PUBLIC MEETING – Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.
There will be a Public Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
Agenda: (May be subject to change)
1. CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL
This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the Open Public Meeting Law. This Meeting was included in a list of meeting notices sent to the Bergen Record and advertised in said newspaper in January, posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, and has remained continuously posted as the required notices under the Statue. In addition, a copy of this notice is and has been available to the public and is on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.
In accordance with the New Jersey State Fire & Safety Code I call your attention to the lighted exit signs. In the event the alarm sounds, move in an orderly manner toward the exit nearest you and leave the building.
Council Member O’Hagan – present
Council Member Pazan – present
Council Member Arnao – present
Council Member Orseck – present
Council Member Surrago – present
Council Member Biggs - present
2. FLAG SALUTE/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Resident Sally Killeen led the Mayor and Council in the flag salute.
3. RESOLUTION APPOINTING ACTING POLICE CHIEF
Council member O’Hagan read the following resolution:
Resolution No. 153-09
Offered by Council Member O’Hagan
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
WHEREAS, Steven D. Cherry, Chief of the Glen Rock Police Department, has announced his retirement as an employee of the Borough effective June 1, 2009 (“retirement date”) after a long and exemplary career with the Borough; and
WHEREAS, there exists a need to appoint a new Chief to serve in the place and stead of Chief Cherry effective June 1, 2009, as well as to designate an Acting Chief in the interim period of May 11, 2009 to May 31, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body has determined Frederick Stahman, presently Captain of the Glen Rock Police Department, to be qualified to serve in the capacity of Chief of Police:
NOW, THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED, that effective May 11, 2009, Frederick Stahman, shall be appointed to the position of Acting Chief of the Glen Rock Police Department, at the annual compensation for all services to be rendered in the amount of $138,000.00; and be it further
RESOLVED, that, effective June 1, 2009, Frederick Stahman shall be appointed to the position of Chief of the Glen Rock Police Department, at the annual compensation for all services to be rendered in the amount of $138,000.00.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs - yes
4. RESOLUTION APPOINTING ACTING POLICE CAPTAIN
Resolution No. 154-09
Offered by Council Member O’Hagan
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
WHEREAS, Frederick Stahman is assuming the position of Acting Chief of the Glen Rock Police Department due to the retirement of Chief Steven D. Cherry, effective June 1, 2009 (“retirement date”); and
WHEREAS, there exists a need to appoint a new Captain to serve in the place and stead of Captain Stahman effective June 1, 2009, as well as to designate an Acting Captain in the interim period of May 11, 2009 to May 31, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body has determined Jonathan Miller, presently Lieutenant of the Glen Rock Police Department, to be qualified to serve in the capacity of Captain of the Police Department;
NOW, THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED, that, effective May 11, 2009, Jonathan Miller, shall be appointed to the position of Captain of the Glen Rock Police Department at the annual compensation for all services to be rendered in the amount of $131,000.00; and be it further
RESOLVED, that, effective June 1, 2009, Jonathan Miller shall be appointed to the position of Captain of the Glen Rock Police Department at the annual compensation for all services to be rendered in the amount of $131,000.00.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs - yes
5. RESOLUTION AMENDING BUDGET
Resolution No. 154-09
Offered by Council Member Pazan
Seconded by Council Member Surrago
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - abstain
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs - yes
6. RESOLUTION TO ADOPT BUDGET
Resolution No. 156-09
Offered by Council Member: Pazan
Seconded by Council Member: Surrago
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, that the 2009 budget as amended hereinbefore set forth is hereby adopted and shall constitute an appropriation for the purposes stated of the sums therein set forth as appropriations and authorization of the amount of
(A) $11,616,218.00 for municipal purposes
1. General Revenues
Surplus Anticipated
$ 950,000.00
Miscellaneous Revenues Anticipated
2,962,580.00
Receipts from Delinquent Taxes 578,000.00
2. Amount to be Raised By Taxation for Municipal Purpose
11,616,218.00
3. Amount to be Raised by Taxation for School in Type I District
4. Total Revenues
16,106,798.00
5. General Appropriations
Operations Including Contingent
10,714,385.00
Deferred Charges and Statutory Expenditures- Municipal
1,112,641.00
Excluded from “CAPS”
Operations – Total Operations Excluded from “Caps”
1,767,054.00
Capital Improvements
200,000.00
Municipal Debt Services
1,251,395.00
Reserve for Uncollected Taxes
1,061,323.00
TOTAL Appropriations
$16,106,798.00
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan – yes
Council Member Pazan – yes
Council Member Arnao – no
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago – yes
Council Member Biggs – yes
7. CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the Borough Council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council member(s) so request it, in which case the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. The one motion signifies adoption of all resolutions, received and filed letters, correspondence, reports and approval of applications and minutes.
Resolution No. 157-09
Offered by Council Member Biggs
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID TO ENVIRONMENTAL RENEWAL, LLC FOR THE 2009 GROUND BRUSH DISPOSAL BID
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock authorized the advertising for the solicitation of bids for the 2009 Ground Brush Disposal Bid for the Department of Public Works;
WHEREAS, a notice to bidders was duly advertised and four (4) bids were received, to wit, Andy Matt, Inc., S. Rontondi & Sons, Environmental Renewal, LLC and Natures Choice; and
WHEREAS, the Robert Tirserio, Director of the Department of Public Works, has recommended that the lowest bidder, Environmental Renewal, LLC., be awarded the contract in the amount of $5.45 per cubic yard of delivered material, as its bid submission conforms to the specifications of the Borough of Glen Rock; and
WHEREFORE, the Chief Financial Officer has provided the Governing Body with Certification of the availability of funds requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the bid of the lowest responsible bidder, namely, Environmental Renewal, LLC., in the amount of $5.45 per cubic yard of delivered product, be accepted by the Borough of Glen Rock, subject to the execution of a form of contract to be approved by the Borough Attorney; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to return the certified checks or bid bonds of the following unsuccessful bidders:
1. Andy Matt, Inc.
2. S. Rontondi & Sons
3. Natures Choice
and be it further,
RESOLVED, that the certified checks or bid bonds of the successful bidder are to be returned upon the receipt of a fully executed contract and other required documents.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs - yes
2. Resolution Awarding Cell Tower Co-Location Bids to Metro PCS (Recycling Ctr.)
Resolution No. 158-09
Offered by Council Member Biggs
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY CO-LOCATION LEASE AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock awarded the bids for the Wireless Communications Facility Lease at the Recycling Center to New York SMSA Limited Partnership d/b/a/ Verizon Wireless, together with the lease rights to co-locate antennas on the existing monopole constructed by New York SMSA Limited Partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless, to the first co-locator, Omnipoint Communications, Inc., t/a T Mobile and the second co-locator, New Cingular Wireless, PCS, LLC; and
WHEREAS, Notice to Bidders was advertised for an additional co-locator on the Wireless Communications Tower erected by New York SMSA Limited Partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless and to construct an equipment shelter to have the communications equipment located therein; and
WHEREAS, one (1) bid was received by the Borough of Glen Rock on May 5, 2009 from MetroPCS New York, LLC; and
WHEREAS, MetroPCS New York, LLC, within its bid, submitted thirteen (13) exceptions/clarifications to the Co-Location lease agreement, which have been determined to be immaterial by legal counsel to the Borough.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a co-location agreement for the leased property be awarded to MetroPCS New York, LLC at the annual rental of $24,000.00, subject to the execution of a Lease Agreement and Co-location Agreement in a form acceptable to the Borough Attorney.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao -yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs - yes
3. Resolution Awarding Cell Tower Co-Location Bid to Metro PCS (Prospect St.)
Resolution No. 159-09
Offered by Council Member Biggs
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY CO-LOCATION LEASE AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock and the Village of Ridgewood, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1 et seq., entered into a Interlocal Services Agreement for the purpose of leasing public property for the construction and operation of a communications facility on property located within the Village of Ridgewood Water Pollution Control Plant; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock and the Village of Ridgewood awarded the bids for the Wireless Communications Facility Lease to Sprint Spectrum, LP, together with the lease rights to co-locate antennas on the existing monopole constructed by Sprint Spectrum, LP to the first co-locator, the first co-locator, New Cingular Wireless, PCS, LLC, the second co-locator, Omnipoint Communications, Inc., t/a T Mobile and the third co-locator, New York SMSA Limited Partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Interlocal Services Agreement, notice to bidders was duly advertised for the fourth co-location on the wireless communications tower erected by Sprint Spectrum, LP and to construct on equipment shelter to house the communication equipment; and
WHEREAS, one (1) bid was received by the Borough of Glen Rock and Village of Ridgewood on May 5, 2009 from MetroPCS New York, LLC; and
WHEREAS, MetroPCS New York, LLC, within its bid, submitted thirteen (13) exceptions/clarifications to the Co-Location lease agreement, which exceptions were deemed immaterial by legal counsel to Borough of Glen Rock and Village of Ridgewood.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that a co-location lease agreement be awarded to MetroPCS New York, LLC at the annual rental of $24,000.00, subject to the execution of a Lease Agreement and Co-Location Agreement in a form acceptable to the Borough Attorney; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall only become effective upon adoption of a resolution by the Village of Ridgewood authorizing the execution of a Lease Agreement and Co-Location with MetroPCS New York, LLC.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan -yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago -yes
Council Member Biggs - yes
4. Resolution Authorizing Capital Alternative to Submit Grant Application
(NJDOT Grant Kirkwood/Hamilton Ave. Reconstruction)
Resolution No. 160-09
Offered by Council Member Biggs
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CAPITAL ALTERNATIVES TO SUBMIT GRANT APPLICATION FOR KIRKWOOD/HAMILTON AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the municipality of Glen Rock that application is made to the Commissioner or Transportation for aid under the New Jersey Trust Fund Authority Act for:
Kirkwood/Hamilton Improvements
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that such application should be prepared by Capital Alternatives Corporation, the grants specialists engaged by the municipality for assistance in such matters.
RESOLVED, that Capital Alternatives Corporation is authorized to prepare, assemble, and submit the necessary documentation on behalf of the municipality of Glen Rock for the stated projects.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan- yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck - yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs -yes
5. Resolution to Submit NJDOT Municipal Aid Application (Kirkwood/Hamilton Ave.)
Resolution No. 161-09
Offered by Council Member Biggs
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
RESOLUTION FOR APPROVAL TO SUBMIT GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJDOT FOR KIRKWOOD/ HAMILTON AVENUE PROJECT.
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock is requesting funding from the New Jersey Department of Transportation Municipal Aid Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Glen Rock formally approves the grant application for the above stated project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council are hereby authorized to submit an electronic grant application identified as MA-2010-Glen Rock Borough-00165 to the New jersey Department of Transportation on behalf of the Borough of Glen Rock.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the grant agreement on behalf of the Borough of Glen Rock and that their signatures constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions of the grant agreement and approves the execution of the grant agreement.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs - yes
Resolution No. 162-09
Offered by Council Member Biggs
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID TO ENVIRONMENTAL RENEWAL, LLC FOR THE 2009 TREE STUMP AND LOGS DISPOSAL BID
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock authorized the advertising for the solicitation of bids for the 2009 Tree Stump and Log Disposal Bid for the Department of Public Works;
WHEREAS, a notice to bidders was duly advertised and four (4) bids were received, to wit, Andy Matt, Inc., S. Rontondi & Sons, Environmental Renewal, LLC and Natures Choice; and
WHEREAS, the Robert Tirserio, Director of the Department of Public Works, has recommended that the lowest bidder, Environmental Renewal, LLC., be awarded the contract in the amount of $10.00 per cubic yard of delivered material, as its bid submission conforms to the specifications of the Borough of Glen Rock; and
WHEREFORE, the Chief Financial Officer has provided the Governing Body with Certification of the availability of funds requirements. .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the bid of the lowest responsible bidder, namely, Environmental Renewal, LLC., in the amount of $10.00 per cubic yard of delivered product, be accepted by the Borough of Glen Rock, subject to the execution of a form of contract to be approved by the Borough Attorney; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to return the certified checks or bid bonds of the following unsuccessful bidders:
1. Andy Matt, Inc.
2. S. Rontondi & Sons
3. Natures Choice
and be it further,
RESOLVED, that the certified checks or bid bonds of the successful bidder are to be returned upon the receipt of a fully executed contract and other required documents.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan -yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs - yes
7. Resolution Authorizing Professional Service Contract (Borough Planner C. Cofone)
Resolution No.: 163-09
Offered by: Council Member Biggs
Seconded by: Council Member Orseck
______________________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock retained the services of Phillips, Preiss, Shapiro Associates, Inc. to provide professional planning services for the year 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Principal Planner, Christine A. Cofone, PP/AICP, has established an independent professional planning firm and the Borough of Glen Rock is desirous of continuing with the services of Ms. Cofone and Phillips, Preiss, Shapiro Associates, Inc., is willing to resign its position as Borough Planner to accommodate the transfer of Planning responsibilities to Christine A. Cofone, PP/AICP of the firm Cofone Consulting Group, LLC; and
WHEREAS, Christine A. Cofone, PP/AICP of the firm Cofone Consulting Group, LLC has submitted a proposal dated May 13, 2009, setting forth the anticipated hourly charges/costs to be assessed to the Borough of Glen Rock for the 2009 contract term; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the New Jersey Campaign Contribution and Expenditures Reporting Act, specifically N.J.S.A. 19:44A-205, the Borough has determined and certified in writing that the value of the services may exceed $17,500.00; and
WHEREAS, Christine A. Cofone, of the firm of Cofone Consulting Group, LLC, has completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification which certifies that Christine A. Cofone, of the firm of Cofone Consulting Group, LLC, has not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the Borough of Glen Rock, in the previous one year and that the contract will prohibit Christine A. Cofone, of the firm of Cofone Consulting Group, LLC, from making any reportable contributions through the term of the contract; and
WHEREAS, Phillips, Preiss, Shapiro Associates, Inc. has submitted its reorganization as Borough Planner to allow for the retention of Cofone Consulting Group, LLC; and
WHEREAS, legal services are a professional service exempt from public bidding requirements, but notice of this resolution must be published in a legal newspaper as required by the Local Public Contracts Law; and
WHEREFORE, the Chief Financial Officer has provided the Governing Body with Certification of the availability of funds requirements.
NOW THEREFOR BE IT,
RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of Glen Rock, that the Mayor or the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Christine A. Cofone, of the firm of Cofone Consulting Group, LLC, as declared herein; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Business Disclosure Entity Certification and the Determination of Value be placed on file with this Resolution; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Borough Clerk shall cause to be published, notification of the award of the Professional Services Contract as required by the Local Public Contracts Law.
Political Contribution Disclosure: This Contract has been awarded to Christine A. Cofone, of the firm of Cofone Consulting Group, LLC, based on the merits and abilities of Christine A. Cofone, to provide the goods or services as described herein. This contract was not awarded through a “fair and open process” pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq. As such, the undersigned does hereby attest that Christine A. Cofone, of the firm of Cofone Consulting Group, LLC, its subsidiaries, assigns, or principals controlling in excess of 10% of the company has neither made a contribution, that is reportable pursuant to the Election Law Enforcement Commission pursuant to N.J.S.A., 19:44A-8 or 19:44A-16, in the one (1) year period preceding the award of the contract that would, pursuant to P.L. 2004, c.19, affect is eligibility to perform this contract, nor will it make a reportable contribution during the term of the Contract to any political party committee in the Borough of Glen Rock if a member of that political party is serving in an elective public office of the Borough of Glen Rock when the contract is awarded, or to any candidate committee of any person serving in an elective public office of that the Borough of Glen Rock when the contract is awarded.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs -yes
8. Resolution Authorizing Professional Service Contract (COAH Certification Borough Planner)
Resolution No.: 164-09
Offered by: Council Member Biggs
Seconded by: Council Member Orseck
______________________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock is in need of special professional planning services to respond to an objector’s complaint to the Borough’s position for substantive certification to the Council on Affordable Housing (“COAH”); and
WHEREAS, the firm of Cofone Consulting Group, LLC has been appointed professional planner for the Borough of Glen Rock for 2009; and
WHEREAS, Christine A. Cofone, PP/AICP of the firm Cofone Consulting Group, LLC has submitted a proposal dated May 13, 2009 setting forth the anticipated charges/costs to be assessed to the Borough of Glen Rock for the special project; and
WHEREAS, the lump sum fee of Cofone Consulting Group, LLC, in the amount of $3,800.00 is clarified to include two (2) mediation sessions with COAH subsequent to the May 27, 2009 submission deadline; and
WHEREFORE, the Chief Financial Officer has provided the Governing Body with Certification of the availability of funds requirements.
NOW THEREFOR BE IT, RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of Glen Rock, that the Mayor or the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Christine A. Cofone, PP/AICP of the firm Cofone Consulting Group, LLC, as declared herein; and be it further
RESOLVED, that pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:96-3.7 Christine A. Cofone, PP/AICP of the firm Cofone Consulting Group, LLC is hereby designated the representative of the Borough of Glen Rock to negotiate on its behalf at any mediation held with the Council on Affordable Housing regarding the objection to the Borough’s petition for substantive certification filed on December 29, 2008; and
RESOLVED, that Christine A. Cofone, PP/AICP of the firm Cofone Consulting Group, LLC or Lenora Benjamin, Borough Administrator, are hereby authorized by the Governing Body to execute any written agreement reached during mediation on behalf of the Borough of Glen Rock.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs -yes
Motion to accept consent agenda by Council Member Biggs
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
ROLL CALL:
Council Member O’Hagan - yes
Council Member Pazan - yes
Council Member Arnao - yes
Council Member Orseck – yes
Council Member Surrago - yes
Council Member Biggs -yes
8. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: (Before speaking at the meeting, each person must state their name and address. 5 minute limit)
Council member Biggs announced that this weekend is the 6th annual Relay for Life event; however rather than an overnight event the activities will end at midnight.
Marcia Teisch – 22 Emerson Road – Mrs. Teisch presented to the Council pictures and a petition regarding parking on both sides of Emerson Road. Mrs. Teisch stated with vehicles parking on both sides of the street a hazardous condition has been created. Vehicles cannot get in or out of their driveways and emergency vehicles can barely pass through.
Carrie Schmidt – 28 Emerson Road – Mrs. Schmidt reiterated Mrs. Teisch’s concerns adding that DPW employees have even signed the petition regarding both side street parking.
Council member O’Hagan commented that the parking around the school is a “work in progress”. The next 18 months is a fluid environment changing with each stage of construction and parking changes will be made as conditions arise.
Carlo Cello – 624 Doremus Avenue (member of Board of Education) – Mr. Carlo applauded the Council in keeping their budget increase at 3.44% and asked that the same standard be asked of the Board of Education. Based on Mr. Carlo’s calculations this would amount to a budget reduction in the mid-$300,000 range.
Barbara Kopyta – 287 Cornwall Road – Mrs. Kopyta stated she believes the Board of Education is a good one and there is very little that can be reduced. Mrs. Kopyta asked the Council to look at the yes votes on the school budget, adding that the no votes were in response to their taxes being too high and not necessarily the school budget. Mrs. Kopyta asked that no teachers or programs be affected by cuts that are made to the school budget.
Neil Finn – Doremus Avenue – Mr. Finn commented year after year the Board of Education submits budgets that far exceed the rate of inflation. Mr. Finn commented that if the Board of Education budget were watched as closely as the Borough budget we wouldn’t be in the situation we’re currently in. Mr. Finn noted that in a vote the majority wins … regardless of how many votes. The Council has an obligation to listen to the 973 no votes.
Irene Brown – 675 Lincoln Avenue – Mrs. Brown asked if the staff salaries were included in the budget which was voted upon (yes). Mrs. Brown commented that the personnel at the school’s rise much more quickly than enrollment. Mrs. Brown believes no further staffing should be allowed and the amount of the reduction should be more. Mrs. Brown brought to the attention of the Council a residence where a business is conducted as well as property maintenance issues.
Sandy Stern - 37 Godfrey Terrace – Mrs. Stern asked the Council not reduce staffing at the schools. Mrs. Stern stated that the no vote was a bigger message than just the school budget, but rather a no to higher taxes.
Jeanne Rey – Winslow Terrace – Mrs. Rey commented that whatever needs to be taken out of the budget is already “built” into it. It isn’t how many teachers there are but rather the quality of those teachers in conjunction with the support of the parents.
Virginia Lincoln - 109 S. Highwood Avenue – Mrs. Lincoln commented she does not want to see her taxes go up one cent; however if it means the quality of education would decline she is all for increasing taxes. Mrs. Lincoln stated the Council was not elected to represent the 900 “no” votes adding the Council has the right but not the obligation to lower the school budget. The Council has to do what is right for the students of Glen Rock.
Doris Ciaramella – 15 Austin Place – Mrs. Ciaramella disagreed that any reductions would affect the children, believing there are plenty of extras built into the budget.
Jim Seaton – Ferndale Avenue – Mr. Seaton questioned if the educational system is so wonderful why graduates can’t divide without a calculator. It isn’t the quantity of teachers but rather the way a child accepts that teacher.
Susan McBride – President Glen Rock Education Assoc. – Mrs. McBride stated she and her colleagues are present tonight because they care deeply about the school system and the quality of education in Glen Rock. Mrs. McBride stated the staff at the school is a group of caring professionals who educate the whole child, not just reading and writing. Mrs. McBride takes great offense for anyone to suggest otherwise. Mrs. McBride stated the staff deadline to know if they have a job is May 15th, yet they continue coming to school preparing their lessons. The business of education needs to move forward.
Theresa Moore – 35 Pamrapo Court – Mrs. Moore previously sat on the Council for two defeated school budgets. Mrs. Moore commented she is concerned with the extremes that people will go to to get their point across. One cannot believe everything they hear … from either side. Mrs. Moore believes the Council will make the best decision … for everyone.
Council President Orseck commented this is not a case of “us versus them”. The Council is doing their best and whatever the outcome the healing will begin.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Council member O’Hagan
Seconded by Council member Orseck
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
