M I N U T E S May 26, 1998 A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on May 26, 1998 at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 248 Hamilton Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Mayor Torre stated that the meeting complied with the Sunshine Law, due notice having been made to all members of the Council by personal service on January 1, 1998 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and the Herald News by mail on January 2, 1998. 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 FLAG: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag.
COMMUNICATIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
PETITIONS: None
BILLS: BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $49,243.36 specified in the schedule, having been examined and approved by the Finance Commissioner, or his Deputy, be paid and that warrants be issued therefor. Signed Andrew Link III/Commissioner of Finance On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was approved.
REPORTS: FINANCE & LAND USE: Under Land Use, Councilman Link reported that $13,178 was collected in fees for a value of construction exceeding $1,100,000. There were 106 permits were issued, 17 certificates of zoning compliance were issued, 11 for one family homes, 5 for commercial properties and 1 for an apartment complex, 20 contractor registrations and 81 inspections were made, 48 for permits and 33 for zoning. Under Finance, the current fund cash balance as of April 30th was $845,000 all of which was invested, earning approximately 5.5% in interest. Cash receipts for the month totalled $1,956,000 of which $1,709,000 was from current taxes, $56,000 from prior year's taxes, $125,000 from investments, $15,000 from state aid and grants and $50,000 from miscellaneous revenues. Cash disbursements totalled $1,840,000 of which $983,000 was for local school taxes, $205,000 for debt service, $402,000 for salaries and $248,000 for other expenses. The 1998 Municipal Budget will not be adopted this evening as we are awaiting notification on if the Borough will be awarded funds under the supplemental municipal property tax relief act.
POLICE: Councilman Heeren reported that during the month of April the Department assisted the Board of Health by locating 123 dog owners who have not renewed their dog's licenses, as a result 29 summonses were issued. During the same month, the Department received 803 requests for service, 98 via 911. 259 parking summons were issued, 233 being for overnight parking.
FIRE & PUBLIC FACILITIES: Under Fire, Councilman DiPisa reported that for the month of April there were 41 fire calls in the Borough, 166 year-to-date, 8 for Teterboro, 44 year-to-date and 5 for mutual, 25 year-to-date, totalling 54 fire calls, 235 year-to-date. There were 9 rescue calls in the Borough, 45 year-to-date, 3 for Teterboro, 11 year-to-date, and 0 for mutual aid, 56 year-to-date. A two, five and ten year plan committee, comprised of five individuals plus the Fire Chief, will be formulated to develop a plan on the equipment needs of the department for the next two years, five years and ten years, based on obsolescence and normal wear. This will better prepare the Borough for capital expenditures necessary for the department to run efficiently. Under Public Facilities, the elevator at Borough Hall has been inspected by the State and is in good working order. To solve the problem of spalling on various sections of the apron in front of the Municipal Building, it was decided to engage the services of a contractor to use a CTI concrete system over the spalling slabs. This system forms an acrylic resurfacing product that provides a superior bonding process to strengthen the concrete and to make it resistant to freezing, salt and staining. This system was used as opposed to the high cost of removing the existing slabs and replacing them.
SANITATION & WELFARE: Under Sanitation, Councilman Pepe announced the date of the next Household Hazardous Waste Program which gives Bergen County residents the opportunity to properly dispose of household hazardous waste free of charge. Beginning in 1999, aerosol cans will no longer be collected with bottles and cans. They may be included with the regular trash. To date, 65 manhole sewer guards have been installed in various manholes to protect the sanitary sewer system from the inflow of rainwater. Another major cause of inflow is illegal lateral connections from basement sump pumps, foundation drains and storm drains. The DPW is actively seeking to prevent as much inflow into the system as possible. He urged residents to disconnect their sump pumps if they are connected to the sanitary sewer lateral. He said that along with Mayor Torre, he was present during the video taping of the sewer main at Burr Pl. The line was first cleaned and then video taped. During the cleaning, two yards of debris were removed. After the tape is reviewed by the Borough Engineer, he will be able to give the necessary recommendations.
HEALTH & RECREATION: Under Health, Councilwoman Verrastro reported that for the month of April there were 20 births recorded, 11 males, 9 females, 38 burial permits issued, 258 certified transcripts, 39 dog licenses issued, 38 deaths reported, 5 food licenses issued, 6 marriage licenses issued and 12 marriage licenses reported. The Department received 142 calls during the month. Under Recreation, 250 children have registered for the summer program. 24 senior citizen residents will be participating in the senior citizens olympics. She commended all of those who participated and assisted with the bicycle marathon recently held and for making it the success it was.
STREETS, TRANSPORTATION & PARKS: Councilman Wassberg reported that new trees were planted along Jefferson Ave. to replace the old trees which had to be removed. During the month of April, the Department of Public Works removed four dead trees, trimmed 87 trees and removed 23 stumps. Three sidewalk permits and two dumpster permits were issued. A number of storm drains located on the easterly side of Route 17 are being scheduled to be cleared of debris. This will be a joint project between the DPW and Dept. of Transportation.
REPORT OF MAYOR: Appointments: Matthew Morales & Colleen Kelley to Ambulance Auxiliary Mayor Torre entertained a motion to make the foregoing appointments. On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing appointments were made.
Mayor Torre also thanked all of those who helped to make the bicycle marathon a great success. He will be representing the Borough at the Hearts A Fire bike tour which raises money for fallen firemen and police officers. He will also be representing the Borough at the torch run for the Special Olympics. He urged others to participate and show their support for these two events. He also spoke of the taping of the Burr Pl. sewer line and said there is a resolution on this evening's agenda authorizing the Borough Engineer to review the tape. The Borough is entering into an agreement with Teterboro, whereas we will be receiving approximately $5,000 per year to handle their 911 calls. No new employees or equipment will be required. The Borough is looking towards shared services with other towns to save money. As of May, we now have a joint assessor's office with South Hackensack, saving approximately $8,000. Mayor Torre stated that the Borough will be purchasing new park equipment and along with Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Parks, Councilman Wassberg and Councilman DiPisa, gave a presentation on the improvements to be made to Woodland Park.
NEW BUSINESS: CONSENT AGENDA: On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution on the Consent Agenda was approved. (Resolution attached)
RESOLUTIONS: 75. Authorizing Boro Engineer to Review Tape of Burr Pl. Sewer 76. Authorizing Change Order No. 3 for Municipal Building Courtyard Improvements 77. Resolution Correcting Termination Date on Resolution No. 65 Which Authorized the Joining of the JIF 78. Adoption of 1998 Budget Amendment (to be carried - pending approval of discretionary aid by DIGS) On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, Resolution Nos. 48 and 78 were carried as they are pending approval from the Division of Local Government Services On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, Resolution Nos. 75 to 77 were approved. (Resolutions attached)
PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET AMENDMENT: Mayor Torre opened the public hearing on the budget amendment. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the public hearing on the budget amendment.
ORDINANCE(S) ON INTRODUCTION: ORDINANCE NO. 1823: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION OF PARK EQUIPMENT, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $35,000.00 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 SUM OF $33,000.00 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 June 9, 1998 at 8:00 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 1824: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 1998" 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 June 23, 1998 at 8:00 p.m. On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances for Introduction were approved.
ORDINANCE(S) FOR PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance Nos. 1818, 1819, 1820 and 1821. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public on said Ordinances.
ORDINANCE NO. 1818: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A GARBAGE TRUCK WITH A 25 CUBIC YARD PACKER FOR THE USE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, TO APPROPRIATE THE TOTAL SUM OF $120,000.00 THEREFOR AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF A PORTION 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 $105,000.00 be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance according to law, together with notice of final passage and approval of said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.
ORDINANCE NO. 1819: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF AN AMBULANCE FOR THE USE OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, TO APPROPRIATE THE TOTAL SUM OF $100,000.00 THEREFOR AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF A PORTION 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 be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance according to law, together with notice of final passage and approval of said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.
ORDINANCE NO. 1820: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO STABILIZE AND REGULATE RENTS WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AND TO ESTABLISH A RENT BOARD" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance according to law, together with notice of final passage and approval of said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.
ORDINANCE NO. 1821: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BOROUGH OF TETERBORO TO PROVIDE "911" EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE THEREFOR FROM JULY 1, 1998 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004 be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance according to law, together with notice of final passage and approval of said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights. On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Public Hearing were adopted.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: Harry Maisch, 150 Burr Pl., came forward and asked if there was any time line on the repair or replacement of the sewer line on Burr Pl. Mayor Torre said the Governing Body has taken immediate action to solve the problems. He was unsure of how long a solution will take without first speaking with the Borough Engineer. Mr. Maisch also asked if it was considered to use recycled tires for Woodland Park. DPW Superintendent Robert Heck said there are good points and bad points of using the tires. One bad point being that they hold mildew. Former Mayor/Assemblywoman Rose Heck, 501
Collins Ave., came forward and commended Councilman DiPisa on the formulation of a
committee to prepare for the equipment needs of the Fire Department. She also commended
the Mayor and Council for proceeding with improvements to the playground area of Woodland
Park. She said that for the last six months she has been working with the State seeking
grants and aid for making improvements to Woodland Park without impacting taxpayer
dollars. Councilman Garrett Pepe stepped down from the dais and complained that while campaigning for his reelection to the Council, he learned that members of the Governing Body were casting doubt on his reputation. He asked if he had done anything wrong to not earn their support. None of the Council Members stated anything was done wrong by Councilman Pepe. Councilman Heeren said that the Republican Organization made its nominations in the traditional manner, and he believed it was their duty to support the organization. Councilman Wassberg said he did not feel it was appropriate for Councilman Pepe to file a tax appeal. Councilman Pepe said he had the right to do so like every other resident. Councilman Pepe warned the Governing Body not to attack him, his business or his family, otherwise he may have to follow legal action.
Rose Heck again came forward, as well as did former Deputy Police Chief Ronald Jones in support of Councilman Pepe. They were disturbed by any allegations that may have been made.
Mr. Jones again came forward and asked if there were any plans of privatization of the garbage collection. Mayor Torre said are no plans at this point to replace or privatize any governmental unit.
Councilman DiPisa spoke in reference to rumors pertaining to the Primary Election, most of which are inaccurate and destructive. He said he would hope that residents do not make judgements on those rumors.
Gerald McDowell, 348 Harrison Ave., came forward and said he is a lifelong Democrat and commented that from what he is hearing this evening is the best argument for a nonpartisan form of government. He said the republican party has brought any existing rumors on themselves.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public. The Governing Body did not close for Private Session.
ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, the meeting was adjourned.
I, BARBARA MALDONADO, 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 May 26, 1998. Barbara Maldonado, RMC Borough Clerk
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