BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

January 26, 1999

A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on January 26, 1999 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, 1999 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and the Herald News on January 4, 1999.

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.

REPORT OF MAYOR:

Presentation to former Police Chief Bruce Werner

Mayor Torre presented former Police Chief Bruce Werner with a proclamation which was created in his honor for his many contributions to this Borough.

Appointment: Michael Colaneri to Chief of Police

Mayor Torre administered the Oath of Office to Michael Colaneri as Chief of Police.

Presentation of Thermal Imaging Camera

On behalf of the TIP Committee, Councilman Heeren presented the Fire Department with a second Thermal Imaging Camera. Councilman Heeren gave recognition to all of those involved in helping to raise funds for both cameras. He explained that due to the generosity of others, there was money left over to put towards the purchase of a second thermal imaging camera. Borough funds and Fire Department funds were used to fund the balance.

Communications: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (December 22, 1998, December 29, 1998 & January 1, 1999 - Sine Die Meeting)

On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the above mentioned meeting dates were approved.

PETITIONS: None

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $251,103.02 specified in the schedule, having been examined and approved by the Finance Commissioner, or his Deputy, be paid and that warrants be issued therefore.

Signed Herbert D. Heeren

Commissioner of Finance

On motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.

STREETS, TRANSPORTATION & LAND USE:

Under Land Use, Councilman Link reported that the Building Department collected $4,452 in fees for a total value of construction of $189,000. There were 45 permits issued, 16 certificates of zoning compliance issued, 13 for one family homes and 3 for commercial properties, 4 contractor registrations/renewals,19 building inspections and 18 for zoning. Under Streets, the Department of Public Works is filling potholes throughout the Borough. This year, Hamilton Ave. will be milled and resurfaced from the Boulevard to Terrace Ave. During this last winter storm, the Department distributed 90 tons of salt and 25 tons of sand throughout the Borough to keep the streets in a safe travelling condition. The County of Bergen is preparing a bid for the purchase of trees to be planted by municipalities on County roads. The Borough's allotment would be 25 trees. The Department of Public Works has ordered 85 trees for planting this spring. A fall planting will also be scheduled. The trimming of all Borough trees, with the exception of those on County roads, will be completed this summer. The Department will also be trimming the trees on County roads, as the Bergen County Shade Tree Department will not trim them.

FINANCE & RECREATION:

Under Finance, Councilman Heeren reported that as of December 31st, the current cash fund balance was $1,804,000 all of which was invested, earning approximately 4.8% in interest. Cash receipts for the month of December totalled $441,000 of which $143,000 was from current taxes, $77,000 from prepaid taxes, $63,000 from state aid and $158,000 from miscellaneous revenues. Cash disbursements totalled $1,958,000 of which almost $1,000,000 was for local school taxes, $457,000 for salaries, $187,000 for interfund transfers and $314,000 for other expenses. The municipal budget is expected to be introduced at the February 9th meeting. The financial statement indicates that the Borough has generated an excess of $800,000 in surplus in 1998, leaving a balance at year end of $976,000. The tax collection rate for the year was 98.41%, an extremely high percent. Under Recreation, he reported that the cheerleading program began with almost 60 children participating.

POLICE:

Councilman DiPisa reported that during the month of December, the Department received 833 calls. He then read a couple of letters commending the Police Department and its officers for their assistance in the writer's time of need.

FIRE & PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Under Fire, Councilman Pepe reported that for the month of December, there were 50 fire calls in the Borough, 14 calls for Teterboro and 1 call for mutual aid, totalling 65 fire calls. There were 112 ambulance calls in the Borough, 23 calls for Teterboro and 13 for mutual aid, totalling 148 ambulance calls. The new ambulance is expected to arrive on February 4th. Under Public Facilities, the Department of Public Works painted the Fire Chief's Office and replaced the water cooler in the Police Department. There were various areas where water was leaking from the flat roof into the firehouse. Repairs will be made at no cost to the Borough as the roof is still under warranty. Estimates are be evaluated to replace the two garage doors in the Municipal Building which are 25 years old.

HEALTH & WELFARE:

Under Health, Councilwoman Verrastro reported that for the month of December there were 21 births, 8 males and 13 females, 55 burial permits issued, 328 certified transcripts, 56 deaths recorded, 9 food licenses issued, 0 dog licenses issued, 52 vending machine licenses issued, 3 marriage licenses issued and 69 calls were received by the Department. She reminded residents that dog licenses must be renewed this month. Under Welfare, she reported  that for the month of December there were 8 cases at the beginning of the month, 1 case open, 1 case closed, 5 cases pending, 12 referrals, conferences and home visits, 3 cases rejected, 2 media workshops and money expended was $840.00. 30 families, which included 20 children, received food baskets and toys for the children for Christmas. This was made possible by the many generous donations of others.

SANITATION & PARKS:

Under Sanitation, Councilman Wassberg reported that the Clean Communities Grant Program will continue to provide the Borough with funding for the litter control program in 1999. The Borough will be receiving $15,284. Last year's grant money was used for the purchase of a new computer for the Department of Public Works, brooms for the street sweeper, a new fax machine, various tools and safety equipment, office supplies, litter receptacles for Borough streets and defray part of the costs for Town Day. Unfortunately, grant money for the 1999 Municipal Recycling Assistance Program will be drastically reduced by the BCUA. In 1998, the Borough received $51,480. This year, it will be reduced to $26,190. In 1998, the grant money was used for salaries, the purchase of paper sacks for spring cleanup, recycling equipment, the printing of the recycling calendars, the lawn mowers which are raffled off at Town Day and to offset costs incurred at that event, and tools and safety equipment for the recycling depot.

REPORT OF MAYOR:

Resignation: Michael Tota - Patrolman

On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, to accept the above mentioned resignation with regret.

Appointment: Emergency Management Council

On motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, to appoint the members of the Emergency Management Council. (see attached)

Mayor Torre congratulated the First Night Committee for making First Night, a nonalcoholic New Year's Eve celebration, the success it was. He also thanked all of those who gave donations for the event. Councilman Heeren and himself attended the Bergen County Southwestern Region Community Development meeting at which they presented the Borough's application for this year's funding for a new library, sidewalks and renovations to the Board of Education's field house at the athletic field. The Committee will consider the applications and give a response in approximately one to two months. On behalf of the Borough, he congratulated the Hasbrouck Heights Aviators Football Team on their accomplishment of becoming league champions.

CONSENT AGENDA: 24. Authorization to Advertise Bids for Radio Maintenance

On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolutions were adopted. (Resolutions attached)

RESOLUTIONS:
25. Appointing Michael Colaneri to Chief of Police

26. Appointing Mark S. Ruderman as Labor Attorney

27. Confirming Sale of Bond Anticipation Notes

28. Redemption of Tax Title Lien - First Union National Bank

29. Opposing Adoption of Bills A-1910 and S-976 Which Would Modify Land Use Rules

30. Authorizing Agreements with the Borough Attorney, Borough Engineer and Municipal Auditor

31. Authorizing Change Order for Improvement of Burton Ave.

32. Amending Agreement Between Hasbrouck Heights & Teterboro for Sewer Usage

33. Interfund Transfer

34. Authorizing Ernest DelGuercio, Jr. to Provide Appraisal Services in Certain Tax Appeals When Needed

35. Compel Drain Cleaning on Lots 1 & 4 in Block 127.2

36. Authorizing Contract with Scott Sproviero to Represent Borough on Devereux Appeal

On motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolutions were adopted. (Resolutions attached)

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION MEMBERS OF THE HASBROUCK HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1999" 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 February 23, 1999.

On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance for introduction was adopted.

ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: None

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public.

Mayor Torre announced the meeting will remain open and recess to the Caucus Room to discuss the municipal budget.

NOTE: Councilman Pepe left the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

Chief Finance Officer Michael Kronyak gave an overview of the budget. The budget presently shows a 1.8 point increase. A final draft will be introduced at the February 9th meeting.

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council desire to meet for the purpose of a closed session to discuss litigation; and

WHEREAS, the Open Public Meeting Law does specifically authorize a public body to exclude the public from a meeting for certain specified purposes;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights that a closed meeting shall take place immediately and said meeting shall be closed to the public and to the press. The results of the discussion of the closed meeting will be released to the public when the reasons for discussing and acting on the subject matter set forth above no longer exists.

On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, to approve the foregoing Resolution.

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 January 26, 1999.

Barbara Maldonado, RMC
Borough Clerk

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