HOBOKEN — Mayor Dawn Zimmer announced Friday the addition of Michael B. Kates, Esq. to serve as the City of Hoboken’s new corporation counsel. Current Corporation Counsel Steve Kleinman has resigned effective Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, to pursue opportunities in the private sector. He will serve in a transitional capacity as an assistant corporation counsel through Jan. 15.
Kates is a partner at Kates Nussman Rapone Ellis & Farhi with extensive experience in municipal law, zoning and planning. He has served as municipal attorney for the Township of Teaneck, and the Borough of Fair Lawn, as counsel to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the Boroughs of Closter and Alpine and Counsel to the Planning Boards of Teaneck and Englewood Cliffs.
“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to retain Mr. Kates,” said Zimmer. “His expertise in land use and zoning will be of particular importance, given the numerous development issues facing our City. I thank Mr. Kleinman for serving our city ably and I wish him well in his future pursuits. ”
Kates will serve on a fixed fee basis of $103,500 per year. Since he will be an independent contractor rather than an employee of the city, he will not receive health or other benefits from the city.
State Fiscal Monitor Judy Tripodi thanked Kleinman for his service to the city and his continued cooperation.
Kleinman said, “I think she has chosen a very qualified successor, and I intend to work closely with Mr. Kates over the next several weeks to ensure the smooth transition that the city deserves. I am grateful to Mayor Zimmer for giving me the opportunity to serve, and I wish her and her administration well.”