BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

June 25, 2002

 
A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, June 25, 2002 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, 2002 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and The Herald News on January 1, 2002.

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

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

PROCLAMATION: Benjamin Tracz, Veteran of World War II

Mayor Torre invited Mr. Tracz to come forward and the Proclamation was read into the record (copy attached) by Council President DiPisa.

PROCLAMATION: Krista M. Handy, People to People Student Ambassador Program Representative (copy attached).

The Proclamation was read into the record by Mayor Torre. Copies of the Proclamation were given to Ms. Handy to hand out to each town in Australia and New Zealand that she would be visiting.

COMMUNICATIONS:

The following correspondence has been received as of this date:

1. Letter from Michael J. Cahill, Commander of Captain James B. Scarr Post 106 American Legion regarding 46 star American Flags.

Mayor Torre asked the clerk to invite Mr. Cahill and American Legion Post members to the next council meeting to make presentation of the flags to the Borough.

A motion to accept the Correspondence was made by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None

PETITIONS: None

BILLS:

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $178,850.13 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 Wassberg seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.

FINANCE AND SANITATION:

Under Finance, Commissioner Link reported that a report would be given at the next meeting. He also reported that word was still being awaited regarding the State budget and the request for Extraordinary Aid. Under Sanitation, Commissioner Link would give a report at the next meeting.

HEALTH, STREETS & TRANSPORTATION & SOCIAL SERVICES:

Under Health, Commissioner Heeren gave the following report for May: 9 births recorded, 6 male, 3 female; burial permits 90, out of town 88, in town 2; certified transcripts 730, marriage 12; death, 0; funeral directors requests 718; Fees collected: dog licenses, $614 of which $250 was late fees; burial permits, $88; certified transcripts, $3,650; food licenses and late fees, $30; marriage licenses, $140; vending machines, $0, with total fees collected $4,870. Total deaths recorded, 92, residents in town 5 residents out of town 5; non resident 82. Food licenses issued 2, vending licenses issued 0, marriage licenses 5, marriages recorded 10; and a total of 109 calls to the office.

Under Sanitation, Commissioner Heeren would have a report at the next meeting.

Under Social Services, he reported the director had been hospitalized and is now back to work. While she was recuperating at home, she worked by telephone providing assistance and food distribution to needy families. She had received baby items from Girl Scout Troop 531. She had received a donation of food items from a resident who was moving out of town.

Under Streets and Transportation, he reported that the paving of Ottawa Avenue would be re-started very soon. He was asked about Summit Street, and said construction was reportedly scheduled for late July with completion in September.

Under Recreation, Commissioner DiPisa reported the Senior Olympics held on June 5 in Rutherford was a huge success and those who participated were congratulated as well as Recreation Director Rob Brady for holding the regular practices and his direction at the event. The summer camp has over 200 children registered. The program will be held in Woodland Park from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning July 1 through Aug. 9. The Traveling Softball Team comprised of 5^th and 6^th grade girls and 7^th and 8^th grade girls will be competing in the Carlstadt Girls Softball League. He commended the police, ambulance and fire personnel for their speedy and professional assistance with an emergency in his family over the past weekend.

FIRE AND PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Commissioner Pepe gave the Fire report for May: Fire Alarms: Hasbrouck Heights, 34 calls, year to date 204; Teterboro 3, year to date 44; mutual aid 4, year to date 10; total for the month 41, year to date 257. Ambulance calls for May: Hasbrouck Heights, 40, year to date 413; paramedic assisted calls 33, year to date 164; Teterboro, 5, year to date 65; paramedic assisted 6, year to date 33, mutual aid, 7, year to date 42; paramedic assisted 0, year to date 9; total 91, year to date 726. He reported that a home was struck by lightening on Father’s Day and that fire had severely damaged the roof. He commended the Fire Department for their quick response, noting that a fireman was injured at the scene, taken to the hospital and released and is okay.

Under Public Facilities, he reported the balance of the award of bids for the construction of the Municipal Complex were given out last week and contracts were mailed to the successful low bidders. A pre-construction meeting will be taking place within the next week once the contracts are received. Demolition of the Public Safety Building should occur by the next month or two, with the site work for the temporary fire structure starting next week. Structural steel for the Municipal Complex is 100% complete. He alerted residents of the fence line now to the curb and that pedestrians should use the west side sidewalk of the Boulevard.

He was honored to attend the high school graduation, his daughter Lara graduating, and was impressed and moved by the great ceremony and Project Graduation, commending Sergeant Mullins and Patrolman Corey Lange.

POLICE AND LAND USE:

Under Land Use, Commissioner Verrastro reported 84 permits were issued for the month of May. She reminded residents to check with the Building Department before starting any work project and they or the contractors might need a permit before starting any project and contractor signs are not allowed on front lawns. Seven summonses were issued for property maintenance, mainly for improper disposal of garbage.

Under Police, she reported 886 calls were received for the month of May. She continued that today was the first day for the Junior Police Academy with graduation to be held July 2. The program would include speakers from the FBI, Sheriff’s Department, PBA with a trip planned to the Bergen County Police Academy. She congratulated Patrolmen Paul Albanese and James Ciccarelli on their graduation from the Police Academy on June 20. She congratulated Patrolman Ciccarelli who, out of 16 participants, received the Second Place Ironman Award. She attended the 8^th Grade D.A.R.E. Party at the Swim Club, congratulating Chief Colaneri, Capt. Castiglione, Lt. DeLorenzo and Sgt. Mullins. She attended the Anti Drug Council Concert and commended the program and its volunteers. Responding to the speeding problem on Field and Oldfield Avenue, she and the Police committee had proposed a 7 to 9 a.m. no left turn which would receive a trial run to see if it will reduce the problems.

PARKS:

Under Parks, Commissioner Wassberg reported that a Gazebo has been placed at the Firemen’s Memorial Park. He reported improvements to parks will be addressed during the coming year and thanked the DPW for maintenance of these parks and asked residents to please not litter in the parks.

Mayor Torre began his report by alluding to the Gazebo and that a dedication would take place in the near future to be announced, noting that the area is a quiet and dignified memorial to the heros who have served the Borough. He commended the Fire Department in relation to the house fire on Father’s Day. He congratulated the Anti Drug Council on the Concert and the volunteers on its success. He attended the high school graduation and commended this excellent class, noting their extensive community service, sports involvement and accomplishments. He had attended the 8^th Grade Graduation and was duly impressed. He attended the 8^th Grade D.A.R.E. Party and commended the Police Department and volunteers. He announced the Senior Citizens Picnic on July 11, inviting Assemblywoman Heck and any seniors over 50. He announced the Recreation Summer Program would be held in Woodland Park. Regarding Field and Oldfield Avenues, he supplemented what was previously said, noting that parking issues in that area are also being addressed. He reported some constructive ordinances would be introduced shortly relating to the Route 17 corridor. He congratulated the Chamber of Commerce on a successful Farmer’s Market, one of 12 in the State of New Jersey.

APPOINTMENTS: None

RESIGNATIONS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

CONSENT AGENDA: None

RESOLUTIONS:

116. Authorizing a Noise Ordinance Waiver for the New Jersey Department of Transportation for Maintenance Roadway Repair Contract No. 125 for Route 17 and Route 46

The clerk reported she had received a letter asking for this waiver, and under the borough attorney’s recommendation, she questioned the extent of time that would be needed, and had not received word. A motion to hold Resolution No. 116 until more information was received was made by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro and unanimously carried.

Mayor Torre reported this was not related to the sanitary sewers located under Route 17, that application had been made to the NJ Department of Transportation to close a section of the highway to repair the sewers and was denied, which would result in a much more costly repair. Assemblywoman Heck (who was in the audience) was asked for her help in this matter and the information would be relayed to her office.

117. Authorizing Cancellation of Outstanding Checks to Operations

118. Renewal of 2002-2003 Liquor License Holders

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

ORDINANCE NO. 1969:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 222 ENTITLED "SEWERS," CHAPTER 236 ENTITLED "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS," AND CHAPTER 133 ENTITLED "FEES" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO INCREASE CERTAIN OF THE FEES CHARGED BY THE BOROUGH IN RESPECT TO PERMITS TO MAKE CONNECTIONS INTO THE PUBLIC SEWERAGE SYSTEM AND IN RESPECT TO APPLICATIONS FOR CERTAIN ROAD OPENINGS IN ORDER THAT SUCH FEES MORE ADEQUATELY ABIDE THE COSTS OF THE BOROUGH IN CONNECTION THEREWITH" was 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 July 9, 2002.

ORDINANCE NO. 1970:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 28 ENTITLED "FIRE DEPARTMENT" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO PROVIDE THEREIN FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF A JUNIOR AMBULANCE AND FIREFIGHTERS SQUAD" was 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 July 9, 2002.

On a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, Ordinance No. 1969 and Ordinance 1970 were approved.

Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance No. 1967. There being no one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CONVEYANCE OF AN EASEMENT TO THE COUNTY OF BERGEN OVER PORTIONS OF LOTS 18 AND 19.02 IN BLOCK 48 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ROAD WIDENING AND IMPROVEMENTS" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is 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 Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance on Public Hearing was approved.

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

At this point the meeting was open for comments from the public.

Rose Heck, 501 Collins Avenue, reported she had spoken with the Meadowlands Commission regarding Riser Ditch and thought a meeting should be held with the municipalities along the east and west Riser Ditches as soon as possible. July 15 or 16 was a recommended date and sufficient notice would be made. She also had spoken with the VFW and several council members regarding the pavers and would be holding a meeting with the Police, Fire and Library and would coordinate this program with the mayor and council.

Carol Skiba, 191 Field Avenue, regarding the Route 17 road repair work, at which she was advised it was not known exactly where the work was to be done, and in light of the fact that if they were doing repair work on the highway, and then the Borough would be repairing the sewer and undo that repair work, questioned what the Field Avenue residents could do. Assemblywoman Heck noted that the NJ DOT would come to the town if asked. Mayor Torre reported he had been attending Route 17 meetings.

CLOSE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION:

The meeting was closed for any pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation or 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 June 25, 2002.

Rose Marie Sees, RMC
Borough Clerk


#########

[ Back to Index of Mayor & Council Minutes ]