City Manager, James Lacava, was commended for his 34 years of public service (15 as City Manager). The City passed a resolution of appreciation for Mr. Lacava's dedication and for "A Job Well Done". In addition, many residents wished him well and thanked him for his service.
The following summary is from my notes. There was no distibuted docket. As such, my report is sketchy. Please report any inaccuracies and/or additional information. All of the following resolutions were passed:
1. Johnson Public Library improvements: $400k, much or all in the form of bonds or grants.
2. $689K for general improvements (bonds).
3. Ordiance for sidewalk improvements (Approx. $600k).
4. Construction Safety Zones: $238k.
5. Refunds.
6. Emergency expenditure for water main break at Holt and Pink Streets $6500
7. Additional repair to fire ladder engine: $24k (There was an issue here concerning whether or not an official from the Fire Department certified the needed repairs. The Council considered "tableing" the resolution, but ultimately considered the repair emergent).
8. Raffle authorization
9. Louis Garbaccio re-appointed.
10. Police Officer Mike Mordaga (correct title?) was granted a 12 month leave of absence to pursue work for Bergen County.
11. Insertion of $48k to Budget (NJ Depart. of Agriculture).
12. DOT grant of $1M for
Hackensack River Walkway.
13. DOT grant $150k for Spring Valley Avenue improvements.
14.
NJ Bikeway Program: $1M Main Street Improvement Program
15.
Conversent Communications: approval of Operational License Agreement.
16. Bills Paid.
17. State Street School: Extension of Time request from DOT for improvements.
18. DOT $100k in "
Safe Streets to Schools" Program.
19. Formal Resolution of appreciation for Retiring
City Manager, James Lacava.
Public Comments:
Residents commented on the following issues:
1.
Johnson Park Project: One resident felt that much of the land reclamation (from the river) was unnecessary. The new land, he argued, makes more room for unwanted geese. Other portions of project exceeded expectations.
2. All Points Towing: Seeking to obtain a permit to tow for the Police Department.
3. Redevelopment Zone: Many residents expressed concern about whether or not the city should purchase additional properties in the
redevelopment area and questioned the council on the process.
4. Home use certification: One resident suggested a resolution mandating that home owners certify that homes are being used in accordance with zoning (not allowing illegal apartments). Some members of the Council, while questioning the legality of the resolution, seemed to like the idea.
5. Teterboro Airport: another redident inquired about whether any Hackensack residents were attending meetings in opposition to
Teterboro Airport traffic and volunteered to attend.
6. Finally, Larry Rielly of the Boys and Girls Club, announced that the
proposed Boys and Girls Club would accommodate Hackensack children only, not children from other towns. Another resident expressed concern that the proposed Club would bring unwanted traffic from neighboring towns.