BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

July 24, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, July 24, 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.

ROLL CALL: 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 THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMUNICATIONS: The following correspondence was received as of this date:

1. Thank you notes from Stephanie Renna and Gary Gagliardi, recipients of the Mary B. Quigg Scholarship.

2. Thank you letter from Robert Zappatelli, Sr., vice president of the Leisure Club of Hasbrouck Heights in appreciation for the Mayor and Council participation in making the "First Annual Heights Seniors Picnic" such a success.

3. Thank you letter from Rianna Volpe, age 4, to Mayor Torre for his help in getting the cat out of the tree on Terrace Avenue. She wrote, "It’s nice to know there are still heroes in the world."

4. A memorandum from Larry Hazzard Sr., Commissioner of the State Athletic Control Board notifying municipalities of Extreme Wrestling Regulation in New Jersey.

5. The 2000 Annual Report of the Bergen County Utilities Authority.

Item #3 was read in full and it was explained that the Mayor came to the aid of this cat who had been stuck in a tree for five days, and through the efforts of this child, the cat was rescued by the Mayor and the DPW employees.

Motion: A motion to waive the reading of any other item of correspondence at length into the record and to accept the correspondence and place the same on file was made by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously approved.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None

PETITIONS: None

BILLS:

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $488,945.81 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 a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.

FINANCE, HEALTH AND SANITATION:

Councilman Link gave the following Board of Health Report: the monthly meeting was held on July 11. The annual dog census for 2001 has been completed and will be forwarded to the Trenton Rabies Control, which was conducted by school crossing guards, completed in 14 days and took 220 hours. Thirty seven dogs were found without a license and have until July 27 to obtain a license. For the month of June, 11 births recorded, 7 male, 4 female; burial permits 60, out of town 57, in town 3; certified transcripts 440, marriage 5, Death 2, funeral directors requests 433; Fees collected: dog licenses $351, of which $60 was late fees; certified transcripts, $2,200; vending machines, $125, food licenses and late fees, $1,000; marriage licenses, $168; food handlers course, $1,530; miscellaneous $950; child health conference, $60; with total fees collected $6,091. Total deaths recorded, 58, residents in town 1, residents out of town 4; non resident 53. Food licenses issued 7, marriage licenses 6, marriages recorded 9; and a total of 129 calls to the office.

Under Sanitation, Commissioner Link reported the BCUA would be holding the final paint collection for the year on Aug. 11 and the final Hazardous Waste collection on Sept. 9. A memo was received from the Bergen County Department of Health Services regarding the re-authorization of the Clean Communities bills presently up for ratification and that the bills were pulled from the Assembly’s schedule and not voted on. If re-authorization does not take place there will be no more Clean Communities program and complete loss of funding. Last year the Borough received $15,284 and with the loss of the MRAP Grant would bring the total loss of grant monies to $49,250.

Under Finance, Commissioner Link reported that the Current Fund cash balance as of June 30, 2001 was $1,605,715.63 and at May 31, 2001 was $3,218,680.44, a decrease of $1,612,964.81. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 4%. Cash receipts for June totaled $235,421.09 of which $52,703.26 was for Current Taxes, $24,198.93 was Delinquent Taxes, $8,945.83 was State Aid and Grants, and $149,573.07 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash Disbursements for June totaled $1,848,385.90 of which $1,067,503.95 was Local School Taxes, $474,963.88 was Salaries, and $305,918.07 was Other Expenses. Due to statewide delays in calculating the tax rates, mailing of tax bills is delayed, with the deadline for the third quarter payment from Aug. 1 to Aug. 21 and that the tax office will be open Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WELFARE:

Commissioner Heeren reported that the Mayor and Council had decided to transfer the Welfare administration to Bergen County. A smooth transfer occurred for July 1. The Director of Welfare continues her other duties for three half days a week. He continued that as Senior Ombudsman, a picnic was held on July 11, and he commended those who worked hard planning the picnic, namely Borough Clerk Sees, Leisure Club V.P. Zappatelli, and Recreation Director Scipioni. A great time was had by all the Seniors who attended. There were only favorable comments.

Under Parks, Commissioner DiPisa reported that the DPW constructed 10 new picnic tables for Woodland Park, bring the total number of tables back to 20. Over the winter 15 more are planned. The DPW has removed most of the shrubs from 248 Hamilton Avenue and replanted in Woodland Park. The remainder worth saving will be removed in the fall. He had also received questions regarding the paver blocks which are being stored at the DPW on Plant Road. He continued that Valley Landscaping will fertilize the new field in Woodland Park in August. Town Day is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Under Recreation, Councilman DiPisa reported that Summer Camp was half way through with an enrollment of over 200 children and that the remainder of trips lined up included Imax Theatre and Rain Forest Café, Six Flags Great Adventure and Medieval Times. The town’s first Annual Senior Picnic was a huge success with over 200 people attending. The first free outdoor concert featuring the Blue Chip Chorus of Bergen County will be held on Aug. 9 at Woodland Park. He congratulated Tom Meli and the successful Farmer’s Market. He also congratulated Fritz Rethage of Iron Horse Advertising on a great website.

STREETS AND TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Under Streets, Commissioner Pepe reported on permits issued for the second quarter: Dumpster permits, 16; sidewalk permits, 14; for a total collected $660. The following streets have been resurfaced: all of Longview Avenue, Collins from Coolidge to Route 46, Kipp from the Boulevard to Woodside, Hamilton from Boulevard to Terrace, Cleveland from Terrace to Wood and all of Wood Street.

Under Trees, he reported that in a three year period from 1966 to 1999 the DPW trimmed all the Borough trees. Block by block, they are trimming all the trees again, with the trees being evaluated and any dead limbs removed. Eighteen dead trees have been removed, and another ten are scheduled with assistance from PSE&G.

Under Sanitary Sewers, he reported the DPW Superintendent met with Jim McGregor of Killim Engineering regarding the inflow of rain water into sanitary sewers and five sights to meter the flow in the system. The objective is to remove rain and ground water to reduce yearly charges. The three foot trunk line which belongs to the BCUA and starts at the DPW yard was inspected by the DPW and found to have 10 to 12 inches of grit. The DPW requested the BCUA to clean the line.

POLICE AND LAND USE:

Under Land Use, Councilwoman Verrastro reported a very busy month for construction. She thanked Property Maintenance Officers Pat Vella and Glenn Paxton for checking with businesses and homeowners. Residents were reminded to have contractors not put signs on property.

Under Police, she reported that for the month of June, there were 1,152 calls. An exam was held for new patrolmen. The Eighth Grade D.A.R.E. swim party was held and she commended Chief Colaneri, Lt. Shihanian, Sgt. Mullins and Sgt. DeLorenzo. The equipment was ordered for the upgrade of Fire and Police radios and the site work would begin this week. Car 623 was completed and placed into service. The Yield to Pedestrian signs replaced those damaged. She attended the Junior Police Academy graduation and commended those police officers for a great learning experience for those children. She read two letters commending several police officers during emergency situations.

Commissioner Wassberg reported that on July 31, the Hook and Ladder will be sent for repairs which should take six months, and mutual aid will take over. The ladder will be re-calibrated, accident damage will be repaired and some body work will be done. The 10 year old truck will be sent by flat bed. Assistant Chief Thomasey and Joseph Taylor were commended for their work in getting this accomplished. He gave the Fire Report for June: Fire Alarms: Hasbrouck Heights, 43 calls, year to date 279; Teterboro 8, year  to date 62; mutual aid 3, year to date 24; total for the month 54, year to date 365. Ambulance calls for June: Hasbrouck Heights, 119, year to date 645; paramedic assisted calls 42, year to date 186; Teterboro, 17, year to date 121; paramedic assisted 4, year to date 46; mutual aid, 6, year to date 49; paramedic assisted 3, year to date 17; total 142, year to date 815.

REPORT OF MAYOR:

APPOINTMENTS: Bernardo Valente as Mechanic of Ambulance 25-EMS2

On a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Appointment was approved.

RESIGNATIONS:
Brian Visotsky from Fire Department Engine Co. 2 as of November 8, 2000George Chiha Jr. from Ambulance Squad as of April 5, 2000

On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resignations were accepted.

Mayor Torre noted Ordinance No. 1945 for LOSAP which will go on public referendum in November, provides for a pension for firefighters and will also make the Fire Department more attractive for additional personnel.

Regarding the Shell Station on the Boulevard, he noted that many were questioning the council on this property, and said they were interested, but there are inherent problems that preclude any purchase, but are looking into it further.

Another resolution on the Agenda, for the requesting for state grants for the Library, based on the formulas from the state, the request will be increased from 500,000 to 780,000 dollars. He thanked Assemblywoman Rose Heck for spearheading this grant for all municipalities in the state. He said that Tax bills, would be mailed tomorrow and the delay was due to an municipal inter-governmental sharing program. Extension to pay tax bills would be until Aug. 21, 2001 without interest or penalty. The Tax office would be open Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. until noon. He reported the local purposes tax rate is going down 1.7 points, for which the mayor and council felt very proud and the average local tax rate for municipal purposes has increased only 4.2 points in seven years.

He also congratulated those who worked on the first annual Senior Picnic, especially Danielle Scipioni, Rose Marie Sees and Robert Zappatelli. He commended the Key Club and those Borough departments who made it such a successful event. He commended the Chamber of Commerce and the successful Farmer’s Market and thanked the Police Department making the Junior Police Academy a great experience for the children involved.

Regarding the Welfare Department, he explained that the department was going to the county, as it is being computerized and congratulated Lee Kulakowski for doing a wonderful job over the years, and that she would continue on as Social Services Director.

RESOLUTIONS:
102. Resolution Approving Tort Claim Notice

103. Authorizing Application for Funds for Public Library Project Grant Program

104. Authorizing Officer to Serve as Public Agency Compliance Officer (P.A.C.O.)

105. Authorizing Extended Due Date for Third Quarter Taxes

106. Authorizing Tenant Assistance to a Tenant at 320 Boulevard

107. Supporting Re-authorization of Clean Communities Bills A-2413 and S-1288

108. Authorizing a Check Made Against the Trust Account

109. Authorizing a Check Made Against the Fire Proceeds Trust Account

On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and

unanimously accepted, the foregoing Resolutions were approved. (Copies attached)

ORDINANCE NO. 1945:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:14-183 ET SEQ. IMPLEMENTING THE EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEER LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARDS PROGRAM (LOSAP) FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE HASBROUCK HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND OF THE HASBROUCK HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER AUXILIARY AMBULANCE

PROGRAM AND FURTHER SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 28 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS TO PROVIDE FOR AN OFFICER TO COMPILE QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDITS REQUIRED OF VOLUNTEERS HEREUNDER" 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 14, 2001.

On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance on Introduction was approved.

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

At this point, Mayor Torre invited anyone wishing to speak to please come forward.

Frank Roberts, 304 Cleveland Avenue, had reported that his curb and several others on his block had been broken during the recent repaving of that street and complaints were filed on July 3, 2001 and he thought the job should be inspected before and after completion to see any problems. He was concerned that he had not heard anything back. He was told that inspections were held and that a copy of a letter had been received from the engineer to the contractor with a punch list of what repairs should be done. It was also explained that a retainage bond is also held which in the event the repairs were not done by the contractor, the Borough would use those funds. Mr. Roberts questioned the broken sidewalk at the north end of town and why it was being left that way and was told that it was being addressed and that property might be under change of ownership. His next request centered around overnight parking, that could something be done such as allowing property owners to have parking stickers for cars that could not fit in the driveway. He was told that this ordinance was to keep vehicles off the streets during the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. so they could be patrolled properly, and for proper cleaning of streets and snow removal. It was felt that these benefits outweighed the hardship of a few residents regarding this.

CLOSE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION:

The Mayor and Council adjourned for Executive Session to discuss any matter involving the employment, appointment, termination of employment, disciplinary action, unless individual requests a public meeting.

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 July 24, 2001.

Rose Marie Sees, RMC
Borough Clerk

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