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Mayor Ronald R. Jones
Annual Message 2006
[Mayor's Corner]

Excerpts from the Mayor's 2006 Reorganization Remarks

I would like to take this time to wish everyone a Happy New Year and welcome to our 2006 Reorganization meeting and my State of the Borough address. It is the Mayor's responsibility to address the residents annually and to give a report of the State of the Borough.

2005 again continued to be a very good and productive year for the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights and I am happy to report that the state of the Borough is in fine shape and looking once again to the coming of a new year with new opportunities and Goals to make 2006 as successful as 2005.

Once again I can explain the reason for our successful year of 2005 is due to the hard work and dedication of the Council, all the borough employees, and the willingness, and unselfishness, of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights residents who have either served on many of the volunteer boards or who have supported our efforts to make Hasbrouck Heights the best that it can be. As your Mayor I am extremely proud, humbled and very thankful to each and every one of you for sharing your time and talents with this beloved Borough.

I would like to congratulate Councilman Justin DiPisa for his re-election to the council and also congratulate, and welcome, Councilwomen Maryetta Saccomano for her election to this council. I look forward to working with both of you this coming year and the years ahead.

I would also like to take this time to personally thank Councilman Andrew Link for his dedication to this Borough and wish him well in his future endeavors. I thank you for all that you have accomplished for this fine Borough, Andy, and I know that all the citizens of Hasbrouck Heights thank you and wish you well. We will always be indebted to you and your family for the sacrifices that you have made over the years of your incumbency.

I ask of you Andy to please stay active in our town's future. I as Mayor need your wisdom, guidance, and friendship. I wish you and your family God's blessing in the path that you now choose to follow.

Before I read some of the highlights of the year 2005 I would like to take the time to personally and individually thank Councilman Andrew Link, Councilman Justin DiPisa, Councilman Ron Kistner, Councilman Tom Meli, Councilman Leonard Introna, and Councilwoman Carol Skiba , Borough Clerk Ro Sees, CFO and Administrator Mike Kronyak, Borough Attorney Ralph Chandless, Police Chief Mike Colaneri, DPW superintendent Bob Heck, now on retirement, Acting DPW superintendent Bill Spindler, and Fire Chief Joe Bob Taylor for all their support through out the year. It is certainly encouraging to know that when people work as a team, together for a greater cause, that the team can accomplish its goals, and move forward toward their individual dreams for the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.

Now let me share with all of you some of the highlights of the year 2005.

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS FOOD PANTRY

The Hasbrouck Heights Food Pantry was officially opened on April 25 and has continued to be open on a weekly basis every Monday (with the exception of holidays which fall on a Monday, then it is open on Tuesday) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. There are now 18 volunteers who graciously donate their time and talent to insure that this happens. Thank you all very much for all your time and efforts.

Special thanks to all who have kept the shelves stocked throughout the year or made donations for the holidays. Gifts of cash, Shop-Rite gift cards, grocery items, turkeys, gifts for all ages and toys were donated by the Friendly Neighbors, Corpus Christi Church, First Reformed Church, St. John's Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Euclid and Lincoln Schools, the Contemporary Club, Karen McDowell and the Corpus Christi Rosary Society, Claire and Bob Derco, Amy, Dorothy and Patrick McCarthy, Bank of America, John & Phyllis Bonnacolta, Al and Louise Vereeken, Carolyn DePascale, Euclid Lodge 136 F&AM, Kearny Federal Savings, Jerry Breen, Judith Bonanno, Michael Corcoran, Euclid School and Mrs. Gant's Class, Borough employees, Connie Margagliano, and Corpus Christi Brownie Troop 1180.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The recreation department has had another great year! By implementing multi-generational programs that are the backbone of strong communities.

Each program has a purpose, from building character and responsibility through youth sports to allowing volunteers to feel connected to its local government by assisting in many of our recreation programs.

There are four broad base recreation categories in Hasbrouck Heights, they are as follows: Senior Programs, Youth Programs, Adult Programs, and Multi-generational events/programs.
First, Senior Programs benefits anyone who is 62 years and older who resides anywhere in the United States can come and participate in our senior center activities. Youth Programs benefit every child male or female ages 6- 17 that reside in Hasbrouck Heights. Adult Programs benefit anyone 18 an older that is a resident of Hasbrouck Heights or a former member of our community. Multi-generational events, such as "Town Day" and "Halloween in the Park" benefit the entire community. I consider these events as a chance to showcase what our community offers to its resident's families and friends.

SENIOR PROGRAMS
Monthly activities in the senior center are designed to attract a wide variety of our community's senior population. There are two important objectives first, "improve quality of life" with Health & Wellness and also "quality enjoyment of living" which means having specific things to enjoy and look forward to doing.

* HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS CONSIST OF;
1. Weekly Aerobics
2. Weekly line dancing
3. Weekly Yoga
4. Monthly Guest Speakers
5. Free monthly health exams (joint program with Bd. of Health)
6. Bi-Annual "Life Line Screening Program for Early Detection"
7. Student Assist Seniors Program (S.A.S.P.) will be explained under multi-generational programs
8. Senior Olympics practice and competition

* QUALITY ENJOYMENT OF LIVING PROGRAMS CONSIST OF:
1. Weekly movies
2. The Senior Picnic (organized and run by Ro Sees funded by Recreation Dept, and Municipal Alliance)
3. Seasonal Theme Parties (Halloween Costume Party10/05,)
4. Fun Bingo
5. Weekly social afternoons
6. Annual Senior Olympics

NEW SENIOR PROGRAMS TO LOOK FOR IN 2006
* Billiards and bridge club

YOUTH PROGRAMS- through the many youth programs the recreation department has something to offer all the children of our community. Through their athletic programs they try to help children establish a sense of responsibility and good sportsmanship while helping them build character. They also develop a sense of pride by representing our community on our traveling teams. Our community's recreation center has been able to provide children a place to go on weekend evenings to meet new friends, play games, interact with our volunteer chaperones, and realize that the recreation department is very proactive in helping children stay active and social with their community. This center is an extremely important tool for children to learn proper socialization skills outside of a classroom or home and one that we can all be proud of.

* RECREATION YOUTH ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
1. Wrestling- boys from 1st - 8th grades
2. Youth Basketball boys and girls 1st
3. Traveling Girl's Basketball
4. Traveling Boy's Basketball
5. Track & Field 5th
6. Softball
7. Traveling Softball

* RECREATION YOUTH ACTIVITIES
1. Summer Camp- 6yrs. - 13 yrs.
2. Recreation Center-6th - 8th grade
3. Summer Day Trips
4. Theme parties and social nights at the recreation center.
5. Employment opportunities- 14yrs and up, as a camp counselor, referee, scorekeeper.
6. Volunteer opportunities- senior center, wrestling tournament scorekeeper, and c.i.t.
7. Counselor in Training Program- allows 14 year old children to register as a volunteer counselor at summer camp where they are supervised by experienced counselors in all aspects of the summer camp responsibilities.

NEW YOUTH PROGRAMS TO LOOK FOR IN 2006
* Annual ping pong tournaments
* New trips, and theme days for summer camp.

ADULT PROGRAMS- the recreation department is looking to add to our current list of adult programs in 2006. The department offers an adult volunteer coaching program, which is essential to the success of our youth athletic programs. With most of our adult programs we try to establish some type of fitness workout through fun team sports.
1. Adult volunteer coaching program
2. Adult coed volleyball
3. Adult basketball
4. Men's flag football
5. Adult table tennis tournament
6. Community chaperone opportunities

NEW ADULT PROGRAMS TO LOOK FOR IN 2006-
* Adult yoga classes
* Adult aerobic classes
* Adult art club
* Men's basketball tournament

MULTI-GENERATIONAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS- are events that the entire community can enjoy and participate in. Events such as "Town Day" and "Halloween in the Park" are successful examples of an entire community enjoying a specific day organized by our recreation department. Multi-generational programs are programs where the youth of our community can assist our senior citizens or where our youth can learn from our adults, it is that interaction between generations that can build strong communities.
1. Town Day
2. Halloween in the Park
3. Students Assist Seniors Programs (S.A.S.P.)

NEW MULTI-GENERATIONAL EVENTS IN 2006-
* Seniors chaperones for after school programs
* Mixed generation billiards, cards, chess, and checkers
* Recreation Family Nights
I want to thank at this time Rob Brady. Rob is a true inspiration on how best to make recreation the best that it can be for our residents of all ages to learn and enjoy their lives. You are definitely an asset to Hasbrouck Heights. Keep up the good work.

LIBRARY

Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, headed by Peter J. Gallo, Jr. and Direction of Michelle Reutty its Director, the Library's services continue to grow-and so do the fans of the Library.

Last year they circulated over 88,000 items. An average of six hundred seventy-five people used the computers every week. And over 50,000 people walked through the doors of the library to use one or more of the library services.

They have greatly expanded the collection of DVDs and will continue to grow their music collection of CD's. 2006 will see a collection of Books-on-CD. Also available to borough residents as of January 1 is the ability to download recorded books to their personal computers, and upload to a CD or an MP3 player. Book titles selected will be a diverse combination of fiction, non-fiction, language instruction, and plays and literary readings.

Their programs have expanded as the public has requested. In 2005, 6,884 people attended 250 programs given by The Library. 2006 will see us re-instituting books discussions and beginner computer classes.

By popular demand, Reference Librarian Melissa Singlevich has had to offer the Knitting Instruction Classes taught by Gina DeFlorio three times! The Crafts to Share Club and the Clutter Club both draw large, faithful audiences. Melissa was responsible for the Frank Sinatra tribute, in addition to the very popular eBay programs.

The Young Adult Programs continue to be of great interest. Under the supervision of Assistant Director Mimi Hui, this year saw the initiation of a continuing book discussion for Young Adults, and an innovative program that paired teens and adults in a craft class.

Children's Library Rosalie Nickles has added more children's programs as more and more children are signing up for them. She now has programs and services for children and their caregivers from birth to middle school. (The middle school has "discovered" the Library and has made us their favorite place after school.)

The Library has received the following grants:
1. Per Capita State Aid $ 11,000 Used for Operating Expenses
2. DCA $ 16,000 14 Wireless Laptop Computers
3. Bergen County Division of Parks $ 900 Digitization of the Observer
4. New Jersey Council on the
Humanities $ 700 Library Speaker Programs

In addition, the Library has received support from the Friends of the Library, presided over by Susanne Kepsel which finances all children's programs, all young adult programs, and all refreshments for all library programs.

The Friends' Endowment Fund, whose mission is to provide for the Children's Room and to keep the Library on the cutting edge of technology, this year paid for the technical support for the wireless system, as well as additional seating for the Children's Room.

In conclusion, the Library continues to provide the community with outstanding public service.
I want to personally thank Michelle Reutty and her entire staff for such a fine and professional service that they offer to our residents and children. Michelle, Great Job and thank you again.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Flu Immunization program was continued. 220 residents received their immunizations.
The Registered Environmental Health Specialist provided by the Bergen County Department of Health Services provided thru the month of November, 1,099 inspections.

The Annual Dog Canvass was conducted again this July and a total of 50 dogs were found to be unlicensed... After follow up, a total of 1,003 licenses were issued. The record broken, the most issued in 30 years.

Unfortunately, the City of Garfield chose to discontinue working with children requiring immunizations from Hasbrouck Heights before entering school and preschool immunizations. The Boro and the Board of Health will seek another provider to continue this mandated service to the residents whose health insurance does not cover well baby visits.

Another successful Health Fair was held in September and enjoyed by over 200 residents who took part in the activities and enjoyed a delicious hot lunch provided by Wellington Health Care Center. The goal of the Health Department is to continue the Health Fairs and continue to grow each year with additional local professionals who will provide testing and information to the residents.

The year 2006 should bring electronic transmission of all vital records (births, marriage and death) directly to the State of New Jersey for permanent recordation.

The year ended on a sad note with the passing of former Board of Health member, James T. Walsh. Jim, a true friend of mine, and to all who worked with him, was the Chief Inspector for the Bergen County Department of Health Services and provided much input in the management of the local Health Department and always made Hasbrouck Heights, his home town, his top priority. He will be missed by all who knew him and worked with him.

I want to thank Marilyn deRussy and the entire Board of Health, under the guidance of their President Lou Castellito, for your efforts through the year.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

The Building Department has issued over 900 permits.
Permits this year consisted of BUILDING - 649
ELECTRIC - 293
PLUMBING - 261
FIRE - 121
ELEVATOR - 1
TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION $16,033,348.00
TOTAL PERMIT FEES COLLECTED $ 222,065.00 plus Zoning Compliance, CO.'s and Contractors Licenses

Property Maintenance has done numerous inspections to insure compliance was achieved. When necessary legal action was taken.

To better serve the community in 2005 some of their accomplishments have been:
1. To work with the Borough Officials to change the Zoning Ordinances on Driveways and air conditioner placement to alleviate the need of appearing before the board for a variance for many residents.
2. A more timely review of plans to enable residents to begin work when they desired.
3. Increasing hours has given the Department the opportunity to be a presence on job sites to insure that work is commencing in compliance with zoning and building ordinances.
4. Inspections on a daily basis now, which has eliminated having to ask the residents to stop their work to wait for an inspection.
All of these steps have made homeowners happier with this department.
It is our goal to continue to keep this department running efficiently. We continue to examine ways to increase revenue and help the residents of Hasbrouck Heights.

Special thanks to Nick Melfi, Dorothy Bernice, and Edmund Carter for all their efforts during the year.

PLANNING BOARD

Heard 19 cases. Scheduled two meeting a month for applicant's convenience. Reviewed and recommended approval for at least five land use ordinance changes. Implemented driveway widening standard details for inclusion in the Borough's standard construction details. Continued for the better part of half the year to rehear the AT&T Cellular One application on orders from the Mayor and Council.

I would like to thank Hank Dobbelaar, Chairman, and all the members of the planning board for their dedication and volunteerism and for agreeing to extend the meeting dates to make it more convenient for the residents of our Borough when making applications.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

The fire department has had a very active year responding to the following calls for service
EMS Calls --- 1,070 Fire Calls --- 590

We must all remember that these are volunteers and sacrifice a great deal of time away from their families.

Equipment received in 2005
6 Pagers
2 Pro-Pak Foam units for engines
New 4x4 Chief's Truck
8 sets Turnout Gear
A Foam Crash Truck from Port Authority that will be given to HHFD in January or February
Goals for 2006:
30 New air packs
One more 4x4 Chief's Truck
New 4x4 Ambulance

I want to thank Chief Taylor and his entire department, and the entire Chief's and officers that served before them, for the dedicated service they have given to our Borough and its residents.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

2005 was a very active and busy year for the Police Department. The Department answered over 10,000 calls for service.

Traffic continues to be one of the department's toughest challenges. They are constantly looking at ways to improve traffic flow, improve pedestrian safety and manage parking issues.
AAA recognized the department with their awards of excellence for our efforts. (One of only a few in North Jersey)

Working with Bergen County Road Department, NJ Transit and NJ DOT, we were able to change the traffic patters at Williams and Boulevard and Baldwin and Boulevard to eliminate 2 lanes of traffic through the intersection.

Additional handicapped parking was added near Lincoln School.

The department's Honor Guard was busy attending many Borough events as well as County and State Police Memorial Services. The members of the Honor Guard volunteer for this assignment.

The DARE Program again did a great job educating the children of all of our schools K-12 on the dangers of drugs, alcohol and violence.

Sports world trip was held in January and was a success.

8th grade swim party was held in June at the Swim Club.

The Jr. Class was shown the effects of drinking and driving utilizing golf carts and goggles that give the effect of being drunk.

5th grade parent's night was held and well attended.

Grants
The police department actively peruses all grants. In 2005 the following grants were received:
A 9-1-1 mapping program to be integrated with cell phones.
$17,800 9-1-1 equipment grant to purchase equipment to handle cell phone calls routed to HHPD.
$6,000 for exercise/weight training equipment confiscated from drug dealers.
$20,000 from the Federal Government and $2,800 from NJ for bulletproof vests.
$5,000 NJ Highway safety for drunken driving enforcement details.
$5,000 state equipment grant for night vision equipment.
$5,000 for DWI arrests.

Community Policing
Our Community Policing Programs have continued and we are always looking for ways to improve our relationship and be part of our community.

Special Olympics beefsteak, Polar Bear Plunge and Torch Run with our Department raising over $25,000 and being #2 in the entire state.

Citizen's Academy was continued with trips to Medical Examiners Officer and a crime scene program. This was well attended and all had fun and learned more about what Police Officers deal with.
Jr. Police Academy was held for our 8th graders. The Jr. Academy was shown on NJ Network's Classroom Close-up.

8th grade Washington trip was chaperoned and the BADGE program continued.

Our 10th Annual Bike Marathon was held with 200 children participating. This is a total community effort with the Police, Fire, DPW, and Board of Ed and business community supporting it.
Patrol and the Detective Bureau continue to do an outstanding job.

Big League Card Program:
All Officers received new cards to be handed out to the children of our community. Thanks to Comm. Ron Kistner and Linda Brandle the children will have the opportunity to collect these cards by approaching and asking each officer of the department.

Equipment: In 2005 received:
2 - 2005 police cars for marked patrol
New bulletproof vests replacing ones that were to expire
30 - DOT approved traffic safety vests
Active shooter team equipment.
Chief Colaneri, I thank you and your department for their professionalism and for their volunteer work. The Council and I are very proud of your department and I know you are as well. Keep up the good work and thank you again.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Robert Heck has retired from serving the Borough as Superintendent and I am sure will enjoy his retirement with his wonderful family. Bob will be missed at the department. We wish him a healthy and happy retirement.

The Department has acquired a new tree truck and front-end loader, which was delivered on December 12, 2005. This equipment will help to aid Woodland Park.

The Department has instituted maintenance for the mechanical systems, which include HVAC filtration cleaning, and emergency generator maintenance.

Storm Water Regulations
The Public Works Department is still in the process of complying with the statewide requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Storm water Regulation Program.

Sanitary Sewers
Continue to maintain main sewer line cleaning and are focusing on problem areas. The Department will concentrate in a pro-active manner to ensure proper flow throughout our system. They will also continue to inspect the Borough pumping stations

I want to thank retired Superintendent Bob Heck and Acting Superintendent Bill Spindler, and their entire department, for all their efforts in 2005. Their removal of Snow during the lasts storms again ensures us that Hasbrouck Heights DPW are the best. I would also like to especially thank the Sanitation crews for their hard work.

MUNICIPAL BUILDING

The Municipal Building continues to be used by many organizations for various meetings and gatherings. Very often every available room is occupied and we still have more requests for meeting space.
These meeting rooms in Borough Hall are being well utilized by the many organizations in town, affording them a rent free space to conduct their business in a clean and appealing environment. Girl Scouts, Brownie Troops, Boy Scouts, Little League, the Soccer Association, Junior Football, Community Awareness Access to All Committee, Republican Club, Democratic Clubs, Chamber of Commerce, FOCAS are just a few of those groups who meet regularly. The Junior Woman's Club, Recreation Department and Mayor's Celebrations Committee have held special events that were able to be held in a safe and secure environment. It is great to see that this building is being used to such an extent and I am sure it's use will continue to grow.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

In September an ordinance was introduced in the amount of $600,000.00 for the construction of a parking lot and pocket park adjacent to the Municipal Building. After great consideration this ordinance was withdrawn and a new ordinance was introduced in December which reduced the scope of the project and reduced the cost by $200,000.00 to a total of $400,000.00. This scaled back version will provide for approximately 35 parking spaces as well as the cul-de-sac and pocket park, $54,000.00 of the cost will be funded by an Open Space Trust Fund Grant. A parcel of land the size of a building lot will be left undeveloped and for future use. However after our last council meeting in December 2005 the ordinance was defeated without explanation. So it's back to the drawing board again and will be brought up at our next work session. This project must move forward in 2006.

Other Ordinances have been adopted to provide funding for the following:
Acquisition of Gear and Equipment for the Fire Department and Police Department in the amount of $45,000.00 funded by a Local Domestic Preparedness Grant.

Improvements to Woodland Park in the amount of $40,000.00 funded by a Statewide Livable Communities Grant

Acquisition of New Laptop Computers for the Library in the amount of $16,000.00 funded by a Statewide Livable Communities Local Library Grant.

Acquisition of a New Front End Loader and Roll off Truck for the DPW $250,000.00.
Acquisition of 2 Four Wheel Drive Vehicles, 1 for the Fire Department and 1 for Fire Prevention Bureau.

The following streets were paved:
Portions of:
Central Avenue
Division Avenue
Longworth Avenue
Stanley Avenue
Berkshire Road
Hoene

Grant Applications
The following grants were either utilized in the 2005 operating budget or have been awarded this year for use in 2006. Grant Funds are used to pay for services that would otherwise have to be funded by tax dollars:

Municipal Recycling Assistance Program 6,623.51
Governors Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 11,500.00
Clean Communities Program 9,991.78
Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund 10,228.19
Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund 2,683.79
Recycling Tonnage Grant 5,817.18
Extraordinary Aid 150,000.00
Municipal Homeland Security Aid 70,000.00
Body Armor Fund 5,955.03

Grants are also sought for the funding of Capital Projects. These grants help us complete large projects, which do fall within the operating budget, without incurring additional debt. The following projects are either completed or in progress as a result of grants received or awarded in 2005:
Construction of a Basketball/Roller Hockey Park 67,493.00
Acquisition of Police and Fire Gear 45,000.00
Acquisition of Computers for the Library 16,000.00
Improvements to the Comfort Station in Woodland Park 48,375.00
Improvements to Woodland Park Open Areas 40,000.00

In addition to the above, the Mayor and Council have already applied for grants to fund projects such as:
Improvements to Madison Avenue
Improvements to Division Avenue
Acquisition of Gear and Equipment for the Fire Department
Improvements to the Comfort Station in Woodland Park Phase 2
Acquisition of a New Senior Citizen Bus

Tax Collections and Tax Rates
The 2005 Collection rate is on target to meet prior year collection rate of 98.89%. This collection rate has been very consistent and stable over the 10 years and is anticipated to continue to be stable.

Revaluation of Real Property
The Bergen County Board of Taxation issued an order requiring the Borough to revalue all real estate for the 2006 year. The Borough hired the company Appraisal Systems, Inc. to complete the revaluation. A representative of the company was present at the December 13, 2005 meeting to give a progress report and they indicated that post cards with your new property value for 2006 should be received the last week of December. We will hold hearings in the Borough Hall in January of 2006 during which your value and property record card can be reviewed with a representative of Appraisal Systems. Please remember that when you receive your new value do not multiply it by the old 2005 tax rate, a new rate must be calculated using the new 2006 assessed valuation of the entire town. Multiplying your new value by the old 2005 tax rate would greatly overstate your 2006 tax liability.

At this time I want to close by thanking you for your patience with me while giving this report. I know it was lengthily but it is extremely important that every resident is kept well informed with the working of its Government.

On closing I ask God to Bless and protect our Emergency service personal, Police, Fire, EMS, as they often go into harms way in responding to emergency calls. To Bless, protect and watch over all our residents young & elderly alike. To Bless and protect all our United States Service men and women who have served before, and who are now serving and protecting our Freedom, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Ron Jones

[Mayor's Corner]