BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

April 27, 1999

A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on April 27, 1999 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, 1999 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and the Herald News on January 4, 1999.

ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor William J. Torre, Councilman Herbert D. Heeren, Councilman Justin A. DiPisa, Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro, Councilman John Wassberg

Absent: Councilman Andrew Link III, Councilman Garrett R. Pepe

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

COMMUNICATIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (March 23, 1999 & April 13, 1999)

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

PETITIONS: None

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $44,303.72 specified in the schedule, having been examined and approved by the Finance Commissioner, or his Deputy, be paid and that warrants be issued therefor.

Signed Herbert D. Heeren/Commissioner of Finance

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

STREETS, TRANSPORTATION & LAND USE:

As Deputy Commissioner of Streets and Transportation, Councilman Heeren reported that during the month of March the Department of Public Works trimmed 136 trees and removed 7 dead trees and planted 115 trees. The Borough will be receiving 35 new trees from the County of Bergen. At the request of the DPW, PSE & G is doing a survey of street lighting on the Boulevard to determine where an upgrade to light bulbs and fixtures is needed.

FINANCE & RECREATION:

Under Finance, Councilman Heeren reported that an the end of March the cash fund balance was $1,213,825 all of which was invested, earning approximately 4 3/4% in interest. Cash receipts totalled $231,000 of which $130,000 was from current taxes, $21,000 from delinquent taxes, $10,000 from grants and cd's and $70,000 from miscellaneous revenues. Cash disbursements totalled $1,969,000 of which $1,000,000 was for local school taxes, $16,000 for tax refunds due to appeals, $30,000 for interfund transfers, $373,000 for salaries and $550,000 for other expenses. Under Recreation, he stated that registration for the summer program will begin in May. The girls softball league has been expanded to allow girls in grades second through fourth.

POLICE:

Councilman DiPisa reported that as of May 1st, police officers will be wearing a new style of shirts, a style similar to those worn by N.J. State Troopers. The Department's traffic enforcement program which began in March has been a success with 126 speed violators being cited as opposed to 41 in 1998. The violation to be targeted this month is passing on the right. All kindergarten children will be photographed and finger printed as part of "Operation KidCare". For the month of March there were 464 parking violations, 1,205 year-to-date and 1,036 calls for service, 104 via 911. The Department has purchased a new traffic monitor in an effort to slow traffic down. In May, the Chief of Police will be discussing safety and security issues with Board of Education members.

FIRE & PUBLIC FACILITIES:

As Deputy Commissioner of Fire and Public Facilities, Councilman DiPisa reported under Fire that for the month of March there were 38 fire calls for the Borough, 117 year-to-date, 12 for Teterboro, 38 year-to-date, and 3 for Mutual Aid, 4 year-to-date, totalling 53 fire calls and 159 year-to-date. There were 53 ambulance calls for the Borough, 257 year-to-date, 10 for Teterboro, 39 year-to-date and 8 for Mutual Aid, 39 year-to-date. Under Public Facilities, he reported that the installation of new lighting fixtures at Borough Hall has begun. The replacement of windows and siding at the Public Works building has also begun. All of this work is being performed by the DPW.

HEALTH & WELFARE:

Under Welfare, Councilwoman Verrastro reported that for the month of March there were 8 cases at the beginning of the month, 4 cases closed, 3 new cases opened, 2 cases denied, 18 referrals, 16 interviews, 4 food distributions from the pantry and money expended for the month was $1,313.00. The Department distributed 25 easter baskets to needy families. Under Health, she reported that for the month of March there were 16 births, 6 males and 10 females, 53 burial permits issued, 313 certified transcripts, 55 dog licenses issued, 53 deaths recorded, 3 food licenses issued, 3 vending machine licenses issued and 3 marriage licenses issued. The Department received 142 calls for the month.

SANITATION & PARKS:

Under Sanitation, Councilman Wassberg reported that the Bergen County Utilities Authority has announced that effective April 5, 1999, the tipping fee will be $59.50 for all solid waste delivered to the BCUA transfer station. The rate reflects a $5.50 increase over last year. The Borough uses the BCUA for the disposal of solid waste since they do not require prepayment for Bergen County municipal accounts, their tipping fee is competitive, they accept mixed loads of residential and bulky waste, thereby eliminating the need for septic collection routes for bulky materials and they dispose of solid waste in an environmentally safe manner. The DPW has completed its 1998 recycling tonnage report to be submitted to the NJDEP. The Borough use to receive grant money based on the amount of tonnage recycled. This practice has now ceased.

REPORT OF MAYOR:

Mayor Torre asked for a moment of silence in honor of the late Congressman Vincent Dellay who was a resident of Hasbrouck Heights. On behalf of the Borough he received a ceremonial check from Governor Whitman for a billion dollars in tax rebates for citizens of New Jersey. These funds will be distributed to citizens throughout the next three to five years. He attended the DARE graduation of Euclid and Lincoln School students. He congratulated all of the graduates on successfully completing the requirements for the DARE program. He mentioned that there is a resolution on this evening's agenda appointing and authorizing a contract with a planner for the Master Plan Reexamination and a Central Business District Study. There will be an intensive study of the downtown business district and will serve as a blueprint for future improvements, i.e. sidewalk, lighting and benches. Mayor Torre stated to the public that the Governing Body has done everything reasonable to prepare for Y2K by making many upgrades to the hardware and software on all Borough computer systems. Upgrades are in place and testing will be done by late summer.

Appointments: Library/Senior Citizens Building Steering Committee (see attached)

On motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, to appoint the Library/Senior Citizens Building Steering Committee.

Committee on Community Celebrations (see attached)

On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, to appoint the Committee on Community Celebrations.

CONSENT AGENDA: 77. Supporting State Attorney General's Settlement Agreement with the Tobacco Industry

On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution on the Consent Agenda was approved. (Resolution attached)

RESOLUTIONS:
78. Refund of Taxes Overpaid - Lori Realty Co.

79. Tax Title Lien Redemption - Pam Investors

80. Ratifying & Confirming Sale of Bond Anticipation Note

81. Appointment of Zoning Enforcement Officer

82. Appointment of Administrative Officer of Land Use Ordinances

83. Accepting Resignation of Fire Clerk/Ambulance Mechanic

84. Appointment of and Authorizing of Contract with Planner for Required Master Plan Periodic Reexamination, Including Central Business District Study

85. Authorization to Extend Public Health Services Contract

86. Authorization to Advertise Bids for Purchase & Installation of Computer Hardware & Software for Y2K Upgrade

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

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SUBSECTION C ENTITLED "COMMUNITY RESIDENCES" OF SECTION 275-22 ENTITLED "REGULATIONS GOVERNING CERTAIN CONDITIONAL USES" OF CHAPTER 275 ENTITLED "ZONING" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on May 11, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE IV ENTITLED "LICENSE FEES" OF CHAPTER 84 ENTITLED "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO AMEND CERTAIN OF THE ANNUAL FEES CHARGED AND COLLECTED FROM THE HOLDERS OF CERTAIN LICENSES TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on May 25, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN OF THE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 1999" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on May 25, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND 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" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on May 25, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $50,000.00 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION OF COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR THE USE OF THE VARIOUS BOROUGH OFFICES AS PART OF THE YEAR 2000 UPGRADE AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF THE COST THEREOF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOCAL BOND LAW BY THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OR NOTES NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF $47,500.00" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on May 25, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $25,000.00 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TURNOUT GEAR AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE USE OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF THE COST THEREOF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOCAL BOND LAW BY THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OR NOTES NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF $23,750.00" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on May 25, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.

On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Introduction were approved.

ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING:

Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance Nos. 1851, 1852 and 1853. There being no one wishing to speak on said ordinances, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public.

BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO STABILIZE AND REGULATE RENTS WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AND TO ESTABLISH A RENT BOARD, WHICH ORDINANCE IS TO BE COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE "1999 RENT LEVELING ORDINANCE" 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 PROVIDE FOR THE RESURFACING OF LASALLE AVENUE FROM THE BOULEVARD TO TERRACE AVENUE, HENRY STREET FROM OAK GROVE AVENUE TO BURTON AVENUE AND WALTER AVENUE FROM THE BOULEVARD TO BURTON AVENUE AS PART OF THE 1999 PROGRAM FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF STREETS, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $142,000.00 FOR THE SAME AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF THE COST THEREOF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOCAL BOND LAW BY THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OR NOTES NOT TO EXCEED THE TOTAL SUM OF $134,900.00" 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 4 ENTITLED "SWEEPING LITTER INTO GUTTERS" OF CHAPTER 178 ENTITLED "LITTERING" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO SPECIFICALLY PROHIBIT THE DEPOSIT OF GRASS AND LEAF REFUSE IN ANY ROADWAY EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED FOR ITS COLLECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND UNDER THE TERMS OF CHAPTER 152" 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 Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on final adoption were approved.

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak.

Bonnie Kallinikos, owner of Antique Boutique, 313 Boulevard, came forward and asked that the Borough's zoning code be amended in order that she may be permitted to display an antique flag which points out her shop is an antique shop. She also requested that guidelines be put together for distribution to potential applicants going before the Design District Advisory Committee so they know what would be acceptable. Mayor Torre said the matter of the flag was discussed when the Chamber of Commerce met with a representative of the Governing Body and the matter will be considered by the Mayor and Council. He mentioned that if she were to be permitted to fly an antique flag, then Dunkin Donuts, for example, would be able to fly a Dunkin Donuts flag, etc. He said they are attempting to improve the quality of signage on the Boulevard. He was concerned that if too many businesses had flags with the businesses name flying, it would be too much. Ms. Kallinikos said the flag is a universal antique flag sign and she is just trying to attract attention to her store. CFO/Borough Administrator Michael Kronyak said the matter will be placed on the agenda of the next zoning committee meeting.

Judy Ventola, 210 Central Ave., came forward and said she lives across the street from the location of the proposed new library/senior center. She said her and her neighbors will be affected by traffic and the parking of vehicles. She asked why those being directly affected by this new library/senior center have not been contacted to be advised on what will take place and for possible input. She said there are concerns on what the building will look like, entrance and exits, shrubbery, etc. She complained that the grass is overgrown. Mr. Kronyak said the DPW will be reminded to cut the grass. Mayor Torre said only a concept of the building has been presented to the Governing Body. No approvals have been given. What was presented was a u-shaped building. One story would be for the senior center and a two stories for the library. He said Ms. Ventola's comments will be accepted along the way of the project. Borough Attorney Ralph Chandless said that unlike many other towns, this Borough sticks to the principal that its projects be submitted to the Planning Board and that full notice be given to the neighbors just as though it were any other project.

Dora Petroulas, 215 Central Ave., came forward and said she lives next door to the site of the new library/senior center. She said she would like to give input prior to the project going before the Planning Board. She also requested the grass on the property be cut. She requested that a sign stating "home of the future library" be posted to explain why the site is somewhat rundown. Mayor Torre said they would like to place some type of sign but have to wait until a certain time period has passed since the purchase of the property.

There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public.

ADJOURN:

There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the meeting was adjourned.

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 April 27, 1999.

Barbara Maldonado, RMC
Borough Clerk

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