March 30, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Franklin Lakes Undecided council introduces pool fence ordinance by Frank J. McMahon An uncertain majority of the Franklin Lakes Council has introduced an ordinance that would require all new and existing residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to comply with the fence and barrier requirements set forth in the New Jersey edition of the International Residential Code. While the ordinance was introduced by a 5-1 margin, several members of the council indicated they were not yet certain how they would vote on the adoption of the ordinance, which is scheduled for the April 20 public meeting. Under the ordinance, the owner of a property with a residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub installed prior to 1977 that does not meet the proposed fence requirements would have to meet those requirements within six months following the transfer of title of his or her property. Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs would also be covered by the regulations governing certain accessory structures and uses of the borough code which would be supplemented by the ordinance. The ordinance further provides that any person who would fail to meet its requirements within six months following the transfer of title of the property would be in violation of the borough code. The maximum penalty upon conviction of the violation would be a fine not exceeding $200 for each and every day a violation exists. Mayor Frank Bivona pointed out that the ordinance has been discussed at three public meetings and, as a compromise, the original ordinance was revised to provide owners of pools that were installed prior to 1977 six months after the transfer of their property to install a fence around their pools. He said he understands there may be an impact on the sale price of a home, he did not believe the ordinance would have a severe impact on the sale price of a residential property as many older homes are knocked down for a new home to be built, and it would place all properties in full compliance when they are sold. Councilman William Smith said he has heard good points expressed on both sides of the issue, and he is not sure how he will vote when the ordinance is up for final approval. Councilman Charles Kahwaty said his concern is the impact the ordinance could have on senior citizens. Councilwoman Paulette Ramsey said she was not sure how she feels about the ordinance and its potential effect on long-term residents, but said she is also concerned about safety. Councilman Michael Friscia, who was the only council member to vote against the introduction of the ordinance, said he was also undecided about the ordinance. He suggested the council wait to introduce it until it could be determined if it contradicted any state statutes. However, the five other members of the council voted to introduce the ordinance with the understanding they may not vote to move forward with its adoption. Two residents voiced their objections to the ordinance at the public meeting. Demetrois Stratis of Seneca Road said he objected to the impact the ordinance would have on his father, a senior citizen on a fixed income whose retirement depends on the value of his house. He said pools built before 1977 were not designed for a fence and his father’s pool is within five feet of his house. As a result, a fence would change his whole backyard. Stratis also claimed that lots in the borough are one acre in size with plenty of buffer area around the pools and that parents should be responsible for the safety of their children. “There is nothing on the record that suggests that the threat is real,” he told the council. Loretta Brown of Lake Drive said her pool is only open four months of the year and no one is permitted in her yard unless he or she is invited. Brown suggested that the lakes in the borough are open all year round and pose a greater threat. “I think lakes are much more of a safety issue than a pool could ever be,” she told the council. OPEN HOUSE Sunday 1-3pm • April 3rd 414 Windham Ct. North, Wyckoff DISCOVER WINDHAM NORTH… Your Private Retreat w/clubhouse, tennis court and pool! Desirable, end unit townhome w/FIRST FLOOR MASTER BEDROOM SUITE! Three floors of luxurious living w/2 story entry, hg finished, lower level, top of the line stainless appliances, newer hdwd floors in DR & LR, custom built-ins & 2 car grade level garage. Tranquil & easy living at its best! Special offering at $749,900. CALL DONNA TODAY! The Paws for Reading program will return to the Franklin Lakes Public Library, 470 DeKorte Drive, this spring. Beginning and accomplished readers in grades one through six are invited to make friends with well-behaved certified therapy dogs while polishing their reading and public speaking skills. Children may sign up to read to one of Paws for Reading returns to library these dogs for a 10-minute period. Paws for Reading will take place on Mondays, April 4 and 25, and May 9 and 23. All sessions will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. in the children’s department. Registration will begin March 24. For information, call (201) 891-2224 or visit during regular library hours. 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