M I N U T E S July 25, 2000 A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, July 25, 2000 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 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
COMMUNICATIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (June 13, 2000) On a motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Minutes were approved.
PETITIONS: None
BILLS: BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $169,862.30 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 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 July the DPW removed 24 dead trees which were located in and around high tension wires. PSE&G topped the trees and the DPW removed the stalks. Under Streets, for the month of July, three dumpster and five sidewalk permits were issued, and 42 emergency calls, from New Jersey One Call. A new Dodge Mason Dump Truck with a plow will be purchased to be used for recycling, street maintenance and snow plowing. The addition of this vehicle allows the DPW to increase the plow routes from four to five, which means the entire borough can now be plowed in four hours instead of five hours. The truck was purchased through a state contract and was funded by two grants - Municipal Recycling Assistance Grant and a state tonnage grant. Under Finance, Councilman Link stated that the Current Fund Balance as of June 30, 2000 was $1,022,048.00 and that on May 31, 2000 was $1,025,000, a decrease of $1,103,000 for the month. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 6 1/2% interest. Cash receipts for the month of June totaled $254,000.00 of which $62,000.00 was for current taxes, $19,000.00 was delinquent taxes,$80,000.00 was grants and state aid, and $92,000.00 was miscellaneous revenues. Cash Disbursements for the month of June totaled $1,711,000.00 of which $1,039,000.00 was Local School Taxes, $410,000.00 was Salaries, and $261,000.00 was Other Expenses. Tax bills were mailed out the previous week and a notice was included extending the grace period of payment for paying of third quarter taxes until August 18, 2000, this extension required because of a delay in the tax free calculation by the County Tax Board caused by a new program called REAP. The Tax office will be open on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.
SANITATION: Under Sanitation, in Councilman Pepe’s absence, Councilman Link as Deputy Sanitation Commissioner continued with the following report. One of the three sanitary pumps located at Franklin Avenue Pump Station was replaced with a spare pump by DPW employees. Parts have been ordered to rebuild the old pump totaling $4500.00. Under Recycling, the Bergen County Utilities Authority will be sponsoring a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, August 19, 2000 for paint and paint related items, used motor oil and used computer equipment. The location for this event will be the BCUA at the foot of Empire Boulevard, Moonachie, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This will be the last paint collection event for this year.
POLICE: Councilman Heeren reported that Sgt. DeLorenzo and Sgt. Mullins held a DARE swim party in June at the H.H. Swim Club. The Fireworks on July 4th and Baby parade in the morning went well. The Police Chief and members of his department traveled to Atlantic City for a Police Expo on June 28 and to Trenton on June 29 with others from Hasbrouck Heights to receive commendations from the New Jersey Assembly following the recent disasters in Hasbrouck Heights namely the plane crash and Municipal Building fire. The Speed Monitor Indicator is being placed at various locations throughout town. The department received 27 new portable radios due to a state grant and the old radios will be recycled to the DPW and Emergency Management. The four new recruits graduated from the Police Academy on June 22 and have been receiving on the job training with experienced officers. During the month of June there were 893 requests for service to the police desk, 103 were 9-1-1, 181 were relative to Rt. 17 and Rt. 46 incidents, 4 calls from Holiday Inn and 15 call from the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton, seven from Shop-Rite, and 66 from other communities including 43 to Teterboro. There were 176 overnight parking summonses, a drop of 21 from last year; 1 for parking in handicapped zones, 13 for parking in 1 hour zones, and 13 for prohibitive zones. Total police car mileage was 8,951 miles, a little less than prior months.
FIRE AND RECREATION: Councilman DiPisa gave the Fire Report for June: Hasbrouck Heights, 31 calls, year to date 271; Teterboro 7, year to date 76; mutual aid 1, year to date 12; total for the month 39, year to date 359. Ambulance calls for June: Hasbrouck Heights, 48, year to date 357; paramedic assisted calls 25, year to date 196; Teterboro, 6, year to date 45; paramedic assisted 7, year to date 42; mutual aid, 1, year to date 30; paramedic assisted 5, year to date 14; total 92, year to date 674. He reported site work has begun on Hamilton Avenue for the Temporary Fire Headquarters, the steel work will begin soon, and he commended Borough Administrator Michael Kronyak for working hard to get this job accomplished, and Fire Chief Robert Thomasey for his presence at all the meetings and interest. Under Recreation, Commissioner DiPisa reported that Camp "Rec Trek" is in full swing, with 192 children signed up, and many joining as the summer continues. Four weeks have been completed, with six successful trips to various places as Gingerbread Castle, Fun Station, Space Farms, Wild West City, Funtime Junction and the Bronx Zoo and the remainder of trips sold out. The Girls Traveling Softball team is currently participating in the Maywood Girls Softball Tournament and have participated in six games so far. Interest in Women’s Softball League is growing and the program will expand in the future. Biddy Basketball plans are in the works, with Recreation Director Danielle Scipioni in contact with the Hasbrouck Heights High School Basketball Coaches to expand the program and possibly have a traveling team. He commended Scipioni on handling everything well. He was concerned with the new scooters the children are using, and that he was concerned about the safety and advised parents to follow the same guidelines for bicycles, wearing helmets when using these scooters.
PUBLIC FACILITIES: As Deputy Commissioner, in Councilman Pepe’s absence, Councilman DiPisa reported on Buildings and Grounds. He stated that two temporary buildings are being installed at the former Borough Hall to house the Fire equipment. The first to be located in the parking lot across from the Municipal Building to house two ambulances; the second located in the east parking lot to house the pumper and rescue truck. The costs are being paid for by insurance. When they are no longer needed, they will be dismantled and taken to the DPW Recycling Center to store equipment. Mayor Torre stressed also the importance of helmets when using scooters.
LAND USE AND WELFARE: Under Welfare, Councilwoman Verrastro reported 6 cases at the beginning of June; cases closed, 1; cases pending, 1; cases denied, 2; 2 families received food from the pantry; certificates granted, 1; money expended $1,340. Rent subsidies referrals numbered 3, and 14 other referrals; interviews and investigations10; and state reports, 4. Under Building and Land Use for the month of June to date, new permits issued,1; permits updated, 1; building permits were issued which included plumbing, electrical, alterations, siding, roofs, fencing for a total value of construction was $477,630. Glenn Paxton, Zoning enforcement officer, sent letters to different residents regarding parking on the grass and overgrown lawns and that summonses would be issued if not corrected. She had received some complaints from residents on Field Avenue regarding the Getty Station on Route 17 and asked that they be addressed, and she would try to get more information as well.
BOARD OF HEALTH: Under the Board of Health, Councilman Wassberg reported on the statistics for the month of June: births recorded 8, 3 male, 5 females; burial permits, 45, out of town 44; in town, 1; certified transcripts, 322 of which 6 for marriage, deaths, 3; 332 for funerals, for a total of $14, 932; dog licenses, 30 for a total of $237; with a total amount of fees collected for June of $15,169. Food licenses issued, 49; food establishment, 43; mobile units, 6; milk licenses, 8; marriage licenses, 9; marriage licenses recorded, 16; 134 calls to the Board of Health office. He urged all residents to eliminate any stagnant water around their homes, i.e., bird baths, pool covers, drains, as a preventive for breeding of mosquitos that might carry the West Nile Virus.
REPORT OF MAYOR: Mayor Torre was very pleased to announce that Resolution No. 117 regarding the annual audit had a section regarding general comments and recommendations and that there were no findings of noncompliance and he was very proud of this fact and congratulated everyone involved. He reported that Joseph Burgis, the planner retained by the borough to advise on the Central Business District, has been meeting with businesses on the Boulevard. He and several members of the council, DPW Supt. Heck and Michael Kronyak had watched a demonstration that morning for a Sidewalk Vacuum as a possible purchase, even though it is the responsibility of the business owners to maintain their sidewalks. He said the DPW does use leaf blowers on the Boulevard at least twice a week. He announced that there will be a public hearing on August 15 and invited the public to attend this important meeting to discuss plans for the municipal building complex. He thanked Assemblywoman Rose Heck and Assembly Speaker Jack Collins for the honor given to the Borough on Heights Day in Trenton and for the certificates given, which he said would hang in the new municipal building. Regarding July 4, he commended Audrey Ascione and Tony and Dorothy Bernice and the volunteers on the Children’s Parade which he felt was a great success, he praised the Farmer’s Market and Tom and Meli and Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro, and the Fireworks commending Tom Mason of the Lions Club and the Fire, Police, and DPW. He announced that the Borough Employees including the Mayor and Council members and the children in the Recreation Camp would be having a Stickball Game at noon Friday and invited everyone to come watch.
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSENT AGENDA: 116. Raffle License for Hasbrouck Heights Parents Association for Athletes On a motion by Councilwoman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro and unanimously accepted, the foregoing Resolution on Consent Agenda was approved. (Copy attached) RESOLUTIONS: 118. Authorizes Purchase of
Stamps for Fire Inspection Permit Fee Invoices
ORDINANCE NO. 1906: BE IT RESOLVED that an
Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO FURTHER AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT AN ORDINANCE
ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND SITE PLAN REVIEW OF
DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL LAND USE
LAW," ADOPTED ON MARCH 23, 1987, AS THE SAME HAS BEEN HITHERTO AMENDED AND
SUPPLEMENTED SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE AUTOMATIC NECESSITY TO OBTAIN SITE PLAN APPROVAL IN
CERTAIN CASES WHEN NO IMPACT UPON ZONING IS LIKELY AND THEREBY FACILITATE IN CERTAIN CASES
CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP OR TENANCY OF CERTAIN NON-RESIDENTIAL PREMISES" 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 August 8, 2000. ORDINANCE NO. 1907 BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESURFACING OF WOOD STREET THROUGH ITS ENTIRE LENGTH, CLEVELAND AVENUE FROM TERRACE
AVENUE TO THE BOULEVARD AND KIPP AVENUE FROM THE BOULEVARD TO WOODSIDE AVENUE AND OTHER
NECESSARY APPURTENANCES TO APPROPRIATE THE TOTAL SUM OF $190,000.00 THEREFOR, $9,500.00 OF
WHICH TO BE RAISED FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND $180,500.00 OF WHICH TO BE
FINANCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOCAL BOND LAW 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 August 8, 2000. ORDINANCE NO. 1908: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESURFACING OF OTTAWA AVENUE FROM BURTON AVENUE TO ROUTE 17 AND OTHER NECESSARY APPURTENANCES TO APPROPRIATE THE TOTAL SUM OF $215,000.00 THEREFOR, $140,000.00 OF WHICH HAVING BEEN GRANTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY UNDER THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND, $10,750.00 OF WHICH TO BE RAISED FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND $64,250.00 OF WHICH TO BE FINANCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOCAL BOND LAW" 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 August 8, 2000.
ORDINANCE NO. 1909 BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE REHABILITATION OF CERTAIN SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES WITHIN THIS BOROUGH FOUND OR TO BE FOUND IN NEED OF THE SAME, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $50,000.00 FOR THAT PURPOSE 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 August 8, 2000. On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Introduction were approved.
ORDINANCE(S) ON CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance No. 1896 which had been continued on public hearing was withdrawn until further clarification of gross weight of SUVs could be obtained.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: Mayor Torre opened the meeting for anyone wishing to speak.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: Salvatore Scaglione, 332 Springfield Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, was upset with the speeders coming through Springfield Avenue, and Police Chief Colaneri was asked if he could set up the radar unit. He was also upset with the fact that residents from Terrace Avenue were parking in front of his home all the time and what could he do about that. He commented on the increase in volume and the size of trucks on Passaic Avenue and was told that it is a county road. Robert Searle, 57 Henry Street, Hasbrouck Heights, praised the Farmer’s Market and asked that more residents would attend zoning and planning board meetings. Frank Meo, 44 Washington Place, Hasbrouck Heights, asked to have repeated the streets that were going to be repaved and was told Wood, Cleveland and Kipp with capital funds, and Ottawa with a state grant.
ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, the public portion of 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 July 25, 2000. Rose Marie Sees
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