BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

September 25, 2001

 A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, September 25, 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.

PROCLAMATIONS: Proclamation to John J. Boyd, World War II Veteran (copy attached)

Mayor Torre asked for this citizen to come forward, saying that his honorary record should be preserved as a part of the history of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights and asked Councilwoman Verrastro and Councilman Pepe to also come forward for the presentation.

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES:

Mayoral Certificates were presented to the 10-Year Old 2001 District 5 Little League Champions: Anthony Marino, Robert Handy, J T Golio, J T Halpin, Shawn Zahn, Dylan White, Michael Messeri, Nick Curci, Daniel Fitzgibbons, John Segreto, Robert Schroback, and Robert Kistner; and to the 2001 Northern States League Undefeated Champions: J T Golio, J T Halpin, Shawn Zahn, Robert Kistner, Nick Brunetti, Jimmy Antoniotti, Brian Casey, Daniel Forte, Anthony Greco, Jamie Wollerman and Steve Wendolowski. (Copy attached) Certificates were also presented to all team players from Assemblywoman Rose Heck.

At this point Mayor Torre had to leave and Council President Pepe presided over the meeting.

COMMUNICATIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (August 28, 2001)

On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Minutes were approved.

PETITIONS: None

BILLS:

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $353,708.01 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 DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.

FINANCE, HEALTH AND SANITATION:

Under Finance, Commissioner Link said that a report would be made next month. Under Health, he reported that the Board had held a meeting on Sept. 19, and that a review of a business in town had received three notifications of non-satisfactory, and still in effect to this date. Upgrade of software for all computer programs was to be done. The Food Handlers Course was complete, except for two, and next year’s program was being planned. Licensing of cats was tabled until more information could be obtained. He gave the following report for the month of August, 15 births recorded, 13 male, 3 female; burial permits 51, out of town 48, in town 3; certified transcripts 453, marriage 9, Death 17, Birth 2; funeral directors requests 425; Fees collected: dog licenses $389, of which $180 was late fees; certified transcripts, $2,265; food licenses and late fees, $1,025; marriage licenses, $84; with total fees collected $3,600. Total deaths recorded, 51, residents in town 4, residents out of town 2; non resident 45. Food licenses issued 8, marriage licenses 3, marriages recorded 7; and a total of 77 calls to the office. Two crows tested positive for West Nile Virus, the areas were under observation, this being the end of the West Nile season.


Under Sanitation, Commissioner Link reported the DPW asked the BCUA to check meter #270 which was found to be accurate and the line from the Public Works Garage to the BCUA has been cleaned. A new Inspector General TV Inspection System was purchased from Cues, Inc. of Florida, which will be used to inspect sanitary and sewer water lines.

SOCIAL SERVICES:

Commissioner Heeren reported that the Welfare cases had been turned over to the County. The Social Services Director was in communication with the County regarding these cases. For the month of August, there were 46 outgoing calls, 40 incoming calls, 16 interviews, food was distributed to four families, and Shop-Rite certificates were given to one family. The Jr. Woman’s Club contributed clothing and shoe certificates for children who would be going back to school.

Under Recreation, Councilman DiPisa reported on the numerous programs including Men’s Over 30 Basketball, Men’s Flag Football, Adult Co-ed Volleyball, Arts and Crafts registration, Adult and Senior Aerobics, and that the Recreation Director was investigating prices and schedules for adult day trips to the theater, however with the situation in New York City, this program would be put on hold for a short time.

Under Parks, Commissioner DiPisa reported that Town Day had a considerable turn out and thanked the Police, Fire, Health and Recreation Departments, Friends of the Library, all Parent Organizations, Clubs, Civic and Service Organizations and the Jr. Woman’s Club for running a Blood Drive. All donations were given to the Police and Firefighters Fund of New York City. Town Day was funded through the Municipal Recycling Association Program Grant which the state has now canceled, and that Town Day would be turned over to the Recreation Department. He thanked DPW Supt. Heck for a great job. The Borough received a State grant for $50,000 for park improvements which will be used to remodel the rest rooms, complete the walking path and various other improvements. He thanked Assemblywoman Rose Heck who was instrumental in this grant acquisition. He commented on the Vigil Ceremony the previous week and the wonderful turn out.

STREETS AND TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Under Streets, Commissioner Pepe reported 50 trees were ordered from Matera’s Nursery for fall planting, with an additional 25 requested from the Bergen County Public Works Department. When this is completed, 200 trees will have been planted this year.

Under Public Facilities, he reported that the properties at 210 and 214 Central had been demolished with the contract awarded to Race Excavating. East Coast Haz Mat Removal, Inc. removed asbestos from both houses. The DPW had prepared specifications for the demolition of three buildings at the new Municipal Complex site and 248 Hamilton Avenue site. An area at the DPW has been cleared for one of the Butler Buildings presently used by the Fire Department at Hamilton Avenue. When the Fire Department no longer needs this building, it will be disassembled and installed at the DPW Garage. The back lot at the Public Works garage has been cleaned and after stabilizing certain areas will be graded level ready for storage of fill, stage leaves and snow. He announced that Groundbreaking Ceremonies would be held on Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. at Central Avenue. He said he had attended the Ecumenical Service this past Sunday which was very moving.

POLICE AND LAND USE:

Under Land Use, Councilwoman Verrastro reported 53 new permits, with the total value of construction at $239,763. Four summons were issued for debris and garbage, four letters received, four letters answered, 16 inspections, 12 property maintenance violations, two dog debris, 10 garbage/debris violations and police assistance was requested two times. She congratulated the Property Maintenance Officers for circulating the town for violations. She reminded residents to not place garbage out at the curb before 7 p.m. She also reminded residents that parking vehicles on lawns was prohibited.

Under Police, she reported that for the month of August, there were 1,109 calls. Residents were reminded to not park illegally and to cross at the crosswalks, not in between cars. She extended everyone’s condolences to Patrolman Thomas Archer on the loss of his brother-in-law at the World Trade Center. She read a letter from the Board of Health commending those officers for finding delinquent dog owners. She read a letter of thanks from a Lodi resident.

Commissioner Wassberg reported the Fire Department had fire vehicles on stand by for the World Trade Center disaster and commended those members of the department who had assisted. He commended those firefighters and mutual aid who had answered the fire call at 128 Oak Grove Avenue. He gave the Fire Report for August: Fire Alarms: Hasbrouck Heights, 50 calls, year to date 359; Teterboro 14, year to date 87; mutual aid 2, year to date 27; total for the month 66, year to date 473. Ambulance calls for August: Hasbrouck Heights, 104, year to date 818; paramedic assisted calls 25, year to date 236; Teterboro, 26, year to date 166; paramedic assisted 9, year to date 62; mutual aid, 6, year to date 62; paramedic assisted 3, year to date 20; total 136, year to date 1,046.

REPORT OF MAYOR:

APPOINTMENTS:
Kevin Todd as Lieutenant of Engine Company One Effective September 5, 2001

Robert Pietz as Mechanic of Engine Company One Effective September 5, 2001

John M. Riordan as Member of the Ambulance Squad

On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously accepted, the foregoing Appointments were approved.

RESIGNATIONS: None

CONSENT AGENDA: None

RESOLUTIONS:
135. Authorizing Appraisal Services with Regard to Further Possible Property Acquisition

136. In Response to the Attack on America

137. Authorizing Grant Agreement with Community Development - Construction of Senior Center

138. Awarding of Contract for Resurfacing of Ottawa Avenue

139. Authorizing Award of Bid for New Pumper Truck for the Fire Department

140. Endorsing CD Application #1 - Elevator in Public Safety Complex

141. Endorsing CD Application #2 - Barrier Free Curbs

142. Conditionally Authorizing Consent to Remediation Project at Getty Gas Station on Route 17

On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously accepted, the foregoing Resolutions were approved. (Copies attached)

Councilman Link questioned the Getty Gas Station resolution and discussion between himself, the administrator and borough attorney transpired regarding Groundwater remediation.

ORDINANCES ON INTRODUCTION: None

ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: None

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

At this point, Councilman Pepe invited anyone wishing to speak to please come forward.

George Boghossian, 487 Hasbrouck Avenue, was upset that Cablevision had come on his property and dug up his yard with giving him no advance notification. He felt there was a safety risk involved especially as there had been robberies in that area recently. He wanted tighter or more rigorous enforcement. He was assured that the matter would be looked into by the Borough Attorney and whether permits should have been secured initially. Mr. Boghossian also made note of the condition of the sidewalk on the other side of his street and the hazard caused by a tree that blocks motorists view when pedestrians are crossing Williams Avenue at the Hasbrouck Avenue intersection. DPW Supt. Heck was asked to looked into both matters.

Sal Scaglione, 332 Springfield Avenue, who had attended the August 28, 2001 voicing some concerns, reported that he had received a letter from Pat Vella, Property Maintenance official who had addressed some of his concerns from that meeting. He felt the problems were still present at the nearby apartment house and was told to continue addressing these problems with Mr. Vella. Mr. Scaglione was also concerned about the constant littering in Memorial Park, the condition of the grounds and the flags, and a meeting with Mr. Vella, DPT Supt. Heck and himself was scheduled for the next day. He was also asked to forward a copy of the list he kept making reference to Michael Kronyak.

CLOSE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION:

The Council adjourned for Executive Session to discuss any matter involving the purchase, lease or acquisition of real property with public funds.

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 September 25, 2001.

Rose Marie Sees, RMC
Borough Clerk

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