M I N U T E S February 27, 2001
A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 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, 2001 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and The Herald News on January 1, 2001.
Absent: None
SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Torre read the following correspondence: "Dear Mayor and Council: This is in response to your Borough Resolution No. 24, concerning the power of a governing body of a municipality to protect property values within its boundaries through the exercise of its zoning authority. I want you to know that I agree with your resolution and have introduced legislation to require that such undertakings by state agencies be subject to local zoning and land use control. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance on any other matters of concern. Sincerely, Louis F. Kosco, New Jersey Senator" A letter from Jane M. Kenny, Commissioner from the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs regarding the award of $7,695 as part of the Thermal Imaging Camera Purchase Assistance Program was held until the Mayor’s Report
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (February 13, 2001) On a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Minutes were accepted.
PETITIONS: None
BILLS: BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $94,661.14 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 a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.
FINANCE , HEALTH & SANITATION: Under Health, Councilman Link reported on the end of year report, that the equipment had been received to conduct the Food Handlers Course, and the hours to conduct the dog census amounted to 274 at a cost of $3,305.00. For the year 2000, food licenses issued were 141, 1999, 147; milk trucks 12, 1999, 14; vending machines 102, 1999, 96; dog licenses 785, 1999, 960; dog fees collected $6,000, 1999, $7400; deaths, 25 to 49 years 2, 50 to 59 years 4, 60 to 69 years 9, 70 to 79 years 31, 80 to 89 years 35 and 90 to 99 years 19. For the month of January 6 births recorded, 4 male, 2 female; burial permits 77, out of town 75, in town 2; certified transcripts 521, marriage 7, funeral directors request 514; fees collected $5,022. Total deaths recorded, 67, residents in town 2, non resident 55, resident deaths out of town 10. Food licenses issued 2, marriage licenses 0, marriages recorded 1; and a total of 138 calls to the office. Under Sanitation, he reported that a routine inspection of manholes revealed one located at Passaic and Field was not draining and the DPW attempted to clear the line but the Jet-Vac hose became logged in the line and could not be retrieved. Tyree, Inc. had drilled a test well through the sanitary line while working for the Getty Gas Station on Route 17. Approximately 30 feet of sanitary line had to be replaced and the Borough sought reimbursement and received $20,871.54. Under Recycling, the BCUA will discontinue the Municipal Recycling Assistance Program for 2001. Last year the allocation was $33,966.67 which was used to purchase paper bags for spring clean up, recycling calendars, lawn mowers and refreshments for Town Day, safety equipment, advertising, school programs and salaries. Under Finance, Councilman Link reported that the Current Fund cash balance as of Jan. 31, 2001 was $2,061,598.45 and at Dec. 31, 2000 was $2,288,753.60 a decrease of $227,155.15. The entire balance was invested and earned approximately 5.50%. Cash receipts for January totaled $1,937,198.79 of which 1,770,702 was for Current Taxes, $40,904.29 was Delinquent Taxes, and $125,592.50 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash Disbursements for January totaled $2,186,534.01 of which $1,189,768.91 was Local School Taxes, $398,086.29 was Salaries, and $598,678.81 was Other Expenses. He continued the 2001 Municipal Budget was introduced Feb. 13 with the public hearing scheduled for March 13 at the next regular meeting of the Governing Body.
WELFARE: Under Welfare, Councilman Heeren reported there were six active cases during the month of January, six new cases came in of which five were applicants who were employable and who were now employed. The director had attended a county seminar and that sometime in April or May a three-day course will be conducted in Trenton to get everyone on computers and update on the new State regulations. The department is getting ready for Easter and food distribution, predominantly food certificates as space is limited. The distribution will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for 16 families.
PARKS AND RECREATION: Under Parks, Councilman DiPisa reported the DPW entered into an agreement with Colonial Lawn & Sprinkler Company this year for service on the Woodland Park underground sprinkler system. Bids are being reviewed on fertilization and seeding of the area with an agreement hopefully reached by next week. It is anticipated to have the new soccer field open in mid May. Under Recreation, Councilman DiPisa reported that the Director had attended the Bergen County Dept. of Parks Award Dinner on Feb. 22 at which resident Al DeAngelo was honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award. The Junior Wrestlers were congratulated on a season well done as well as the coaches Mike Valenti, Joe O’Connor, Michael Colaneri Jr, Dan Guido and Ray Meyer and the Wrestling Parents Association. He also congratulated the Traveling Basketball Boys and Girls Teams who participated in the South Bergen Basketball League including teams of Corpus Christi, Lyndhurst, Wallington, North Arlington, Moonachie, St. Joseph’s of East Rutherford and Wood-Ridge. Senior Olympics is scheduled for June 6 at Randolph Township with five competing towns and upcoming programs include Girls Softball and Summer Camp. He reported that he and Rose Marie Sees had investigated an official web site on the Internet for the Borough and had met with Fritz Rethage of Iron Horse Advertising. This would be a quick access directory to all Borough services, meetings and valuable information which would be updated on a regular basis. It would prove a convenient way for senior citizens and new residents to check out what the Borough has to offer.
STREETS AND TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES: Under Streets, Councilman Pepe reported that the following streets would be resurfaced this year that were funded under 2000 Budget: Kipp Avenue-Boulevard to Woodside; Wood Street-all; Collins Avenue-Rt. 46 to Coolidge Ave; Cleveland Avenue-Terrace to Wood; Longview Avenue - all; Ottawa Avenue-Burton to Rt. 17, $140,000 from DOT grant. Streets under consideration funded from the 200-1 budget: La Salle Avenue-Boulevard to Oak Grove; Paterson Ave-Terrace to Burton; Kipp Avenue-Boulevard to Terrace, $145,000 DOT Grant; Summit Avenue - all to be reconstructed; and all of Plant Road to be reconstructed. Under Trees, he reported in the month of February two dead trees were removed and Public Service topped 12 dead trees, clearing the limbs away from the high tension wires and the DPW will finish the removal of these 12 trees. Under Public Facilities, Councilman Pepe reported the Hamilton Avenue Municipal Building has been cut free of all gas, electric and water and utilities capped. An asbestos engineer has been contracted to do an assessment who will present a report and if necessary bids will be sought to remove any asbestos. He continued that Feb. 28 would be the joint meeting of the Planning/Zoning Boards for the presentation of the Municipal Complex. The DPW had been clearing and videoing the sanitary sewers with the new Jet Vac truck. An incident occurred on the Boulevard between Hamilton and Walter where a section of main was being cleaned of roots which resulted in a portion of the line coming out. Bar San, National Water Main and the DPW repaired the problem today. He continued the truck is getting good use and it is hoped that the borough can purchase its own video equipment in the near future.
POLICE AND LAND USE: Under Land Use, Councilwoman Verrastro reported that the Planning Board had held their regular meeting on Feb. 6 at which time Gateway Realtors presented their request for the building on Longworth and Boulevard. The Board of Adjustment meeting held on Feb. 20 approved the resolution granting a driveway widening and heard two resolutions for two additions. Klein Outdoor was carried and Krispy Creme who withdrew their application. She asked residents to check with the Building Department when planning any renovations to homes. Under Police she reported the D.A.R.E. graduation for Corpus Christi would be held March 1. The Eighth Grade English Class had visited the Police Department and it was a very informative day and she later in her report read some thank you letters from the students. The Police Chief asked her to remind residents that they must clean their sidewalks of snow within 24 hours. For the month of January there was 1,054 calls to the Police Department. She has been attending the Coalition meetings for the airport which will be held the first Wednesday of every month. They have hired an engineering company who only reports on airports and she mentioned the article in the Sunday paper regarding the Boeing Jets of 171,000 tons. She said that right now Port Authority was fighting them and residents should call 393-6700 or send a letter objecting to this to Flight District Standard Office, 150 Fred Waring Drive, Teterboro NJ Attn: Fred Stern. She asked for a resolution to the FAA objecting to this.
FIRE:
REPORT OF MAYOR: The Mayor began his report by also commending the Fire Department and their commitment, congratulating Chief Knobloch, 1st Assistant Chief Robert Thomasey and 2nd Assistant Chief Joseph Taylor. He continued that a Grant from the Governor had been received to go toward the purchasing a Thermal Imaging Camera. Boulevard consultants Burgis Associates had attended a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. He had asked Burgis to present the final plan to the public within the next month or two.
RESIGNATIONS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSENT AGENDA: None
36. Authorizing Treasurer to Draw a Check to Postmaster, South Hackensack for Bulk Mail Postage 37. Authorizing Payment of Interest on Bonds On a motion by Councilman
Wassberg, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously accepted, the foregoing Resolutions
were approved. (Copies attached) ORDINANCES ON INTRODUCTION: ORDINANCE NO. 1920: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $1,700,000.00 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY PRESENTLY ANTICIPATED TO BE REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION THEREON OF A NEW MUNICIPAL BUILDING TO INCLUDE THE BOROUGH’S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES, A NEW FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND A SENIOR CITIZENS’ CIVIC CENTER AND FURTHER 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 $1,615,000.00" 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 March 13, 2001.
ORDINANCE NO. 1920: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE A TENANTS RELOCATION ASSISTANCE ADVISORY BOARD AND TO AUTHORIZE IT TO MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AND THE ASSISTANCE TO BE RENDERED TO TENANTS TO BE DISPLACED FROM RESIDENTIAL DWELLING PREMISES ACQUIRED BY THE BOROUGH FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING THE NEW MUNICIPAL COMPLEX ON THE BOULEVARD BETWEEN CENTRAL AND MADISON AVENUES AS PROVIDED BY N.J.S.A. 20:4-1 ET SEQ., THE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE ACT" 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 March 13, 2001. On a motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Introduction were approved.
ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Torre opened the meeting up to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance No. 1918 and Ordinance No. 1919. There being no wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the public hearing on said ordinances.
ORDINANCE NO. 1918: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESURFACING OF PORTIONS OF ROOSEVELT AVENUE FROM WOOD STREET TO THE BOULEVARD AND FRANKLIN AVENUE FROM THE BOULEVARD TO ROUTE 17 AS PART OF THE 1996 PROGRAM FOR THE IMPROVEMENT TO STREETS AND CURBS, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $100,000.00 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 $95,000.00" BEING ORDINANCE NO. 1778 ADOPTED ON DECEMBER 30, 1996, SO AS TO INCLUDE THEREIN THE RESURFACING OF CLEVELAND AVENUE FROM WOOD STREET TO THE BOULEVARD" be now passed on 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. 1919: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESURFACING OF LA SALLE 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" BEING ORDINANCE NO. 1852 ADOPTED ON APRIL 27, 1999, SO AS TO INCLUDE THEREIN THE RESURFACING OF COLLINS AVENUE FROM ROUTE 46 TO COOLIDGE AVENUE AND THE RESURFACING OF LONGVIEW AVENUE FOR ITS ENTIRE LENGTH" be now passed on 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 Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Introduction were approved.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: At this point, Councilman DiPisa asked although this was not on the agenda, he asked that the possibility of a utility baseball/softball field be revisited in Woodland Park in the clearing next to the new soccer field without removing any trees. Mayor Torre invited anyone wishing to speak to please come forward. James Velardo, 330 Hackensack Street, Carlstadt, had come representing the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 534 and since the Borough was listed as a ratepayer for sewerage treatment services with the Bergen County Utility Authority, he had come to raise awareness that the County Executive was proposing privatizing County services. He read a lengthy letter stating some facts regarding the company they were proposing and the Union’s opposition. He asked for this Borough’s support, and left abundant material relating to this matter which was given to the Borough Clerk for distribution to the mayor and council. Sharon DeMarco Stun, 71 Ottawa Avenue, who had with some of the residents affected by the Ottawa Avenue sewer back up met with the Building Committee, asked if there was any fact finding information available as yet. She had contacted a previous neighbor who had responded with a letter addressed to the Mayor and Council which she presented. She was advised that the Committee had met with insurance counselors and hoped to have some information within the next week or two. They informed Ms. Stun that they would be contacting the residents when they had this information.
CLOSE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Mayor and Council adjourned for Executive Session to discuss any matter involving the purchase, lease or acquisition of real property with public funds and for any matter involving the employment, appointment, termination of employment, disciplinary action unless individual requests a public hearing.
ADJOURN: There being no further business to be conducted by the Mayor and Council, 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 February 27, 2001. Rose Marie Sees, RMC
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