BOROUGH OF RAMSEY

Borough of Ramsey 

2005 Reorganization Meeting 

January 2, 2005 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Ramsey Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

Rev. Michael Carrier, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation. 

The oaths of office were administered to re-elected Councilman Jeffrey Heller by 

Peter Scandariato, Esq., and to newly elected Councilman Arthur Nalbandian by his father, 

Honorable Martin Nalbandian. 

Mayor Muti officially called the meeting to order and read the Open Public Meetings Law. 

ROLL CALL: 

Present: Mayor Muti, Councilmembers Bisaillon, Botta, Heller, Nalbandian, O’Brien, 

Ratto, Borough Administrator Nicholas Saros, Borough Clerk Nancy Ecke-Hohmann, 

and Borough Attorney Peter Scandariato. 

Absent: None 

Mayor Muti presented an engraved clock/plaque to outgoing Councilman Cantor. Mayor Muti 

stated that he had the greatest respect for Howard and each of the Councilmembers expressed 

their appreciation to Howard Cantor and wished him well in his future endeavors. Councilman 

Cantor wished everyone a Happy New Year and expressed his appreciation to the residents 

and to former Mayor John Scerbo for the opportunity to volunteer. Councilman Cantor also 

expressed his appreciation to Cynthia Porter and Rudy Iorio, as well as former 

Councilmembers Lehr, Lesica, and Smith for their support and advice. Councilman Cantor 

complimented the Ramsey employees and expressed his appreciation to the current council and 

to Mayor Muti. Councilman Cantor acknowledged his wife, Pam, and thanked her for sharing 

his zeal for community service. Mr. Cantor indicated that he would like to be remembered as a 

statesman, not just a politician. (Applause). 

Mayor Muti presented his annual Mayor’s Awards to Emil Porfido, Mayor Emeritus, who was 

instrumental in obtaining many good things for the Borough of Ramsey including Green Acres 

parkland, federal funding for sanitary sewers, the overpass at Route 17/Lake Street, improved 

commuter parking, and HUD funding for senior citizens housing. Mr. Porfido expressed his 

appreciation for this award and wished everyone a Happy New Year. (Applause). 

Mayor Muti presented additional awards later in the meeting. 

Resolution Number One – Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Heller 

Be It Resolved that the By-Laws of the Borough Council of the Borough of Ramsey, 

New Jersey dated 1984, and as subsequently amended, be and are hereby adopted as the By- 

Laws for the year 2005: 

Ayes: Bisaillon, Botta, Heller, Nalbandian, O’Brien, Ratto Nays: None 

Mayor opened the nominations for Council President. Councilman Bisaillon nominated

Christopher Botta, seconded by Councilman Heller. Mayor asked if there were any other 

nominations. Councilman Bisaillon moved that the nominations be closed, seconded by Heller. 

Carried. Mayor instructed the Clerk to cast one ballot for Councilman Botta for Council 

President. Councilman Botta is declared and elected as Council President. 

Remarks from Newly Elected Council Members 

Councilman Heller stated that we should all remember the members of our armed forces 

especially those in Iraq. My thanks to the members of the VFW and to my wife, Martha, for 

her support. The value of public office is important and I deeply appreciate the benefit of that 

honor. I thank you for being re-elected. We need clearly to have greater expectations for 

ourselves without the help of our legislators in Trenton. We will have to re-examine our 

spending. Our public employees are our assets, not liabilities, and we have to try to balance 

government as a service business and it is extremely important that employees feel respected 

and fairly treated. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year. 

Councilman Nalbandian thanked everyone for being here on this special day and expressed his 

appreciation to his wife, Debra, for her support. Councilman Nalbandian stated that his father 

is a judge in Old Tappan and he is his role model. His mother was a councilwoman for nine 

years in Old Tappan and he is dedicating his service in her memory. He also mentioned his 

younger brother, Matthew, and his grandmother, who lived with him for a while. Council- 

man Nalbandian congratulated Howard Cantor and his wife, Pam, and thanked him for his 

many years of volunteering to the Borough. Congratulations to Jeff Heller on his re-election. 

He looks forward to working with all of his colleagues on the Council. We may not always 

agreed on every issue, but I will keep an open mind. Ramsey is a great town and there are 

many challenges ahead. Happy New Year to everyone. 

Remarks from newly elected Council President 

Councilman Botta expressed his appreciation for being elected Council President. We have 

divisions on the Council but we must have some consensus and move forward in the best 

interests of the Borough. It has been a pleasure to serve with Howard Cantor and I will miss 

his professionalism. The Finch Park project, the Downtown Main Street Project and the 

Wyckoff Avenue project and the viability of a community center are all very important 

projects. Priorities on spending must be established and adhered to; I call on the head of every 

committee to take the first 30 days of this year to establish priorities for the new year and 

present them to our council in February so that we can explore those priorities for each 

committee. Congratulations to Art and Jeff for their elections. I look forward to working with 

them and I congratulate all the volunteers and public safety officials who will be sworn in 

today. Without them, our community would not be great. It is our duty to improve the 

condition of society and we must use our God-given talents. Thank you for electing me as 

your Council President. 

Mayor Muti opened the nominations for Class III member of the Planning Board. 

Councilwoman O’Brien nominated Councilman Nalbandian, seconded by Ratto. 

Motion by Heller, seconded by Botta, to close the nominations. Carried. Mayor 

instructed the Clerk to cast one ballot for the unanimous election of Councilman Nalbandian as 

the Class III member of the Planning Board.

Resolution Number Two Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Heller 

Be It Resolved that the regular meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of 

Ramsey for the Year 2005 be the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p.m. at 

the Borough Hall in the Council Chambers. Agenda Work Sessions will precede the Council 

Meetings at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of the Work Session that is scheduled for the Council 

Meeting that follows the monthly Work Session will begin at 8:00 p.m. The regular Monthly 

Work Session will be held at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month. All meetings will 

be held in the Council Chambers unless otherwise announced. The Mayor and Council will 

hold its first meeting of 2006 on Sunday, January 01, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Municipal 

Building for the purpose of reorganizing and conducting other business that may come before it 

and formal action may be taken on such matters. 

AYES: Bisaillon, Botta, Heller, Nalbandian, O’Brien, Ratto NAYS: None 

Resolution Number Three Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Ratto 

Be It Resolved that the following list of Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department Officers be 

approved for the Year 2005: 

Line Officers: Chief Thomas Lanning 

Assistant Chief Michael Scalione 

Deputy Chief Joseph Kerr 

Captain Carl Held 

Captain Doug Harvey 

Lieutenant Steven Forbes 

Lieutenant Pierre Gauthier 

Lieutenant Robert Shoemaker 

Lieutenant James Kennedy 

Lieutenant John Davis 

Administrative Officers: 

President Kenny Bell 

Vice President Joseph Lehr 

Treasurer Jane Zuroff 

Recording Secretary Miryam Fonken 

Financial Secretary Gary Tonnon 

Trustees Donald Heidt 

Jason Klein 

John Pasichnyk 

George Rough 

Randall Sterbinsky 


Mayor asked the officers to come forward for the oath of office.

Resolution Number Four Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Botta 

Be It Resolved that the following list of Ramsey Volunteer Rescue Squad Officers be approved 

for the Year 2005: 

Line Officers: Chief Kevin Spence 

Deputy Chief Brian Behrmann 

Captain Chris Hoffman 

Lieutenant Alex Gill 

Lieutenant Rich Muser 

Lieutenant Paul Bazaz 


President Erik Endress 

Secretary Kathryn Tuttle 

Treasurer Kimberly Michel 

Trustee Adrien Dent 

Trustee Joseph Jurewicz 


Members of the Rescue Squad came forward for the oath of office. . 

Resolution Number Five Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Nalbandian 

Be It Resolved that the following list of Ramsey Volunteer Ambulance Corps Officers be 

installed for the Year 2005: 

Line Officers: Chief Steven Ahlstedt 

1st Lieutenant Stephen Notte 

2nd Lieutenant Jan Notte 

3rd Lieutenant Peter Gonzalves 


Trustees: Holly Walker 

Larry Warner 

Jane Simon 

Jan Notte 

Don Evans 

President Larry Warner 

Vice President Jane De Piero 

Corresponding Secretary Colleen Gubala 

Recording Secretary Peggy Warnet 

Treasurer Laura Genovese 

AYES: Bisaillon, Botta, Heller, O’Brien, Nalbandian, Ratto NAYS: None 

Members of the Ambulance Corps came forward for the oath of office. .

Mayor presented special awards to Richard Strangfeld and William Lanning for their dedicated 

service to the Education Unit of the Fire Department. Councilman Bisaillon added that they 

provided very valuable education to the members of our community. 

Mayor continued with the presentation of Mayor’s Awards to the following recipients: 

C.B. Young – member of the Ramsey Ambulance Corps since 1973 and 

member of the Board of Health for more than 25 years. 

Mike Adams – life member of the Ambulance Corps and OEM Director since 

1975; life member of the Rescue Squad ; coordinator for the 

National Weather Service. 

Peter Del Vecchio – educator, musician, community volunteer, conductor and 

leader of the Ramsey Wind Symphony and member of the 

Fine Arts Council. 

Paul and Pat Huot – former Mayor and councilmembers; members of the 

Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment; trustee 

of the Ramsey Library. 

James Keeney - Chairman of the Ramsey Civic Association and member of OEM. 

Mayor Muti made the following appointments: 

Beautification Committee 

Mark Madsen 

Alice Fjotland 

Marianne Kaplan 

Beverly O’Hearn 

Council Liaison: Councilman Christopher Botta 

Business Development Council 

Andrew Borglum 

Steve Duva 

Abe Sarkissian 

Andrew Siemsen 

Louise Van Osten 

Council Liaison: Councilman David Bisaillon 

Board Of Education Liaison: Councilman Christopher Botta 

Citizens’ Budget Advisory Task Force

Robert Patti, Chairman 

Pamela Bonan 

Stephen Daffron 

Tony Gasparovich 

Ken Graves 

Vincent Meyers 

Albert Radom 

Peter Ruel 

Robert Timmes 

Council Liaison: Councilman Arthur Nalbandian 

Liaison To New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission 

Dean Cartier 

Public Advocate 

Harris Recht, Esq. 

Ramsey Centennial Committee 

John L. Scerbo, Chairman 

Mayor Richard Muti 

Rev. Msgr. Lawerence W. Cull. St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 

Nancy Boone, Ramsey Historical Association 

Thomas Larsen, Knights of Columbus, Ramsey Council #3962 

Ron Kase, Ramsey Historical Association 

Anita Cannata-Nowell 

Joe Carey 

Joann Carroll 

Dean Cartier 

Robert Cella 

Edie Kielch D’Andrea 

Thomas Dater 

Elaine Y. Fry 

Jackie Gersht 

Doris Griffin 

Jeffrey Herbert 

Christine Illes 

Kristen Illes 

Salome Price 

Sherman Price 

Peter Reganato 

Kenneth Reilly 

Chris Rotella 

Donna Schifano 

Gene Sobeck 

Lois Poxon Terrace 

Ann Surpless Webersinn 

Kathy Wild 

Rev. James Williams

Mary Wilson 

Council Liaison: Councilman Jeffrey Heller 

Ramsey Historian 

Thomas E. Dater 

Ramsey Alliance Against Drug And Alcohol Abuse 

Mayor Richard Muti 

Sgt. Francis Alcaro 

Captain Raymond Bailey 

Karca Bahce 

Karen Barbato 

Lucille Bell 

Martha Carey 

Rebecca Cella 

Robert Cella 

Joan Hamilton 

Chris Haskel 

Anthony Kemps, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent of Schools 

Kris Lehr 

David Lindstrom 

Susan Lindstrom 

Mary McLaughlin, Coordinator 

Nicholas C. Saros, Borough Administrator 

Susan Schou 

Officer Timothy Shoemaker 

Karin Vohs 

Susan Wilson, Co-Coordinator 

Officer Kane Zuhone 

Council Liaison: Councilmen Joe Ratto/David Bisaillon 

Ramsey Day Committee 

Dr. John Cece, Chamber of Commerce President 

Michele Stecyna 

Nicholas C. Saros, Borough Administrator 

Ray Van Duren 

Council Liasion: Councilman Jeffrey Heller 

Ramsey Representative – Community Development Committee 

Douglas Rennie 

Harry Smith 

Recycling Committee 

Henry Schumacher, Chairman 

Stanley Rutkowski, Vice Chairman 

John Jordan 

Alex Stecyna

Recycling Coordinator: Rev. Richard Creadick 

Council Liaison: Councilman Christopher Botta 

Technology Task Force 

Raegan Greenshields, Chairperson 

Walter Aumiller 

George Bumiller 

Philip Lambert 

Phil Schwartz 


Youth Guidance Council 

Lisa Van Horn, Co-Chair 

Helene Cohen, Co-Chair 

Corinne Chiu, Secretary 

Carol Brady 

Christine Corriston 

Karen Dey 

Karen Dougherty 

Evelyn Erli 

Patti Gurney 

Maureen Reynolds 

Maureen Sarkissian 

Ann Zwernemann 

Lori Drews, Teen Co-Chair 

Kelly Van Horn, Teen Co-Chair 

Julie Slorniy, Teen Secretary 

Danielle Ferrante, Teen Treasurer 

Justin Bodnar 

Kristen Charamis 

Michelle Erli 

Angela Garrido 

Yoonji Kim 

Kathy Neidzwski 

Cynthia Ratto 

Lauren Recchione 

Luke Taeschler 

Council Liaison: Councilwoman Julie O’Brien 

Veterans’ Affairs Committee 

Fred Swallow 

Anthony Galasso 

Mayor administered the oath to the foregoing appointees who were present.

Environmental Commission (Three-Year Term) 

Name Term Expires 

Thomas A. Bogle 1/05 12/31/07 

Dr. Judith Zelikoff 1/05 12/31/07 

Andrew Siemsen 1/05 12/31/07 

Alternate No. 2 (1 year term) 1/05 12/31/05 

Chris Rotella 


Library Board 


Richard Muti 

(1-year term) 1/05 12/31/05 

Arthur Nalbandian 

Mayor’s Alternate 

(1-year term) 1/05 12/31/05 

Marie O’Neill 

Supt. of Schools Liaison 

(1-year term) 1/05 12/31/05 

Russell Johnson 

(1-year term) 1/05 12/31/05 

Council Liaison: Councilman Arthur Nalbandian 

Planning Board 


Richard Creadick Class II 1/05 12/31/05 

(1-year term) 

Alternate No. 1 

Deirdre Dillon (2 year term) 1/05 12/31/06 

Council Liaison: Councilman Nalbandian 

Recreation Commission (Five-Year Term)


NO APPOINTMENTS THIS YEAR 

Council Liaison: Councilman Joe Ratto 

Shade Tree Commission (Five-Year Term) 


Terrence Beltramini 1/05 12/31/09 

(5-year term) 


Mayor administered the oath to those foregoing appointees who were present. 

REMARKS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS WHO HAVE NOT SPOKEN 

Councilman Bisaillon stated that we must keep our armed forces in our prayers. 

Congratulations to Art Nalbandian and Jeff Heller. I will miss Howard Cantor’s 

integrity. Congratulations to Chris Botta as Council President and congratulations 

to all the new appointees. I promise to do what I can to support the citizens of 

Ramsey; we have a lot to do this year and I am delighted to have the opportunity 

to serve again. My thanks to my wife, my children and grandchildren. Happy New 

Year to everyone and God bless us. (Applause). 

Councilwoman O’Brien expressed her congratulations and thanks to the newly elected 

officers. Former Mayor Porfido has been a constant source of inspiration and 

support , as are the Huots. C.B.Young and his wife have been friends of my 

parents for many years and I am very proud to know them. My thanks to Mike Adams 

and Jim Keeney. Congratulations to Art Nalbandian and I look forward to working with 

him next year. I will miss Howard Cantor. My thanks to Peter Del Vecchio and the 

members of the Fine Arts Council. My thanks to Gina Ratto for her work and the 

countless angels who give of themselves to make the holidays special for so many 

people. We also need to appreciate the people who work to keep this town running. 

They come to work every day and do the business of Ramsey and all they ask in return 

is enough money to take care of their families and insurance, if they get sick. I have 

heard these very people called “crybabies” because they want to be treated fairly and 

in some cases have had to move out of this town because they cannot afford the added 

expense of paying for their health insurance. I firmly believe that happy employees are 

productive employees. I have never believed that the first place to save money is on the 

backs of our workforce. When we fail to look at the big picture and see our employees 

as people, not just bodies that can be replaced, we lose irreplaceable people like 

Nancy Ecke-Hohmann. This body needs to work harder in 2005 to focus on what 

is not only smart, but also right. (Applause).

Councilman Ratto wished everyone a Happy New Year and welcomed Councilman 

Art Nalbandian. Congratulations to Chris Botta as Council President. During the last 

two years, we have had sever new police officers. We will be adding a new ballfield 

at MacFarran Field and we will add 70 new parking spaces at Finch Park. I would like 

to thank Howard and wish him the best in his retirement. The Rescue Squad will be 

having a fund raiser for the tsunami. (Applause). 

Remarks from Mayor Richard Muti (attached to this set of minutes). 

At this point, there was a five minute intermission in the meeting. 

The Following Appointments All Require Council Confirmation 

Board Of Adjustment (Four-Year Term) 


William Buckley 1/05 12/31/08 

Nancy Hall 1/05 12/31/08 


Clifford Decker 1/05 12/31/06 

(2-year term) 


Resolution Number Six Introduced by Ratto, seconded by O’Brien 

Be It Resolved that the above captioned appointments hereby be confirmed: 


Board Of Health (Three-Year Term) 


Donna Sprunger-Mader 1/05 12/31/07 

C.B. Young 1/05 12/31/07 

Dr. Albert Tartini 1/05 12/31/07 


Denise Chetaitis 1/05 12/31/06 

(2-year term) 


Resolution Number Seven Introduced by O’Brien, seconded by Nalbandian 

Be It Resolved that the above captioned appointments hereby be confirmed: 

AYES: Bisaillon, Botta, Heller, Nalbandian, O’Brien, Ratto NAYS: None

Board Of Public Works (Three-Year Term) 


Joanne Lehr 1/05 12/31/07 

James Franco 1/05 12/31/07 


Resolution Number Eight Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Heller 

Be It Resolved that the above appointments are hereby confirmed: 


Design Review Board (Three-Year Term) 


Alex Ghiz 1/05 12/31/07 

Beverly O’Hearn 1/05 12/31/07 

Carol Brady 1/05 12/31/07 

Jane DePiero 1/05 12/31/06 

(Filling un-expired term of A. Nalbandian) 


Bonnie Waterman 1/05 12/31/05 

(Filling un-expired term of J. DePiero) 

Councilman Joe Ratto 1/05 12/31/05 

(1-year term) 

Liaisons And Professional Support: Nicholas C. Saros, Borough Administrator; Richard 

Mathieson, Finance Officer; Harold Reed, Borough Engineer; Robert Connell, Construction 

Code Official 

Resolution Number Nine - Introduced by O’Brien, seconded by Botta 

Be It Resolved that the above appointments hereby be confirmed: 


Fine Arts Council


Robert Trupiano 

(2-year term) 1/05 12/31/06 


Resolution Number Ten Introduced by O’Brien, seconded by Bisaillon 



Pool Commission (Three-Year Term) 


Paul Miller 1/05 12/31/07 

Council Liaison: Councilman Jeffrey Heller 

Resolution Number Eleven Introduced by Heller, seconded by Bisaillon 



Mayor administered the oath to the foregoing appointees. 

Resolution Number Twelve - Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Be It Resolved that the following newspapers be designated as the official legal 

newspapers for the Borough of Ramsey for the year 2005: 

The Ridgewood News 

The Bergen Record 

The Star Ledger 


Resolution Number Thirteen Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Be It Resolved that Frederick J. Tomkins, CPA, RMA of Donohue, Gironda & Doria 

be appointed as the Auditor of the Borough of Ramsey for the year 2005: 


Resolution Number Fourteen Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

WHEREAS, the Borough of Ramsey requires professional services, and 

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that the expenditures for such professional services will 

exceed the sum of $17,500.00 in said calendar year, and 

WHEREAS, it is contemplated that the 2005 budget will contain the necessary 

appropriations estimated to be reasonable required for each of such professional services; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough 

of Ramsey that the following appointments be made and are hereby made for the year 2005: 

Appraisal Systems 

Tax Appraisers 

Dean Boorman and Associates, 

Planning Consultants 

Capital Alternatives 

Grant Consultants 

Crew Engineers, Inc. 

Consulting Engineers 

Jeffrey Doolittle, L.S. 

Hatch Mott MacDonald 

Infrastructure and Environment 

Andrew O’Sullivan, 

Architects 

Paulus, Sokolowski & Sartor, Inc., 

Consulting Engineers 

Frederick J. Tomkins, CPA, RMA 

Donohue, Gironda & Doria 

PMK Industries Inc., 

Engineers 

Dewberry-Goodkind, Inc., 

Engineers 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforesaid appointments were made without 

competitive bidding under the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5 which exempts from 

competitive bidding “professional services” rendered by persons authorized by law to practice a 

recognized professional and whose practice is regulated by law; 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be published in a 

newspaper within ten (10) days of its passage as required by law. 


Resolution Number Fifteen Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Be It Resolved that the interest will be charged at the rate of eight percent per annum on 

all delinquent taxes and six percent per annum on all delinquent assessments except that the 

rate will be one thousandth of one percent per annum of the taxes for any current quarter if the 

taxes for any current quarter if the taxes are paid during the first ten days of the same current 

quarter. 

Be It Further Resolved that the interest be charged by the Tax Collector in accordance 

with the provisions of Section 54:4-67 of the New Jersey Revised Status that effective 

immediately, the rate of interest to be charged on delinquent tax or assessment payments shall 

be 8 percent per annum of the first $1,500.00 of delinquency, and 18 percent per annum on any 

amount in excess of $1,500.00 to be calculated from the date the tax was payable until the date 

of actual payment. 

Be It Further Resolved if the Office of the Tax Collector is closed on the 10 th of 

February, May, August or November; then the rate of one thousandth of one percent per annum 

above described shall be extended to include the first business day thereafter. 

Be It Further Resolved that the interest rate shall revert to the rate of eight percent per 

annum for the first day of any current quarter unless the taxes of the same quarter are paid 

during the first 10 days of the same quarter or as otherwise provided in this resolution. 


Resolution Number Sixteen Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Be It Resolved that the Tax Assessor be and is hereby authorized to defend County 

Board of Taxation and State Tax Court Appeals and to retain experts in connection therewith 

with the approval of the governing body; and 

Be It Further Resolved that any stipulations of settlement in connection with such 

matters or any reduction in tax assessments including non-litigation matters may be subject to 

the review, approval and authorization by the governing body. 


Resolution Number Seventeen Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Whereas, 40A:4-19 Local Budget Act provides that (where any contracts, commitments 

or payments are to be made prior to the final adoption of the 2005 budget) temporary 

appropriations be made for the purposes and amounts required in the manner and time therein 

provided; 

Whereas, the date of this resolution is within the first 30 days of 2005, and 

Whereas, the total appropriations in the 2004 budget, less appropriations made for 

capital improvement fund, debt service and relief of the poor (public assistance) are as follows:

General $16,774,781.94 

Water-Sewer Utility $ 4,818,865.00 

Pool Utility $ 220,500.00 

Whereas, 26.25 percent of the total appropriations of the 2004 Budget, less 

appropriations for capital improvement fund, debt service and relief of the poor (public 

assistance), in the said 2004 Budget is as follows: 

General $4,403,380.26 

Water-Sewer Utility $1,264,952.07 

Pool Utility $ 57,881.25 

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of 

Ramsey, County of Bergen that the following temporary appropriations be made and that a 

certified copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Chief Financial Officer for his records. 


Resolution Number Eighteen Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Be It Resolved that the Borough Treasurer and the other Borough Officials required to 

sign Borough checks be and they are hereby authorized to sign such checks for the payment of 

the following remaining expenses: Insurance, Payroll, School Tax, County Tax, Trust Account 

Checks, Refunds, Postage and 

Be It Further Resolved that such persons may sign and disburse such checks prior to 

governing body approval of the subject voucher covering such items provided the voucher is 

properly completed by the claimant, and 

Be It Further Resolved that all vouchers covering such payments shall be presented to 

the governing body for formal approval at the next ensuing meeting of the governing body. 


Resolution Number Nineteen Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Whereas, by directive of the County Board of Taxation, under Rule 18:12A-16 (C), any 

and all tax appeals and stipulations for increase and decrease shall be submitted to the County 

Board of Taxation by the local Tax Collector and/or Tax Assessor on behalf of the Borough of 

Ramsey for the year 2005 and are hereby authorized by this governing body for disposition by 

the County Board of Taxation.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Ramsey, 

County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that this resolution as heretofore stated shall be 

approved by this governing body, and 

Be It Resolved that the Borough Clerk be instructed to submit a certified copy of this 

resolution to the Borough Tax Assessor, Tax Collector, and Bergen County Board of Taxation. 


Resolution Number Twenty Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Be It Resolved that the Borough Administrator be and he is hereby authorized to 

purchase goods, equipment, materials and services through the State Purchasing programs 

during the year 2005: 

AYES; Bisaillon, Botta, Heller, Nalbandian, O’Brien, Ratto NAYS: None 

Resolution Number Twenty-One Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Be It Resolved that in addition to all interest charges, a six percent penalty shall be 

charged to a taxpayer with a tax delinquency in excess of $10,000.00 who fails to pay the 

delinquency prior to the end of the calendar year, and that such six percent penalty shall be 

computed on the amount of the delinquency. 


Resolution Number Twenty-Two Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

Be It Resolved that the Collector of Taxes for the Borough of Ramsey be and is hereby 

authorized to conduct the annual sale of delinquent taxes for the calendar years 2004-2005 in 

accordance with N.J.S.A. 54:5-19. 


Resolution Number Twenty-Three Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Bisaillon 

BE IT RESOLVED that the following appointments be and are hereby confirmed for 

the year 2005: 

Borough Administrator Nicholas C. Saros 

*Borough Clerk Nancy M. Ecke-Hohmann 

Deputy Borough Clerk Sherry Richards 

Borough Attorney Peter A. Scandariato, Esq. 

**Municipal Court Judge Vincent N. Marino 

*Court Administrator Mary J. Pasichnyk 

Prosecutor Christopher E. Martin, Esq. 

Public Defender Robert Welch, Esq. 

Assistant Prosecutors Patrick Nerney, Esq. 

David Lafferty, Esq. 

Assistant Public Defenders Daniel McNerney, Esq. 

Steve Scheffers, Esq. 

**Tax Collector Hope Kotlarich

*Chief Financial Officer Richard Mathieson 

Treasurer Richard Mathieson 

*Tax Assessor Angela Mattiace 

Tax Search Officer Hope Kotlarich 

Assessment Search Officer Ann Davaris 

Assistant Assessment Search Officer Richard Mammone 

Borough Atlas Search Officer Sally Wiegand 

Assistant Borough Atlas Search Officer Richard Mammone 

**Borough Engineer Harold Reed 

Superintendent of Public Works William H. Horton, Jr. 

Temporary Housing Officer Richard Mammone 

Zoning Officer Richard Mammone 

Recycling Coordinator Richard Creadick 

*Fire Sub-Code Official Robert Connell 

**Fire Official Frank Agatielli 

Electrical Sub-Code Official/Inspector Brian Vanore 

Construction Code Official Robert Connell 

Plumbing Field Inspector James Zaconie 

Human Resources Coordinator Gina Ratto 

Special Officers/Matrons Tina Lanning 

Gail Lawson 

Gina Leonard 

Gladys Terry 

School Marshal Lawrence Borst 

James Bollenbacher 

Rita Bowerfind 

Elizabeth Checklick 

Dave Getlin 

Nancy Giuliano 

Francine Grieco 

Dennis Johnston 

Andrew Kelly 

Laurita Lanning 

Eileen Malestein 

Elizabeth Mariani 

Beatrice Masquelier 

Lisa Neiman 

Charles O’Rourke 

Ruth Puccia 

Ignazio Stravato 

Jean Strysko 

Tara Sutherland 

Charles Thompson 

George Tice 

Richard Tully 

Peggy Warnet 

Cheryl White 

Ellen Wyse

Substitutes Barbara Alberse 

Helen Ahlstedt 

Maryann Haight 

Gisele Johnson 

Carl Olb 

Patrick Passero 

*Tenure 

**Serving Term Appointment 


Mayor administered the Oaths Of Office to the foregoing appointees. 

Resolution Number Twenty-Four Introduced by Heller, seconded by Bisaillon 

Be It Resolved that Harry D. Norton, Jr., Esq. of Norton, Arpert, Sheehy and Higgins, 

P.C.; 1 Garret Mountain Plaza West, West Paterson, NJ 07424-3396 be and he is hereby 

appointed as Special Counsel for the Borough of Ramsey at the rate of $100.00 per hour. 


Resolution Number Twenty-Five Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Ratto 

Be It Resolved that the following appointment is hereby confirmed for the year 2005: 

Richard Silvia as fire inspector for the Fire Prevention Bureau under the following 

terms and conditions: 

1. Silvia shall be responsible for approximately 190 life-hazard inspections (and any 

re-inspections that are necessary) and approximately 335 non-life hazard fire inspections (and 

any re-inspections that are necessary) under the direction of the Fire Official of the Borough of 

Ramsey. He shall also perform any other duties falling within the job description of Fire 

Inspector as assigned by the Fire Official without additional compensation. 

2. Silvia shall be paid $24,000.00 for such inspections and other duties in the usual biweekly 

method of payment. It is expressly understood that this is a part-time position not 

subject to any employee benefits, and Silvia waives any claims to benefits of any kind. Silvia 

shall work an average of three (3) 7-hour days per week. 

3. Silvia will be called upon to participate in one meeting per month with senior 

officers of the Ramsey Fire Department to help coordinate activities between the fire 

department and the Fire Prevention Bureau. There shall be no extra compensation for such 

meetings. 

4. This appointment is contingent on Silvia’s written acceptance of the above terms 

and conditions within ten days of the enactment of this resolution. 


Resolution Number Twenty-Six Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Ratto 


Bruce Greenwood as fire inspector for the Fire Prevention Bureau under the following 


1. Greenwood shall be responsible for approximately 150 non-life hazard fire 

inspections (and any re-inspections that are necessary) under the direction of the Fire Official 

of the Borough of Ramsey. He shall also perform any other duties falling within the job 

description of Fire Inspector as assigned by the Fire Official. 

2. Greenwood shall be paid $4,634.24 for such inspections and duties in the usual biweekly 

method of payment. Any increase or decrease in the number of inspections assigned to 

Greenwood by the Fire Official shall result in a pro rata increase or decrease in Greenwood’s 

compensation as Fire Inspection, except that there shall be no change to compensation if the 

number of inspections assigned falls within the range of 140 to 160. The pro rata amount shall 

be $30.09 per inspection. 

3. This appointment is contingent on Greenwood’s written acceptance of the above 

terms and conditions within ten days of the enactment of this resolution. 


Resolution Number Twenty-Seven Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Ratto 


Yuri Metelow as fire inspector for the Fire Prevention Bureau under the following terms 

and conditions: 

1. Metelow shall be responsible for all smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm 

inspections (and any reinspections that are necessary) in the Borough of Ramsey under the 

direction of and as assigned by the Fire Official of the Borough of Ramsey. He shall also 

perform any other duties falling within the job description of Fire Inspector as assigned by the 

Fire Official. 

2. Metelow shall be paid $4,634.24 for such inspections and duties in the usual biweekly 

method of payment. 

3. This appointment is contingent on Metelow’s written acceptance of the above terms 



Resolution: Number Twenty-Eight Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Ratto 


Tanis LaManna as fire inspector for the Fire Prevention Bureau under the following 


1. LaManna shall be responsible for approximately 150 non-life hazard fire inspections 

(and any reinspections that are necessary) under the direction of the Fire Official of the

Borough of Ramsey. She shall also perform any other duties falling within the job description 

of Fire Inspector as assigned by the Fire Official 

2. LaManna shall be paid $4,634.24 for such inspections and duties in the usual biweekly 

method of payment. Any increase or decrease in the number of inspections assigned to 

LaManna by the Fire Official shall result in a pro rata increase or decrease in LaManna’s 

compensation as Fire Inspector, except that there shall be no change to compensation if the 

number of inspections assigned falls within the range of 140 to 160. The pro rata amount shall 

be $30.90 per inspection. 

3. This appointment is contingent on LaManna’s written acceptance of the above terms 



Resolution Number Twenty-Nine Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Ratto 

2005: 

Be It Resolved that the following appointments be made and confirmed for the year 

Office of Emergency Management, Dir. Michael Adams 

Office of Emergency Management, Deputy Dir. Bruce Greenwood 

Office of Emergency Management, Deputy Dir. Glen Karpovich 

Office of Emergency Management, Deputy Dir. Sgt. Angelo LaManna 


The aforementioned members of the Office of Emergency Management Local Emergency 

Planning Committee come forward for the oath of office.. 

Resolution Number Thirty Introduced by Bisaillon, seconded by Nalbandian 

Be It Resolved that the following members of the Office of Emergency Management 

Local Emergency Planning Committee be appointed for 2005: 

Mayor Richard Muti, Chief Executive 

Councilman David Bisaillon, Public Safety Chairman 

Michael Adams, OEM & OCT Coordinator, LEPC Chairman, CERT Team Leader, Citizens 

Corps Director 

Bruce Greenwood, OEM Deputy Coordinator, RTK & ICS Officer 

Glen Karpovich, OEM Deputy Coordinator, EOC Officer 

Sgt. Angelo LaManna, OEM Deputy Coordinator, Public Safety Officer 

Wayne Lemme, OEM RADEF Officer 

Louis Janicek, OEM RACES Officer 

Michael Greenshields, OEM Shelter Management & Mitigation Officer 

Nicholas C. Saros, Borough Administrator

Peter A. Scandariato, Esq., Borough Attorney 

Nancy M. Ecke-Hohmann, Borough Clerk 

Chief Bryan Gurney, Ramsey Police Department 

Chief Thomas Lanning, Ramsey Fire Department 

Chief Kevin Spence, Ramsey Rescue Squad 

Chief Steven Alhstedt, Ramsey Ambulance Corps 

William Horton, Public Works Superintendent 

Leo Egan, Health Sanitarian 

Lt. William Nussbaum, RPD, Phoenix C.S.M. Team 

Sgt. Francis Alcaro, RPD, Youth and Senior Citizen Liaison 

Bruce De Young, Superintendent of Schools 

Eleanor Harmon, City Editor, Home and Store News 

Mona Bookman, Disaster Chairman, American Red Cross 

Michael Grant, Liaison, Rockland Electric 

James Keeney, OEM Government Liaison 

Claudia Monteith, OEM Bio-Terrorism Consultant 

Lt. Kenneth Wiren, PPD, OEM Alert, Warning & Communications Officer 

Sgt. Enrico Gnassi,HPD, OEM Traffic & Evacuation Officer 

Det. Robert Novakowski, RPD, Bergen County Terrorism Liaison 

Ptl. Brian Lyman, RPD, Disaster Drill Officer 

Linda Daffron, Civilian Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) 

Daniel T. Deas, Civilian Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) 

Donald Evans, CERT & Citizen Corps Officer 


The foregoing appointees came forward for the oath of office. 

Resolution Number Thirty-One Introduced by Nalbandian, seconded by Heller 

Be It Resolved that the following financial institutions be designated as the official 

depositories for the Borough of Ramsey for its fund for the year 2005: 

Commerce Bank 

Hudson United Bank 

State Of New Jersey Management Fund 

World Savings Bank 

Bank of America 

Valley National Bank 

The Trust Company Of New Jersey 

Bank Of New York 

Interchange Bank 

Washington Mutual 

North Fork Bank 


Council Committee Responsibilities Council Members___________ 

Committee Chairman Members 

Finance and Administration Nalbandian Heller, Ratto 

Public Safety Bisaillon Ratto, Nalbandian 

Health, Education and Social Services O’Brien Botta, Nalbandian 

Committee 

Building and Zoning Ratto Botta, O’Brien 

Public Governmental Relations Heller Bisaillon, O’Brien 

Utilities, Building and Grounds Botta Bisaillon, Heller 

Council Liaison Responsibilities Council Members______ 

Building And Zoning 

Design Review Board Ratto 

Shade Tree Ratto 

Board of Adjustment Ratto 

Public & Governmental Relations 

Civic Organizations Heller 

Business Development Council Bisaillon 

Ramsey Senior Citizens Heller 

& Ramsey Senior Center, Inc. 

Youth Guidance O’Brien 

Utilities, Buildings & Grounds 

Recycling Botta 

Beautification Botta 

Board of Public Works (Water Board) Bisaillon 

Health, Education & Social Services 

Board of Health O’Brien 

Environmental O’Brien 

Fine Arts O’Brien

Finance & Administration 

Citizens Budget Advisory Task Force Nalbandian 

Recreation Commission Ratto 

Pool Commission Heller 

Library Board Nalbandian 

School Board Botta 

Public Safety 

Office of Emergency Management Bisaillon 

Drug Alliance Ratto/Bisaillon 

Traffic Safety Committee Bisaillon 

Other Liaison Responsibilities 

Ramsey Centennial Committee Heller 

Ramsey Day Committee Heller 

Technology/Web Design Task Force Bisaillon 

New Business - None 

Public Comment 

Kevin Boyle, President of United Public Service Employees Union, 3555 Veterans Highway, 

Ronkonkoma, N.Y. spoke on behalf of the Borough’s white collar unit employees, which 

includes crossing guards. Mr. Boyle indicated that the main issue is health care and the Mayor 

is committed to a “win at all costs” strategy which is destructive to any bargaining process. We 

read the Mayor’s articles and he has said that he has nothing to lose. The Council has the final 

say and we have been willing to work with the Mayor. The Mayor clearly targets the least paid 

employees who are predominantly women. The Mayor recently negotiated with two 

bargaining units. In fact, to drive his point home, the Mayor convened a mandatory meeting a 

few weeks ago for all police officers to attend. In short, the Mayor offered a nearly $100,000 

increase to the Police Department to get health care changes which would save far less. The 

morale is at an all time low. We are asking the Council for help. We hope you will agree that 

they deserve better. Let’s try to make this a Happy New Year. 

Peter Del Vecchio expressed his appreciation to the many citizens who live their entire lives 

not knowing what it means to have all the things we take for granted. On behalf of the citizens, 

I want to thank all of you for taking on this huge job. I would like to thank all of the 

employees in town hall and the DPW. I would hope that all of you can work together. 

Motion To Adjourn 

Motion by Botta, seconded by Heller, to adjourn the meeting. Carried. 

/ad 

Nancy Ecke-Hohmann 

Borough Clerk

BOROUGH OF RAMSEY

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