BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS
M I N U T E S
August 24, 1999
A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough
of Hasbrouck Heights was held on August 24, 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: 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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
(July 27, 1999 Special & Regular Meeting & August 10, 1999)
On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Pepe , and unanimously carried,
except for the Minutes of August 10 in which case Councilman Link abstained as he was on
vacation, the Minutes of the foregoing meetings were approved.
PETITIONS:
None
BILLS:
BE IT RESOLVED
that the claims and accounts amounting to $384,744.98 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 Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried,
the foregoing Resolution was adopted.
REPORTS:
STREETS, TRANSPORTATION & LAND USE:
Under Transportation and Land Use per se, Councilman Link stated he had no report, but
said he would have one for next month. Under Streets, the improvements to Hamilton Avenue
from the Boulevard to Terrace Avenue are still in the planning stages, the project as
proposed will include construction of barrier free curb ramps at Terrace Avenue
intersection. Profiling of the roadway including the existing parking area opposite the
Municipal Building will be resurfaced with one and one-half inch of bituminous concrete
surface pavement mixed one to five and the installation of new thermoplastic traffic
stripes for crosswalks. Since the project is being funded with state aid monies, more
extensive plans are required than on standard municipal roadway improvement projects. The
traffic detail scheme has been set based on breaking the project into two phases: one
phase will cover milling and resurfacing Hamilton from Burton to Terrace Avenue; with the
second phase covering milling and resurfacing of Hamilton Avenue from Burton to the
Boulevard. Fortunately, there are numerous parallel roadways to the street so the impact
on local traffic will be minimal. Copies of the construction plans are being forwarded to
the utility companies, public works department and police department for review, after
which final plans and specifications will be completed and the project will be put out for
bid. All crosswalks along the Boulevard have been striped using long white Thermoplastic
traffic stripes. The remaining crosswalks have been painted. Next year the painted walks
will also be striped with thermoplastic.
FINANCE & RECREATION:
Under Finance, Councilman Heeren reported that the current cash fund balance at the end of
July was $2,863,628, which was a tremendous increase from June, an increase of $1,740,000
for the month. The entire balance was invested and earned approximately 5.00% interest.
Cash receipts for the month of July were $3,600,000 of which the majority was from taxes.
Current taxes were $3,020,000, delinquent taxes,$52,000 and $20,000 were prepaid taxes,
$447,000 was from State aid and another $73,000 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash
disbursements for July totalled $1,873,000 of which $1,070,000 was Local School Taxes,
$392,000 was for Salaries, $27,000 was refunds due to Tax Appeals, and $384,000 was for
miscellaneous other expenses. Under Recreation, Councilman Heeren reported on the Summer
Playground Program known as "Camp Rec Trek", which according to the report from
Recreation Director Andy Feintuch, was very entertaining for children from Hasbrouck
Heights ages 5 through 14. Over 252 children attended and the program which was held from
June 28 through August 13 from 9 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the children
having the opportunity to stay through lunch. Upon registration children received a
colorful camp shirt and 11-page parents handbook. Planned activities included special
theme days with games and rides, special lunch days, trips, mini trips, and contests.
Advertisement for an Aerobics Instructor for the Fall Program was placed. Tentative
schedule for Halloween in the Park Night is Friday, Oct. 15, depending on field
renovations at Woodland Park that might be scheduled, which could cancel this event.
Volunteers for this event were asked to call the Recreation Department. Councilman Heeren
said that as ombudsman to the Leisure Club, he attended the Bergen County Senior Citizens
Picnic at Van Saun Park on Aug. 11.
POLICE:
Councilman DiPisa reported the July statistics were 989 calls for service, 135 for 911
emergency calls,67 in person, 180 by radio, 483 by telephone and 24 walk-ins. There were
88 medical emergencies, 37 fire, 1 death by natural causes, 1 runaway, 21 juvenile
complaints, 31 suspicious persons and/or vehicles, 23 disputes, both general and domestic,
22 property, both damage and found,114 alarm intrusions, 60 motor vehicle accidents and a
total of 57 traffic accidents. A letter from the Lodi Police Department to Chief Michael
Colaneri was read thanking the Police Dept., and especially Officer Thomas Tozzi for
traffic assistance on July 9. Congratulations were extended to Captain Robert Carscadden
on his retirement who served over 25 years. Governor Whitman declared a water emergency on
Aug. 5, and urged all residents to follow water restrictions. Hotline 1-800-ITS DRY.
Upgrade of police dept. computers has begun and software scheduled to be installed in
September. The Police Dept. Baseball cards were previewed at a ceremony in the Municipal
Building on Aug. 19 with local dignitaries present. As liaison, Councilman DiPisa read a
letter from The American Heart Association who has chosen Hasbrouck Heights as the
"Town with a Heart" for the third consecutive year, with an update for the
plaque. Hasbrouck Heights is one of only two towns chosen in Bergen County for this award.
He reminded everyone regarding the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon on Labor Day weekend and
asked for volunteers. Mayor Torre congratulated Councilman DiPisa and his family on the
birth of their grandson.
FIRE & PUBLIC FACILITIES:
Under Fire, Councilman Pepe reported that Fire Alarms for the month of July were 44, with
a year to date (Fire Dept.fiscal year is Dec. 1) total of 270, 11 in Teterboro, 82
year-to-date and 3 for mutual aid, 34 year-to-date, totalling 58 fire alarms, 386
year-to-date. There were 48 ambulance calls for the Borough, 452 year-to-date, 32
paramedic assisted calls, 200 year-to-date, 4 for Teterboro, 55 year-to-date, 8 paramedic
assisted calls, 26 year-to-date and 11 for mutual aid, 87 year-to-date, 0 paramedic
assisted calls, 18 year-to-date, 103 ambulance calls, totalling 838 ambulance calls. Under
Public Facilities, Councilman Pepe reported that building maintenance continues on all
public buildings during the summer, painting, changing lights,preparing for the Winter. As
Library liaison, he reported that Governor Whitman came to Hasbrouck Heights on Aug. 18 to
sign the Library bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Rose Heck for new construction and
renovations of existing libraries, which is perfect timing for Hasbrouck Heights.
HEALTH & WELFARE:
Under Welfare, Councilwoman Verrastro reported that for the month of July there were 7
cases at the beginning of the month, 1 new case, 2 cases pending, 2 cases denied, 1 case
closed, 0 finger imaging, 9 referrals, 1 food distribution from the pantry, 1 clothing
dispensed and 5 conferences. Total monies expended for the month were $910.00. Welfare
Director Lee Kulakowski contacted Sr. Jean of Corpus Christi and received list of wheel
chair patients for Emergency Management Coordinator Roger Szanto. Under Health, there were
7 births, 6 males and 1 female, 42 burial permits issued, 48 dog licenses issued, 43
deaths reported, 15 food licenses issued, 1 milk license issued, 4 marriage licenses
issued, 4 marriage licenses recorded and 145 calls were received by the Department. On
Aug. 26 and Oct. 14, Food Handlers Course will be held for all food establishments in
Hasbrouck Heights.
SANITATION & PARKS:
Under Sanitation, Councilman Wassberg reported that the Second Quarterly Flow report
received from the Bergen County Utilities Authority shows for the year $278,960,000, down
17% from previous years. This is an indicator of what sewer charges will be next year.
Under Parks, Miers Park new playground equipment will be delivered from Ben Schaeffer by
the end of the week. The old playground equipment has been removed by the DPW.
Arrangements have been made for the installation of the new equipment.
REPORT OF MAYOR:
Mayor Torre announced that Borough Clerk Barbara Maldonado is leaving September 3, 1999
and wished her well. He also announced that Acting Borough Clerk will be Rose Marie Sees.
Appointments:
David Novotny and Brian Visotsky to Fire Department Engine Co. #2
Steven Soares to Ambulance Auxiliary
Angelo Roccamo and Edmund Carter III as Fire Department Mechanics
On motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the
foregoing appointments were made.
Resignations:
Resignation: Margaret Sherlock from the Board of Health
n motion by Marlene Verrastro, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the
foregoing resignation was accepted.
Mayor Torre reported that the Library Steering Committee will hold its first meeting on
Thursday, Aug. 26 in the Municipal Building. He also reported that Governor Whitman came
to Hasbrouck Heights the second time this year signing the bill appropriating funds for
library construction, sponsored by Rose Heck, and thanked her. The borough will be
applying for some of those funds. He has been appointed to the Bergen County Open Space
Advisory Commission by Bergen County Executive Schuber. This commission is responsible for
advising the freeholders and executive on purchasing property that can be used for park
land in Bergen County and he is hoping that some property could be obtained for Hasbrouck
Heights recreation and feels it is a good thing for Bergen County that finally there is a
committee and money to preserve open space. He extended condolences to the family of
Elbert Burr, who was former president of the Board of Education. His father was Mayor of
Hasbrouck Heights. He congratulated Ron Kistner and Chief Colaneri and the entire
department for the Police Department Baseball Cards program. He wished Robert Carscadden
best of luck in his retirement and thanked him for his exemplary service to the Borough of
Hasbrouck Heights. He announced that the Municipal Building is now alcohol free and smoke
free, a very positive thing for the Borough. He congratulated Andrew Feintuch for a very
successful Recreation Program.
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSENT AGENDA:
140. Granting of Raffle Licenses - HH Band Parents Assoc. & State Court of N.J.,
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the
foregoing consent agenda resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTIONS:
141. Appointment of Acting Borough Clerk
142. Authorizing Petty Cash Fund for Acting Borough Clerk
143. Award of Bid for All Purpose Field in Woodland Park
144. Refund of Overpaid Taxes - Hartz Hasbrouck & Power Test
145. Interfund Transfer
146. Redemption of Tax Sale Certificate - Rothman
On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the
foregoing Resolutions were adopted. (Resolutions attached)
Councilman Link asked for the total amount of Resolution 143 which was stated as
$57,623.50.
ORDINANCES ON INTRODUCTION:
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE
SALE PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13 OF LANDS AND PREMISES APPEARING ON THE CURRENT
ASSESSMENT MAP OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AS LOT 24.01 IN BLOCK 161 BEING AN
IRREGULARLY SHAPED TRACT OF LAND LYING IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER FORMED BY THE INTERSECTION
OF THE WESTERLY SIDELINE OF NEW JERSEY STATE HIGHWAY ROUTE 17 AND THE SOUTHERLY SIDELINE
OF LONGWORTH AVENUE, UNIMPROVED, HAVING A FRONTAGE ON AN IMPROVABLE STREET OF ONLY 25.36
FEET" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and
the Borough Clerk be and hereby directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said
Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on September 14, 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 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 and hereby directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said
Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on September 14, 1999
at 8:00 p.m.
On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously
carried, the foregoing Ordinances in Introduction were approved.
ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1869: Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to
speak on Ordinance No. 1869. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the
meeting to the public
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: ""AN ORDINANCE REPEALING
PARAGRAPH B OF ss84-12 WHICH PROVIDES TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK
HEIGHTS AN EXCEPTION FROM THE GENERAL PROHIBITION AGAINST THE SERVICE OR CONSUMPTION OF
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC PLACES AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 84 ENTITLED "ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS" 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 Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the
foregoing Ordinance on Public Hearing was adopted.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:
Audrey Bickhardt, 145 Cleveland Avenue., came forward to ask what is being done about the
business being run in the home next door to her at 149 Cleveland Avenue and the poor
maintenance of the property. She feels it is devaluating her property, there are cars all
day long, squirrels are in the garage at the back of the property, birds are all over her
house. Mayor Torre referred her to Michael Kronyak, as Zoning Enforcement Officer. Mr.
Kronyak stated that he and the Property Maintenance Officer Glenn Paxton have visited the
home several times, and noted that they have spoken with the tenant. As Ms. Birkhardt
continued, Mr. Kronyak suggested that this be continued outside of the meeting, and the
Mayor after some additional dialogue between he and Ms. Birkhardt, suggested that this be
done.
here 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, ROSE MARIE SEES, 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 August 24, 1999
Rose Marie Sees
Acting Borough Clerk
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