M I N U T E S December 28, 1999
A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 8:00 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 200 Division Avenue, corner of the Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey Mayor Torre stated that the meeting complied with the Sunshine Law, adequate notice of this meeting having been made to all members of the Council by personal service on January 1, 1999 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and The Herald News on January 1, 1999. ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor William J. Torre, Councilman Andrew Link, Councilman Herbert D. Heeren, Councilman Justin DiPisa, Councilman Marlene Verrastro Absent: Councilman Garrett R. Pepe, Councilman John Wassberg
SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag and Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
PETITIONS: None
BILLS: BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $147,410.45 specified in the schedule hereto annexed, having been examined and approved by the Finance Commissioner, or his Deputy, be paid and that warrants be issued therefore. Signed Herbert D. Heeren Commissioner of Finance On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.
REPORTS: STREETS, TRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE: Councilman Link reported that all streets are in tact and in place and fully operating under all major equipment. The overall picture is that there has been no bad weather. Zoning is falling well behind due to problems caused by the fire in the Municipal Building. He had received no report of summons issued or letters of intent that have been sent out as in prior months but would keep on top of it.
FINANCE AND RECREATION: Councilman Heeren reported under Finance, the Chief Financial Officer had been very busy and there were no financial statements available at this time, but that the computer hard drive had been saved. There have been numerous conferences with the insurance company regarding losses. New checkbooks had been ordered. Payrolls and bills are being processed. More details on finance will be available in the near future. Reporting on Recreation, the director is trying to find out who has signed up for various programs, the computer is on the verge of being restored. If files are restored, programs will begin in the next couple of weeks. The Junior Wrestling Program is on a modified schedule and since uniforms were housed in the basement of the Municipal Building, it is not known what is salvageable. The director was working on getting the program started as soon as possible. The Recreation Commission meeting will be held Jan. 3, 2000.
POLICE: Councilman DiPisa reported many had helped the Police Department get back to speed, especially neighboring towns, particularly the Bergen County Police who loaned their Mobile Command Center to use, and Chief Jack Schmidig; the Bergen County Sheriff's Department who helped with traffic, Kubler Electric who helped get the generator started and running, Frank Bottiglieri for the 3,000 square foot module, Borough of Carlstadt for 9-1-1 calls, and Boroughs of Wood-Ridge and Lodi. Full services are available and by Thursday, computers, the Police Desk and Records will be operational . Bergen County Correctional Facility provided help to move equipment. Sue Paul was thanked for her help, and the police officers moved desks, equipment and Councilman DiPisa congratulated them on their joint effort. Statistics for the month of November were: 125 -9-1-1 emergency calls, 59 calls in person, 253 calls via radio, 420 telephone, and 3 other for a total of 860 for the month. 362 were on the 3-11 shift. Letters received: one to Chief Colaneri, from Lucretia and Bill White thanking him for the speeding enforcement regulations on Field Avenue. Another to the officer who returned her purse, Adeline Hurd. Councilman Di Pisa asked every employee, volunteer and resident of Hasbrouck Heights to wear an orange and black ribbon stating "Together, We Will" and these ribbons would be available at the Municipal Building during regular working hours.
FIRE & PUBLIC FACILITIES: No report.
HEALTH & WELFARE: Councilwoman Verrastro reported that under Health, in November there were nine births, two males and seven females; burial permits issued 56, dog licenses sold 3, total deaths recorded 59, food licenses issued 3, marriage licenses issued 5, total calls for the month 95. She reminded residents that dog licenses should be renewed in January. Regarding Welfare, she thanked all the families who donated food and gifts for Christmas. It was a tremendous outpouring.
SANITATION AND PARKS: Councilman Link, as deputy, had no report but said regarding the Williams and Terrace light, there was nothing new to report. The bus has been operating fully for public usage. Regarding Parks, the timber supporting the bell has been replaced at the Firemen's Memorial Park today.
REPORT OF MAYOR: Mayor Torre reported on what had been happening since the Fire. Essentially the emergency responsibility had been undertaken by Michael Kronyak, administrator, and he has been doing a remarkable job, meeting with the insurance company. They have gone through the building with their contractors and engineers several times As of yet, there was no indication of what is being decided. Records are being restored, by freeze drying, ozone or heat drying, and this is covered by insurance. Nothing significant has been lost. Departments are up and working. Computers are back working, all are Y2K compliant. He commended the Fire, Police and DPW for all their work. The outpouring of generosity of residents, businesses, organizations, Board of Education, has been overwhelming. Out of town companies, neighboring towns, including Carlstadt and 9-1-1, have offered their assistance. He reminded residents of Heights Night on Friday night beginning at 7 p.m. which judging from tickets sold should be a resounding success. He also reported that a preliminary verbal report given to the Chief of Police that the Arson Squad has ruled out arson. He hoped to have a report on the cause of the fire very soon. He wished everyone a Happy New Year and that on Saturday, January 1, 2000, the Sine Die Meeting would be starting at 11:45 a.m. at the Masonic Hall, with the Reorganization Meeting at 12 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS: CONSENT AGENDA: 212. Granting of Calendar Raffle License for Corpus Christi Home School Association On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Consent Agenda Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTIONS: 214. 1999 Budget Appropriation Transfers 215. 1999 Appropriation Cancellations 216. Authorizing Agreement with Bollinger Fowler for Prescription Drug Program 217. Authorizing Contract with Delta Dental 218. Extending Time Limits Under Towing Ordinance to Start Rotation on Feb. 1, 2000
On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolutions were adopted. (Resolutions attached)
ORDINANCES ON INTRODUCTION: None
ORDINANCE(S) ON CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1878: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING MUNICIPAL CONSENT FOR THE PLACEMENT OF FACILITIES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE IN THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, BERGEN COUNTY, TO CABLEVISION OF OAKLAND, INC.was continued on public hearing until the Sine Die Meeting. On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance No. 1878 was Continued On Public Hearing to the Sine Die Meeting on January 1, 2000.
ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: None
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: Mayor Torre opened the meeting for anyone wishing to speak. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting for Litigation and Personnel Matters.
ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, Mayor Torre adjourned the meeting Sine-Die. I, ROSE MARIE SEES, Acting 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 28, 1999.
Rose Marie Sees
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