BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

December 29, 1998

A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on December 29, 1998 at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 248 Hamilton Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.

Mayor Torre stated that the meeting complied with the Sunshine Law, due notice having been made to all members of the Council by personal service on January 1, 1998 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and the Herald News by mail on January 2, 1998.

ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor William J. Torre, Councilman Andrew Link III, Councilman Herbert D. Heeren, Councilman Justin A. DiPisa, Councilman Garrett R. Pepe, Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro, Councilman John Wassberg

Absent: None

SALUTE TO FLAG: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag.

COMMUNICATIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (November 24, 1998 & December 8, 1998)

On motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the above mentioned meetings were adopted.

PETITIONS: None

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $177,239.64 specified in the schedule, having been examined and approved by the Finance Commissioner, or his Deputy, be paid and that warrants be issued therefore.

Signed Andrew Link III/Commissioner of Finance

On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.

REPORT OF MAYOR:

Promotions: William Castiglione - Lieutenant

Joseph Cronin to Sergeant

On motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, William Castiglione was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant and Joseph Cronin to the rank of Sergeant, both appointments to be effective January 1, 1999.

With the assistance of Commissioner of Police Councilman DiPisa and Deputy Commissioner of Police Councilman Heeren, Mayor Torre administered the Oath of Office to William Castiglione and Joseph Cronin.

FINANCE & LAND USE:

Under Land Use, Councilman Link reported that the total number of fees collected by the Building Department in the month of November was $32,000 for a total value of construction of $2,821,000. There were 69 permits issued, 26 for building and the remaining for plumbing, electric and fire prevention. There were 13 certificates of zoning compliance issued for one family homes, 1 for a two family home and 8 for commercial properties. There were 3 contractor registrations/renewals and 43 inspections made in buildings and 20 for zoning. Under Finance, he reported that the current cash balance as of November 30th was $3,321,000 all of which was invested, earning approximately 4.75% in interest. Cash receipts for the month totalled $4,166,000 of which $3,914,000 was from current taxes, $7,267,266 was from prepaid taxes, $162,000 was from state aid and $82,000 was from miscellaneous revenues. Cash disbursements totalled $2,483,000 of which $999,974 was for local school taxes, $531,000 was for county taxes, $513,000 was for salaries and $438,000 was for other expenses. The 1999 municipal budget is in the process of being formulated and is awaiting year end information such as surplus balance and tax collection rate. The Insurance Committee met and reviewed the Borough's insurance. The workman's compensation coverage through the North Jersey Intergovernmental Fund has been very successful with stable premiums and the Borough will be receiving a return of surplus in the amount $27,825. The Borough's property and casualty insurance has also been placed with the same Fund as of May 1st, saving approximately $24,000. The projected cost for 1999 indicates a very slight decrease in premium with increased levels of coverage. Health insurance with the State will have an increase of approximately 7.5% as of July 1, 1999, but there will also be a premium holiday, whereas the Borough will not have to pay one month's premium, amounting to approximately $41,000. This amount will offset the increase in premium.

POLICE:

Councilman Heeren reported that the two new police officer candidates are in the final testing stages. During the month of November, there were 778 calls for service, 104 via 911. There were 351 summonses issued, 252 being for parking violations and 99 for moving violations. The majority of the parking violations, 186, was for overnight parking.

FIRE & PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Under Fire, Councilman DiPisa reported that for the month of November there 35 fire calls for the Borough, 440 year-to-date, 15 calls for Teterboro, 115 year-to-date and 2 for mutual aid, 37 year-to-date, totalling 52 fire calls and 592 year-to-date. There were 13 rescue calls for the Borough, 132 year-to-date, 2 for Teterboro, 24 year-to-date and 0 mutual aid, totalling 15 rescue calls, 156 year-to-date. In the past 24 months, the Fire Department has obtained improved state of the art equipment, i.e. new four wheel drive fire vehicle, a highly efficient KME pumper truck, new scott packs and auxiliary tanks, upgraded turnout gear which now protects the entire body of the firefighter, a thermal imaging camera with a second one on the way and two new defibrillators, one which was donated by Hackensack University Medical Center and the other by a Borough resident. A brand new ambulance will be arriving in the next few weeks. Due to the number of fire and ambulance calls answered by the Department, there has been a strain on available personnel and equipment. The Governing Body responded by hiring certain employees in 1995 and in 1998 who are certified EMT's and incorporate emergency services with their other various job descriptions. These two individuals are able to answer emergency calls during working hours. Under Public Facilities, the electrical motor or exhaust fan was replaced on the Police Department's water cooler.

SANITATION & WELFARE:

Under Sanitation, Councilman Pepe reported that the 1999 recycling calendars were delivered to all residents by the Department of Public Works. The changes to the calendar are as follows: magazines will no longer be picked up with bottles and cans but rather with newspapers and cardboard, instead of seasonal branch and shrub pickups, branches will be picked up once a week, wood may now be disposed of with trash and trash will be collected twice a week with household garbage. The Bergen County Utilities Authority will be sponsoring two household hazardous waste collection events in 1999, offering residents the opportunity to properly dispose of household hazardous wastes free of charge. There was no report given under Welfare.

HEALTH & RECREATION:

Under Health, Councilwoman Verrastro reported that for the month of November there were 7 births, 5 males and 2 females, 44 burial permits issued, 305 certified transcripts, 2 dog licenses sold, 54 total deaths reported, 3 being Borough residents, 2 temporary food licenses issued and 4 marriage licenses issued. The Department answered a total of 98 calls. She reminded residents that dog licenses are up for renewal in January. Under Recreation, she reported that the biddy basketball program has expanded to include 7th graders. She announced the registration date for cheerleading.

STREETS, TRANSPORTATION & PARKS:

Under Parks, Councilman Wassberg reported that the installation of new playground equipment at Woodland Park has begun. After the installation is completed, the DPW will install a 4' high fence around the area.

REPORT OF MAYOR

Resignations: Robert Jones, Engine Company Two

Alan Hackel, Hook & Ladder Company

Patrick F. McNeilly, Local Assistance Board

On motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resignations were accepted with regret.

Mayor Torre offered condolences to the Pignata Family on the loss of Mrs. Pignata, an active member of the Leisure Club and to the Mason Family on the loss of James Mason, an active member of the Borough and a Library Board Trustee.

CONSENT AGENDA: None

RESOLUTIONS:
168. Promotion of William Castiglione to Lieutenant

169. Promotion of Joseph Cronin to Sergeant

170. Redemption of Tax Title Lien - Breen Capital Group

171. Redemption of Tax Title Lien - First Union National Bank

172. Authorizing Change Order #2 - Jefferson Ave.

173. Authorizing Change Order #1 - Ottawa Ave.

174. Authorizing 1999 Animal Contract

175. Authorizing Contract with Delta Dental

176. 1998 Appropriation Transfers

177. 1998 Appropriation Cancellations

178. Cancel Minimal Credit Balances and Debit Balances on Current Taxes Receivable

179. Interfund Transfer

180. Expanding Part-Time Fire Clerk Position to Full-Time

181. Granting of 1999 Hotel Licenses

182. Authorizing South Bergen Fire Chiefs' Assn. Mutual Aid Agreement

On motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolutions were adopted. (Resolutions attached)

ORDINANCE(S) ON INTRODUCTION: None

ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING:

Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance Nos. 1840, 1841, 1842 and 1843. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the public hearing on said Ordinances:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 1999" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS OF THE HASBROUCK HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1999 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AND THE POLICEMEN'S BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION LOCAL 102" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT ARTICLE I ENTITLED "GENERAL REGULATIONS" OF CHAPTER 198 ENTITLED "PEACE AND GOOD ORDER" THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THE SECTION THEREOF ENTITLED "PROHIBITED ACTS" THE OPERATION OF OR EMPLOYMENT IN ANY MASSAGE PARLOR OR MASSAGE BUSINESS EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIED LIMITED CONDITIONS" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT SECTION 275-12 ENTITLED "GENERAL REGULATIONS" OF ARTICLE IV ENTITLED "DISTRICT REGULATIONS" OF CHAPTER 275 ENTITLED "ZONING" THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO INCLUDE A FURTHER SECTION PROHIBITING THE USE OF ANY LANDS OR BUILDINGS IN ANY DISTRICT AS A MASSAGE PARLOR OR MASSAGE BUSINESS EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIED LIMITED CONDITIONS" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.

On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on public hearing were adopted.

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public.

ADJOURN:

There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, Mayor Torre adjourned the meeting Sine-Die.

I, BARBARA MALDONADO, Borough Clerk of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights, do hereby certify that the foregoing Minutes are to the best of my knowledge a true account of the Regular Meeting held on December 29, 1998.

Barbara Maldonado, RMC

Borough Clerk

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