfacing will begin tomorrow and the parking lots to be done over the weekend.
Mayor van Keuren commented that he is trying to find out if there will be a Glen Rock Only postbox put back at the post office.
John Hahn – 444 Ackerman Avenue – Mr. Hahn suggested that before the commuter parking lot is stripped the borough look into changing the exit from a right turn only to becoming an entrance. This would eliminate vehicles turning right and then making U-turns in private drives. Mr. Hahn commented for years the borough has had a poorly-designed website. He distributed copies of various municipal websites. Mr. Hahn encouraged the borough to use Council member Arnao’s expertise with computers and technology. Mr. Hahn commented that the Council should spend the necessary money to get a website the residents deserve. Mr. Hahn commented that pool memberships should be based on individual rates, not a family cap. Mr. Hahn also asked with membership sales bringing in approximately $350,000, how much does to cost to run the pool. Council member Pazan replied Lenora could get the exact financials however noted in addition to salaries, emergency repairs have occurred. Council member Pazan commented with salaries, supplies and repairs it is more of a “breakeven”. Mr. Hahn commented that Reverse 911 is not being used property and efficiently. Mr. Hahn commended Mayor van Keuren for attending the wake of Mary Pat Wagner.
Doris Ciaramella – 15 Austin Place – Thanked the Borough for the press release regarding the newly instituted Senior Citizen Recycling Program.
Bill Brown – 675 Lincoln Avenue – Mr. Brown encouraged the Council to support an educational building at the Arboretum. Mr. Brown believed that the bump-outs in the Central Business District were introduced to enhance safety for pedestrians. Council member O’Hagan replied this subject (bump-outs) was brought up during the work session in an attempt to make every effort for safety and help the merchants.
Irene Brown – 675 Lincoln Avenue – Mrs. Brown commented that the Hawthorne post office also removed their “local” post office box.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Council member McCullough
Seconded by Council member Arnao
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
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Paula A. Fleming, Deputy Borough Clerk |
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