HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023-01-03 Work Session Special/Work Session of the Mayor and Council
January 3, 2023
A regular meeting of the Mayor and Council was held on January 3, 2023 at 6:00 PM in the
Municipal Building.
Meeting Called to Order
Roll Call
The following Council Members and Professional Staff responded to the roll call:
Mayor Kahwaty, Councilmember Ansh, Council President Bonagura, Councilmember Cardenas,
Councilmember Kelly, Councilmember Lambrix, and Councilmember Sheppard. Also present
were Borough Administrator Hart, Borough Attorney Smith and Borough Clerk Rulli.
Sunshine Law Statement:
The Borough Clerk read the Sunshine Law Statement.
Time for Public Comment
Motion to open the time for public comment was made by Councilmember Lambrix,
seconded by Councilmember Kelly. On voice vote, all in favor.
Donna Robinson, 896 Franklin Avenue, offered congratulations to the newly appointed Mayor and
Councilmembers.
Motion to close the time for public comment was made by Councilmember Kelly, seconded by
Councilmember Lambrix. On voice vote, all in favor.
Engineers Report
Ms. Boland reported the Borough received funds from FEMA and recommend adding a guiderail
at Mountain Avenue/Schneider Lane. She stated Sergeant Knubel agrees it is a safety issue and
recommends installing a guardrail. Ms. Boland passed out aerial views, and indicated where the
guardrail is needed. One of the three affected homeowners has been advised, the remaining two
homeowners will need to be notified.
Mr. Smith asked if this is a unique safety concern. Discussion ensued on the cost, statistics of
accidents, the slope and whether options can include wood guardrails versus metal. Ms. Boland
stated the cost is approximately $20,000 for the guardrail; 90% of the remaining costs are funded
by FEMA. Ms. Boland stated wood guardrails would not meet required standards.
Councilmember Kelly requested that more information be obtained and discussion be continued
at the next meeting. Mr. Hart to obtain additional information and request that Sergeant Knubel
attend the next meeting. Residents will be notified once the Mayor and Council have reached a
decision.
Consent Agenda Resolution 57-23
BE IT RESOLVED that the following resolutions, placed on this agenda by consent, require no
discussion and the same having been previously reviewed by each Governing Body member, be
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January 3, 2023
and are hereby adopted in their entirety by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of
Franklin Lakes. Full text of all consent agenda resolutions can be found after the Adjournment.
Resolution 58-23 Accept Report of Finance Committee
Resolution read and introduced by Councilmember Lambrix, seconded by Councilmember Kelly.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Ansh, Bonagura, Cardenas, Kelly, Lambrix, Sheppard
Nays:
Abstain: Sheppard
Absent:
Motion Approved
Mayor's Report
Mayor Kahwaty had no report.
Committee/Liaison Reports
Parks and Recreation
Council President Bonagura stated that the Fall sports are going great, attendance is amazing,
things are looking good going into Spring.
Environmental & Community Affairs/Library
Councilmember Cardenas had no report. Councilmember Kelly stated the Library just put out
2023 schedules, and have a lot of afterschool activities planned.
Public Safety
Councilmember Kelly had nothing new to report.
Planning and Development
Mayor Kahwaty had nothing to report at this time. He stated more meetings will be held in the
near future.
Administration and Finance
Councilmember Lambrix suggested a committee meeting be held to get sense of the capital budget.
Mr. Hart stated he plans to start reviewing operating budgets tomorrow and meetings will be
scheduled soon.
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January 3, 2023
Public Works
Councilmember Kelly had nothing to report.
Borough Administrator's Report
Mr. Hart reported there is a grant opportunity for the Local Recreation Improvements grant in the
amount of$50,000. He met with Dina Robinson and they feel a good use for the grant would be
to match it with the Bergen County Open Space grant for the Municipal field playground behind
the library. To meet the January 201h deadline, a resolution would be on the January 171h agenda
authorizing the application of$120,000 to match the playground grant. No objections.
Mr. Hart stated the Council will need to meet regarding the Cigna property to determine what
information is needed and how to proceed. Annual budget meetings usually begin in February and
are held at 8AM in the morning. Following discussion on times, Mr. Hart to schedule both
meetings.
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Adiournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 8:02 PM by Councilmember Lambrix, seconded by
Councilmember Kelly. On voice vote, all in favor.
Resolution 58-23 Accept Report of Finance Committee
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Franklin Lakes that the report
of the Finance Committee be accepted and recommendations adopted;that the report be made part
of the record of this meeting; and the proper Borough Officials are hereby authorized and directed
to issue warrants in the amount of$4,550,359.40 as shown on the Supplemental Bills List.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this is hereby ratified and approved.
Respectfully submitted,
it M. Rulli, Borough Clerk