M I N U T E S Regular Council Meeting Council Chambers Monday, September 11, :00pm

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1 M I N U T E S Regular Council Meeting Council Chambers Monday, September 11, :00pm CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER Council President Bromberg called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm in the Council Chambers located at 406 Rivervale Road, River Vale, New Jersey SALUTE TO FLAG Council President Bromberg asked all in attendance to rise and join him in a Salute to the Flag. SUNSHINE LAW STATEMENT ROLL CALL Council President Bromberg read the Sunshine Statement into the record, as follows: In accordance with the provisions set forth in the Open Public Meetings Law, notification of this meeting has been sent to all officially appointed Township newspapers and notice is posted at the Municipal Office. President Bromberg were present Also present: Business Administrator/CFO Gennaro Rotella, Township Attorney Silvana Raso, Township Engineer Chris Statile, Township Clerk Karen Campanelli and COAH Planner Jeff Janato. SPECIAL RECOGNITION Pascack Pi-Oneers Robotics Team Council Comments Councilman Ben-Yishay commented how impressed he was with the Robotics Team s accomplishments and that it s a testament to the High Schools. Councilman Donovan commented how he wished they had a Robotics program when he was in high school. He added how proud he is of what this team has accomplished. Councilman Donovan also commented that he was in Piermont, New York this afternoon and attended their 9-11 ceremony. Their community lost several firefighters and the service was a somber reminder to never forget. Councilwoman Sieg commented that we should never forget the people that perished on 9-11 and how grateful we are to our emergency services. She added that they are in our thoughts and prayers constantly because they sacrifice every day. Councilman Criscuolo had no comments. Council President Bromberg commented that this evening s ceremony was very nice and he was glad that it was well attended by the Town and community to remember this day together. Business Administrator s Report Mr. Rotella first commented on Resolution #206 on this evening s agenda acknowledging the receipt of the Best Practices Checklist. He explained that the checklist comes out annually from the Department of Community Affairs. The checklist is a series of questions asking whether the Township is in compliance with regard to certain issues. Mr. Rotella added that the Township is in a passing range and therefore we won t have a reduction in our State Aid figures. 1

2 Mr. Rotella next announced that the Annual Rabies Clinic will be held on October 28 th. He also announced that Town Day will be held October 15th. Council President Bromberg commented on future agenda items from the Board of Health. The Board would like the Council to consider updating the regulations regarding dog bites and the keeping of chickens. Township Engineer s Report Mr. Statile reported that the Poplar Road Paving project is complete. The 2017 Road Program is essentially complete except for some bridge work. Mr. Statile announced that the SUEZ water tower on High Road will be sandblasted and painted; he expects the project to take 4 to 6 months. Mr. Rotella added that he had a meeting with SUEZ; they paint the tower every 15 to 20 years the last time being in Mr. Statile gave an update on the Giordano Playground improvements project; they are working on a plan and he hopes to include a rope bridge and rock climbing wall. Council President Bromberg questioned what material would be used on the ground. Mr. Rotella responded they plan to use playground certified mulch. Mr. Statile also reported that he is working on the plans for a Pavilion for Mark Lane. He also gave a brief review of the grant applications for the Ambulance Corps, the Phase 2 NJDOT grant for safety improvements on Poplar Road and he will submit again for the sidewalk improvements on Westwood Avenue. Mr. Statile next commented on JPE Developers who are building 3 new homes on Cleveland Avenue. He explained that the developers would like to use Belgian block curbs in the new cul-de-sac. Mr. Statile further reported that Rich Campanelli has no preference either way; he has also spoken to Gennaro and feels it s a policy decision for the Council. Mr. Rotella is not sure; the Belgian block looks good however he is concerned that the curbing could be damaged during snow plowing and the Town would be responsible. Mr. Rotella will discuss this issue further with Rich Campanelli. 1 st Hearing of the Public Motion by Councilman Donovan; second by Councilman Criscuolo to open the meeting to the public. Ted LeStrange - spoke about China engaging in the harvesting of organs from prisoners. Mr. LeStrange reported that China does not have an organ program and has been using prisoners as their source for organ transplants. The US House of Representatives has condemned the practice of state sanctioned forced organ harvesting in China. There being no further questions or comments from the public motion by Councilman Criscuolo; second by Councilman Donovan to close the meeting to the public. RESOLUTIONS Motion by Councilman Criscuolo; seconded by Councilman Donovan to approve Resolutions # through as a Consent Agenda as follows: Resolution # RESOLUTION APPROVING MINUTES AUGUST 14, 2017 REGULAR MEETING BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that the minutes of the August 14, 2017 Regular meeting of the Township Council are hereby approved. Resolution # RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL TO ESTABLISH A DEDICATED TRUST BY RIDER FOR OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT OF OFF-DUTY MUNICIPAL OFFICERS PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:5-29 et seq. 2

3 WHEREAS, permission is required of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for approval as a dedication by rider of revenues received by a municipality when the revenue is not subject to reasonable accurate estimates in advance; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-29 et seq. provides for receipt of Outside Employment of Off-Duty Municipal Officers fees by the municipality to provide for the operating costs to administer this act; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-39 provides the dedicated revenues anticipated from the Outside Employment of Off-Duty Municipal Officers fund are hereby anticipated as revenue and are hereby appropriated for the purpose to which said revenue is dedicated by statute or other legal requirement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Township of River Vale, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey as follows: 1. The Governing Body does hereby request permission of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to pay expenditures of the Outside Employment of Off-Duty Municipal Officers as per N.J.S.A. 40A:5-29 et seq. 2. The Township Clerk of the Township of River Vale is hereby directed to forward two certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services. Resolution # RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL TO ESTABLISH A DEDICATED TRUST BY RIDER FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION INSURANCE PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:5-29 et seq. WHEREAS, permission is required of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for approval as a dedication by rider of revenues received by a municipality when the revenue is not subject to reasonable accurate estimates in advance; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-29 et seq. provides for receipt of Unemployment Compensation Insurance Fees by the municipality to provide for the operating costs to administer this act; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-39 provides the dedicated revenues anticipated from the Unemployment Compensation Insurance Fund are hereby anticipated as revenue and are hereby appropriated for the purpose to which said revenue is dedicated by statute or other legal requirement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Township of River Vale, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey as follows: 1. The Governing Body does hereby request permission of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to pay expenditures of the Unemployment Compensation Insurance Fund as per N.J.S.A. 40A:5-29 et seq. 2. The Township Clerk of the Township of River Vale is hereby directed to forward two certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services. Resolution # RESOLUTION OPPOSING LOCAL FINANCE BOARD PROPOSED LEGISLATION N.J.C.A. 5: AND 18.2 WHEREAS, notification was received that the Local Finance Board is proposing new rules N.J.A.C. 5: and 18.2 which would set forth public disclosure and hearing requirements for ratification of labor contracts and other compensation measures adopted by resolution; and WHEREAS, certain aspects of these requirements are perceived to be detrimental to the interests of municipalities and their taxpayers as it would significantly delay the hire of new employees and ratification of labor contracts as well as increase advertising costs; and WHEREAS, while there may be some merit to certain disclosures of public employee salary and benefits, this rule as proposed goes well beyond that scope as to overburden local officials with a timeconsuming mandate; and 3

4 WHEREAS, no funding source was identified to cover the cost of the additional work to comply with these additional requirements; and WHEREAS, this States constitution requires the State to pay for State mandated programs and services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Township of River Vale emphatically oppose the concept and the implementation of new rules N.J.A.C. 5: and 18.2 proposed by the Local Finance Board regarding Employee Compensation Disclosure. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to all Bergen County State Legislators, the Governor s Office, the Local Finance Board, the Division of Local Government Services, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and every Bergen County Municipality. Resolution # RESOLUTION ACKOWLEDGING REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF THE BEST PRACTICE INVENTORY (2017) BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that all members of the governing body present at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Township Council on September 11, 2017 have reviewed and discussed the 2017 Best Practice Inventory prepared by the Chief Financial Officer. Resolution # RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of River Vale that the Business Administrator obtain estimates to remove brush and debris at the following property which has been deemed as hazardous condition: Block 601, Lot 7 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, upon the completion of the work the costs be forwarded to the Tax Collector in order for a lien of $1, for said work to be attached to the above mentioned property. Resolution # RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RAFFLE LICENSE FOR THE IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY PARENTS CLUB BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the following license to conduct an off premises 50/50 raffle is issued to: NAME: LOCATION OF RAFFLE: Immaculate Heart Academy Parents Club 500 Van Emburgh Avenue Washington Township, NJ Florentine Gardens 97 Rivervale Road River Vale, NJ DATE OF RAFFLE: December 3, 2017 I.D. #: RAFFFLE LICENSE: RL 502 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said license shall be issued subject to all rules and regulations of the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission of the State of New Jersey. 4

5 Resolution # RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RAFFLE LICENSE FOR THE IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY PARENTS CLUB BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the following license to conduct a merchandise raffle is issued to: NAME: LOCATION OF RAFFLE: Immaculate Heart Academy Parents Club 500 Van Emburgh Avenue Washington Township, NJ Florentine Gardens 97 Rivervale Road River Vale, NJ DATE OF RAFFLE: December 3, 2017 I.D. #: RAFFFLE LICENSE: RL 503 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said license shall be issued subject to all rules and regulations of the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission of the State of New Jersey. Resolution # RESOLUTION (Private Duty Escrow Refund) WHEREAS, the following vendor posted escrow as requested by the Police Department to secure officers for a project in the Township of River Vale; and WHEREAS, said project has been completed and there is no pending work with this vendor therefore the balance of the escrow can be released. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that the Escrow Deposit be released. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that the Treasurer is hereby authorized to issue a municipal check for $ as follows: Payable to: Downes Tree Service, Inc. Mailing Address: 65 Royal Avenue Hawthorne, NJ $ Resolution # RESOLUTION ENDORSING GOVERNOR S COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE FISCAL GRANT CYCLE JULY 2014 THROUGH JUNE 2019 WHEREAS, the Governor s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse established the Municipal Alliances for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in 1989 to educate and engage residents, local government and law enforcement officials, schools, nonprofit organizations, the faith community, parents, youth and other allies in efforts to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse in communities throughout New Jersey; and WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of River Vale, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey recognizes that the abuse of alcohol and drugs is a serious problem in our society amongst persons of all ages; and therefore has an established Municipal Alliance Committee; and, 5

6 WHEREAS, the Township Council further recognizes that it is incumbent upon not only public officials but upon the entire community to take action to prevent such abuses in our community; and, WHEREAS, the Township Council has applied for funding to the Governor s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the County of Bergen. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey hereby recognizes the following: 1. The Township Council does hereby authorize the submission of a strategic plan for the River Vale Municipal Alliance Grant for fiscal year 2018 in the amount of: DEDR: $9, Cash Match: $2, In-Kind: $7, TOTAL Alliance Budget: $ 19, The Township Council acknowledges the terms and conditions for administering the Municipal Alliance grant, including the administrative compliance and audit requirements. Resolution # RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RAFFLE LICENSE FOR PARAMUS CATHOLIC REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS COUNCIL BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the following license to conduct a merchandise raffle is issued to: NAME: LOCATION OF RAFFLE: DATE OF RAFFLE: Paramus Catholic Regional High School Parents Council 425 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ Edgewood Country Club 449 Rivervale Road River Vale, NJ September 21, 2017 (8:00AM-3:00PM) I.D. #: RAFFFLE LICENSE: RL 504 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said license shall be issued subject to all rules and regulations of the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission of the State of New Jersey. ROLL CALL VOTE President Bromberg voted yes. There were no Ordinances for 1 st or 2 nd Reading 2 nd Hearing of the Public Motion by Councilman Donovan; second by Councilman Criscuolo to open the meeting to the public. There being no questions or comments from the public motion by Councilman Criscuolo; second by Councilman Donovan to close the meeting to the public. 6

7 RESOLUTION Motion by Councilman Criscuolo; seconded by Councilman Donovan to approve Resolutions # as follows: Resolution # RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNCIL TO ENTER INTO CLOSED SESSION BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Council is hereby authorized to enter Closed Session to discuss the pending litigation entitled In the Matter of the Application of the Township of River Vale, County of Bergen (Docket No. BER-L ) If any action is proposed as a result of discussion in closed session, the Council shall go into Public Session so as to allow a hearing of the public and take such action, if any, in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Open Public Meetings Law. ROLL CALL VOTE President Bromberg voted yes. Motion by Councilman Donovan second by Councilwoman Sieg to adjourn from Closed Session. ROLL CALL President Bromberg were present. 3 rd Hearing of the Public Motion by Councilman Criscuolo second by Councilman Ben-Yishay to open the meeting to public regarding Resolution # There being no questions or comments from the public motion by Councilman Ben-Yishay; second by Councilman Donovan to close the meeting to the public. Motion by Councilman Donovan; seconded by Councilman Ben-Yishay to approve Resolutions # as follows: Resolution # RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP OF RIVER VALE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH FAIR SHARE HOUSING CENTER WITH REGARD TO A DECLARATORY JUDGMENT CAPTIONED IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RIVER VALE WHEREAS, the Township has filed a Declaratory Judgment Action in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County, captioned In The Matter Of The Application Of The Township Of River Vale pending under docket No. BER-L ; and WHEREAS, Fair Share Housing Center ( FSHC ) is a Supreme Court Designated Interested party in that matter; WHEREAS, the Township of River Vale and FSHC have reached an agreement related to that matter; and WHEREAS, the terms of the agreement reached between the Township and FSHC is memorialized in a Letter Agreement dated September 8, 2017; 7

8 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Township of River Vale, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey that the Township is authorized to execute the Letter Agreement dated September 8, ROLL CALL VOTE President Bromberg voted yes. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilman Criscuolo; second by Councilman Donovan to adjourn the meeting at 9:40pm. Council President ATTEST: Mark Bromberg Karen Campanelli, Township Clerk 8