Subcommittees of Teaneck Council and their Misuse

Planning Board "Reviews" Teaneck's Open Space and Recreation Plan

Planning Board Chair Rudely Mutes Teaneck Resident as he Speaks

Notable Women of Teaneck

Teaneck International Film Festival - On the Road to Normal

Unanswered Questions

Announcements

Upcoming Town Meetings

Events at the Library

The seven-member Township Council has both standing subcommittees and ad hoc subcommittees. The standing subcommittees and their membership are not widely known to the residents of Teaneck, although they and their purposes are public information which should be available on the Township website. The Council subcommittees known most to the public are the ad hoc subcommittees.

For the Council, these ad hoc subcommittees play a distinct role in the decision-making process. When a thorny concern arises about which there are strong opposing feelings among council members, or between councilmembers and the public, a subcommittee often will be appointed to gather information and make a set of recommendations. An example of such a thorny concern from 2010 was the decision about establishing a four-day work week for all township employees.

Rather than having a public discussion from the start, the mayor will appoint a three-member subcommittee (ad hoc committee) to research the issue and present their recommendations. The reason for a three-member subcommittee is that it is less than a quorum and, therefore is permitted by law to discuss and deliberate behind closed doors, out of the public view. Four or more members of the Council constitute a quorum, the minimum number of members required to conduct any business; a quorum of the Council must conduct business in public as per the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).

To appoint a subcommittee the mayor asks for volunteers among the councilmembers. However, the mayor may choose any three councilmembers s/he wishes. The subcommittee then meets as frequently and for as long a time as the members wish, eventually reporting back to the Council at a public meeting. In the report, the subcommittee reports how their informal vote went: unanimous, or two to one, for the recommendations it offers.

While it sounds like a democratic process, often it is not. Since the mayor appoints the subcommittee members, two or all three members can be chosen who lean toward the mayor’s/Council’s position on the issue. Even with one representative of an opposing view, this sets up an informal vote of two-to-one, and undercuts the independent investigation assigned to the subcommittee. The ad hoc subcommittee can be used as a mechanism that allows the Council majority to always get the recommendations that it wants.

A key concern for the public, (which may be a key value for the Council), of using 3-member subcommittees, is that they may conduct some business that really should be dealt with in a public forum. Such issues should be addressed in regular or workshop Council meetings (Teaneck Council does not hold workshop meetings), where they can be decided with public participation in the decision-making process.

At present, Teaneck residents are facing exactly this situation regarding the newly allowed Cannabis businesses in town. Mayor Dunleavy appointed a Marijuana subcommittee (Kaplan, Orgen, Pagan) to decide what cannabis activities would be allowed and where they would be placed.

The present plan to place all cannabis activities in the Alfred Ave. parcel, adjacent to a to-be-built 225-unit apartment building with waste flowing into Englewood’s drainage system, and next door to an Englewood Park and to single-family homes in both Teaneck and Englewood, is the result of an ad hoc subcommittee making decisions behind closed doors.

These ad hoc, 3-member sub-committees are completely legal in New Jersey and may have some legitimate uses. But they may also provide a Council which wishes to govern outside the consent of the governed a simple, legal way to exercise complete, unfettered power. The public has no legitimate way to intervene or stop them, other than contesting their ordinances in court at their own considerable expense.

Note: This list was received on an OPRA request without descriptions and without noting which are Standing Committees and Which are Ad hoc Committees

Mayor Dunleavy, Deputy Mayor Schwartz, Councilman Pagan

Deputy Mayor Schwartz, Councilwoman Romney-Rice

Mayor Dunleavy, Deputy Mayor Katz, Councilwoman Romney-Rice

Deputy Mayor Schwartz, Deputy Mayor Katz, Councilman Kaplan [Alternate - Councilwoman Orgen]

Deputy Mayor Katz, Councilwoman Romney-Rice, Councilwoman Orgen [Alternate - Mayor Dunleavy]

Deputy Mayor Katz

Deputy Mayor Katz, Deputy Mayor Schwartz, Councilman Pagan [Alternate - Councilwoman Romney- Rice]

Mayor Dunleavy, Deputy Mayor Schwartz, Councilman Kaplan

Mayor Dunleavy, Councilwoman Romney-Rice, Councilwoman Orgen

Deputy Mayor Schwartz, Councilwoman Orgen, Councilman Pagan

Councilwoman Orgen, Deputy Mayors Katz & Schwartz

Councilmembers Romney-Rice, Pagan, & Kaplan

Councilmembers Romney-Rice & Orgen, Deputy Mayor Schwartz

Councilmembers Kaplan, Pagan, & Orgen

Deputy Mayors Katz & Schwartz (CM Kaplan as an Alternate) & Councilwoman Orgen

Deputy Mayors Katz, CM Kaplan & Pagan

To conclude its discussion of the Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP) at the 11/10 Planning Board meeting, the Board requested that Planner Elizabeth Leheney develop a document – with the help of 2019 OSRP author Elizabeth Davis – that clearly delineates how the 2019 draft OSRP document differs from – adds recommendations for priorities & open space designations  – to the OSRP that the PB approved in 11/2007. Ms. Leheney agreed to the task even as she consistently pointed out that OSRP’s simply make non-binding recommendations.

Nevertheless the distinguishing characteristic of this 25-minute Planning Board session, was the dismissive and derogatory way that several Board leaders anticipated how the Township’s residents might react if the Board were to approve this 2019 document.

Let’s listen/watch for 5 minutes to those Board member remarks – and then turn to what residents actually said in Good and Welfare:

As noted below in this edition of Teaneck Voices, one resident who tried to speak at this Planning Board meeting was muted and then actually removed from the zoom meeting. But our subscribers deserve to know who were the residents who did speak in Good & Welfare following these Planning Board statements.

First, we hear from Marie Warnke, a certified special ed teacher who among many other Town posts is a past president of our Board of Education, a past member of Council and is today an appointee of this Council as an advisory board chair.

Then listen to James Veach, a thirty-five-year resident, commuter, and open space advocate as he follows-up Marie.

Finally listen to Howard Rose, a long-term Board of Education member and a decades-long member of the Planning Board, until this past July, who has followed the process of this Open Space and Recreation Plan from the outset. Here is the video:

Hinted at in the 2019 OSRP draft is the fact that Teaneck officials 55 years ago told Green Acres that it was protecting many additional properties – including many on the Greenbelt that are not included in Teaneck’s version of the ROSI. To see how Green Acres handles discrepancies of that sort, go to Click Here. With or without a an approved OSRP, the future of Open Space in Teaneck is sure to be dynamic.

Editor's Note: The following remarks from Alan Sohn were rudely cut off by Planning Board Chair Bodner. Teaneck Voices brings them to the residents here. (Video of Chair Bodner's intervention follows.)

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The Mayor is explicitly designated as the Class I member of the Planning Board. I understand the claim that the state statute allows the mayor to choose a "designee in the absence of the mayor". But why of all meetings did the mayor choose to be absent, when the planner stated that it is the mayor who is one of the parties responsible for signing an agreement with the state regarding open space?

The Open Space and Recreation Plan was developed with broad community involvement at a series of meetings with the public and with the members of relevant boards and commissions. It was put into writing and presented to the Township Council and the Planning Board in July 2019, with only trivial questions raised by these bodies. It was put into writing as a formal document dated October 31, 2019, more than two full years ago.

The failure to approve this OSRP has a cost. As stated by planner Elizabeth Leheny, an approved OSRP would make the township eligible for the state's planning incentive program for 50 percent matching grant funding, double the funding otherwise available.

There has always been an excuse offered to delay the approval. But now, more than ever, the foot-dragging has a direct financial cost to taxpayers.

Listen to the dozens upon dozens of residents who participated in the process of creating this OSRP and demonstrated that they care about our natural environment. Listen to the thousands upon thousands of residents who supported the passage of a clean energy choice ballot question.

Approve the Open Space and Recreation Plan, as prepared by and as presented to you by Barbara Heskins Davis. Stop the excuses. Stop the delays.

- Alan Sohn

One of the most powerful and determined voices frequently heard during Good & Welfare at Council meetings, is also one of the most calm, composed, and focused voices we hear. It is the voice of Lillian Lewis, 40-year resident of Teaneck and ardent champion of her community, her town, and her neighbors.

Lillian speaks out, takes action and gets things done – and she does it all by an intense combination of activism and deep faith. Walk with her through the streets of her beloved neighborhood. Sit with her at prayer in her church. You will return home refreshed and inspired and eager to help her serve.

Lillian Lewis was born in Harlem, NYC, the fifth of nine children in a family that valued education and faith. Challenging the often-stated idea that “girls are scared of math,” Lillian has always loved mathematics.

She graduated from Herbert H. Lehman College with a BA in Mathematics. She followed that degree by achieving an MA in Mathematical Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

She then taught High School Mathematics at both Harry S Truman High School and DeWitt Clinton High School for over twenty years.

For Lillian her faith has driven her family, community, and academic achievements. Lillian’s father, mother, grandmothers and two aunts, all believers in Jesus as Lord and Savior, had a great impact on her development and view of life.

Lillian, herself was reborn by Jesus, The Christ, in November 1976, (John 3:3, also 1Peter 1:23) and brought that faith and rebirth with her when she and her family moved to Teaneck. As in all her endeavors, Lillian is a creator and innovator who loves to share her bounty with others. Out of her commitment to her faith, Lillian now has a daily broadcast at 3:30 pm, on the internet’s, Jesusonlyradio.com – “Remembering Christ’s Love with Sister Lillian: Bible Study from Genesis to Revelation.”

In June 2013, Lillian was an active member of the committee to bring the celebration of Juneteenth to Overpeck park. On June 22nd of that year, Lillian and the Committee brought a full day of activities – food, games, historical and cultural displays, family events, and the model of the then-yet-to-be-built life-size bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that now sits on the Hackensack River Pathway of FDU’s Hackensack campus.

Also, in 2005, Lillian founded the Teaneck Road Business and Community Alliance (TRBCA) to bring the community and the Teaneck Road merchants together to enhance the vibrance of Teaneck Road as an International Marketplace and community gathering place. She served as president of TRBCA from its founding until 2015.

Lillian’s community activities reach residents across all of Teaneck. She is a member of The Teaneck Garden Club, the Ardsley Court/Fairfield Street Block Association, The North East Teaneck Block Presidents Association (NETBPA), The Teaneck Library Advisory Board, and the Teaneck Senior Citizens Advisory Board.

Lillian’s great pride and happiness is with her family. She has been married to Oscar, Sr., a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Englewood, for 53 ½ years. As her parents did, Lillian and Oscar have passed the love of education on to their three children, Dr. Oscar, Jr,. Yvette, Esq., and Seleene, M.S., M.Ed.

And that love of education continues in their eight grandchildren, Oscar III, a college graduate; Bryce, a college graduate; Anthony II, a junior in college on an academic scholarship; Solomon, a freshman in college on an academic scholarship; and Gavin, Damian, Patrick and Selah (their only granddaughter) all still in public school.

With all her activities and her deep commitment of time to her family, Lillian still finds time for spontaneity in her life. For example, you may be rushing to the Teaneck Road Walgreens on a blustery and snowy mid-December evening, when you suddenly hear a small group of carolers singing the beautiful and traditional songs of Christmas. When you stop to listen, you will see Lillian and two or three of her neighbors, wrapped in coats and scarves, filling the night with joyful music.

That spirit and joy in community and faith is the essence of Lillian Lewis.

The year that wasn’t was 2020, and for the Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF), what would have been a celebratory 15th anniversary, might have been a blank. But it wasn’t. TIFF went virtual and presented a smaller but wonderful roster of films that was important, not just because of the issues that were addressed, but because the format permitted contact with a much larger audience. People from all over the country joined us – watching the films, staying for the talkbacks, and participating by writing questions and making comments in the chat.

With Covid apparently, or supposedly, on the wane as planning began for the 16th annual TIFF in 2021, the big question was: Do we go live or virtual? The decision was – hybrid. There would be five films at the Teaneck Cinemas which, thankfully, had survived after more than a year of being shuttered, and eight more offered via Ovee with talkbacks on Zoom.

Despite some trepidation about the willingness of folks to return to the theater, the live sales were strong, and four out of five programs were sold out. There was almost a palpable sigh of relief at the movie theater. People seemed thrilled to be seeing each other, watching movies on a big screen, and seeing guests up close and personal.

What’s ahead for the TIFF?

Lessons have been learned from the Covid experience. There is something to be said for virtual viewing: Bringing more people into the community to watch films with messages that need to be heard, to encourage discussion and involvement, and to inspire a desire to effect positive change are unexpected and desired outcomes.

A project of the Puffin Foundation, the TIFF’s motto – Activism: Making Change – is very much in line with the Puffin’s philosophy and goals. The virtual experience allows us to reach a larger and more diverse population and enables fans who have left the area to be participants.

On the other hand...there is much to be said for bringing people together in Our Town. One of the original goals when planning began 17 years ago was to promote Teaneck – its stores, restaurants, movie theater – and to introduce it to people who come from a little further away as a cultural hub with a vibrant and diverse population that has, over the years, demonstrated its commitment to fighting for equality, social justice, improvement of the environment, and a long list of causes that are often highlighted in TIFF films.

Combining live and virtual could be the way to go since it appears to provide the best possible experience. According to Executive Director Jeremy Lentz, “Without a doubt, the hybrid model should become a mainstay of the festival. Giving filmgoers the flexibility to participate in person and/or get a full week of viewing from home allows us to extend the TIFF and make it accessible far beyond the local area. We are spreading the word - spotlighting our activist theme far from home, and that is a very good thing!”

Meantime, with the close of the 16th annual TIFF, thanks go to the Puffin Foundation, always the festival’s angel; the sponsors whose generosity allows us to continue and grow; Teaneck Cinemas; filmmakers / moderators / talkback guests; and, of course, our patrons.

Those who were in our live and virtual audiences will soon be invited to vote for their favorite films via email. Please check the website regularly - www.teaneckfilmfestival.org – to see what was and what will be. Questions and comments may be emailed to tiff@teaneckfilmfestival.org 

Why does the Township Council have 23 subcommittees - none of which have a quorum - about which Teaneck residents are told virtually nothing?

In how many lawsuits is the Township currently involved? How many has it settled in the past year except for the Glenpointe tax appeal? How many has it won?

Why is Stop & Shop suing us?

Did any Town official tell Englewood anything about our Alfred Avenue plans? Englewood says NO!

When will the Planning Board act on the OSRP?

What's really happening with the Holy Name issues?

When will Councilwoman Orgen make available the records from the Marijuana Subcommittee that she in August said she would readily give to Councilwoman Gervonn Rice?

Why did the Town website have nothing about Thursday's Veteran's Day until Wednesday afternoon?

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final day is Sunday November 21, 2021 –

 Click Here to see video

Monday November 22, 2021 at 7:30pm

Public access by approval of the Chair only - contact Town Clerk.

Tuesday November 23, 2021 at 8:00pm

Zoom Link passcode 752323

Click Here for the agenda packet.

Note: this is the first Council meeting since Teaneck citizens voted by a 2 to 1 margin in favor of changing Council elections from May to November and requiring the Town to put a renewable energy aggregation system in place. Most Council members had opposed both local public questions. Will Council comply with the will of the voters?

Click here for this week’s Teaneck Library Events Calendar