M I N U T E S Regular Council Meeting Council Chambers Monday, December 21, 2015 8:00pm 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 07675. 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. Councilman Ben-Yishay, Councilman Donovan, Councilman Criscuolo, Councilwoman Sieg and Council President Bromberg were present. Also present : Mayor Glen Jasionowski, Township Attorney Silvana Raso, Township Engineer Christopher Statile and Township Clerk, Karen Padva. Mayor s Comments Mayor Jasionowski had no comments at this time. ********************************* Council Comments The Council members had no comments at this time. Special Recognition of Officer Frank Saraceni ******************************** Council President Bromberg announced that the Mayor and Council would like to acknowledge and celebrate Police Officer Frank Saraceni s act of bravery while on duty at Roberge School. 1
Mayor Jasionowski commented that during his 11 years on the dais the one reoccurring theme is the quality of the men and women of our Police Department. He explained that there is so much that occurs day in and day out that no one sees or hears about ; they don t receive any credit for what they do and they re not asking either. Whether they re helping a family member while their loved one is being attended to by other emergency responders, or stopping a group of kids just to talk, helping with the Junior Police Academy or saving someone s life; you just don t hear abo ut it. The Mayor added that it upsets him to hear people comment that that it s an easy job being a River Vale Police Officer. The Mayor strongly disagreed adding that often it can be a thankless job. He added that what the Police Department does day in and day out makes River Vale the community it is. The Mayor continued that the Police Department is a lways a pleasure to deal wi th during contract negotiations and they are always very fair. He stated that as long as this group is on the dais we will always have our own Police Department and in fact we are investing in a new Police Facility. The Mayor again stressed the importance of what the Police Department does on a daily basis. This evening they are here for one member of the Department but any one of our officers would have done exactly the same thing. Mayor Jasionowski urged everyone to stop and thank the Officers for what they do and let them know how much you appreciate them. Mayor Jasionowski next recalled the events of December 1 st when he began receiving numerous emails and messages. The Mayor was immediately concerned and reached out to Chief Giordano who explained the incident that had occurred. Mayor Jasionowski then returned some of the messages he had received earlier; and one of those messages was fr om Officer Pizzi of Northvale who witnessed the incident. Officer Pizzi told the Mayor that what he saw today was nothing short of heroic. He further explained to the Mayor that he had no doubt that the speeding car going around the stopped traffic at Roberge School would have hit the two children. He then described how Officer Saraceni threw himself in front of the car and that the car stopped just short of the Officer saving the two children. The Mayor then announced that on behalf of the Township of River Vale, himself and the Council ; he want ed to thank Officer Saraceni and present ed him with a special award. The Mayor read the plaque into the record as follows: In Recognition of Outstanding Public Safety Presented to Officer Frank Saraceni For your selfless and heroic actions on December 1, 2015 while on duty at the Roberge School Post. Your quick response prevented a tragedy and saved the lives of two young children. Your actions reflect the highest standard of conduct for a law enforcement officer and bring great pride to our community. Presented this 21 st day of December, 2015 By Mayor Glen Jasionowski & the River Vale Town Council Next the Mayor asked Chief Giordano to come forward to comment. Chief Giordano reported that on December 1, 2015 Officer Saraceni performed a selfless act by putting himself directly in harm s 2
way to protect two children crossing the street on their way to school. The Chief explained how the car sped carelessly around the stopped traffic while Officer Saraceni was as signed to Crossing Guard duty. According to witness es, the two children already in the crosswalk would have surely been hit if not for the actions of Officer Saraceni putting himself between the children and the car. Chief Giordano stated that all too often the Police are vilified in public due to people s perceptions of them over exerting their authority. Officer Saraceni s actions are representative of activities that few ever hear about or praise. Chief Giordano explained that these actions are performed everyday by Officers; usually without thanks either requested or given. He added that the members of the River Vale Police Department are thankful to work in community that appreciates the dedication to service of all of their Emergency Service Personnel. Chief Giordano next thanked the Mayor, Council and the residents for recognizing Officer Saraceni as one of River Vale s finest. But more importantly Chief Giordano thanked Officer Saraceni for looking out for the residents of River Vale, their children and putting their welfare before his own. Mayor Jasionowski commented that the most interesting part of this story was that Officer Saraceni continued on with his duties that day and didn t mention what had happened. It wasn t until all the witnesses began calling and emailing that anyone knew. Council President Bromberg next stated that Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi had a presentation for Officer Saraceni. Assemblywoman Schepisi announced that it was her honor to be here this evening not only as our Assemblywoman and on behalf of Senator Cardinale and Assemblyman Auth but as a Mom of two small children that live in River Vale. Assemblywoman Schepisi s c hildren attend the same school and she walks her children to school every day. She s seen the dangers of the cars speeding around the stopped traffic and stressed the importance of pedestrian safety. Assemblywoman Schepisi added that the majority of pedestrian fatalities occur in crosswalks adding that what Officer Saraceni did was extraordinary. Assemblywoman Schepisi n ext stated that on behalf of the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey she would like to present a Certificate to Officer Saraceni honoring and praising his meritorious service, heroic actions and e xtending their sincerest best wishes for his continued success. Council President Bromberg announced that there was also a representative from Congressman Garrett s office who also had a presentation this evening. Rob Pettet intr oduced himself as District Director of Congressman Garrett s office. Mr. Pettet praised Officer Saraceni as a hero and presented him with a Certificate on behalf of Congressman Garrett. ************************************ Special Recognition of Dolores Trakimowicz Retirement 30 Years of Service Mayor Jasionowski next announced that after 30 years of service Dolores Trakimowicz is retiring and moving to South Carolina. The Mayor recalled visiting Town hall over the years and the one constant was Dolores. He explained that Town hall won t be the same without her. Dolores always greeted everyone with a smile and everything she s accomplished over the years can t be put on a plaque. The Mayor thanked Dolores from his heart for being a friend and a great employee of the Township. Dolores will be truly missed and will always have a home here. 3
Mayor Jasionowski presented Dolores Trakimowicz with a plaque and read the following into the record: Honoring 30 Years of Service Presented to Dolores Trakimowicz In appreciation of your many years of dedicated and loyal service with the Township of River Vale. At all times you performed your duties in an exemplary manner displaying the utmost of courtesy and professionalism. You will be greatly missed and we wish you the best on your retirement. Presented this 21 st day of December, 2015 By Mayor Glen Jasionowski & the River Vale Town Council *********************************** Council President Bromberg requested a brief recess at 8:20pm. The meeting reconvened at 8:30pm. ROLL CALL Councilman B en-yishay, Councilman Donovan, C ouncilman Criscuolo, Councilwoman Sieg and Council President Bromberg were present. Township Engineer s Report *********************************** Mr. Statile gave an update on the DOMUS project; the exterior site work is complete including the paving and landscaping. The interior work is continuing and the project is anticipated to be complete by February. He next reported on the Rivervale Road embankment project; Verizon is still working on moving their wires and the contractor has begun driving the sheeting. Mr. Statile briefly reviewed the pending grant application s and reported that River Vale Developers is finishing up any site work punch list items. He concluded that the MWD retail building construction project is finishing up their site work for the winter and already has tenants in place for the building. 1 st Hearing of the Public ************************************ Motion by Councilwoman Sieg; second by Councilman Criscuolo to open the meeting to the public. 4
Jim Hanna 381 Sunset Mr. Hanna expressed his concerns that the signage for the Rivervale Road detour is inadequate and gives no indication that the road is closed. He suggested someone contacting the County. Mayor Jasionowski responded that they are looking to ha ve more electronic sign posted for the detour. There being no further questions or comments motion by Councilman Criscuolo ; second by Councilman Donovan to close the meeting to the public. RESOLUTIONS ************************* Motion by Councilman Criscuolo; seconded by Councilman Ben-Yiahay to approve Resolution #2015-242 as follows: Resolution #2015-242 RESOLUTION APPROVING MINUTES NOVEMBER 23, 2015 COUNCIL MEETING BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that the minutes of the November 23, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Township Council are hereby approved. ROLL CALL VOTE Councilman Ben-Yishay, Councilman Criscuolo, Councilwoman Sieg, and Council President Bromberg voted yes. Councilman Donovan abstained. ************************ Motion by Councilman Ben-Yishay; seconded by Councilman Donovan to approve Resolutions #2015-243 through #2015-250 as a Consent Agenda as follows: Resolution #2015-243 RESOLUTION HONORING MARY ANNE KETABCHI ON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE RIVER VALE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY WHEREAS, Mary Anne Ketabchi began her employment to the Township of River Vale as the Children s Librarian for the River Vale Free Public Library in 1986 and has served with the highest degree of integrity as a dedicated employee of the Township and the Library for twenty nine years; and, WHEREAS, Mary Anne Ketabchi s genuine concern and unwavering respect for the Library, its employees and members of the Library Board of Trustees has been reflected in her work; and, 5
WHEREAS, Mary Anne Ketabchi, in her role as Children s Librarian, fulfilled a critical mission of the library in contributing to the literacy of the children of River Vale; and WHEREAS, Mary Anne Ketabchi, consistently provided a collecti on of library materials to the Township s students which supported the academic goals of the River Vale School District; and, WHEREAS, Mary Anne Ketabchi, attracted River Vale families to visit the library by offering children educational and entertaining programming opportunities including Story Times, Summer Reading Programs and special events; and, WHEREAS, Mary Anne Ketabchi, through her welcoming manner and gentle demeanor created an atmosphere in the library that encouraged a love of reading and life-long learning for the children of River Vale; and, WHEREAS, on the occasion of Mary Anne Ketabchi s retirement, the Township of River Vale wishes to honor and celebrate her commitment and dedication to the children of River Vale. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township of River Vale recognizes Mary Anne Ketabchi s many contributions for the benefit of the River Vale Free Public Library and extends its gratitude for her years of dedicated service to the Township of River Vale; and, FURTHERMORE the Township of River Vale extends to Mary Anne Ketabchi its best wishes for many happy years of retirement. Resolution #2015-244 REFUND (First Friends) WHEREAS, the following resident has requested a refund of the First Friends registration fee; and WHEREAS, the Treasurer has certified the availability of funds in the Recreation Account. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that said refund is approved and the Treasurer is hereby authorized to issue a municipal check as designated above payable to: Veronica Cadoppi 580 Brook Avenue River Vale, New Jersey 07675 $ 75.00 Resolution #2015-245 AUTHORIZE PERSON-TO PERSON TRANSFER OF PLENARY RETAIL CONSUMPTION LICENSE #0253-33-004-001 6
WHEREAS, an application has been filed for a Person-to-Person Transfer of Plenary Retail Consumption License number 0253-33-004-001, hereto issued to Edgewood Country Club. Inc. located at 449 Rivervale Road, River Vale, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, the submitted application form is complete in all respects, the transfer fees have been paid, and the license has been renewed for the current license term; and WHEREAS, the applicant is qualified to be licensed according to all standards established by Title 33 of the New Jersey Statutes, regulations promulgated there under, as well as pertinent local ordinances and conditions consistent with Title 33; and WHEREAS, the applicant has disclosed and the issuing authority reviewed the source of all funds used in the purchase of the license and the licensed business and all additional financing obtained in connection with the license business. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Council of the Township of River Vale does hereby approves the transfer of the aforesaid Plenary Retail Consumption License to Edgewood Liquor License, LLC, and does hereby direct the Township Clerk to endorse the license certificate to the new ownership as follows: The license, subject to all its terms and conditions, is hereby transferred to Edgewood Liquor License, LLC effective December 21, 2015. Resolution #2015-246 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER 2015 YEAR END HOLIDAY STATEWIDE CRACKDOWN WHEREAS, impaired drivers on our nation s roads kill more than 10,000 people each year and cost our society more than $37 billion annually; and WHEREAS, 22% of motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey in 2013 were alcoholrelated; and WHEREAS, an enforcement crackdown is planned to combat impaired driving; and WHEREAS, the season at the end of the year is traditionally a time of social gatherings which often include alcohol; and WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey, Division of Highway Traffic Safety, has asked law enforcement agencies throughout the State to participate in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Year End Holiday Statewide Crackdown; and WHEREAS, the project will involve increased impaired driving enforcement from December 11, 2015 through January 1, 2016; and WHEREAS, an increase in impaired driving enforcement and a reduction in impaired driving will save lives on our roadways. 7
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Township of River Vale declares it s support for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2015 Year End Holiday Crackdown from December 11, 2015 through January 1, 2016 and pledges to increase awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. Resolution #2015-247 RESOLUTION (Builders Escrow Refund) WHEREAS, the developer Pascack Hills Properties LLC had posted escrow as requested by the Planning Board for a Subdivision located on Orangeburgh Road (Block 302, Lots 29.01, 29.02 & 29.03); and WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has determined that all site improvements are complete and therefor the escrow may be released. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that the Escrow Deposits be released from the following account(s): P-13-56-858-304 $1,109.07 S-13-56-858-370 $8,951.76 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that the Treasurer is hereby directed to issue a municipal check payable as follows: Payable to: Pascack Hills Properties, LLC Mailing Address: 123 Broadway Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 $ 10,060.83 Resolution #2015-248 R E S O L U T I O N (TRANSFERS) WHEREAS, there exists a need to make transfers in the 2015 Budget Appropriations, and there exists balances from which to make said transfers. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that the Chief Financial Officer hereby be authorized to make the following transfers to the 2015 Budget Appropriations. 8
Inside CAP: To: Patrol Division SW $ 60,000.00 Buildings & Grounds OE $ 24,000.00 OEM - OE $ 1,000.00 Dental/Vison Insurance $ 2,500.00 Police Chief SW $ 250.00 Telephone OE $ 6,500.00 Total $ 94,250.00 Inside CAP: From: Patrol Division OE $ 62,000.00 Law - OE $ 25,000.00 Tax Assessor OE $ 5,000.00 Planning Board OE $ 2,250.00 Total $ 94,250.00 Resolution #2015-249 RESOLUTION AWARDING THE RFQ FOR CONSULTING SERVICES FOR A SPACTIAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR A NEW POLICE FACILITY WHEREAS, on October 8, 2015 the Township received proposals for consulting services to plan, design and construct a new Police Facility; and WHEREAS, the Business Administrator and the project s Building Committee have reviewed the proposals and determined that the proposal received Ronald Schmidt & Associates, P.A., 222 Grand Avenue, Englewood, New Jersey achieved the highest ranking under the evaluation methodology and is determined to be the most advantageous to the Township; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in an amount not to exceed $27,600.00 in the Capital Account. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the proposal to retain Ronald Schmidt & Associates, P.A. for consulting and design services for a new Police Facility. Resolution #2015-250 PAYMENT OF BILLS BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, that the Business Administrator be, and hereby is authorized to pay the following claims: CURRENT ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $104,302.76 RESERVE CURRENT ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $0.00 9
GOLF COURSE UTILITY OPERATING ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $56,860.74 ANIMAL TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $789.60 MISCELLANEOUS TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $0.00 RECREATION TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $4,371.70 PRIVATE DUTY TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $2,409.59 SNOW REMOVAL TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $3,700.53 HOUSING TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $0.00 JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $976.12 GOLF COURSE UTILITY CAPITAL ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $136,064.69 OPEN SPACE TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $0.00 CAPITAL ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $47,495.39 PLANNING BOARD TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $1,846.60 SPECIAL TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $1,140.00 ZONING BOARD TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $72.14 TOTAL CLAIMS TO BE PAID $360,029.86 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of River Vale that the following claims have been paid by the Business Administrator prior to the Bill List Resolution in the following amounts: CURRENT claims in the amount of: $3,013,322.89 RESERVE CURRENT ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $0.00 GOLF COURSE UTILITY OPERATING ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $63,451.73 GOLF COURSE UTILITY CAPITAL ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $11,880.00 HOUSING TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $2,000.00 STATUTORY ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $573,419.00 SNOW REMOVAL TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $2,500.00 JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $1,501.24 OPEN SPACE TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $0.00 JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $0.00 PRIVATE DUTY TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $ 0.00 MISCELLANEOUS TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $53,423.96 CAPITAL ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $534,491.20 PRIVATE DUTY TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $37,977.36 PLANNING BOARD TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $0.00 SPECIAL TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $219.25 ZONING BOARD TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $0.00 BOND TRUST ACCOUNT claims in the amount of: $9,782.03 TOTAL CLAIMS PAID $4,303,968.66 TOTAL BILL LIST RESOLUTION $4,663,998.52 MANUAL DISBURSEMENTS BILL LIST FOR DECEMBER 21, 2015 11/30/2015 Transfer Payroll $ 248,047.32 12/15/2015 Transfer Payroll $ 298,440.65 TOTAL STATUTORY ACCOUNT DISTRIBUTIONS $ 546,487.97 ROLL CALL VOTE Councilman Ben-Yishay, Councilman Donovan, Councilman Criscuolo, Councilwoman Sieg and Council President Bromberg voted yes. 10
Ordinances for 1 st Reading *************************** There were no Ordinances for 1 st or 2 nd Reading this evening. 2 nd HEARING OF THE PUBLIC ****************************** Motion by Councilman Criscuolo ; seconded by Council man Donovan to open the meeting to the public. There being no questions or comments from the public motion by Councilman Criscuolo; seconded by Councilman Ben-Yishay to close the meeting to the public. ADJOURNMENT ************************************ Motion by Councilman Donovan; seconded by Councilman Ben-Yishay to adjourn the meeting at 8:40pm. ATTEST: Karen Padva Township Clerk Council President Mark Bromberg 11