BOROUGH OF WOODCLIFF LAKE
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 16, 2009
8:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER.
This meeting, in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Law, P. L. l975, C. 23l, was announced at the Reorganization Meeting held on January 5, 2009 in the Municipal Building. Notice of this meeting has been posted, and two newspapers, The Record and The Ridgewood News, have been notified.
ROLL CALL.
Mayor LaPaglia called for the Roll. Council members Bader, Camella, Glaser, Hoffman, Howley and Rosenblatt were present on roll call. Attorney Madaio and Administrator Sandve were also present. Borough Clerk Sciara was absent due to her attendance at the League of Municipalities. The Mayor’s administrative assistant Cynthia Grundler took the minutes for this meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor LaPaglia.
Mayor LaPaglia stated that Administrator Sandve would be leaving early this evening in order to attend the League of Municipalities.
APPOINTMENT.
(Mayor) I appoint Daniel J. Munoz , 30 Fairview Avenue, Woodcliff Lake, NJ as a member of the Woodcliff Lake Junior Volunteer Fire Department.
ROLL CALL:
Introduce: Mr. Camella
Second: Mr. Bader
Ayes: Mr. Bader, Mr. Camella, Mr. Glaser, Mr. Hoffman,
Mrs. Howley, Mr. Rosenblatt
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC HEARING (S)
09-17
A. Clerk offers Proof of Publication.
B. Ordinance is read by title only:
“An Ordinance Amending Chapter 380 of the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, County of Bergen entitled “Off- Street Parking and Loading”
Mr. Madaio explained that this ordinance was to offer our Zoning Officer guidance as to residents creating additional parking pads.
C. Motion to open the meeting to the public was made by Mr. Glaser, second by Mr. Hoffman.
Josephine Higgins, 10 Pond Road asked if this Ordinance would prohibit parking on the front lawn.
Mr. Madaio stated that you cannot create a parking pad on your front lawn. Circular driveways are usually constructed during subdivision applications and new construction and are therefore already before the Planning Board. However, the circular driveway issue should be addressed further. Construction Code Official Nick Saluzzi has stated that he only receives one or two requests for circular driveways per year. Mrs. Howley stated that she has a circular driveway. Attorney Madaio stated that her driveway would be grandfathered in. Mayor LaPaglia stated that the intent was not to restrict primary driveways, it is to restrict secondary driveways.
Mr. Rosenblatt asked if a resident does not currently have a macadam driveway, if a driveway is gravel, is this a legal driveway? Attorney Madaio stated that this instance would be grandfathered as a prior non-conforming condition. Discussion began as to particular instances of parking on dirt or gravel on the front of properties.
Hearing no further comments from the public, motion to close the meeting to the public was made by Mr. Glaser, second by Mr. Camella and approved unanimously by voice call vote.
D. Adoption.
Be it Resolved, that the Ordinance entitled
“An Ordinance Amending Chapter 380 of the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, County of Bergen entitled “Off Street Parking and Loading”
introduced at a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council held on October 19, 2009 and published in the form presented to and read at this Meeting, shall be appended to the Minutes of this Meeting, and made part of this Resolution and shall be passed on second and final reading, and the Borough Clerk is authorized to advertise the same according to law.
ROLL CALL:
Introduce: Mr. Camella
Second: Mr. Glaser
Ayes: Mr. Camella, Mr. Glaser
Nays: Mr. Bader, Mr. Hoffman, Mrs. Howley, Mr. Rosenblatt
Abstain: None
Absent: None
The vote is 4 nays, 2 ayes. The motion does not carry.
PUBLIC HEARING (S)
09-18
A. Clerk offers Proof of Publication.
B. Ordinance is read by title only:
“An Ordinance Amending Chapter 163 of the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, County of Bergen entitled “Fees” ”
C. Motion to open the meeting to the public was made by Mrs. Howley, second by Mr. Camella and approved unanimously by voice call vote.
Hearing no comments from the public, motion to close the meeting to the public was made by Mrs. Howley, second by and approved unanimously by voice call vote.
D. Adoption.
Be it Resolved, that the Ordinance entitled
“An Ordinance Amending Chapter 163 of the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, County of Bergen entitled “Fees”
introduced at a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council held on October 19, 2009 and published in the form presented to and read at this Meeting, shall be appended to the Minutes of this Meeting, and made part of this Resolution and shall be passed on second and final reading, and the Borough Clerk is authorized to advertise the same according to law.
ROLL CALL:
Introduce: Mrs. Howley
Second: Mr. Bader
Ayes: Mr. Bader, Mr. Camella, Mr. Glaser, Mr. Hoffman,
Mrs. Howley, Mr. Rosenblatt
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
RESOLVED, that the Minutes of a special Mayor and Council meeting on October 22, 2009 copies of which have been received by all Councilpersons, are hereby approved as presented. (Pulled on 11/04/09 by MLP)
ROLL CALL:
Introduce: Mr. Bader
Second: Mr. Glaser
Ayes: Mr. Bader, Mr. Camella, Mr. Glaser, Mr. Hoffman,
Mrs. Howley, Mr. Rosenblatt
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
RESOLVED, that the Minutes of a regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council on November 4, 2009 copies of which have been received by all Councilpersons, are hereby approved as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Introduce: Mr. Camella
Second: Mr. Glaser
Ayes: Mr. Bader, Mr. Camella, Mr. Glaser, Mr. Hoffman,
Mrs. Howley, Mr. Rosenblatt
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
STANDING COMMITTEES. (CAPITALS indicate committee chair).
With regard to the Goals and Objectives, the Council will be reporting tonight on the status of their individual assignments as per the By-Laws of the Borough of Woodcliff Lake.
ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE, PLANNING BOARD, EDUCATION (High School)
Mr. Glaser reported that the Referendum Question appearing on the November 3, 2009 General Election ballot to continue investigating the PVRHSD school equity funding formula overwhelmingly passed by the residents of Woodcliff Lake and Montvale. Representatives from the Woodcliff Lake Board of Education and the Woodcliff Council have met to discuss common goals on this issue.
The town wide survey which was mailed to all residents in October is being tabulated and summarized. Councilman Glaser will report the results as soon as they are available. Over 300 residents responded.
LIBRARY, FIRE (VOLUNTEER)
Mr. Camella had no report on the Library or the Fire Department.
Mr. Camella asked if there could be a brief update to the Council on the PBA negotiations. Mr. Glaser answered that the PBA Negotiating Committee and the Council Liaison Committee have agreed to keep all negotiation discussions confidential. Mr. Camella asked for a short closed session to discuss this issue further.
Mr. Camella reported that the Energy Audit for Borough Buildings has been submitted to the State and we are waiting for further details. PSE&G is scheduled to visit the Borough to do an energy audit on certain aspects of capital items, gas, lighting etc. If we implement any of their recommendations, the cost to the Borough will be reduced.
WCL-TV is currently producing one new show per semester. The new shows run on Cablevision. The next phase is to get the shows on Vios.
PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE/OEM/TRIBORO
Mr. Bader suggested that a meeting be held with the Building and Grounds Committee to discuss the shoring up of the floor and other structural repairs in the Westervelt Lydecker House. After this meeting, the Committee will recommend a budget for Council comments and approval. Mr. Bader recommends this as a 2010 project.
Mr. Bader reported on the possible removal of structures on Borough owned properties including the Fischer Property, the cottage house, the Hatheway House (acquisition pending. Mr. Bader hopes to announce at the next meeting that the Borough has acquired this property) and the Freedman Property. Mr. Bader recommended that the Building and Grounds Committee should meet to discuss this issue in order to make a recommendation to the Mayor and Council. Mr. Bader also recommends this as a 2010 project.
Mr. Bader reported that the Police Chief and Captain have been narrowing down the applications for the new police officer position. The Police Committee will meet during the first week of December. Mr. Rosenblatt stated that he cannot vote on the hiring of a new officer without knowing what the salary will be. This will be discussed in a closed session later in the evening.
Mr. Bader reported that there is a proposal from Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch (NWBCD) increasing their fees from last year. Montvale, as the lead agency, will be meeting with NWBCD to discuss this fee increase from between 4.67 and 5% and will report back to Woodcliff Lake and Park Ridge. Mr. Bader stated that Woodcliff Lake’s usage has been higher than in previous years.
The Woodcliff Lake Fire Department would like to identify structures with truss ceiling with signs on all Borough buildings. This is for the safety of our firefighters. Sample ordinances from other towns on this matter have been collected in order to draft a 2010 ordinance for Woodcliff Lake. Nick Saluzzi is confident that once this issue is brought to State Senators, truss ceiling identification will become a state standard.
Mr. Rosenblatt stated that he is not satisfied with 911dispatch services as they are performing. He had personal opportunities to call during the past year and felt the old service was better. Mr. Bader stated that there have not been any complaints from the public after the first year of service. Mr. Camella stated that the Fire Department has been pleased with the service.
Administrator Sandve left the dais to attend the League of Municipalities in Atlantic City. The time is approximately 8:30 p.m.
Mr. Camella asked if the houses suggested to be removed on Borough property, as reported previously by Mr. Bader could be used for fire fighter training. Mr. Bader stated that there is a State mandate that prohibits live burns. If it is permissible, the Council has no problem with the fire department training on the demolition of old buildings.
BOARD OF HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH & WELFARE, EDUCATION
(ELEMENTARY)
Mr. Hoffman reported that some children have come down with the H1N1 virus. Mayor LaPaglia asked about the availability of the vaccine. Mrs. Grundler stated that the State is randomly sending vaccines to municipalities. Supplies have been making their way to municipalities on a very limited basis.
The programs that have run at the Westervelt Lydecker House have been very successful. Once the house is completely usable, Mr. Hoffman is sure the planned programs will be wonderful.
Court consolidation funding from Bergen County for a feasibility study has been awarded to Park Ridge, Montvale and Woodcliff Lake. A meeting will be held on November 23, 2009 at Park Ridge with the consultant.
PARKS AND RECREATION, PUBLIC INFORMATION, NEWSLETTERS,
ORDINANCES, SENIOR CITIZENS’ PROGRAM
Boy’s and girl’s basketball teams have been formed and will begin playing soon.
The development of the Hatheway Property will be addressed once the property is acquired by the town.
Erosion issues must be addressed before rehabilitation work at the Train Station can begin. Currently water runs down Highview and across Broadway.
The Pascack Hills girls’ volleyball team are State Champs. Congratulations to the girls! Mrs. Howley will contact one of the volleyball mothers to work on a proclamation for the girls.
Mayor LaPaglia discussed a letter written by Clay Bosch regarding erosion problems. Mrs. Howley stated she would contact the County in regards to this matter.
DPW & ROADS/SEWERS & SANITATION/ECOLOGY
Mr. Rosenblatt stated that he has coached his last soccer team with his son as a player this weekend. He stated that it is bittersweet.
Mr. Rosenblatt stated that the widening of the roads on Woodcliff Avenue should be taken off the Goals and Objectives list for next year since there seems to be a lack of interest by the Council.
Mr. Rosenblatt has been discussing the second garbage pick-up with DPW Superintendent Ed Barboni as per Mr. Hoffman’s request. There are 1,900 homes in Woodcliff Lake. 160 homes scheduled second day pick up in 2008; 40 of those scheduled did not leave their garbage out on a regular second day basis. Therefore, only 140 residents requested a second day pick up. Mr. Barboni states that the bottom line was that only 8 homes used the second pick up for the full 8 week program. Although 164 called , only 144 homes put the garbage out. Ed Barboni is opposed to a second day pickup due to the significant cost for only 8 pickups; however, it is a Mayor and Council decision.
Mr. Camella stated a policy should be implemented to accommodate residents who wish a second pick-up. Mr. Hoffman recommended that Mr. Barboni include information on the yearly DPW/Recycling schedule about a second pick-up. Mayor LaPaglia stated that there is enough interest for a second pick-up. Mr. Rosenblatt suggested we discuss this further at the next meeting. Mr. Rosenblatt will work with Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Camella
Mr. Rosenblatt reported that he does not remember roads being so badly torn up by PSE&G during construction. Mr. Rosenblatt stated that we should demand that PSE&G to repave the roads. Mr. Bader stated that PSE&G have not complete the job. When they are done, they will have to repave in the spring. A phone call from Administrator Sandve should be made to discuss this matter.
OLD BUSINESS.
None
NEW BUSINESS.
Mayor LaPaglia read the Proclamation being given to Mrs. Elva DuBois at the senior meeting on Thursday. Mrs. DuBois was the former Elva Tice. She will be moving to North Carolina. Mayor LaPaglia read the following proclamation into the record.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Mrs. Elva DuBois was born in 1928 at the Van Riper Home on the A&P Property while the Tice House was under construction; and
WHEREAS, after leaving Woodcliff Lake, Mrs. DuBois settled in Park Ridge on Awashawaugh Road for over 50 years; and