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PUBLIC MEETING – Wednesday, March 11, 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, March 11, 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
Council member Surrago led the Council in the flag salute.
Mayor van Keuren read the following proclamation concerning Poverty Awareness Week.
PROCLAMATION
POVERTY AWARENESS WEEK
April 13 - 19, 2009
Whereas we, the residents of Glen Rock, would like to exercise both our knowledge and our awareness that we live in a global community in order to raise up others less fortunate than ourselves, and to teach our children that each individual can make a positive change in the world around them, and
Whereas a week-long observation of the degree of poverty that exists locally, nationally, and globally is the first step that the Borough can make towards a positive change,
Now, therefore The Borough of Glen Rock would like to declare the week of April 13th - April 19th Poverty Awareness Week, and further
We hope by doing so, we can persuade other localities to join in our efforts.
At this time Mayor van Keuren swore in Jim Seaton to the Community Relations Advisory Board.
Council President Orseck commented she recently received a call from Andy Stoffo who, with a group of friends, requested to paint the building at the pool that was vandalized with graffiti.
3. 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.
Resolutions:
1. Resolution for Approval of Minutes (2/25/09)
Resolution No. 94-09
Offered by Council Member Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Minutes of:
Meeting of February 25, 2009
Be accepted as submitted.
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 for Interlocal Service Agreement with Ridgewood
(Traffic Signal Maintenance)
Resolution No. 95-09
Offered by Council Member Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
RESOLUTION FOR SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD FOR MANITENANCE AND REPAIR OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS
WHEREAS , the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Glen Rock wish to enter into an interlocal service agreement with the Village of Ridgewood, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey to provide for maintenance and repairs of traffic signals, and
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Glen Rock, that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the attached agreement with the Village of Ridgewood for Maintenance and Repair of Traffic Signals.
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 for 2009 Tax Overpayment Refund (B200L5)
Resolution No. 96-09
Offered by Council Member Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX OVERPAYMENT REFUND
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Tax Collector that the taxpayer Patricia Walker paid 1st Quarter, 2009 Taxes on Block 200 Lot 5 in the amount of $2,529.85 and;
WHEREAS, First American Tax Service also made a 1st Quarter 2009 payment on Block 200 Lot 5 in the amount of $2,529.85 causing an overpayment of $2,529.85;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Glen Rock hereby reimburses Patricia Walker for the tax overpayment in the amount of $2,529.85.
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 for Agreement w/ Bergen County for Bloodborne Pathogens
Resolution No. 97-09
Offered by Council Member Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, there exist a need for the Borough of Glen Rock Health Department to provide state mandated health services of a technical and professional nature for the Blood Borne pathogens Compliance Program; and
WHEREAS, the Bergen County Department of Health Services can assure compliance in accordance with P.E.O.S.H.A. as follows:
Annual Training Record Keeping Exposure Control
Procurement of the Vaccine Administration
WHEREAS, the Bergen County Department of Health Services has agreed to provide public health services through a contract agreement with the Borough of Glen Rock - Department of Health for the calendar year 2009; and
WHEREAS, the fee is to be in an amount not to exceed $3,200 for training and purchase of the vaccine under State Contract based on $42.00 per vaccination and funds will be available for this purpose; and
WHEREAS, it has been certified that this meets the statues and regulations concerning the award of said contract;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock as follows:
1. That Lenora Benjamin, Borough Administrator, is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement with the Bergen County Department of Health Services to perform public health services of a professional nature for the Blood Borne Pathogens Program for the period of January 2009, through December 31, 2009, at a cost not to exceed $3,200 for training and purchase of the vaccine under State Contract based on $42.00 per vaccination; and
2. This contract is awarded without competitive bidding in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(2); and
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 for Recycling Grant Tax Certification
Resolution No. 98-09
Offered by Council Member Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
RESOLUTION FOR TAX REIMBURSEMENT CERTIFICATION
(Recycling Grant)
WHEREAS, The Recycling Enhancement Act, P.L. 2007, chapter 311, has established a recycling fund from which tonnage grants may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local source separation and recycling programs; and
WHEREAS, there is levied upon the owner or operator of every solid waste facility (with certain exceptions) a recycling tax of $3.00 per ton on all solid waste accepted for disposal or transfer at the solid waste facility.
WHEREAS, whenever a municipality operates a municipal service system for solid waste collection, or provides for regular solid waste collection service under a contract awarded pursuant to the “Local Public Contracts Law”, the amount of grant monies received by the municipality shall not be less than the annual amount of recycling tax paid by the municipality except that all grant moneys received by the municipality shall be expanded only for its recycling program.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough of Glen Rock that the Borough hereby certifies a submission of expenditure for taxes paid pursuant to P.L. 2007, chapter 311, in 2008 in the amount of $10,066.11. Documentation supporting this submission is available at the Department of Public Works, 437 Doremus Avenue, Glen Rock, NJ, 07452 and shall be maintained for no less than five years from this date.
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
6. Resolution for Tax Overpayment Refund (B18L17)
Resolution No. 99-09
Offered by Council Member Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX OVERPAYMENT REFUND
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Tax Collector that the taxpayer Eileen Lennon paid 3rd Quarter, 2008 Taxes on Block 18 Lot 17 in the amount of $2,267.21 and;
WHEREAS, the payment check was hand written in the amount of $2,667.21 causing an overpayment of $400.00 into our current bank account;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Glen Rock hereby reimburses Eileen Lennon for the tax overpayment in the amount of $400.00.
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
7. Resolution for Tax Overpayment Refund (B66L8)
Resolution No. 101-09
Offered by Council Member Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX OVERPAYMENT REFUND
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Tax Collector that the taxpayer Kevin Swords paid 1st Quarter, 2009 Taxes on Block 72 Lot 6 in the amount of $5,587.05 and;
WHEREAS, the amount due for the 1st Quarter was $4,340.35 this caused an overpayment of $1,246.70 due back to Kevin Swords;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Glen Rock hereby reimburses Kevin Swords for the tax overpayment in the amount of $1,246.70.
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 for Tax Overpayment Refund (B72L6)
Resolution No. 100-09
Offered by Council Member Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX OVERPAYMENT REFUND
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Tax Collector that the taxpayer Seth Hillman paid 1st Quarter, 2009 Taxes on Block 66 Lot 8 in the amount of $4,050.08 and;
WHEREAS, the amount due for the 1st Quarter was $3,981.26 this caused an overpayment of $68.82 due back to Seth Hillman;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Glen Rock hereby reimburses Seth Hillman for the tax overpayment in the amount of $68.82.
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
9. Resolution for 2008 Tax Appeal Refund (B8L67)
Resolution No. 102-09
Offered by Council Member Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
RESOLUTION FOR A 2008 TAX APPEAL REFUND
WHEREAS, there is pending before the Tax Court of New Jersey, the matter of John J. III & Isabelle F. Welfel vs. Borough of Glen Rock; and
WHEREAS, the Borough’s Tax Assessor, Steven Rubenstein, has reviewed the property record card, comparable sales and has made a physical inspection of the property; and
WHEREAS, the Tax Assessor, has recommended a modification to the 2008, assessment; and,
WHEREAS, as a result of discussions between the Tax Assessor and the Plaintiff’s attorney, it is recommended to the Mayor and Council that settlement of this matter be ratified and approved.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council as follows:
1. The Mayor and Council having reviewed the recommendation for reduction in the assessment of the following Tax Court of New Jersey appeal do hereby ratify the following settlement:
PROPERTY BLOCK/ YEAR ORIGINAL SETTLEMENT
OWNER LOT ASS'MENT
John J. III and
Isabelle F. Welfel 8/67 2008 $855,100 $750,000
2. Taxpayer agrees to waive prejudgment interest provided that the tax refund is paid within sixty (60) days of the judgment.
3. The Freeze Act shall apply for the years 2008 and 2009.
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 Surrago
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
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
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Mayor van Keuren read the following resolution, which was not a part of the consent agenda.
Resolution No. 103-09
Offered by Council Member Arnao
Seconded by Council Member Surrago
RESOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE GLEN ROCK
WHEREAS, the term “sustainable” as applied to a community means a process or series of process taken to optimize quality of life for its residents by ensuring that its environmental, economic and social objectives are balanced and mutually supportive, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock and its residents seek to assure clean land, air and water, to save tax dollars and to improve working and living environments as steps to developing and maintaining a sustainable community for future generations, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Glen Rock wishes to (1) explore sustainable and economically-sound local government practices, (ii) educate itself and members of the community about activities that will serve to sustain its economic, environmental and social objectives, and (iii) develop recommendations for initiatives to support local government practices;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Borough Council endorses the concept of sustainability and creates a Sustainable Glen Rock Steering Committee. The Committee will be appointed annually by the Mayor. It will consist of a minimum of six residents and the Borough Administrator and the Superintendent of Public Works. The Borough Council directs the Sustainable Glen Rock Steering Committee to develop a Sustainable Glen Rock Plan for consideration by the Council and to report regularly to the Mayor and Council on its progress.
ADDITIONALLY, the Council requests the Steering Committee to pursue actions that will lead to Sustainable New Jersey Municipal Certification. The Borough Administrator is authorized to serve as Glen Rock’s agent for the Municipal Certification process and to present the completed Certification to the Council for ratification.
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. Ord. #1596 – First Reading - ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK
Ordinance Procedure # 1596 (Establish a CAP Bank)
Date of Introduction: March 11, 2009
Council Resolution # 104-09
Introduced by Council Member Pazan
Seconded by Council Member Orseck
Be It Resolved by the Borough Council of the Borough of Glen Rock that AN ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)
Heretofore introduced and does now pass on first reading, and that the said Ordinance be further considered for final passage at a meeting to be held on March 25, 2009 at 8:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be reached, at the Municipal Building in the Borough of Glen Rock, and that at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance, and that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish said ordinance in the Bergen Record according to law with a notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of the time and place when and where said ordinance will be further considered for final passage.
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
ORDINANCE # 1596
CALENDAR YEAR 2009
ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS
AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK
(N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)
WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S.A 40A: 4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 2.5% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and,
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock in the County of Bergen finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2009 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council hereby determines that a 3.5 % increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $378,476 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and,
WHEREAS the Mayor and Council hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock, in the County of Bergen, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2009 budget year, the final appropriations of the Borough of Glen Rock shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5 %, amounting to $378,476 and that the CY 2009 municipal budget for the Borough of Glen Rock be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.
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5. Resolution for 2009 BUDGET INTRODUCTION
Resolution No. 105-09
Offered by Council Member: Pazan
Seconded by Council Member: Orseck
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) $11,576,921.00 for municipal purposes
1. General Revenues
Surplus Anticipated
$ 950,000.00
Miscellaneous Revenues Anticipated
2,996,472.00
Receipts from Delinquent Taxes 578,000.00
2. Amount to be Raised By Taxation for Municipal Purpose
11,576,921.00
3. Amount to be Raised by Taxation for School in Type I District
4. Total Revenues
16,101,393.00
5. General Appropriations
Operations Including Contingent
11,463,026.00
Deferred Charges and Statutory Expenditures- Municipal
364,000.00
Excluded from “CAPS”
Operations – Total Operations Excluded from “Caps”
1,762,396.00
Capital Improvements
200,000.00
Municipal Debt Services
1,215,395.00
Deferred Charges 0.00
Reserve for Uncollected Taxes
1,060,576.00
TOTAL Appropriations
16,101,393.00
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
Finance Chairman Pazan thanked the Finance Committee for their long hours and deliberation with this budget. Lenora Benjamin commented the municipal cost to a homeowner with a home valued at $550,000 would be $68.00/year.
6. ORDINANCES:
Ordinance Procedure # 1597 (Increase Shack Fees)
Date of Introduction: March 11, 2009
Council Resolution # 106-09
Introduced by Council Member Orseck
Seconded by Council Member Arnao
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 101 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK - 1971 AS AMENDED ENTITLED "FEES”; BEING AN ORDINANCE COVERING FEES CHARGED BY VARIOUS AGENCIES, BUREAUS AND DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK: TO AMEND POOL SHACK FEES.
Heretofore introduced and does now pass on first reading, and that the said Ordinance be further considered for final passage at a meeting to be held on March 25, 2009 at 8:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be reached, at the Municipal Building in the Borough of Glen Rock, and that at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance, and that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish said ordinance in the Bergen Record according to law with a notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of the time and place when and where said ordinance will be further considered for final passage.
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
BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK
ORDINANCE NO. 1597
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 101 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK - 1971 AS AMENDED ENTITLED "FEES”; BEING AN ORDINANCE COVERING FEES CHARGED BY VARIOUS AGENCIES, BUREAUS AND DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF GLEN ROCK: TO AMEND POOL SHACK FEES.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council, the Borough of Glen Rock, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows:
Section I Chapter 101 of the Revised General Ordinance - entitled “Fees” be and is
hereby amended as follows:
I. Section 101-5 entitled “Municipal Pool Facility” is hereby amended as to the following Section:
“1. Section B entitled “Pool Programs, Participation Fees,” subsection 1, Pool shack, child summer program, is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
(1) Wilde Park - Pool Shack Fees, child summer program.
(a) Seven-Week Program: $75.
(b) Maximum cost per family: $175.
Section II. VALIDITY-SEVERABILITY If the provisions of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision, or clause of this Ordinance shall be held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of this Ordinance but such judgment shall be confined in its operation to the section, paragraph, subdivision or clause directly involved in the controversy in which said judgment shall have been rendered.
Section III All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby repealed.
Section IV This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage as required by law.
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7. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: (Before speaking at the meeting, each person must state their name and address. 5 minute limit)
Beth Fernandez – 416 Ackerman Avenue – Ms. Fernandez thanked the Council for the recognition of Poverty Awareness Week. Ms. Fernandez commented she is a realtor and although people think about the high taxes in Glen Rock, as a realtor, Glen Rock is “easy” to sell to clients because of all the great services and schools we have. Ms. Fernandez added she believes the timing is poor for the borough to enforce the quick removal of realtor signs.
Bill Brown – 675 Lincoln Avenue – Mr. Brown asked what the status of the turf at Memorial Field is. Mayor van Keuren stated there is no status, it has not been discussed at any work session and has not been entertained by this body. Council member Orseck stated the Recreation Advisory Board has discussed the subject, though that is as far as it has gone. Mr. Brown asked if a report was available from the Council and/or Shooting Stars on the results of their overtaking lower Faber field with a private landscaper.
Jim Seaton – Ferndale Avenue – Mr. Seaton stated he very much approves of the twice-weekly garbage collection, not only for the residents but for the collectors as well. Mr. Seaton stated with all the discussion of being “green” the Council will not allow the installation of a turf field. Mr. Seaton requested to be able to go through the Municipal Building to verify that the correct material is being used. Mayor van Keuren commented that our Clerk of the Works has been instructed to not let anyone who is not a part of the construction team to wander around the building. However, our Clerk of the Works will be at our next work and public meetings for questions.
Mary Henninger – Thornbury Avenue – Mrs. Henninger agrees that twice-weekly garbage pick-up should be kept. Mrs. Henninger commented she is aware the borough went over budget with salt for the winter and asked how much we were over budget regarding public works employees and snow removal. Lenora clarified that the Borough receives salt from the County so we really didn’t go over our operating budget, though we did use more salt than originally expected; however no additional funds were expended. Lenora stated for 2008 we did not exceed our budget and for 2009 we won’t know until the end of the year. Mrs. Henninger asked if the borough purchased property that was referenced at a February meeting. Mayor van Keuren stated a Senior Housing Committee has been created to investigate various options and potential solutions to senior housing. Mrs. Henninger asked what the prospects of COAH requiring the Borough to build homes on ball fields. Mayor van Keuren stated the Borough has been focused on its financial plan and not COAH and what may be speculative.
Greg Tondi – Gramercy Place – Mr. Tondi commented he has been following COAH very closely and does not anticipate anything being built in the near future, not even ball fields. There are many flaws in COAH’s requirements, it’s an election year and not many politicians are speaking favorably about COAH. As a Sierra Club member politicians are often polled about their views on building on open space. Mr. Tondi asked why a town tree is not automatically replaced when one is removed. Council member Surrago stated one reason is that the Borough (DPW) looks for cooperation from the homeowner as assistance in watering the tree is required. Mr. Tondi commented there are plenty of trees that do not require continual watering.
Jim Seaton – Ferndale Avenue – Mr. Seaton commented that when trees are planted they need to be inspected to see that they are planted correctly.
Doris Ciaramella – 15 Austin Place – Mrs. Ciaramella reminded the Council that the seniors still would like to see free pool badges.
Jane Dawson – 96 Forest Road – Mrs. Dawson also thanked the Council for the Poverty Awareness recognition. On April 18th there will be an Art Auction and Film Festival to raise funds for Poverty Awareness. The event will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Glen Rock Community Church Fellowship Hall. Art has been donated by local artists and the films have been made by our own students.
Council member O’Hagan publicly thanked Andrew Brown who brought a safety issue to our attention, to which was been addressed within two days.
8. ADJOURNMENT
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