BOROUGH OF RAMSEY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Mayor Dillon called the regular meeting of the Mayor and Council to order and asked Council President Verdone to lead the flag salute. Mayor Dillon read the Open Public Meetings law notice. I. ROLL CALL - Present: Mayor Dillon, Councilmembers Jachzel, Jones, Tyburczy, Verdone and Weber Also Present: Borough Clerk Bendian, Borough Administrator Vozeh, and Borough Attorney Scandariato Absent: Councilman Kilman II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 04-12-17, WS 03-22-17 Motion by Weber, seconded by Verdone. All in favor. Carried III. COMMUNICATIONS - Motion by Tyburczy, seconded by Verdone. All in favor. Carried. 1. Ramsey Woman s Club letter dated April 10, 2017, requesting permission to hold their 14 th annual Heirloom Tomato and Plant sale on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Masonic Lodge parking lot 2. George Bumiller, 39 Lakeview Terrace, Ramsey, NJ letter received April 13, 2017, regarding the Press Release posted on the website 3. George Bumiller, 39 Lakeview Terrace, Ramsey, NJ letter received April 13, 2017, regarding work session minutes and agendas IV. APPOINTMENTS Mary Ann Maurer, Pool Commission, regular member (filling unexpired term of G. Laurite) Susy Suarez, Pool Commission, regular member (filling unexpired term of N. Capuano- effective May 1) Heather Houser, Pool Commission, regular member (filling unexpired term of J. Lessieu) Edward Jost, Pool Commission, Alternate Number One (filling unexpired term of D. Marchisin) Mayor Dillon swore in Susy Suarez to the Ramsey Pool Commission
V. CONSENT RESOLUTION Motion by Jachzel, seconded by Jones BE IT RESOLVED that the following resolutions herewith listed having been considered by the governing body of the Borough of Ramsey be and are hereby passed and approved: 100-2017 Resolution: payment of vouchers 101-2017 Resolution: ratifying the actions of the governing body for payroll number seven 102-2017 Resolution: confirming the appointment of Susy Suarez to the Ramsey Pool Commission as a regular member filling the unexpired term of Nick Capuano 103-2017 Resolution: confirming the appointment of Heather Houser to the Ramsey Pool Commission as a regular member filling unexpired term of J. Lessieu 104-2017 Resolution: authorizing the borough to submit the recycling tonnage grant application to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and designating Harry Smith, CRP to file 105-2017 Resolution: certifying submission of expenditure for recycling taxes paid in 2016 106-2017 Resolution: awarding subsidiary contract to Crossroads Pavement Maintenance, LLC in the amount $946,400.04 for the various streets and parking lots in Ramsey 107-2017 Resolution: awarding contract to Garden State Fireworks, Inc. of Millington, NJ in the amount of $8,000 108-2017 Resolution: authorizing the disposal of obsolete SCBA bottles for the fire department as listed in the attached rider 109-2017 Resolution: confirming the appointment of Mary Ann Maurer to the Pool Commission as a regular member filling the unexpired term of G. Laurite 110-2017 Resolution: authorizing shared service contract with the County of Bergen for emergency and non-emergency equipment
V. CONSENT RESOLUTION (cont d) 111-2017 Resolution: confirming the appointment of Edward Jost as Ramsey Pool Commission Alternate Number one, filling the unexpired term of D. Marchisin BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following applications and/or recommendations hereby be approved: A. SPECIAL PERMITS: Ramsey VFW Post 12148 is requesting permission to hold their poppy sale May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21. They will be at Village Stationers, Ramsey Liquors, Lotitos, Post Office, Ramsey Hardware, B&G Bagels, Brady s, Ramsey Gourmet and Omega Jewelers, Shop Rite and Uncle Giuseppe s They have received permission from the store owners. Academy of St. Paul is requesting permission to hold their annual carnival Wednesday, May 3, 2017 Sunday, May 7, 2017. They would also like to hang a banner at the RHS tennis courts from April 26, 2017 May 7, 2017. Approval contingent on permission from Fire Prevention Official. The Woman s Club of Ramsey is requesting permission to hold their heirloom tomato and plant sale on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the parking lot of the Masonic Lodge between the hours of 8:00 am 5:00 pm B. BLOCK PARTY REQUESTS: ROLL CALL: YAYS: Jachzel, Jones, Tyburczy, Verdone, Weber VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - None
VII. COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS A. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Councilwoman Vanessa Jachzel My condolences to the family of former Mayor and Judge Paul Huot. He was always conscientious, kind and fair. His passing is a great loss for the community. Unfortunately, we also learned of the passing of second, very prominent member of our community, Dr. Rudy Iorio who chaired the Planning Board for many years and served as a councilman. Dr. Iorio set the standard for diligence in Land Use Boards. My heart goes out to the families of Judge Huot and Dr. Iorio. As well as condolences to the family of Robert Carroll. Welcome to the new appointees. I d also like to commend Shawn Kirk and the RBSA for putting together a great opening day parade. And thank you to the DPW for making sure the fields were in excellent shape in time for the season. Thank you to the Environmental Commission for another successful Earth Day/Clean Up Day. This is my tenth year serving the Borough as part of the Governing Body and I have never felt so compelled to speak on an issue as I am tonight. Over the last few weeks we have seen the sad fact that bigotry and anti-semitism do exist in our community. I would like to make it known that this Governing Body will have no part in it. I was generally raised as a Christian but my father was Jewish and my children s father is Jewish and my children have a strong Jewish heritage I want them to be proud of. What I witnessed two weeks ago was profoundly disturbing to me. During spring break which coincided with Passover, a group of Hasidic Jewish families decided to visit Finch Park. The extreme responses this generated shook me to my core. Some of these responses played out in social media on the Ramsey Moms Facebook page or other forums. One post generated over a hundred comments some were respectful but many laid bigotry out on full display. It was appalling and a sad day for Ramsey. It engendered fear and concern among members of our Jewish community. While social media can be used in a very positive way, this again showed us the flip side of how it can be used to foster hate and divisiveness which should have no place here. What was simply a happy holiday in the park for a group of people from another community became a crisis calling for governmental intervention. We cannot base our decisions on the angry voices of social media. We cannot govern through that filter. Rather, we will continue to review issues and make decisions we feel are in the best interest of the community as a whole. I would in closing just give credit to the Mayor of Ridgewood who said something similar I will adapt to Ramsey. After our baseball parade with hundreds of children and families all gathered in Finch Park with the American flag flying proudly a young lady beautifully sang The Star Spangled Banner. That flag flies over the park for a reason and it represents all American citizens and as long as it flies that will be our guiding principle. Thank you.
B. PUBLIC SAFETY Councilman Peter Kilman Absent C. BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING Councilman Joseph Verdone Thank you to all of the new appointees who are volunteering. Condolences to the all of the families of all of those who have lost their loved ones over the past week. D. UTILITIES, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Councilman Ken Tyburczy Congratulations to the new appointees to the Pool Commission. I extend my condolences to the family of former Mayor Pau Huot as well as the family of Planning Board Chairman Rudy Iorio. E. PUBLIC & GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS Councilman William Jones The Ramsey Journal should be in mailboxes today. May 7 th is our Chamber of Commerce Street Fair. On May 21 st will be the Taste of Ramsey. The first Sunday in June the Farmers Market will be returning outside. Our Independence Day Celebration will be held on July 1 st. My condolences to the families of Judge Huot, Dr. Iorio and Bobby Carroll. I served on the Planning Board with Judge Huot many years ago. I appreciated his guidance. At the same time, Dr. Iorio was a mentor as the Chairman of the Planning Board. He recruited me to get involved in politics. Dr. Iorio always put Ramsey first. F. HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Councilman Harry Weber Welcome to all the new appointees and thank them for their service. I extend my sympathy to the Huot, Iorio and Carroll families. I always enjoy the kick off of Spring starting with the Environmental Commission s Annual Clean-up day. The Knights of Columbus have raised over $12,000 from their collection. One hundred percent of the money raised goes to local organizations. The Board of Health will feature a talk on concussions at the Ramsey Library this week. This Saturday night is the RIFE Karaoke night at the Ramsey High School Cafeteria. Thank you to Mike Burns and Shawn Kirk on the opening day RBSA parade. Congratulations to Nick Stecyna and Tommy Davaria on receiving their Eagle Scout award this past Sunday.
G. MAYOR DEIRDRE DILLON I too would like to congratulate Nick Stecyna and Tom Devario. I, along with Councilman Weber attended their Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I d like to address something that happened after the Planning Board meeting last week between Mr. Roubian and members of the public who spoke during public comment. I would like everyone to rest assured that the borough is taking steps to address the unpleasantness that happened to make sure there is not a repeat of it. Congratulations to those appointed to the Pool Commission. We look forward to working with you. My deepest condolences to the families of Judge Huot, Dr. Iorio and Bobby Carroll. I was broken hearted to hear that Dr. Iorio had passed away last night. Judge Huot was a pillar of the community and Bobby Carroll, an all-around great guy. I send all my deepest condolences, they will be terribly missed. H. BOROUGH ADMINISTRATOR Bruce Vozeh My condolences to the family of Bobby Carroll who left us way too soon. I knew Judge Huot from town. There was never a negative word said about Judge/Mayor Huot. A big loss for Ramsey and all he s done for the community. I ve known Dr. Iorio very well for more than thirty years. I worked with him on the Recreation Commission and the Centennial Committee. He s done so much with the Planning Board and is shows his true commitment to the community. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to Mary, Roger and Gregory. Shredding Day is May 6 th. I. BOROUGH ATTORNEY Peter A. Scandariato, Esq. My condolences to the Carroll, Iorio and Huot families. J. BOROUGH CLERK Meredith Bendian My condolences to the Iorio family.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT Anyone wishing to address the governing body should, when recognized, step up to the microphone and give his or her name (spelling the last name) and address. Please speak in an audible tone for the record and address your comments to the Chair. There will be a ten-minute time limit per speaker, unless reduced because of the volume of business on the agenda. No one, other than the person having the floor, will be permitted to enter into any discussion without recognition by the Chair. Chance Parker, 11 Park Place, Ramsey, NJ Expressed his shock at Councilwoman Jachzel s comments drawing a correlation between bigotry and anti-semitism and the public discourse and right of free speech and encouraged the borough to stream the meetings on the new website. Mr. Parker followed up on the complete streets project and discussed planning our transportation infrastructure and inquired about the status of the Risk Manager s report on the field behind the pool. Mr. Vozeh explained that it is forth coming. Mr. Parker also discussed communication between the Planning Board, ARC meetings and the Mayor and Council. The Mayor replied that by law the Planning Board operates as a semi judicial board and she does not attend ARC meetings. Mr. Parker requested that Ramsey recognize June as Gun Violence Awareness month. Debra Sahler, 34 Oak Ridge Road, Ramsey, NJ Discussed posts on Face Book about anti-semitism and bigotry and stated that hate has no home here. She discussed a letter from the former Zoning Officer from 2015 and inquired about the cost of the Ramsey Journal. Ken Fleishaker, 462 Airmount Avenue, Ramsey, NJ Inquired about the purchase of the Liberty Travel building on Spring Street as to whether it was purchased before the proposed ordinance was introduced prohibiting the discharge of fire arms. The Mayor replied that she believes the building had been purchased under the old ordinance and Mr. Fleishaker asked for clarification if the borough would be in jeopardy of a lawsuit by the owner of the property of the proposed gun club. The Borough Attorney replied. Deirdre Woodbyrne, 5 Lincoln Street, Ramsey, NJ Discussed Councilman Jones statement from the last meeting. Councilman Jones defended his remarks. Rachel Seltzer, 177 Woodland Ave., Ramsey, NJ Defended her comments from a previous meeting. Amy Haggard, 18 Morse Avenue, Ramsey, NJ Discussed Councilman Jones comments from the last meeting and the Ramsey Mom s group on Face Book.
Melinda Conti, 170 N. Central Avenue, Ramsey, NJ Encouraged the Council to consider a resolution declaring June gun violence awareness month, discussed the comments on the Ramsey Mom s page on Face Book regarding racism and bigotry as well as the size, placement and cost of the community/senior center. Mayor Dillon replied that any new plans would be posted on the website. Councilwoman Jachzel replied to Amy Haggard s comments. George Bumiller, 39 Lakeview Terrace, Ramsey, NJ Discussed his communications that were received and filed on the agenda and inquired as to where to find information about the 2011 initiation of the senior/community center. Councilman Tyburczy replied that there were conversations about redeveloping new pool complex and invited USA Swimming and held a public build a pool conference at the beginning of 2012 to discuss the best aspects for redoing a town pool after a pool commission report that stated that the existing pool was failing. Councilwoman Jachzel also commented. Mr. Bumiller also discussed previously sent communications to the governing body, the bidding process for architects and the discussion he had with the Planning Board environmental engineer. Chance Parker, 11 Park Place, Ramsey, NJ Mr. Parker commented on the decorum of the governing body s behavior. Jennifer Lessieu, 19 Lancaster Court, Ramsey, NJ Discussed the administration s personal attacks on former volunteers and gave a opinion of the administration. George Bumiller, 39 Lakeview Terrace, Ramsey, NJ Mr. Bumiller discussed the Ramsey Pool being the Best in Bergen for the past few years without having to redo a new pool house and the Mayor as chair of the meeting during Councilman Jones comments. Joe Flood, 17 Lincoln Street, Ramsey, NJ Explained that he attended this meeting to get a better idea of what is going on rather than read it in the paper. Rachel Seltzer, 177 Woodland Avenue, Ramsey, NJ Inquired about police presence at Planning Board meetings that involve The Screaming Eagle Club application. Mayor Dillon said there would be. Jennifer Lessieu, 19 Lancaster Court, Ramsey, NJ Responded to Councilman Jones comments from the previous meeting. Not seeing anyone else wishing to speak, Mayor Dillon closed public comment. IX. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING FOR FINAL CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES - None
X. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES ORDINANCE 04-2017 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RAMSEY, BERGEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY AND MORE SPECIFICALLY CHAPTER 34 ENTITLED ZONING SECTION 34-3 DEFINITIONS AND SECTION 34-40 USES IN ALL DISTRICTS Motion by Verdone, seconded by Jones BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled An ordinance amending the Code of the Borough of Ramsey, Bergen County, New Jersey and more specifically Chapter 34 Entitled Zoning Section 34-3 Definitions and Section 34-40 Uses in All Districts, pass the first reading by title, and that said ordinance be further considered for final passage and adoption at a regular meeting of the Mayor and Council to be held on the 10 th day of May, 2017 at 8:15 pm prevailing time or as soon after as the matter can be reached in the Municipal Building in said Borough and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she hereby is, instructed to publish in an official newspaper of the Borough in the manner provided by law, a copy of said ordinance together with notice of introduction thereof and notice when the same will be considered for final passage and adoption. ROLL CALL: YAY: Jachzel, Jones, Tyburczy, Verdone, Weber ORDINANCE 05-2017 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RAMSEY, BERGEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY AND MORE PARTICULARLY CHAPER 4 THEREOF ENTITLED GENERAL LICENSING SO AS TO ESTABLISH SECTION 4-16 FOOD HANDLER S CERTIFICATION Motion by Weber, seconded by Verdone BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance amending the Code of the Borough of Ramsey, Bergen County, New Jersey and more particularly Chapter 4, thereof entitled General Licensing So as to Establish Section 4-16 Food Handler s Certification, pass the first reading by title, and that said ordinance be further considered for final passage and adoption at a regular meeting of the Mayor and Council to be held on the 10th day of May, 2017 at 8:15 pm prevailing time or as soon after as the matter can be reached in the Municipal Building in said Borough and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she hereby is, instructed to publish in an official newspaper of the Borough in the manner provided by law, a copy of said ordinance together with notice of introduction thereof and notice when the same will be considered for final passage and adoption. ROLL CALL: YAYS: Jachzel, Jones, Tyburczy, Verdone, Weber
XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS ORDINANCE 01-2017 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RAMSEY, BERGEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY AND MORE PARTICULARLY SECTION 3-4 THEREOF ENTITLED HUNTING: DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS - Tabled XII. NEW BUSINESS - None XIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Jones, seconded by Verdone. All in favor. Carried. Minutes respectfully submitted, Meredith Bendian Meredith Bendian, RMC Borough Clerk