ROSELLE PARK -- A cross in a veterans memorial critics say disrespects non-Christian service members will stay in front of the public library.

The borough council voted Thursday evening to accept the donation of the display, put up outside the Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library in late July, of a soldier kneeling over a grave marked by a Christian cross.

The council's decision followed more than 90 minutes of passionate public debate about the meaning of the cross and its placement in front of the public building.

Mayor Carl Hokanson said last week he had bought the display with his personal money and donated it to the library. He refused at the time to say whether the council had approved the memorial.

Some residents said the memorial should stay where it is, while others asked the mayor to move it to private property. Still others said they would support the display staying at the library if veterans memorials with other religious symbols could be erected next to it.

The council voted 3-2 in favor of the statue. Councilmen Eugene Meola, Joseph Petrosky and Gino Elmarassy voted yes, while Councilmen Ryan Kelly and Thos Shipley voted no.

Hokanson and Councilwoman-at-large Charlene Storey recused themselves from the vote.

Gregory Storey, the councilwoman's husband, had raised the first alarm about the statue. He said after the meeting that the threat of litigation still loomed.

"It's unfortunate that the vote went this way," he said.

Hokanson could not be reached for comment immediately after the meeting.

The controversy began when Gregory Storey approached the American Humanist Association with concerns that the memorial violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and failed to honor non-Christian veterans.

The national organization then told Hokanson in a letter it would bring legal action if he did not immediately remove the display.

The Storeys have previously taken issue with religious connotations associated with borough property and events. Charlene Storey in December temporarily resigned from her council seat after the group renamed the borough's "holiday" tree lighting a "Christmas" tree lighting.

Storey eventually rescinded her resignation, and the event remained a "Christmas" tree lighting. Hokanson named Storey the head of a new committee on diversity.

Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati. Find NJ.com on Facebook.