Palisades Park Faces Concerns Over Lead Paint Inspections and Cost to Homeowners
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
11/18/2024
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Recording Published:
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Duration:
23.0 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Palisades Park
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Palisades Park Borough Council meeting, the introduction of an ordinance requiring lead-based paint inspections sparked extensive discussion among council members and the public. The ordinance aligns with a new state statute mandating that rental property owners ensure their buildings are certified as lead-free. Concerns were raised regarding the financial burden this requirement could place on homeowners, particularly for those with older properties. Additional topics included potential changes to a holiday event date and issues related to municipal finances.
The lead-based paint ordinance provoked significant public concern, with residents questioning the practicality and fairness of imposing such inspections on homeowners, especially those with properties built decades ago. While the ordinance primarily targets rental units, confusion arose about its application to single-family and multi-family homes not intended for rent. A resident highlighted the discrepancy of enforcing such regulations without addressing lead paint in schools. The borough is considering a shared service agreement to provide certified inspectors, but the onus remains on property owners to hire inspectors and remove lead if found, which could impose considerable costs.
Further concerns were voiced regarding the timing of the annual Christmas lighting event, which is scheduled for December 7th, a day that coincides with Pearl Harbor Day. A suggestion was made to reschedule the event to avoid conflicting with a day of remembrance, as some veterans find it inappropriate to hold festivities on this date.
Financial discussions also took center stage, particularly regarding the authorization of an investigation into potential overpayments to borough employees. This investigation will examine historical salary-related payments that may have been erroneous, and steps will be taken to determine the extent and rectify any discrepancies.
Additionally, the council discussed the need to hire a new part-time janitorial employee due to a vacancy.
The council also addressed procedural concerns, such as ensuring full transparency in capital improvement details and understanding the bond obligations of the borough. These issues highlight the ongoing need for clear communication and accountability in municipal operations.
Chong Paul Kim
City Council Officials:
CHONG PAUL KIM (Mayor), SUK “JOHN“ MIN (Councilman, Council President), SANG H. LEE (Councilwoman), YOUBONG WON-YOON (Councilwoman), STEPHANIE S. JANG (Councilwoman), MICHAEL VIETRI (Councilman), JASON KIM (Councilman)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
11/18/2024
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Recording Published:
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Duration:
23.0 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Palisades Park
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- 11/18/2024
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