M I N U T E S June 27, 2000
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 December 28, 1999 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and The Herald News on December 28, 1999. ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor William J. Torre, Councilman Andrew Link, Councilman Herbert D. Heeren, Councilman Justin DiPisa, Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro, Councilman John Wassberg Absent: Councilman Garrett R. Pepe
SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance
PRESENTATIONS: Mayor Torre called on Steven Handy to come forward, informing the assemblage of Steven’s upcoming trip to Australia and presented Steven Handy with a letter which read: "On behalf of the citizens of Hasbrouck Heights, we wish you good luck and God speed on your travels to the great country of Australia as a People to People Student Ambassador. Always remember that all of us are very proud of you for endeavoring to go so far away from family and friends at such a young age. In celebration of your journey, the Mayor and Council are designating you as our "Good Will Ambassador" to the cities that you visit in Australia. We have prepared Proclamations for you to present to the governing bodies of each city expressing our thanks and good will to their citizens. Lastly, I enclose a check made out to you to cover some of your expenses of your journey. Again, best of luck and have a safe and enjoyable journey. s/William J. Torre, Mayor"
He next called upon the Senior Citizens who had participated in the Senior Olympics on June 8, to present each of them a certificate of participation. He also called on Councilman DiPisa who presented each with a special gift as well. President of the Leisure Club Rose Mulle announced the names with the help of Mayor Torre and Councilman Di Pisa, and took those certificates and gifts for those not present and would deliver them.
COMMUNICATIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
PETITIONS: None
BILLS: BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $90,702.42 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 Andrew Link III Commissioner of Finance On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.
FINANCE , STREETS and TRANSPORTATION: Under Trees, Councilman Link announced that in June the DPW removed 11 dead trees and trimmed 74 trees. PSE&G will be removing 24 trees and the Bergen County Road Department will remove 8 trees on county roads. Under Streets, for the month of June, seven dumpster and 12 sidewalk permits were issued, 37 emergency calls, from New Jersey One Call. Numerous calls were received about rerouting of traffic on Franklin Avenue between Rt. 17 and Terrace which had to be rerouted due to installation of a new gas main by PSE&G that ran from Berkshire Road across Franklin Avenue to Oldfield Avenue. Under Finance, Councilman Link stated that the Current Fund Balance as of May 31,2000 was $2,125,896.63 and that on April 30, 2000 was $907,727.46, an increase of $1,218,169.17 for the month. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 6% interest. Cash receipts for the month of May totaled $4,038,469.92 of which $3,943,020.04 was for current taxes, $22,290.98 was delinquent taxes, and $73,158.90 was miscellaneous revenues. Cash Disbursements for the month of May totaled $2,462,102.04 of which $1,039,154 was Local School Taxes, $371,6217.23 was Salaries, and $496,243.81 was Other Expenses.
POLICE: Commissioner Heeren reported the Police department had been busy, hosting the sixth annual Bicycle Marathon in which 200 contestants participated and completed the 24 hour event. The winning Girls team consisted of Joyce Risalvato, Colleen Carris, Vanessa Parisi, Christine Rocha and Danielle Caroccia. The winning Boys team was Odessa Turner, Nick Timpone, Travis Melchior, Blaze Fidel, and Steven Condal. On July 4th all the winning participants will be presented with a bicycle donated by Bill Kundert of Kundert Motors. On Thursday, June 22, Deputy Police Commissioner Wassberg and Commissioner Heeren attended the 84th Graduation of the Police Academy Class of 2000. Four policeman from Hasbrouck Heights were in that class who did very well, one was a platoon leader, another won the Ironman award for excellence in physical skills. He reminded residents that school was out and to be extra careful. New radar units have been installed in the police cars which can read speeds from the front and back of the car. The Torch Run for Special Olympics was held with 12 Hasbrouck Heights own running throughout Hasbrouck Heights who raised funds for this cause. During the summer, Sgt. Jack DeLorenzo (Juvenile Officer) and Michael Stillman from the high school will conduct a junior police academy for eighth grade students from Hasbrouck Heights at the high school field and from July 26 to Aug. 2. The Kidcare program whereby all kindergarten students are fingerprinted has been completed. Three of our policemen went to Atlantic City to a Police Expo to observe the latest equipment. During the month of May there were 925 requests for service to the police desk, 105 were 9-1-1, 180 were relative to Rt. 17 and Rt. 46 incidents, 3 calls to Holiday Inn and 6 calls to the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton, and 77 to other communities. There were 220 overnight parking summonses, a drop of 25 from last year; 14 for parking in handicapped zones, 12 for parking in 1 hour zones, and 12 for prohibitive zones. A letter of commendation was received for Officers Rinke, Caccavella and Baker, and Sgt. Krisinski regarding a call in May.
FIRE AND RECREATION: Councilman DiPisa gave the Fire Report for May: Hasbrouck Heights, 51 calls, year to date 240; Teterboro 14, year to date 59; mutual aid 4, year to date 11; total for the month 59, year to date 315. Ambulance calls for May: Hasbrouck Heights, 66, year to date 309; paramedic assisted calls 32, year to date 171; Teterboro, 9, year to date 39; paramedic assisted 6, year to date 25; mutual aid, 2, year to date 29; paramedic assisted 5, year to date 9; total 120, year to date 582. On July 10, the two structures that will house the fire equipment on a temporary basis should be delivered and constructed on Hamilton Avenue on or about July 15 on the east side parking lot and the parking lot across the street. Under Recreation, Commissioner DiPisa thanked all the Seniors who participated in the Senior Olympics, and that this has also been recognized by the American Heart Association. The Stroke Assessment Program had 112 applicants who filled out the questionnaire which was returned to the American Heart Association who would forward back an action plan to avoid the risk of stroke. Camp Rec Trek opened June 26 with a record number of children participating. The Girls Softball Traveling Team has been practicing, received their new uniforms and began with their first scrimmage tonight with Maywood.
SANITATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES: Under Sanitation, in Councilman Pepe’s absence, Councilman Wassberg read his report. On Jan. 5, 1999 the BCUA adopted an amendment to the Bergen County District Solid Waste Management Plan designating the use of Resource Recovery Tax Investment Funds to the MRAP. Since 1990, $50,000,000 in grant funds have been distributed to the B.C. 70 municipalities. Hasbrouck Heights received $33,966.67 for the year 2000. This year’s entitlement will be used to pay salaries, printing 2001 Recycling Calendars, purchase Bobcat Loader, sponsor two Recycling School programs, offset costs of Town Day, purchase paper sacks for Spring cleanup and purchase tools for Recycling Center. A section of Borough owned 10" sanitary sewer line located in the Holiday Inn parking lot has been backing up. After a video inspection it was determined that a 190 foot section sagged down one foot. It was decided to replace the section in two phases because of the high ground water level that would make excavation difficult. Under the Board of Health, he reported on the statistics for the month of May: births recorded 15, 8 male, 7 females; burial permits, 52, out of town 52; certified transcripts, 343 of which 2 for marriage, 341 for funerals; dog licenses, 65; with a total amount of fees collected for April of $3,692. Total deaths reported 56, Hasbrouck Heights 2, residents from out of town, 6, non residents, 50. There were 110 calls for various inquiries. Under Parks, Town Day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23 and residents are asked to mark their calendars. Last week the DPW received numerous calls regarding the grass cutting on state owned property by the Boulevard and Routes 17 and 46. In past years the DPW maintained this area, but recently the state has sent their own crews..
LAND USE AND WELFARE: Under Welfare, Councilwoman Verrastro reported 8 cases at the beginning of May; cases closed, 1; cases pending, 3; cases denied, 1; 2 families received food from the pantry; certificates granted, 1; referrals to HUD, 5; and to other agencies, 6; conferences with other agencies 9; 15 interviews. Upon investigation, she discovered one of her clients committing fraud and she has been reimbursed $300, leaving a balance of $257. Councilwoman Verrastro commended Lee Kulakowski for her thoroughness. Under Building and Land Use for the month of June to date, 82 building permits were issued which included plumbing, electrical, alterations, siding, roofs, fencing for a total value of construction was $305,900. Glenn Paxton, Zoning enforcement officer, sent letters to different residents regarding parking on the grass, overgrown lawns and hedges and that summonses would be issued if not corrected. She reminded the residents to check with the Building Department before beginning any work on their homes, and that contractor signs are not allowed.
REPORT OF MAYOR: Before beginning his report, Mayor Torre spoke of Boy Scout Troop 17, and read a proclamation for Thomas Krieger who went from Tiger Cub to Eagle Scout and had the Borough Clerk read it into the record (copy attached). He was to be honored at a reception on Friday, June 30. He read into the record a letter to Governor Whitman regarding the recent court decision which overruled the parole boards denial of convicted killer, Thomas Trantino’s parole request. "The citizens of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights were outraged at the recent court decision which overruled the parole boards denial of convicted killer, Thomas Trantino’s parole request. "Most of us still remember that tragic night back in 1963 when the two young Lodi Police officers were murdered in cold blood by Thomas Trantino. These two officers cut down in the prime of their lives never had the chance to see their children grow up nor enjoy their middle and twilight years. Unfortunately, we can never bring them back, however we have the power to deny Mr. Trantino what he craves the most, his freedom. "The victims of these heinous crimes could have well been two of our own Hasbrouck Heights police officers. We are proud of our police department and support them in our community 100%. We must set a strong example that if you take the life of a police officer who is there to protect and serve their community, the killer belongs in jail for the rest of his life. "I know you have instructed the Attorney General to take the necessary appeals, to the Supreme Court, to overturn the lower court’s decision. On behalf of the citizens of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights, we urge you to continue this cause so that Mr. Trantino does not have the chance to enjoy the freedom he has taken away from the families involved in this incident. Make no mistake, under no circumstances should Mr. Trantino be paroled. I believe He should be confined to jail for the rest of his life." s/ William J. Torre. He congratulated Tom Mele and the Chamber of Commerce on the Farmer’s Market with the grand opening to be held July 4th at 1 p.m. Tom Mele spoke and said that everyone is unbelievably happy, the chamber, the farmers, and that he hoped that he would never have to come back to a council meeting regarding the Farmer’s Market. Mayor Torre noted that the Children’s Parade would be held at 10 a.m. on July 4th and that this was a long standing tradition, dating back to the 1940s. He congratulated the Seniors on the Senior Olympics, congratulated Chief Colaneri and Captain Castiglione on the Bike Marathon, including the Fire Department, DPW and Board of Education. He spoke on the ordinances on schedule for this meeting, especially 911 service for Wood-Ridge and commended Chief Colaneri and Administrator Michael Kronyak for their work on this. He also spoke on the ordinance prohibiting parking of vehicles over 4 tons on borough streets. Borough Attorney Ralph Chandless Jr. announced that this ordinance should be continued on public hearing as some SUVs might be over 4 tons and he would investigate this further.
NEW BUSINESS: CONSENT AGENDA: (Copies attached.)
106. Authorize Rejection of Bids Received for Barrier Free Curb Program 107. Authorize Developer’s Agreement Bond Returned to Heights Car Wash 108. Authorize Award of Bid for Acquisition of Skid Steer Loader On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolutions were approved. (Copies attached.)
ORDINANCE NO. 1905: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BOROUGH OF WOOD-RIDGE TO PROVIDE "911" EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004" 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 June 27, 2000. On a motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance on Introduction was approved.
ORDINANCE(S) ON CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance No. 1896. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the public hearing on said ordinance. ORDINANCE NO. 1896: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 261 ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO INCLUDE THEREIN A PROHIBITION AGAINST THE PARKING OF ANY MOTOR VEHICLES OF A GROSS WEIGHT IN EXCESS OF 8,000 LBS. (4 TONS) UPON ANY PUBLIC STREET WITHIN THE BOROUGH EXCEPT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING OR DELIVERING GOODS OR MATERIALS OR RENDERING OF SERVICES" be now continued on public hearing until June 27, 2000 as Borough Attorney asked this ordinance to be held until clarification of gross weight of SUVs was made which could affect this ordinance. On a motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance on continued public hearing was accepted.
ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinances No. 1903 and 1904. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the public hearing on said ordinances. Mayor Torre commenting on Ordinance No. 1904, which amends the sewer ordinance which requires strict enforcement of disposal grease by food establishments and will be one of the strictest in the county.
ORDINANCE NO. 1903: 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 2000" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and 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.
ORDINANCE NO. 1904: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 222 ENTITLED "SEWERS" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and 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 a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Public Hearing were approved.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: Mayor Torre opened the meeting for anyone wishing to speak. Paul Mulle, 321 Kipp Avenue, spoke regarding a property maintenance problem on Kipp Avenue and if it would be corrected. Lois Carlson, 200 Longworth Avenue, who lives next to the gas station, spoke regarding the barrels at the back of the building, and the condition of the gas station, and whether there might be seepage into the ground from the gas tanks, and if there was any relation to the cases of diabetes and cancer in the immediate neighborhood. Borough Attorney Chandless advised that the cleanup is under the DEP jurisdiction and that the construction official would be apprized to insist on the site being remedied. Dolores Frisco, 220 Longworth Avenue, asked if the town could get federal grants for sidewalks, and the Mayor told her that Hasbrouck Heights has received grants, citing the one previously mentioned for barrier-free curbs. She asked why Lodi receives such funds, and he advised her that due to lower income they do receive additional monies. She was also advised that the council is seeking state grants and application is made year after year. Robert Zappatelli, 1 Lincoln Street, had participated in the Senior Olympics and was upset that there was no medical provision, the condition of the restrooms and other problems that occurred. He did not want to criticize the newly appointed Recreation Director, but make her aware of these problems. The bathrooms he was advised were Board of Education jurisdiction, they had been cleaned for the event, but that they do need to be refurbished and that the council had applied for CD funds to make the bathrooms accessible but this was rejected this year. He was also told that originally the event was to be held at Woodland Park, but due to the new field installed, it was changed to the Athletic Field. He asked about the senior center and the mayor assured him that the council was meeting regularly to discuss the claim and the feasibility study and hoped that information would be available to present to the public shortly. Rose Mulle, 321 Kipp Avenue, was upset that she had not received a reply to her letter regarding the Senior Olympics problems which confirmed what Mr. Zappatelli had reported. She also asked about the senior center, and Mayor Torre said he would attend the September 5th 50th Anniversary Leisure Club meeting. She inquired about the Boulevard sidewalks and the mayor said they had a planner looking into this. Joseph Hughes, 210 Longworth Avenue, had a problem with his sidewalk and a borough tree. He was advised to call the DPW. Lois Carlson returned to speak about traffic on Longworth Avenue, that vehicles turn on that street to avoid traffic problems and speed. Chief Colaneri was asked to post radar units.
ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, the public portion of the meeting was adjourned. The meeting then went into closed session to discuss possible litigation. 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 June 27, 2000. Rose Marie Sees
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