Ho-Ho-Kus April 8, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Council approves lease assignment in 4-1 vote by Jennifer Crusco In a 4-1 vote, the Ho-Ho-Kus Council agreed to assign the lease for the borough-owned Ho-Ho-Kus Inn building from Korbitz, Inc. to Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern, LLC. The approval came at a special meeting held late last week. Councilman Lee Flemming cast the dissenting vote, explaining that he has struggled with the issue because Councilman Gordon Hamm owns a minority share of Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern, LLC. Flemming said, “I am unable to change my opinion,” and indicated that he would vote against the resolution. Mayor Thomas Randall clarified that Flemming’s decision was based on a personal feeling. Flemming agreed with Randall’s assessment, but said he based his opinion on consultations with individuals involved with ethics. The councilman said he was concerned with the perception of an ethical issue, even if one did not exist. “I would be more comfortable if (the inn) were not operated by a public official,” Flemming said. The mayor noted that Hamm’s interest in the inn would not constitute a precedent in Ho-Ho-Kus. Randall explained that former Councilman Joseph Sanzari was a tenant at the borough’s building at 188 Franklin Turnpike while he served on the governing body. Mayor Randall noted that the possible ethical concerns had been researched. The council majority agreed with HoHo-Kus Borough Attorney David Bole’s advice that ethics would not be a consideration as long as Hamm steps down from any votes regarding the inn. Hamm was present at last week’s meeting, but sat in the audience during the discussion on the lease and did not participate in the vote on the assignment. Bole said the council had also researched the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern, LLC’s finances. He said insurance coverage had been a concern, and that the LLC had agreed to provide equal or better coverage. The resolution states that the LLC will secure liability insurance of at least $2 million. The borough will be named as an additional insured for liability purposes. Randall said Paul Garbarini, the borough’s auditor, checked on the financial suitability of the agreement. According to the mayor, Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern will effectively assume the same lease awarded by public bid in 1998. Any proposed renovations to the building must be approved by the borough. The lease calls for a payment of $71,410 in 2009, a (continued on page 23) Chocolate Making Birthday Parties Are Our Specialty Chocolate Etc... Choose from our large selection of gift items, eggs, and our own freshly made, unique chocolate bunnies and lollipops. For r... te Eas Hop on Over to create your very own gift basket! Or... select one of our filled Easter Baskets. Non-Medical Home Care Services ������������������ ��������������������� ������������������� ��������� �������������� �������������� ��������������� �������� �������� ���������� �������� ��������������� ���������������������� � ����������� �������� � ���������� 345 Route 17 South • Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 • 1-201-962-3222 ComForcare Services www.ComForcare.com For Peace of Mind Call Today � Gift Baskets for Any Occasion � Sugar Free Chocolates � Personalized Chocolate Favors and Candy Bar Wrappers for All Occasions www.chocolateetc.com • Mon-Sat 10:00-5:30 382 MAIN ST, WYCKOFF • 201-891-3711