Hackensack Council adopts $630,000 bond to replace Johnson Public Library elevator

The Hackensack City Council voted May 26 to adopt Ordinance 08-2026, a bond ordinance providing a $630,000 appropriation to construct a replacement elevator at the Johnson Public Library and authorizing $598,500 in bonds or notes to finance part of the cost. The council conducted a public hearing before the vote and recorded the roll call in the minutes.

Mayor Kasim Gaines opened the hearing on the bond ordinance and invited public comment. Resident Sergey Toltoy questioned whether the library board had sufficient funds to reduce the city’s bond amount, saying the trustees “have the monies” and that the $598,500 figure could be lowered. The council closed the hearing after hearing no further comments and moved to adoption.

Councilwoman Clark Collins, Councilman Carol and Councilman Diaz voted in favor, and Mayor Gaines cast the final affirmative vote; the clerk recorded the roll call as part of the official adoption. The ordinance passed its second and final reading and is now adopted.

The ordinance text published with the agenda shows an appropriation of $630,000 and authorization to issue $598,500 in bonds; further implementation steps, including procurement and construction scheduling for the elevator replacement, will follow city purchasing and capital project procedures. The council did not provide a detailed timetable for construction during the meeting.

Next steps: the ordinance moves the project from authorization toward contract and procurement; the council or city staff are expected to report back with implementation details and timelines as they are developed.